bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term plant stanol and sterol ester-enriched functional food consumption, serum lutein/zeaxanthin concentration and macular pigment optical density
Authors: Berendschot Tos T. J. M. , Plat Jogchum , de Jong Ariënne , Mensink Ronald P. 
Published: November 2008

Observational epidemiological studies have shown that low carotenoid intake and/or low carotenoid blood levels increase the risk of degenerative diseases like age-related macular degeneration. Functional foods enriched with plant sterol or stanol esters may lower serum concentrations of fat-soluble carotenoids. Theoretically, as a result the macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a marker for eye health, may change. We carried out a double-blind placebo-controlled human intervention trial with a duration of 18 months to evaluate the possible effects of plant stanol and sterol esters on serum lutein/zeaxanthin concentration in relation to the MPOD. Forty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups: margarine without added plant sterols or stanols, plant sterol-enriched margarine, or plant stanol-enriched margarine. Serum cholesterol and lutein/zeaxanthine concentrations and the MPOD were evaluated at baseline and at study end. Changes in lipid-adjusted serum lutein/zeaxanthine concentrations between baseline and study end differed significantly between the three groups (P = 0·001). We found no differences in the MPOD between the three treatment groups, despite the differences in both absolute and cholesterol-standardized serum lutein/zeaxanthine concentrations. This shows that the observed reduction in serum carotenoid concentrations during 18 months consumption of these functional foods does not affect MPOD.
Why almost all moral critique of theodicies is misplaced
Authors: SØVIK ATLE O. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMuch moral critique of theodicies is misplaced. Firstly, much of the critique begs the question because it presupposes something else to be true than what the theodicy claims; had the theodicy been true, it would not be immoral. Secondly, much of the moral critique shows situations where theodicies are inappropriate, and argues that they should never be communicated because of these situations. But if a theory is true, there will be some situations where it is appropriate to communicate it, and others where it is not. This is no basis for a moral dismissal of the theory.
Do the demographics of theistic belief disconfirm theism? A reply to Maitzen
Authors: MARSH JASON 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn his article entitled ‘Divine hiddenness and the demographics of theism’ (Religious Studies, 42 (2006), 177–191), Stephen Maitzen draws our attention to an important feature that is often overlooked in discussion about the argument from divine hiddenness (ADH). His claim is that an uneven distribution of theistic belief (and not just the mere existence of non-belief) provides an atheological challenge that cannot likely be overcome. After describing what I take to be the most pressing feature of the problem, I argue that a hidden premise causes Maitzen to overlook a Molinist solution. The upshot is a softening of the atheological import of the demographic data.
Questionnaires for eliciting evaluation data from users of interactive question answering systems
Authors: KELLY D. , KANTOR P. B. , MORSE E. L. , SCHOLTZ J. , SUN Y. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractEvaluating interactive question answering (QA) systems with real users can be challenging because traditional evaluation measures based on the relevance of items returned are difficult to employ since relevance judgments can be unstable in multi-user evaluations. The work reported in this paper evaluates, in distinguishing among a set of interactive QA systems, the effectiveness of three questionnaires: a Cognitive Workload Questionnaire (NASA TLX), and Task and System Questionnaires customized to a specific interactive QA application. These Questionnaires were evaluated with four systems, seven analysts, and eight scenarios during a 2-week workshop. Overall, results demonstrate that all three Questionnaires are effective at distinguishing among systems, with the Task Questionnaire being the most sensitive. Results also provide initial support for the validity and reliability of the Questionnaires.
Relationship between fish intake, n-3 fatty acids, mercury and risk markers of CHD (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002)
Authors: Smith Kimberly M , Barraj Leila M , Kantor Mark , Sahyoun Nadine R 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundFish consumption has been shown to be inversely associated with CHD, which may be due to n-3 fatty acids. The n-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are naturally found only in marine sources. Dietary intakes of methylmercury from certain fish have been hypothesized to increase the risk of CHD.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between 30 d fish frequency consumption (assessed by FFQ), total blood Hg concentrations and risk markers of CHD in women aged 16–49 years participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002.DesignMultiple linear regression analyses were used to test (i) the relationships between 30 d fish frequency consumption and five CHD risk markers, i.e. HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, TAG and C-reactive protein (CRP); and (ii) if total blood Hg attenuated any associations between fish consumption and CHD risk markers in non-pregnant, non-diabetic females aged 16–49 years.ResultsTotal 30 d fish frequency consumption was negatively associated with CRP (b = −0·10, 95 % CI −0·19, −0·02, P = 0·015) and positively associated with HDL-C (b = 1·40, 95 % CI 0·31, 2·50, P = 0·014). Adjustment for other risk factors did not significantly attenuate the associations. Despite the collinearity between fish and Hg, there is a protective association between fish intake and CHD risk factors.ConclusionsThe levels of DHA + EPA and other nutrients in fish may be adequate to offset the hypothesized risks of heart disease related to ingesting Hg from fish.
Contribution of fish to intakes of micronutrients important for fetal development: a dietary survey of pregnant women in the Republic of Seychelles
Authors: Bonham Maxine P , Duffy Emeir M , Robson Paula J , Wallace Julie M , Myers Gary J , Davidson Philip W , Clarkson Tom W , Shamlaye Conrad F , Strain JJ , Livingstone M Barbara E 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo characterise the diets of pregnant women in the Republic of Seychelles and to determine the contribution of fish to intakes of nutrients important for fetal and neonatal development.DesignObservational, prospective study.SettingSeychelles Child Development Centre, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles.Subjects and methodsPregnant women (n 300) were recruited at their first visit to an antenatal clinic. At 28 weeks’ gestation subjects completed a 4 d diet diary (n 273) and intakes were analysed using dietary analysis software.ResultsMean (sd) energy intake was 9·0 (2·5) MJ/d and fat intakes were higher than UK recommendations for almost two-thirds of the cohort. Fish consumption was lower than in previous surveys, suggesting a move towards a more Westernised diet. Low intakes of a number of nutrients important during pregnancy for fetal development (Fe, Zn, Se and iodine) were observed. However, women who met the current recommendations for these nutrients consumed significantly more fish than those who did not (97 v. 73 g/d).ConclusionsThe present study highlights the importance of fish in the diet of pregnant Seychellois women for ensuring adequate intakes of micronutrients important in fetal development. Dietary patterns in Seychelles, however, are in a state of transition, with a move towards a Western-style diet as evidenced by higher fat and lower fish intakes. If these dietary trends continue and fish consumption declines further, micronutrient status may be compromised. These findings suggest caution in establishing public health policies that promote limitation of fish intake during pregnancy.
Comparing diet composition and growth of children living in two limitary Greek islands (Samos and Corfu)
Authors: Grammatikopoulou Maria G , Daskalou Efstratia , Hatzopoulou Margarita , Sourtzinou Loukia , Tsigga Maria 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to assess differences in dietary intake and growth of pre-schoolers and schoolchildren living in two limitary Greek islands; Samos, situated on the eastern border, and Corfu, situated on the western border.DesignCross-sectional two-site study.MethodsA total of 248 children aged 3–12 years from the two islands participated in the survey. Body weight and height were recorded and Z-scores were calculated. A 3 d food record was collected for each child, computer-analysed and compared with the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA). Intakes ≤70 % of the RDA were considered inadequate.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight in participants from Samos and Corfu was 10·7 % and 6·5 % respectively, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. In Corfu, the diet comprised 52 % carbohydrate, 34 % fat and 14 % protein, all different from the composition of the Samian diet (42 % carbohydrate, 39 % fat, 19 % protein; P ≤ 0·05). Inadequacies in micronutrient intake were evident only in the diet of Samos and concerned folate and P of the pre-schoolers and biotin of the school-aged participants. The diet in Corfu was more similar to the overall Mediterranean pattern as well as that of Italian children. Growth and overweight trends in Corfu resembled the ones in Italy, whereas in Samos, similarities were identified with trends from Turkey.ConclusionsBorder areas at a distance from the mainland exhibit different dietary intakes compared with rest of the country; thus when designing nutrition surveys the setting should also include such limitary areas.
Chromatic Aberrations in the Field Evaporation Behavior of Small Precipitates
Authors: Marquis Emmanuelle A. , Vurpillot Francois 
Published: November 2008

AbstractArtifacts in the field evaporation behavior of small precipitates have limited the accuracy of atom probe tomography analysis of clusters and precipitates smaller than 2 nm. Here, we report on specific observations of reconstruction artifacts that were obtained in case of precipitates with radii less than 10 nm in Al alloys, focusing particularly on a shift that appears in the relative positioning of matrix and precipitate atoms. We show that this chemically dependent behavior, referred to as “chromatic aberration,” is due to the electrostatic field above the emitter and the variations in field evaporation of the elements constituting the precipitates.
Cardiovascular Imaging Using Two-Photon Microscopy
Authors: Scherschel John A. , Rubart Michael 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTwo-photon excitation microscopy has become the standard technique for high resolution deep tissue and intravital imaging. It provides intrinsic three-dimensional resolution in combination with increased penetration depth compared to single-photon confocal microscopy. This article will describe the basic physical principles of two-photon excitation and will review its multiple applications to cardiovascular imaging, including second harmonic generation and fluorescence laser scanning microscopy. In particular, the capability and limitations of multiphoton microscopy to assess functional heterogeneity on a cellular scale deep within intact, Langendorff-perfused hearts are demonstrated. It will also discuss the use of two-photon excitation-induced release of caged compounds for the study of intracellular calcium signaling and intercellular dye transfer.
Diversity rankings among bacterial lineages in soil
Authors: Youssef Noha H , Elshahed Mostafa S 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
We used rarefaction curve analysis and diversity ordering-based approaches to rank the 11 most frequently encountered bacterial lineages in soil according to diversity in 5 previously reported 16S rRNA gene clone libraries derived from agricultural, undisturbed tall grass prairie and forest soils (n=26,140, 28 328, 31 818, 13 001 and 53 533). The Planctomycetes, Firmicutes and the δ-Proteobacteria were consistently ranked among the most diverse lineages in all data sets, whereas the Verrucomicrobia, Gemmatimonadetes and β-Proteobacteria were consistently ranked among the least diverse. On the other hand, the rankings of α-Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Chloroflexi varied widely in different soil clone libraries. In general, lineages exhibiting largest differences in diversity rankings also exhibited the largest difference in relative abundance in the data sets examined. Within these lineages, a positive correlation between relative abundance and diversity was observed within the Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi, and a negative diversity–abundance correlation was observed within the Bacteroidetes. The ecological and evolutionary implications of these results are discussed.
The Ignorance Economy
1
Authors: Roberts Joanne , Armitage John 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to investigate the concept of ignorance. The article employs ignorance and related writings on the lack of knowledge and new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), education, and on the state of being ignorant with the aim of expounding an ignorant approach to the critique of the knowledge economy. This perspective necessitates a discussion of those subjects and objects apparently lacking in knowledge in addition to deliberations on the nature of new ICTs. Various studies by educators, economists, and management theorists are introduced and examined as instances of an ignorant standpoint on the knowledge economy. The authors argue and find that whilst an ignorant viewpoint regarding the knowledge economy might initially appear as one that is itself founded on a state of ignorance, a deeper investigation reveals its usefulness when considering the knowledge economy. Thus, the value of the article is that it introduces the concept of the ignorance economy and considers it from an original standpoint in the light of ongoing debates over the knowledge economy.
Data Wealth, Data Poverty, Science and Cyberinfrastructure
1
Authors: Sawyer Steve 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Changes in access to data are leading to rapid ‘data wealth’ in some scientific fields, even as others remain ‘data‐poor’. Furthermore, the current attention towards developing computer‐based infrastructures and digital access to common data sets—the basics of scientific ‘cyberinfrastructures’—are too‐focused on fields of study characterized by data wealth. To better understand the implications of this twin pursuit of data wealth and cyberinfrastructure, I articulate how data‐poor scholarly fields differ from data‐rich fields. I then suggest four actions that scholars in data‐poor fields can take to improve their work’s value to science and society in lieu of being data‐rich and propose three design considerations for cyberinfrastructures that can better support data‐poor scholarly endeavors.
How frugal is mother nature with haplotypes?
Authors: Climer Sharlee , Jäger Gerold , Templeton Alan R. , Zhang Weixiong 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Inference of haplotypes from genotype data is crucial and challenging for many vitally important studies. The first, and most critical step, is the ascertainment of a biologically sound model to be optimized. Many models that have been proposed rely partially or entirely on reducing the number of unique haplotypes in the solution.
Results: This article examines the parsimony of haplotypes using known haplotypes as well as genotypes from the HapMap project. Our study reveals that there are relatively few unique haplotypes, but not always the least possible, for the datasets with known solutions. Furthermore, we show that there are frequently very large numbers of parsimonious solutions, and the number increases exponentially with increasing cardinality. Moreover, these solutions are quite varied, most of which are not consistent with the true solutions. These results quantify the limitations of the Pure Parsimony model and demonstrate the imperative need to consider additional properties for haplotype inference models. At a higher level, and with broad applicability, this article illustrates the power of combinatorial methods to tease out imperfections in a given biological model.
Contact: weixiong.zhang@wustl.edu
Evolution of small inversions in chloroplast genome: a case study from a recurrent inversion in angiosperms
Authors: Catalano Santiago Andrés , Saidman Beatriz Ofelia , Vilardi Juan César 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSmall inversions (SIs) in the chloroplast genome of angiosperms are ubiquitous. These inversions are always flanked by inverted repeats (palindromes or quasipalindromes) between approximately 8 and 50 bp long that form a hairpin structure when the DNA is single‐stranded. We evaluated different methodological and empirical issues about SI evolution. As a case study, we analysed an SI recently discovered in thepsbC–trnS intergenic region ofProsopis(Fabaceae). First, we analysed how inversions can be optimized in cases where the inverted segment also shows indels and substitutions, proposing a method based on Fixed States Optimization. Second, we evaluated the occurrence of this inversion on a phylogeny that includes the major lineages of angiosperms. Finally, we assessed whether the occurrence of this inversion was related to the thermodynamic stability of the hairpin structure (measured by its corresponding free energy) and/or the length of the palindromes by using a modified version of Maddison’s Concentrated Changes Test. Hairpin structure was conserved in most of the 154 sequences analysed, with the inversion taking place at least 10 times in different lineages (monocots, magnoliids, rosids). As was previously proposed for other SIs, our analysis strongly suggests that the occurrence of this inversion is correlated with higher hairpin stability. In contrast, we found no evidence of a correlation with longer palindromes. Our results are in agreement with the hypothesis that hairpin formation is a requisite for SI occurrence. However, alternative explanations cannot be discarded.© The Willi Hennig Society 2008.
Electrocardiographic abnormalities in opiate addicts
Authors: Wallner Christina , Stöllberger Claudia , Hlavin Anton , Finsterer Josef , Hager Isabella , Hermann Peter 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAims  To determine in a cross‐sectional study the prevalence of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in opiate addicts who were therapy‐seeking and its association with demographic, clinical and drug‐specific parameters.Methods  In consecutive therapy‐seeking opiate addicts, a 12‐lead ECG was registered within 24 hours after admission and evaluated according to a pre‐set protocol between October 2004 and August 2006. Additionally, demographic, clinical and drug‐specific parameters were recorded.Results  Included were 511 opiate‐addicts, 25% female, with a mean age of 29 years (range 17–59 years). One or more ECG abnormalities were found in 314 patients (61%). In the 511 patients we found most commonly ST abnormalities (19%), QTc prolongation (13%), tall R‐ and/or S‐waves (11%) and missing R progression (10%). ECG abnormalities were more common in males than in females (64 versus 54%, P < 0.05), and in patients with positive than negative urine findings for cannabis (68 versus 57%, P < 0.05). Patients with ST abnormalities were more often males than females (21 versus 11%, P < 0.05), had a history of seizures less often (16 versus 27%, P < 0.05), had positive than negative urine findings for cannabis more often (26 versus 15%, P < 0.01) and had negative than positive urine findings for methadone more often (21 versus 11%, P < 0.05). QTc prolongation was more frequent in patients with high dosages of maintenance drugs than in patients with medium or low dosages (27 versus 12 versus 10%, P < 0.05) and in patients whose urine findings were positive than negative for methadone (23 versus 11%, P < 0.001) as well as for benzodiazepines (17 versus 9%, P < 0.05). Limitations of the data are that in most cases other risk factors for the cardiac abnormalities were not known.Conclusion  ECG abnormalities are frequent in opiate addicts. The most frequent ECG abnormalities are ST abnormalities, QTc prolongation and tall R‐ and/or S‐waves. ST abnormalities are associated with cannabis, and QTc prolongation with methadone and benzodiazepines.
Dysregulation of stromal derived factor 1/CXCR4 axis in the megakaryocytic lineage in essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Salim Juan P. , Goette Nora P. , Lev Paola R. , Chazarreta Carlos D. , Heller Paula G. , Alvarez Clarisa , Molinas Felisa C. , Marta Rosana F. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThis study investigated the involvement of chemokines including stromal derived factor 1 (SDF‐1), interleukin 8 (IL‐8), growth‐related oncogene alpha (GRO‐α) and their receptors, CXCR4, CXCR2 and CXCR1 in essential thrombocythemia (ET), a chronic myeloproliferative disease characterized by megakaryocytic hyperplasia and high platelet count. Fifty‐three ET patients were studied. Plasma levels of SDF‐1, IL‐8 and GRO‐α, evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometric analysis of CXCR1 and CXCR2 on the platelet membrane, were found to be normal in ET patients. CXCR4 expression on platelet surface as well as platelet CXCR4 mRNA detected by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, were decreased. Platelet CXCR4 internalization rate was normal while SDF‐1‐induced platelet aggregation was delayed, decreased or absent. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that megakaryocytes were also affected. CXCR4 decrease was not observed either in peripheral white blood cells or in circulating CD34+ precursors. These results show that CXCR4 is decreased in the megakaryocytic lineage in ET, mainly due to a reduced CXCR4 production, and an abnormal platelet response to SDF‐1. This report is the first to describe platelet and megakaryocytic CXCR4 deficiency in a human disease and the presence of this abnormality in a megakaryocytic‐related illness highlights the important role of SDF‐1/CXCR4 axis in platelet development.
Angling pressure, yield and catch per effort of grayling, Thymallus thymallus (L)., and brown trout, Salmo trutta L., on the rivers Glomma and Rena, southeastern Norway
Authors: LINLØKKEN A. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Postal questionnaires, interviews and accurate reports from anglers were used to study angling activity, yield and catch per effort of grayling, Thymallus thymallus (L.), and brown trout, Salmo trutta L., on three stretches of the regulated river Glomma and two stretches of its tributary, the river Rena in southeastern Norway. Angling activity was expressed as hours angling per kilometre of river and varied from 364 (CL 245–598) to 1337 (CL 912–1991) h km‐1. Grayling and brown trout dominated the catches. The catches were estimated between 476 (CL 334–659) and 753 (CL 517–1155) grayling and brown trout per kilometre river stretch. The mean weights were estimated between 216 and 353 g for grayling, and 260 and 395 g for brown trout. The yield of grayling and brown trout was estimated between 8.7 (CL 6.1–12.4) and 46.4 (CL 34.9–62.3) kg ha‐1 yr‐1. The quotient grayling/brown trout in the catches varied between 0.41 and 5.1, and was found to be significantly negatively correlated with angling effort (r = ‐ 0.838, P <0.05). Catch per effort was estimated between 132 (CL 82–218) and 382 (CL 287–513) g h‐1, and was also negatively correlated to angling effort, according to: Catch per effort (g h‐1) = ‐ 0.210 × effort (h km‐1) + 405 (r = and 0.899, P <0.02).Angling activity in earlier years was determined from number of permits sold where data were available. On stretches where angling activity was moderate, there was a tendency towards increase, whereas on stretches where activity had been high for several years, the activity seemed to have stagnated, indicating that a saturation had been reached.