bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From Joseph to Daniel: The Literary Development of the Narrative in Daniel 2
Authors: Segal Michael 
Published: January 2009

AbstractScholars have recognized the composite nature of the narrative in Daniel 2 based upon certain contradictions within the story. Additional evidence will be marshaled to bolster this claim, including variation in the use of divine names according to the evidence of the Old Greek version. Furthermore, I suggest that a more precise division of the source material can be obtained based upon a philological analysis of the expression (v. 14), and its Akkadian cognates. The earlier stratum of the story presents Daniel as a “second” Joseph, and closely parallels both the story of Genesis 41 and the tale in Daniel 5. The secondary section is analyzed in an appendix in an attempt to identify its literary and historical context, with special attention given to the relationship between the description of God in 2:21 and the depiction of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in Daniel 7:24-26.
Nocturnal Intrusions and Divine Interventions on Behalf of Judah. David's Wisdom and Saul's Tragedy in 1 Samuel 26
Authors: Adam Klaus-Peter 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA literary strand of narratives about Saul in 1 Samuel emerged in a process of rewriting Israelite-Judean history. 1 Sam 26* and a number of other episodes (1 Sam 10:8; 10:17-27; 13:7a-13a; 14:24-46; parts of 1 Sam 9; 1 Sam 16:1-13; 16:14-23; 17*; 1 Sam 28*, 31*; 2 Sam 1*) present the first Israelite king as a figure that was informed by Greek tragic heroism. More specifically, the themes and the formation of the characters in the story of David's nocturnal intrusion in 1 Samuel 26 are set side by side with the post-classical drama Rhesus. 1 Sam 26 is understood as a narrative comment on Saul's destiny in prophetic tradition. Saul's tragic heroism is described with skl “to act foolishly” 1 Sam 26:21b. Also, Qohelet's royal travesty in Eccl 1:12-2:26 alludes to this notion of Saul as a tragic king who acts foolishly (skl). He is contrasted with his glorious opponent David who succeeds (śkl) in all his endeavours.
Robert Grosseteste's Conclusiones and the Commentary on the Posterior Analytics
Authors: Bloch David 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis article examines the nature of Robert Grosseteste's commentary on Aristotle's Posterior Analytics with particular reference to his “conclusions” (conclusiones). It is argued (using book 1, chapter 2, of the commentary as a case study) that the simple demonstrative appearance of the commentary, which is very much the result of the 64 conclusions, is in part an illusion. Thus, the exposition in the commentary is not simply based on the strict principles of the Posterior Analytics and on the proof-procedures of Euclidean geometry; rather the commentary is a complicated mixture of different elements of twelfth-century texts and the scholarship of Grosseteste's day.
Time as a Part of Physical Objects: The Modern 'Descartes-Minus Argument' and an Analogous Argument from Fourteenth-Century Logic (William Heytesbury and Albert of Saxony)
Authors: Fitzgerald Michael 
Published: January 2009

AbstractI argue in the essay that the fourteenth-century logicians William Heytesbury and Albert of Saxony developed an argument I call the Socrates-Minus Argument. Their analysis and rejection of it indicates a direction towards a pragmatic resolution to the contemporary Descartes-Minus Argument. Their resolution is similar to the view adopted today by Peter van Inwagen, namely, that “arbitrary undetached parts of physical objects,” like 'all of Socrates except his finger' simply do not exist. I conclude the fourteenth-century approach does not run afoul of Leibniz's law of the Indiscernibility of Identicals, but utilizes a form of Leibniz's Identity of Indiscernibles that, when combined with a weak “anthropic principle,” yield a pragmatic resolution to the Descartes-Minus Argument.
Effects of infectious mononucleosis and HLA-DRB1*15 in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nielsen TR , Rostgaard K , Askling J , Steffensen R , Oturai A , Jersild C , Koch-Henriksen N , Sørensen PS , Hjalgrim H 
Published: January 2009

Background Both human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*15 and Epstein-Barr virus infection presenting as infectious mononucleosis (IM) are recognized as risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, their combined effect and possible interaction on MS risk is not known. Objective To assess the association between HLA-DRB1*15 and risk of MS in persons with and without IM. Methods We compared the prevalence of DRB1*15 in MS patients with ( n = 76) and without ( n = 1,836) IM with the corresponding distributions in blood donors with ( n = 62) and without ( n = 484) IM histories. This allowed us to estimate the relative risk of MS associated with DRB1*15 in the presence and absence, respectively, of previous IM. We then estimated the interaction between DRB1*15 and IM as the ratio of the two individual odds ratios. Results In IM-naïve individuals, DRB1*15 carried a 2.4-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0–3.0) increased MS risk. In contrast, among persons with IM history, DRB1*15 was associated with a 7.0-fold (95% CI, 3.3–15.4) increased MS risk. Thus, the MS risk conferred by HLA-DRB1*15 was 2.9 (95% CI, 1.3–6.5)-fold stronger in the presence than in the absence of IM. Combined with previous results, this result indicates that DRB1*15-positive persons with a history of IM may be at a 10.0-fold (95% CI, 6.0–17.9) increased risk of MS compared with persons who are DRB1*15 and IM-naïve. Conclusion DRB1*15 and IM may act in synergy causing MS.
The contribution of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands to the early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zipoli V , Hakiki B , Portaccio E , Lolli F , Siracusa G , Giannini M , Pantoni L , Pescini F , Sorbi S , Amato MP 
Published: January 2009

Background McDonald Criteria (MDC) have been validated in selected patients at high risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, possible overdiagnosis of MS can represent critical issues in less controlled clinical settings. Objective To assess the contribution of oligoclonal bands (OB) to MS diagnosis in current clinical practice. Methods We included all the patients admitted to our Department since 2001 who had undergone diagnostic workup for a possible MS diagnosis, followed up for at least 1 year. We assessed the accuracy of MDC, OB, and two MDC definitions of dissemination in space (DIS-MRI: fulfillment of MRI criteria, DIS-OB: two MRI lesions+OB). Results We included 118 patients (median follow-up 4.0 years). Twenty-eight cases received an alternative diagnosis, whereas none of these presented OB, 43% fulfilled the DIS-MRI criteria. OB were present in 70% of the remaining 90 patients. By the end of the follow-up, 56% of the diagnoses had converted to clinically definite MS and OB showed higher accuracy than DIS-MRI fulfillment (70% vs 58%). Moreover, after 1 year and at the end of the follow-up, DIS-OB yielded a higher Specificity level in comparison with DIS-MRI. Conclusion OB can improve overall diagnostic Accuracy by increasing Specificity and negative predictive value.
A P2X receptor from the tardigrade species Hypsibius dujardiniwith fast kinetics and sensitivity to zinc and copper
Authors: Bavan Selvan , Straub Volko A , Blaxter Mark L , Ennion Steven J 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundOrthologs of the vertebrate ATP gated P2X channels have been identified inDictyosteliumand green algae, demonstrating that the emergence of ionotropic purinergic signalling was an early event in eukaryotic evolution. However, the genomes of a number of animals includingDrosophila melanogasterandCaenorhabditis elegans, both members of the Ecdysozoa superphylum, lack P2X-like proteins, whilst other species such as the flatwormSchistosoma mansonihave P2X proteins making it unclear as to what stages in evolution P2X receptors were lost. Here we describe the functional characterisation of a P2X receptor (HdP2X) from the tardigradeHypsibius dujardinidemonstrating that purinergic signalling is preserved in some ecdysozoa.ResultsATP (EC50~44.5 μM) evoked transient inward currents inHdP2X with millisecond rates of activation and desensitisation.HdP2X is antagonised by pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4' disulfonic acid (IC5015.0 μM) and suramin (IC5022.6 μM) and zinc and copper inhibit ATP-evoked currents with IC50values of 62.8 μM and 19.9 μM respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that unlike vertebrate P2X receptors, extracellular histidines do not play a major role in coordinating metal binding inHdP2X. However, H306 was identified as playing a minor role in the actions of copper but not zinc. Ivermectin potentiated responses to ATP with no effect on the rates of current activation or decay.ConclusionThe presence of a P2X receptor in a tardigrade species suggests that both nematodes and arthropods lost their P2X genes independently, as both traditional and molecular phylogenies place the divergence between Nematoda and Arthropoda before their divergence from Tardigrada. The phylogenetic analysis performed in our study also clearly demonstrates that the emergence of the family of seven P2X channels in human and other mammalian species was a relatively recent evolutionary event that occurred subsequent to the split between vertebrates and invertebrates. Furthermore, several characteristics ofHdP2X including fast kinetics with low ATP sensitivity, potentiation by ivermectin in a channel with fast kinetics and distinct copper and zinc binding sites not dependent on histidines makeHdP2X a useful model for comparative structure-function studies allowing a better understanding of P2X receptors in higher organisms.
Domain duplication, divergence, and loss events in vertebrate Msx paralogs reveal phylogenomically informed disease markers
Authors: Finnerty John R , Mazza Maureen E , Jezewski Peter A 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Msx originated early in animal evolution and is implicated in human genetic disorders. To reconstruct the functional evolution of Msx and inform the study of human mutations, we analyzed the phylogeny and synteny of 46 metazoan Msx proteins and tracked the duplication, diversification and loss of conserved motifs.

Results
Vertebrate Msx sequences sort into distinct Msx1, Msx2 and Msx3 clades. The sister-group relationship between MSX1 and MSX2 reflects their derivation from the 4p/5q chromosomal paralogon, a derivative of the original "MetaHox" cluster. We demonstrate physical linkage between Msx and other MetaHox genes (Hmx, NK1, Emx) in a cnidarian. Seven conserved domains, including two Groucho repression domains (N- and C-terminal), were present in the ancestral Msx. In cnidarians, the Groucho domains are highly similar. In vertebrate Msx1, the N-terminal Groucho domain is conserved, while the C-terminal domain diverged substantially, implying a novel function. In vertebrate Msx2 and Msx3, the C-terminal domain was lost. MSX1 mutations associated with ectodermal dysplasia or orofacial clefting disorders map to conserved domains in a non-random fashion.

Conclusion
Msx originated from a MetaHox ancestor that also gave rise to Tlx, Demox, NK, and possibly EHGbox, Hox and ParaHox genes. Duplication, divergence or loss of domains played a central role in the functional evolution of Msx. Duplicated domains allow pleiotropically expressed proteins to evolve new functions without disrupting existing interaction networks. Human missense sequence variants reside within evolutionarily conserved domains, likely disrupting protein function. This phylogenomic evaluation of candidate disease markers will inform clinical and functional studies.
Evaluation of a microarray-hybridization based method applicable for discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa genome
Authors: Dötsch Andreas , Pommerenke Claudia , Bredenbruch Florian , Geffers Robert , Häussler Susanne 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Whole genome sequencing techniques have added a new dimension to studies on bacterial adaptation, evolution and diversity in chronic infections. By using this powerful approach it was demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa undergoes intense genetic adaptation processes, crucial in the development of persistent disease. The challenge ahead is to identify universal infection relevant adaptive bacterial traits as potential targets for the development of alternative treatment strategies.

Results
We developed a microarray-based method applicable for discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in P. aeruginosa as an easy and economical alternative to whole genome sequencing. About 50% of all SNPs theoretically covered by the array could be detected in a comparative hybridization of PAO1 and PA14 genomes at high specificity (> 0.996). Variations larger than SNPs were detected at much higher sensitivities, reaching nearly 100% for genetic differences affecting multiple consecutive probe oligonucleotides. The detailed comparison of the in silico alignment with experimental hybridization data lead to the identification of various factors influencing sensitivity and specificity in SNP detection and to the identification of strain specific features such as a large deletion within the PA4684 and PA4685 genes in the Washington Genome Center PAO1.

Conclusion
The application of the genome array as a tool to identify adaptive mutations, to depict genome organizations, and to identify global regulons by the "ChIP-on-chip" technique will expand our knowledge on P. aeruginosa adaptation, evolution and regulatory mechanisms of persistence on a global scale and thus advance the development of effective therapies to overcome persistent disease.
Upregulated mRNA expression of desaturase and elongase, two enzymes involved in highly unsaturated fatty acids biosynthesis pathways during follicle maturation in zebrafish
Authors: Ishak Sairatul D , Tan Sze-Huey , Khong Hou-Keat , Jaya-Ram Annette , Enyu Yee-Ling , Kuah Meng-Kiat , Shu-Chien Alexander Chong 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Although unsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4n-6), collectively known as the highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA), play pivotal roles in vertebrate reproduction, very little is known about their synthesis in the ovary. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) display capability to synthesize all three HUFA via pathways involving desaturation and elongation of two precursors, the linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n-6) and linolenic acid (LNA, C18:3n-3). As a prerequisite to gain full understanding on the importance and regulation of ovarian HUFA synthesis, we described here the mRNA expression pattern of two enzymes; desaturase (fadsd6) and elongase (elovl5), involved in HUFA biosynthesis pathway, in different zebrafish ovarian follicle stages. Concurrently, the fatty acid profile of each follicle stage was also analyzed.

Methods
mRNA levels of fadsd6 and elovl5 in different ovarian follicle stages were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. For analysis of the ovarian follicular fatty acid composition, gas chromatography was used.

Results
Our results have shown that desaturase displayed significant upregulation in expression during the oocyte maturation stage. Expression of elongase was significantly highest in pre-vitellogenic follicles, followed by maturation stage. Fatty acid composition analysis of different ovarian follicle stages also showed that ARA level was significantly highest in pre-vitellogenic and matured follicles. DHA level was highest in both late vitellogenic and maturation stage.

Conclusion
Collectively, our findings seem to suggest the existence of a HUFA synthesis system, which could be responsible for the synthesis of HUFA to promote oocyte maturation and possibly ovulation processes. The many advantages of zebrafish as model system to understand folliculogenesis will be useful platform to further elucidate the regulatory and mechanism aspects of ovarian HUFA synthesis.
Validation of previously identified serum biomarkers for breast cancer with SELDI-TOF MS: a case control study
Authors: van Winden Annemieke WJ , Gast Marie-Christine W , Beijnen Jos H , Rutgers Emiel JTh , Grobbee Diederick E , Peeters Petra HM , van Gils Carla H 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Serum protein profiling seems promising for early detection of breast cancer. However, the approach is also criticized, partly because of difficulties in validating discriminatory proteins. This study's aim is to validate three proteins previously reported to be discriminative between breast cancer cases and healthy controls. These proteins had been identified as a fragment of inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor H4 (4.3 kDa), C-terminal-truncated form of C3a des arginine anaphylatoxin (8.1 kDa) and C3a des arginine anaphylatoxin (8.9 kDa).

Methods
Serum protein profiles of 48 breast cancer patients and 48 healthy controls were analyzed with surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS). Differences in protein intensity between breast cancer cases and controls were measured with the Mann-Whitney U test and adjusted for confounding in a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results
Four peaks, with mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) 4276, 4292, 8129 and 8941, were found that were assumed to represent the previously reported proteins. M/z 4276 and 4292 were statistically significantly decreased in breast cancer cases compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). M/z 8941 was decreased in breast cancer cases (p < 0.001) and m/z 8129 was not related with breast cancer (p = 0.87). Adjustment for sample preparation day, sample storage duration and age did not substantially alter results.

Conclusion

M/z 4276 and 4292 both represented the previously reported 4.3 kDa protein and were both decreased in breast cancer patients, which is in accordance with the results of most previous studies. M/z 8129 was in contrast with previous studies not related with breast cancer. Remarkably, m/z 8941 was decreased in breast cancer cases whereas in previous studies it was increased. Differences in patient populations and pre-analytical sample handling could have contributed to discrepancies. Further research is needed before we can conclude on the relevance of these proteins as breast cancer biomarkers.
Acute abdomen caused by ingested chicken wishbone: a case report
Authors: Hoxha Faton T , Hashani Shemsedin I , Komoni Driton S , Gashi-Luci Lumturije H , Kurshumliu Fisnik I , Hashimi Medita SH , Krasniqi Avdyl S 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Introduction
An ingested foreign body often passes the gastrointestinal tract without any complications. Foreign bodies, such as dentures, fish bones, chicken bones, and toothpicks, have been known to cause perforation of the GI tract.

Case presentation
We are presenting a case of a fifty-year-old male with acute abdomen; diffuse fibro purulent peritonitis, i.e. ileum perforation, caused by accidentally ingesting a chicken wishbone. He was treated surgically with ileum resection, and temporary ileostomy. After four months, intestinal continuity was established in the second operation.

Conclusion
Intestinal perforation by a chicken bone is rare and affects the left colon or distal ileum. The lack of information of ingestion and detection of chicken bones preoperatively are of interest to be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, which in this case was treated surgically.
Indigenous Acts: Black and Native Performances in Mexico
Authors: González Anita 
Published: January 2009

While Africans and their descendants are woven into the fabric of Mexico's history, social systems and cultural institutions negate the viability of a dynamic and political black population. Although Afro-Mexicans have socially “disappeared” into the political construction of mestizaje, dances based on archetypal images of blackness such as the negritos or the danza del diablo proliferate at theater and dance festivals in the country.
Performance is a place where black identity articulates itself within a global “call- and-response” of images. Devil dances of the Pacific Costa Chica exemplify the exotic and violent archetype of the Afro-Mexican. In contrast, indigenous Native American village dancers act out inversions of blackness in masked ceremonial rituals called negritos.
These examples of Native American and Afro-Mexican performances highlight the multiple dialogues that surround the African presence in Mexico. Dance, with its gestured codes and musical accompaniments, persists as evidence of a distinctive diasporic presence in a country in which African people run the risk of invisibility.
New Books across the Disciplines
Authors: Cornett Michael 
Published: January 2009

“New Books across the Disciplines” is a bibliographic resource that facilitates a cross-disciplinary survey of recent publications. Its scope ranges from late antiquity to the seventeenth century. Coverage is comprehensive for the large majority of North American and British publishers. Other European titles are included whenever received. Books are classified under variable topical headings and listed alphabetically by author's name. Entries include complete bibliographical data and annotations. With few exceptions, books appearing here have been published within the previous two years. Many will be presented here before they are ordered and shelved by libraries. The topics for this issue include:
Editions and translations Reference Biographical studies Mapping space Contact cultures Jewish studies Christian saints and professions Family and the everyday The marvelous Visual culture Narrative structures, lyric effects Essay collections
Changes in the pressure and the dynamic stiffness index of medical elastic compression stockings after having been worn for eight hours: a pilot study
Authors: van der Wegen-Franken C P M , Tank B , Nijsten T , Neumann H A M 
Published: January 2009

Objectives There is no data available at present on the changes in the exerted pressure together with the dynamic stiffness index (DSI) of medical elastic compression stockings (MECS). The objective of this pilot study was to measure the pressure and calculate the DSI of 12 different brands of MECS before and after having been worn for eight hours. Methods In all, 12 different commercially available brands of MECS that were divided into two categories (class I round-knitted and class II flat-knitted MECS) were tested. The pressure was measured, and the DSI of the MECS was first calculated at the B1 level before wearing in the morning and again eight hours after they had been worn. All laboratory measurements were performed using a newly developed dynamic leg-segment model. Results The pressure at the B1 level dropped significantly in all 12 brands of MECS after having been worn for eight hours, whereas the DSI remained unchanged. Conclusion The DSI of MECS reflects an important and particularly consistent therapeutic effect. As the pressure drops during the day, the pressure amplitude or pulsations remain the same. The pressure drop may be due to fatigue of the elastic material. The DSI would therefore form a valuable indicator for prescribing the most effective MECS for the patient.