bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The time course and mechanisms of change in biomarkers of joint metabolism in response to acute exercise and chronic training in physiologic and pathological conditions
Authors: Roberts Harry M. , Law Rebecca-Jane , Thom Jeanette M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeThe benefits of exercise across the lifespan and for a wide spectrum of health and diseases are well known. However, there remains less clarity as to the effects of both acute and chronic exercise on joint health. Serum biomarkers of joint metabolism are sensitive to change and have the potential to differentiate between normal and adverse adaptations to acute and chronic load. Therefore, the primary objective of this review is to evaluate how serum biomarkers can inform our understanding of how exercise affects joint metabolism.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was completed to identify joint biomarkers previously used to investigate acute and chronic exercise training.ResultsIdentified biomarkers included those related to joint cartilage, bone, synovium, synovial fluid, and inflammation. However, current research has largely focused on the response of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) to acute loading in healthy young individuals. Studies demonstrate how acute loading transiently increases serum COMP (i.e., cartilage metabolism), which is mostly dependent on the duration of exercise. This response does not appear to be associated with any lasting deleterious changes, cartilage degradation, or osteoarthritis.ConclusionSeveral promising biomarkers for assessing joint metabolism exist and may in future enhance our understanding of the physiological response to acute and chronic exercise. Defining ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ biomarker responses to exercise and methodological standardisation would greatly improve the potential of research in this area to understand mechanisms and inform practice.
Why are there long waits at English emergency departments?
Authors: Gaughan James , Kasteridis Panagiotis , Mason Anne , Street Andrew 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A core performance target for the English National Health Service (NHS) concerns waiting times at Emergency Departments (EDs), with the aim of minimising long waits. We investigate the drivers of long waits. We analyse weekly data for all major EDs in England from April 2011 to March 2016. A Poisson model with ED fixed effects is used to explore the impact on long (> 4 h) waits of variations in demand (population need and patient case-mix) and supply (emergency physicians, introduction of a Minor Injury Unit (MIU), inpatient bed occupancy, delayed discharges and long-term care). We assess overall ED waits and waits on a trolley (gurney) before admission. We also investigate variation in performance among EDs. The rate of long overall waits is higher in EDs serving older patients (4.2%), where a higher proportion of attendees leave without being treated (15.1%), in EDs with a higher death rate (3.3%) and in those located in hospitals with greater bed occupancy (1.5%). These factors are also significantly associated with higher rates of long trolley waits. The introduction of a co-located MIU is significantly and positively associated with long overall waits, but not with trolley waits. There is substantial variation in waits among EDs that cannot be explained by observed demand and supply characteristics. The drivers of long waits are only partially understood but addressing them is likely to require a multi-faceted approach. EDs with high rates of unexplained long waits would repay further investigation to ascertain how they might improve.
Hydrophilic Polysiloxane Microspheres and Ceramic SiOC Microspheres Derived from Them
Authors: Chojnowski J. , Slomkowski S. , Fortuniak W. , Mizerska U. , Pospiech P. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this overview article, the research on polysiloxane microspheres performed in the authors’ laboratory is briefly reviewed. These microspheres are prepared in water emulsion from polyhydromethylsiloxane (PHMS). This polymer is cross-linked in the emulsion process by hydrosilylation using various low molecular weight cross-linkers having at least two vinyl functions. The microspheres contain a large number of silanol groups which give them hydrophilicity and a broad possibility of functionalization by condensation with reactive silanes bearing a functional group in the organic radical. Further transformation of these functions leads to materials for practical use, such as catalysts and biocidal powders. The hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of the microspheres may be fine-tuned by silylation or modification of the precursor PHMS polymer. Pristine microspheres are highly hydrophilic and well-dispersed in water. They do not adsorb proteins and hydrophobic organic substances. Macropores may be generated in these particles by a simple modification of the emulsion procedure. These microspheres are also very good precursors for ceramic silicon oxycarbide microsphers because they retain their shape in pyrolytic processes even at high temperatures; and they give a high yield of ceramic material. The polysiloxane microspheres heated at 600 °C give micro and mezo porous materials with specific surface above 500 m2/g. When pyrolysed at temperatures 1000–1400 °C, they form solid ceramic microspheres of high strength. They retain spherical shape at 1500 °C although cracks are formed at their surfaces. Etching them with HF(aq) solution gives porous microspheres with specific surface above 1000 m2/g that is almost devoid of SiO2.
Pea cultivar Blauwschokker for the phytostimulation of biodiesel degradation in agricultural soil
Authors: Hawrot-Paw Małgorzata , Ratomski Patryk , Mikiciuk Małgorzata , Staniewski Jacek , Koniuszy Adam , Ptak Piotr , Golimowski Wojciech 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPhytoremediation is a cost-effective and ecologically friendly process that involves the use of plants to uptake, accumulate, translocate, stabilize, or degrade pollutants. The present study was conducted to demonstrate the potential of pea (Pisum sativumL. spp.sativum) cultivar Blauwschokker to phytostimulate biodiesel degradation in an agricultural soil, considering the influence of biological remediation on selected physiological parameters of plants and the amount and activity of soil microflora. Biodiesel was spiked into soil in dose of 50 g kg−1of dry mass soil. The results of the study showed that the rate of biodiesel degradation in the vegetated soil was higher than that occurring by natural attenuation. At the same time, biodiesel showed a positive effect on the growth, development, and activity of soil bacteria and fungi. Moreover, the obtained results showed an improvement in physiological parameters of plants, including an increase in chlorophyllaand total chlorophyll content and higher relative water content in leaves in the presence of biodiesel.
Astrocyte senescence may drive alterations in GFAPα, CDKN2A p14ARF, and TAU3 transcript expression and contribute to cognitive decline
Authors: Lye Jed J. , Latorre Eva , Lee Ben P. , Bandinelli Stefania , Holley Janet E. , Gutowski Nicholas J. , Ferrucci Luigi , Harries Lorna W. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues is causally linked to the development of several age-related diseases; the removal of senescent glial cells in animal models prevents Tau accumulation and cognitive decline. Senescent cells can arise through several distinct mechanisms; one such mechanism is dysregulation of alternative splicing. In this study, we characterised the senescent cell phenotype in primary human astrocytes in terms of SA-β-Gal staining and SASP secretion, and then assessed splicing factor expression and candidate gene splicing patterns. Finally, we assessed associations between expression of dysregulated isoforms and premature cognitive decline in 197 samples from the InCHIANTI study of ageing, where expression was present in both blood and brain. We demonstrate here that senescent astrocytes secrete a modified SASP characterised by increased IL8, MMP3, MMP10, and TIMP2 but decreased IL10 levels. We identified significant changes in splicing factor expression for 10/20 splicing factors tested in senescent astrocytes compared with early passage cells, as well as dysregulation of isoform levels for 8/13 brain or senescence genes tested. Finally, associations were identified between peripheral blood GFAPα, TAU3, and CDKN2A (P14ARF) isoform levels and mild or severe cognitive decline over a 3–7-year period. Our data are suggestive that some of the features of cognitive decline may arise from dysregulated splicing of important genes in senescent brain support cells, and that defects in alternative splicing or splicing regulator expression deserve exploration as points of therapeutic intervention in the future.
Application of white mustard and oats in the phytostabilisation of soil contaminated with cadmium with the addition of cellulose and urea
Authors: Boros-Lajszner Edyta , Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Kucharski Jan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Determination of the effectiveness of white mustard and oats in immobilising cadmium as a soil contaminant and determining the role of cellulose and urea in restoring homeostasis in soil under pressure from Cd2+.

Materials and methods
Soil samples were contaminated with cadmium (CdCl2·21/2H2O) at 0, 4, 8 and 16 mg Cd2+ kg−1. In order to reduce the negative impact of Cd2+, cellulose was introduced to the soil at the following rates: 0 and 15 g kg−1 and urea at 80 and 160 mg N kg−1. The yield of the above-ground parts and roots was determined on days 40 and 80 of the experiment, along with the cadmium content in the plant material. The enzyme activity was also determined, and the physical and chemical properties of the soil were determined on the day of the oats’ (aftercrop) harvest.

Results and discussion
Contamination of soil with Cd2+ at 4 to 16 mg kg−1 d.m. of soil reduced the yield of white mustard and oats. The tolerance index (TI) values indicate that oats (aftercrop) is more tolerant than white mustard of soil contamination with Cd2+. Cadmium accumulated more intensely in roots compared with the above-ground parts of the plants. The translocation index (TF) indicates smaller Cd2+ translocation from roots to above-ground parts, as it was below 1 in both plants. An addition of cellulose and nitrogen offsets the adverse impact of cadmium on plants. Arylsulphatase was the most sensitive to soil contamination with Cd2+, followed by dehydrogenases, catalase, β-glucosidase and urease, and alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were the least sensitive. Contamination of soil with Cd2+ changed its physical and chemical properties only slightly.

Conclusions
White mustard and oats have phytostabilisation potential with respect to soil contaminated with cadmium. Cellulose introduced to the soil and fertilisation with urea alleviated the negative impact of cadmium on the growth and development of plants.
How to Measure Retirement Age? A Comparison of Survey and Register Data
Authors: Eyjólfsdóttir Harpa S. , Baumann Isabel , Agahi Neda , Lennartsson Carin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDue to an increasing heterogeneity in retirement transitions, the measurement of retirement age constitutes a major challenge for researchers and policymakers. In order to better understand the concept of retirement age, we compare a series of measures for retirement age assessed on the basis of survey and register data. We use data from Sweden, where flexible retirement schemes are implemented and register data are available. We link survey data from the Swedish Level of Living Survey with register data from the Swedish Longitudinal Integration Database for Health Insurance and Labour Market Studies. We create four measures of retirement age based on these datasets, applying approaches that have been used in previous literature. We analyse the means and distributions of these measures and evaluate the correlations between them. Finally, we regress common predictors of retirement age such as gender or education on the four measures of retirement age to examine potential differences in size, direction and statistical significance of the associations. We find that the survey measure of retirement age resembles the following two ways of defining retirement age in the register data: first, the age at which people receive more than half their income from old-age or disability pension and, second, the age at which they were not gainfully employed for at least 2 years. This insight gives us a better understanding of when in the retirement transition process, individuals identify with retirement. Moreover, it provides decision support for researchers working with register data to determine which measure to use.
Faire Repräsentation versus klare Richtungsentscheide?
Authors: Ganghof Steffen , Eppner Sebastian 
Published: October 2019

ZusammenfassungDie Fragmentierung europäischer Parteiensysteme und damit verbundene Schwierigkeiten bei der Koalitionsbildung haben zu einer Neuauflage altbekannter Debatten über unterschiedliche Wahlsysteme geführt. Einige Autoren sehen dabei bestimmte Wahlsysteme als optimalen Kompromiss zwischen den Prinzipien der Mehrheits- und der Verhältniswahl an. Wir argumentieren, dass diese Optimalitätsargumente eine konzeptionelle Schlagseite zugunsten „majoritärer“ Demokratiekonzeptionen haben. Eine anspruchsvolle „proportionale“ Demokratiekonzeption umfasst die Ziele mechanischer Proportionalität, multidimensionaler Repräsentation und wechselnder Gesetzgebungsmehrheiten. Diese Ziele lassen sich allerdings im parlamentarischen Regierungssystem nicht mit den Zielen der Mehrheitswahl vereinbaren. Der Grund ist, dass die relevanten Hürden des Wahlsystems gleichzeitig für die parlamentarische Repräsentation und die Teilnahme am Misstrauensvotum gelten. Erstere ist entscheidend für die proportionale, letztere für die majoritäre Konzeption der Demokratie. Sind wir bereit diese beiden Hürden zu entkoppeln – und somit das Regierungssystem zu verändern – ergibt sich eine Vielfalt neuer Reformoptionen. Wir illustrieren diese Punkte mit Daten für 29 demokratische Systeme im Zeitraum von 1995 bis 2015.
Effects of a Web-Based, Evolutionary Mismatch-Framed Intervention Targeting Physical Activity and Diet: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Grey Elisabeth B. , Thompson Dylan , Gillison Fiona B. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
This study sought to test the effectiveness of a 12-week, novel online intervention (Evolife) aiming to increase physical activity level (PAL) and reduce energy intake (EI) among overweight/obese adults. The intervention used an evolutionary mismatch message to frame health information in an engaging way, incorporating evidence-based behaviour change techniques to promote autonomous motivation, self-efficacy and self-regulatory skills.

Method
Men and women aged 35–74 years with a BMI of 25–40 kg/m2 were eligible. Participants were randomised to receive either the intervention (comprising a face-to-face introductory session, 12 weeks’ access to the Evolife website and a pedometer) or a control condition (face-to-face introductory session and NHS online health resources). PAL was measured objectively and EI was self-reported using 3-day weighed food records. Secondary measures included BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure.

Results
Sixty people met inclusion criteria; 59 (30 intervention) completed the trial (mean age = 50; 56% male). Differences between groups’ change scores for PAL and EI were of small effect size but did not reach significance (d = 0.32 and d = − 0.49, respectively). Improvements were found in both groups for PAL (int: d = 0.33; control: d = 0.04), EI (int: d = − 0.81; control: d = − 0.16), waist circumference (int: d = − 0.30; control: d = − 0.17) and systolic blood pressure (int: d = − 0.67; control: d = − 0.28).

Conclusion
The intervention did not lead to significantly greater improvement in PAL or reduction in EI than a minimal intervention control, although the changes in the intervention group were of meaningful effect size and comparable with positive outcomes in larger intervention trials.

Trial Registration
This trail was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov on 16 January 2017 (appeared online 26 January 2017), reference NCT03032731.
A novel method to optimise the utility of underused moulted plumulaceous feather samples for genetic analysis in bird conservation
Authors: Peters Catherine , Nelson Howard , Rusk Bonnie , Muir Anna 
Published: October 2019

AbstractNon-invasive sampling methods are increasingly being used in conservation research as they reduce or eliminate the stress and disturbance resulting from invasive sampling of blood or tissue. Here we present a protocol optimised for obtaining usable genetic material from moulted plumulaceous feather samples. The combination of simple alterations to a ‘user-developed’ method, comprised of increased incubation time and modification of temperature and volume of DNA elution buffer, are outlined to increase DNA yield and significantly increase DNA concentration (W = 81, p < 0.01, Cohens’sd = 0.89). We also demonstrate that the use of a primerless polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique increases DNA quality and amplification success when used prior to PCR reactions targeting avian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). A small amplicon strategy proved effective for mtDNA amplification using PCR, targeting three overlapping 314–359 bp regions of the cytochrome oxidase I barcoding region which, when combined, aligned with target-species reference sequences. We provide evidence that samples collected non-invasively in the field and kept in non-optimal conditions for DNA extraction can be used effectively to sequence a 650 bp region of mtDNA for genetic analysis.
A scoping review into the impact of animal imagery on pro-environmental outcomes
Authors: Thomas-Walters Laura , McNulty Claire , Veríssimo Diogo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
With the recognition that most global environmental problems are a result of human actions, there is an increasing interest in approaches which have the potential to influence human behaviour. Images have a powerful role in shaping persuasive messages, yet research on the impacts of visual representations of nature is a neglected area in biodiversity conservation. We systematically screened existing studies on the use of animal imagery in conservation, identifying 37 articles. Although there is clear evidence that images of animals can have positive effects on people’s attitudes to animals, overall there is currently a dearth of accessible and comparable published data demonstrating the efficacy of animal imagery. Most existing studies are place and context-specific, limiting the generalisable conclusions that can be drawn. Transdisciplinary research is needed to develop a robust understanding of the contextual and cultural factors that affect how animal images can be used effectively for conservation purposes.
Effect of Temperature and Gamma-Ray Irradiation on Optical Characteristics of Fiber Bragg Grating Inscribed Radiation-Resistant Optical Fiber
Authors: Ju Seongmin , Kim Youngwoong , Linganna Kadathala , Kim Yune Hyoun , Han Won-Taek 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A new radiation-hard germano-silicate glass optical fiber with a pure silica glass buffer and a boron-doped silica glass inner cladding was fabricated for temperature sensor application based on the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) under γ-ray irradiation environment. The temperature dependences of optical attenuation at 1550.5 nm and Bragg reflection wavelength shift from 18 °C to 40 °C before the γ-ray irradiation were about 4.57×10−4 dB/ °C and 5.48 pm/ °C, respectively. The radiation-induced optical attenuation at 1550.5 nm and the radiation-induced Bragg reflection wavelength shift under the γ-ray irradiation with the total dose of 22.85kGy at 35 °C were about 0.03dB/m and 0.12nm, respectively, with the γ-ray irradiation sensitivity of 5.25×10−3 pm/Gy. The temperature and the γ-ray irradiation dependence of optical attenuation at 1550.5nm in the FBG written fiber with boron-doped silica glass inner cladding were about 6 times and 4 times lower than that in the FBG written fiber without boron-doped silica glass inner cladding under a temperature change from 18 °C to 40 °C and the γ-ray irradiation with the total dose of 22.85 kGy at 35 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of temperature increase on the Bragg reflection wavelength of the FBG written fiber with boron-doped silica inner cladding was much larger about 1000 times than that of the γ-ray irradiation. However, no influence on the reflection power of the Bragg wavelengths and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) bandwidth under temperature and the γ-ray irradiation change was found. Also, after the γ-ray irradiation with the dose of 22.85kGy, no significant change in the refractive index was found but the residual stresses developed in the fiber were slightly relaxed or retained.
Multi-objective parameters optimization design of self-excited oscillation pulsed atomizing nozzle
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Sun Xiao , Chen Si 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The self-excited oscillation pulsed atomizing nozzle can effectively and evenly spray the high-speed solid cone jet without any extra power. The primary atomization of the jet at the outlet of nozzle directly affects the final spray quality, and the turbulence and cavitation at the outlet of the atomizing nozzle are the other two main factors affecting the atomization. In this work, multi-objective optimization depending on nozzle parameters was established by using mathematical optimization techniques and computational fluid dynamics to improve the jet atomization quality at the outlet of the nozzle. The central composite design method and the response surface method were used to obtain the approximate mathematical model of the primary atomization quality of the jet at the outlet of nozzle. Finally, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with elitist strategy (NSGA-II) and the grey theory were used in combination to optimize the nozzle parameters. Through combining with the NSGA-II and the grey theory, the nozzle parameters were optimized in order to obtain the best primary atomization at the outlet area of nozzle. The optimization results verified the nozzle design with multi-objective optimization method. The optimized values of the turbulent kinetic energy F1 and the vapor volume fraction F2 increased by 28.26% and 5.56%, respectively, and the corresponding nozzle parameters of the chamber diameter D, the lower nozzle diameter d2 and the upper nozzle inlet pressure Pin were, respectively, optimized to 28.056 mm, 5.472 mm and 3.999 Mpa.