bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communities of epigeic beetles in tree line from montane spruce forest to secondary meadow in the different stage of the forest decline in the area of Modrava (Bohemian forest, Czech Republic)
Authors: Boháč Jaroslav , Matějka Karel 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Communities of epigeic beetles were studied using pitfall trapping on 10 plots with the different stage of decline and clear-cut plots without coarse woody debris. Species richness (number of all species, S), total species diversity as the Shannon-Wiener’s index (H) and equitability (e) were calculated in the DBreleve. The Ward’s method of hierarchical agglomerative classification with Euclidean distance was used for the differentiation of the communities on the plots. Species data for this analyse were represented by logarithm-transformed activities [log(x+1)]. The single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical testing of differences in structural parameters (e.g. species richness and diversity) amongst distinguished groups of the plots. The species diversity and activity differs on glades without trees and coarse woody debris. The highest number of species was found in clear-cut areas. The lowest number of species was found on the plots with the living forest particularly invaded by bark beetle. This fact is caused by the fact that the clear-cut plots are invaded by ubiquitous and anthropotolerant species with good migration possibilities. These species are adapted to habitats without trees and are able to leave even in the habitats with very sparse or without vegetation. Species living in the forest even under the bark beetle attack are often stenotopic and adapted to the forest microclimate (higher humidity and low average temperature). These species are very sensitive to great difference in the daily changes of microclimate. The study of beetle communities support the hypothesis that the keeping of dead tree stands on plots after bark beetle outbreak is better for biodiversity conservation than the cutting down of trees and the abolishment of stems.
ICT for smart evaluation of vernacular architecture
in a stilt-house village
Authors: Almeida Filipa , Virtudes Ana Lídia 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Vernacular architecture typologies, such as
wooden stilt-houses, have been threatened by the vulnerability
to conservation status degradation. This problem
is not an exception in Portugal, where the few remaining
examples have been neglected, with the disappearance or
abandonment of almost all buildings, damaging architectural
and urban spatial features. This legacy is rapidly disappearing,
weakening the European cultural map.
This research presents the results from a smart evaluation
method using an ICT (information and communication
technology) platform designed for the smart evaluation of
wooden stilt-houses, considering their conservation status.
This platform was used in the five remaining stilthouse
villages still existing in Portugal including about 90
buildings and 300 inhabitants, located along Tagus river
banks. This article refers to one of these case studies, the
village of Escaroupim, which was chosen because it is the
most urban space in between all of them.
On one hand, the results are an exhaustive survey of vernacular
buildings, useful as guideline for spatial strategies
and instruments to protect this legacy. On the other hand,
it can be used in other similar wooden buildings, to check
their conservation status and therefore to define best rehabilitation
actions.
Using Material Flow Cost Accounting (Mfca) to Identify Benefits of Eco-Efficiency and Cleaner Production in a Paper and Pulp Manufacturing Organization
Authors: Doorasamy Mishelle 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The aim of this study is to use material flow cost accounting (MFCA) to assess the level
at which cleaner production (CP) can improve both environmental and economic performance of an organization.
Higher energy and raw material prices are causing CP to grow in relevance and importance.
The amount of waste to landfill is increasing steadily. Most companies are using inefficient processes
and technologies that are obsolete resulting in higher production costs, which, in turn, affect their profitability
and competitiveness. This study was a case study based on a paper manufacturing company using
an exploratory qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The MFCA approach was used
to assess the efficiency of the steam production process using coal-fired boilers. The results indicated
that the process was inefficient resulting in significant negative environmental and economic impact.
Environmental costs were hugely underestimated by management, as non-product output costs were not
included as part of environmental costs calculated by company. Benefits and barriers to CP was also
brought to the forefront at the conclusion of this research.
Senile hypopituitarism: Characteristics of its diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Wang Xian-Ling , Wang Ying-Qian 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Hypopituitarism is a clinical syndrome caused by reduced production of adenohypophyseal hormones. The clinical manifestations of senile hypopituitarism are more complicated and a delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to rapid development of pituitary crisis. Therefore, clinicians should be alerted to senile hypopituitarism. For patients with hyponatremia, hypoglycemia and unexplained coma, an evaluation of pituitary function should be performed. Hormone replacement therapy for patients with confirmed hypopituitarism should be standardized and unauthorized dose reduction or withdrawal is not allowed.
Current status of in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities of posaconazole
Authors: Sun He , Su Xin , Shi Yi 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Posaconazole (POS) is a new triazole drug with broad-spectrum in vitro activity against most yeasts and molds such as Candida, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Zygomycetes, as well as certain species of dimorphic fungi and endemic fungi. In immunocompetent or immunocompromised animal models with invasive fungal infections, POS has demonstrated highly effective, broad-spectrum antifungal activities. In vitro and in vivo antifungal activities of POS were superior to those of other azoles against Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Aspergillus terrus, Fusarium and Zygomycetes. In vivo susceptibility studies have shown promising efficacy of POS against life-threatening fungal infections in animal models with different immune status and infection sites.
Association between blood lipid levels and carotid intima-media thickness in Shanghai urban population
Authors: Guan Ya-Ya , Li Mian , Chen Xiao-Ou , Yang Wei , Tang Ming-Ming , Chen Yu-Hong , Zhang Yin-Fei 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Objective: The objective of the following study is to investigate the relationship between blood lipid levels and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in Shanghai urban population. Materials and Methods: A total of 2504 residents over 40 years old in Jiading District of Shanghai municipality were divided into two groups in terms of the CIMT value 0.7 mm: Thickened group (n = 478) and normal group (n = 2026). All the patients received examinations of height, weight, waist, blood pressure, blood lipid level, hepatic and renal function, oral glucose tolerance test and carotid artery B-ultrasonography. Results: In comparison with those in CIMT normal group, the proportion of males, ages, body mass index, systolic blood pressure and levels of fast blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were increased, but the levels of fast insulin were decreased (all P < 0.05). The risks of CIMT thickness were elevated by 19% and 25% as every increase in the standard deviation of the TC and LDL-C levels respectively (95% of confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.31; 95% CI 1.13-1.37). Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between CIMT thickness and TC/LDL-C. The levels of TG and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not associated with CIMT thickness. Conclusions: Levels of blood TC and LDL-C have significant correlations with the CIMT thickness in Shanghai urban population.
Leishmaniasis revisited: Current
aspects on epidemiology, diagnosis
and treatment
Authors: Georgiadou Sarah P. , Makaritsis Konstantinos P. , Dalekos George N. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus
Leishmania. It is transmitted by phlebotomine female sand flies of the genera Phlebotomus
and Lutzomyia in the old and new world, respectively. More than 20 well-recognized
Leishmania species are known to infect humans and cause visceral (VL), cutaneous (CL)
and mucocutaneous (ML) forms of the disease. Approximately 350 million people are at
risk of contracting the disease and an estimated 1.6 million new cases occur annually. The
disease mainly affects poor people in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and is associated with
malnutrition, population migration, poor residency conditions, frail immune system and lack
of resources. Previously, diagnosis of leishmaniasis relied mainly on invasive techniques of
detecting parasites in splenic and bone marrow aspirates. Nevertheless, serological tests
using the recombinant kinesin antigen (rK39) and molecular methods (polymerase chain
reaction) are considered the best options for diagnosis today, despite problems related to
varying sensitivities and specificities and field adaptability. Therapy of leishmaniasis ranges
from local treatment of cutaneous lesions to systemic often toxic, therapy for disseminated CL,
ML and VL. Agents with efficacy against leishmaniasis include amphotericin B, pentavalent
antimonial drugs, paromomycin and miltefosine. No single therapy of VL currently offers
satisfactory efficacy along with safety. This article provides a brief and updated systematic
review on the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of this neglected disease.
Co-morbidities in 99 COPD patients: A case series from Syria
Authors: Mohammad Yousser , Yassine Fatima , Khadouj Mais 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the most frequent co-morbidities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

Patients and Methods: We studied 99 patients, including 72 males and 67 smokers, presented to our University Hospital in Lattakia, Syria in 2012, with a mean age of 63 years.

Results: Overall, there were 61% hypertension, 37% ischemic heart disease, 25% diabetes, 45% anemia, and 47% pulmonary hypertension. Other diseases were less significant. Patients who had more severe Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage had a greater number of co-morbidities.

Conclusions: We recommend as a general practice, to assess cardiac co-morbidities, hypertension, and other co-morbidities in all COPD patients and vice versa. We also recommend performing spirometry in smokers complaining of chronic cough, sputum, or dyspnea for early diagnosis of COPD.
A little help from steroids in oncology
Authors: Lossignol Dominique 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Steroids are widely used in oncology and have been demonstrated to possess an anticancer effect or antiswelling effect. They are considered to improve refractory symptoms such as dyspnea or gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction. However, their roles in nonspecific indications are not well proved. Clinical practice and several studies suggest that corticosteroids may be effective in the treatment of bone and neuropathic pain, when administered along with opioids and with other adjuvant analgesics. The decrease in pain intensity is probably connected with both anti-inflammatory and antiswelling effects as well as modulation of neuroimmune interactions and an inhibition of angiogenesis.
Association of serum intact fibroblast growth factor 23 with left ventricular mass and different echocardiographic findings in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Nassiri Amir Ahmad , Hakemi Monir Sadat , Safar-Pour Reza , Ahmadi Ali , Tohidi Maryam , Kashani Babak Sharif , Esfehani Fatemeh , Alatab Soudabeh 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the association of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) through the assessment of left ventricular (LV) mass and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in patients on hemodialysis, this study was done.

Methods
All patients on hemodialysis who are older than 18 years and in whom hemodialysis vintage was at least 6 months were enrolled. All patients were on hemodialysis thrice a week for 4 h using low-flux dialysis filters, polysulfone membranes, reverse osmosis purified water, and bicarbonate-base hemodialysis solution. The exclusion criteria were any respiratory illness or pulmonary infection, cigarette smoking, and the presence of pericarditis or pericardial effusion. Additionally, patients with a known coronary artery disease, any form of cardiac arrhythmias, any cardiomyopathy or severe valvular heart disease diagnosed by echocardiography, acute congestive heart failure (CHF), and acute myocardial infarction were not included. Echocardiography was conducted by an experienced operator for all the enrolled patients using the ACUSON SC2000™ ultrasound system transducer (Siemens), with a frequency bandwidth of: 1.5–3.5 MHz. Patients were considered to have LVH if the LVMI was greater than 134 g/m2 for men and greater than 110 g/m2 for women.

Results
A total of 61 patients (19 female and 42 male) were enrolled to the study. Mean (± SD) age of the patients was 59.6 ± 13.1 years. The median duration of hemodialysis was 23 (range: 6–120) months. The median predialysis level of FGF23 was 1,977 pg/mL (range: 155–8,870). LVH was seen in 73.8% of the patients (n = 45) and of them 66.7% were male. There was a statistically significant direct correlation between FGF23 and left ventricle diameter in end systole (LVDs) (r = 0.29, P = 0.027). However, the association of FGF23 with LV mass, LVMI, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was not significant.

Conclusion
This study does not show the correlation between FGF23 and LV mass in stable hemodialysis patients.
The Green Tea Polyphenol(—)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and its beneficial roles in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bao Hui , Peng Ai 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that affects around 10% of the population, has become a significant public health concern. Current therapeutic strategies to slow down the progression of CKD remain limited. Thus, it is urgent to develop new strategies to manage the patients with CKD. Work within the past decade has improved our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to CKD. In particular, oxidative stress as well as inflammation appears to play a pivotal role in CKD progression. (一)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major catechin of green tea extract, is known as a powerful antioxidant and reactive oxygen species scavenger. Various studies have shown EGCG has a potential role in chronic kidney disease models. It is suggested that EGCG modulates cellular and molecular mechanisms via inflammation-related NF-кB and Nrf2 signaling pathway, as well as apoptosis-related ER stress pathway and mitochondrial pathway. Therefore, based on these studies, this review attempts to present a recent state of our knowledge and understanding of mechanisms of its role on the process of CKD, with the aim of providing some clues for the future optimization of EGCG in renal diseases.
Prediction skill of tropical synoptic scale transients from ECMWF and NCEP Ensemble Prediction Systems
Authors: Taraphdar S. , Mukhopadhyay P. , Leung L. Ruby , Landu Kiranmayi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe prediction skill of tropical synoptic scale transients (SSTR) such as monsoon low and depression during the boreal summer of 2007–2009 are assessed using high resolution ECMWF and NCEP TIGGE forecasts data. By analyzing 246 forecasts for lead times up to 10 days, it is found that the models have good skills in forecasting the planetary scale means but the skills of SSTR remain poor, with the latter showing no skill beyond 2 days for the global tropics and Indian region. Consistent forecast skills among precipitation, velocity potential, and vorticity provide evidence that convection is the primary process responsible for precipitation. The poor skills of SSTR can be attributed to the larger random error in the models as they fail to predict the locations and timings of SSTR. Strong correlation between the random error and synoptic precipitation suggests that the former starts to develop from regions of convection. As the NCEP model has larger biases of synoptic scale precipitation, it has a tendency to generate more random error that ultimately reduces the prediction skill of synoptic systems in that model. The larger biases in NCEP may be attributed to the model moist physics and/or coarser horizontal resolution compared to ECMWF.
Archaeological Responses to 5 Decades of Metal Detecting in Austria
Authors: Karl Raimund 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSince metal detecting started in Austria in 1970, the National Heritage Agency (BDA) has focussed
too much on prohibiting metal detecting. The strategy chosen, increasingly restrictive legislation, has turned
out to be a failure. Rather than improving the protection of archaeological heritage from ‚unauthorised‘ metal
detecting, the ‚hobby‘ has grown steadily. Yet, the changes to the law have made protecting archaeology more
difficult and are restricting civil liberties, quite possibly making the law itself illegal. Five decades on, Austrian
archaeology isn‘t better off, but considerably worse, and it is mainly our attempts to prevent metal detecting
that are to blame.
Impact of scaling to the resistive switching effect in organic polymer – based structures
Authors: Kotova M.S. , Dronov M.A. , Rzhevskiy A.V. , Amitonov S.V. , Dubinina T.V. , Pushkarev V.E. , Ryabova L.I. , Khokhlov D.R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe resistive switching effect has been studied in a set of organic polymer - based structures of a different composition and size scale from macro to micro. It is shown that scaling down reduces both the threshold switching voltage Vth and the respective effective electric field Eth. Furthermore, introduction of metal micro particles into a macro scale polymer matrix provides the same effect. Therefore the metal particle incorporation may be regarded as an alternative method of effective scaling, depending on an application. Switching speed of less than 15 ns, threshold voltage Vth ~ (2 – 25) V, 105 cycle endurance, no significant moisture dependence and high retention time 3.5 months for scaled down samples aswell as for metal doped macro samples have been demonstrated. These characteristics are suitable for constructing memory devices. The switching effect mechanisms are discussed.
Between Selfies and Colonialism:
The Effect of White Evangelical Outreach
on Multi-Ethnic Young Adults within
the Los Angeles Region
Authors: White Hodge Daniel 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This article is an exploratory look into the experiences of five ethnic-minority youth from the
Los Angeles region who experienced and engaged with White Evangelical outreach organizations (WEOO)
and short term mission (STM) groups over the period of five years. This article employs their qualitative
narratives and examines the effects that race, gender, and racism had on them. Added narrative from
emerging ethnic-minority adults is also applied in this article to discuss those impacts, albeit on a specific
region of the country, of (STMs) which have become increasingly well-known over the past decade. The
purpose of this article is to examine and explore the effects of WEOOs and STMs on the populations they
are intending to serve. From the research findings, I will illustrate 1) subtle racism, microaggression,
and patriarchy from WEOOs and 2) allow the narrative of ethnic-minority experiences to chronicle their
experience in these types of organizations. Lastly, this article will briefly propose alternatives and insights
from the data gathered.
Meiotic Centromere Coupling and Pairing Function by Two Separate Mechanisms in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kurdzo Emily L , Obeso David , Chuong Hoa , Dawson Dean S 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
In meiosis I, chromosomes become paired with their homologous partners and then are pulled toward opposite poles of the spindle. In the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in early meiotic prophase, centromeres are observed to associate in pairs in a homology-independent manner; a process called centromere coupling. Later, as homologous chromosomes align, their centromeres associate in a process called centromere pairing. The synaptonemal complex protein Zip1 is necessary for both types of centromere association. We aimed to test the role of centromere coupling in modulating recombination at centromeres, and to test whether the two types of centromere associations depend upon the same sets of genes. The zip1-S75E mutation, which blocks centromere coupling but no other known functions of Zip1, was used to show that in the absence of centromere coupling, centromere-proximal recombination was unchanged. Further, this mutation did not diminish centromere pairing, demonstrating that these two processes have different genetic requirements. In addition, we tested other synaptonemal complex components, Ecm11 and Zip4, for their contributions to centromere pairing. ECM11 was dispensable for centromere pairing and segregation of achiasmate partner chromosomes; while ZIP4 was not required for centromere pairing during pachytene, but was required for proper segregation of achiasmate chromosomes. These findings help differentiate the two mechanisms that allow centromeres to interact in meiotic prophase, and illustrate that centromere pairing, which was previously shown to be necessary to ensure disjunction of achiasmate chromosomes, is not sufficient for ensuring their disjunction.
The Caenorhabditis elegans NF2/Merlin Molecule NFM-1 Nonautonomously Regulates Neuroblast Migration and Interacts Genetically with the Guidance Cue SLT-1/Slit
Authors: Josephson Matthew P , Aliani Rana , Norris Megan L , Ochs Matthew E , Gujar Mahekta , Lundquist Erik A 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
During nervous system development, neurons and their progenitors migrate to their final destinations. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the bilateral Q neuroblasts and their descendants migrate long distances in opposite directions, despite being born in the same posterior region. QR on the right migrates anteriorly and generates the AQR neuron positioned near the head, and QL on the left migrates posteriorly, giving rise to the PQR neuron positioned near the tail. In a screen for genes required for AQR and PQR migration, we identified an allele of nfm-1, which encodes a molecule similar to vertebrate NF2/Merlin, an important tumor suppressor in humans. Mutations in NF2 lead to neurofibromatosis type II, characterized by benign tumors of glial tissues. Here we demonstrate that in C. elegans, nfm-1 is required for the ability of Q cells and their descendants to extend protrusions and to migrate, but is not required for direction of migration. Using a combination of mosaic analysis and cell-specific expression, we show that NFM-1 is required nonautonomously, possibly in muscles, to promote Q lineage migrations. We also show a genetic interaction between nfm-1 and the C. elegans Slit homolog slt-1, which encodes a conserved secreted guidance cue. Our results suggest that NFM-1 might be involved in the generation of an extracellular cue that promotes Q neuroblast protrusion and migration that acts with or in parallel to SLT-1. In vertebrates, NF2 and Slit2 interact in axon pathfinding, suggesting a conserved interaction of NF2 and Slit2 in regulating migratory events.