bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Counseling in Southern Iran: Consanguinity and Reason for Referral
Authors: Fathzadeh Mohsen , Babaie Bigi Mohammad Ali , Bazrgar Masood , Yavarian Majid , Tabatabaee Hamid Reza , Akrami Seyed Mohammad 
Published: June 2008

AbstractPopulation based genetic counseling that promotes public health goals is an appropriate health care service. The genetic counseling center in Shiraz, southern Iran serves most of the clients in the region. During a 4‐year period, 2,686 couples presented for genetic counseling. Data files revealed that 85% had consanguineous relationships (1.5% double first cousin, 74% first cousin, 8% second cousin, 1.5% beyond second cousin). Most prevalent reasons for referral were premarital counseling (80%), with 89% consanguinity, followed by preconception (12%), postnatal (7%), and prenatal counseling (1%). The most common abnormalities in probands or relatives were intellectual and developmental disabilities, hearing loss/impairment, and neuromuscular dystrophies. Family history of medical problem(s) and/or consanguinity was the main indication for referral in nearly every family. Premarital consanguinity poses unique challenges and opportunities. There is considerable opportunity for genetic counseling and education for couples in this population. The tradition of consanguinity, which is likely to persist in Iran, requires multidisciplinary agreement regarding the appropriate process of genetic counseling. Effective genetic counseling in Iran hinges on inclusion of data from genetic counseling services in national genomic and epidemiologic research programs.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Inhibition of Tumor Angiogenesis by Tumstatin: Insights into Signaling Mechanisms and Implications in Cancer Regression
Authors: Sudhakar Akulapalli , Boosani Chandra S. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Growing tumors develop additional new blood vessels to meet the demand for adequate nutrients and oxygen, a process called angiogenesis. Cancer is a highly complex disease promoted by excess angiogenesis; interfering with this process poses for an attractive approach for controlling tumor growth. This hypothesis led to the identification of endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors generated from type IV collagen, a major component of vascular basement membrane (VBM). Type IV collagen and the angiogenesis inhibitors derived from it are involved in complex roles, than just the molecular construction of basement membranes. Protease degradation of collagens in VBM occurs in various physiological and pathological conditions and produces several peptides. Some of these peptides are occupied in the regulation of functions conflicting from those of their original integral molecules. Tumstatin (α3(IV)NC1), a proteolytic C-terminal non-collagenous (NC1) domain from type IV collagen α3 chain has been highlighted recently because of its potential role in anti-angiogenesis, however its biological actions are not limited to these processes. α3(IV)NC1 inhibits proliferation by promoting endothelial cell apoptosis and suppresses diverse tumor angiogenesis, thus making it a potential candidate for future cancer therapy. The present review surveys the physiological functions of type IV collagen and discovery of α3(IV)NC1 as an antiangiogenic protein with a comprehensive overview of the knowledge gained by us towards understanding its signaling mechanisms.
Near-field flow structure of a confined wall jet on flat and concave rough walls
Authors: ALBAYRAK I. , HOPFINGER E. J. , LEMMIN U. 
Published: June 2008

Experimental results are presented of the mean flow and turbulence characteristics in the near field of a plane wall jet issuing from a nozzle onto flat and concave walls consisting of fixed sand beds. This is a flow configuration of interest for sediment erosion, also referred to as scouring. The measurements were made with an acoustic profiler that gives access to the three components of the instantaneous velocities. For the flat-wall flow, it is shown that the outer-layer spatial growth rate and the maxima of the Reynolds stresses approach the values accepted for the far field of a wall jet at a downstream distancex/b0≈ 8. These maxima are only about half the values of a plane free jet. This reduction in Reynolds stresses is also observed in the shear-layer region,x/b0< 6, where the Reynolds shear stress is about half the value of a free shear layer. At distancesx/b0> 11, the maximum Reynolds shear stress approaches the value of a plane free jet. This change in Reynolds stresses is related to the mean vertical velocity that is negative forx/b0< 8 and positive further downstream. The evolution of the inner region of the wall jet is found to be in good agreement with a previous model that explicitly includes the roughness length.On the concave wall, the mean flow and the Reynolds stresses are drastically changed by the adverse pressure gradient and especially by the development of Görtler vortices. On the downslope side of the scour hole, the flow is nearly separating with the wall shear stress tending to zero, whereas on the upslope side, the wall-friction coefficient is increased by a factor of about two by Görtler vortices. These vortices extend well into the outer layer and, just above the wall, cause a substantial increase in Reynolds shear stress.
Cooperative body–brain coevolutionary synthesis of mechatronic systems
Authors: Wang Jiachuan , Fan Zhun , Terpenny Janis P. , Goodman Erik D. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTo support the concurrent design processes of mechatronic subsystems, unified mechatronics modeling and cooperative body–brain coevolutionary synthesis are developed. In this paper, both body-passive physical systems and brain-active control systems can be represented using the bond graph paradigm. Bond graphs are combined with genetic programming to evolve low-level building blocks into systems with high-level functionalities including both topological configurations and parameter settings. Design spaces of coadapted mechatronic subsystems are automatically explored in parallel for overall design optimality. A quarter-car suspension system case study is provided. Compared with conventional design methods, semiactive suspension designs with more creativity and flexibility are achieved through this approach.
GOOD TASTE AND SWEET ORDERING: DINING WITH MRS BEETON
Authors: Beetham Margaret 
Published: June 2008

In his bookDistinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste, the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu argues that in order to understand the workings of culture “in the restricted, normative sense” we must not only relate our discussion to the broad anthropological meanings of the concept, we must also relate it to “taste” in the physical sense. We must, he argues, bring “the elaborated taste for the most refined objects . . . back into relation with the elementary taste for the flavours of food” (Bourdieu 99). Bourdieu is writing of twentieth-century France and not nineteenth-century Britain. It may seem anachronistic to juxtapose a quotation from his work with one from an 1861 volume of domestic advice. However, his argument that social distinctions can be understood through a discussion of the material and cultural values attached to food resonates with Beeton's argument that “the rank which a people occupy . . . may be measured by their way of taking their meals.”
Evaluation of a web-based, pictorial diet history questionnaire
Authors: Beasley Jeannette M , Davis Amanda , Riley William T 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and evaluate a pictorial, web-based version of the NCI diet history questionnaire (Web-PDHQ).DesignThe Web-PDHQ and paper version of the DHQ (Paper-DHQ) were administered 4 weeks apart with 218 participants randomised to order. Dietary data from the Web-PDHQ and Paper-DHQ were validated using a randomly selected 4 d food record recording period (including a weekend day) and two randomly selected 24 h dietary recalls during the 4 weeks intervening between these two diet history administrations.SettingResearch office in Reston, VA, USA.Participa414tsComputer-literate men and women recruited through newspaper advertisements.ResultsMean correlation of energy and the twenty-five examined nutrients between the Web-PDHQ and Paper-DHQ was 0·71 and 0·51, unadjusted and energy-adjusted by the residual method, respectively. Moderate mean correlations (unadjusted 0·41 and 0·38; energy-adjusted 0·41 and 0·34) were obtained between both the Web-PDHQ and Paper-DHQ with the 4 d food record on energy and nutrients, but the correlations between the Web-PDHQ and Paper-DHQ with the 24 h recalls were modest (unadjusted 0·31 and 0·29; energy-adjusted 0·37 and 0·26). A subset of participants (n 48) completing the Web-PDHQ at the initial visit performed a retest on the same questionnaire 1 week later to determine repeatability, and the unadjusted mean correlation was 0·82.ConclusionsThese data indicate that the Web-PDHQ has comparable repeatability and validity to the Paper-DHQ but did not improve the relationship of the DHQ to other food intake measures (e.g. food records, 24 h recall).
Fish and seafood consumption and omega 3 intake in French coastal populations: CALIPSO survey
Authors: Bemrah Nawel , Sirot Véronique , Leblanc Jean-Charles , Volatier Jean-Luc 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo describe part of the results of the CALIPSO study, i.e. to provide seafood consumption data on high seafood consumers in France and its contribution ton-3 long-chain (LC) PUFA intake.Design and subjectsA total of 1011 individuals aged 18 years and over, who consumed fish and seafood at least twice weekly, were recruited. A consumption survey and a local ‘total diet study’ were performed to examine seafood consumption, fatty acids composition of seafood and to assessn-3 LC PUFA intake.SettingThe CALIPSO survey was conducted in four French coastal regions (Le Havre, Lorient, La Rochelle and Toulon).MethodsThe subjects were questioned about their consumption habits, especially concerning fish and seafood, through a first validated FFQ. A sample of the most consumed seafood products (n47) was analysed for each region for its fatty acid composition. Fatty acids and especiallyn-3 LC PUFA intakes in this population were then calculated.Results and conclusionsThe average consumption of fresh and frozen fish was found to be 633, 636·5 and 787·8 g/week among men aged 18–64 years, women aged 18–64 years and people over 65 years, respectively. In these population groups, the consumption of crustaceans and molluscs was 270·3, 259·9 and 279·3 g/week, respectively. The results show that, irrespective of the age group and gender, consumption of fish and seafood twice weekly without excluding oily fish allowed people to reach the national and international recommendedn-3 LC PUFA intakes and demonstrates the validity of the French recommendations for fish consumption.
Extent of vitamin A deficiency among rural pregnant women in Bangladesh
Authors: Lee Vanessa , Ahmed Faruk , Wada Shoko , Ahmed Tahmeed , Ahmed AM Shamsir , Parvin Banu Cadi , Akhter Nasima 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh, and examine the relationship between various factors and vitamin A status.SettingCommunity Nutrition Promoter (CNP) centres in Kapasia sub-district of Gazipur district, Bangladesh.DesignA cross-sectional study.Subjects and methodsTwo hundred women, aged 18–39 years, in their second or third trimester of pregnancy were selected from seventeen CNP centres in four unions of Kapasia sub-district where they usually visit for antenatal care. Various socio-economic, personal and pregnancy-related information, dietary intake of vitamin A and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) data were collected. Serum retinol (vitamin A) concentration was determined.ResultsMore than half (51 %) of the pregnant women had low vitamin A status (serum retinol <1·05 μmol/l) with 18·5 % having VAD (serum retinol <0·70 μmol/l). Fifty-three per cent of the women’s vitamin A intake was less than the recommended dietary allowance. By multiple regression analysis, MUAC, per-capita expenditure on food and wealth index were found to have significant independent positive relationship with serum retinol concentration, while gestational age of the pregnant women had a negative relationship. The overall F-ratio (10·3) was highly significant (P = 0·0001), the adjusted R2 was 0·18 (multiple R = 0·45).ConclusionVAD is highly prevalent among rural pregnant women in Bangladesh. Gestational age, nutritional status, per-capita expenditure on food and wealth index appear to be important in influencing the vitamin A status of these women. An appropriate intervention is warranted in order to improve the vitamin A status.
Maternal serum vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine and the risk of neural tube defects in the offspring in a high-risk area of China
Authors: Zhang Ting , Xin Ruolei , Gu Xue , Wang Fang , Pei Lijun , Lin Liangming , Chen Gong , Wu Jianxin , Zheng Xiaoying 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between the risk of neural tube defects (NTD) and maternal serum vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine in a high-risk area of China.DesignA case–control study was carried out in Luliang mountain area of Shanxi Province.Subjects/settingA total of eighty-four NTD pregnancies and 110 matched controls were included in the study; their serum vitamin B12and folate concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent immunoenzyme assay and total homocysteine concentrations by fluorescent polarisation immunoassay.ResultsSerum vitamin B12and folate concentrations were lower in NTD-affected pregnant women than in controls (P< 0·01). Serum total homocysteine was higher in the NTD group than in controls at less than 21 weeks of gestation (P< 0·01). Adjusted odds ratios revealed that women with lower vitamin B12(adjusted OR=4·96; 95 % CI 1·94, 12·67) and folate (adjusted OR=3·23; 95 % CI 1·33, 7·85) concentrations had a higher risk of NTD compared to controls. Based on dietary analysis, less consumption of meat, egg or milk, fresh vegetables and fruit intake would increase the risk of NTD.ConclusionsLower serum concentrations of folate and vitamin B12are related to the increased risk of NTD in high-risk populations. Both folate and vitamin B12intake insufficiency could contribute to the increased risk of NTD. A dietary supplement, combining folate and vitamin B12, might be an effective measure to decrease the NTD incidence in these areas.
NASA's Phoenix spacecraft lands on Mars
Authors: Showstack Randy , Kumar Mohi 
Published: June 2008

After a 9.5‐month, 679‐million‐kilometer flight from Florida, NASA's Phoenix spacecraft made a soft landing in Vastitas Borealis in Mars's northern polar region on 25 May. The lander, whose camera already has returned some spectacular images, is on a 3‐month mission to examine the area and dig into the soil of this site—chosen for its likelihood of having frozen water near the surface—and analyze samples. In addition to a robotic arm and robotic arm camera, the lander's instruments include a surface stereo imager; thermal and evolved‐gas analyzer; microscopy, electrochemistry, and conductivity analyzer; and a meteorological station that is tracking daily weather and seasonal changes.Peter Smith of the University of Arizona, the mission's principal investigator, said the workspace around the lander “is ideal for us because it looks very diggable. We are very happy to see just a few rocks scattered in the digging area.” Phoenix is NASA's first mission to return data from either of Mars's polar regions, contributing to the agency's Mars science strategy to “follow the water.”
From Corals to Canyons: The Great Barrier Reef Margin
Authors: Webster Jody M. , Beaman Robin J. , Bridge Thomas , Davies Peter J. , Byrne Maria , Williams Stefan , Manning Phil , Pizarro Oscar , Thornborough Kate , Woolsey Erika , Thomas Alex , Tudhope Sandy 
Published: June 2008

The significance of submerged fossil coral reefs as important archives of abrupt global sea level rise and climate change has been confirmed by investigations in the Caribbean [Fairbanks, 1989] and the Indo‐ Pacific (see Montaggioni [2005] for a summary) and by recent Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) activities in Tahiti [Camoin et al., 2007]. Similar submerged (40–130 meters) reef structures are preserved along the margin of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), but they have not yet been systematically studied.The submerged reefs have the potential to provide critical new information about the nature of past global sea level and climate variability and about the response of the GBR to these past and perhaps future environmental changes [Beaman et al., 2008]. Equally important for GBR Marine Park managers is information about the role of the reefs as habitats and substrates for modern biological communities.
Challenges in Modeling the Fate of Nitrogen Applied to Forests: Development of a Comprehensive Forest Nutrient Cycle and Export Modeling Package; Cordesville, South Carolina, 6–7 March 2008
Authors: Amatya Devendra , Trettin C. , Vance Eric , Nettles Jami , Skaggs Wayne 
Published: June 2008

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is commonly applied to increase productivity of forest plantations, and the extent and intensity of forest fertilizer use could increase in the future as a way of enhancing forest productivity to meet demands for both traditional products and emerging markets for energy and biomaterials. While much of the applied N remains in the soilplant system, there are concerns about leaching losses and effects on surface water quality. However, understanding the fate of fertilizer N and its potential environmental impacts is particularly complex due to a wide range of abiotic and biotic factors affecting its forms and movement.There have been many N cycling studies in pine plantations, but relatively few have comprehensively addressed links between terrestrial processes and the ultimate fate of fertilizer N. While a variety of hydrologic and nutrient cycling models have been applied to simulate N fate and transport at different spatial and temporal scales in agricultural and forested ecosystems, available field studies are generally inadequate to validate those model predictions. Experiments are needed to validate model predictions on the transport and fate of N through the soil and water network. Once validated, models can be used in the development of general fertilizer guidelines for resource managers and can help document how fertilizer can be safely and effectively used at stand and landscape scales.
Dynamics and diversity of newly produced virioplankton in the North Sea
Authors: Parada Verónica , Baudoux Anne-Claire , Sintes Eva , Weinbauer Markus G , Herndl Gerhard J 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Viral diversity has been studied in a variety of marine habitats and spatial and seasonal changes have been documented. Most of the bacteriophages are considered host specific and are thought to affect fast growing prokaryotic phylotypes more than slow growing ones. We hypothesized that viral infection and consequently, lysis occurs in pulses with only a few prokaryotic phylotypes lysed at any given time. Thus, we propose that the newly produced viruses represent only a fraction of the viral diversity present at any given time. Virioplankton diversity was assessed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in the surface waters of three distinct areas of the North Sea during the spring and summer. Bulk virioplankton diversity was fairly stable in these waters. Viral diversity produced by the indigenous bacterioplankton, however, exhibited day-to-day variability with only a few bands produced at any given time. These bands frequently matched bands of the in situ virioplankton; however, bands not present in the band pattern of the in situ virioplankton community were also found. These new bands probably indicate infection and subsequent release of viruses from bacterioplankton phylotypes previously not infected by these specific viruses. Overall, our results demonstrate that viral infection and lysis are rather dynamic processes. The main targets of viral infection are changing apparently on time scales of hours to days indicating that viral infection might effectively regulate and maintain bacterioplankton diversity.
Bioimpedance for Severe Obesity: Comparing Research Methods for Total Body Water and Resting Energy Expenditure
Authors: Strain Gladys W. , Wang Jack , Gagner Michel , Pomp Alfons , Inabnet William B. , Heymsfield Steven B. 
Published: June 2008

Objective: As the acceptance of surgical procedures for weight loss in morbid obesity is increasing, clinically useful baseline and follow‐up measures of total body water (TBW) and resting energy expenditure (REE) are important. Research methods such as deuterium (D2O) dilution and metabolic carts are problematic in the clinical setting. We compared bioimpedance analysis (BIA) predicted (Tanita TBF‐310) and measured TBW and REE.Methods and Procedures: Forty‐two paired presurgery studies were completed using BIA and D2O in patients with BMI (mean ± s.d.) 50.2 ± 8.8 kg/m2 for TBW, and 30 patients with BMI 51.0 ± 13 kg/m2 completed paired determinations of REE with metabolic carts and the Tanita balance with weight, height, sex, and age modifiers. Regression analysis and Bland‐Altman plots were applied.Results: When regression analysis was completed for TBW, regression line was consistent with the identity line “y = x.” The intercept was not different from 0 (95% confidence interval −2.5 ± 7.0). The slope of the line was not different from 1.0 ± 0.1. The measured TBW 51.2 ± 10.1 l had a correlation with the predicted 49.5 ± 11.27 l of 0.92. There also was no significant difference (P = 0.33) between predicted (2,316 ± 559 kcal/day) and measured REE (2,383 ± 576 kcal/day);δ 66.7 ± 273 kcal/day. The two measures were highly correlated (r = 0.88) with no bias detected.Discussion: These observations support the use of the BIA system calibration in subjects with severe obesity. Without the use of complex, costly equipment and invasive procedures, BIA measurements can easily be obtained in clinical practice to monitor patient responses to treatment.