bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary clues in lncRNAs
Authors: Nitsche Anne , Stadler Peter F. 
Published: July 2016

The diversity of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the human transcriptome is in stark contrast to the sparse exploration of their functions concomitant with their conservation and evolution. The pervasive transcription of the largely non‐coding human genome makes the evolutionary age and conservation patterns of lncRNAs to a topic of interest. Yet it is a fairly unexplored field and not that easy to determine as for protein‐coding genes. Although there are a few experimentally studied cases, which are conserved at the sequence level, most lncRNAs exhibit weak or untraceable primary sequence conservation. Recent studies shed light on the interspecies conservation of secondary structures among lncRNA homologs by using diverse computational methods. This highlights the importance of structure on functionality of lncRNAs as opposed to the poor impact of primary sequence changes. Further clues in the evolution of lncRNAs are given by selective constraints on non‐coding gene structures (e.g., promoters or splice sites) as well as the conservation of prevalent spatio‐temporal expression patterns. However, a rapid evolutionary turnover is observable throughout the heterogeneous group of lncRNAs. This still gives rise to questions about its functional meaning. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1376. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1376This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA
RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
Long-term outcomes of slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated with in situ pinning
Authors: de Poorter Jolanda J. , Beunder Tom J. , Gareb Barzi , Oostenbroek Hubert J. , Bessems Gert H. J. M. , van der Lugt Joris C. T. , Maathuis Patrick G. M. , van der Sande Michiel A. J. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the commonest hip disorder in adolescents. In situ pinning is commonly performed, yet lately there has been an increase in procedures with open reduction and internal fixation. These procedures, however, are technically demanding with relatively high complication rates and unknown long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, reports on long-term results of in situ fixation are not equivocal. This study evaluates the possible higher risk of worse outcome after in situ pinning of SCFE. Methods All patients treated for SCFE with in situ fixation between 1980 and 2002 in four different hospitals were asked to participate. Patients were divided into three groups, based on severity of the slip. Patients were invited to the outpatient clinic for physical examination and X-rays, and to fill out the questionnaires HOOS, EQ5D, and SF36. ANOVA and chi-squared tests were used to analyze differences between groups. Results Sixty-one patients with 78 slips filled out the questionnaires. Patients with severe slips had worse scores on HOOS, EQ5D, and SF36. 75 % of patients with severe slips had severe osteoarthritis, compared to 2 % of mild and 11 % of moderate slips. Conclusion Hips with mild and moderate SCFE generally had good functional and radiological outcome at a mean follow-up of 18 years, and for these hips there seems to be no indication for open procedures. However, severe slips have a significantly worse outcome, and open reduction and internal fixation could therefore be considered.
Quality control of subgrade soil using intelligent compaction
Authors: Barman Manik , Nazari Moeen , Imran Syed Asif , Commuri Sesh , Zaman Musharraf , Beainy Fares , Singh Dharamveer 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIntelligent Compaction (IC) of subgrade soil has been proposed to continuously monitor the stiffness of subgrade during its compaction. Modern IC rollers are vibratory compactors equipped with (1) an onboard measuring system capable of estimating the stiffness of the pavement material being compacted, (2) Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor to precisely locate the roller, and (3) an integrated mapping and reporting system. Using IC, the roller operator is able to evaluate the entire subgrade and address deficiencies encountered during compaction. Continuous monitoring of quality during construction can help build better quality and long-lasting pavements. However, most of the commercially available IC rollers report stiffness in terms of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specified indicator, known as Intelligent Compaction Measurement Value (ICMV). Although useful, additional tests are required to establish the correlation between these ICMV values and the resilient modulus of subgrade (Mr). Since the mechanistic design of the pavement is performed usingMr, it is important to know if the designMris achieved on the entire subgrade during compaction. This paper presents a systematic procedure for monitoring the level of compaction of subgrade in real time using intelligent compaction (IC). Specifically, the Intelligent Compaction Analyzer (ICA) developed at the University of Oklahoma was used for estimating the modulus of the subgrade. Results from two demonstration studies show that the ICA is able to estimate subgrade modulus with an accuracy that is acceptable for quality control activities during the construction of pavements.
Education in Disaster Management: What Do We Offer and What Do We Need? Proposing a New Global Program
Authors: Khorram-Manesh Amir , Lupesco Olivera , Friedl Tom , Arnim Gotz , Kaptan Kubilay , Djalali Ahmadreza R. , Foletti Marco , Ingrasia Pier Luigi , Ashkenazi Michael , Arculeo Chris , Fischer Philipp , Hreckovski Boris , Komadina Radko , Voigt Stefan , Carlström Eric , James James ,   for the DITAC (Disaster Training Curriculum) partners
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectiveAlthough there is a significant willingness to respond to disasters, a review of post-event reports following incidents shows troubling repeated patterns with poorly integrated response activities and response managers inadequately trained for the requirements of disasters. This calls for a new overall approach in disaster management.MethodsAn in-depth review of the education and training opportunities available to responders and disaster managers has been undertaken, as well as an extensive review of the educational competencies and their parent domains identified by subject matter experts as necessary for competent performance.ResultsSeven domains of competency and competencies that should be mastered by disaster mangers were identified. This set of domains and individual competencies was utilized to define a new and evolving curriculum. In order to evaluate and assess the mastery of each competency, objectives were more widely defined as activities under specific topics, as the measurable elements of the curriculum, for each managerial level.ConclusionsThis program enables interagency cooperation and collaboration and could be used to increase and improve decision-makers’ understanding of disaster managers’ capabilities; at the strategic/tactical level to promote the knowledge and capability of the disaster managers themselves; and as continuing education or further career development for disaster managers at the operational level. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:854–873)
Geological Survey of Canada Radiocarbon Dates V
Authors: Dyck W. , Lowdon J. A. , Fyles J. G. , Blake W. 
Published: July 2016

Both the 2-L counter, described in GSC I, and the 5-L counter (GSC IV) were operated routinely during the past year. Approximately one-half of the determinations reported here were obtained from each counter. The 5-L counter was operated mainly at 1 atm.For more than a year, age calculations have been carried out monthly by an I.B.M. 1620 computer. If the background, standard, and sample counts during a month conform to statistical laws, they are entered on sheets together with their respective counting times and sample identifications and sent to the computing center for processing.
Gif-Sur-Yvette Natural Radiocarbon Measurements I
Authors: Coursaget J. , Le Run J. 
Published: July 2016

The following list shows the age measurements carried out from 1958 to March 1963 at the Radiocarbon Laboratory at Gif-sur-Yvette, This laboratory has been replaced by a new one whose first measurements are also given in this volume.It was equipped with 2 proportional counters similar to those used in Saclay laboratory and operating with 1 atm of pure CO2. These counters were shielded by 15 cm lead, 5 cm iron and 1.5 cm of mercury.Data have been calculated on the basis of a C14 half-life of 5570 yr, in agreement with the decision of the Fifth Radiocarbon Dating Conference. As a modern carbon standard, wood taken from old furniture was used. This standard was found equivalent to 95% of the activity of the NBS oxalic acid, if a 2% Suess-effect is adopted for this wood.
Louvain Natural Radiocarbon Measurements IV
Authors: Gilot E. , Ancion N. , Capron P. C. 
Published: July 2016

The following list covers most of the samples measured at the Louvain C14 laboratory since the last list (Louvain III).The method is essentially the same as the one used for the work described in the previous lists. A CH4 proportional counter, 0.6 L volume, operating at 3 atm pressure, is used. Equipment and counting techniques have been described in Louvain I. Dates are computed on the basis of the Libby half-life, 5570 yr, and the zero of the age scale is A.D. 1950. Ages are quoted with 1σ experimental error, which includes the counting variations of the sample as well as that of the background and the contemporary standard. As modern standard we now use NBS oxalic-acid standard or wood taken from A.D. 1870 to A.D. 1900 tree rings. No differences between the two standards have been observed.
Radiocarbon Dating of Tufa in Paleoclimatic Studies
Authors: Srdoč Dušan , Horvatinčić Nada , Obelić Bogomil , Sliepčević Adela 
Published: July 2016

Calcareous deposits known as tufa or travertine contain biogenic carbon and are a potential source of geochronologic information. Many dated samples from Karstic regions in Yugoslavia proved that 14C analyses of tufa can provide reliable data reflecting climatic conditions in the past. Systematic dating of tufa samples revealed two distinct groups of deposits: recent tufa deposits, with a sharp age limit of ∼6000 ± 500 years BP, and old tufa deposits with 14C age ranges from 25,000 ± 2300 years BP to the lowest limit of our 14C dating system (∼37,000 years). A histogram based on the initial activity AO = 0.85 shows the age distribution of randomly sampled tufas vs sample frequency. A time gap between ∼6000 BP and ∼23,000 BP is evident, reflecting cooler climatic conditions. The start of peat deposition is coincident with that of tufa growth in the Holocene.Paleoclimatic implications of tufa growth periods obtained by 14C dating are as follows: climatic conditions that favor tufa formation at least in karstic regions, are very stringent. Therefore, climatic conditions, such as mean annual temperature and humidity, as well as hydrologic and vegetational conditions, must have been very similar in periods of tufa growth. While recent tufa deposits are coincident with the warm Holocene period, old tufa can be associated with warm interstadials in the Würm.
An International Reference Material for Radiocarbon Dating
Authors: Mann W B 
Published: July 2016

In August 1980, the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) issued, in the form of oxalic acid, a new International Reference Material of contemporary 14C for use in radiocarbon dating laboratories. This reference material was to replace the 1975 oxalic-acid standard, supplies of which had been practically exhausted in 1978. The preparation of the new oxalic-acid standard was described in a preliminary report, as were, also, the results then available for the activity-concentration ratio of the new to the old standard obtained by a number of leading international laboratories.With the recent completion of the analysis of all results submitted by the participating laboratories, NBS plans to issue these recently calibrated samples of oxalic acid as an NBS Standard Reference Material. There is, however, no significant difference in the reported value of its activity concentration, relative to that of the 1957 standard, from that given provisionally in 1980.Subsequent to our report (Cavallo and Mann, 1980) a further measurement of relative activity concentration was reported by the Radiocarbon Laboratory of Peking University. Their value, and that also for δ13C, is insignificantly different from the average value of the results submitted by the eleven laboratories that participated in the international comparison organized by NBS.
Radiocarbon Dating of Lake Sediment from Two Karst Lakes in Yugoslavia
Authors: Srdoč Dušan , Obelić Bogomil , Horvatinčić Nada , Krajcar-Bronić Ines , Marčenko Elena , Merkt Joseph , Wong How Kin , Sliepčević Adela 
Published: July 2016

Samples of sediment cores from two lakes in the karst area of northwest Yugoslavia were analyzed. Both Lakes Kozjak and Prošće are in the Plitvice National Park, Central Croatia. 14C dating, sedimentologic, seismic, and isotopic studies, and distribution of diatoms are presented.14C dating of lake marl revealed a uniforn sedimentation rate in Lake Prošće as opposed to Lake Kozjak. Both lake sediments belong to the Holocene period. 14C dating of lake sediment is in agreement with seismic profiles, sedimentologic analysis, and diatom frequency measurements both in an undisturbed as well as in a disturbed lake sediment.
Multiple Dating of a Long Flowstone Profile
Authors: Geyh Mebus A , Hennig G J 
Published: July 2016

Dense speleothem samples are considered as closed systems and are, therefore, possibilities for any dating method. Four dating methods (14C, U/Th, paleomagnetism, and electron spin resonance = ESR) were used for samples up to 1,000,000 yr old and taken along a vertical flowstone profile in the Heggen cave in West Germany. Also δ18O and δ13C analyses were carried out.The reliability of the results of each method is dependent on the diagenetic processes that took place during the complex growth history of the flowstone. Speleothem growth was interrupted during glacial periods. During interglacial periods, at least the stalagmite growth rate was greater by one order of magnitude than during interstadial periods. During the periods of low interstadial growth rate various processes might have changed the 14C, 18O, and 13C concentrations, leaching might have removed uranium, recrystallization might have moved thorium several centimeters, and increased content of radon in the cave might have exaggerated the accumulated dose (AD) at the speleothem surface. As a result, 14C ages may be too small and U/Th as well as ESR data may be too large.
The Effects of Contamination of Calcareous Sediments on their Radiocarbon Ages
Authors: Srdoč Dušan , Horvatinčić Nada , Obelić Bogomil , Krajcar-Bronić Ines , O'Malley Peg 
Published: July 2016

Two principal reasons for the inherent uncertainty in 14C dating of calcareous sediments such as tufa or those of lacustrine origin are the unknown initial 14C activity (Ao) of the sediment, mainly affecting younger (Holocene) samples, and contamination of older sediments with recent carbonate, causing 14C ages to be excessively young. To assess the contamination effect, samples of old tufa from the Riss/Würm interglacial were examined. These sediments contain essentially no 14C except that contributed by surface contamination. Tufa samples were crushed and grains ranging in size from <1 mm, 1 to 2mm, up to 4 to 5mm were separated for analysis; 2M HCl was then used to dissolve the samples in successive steps. 14C measurements indicated that each subsequent soluble fraction obtained from porous tufa gave a successively older age, indicating that the surface of the sample was contaminated by younger carbonates. No consistent effect of grain size on the 14C age was observed. Compact tufa proved to be less subject to contamination. 14C ages obtained on this material were also too young, yet older than the age obtained from porous tufa samples.14C ages of interglacial tufa were cross-checked with the 230Th/234U dating method, using samples of very clean calcite which overlies the tufa blocks. Inferred 230Th/234U ages of the interglacial tufa (which had yielded 14C dates ranging from 25,000 to 37,000 yr) coincided with the last interglacial (Riss/Würm, Stage 5). Samples of Holocene tufa, in which contributions of recent 14C from surface contamination would pose less of a problem, yielded 14C and 230Th/234U dates which were in excellent agreement.
Environmental 14C Levels Around the 632 MWe Nuclear Power Plant Krško in Yugoslavia
Authors: Obelić Bogomil , Krajcar-Bronić Inks , Srdoč Dušan , Horvatinčić Nada 
Published: July 2016

Measurements of 14C activity of atmospheric CO2, vegetables, and tree rings in the area of the 632 MWe power plant Krško in Slovenia, NW Yugoslavia, have been in progress since January, 1984. Sampling stations are located in the area ca 400km2 and are distributed in the direction of the prevailing westerly winds. The closest sampling point is 1.5km NE of the plant exhaust stack, the farthest sampling point is 30km E of the plant. A sampling site at National Park Plitvice in central Croatia was chosen as the 14C reference point not affected by the power plant.An average excess of 2.2% above the reference point activity during normal periods of reactor operation was observed 1.5km from the plant smokestack. Calculations of the 14C release from the power plant was estimated at 0.1 TBq/a. The tree ring activity near the plant followed the 14C activity of the Northern Hemisphere in the past decade. No influence of the power plant release was observed on the tree ring activity.
Possibility of Climatically Induced Variations in the 14C and 13C Enrichment Patterns as Recorded by a 300-Year-Old Norwegian Pine
Authors: Harkness D D , Miller B F 
Published: July 2016

The secular patterns of Δ and δ13C measured in wood cellulose are compared with a palaeotemperature index published for the immediate growth region. 14C enrichment shows an overall decrease of ca 20% (Δ) during the 18th and 19th centuries with shorter term (decade) variations superimposed on the general trend. Measured Δ values correlate significantly with the average mean summer temperatures and indicate a linear coefficient of ca − 10.2% °C–1. Short-term variations in the natural concentration of 14C which are closely related to climatic change may reflect the latitudinal dependence for atmospheric mixing.The secular trend in δ13C covers a range of 2% but variations of this magnitude reflect influences other than those directly associated with climatic change, eg, possible assimilation of recycled biospheric CO2 during early life and post AD 1850 anthropogenic effects. No evidence was found to suggest a significant correlation between δ13C and the mean atmospheric temperature during summer growth periods.
A Possible Source of Error in 14C Dates: Volcanic Emanations (Examples from the Monte Amiata District, Provinces of Grosseto and Sienna, Italy)
Authors: Saupé Francis , Strappa Osvaldo , Coppens René , Guillet Bernard , Jaegy Robert 
Published: July 2016

Wood from regular timbering of a shallow seated mine in Tuscany gave 14C ages of 5730 ± 100 years BP, much too old to be attributed to one of the known civilizations of Italy. This mine is located in a region of declining volcanic activity, noticeable especially through numerous emanations (natural or incidentally induced by drillings). It was suspected that the analyzed wood had grown in an environment where the normal atmosphere had been diluted by volcanic emanations. To check this hypothesis, living plants (trees, bushes and reeds) and volcanic emanations have been sampled and their 14C content measured. All present day plants are depleted in 14C, giving a fictitious age different from 0 (1805, 1820, 2540, 4350 years BP). Of the gaseous emanations sampled, two have a high pressure and show virtually no 14C (>41,000 years BP). Two others have a pressure close to atmospheric, and small amounts of 14C were introduced by atmospheric contamination (22,570 and 30,580 years BP).Conclusion: plants grown in the vicinity of volcanic emanations have 14C activities that are too low because of a natural 14C dilution and yield anomalously high ages. The δ13C values obtained for two of these plants (—27.4‰ and —23.7‰) are close to the average for plants in general (—25‰), whereas the CO2 of mofettes is heavier than atmospheric CO2.
Carbon Isotope Measurement as An Index of Soil Development
Authors: Ladyman S J , Harkness D D 
Published: July 2016

14C and 13C enrichment values are reported for a series of surface soil profiles which represent the progressive transition from mor to mull humus induced by birch (Betula pendula) colonization.Variations in Δ and δ13C, which range between 85 to 154‰ modern and −28.1 to −25.3‰ (PDB), respectively, reflect changes in the rate and mode of organic decomposition. The most marked alterations in soil character occur over the first few decades following the introduction of birch, with clear isotopic evidence for the deeper penetration and accelerated mineralization of organic material.
W F Libby and the Archaeologists, 1946-1948
Authors: Marlowe Greg 
Published: July 2016

Archaeologists began to participate in cross-disciplinary endeavors in the 1930's, albeit on a very limited basis. The passage of time found members of that discipline unprepared for collaboration with physical scientists when W F Libby announced the development of the radiocarbon dating method. Libby proposed to apply to
archeologic and geologic samples techniques based on ideas that were completely foreign to archeology …. The initial reactions of archeologists were sometimes amusing but more often significant, for they led to the foundation and emergence of the radiocarbon chronology that has so profoundly affected our understanding of prehistory (Johnson, 1967, p 165).To date, our historical knowledge about the nature, function, and impact of the early (1946-1948) relations between Libby and American archaeologists has come to us in the form of published anecdotes, many of which contain inaccurate information. The author's access to W F Libby's private 14C correspondence, combined with data obtained from interviews with some of the principal participants throughout this period, offers many new or different insights into the nascent years of radiocarbon dating. When, and under what unexpected cricumstances, did Libby first encounter representatives of the achaeologic community? What strategies were employed to facilitate diffusion of knowledge about 14C dating across disciplinary boundaries? How did archaeologists respond to the introduction or “intrusion” into their field of Libby's radioactive age-measurement tool?
Sharp Laboratories Measurements I
Authors: Ellis John G. , Sharp Rodman A. 
Published: July 2016

Radiocarbon measurements were begun at Sharp Laboratories in the spring of 1962 with the construction of a complete C14 dating laboratory. This first system used the method described by Fairhall, Schell, and Takashima (1961) for the conversion of CO2 to methane via ruthenium catalyst. This system proved to be fast and reliable, giving overall yields of solid sample to counting gas of better than 90% for the total conversion and purification (the conversion yield of CO2 to methane is quantitative). The detector in present use is 2 L, with construction materials consisting solely of O.F.H.C. copper, teflon, and epoxy resin. The shield consists of 4 in. of high purity lead (specially prepared), 4 in. of borated hydrogenous neutron moderator, a guard counter (cosmic ray detector), and 1 in. of ultra pure mercury. The gross to net ratio obtained with this system averages about 53. The background, for P in cm methane pressure, is:Background = 3.95 ± .008 + .00705P