bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Central and South American Anomalepid Snakes of the Genus Liotyphlops
Authors: Dixon James R. , Kofron Christopher P. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe essential characters of the anomalepid snake genus Liotyphlops are found in its osteology, scale rows, numbers of dorsals, size, and head scale arrangements. The twelve currently recognized species of Liotyphlops are reduced to five through the analyses of variation of all available specimens in the Genus. Liotyphlops caracasensis, L. cucutae, L. guentheri, L. incertus, L. metae, L. petersi, and L. rowani, are placed in the synonomy of other species. One currently recognized synonym, L. beui, is removed from synonomy and recognized as a separate species. A new species is described from the Rio Magdalena basin of Colombia, and one individual from Brazil represents an apparent new species, but is not formally described in this paper. Other species of Liotyphlops recognized by us areL. albirostris, L. anops, L. schubarti, L. ternetzii, and L. wilderi. Variation in lateral head scale arrangements is documented for a large series of L. albirostris from Panama. Head scale variations, variations in numbers of scale rows about the body, and absence ofan unified method of labeling head scales has produced an excessive number of synonyms for the species of the genus. A new method for labeling lateral head scales of Liotyphlops is proposed, the entire distribution ofthe genus is clarified, and a key to the species is presented.
A Hyperelastic Approach for Composite Reinforcement Large Deformation Analysis
Authors: Aimène Y. , Vidal-Sallé E. , Hagège B. , Sidoroff F. , Boisse P. 
Published: September 2009

A hyperelastic constitutive model is developed for textile composite reinforcement at large strain. A potential is proposed, which is the addition of two tension and one shear energies. The proposed potential is a function of the right Cauchy Green and structural tensor invariants whose choice corresponds to textile composite reinforcement mechanical behavior which exhibits weak elongations in the fiber directions and large angular variations in the fabric plane. The model is implemented in a Vumat user routine of ABAQUS/Explicit. Some elementary tests are performed in order to identify the model and verify its validity. It is then used to simulate the hemispherical punch forming of balanced and unbalanced fabrics. A correct agreement is obtained with experimental forming processes.
Class prediction models of thrombocytosis using genetic biomarkers
Authors: Gnatenko Dmitri V. , Zhu Wei , Xu Xiao , Samuel Edward T. , Monaghan Melissa , Zarrabi Mohammad H. , Kim Christi , Dhundale Anil , Bahou Wadie F. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCriteria for distinguishing among etiologies of thrombocytosis are limited in their capacity to delineate clonal (essential thrombocythemia [ET]) from nonclonal (reactive thrombocytosis [RT]) etiologies. We studied platelet transcript profiles of 126 subjects (48 controls, 38 RT, 40 ET [24 contained the JAK2V617F mutation]) to identify transcript subsets that segregated phenotypes. Cross-platform consistency was validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Class prediction algorithms were developed to assign phenotypic class between the thrombocytosis cohorts, and by JAK2 genotype. Sex differences were rare in normal and ET cohorts (< 1% of genes) but were male-skewed for approximately 3% of RT genes. An 11-biomarker gene subset using the microarray data discriminated among the 3 cohorts with 86.3% accuracy, with 93.6% accuracy in 2-way class prediction (ET vs RT). Subsequent quantitative RT-PCR analysis established that these biomarkers were 87.1% accurate in prospective classification of a new cohort. A 4-biomarker gene subset predicted JAK2 wild-type ET in more than 85% patient samples using either microarray or RT-PCR profiling, with lower predictive capacity in JAK2V617F mutant ET patients. These results establish that distinct genetic biomarker subsets can predict thrombocytosis class using routine phlebotomy.
Evidence for calcium-mediated perception of plant symbiotic signals in aequorin-expressing Mesorhizobium loti
Authors: Moscatiello Roberto , Alberghini Sara , Squartini Andrea , Mariani Paola , Navazio Lorella 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
During the interaction between rhizobia and leguminous plants the two partners engage in a molecular conversation that leads to reciprocal recognition and ensures the beginning of a successful symbiotic integration. In host plants, intracellular Ca2+ changes are an integral part of the signalling mechanism. In rhizobia it is not yet known whether Ca2+ can act as a transducer of symbiotic signals.

Results
A plasmid encoding the bioluminescent Ca2+ probe aequorin was introduced into Mesorhizobium loti USDA 3147T strain to investigate whether a Ca2+ response is activated in rhizobia upon perception of plant root exudates. We find that M. loti cells respond to environmental and symbiotic cues through transient elevations in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. Only root exudates from the homologous host Lotus japonicus induce Ca2+ signalling and downstream activation of nodulation genes. The extracellular Ca2+ chelator EGTA inhibits both transient intracellular Ca2+ increase and inducible nod gene expression, while not affecting the expression of other genes, either constitutively expressed or inducible.

Conclusion
These findings indicate a newly described early event in the molecular dialogue between plants and rhizobia and highlight the use of aequorin-expressing bacterial strains as a promising novel approach for research in legume symbiosis.
Parkinson's disease brain mitochondria have impaired respirasome assembly, age-related increases in distribution of oxidative damage to mtDNA and no differences in heteroplasmic mtDNA mutation abundance
Authors: Arthur Charles R , Morton Stephanie L , Dunham Lisa D , Keeney Paula M , Bennett James P 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Sporadic Parkinson's disease (sPD) is a nervous system-wide disease that presents with a bradykinetic movement disorder and is frequently complicated by depression and cognitive impairment. sPD likely has multiple interacting causes that include increased oxidative stress damage to mitochondrial components and reduced mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity. We analyzed mitochondria from postmortem sPD and CTL brains for evidence of oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), heteroplasmic mtDNA point mutations and levels of electron transport chain proteins. We sought to determine if sPD brains possess any mtDNA genotype-respiratory phenotype relationships.

Results
Treatment of sPD brain mtDNA with the mitochondrial base-excision repair enzyme 8-oxyguanosine glycosylase-1 (hOGG1) inhibited, in an age-dependent manner, qPCR amplification of overlapping ~2 kbase products; amplification of CTL brain mtDNA showed moderate sensitivity to hOGG1 not dependent on donor age. hOGG1 mRNA expression was not different between sPD and CTL brains. Heteroplasmy analysis of brain mtDNA using Surveyor nuclease® showed asymmetric distributions and levels of heteroplasmic mutations across mtDNA but no patterns that statistically distinguished sPD from CTL. sPD brain mitochondria displayed reductions of nine respirasome proteins (respiratory complexes I-V). Reduced levels of sPD brain mitochondrial complex II, III and V, but not complex I or IV proteins, correlated closely with rates of NADH-driven electron flow. mtDNA levels and PGC-1α expression did not differ between sPD and CTL brains.

Conclusion
PD brain mitochondria have reduced mitochondrial respiratory protein levels in complexes I-V, implying a generalized defect in respirasome assembly. These deficiencies do not appear to arise from altered point mutational burden in mtDNA or reduction of nuclear signaling for mitochondrial biogenesis, implying downstream etiologies. The origin of age-related increases in distribution of oxidative mtDNA damage in sPD but not CTL brains is not clear, tracks with but does not determine the sPD phenotype, and may indicate a unique consequence of aging present in sPD that could contribute to mtDNA deletion generation in addition to mtDNA replication, transcription and sequencing errors. sPD frontal cortex experiences a generalized bioenergetic deficiency above and beyond aging that could contribute to mood disorders and cognitive impairments.
The use of graduated scenarios to facilitate the learning of complex and difficult-to- describe concepts
Authors: Moon Jenny 
Published: September 2009

There are many complex concepts in higher education learning that are difficult to convey to learners in words. Some examples are reflective learning; critical thinking; clinical reasoning; processes of evaluation (e.g. in art and design subjects) and professional practice (e.g. teaching
itself). These are important concepts that evade straightforward uses of language that might explain how to do them and how then to do them better or at a deeper level and so on.
This article explores a method that has been developed to facilitate the learning of such concepts the graduated
scenario technique. The article describes the initial development of the method with respect to the concept of reflective learning. Graduated scenarios are based on two practices first, the use of examples and demonstrations that show learners in this case how to write reflectively. Second,
they demonstrate the characteristics of deep reflection as opposed to superficial and descriptive reflection. This demonstration is made explicit at the end of the exercise, in a framework for, in this case, reflective learning. The assumption is made that better quality learning emanates
from deeper reflection (e.g. Hatton and Smith 1995).
The article goes on to discuss the application of the graduated scenario technique to critical thinking. It then moves to a more generic approach, considering why such a technique appears to be helpful and it provides examples of other
areas of learning in which it could be used.
Turkish in Germany - On contact-induced language change of an immigrant language in the multilingual landscape of Europe
Authors: Rehbein Jochen , Herkenrath Annette , Karakoç Birsel 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
In this paper we report on instances of innovative languaging in the spoken Turkish of bilingual children in Germany. Changes of Turkish mainly occur in areas of connectivity such as deictic/phoric expressions, wh-constructions, coordination, aspect, evidentiality, particles, and others. Contact-induced language change
- is described in terms of functional reinterpretations of Standard Turkish linguistic forms, based on spoken German,
- is seen as being motivated by 'catalysis′ in multilingual communication and
- is explained by means of the theory of 'transpositions′ of linguistic procedures, as defined within the framework of functional-pragmatics.
The article argues that the changes observed are so systematic in nature that it seems justified to speak of a new contact variety of Turkish.
Factors predicting phonological adaptations of the Spanish phonemes /x / and /θ / in Catalan
Authors: Benet Ariadna , Cortés Susana , Lleó Conxita 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The choice between using a Catalan word or a loanword from Spanish which contains a non-Catalan segment is conditioned by: i) whether the two words are cognates, ii) whether speakers have had schooling in Catalan, iii) the degree of Spanish usage in the district they live. When speakers modify the pronunciation of the Spanish word in order to avoid using non-Catalan segments, phonological adaptations are more often found in Spanish words which contain /θ/ than in those which contain /x/. Such a finding is explained in terms of the Principle of Feature Economy.
Untersuchungen des vertikalen Temperaturverlaufes in einer WassertripelpunktzelleInvestigations of the Vertical Temperature Changes in a Water Triple-Point Cell
Authors: Mittelstädt Hannelore 
Published: September 2009

Zusammenfassung
Es wurde der vertikale Temperaturverlauf in einer Wassertripelpunktzelle bei unterschiedlichen Umgebungsbedingungen und unter Benutzung von drei verschiedenen Platin-Widerstandsthermometern untersucht. Die Übereinstimmung mit dem vorhersehbaren Verlauf entsprechend der Gleichung von Clausius–Clapeyron konnte nachgewiesen werden. Eine genaue Bestimmung der Temperatur-Druckabhängigkeit des Wassers ergab einen Wert von -(7,40±0,04)×10-5 K/kPa, entsprechend -(7,26±0,04)×10-6 K/cm WS. Die Messung der Temperaturdifferenz zwischen Wassertripelpunkt und Eispunkt ergab einen Wert von -(9,80±0,10) mK.
Optische Durchflussmessung in einer frei angeströmten MikrobohrungOptical Flow Measurement in a Micro Through-Hole with Inflow by a Free Jet
Authors: Petrak Dieter , Zosel Jens , Rauh Hagen 
Published: September 2009

Zusammenfassung
Es wird ein optischer Durchflussgeber für die Messung des Volumenstroms einer Flüssigkeit in einer Mikrobohrung vorgestellt, der bei Anströmung mittels Freistrahl erfolgreich verwendet wurde. Als Mikrobohrung wurde eine Glaskapillare mit einem Innendurchmesser von 0,15 mm benutzt, die in eine 2 mm dicke Messplatte eingesetzt wurde. Wesentliche Bauelemente des Durchflussgebers sind ein LED-Beleuchtungssystem und ein faseroptisches Ortsfilter. Das Messverfahren wurde an einem Laboraufbau mit kreisrundem turbulenten Freistrahl sowie in einer Technikumsanlage zur horizontalen Leiterplattenbeschichtung eingesetzt.
Artefaktkorrekturen beim dimensionellen Messen mit industrieller Röntgen-ComputertomographieArtefact Correction at Coordinate Measuring with Industrial X-Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Kasperl Stefan , Hiller Jochen 
Published: September 2009

Zusammenfassung
Die zerstörungsfreie Untersuchung komplexer Bauteile ist eine wichtige Prüfaufgabe in der industriellen Fertigung. Die dabei gestellten Anforderungen umfassen eine schnelle Verifikation der Maßhaltigkeit sowie die Analyse von Soll-Ist-Vergleichen. Für diese Erfordernisse ist die Computertomographie (CT) als zerstörungsfreie Prüfmethode bestens geeignet. Allerdings äußern sich physikalische Effekte wie Strahlaufhärtung und Streustrahlung in den rekonstruierten Schichten als Artefakte, die die Bildqualität verschlechtern und die Erfüllung der genannten Prüfaufgaben erschweren oder verhindern. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt, wie mit Hilfe der Iterativen Artefakt-Reduktion (IAR) die Qualität der Rekonstruktionen verbessert werden kann. Am Beispiel eines speziellen Referenzkörpers und eines Aluminiumtestkörpers werden ausgewählte Kenn- und Messgrößen ermittelt und die erzielten Genauigkeitssteigerungen quantifiziert.
Revised values of the bond valence parameters for [6]Sb(V)–O and [3–11]Sb(III)–O
Authors: Mills Stuart James , Christy Andrew G. , Chen Emily C.-C , Raudsepp Mati 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Bond valence parameters r
0 and b have been re-determined for [3–11]Sb(III)–O and [6]Sb(V)–O, utilising crystal structures of natural and inorganic compounds from the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database. Bond valence parameters for Sb(III) were obtained from a best-fit r
0–b curve for 242 independent SbO
n
polyhedra. For [6]Sb(V), a curve of best fitting r
0–b pairs was determined by fitting to 207 independent SbO6 octahedra; b was then determined by optimising bond valence sums on the oxygens of Sb2O5 and Sb2O4, given the limited low quality structural data available for Sb(V) coordination numbers other than 6. Parameter values that minimised r.m.s. deviation from the ideal bond valence sums were r
0 = 1.925 Å and b = 0.455 Å for Sb(III) and r
0 = 1.904 Å, b = 0.430 Å for [6]Sb(V). The increase in r
0 for Sb(III) may represent the repulsive effect of the lone-pair electrons, while the difference in b indicates higher polarisability when these electrons are present. Consideration of subsets of data for differing coordination numbers demonstrates that Sb(III) parameters are applicable to all SbOn coordination numbers (CN = 3–11). We also show that the apparent overbonding using the classical b value cannot be an artefact of unresolved site splitting. For Sb(V), independent determination of b allows bond lengths cautiously to be estimated for CN ≠ 6. This work confirms that the “universal” value b = 0.37 Å is not adequate for heavier cations such as Sb.
Structural relationships in complex hydrides of the late transition metals
Authors: Kohlmann Holger 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Literature data on complex hydrides of the late transition metals (groups 7–10), such as the hydrogen storage material Mg2NiH4, are reviewed with respect to order-disorder phase transitions and structural relationships. They are analysed in terms of crystallographic group-subgroup trees and their use in understanding the different crystal structures from a symmetry point of view is demonstrated. New data are presented on the low temperature behaviour of magnesium iridium hydrides and strontium rhodium hydrides studied by powder X-ray diffraction.
SrNi7.90(8)In5.10(8) – a new superstructure in the NaZn13 family
Authors: Hoffmann Rolf-Dieter , Muts Ihor , Zaremba Vasyl , Pöttgen Rainer 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
SrNi7.90(8)In5.10(8) was synthesized by induction melting of the elements in a sealed tantalum tube in a water-cooled silica sample chamber. The structure was refined on the basis of single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: Cccm, a = 1615.2(4), b = 1822.3(4), c = 1238.5(4) pm, wR2 = 0.1481, 4144F
2 values and 150 variables). The striking structural motifs of the SrNi7.90In5.10 structure are one-dimensional [Ni7] cluster units (242–286 pm Ni—Ni) which are surrounded by indium atoms. The structural relationship to the other NaZn13 superstructures is discussed on the basis of a group-subgroup scheme.
Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older European men
Authors: Lee David M , Rutter Martin K , O'Neill Terence W , Boonen Steven , Vanderschueren Dirk , Bouillon Roger , Bartfai Gyorgy , Casanueva Felipe F , Finn Joseph D , Forti Gianni , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T , Kula Krzysztof , Lean Michael E J , Pendleton Neil , Punab Margus , Silman Alan J , Wu Frederick C W , _ _ 
Published: September 2009

ObjectivesLow serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels have been linked to insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Data in healthy, community-dwelling Europeans are lacking, and previous studies have not excluded subjects receiving drug treatments that may distort the relationship between 25(OH)D/PTH and MetS. The aim of our analysis was to examine the association of 25(OH)D and PTH with Adult Treatment Panel III-defined MetS in middle-aged and older European men.DesignThis was a population-based, cross-sectional study of 3369 men aged 40–79 years enrolled in the European Male Ageing Study.ResultsAfter exclusion of subjects with missing data, 3069 men with a mean (±s.d.) age of 60±11 years were included in the analysis. Age-adjusted 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (BP), triglycerides, and glucose (all P<0.01). Age-adjusted PTH levels were only associated with waist and diastolic BP (both P<0.05). After adjusting for age, centre, season and lifestyle factors the odds for MetS decreased across increasing 25(OH)D quintiles (odds ratios 0.48 (95% confidence intervals 0.36–0.64) highest versus lowest quintile; Ptrend<0.001). This relationship was unchanged after adjustment for PTH, but was attenuated after additional adjustment for homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (0.60 (0.47–0.78); Ptrend<0.001). There was no association between PTH and MetS.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate an inverse relationship between 25(OH)D levels and MetS, which is independent of several confounders and PTH. The relationship is partly explained by insulin resistance. The clinical significance of these observations warrants further study.
Influence of disease control with pegvisomant on sleep apnoea and tongue volume in patients with active acromegaly
Authors: Berg C , Wessendorf T E , Mortsch F , Forsting M , Teschler H , Weischer T , Mann K , Saller B , Herrmann B L 
Published: September 2009

ObjectivesSleep apnoea has been consistently reported to occur in acromegaly. In uncontrolled patients, the severity of sleep apnoea influences physical activity in the daytime. We investigated the influence of disease activity on tongue volume and sleep apnoea treated with the GH receptor antagonist pegvisomant in poorly controlled patients with acromegaly under octreotide.Design and methodsA total of 12 patients with active acromegaly (six females; six males; mean age 57±15 years; body mass index 29.4±4.2 kg/m2; mean±s.d.) were treated with pegvisomant (13.5±5.0 mg/die) for 6 months. Tongue volume was examined by magnetic resonance imaging, and sleep apnoea was characterized by polysomnography before and after 6 months of treatment with pegvisomant. The mandibular length was determined by lateral X-ray films.ResultsIGF1 levels decreased after 6 months in all patients (407±114 to 199±23 μg/l; P=0.0001). The tongue volume decreased (105±33 to 83±33 ml; P=0.007) as well as the apnoea–hypnoea index (23±22 to 18±18/h; P=0.0066). The mandibular length correlated with the initial tongue volume (r2=0.6072, P=0.0028).ConclusionIn conclusion, successful treatment with pegvisomant can decrease tongue volume, which has benefits for coexisting sleep disordered breathing.
Competition Law and the Economy in the Russian Federation, 1990-2006
Authors: Rajabiun Reza 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Most developing and transition countries adopted statutes prohibiting anticompetitive agreements and abusive practices during the 1980's and 1990's. The effectiveness of these laws is nevertheless widely debated. This paper contributes to the literature by conducting an event study of the adoption of Russian competition laws in the early years of transition, the subsequent economic developments and the legislative reform process of 2002-2006. An examination of the substantive prohibitions and enforcement data reveals that Russian competition laws relied on complex standards and imposed weak constraints on anticompetitive practices. The more recent shift to simpler and more predictable per se prohibitions against collusive agreements substantiates this hypothesis. The evidence has implications for the design of regulatory regimes in other countries with laws similar to those operative in Russia during the transition process.
The Vanderbilt PICC Service: Program, Procedural, and Patient Outcomes Successes
Authors: Burns Doug 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Since its inception in early 2000, Vanderbilt University's Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Service has experienced a high level of success as measured by high proficiency rates and increasing patient procedures each year, low complication rates during and after PICC placements, and an increasing scope of influence within the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Children's Hospital, the surrounding community, and in the Southeastern United States. Primary drivers of the PICC Service's continuing success include consistent applications of technique and technology, a data-driven approach to assessing the program's progress, and appropriately managing customers' expectations and needs. Over the past five years, data were collected on more than 12,500 PICC placements performed in this specialized nursing program. Retrospective analyses of the data demonstrate an increasing rate of successful placements (from 87.2% to 92.4%) since the program's inception in 2000 to late 2004. Furthermore, the choice of PICC technology has had a significant impact on the odds for occlusion or infection. The Vanderbilt PICC Service provides a model by which other programs can be established, maintained, and expanded into advanced practice.