bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of non-coding RNA expression from the DLK1-DIO3 imprinted locus correlates with reduced neural differentiation potential in human embryonic stem cell lines
Authors: Mo Chu-Fan , Wu Fang-Chun , Tai Kang-Yu , Chang Wei-Chun , Chang Kai-Wei , Kuo Hung-Chih , Ho Hong-Nerng , Chen Hsin-Fu , Lin Shau-Ping 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Pluripotent stem cells are increasingly used to build therapeutic models, including the transplantation of neural progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including delta-like homolog 1 gene and the type III iodothyronine deiodinase gene (DLK1-DIO3) imprinted locus-derived maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), were found to be expressed during neural development. The deregulation of these lncRNAs is associated with various neurological diseases. The imprinted locus DLK1-DIO3 encodes abundant non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are regulated by differential methylation of the locus. We aim to study the correlation between the DLK1-DIO3-derived ncRNAs and the capacity of hESCs to differentiate into neural lineages.

Methods
We classified hESC sublines into MEG3-ON and MEG3-OFF based on the expression levels of MEG3 and its downstream microRNAs as detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A cDNA microarray was used to analyze the gene expression profiles of hESCs. To investigate the capacity of neural differentiation in MEG3-ON and MEG3-OFF hESCs, we performed neural lineage differentiation followed by neural lineage marker expression and neurite formation analyses via qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry, respectively. MEG3-knockdown via small interfering RNA (siRNA) and small hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to investigate the potential causative effect of MEG3 in regulating neural lineage-related gene expression.

Results
DLK1-DIO3-derived ncRNAs were repressed in MEG3-OFF hESCs compared with those in the MEG3-ON hESCs. The transcriptome profile indicated that many genes related to nervous system development and neural-type tumors were differentially expressed in MEG3-OFF hESCs. Three independent MEG3-knockdown assays using different siRNA and shRNA constructs consistently resulted in downregulation of some neural lineage genes. Lower expression levels of stage-specific neural lineage markers and reduced neurite formation were observed in neural lineage-like cells derived from MEG3-OFF-associated hESCs compared with those in the MEG3-ON groups at the same time points after differentiation.

Conclusions
Repression of ncRNAs derived from the DLK1-DIO3 imprinted locus is associated with reduced neural lineage differentiation potential in hESCs.
Amnion cell-mediated immune modulation following bleomycin challenge: controlling the regulatory T cell response
Authors: Tan Jean L , Chan Siow T , Lo Camden Y , Deane James A , McDonald Courtney A , Bernard Claude CA , Wallace Euan M , Lim Rebecca 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The immunomodulatory properties of human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) have been previously described in several disease models. We previously reported on the ability of hAECs to influence macrophage phenotype and chemotaxis. In this study, we aim to elucidate the contribution of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to macrophage polarisation and downstream effects on inflammation and fibrosis in a bleomycin model of lung injury.

Methods
Either CD45+/FoxP3+Tregs or CD45+/FoxP3
-
non-Tregs were adoptively transferred into Rag1
-/-
mice immediately prior to bleomycin challenge. Four million hAECs were administered 24 hours later. Outcomes were measured 7 or 14 days later.

Results
Mitigation of lung inflammation and fibrosis was observed only in animals that received both hAECs and Tregs. hAEC treatment also induced the maturation of non-Tregs into FoxP3-expressing Tregs. This event was found to be transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ)-dependent. Furthermore, polarisation of macrophages from M1 to M2 occurred only in animals that received hAECs and Tregs.

Conclusions
This study provides the first evidence that Tregs are required for hAEC-mediated macrophage polarisation and consequential mitigation of bleomycin-induced lung injury. Uncovering the interactions between hAECs, macrophages, and T-cell subsets is central to understanding the mechanisms by which hAECs elicit lung repair.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community singing on mental health-related quality of life of older people: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: Coulton Simon , Clift Stephen , Skingley Ann , Rodriguez John 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundAs the population ages, older people account for a greater proportion of the health and social care budget. Whereas some research has been conducted on the use of music therapy for specific clinical populations, little rigorous research has been conducted looking at the value of community singing on the mental health-related quality of life of older people.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community group singing for a population of older people in England.MethodA pilot pragmatic individual randomised controlled trial comparing group singing with usual activities in those aged 60 years or more.ResultsA total of 258 participants were recruited across five centres in East Kent. At 6 months post-randomisation, significant differences were observed in terms of mental health-related quality of life measured using the SF12 (mean difference = 2.35; 95% CI = 0.06–4.76) in favour of group singing. In addition, the intervention was found to be marginally more cost-effective than usual activities. At 3 months, significant differences were observed for the mental health components of quality of life (mean difference = 4.77; 2.53–7.01), anxiety (mean difference =–1.78; –2.5 to –1.06) and depression (mean difference =–1.52; –2.13 to –0.92).ConclusionsCommunity group singing appears to have a significant effect on mental health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression, and it may be a useful intervention to maintain and enhance the mental health of older people.
CPIRD: A successful Thai programme to produce clinically competent medical graduates
Authors: Yanhua Yi , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi , Sriplung Hutcha , Rueanarong Chulalak 
Published: June 2015

The programme titled “Collaborative Project to Increase Production of Rural Doctors” (CPIRD) is a rural medical education project launched in 1994 in Thailand. This study aimed to compare the academic performances in medical study over five years and the pass rates in national medical license examinations (MLE) between students enrolled in CPIRD and two other tracks.Grade point average (GPA) over five years and results of MLEs for four cohorts of students enrolled from 2003 to 2006 in Prince of Songkla University were collected from the registration department. A longitudinal analysis was used to compare the GPA over time for medical students enrolled in CPIRD and those from the national and direct regional tracks through generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. The MLE pass rates were compared using chi-square and fisher's exact tests as appropriate.Female students dominated the CPIRD group. GPAs in the first three years in the CPIRD group were significantly lower than those of the other two groups, this disparity narrowed in the fourth and fifth years. For step one of the MLE (basic sciences), cohorts 2003 and 2006 of the CPIRD group had a significantly lower pass rate than the other two groups but there was no significant difference in cohort 2004 and cohort 2005. The CPIRD step two and three MLE pass rates were not significantly different from the national track in all cohorts and lower than the direct track only for step two in cohort 2003 and step three in cohort 2006. The step three pass rate of the CPIRD group in cohort 2004 was significantly higher than the other two tracks.Despite weaker competency in basic science, the CPIRD was successful in forming clinical competency.
Comparison of two programs for quantification of 1H MR spectra of rat brain using a vascular dementia model
Authors: Jozefovičová Mária , Just Ivica , Liptaj Tibor , Kašparová Svatava 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The quantification of in vivo
1H magnetic resonance (MR) spectra measured from the rat brains provides important information about the brain metabolite concentrations and can help to understand the role of the metabolites under normal and pathological conditions.
The purpose of this study was to compare the most frequently used algorithms for quantification of 1H spectra: LCModel (Linear Combination of Model spectra) and QUEST (QUantitation based on QUantum ESTimation) from jMRUI software (Java based Magnetic Resonance User Interface). The comparison was done on a rat model of vascular dementia (VD). The MR spectra were measured on 4.7T spectrometer with ultra-short echo time by sequence SPECIAL. For these types of spectra the contribution from the macromolecules and lipids is large.
Our analysis revealed that all values determined by QUEST, except for one value, were lower in comparison to values obtained by LCModel. The minimal differences were found in N-acetylaspartate/(phospho) creatine (−0.3 %) and maximal in inositol in both control and VD rats. This underestimation of a metabolite concentration in QUEST may be caused by an overestimation of baseline.
Although our study found the different values of metabolite concentrations by these two methods, the quantified metabolite changes in pathological brain were comparable in both analyses.
Food allergy and intolerance
Authors: Petruláková Monika , Valík Ľubomír 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Allergic reactions to foods represent severe actual problems for mankind having increased global character. Adverse food reactions are divided to food allergy, an immunological response to food, and food intolerance, a non-immune reaction with allergy-like symptoms. It is estimated that 6–8 % of children and 1–2 % of adults suffer from food allergy. The prevalence of food intolerance in adults is no more than 5–6 %, however in infants and young children, it is varied from 0.3 % to 20 %. Allergy is caused by different food allergens (milk proteins, cereals, nuts, fruits and vegetables), while there is frequent cross-allergy among them. Food intolerance is adverse reaction resulting from enzyme deficiencies, pharmacological reactions, and response to toxic or irritant components of food. Focusing on dairy products and cereals, the impact of fermentation in reducing food intolerance or allergenicity is reviewed in this paper.
Comparison Of AIS-Based Prediction Of The Distance At The CPA With Factual Separation Between Vessels
Authors: Banyś Paweł , Heymann Frank , Engler Evelin , Noack Thoralf 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Since its deployment in 2004, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) has been considered a significant improvement of watchkeeping duties at sea. According to current regulations, AIS has not been recognised as an approved anticollision instrument yet. However, it would be difficult to rule out a possibility that AIS, being an essential part of the onboard SOLAS — compliant configuration, is unaidedly used for collision avoidance tasks. Recent research activities of DLR's Department of Nautical Systems have shown that AIS transmissions may contain a lot of incomplete data and the system does not have any dependable information on its data integrity. For that reason, the computation of the closest point of approach (CPA) and the time to the CPA (TCPA) are analysed based on AIS data involving multiple vessels, in order to compare the predictions with factual approaches between vessels and to evaluate the usability of AIS data, in its present form, for the appraisal of the traffic situation around each vessel.
The Influence Of Radar Picture Stabilization Type To Anti-Collision Manoeuvre Planning Accuracy
Authors: Juszkiewicz Wiesław 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe problem of the accuracy of anti-collision manoeuvres planning and executing at different radar picture stabilization methods (sea or ground stabilization) is described in the article. The analysis of performance standards elaborated for the radar equipment and the results of the simulation are presented. The obtained research results could be the base of discussion on the need to correct the radar equipment performance standards for easier and more appropriate interpretation of information. Basic radar utility use (for example trial manoeuvre) should be more clearly described in manuals for better and proper radar use.
Study Of Differential Code GPS/GLONASS Positioning
Authors: Przestrzelski Paweł , Bakuła Mieczysław 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper presents the essential issues and problems associated with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) code differential positioning simultaneously using observations from at least two independent satellite navigation systems. To this end, two satellite navigation systems were selected: GPS (Global Positioning System, USA) and GLONASS (GLObalnaya NAvigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema, Russia). The major limitations and methods of their elimination are described, as well as the basic advantages and benefits resulting from the application of the DGNSS (Differential GNSS) positioning method. Theoretical considerations were verified with the post-processed observations gathered during a six-hour measurement. The data from selected reference stations of the ASG-EUPOS (Active Geodetic Network — EUPOS) system located at different distances from the rover site was used. The study showed that the DGNSS positioning method achieves higher accuracy and precision, and improves the stability of coordinate determination in the time domain, compared to positioning which uses only one satellite navigation system. However, it was shown that its navigational application requires further studies, especially for long distances from the reference station.
Maritime Training Serbian Autonomous Vessel Protection Detachment
Authors: Šoškić Svetislav D. , Radojević Slobodan M. , Komazec Nenad M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe crisis in Somalia has caused appearance of piracy at sea in the Gulf of Aden and the Western Indian Ocean. Somali pirates have become a threat to economic security of the world because almost 30 percent of world oil and 20 percent of global trade passes through the Gulf of Aden. Solving the problem of piracy in this part of the world have included international organizations, institutions, military alliances and the states, acting in accordance with international law and UN Security Council resolutions. The European Union will demonstrate the application of a comprehensive approach to solving the problem of piracy at sea and the crisis in Somalia conducting naval operation — EU NAVFOR Atalanta and operation EUTM under the Common Security and Defense Policy. The paper discusses approaches to solving the problem of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the crisis in Somalia. Also, the paper points to the complexity of the crisis in Somalia and dilemmas correctness principles that are applied to solve the problem piracy at sea. One of goals is protections of vessels of the World Food Programme (WFP) delivering food aid to displaced persons in Somalia. Republic of Serbia joined in this mission and trained and sent one a autonomous team in this military operation for protection WFP. This paper consist the problem of modern piracy, particularly in the area of the Horn of Africa became a real threat for the safety of maritime ships and educational process of Serbian Autonomous vessel protection detachment. Serbian Military Academy adopted and developed educational a training program against piracy applying all the provisions and recommendations of the IMO conventions and IMO model courses for Serbian Autonomous vessel protection detachment.
The Concept Of Marine Seismic Research Quality Coefficient Of To Improve Its Accuracy And Efficiency
Authors: Waluś Artur , Gucma Lucjan , Putynkowski Grzegorz 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The paper presents the stages of quantitative coefficient of marine seismic researches creation for the geophysical vessels towing the geophysical seismic equipment understood as system of seismic streamers where set of geophones are installed. The quality coefficient of geophysical research works is based on the mathematical model of the deviation of the position of the arrangement of streamers geophone points with relation to their idealized position. The proposed coefficient can be used during realization of seismic researches and for short-term prediction of their quality.
Determining Ship Position In A Harbour Based On Omnidirectional Image Of The Coastline
Authors: Naus Krzysztof , Wąż Mariusz 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe following article presents researches aimed at the evaluation of precision in determining a ship’s position through comparing a omnidirectional map image to a real vision image of the coast line. The first part establishes the thesis and preparatory forms in conducting the research. It also presents designed and built equipment including a research tool software. A system equipped with a spherical catadioptric camera that aids data collection on board ship designated to processing and analyzing data collected on board in connection with the spherical images of an electronic navigational chart with a software module. The second part explains procedures followed in conducting the research. The foreword note explains the procedure in data collection aboard a ship maneuvering in the port after which the algorithm for position placement and precise parametrical count was presented. The concluding part shows analyses of obtained research result. It bears a performance on the evaluation of precision at determining position. As a measure, an average error value and distance fluctuation of obtained position from referential position. As our conclusion, primary agents having rudimentary influence on the quality of correlating spherical map image to coastline visual image were characterized.
Comparison of non-native dwarf eelgrass (Zostera japonica) and native eelgrass (Zostera marina) distributions in a northeast Pacific estuary: 1997–2014
Authors: Young David , Clinton Patrick , Specht David , Collura T Chris Mochon 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
In this study, we investigated the rate and pattern of expansion of a non-native eelgrass, Zostera japonica, in relation to the distribution of the native eelgrass Zostera marina in a coastal estuary of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The distributions of the Zostera congeners were monitored between 1997 and 2014 in Yaquina Estuary on the central Oregon coast, USA, using digital classification of color infrared aerial photographs and ground surveys. Correction factors for seasonal variations in cover were obtained to normalise the annual photo survey results to a common date (mid-August). Major expansions in the distributions of Z. japonica meadows over most of the 17-year study period were observed. However, there was no indication that the large (∼1500%) increase in areal extent of Z. japonica in the lower estuary between 1997 and 2007 was accompanied by a change in areal extent of the native Z. marina in this system.
Solvent-dependent rheological behavior of concentrated solutions of a cationic acrylic terpolymer containing self-assembled chains
Authors: Lahooti-Fard Farzad , Imani Mohammad , Yousefi Ali Akbar 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIt has been proved that alcohol molecules exist as cyclic and chain aggregates of different sizes in pure or mixed solvent systems. Here, it will be shown that these aggregates can radically change the rheological properties of a concentrated polymer solution containing self-assembled chains. In a previous study by the same authors, the existence of self-assembled structures in dilute solution of poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate) in an alcoholic solvent mixture was shown according to small angle X-ray scattering results, showing that these structure were much more compact than those in acetone. This finding is based on the role of alcohol aggregates as physical cross-linkers. Here, the existence of self-assembled structures in concentrated solutions of the same terpolymer was confirmed by atomic force microscopy and rheology results both in acetone (a good solvent) and in a solvent mixture composed of acetone, ethanol and 1-propanol. For the terpolymer solutions in the solvent mixture, very little decrease in complex viscosity and shear thickening were observed at high strains and frequencies, respectively. It can be concluded that the alcohol aggregates can cause the formation of strong self-assembled structures that can even resist high shear forces or strains.
Impact Of Modernization On Religious Institution: A Case Study Of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa, Pakistan
Authors: Menhas Rashid , Umer Shumaila , Akhtar Saira , Shabbir Ghulam 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Religion is a unified system of sacred norms, values, beliefs and objects. In any society religion plays an important role in the shaping of the people’s lives, behaviour and interactions. In every aspect of life people consult with their religion and act according to the teachings of religion. At present modernization, globalization and social change are creating very drastic changes in every sphere of life. These changes have both negative and positive impacts on the society. Modernisation is also creating very serious changes in the social institution of religion. In Pakistan, modernization have very severe impact on religion and many sub-sects have been created under the religion of Islam. Each and every sect is claiming that their teachings are true. This phenomenon is crating sectarian violence in Pakistani society. Present study was conducted in the province of “Khyber Pakhtun Khwa, Pakistan”. Pakhtun people follow religion strictly in every segment of life. They sacrifices their lives on the name of Islam. But at present due to modernization, this phenomenon has been changed. Main objective of this study was to analyze the major impacts of modernisation on the religion of Islam in “Pakhtun” culture and society.