bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Papel de las pastoras Tzotziles en la conservación de la diversidad del ganado lanar de Chiapas
Authors: Perezgrovas-Garza Raúl 
Published: November 2009

ResumenEste trabajo describe el importante papel que han tenido las pastoras de la etnia Tzotzil que habitan en las montañas de Chiapas, al sur de México, no sólo en el rescate histórico de varias razas españolas de ovejas, sino en la conservación de la biodiversidad de esta especie. Por el legado de su milenaria cultura Maya y la histórica mezcla con la religión católica, las pastoras Tzotziles son responsables de cuidar a sus ovejas sagradas, que reciben nombres propios y cuidados especiales. Las mujeres también se encargan de elaborar las ropas que identifican a su grupo étnico. Estas ropas típicas se elaboran con lana que es obtenida de las ovejas locales de la raza Chiapas, para luego ser procesada por medio de técnicas textiles artesanales como son el hilado manual y el tejido en telar de cintura de diseño prehispánico. La ropa de uso cotidiano y ceremonial de los hombres y las mujeres Tzotziles incluye abrigos de lana negra, cotones o ponchos de lana blanca, pesadas faldas negras, blusas de color café y chales negros, todos ellos hechos de lana, lo cual ha representado la necesidad de conservar la diversidad animales de distintos fenotipos dentro de los rebaños mantenidos bajo un sistema tradicional de manejo.
Microstructure and elemental composition of the Tagish Lake meteorite and its astrobiological implications
Authors: Rauf Kani , Hann Anthony , Wickramasinghe Chandra 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTagish Lake meteorite, which fell in January 2000 in Canada, has provided a sample of pristine cosmic materials for laboratory studies. It is made up of loosely formed aggregates, making it one of the most friable carbonaceous chondrites. Its complex structure is composed of plaquettes of crystalized minerals, hexagon-shaped metals, chondrules and granules, all of which are embedded in a matrix of fine grains and fibril-like materials. Those components with sizes larger than 250 nm in diameter are affected to varying degrees by hydrothermal reactions, whereas the majority of smaller bodies (<350 nm in diameter) appear unscathed despite severe aqueous alterations on the parent body. A high population of granules (100–300 nm in diameter) consist of a wall (20–40 nm in thickness) and a larger core; the former is rich in organic elements, such as carbon, oxygen and sulfur, and the core contains Ni-Fe-Mg rich silicates. The organic matter has aromatic and aliphatic characteristics, and such evidence suggests that the granules may be the carriers of large organic species with distinct astrobiological implications.
Minute synthesis of extremely stable gold nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Min , Wang Baoxiang , Rozynek Zbigniew , Xie Zhaohui , Fossum Jon Otto , Yu Xiaofeng , Raaen Steinar 
Published: November 2009

We describe a rapid environmentally friendly wet-chemical approach to synthesize extremely
stable non-toxic, biocompatible, water-soluble monodispersed gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in
one step at room temperature. The particles have been successfully achieved in just a few
minutes by merely adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH) acting as an initiator for the reduction of
HAuCl4
in aqueous solution in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) without the use of any
reducing agent. It is also proved to be highly efficient for the preparation of AuNPs with
controllable sizes. The AuNPs show remarkable stability in water media with high
concentrations of salt, various buffer solutions and physiological conditions in biotechnology
and biomedicine. Moreover, the AuNPs are also non-toxic at high concentration (100 µM). Therefore, it provides great opportunities to use these AuNPs for biotechnology and
biomedicine. This new approach also involved several green chemistry concepts, such as the
selection of environmentally benign reagents and solvents, without energy consumption,
and less reaction time.
Increased plasma retinol binding protein 4 levels in patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bobbert Peter , Weithäuser Alice , Andres Janin , Bobbert Thomas , Kühl Uwe , Schultheiss Heinz Peter , Rauch Ursula , Skurk Carsten 
Published: November 2009

AimsChronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with a higher risk for diabetes mellitus. Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP 4) is an adipose tissue‐derived protein with pro‐diabetogenic effects. A complete understanding of the association of CHF and insulin resistance remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between CHF and diabetes mellitus.Methods and resultsPlasma levels of RBP 4, insulin, and interleukins (IL) 2, 8, and 10, were assessed in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 53), dilated inflammatory cardiomyopathy (DCMi, n = 54), and controls (n = 20). In addition, a possible mechanism of RBP 4 regulation was examined in adipocytes in vitro. Plasma levels of RBP 4 and insulin were measured by a specific ELISA. Interleukin concentrations were obtained by multiplex ELISA. Cell culture with 3T3‐L1 adipocytes was performed to measure RBP 4 mRNA expression after stimulation with IL‐8. RBP 4 levels were significantly increased in patients with DCMi (52.95 ± 20.42 µg/mL) compared with DCM (35.54 ± 23.08 µg/mL) and the control group (27.3 ± 18.51 µg/mL). RBP 4 was positively correlated with IL‐8 (r=0.416, P < 0.05) in human plasma in patients with DCMi. Moreover, increased insulin resistance was observed in patients with DCMi compared with the control and DCM groups. In vitro, IL‐8 induced a significant upregulation of RBP 4 mRNA expression in adipocytes.ConclusionElevated RBP 4 plasma concentrations, induced by IL‐8, might be one mechanism leading to a higher incidence of diabetes in patients with DCMi.
Right atrial size and deformation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: D'Andrea Antonello , Scarafile Raffaella , Riegler Lucia , Salerno Gemma , Gravino Rita , Cocchia Rosangela , Castaldo Francesca , Allocca Filomena , Limongelli Giuseppe , Di Salvo Giovanni , Cuomo Sergio , Pacileo Giuseppe , Caso Pio , Russo Maria Giovanna , Calabrò Raffaele 
Published: November 2009

AimsTo evaluate right atrial (RA) morphology and deformation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Methods and resultsA total of 130 patients with either idiopathic (n = 70) or ischaemic (n = 60) DCM, and 60 controls underwent clinical examination, standard echocardiography, and RA two‐dimensional strain echocardiography (2DSE). Six months after implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, the DCM patients were re‐evaluated, if their left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic volume had decreased by at least 15% they were defined as echocardiographic responders. All DCM patients were in NYHA class III before CRT, with a mean LV ejection fraction of 29.2 ± 5.5%. After CRT, 94 patients were in NYHA functional class I–II. The patients were subdivided into echocardiographic responders (n = 85) and non‐responders (n = 45). Both RA area index (19.7 ± 5.5 cm2/m in non‐responders vs. 13.2 ± 4.4 cm2/m in responders; P < 0.001) and RA strain of lateral wall (24.3 ± 10.2% in non‐responders vs. 40.2 ± 8.9% in responders; P < 0.001) were significantly different between the two groups. A RA area index ≥16 cm2/m showed a sensitivity and specificity of 87.1 and 95.4%, respectively (P < 0.0001) to predict a negative response to CRT. By multivariable analysis, increased RA area index (P < 0.001), ischaemic aetiology of DCM (P < 0.01), and less severe radial intraventricular dyssynchrony were independent determinants of an unfavourable response to CRT.ConclusionRight atrial area index was increased and RA myocardial deformation was impaired in patients with DCM who were non‐responders to CRT.
Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Outbreak On Board a US Navy Vessel
Authors: Dill Curt E. , Favata Michael A. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and Methods: Fleet Week New York 2009 was the latest installment of an annual celebration to honor US service personnel. It takes place during Memorial Day and this year’s celebration coincided with the peak of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) activity in New York City. Four service members from the USS Iwo Jima and USS Roosevelt contracted influenza while in New York City and were hospitalized in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-New York Harbor Healthcare System to minimize the risk of widespread outbreak on board the naval vessels. No additional cases were identified on the USS Roosevelt. However, 135 service personnel on the USS Iwo Jima contracted influenza.Results: Shipwide infection control measures including strict isolation and active case finding were instituted immediately with affected crew members and medical staff receiving oseltamivir. The new case rates remained high for 14 days, but the USS Iwo Jima was able to continue deployment. The secondary infectivity rate was 12.0%. The absolute end of the outbreak correlated with arrival at home port and the ability to move patients off board.Conclusions: This outbreak not only reinforces the risk for rapid spread of novel strains of influenza A in confined populations but also demonstrates useful strategies to mitigate the severity of an outbreak, including isolation, infection control measures, and off board sick leave when feasible. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 2):S117–S120)
The 3′‐terminal sequence of Bamboo mosaic virus minus‐strand RNA interacts with RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase and initiates plus‐strand RNA synthesis
Authors: CHEN I‐HSUAN , LIN JEN‐WEN , CHEN YI‐JING , WANG ZI‐CHAO , LIANG LI‐FANG , MENG MENGHSIAO , HSU YAU‐HEIU , TSAI CHING‐HSIU 
Published: November 2009

SUMMARYA 3′‐terminal, 77‐nucleotide sequence of Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) minus‐strand RNA (Ba‐77), comprising a 5′ stem‐loop, a spacer and a 3′‐CUUUU sequence, can be used to initiate plus‐strand RNA synthesis in vitro. To understand the mechanism of plus‐strand RNA synthesis, mutations were introduced in the 5′ untranslated region of BaMV RNA, resulting in changes at the 3′ end of minus‐strand RNA. The results showed that at least three uridylate residues in 3′‐CUUUU are required and the changes at the penultimate U are deleterious to viral accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana protoplasts. Results from UV‐crosslinking and in vitro RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase competition assays suggested that the replicase preferentially interacts with the stem structure of Ba‐77. Finally, CMV/83 + UUUUC, a heterologus RNA, which possesses about 80 nucleotides containing the 3′‐CUUUU pentamer terminus, and which folds into a secondary structure similar to that of Ba‐77, could be used as template for RNA production by the BaMV replicase complex in vitro.
Generation of dyspeptic symptoms by direct acid infusion into the stomach of healthy Japanese subjects
Authors: MIWA H. , NAKAJIMA K. , YAMAGUCHI K. , FUJIMOTO K. , VELDHUYZEN VAN ZANTEN S. J. O. , KINOSHITA Y. , ADACHI K. , KUSUNOKI H. , HARUMA K. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryObjective The relationship between acid and dyspeptic symptoms has not been fully understood.Aim To investigate the type and severity of dyspeptic symptoms induced by direct acid infusion into the stomach of Japanese healthy subjects.Methods This was a multi‐centre, cross‐over, randomized, double‐blind study in 27 healthy subjects (mean age 27). Each fasted subject received two tests with 150 mL of 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid infusion (15 mL/min for 10 min) and the same volume of pure water infusion. The type and severity of symptoms were assessed by a 10 cm visual analogue scale administered every 2 min up to 30 min.Results Various symptoms were reported after both acid and water infusions. Most of the symptoms were more severe after acid infusion compared with water infusion (acid vs. water: discomfort 1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 0.5 ± 0.1, pain 0.6 ± 0.3 vs. 0.1 ± 0.1, reflux 1.0 ± 0.3 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 and satiety 1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1). The area under curve for dysmotility like symptoms (heavy feeling in the stomach, bloating, nausea or feeling sick, and belching) was significantly higher in acid infusion, and symptoms continued after infusion of the acid.Conclusion Acid induced into stomach induced dysmotility‐like predominant dyspeptic symptoms in Japanese healthy control subjects, demonstrating the possible importance of acid in symptom generation.
Review article: the prothrombin time test as a measure of bleeding risk and prognosis in liver disease
Authors: TRIPODI A. , CALDWELL S. H. , HOFFMAN M. , TROTTER J. F. , SANYAL A. J. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBackground Prothrombin time (PT)‐derived international normalized ratio (INR) is used to assess bleeding risk and prognosis in cirrhosis, and to guide management of associated coagulation disturbances. Recent studies cast doubt on the validity of the assumptions that form the basis for these applications.Aims To review and critique the use of the PT‐INR in cirrhosis.Methods Search of the literature.Results In cirrhosis, there is a decrease in both pro‐ and anti‐coagulants. The PT‐INR measures only the activity of procoagulants and fails to capture changes in anticoagulants. It is therefore not surprising that the PT does not predict the bleeding risk. The PT‐INR provides a robust measure of liver function but recent data showed INR inter‐laboratory variability in this setting. This is not surprising as the INR was validated to normalize results for patients on vitamin‐K antagonists, not for cirrhosis. This limitation was not appreciated, but the INR is used to construct the model for end‐stage liver disease score to prioritize patients for liver transplantation. Reports showed that model for end‐stage liver disease is modified by the thromboplastin used for testing.Conclusions Alternate tests to predict bleeding risk should be developed. The potential for misuse of the PT‐INR should drive the development of alternate algorithms for organ allocation.
Lacustrine turbidite channels and fans in the Mesozoic Songliao Basin, China
Authors: Zhi‐qiang Feng , Shun Zhang , Cross Timothy A. , Zi‐hui Feng , Xi‐nong Xie , Bo Zhao , Xiu‐li Fu , Cheng‐shan Wang 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe Songliao Basin is a large Mesozoic nonmarine petroliferous basin in northeastern China. Based on an analysis of high‐resolution three‐dimensional seismic data, a large‐scale lacustrine turbidite channel and fan system is identified within the lacustrine mudstone of the Nenjiang Formation in the central depression. The system was fed by a delta complex and extends to the south along the Daqing anticline. This system is composed of three trunk channels and four tributary channels, with a maximum length of about 71 km. Changes in channel patterns, specifically bifurcations and terminations into fans, are associated with gradient changes along the palaeoslope, which vary from 0.13 to 0.02°. Interpretation of geophysical well logs and core indicate that channel sand bodies are oil charged. The widest channel sandstone body is about 600 m with an average around 300 m, and the maximum thickness of sandstone is more than 6 m with an average of about 3 m. The sandstone bodies of the turbidite system, which are encased within organic‐rich source rocks, provide a new target for hydrocarbon exploration and development.
Immunocytochemical study of DNA topoisomerase IIα and tumour cell proliferation in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL)
Authors: Kandaraki ChR. , Rondoyanni D. , Deftereos ChR. , Apostolopoulou K. , Koutselini H. 
Published: November 2009

Background DNA topoisomerase II alpha (topo IIα) is an enzyme that functions to separate intertwined chromosomes before mitosis. Topoisomerase IIα also is the molecular target for a variety of clinically useful anticancer drugs. Several of the agents are used to treat in most cases NHLs. To evaluate the potential association between topoisomerase IIα and cell proliferation, ki67 immunostaining was also assessed.Methods Topoisomerase IIα (topo IIα) and the monoclonal antibody MIB1 (ki67) were investigated immunocytochemically on imprints smears obtained from 30 patients aged from 22 to 82 years (mean age 45.3) with NHLs. The study comprised 16 patients with high‐grade and 14 with low‐grade NHLs. The cytomorphological diagnoses were verified by histology and were classified according to Kiel classification. We use the avidin‐biotin streptavidin immunoperoxidase technique and the monoclonal antibodies topoisomerase IIα (Clone 3F6 YLEM dilution 1:20) and the MIB1 (ki67 YLEM ready to use).Results The average topo IIα index of high‐grade NHLs was 50 with range from 15.2 to 78.5 whereas the average topo index of low‐grade NHL was 10 with a range from 0.8 to 15. The average of ki67 index of high‐grade was 50.1 with range 45–80 while the average of low‐grade NHl was 13.6 with a range from 2.5–78.9. Statistical analysis was employed by Mann–Whitey U‐test and the two values for high and low grades are statistically significant (P < 0.001).Conclusions These results show that high‐grade NHLs have topo IIα and MIB1 indices that are significantly higher than low‐grade NHLs. The ratio of expression compatible with the grade of malignancy in NHLs possibly identifies the cases which are more or less sensitive to chemotherapy agents.
A prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating early corticosteroid withdrawal with Thymoglobulin® in living‐donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Woodle E. Steve , Peddi V. Ram , Tomlanovich Stephen , Mulgaonkar Shamkant , Kuo Paul C. ,   for the TRIMS Study Investigators
Published: November 2009

Woodle ES, Peddi VR, Tomlanovich S, Mulgaonkar S, Kuo PC, for the TRIMS Study Investigators. A prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating early corticosteroid withdrawal with Thymoglobulin® in living‐donor kidney transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 73–83. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Background:  This study compared the safety and efficacy of early corticosteroid withdrawal (ECSWD) with rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction to chronic corticosteroid therapy (CCST) without antibody induction in primary, living‐donor renal transplant recipients.Methods:  Eligible subjects were randomized 2:1 to receive either an ECSWD (n = 103) or CCST (n = 48) regimen, with all subjects receiving tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).Results:  Results are reported as ECSWD vs. CCST. No significant differences were observed in the primary composite endpoint of freedom from biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, and death at six months (85.4% vs. 85.4%) or 12 months (84.4% vs. 74.4%). At 12 months, no difference was observed in BPAR (13.9% vs. 19.4%); however, ECSWD was associated with lower total cholesterol (159.7 ± 39.2 vs. 196.5 ± 56.7 mg/dL, p = 0.012), and trends toward significance were noted in serum triglycerides (151.9 ± 92.0 vs. 181.4 ± 78.8 mg/dL, p = 0.073) and weight gain (+3.6 ± 9.4 vs. +6.4 ± 9.3 kg, p = 0.069). No differences were observed in serious adverse events or infectious complications, with the exception of a higher incidence of leukopenia with ECSWD.Conclusions:  rATG with tacrolimus and MMF therapy may allow early elimination of corticosteroids, is associated with trends toward lower lipid levels, less weight gain, and a safety profile comparable to CCST therapy.
Secondary prevention of osteoporosis post minimal trauma fracture in an Australian regional and rural population
Authors: Barrack Cecily M. , McGirr Ellen E. , Fuller Jeffrey D. , Foster Nicola M. , Ewald Dan P. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective:  Minimal trauma fracture (MTF) is an indication of osteoporosis and risk of future fracture. Our objective was to describe osteoporosis risk identification and secondary prevention in a regional and rural population hospitalised for an MTF. Design:  A retrospective inpatient file audit and follow‐up telephone interview. Setting:  Patients aged 45 years and over admitted for MTF management to two regional hospitals in northern New South Wales between July 2006 and June 2007. Main outcome measures:  Proportion of patients who received bone mineral densitometry (BMD) assessment and proportion commenced on osteoporosis medication post fracture. Results:  There were 459 patients included in our inpatient file audit. During admission only 16% had osteoporosis risk documented, uptake of vitamin D assay or BMD were minimal and only 22% were discharged on preventive medication. Of 219 patients contacted post discharge, 36% reported discussing osteoporosis risk with their GPs, 22% reported post‐discharge BMD and 32% were taking a bisphosphonate. Men were less likely to have commenced preventive medication (OR 0.42, CI, 0.19–0.91) and patients informed of their osteoporosis risk during hospitalisation were more likely to have had BMD (OR 1.93, CI, 1.03–3.61). Neither age nor history of previous MTF was predictive of preventive treatment post discharge. Conclusion:   Overall, fracture risk identification and initiation of secondary prevention in this regional and rural population was low and this is consistent with findings in recent metropolitan studies. Effective regional and rural strategies are required that ensure identification and effective communication of risk to patients and their GPs.
Simultaneous measurements of compressional wave and shear wave velocities, Poisson's ratio, and Vp/Vs under deep crustal pressure and temperature conditions: Example of silicified pelitic schist from Ryoke Belt, Southwest Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Yuki , Ishikawa Masahiro , Terabayashi Masaru , Arima Makoto 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe ultrasonic technique for measuring travel times of compressional and shear waves using dual‐mode transducers was adapted to a piston cylinder apparatus, allowing simultaneous measurements of travel times of compressional and shear waves of island arc samples under the high pressure and temperature conditions of island arcs. This method enables us to determine elastic properties and their pressure and temperature derivatives simultaneously. Furthermore, Vp/Vs can be directly determined from travel times of compressional and shear waves independently of length change due to compression or thermal expansion of rock samples under deep crustal conditions, providing more accurate Vp/Vs values than those determined from individual measurements of travel times of both elastic wave types using single‐mode transducers. Experimental techniques and results are demonstrated using data on silicified pelitic schist from the Ryoke Belt to 0.6 GPa. The simultaneous measurement gives Vp = 5.60 km/s, ∂Vp/∂P = 0.090 (km/s)/GPa, Vs = 3.37 km/s, ∂Vs/∂P = 0.05 (km/s)/GPa, σ = 0.216, and Vp/Vs = 1.66 at ambient conditions. The temperature derivatives were constrained from fitting using linear functions of temperature, yielding ∂Vp/∂T = −0.518 × 10−3 (km/s)/K and ∂Vs/∂T = −0.182 × 10−3 (km/s)/K. Performing simultaneous measurements of travel times of compressional and shear waves using dual‐mode transducers, it is possible to accurately determine Vp/Vs and Poisson's ratio of crustal minerals and rocks at deep crustal conditions to study the composition of the crustal interior, e.g. rock types and fluids below the hypocentral region of earthquakes or around bright spots.