bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A spatial analysis of gating in Bloemfontein, South Africa
Authors: Ferreira Verno , Visser Gustav 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Growing trends of fear and insecurity in cities have sparked the re-visitation of gating, posing significant problems for citizens and policy makers alike. Gated developments are a global phenomenon occurring in diverse countries in both the developed North and developing South. Metropolitan areas in South Africa have also witnessed a rapid increase in the number and spread of gated developments since the late 1980s. Development of enclosed neighbourhoods has become increasingly popular, gaining widespread support for their utopic lifestyle and safety features. On the whole, high levels of crime and fear of crime have led to the construction of defensible space, in the form of gated developments, resulting in elevated levels of segregation. This paper provides a spatial analysis on gated developments in the non-metropolitan setting of Bloemfontein. The pattern and timeframe of gating in this city is shown to be similar to those found elsewhere in South Africa and, indeed, globally. Overall, it is the contention that gating is a trend not only seen in large metropolitan areas, but across the entire urban hierarchy of South Africa, and, as a consequence, requires investigation far beyond its metropolitan regions to more fully understand gated developments.
Ecological awareness of tourists in the coastal areas of Poland - preliminary results of the survey
Authors: Głąbiński Zbigniew 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The article presents the results of the questionnaire survey studying the level of Polish tourists’ ecological awareness, as well as the degree of their familiarity and interest in the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in the coastal areas. The survey was held in the years 2012-2013 and was conducted among the respondents visiting the Polish Baltic coast. The majority of tourists (80%) arriving at the seaside for recreational purposes declare a high level of interest in environmental protection and daily pro-ecological behaviours. The most popular sources of information on the environment comprise television and the Internet. The majority of tourists express their interest in recreation in protected areas, yet up to 82% of them are not familiar with the notion of Natura 2000. The knowledge about the locations of Natura 2000 sites in the vicinity of tourists’ holiday spots is equally poor. The visitors to the coastal areas are highly critical of the availability of information on Natura 2000 and indicate the information boards, websites and leaflets as the most desired sources of information.
Spatial heterogeneity and spatial bias analyses in hedonic price models: some practical considerations
Authors: Khalid Haniza 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
A great number of contemporary studies are incorporating explicit consideration of spatial effects in the estimation of hedonic price functions. At the most basic level, interactive spatial regime models are employed to detect the presence of spatial heterogeneity in datasets. A full-scale spatial analysis would include determination and adjustments for spatial lag and spatial error dependences. However, there is still plenty of room for future research to help unravel the numerous modelling and practical issues associated with a comprehensive spatial examination, such as the specification of the spatial dependence structure or functional ‘neighbourhoods’. Another important issue relates to the use of spatial multipliers to filter spatial bias particularly in models which use log-transformed variables. Estimation of a hedonic price function using Malaysian dataset of agricultural land sale values indicates spatial disaggregation and spatial dependence. However, diagnostic tests and actual estimation of spatial models do not always provide unambiguous conclusions while predicted errors do not vary all that much from those generated by simpler models. Despite the conceptual appeal of spatial analyses, the inefficiency attributable to spatial biases may not be large enough to cause critical errors in policy decisions.
Regional distance: the concept and empirical evidence from Poland
Authors: Nazarczuk Jarosław M. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The main aim of this paper is to present the concept of regional distance as a measure of economic diversity at the regional level. Additionally, the paper is devoted to the identification of regional inequalities in Poland, based on the metric presented. Estimates of the regional distance between specific regions (NUTS 2) and the mean level of development of the national economy or Mazowieckie Voivodship (the region with the highest GDP per capita in Poland) were based on calculations conducted using logarithmic equations. Two different distances were calculated: (a) the mean number of years required to achieve the present reference area level of development, (b) the mean number of years necessary to achieve the reference area GDP per capita, taking into consideration the growth rate of the reference area. The empirical example of regional distance application revealed significant inequalities between regions of Poland at NUTS 2 level.
Applied use of taxonomy: lessons learned from the first German intercalibration exercise for benthic diatoms
Authors: Dreßler Mirko , Verweij Geurt , Kistenich Sonja , Kahlert Maria , Werner Petra 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The first German intercalibration exercise for benthic diatoms was conducted to improve the application of the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive for running waters and lakes in Germany. The intercalibration exercise revealed several taxonomic problems. Among others, considerable problems occurred with identifying and differentiating species of the following four groups: (I) Amphora indistincta Levkov and A. pediculus (Kützing) Grunow, (II) Cocconeis placentula var. euglypta Ehrenberg and C. placentula var. lineata (Ehrenberg) Van Heurck, (III) Navicula cryptotenella Lange-Bertalot and N. cryptotenelloides Lange-Bertalot and (IV) N. reichardtiana Lange-Bertalot and N. caterva Hohn & Hellermann. The taxonomic problems that emerged occurred due to both insufficient use of given taxonomic details (by limnologists) and ambiguous species descriptions and documentation (by taxonomists). Thus, we recommend to the applied limnologist to use the mandatory identification literature and to document any ambiguous valves during routine counts. Also, it would be desirable to further investigate certain species by taxonomists and, in general, to provide more basic data with species descriptions or in identification manuals. These measures will improve the use of diatoms as bioindicators and consequently benefit both applied limnologists and taxonomists.
Morphological study of Chaetoceros wighamii Brightwell (Chaetocerotaceae, Bacillariophyta) from Lake Vrana, Croatia
Authors: Bosak Sunčica , Udovič Marija Gligora , Sarno Diana 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Chaetoceros wighamii Brightwell is a planktonic diatom species originally described from brackish waters. Since its original description, the species has been reported in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from freshwater to marine. Varying descriptions exist in the taxonomic literature and several taxa have been considered as synonyms, including freshwater species Chaetoceros amanita. In this study we provide morphological and ultrastructural information on a cultured strain isolated from freshwater sample collected in the Lake Vrana (Vransko jezero) in Croatia, in April 2011. The cells form short and robust chains with very narrow apertures, often partially occluded by silica membranes. Other distinctive features observable in light microscopy are the shape and orientation of the setae which are very long, straight and robust, diverging in various directions from the chain axis and the single parietal chloroplast extending from valve to valve. Distinct ultrastructural characteristics are the absence of processes either in intercalary or terminal valves and the ornamentation of the valve face with densely distributed ribs spreading from an irregular eccentric hyaline area without a clearly defined annulus. The outer surface of the terminal valve is ornamented with small spines and setae are composed of fl at longitudinal filaments interconnected with short bars and ornamented with small spines tightly arranged around the setae. Our description agrees well with that reported for the freshwater morphotypes of C. wighamii (syn. C. amanita) and contributes for a reliable distinction of this intriguing taxon from similar morphotypes. This finding supports the interpretation of Chaetoceros wighamii as a freshwater/brackish species and represents the first report of a Chaetoceros species in lacustrine environment in Croatia and possibly in any Central European habitats.
Displacement washing of soda rapeseed pulp
Authors: Potůček František , Hájková Kateřina 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe paper deals with the displacement washing of unbleached pulp cooked from rapeseed straw by soda pulping under laboratory conditions. Pulp fibres were characterised by their average length, as well as by effective specific volume and surface. Using the step function input change method, the washing breakthrough curves measured for alkali lignin as a tracer were described by the dispersed plug flow model containing a dimensionless criterion, the Péclet number. Besides the wash yield, the dispersion coefficient as well as the mean residence time and space time were evaluated. Preliminary results obtained for soda rapeseed pulp were compared with those for kraft hardwood (beech) and softwood (spruce, pine) pulps published earlier. The wash yield measured for soda pulp was found to be lower than that for hardwood and softwood pulps which manifested lower hydraulic resistance. The presence of silique valves in rapeseed straw resulted in lower mean residence time of lignin removed from the pulp bed in comparison with pulp manufactured from stalks only.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of sulphamethoxazole-based ureas and imidazolidine-2,4,5-triones
Authors: Krátký Martin , Mandíková Jana , Trejtnar František , Buchta Vladimír , Stolaříková Jiřina , Vinšová Jarmila 
Published: May 2015

AbstractProgression of drug resistance among bacterial and fungal pathogens justifies the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Thus, a series of novel sulphamethoxazole-based ureas and imidazolidine- 2,4,5-triones have been designed and synthesised. The urea derivatives were obtained by the reaction of sulphamethoxazole and isocyanates, and their cyclisation to imidazolidine-2,4,5-triones was performed via oxalyl chloride. All synthesised derivatives were evaluated in vitro to determine their activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and atypical mycobacteria and their cytotoxicity. The growth of mycobacteria was inhibited within the range of 4-1000 μM and M. tuberculosis was the least-susceptible strain. 4-(3-Heptylureido)- N-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)benzenesulphonamide was identified as the most promising compound because it exhibited the highest activity against atypical mycobacteria at minimum inhibitory concentrations, from 4 μM, and with acceptable toxicity (selectivity indices for M. avium and M. kansasii higher than 16 and 62.5, respectively). Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus, were inhibited at concentrations starting from 125 μM, whereas the investigated derivatives exhibited almost no antifungal potency and activity against gram-negative species.
Deferoxamine–paper for iron(III) and vanadium(V) sensing
Authors: Alberti Giancarla , Quattrini Federico , Colleoni Roberta , Nurchi Valeria M. , Biesuz Raffaela 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe development of a sensor based on the functionalization of common filter paper with deferoxamine (DFO) is proposed with the prospect to produce a solid phase for iron(III) and vanadium(V) sensing. The main features of this sensor are the simplicity of operation, good sensitivity and feasible applicability to real samples without the need of pre-treatment procedures. DFO was selected not only for it is easily anchored to the solid support, but also because it forms colored complexes with iron(III) and vanadium(V); hence, the developing of a simple colorimetric sensor can be considered. In particular, an innovative and economic way to perform colorimetric measurements using a desktop scanner is described. A complete characterization of the functionalized material is also reported.
Therapeutic potential of PACAP for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Yang Rongqiang , Jiang Xin , Ji Rui , Meng Lingbin , Liu Fuli , Chen Xiaolei , Xin Ying 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system. PACAP can initiate multiple signaling pathways through binding with three class B G-protein coupled receptors, PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2. Previous studies have revealed numerous biological activities of PACAP in the nervous system. PACAP acts as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator and neurotrophic factor. Recently, its neuroprotective potential has been demonstrated in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, evidence suggests that PACAP might move across the blood-brain barrier in amounts sufficient to affect the brain functions. Therefore, PACAP has been examined as a potential therapeutic method for neurodegenerative diseases. The present review summarizes the recent findings with special focus on the models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Based on these observations, the administered PACAP inhibits pathological processes in models of AD and PD, and alleviates clinical symptoms. It thus offers a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD and PD.
The beta-actin gene promoter of rohu carp (Labeo rohita) drives reporter gene expressions in transgenic rohu and various cell lines, including spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Barman Hirak Kumar , Mohanta Ramya , Patra Swagat Kumar , Chakrapani Vemulawada , Panda Rudra Prasanna , Nayak Swapnarani , Jena Sasmita , Jayasankar Pallipuram , Nandanpawar Priyanka 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe previously characterized the β-actin gene promoter of Indian domesticated rohu carp (Labeo rohita) and made a reporter construct via fusion to green fluorescence protein (GFP) cDNA. In this study, the same construct was used to breed transgenic rohu fish. About 20% of the transgenic offspring showed ubiquitous expression of the reporter GFP gene. In a few of the transgenic fish, we documented massive epithelial and/or muscular expression with visible green color under normal light. The expression of GFP mRNA was higher in the muscle tissue of transgenic fish than in that of non-transgenic fish. A highly efficient nucleofection protocol was optimized to transfect proliferating spermatogonial cells of rohu using this reporter construct. The β-actin promoter also drove expressions in HEK293 (derived from human embryonic kidney cells), K562 (human leukemic cells) and SF21 (insect ovarian cells) lines. These findings imply conserved regulatory mechanisms of β-actin gene expression across eukaryotes. Furthermore, the isolated β-actin promoter with consensus regulatory elements has the potential to be used in generating transgenic carp with genes of interest and in basic biology research.
Catabolism of chondroitin sulfate
Authors: Yamada Shuhei 
Published: May 2015

AbstractChondroitin sulfate (CS) is a ubiquitous component of the cell surface and extracellular matrix of animal tissues. CS chains are covalently bound to a core protein to form a proteoglycan, which is involved in various biological events including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Their functions are executed by regulating the activity of bioactive proteins, such as growth factors, morphogens, and cytokines. This review article focuses on the catabolism of CS. This catabolism predominantly occurs in lysosomes to control the activity of CS-proteoglycans. CS chains are fragmented by endo-type glycosidase(s), and the resulting oligosaccharides are then cleaved into monosaccharide moieties from the nonreducing end by exoglycosidases and sulfatases. However, the endo-type glycosidase responsible for the systemic catabolism of CS has not yet been identified. Based on recent advances in studies on hyaluronidases, which were previously considered to be hyaluronan-degrading enzymes, it appears that they recognize CS as their original substrate rather than hyaluronan and acquired hyaluronan-hydrolyzing activity at a relatively late stage of evolution.
Identification of shorter length lamin A protein in mouse ear cartilage tissue
Authors: Kalidas Ramamoorthy M. , Raja Subramanian Elaiya , Sudhakar Sivasubramaniam 
Published: May 2015

AbstractLamin A is an intermediate filament protein which is cleaved by the enzyme, FACE 1 at VTRSY↓L. The cleavage is the final step in the production of the mature lamin A protein. The mature lamin A protein localizes in the inner membrane of the nucleus. The mutation in the lamin A gene causes many diseases, including accelerated aging. It is known that the protein is not expressed in neuronal cells of the brain. Many splicing variants of the lamin A gene have been reported. In this study, the amino acid sequence VTRSY (a penta-peptide repeat) was found in three different sites of the C-terminal end of the lamin A protein, the protein expressed in cells of ear cartilage tissues is shorter than the protein expressed in cells of the skin tissues. Using two lamin A antibodies, it was found that the amino acid sequence between penta-peptide 2 and 3 is missing in lamin A protein that was expressed in the cells of mouse ear cartilage tissue, besides the RT-PCR data confirmed that the corresponding coding sequence between the penta repeat 2 and 3 is intact. Cleavage may occur at the penta-peptide (VTRSY) at site 3 in the lamin A tail of mouse ear cartilage.
Relationship among IL-6, LDL cholesterol and lipid peroxidation
Authors: Lubrano Valter , Gabriele Morena , Puntoni Maria Rita , Longo Vincenzo , Pucci Laura 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPrevious studies evidenced a significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels during an episode of acute inflammation. The aim of the present study was to verify the hypothesis of a regulatory role of cytokines through an in vitro model that simulates a situation of vascular inflammation and high levels of LDL or lipoperoxides.Human microvascular endothelial cells-1 were used in all experiments. The cells were exposed for 24 h to increasing doses of LDL, oxidized lipoprotein, and 8-isoprostane (in the absence or presence of SQ29.548, a TXA2 receptor antagonist). Moreover, LDL receptor and oxidized lipoprotein receptor expression analyzed after endothelial cells’ incubation with increasing doses of interleukin-6. The ELISA test and quantitative real-time PCR were performed. Endothelial cells showed a significant increase in interleukin-6 medium levels associated with LDL, oxidized LDL and with the degree of oxidation (absence or presence of SQ29.548), while 8-isoprostane did not. Treatment of human microvascular endothelial cells-1 for 24 h with increasing doses of interleukin-6 significantly enhanced LDL receptor and oxidized lipoprotein receptor-1 mRNA expression.Our data suggest the presence of a compensatory mechanism. The induction of a significant increase of IL-6 does not seem to be caused by the presence of the biological activity of 8-isoprostane.
Older adults’ television viewing as part of selection and compensation strategies
Authors: van der Goot Margot J. , Beentjes Johannes W. J. , van Selm Martine 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA large share of the available literature on television and ageing depicts old age as a life stage characterized by losses in which people use television as a substitute for decreased activities. The aim of the present study is to investigate how television viewing is part of both selection and compensation strategies. Based on a qualitative interview study among a diverse sample of older adults (
Theorizing adversarial guests: The resistance to (and restoration of) media routines
Authors: Gollmitzer Mirjam 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article traces ‘difficult guests’ who violate the tacit rules that guide interactions between talk show hosts and their guests, between news anchors and their interviewees. The goal is to theorize the appearance of such guests on television against the background of four case studies. Using the media events and media scandals concepts as well as more recent work on ‘mediatization’, a new category of remarkable media occurrences is developed. Such ‘media incidents’ capture the resistance to media routines as well as the incorporation of resistance into those very routines. I will illustrate how media incidents make visible, for large audiences, the media’s daily habitual construction of reality. Despite their complex, even ambivalent nature, it is argued that media incidents perform a more critical function for citizens in media-saturated societies than both media events and scandals.
Parasocial relationships with audiences’ favorite celebrities: The role of audience and celebrity characteristics in a representative Flemish sample
Authors: Claessens Nathalie , Van den Bulck Hilde 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article provides insight into one form of audience involvement with celebrities: parasocial relationships (PSR). To address several shortcomings in PSR research – focus on TV, confusion between PSI (parasocial interaction) and PSR, use of student samples, neglect of socio-demographic variables – a representative online survey was conducted with 1000 Flemish adults who indicated 382 celebrities as favorites. A new scale reveals that PSR contain two important elements: emotional connections and an analogy with social relationships. Confirming previous research, most favorite celebrities are male, and cultural proximity is especially important for older respondents. In one combined model, respondents’ and celebrities’ (socio-demographic) characteristics are included as potential PSR predictors. This model nuances previous research and reveals that people who are male, older, more lowly-educated, and interested in celebrity news have stronger PSR. Further, stronger PSR are found for local and religious, political, sports, and music celebrities than for film celebrities.
Forecasting Stock Market Trends
Authors: Nedeltcheva Galia Novakova 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Forecasting is a difficult area of management.
In this article, we deal with macroforecasting. The development and assessment of
econometric methods for use in empirical finance and macroeconomics, with
special emphasis on problems of prediction, is very important.
Stock market analysis, also known as technical analysis, is the process of deriving
patterns from price movement. In the literature, different methods have been applied in order
to predict stock market returns. These methods can be grouped in four major
categories: technical analysis methods, fundamental analysis methods,
traditional time series forecasting, and machine learning methods.
Technical analysts, known as chartists, attempt to predict the market by
tracing patterns that come from the study of charts that describe historic
data of the market. This study examines the effectiveness of technical
analysis on US stocks for long range and shorter term.