bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are we hitting immunity targets? The 2006 age-specific seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and tetanus in Belgium
Authors: THEETEN H. , HUTSE V. , HENS N. , YAVUZ Y. , HOPPENBROUWERS K. , BEUTELS P. , VRANCKX R. , VAN DAMME P. 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYSusceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases in Belgium in 2006 was estimated from a serum survey. Immunoglobulins against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and diphtheria at all available ages (1–65 years), and against tetanus in >40-year-olds, were measured by ELISA. Age-standardized overall seronegativity for MMR was low (3·9%, 8·0%, 10·4%, respectively). However, the World Health Organization's targets for measles elimination were not met in 5- to 24-year-olds and about 1 in 7 women at childbearing age (15–39 years) were seronegative for rubella. In adults >40 years, tetanus immunity (87·2%, >0·16 IU/ml) largely exceeded diphtheria immunity (20–45%, >0·1 IU/ml). Despite free universal vaccination against MMR for more than 20 years and against diphtheria and tetanus for almost 60 years, our study revealed specific age groups remaining at risk for infection with these pathogens.
Using the internet for rapid investigation of an outbreak of diarrhoeal illness in mountain bikers
Authors: GRIFFITHS S. L. , SALMON R. L. , MASON B. W. , ELLIOTT C. , THOMAS D. Rh. , DAVIES C. 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYIn summer 2008, we investigated an outbreak of diarrhoeal illness in participants of a mountain-bike event in Wales (UK) which had been affected by heavy rain. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the cause using an internet-based questionnaire. Fifty-three percent of those contacted responded, and 161 (46·5%) out of the 347 responders, reported gastrointestinal symptoms. Median day of onset was 3 days following the event. Ten riders reported receiving a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis ofCampylobacter. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the inadvertent ingestion of mud (OR 2·5, 95% CI 1·5–4·2,P<0·001) and eating ‘other’ food during the event (OR 2·1, 95% CI 1·2–3·6,P=0·01) as significant risk factors for illness. We concluded that the outbreak was caused byCampylobacter, spread to the riders by the inadvertent ingestion of mud which had been contaminated with sheep faeces from the rural course. Mountain-bike race organizers should consider microbiological hazards when risk-assessing potential race courses. The internet is an efficient tool for the investigation of outbreaks in computer-literate populations.
Giardiasis outbreak at a camp after installation of a slow-sand filtration water-treatment system
Authors: KARON A. E. , HANNI K. D. , MOHLE-BOETANI J. C. , BERETTI R. A. , HILL V. R. , ARROWOOD M. , JOHNSTON S. P. , XIAO L. , VUGIA D. J. 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYIn July and August 2007, a giardiasis outbreak affected attendees of a private recreational camp in California. Twenty-six persons had laboratory-confirmed giardiasis; another 24 had giardiasis-like illness with no stool test. A retrospective cohort study determined that showering was associated with illness (adjusted odds ratio 3·1, 95% confidence interval 1·1–9·3). Two days before the outbreak began, the camp had installed a slow-sand water filtration system that included unsterilized sand. Review of historical water-quality data identified substantially elevated total coliform and turbidity levels in sand-filtered spring water used for showering during the suspected exposure period. Unfiltered spring water tested at the same time had acceptable coliform and turbidity levels, implicating the filtration system as the most likely contamination source. To prevent waterborne illness, slow-sand water filtration systems should use sterilized sand, and slow-sand-filtered water should not be used for any purpose where inadvertent ingestion could occur until testing confirms its potability.
Introduction: Aftershocks: Violence in Dissolving Empires after the First World War
Authors: EICHENBERG JULIA , NEWMAN JOHN PAUL 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis special issue deals with the phenomenon of the emergence of radical violence in what might be called ‘shatter zones’ of empires after the end of the First World War. It argues that the emergence of violence was due to the absence of functioning state control and facilitated by the effects of experiencing mass violence during the First World War. In the multi-ethnic regions of the former empires, the rising wave of nationalism directed this violent potential against ethnic and religious minorities.
Beyond Istanbul's ‘Laz Underworld’: Ottoman Paramilitarism and the Rise of Turkish Organised Crime, 1908–1950
Authors: GINGERAS RYAN 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAlthough the Turkish mafia is increasingly recognised as a powerful force in the ongoing trade in weapons, narcotics and people in Europe and beyond, there are few critical histories of organised crime's origins in Turkey. Rather than present some pedantic general survey of the history of organized crime in modern Turkey, this essay attempts to address two broader critical points of departure. First, how did Anatolia's journey from imperial to republican rule impact, and how was it impacted by, criminal gangs? Second, how do we situate the experience of modern gangs in Turkey in a global context? In attempting to answer these questions, this paper looks at the development of criminal syndicates among Laz migrants in the greater Istanbul area during the first half of the twentieth century. The case of the Laz shows particularly how war, migration, imperial politics, urbanisation and the rise of the international drug trade shaped the parallel development of organised crime and the nascent Turkish Republic.
The Great War and Paramilitarism in Europe, 1917–23
Authors: GERWARTH ROBERT , HORNE JOHN 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn this comparative conclusion, the authors consider some of the most influential trends in the historiography of political and paramilitary violence, with particular reference to the relationship between wartime and post-war violence. The heuristic value of the ‘aftershocks’ metaphor is considered, as are the advantages (and potential pitfalls) of the contributors’ transnational approach. Finally, the authors suggest an agenda for future research on paramilitary violence, which looks at the phenomenon in a global perspective.
Relationship of serum carotenoids and retinol with anaemia among pre-school children in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam
Authors: Khan Nguyen Cong , Van Huan Phan , Van Nhien Nguyen , Tuyen Le Danh , de Pee Saskia , Semba Richard D 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the relationship between serum carotenoids, retinol and anaemia among pre-school children.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted in two groups: anaemic and non-anaemic. Serum levels of retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin were measured in the study subjects.SettingSix rural communes of Dinh Hoa, a rural and mountainous district in Thai Nguyen Province, in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam.SubjectsA total of 682 pre-school children, aged 12–72 months, were recruited.ResultsGeometric mean serum concentrations of carotenoids (μmol/l) were 0·056 for α-carotene, 0·161 for β-carotene, 0·145 for β-cryptoxanthin, 0·078 for lycopene, 0·388 for lutein and 0·075 for zeaxanthin. The mean levels of Hb and serum retinol were 108·8 g/l and 1·02 μmol/l, respectively. The prevalence of anaemia and vitamin A deficiency was 53·7 % and 7·8 %, respectively. After adjusting for sex and stunting, serum retinol concentrations (μmol/l; OR = 2·06, 95 % CI 1·10, 3·86,P= 0·024) and total provitamin A carotenoids (μmol/l; OR = 1·52, 95 % CI 1·01, 2·28,P= 0·046) were independently associated with anaemia, but non-provitamin A carotenoids (μmol/l; OR = 0·93, 95 % CI 0·63, 1·37,P= 0·710) were not associated with anaemia.ConclusionsAmong pre-school children in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam, the prevalences of vitamin A deficiency and anaemia are high, and serum retinol and provitamin A carotenoids are independently associated with anaemia. Further studies are needed to determine if increased consumption of provitamin A carotenoids will reduce anaemia among pre-school children.
New Gulf Oil Leak Estimates Dwarf Original Figures
Authors: Showstack Randy 
Published: June 2010

New estimates of the amount of oil flowing from BP's leaking oil well in the Gulf of Mexico are dramatically higher than initial numbers, according to figures released by U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, and U.S. Geological Survey Director Marcia McNutt on 15 June. “The most likely flow rate of oil today is between 35,000 and 60,000 barrels per day,” based on estimates by U.S. government and independent scientists, they indicated.“This estimate brings together several scientific methodologies and the latest information from the seafloor and represents a significant step forward in our effort to put a number on the oil that is escaping from BP's well,” Chu indicated. He noted the numbers could change with the collection of additional data, and he added that the administration has been focusing on responding to the upper end of the flow estimate.
Environmental, Geopolitical Change in the Arctic
Authors: Showstack Randy 
Published: June 2010

With climate change rapidly transforming environmental and geopolitical conditions in the Arctic region, scientists and policy makers are calling for improved science observation capabilities and more attention to the region.“We do not have a satisfactory observational capability in the Arctic, on the ground, using aircraft, or using satellites and spaceborne instruments,” said Martin Jeffries, program director of the Arctic Observing Network in the U.S. National Science Foundation's (NSF) Office of Polar Programs. He was one of the speakers at the 9 June Forum on Earth Observations IV, held in Washington, D.C. He noted that many U.S. federal agencies are engaged in data gathering and that NSF is working with some agencies to develop an interagency Arctic observing network.
Telling Others About the Science of Earth and Sky
Authors: Stern David P. 
Published: June 2010

Public concerns nowadays often require familiarity with geophysics and astronomy. Many people wonder or worry about climate change, the greenhouse effect, nuclear energy, and energy in general, as well as space research, solar eruptions, magnetic fields inside and outside Earth, and space radiation. How can these people, including students and teachers, find out about such subjects?Many turn to Wikipedia™. It can be quite useful, but this is an encyclopedia—often going into excessive detail, occasionally misleading (anyone can modify it), and rarely placing subjects in the broader context in which they belong. Just look up some of the subjects listed above! The general public, as well as students learning about Earth and space science, seek guidance, not just descriptions of subjects but also help in understanding them and placing them in an overall pattern.
Expert judgments about transient climate response to alternative future trajectories of radiative forcing
Authors: Zickfeld Kirsten , Morgan M. Granger , Frame David J. , Keith David W. 
Published: June 2010

There is uncertainty about the response of the climate system to future trajectories of radiative forcing. To quantify this uncertainty we conducted face-to-face interviews with 14 leading climate scientists, using formal methods of expert elicitation. We structured the interviews around three scenarios of radiative forcing stabilizing at different levels. All experts ranked “cloud radiative feedbacks” as contributing most to their uncertainty about future global mean temperature change, irrespective of the specified level of radiative forcing. The experts disagreed about the relative contribution of other physical processes to their uncertainty about future temperature change. For a forcing trajectory that stabilized at 7 Wm
-2
in 2200, 13 of the 14 experts judged the probability that the climate system would undergo, or be irrevocably committed to, a “basic state change” as ≥0.5. The width and median values of the probability distributions elicited from the different experts for future global mean temperature change under the specified forcing trajectories vary considerably. Even for a moderate increase in forcing by the year 2050, the medians of the elicited distributions of temperature change relative to 2000 range from 0.8–1.8 °C, and some of the interquartile ranges do not overlap. Ten of the 14 experts estimated that the probability that equilibrium climate sensitivity exceeds 4.5 °C is > 0.17, our interpretation of the upper limit of the “likely” range given by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Finally, most experts anticipated that over the next 20 years research will be able to achieve only modest reductions in their degree of uncertainty.
Epstein Barr virus inhibits the stimulatory effect of TLR7/8 and TLR9 agonists but not CD40 ligand in human B lymphocytes
Authors: Younesi Vahid , Nikzamir Haleh , Yousefi Mehdi , Khoshnoodi Jalal , Arjmand Mohammd , Rabbani Hodjatallah , Shokri Fazel 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTViruses and other microorganisms express specific pathogen‐associated molecular patterns that are recognized by cell surface or endosome‐associated Toll‐like receptors (TLR). There are many examples of viruses that have developed strategies to modulate TLR signaling through the use of viral or cellular molecules. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has recently been found to display a complex interaction with TLR. The aim of this study was to asses the effect of EBV infection on proliferative capacity of TLR7/8 and 9 agonist and CD40 ligand (CD40L) in normal B lymphocytes. Our results demonstrate that EBV induces a significant inhibition in proliferative response to TLR7/8 (P < 0.004) and TLR9 (P < 0.000) agonists but not to CD40L stimulation in enriched human normal B lymphocytes. Similar inhibitory effect was also observed in B lymphocytes prestimulated with the TLR agonists, implying that the suppressive effect is not due to downregulation of TLR protein expression by EBV. EBV infection did not induce apoptosis and did not downregulate TLR7/8 mRNA expression in B lymphocytes. Our results suggest that EBV might be able to evade the immune system by modulation of the TLR signaling pathway.
Moxibustion activates host defense against herpes simplex virus type I through augmentation of cytokine production
Authors: Takayama Yuko , Itoi Manami , Hamahashi Takashi , Tsukamoto Noriyuki , Mori Kazuya , Morishita Daisuke , Wada Kumiko , Amagai Takashi 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTMoxibustion is a technique used in traditional oriental medicine, the aim of which is to cure and/or prevent illness by activating a person's ability for self‐healing. In this study, we assessed how moxibustion would affect the immune system and whether it would augment protective immunity. Mice were treated with moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) acupoints; we analyzed mortality and cytokine activity in sera after infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), and cytokine gene expression in the skin and the spleen without a virus challenge. Our study demonstrates that pretreatment of BALB/c mice with moxibustion resulted in a marked increase in the survival rate after infection with lethal doses of HSV‐1, and elevated serum levels of IL‐1β and IFN‐γ on days 1 and 6 post‐infection with HSV‐1. Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR assay showed that moxibustion treatment augmented the expression of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, universal‐IFN‐α, MIP‐1α, and TNF‐α mRNA in the skin, and IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐12p40, IL‐15, u‐IFN‐α, MIP‐1α, and TNF‐α mRNA in the spleen. Moreover, moxibustion induces augmentation of natural killer cell activity. Collectively, our study demonstrates that moxibustion activates protective responses against HSV‐1 infection through the activation of cytokine production including IFN, and of NK cells.
Efficacy of probiotic Lactobacillus GG on allergic sensitization and asthma in infants at risk
Authors: Rose M. A. , Stieglitz F. , Köksal A. , Schubert R. , Schulze J. , Zielen S. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground
Probiotics are perceived to exert beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.Objective
There are conflicting data from studies as to an impact on allergic sensitization and asthma.Methods
Our prospective double‐blind study randomly assigned 131 children (6–24 months old) with at least two wheezing episodes and a first‐degree family history of atopic disease to 6 months of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG, 1010 colony forming units) or placebo. Atopic dermatitis and asthma‐related events (e.g. need of inhalation, symptom‐free days) were documented throughout the intervention and 6‐month follow‐up. We determined IgE, a representative panel of specific IgE, eosinophils, eosinophilic cationic protein, and TGF‐β before, at the end of intervention, and after 6 months of follow‐up.Results
There were no significant differences as to atopic dermatitis or asthma‐related events. In a subgroup with antecedent allergic sensitizations, asthmatic complaints were even slightly worse. We found fewer sensitizations towards aeroallergens after 6 months of LGG (P=0.027) and after 6 months of follow‐up (P=0.03). Supplementation was well‐tolerated and no severe adverse events occurred.Conclusions
In young children with recurrent wheeze and an atopic family history, oral LGG had no clinical effect on atopic dermatitis or asthma‐related events, and only mild effects on allergic sensitization. This effect persisted 6 months after the cessation of the supplementation. Cite this as: M. A. Rose, F. Stieglitz, A. Köksal, R. Schubert, J. Schulze and S. Zielen, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1398–1405.
Plant patch structure modifies parasitoid assemblage richness of a specialist herbivore
Authors: FENOGLIO MARÍA S. , SALVO ADRIANA , VIDELA MARTÍN , VALLADARES GRACIELA R. 
Published: June 2010

1. The spatial structure of plant patches has been shown to affect host–parasitoid interactions, but its influence on parasitoid diversity remains largely ignored. Here we tested the prediction that parasitoid species richness of the specialist leafminerLiriomyza commelinaeincreases in larger and less isolated patches of its host plantCommelina erecta. We also explored whether parasitoid abundance and body size affected the occurrence of parasitoid species in local assemblages.2. A total of 893 naturally establishedC. erectapatches were sampled on 18 sites around Córdoba city (Argentina). Also, two experiments were performed by creating patches differing in the number of plants and the distance from a parasitoid source. For these tests, plants were infected with the miner in the laboratory prior to placement in the field.3. Plant patch size, independently of host abundance, positively affected the number of parasitoid species in both survey observations and experimental data. However, plant patch isolation did not influence parasitoid species richness.4. The probability of finding rare parasitoid species increased with patch size, whereas occupation of isolated patches was independent of dispersal abilities (body size) of parasitoid species.5. Overall, the results highlight the importance of considering spatial aspects such as the size of plant patches in the study of parasitoid communities.
Antigen‐specific IgG antibodies in feather duvet lung
Authors: Koschel Dirk , Lützkendorf Lars , Wiedemann Bärbel , Höffken Gert 
Published: June 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (9): 797–802AbstractBackground  Feather duvet lung (FDL) is a rare subgroup of bird fancier’s lung (BFL). We were interested in determining antigen‐specific IgG antibodies in patients with FDL and comparing them with those with BFL.Material and methods  Specific IgG antibodies against goose and duck feathers, analysed with an automated fluorimetric enzyme immunoassay, were measured in healthy subjects (group A, n = 30), in patients with FDL (group B, n = 10) and with BFL (group C, n = 35); typical specific IgG antibodies of BFL in groups B and C.Results  An optimal threshold value for antibodies against goose or duck feathers to differentiate patients with either BFL or FDL from healthy subjects was determined at 10·85 mg L−1 for goose feathers and at 8·81 mg L−1 for duck feathers, respectively. Specific IgG antibodies against goose feathers were significantly higher in group B compared with group C. A ratio of specific IgG antibodies against goose feathers and budgerigar antigens with a threshold value of 0·91 could discriminate between patients with FDL and BFL with a specificity of 97% and a sensitivity of 90%.Conclusions  We were able to demonstrate the significant difference in IgG antibodies in patients with FDL and BFL and their contribution to discriminate between these similar kinds of extrinsic allergic alveolitis.
Insect herbivore mortality is increased by competition with a hemiparasitic plant
Authors: Bass Katherine A. , John Elizabeth A. , Ewald Naomi C. , Hartley Sue E. 
Published: June 2010

Summary 1. Individual plants are often simultaneously consumed by many different organisms and mediate important indirect interactions between their consumers, even when their consumers are phylogenetically distant and feed on different parts of the plant. 2. We examined the effects on two xylem feeders of sharing a plant host in greenhouse pot trials and outdoor mesocosms. The spittle bug Neophilaenus lineatus, which feeds on grass shoots, and a hemiparasitic angiosperm, Rhinanthus minor, which attaches to the roots, were added separately or together on grass host plants growing in pots or in model grassland swards. 3. We found strong asymmetric competition between the hemiparasite and the insect. In greenhouse experiments, sharing a grass host with R. minor significantly increased mortality of N. lineatus, but R. minor performance was unaffected. 4. Mortality of N. lineatus was also increased on swards containing R. minor in model communities grown in the field. R. minor was more sensitive to sharing a host with N. lineatus in these communities, and experienced a modest (non‐significant) reduction in flower production. 5. The hemiparasite was the stronger competitor for xylem resources, possibly because of its ability to extract resources from the plant roots, and because of its significant ability to appropriate the xylem stream via its strong transpirational pull. 6. We believe these are the first experiments to demonstrate competition between insect herbivores and hemiparasitic plants mediated via a shared host plant. The consequences for the invertebrate population were potentially highly significant and we propose that future research should further explore the role of this asymmetric relationship in structuring invertebrate communities.
Assessment of focal mechanisms of microseismic events computed from two three‐component receivers: application to the Arkema‐Vauvert field (France)
Authors: Godano M. , Gaucher E. , Bardainne T. , Regnier M. , Deschamps A. , Valette M. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTWe have developed a method that enables computing double‐couple focal mechanisms with only a few sensors. This method is based on a non‐linear inversion of the P, Sv and Sh amplitudes of microseismic events recorded on a set of sensors. The information brought by the focal mechanism enables determining the geometry of the rupture on the associated geological structure. It also provides a better estimate of the conventional source parameters. Full analysis has been performed on a data set of 15 microseismic events recorded in the brine production field of Vauvert. The microseismic monitoring network consisted of two permanent tools and one temporary borehole string. The majority of the focal mechanisms computed from both permanent tools are similar to those computed from the whole network. This result indicates that the double‐couple focal mechanism determination is reliable for both permanent 3C receivers in this field.