bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A community survey on knowledge of the impact of environmental and epigenetic factors on health and disease
Authors: Miller Marian , Bailey Banita , Govindarajah Vinothini , Levin Linda , Metzger Traci , Pinney Susan M , Leung Yuet-Kin , Ho Shuk-Mei 
Published: March 2016

Aim: An outreach effort was designed to survey breast cancer survivors, supporters and their families and friends with respect to their interest in, and knowledge of, the potential impact of the environment and epigenetics on health. Methods: Two nearly identical questionnaires (one for adolescents and one for adults) were designed to gauge the perception of this community as to whether the environment impacts health and cancer risk through processes other than genetics. The questionnaires were filled out at casual social gatherings, fundraisers and wellness campaigns as well as in schools (730 participants). The differences among correct (scientific consensus) versus other responses (incorrect and not known) were evaluated. Each answer was first analysed individually and then grouped into one of three categories (diet, inheritance and environment) with age, race and gender. Differences for each response, question or group were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Respondents generally acknowledged that many factors could be associated with breast cancer although answers to key questions related to epigenetics based on diet, inheritance and environment were often incorrect or not known. The adult participants tended to answer more questions correctly than adolescents did. The majority of participants preferred the Internet as a major source for obtaining further information. Conclusion: The growing awareness and educational needs for adolescents may bring new paradigm-related environmental risk factors, which may minimise negative epigenetic outcome in subsequent generations. There is an educational opportunity, especially using electronic media, for public education concerning the impact of the environment on human health.
Reducing excess mortality due to chronic disease in people with severe mental illness: Meta-review of health interventions
Authors: Baxter Amanda J. , Harris Meredith G. , Khatib Yasmin , Brugha Traolach S. , Bien Heidrun , Bhui Kamaldeep 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundPeople with severe mental illness (SMI) have high rates of chronic disease and premature death.AimsTo explore the strength of evidence for interventions to reduce risk of mortality in people with SMI.MethodIn a meta-review of 16 systematic reviews of controlled studies, mortality was the primary outcome (8 reviews). Physiological health measures (body mass index, weight, glucose levels, lipid profiles and blood pressure) were secondary outcomes (14 reviews).ResultsAntipsychotic and antidepressant medications had some protective effect on mortality, subject to treatment adherence. Integrative community care programmes may reduce physical morbidity and excess deaths, but the effective ingredients are unknown. Interventions to improve unhealthy lifestyles and risky behaviours can improve risk factor profiles, but longer follow-up is needed. Preventive interventions and improved medical care for comorbid chronic disease may reduce excess mortality, but data are lacking.ConclusionsImproved adherence to pharmacological and physical health management guidelines is indicated.
A novel high-content analysis tool reveals Rab8-driven cytoskeletal reorganization through Rho GTPases, calpain and MT1-MMP
Authors: Bravo-Cordero José J. , Cordani Marco , Soriano Silvia F. , Díez Begoña , Muñoz-Agudo Carmen , Casanova-Acebes María , Boullosa César , Guadamillas Marta C. , Ezkurdia Iakes , González-Pisano David , del Pozo Miguel A. , Montoya María C. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
Rab8 is a small Ras-related GTPase that regulates polarized membrane transport to the plasma membrane. Here, we developed a high-content analysis (HCA) tool to dissect Rab8-mediated actin and focal adhesion reorganization that revealed that Rab8 activation significantly induced Rac1 and Tiam1 to mediate cortical actin polymerization and RhoA-dependent stress fibre disassembly. Rab8 activation increased Rac1 activity, whereas its depletion activated RhoA, which led to reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Rab8 was also associated with focal adhesions, promoting their disassembly in a microtubule-dependent manner. This Rab8 effect involved calpain, MT1-MMP (also known as MMP14) and Rho GTPases. Moreover, we demonstrate the role of Rab8 in the cell migration process. Indeed, Rab8 is required for EGF-induced cell polarization and chemotaxis, as well as for the directional persistency of intrinsic cell motility. These data reveal that Rab8 drives cell motility by mechanisms both dependent and independent of Rho GTPases, thereby regulating the establishment of cell polarity, turnover of focal adhesions and actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, thus determining the directionality of cell migration.
The Effect of Project Based Learning on the Statistical Literacy Levels of Student 8th Grade
Authors: Koparan Timur , Güven Bülent 
Published: March 2016

<p style="text-align:justify">This study examines the effect of project based learning on 8th grade students’ statistical literacy levels. A performance test was developed for this aim. Quasi-experimental research model was used in this article. In this context, the statistics were taught with traditional method in the control group and it was taught using project based learning in the intervention group. Statistics was given for four weeks according to pro ject based learning at intervention group. The performance test was applied to total 70 students as pre and post-test. Participants are from two different classes of a middle school in Trabzon. The data were analysed using Rasch measurement techniques. This measurement allowed both students’ performance and item difficulties to be measured using the same metric and placed on the same scale. All raw scores converted linear score in order to obtain equal interval scale. Acquired linear scores were compared. In the analysis of gained datum covariance analysis are used. According to gained results in pre-processing application there isn’t substantial difference between the achievements of intervention group and control group; but after processing between the achievements of intervention group and control group there is a substantial difference statistically in favor of intervention group. The results of the study revealed that the project based learning increased students’ statistical literacy levels in the intervention group.</p>
The structure of umkomasiacean fructifications from the Triassic of Queensland
Authors: Pattemore Gary A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract The plant fossil genera Umkomasia Thomas 1933 and Pteruchus Thomas 1933 emend. Townrow 1962 are known chiefly from the Middle and Upper Triassic of Gondwana. The structure of these fructifications has been conjectural, some being identified as pinnate, others as helically arranged. Specimens from the Ladinian-lower Norian of Queensland (northeastern Australia) show that the female and male fructifications - U. geminata (Shirley 1898) Rigby in Playford et al. 1982 emend. nov. and P. dubius Thomas 1933 emend. Townrow 1962, respectively - have a bipinnate structure. Those fructifications and the bipinnate leaf, Dicroidium feistmantelii (Johnston 1894) Gothan 1912, probably all belonged to the same parent plant. It was first suggested by John Townrow in 1962 that the sporangial heads of P. dubius have a pinnate structure; this character is confirmed herein. Pteruchus is recorded for the first time from the Carnian Tarong Basin, Queensland.The holotype of Stachyopitys simmondsii Shirley 1898 is shown to be ovuliferous. The species is recombined as Umkomasia simmondsii (Shirley 1898) comb. et emend. nov. Genuine male fructifications, previously identified as S. simmondsii, and later as Pteruchus simmondsii (Shirley 1898) Jones and de Jersey 1947, are assigned to P. minor Thomas 1933. That species comprises the smallest fructifications of the genus. Townrovia polaris Bomfleur et al. 2011 and Stachyopitys lacrisporangia Anderson & Anderson 2003 are identified as junior synonyms to P. minor. The diagnosis of Townrovia Retallack 1981 is inaccurate and the genus is insufficiently distinguished from Pteruchus.
Distribution and sources of n-alkanes in surface sediments of Taihu Lake, China
Authors: Yu Yunlong , Li Yuanyuan , Guo Zhigang , Zou Hua 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The last study on n-alkanes in surface sediments of Taihu Lake was in 2000, only 13 surface sediment samples were analysed, in order to have a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of n-alkanes in the surface sediments of Taihu Lake, 41 surface sediment samples were analyzed by GC-MS. C10 to C37 were detected, the total concentrations of n-alkanes ranged from 2109 ng g−1 to 9096 ng g−1 (dry weight). There was strong odd carbon predominance in long chain n-alkanes and even carbon predominance in short chain n-alkanes. When this finding was combined with the analysis results of wax n-alkanes (WaxCn), carbon preference index (CPI), unresolved complex mixture (UCM), hopanes and steranes, it was considered that the long chain n-alkanes were mainly from terrigenous higher plants, and that the short chain n-alkanes mainly originated from bacteria and algae in the lake, compared with previous studies, there were no obvious anthropogenic petrogenic inputs. Terrestrial and aquatic hydrocarbons ratio (TAR) and C21−/C25+ indicated that terrigenous input was higher than aquatic sources and the nearshore n-alkanes were mainly from land-derived sources. Moreover, the distribution of short chain n-alkanes presented a relatively uniform pattern, while the long chain n-alkanes presented a trend that concentrations dropped from nearshore places to the middle of lake.
Standing Waves in a Rectangular Resonator Containing Acoustically Active Gases
Authors: Perelomova Anna 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The distribution of perturbations of pressure and velocity in a rectangular resonator is considered. A resonator contains a gas where thermodynamic processes take place, such as exothermic chemical reaction or excitation of vibrational degrees of a molecule’s freedom. These processes make the gas acoustically active under some conditions. We conclude that the incident and reflected compounds of a sound beam do not interact in the leading order in the case of the periodic sound with zero mean pressure including waveforms with discontinuities. The acoustic field before and after forming of discontinuities is described. The acoustic heating or cooling in a resonator is discussed.
Effect of Urethane Foam Cushioning on Structure-Borne Sound Transfer by a Slab with Panel Flooring
Authors: Mu RuiLin , Toyoda Masahiro , Takahashi Daiji 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Urethane foam mattresses are commonly used as cushioning when placing panel flooring on the floor slab of a building. Urethane foam consists of elastic fibres with pores. Both elements can affect the performance of the insulation against impact sounds. However, these effects have not yet been detailed, and they may change if the material properties or constitution of the fibres and pores in the cushioning change. In this paper, we propose an analytical model for use in evaluating the performance of insulation against floor impact sound. This model was used to examine the contribution of the pores versus the elastic fibres to wave transmissions from the flooring surface to the slab. The results reveal that the constitution of the foam (either open or closed cells of pores) and the thickness and hardness of the cushion layer strongly affect the sound insulation performance of the floor.
Analysis of compound action potentials elicited with specific current stimulating pulses in an isolated rat sciatic nerve
Authors: Žužek Monika C. , Rozman Janez , Pečlin Polona , Vrecl Milka , Frangež Robert 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe ability to selectively stimulate Aα, Aβ-fibers and Aδ-fibers in an isolated rat sciatic nerve (SNR) was assessed. The stimulus used was a current, biphasic pulse with a quasitrapezoidal cathodic phase and rectangular anodic phase where parameters were systematically varied: intensity of the cathodic phase (i
The impact of renal function on the clinical performance of FLC measurement in AL amyloidosis
Authors: Palladini Giovanni , Milani Paolo , Foli Andrea , Basset Marco , Russo Francesca , Bosoni Tiziana , Pirolini Laura , Valentini Veronica , Ferraro Giovanni , Lavatelli Francesca , Barassi Alessandra , Albertini Riccardo , Merlini Giampaolo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe measurement of circulating free light chains (FLC) is of utmost importance in immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, being a fundamental part of the diagnostic workup, prognostic stratification and assessment of response to therapy. Renal failure is a common feature of AL amyloidosis and can considerably affect the concentration of FLC.We assessed the impact of renal failure on the clinical performance of the Freelite assay in 982 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients with AL amyloidosis, 822 with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL/min/1.73 mThe diagnostic sensitivity of the κ/λ FLC ratio was lower for λ amyloidogenic FLC in patients with renal failure (81% vs. 60%, p<0.001) and the FLC concentration had no independent prognostic significance in patients with severe renal dysfunction. However, FLC response to chemotherapy could still discriminate patients with better outcome.Renal failure is a relevant interference factor when using the Freelite assay for the identification of the amyloidogenic light chain and for prognostic assessment in patients with AL amyloidosis and renal failure.
Garlic capsule and selenium-vitamins ACE combination therapy modulate key antioxidant proteins and cellular adenosine triphosphate in lisinopril-induced lung damage in rats
Authors: Akintunde Jacob K. , Bolarin Olakunle Enock , Akintunde Daniel G. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Background: Garlic capsule (GAR) and/or selenium- vitamin A, C, E (S-VACE) might be useful in the treatment of lung diseases. The present study evaluated the toxicity of lisinopril (LIS) in the lungs of male rats and the reversal effect of GAR and/or selenium-vitamins A, C, and E (S-VACE).

Methods: Group I served as the control, whereas animals in groups II, III, IV, and V received 28 mg of LIS/kg body weight by gavage. Group III was co-treated with GAR at a therapeutic dosage of 250 mg/kg body weight per day. Group IV was co-treated with S-VACE at dosage of 500 mg/kg body weight per day. Lastly, group V was co-treated with GAR and S-VACE at dosages of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight per day, respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 days (sub-acute exposure).

Results: Administration of therapeutic dose of LIS to male rats depleted enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and cellular adenosine triphosphate content with concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation. Histopathology examination showed damage to the epithelial cells of the airways. These effects were prevented by both single and combination treatment of GAR and S-VACE in male rats with LIS-induced lung toxicity.

Conclusions: We therefore concluded that the combination of GAR and S-VACE can be a novel therapy for the management of lung diseases in humans.
Contribution to bionomy of Hylesinus fraxini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and its monogamy in the Czech Republic
Authors: Lukášová Karolina , Zimová Soňa 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
This study focused on bionomics of the ash bark beetle Hylesinus fraxini (Panzer 1779). The study area was at Jílové u Prahy in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. In February 2014, three common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees were felled and Hylesinus fraxini infestation was subsequently observed from March. Beetles were collected from 20 debarked logs and dissected under stereomicroscope, and their sex was determined. Five logs with bark beetles were placed into photoeclectors. Beetles that emerged were collected and put into the second photoeclector with fresh ash wood to determine whether they would establish the second generation. The analysis showed that each gallery system with a pair of bark beetles contained one male with only one female. If one adult of H. fraxini was found in the gallery system, it was usually female. Therefore, possible polygamy of Hylesinus fraxini was not confirmed in Central Bohemia. Maternal gallery length significantly correlated with the number of eggs laid per female. Offspring beetles did not establish the second generation, as only maturation feeding occurred in fresh wood.
Optimisation of timber harvesting work of Logset 5H medium power harvester
Authors: Nový Vladislav 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
This article analyses field measurements of harvestor operation activities with the aim to search for optimum production conditions of the machine from the point of fuel consumption and operation efficiency. All applied measurement and calculation approaches are based on the methodology for the evaluation of the natural principle of minimax. This principle is one of the most complex decision-making principles in deploying technologies in these activities with minimum energy costs for machine operation, and with regard to the economy of operating these techniques. The measured and calculated values revealed that considering the stated criteria the optimum conditions of the tested machine occurred when a harvested stem had a volume between 0.2 and 0.4 m3.
Productivity and functioning of the beech ecosystem: Ecological Experimental Station – Kremnické vrchy Mts. (Western Carpathians)
Authors: Barna Milan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAt beginning of the 1980‘s, the National Science Foundation (USA) came up with the initiation of the program for Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER), which is a program based on long-term comprehensive study of the structure and processes of ecosystems. The Ecological Experimental Station (EES) in the Kremnické vrchy Mountains (Western Carpathians, Slovakia, 1986) was founded for similar purposes. The aim of the research at EES was to evaluate the productivity, carrying capacity and functioning of the beech ecosystem. In February 1989, five plots were established. Four plots were subjected to a regeneration cutting of different intensities (clear-cut, strip shelterwood cut: light, medium and heavy). The fifth plot was left without any management treatments as a control. The second cutting was performed in 2004 followed by the final cutting five years later. Currently, the research is carried out on the EES control plot in the stand comprising 115–120 years old beech trees. In the other stands the research is focused on the development of naturally regenerated beech ecosystems established after different cutting interventions. The future of the EES is in addressing some global issues, particularly the impact of climate change on primary production, as well as on its other consequences for the functioning of the affected ecosystems.
Multistatic GNSS Receiver Array for Passive Air Surveillance
Authors: Wachtl Stefan , Koch Volker , Westphal Robert , Schmidt Lorenz-Peter 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe performance of a passive air surveillance sensor based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is mainly limited by the receiver noise efficiency, the achievable signal processing gain and the radar cross section (RCS) of an airplane. For surveillance applications large detection ranges as well as a high probability of detection are crucial parameters. Due to the very low GNSS signal powers received on the earth’s surface, high radar cross sections are mandatory to achieve detection ranges for airplanes at some kilometers distance. This paper will discuss a multistatic transmitter and receiver arrangement, which is indispensable to get a reasonable detection rate with respect to a hemispheric field of view. The strong performance dependency of such a sensor on the number of transmitters and receivers will be shown by means of some exemplary simulation results.
A Polarization Reconfigurable Aperture-Coupled Microstrip Antenna and Its Binary Array for MIMO
Authors: Zhong Lei , Hong Jin-Song , Zhou Hong-Cheng 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn the paper, a singly fed circular patch antenna with polarization diversity is proposed, and its binary array for MIMO application is explored as well. The air substrate and aperture-coupled feed structure are adopted to increase bandwidth and simplify the bias circuit of PIN diodes. By controlling the states of four PIN diodes on the patch, the proposed antenna can produce linear polarization (LP), left- or right-hand circular polarization (LHCP or RHCP). For each polarization sense, the antenna exhibits wide impedance bandwidth, high gain and low cross-polarization. Two antennas are orthogonally placed to form a binary array for MIMO application, which has high isolation and low envelope correlation. The antenna and its array have advantages of simple biasing network, easy fabrication and adjustment, which can be widely applied in wireless communication systems.
The Unbearable Lightness of Memory: From Hamlet, Prince of Denmark to Jorge Luis Borges’ Shakespeare’s Memory
Authors: Raducanu Adriana 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The Romantic poet Novalis once rhetorically asked: “Where are we really going?” “Always home.” For a Shakespearean scholar like Borges’ Sörgel in “Shakespeare’s Memory”, the path towards “home” turns out to be the exploration of a most unusual gift, the very memory of the great Elizabethan. The process is similar although not identical in scope to Hamlet’s attempt to realign time through keeping alive the memory of his murdered father. My aim in this paper is to explore the process of preserving memory and its relation to identity, mourning and dread in “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” and Borges’ “Shakespeare’s Memory”. The theoretical framework is defined by the concept of “eternal return”, as examined by Nietzsche and Mircea Eliade.
Dynamics of gully side erosion: a case study using tree roots exposure data
Authors: Šilhán Karel , Ružek Ivan , Burian Libor 
Published: March 2016

AbstractErosion is a frequently studied natural process. Unfortunately, detailed analysis mostly requires longterm field monitoring or detailed digital elevation models (DEM) which are still absent for many areas. For these reasons we used the dendrogeomorphic method, a valuable tool for erosion analysis. The slopes of a ~220 m long gully close to the Kozárovce village (Slovakia) were the object of our study. We analyzed 53 tree root samples coming from 16 broad-leaved trees of different species. 23 erosion event years were explored during the reconstruction period AD 1972–2013. The mean erosion rate