bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postpyloric enteral nutrition in the critically ill child with shock: a prospective observational study
Authors: López-Herce Jesús , Mencía Santiago , Sánchez Císar , Santiago Maria J , Bustinza Amaya , Vigil Dolores 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundTolerance to enteral nutrition in the critically ill child with shock has not been studied. The purpose of the study was to analyze the characteristics of enteral nutrition and its tolerance in the critically ill child with shock and to compare this with non-shocked patients.MethodsA prospective, observational study was performed including critically ill children with shock who received postpyloric enteral nutrition (PEN). The type of nutrition used, its duration, tolerance, and gastrointestinal complications were assessed. The 65 children with shock who received PEN were compared with 461 non-shocked critically ill children who received PEN.ResultsSixty-five critically ill children with shock, aged between 21 days and 22 years, received PEN. 75.4% of patients with shock received PEN exclusively. The mean duration of the PEN was 25.2 days and the maximum calorie intake was 79.4 kcal/kg/day. Twenty patients with shock (30.7%) presented gastrointestinal complications, 10 (15.4%) abdominal distension and/or excessive gastric residue, 13 (20%) diarrhoea, 1 necrotising enterocolitis, and 1 duodenal perforation due to the postpyloric tube. The frequency of gastrointestinal complications was significantly higher than in the other 461 critically ill children (9.1%). PEN was suspended due to gastrointestinal complications in 6 patients with shock (9.2%). There were 18 deaths among the patients with shock and PEN (27.7%). In only one patient was the death related to complications of the nutrition.ConclusionAlthough most critically ill children with shock can tolerate postpyloric enteral nutrition, the incidence of gastrointestinal complications is higher in this group of patients than in other critically ill children.
Higher polymerase activity of a human influenza virus enhances activation of the hemagglutinin-induced Raf/MEK/ERK signal cascade
Authors: Marjuki Henju , Yen Hui-Ling , Franks John , Webster Robert G , Pleschka Stephan , Hoffmann Erich 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Influenza viruses replicate within the nucleus of infected cells. Viral genomic RNA, three polymerase subunits (PB2, PB1, and PA), and the nucleoprotein (NP) form ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) that are exported from the nucleus late during the infectious cycle. The virus-induced Raf/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signal cascade is crucial for efficient virus replication. Blockade of this pathway retards RNP export and reduces virus titers. Hemagglutinin (HA) accumulation and its tight association with lipid rafts activate ERK and enhance localization of cytoplasmic RNPs. We studied the induction of MAPK signal cascade by two seasonal human influenza A viruses A/HK/218449/06 (H3N2) and A/HK/218847/06 (H1N1) that differed substantially in their replication efficiency in tissue culture. Infection with H3N2 virus, which replicates efficiently, resulted in higher HA expression and its accumulation on the cell membrane, leading to substantially increased activation of MAPK signaling compared to that caused by H1N1 subtype. More H3N2-HAs were expressed and accumulated on the cell membrane than did H1N1-HAs. Viral polymerase genes, particularly H3N2-PB1 and H3N2-PB2, were observed to contribute to increased viral polymerase activity. Applying plasmid-based reverse genetics to analyze the role of PB1 protein in activating HA-induced MAPK cascade showed that recombinant H1N1 virus possessing the H3N2-PB1 (rgH1N1/H3N2-PB1) induced greater ERK activation, resulting in increased nuclear export of the viral genome and higr virus titers. We conclude that enhanced viral polymerase activity promotes the replication and transcription of viral RNA leading to increased accumulation of HA on the cell surface and thereby resulting in an upregulation of the MAPK cascade and more efficient nuclear RNP-export as well as virus production.
Mechanisms of intron gain and loss in Cryptococcus
Authors: Sharpton Thomas J , Neafsey Daniel E , Galagan James E , Taylor John W 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Background
Genome comparisons across deep phylogenetic divergences have revealed that spliceosomal intron gain and loss are common evolutionary events. However, because of the deep divergences involved in these comparisons, little is understood about how these changes occur, particularly in the case of intron gain. To ascertain mechanisms of intron gain and loss, we compared five relatively closely related genomes from the yeast Cryptococcus.

Results
We observe a predominance of intron loss over gain and identify a relatively slow intron loss rate in Cryptococcus. Some genes preferentially lose introns and a large proportion of intron losses occur in the middle of genes (so called internal intron loss). Finally, we identify a gene that displays a differential number of introns in a repetitive DNA region.

Conclusion
Based the observed patterns of intron loss and gain, population resequencing and population genetic analysis, it appears that recombination causes the widely observed but poorly understood phenomenon of internal intron loss and that DNA repeat expansion can create new introns in a population.
Sorption of corn cob and oat spelt arabinoxylan onto softwood kraft pulp
Authors: Ramírez Felipe , Puls Jürgen , Zúñiga Virgilio , Saake Bodo 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Arabinoxylans from corn cob and oat spelt were studied in sorption experiments onto bleached and unbleached softwood kraft pulp. The corn cob (CC) xylans were produced by steam extraction (SE-CC) and alkaline extraction (NaOH-CC), while the oat spelt xylan (NaOH-OS) was obtained by alkaline extraction. Both alkaline extracted xylans exhibited a high degree of polymerization (DP) (230–240), whereas the steam extraction induced a significant degradation resulting in DPs around 36. Investigation of the xylan addition mode revealed that adding xylan before beating of pulp is most effective for increasing the beating degree and the strength properties. The tensile and burst indices are improved by xylan addition over the whole range of beating degrees. In contrast to that, the tear strength is increased significantly for unbeaten pulps but declines after beating, compared to the reference. Xylan sorption rates are increased with prolonged beating. Highest sorption rates are observed for the NaOH-OS (12–32%) and lowest for the SE-CC xylan (6.6–14%). In general, the alkaline extracted xylans have a better performance, most likely as a result of their higher molar masses.
A Computer-Controlled Triaxial Test Apparatus for Measuring Swelling Characteristics of Reconstituted Clay-Bearing Rock
Authors: Erdinc Bilir M. , Sari Dursun , Muftuoglu Yadigar V. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
To avoid problems encountered during and after the construction of engineering projects built within swelling rocks and soils, real data related to swelling stress and strains should be used to model such phenomena. A computer-controlled triaxial swelling test apparatus was developed to determine the swelling potentials for rock and soil specimens. It allows one to measure three-dimensional swelling strains and stress in a cylindrical specimen under variable axial and confinement stress variables. Triaxial swell tests were performed using three different procedures: free swell, strain-controlled, and stress-controlled under different axial and confinement stress conditions. The results of several tests conducted on reconstituted clay-bearing rock samples were statistically analyzed and mathematical models were presented and evaluated.
The Cultural Divide of Discourse: Understanding How English‐Language Learners' Primary Discourse Influences Acquisition of Literacy
Authors: Mays Lydia 
Published: January 2008

As the minority population and achievement gap in the United States continue to grow, the rapidly increasing epidemic of leaving English‐language learners (ELLs) behind is one of grave concern for educators. Due to disparities between academic Discourses and ELLs' primary Discourse, a free and equal education, as claimed by the U.S. government, may, in actuality, be far from equal and costing ELLs dearly.This article elicits thought‐provoking questions relating to the ways in which ELLs' primary Discourses serve as a barrier to school success because of academic Discourses embedded within school curriculums and assessments. This article also urges teachers to identify and acknowledge the significance of the role their own Discourses play in their approach to teaching ELLs and provides strategies to link the primary Discourse of ELLs and the academic Discourse of schools.
Prognostic Value of Initial Clinical Disease Stage After Achieving Pathological Complete Response
Authors: Dawood Shaheenah , Broglio Kristine , Kau Shu-Wan , Islam Rabiul , Symmans W. Fraser , Buchholz Thomas A. , McGuire Sean E. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Cristofanilli Massimo , Hortobágyi Gabriel N. , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana M. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Define survival outcomes in women with early-stage breast cancer who achieve pathological complete response following primary systemic chemotherapy.Define the prognostic value of initial clinical stage in women with breast cancer who achieve pathological complete response following primary systemic chemotherapy.Define survival outcomes in women with inflammatory breast cancer who achieve pathological complete response following primary systemic chemotherapy.
CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prognostic impact of initial clinical stage in patients who achieved a pathological complete response (pCR) after receiving primary systemic chemotherapy (PST). Between 1977 and 2006, 489 patients who had achieved a pCR after receiving an anthracycline-based PST regimen were identified. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier product limit method and the differences between groups were compared using the log-rank statistic. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to determine the association of initial clinical stage with survival outcomes after adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics. The median age was 47 years. Twenty (4.1%) patients had stage I disease, 243 (49.7%) had stage II disease, 189 (38.7%) had stage III disease, and 37 (7.5%) had inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). At a median follow-up of 45 months, 59 (12%) patients had experienced disease recurrence. The 5-year RFS and OS rates for the whole cohort were 87.8% and 89.3%, respectively. Lower clinical stage at diagnosis was associated with statistically significant higher RFS and OS rates. In a multivariate model, patients with clinical stage IIIB/C disease and those with IBC had lower RFS rates than patients with clinical stage I/II/IIIA disease. In addition, patients with clinical stage IIIB/C disease and those with IBC had a greater hazard of death than patients with clinical stage I/II/IIIA disease. Overall, patients who achieved a pCR had a low rate of recurrence. However, higher clinical stage and IBC were associated with worse outcomes in breast cancer patients who achieved a pCR after PST.
Peripheral Blood Dendritic Cell Subsets from Patients with Monoclonal Gammopathies Show an Abnormal Distribution and Are Functionally Impaired
Authors: Martín-Ayuso Marta , Almeida Julia , Pérez-Andrés Martín , Cuello Rebeca , Galende Josefina , González-Fraile Maria Isabel , Martín-Nuñez Guillermo , Ortega Fernando , Rodríguez Maria Jesús , San Miguel Jesús F. , Orfao Alberto 
Published: January 2008

Abstract

Objectives.
The information currently available about dendritic cells (DCs) in patients with different types of monoclonal gammopathy (MG) is limited and frequently controversial. In the present study, we analyzed the ex vivo distribution as well as the phenotypic and functional characteristics of peripheral blood (PB) DCs from different types of MG.

Methods.
For this purpose, 61 untreated patients in total with MG were analyzed—MG of undetermined significance (MGUS), 29 cases; multiple myeloma (MM), 28 cases; and plasma cell leukemia (PCL), 4 cases—in comparison with a group of 10 healthy controls.

Results.
Our results show an absolute overall higher number of all subsets of PB DCs in PCL, together with lower numbers of myeloid DCs in MM patients. From a phenotypic point of view, PB DC subsets from all types of MG expressed significantly higher levels of HLA molecules and altered patterns of expression of the CD2, CD11c, CD16, CD22, CD62L, and CD86 molecules, in association with altered patterns of secretion of inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion.
In summary, we show the existence of significant abnormalities in the distribution, phenotype, and pattern of secretion of inflammatory cytokines by different subsets of PB DCs from patients with MGs, which could reflect a potentially altered homing of DCs, together with a greater in vivo activation and lower responsiveness of PB DCs, which are already detectable in MGUS patients.
A sampling-adjusted macroevolutionary history for Ordovician-Early Silurian crinoids
Authors: Peters Shanan E. , Ausich William I. 
Published: January 2008

Temporal variation in sampling intensity and geologically controlled rates of fossil preservation distort macroevolutionary patterns in the fossil record. Here, we use a comprehensive, list-based compilation of taxonomically and stratigraphically vetted global crinoid genus occurrences to evaluate and correct for the effects of variable and incomplete sampling from the Ordovician through Early Silurian. After standardizing the number of occurrences or the number of biofacies used to estimate the stratigraphic ranges of genera and after adjusting rates of turnover to account for the incomplete preservation of true extinction and origination pulses, we find support for several important revisions to the macroevolutionary history of crinoids. First, in contrast to the uncorrected data, sample-standardized genus richness does not appear to increase by more than 20% after an abrupt Middle Ordovician (Harnagian) diversification. Second, the only significant short-term change in genus richness following the Harnagian increase is a ≥24% decline from the Rawtheyan to the Hirnantian. Third, volatility in rates of genus extinction is increased after adjusting for preservation and there remain significant peaks of extinction in the Rawtheyan, which marks the end-Ordovician extinction, and in the middle of the Early Silurian. Finally, significant increases in origination rates occur in the Early Silurian. These results reaffirm the importance of the end-Ordovician extinction for crinoids, but they also highlight the comparatively poorly sampled Early Silurian as a time of turnover among crinoids.Crinoid genus extinction rates are positively correlated with area-weighted rates of sedimentary package truncation, suggesting that extinction may have been controlled by physical environmental changes, such as the contraction of unique epicontinental sea habitats. The lack of a correlation between genus origination and sedimentary package initiation reinforces this hypothesis and suggests that other factors, such as evolutionary innovations and biotic interactions during the Ordovician radiation, may have been more important in controlling the diversification of crinoids.
Self-Reported Age-Related Eye Diseases and Visual Impairment in the United States: Results of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Ryskulova Asel , Turczyn Kathleen , Makuc Diane M. , Cotch Mary Frances , Klein Richard J. , Janiszewski Rosemary 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We sought to establish national data on the prevalence of visual impairment, blindness, and selected eye conditions (cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration) and to characterize these conditions within sociodemographic subgroups. Methods. Information on self-reported visual impairment and diagnosed eye diseases was collected from 31 044 adults. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates and odds ratios with logistic regression using SUDAAN. Results. Among noninstitutionalized US adults 18 years and older, the estimated prevalence for visual impairment was 9.3% (19.1 million Americans), including 0.3% (0.7 million) with blindness. Lifetime prevalence of diagnosed diseases was as follows: cataract, 8.6% (17 million); glaucoma, 2.0% (4 million); macular degeneration, 1.1% (2 million); and diabetic retinopathy, 0.7% (1.3 million). The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among persons with diagnosed diabetes was 9.9%. Conclusions. We present the most recently available national data on self-reported visual impairment and selected eye diseases in the United States. The results of this study provide a baseline for future public health initiatives relating to visual impairment.
Childhood Mental Ability and Adult Alcohol Intake and Alcohol Problems: The 1970 British Cohort Study
Authors: Batty G. David , Deary Ian J. , Schoon Ingrid , Emslie Carol , Hunt Kate , Gale Catharine R. 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined the potential relation of mental ability test scores at age 10 years with alcohol problems and alcohol intake at age 30 years.Methods. We used data from a prospective observational study involving 8170 members of a birth cohort from Great Britain born in 1970. Data included mental ability scores at age 10 years and responses to inquiries about alcohol intake and problems at age 30 years.Results. After adjustment for potential mediating and confounding factors, cohort members with higher childhood mental ability scores had an increased prevalence of problem drinking in adulthood. This association was stronger among women (odds ratio [OR]1 SD increase in ability= 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16, 1.64) than men (OR1 SD increase in ability= 1.17; CI = 1.04, 1.28; P for interaction = .004). Childhood mental ability was also related to a higher average intake of alcohol and to drinking more frequently. Again, these gradients were stronger among women than among men.Conclusions. In this large-scale cohort study, higher childhood mental ability was related to alcohol problems and higher alcohol intake in adult life. These unexpected results warrant examination in other studies.
Burden of HIV Infection Among Aboriginal Injection Drug Users in Vancouver, British Columbia
Authors: Wood Evan , Montaner Julio S.G. , Li Kathy , Zhang Ruth , Barney Lucy , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Tyndall Mark W. , Kerr Thomas 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We sought to examine whether there were differential rates of HIV incidence among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal injection drug users in a Canadian setting. Methods. Data were derived from 2 prospective cohort studies of injection drug users in Vancouver, British Columbia. Using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression, we compared HIV incidence among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants. Results. Overall, 2496 individuals were recruited between May 1996 and December 2005. Compared with that of non-Aboriginal persons, the baseline HIV prevalence was higher among Aboriginal persons (16.0% vs 25.1%; P<.001). Among participants who were HIV negative at baseline, the cumulative HIV incidence at 48 months was higher among Aboriginal persons (18.5% vs 9.5%; P<.001). In multivariate analyses, Aboriginal ethnicity was independently associated with elevated HIV incidence (relative hazard=1.59; 95% confidence interval=1.12, 2.26; P=.009). Conclusions. Aboriginal persons in Vancouver had a significantly elevated burden of HIV infection, which calls for a culturally sensitive and evidence-based response. Policymakers in other settings with at-risk Aboriginal populations should seek to avert similar public health emergencies by being proactive with evidence-based HIV-prevention programs.
Agathon and Kassandra (IGIX. 124. 1750)
Authors: Fraser P.M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe author discusses an inscription of the late fourth or early third century BC carved on a bronze plaque found in the first excavations at Dodona, on which a Zakynthian, by name Agathon, records a link of proxeny between himself and his family and the Epirote koinon of the Molossians, through Kassandra, the Trojan prophetess. The plaque is decorated by a prominent phallus with testicles, which the author interprets as referring to the continuity, past and future, of the γενεά of Agathon. Other explanations of the whole piece have been proposed, and the present essay is intended only to explore the possibility of this interpretation.
Power chords
Authors: Lewis Barry 
Published: February 2008

I recently came across a very appealing result about the product of the lengths of the chords of a regular polygon with n sides inscribed in a unit circle. If one vertex is selected and the product of the chord lengths from that vertex to each of the others is evaluated, the result is just n. There is a simple proof. Consider such a polygon and denote its vertices by the points A0, A1, … , An. Suppose that O is the centre of the circle and the origin of the complex plane. The roots of the equationare just where ω is a primitive nth root of unity. Each of these roots represents one of the vertices. Suppose for convenience that the real number 1 is represented by A0.
Stakeholder Theory: A Libertarian Defense
Authors: Edward Freeman R. , Phillips Robert A. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:The purpose of this paper is to suggest that at least one strain of what has come to be called “stakeholder theory” has roots that are deeply libertarian. We begin by explicating both “stakeholder theory” and “libertarian arguments.” We show how there are libertarian arguments for both instrumental and normative stakeholder theory, and we construct a version of capitalism, called “stakeholder capitalism,” that builds on these libertarian ideas. We argue throughout that strong notions of “freedom” and “voluntary action” are the best possible underpinnings for stakeholder theory, and in doing so, seek to return “stakeholder theory” to its managerial and libertarian roots found in Freeman (1984).
Lectotypification of the names of two species of Fumana (Cistaceae)
Authors: Güemes Jaime , Muñoz-Garmendia Félix 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe names Cistus ericoides Cav. and C. laevis Cav. are typified. These names apply to two species, currently classified within the genus Fumana (Dunal) Spach, but the names have been frequently misapplied and both of them pose typification problems. The type specimen of the first has not been found. Thus an illustration is chosen as type and an epitype designated. The original material of C. laevis comprises a mixture of two different species. One element is selected to clarify the application of this binomial.
Shannon Meets Shortz: A Probabilistic Model of Crossword Puzzle Difficulty
Authors: Efron Miles 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis article is concerned with the difficulty of crossword puzzles. A model is proposed that quantifies the difficulty of a Puzzle P with respect to its clues. Given a clue–answer pair (c,a), we model the difficulty of guessing a based on c using the conditional probability P(a|c); easier mappings should enjoy a higher conditional probability. The model is tested by two experiments, each of which involves estimating the difficulty of puzzles taken from The New York Times. Additionally, we discuss how the notion of information implicit in our model relates to more easily quantifiable types of information that figure into crossword puzzles.