bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The grassland farming system and sustainable agricultural development in China
Authors: Nan Zhibiao 
Published: April 2005

AbstractGrassland is the largest terrestrial ecosystem in China, at about 39 280 × 104 ha and covers 41% of the total land area. Grasslands not only provide forage to feed livestock, but also play a critical role in alleviating many of the most challenging environmental and ecological problems that humankind is facing. About 90% of the total usable grassland in China has been degraded to various extents and this is the number one problem facing agricultural production, rural development and environmental improvement. Research on grassland degradation has been carried out since the early 1950s. Enormous achievements have been made and theory and a technical system for pastoral agriculture have been developed. This pastoral agriculture system is a well‐organized modern farming system including four production levels, that is, preplant, plant, animal and postbiotic levels, and is linked by three interfaces, including vegetation‐site, grassland‐animal and production‐management. The system capacity and productivity could be improved by system coupling. Since it emerged, this pastoral agriculture system has been established in various ecological regions in China and significant improvements in agricultural sustainability, farmer's income and environmental stability have been obtained. In the future, it will play a more critical role in developing sustainable agriculture in China.
Comparing MODIS vegetation indices with AVHRR NDVI for monitoring the forage quantity and quality in Inner Mongolia grassland, China
Authors: Kawamura Kensuke , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Yokota Hiro‐omi , Tsutsumi Michio , Yasuda Taisuke , Watanabe Osamu , Wang Shiping 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe present study compared the abilities of the spectral vegetation indices (VI) of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors in accurately detecting seasonal vegetation changes (phenology) with regard to forage quantity and quality. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) were computed with a 10‐day maximum value composite from April 1 to October 31, 2002. The study sites included four meadow steppes and six typical steppes in the Xilingol steppe area of central Inner Mongolia, China. Comparisons of the MODIS‐NDVI and AVHRR‐NDVI profiles revealed that the MODIS‐NDVI temporal profile had a higher fidelity. The dynamic range of the MODIS‐NDVI was then analyzed and its sensitivity in discriminating between vegetation differences was evaluated in sparsely and densely vegetated areas. Estimations of the live, dead standing, total biomass and crude protein (CP) concentration and standing CP were obtained using AVHRR‐NDVI (1.1 km pixels), MODIS‐NDVI and ‐EVI (500 m pixels). Regression analysis revealed that the MODIS‐VI showed a good coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.77–0.83) with regard to estimations of the total and live biomass. Furthermore, the MODIS‐EVI was a good predictor of standing CP (R2 = 0.74) compared with AVHRR (R2 = 0.53). These results suggest that the MODIS‐VI can reliably detect the phenology and forage quantity and quality of grassland steppe areas.
Co‐segregation of AFLP and RAPD markers to apospory in Guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.)
Authors: Ebina Masumi , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Yamamoto Toshiya , Araya Hiroshi , Tsuruta Sin‐ichi , Takahara Manabu , Nakajima Kousuke 
Published: April 2005

SynopsisA genetic linkage map of guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) was generated with nine of the AFLP markers found to be associated with apospory. These apospory‐associated markers were assigned to a linkage group having previous association with microsporogenesis of the aposporous guineagrass cultivar ‘Natsukaze’. An aposporous linkage group was constructed utilizing 38 AFLP markers. Embryo sac analysis revealed that sexual and apomictic embryo sacs occurred at a frequency of 1 : 1, indicating simple inheritance of a single major gene controlling apospory in guineagrass. In addition, utilizing 56 AFLP primer combinations and 41 RAPD primers, 39 linkage groups and 360 simplex marker loci were assigned to the genetic map of the ‘Natsukaze’ cultivar. These markers covered 1703.5 cM of the autotetraploid guineagrass genome (2n = 4x = 32), with an average spacing of 4.7 cM. These tightly linked markers to apospory locus in guineagrass could be a powerful tool for marker‐assisted selection of apospory and map‐based cloning of the apospory gene.
A Spirit of Deception in Job 4:15? Interpretive Indeterminacy and Eliphaz's Vision
Authors: Harding James 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe text of Eliphaz's vision in Job 4:12-21 is written in highly ambiguous Hebrew whose meaning(s) must be constructed by the reading subject, in conversation with intertexts whose relevance to Job 4:12-21 is determined by the reading subject. This suggests that a single meaning forJob 4:12-21 is impossible, and the search for such a meaning futile: meaning(s) can only be created by the reading subject. Consequently, this article attempts to read Job 4:12-21 creatively in both inner- and extra-Joban contexts, teasing out the possibilities permitted by the ambiguitiesof the text. The ambiguous Hebrew permits reading Job 4:1221 in connection with accounts of the divine assembly, raising the question of the identity of the of 4:15. This possible 'spirit of deception' may be deceiving the participants in the Joban drama into pursuing the ambiguitiesof 4:17 to their logical implication in the context of Job, that Job is more righteous than YHWH. In addition to the subtleties of Job 4-5, which question the validity of Eliphaz's epistemology at the most basic level, the character YHWH in 42:7 implicitly supports this identification of the in order to prevent the reader from taking such possibilities, suggested by the ambiguities of 4:17, seriously, and in so doing questioning YHWH's justice and integrity. The ambiguities that permit the adoption of this set of interpretive options, of course, constitute the very factorthat denies the possibility of establishing the validity of this reading to anyone other than this reading subject.
The General Provisions on Purchase and Sale in the Civil Code of the Russian Federation
Authors: Smith Stephen 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe author offers a critical examination of the provisions on purchase and sale in the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. Focusing narrowly on the text of the code, the paper starts with a broad overview of, and commentary on, the provisions and then provides a detailed article-by-article commentary on individual provisions. Potential difficulties are identified (especially with respect to transfer of ownership, remedies, and the code's attempt to blend common and civil law approaches to sale) and suggestions are offered for how the text might be clarified or, in certain cases, substantively changed. In view of the broad similarity between the provisions on sale in the Russian code and the rules on contracts of sale applicable in Western market economies generally, the paper proposes neither far-ranging criticisms nor radical reforms of the Russian law.
Rights of Private Property in the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and in the Civil Code of Quebec
Authors: Lametti David 
Published: April 2005

AbstractPrivate property entails a relationship between people through objects. The objects of property rights form a necessary part of the property equation, and provide an understanding of the rights and obligations allowed and required in the exploitation of any given object. This often comes through the civilian notion of destination: the idea that certain resources have a specifi c teleology or accepted way of being properly exploited or used finds expression in various legal rules. The manner in which the destination is determined may vary: it may be formal, legal or merely tacit. This basic theme is amplified in this comparative study of the basic structure of private property rights and obligations in the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and in the Civil Code of Quebec. Other themes also become equally apparent in the course of this study. First, the Russian code contains a very rough approximation of the general structure of civil law property rights: a fullest right of ownership and different lesser entitlements or dismemberments. The dismemberments, however, are quite unique to the Russian context. Second, both property rights and obligations are articulated much more explicitly and elaborately in the Russian code than in the Quebec counterpart. Third, this express enunciation of obligations and limitations on all entitlements in turn is founded on the idea that ownership is a limited concept. This foundation is in no way in contradiction to the theory of ownership in Western legal theory and practice. Finally, as a general observation, the continuing role of the state in the Russian private property system as articulated in the Russian code is much more pronounced. This is true both in its role as a legislator and enforcement agent of property limitations, as well as its express role as an actor in certain of the lesser entitlements.
General Concepts of Private Law Relating to Private Property in the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and in the Civil Code of Quebec
Authors: Lametti David 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe paperidentifies some notable features on general private law ordering contained in the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. It does so by contrasting these provisions with similar articles and doctrine from the Civil Code of Quebec. The author points out several unique features of the Russian code and speculates on some of the potential implications of these features for private law ordering. These comments are meant to stimulate discussion and comparison, and are not meant to be exhaustive in either their descriptive content or substantive analysis. The Russian code convers similar conceptual territory as the Quebec code; thus, the organizing concepts are analogous. It is therefore not surprising that the animating themes of private laaw in the civilist tradition, major distinctions such as patrimonial and extra-patrimonial rights, real and personal rights, and various sub categories, find expression in the Russian code. The elaboration of these ideas is generally much extensive in the Russian code that in the Quebec code, although the iteration in the latter is arguably more concise, clear and coherent.
Preferential selection of human T-cell leukemia virus type I provirus integration sites in leukemic versus carrier states
Authors: Doi Keitarou , Wu Xiaolin , Taniguchi Yuko , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Satou Yorifumi , Okayama Akihiko , Nosaka Kisato , Matsuoka Masao 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) is a causative agent of neoplastic disease, adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Although the encoding viral proteins play an important role in oncogenesis, the role of the HTLV-I proviral integration site remains unsolved. We determined the integration sites of HTLV-I proviruses in ATL cells and HTLV-I–infected cells in asymptomatic carriers. In carrier and ATL cells, HTLV-I provirus was integrated into the transcriptional unit at frequencies of 26.8% (15/56) and 33.9% (20/59), respectively, which were equivalent to the frequency calculated based on random integration (33.2%). In addition, HTLV-I provirus was prone to integration near the transcriptional start sites in leukemic cells (P = .006), and the transcriptional direction of the provirus was in accordance with that of integrated cellular genes in 70% of cases. More importantly, the integration sites in the carrier cells favored the alphoid repetitive sequences (11/56; 20%) whereas in leukemic cells they disfavored these sequences (2/59; 3.4%). Taken together, during natural course from carrier to onset of ATL, HTLV-I–infected cells with integration sites favorable for viral gene transcription are susceptible to malignant transformation due to increased viral gene expression.
Crystal structure of the Jak3 kinase domain in complex with a staurosporine analog
Authors: Boggon Titus J. , Li Yiqun , Manley Paul W. , Eck Michael J. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractJak (Janus kinase) family nonreceptor tyrosine kinases are central mediators of cytokine signaling. The Jak kinases exhibit distinct cytokine receptor association profiles and so transduce different signals. Jak3 expression is limited to the immune system, where it plays a key role in signal transduction from cytokine receptors containing the common gamma-chain, γc. Patients unable to signal via γc present with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The finding that Jak3 mutations result in SCID has made it a target for development of lymphocyte-specific immunosuppressants. Here, we present the crystal structure of the Jak3 kinase domain in complex with staurosporine analog AFN941. The kinase domain is in the active conformation, with both activation loop tyrosine residues phosphorylated. The phosphate group on pTyr981 in the activation loop is in part coordinated by an arginine residue in the regulatory C-helix, suggesting a direct mechanism by which the active position of the C-helix is induced by phosphorylation of the activation loop. Such a direct coupling has not been previously observed in tyrosine kinases and may be unique to Jak kinases. The crystal structure provides a detailed view of the Jak3 active site and will facilitate computational and structure-directed approaches to development of Jak3-specific inhibitors.
Occupational risk of tuberculosis transmission in a low incidence area
Authors: Diel Roland , Seidler Andreas , Nienhaus Albert , Rüsch-Gerdes Sabine , Niemann Stefan 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background
To investigate the occupational risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection in a low-incidence setting, data from a prospective study of patients with culture-confirmed TB conducted in Hamburg, Germany, from 1997 to 2002 were evaluated.

Methods

M. tuberculosis isolates were genotyped by IS6110 RFLP analysis. Results of contact tracing and additional patient interviews were used for further epidemiological analyses.

Results
Out of 848 cases included in the cluster analysis, 286 (33.7%) were classified into 76 clusters comprising 2 to 39 patients. In total, two patients in the non-cluster and eight patients in the cluster group were health-care workers. Logistic regression analysis confirmed work in the health-care sector as the strongest predictor for clustering (OR 17.9). However, only two of the eight transmission links among the eight clusters involving health-care workers had been detected previously. Overall, conventional contact tracing performed before genotyping had identified only 26 (25.2%) of the 103 contact persons with the disease among the clustered cases whose transmission links were epidemiologically verified.

Conclusion
Recent transmission was found to be strongly associated with health-care work in a setting with low incidence of TB. Conventional contact tracing alone was shown to be insufficient to discover recent transmission chains. The data presented also indicate the need for establishing improved TB control strategies in health-care settings.
MARS: Microarray analysis, retrieval, and storage system
Authors: Maurer Michael , Molidor Robert , Sturn Alexander , Hartler Juergen , Hackl Hubert , Stocker Gernot , Prokesch Andreas , Scheideler Marcel , Trajanoski Zlatko 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Microarray analysis has become a widely used technique for the study of gene-expression patterns on a genomic scale. As more and more laboratories are adopting microarray technology, there is a need for powerful and easy to use microarray databases facilitating array fabrication, labeling, hybridization, and data analysis. The wealth of data generated by this high throughput approach renders adequate database and analysis tools crucial for the pursuit of insights into the transcriptomic behavior of cells.

Results
MARS (Microarray Analysis and Retrieval System) provides a comprehensive MIAME supportive suite for storing, retrieving, and analyzing multi color microarray data. The system comprises a laboratory information management system (LIMS), a quality control management, as well as a sophisticated user management system. MARS is fully integrated into an analytical pipeline of microarray image analysis, normalization, gene expression clustering, and mapping of gene expression data onto biological pathways. The incorporation of ontologies and the use of MAGE-ML enables an export of studies stored in MARS to public repositories and other databases accepting these documents.

Conclusion
We have developed an integrated system tailored to serve the specific needs of microarray based research projects using a unique fusion of Web based and standalone applications connected to the latest J2EE application server technology. The presented system is freely available for academic and non-profit institutions. More information can be found at http://genome.tugraz.at.
Predictors of glycemic control among patients with Type 2 diabetes: A longitudinal study
Authors: Benoit Stephen R , Fleming Regina , Philis-Tsimikas Athena , Ji Ming 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death and results in significant morbidity. The purpose of this study is to determine what demographic, health status, treatment, access/quality of care, and behavioral factors are associated with poor glycemic control in a Type 2 diabetic, low-income, minority, San Diego population.

Methods
Longitudinal observational data was collected on patients with Type 2 diabetes from Project Dulce, a program in San Diego County designed to care for an underserved diabetic population. The study sample included 573 patients with a racial/ethnic mix of 53% Hispanic, 7% black, 18% Asian, 20% white, and 2% other. We utilized mixed effects models to determine the factors associated with poor glycemic control using hemoglobin A1C (A1C) as the outcome of interest. A multi-step model building process was used resulting in a final parsimonious model with main effects and interaction terms.

Results
Patients had a mean age of 55 years, 69% were female, the mean duration of diabetes was 7.1 years, 31% were treated with insulin, and 57% were obese. American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations for blood pressure and total cholesterol were met by 71% and 68%, respectively. Results of the mixed effects model showed that patients who were uninsured, had diabetes for a longer period of time, used insulin or multiple oral agents, or had high cholesterol had higher A1C values over time indicating poorer glycemic control. The younger subjects also had poorer control.

Conclusion
This study provides factors that predict glycemic control in a specific low-income, multiethnic, Type 2 diabetic population. With this information, subgroups with high risk of disease morbidity were identified. Barriers that prevent these patients from meeting their goals must be explored to improve health outcomes.
Epidemiology of leisure-time physical activity in socio-demographic, lifestyle and psychological characteristics of men and women in Greece: the ATTICA Study
Authors: Pitsavos Christos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B , Lentzas Yannis , Stefanadis Christodoulos 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background
We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, frequency and type of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among adults in Greece, as well as its relationship with socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics of these people.

Methods
From May 2001 to December 2002 we randomly enrolled 1514 men and 1528 women, without any evidence of cardiovascular or any other chronic disease. The sampling was stratified by the age – gender distribution of (census 2001) of the greater area of Athens. Weekly energy expenditure assessed by considering frequency, duration (in minutes) and intensity of sports related physical activity during a usual week.

Results
53% of men and 48% of women were classified as physically active. Men were more likely to be active as compared to women (p < 0.05), while the lowest activity rates were observed in 40 to 49 years old participants (p < 0.01). Physically active people had higher occupation skills, were more likely to live in rural areas, to be unmarried, non smokers and they were devoted to a healthier dietary pattern, as compared to sedentary, irrespective of age and sex (all p < 0.05). In addition, the cumulative risk factors score of obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes, was inversely associated with activity status (p < 0.001). Finally, physically active men and women were less likely to report depressive symptoms (p < 0.01), after various adjustments were made.

Conclusion
Half of the studied population reported physically inactive, indicating that sedentary lifestyle becomes a serious epidemic in Greece. High occupation skills, non-smoking, devotion to a healthier dietary pattern and a better cardiovascular risk factors profile were some of the determinants of physically active people.
Assessment of potential effects of the electromagnetic fields of mobile phones on hearing
Authors: Uloziene Ingrida , Uloza Virgilijus , Gradauskiene Egle , Saferis Viktoras 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Mobile phones have become indispensable as communication tools; however, to date there is only a limited knowledge about interaction between electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by mobile phones and auditory function. The aim of the study was to assess potential changes in hearing function as a consequence of exposure to low-intensity EMF's produced by mobile phones at frequencies of 900 and 1800 MHz.

Methods
The within-subject study was performed on thirty volunteers (age 18–30 years) with normal hearing to assess possible acute effect of EMF. Participants attended two sessions: genuine and sham exposure of EMF. Hearing threshold levels (HTL) on pure tone audiometry (PTA) and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE's) were recorded before and immediately after 10 min of genuine and/or sham exposure of mobile phone EMF. The administration of genuine or sham exposure was double blind and counterbalanced in order.

Results
Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the mean HTLs of PTA and mean shifts of TEOAE's before and after genuine and/or sham mobile phone EMF 10 min exposure. The data collected showed that average TEOAE levels (averaged across a frequency range) changed less than 2.5 dB between pre- and post-, genuine and sham exposure. The greatest individual change was 10 dB, with a decrease in level from pre- to post- real exposure.

Conclusion
It could be concluded that a 10-min close exposure of EMFs emitted from a mobile phone had no immediate after-effect on measurements of HTL of PTA and TEOAEs in young human subjects and no measurable hearing deterioration was detected in our study.