bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
γ-Glutamyltransferase, Hepatic Enzymes, and Risk of Incident Heart Failure in Older Men
Authors: Wannamethee S. Goya , Whincup Peter H. , Shaper A. Gerald , Lennon Lucy , Sattar Naveed 
Published: January 2012

Objective—
The relationship between γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and heart failure (HF) in older adults is unknown. We have examined the relationship between GGT, other markers of hepatic function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase), and incident HF in older men.

Methods and Results—

This was a prospective study of 3494 men aged 60 to 79 years with no diagnosed HF or myocardial infarction followed up for a mean period of 9 years, in whom there were 168 incident HF cases. Elevated GGT (top quartile, ≥38 U/L) was associated with significantly increased risk of incident HF in men aged <70 years but not in men aged ≥70 years (test for age-GGT interaction,
P
<0.0001). The increased risk of HF associated with elevated GGT persisted after adjustment for a wide range of established and novel risk factors for HF, including diabetes, stroke, obesity, systolic blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, lung function, inflammation (C-reactive protein), endothelial dysfunction (von Willebrand factor), leptin, and N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.91 [1.07, 3.42]). Other liver function markers showed no significant associations with HF after similar adjustments.

Conclusion—
Elevated GGT was associated with increased risk of HF in men aged <70 years. Additional studies are now needed to determine the mechanisms responsible.
Sexual body size and body shape dimorphism of Testudo hermanni in central and eastern Serbia
Authors: Djurakíc Marko , Djordjevíc Sonja , Bonnet Xavier , Tomovíc Ljiljana , Ajtíc Rastko , Golubovíc Ana 
Published: January 2012

AbstractHermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is widely distributed in western and southern Europe. Most populations in the western part of the distribution range (e.g. Spain, France, Italy) are severely reduced, and relatively well studied, whilst the species is still abundant in eastern areas (i.e. the Balkans). However, essential biological information (e.g. main morphological, ecological, and behavioural characteristics) for the Balkans are still extremely limited. As reptiles exhibit strong geographic variation in most morphological, as well as life history traits, gathering data from distant areas is important. We present data from two populations of T. hermanni in Serbia, focusing on sexual dimorphism in body size and body shape. We found that almost all of the 43 morphological traits analysed were significantly different between sexes and that sexual size and sexual shape dimorphisms were not expressed in similar ways. Notably, sexual size dimorphism (SSD) was more pronounced than sexual shape dimorphism (SShD). Our analyses suggested that SShD is more stable than SSD, and that the scale of the focus (i.e. whole body proportions versus morphological details) is a key factor to test this notion. When general measurements were considered, the expected consistency of SShD between populations was verified; nevertheless, when more specific morphological attributes were considered, substantial variations were observed. These results provide a baseline for comparisons between populations to further examine geographic variation of sexual dimorphism.
Die Doktorarbeit. Erinnerungen aus der Steinzeit der Orientalistik
Authors: van Ess Josef 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this article, Josef van Ess describes the supervision process of his doctoral thesis, which was presented in Bonn in 1958 and subsequently published as Die Gedankenwelt des Hārit al-Muhāsibī in 1961. His supervisor was Hellmut Ritter (d.1971), at that time based in Frankfurt and Istanbul, who had suggested this focus on the writings of one of the eminent figures of the religious scene in the early Abbasid period. By making ample use of his correspondence with Ritter— related both to his doctoral thesis and to an article on al-Muhāsibī which he wrote for İslam Ansiklopedisi —van Ess highlights the specific ways in which Ritter engaged with the problems of philological analysis, scientific style and the authenticity of sources in the course of this study of al-Muhāsibī's life and works. The article sheds light on the changing attitudes expressed by Ritter towards the dissertation and its author—moving from reservation, outright rejection and critique towards gradual acceptance and well-meant advice. The article concludes with a discussion of the relevance of philology as a “handcraft” (Handwerk) rather than a “method” (Methode), and reflects on the path which university education has taken over the last fifty years.
Aphorisms of Jesus in John: An Illustrative Look at John 4.35
Authors: McKinnish Bridges Linda 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis literary genre, the aphorism, finds full expression in the Gospel of John. Vestiges of the world of orality, these 'gems of illumination' invite intense reflection and response as they illuminate not only the literary landscape of the Gospel but also provide a lens for viewing the Jesus tradition in the Gospel of John. My work is indebted to the research of J.D. Crossan, author of In Fragments who has written the definitive work on the aphorisms of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels. More explorative work, however, is needed for the aphorisms of Jesus with particular focus on John's Gospel. Although the aphorisms of Jesus in John were omitted in the database of authentic sayings of Jesus compiled by the members of the Jesus Seminar, might these lapidary gems be placed on the table once more for exploration? While I am confident that the Johannine aphorisms lead us through the narrative landscape of the Gospel and even reveal distinctive aspects of the community, is it possible that they might also provide at least a brief glimpse of Jesus? Using the agrarian aphorism of Jn 4.35 as a showcase illustration, this article proposes to identify the form and function of the Johannine aphorism; to investigate the authenticity of the saying in Jn 4.34-35 using established criteria of authenticity; and to suggest the often-overlooked criterion of orality is a most useful tool for continued exploration.
Boater Safety: Communicating Weather Forecast Information to High-Stakes End Users
Authors: Savelli Sonia , Joslyn Susan 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Recreational boaters in the Pacific Northwest understand that there is uncertainty inherent in deterministic forecasts as well as some of the factors that increase uncertainty. This was determined in an online survey of 166 boaters in the Puget Sound area. Understanding was probed using questions that asked respondents what they expected to observe when given a deterministic forecast with a specified lead time, for a particular weather parameter, during a particular time of year. It was also probed by asking respondents to estimate the number of observations, out of 100 or out of 10, that they expected to fall within specified ranges around the deterministic forecast. Almost all respondents anticipated some uncertainty in the deterministic forecast as well as specific biases, most of which were born out by an analysis of local National Weather Service verification data. Interestingly, uncertainty and biases were anticipated for categorical forecasts indicating a range of values as well, suggesting that specifying numeric uncertainty would improve understanding. Furthermore, respondents’ answers suggested that they expected a high rate of false alarms among warning and advisory forecasts. Nonetheless, boaters indicated that they would take precautionary action in response to such warnings, in proportions related to the size of boat they were operating. This suggests that uncertainty forecasts would be useful to these experienced forecast consumers, allowing them to adapt the forecast to their specific boating situation with greater confidence.
Influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in factor VIII and von Willebrand factor genes on plasma factor VIII activity: the ARIC Study
Authors: Campos Marco , Buchanan Ashley , Yu Fuli , Barbalic Maja , Xiao Yang , Chambless Lloyd E. , Wu Kenneth K. , Folsom Aaron R. , Boerwinkle Eric , Dong Jing-fei 
Published: January 2012

AbstractFactor VIII (FVIII) functions as a cofactor for factor IXa in the contact coagulation pathway and circulates in a protective complex with von Willebrand factor (VWF). Plasma FVIII activity is strongly influenced by environmental and genetic factors through VWF-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the coding and promoter sequence in the FVIII gene have been extensively studied for effects on FVIII synthesis, secretion, and activity, but impacts of non–disease-causing intronic SNPs remain largely unknown. We analyzed FVIII SNPs and FVIII activity in 10 434 healthy Americans of European (EA) or African (AA) descent in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Among covariates, age, race, diabetes, and ABO contributed 2.2%, 3.5%, 4%, and 10.7% to FVIII intersubject variation, respectively. Four intronic FVIII SNPs associated with FVIII activity and 8 with FVIII-VWF ratio in a sex- and race-dependent manner. The FVIII haplotypes AT and GCTTTT also associated with FVIII activity. Seven VWF SNPs were associated with FVIII activity in EA subjects, but no FVIII SNPs were associated with VWF Ag. These data demonstrate that intronic SNPs could directly or indirectly influence intersubject variation of FVIII activity. Further investigation may reveal novel mechanisms of regulating FVIII expression and activity.
Definition and characterization of localised meningitis epidemics in Burkina Faso: a longitudinal retrospective study
Authors: Tall Haoua , Hugonnet Stéphane , Donnen Philippe , Dramaix-Wilmet Michèle , Kambou Ludovic , Drabo Frank , Mueller Judith E 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
The epidemiology of meningococcal meningitis in the African meningitis belt is characterised by seasonality, localised epidemics and epidemic waves. To facilitate research and surveillance, we aimed to develop a definition for localised epidemics to be used in real-time surveillance based on weekly case reports at the health centre level.

Methods
We used national routine surveillance data on suspected meningitis from January 2004 to December 2008 in six health districts in western and central Burkina Faso. We evaluated eight thresholds composed of weekly incidence rates at health centre level for their performance in predicting annual incidences of 0.4%and 0.8% in health centre areas. The eventually chosen definition was used to describe the spatiotemporal epidemiology and size of localised meningitis epidemics during the included district years.

Results
Among eight weekly thresholds evaluated, a weekly incidence rate of 75 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during at least two consecutive weeks with at least 5 cases per week had 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity for predicting an annual incidence of at least 0.8% in health centres. Using this definition, localised epidemics were identified in all but one years during 2004-2008, concerned less than 10% of the districts' population and often were geographically dispersed. Where sufficient laboratory data were available, localised epidemics were exclusively due to meningococci.

Conclusions
This definition of localised epidemics a the health centre level will be useful for risk factor and modelling studies to understand the meningitis belt phenomenon and help documenting vaccine impact against epidemic meningitis where no widespread laboratory surveillance exists for quantifying disease reduction after vaccination.
Single/low-copy integration of transgenes in Caenorhabditis elegans using an ultraviolet trimethylpsoralen method
Authors: Kage-Nakadai Eriko , Kobuna Hiroyuki , Funatsu Osamu , Otori Muneyoshi , Gengyo-Ando Keiko , Yoshina Sawako , Hori Sayaka , Mitani Shohei 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundTransgenic strains ofCaenorhabditis elegansare typically generated by injecting DNA into the germline to form multi-copy extrachromosomal arrays. These transgenes are semi-stable and their expression is silenced in the germline. Mos1 transposon or microparticle bombardment methods have been developed to create single- or low-copy chromosomal integrated lines. Here we report an alternative method using ultraviolet trimethylpsoralen (UV/TMP) to generate single/low-copy gene integrations.ResultsWe successfully integrated low-copy transgenes from extrachromosomal arrays using positive selection based on temperature sensitivity with avps-45rescue fragment and negative selection based on benzimidazole sensitivity with aben-1rescue fragment. We confirmed that the integrants express transgenes in the germline. Quantitative PCR revealed that strains generated by this method contain single- or low-copy transgenes. Moreover, positive selection marker genes flanked by LoxP sites were excised by Cre recombinase mRNA microinjection, demonstrating Cre-mediated chromosomal excision for the first time inC. elegans.ConclusionOur UV/TMP integration method, based on familiar extrachromosomal transgenics, provides a useful approach for generating single/low-copy gene integrations.
Patterned Si thin film electrodes for enhancing structural stability
Authors: Cho Gyu-bong , Noh Jung-pil , Sung Ho-jin , Lee Sang-hun , Im Yeon-min , Ahn Hyo-jun , Kim Ki-won 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A patterned film (electrode) with lozenge-shaped Si tiles could be successfully fabricated by masking with an expanded metal foil during film deposition. Its electrochemical properties and structural stability during the charge-discharge process were examined and compared with those of a continuous (conventional) film electrode. The patterned electrode exhibited a remarkably improved cycleability (75% capacity retention after 120 cycles) and an enhanced structural stability compared to the continuous electrode. The good electrochemical performance of the patterned electrode was attributed to the space between Si tiles that acted as a buffer against the volume change of the Si electrode.
Effect of triplet multiple quantum well structures on the performance of blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lee Seokjae , Koo Jaryong , Hyung Gunwoo , Lim Donghwan , Lee Donghyung , Lee Kumhee , Yoon Seungsoo , Kim Wooyoung , Kim Youngkwan 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
We investigate multiple quantum well [MQW] structures with charge control layers [CCLs] to produce highly efficient blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes [PHOLEDs]. Four types of devices from one to four quantum wells are fabricated following the number of CCLs which are mixed p- and n-type materials, maintaining the thickness of the emitting layer [EML]. Remarkably, such PHOLED with an optimized triplet MQW structure achieves maximum luminous and external quantum efficiency values of 19.95 cd/A and 10.05%, respectively. We attribute this improvement to the efficient triplet exciton confinement effect and the suppression of triplet-triplet annihilation which occurs within each EML. It also shows a reduction in the turn-on voltage from 3.5 V (reference device) to 2.5 V by the bipolar property of the CCLs.
Densification characteristics of chromia/alumina castables by particle size distribution
Authors: Zhao Jingming , Kim Taesuk , Kim Gichul , Hwang Kyuhong , Bae Dongsik 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The quality of the refractories applied on integrated gasification combined cycle should be a key factor that affects both the reliability and the economics of gasifier operation. To enhance the workability of chromia/alumina castables, three types of ultrafine alumina powder were added to improve the workability. Densification behavior of such castables in the presence of ultrafine alumina was assessed through the measurement of parameters like flow value, viscosity, bulk density, apparent porosity, and microstructure evaluation by an SEM study. It's proved that the specific surface area and particle size distribution of ultrafine powders in matrix parts greatly influence the densification behavior of these castables.
Surveillance in eastern India (2007-2009) revealed reassortment event involving ns and PB1-F2 gene segments among co-circulating influenza a subtypes
Authors: Sarkar Mehuli , Chanda Shampa , Chakrabarti Sekhar , Mazumdar Jaydeep , Ganguly Anirban , Chadha Mandeep S , Mishra Akhilesh C , Chawla-Sarkar Mamta 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Influenza A virus encodes for eleven proteins, of which HA, NA, NS1 and PB1-F2 have been implicated in viral pathogenicity and virulence. Thus, in addition to the HA and NA gene segments, monitoring diversity of NS1 and PB1-F2 is also important.

Methods
55 out of 166 circulating influenza A strains (31 H1N1 and 24 H3N2) were randomly picked during 2007-2009 and NS and PB1-F2 genes were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out with reference to the prototype strains, concurrent vaccine strains and other reference strains isolated world wide.

Results
Comparative analysis of both nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences, revealed presence of NS gene with A/PR/8/34(H1N1)-like mutations (H4N, Q21R, A22V, K44R, N53D, C59R, V60A, F103S and M106I) in both RNA-binding and effector domain of NS1 protein, and G63E, the HPAI-H5N1-like mutation in NEP/NS2 of five A/H1N1 strains of 2007 and 2009. NS1 of other A/H1N1 strains clustered with concurrent A/H1N1 vaccine strains. Of 31 A/H1N1 strains, five had PB1-F2 similar to the H3N2 strains; six had non-functional PB1-F2 protein (11 amino acids) similar to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strains and rest 20 strains had 57 amino acids PB1-F2 protein, similar to concurrent A/H1N1 vaccine strain. Interestingly, three A/H1N1 strains with H3N2-like PB1-F2 protein carried primitive PR8-like NS gene. Full gene sequencing of PB1 gene confirmed presence of H3N2-like PB1 gene in these A/H1N1 strains.

Conclusion
Overall the study highlights reassortment event involving gene segments other than HA and NA in the co-circulating A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains and their importance in complexity of influenza virus genetics. In contrast, NS and PB1-F2 genes of all A/H3N2 eastern India strains were highly conserved and homologous to the concurrent A/H3N2 vaccine strains suggesting that these gene segments of H3N2 viruses are evolutionarily more stable compared to H1N1 viruses.
Function of regulatory T-cells improved by dexamethasone in Graves' disease
Authors: Hu Yun , Tian Wei , Zhang Ling-Ling , Liu Hao , Yin Guo-Ping , He Bang-Shun , Mao Xiao-Ming 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveIntrathyroid injection of dexamethasone (DEX) has been used to treat Graves' disease (GD); however, the mechanism of this treatment remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DEX on the function of regulatory T (Treg) cells (CD4+CD25+T cells) in patients with GD.MethodsPeripheral blood was obtained from 20 patients with GD, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated by Ficoll–Hypaque density gradient separation. CD4+CD25–/CD4+CD25+T cells were isolated by immunomagnetic selection and DEX was co-cultured with PBMCs or isolated T-cells for 72 h. Treg cell function was analyzed using the proliferation rate of CD4+CD25–T cells.ResultsThe proportion of Treg cells and the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) mRNA expression in PBMCs decreased in GD patients compared with healthy subjects, and Treg cell function was impaired in patients with GD. Although the proportion of Treg cells andFOXP3mRNA expression in PBMCs did not increase, the function of Treg cells improved after the treatment with DEX. Moreover, the proportion of T-helper 2 (Th2) cells was decreased by the DEX treatment.ConclusionsDEX could effectively improve the function of Treg cells and set up a new balance of Th1/Th2 in GD patients. This study might help to further understand the immune mechanism of the intrathyroid injection of DEX in the treatment of GD and facilitate the potential use of this therapy.
Processing of calibration measurements on EZB-3
Authors: Hašková V. , Lipták M. 
Published: January 2012

Processing of calibration measurements on EZB-3The calibration of horizontal circles results in a set of discrete correction values. These corrections are obtained in specific circle positions chosen by the size of the calibration step. For further use it is necessary to know the correction values for any location on a horizontal circle; therefore, it is necessary to know the function of the continuous corrections of a horizontal circle. This could be achieved from the measured values by several methods. In the article two methods are presented for determining this function through the approximation of polynomial and trigonometric series.
Swidden Farming as an Agent of Environmental Change: Ecological Myth and Historical Reality in Indonesia
Authors: Henley David 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Swidden farming, once condemned as a major cause of deforestation, has increasingly come to be seen as a form of forest management and even conservation. Under traditional conditions, it is now assumed, swiddening was a sustainable practice and cultivation cycles were long enough to allow forest to regenerate during the fallow interval. This article tests these assumptions against historical evidence from Sulawesi (Indonesia) in the period 1820-1950. The data show that intensive bush-fallow swidden systems, with fallow periods of just five to six years, were already the norm in the early nineteenth century, when average population densities were still low and production for commerce limited. In most cases these traditional short-fallow systems were sustainable, in the sense of not entailing progressive deforestation beyond an established swidden-fallow complex. But within that complex the natural forest was permanently replaced by a much less rich and diverse anthropogenic vegetation. In some areas, moreover, swidden farming took an unsustainable, itinerant form involving the creation of fire-climax grassland. This too appears to have been a traditional pattern; there is no evidence that it resulted from population growth, or from external influences such as migration or commerce. The view of traditional swidden farming as an environmentally benign practice is an idealised one, and should not be allowed to obscure the fundamental incompatibility of agriculture with nature conservation.
Book Reviews
Authors: Tucker Richard , Lehmann Philip N. , Tomalin Emma 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Chris Pearson, Peter Coates and Tim Cole, eds., Militarized Landscapes: From Gettysburg to Salisbury Plain (Richard Tucker)
Libby Robin, Chris Dickman and Mandy Martin, eds., Desert Channels: The Impulse to Conserve (Philip N. Lehmann)
Bron Taylor, Dark Green Religion. Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future (Emma Tomalin)