bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long- and Short-term Effects of Tobacco Smoking on Circulating Concentrations of B Vitamins
Authors: Ulvik Arve , Ebbing Marta , Hustad Steinar , Midttun Øivind , Nygård Ottar , Vollset Stein E , Bønaa Kåre H , Nordrehaug Jan E , Nilsen Dennis W , Schirmer Henrik , Ueland Per M 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground: Smoking is associated with decreased concentrations of several antioxidant vitamins. We sought to determine the relation between circulating concentrations of selected B vitamins and smoking status, with particular attention to longitudinal associations.Methods: We used baseline data from 2 B-vitamin intervention trials that included 6837 patients with ischemic heart disease. Smoking habits were ascertained by interview. Vitamins and metabolites, including the nicotine metabolite cotinine, were measured in plasma and serum by microbiological assays or gas/liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.Results: The highest circulating concentrations of folate and pyridoxal 5′phosphate (PLP) and lowest concentrations of total plasma homocysteine, a functional marker of folate status, were observed for self-reported never smokers, followed by self-reported ex-smokers and current smokers (Ptrend &lt; 0.001). Cobalamin and its functional marker methylmalonic acid were not associated with smoking status. Based on their low cotinine concentrations, we were able to identify a group of smokers that had abstained from smoking for 3 days or more. Compared with smokers with high plasma cotinine, smokers with low cotinine had significantly higher circulating concentrations of folate, PLP, and riboflavin (all P &lt; 0.005), and this trend continued for ex-smokers, with increasing time since smoking cessation.Conclusions: Smoking lowered circulating concentrations of folate, PLP, and riboflavin, but concentrations increased significantly after a few days of smoking cessation. We propose that short-term effects may be related to acute smoking-induced oxidative stress, whereas the longer-lasting effects among ex-smokers may reflect changes in diet and/or restoration of vitamin concentrations in tissue during the first few months to years after smoking cessation.
First report of Cladostephus spongiosus (Sphacelariales: Phaeophyta) from the Pacific coast of Mexico
Authors: Mazariegos-Villareal Alejandra , Riosmena-Rodríguez Rafael , Rosa Rivera-Camacho Alma , Serviere-Zaragoza Elisa 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The brown macroalga Cladostephus spongiosus is reported for the first time from the central Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula. Thalli ranged from 3 to 20 cm in length, with the shortest occurring in January (winter) and the tallest in June (summer). Reproductive individuals were present in all seasons except autumn, when mean seawater temperatures reached 20.4°C. The species was found from the mid-intertidal to 6 m depth in the subtidal zone. The most common species growing with C. spongiosus were the brown algae Dictyopteris spp., Dictyota coriacea, and Padina caulescens, the red alga Polysiphonia johnstonii var. concinna and the surf-grass Phyllospadix torreyi. A detailed description of the vegetative and reproductive structures is provided. Its limited local distribution suggests a recent introduction to this region.
Performance characteristics of a microfluidic Lab-on-Chip electrophoresis system for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfraction separation and measurement
Authors: Yang Dan-Hui D. , Konigshofer Yves , Dike Jude , Chang Elaine , Mueller Odilo 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is believed to be protective against coronary heart disease (CHD). HDL is comprised of different subfractions. Of these, HDL 2b is believed to be the most important in preventing CHD. Current methods for HDL subfraction measurements are not standardized and often exhibit poor analytical performance, which can limit their usefulness in clinical practice.

Methods: We have developed a microfluidic Lab-on-Chip electrophoresis system for serum HDL subfraction measurements. Linear polymers are used as a sieving buffer for HDL particle separation. Nine samples and two controls can be analyzed in 30 min. The percent HDL 2b that comprises total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is reported.

Results: Samples with HDL-C of 0.259–2.072 mmol/L could be evaluated for percent HDL 2b with coefficient of variations (%CVs) below 8%. Total precision was typically below 1.5% and linearity was observed between 8% and 32% HDL 2b. Measurements were not affected by many therapeutic and biological compounds. Consistent results were obtained by three laboratories and showed r2 values between 0.93 and 0.95.

Conclusions: The assay allows for easy and reproducible measurement of percent HDL 2b. The experimental procedure and small size of the instrumentation needed for measurement make it viable in clinical settings.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:883–9.
Place-Difference-Value Patterns: A Generalization of Generalized Permutation and Word Patterns
Authors: Kitaev Sergey , Remmel Jeffrey 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMotivated by the study of Mahonian statistics, in 2000, Babson and Steingrímsson [Sém. Lothar. Comb] introduced the notion of a “generalized permutation pattern” (GP) which generalizes the concept of “classical” permutation pattern introduced by Knuth in 1969. The invention of GPs led to a large number of publications related to properties of these patterns in permutations and words. Since the work of Babson and Steingrímsson, several further generalizations of permutation patterns have appeared in the literature, each bringing a new set of permutation or word pattern problems and often new connections with other combinatorial objects and disciplines. For example, Bousquet-Mélou et al. [J. Comb. Theory A] introduced a new type of permutation pattern that allowed them to relate permutation patterns theory to the theory of partially ordered sets.In this paper we introduce yet another, more general definition of a pattern, called place-difference-value patterns (PDVP) that covers all of the most common definitions of permutation and/or word patterns that have occurred in the literature. PDVPs provide many new ways to develop the theory of patterns in permutations and words. We shall give several examples of PDVPs in both permutations and words that cannot be described in terms of any other pattern conditions that have been introduced previously. Finally, we discuss several bijective questions linking our patterns to other combinatorial objects.
Davidson, Truth, and Semantic Unity
Authors: Steglich-Petersen Asbjørn 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
In this paper I will introduce and discuss a series of problems associated with answering the question of semantic unity, and argue that the truth theoretical approach to semantics put forward by Donald Davidson suggests a possible solution. Although not put forward explicitly as such by Davidson, it is my belief that we in Davidson's interpretation of Tarski's definition of truth find the resources to illuminate and dissolve the problem of unity.
John Dewey and Liberalism
Authors: Bertman Martin A. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Dewey provides a useful analysis of what he calls historic liberalism and an interesting version of liberalism. A doctrine that he believes is useful for his time. This is a reconstituted liberalism with a holistic approach to society and nature. Dewey's “transactional” approach sees the fault of traditional liberalism as separating the individual as an entity outside an evolving social and natural context. This doctrine, while attending to greater individual freedom like all liberalism, emphasizes cooperation in a constantly evolving context guided by and modelled upon science.
Irreality of Fact
Authors: Rasmussen Stig Alstrup 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
It is argued that C. Wright's worry over the Basic Argument for Quitism is misplaced since the argument is incoherent. An even more basic argument is considered, and some consequences traced for, inter alia, the Tractarian view in metaphysics and Dummett's Metaphor Thesis, connecting ontology and semantics. In the course of the argument, work by, primarily, C. Peacocke and J. McDowell is touched upon.
Discursive conditions and contextual presuppositions. Habermas versus Apel
Authors: Hedberg Petra 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The terms “morality” and “ethical life” refer to the relationship between Kant's universalistic and Hegel's “contextualised” account of morality. In this essay, the problem of universalism and contextualism will be addressed to Apel's and Habermas's positions. I will divide the theme into three main topics: 1) The historical reconstruction of the rational conditions of discourse ethics within Habermas's position: in which sense could this approach lead to a contextualism? 2) The difficulty with establishing a non-contextual justification of the discursive, rational conditions. Habermas's reconstructive approach will be confronted with Apel's “strict reflectional” approach which relies on stronger universalistic presuppositions. 3) This last topic will focus on the main difference between Habermas's and Apel's perspectives. This is connected to the double function of the rational “symmetry and reciprocity” -conditions: they are seen as consensual and simultaneously meta-normative conditions. Their meta-normative character is Apel's main concern, and seen as vital to social criticism.
Temperature-Compensated Cone Penetration Test Mini-Cone Using Fiber Optic Sensors
Authors: Kim Raehyun , Lee Woojin , Lee Jong-Sub 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The mechanical properties obtained by using a strain gauge are influenced by the temperature change that occurs due to the electrical resistance change of the strain gauge and cable. The temperature change, which occurs during cone penetration testing, can produce an unreliable cone tip resistance. Several types of cone penetrometers with diameters ranging from 1 to 7 mm are developed by using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for the temperature compensation. The design concerns include the configuration, active and temperature sensor installation, and calibration. FBG active sensors monitor both the tip resistance and the temperature change, while the FBG temperature transducer only measures the temperature change. The experimental studies show that the tip resistance estimated by strain gauges is affected by the temperature change in both full and half Wheatstone bridges, but the tip resistance determined by the FBG sensors is independent of the temperature change. The tip resistances determined by the strain gauges and the FBG sensors are reliable after the temperature is compensated for. This study demonstrates that by using FBG sensors, cone penetrometers produce a more reliable cone tip resistance.
Experimental Validation of an Adjustable Railway Fastening for Slab Track
Authors: Diego S. , Casado J. A. , Carrascal I , Polanco J. A. , Gutiérrez-Solana F. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
A railway infrastructure capable of supporting a high frequency of light and heavy traffic, sometimes at high speed, requires the implementation of a high quality track. A correct definition of all track components leads to a high degree of safety and comfort for travelers as well as reduced operating costs. One factor that determines the elastic behaviour of the track is the rail fastening system. In this paper, the mechanical, electrical, and environmental sustainability characterization tests based on European standards UNE-EN have been carried out, verifying that the TK04 fastening system with a lateral adjustment of ±1 cm, manufactured by ThyssenKrupp Gleistechnik GmbH, satisfies the conditions and requirements of European standards UNE-EN for installation on slab track systems for light rail.
Effectiveness of a Controlled Trial to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening in Vietnamese Americans
Authors: Nguyen Bang H. , McPhee Stephen J. , Stewart Susan L. , Doan Hiep T. 
Published: March 2010

Objectives. We conducted a controlled trial of a public education and provider intervention to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among Vietnamese Americans, who typically have lower rates than non-Hispanic Whites.Methods. The public education intervention included a Vietnamese-language CRC screening media campaign, distribution of health educational material, and a hotline. The provider intervention consisted of continuing medical education seminars, newsletters, and DVDs. Vietnamese in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, California, received the intervention from 2004 to 2006; Vietnamese in Harris County, Texas, were controls and received no intervention. A quasi-experimental study design with pre- and postintervention surveys of the same 533 participants was used to evaluate the combined intervention.Results. The postintervention-to-preintervention odds ratio for having ever had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy was 1.4 times greater in the intervention community than in the control community. Knowledge and attitudes mediated the effect of the intervention on CRC screening behavior. Media exposure mediated the effect of the intervention on knowledge.Conclusions. Improving CRC knowledge through the media contributed to the effectiveness of the intervention.
Associations Between Racial Discrimination, Limited English Proficiency, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among 6 Asian Ethnic Groups in California
Authors: Gee Gilbert C. , Ponce Ninez 
Published: March 2010

Objectives. We examined the association of racial discrimination and limited English proficiency with health-related quality of life among Asian Americans in California. Methods. We studied Chinese (n = 2576), Filipino (n = 1426), Japanese (n = 833), Korean (n = 1128), South Asian (n = 822), and Vietnamese (n = 938) respondents to the California Health Interview Survey in 2003 and 2005. We assessed health-related quality of life with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's measures of self-rated health, activity limitation days, and unhealthy days. Results. Overall, Asians who reported racial discrimination or who had limited English proficiency were more likely to have poor quality of life, after adjustment for demographic characteristics. South Asian participants who reported discrimination had an estimated 14.4 more activity limitation days annually than South Asians who did not report discrimination. Results were similar among other groups. We observed similar but less consistent associations for limited English proficiency. Conclusions. Racial discrimination, and to a lesser extent limited English proficiency, appear to be key correlates of quality of life among Asian ethnic groups.
Neighborhoods and Chronic Disease Onset in Later Life
Authors: Freedman Vicki A. , Grafova Irina B. , Rogowski Jeannette 
Published: March 2010

Objectives. To strengthen existing evidence on the role of neighborhoods in chronic disease onset in later life, we investigated associations between multiple neighborhood features and 2-year onset of 6 common conditions using a national sample of older adults. Methods. Neighborhood features for adults aged 55 years or older in the 2002 Health and Retirement Study were measured by use of previously validated scales reflecting the built, social, and economic environment. Two-level random-intercept logistic models predicting the onset of heart problems, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis by 2004 were estimated. Results. In adjusted models, living in more economically disadvantaged areas predicted the onset of heart problems for women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20; P < .05). Living in more highly segregated, higher-crime areas was associated with greater chances of developing cancer for men (OR = 1.31; P < .05) and women (OR = 1.25; P < .05). Conclusions. The neighborhood economic environment is associated with heart disease onset for women, and neighborhood-level social stressors are associated with cancer onset for men and women. The social and biological mechanisms that underlie these associations require further investigation.
Policy and System Change and Community Coalitions: Outcomes From Allies Against Asthma
Authors: Clark Noreen M. , Lachance Laurie , Doctor Linda Jo , Gilmore Lisa , Kelly Cindy , Krieger James , Lara Marielena , Meurer John , Friedman Milanovich Amy , Nicholas Elisa , Rosenthal Michael , Stoll Shelley C. , Wilkin Margaret 
Published: March 2010

Objectives. We assessed policy and system changes and health outcomes produced by the Allies Against Asthma program, a 5-year collaborative effort by 7 community coalitions to address childhood asthma. We also explored associations between community engagement and outcomes. Methods. We interviewed a sample of 1477 parents of children with asthma in coalition target areas and comparison areas at baseline and 1 year to assess quality-of-life and symptom changes. An extensive tracking and documentation procedure and a survey of 284 participating individuals and organizations were used to ascertain policy and system changes and community engagement levels. Results. A total of 89 policy and system changes were achieved, ranging from changes in interinstitutional and intrainstitutional practices to statewide legislation. Allies children experienced fewer daytime (P = .008) and nighttime (P = .004) asthma symptoms than comparison children. In addition, Allies parents felt less helpless, frightened, and angry (P = .01) about their child's asthma. Type of community engagement was associated with number of policy and system changes. Conclusions. Community coalitions can successfully achieve asthma policy and system changes and improve health outcomes. Increased core and ongoing community stakeholder participation rather than a higher overall number of participants was associated with more change.
Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance After Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia in Humans: The Role of Lipolysis
Authors: Lucidi Paola , Rossetti Paolo , Porcellati Francesca , Pampanelli Simone , Candeloro Paola , Andreoli Anna Marinelli , Perriello Gabriele , Bolli Geremia B. , Fanelli Carmine G. 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE
Changes in glucose metabolism occurring during counterregulation are, in part, mediated by increased plasma free fatty acids (FFAs), as a result of hypoglycemia-activated lipolysis. However, it is not known whether FFA plays a role in the development of posthypoglycemic insulin resistance as well.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We conducted a series of studies in eight healthy volunteers using acipimox, an inhibitor of lipolysis. Insulin action was measured during a 2-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (plasma glucose [PG] 5.1 mmo/l) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or after a 3-h morning hyperinsulinemic-glucose clamp (from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), either euglycemic (study 1) or hypoglycemic (PG 3.2 mmol/l, studies 2–4), during which FFA levels were allowed to increase (study 2), were suppressed by acipimox (study 3), or were replaced by infusing lipids (study 4). [6,6-2H2]-Glucose was infused to measure glucose fluxes.

RESULTS
Plasma adrenaline, norepinephrine, growth hormone, and cortisol levels were unchanged (P &gt; 0.2). Glucose infusion rates (GIRs) during the euglycemic clamp were reduced by morning hypoglycemia in study 2 versus study 1 (16.8 ± 2.3 vs. 34.1 ± 2.2 μmol/kg/min, respectively, P &lt; 0.001). The effect was largely removed by blockade of lipolysis during hypoglycemia in study 3 (28.9 ± 2.6 μmol/kg/min, P &gt; 0.2 vs. study 1) and largely reproduced by replacement of FFA in study 4 (22.3 ± 2.8 μmol/kg/min, P &lt; 0.03 vs. study 1). Compared with study 2, blockade of lipolysis in study 3 decreased endogenous glucose production (2 ± 0.3 vs. 0.85 ± 0.1 μmol/kg/min, P &lt; 0.05) and increased glucose utilization (16.9 ± 1.85 vs. 28.5 ± 2.7 μmol/kg/min, P &lt; 0.05). In study 4, GIR fell by ∼23% (22.3 ± 2.8 μmol/kg/min, vs. study 3, P = 0.058), indicating a role of acipimox per se on insulin action.

CONCLUSION
Lipolysis induced by hypoglycemia counterregulation largely mediates posthypoglycemic insulin resistance in healthy subjects, with an estimated overall contribution of ∼39%.
Inhibition of Connective Tissue Growth Factor Overexpression in Diabetic Retinopathy by SERPINA3K via Blocking the WNT/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhou Kevin K. , Ma Jian-xing 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a major fibrogenic factor. Increased retinal CTGF levels have been implicated to play a role in diabetic retinopathy. SERPINA3K is a serine proteinase inhibitor, and its levels were decreased in retinas with diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of SERPINA3K in the regulation of CTGF and fibrogenesis and its mechanism of action.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Adenovirus expressing SERPINA3K was injected intravitreally into streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. CTGF expression was measured using Western blot analysis and real-time RT-PCR. Fibrosis was evaluated by quantifying retinal fibronectin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Wnt pathway activation was determined by phosphorylation of LDL receptor–related protein 6, a coreceptor of Wnt ligands, and stabilization of β-catenin, an essential effector of the canonical Wnt pathway.

RESULTS
Ad-SERPINA3K attenuated the CTGF and fibronectin overexpression in retinas of diabetic rats. In cultured retinal cells, SERPINA3K blocked the overproduction of CTGF induced by high glucose. Dickkopf-1, a specific Wnt antagonist, also attenuated the high-glucose–induced CTGF overexpression, indicating a role of Wnt signaling in CTGF overexpression in diabetes. Similarly, increased SERPINA3K blocked Wnt pathway activation in diabetic retinas and in cells treated with high glucose. Further, SERPINA3K also attenuated the Wnt3a-induced activation of the canonical Wnt pathway and the overexpression of CTGF.

CONCLUSION
SERPINA3K is an antifibrogenic factor, and its antifibrogenic activity is through blocking the Wnt pathway. Decreased SERPINA3K levels may contribute to the fibrosis in diabetic retinopathy.
FTO Genetic Variation and Association With Obesity in West Africans and African Americans
Authors: Adeyemo Adebowale , Chen Guanjie , Zhou Jie , Shriner Daniel , Doumatey Ayo , Huang Hanxia , Rotimi Charles 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE
The FTO gene is one of the most consistently replicated loci for obesity. However, data from populations of African ancestry are limited. We evaluated genetic variation in the FTO gene and investigated associations with obesity in West Africans and African Americans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The study samples comprised 968 African Americans (59% female, mean age 49 years, mean BMI 30.8 kg/m2) and 517 West Africans (58% female, mean age 54 years, mean BMI 25.5 kg/m2). FTO genetic variation was evaluated by genotyping 262 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the entire gene. Association of each SNP with BMI, waist circumference, and percent fat mass was investigated under an additive model.

RESULTS
As expected, both African-ancestry samples showed weaker linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns compared with other continental (e.g., European) populations. Several intron 8 SNPs, in addition to intron 1 SNPs, showed significant associations in both study samples. The combined effect size for BMI for the top SNPs from meta-analysis was 0.77 kg/m2 (P = 0.009, rs9932411) and 0.70 kg/m2 (P = 0.006, rs7191513). Two previously reported associations with intron 1 SNPs (rs1121980 and rs7204609, r2 = 0.001) were replicated among the West Africans.

CONCLUSIONS
The FTO gene shows significant differences in allele frequency and LD patterns in populations of African ancestry compared with other continental populations. Despite these differences, we observed evidence of associations with obesity in African Americans and West Africans, as well as evidence of heterogeneity in association. More studies of FTO in multiple ethnic groups are needed.