bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing Functional DNA Words; A Method for Measuring Clustering Levels
Authors: Moghaddasi Hanieh , Khalifeh Khosrow , Darooneh Amir Hossein 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFunctional DNA sub-sequences and genome elements are spatially clustered through the genome just as keywords in literary texts. Therefore, some of the methods for ranking words in texts can also be used to compare different DNA sub-sequences. In analogy with the literary texts, here we claim that the distribution of distances between the successive sub-sequences (words) is q-exponential which is the distribution function in non-extensive statistical mechanics. Thus the q-parameter can be used as a measure of words clustering levels. Here, we analyzed the distribution of distances between consecutive occurrences of 16 possible dinucleotides in human chromosomes to obtain their corresponding q-parameters. We found that CG as a biologically important two-letter word concerning its methylation, has the highest clustering level. This finding shows the predicting ability of the method in biology. We also proposed that chromosome 18 with the largest value of q-parameter for promoters of genes is more sensitive to dietary and lifestyle. We extended our study to compare the genome of some selected organisms and concluded that the clustering level of CGs increases in higher evolutionary organisms compared to lower ones.
Pantoea alhagi, a novel endophytic bacterium with ability to improve growth and drought tolerance in wheat
Authors: Chen Chaoqiong , Xin Kaiyun , Liu Hao , Cheng Juanli , Shen Xihui , Wang Yao , Zhang Lei 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA novel strain LTYR-11ZT that exhibited multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) traits was isolated from the surface-sterilized leaves of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. (Leguminosae), which reprsents one of the top drought tolerant plants in north-west China. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and multilocus sequence analysis based on partial sequences of atpD, gyrB, infB and rpoB genes revealed that strain LTYR-11ZT was a member of the genus Pantoea, with Pantoea theicola NBRC 110557T and Pantoea intestinalis DSM 28113T as the closest phylogenetic relatives. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization, phenotypic tests and fatty acid analysis confirmed that strain LTYR-11ZT represents a novel species of the genus Pantoea, for which we propose the name Pantoea alhagi sp. nov. Confocal microscopy observation revealed that strain LTYR-11ZT effectively colonizes the rhizoplane of both Arabidopsis and wheat. Strain LTYR-11ZT was able to promote the growth of wheat enhancing its resistance to drought stress. Strain LTYR-11ZT led to increased accumulation of soluble sugars, decreased accumulation of proline and malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased degradation of chlorophyll in leaves of drought-stressed wheat. Our findings will contribute to the development of a novel biotechnological agent to improve the adaptation of crop plants to drought in arid ecosystems.
Phylogeography of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata): distinct evolutionary lineages and hybridization with the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus)
Authors: Moretti Beatrice , Al-Sheikhly Omar F. , Guerrini Monica , Theng Meryl , Gupta Brij K. , Haba Mukhtar K. , Khan Waseem A. , Khan Aleem A. , Barbanera Filippo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe investigated the phylogeography of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) to determine its spatial genetic structure for aiding an adaptive conservation management of the species. Fifty-eight modern and 11 archival (dated 1882–1970) otters sampled from Iraq to Malaysian Borneo were genotyped (mtDNA Cytochrome-b, 10 microsatellite DNA loci). Moreover, 16Aonyx cinereus(Asian small-clawed otter) and sevenLutra lutra(Eurasian otter) were sequenced to increase information available for phylogenetic reconstructions. As reported in previous studies, we found thatL. perspicillata, A. cinereusandA. capensis(African clawless otter) grouped in a clade sister to the genusLutra, withL. perspicillataandA. cinereusbeing reciprocally monophyletic. WithinL. perspicillata, we uncovered three Evolutionarily Significant Units and proved thatL. p. maxwelliis not only endemic to Iraq but also the most recent subspecies. We suggest a revision of the distribution range limits of easternmostL. perspicillatasubspecies. We show that smooth-coated otters in Singapore areL. perspicillataxA. cinereushybrids withA. cinereusmtDNA, the first reported case of hybridization in the wild among otters. This result also provides evidence supporting the inclusion ofL. perspicillataandA. cinereusin the genusAmblonyx, thus avoiding the paraphyly of the genusAonyx.
Protective effects of recombinant human cytoglobin against chronic alcohol-induced liver disease in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Wen Jian , Wu Yongbin , Wei Wei , Li Zhen , Wang Ping , Zhu Shiwei , Dong Wenqi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) is an important worldwide public health issue with no satisfying treatment available since now. Here we explore the effects of recombinant human cytoglobin (rhCygb) on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and the underlying mechanisms. In vivo studies showed that rhCygb was able to ameliorate alcohol-induced liver injury, significantly reversed increased serum index (ALT, AST, TG, TC and LDL-C) and decreased serum HDL-C. Histopathology observation of the liver of rats treated with rhCygb confirmed the biochemical data. Furthermore, rhCygb significantly inhibited Kupffer cells (KCs) proliferation and TNF-α expression in LPS-induced KCs. rhCygb also inhibited LPS-induced NADPH oxidase activity and ROS, NO and O2•− generation. These results collectively indicate that rhCygb exert the protective effect on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury through suppression of KC activation and oxidative stress. In view of its anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory features, rhCygb might be a promising candidate for development as a therapeutic agent against ALD.
Interplay with the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 complex and phosphorylation by GSK3β implicate human B-Myb in DNA-damage signaling
Authors: Henrich Sarah Marie , Usadel Clemens , Werwein Eugen , Burdova Kamila , Janscak Pavel , Ferrari Stefano , Hess Daniel , Klempnauer Karl-Heinz 
Published: January 2017

AbstractB-Myb, a highly conserved member of the Myb transcription factor family, is expressed ubiquitously in proliferating cells and controls the cell cycle dependent transcription of G2/M-phase genes. Deregulation of B-Myb has been implicated in oncogenesis and loss of genomic stability. We have identified B-Myb as a novel interaction partner of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex, a key player in the repair of DNA double strand breaks. We show that B-Myb directly interacts with the Nbs1 subunit of the MRN complex and is recruited transiently to DNA-damage sites. In response to DNA-damage B-Myb is phosphorylated by protein kinase GSK3β and released from the MRN complex. A B-Myb mutant that cannot be phosphorylated by GSK3β disturbs the regulation of pro-mitotic B-Myb target genes and leads to inappropriate mitotic entry in response to DNA-damage. Overall, our work suggests a novel function of B-Myb in the cellular DNA-damage signalling.
Galectin-3 released in response to traumatic brain injury acts as an alarmin orchestrating brain immune response and promoting neurodegeneration
Authors: Yip Ping Kei , Carrillo-Jimenez Alejandro , King Paul , Vilalta Anna , Nomura Koji , Chau Chi Cheng , Egerton Alexander Michael Scott , Liu Zhuo-Hao , Shetty Ashray Jayaram , Tremoleda Jordi L. , Davies Meirion , Deierborg Tomas , Priestley John V. , Brown Guy Charles , Michael-Titus Adina Teodora , Venero Jose Luis , Burguillos Miguel Angel 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is currently a major cause of morbidity and poor quality of life in Western society, with an estimate of 2.5 million people affected per year in Europe, indicating the need for advances in TBI treatment. Within the first 24 h after TBI, several inflammatory response factors become upregulated, including the lectin galectin-3. In this study, using a controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of head injury, we show a large increase in the expression of galectin-3 in microglia and also an increase in the released form of galectin-3 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 24 h after head injury. We report that galectin-3 can bind to TLR-4, and that administration of a neutralizing antibody against galectin-3 decreases the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα and NOS2 and promotes neuroprotection in the cortical and hippocampal cell populations after head injury. Long-term analysis demonstrated a significant neuroprotection in the cortical region in the galectin-3 knockout animals in response to TBI. These results suggest that following head trauma, released galectin-3 may act as an alarmin, binding, among other proteins, to TLR-4 and promoting inflammation and neuronal loss. Taking all together, galectin-3 emerges as a clinically relevant target for TBI therapy.
Population expansion and individual age affect endoparasite richness and diversity in a recolonising large carnivore population
Authors: Lesniak Ines , Heckmann Ilja , Heitlinger Emanuel , Szentiks Claudia A. , Nowak Carsten , Harms Verena , Jarausch Anne , Reinhardt Ilka , Kluth Gesa , Hofer Heribert , Krone Oliver 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe recent recolonisation of the Central European lowland (CEL) by the grey wolf (Canis lupus) provides an excellent opportunity to study the effect of founder events on endoparasite diversity. Which role do prey and predator populations play in the re-establishment of endoparasite life cycles? Which intrinsic and extrinsic factors control individual endoparasite diversity in an expanding host population? In 53 individually known CEL wolves sampled in Germany, we revealed a community of four cestode, eight nematode, one trematode and 12 potentialSarcocystisspecies through molecular genetic techniques. Infections with zoonoticEchinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella britoviandT. spiralisoccurred as single cases. Per capita endoparasite species richness and diversity significantly increased with population size and changed with age, whereas sex, microsatellite heterozygosity, and geographic origin had no effect. Tapeworm abundance (Taeniaspp.) was significantly higher in immigrants than natives. Metacestode prevalence was slightly higher in ungulates from wolf territories than from control areas elsewhere. Even though alternative canid definitive hosts might also play a role within the investigated parasite life cycles, our findings indicate that (1) immigrated wolves increase parasite diversity in German packs, and (2) prevalence of wolf-associated parasites had declined during wolf absence and has now risen during recolonisation.
Spinal Cord Electrical Stimulation for Refractory Angina Treatment
Authors: Lages Gustavo Veloso , Oliveira Júnior Jose Oswaldo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death worldwide, including in Brazil. Angina pectoris is a challenging disease because its clinical manifestation is not always related to the degree of obstruction. Visceral pain from any source can be totally disabling. It influences all aspects of the life of a patient and it can be one of the main causes of absence from work and of family disruption. Spinal cord electrical stimulation (SCES) has been traditionally applied for the treatment of neuropathic pain, with good to excellent results. Visceral pain syndrome can be as debilitating and disabling as somatic or neuropathic pain; however, there seems to be a lack of consensus on the appropriate treatment and strategies for these disorders. The major difference of SCES for visceral pain, compared to postlaminectomy syndrome or to regional complex syndrome, is the number of stimulated dermatomes. In most viscera, the somatotopic arrangement has two to four medullar levels, sometimes requiring laterality. After reviewing the literature, we have concluded that SCES is now a viable, low-risk option with satisfactory results for the treatment of neuropathic and visceral pain; therefore, it can be used in refractory angina after the failure of standard therapy. However, further studies are required to increase the application and efficacy of this procedure in the clinical practice.
Risk Stratification Models in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Shahid Farhan , Lip Gregory 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke compared with the general population. AF-related stroke confers a higher mortality and morbidity risk, and thus, early detection and assessment for the initiation of effective stroke prevention with oral anticoagulation are crucial. Simple and practical risk assessment tools are essential to facilitate stroke and bleeding risk assessment in busy clinics and wards to aid decision making. At present, the CHA2DS2VASc score is recommended by guidelines as the most simple and practical method of assessing stroke risk in AF patients. Alongside this, the use of the HAS-BLED score aims to identify patients at high risk of bleeding for more regular review and follow-up, and draws attention to potentially reversible bleeding risk factors. The aim of this review article is to summarize the current risk scores available for both stroke and bleeding in AF patients, and the recommendations for their use.
Sterben am Lebensanfang
Authors: Frank F. , Maurer F. , Pehlke-Milde J. , Fleming V. 
Published: January 2017

Zusammenfassung
Ziele: Nach Mitteilung einer mit dem Leben nicht zu vereinbarenden Diagnose des Kindes, werden Eltern mit der Entscheidung konfrontiert, die bereits weit fortgeschrittene Schwangerschaft vorzeitig zu beenden oder das Kind auszutragen, bis es spontan während der Schwangerschaft oder kurz nach der Geburt verstirbt. Diese meistens vollkommen überraschende Situation ist von der Unausweichlickeit des Verlustes geprägt und eng mit ethisch schwierigen Entscheidungen verknüpft. Ein solcher Verlust kann die psychische Gesundheit betroffener Eltern massiv belasten. Studien zeigen, dass bedürfnisorientierte Begleitung die Eltern entlastet, unabhängig von ihrer Entscheidung, die Schwangerschaft frühzeitig zu beenden oder fortzuführen. Ziele der Studie sind, das Unterstützungsangebot in der Schweiz aus Sicht betroffener Eltern und beteiligter Fachpersonen zu beleuchten und Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten der Versorgung aufzuzeigen. Dieser Artikel schildert die auf den Erfahrungen der Eltern basierenden Ergebnisse.
Methodik: Interviews wurden mit 32 Müttern und Vätern zwischen Dez. 2012 und März 2014 geführt, verbatim transkribiert und thematisch analysiert.
Ergebnisse: Es wurden 6 Themen identifiziert, die sich über den Zeitraum zwischen Diagnose und kurz nach der Geburt erstrecken: „Schock“, „Optionen und Dilemmas“, „Verantwortung übernehmen“, „Immer noch schwanger sein“, „Abschied nehmen“ und „die Zukunft planen“. Die Ergebnisse weisen auf Lücken bezüglich Kontinuität und Qualität der Versorgung hin und offenbaren unterschiedliche Sichtweisen auf die Problematik.
Schlussfolgerung: Die Studie liefert wertvolle Einsichten in die Erfahrungswelt und Versorgungsbedürfnisse von Eltern, die während der Schwangerschaft mit einer letalen fötalen Diagnose konfrontiert worden sind. Die Resultate tragen dazu bei, die aktuellen Praktiken von involvierten Fachpersonen zu überdenken und den spezifischen Bedürfnissen der Eltern während Schwangerschaft, Geburt und Wochenbett sowie der Palliativpflege des Kindes anzupassen.
The social and political dimensions of visitor management: rural home-based accommodations.
Authors: Hassanli N. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter explores visitor management (VM) practices employed by home-based accommodation providers in rural Iran. Two groups of guests staying at these accommodations and their motives are presented, and the challenges faced by the hosts in managing guests are addressed in light of possible hard and soft approaches to VM. The chapter demonstrates how the social and political conditions of a host country influence the choice of VM strategies.
Visitor monitoring in the Tapajós National Forest, Brazil.
Authors: Moreira J. C. , Burns R. C. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter covers an in-depth discussion of visitor monitoring in a park/protected area (PPA) in the Amazon region of Brazil. It traces the implementation of a systematic 'best practice' approach that applies and tailors a US Forest Service methodology for visitor monitoring to a region in the Brazilian rainforest. As such, the chapter shows how well established management methods can be transferred and adapted to a different context in order to improve visitor (impact) management.
Augmented reality application to museum visitor experiences.
Authors: Hassan A. , Ramkissoon H. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter draws attention to the use of innovative technologies in visitor management, specifically in managing visitor experiences. It aims to replicate cited examples of augmented reality (AR) application in museums in developed countries in the context of Bangladesh, an emerging tourist destination. Bangladesh has distinctive features encompassing history and culture, suggesting that AR can assist in the implementation and promotion of cultural tourism through activities in museums. The study's exploratory findings suggest that AR may be applied to museums such as the Bangladesh National Museum given adequate infrastructure.
Critical reflections on the role of interpretation in visitor management.
Authors: Moscardo G. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter begins with a review of definitions of interpretation, noting its relationships with other forms of communication between management and visitors. This is followed by a brief history of interpretation and visitor management (VM) that highlights the evolution of a range of management functions for interpretation. The evidence that interpretation is an effective VM tool is then critically reviewed, highlighting those factors that have been shown to be consistently related to positive outcomes. The chapter also examines recent critiques of interpretation and explores broader issues about the impacts that interpretation can have on destination communities, with the aim of identifying principles for the more effective use of interpretation in VM. It concludes by looking at future opportunities for interpretation and sustainable tourism.
Christianity - contemporary Christian pilgrimage and traditional management practices at sacred sites.
Authors: Enongene V. , Griffin K. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter explores contemporary Christian pilgrimage experiences, with emphasis on where pilgrimage fits in the life of a contemporary believer. In so doing, it addresses the changing demands of contemporary pilgrims, as well as the factors that are shaping current pilgrimage patterns. The chapter further discusses how the changing needs and expectations of contemporary pilgrims are altering traditional management practices at sacred sites, and provides examples of innovative management approaches adopted in catering to these needs. It further analyses the implications of such pressures on management at sacred sites and the future of contemporary pilgrimage experiences, and questions whether or not traditional pilgrimage practice has really undergone a fundamental change in recent times.
Christianity - Christian pilgrimage to sacred sites in the Holy Land: a Swedish perspective.
Authors: Gunner G. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter takes a past and present perspective on Swedish Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The discussion commences with an exploration of Jerusalem's special place as a sacred connection between heaven and earth. Before the popularization of travel, Christians in Sweden used imagery and maps to develop their conceptualization of this most holy landscape. As early as the 1000s, Nordic pilgrims were travelling to sites such as Jerusalem and Rome. And while their travels are well documented, it would appear from their writings that their motivations were more to do with curiosity and adventure than pilgrimage. The next generation of travellers discussed in the chapter were those who were interested in building upon their Sunday-school learned concepts of the Holy Land. The manner in which they reported and illustrated what they found further perpetuated the dominant imagery. From the beginning of the 20th century, it became apparent that the commercialization and modernization of Bethlehem, Jerusalem and other important Christian sites was challenging travellers' preconceived notions of these historically and spiritually important spaces. Travel writers started to question the established concepts and traditions, and thereby reflected on the importance for their readers of experiencing something new. In more recent times it has become apparent that this 'something new' is heavily influenced by the writer's own viewpoint, and that of the guides who lead them in their own travels. Thus, the chapter concludes with discussions on witnessing radical change in society, and sacred places as political watersheds.
Islam - contemporary perspective.
Authors: Raj R. , Raja I. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter examines various contemporary perspectives of Islam and in particular addresses an under-researched aspect of religious pilgrimage - the motivation to attend mosques on a daily basis. The chapter contextualizes Islam within contemporary societal development in Europe, wherein Western societies have begun to view Islam as incompatible with, and a security threat to, their secular and liberal way of life. In the chapter it is argued that this is mainly because most often sections of the media, polity and conservative writers present a distasteful view of Islam, featuring it as a source of social ills and all sorts of troubles in the world.
Pilgrimage policy management: between shrine strategy and ritual improvisation.
Authors: Coleman S. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter challenges conventional models of managing pilgrimage sites in the West, which often see administrators and managers as needing to 'protect' the sacred from tourists who lack the knowledge to engage in appropriate ways with the shrine and its environs. In addition, it is often assumed - at least by many scholars of religion - that the area of primary interest and focus in a shrine is at its religious and liturgical centre, where the core of believers/pilgrims tend to be concentrated and also to act in relatively more predictable ways. Drawing on case studies of pilgrimage shrines and cathedrals in England, as well as on wider literature on pilgrimage sites around Europe, the chapter questions both of these assumptions. An alternative management model is explored - one that emphasizes how sites might encourage flexibility of movement and interpretation, thus responding to shifting understandings and engagements, often in ways unexpected by both hosts and visitors.
The management of pilgrims with malevolent behaviour in a holy space: a study of Jerusalem syndrome.
Authors: Kalian M. , Witztum E. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter focuses on pilgrimage and mental health. It discusses findings about the condition called 'Jerusalem Syndrome', as well as general Western perspectives on mental health, meaning-creating processes and personal crises when travelling. The relevance of religious traditions in mental health work among pilgrims and religious travellers is addressed.