bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional Profiling of Th2 Cells Identifies Pathogenic Features Associated with Asthma
Authors: Seumois Grégory , Zapardiel-Gonzalo Jose , White Brandie , Singh Divya , Schulten Veronique , Dillon Myles , Hinz Denize , Broide David H. , Sette Alessandro , Peters Bjoern , Vijayanand Pandurangan 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Allergic asthma and rhinitis are two common chronic allergic diseases that affect the lungs and nose, respectively. Both diseases share clinical and pathological features characteristic of excessive allergen-induced type 2 inflammation, orchestrated by memory CD4+ T cells that produce type 2 cytokines (Th2 cells). However, a large majority of subjects with allergic rhinitis do not develop asthma, suggesting divergence in disease mechanisms. Because Th2 cells play a pathogenic role in both these diseases and are also present in healthy nonallergic subjects, we performed global transcriptional profiling to determine whether there are qualitative differences in Th2 cells from subjects with allergic asthma, rhinitis, and healthy controls. Th2 cells from asthmatic subjects expressed higher levels of several genes that promote their survival as well as alter their metabolic pathways to favor persistence at sites of allergic inflammation. In addition, genes that enhanced Th2 polarization and Th2 cytokine production were also upregulated in asthma. Several genes that oppose T cell activation were downregulated in asthma, suggesting enhanced activation potential of Th2 cells from asthmatic subjects. Many novel genes with poorly defined functions were also differentially expressed in asthma. Thus, our transcriptomic analysis of circulating Th2 cells has identified several molecules that are likely to confer pathogenic features to Th2 cells that are either unique or common to both asthma and rhinitis.
Church, mission and ethics. Being church with integrity
Authors: Dreyer Wim 
Published: June 2016

This article is an exercise in Practical Ecclesiology. The author reflects on church, mission and ethics from historical, hermeneutical and strategic perspectives. Using the ecclesiology of Karl Barth as a point of departure, the author argues that the church needs to be church if it wants to be a credible witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Integrity is essential if a church wants to be missional. Integrity means the church has to become what it already is, the body of Christ. This contribution is dedicated to Prof Graham Duncan, professor emeritus of church history (University of Pretoria), a man of integrity and dedicated to the missional calling of the church. Keywords: Ecclesiology; First Clement; Karl Barth; Missional Church; Integrity
Eldre personer er sårbare i ekstreme værsituasjoner
Authors: Ranhoff Anette Hylen 
Published: June 2016

I fjor sommer ble Europa rammet av en hetebølge og tusenvis av eldre mennesker døde. Sammenhengen mellom helsetilstand og påvirkning av klima er kompleks og medisinske, sosiale og miljømessige faktorer er involvert. Imidlertid er hete- og kulderelaterte sykdommer, skade og død i høy grad mulig å forebygge, og det er behov for å analysere denne situasjonen og andre ekstreme værsituasjoner for å kunne sikre helsen til eldre personer ved liknede hendelser i fremtiden. Artikkelen gir en oversikt over litteratur som omhandler sykelighet og dødelighet som følge av ekstreme værforhold: hete, kulde og situasjoner der transport, elektrisitet og andre leveranser er begrenset, som etter en orkan, enorme snøfall eller liknende. Sammenhenger mellom sykelighet, dødelighet og temperatur i alminnelighet bli også omtalt, med spesielt fokus på de eldre. Eldre som lever alene og er sosialt isolerte, og spesielt de som har funksjonshemning eller kognitiv svikt har høyest risiko for sykdom, skade og død i ekstreme værsituasjoner. Dette kan trolig i stor grad forebygges. Det anbefales at alle kommuner har kriseplaner for naturkatastrofer og ekstreme værsituasjoner som spesielt inneholder tiltak rettet mot sårbare eldre. Planene bør inneholde generell alarmering og informasjon samt systemer for oppsøkende virksomhet overfor risikogrupper. The 2003 heat wave in Europe was responsible for the deaths of thousands of elderly people. Heat- and cold-related illnesses, injuries and deaths are supposed to be largely preventable, and it is a need for analysing this situation and other situations with extreme weather conditions where elderly people are believed to be particularly vulnerableThis article is a review of the literature concerning morbidity and mortality in extreme weather conditions like heat, cold and situations where transportation, electricity, and other supplies are limited as a consequence of extreme weather such as after a hurricane or an enormous snowfall. Associations between mortality, morbidity and temperature in general are also discussed with focus on the elderly population. after a hurricane or an enormous snowfall. The frailest elderly are at the highest risk. In situati The elderly are at high risk for illnesses, injuries and death in extreme weather conditions. There are numerous reports from heat waves, but also cold-related problems are well documented. Other risk factors are disability, cognitive impairment, chronic disease, the use of special drugs and social isolation. Many risk factors are common for heat-, and cold-related problems, and also for other situations like ons with extreme weather conditions, we recommend local and central authorities to have emergency plans with special adaptations to the needs of elderly people and other vulnerable groups. These plans should include general warning and information and systems for preventive visits to high-risk groups..
Påliteligheten av selvrapportert alkoholkonsum. Svalbardstudien 1988-89
Authors: Høyer m. fl Georg 
Published: June 2016

SAMMENDRAGSvalbard er spesielt godt egnet til å vurdere påliteligheten av selvrapportert alkoholkonsum. På grunn av detlave prisnivået for alkohol er ulovlig import eller hjemmeproduksjon av alkohol ukjent på Svalbard. Dessutener samfunnet lite og oversiktlig, slik at det er praktisk mulig å undersøke hele befolkningen. I den aktuellestudien registrerte vi alt salg av alkohol til fastboende nordmenn på Svalbard i oktober og november 1988. Isamme tidsperiode ble alle nordmenn 18 år eller eldre invitert til å ta del i en helseundersøkelse der det inngikkspørsmål om alkoholbruk. Vi fant at selvrapportert alkoholkonsum utgjorde rundt 40% av salgsvolumet.På grunn av de spesielle forhold når det gjelder alkoholomsetning på Svalbard er det grunn til å anta atestimatet i denne studien er mer pålitelig sammenlignet med tilsvarende studier fra andre områder.Høyer G, Nilssen O, Brenn T, Schirmer H. The reliability of self-reported alcohol consumption.The Svalbard study 1988-89. Nor J Epidemiol 1996; 6 (1): 109-113.ENGLISH SUMMARYThe Norwegian island of Spitzbergen, Svalbard offers a unique setting for validation studies on self-reportedalcohol consumption. No counterfeit production or illegal import exists, thus making a complete registrationof all sources of alcohol possible. In this study we recorded sales from all agencies selling alcohol onSvalbard over a two month period in 1988. During the same period all adults living permanently on Svalbardwere invited to take part in a health screening. As part of the screening a self-administered questionnaire onalcohol consumption was introduced to the participants. We found that the self-reported volume accounted forapproximately 40 percent of the sales volume. Because of the unique situation applying to Svalbard, theestimate made in this study is believed to be more reliable compared to other studies using sales volume tovalidate self-reports.
Effects of Delayed Sample Processing on Determination of Total and High Molecular Weight (HMW) Adiponectin in Serum and Plasma: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ng Choaping , Rose Felicity J , Keshvari Sahar , Reeves Marina M , Dimeski Goce , Hickman Ingrid J , Whitehead Jonathan P 
Published: June 2016

<p>Adiponectin is a beneficial adipocyte-secreted hormone, which circulates in a variety of multimeric forms termed low and high molecular weight (LMW/HMW). Effectiveness of clinical therapeutic trials which target adiponectin rely on accurate determination of circulating total and HMW adiponectin levels but the accuracy may be influenced by variations in sample handling processes. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of delayed processing of blood samples on the concentration of total and HMW adiponectin.</p><p>Materials and Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected for analysis of total and HMW adiponectin concentrations in EDTA plasma and serum from eight healthy participants. Samples were centrifuged post 15 min storage at 4<sup>o</sup>C as the comparative ‘ideal’ method or after up to 72 h of refrigerated storage or 6 h at room temperature. Total and HMW adiponectin concentrations were measured by ELISA.</p><p>Results: Under ideal handling conditions measurements of total and HMW adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher in serum than in plasma (mean difference: -1.3 µg/mL [95% CI: -1.6, -1.0], p&lt;0.001; and, -0.6 µg/mL [95% CI: -0.7, -0.5], p&lt;0.001, respectively). Storage of blood samples at 4<sup>o</sup>C for 72 h resulted in significant reductions in concentration of total adiponectin in serum (mean difference: -1.4 µg/mL [95% CI: -2.0, -0.8], p=0.001) and HMW adiponectin in plasma (mean difference: -0.6 µg/mL [95%CI: -0.9, -0.2], p=0.007), compared with ideal conditions. Further analysis of serum samples showed a significant decrease in total adiponectin concentration after 6 h storage at 4<sup>o</sup>C (mean difference: -1.4 µg/mL [95% CI: -2.0, -0.8], p=0.001) compared with ideal conditions.</p><p>Conclusions: Delayed processing of samples may have differential effects on the concentration of total and HMW adiponectin in serum or plasma. Larger studies are warranted for clinical intervention trials.</p>
Microbial Glycosylation of Flavonoids
Authors: SORDON SANDRA , POPŁOŃSKI JAROSŁAW , HUSZCZA EWA 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Flavonoids constitute a large group of polyphenolic compounds naturally found in plants, which have a wide range of biological activity. Although flavonoids are beneficial to human health, their application is limited by their low bioavailability and poor water-solubility. Therefore, recently there has been a particular interest in glycosylated forms of flavonoids, which usually are better soluble, more stable, and more functional compared to their aglycones. Microbial transformation of natural flavonoids may be an attractive way of receiving their glycosylated derivatives in amounts sufficient for the research on the effect of glycoside group on compound properties and for further application of these compounds as ingredients of dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.
Interaction of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria with Ceramic Nanomaterials Obtained by Combustion Synthesis – Adsorption and Cytotoxicity Studies
Authors: BORKOWSKI ANDRZEJ , OWCZAREK FILIP , SZALA MATEUSZ , SELWET MAREK 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
This paper presents the interactions of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas putida) bacteria with ceramic materials obtained by combustion synthesis. These studies were conducted based on an analysis of the adsorption of bacteria onto aggregates of ceramic materials in an aqueous suspension. The materials used in the studies were of a nanostructured nature and consisted mainly of carbides: silicon carbide (SiC) in the form of nanofibers (NFs) and nanorods (NRs), titanium carbide, and graphite, which can also be formed by combustion synthesis. Micrometric SiC was used as a reference material. Gram-positive bacteria adsorbed more strongly to these materials. It seems that both the point of zero charge value and the texture of the ceramic material affected the bacterial adsorption process. Additionally, the viability of bacteria adsorbed onto aggregates of the materials decreased. Generally, P. putida cells were more sensitive to the nanomaterials than S. aureus cells. The maximum loss of viability was noted in the case of bacteria adsorbed onto NRSiC and NFSiC aggregates.
Biocontrol of Gray Mold Decay in Pear by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain BA3 and its Effect on Postharvest Quality Parameters
Authors: QU HUI , ZHAO LONGYU , ZHAO FENGCHUN , LIU YUFANG , YANG ZHENGYOU 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The economic losses caused by postharvest fruits diseases have attracted global attention. Traditional chemical fungicide could not meet the need of humans. In recent years, microbial agent which has begun to take the place of chemical fungicide comes into people’s vision. The aim of this paper was to investigate the potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BA3 for its biocontrol capability on gray mold decay of pears and its effect on postharvest quality of pears. Compared with other treatments, the inhibition effect on gray mold of washed cell suspension of B. amyloliquefaciens was the best. Consequently it was utilized in subsequent experiments. Spore germination and germ tube length of Botrytis cinerea was 18.72% and 12.85 μm treated with BA3, while the control group was 62.88% and 30.44 μm. We confirmed that increase of the concentration of B. amyloliquefaciens, improved the efficacy of BA3 in controlling gray mold decay of pears. Colonization variation of BA3 in wounds of pears was recorded. To begin with, the populations of B. amyloliquefaciens increased rapidly and remained stable. On the fourth day, there was a declining trend, after that the population increased to 4 × 105 CFU/wound and remained stable. BA3 had no significant effect on mass loss, titratable acidity, firmness and total soluble solids of pears that were stored at 25°C for 7 days comparing with control group. However, the effect of B. amyloliquefaciens on ascorbic acid was significantly higher than that of the control group. Our study indicates that B. amyloliquefaciens has a potential as postharvest biocontrol agent on pears.
Levels of Organic Compounds, Number of Microorganisms and Cadmium Accumulation in Festuca ovina Hydroponic Culture
Authors: MAJEWSKA MAŁGORZATA , SŁOMKA ANNA 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Understanding the microbiological, biochemical and physiological aspects of phytoremediation of soil and water environments polluted to different degrees with heavy metals has very important theoretical and practical implications. In this study, a comparison was made between total cadmium concentration in root and shoot tissues as well as concentrations of particular fractions of Cd immobilized by roots of Festuca ovina (Sheep’s fescue) hydroponically cultivated in nutrient solutions supplemented with 1 μg Cd ml−1 and those cultivated at 10 μg Cd ml−1. After three weeks of F. ovina cultivation, the number of bacterial CFU and the amounts of organic chelators, siderophores, proteins and reducing sugars in the growth medium and on the root surface were higher at 10 than at 1 μg Cd ml−1. The grass also reacted to the high Cd concentration by a decrease in plant growth and dehydrogenase activity in root tissues. The concentration of Cd determined in fractions bound with different strength in roots was significantly dependent on Cd concentration in the growth medium. When the plants were grown at 1 μg Cd ml−1, 9% of the immobilized cadmium was loosely bound to the root surface, 20% was exchangeable adsorbed, and 28% was bound by chelation; at 10 μg Cd ml−1, the respective values were 12%, 25%, and 20%. About 43% of the immobilized cadmium remained in roots after sequential extraction, and bioaccumulation factors in shoots had the same values independently of Cd concentration.
At both Cd concentrations, the cadmium translocation index for F. ovina was low (< 1), which is why this grass can be recommended for phytostabilization of the metal under study.
Prevalence of Parasitic Contamination in Salad Vegetables Collected from Supermarkets and Street Vendors in Amman and Baqa’a – Jordan
Authors: ISMAIL YAZAN 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
One of the main ways in transmitting parasites to humans is through consuming contaminated raw vegetables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of parasitological contamination (helminthes eggs, Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica cysts) of salad vegetables sold at supermarkets and street vendors in Amman and Baqa’a – Jordan. A total of 133 samples of salad vegetables were collected and examined for the prevalence of parasites. It was found that 29% of the samples were contaminated with different parasites. Of the 30 lettuce, 33 tomato, 42 parsley and 28 cucumber samples examined the prevalence of Ascaris spp. eggs was 43%, 15%, 21% and 4%; Toxocara spp. eggs was 30%, 0%, 0% and 4%; Giardia spp. cysts was 23%, 6%, 0% and 0%; Taenia/Echinococcus eggs was 20%, 0%, 5% and 0%; Fasciola hepatica eggs was 13%, 3%, 2% and 0%; and E. histolytica cysts was 10%, 6%, 0% and 0%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of parasite in salad vegetables either between supermarkets and street vendors, or between Amman and Baqa’a, Ascaris spp. was found to be the highest prevalent parasite in salad vegetables from supermarkets and street vendors and from Amman and Baqa’a. Our results pointed out that, the parasitic contamination of salad vegetables found in our study might be caused by irrigating crops with faecal contaminated water. We concluded that salad vegetables sold in Amman and Baqa’a may cause a health risk to consumers.
Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Selected Bacterial Groups in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: ROSZAK DOROTA , GAŁĘCKA MIROSŁAWA , CICHY WOJCIECH , SZACHTA PATRYCJA 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The aim of the study was evaluation of qualitative and quantitative changes in bacterial ecosystem in 109 children with inflammatory bowel diseases. Stools obtained from patients were analysed for selected bacteria and concentration of faecal inflammatory markers (calprotectin, lactoferrin, M2-PK). The number of selected microorganisms depends on the level of clinical activity of disease and is correlated with faecal concentration of inflammatory markers. Differences in microflora disturbance, observed in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, may suggest different causes of development of both pathologies.
Embodied Language Learning and Cognitive Bootstrapping: Methods and Design Principles
Authors: Lyon Caroline , Nehaniv Chrystopher L. , Saunders Joe , Belpaeme Tony , Bisio Ambra , Fischer Kerstin , Förster Frank , Lehmann Hagen , Metta Giorgio , Mohan Vishwanathan , Morse Anthony , Nolfi Stefano , Nori Francesco , Rohlfing Katharina , Sciutti Alessandra , Tani Jun , Tuci Elio , Wrede Britta , Zeschel Arne , Cangelosi Angelo 
Published: June 2016

Co-development of action, conceptualization and social interaction mutually scaffold and support each other within a virtuous feedback cycle in the development of human language in children. Within this framework, the purpose of this article is to bring together diverse but complementary accounts of research methods that jointly contribute to our understanding of cognitive development and in particular, language acquisition in robots. Thus, we include research pertaining to developmental robotics, cognitive science, psychology, linguistics and neuroscience, as well as practical computer science and engineering. The different studies are not at this stage all connected into a cohesive whole; rather, they are presented to illuminate the need for multiple different approaches that complement each other in the pursuit of understanding cognitive development in robots. Extensive experiments involving the humanoid robot iCub are reported, while human learning relevant to developmental robotics has also contributed useful results. Disparate approaches are brought together via common underlying design principles. Without claiming to model human language acquisition directly, we are nonetheless inspired by analogous development in humans and consequently, our investigations include the parallel co-development of action, conceptualization and social interaction. Though these different approaches need to ultimately be integrated into a coherent, unified body of knowledge, progress is currently also being made by pursuing individual methods.
User-Centric Harmonized Control for Single Joint Assistive Exoskeletons
Authors: Haider Usman , Nyoman Indrawibawa I. , Coronado Juan Lopez , Kim Chanki , Virk Gurvinder S. 
Published: June 2016

The world is ageing and this poses a challenge to produce cost-effective solutions that can keep elderly people independent and active by assisting them in daily living activities. In this regard, this paper presents a new control method to provide physical assistance for any of the user joints (e.g., hip, knee, elbow, etc.) as needed by the wearer, by means of an assistive non-medical single joint exoskeleton with a “harmonized controller” capable of providing assistance in a natural way, and varying the assistance as needed by the user performing some activity. The control method is aimed at exoskeletons to provide assistance to users facing difficulty in any activity such as walking, sit-to-stand, etc., and, other than providing assistance as needed, it can also reduce the muscular effort for a completely healthy user. Harmonized control uses exoskeleton-integrated force sensors and motion sensors to identify the user's intentions and the assistance level required, generating appropriate control signals for the actuators by implementing a simple PID controller. To verify the proposed harmonized-control technique, simulations using MATLAB/SIMULINK were performed for a single joint system. An experimental test rig for a single joint was also developed using MATLAB Xpc Target for real-time control. User tests were also carried out for the knee joint and the results obtained from simulations, experimentation and user tests are reported and discussed here. The results achieved to date and reported here show harmonized control to be a promising user-centric solution for the development of single joint assistive exoskeletons for support as needed by the user in daily living activities.
Open-Ended Education: How Open-Endedness Might Foster and Promote Technological Imagination, Enterprising and Participation in Education
Authors: Nørgård Rikke Toft , Paaskesen Rikke Berggreen 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
THE ARTICLE DESCRIBES OPEN-ENDED EDUCATION FOR 21ST CENTURY LEARNING AS THE COMING TOGETHER OF OPEN-ENDED TECHNOLOGY, OPEN-ENDED PROJECTS, AND OPEN-ENDED INSTITUTIONS IN WAYS THAT FOSTER AND PROMOTE FUTURE EDUCATION FOR CITIZENSHIP IN SOCIETY.
THROUGH THE CASE OF THE CODING PIRATES FUTURE ISLAND, THE ARTICLE DEMONSTRATES HOW OPEN-ENDED EDUCATION CAN BE PRACTICED TO FOSTER AND PROMOTE TECHNOLOGICAL IMAGINATION, ENTERPRISING, AND PARTICIPATION. THIS PRACTICE IS THEN DEVELOPED INTO A THEORETICAL MODEL FOR THE CONCEPT OF OPEN-ENDED EDUCATION AS A WAY OF AND FRAMEWORK FOR PRACTICING FUTURE EDUCATION FOR 21ST CENTURY LEARNING WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
THE ARTICLE PRESENTS AN ANSWER TO THE CALL FOR 21ST CENTURY LEARNING AS THOROUGHLY COLLABORATIVE, COMMUNICATIVE, CREATIVE, AND CRITICALLY REFLECTIVE THROUGH THE CASE AND THE CONCEPT OF OPEN-ENDED EDUCATION.
IT OUTLINES THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS CALL FOR EDUCATION AND HIGHLIGHTS THE FACT THAT THE EMPHASIS IN BLOOM’S REVISED TAXONOMY ON INGENUITY, ORIGINALITY, PARTICIPATION, AND ASPIRATION IMPACTS THE PRACTICE OF EDUCATION.