bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of habitat heterogeneity on the biodiversity and density of the zooplankton community in shallow wetlands (Upo wetlands, South Korea)
Authors: Choi Jong-Yun , Jeong Kwang-Seuk , Kim Seong-Ki , Joo Gea-Jae 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Macrophytes play a major role in the structuring of aquatic environments, and create diverse microhabitats. Therefore, these plants represent an important factor regulating the zooplankton biomass, taxonomic composition, and distribution in freshwater ecosystems. In the current study, we examined the effects of the structural heterogeneity provided by various macrophytes. We identified four habitat types in this study: (1) open water (without macrophytes), (2) the helophyte zone, (3) the pleustophyte zone, and (4) the mixed vegetation zone (containing pleustophytes, nymphaeids, and elodeids). We tested the hypothesis that complex habitat structures support large zooplankton assemblages. Specifically, we collected zooplankton samples from a total of 119 sampling points in the Upo Wetlands, South Korea, during the spring and autumn of 2009. The largest zooplankton assemblage was found in the mixed macrophyte zone, followed by the helophyte and pleustophyte zones. The pleustophyte zone supported larger zooplankton assemblages during autumn compared to spring. Differences in zooplankton assemblages were considered to be strongly related to seasonal variation in the development and growth of pleustophytes. However, two-way ANOVA revealed that seasons had no significant influence on the zooplankton density and diversity. Instead, different habitat types substantially determined zooplankton characteristics. In conclusion, we demonstrated that wetland areas with high macrophyte species diversity contribute toward higher zooplankton diversity.
How serious are health impacts in one of the most polluted regions of Central Europe?
Authors: Jiřík Vítězslav , Dalecká Andrea , Vašendová Veronika , Janoutová Jana , Janout Vladimír 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Background:
The long-term exposure to pollutants in ambient air is associated with higher mortality and occurrence of respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases. The longitudinal cross-section study focuses on the associations between long-term exposures to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic pollutants and the prevalence and incidence of such specific diseases including immunodeficiencies.

Methods:
The data on health status from industrial and non-industrial regions were obtained from health documentation for a 5-year period from 2007 to 2011 and represent the whole population living in polluted (1,249,323 inhabitants) and unpolluted (631,387 inhabitants) regions. The data on concentrations of PM10, PM2,5, NO2, SO2, benzene and benzo[a]pyrene were collected. The concentrations of pollutants were estimated from measured data by using dispersion models. The average population-weighted concentration of pollutants, which is representative for a defined geographic area and time period from 2007 to 2011, was calculated from the obtained data. The logistic regression and the Mantel-Haenszel χ2 test were used to determine the odds ratios (OR) and p-values for a linear trend. Moreover, the relative risks of mortality and morbidity to specific diseases were calculated according to theoretical dose-response association published by World Health Organization (WHO).

Results:
The probability of incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma is statistically significantly higher in the population living in the polluted region compared to the population living in the unpolluted region. The association between long-term exposure to pollutants and the prevalence of immunodeficiency with predominantly antibody defects (D80) was confirmed. The strongest association was found for exposures to particulate matter (PM2,5). The prevalence of immunodeficiency with predominantly antibody defects was also observed in both regions depending on the age of the population and statistically significant difference was only found in the group of adults (20 and over).

Conclusion:
These associations encourage the hypothesis, that the long-term exposure to PM2.5 might cause the activation of cellular immune response. Further research is needed to explore the correlative immunoregulatory mechanism linking PM2.5 (or other pollutants – SO2) and immune cells. Nowadays, it is also believed that these associations are important in the increase of incidence of immune inflammatory response which is proven risk factor for cardiovascular disease (atherosclerotic disease, coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death). Positive association between long-term exposure and prevalence of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease might be skewed due to important socio-economic factors (especially smoking).
Acute Effects of the Different Intensity of Static Stretching on Flexibility and Isometric Muscle Force
Authors: Kataura Satoshi , Suzuki Shigeyuki , Matsuo Shingo , Hatano Genki , Iwata Masahiro , Yokoi Kazuaki , Tsuchida Wakako , Banno Yasuhiro , Asai Yuji 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Kataura, S, Suzuki, S, Matsuo, S, Hatano, G, Iwata, M, Yokoi, K, Tsuchida, W, Banno, Y, and Asai, Y. Acute effects of the different intensity of static stretching on flexibility and isometric muscle force. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3403–3410, 2017—In various fields, static stretching is commonly performed to improve flexibility, whereas the acute effects of different stretch intensities are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the acute effects of different stretch intensities on flexibility and muscle force. Eighteen healthy participants (9 men and 9 women) performed 180-second static stretches of the right hamstrings at 80, 100, and 120% of maximum tolerable intensity without stretching pain, in random order. The following outcomes were assessed as markers of lower limb function and flexibility: static passive torque (SPT), range of motion (ROM), passive joint (muscle-tendon) stiffness, passive torque (PT) at onset of pain, and isometric muscle force. Static passive torque was significantly decreased after all stretching intensities (p ≤ 0.05). Compared with before stretching at 100 and 120% intensities, ROM and PT were significantly increased after stretching (p ≤ 0.05), and passive stiffness (p = 0.05) and isometric muscle force (p ≤ 0.05) were significantly decreased. In addition, ROM was significantly greater after stretching at 100 and 120% than at 80%, and passive stiffness was significantly lower after 120% than after 80% (p ≤ 0.05). However, all measurements except SPT were unchanged after 80% intensity. There was a weak positive correlation between the intensities of stretching and the relative change for SPT (p ≤ 0.05), a moderate positive correlation with ROM (p ≤ 0.05), and a moderate positive correlation with passive stiffness (p ≤ 0.05). These results indicate that static stretching at greater intensity is more effective for increasing ROM and decreasing passive muscle-tendon stiffness.
The Biomechanical Demands on the Hip During Progressive Stepping Tasks
Authors: Hatfield Gillian L. , Charlton Jesse M. , Cochrane Christopher K. , Hammond Connor A. , Napier Chris , Takacs Judit , Krowchuk Natasha M. , Hunt Michael A. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Hatfield, GL, Charlton, JM, Cochrane, CK, Hammond, CA, Napier, C, Takacs, J, Krowchuk, NM, and Hunt, MA. The biomechanical demands on the hip during progressive stepping tasks. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3444–3453, 2017—Functional hip strengthening exercises are important components of lower extremity (LE) rehabilitation and include single-leg squats (SLS), step-downs (SD), and step-ups (SU). The biomechanical demand of these tasks is unclear. This repeated-measures study determined hip biomechanical demands in a healthy population. Twenty individuals (10 men, 26.6 ± 5.1 years, 22.1 ± 2.3 kg·m−2) participated. Three-dimensional motion, ground reaction force data, and surface electromyograms (EMG) were recorded during 4 randomly ordered tasks. Outcomes included frontal and sagittal plane hip moment impulses and muscle activity for each task. Repeated measures analysis of variance models (alpha = 0.05) determined between-task differences. Step-down and SLS were most biomechanically demanding, with significantly higher hip flexion and adduction moment impulses, and gluteus medius (GM) and quadriceps activity compared with half step-down (HSD) and SU. No significant difference was found between SD and SLS, indicating minimal difference in demand between the 2 tasks, likely due to kinematic similarities in performance; there were no significant differences in knee or hip sagittal plane angle excursion, or peak pelvic obliquity angle between the 2 tasks. Step-up was least demanding, with the lowest hip flexion and adduction moment impulses and GM, quadriceps, and hamstrings activity. Step-up was least demanding on the hip and would be a good starting task for hip strengthening protocols. Step-down and SLS were most demanding, requiring higher hip moments and muscle activity. These results provide evidence, which may be used in planning of progressive rehabilitation programs for patients with LE pathologies.
Assessing the Effectiveness of the Functional Movement Screen in Predicting Noncontact Injury Rates in Soccer Players
Authors: Smith Paul D. , Hanlon Michael P. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Smith, PD, and Hanlon, D. Assessing the effectiveness of the functional movement screen in predicting noncontact injury rates in soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3327–3332, 2017—This study assessed if the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) can accurately predict noncontact injury in adult soccer players when normalizing noncontact injury occurrence against match exposure levels. Senior male players (n = 89) from 5 League of Ireland semiprofessional clubs participated in the study (mean age = 23.2 ± 4.4 years; mean height = 179.5 ± 6.6 cm; mean body mass = 77.5 ± 7.8 kg). Participants performed the FMS during preseason, and their injury occurrence rates and match minutes were tracked throughout 1 season. In total, 66 noncontact injuries were recorded. No significant difference was found in FMS composite scores between players receiving noncontact injuries and players not suffering a noncontact injury (p = 0.96). There was no significant difference in exposure-normalized noncontact injury incidence between those scoring 14 or below and those scoring above 14 on the FMS (0.36 vs. 0.29 non-contact injuries per player per 1,000 match minutes). Players scoring 14 or below on the FMS had an odds ratio of 0.63 (p = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.19–2.07) of receiving a noncontact injury. Despite previous research showing links between low FMS composite scores and subsequent injury, these results suggest that the FMS cannot accurately predict a male soccer player's likelihood of receiving a noncontact injury and that a lower FMS composite score does not significantly increase their noncontact injury incidence rate per 1,000 match minutes. Caution should therefore be used when using the FMS as a predictor of noncontact injury, and pain prevalence during the FMS, previous injuries, and training/match exposure levels should also be taken into account.
A Case for and Against Ketogenic Diets in Athletes
Authors: Kavalek Matthew , Gannon Ryan , Nelson Mike T. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT
THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY GENERALLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF A KETOGENIC DIET (KD) IN SOME CLINICAL AND/OR MEDICAL POPULATIONS. ALTHOUGH CURRENT EVIDENCE INDICATES ATHLETES RANGING FROM GYMNASTS TO ELITE ULTRAMARATHONERS MAY BENEFIT FROM A KD, MUCH DISAGREEMENT EXISTS REGARDING ITS SOUNDNESS IN ATHLETIC AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE SITUATIONS. THE FOLLOWING COLUMN WILL PRESENT A CASE FOR, AND AGAINST, THE USE OF KD IN ATHLETES. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. VISIT
NSCA-SCJ.COM
TO WEIGH IN ON THE POINT/COUNTERPOINT QUICK POLL.
Adaptation of Broadband Simple Shear Device for Constant Volume and Stress-Controlled Testing
Authors: Shafiee A. , Stewart J. P. , Venugopal R. , Brandenberg S. J. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
We adapted an existing digitally controlled simple shear device, originally designed for drained testing with strain-control, to perform constant height testing under strain- or stress-controlled conditions. The re-designed system provided PID control of horizontal displacements or loads coupled with either vertical force or displacement control (for drained and constant-volume testing, respectively). The new system had substantially similar horizontal displacement control capabilities as the previous system. The tracking error under stress-controlled loading depends on amplitude and frequency of the load; however, its value was almost the same as errors in strain-controlled tests for common shear strain/stress amplitudes. High-precision vertical control was achieved during constant height testing in two respects: (1) height change was small (less than 0.05 % of the specimen height for large shear-strain tests), even at high frequencies; and (2) top cap rocking was small, with the vertical displacements due to rocking at the specimen edge being half or less than average changes in specimen height.
Field Measurements and Design Optimization of Diaphragm Walls
Authors: Chen J. , Yang J. , Zhang X. , Wang S. , Ou X. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This paper presents field measurements of diaphragm walls. During the study, a typical measurement section was embedded with concrete strain meters to measure the forces on and in the diaphragm walls. This permitted an extensive investigation of the internal force changes in diaphragm walls. Furthermore, the stability of diaphragm walls was evaluated and optimized. The data and design optimization led to the following conclusions: variations in the stresses of diaphragm walls were observed with increases in the excavation depth of foundation pits. The strain data obtained from field measurements allowed the calculation of safety factors for the diaphragm walls, which met national code standards. Therefore, the investigated diaphragm walls were judged to be safe. The variations in the diaphragm walls' internal forces were obtained for use as references in the design and construction of similar projects in the future.
Human SOD1 ALS Mutations in a Drosophila Knock-In Model Cause Severe Phenotypes and Reveal Dosage-Sensitive Gain- and Loss-of-Function Components
Authors: Şahin Aslı , Held Aaron , Bredvik Kirsten , Major Paxton , Achilli Toni-Marie , Kerson Abigail G , Wharton Kristi , Stilwell Geoff , Reenan Robert 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease and familial forms can be caused by numerous dominant mutations of the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Substantial efforts have been invested in studying SOD1-ALS transgenic animal models; yet, the molecular mechanisms by which ALS-mutant SOD1 protein acquires toxicity are not well understood. ALS-like phenotypes in animal models are highly dependent on transgene dosage. Thus, issues of whether the ALS-like phenotypes of these models stem from overexpression of mutant alleles or from aspects of the SOD1 mutation itself are not easily deconvolved. To address concerns about levels of mutant SOD1 in disease pathogenesis, we have genetically engineered four human ALS-causing SOD1 point mutations (G37R, H48R, H71Y, and G85R) into the endogenous locus of Drosophila SOD1 (dsod) via ends-out homologous recombination and analyzed the resulting molecular, biochemical, and behavioral phenotypes. Contrary to previous transgenic models, we have recapitulated ALS-like phenotypes without overexpression of the mutant protein. Drosophila carrying homozygous mutations rendering SOD1 protein enzymatically inactive (G85R, H48R, and H71Y) exhibited neurodegeneration, locomotor deficits, and shortened life span. The mutation retaining enzymatic activity (G37R) was phenotypically indistinguishable from controls. While the observed mutant dsod phenotypes were recessive, a gain-of-function component was uncovered through dosage studies and comparisons with age-matched dsod null animals, which failed to show severe locomotor defects or nerve degeneration. We conclude that the Drosophila knock-in model captures important aspects of human SOD1-based ALS and provides a powerful and useful tool for further genetic studies.
Human Facial Shape and Size Heritability and Genetic Correlations
Authors: Cole Joanne B , Manyama Mange , Larson Jacinda R , Liberton Denise K , Ferrara Tracey M , Riccardi Sheri L , Li Mao , Mio Washington , Klein Ophir D , Santorico Stephanie A , Hallgrímsson Benedikt , Spritz Richard A 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The human face is an array of variable physical features that together make each of us unique and distinguishable. Striking familial facial similarities underscore a genetic component, but little is known of the genes that underlie facial shape differences. Numerous studies have estimated facial shape heritability using various methods. Here, we used advanced three-dimensional imaging technology and quantitative human genetics analysis to estimate narrow-sense heritability, heritability explained by common genetic variation, and pairwise genetic correlations of 38 measures of facial shape and size in normal African Bantu children from Tanzania. Specifically, we fit a linear mixed model of genetic relatedness between close and distant relatives to jointly estimate variance components that correspond to heritability explained by genome-wide common genetic variation and variance explained by uncaptured genetic variation, the sum representing total narrow-sense heritability. Our significant estimates for narrow-sense heritability of specific facial traits range from 28 to 67%, with horizontal measures being slightly more heritable than vertical or depth measures. Furthermore, for over half of facial traits, &gt;90% of narrow-sense heritability can be explained by common genetic variation. We also find high absolute genetic correlation between most traits, indicating large overlap in underlying genetic loci. Not surprisingly, traits measured in the same physical orientation (i.e., both horizontal or both vertical) have high positive genetic correlations, whereas traits in opposite orientations have high negative correlations. The complex genetic architecture of facial shape informs our understanding of the intricate relationships among different facial features as well as overall facial development.
Statistical Methods for Identifying Sequence Motifs Affecting Point Mutations
Authors: Zhu Yicheng , Neeman Teresa , Yap Von Bing , Huttley Gavin A 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMutation processes differ between types of point mutation, genomic locations, cells, and biological species. For some point mutations, specific neighboring bases are known to be mechanistically influential. Beyond these cases, numerous questions remain unresolved, including: what are the sequence motifs that affect point mutations? How large are the motifs? Are they strand symmetric? And, do they vary between samples? We present new log-linear models that allow explicit examination of these questions, along with sequence logo style visualization to enable identifying specific motifs. We demonstrate the performance of these methods by analyzing mutation processes in human germline and malignant melanoma. We recapitulate the known CpG effect, and identify novel motifs, including a highly significant motif associated with A→G mutations. We show that major effects of neighbors on germline mutation lie within ±2 of the mutating base. Models are also presented for contrasting the entire mutation spectra (the distribution of the different point mutations). We show the spectra vary significantly between autosomes and X-chromosome, with a difference in T→C transition dominating. Analyses of malignant melanoma confirmed reported characteristic features of this cancer, including statistically significant strand asymmetry, and markedly different neighboring influences. The methods we present are made freely available as a Python library https://bitbucket.org/pycogent3/mutationmotif.
Adam Smith’s concept of labour: value or measure?
Authors: Rodríguez Herrera Adolfo 
Published: December 2016

Smith is considered the father of the labour theory of value developed by David Ricardo and Karl Marx and simultaneously of the cost-of-production theory of value developed by John Stuart Mill and Alfred Marshall. This polysemy is partly because Smith is developping the terminology to refer to value and measure of value, and often uses it with much imprecision. That has led to different interpretations about his position on these issues, most of them derived from an error of interpretation of Ricardo and Marx.
This paper reviews the concepts developed by Smith to formulate his theory of value (value, real price and exchangeable value). Our interpretation of his texts on value does not coincide with what has traditionally been done. According to our interpretation, it would not be correct the criticism made by Ricardo and Marx on Smith’s position about the role of labour as measure of value. For these authors, Smith is not consistent in proposing that the value of a commodity is defined or measured as the amount of labour necessary to produce it and simultaneously as the amount of labour that can be purchased by this commodity. We try to show that for Smith the labour has a double role –as source and measure of value–, and that to it is due the confusion that generates his use of some terms: Smith proposes labour as a measure of value because he conceives it as a source of value. With this interpretation it becomes clear, paradoxically, that Smith holds a labour theory of value that substantially corresponds to the one later developed by Ricardo and Marx.