bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tectonic influence on fluvial preservation: aspects of the architecture of Middle and Late Pleistocene sediments in the northern Upper Rhine Graben, Germany
Authors: Weidenfeller M. , Kärcher T. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRecent carried out core drillings in the Ludwigshafen/Speyer area permit an improved stratigrahical differentiation of the Plio-Pleistocene deposits in the northern Upper Rhine Graben. Lithofacies analysis, pollen analysis, heavy mineral analysis, and palaeomagnetical results, lead to a subdivision of ‘Kieslager’ (gravel-layers) and ‘Zwischenhorizonte’ (interlayers). In the scope of geological mapping near Mannheim and Speyer, the genesis and the stratigraphic position of Middle and Late Pleistocene fluvial terraces was re-assessed (‘Frankenthaler Terrasse’). The terrace has a complex composition, marking two phases of accretion followed by abandonment: a first phase took place in (Elsterian? to) Saalian times, the second phase during the Weichselian. Tectonism further complicates the sequence, in particular in the area between Ludwigshafen and Speyer, which is the SW rim of the ‘Heidelberger Loch’-structure. In this area ‘terraces’ occur they are the result of faulting rather than fluvial dissection alone.
Early and Middle Pleistocene pollen assemblages of deep core drillings in the northern Upper Rhine Graben, Germany
Authors: Knipping M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRecent core drillings, carried out during water-economic exploration in the area of Mannheim/Ludwigshafen/Schifferstadt (Rhine-Neckar region, Germany), have produced a more differentiated stratigraphic division of the Pleistocene sediments of the northern Upper Rhine Graben. Pollen analytical investigations as well as malacological, heavy mineral, palaeomagnetic and lithological research have led to a stratigraphic reinterpretation of the gravel layers and intermediate horizons. Based on the results of the pollen analyses, the Mannheim interglacial period in the upper intermediate horizon (Oberer Zwischenhorizont, OZH) cannot be assigned to the Eemian as stated earlier. The occurrence ofFagus, CeltisandAzolla,along with the results of malacological analyses, indicate a Cromerian age for the Mannheim Interglacial. In addition, a pollen sequence from a different interglacial in the core sediments from Schifferstadt could also be assigned to the Cromerian. The Schifferstadt Interglacial is divided into a lower optimum phase with high values ofUlmus, QuercusandCoryluswhileCarpinusis completely absent, and an upper optimum phase with low values ofCarpinus.Fagusis absent in the whole sequence. The OZH comprises not only the two interglacial pollen sequences described above but also parts of at least four Middle Pleistocene Interglacials. In the lower part of the drillings in Schifferstadt and Ludwigshafen, which are assigned to the Early Pleistocene, pollen assemblages withFagusare likely to correlate with parts of the Tiglian A substage. There is a clear change to a Tertiary type of pollen flora at 91 m at Schifferstadt and at 186 m in Ludwigshafen.
Palaeoenvironmental changes and vegetation history of the northern Upper Rhine Graben (southwestern Germany) since the Lateglacial
Authors: Bos J.A.A. , Dambeck R. , Kalis A.J. , Schweizer A. , Thiemeyer H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe vegetation of the northern Upper Rhine Graben (southwestern Germany) is reconstructed for the end of the Lateglacial and the Holocene by means of palynological analyses in combination with AMS14c dating. Analogous to adjacent lowland areas, the Younger Dryas climatic deterioration didnotresult in a complete deforestation of the area and open pine woodlands with locally birch stands and shrubs persisted. A subdivision of the Younger Dryas period, into a humid first phase, followed by a dry second phase was also reflected in our records. For the Holocene, the pollen diagrams show two regionally different vegetation developments, related to substrate and variations in annual precipitation: in the south the ‘classical’ succession of pine then hazel is followed by other deciduous trees, whereas in the northern part, pine kept its dominance far into the Subboreal.
A Revised Stratigraphy for the Pliocene and Lower Pleistocene Deposits of the Lower Rhine Embayment
Authors: Kemna H.A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe Plio-Pleistocene succession in the Lower Rhine Embayment was subjected to a thorough revision of existing stratigraphic concepts. The deposits were studied at key sites in the type area near Venlo and in the large open-cast mine Hambach in the southern part of the Lower Rhine Embayment by means of sedimentological, petrographical, as well as palaeo- and rockmagnetic methods.The work has yielded improved insights of the drainage pattern and the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene depositional history of the region. As a result, a new comprehensive lithostratigraphical framework has been established.Study of the succession at Hambach showed the occurrence of deposits of the Rhine, Meuse and a local river in the Lower Pleistocene part of the succession. Paleo- and rockmagnetic studies of the deposits marking the transition from Pliocene to Pleistocene indicate that the Gauss-Matuyama magnetic reversal occurs several meters above the top of the Reuver Clay at Hambach.The study of the Lower Pleistocene succession in the type area has confirmed the recently new established lithostratigraphic framework of the Netherlands. As a consequence, the previous Dutch lithostratigraphic system which forms the basis of the chronostratigraphic subdivision of the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene of NW Europe has been proven to be inappropriate and should be abandoned. This chronostratigraphic framework is based on the interpretation of palynological data and was first established in the Netherlands during the 1960s. The new lithostratigraphic concept has revealed numerous contradictions with the chronostratigraphic framework. Based on these results it is proposed to abandon the chronostratigraphic subdivision of the Early Pleistocene in northwestern Europe.
A taxonomy for user models in adaptive systems: special considerations for learning environments
Authors: Medina-Medina Nuria , García-Cabrera Lina 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper outlines the educational advantages provided by adaptive systems and stresses the importance of the user model in the task of adaptation. The paper also establishes a general taxonomy of user models thereby enabling classification of any model according to various features related to its structure and management. This taxonomy allows an exhaustive description of all user models, facilitating analysis and design of the corresponding adaptive systems. Subsequently, the taxonomy is used to describe the user modeling process in a concrete adaptive hypermedia system and to analyze the model of a student appropriate for use in a general educational environment.
Methods for investigating the local spatial anisotropy and the preferred orientation of cones in adaptive optics retinal images
Authors: COOPER ROBERT F. , LOMBARDO MARCO , CARROLL JOSEPH , SLOAN KENNETH R. , LOMBARDO GIUSEPPE 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe ability to noninvasively image the cone photoreceptor mosaic holds significant potential as a diagnostic for retinal disease. Central to the realization of this potential is the development of sensitive metrics for characterizing the organization of the mosaic. Here we evaluated previously-described and newly-developed (Fourier- and Radon-based) methods of measuring cone orientation in simulated and real images of the parafoveal cone mosaic. The proposed algorithms correlated well across both simulated and real mosaics, suggesting that each algorithm provides an accurate description of photoreceptor orientation. Despite high agreement between algorithms, each performed differently in response to image intensity variation and cone coordinate jitter. The integration property of the Fourier transform allowed the Fourier-based method to be resistant to cone coordinate jitter and perform the most robustly of all three algorithms. Conversely, when there is good image quality but unreliable cone identification, the Radon algorithm performed best. Finally, in cases where the cone coordinate reliability was excellent, the method previously described by Pum and colleagues performed best. These descriptors are complementary to conventional descriptive metrics of the cone mosaic, such as cell density and spacing, and have the potential to aid in the detection of photoreceptor pathology.
Does seed coat structure modulate gut-passage effects on seed germination? Examples from Miconieae DC. (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Ribeiro Rafaella C. , Figueiredo Maria Letícia N. , Picorelli Agnello , Oliveira Denise M.T. , Silveira Fernando A.O. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFruits of Melastomataceae constitute a key resource for Neotropical frugivores. However, the mechanisms determining gut-passage effects on seed germination are poorly known. Here, we determine how bird gut-passage affects seed germination in three species of Miconieae by running germination experiments, examining changes in seed coat structure and determining germination inhibition by fruit extracts. Mature fruits ofClidemia urceolata, Leandra aureaandMiconia rubiginosawere sampled in south-eastern Brazil and seeds were submitted to treatments evaluating gut-passage effects and different concentrations of fruit extracts. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used to compare seed coat structure and thickness of control and gut-passed seeds. We found minor effects of gut passage on seed germination. However, changes in seed coat structure of gut-passed seeds ofL. aureamay have been related to a decrease in germination. Our data also support the idea that germination inhibitors in fruit pulp may contribute to the inhibition effect. Our study corroborates the idea that changes in the seed coat following gut passage modulate the complex fruit–frugivore interactions, especially between plants and generalist dispersers, and that seed cleaning is a key factor determining seedling establishment in Neotropical Melastomataceae.
Use of Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers in a Hospital-based Disaster Exercise
Authors: Gist Ramon , Daniel Pia , Grock Andrew , Lin Chou-jui , Bryant Clarence , Kohlhoff Stephan , Roblin Patricia , Arquilla Bonnie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of community-based volunteer groups created in 2002 by the Office of the United States Surgeon General (Rockville, Maryland USA) to augment the nation’s ability to respond to medical and public health emergencies. However, there is little evidence-based literature available to guide hospitals on the optimal use of medical volunteers and hesitancy on the part of hospitals to use them.Hypothesis/ProblemThis study sought to determine how MRC volunteers can be used in hospital-based disasters through their participation in a full-scale exercise.MethodsA full-scale exercise was designed as a “Disaster Olympics,” in which the Emergency Medicine residents were divided into teams tasked with completing one of the following five challenges: victim decontamination, mass casualty/decontamination tent assembly, patient triage and registration during a disaster, point of distribution (POD) site set-up and operation, and infection control management. A surge of patients potentially exposed to avian influenza was the scenario created for the latter three challenges. Some MRC volunteers were assigned clinical roles. These roles included serving as members of the suit support team for victim decontamination, distributing medications at the POD, and managing infection control. Other MRC volunteers functioned as “victim evaluators,” who portrayed the potential avian influenza victims while simultaneously evaluating various aspects of the disaster response. The MRC volunteers provided feedback on their experience and evaluators provided feedback on the performance of the MRC volunteers using evaluation tools.ResultsTwenty-eight (90%) MRC volunteers reported that they worked well with the residents and hospital staff, felt the exercise was useful, and were assigned clearly defined roles. However, only 21 (67%) reported that their qualifications were assessed prior to role assignment. For those MRC members who functioned as “victim evaluators,” nine identified errors in aspects of the care they received and the disaster response. Of those who evaluated the MRC, nine (90%) felt that the MRC worked well with the residents and hospital staff. Ten (100%) of these evaluators recommended that MRC volunteers participate in future disaster exercises.ConclusionThrough use of a full-scale exercise, this study was able to identify roles for MRC volunteers in a hospital-based disaster. This study also found MRC volunteers to be uniquely qualified to serve as “victim evaluators” in a hospital-based disaster exercise.GistR, DanielP, GrockA, LinC, BryantC, KohlhoffS, RoblinP, ArquillaB. Use of Medical Reserve Corps volunteers in a hospital-based disaster exercise. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(3):259–262.
The untouchables
Authors: PÉREZ-LEROUX ANA T. 
Published: April 2016

Carroll's critique (Carroll) of the field of bilingualism yields strong directives. Let us not study specific groups of bilinguals, and make big claims about bilingual learning. Let us not study one domain, say vocabulary, and generalize to bilinguals’ language. These are all valid points. She also voices strong skepticism about how current literature deals with language experience:
“Much of the bilingual exposure literature making claims about quantity or quality of exposure is little more than speculation, built from a ‘logic’ about amounts of exposure that will not bear close scrutiny.” (8)
Determination of Dynamics of Plant Plasma Membrane Proteins with Fluorescence Recovery and Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Laňková Martina , Humpolíčková Jana , Vosolsobě Stanislav , Cit Zdeněk , Lacek Jozef , Čovan Martin , Čovanová Milada , Hof Martin , Petrášek Jan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA number of fluorescence microscopy techniques are described to study dynamics of fluorescently labeled proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and whole organelles. However, for studies of plant plasma membrane (PM) proteins, the number of these techniques is still limited because of the high complexity of processes that determine the dynamics of PM proteins and the existence of cell wall. Here, we report on the usage of raster image correlation spectroscopy (RICS) for studies of integral PM proteins in suspension-cultured tobacco cells and show its potential in comparison with the more widely used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching method. For RICS, a set of microscopy images is obtained by single-photon confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Fluorescence fluctuations are subsequently correlated between individual pixels and the information on protein mobility are extracted using a model that considers processes generating the fluctuations such as diffusion and chemical binding reactions. As we show here using an example of two integral PM transporters of the plant hormone auxin, RICS uncovered their distinct short-distance lateral mobility within the PM that is dependent on cytoskeleton and sterol composition of the PM. RICS, which is routinely accessible on modern CLSM instruments, thus represents a valuable approach for studies of dynamics of PM proteins in plants.
Enhancing conceptual knowledge: an approach to using Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training in the classroom
Authors: Montgomerie D. , Kane J. P. , Leong A. , Mudie B. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis report discusses the approach to teaching undergraduate radiation therapy students in New Zealand using the Virtual Environment for the Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system. In conjunction with VERT being used to teach clinical skills, integration of conceptual knowledge occurs across all 3 years of the programme; this report gives examples of how this is achieved in practice.
The Swedish National Diabetes Register in clinical practice and evaluation in primary health care
Authors: Hallgren Elfgren Ing-Marie , Grodzinsky Ewa , Törnvall Eva 
Published: April 2016

AimThe purpose of this project is to describe the use of the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR) in clinical practice in a Swedish county and to specifically monitor the diabetes care routines at two separate primary health-care centres (PHCC) with a special focus on older patients.BackgroundAccording to Swedish law, all health-care units have to maintain a system for quality evaluation and improvement. As the NDR holds the most important quality indicators, implementation of the NDR in primary care was carried out by an implementation project in 2002–2005.MethodsInitially, a digital questionnaire about NDR routines was sent to all PHCC. Statistics about hemoglobin adult 1c (HbA1c) and blood pressure (BP) was presented for the diabetes teams at two centres who were also interviewed. The responses became the basis for a focus group interview with both teams together, with data subject to content analysis.FindingsThe study showed that reporting to the NDR has become a compulsory routine in primary care. The diabetes nurse specialist was responsible for the practical management of the register and used the NDR for continuous monitoring of the patients. Most centres used the NDR’s statistics for evaluation and analyses annually. The diabetes nurse adapted the visits to the patient’s wishes and general condition. Only in terms of target values for HbA1c and BP did they accept slightly higher values for the older patients. Since the NDR was implemented, the registration rate has remained at 75% and has not increased. The reason given was that patients with diabetes living in nursing homes are checked up by the municipal nurse who does not use the NDR. However, the risk of omitting older patients in the NDR could be considerably decreased if data could be transferred from the electronic patient record.
Vaccination of calves against common respiratory viruses in the face of maternally derived antibodies(IFOMA)
Authors: Chamorro Manuel F. , Woolums Amelia , Walz Paul H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractVaccination of calves in the face of maternal antibodies (IFOMA) often does not result in seroconversion as maternally derived immunity interferes with the activation of adequate antibody responses to vaccination; however, it can prime T and B cell memory responses that protect calves against clinical disease when maternal immunity has decayed. The activation of B and T cell memory responses in calves vaccinated IFOMA varies and is affected by several factors, including age, level of maternal immunity, type of vaccine, and route of administration. These factors influence the adequate priming of humoral and cell mediated immune responses and the outcome of vaccination. The failure to adequately prime immune memory after vaccination IFOMA could result in lack of clinical protection and increased risk of viremia and/or virus shedding.
Sulphur tales from the early Archean world
Authors: Montinaro A. , Strauss H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSedimentary and magmatic rocks and their distinct sulphur isotopic signatures indicate the sources and processes of sulphur cycling, in particular through the analysis of all four stable sulphur isotopes (32S,33S,34S and36S). Research over the past 15 years has substantially advanced our understanding of sulphur cycling on the early Earth, most notably through the discovery of mass-independently fractionated sulphur isotopic signatures. A strong atmospheric influence on the early Archean global sulphur cycle is apparent, much in contrast to the modern world. Diverse microbially driven sulphur cycling is clearly discernible, but its importance for Earth surface environments remains to be quantified.
Testing the preservation of biomarkers during experimental maturation of an immature kerogen
Authors: Mißbach H. , Duda J.-P. , Lünsdorf N.K. , Schmidt B.C. , Thiel V. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractLipid biomarkers have been extensively applied for tracing organisms and evolutionary processes through Earth's history. They have become especially important for the reconstruction of early life on Earth and, potentially, for the detection of life in the extraterrestrial realm. However, it is not always clear how exactly biomarkers reflect a paleoecosystem as their preservation may be influenced by increasing temperatures (T) and pressures (P) during burial. While a number of biomarker indices reflecting thermal maturity have been established, it is often less well constrained to which extent biomarker ratios used for paleoreconstruction are compromised by T and P processes. In this study we conducted hydrous pyrolysis of Green River Shale (GRS) kerogen in gold capsules for 2–2400 h at 300°C to assess the maturation behaviour of several compounds used as life tracers and for the reconstruction of paleoenvironments (n-alkanes, pristane, phytane, gammacerane, steranes, hopanes and cheilanthanes). Lignite samples were maturated in parallel with the GRS kerogen to obtain exact vitrinite reflectance data at every sampling point. Our experiment confirms the applicability of biomarker-based indices and ratios as maturity indicators (e.g. total cheilanthanes/hopanes ratio; sterane and hopane isomerization indices). However, several biomarker ratios that are commonly used for paleoreconstructions (e.g. pristane/phytane, pristane/n-C17, phytane/n-C18 and total steranes/hopanes) were considerably affected by differences in the thermal degradation behaviour of the respective compounds. Short-term experiments (48 h) performed at 400°C also revealed that biomarkers >C15 (especially steranes and hopanes) and ‘biological’ chain length preferences for n-alkanes are vanished at a vitrinite reflectance between 1.38 and 1.83% RO. Our data highlight that ‘thermal taphonomy’ effects have to be carefully considered in the interpretation of biomarkers in ancient rocks and, potentially, extraterrestrial materials.
REALIZABILITY SEMANTICS FOR QUANTIFIED MODAL LOGIC: GENERALIZING FLAGG’S 1985 CONSTRUCTION
Authors: RIN BENJAMIN G. , WALSH SEAN 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA semantics for quantified modal logic is presented that is based on Kleene’s notion of realizability. This semantics generalizes Flagg’s 1985 construction of a model of a modal version of Church’s Thesis and first-order arithmetic. While the bulk of the paper is devoted to developing the details of the semantics, to illustrate the scope of this approach, we show that the construction produces (i) a model of a modal version of Church’s Thesis and a variant of a modal set theory due to Goodman and Scedrov, (ii) a model of a modal version of Troelstra’s generalized continuity principle together with a fragment of second-order arithmetic, and (iii) a model based on Scott’s graph model (for the untyped lambda calculus) which witnesses the failure of the stability of nonidentity.