bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of lead in solution by solid phase extraction, elution, and spectrophotometric detection using 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol
Authors: Rahman Ismail , Furusho Yoshiaki , Begum Zinnat , Sato Rika , Okumura Hiroshi , Honda Hiroko , Hasegawa Hiroshi 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Lead (+2) was selectively adsorbed on a solid phase extraction (SPE) gel (molecular recognition technology, MRT), quantitatively extracted, and spectrophotometrically determined as the Pb(II)-PAR (4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol) complex. The linear range was 0.01 to 0.75 mg L−1 and the detection limit was 6.4 µg L−1. The MRT-SPE allows selective Pb(II) extraction from complex ion-rich matrices, which is difficult with other techniques. Interference from common matrix ions such as Fe2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ or Co2+ is minimized.
Isoenzyme variation and genetic affinities among four species of the genus Festuca L. (Poaceae)
Authors: Angelov Georgi B. , Ivanova Teodora A. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Festuca L. is one of the most complicated genera in Poaceae. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to study the isoenzyme variation of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, malate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in natural populations of F. valesiaca Schleich. ex Gaud., F. rupicola Heuff., F. dalmatica (Hack.) K. Richt. and F. stojanovii (Acht.) Kozuharov ex Foggi & Petrova. The aim of the present study was to assess isoenzyme variation and genetic affinities among the four species of the genus Festuca. Genetic identities (I) and distances (D) were calculated to evaluate qualitative genetic affinities and systematic relationships among the species. Considering the patterns of isoenzyme variation in the studied group, it is evident that F. dalmatica and F. stojanovii are closely related species. The species F. valesiaca and F. rupicola are isoenzymatically well characterized as distinct genetic entities. The obtained results generally support recent narrow species concept in the genus Festuca.
PCR-based molecular markers for identification of taxa from the Calypogeia fissa complex (Jungermanniopsida, Calypogeiaceae)
Authors: Buczkowska Katarzyna , Gonera Patrycja , Hornik Bartosz 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Within Calypogeia fissa, two subspecies connected with geographic distribution are formally recognized: C. fissa subsp.fissa in Europe and C. fissa subsp.neogea in North America. Isoenzyme studies have shown that the European subspecies is genetically differentiated and composed of three genetically distinct groups PS, PB and G. The PS group has the most distinctive morphological features, but no morphological diagnostic traits have been found for groups PB and G. The sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers developed on the basis of ISSR markers, applied in the study, allowed the delimitation of all groups distinguished in Europe within the C. fissa complex (PS, PB and G). The markers also revealed genetic differences between the European and American subspecies. Five primer pairs (Cal01, Cal03-Cal06) of the six pairs studied are useful as the diagnostic tool for the identification of particular groups from the C.fissa complex. The examined SCAR markers showed that the PS group of C.fissa subsp.fissa was the most distinct; it differed from both groups PB and G as well as from C.fissa subsp.neogea. All plants determined on the basis of diagnostic isozyme loci as the PS group amplified a longer product (380 bp) of the Cal04 primer pair than the rest of studied groups and yielded no amplification products in Cal03, Cal05 and Cal06 primers. The primer pair Cal03 distinguished the plants of the PB group from the remaining groups, since only the PB group generated a PCR product of about 290 bp. The genetic differences between all four studied groups of the C.fissa complex were supported by DNA sequences of the SCAR marker Cal04.
Excavations of the Twardowice Plateau (Silesian Upland) as refuges for xerothermic plant species
Authors: Babczyńska-Sendek Beata , Błońska Agnieszka , Kołtuniak Anna 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Paper concerns the flora of excavations from the area of the Twardowice Plateau, one of the regions of the Silesian Upland. These are rather shallow and small pits, which are remnants of exploitation of Triassic limestone and, rarely, iron ore. The studies showed that these excavations are the places where many species of vascular plants occurred. Xerothermic plants, which penetrated from adjacent grasslands, form the largest group (33%) among the 212 noted species. Some of them occurred much more frequently in the excavations than in the grasslands and some were found only in the excavations. It should be emphasized that 8 protected species were present in the investigated objects. Results from the Twardowice Plateau proved that many xerothermic plants could find suitable conditions for growth and survival in limestone excavations.
Traditional knowledge on ethnobotanical uses of plant biodiversity: a detailed study from the Indian western Himalaya
Authors: Singh Koushalya Nandan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The present article is based on the findings of ethnobotanical surveys conducted in the entire Lahaul-Spiti region of Indian western Himalaya to highlight the traditional use of medicinal plants by the native people. Results revealed that tribal communities of both Lahaul and Spiti valleys (Lahaulas in Lahaul and Bhotias in Spiti) have a great respect for and faith in Amchi system of medicine practiced in the entire region. Information collected on the traditional use of plants in the local health care system by the tribal communities of Lahaul-Spiti revealed the use of 86 plant species belonging to 69 genera and 34 families to cure about 70 different ailments. Maximum number of plant species used in herbal formulations belonged to families Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Gentianaceae, and Polygonaceae. Both single herbal preparations and polyherbal formulations are prescribed and administered by local healers known as Larje in Lahaul and Amchis in Spiti. Most of the medicines are prescribed in a powder form, some as juice and decoctions. Among plant parts, leaves were recorded to be used to a large extent as a remedy, followed by flowers. Results of the present study show that the highest number of plants was used to cure stomach disorders, while the highest extent of phytotherapeutic use among all the species had Hippophae rhamnoides (17.14%). The obtained data also revealed the information on new or less known medicinal uses of various plant species that are new addition to the traditional knowledge from western Himalaya. Modes of preparation, administration and dosage are discussed along with the family and local names of plants and plant parts used.
C02 Content In Soil Air Upon Application of Composts Formed From Fish Industry By-Products
Authors: Mazur Zbigniew , Radziemska Maja , Jeznach Jerzy 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The work presents the results of carbon dioxide measurements in soil air in a pot experiment during the vegetation of radish and lettuce, fertilized with fish composts along with additional mineral fertilization. In comparison to the C02 content in the control group, fertilization with the compost resulted in a O.10% average increase of this chemical compound in the group lacking mineral fertilization, and 0.12% in the group fertilized with minerals during radish vegetation. The increase in the C02 content of the after-crop (lettuce) was 0.17% and 0.11% (vol. %), respectively.
Pogłosy. Kronika / Echoes. Chronicle
Authors: Urbanowski Maciej , Pekaniec Anna , Zabierowski Stefan , Burnatowski Jan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Reviews of new books:„Studies in East European Thought”, special issue on Stanisław Brzozowksi (1878-1911), volume 63, No. 4. November 2011; T. Czerska, Między autobiografią a opowieścią rodzinną. Kobiece narracje osobiste w Polsce po 1944 roku w perspektywie historyczno-kulturowej; Conrad a Polska, pod red. W. Krajki, t. I Joseph Conrad a Polska, Europa środkowo-wschodnia i świat. Conference Emil Zegadłowicz - pisarz i mecenas sztuki (17-18 kwietnia 2012, Gorzeń Górny) - report
DC-SCRIPT Regulates Glucocorticoid Receptor Function and Expression of Its Target GILZ in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Hontelez Saartje , Karthaus Nina , Looman Maaike W. , Ansems Marleen , Adema Gosse J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the immune system; they can induce immunity or tolerance depending on diverse factors in the DC environment. Pathogens, but also tissue damage, hormones, and vitamins, affect DC activation and maturation. In particular, glucocorticoids (GCs) are known for their immunosuppressive effect on DCs, creating tolerogenic DCs. GCs activate the type I nuclear receptor (NR) glucocorticoid receptor (GR), followed by induced expression of the transcription factor glucocorticoid-inducible leucine zipper (GILZ). GILZ has been shown to be necessary and sufficient for GC-induced tolerogenic DC generation. Recently, we have identified the DC-specific transcript (DC-SCRIPT) as an NR coregulator, suppressing type I steroid NRs estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. In this study, we analyzed the effect of DC-SCRIPT on GR activity. We demonstrate that DC-SCRIPT coexists with GR in protein complexes and functions as a corepressor of GR-mediated transcription. Coexpression of DC-SCRIPT and GR is shown in human monocyte–derived DCs, and DC-SCRIPT knockdown enhances GR-dependent upregulation of GILZ mRNA expression in DCs. This demonstrates that DC-SCRIPT serves an important role in regulating GR function in DCs, corepressing GR-dependent upregulation of the tolerance-inducing transcription factor GILZ. These data imply that by controlling GR function and GILZ expression DC-SCRIPT is potentially involved in the balance between tolerance and immunity.
IRF7-Dependent IFN-β Production in Response to RANKL Promotes Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Development
Authors: Otero Dennis C. , Baker Darren P. , David Michael 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The contributions of IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 3/7 and the type I IFNs IFN-α/β to the innate host defense have been extensively investigated; however, their role in thymic development is less clear. In this study, we show that mice lacking the type I IFN receptor IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) or the downstream transcription factor STAT1 harbor a significant reduction in self-Ag–presenting, autoimmune regulator (AIRE)+ medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). Constitutive IFNAR signaling occurs in the thymic medulla in the absence of infection or inflammation. Receptor activator for NF-κB (RANK) ligand stimulation results in IFN-β upregulation, which in turn inhibits RANK signaling and facilitates AIRE expression in mTECs. Finally, we find that IRF7 is required for thymic IFN-β induction, maintenance of thymic architecture, and mTEC differentiation. We conclude that spatially and temporally coordinated cross talks between the RANK ligand/RANK and IRF7/IFN-β/IFNAR/STAT1 pathways are essential for differentiation of AIRE+ mTECs.
Influence of Maternal Exposure to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on Socioemotional Behaviors in Offspring Rats
Authors: Nguyen Anh T.N. , Nishijo Muneko , Hori Etsuro , Nguyen Nui M. , Pham Tai T. , Fukunaga Kohji , Nakagawa Hideaki , Tran Anh H. , Nishijo Hisao 
Published: February 2013

Effects of dioxins on cognitive functions were reported in previous studies conducted in humans and animals. In the present study, we investigated the influence of dioxin exposure during pregnancy on social interaction and on the activity of offspring, which are related to neurodevelopmental disturbances. In addition, we analyzed neurochemical alterations of the limbic system of rat brains to suggest one mechanism of dioxin effects on brain function. We believe that this manuscript is suitable for publication in “Environmental Health Insights” because it provides an interesting topic for a wide global audience.To clarify the relationships between maternal dioxin exposure and socioemotional functions of rat offspring, dams were given TCDD (1.0 μg/kg) on gestational day 15. Social interactions and forced swimming time were compared between TCDD-exposed and control offspring in each gender. Frequency and duration of locomotion were higher, and durations per one behavior of proximity and social contact were significantly lower in the exposed males, while only the duration of proximity was lower in the exposed females. Forced swimming time on the first day was significantly longer in the exposed males. In the limbic system of the rat brain, the levels and/or activity of CaMKIIα were decreased in males and were increased in females in the exposed offspring. These results suggest that prenatal TCDD exposure induces hyperactivity and socioemotional deficits, particularly in the male offspring due to alterations in CaMKIIα activity in the limbic system of the brain.
Relationship between perceived cognitive dysfunction and objective neuropsychological performance in persons with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shin So Young , Katz Patricia , Julian Laura 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveResearch shows a gap between perceived cognitive dysfunction and objective neuropsychological performance in persons with chronic diseases. We explored this relationship in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIndividuals from a longitudinal cohort study of RA participated in a study visit that included physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and biologic metrics. Subjective cognitive dysfunction was assessed using the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ; range 0–20, where higher scores = greater perceived impairment). Objective cognitive impairment was assessed using a battery of 12 standardized neuropsychological measures yielding 16 indices. On each test, subjects were classified as impaired if they performed 1 SD below the age‐based population norms. Total cognitive function scores were calculated by summing the transformed scores (range 0–16, where higher scores = greater impairment). Multiple linear regression analyses determined the relationship of the total cognitive function score with the PDQ score, controlling for sex, race, marital status, income, education, disease duration, disease severity, depression, and fatigue.ResultsOne hundred twenty subjects (mean ± SD age 58.5 ± 11.0 years) were included. Mean ± SD scores of total cognitive function and the PDQ were 2.5 ± 2.2 (range 0–10) and 5.8 ± 3.8 (range 0–16), respectively. In multivariate analysis, there was no significant relationship between the total cognitive function score and the PDQ score. However, depression and fatigue (β = 0.32, P < 0.001 and β = 0.31, P = 0.001, respectively) were significantly associated with the PDQ score.ConclusionThe findings emphasize the gap between subjective and objective measures of cognitive impairment and the importance of considering psychological factors within the context of cognitive symptoms in clinical settings.
Ultrathin Graphene Nanofiltration Membrane for Water Purification
Authors: Han Yi , Xu Zhen , Gao Chao 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA method of fabricating ultrathin (≈22–53 nm thick) graphene nanofiltration membranes (uGNMs) on microporous substrates is presented for efficient water purification using chemically converted graphene (CCG). The prepared uGNMs show well packed layer structure formed by CCG sheets, as characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The performance of the uGNMs for water treatment was evaluated on a dead end filtration device and the pure water flux of uGNMs was high (21.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1). The uGNMs show high retention (>99%) for organic dyes and moderate retention (≈20–60%) for ion salts. The rejection mechanism of this kind of negatively charged membranes is intensively studied, and the results reveal that physical sieving and electrostatic interaction dominate the rejection process. Because of the ultrathin nature of uGNMs, 34 mg of CCG is sufficient for making a square meter of nanofiltration membrane, indicating that this new generation graphene‐based nanofiltration technology would be resource saving and cost‐effective. The integration of high performance, low cost, and simple solution‐based fabrication process promises uGNMs great potential application in practical water purification.
High CO2/CH4 and C2 Hydrocarbons/CH4 Selectivity in a Chemically Robust Porous Coordination Polymer
Authors: Duan Jingui , Higuchi Masakazu , Horike Satoshi , Foo Maw Lin , Rao Koya Prabhakara , Inubushi Yasutaka , Fukushima Tomohiro , Kitagawa Susumu 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA new porous coordination polymer, ([La(BTB)H2O]·solvent (1⊃guest)), is synthesized. Gas adsorption, ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) and breakthrough experiments of it exhibits high CH4 separation capability toward CO2 and C2 hydrocarbons at 273 K. In addition, this also shows good water and chemical stability, in particular, it is stable at pH = 14 at 100 °C, which is unprecedented for carboxylate‐based porous coordination polymers. Furthermore, the effective adsorption site for separation is revealed by using an in situ diffuse reflectance IR fourier transform (DRIFT) spectra study.
Ascertaining the role of Taiwan as a source for the Austronesian expansion
Authors: Mirabal Sheyla , Cadenas Alicia M. , Garcia‐Bertrand Ralph , Herrera Rene J. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTTaiwanese aborigines have been deemed the ancestors of Austronesian speakers which are currently distributed throughout two‐thirds of the globe. As such, understanding their genetic distribution and diversity as well as their relationship to mainland Asian groups is important to consolidating the numerous models that have been proposed to explain the dispersal of Austronesian speaking peoples into Oceania. To better understand the role played by the aboriginal Taiwanese in this diaspora, we have analyzed a total of 451 individuals belonging to nine of the tribes currently residing in Taiwan, namely the Ami, Atayal, Bunun, Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Saisiyat, Tsou, and the Yami from Orchid Island off the coast of Taiwan across 15 autosomal short tandem repeat loci. In addition, we have compared the genetic profiles of these tribes to populations from mainland China as well as to collections at key points throughout the Austronesian domain. While our results suggest that Daic populations from Southern China are the likely forefathers of the Taiwanese aborigines, populations within Taiwan show a greater genetic impact on groups at the extremes of the current domain than populations from Indonesia, Mainland, or Southeast Asia lending support to the “Out of Taiwan” hypothesis. We have also observed that specific Taiwanese aboriginal groups (Paiwan, Puyuma, and Saisiyat), and not all tribal populations, have highly influenced genetic distributions of Austronesian populations in the pacific and Madagascar suggesting either an asymmetric migration out of Taiwan or the loss of certain genetic signatures in some of the Taiwanese tribes due to endogamy, isolation, and/or drift. Am J Phys Anthropol 150:551–564, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring prehistory in the North American southwest with mitochondrial DNA diversity exhibited by Yumans and Athapaskans
Authors: Monroe Cara , Kemp Brian M. , Smith David Glenn 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTA recent study of mitochondrial DNA variation in Native American populations from the American Southwest detected signatures of a population expansion of subhaplogroup B2a, dated to 2,105 years before present (99.5% confidence interval, 1,273–3,773 YBP), following the introduction and intensification of maize agriculture in the region. Only one Yuman group and no Athapaskan speakers were analyzed in previous studies. Here we report mtDNA haplogroup and hypervariable region (HVR I, and II) sequence data from 263 extant Yuman speakers, representing the major branches of the Yuman language family, in addition to the Western Apache (Athapaskan) to further investigate the demographic context and geographic extent of this expansion. Data presented indicate that the expansion of B2a is only slightly older [2,410 YBP (99.5% CI: 1,458–4,320 YBP)] than previously estimated and not significantly. Despite large confidence intervals there are implications for the origin and expansion of the Yuman language family. Cultural transformations due to the inundation and draining of Lake Cahuilla may explain in part the frequencies of this lineage among the Kumeyaay and other Yuman and Takic groups in Southern California. This may have been the result of group fissions and fusions followed by migration and interaction that included expanded trade networks and intermarriage among Yuman speakers. In addition, a series of in‐situ genetic bottlenecks is proposed to have occurred among the Western Apache leading to increasing homogeneity within haplogroup A, culminating in an admixture event with the Yavapai. Am J Phys Anthropol 150:618–631, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multi‐user virtual laboratory environment for gear train design
Authors: Aziz El‐Sayed S. , Chang Yizhe , Esche Sven K. , Chassapis Constantin 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the development of a game‐based virtual laboratory environment for gear train design. This virtual laboratory environment goes beyond static demonstrations or conventional computer simulations and provides the students with the flexibility to perform various experiments related to the fundamental law of gearing and the concepts of planetary gear motion. In this virtual laboratory environment, the students, the instructor and the teaching assistant are represented by and interact as virtual characters (avatars). The scripted scenario for the laboratory exercise was first piloted in a junior‐level course for mechanical engineering majors. Assessment tools such as pre‐ and post‐experiment tests are an integral part of the laboratory environment and form the basis for providing different levels of support to the students at every step of the laboratory exercises. Furthermore, the laboratory environment can be equipped with functionality for monitoring the students' progress and learning outcomes, thus enabling skill‐based assessment.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:788–802, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21573