bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Supplements in Optimal Human Nutrition
Authors: Kronberga Maija , Kārkliņa Daina 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The basic requirements for human health and life quality improvement are wholeness, variety and moderation in food choices. In industrial countries the numbers of adipose inhabitants is constantly growing. People consume insufficiently vegetables, fruits and fish. The missing nutrients must be augmented with the help of functional foodstuffs. The objective of the study was to compare the impact of food supplements and local products rich in fibre and polyunsaturated fatty acids on the human body. The research was conducted at the Rîga Heart Consulting Room in 2010. For two months, 60 volunteers in three groups: using the food supplement “Wellness” in their diet (Wellness group), or Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) and linseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) (Nature group) and Control group were monitored. The participants’ weight, girth, amount of glucose and level of cholesterol were measured by standard methods. Data acquired were analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (level of significance P < 0.05). The cholesterol level was reduced by 14% in the Nature Group. Glucose normalised to 5.8 mmol/l. Weight of participants was reduced by 2 to 7 kg. The results show that by enriching the daily diet with food supplements, both as natural products and as a special complex, it is possible to reduce body weight, reduce cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood, and reduce the risks of obesity and coronary heart disease.
Content of Phenolic Compounds in Various Sea Buckthorn Parts
Authors: Šne Elga , Segliņa Dalija , Galoburda Ruta , Krasnova Inta 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
All parts of the sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) plant are considered to contain large amounts of compounds that are believed to have beneficial health effects. Till now, different parts of sea buckthorn plant have been used for the treatment of diseases in traditional medicine in various countries. Nevertheless, sea buckthorn parts would be a good raw material not only for medicinal properties but also for food products with functional properties; therefore, the aim of the research was to determine the concentration of different phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in various sea buckthorn parts. The study was conducted on parts of female and male sea buckthorn bushes. Phenolic compounds (total phenols, total flavonoids and condensed tannins) and antioxidative activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) free radical scavenging activity (using 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH)) in ethanolic extracts of leaves, shoots, flowers, and berries were determined using various spectrophotometric methods. The study showed that concentration of phenolic compounds differed among parts of sea buckthorn plant and among gender. Leaves of female plants proved to be the most valuable, as they contained the highest total phenol concentration (165.76 mg/g) and antioxidant activity (220.97 mg/g for FRAP and 43.76 mg/g for DPPH), while lowest values were found in young shoots of male plants (84.94 mg/g, 94.24 mg/g and 24.63 mg/g, respectively). The significant differences in chemical composition and biological activity of sea buckthorn leaves, shoots, berries, and buds indicate a need for detailed studies of their extracts, specific fractions and compounds during a whole vegetative season.
Approximation of eigenvalues for unbounded Jacobi matrices using finite submatrices
Authors: Monvel Anne , Zielinski Lech 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
We consider an infinite Jacobi matrix with off-diagonal entries dominated by the diagonal entries going to infinity. The corresponding self-adjoint operator J has discrete spectrum and our purpose is to present results on the approximation of eigenvalues of J by eigenvalues of its finite submatrices.
Geoarchaeological and Environmental Work at the Sacred Animal Necropolis, North Saqqara, Egypt
Authors: Nicholson Paul T. , Harrison John , Ikram Salima , Early Erin , Qin Ying 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This paper summarises work undertaken during the Catacombs of Anubis project which has examined the Dog Catacomb at North Saqqara. It examines the condition and natural decay of the monument as well as looking at the environs of the Lake of Abusir at the northern end of the site
Holzfeuerungen: eine bedeutende Quelle von Feinstaub in der Schweiz
Authors: Baltensperger Urs , Bruns Emily , Dommen Josef , Haddad Imad El , Heringa Maarten F. , Prévôt André S.H. , Slowik Jay G. , Weingartner Ernest , Hueglin Christoph , Herich Hanna , Keller Alejandro , Burtscher Heinz , Heck Thomas , Meyer Nickolas K. 
Published: December 2013

Wood combustion: a substantial source of airborne particulate matter in Switzerland
Wood is a renewable energy source. Wood combustion for heating purposes therefore helps in reducing CO2 emissions. However, it often results in high emissions of particulate matter (PM) which includes both black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC). PM has adverse health effects and should therefore be minimized. This paper reports on the latest methods to quantify the contribution of wood combustion to PM load and gives values for PM, BC, and OC from wood combustion at a number of different sites in Switzerland. State of the art methods to characterize emissions are presented and examples are given. It is shown that a major fraction of the emissions stems from small wood stoves, where the emissions are especially high during the starting phase. In addition, these small furnaces emit large amounts of gases which are rapidly oxidized and form secondary aerosols in the atmosphere. Improvements in the emissions of small wood stoves can be achieved by an increased deployment of pellet ovens, by the development and application of new technology for exhaust gas cleaning, as well as through other ways of wood usage.
Cognate Peptide–MHC Complexes Are Expressed as Tightly Apposed Nanoclusters in Virus-Infected Cells To Allow TCR Crosslinking
Authors: Ferez María , Castro Mario , Alarcon Balbino , van Santen Hisse M. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Antigenic T cell stimulation requires interaction between the TCR of the T cell and cognate peptide–MHC molecules presented by the APC. Although studies with TCR-specific Abs and soluble peptide–MHC ligands have shown that the TCR needs to be crosslinked by two or more ligands to induce T cell stimulation, it is not understood how several MHC molecules loaded with the cognate antigenic peptide can produce crosslinking under physiological conditions. We show at the molecular level that large clusters of cognate peptide–MHC are formed at the surface of murine professional and nonprofessional APCs upon virus infection and that these clusters impinge on the stimulatory capacity of the APC. These clusters are formed by tight apposition of cognate peptide–MHC complexes in a configuration that is compatible with simultaneous engagement of two or more TCRs. This suggests that physiological expression of Ag allows formation of multivalent ligands for the TCR that permit TCR crosslinking and T cell activation.
A Novel T Cell Subset with Trans-Rearranged Vγ-Cβ TCRs Shows Vβ Expression Is Dispensable for Lineage Choice and MHC Restriction
Authors: Bowen Steven , Sun Peter , Livak Ferenc , Sharrow Susan , Hodes Richard J. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
αβ T cells, which express the α-β TCR heterodimer, express CD4 or CD8 coreceptors on cells that are MHC class I or MHC class II dependent. In contrast, γδ T cells do not express CD4 or CD8 and develop independently of MHC interaction. The factors that determine αβ and γδ lineage choice are not fully understood, and the determinants of MHC restriction of TCR specificity have been controversial. In this study we have identified a naturally occurring population of T cells expressing Vγ-Cβ receptor chains on the cell surface, the products of genomic trans-rearrangement between the Vγ2 gene and a variety of Dβ or Jβ genes, in place of an intact TCRβ-chain and in association with TCRα. Identification of this population allowed an analysis of the role of TCR variable regions in determining T cell lineage choice and MHC restriction. We found that Vγ2+Cβ+ cells are positive for either CD4 or CD8 and are selected in an MHC class II– or MHC class I–dependent manner, respectively, thus following the differentiation pathway of αβ and not γδ cells and demonstrating that Vβ V region sequences are not required for selection of an MHC-restricted repertoire.
Calcium Signaling via Orai1 Is Essential for Induction of the Nuclear Orphan Receptor Pathway To Drive Th17 Differentiation
Authors: Kim Kyun-Do , Srikanth Sonal , Tan Yossan-Var , Yee Ma-Khin , Jew Marcus , Damoiseaux Robert , Jung Michael E. , Shimizu Saki , An Dong Sung , Ribalet Bernard , Waschek James A. , Gwack Yousang 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Orai1 is the pore subunit of Ca2+ release–activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels that stimulate downstream signaling pathways crucial for T cell activation. CRAC channels are an attractive therapeutic target for alleviation of autoimmune diseases. Using high-throughput chemical library screening targeting Orai1, we identified a novel class of small molecules that inhibit CRAC channel activity. One of these molecules, compound 5D, inhibited CRAC channel activity by blocking ion permeation. When included during differentiation, Th17 cells showed higher sensitivity to compound 5D than Th1 and Th2 cells. The selectivity was attributable to high dependence of promoters of retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan receptors on the Ca2+-NFAT pathway. Blocking of CRAC channels drastically decreased recruitment of NFAT and histone modifications within key gene loci involved in Th17 differentiation. The impairment in Th17 differentiation by treatment with CRAC channel blocker was recapitulated in Orai1-deficient T cells, which could be rescued by exogenous expression of retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan receptors or a constitutive active mutant of NFAT. In vivo administration of CRAC channel blockers effectively reduced the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppression of differentiation of inflammatory T cells. These results suggest that CRAC channel blockers can be considered as chemical templates for the development of therapeutic agents to suppress inflammatory responses.
Hamstrings Stiffness and Landing Biomechanics Linked to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Loading
Authors: Blackburn J. Troy , Norcross Marc F. , Cannon Lindsey N. , Zinder Steven M. 
Published: December 2013

Context:
Greater hamstrings stiffness is associated with less anterior tibial translation during controlled perturbations. However, it is unclear how hamstrings stiffness influences anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading mechanisms during dynamic tasks.

Objective:
To evaluate the influence of hamstrings stiffness on landing biomechanics related to ACL injury.

Design:
Cross-sectional study.

Setting:
Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:
A total of 36 healthy, physically active volunteers (18 men, 18 women; age = 23 ± 3 years, height = 1.8 ± 0.1 m, mass = 73.1 ± 16.6 kg).

Intervention(s):
Hamstrings stiffness was quantified via the damped oscillatory technique. Three-dimensional lower extremity kinematics and kinetics were captured during a double-legged jump-landing task via a 3-dimensional motion-capture system interfaced with a force plate. Landing biomechanics were compared between groups displaying high and low hamstrings stiffness via independent-samples t tests.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Hamstrings stiffness was normalized to body mass (N/m·kg−1). Peak knee-flexion and -valgus angles, vertical and posterior ground reaction forces, anterior tibial shear force, internal knee-extension and -varus moments, and knee-flexion angles at the instants of each peak kinetic variable were identified during the landing task. Forces were normalized to body weight, whereas moments were normalized to the product of weight and height.

Results:
Internal knee-varus moment was 3.6 times smaller in the high-stiffness group (t22 = 2.221, P = .02). A trend in the data also indicated that peak anterior tibial shear force was 1.1 times smaller in the high-stiffness group (t22 = 1.537, P = .07). The high-stiffness group also demonstrated greater knee flexion at the instants of peak anterior tibial shear force and internal knee-extension and -varus moments (t22 range = 1.729–2.224, P &lt; .05).

Conclusions:
Greater hamstrings stiffness was associated with landing biomechanics consistent with less ACL loading and injury risk. Musculotendinous stiffness is a modifiable characteristic; thus exercises that enhance hamstrings stiffness may be important additions to ACL injury-prevention programs.
THE RESTORATION OF THE VILLA CāSDAGLī ('ALI 'ADBDALLATīF SCHOOL) IN CAIRO, EGYPT
Authors: Lamei Saleh 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT
The restoration of the early twentieth-century Villa Cāsdaglī in the Garden City area of downtown Cairo near Tahrir Square is a comprehensive project begun by the Centre for the Conservation of Islamic Architectural Heritage under the direction of the author. The assessment and study of materials described in this article was a painstaking effort of more than three years and involved laboratory tests and examination of many different materials, including textiles, wooden furniture and woodwork, marble decoration, tiles, paintings, chandeliers, mirrors, and sculptures. This opulent structure in Simon Bolivar Square was earmarked to become the Institute of Museology to train curatorial staff in the care of collections. Sadly, in the first three months of 2013, the villa was looted and many of its beautiful decorations and furnishings were dismantled or destroyed. In spite of this, the Supreme Council for the Antiquities of Egypt, now the Ministry of State for Antiquities, recently made a commitment to restore the villa following the original plan.
Sox2 Suppression by miR-21 Governs Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Properties
Authors: Trohatou Ourania , Zagoura Dimitra , Bitsika Vasiliki , Pappa Kalliopi I. , Antsaklis Aristidis , Anagnou Nicholas P. , Roubelakis Maria G. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been shown to act as regulatory signals for maintaining stemness and for determining the fate of adult and fetal stem cells, such as human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). hMSCs constitute a population of multipotent stem cells that can be expanded easily in culture and are able to differentiate into many lineages. We have isolated two subpopulations of fetal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from amniotic fluid (AF) known as spindle-shaped (SS) and round-shaped (RS) cells and characterized them on the basis of their phenotypes, pluripotency, proliferation rates, and differentiation potentials. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA profile of MSCs derived from AF, bone marrow (BM), and umbilical cord blood (UCB). We initially identified 67 different miRNAs that were expressed in all three types of MSCs but at different levels, depending on the source. A more detailed analysis revealed that miR-21 was expressed at higher levels in RS-AF-MSCs and BM-MSCs compared with SS-AF-MSCs. We further demonstrated for the first time a direct interaction between miR-21 and the pluripotency marker Sox2. The induction of miR-21 strongly inhibited Sox2 expression in SS-AF-MSCs, resulting in reduced clonogenic and proliferative potential and cell cycle arrest. Strikingly, the opposite effect was observed upon miR-21 inhibition in RS-AF-MSCs and BM-MSCs, which led to an enhanced proliferation rate. Finally, miR-21 induction accelerated osteogenesis and impaired adipogenesis and chondrogenesis in SS-AF-MSCs. Therefore, these findings suggest that miR-21 might specifically function by regulating Sox2 expression in human MSCs and might also act as a key molecule determining MSC proliferation and differentiation.
The future of agriculture over the Ogallala Aquifer: Solutions to grow crops more efficiently with limited water
Authors: Basso Bruno , Kendall Anthony D. , Hyndman David W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe explore the unsustainable path that the Ogallala region faces, and provide some suggestions for policies that would extend the usable lifespan of the water in the aquifer, which supports the vast majority of the economy across this region. We emphasize the critical role of science as a foundation for policies that can help mitigate the disaster that is occurring across the region and provide insights because we believe that there are solutions to some aspects of this water crisis.SummaryIn some areas of the HPA, farmers can no longer pump enough water for crops. Water‐use efficiency and farmer's profitability can be significantly enhanced by adopting site‐specific agronomic management identified by coupling precision agricultural technologies with crop models. Policies grounded in science are critical to ensure long‐term sustainability.
A geological perspective on sea‐level rise and its impacts along the U.S. mid‐Atlantic coast
Authors: Miller Kenneth G. , Kopp Robert E. , Horton Benjamin P. , Browning James V. , Kemp Andrew C. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe evaluate paleo‐, historical, and future sea‐level rise along the U.S. mid‐Atlantic coast. The rate of relative sea‐level rise in New Jersey decreased from 3.5 ± 1.0 mm/yr at 7.5–6.5 ka, to 2.2 ± 0.8 mm/yr at 5.5–4.5 ka to a minimum of 0.9 ± 0.4 mm/yr at 3.3–2.3 ka. Relative sea level rose at a rate of 1.6 ± 0.1 mm/yr from 2.2 to 1.2 ka (750 Common Era [CE]) and 1.4 ± 0.1 mm/yr from 800 to 1800 CE. Geological and tide‐gauge data show that sea‐level rise was more rapid throughout the region since the Industrial Revolution (19th century = 2.7 ± 0.4 mm/yr; 20th century = 3.8 ± 0.2 mm/yr). There is a 95% probability that the 20th century rate of sea‐level rise was faster than it was in any century in the last 4.3 kyr. These records reflect global rise (∼1.7 ± 0.2 mm/yr since 1880 CE) and subsidence from glacio‐isostatic adjustment (∼1.3 ± 0.4 mm/yr) at bedrock locations (e.g., New York City). At coastal plain locations, the rate of rise is 0.3–1.3 mm/yr higher due to groundwater withdrawal and compaction. We construct 21st century relative sea‐level rise scenarios including global, regional, and local processes. We project a 22 cm rise at bedrock locations by 2030 (central scenario; low‐ and high‐end scenarios range of 16–38 cm), 40 cm by 2050 (range 28–65 cm), and 96 cm by 2100 (range 66–168 cm), with coastal plain locations having higher rises (3, 5–6, and 10–12 cm higher, respectively). By 2050 CE in the central scenario, a storm with a 10 year recurrence interval will exceed all historic storms at Atlantic City.SummaryAn analysis of geological and historical sea‐level records shows a significant rate of increase in sea‐level rise since the nineteenth century. In New Jersey, it is extremely likely that sea‐level rise in the twentieth century was faster than during any other century in the last 4.3 thousand years. Accounting for regional and local factors, the authors project sea‐level rise in the mid‐Atlantic U.S. most likely about 38–42′′ (96–106 cm) over the twentieth century, but possibly as high as 66–71′′ (168–180 cm).
Earth's Future: Navigating the science of the Anthropocene
Authors: Brasseur Guy P. , van der Pluijm Ben 
Published: December 2013

SummaryUnderstanding and managing our new and future relation with the Earth requires research and knowledge spanning diverse fields. Earth's Future will explore and foster interactions among the Earth and environmental sciences, ecology, economics, the health and social sciences, and more. Its mission is to focus on the Earth as an interactive, evolving system to help researchers, policy makers, and the public navigate the science.
Observed trends in the Great Plains low‐level jet and associated precipitation changes in relation to recent droughts
Authors: Barandiaran Daniel , Wang Shih‐Yu , Hilburn Kyle 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRecent drought over the Great Plains has had significant impacts on agriculture and the economy, highlighting the need for better understanding of any ongoing changes in the regional hydroclimate. Trends in the Great Plains low‐level jet (GPLLJ) during the months April–June and associated precipitation are analyzed using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) for the period 1979–2012. Linear trends computed for meridional winds and precipitation intensity, frequency, and total across the Great Plains show that (1) the GPLLJ has strengthened and expanded northward and (2) precipitation has decreased substantially in the Southern Plains while increasing in the Northern Plains. Particularly in May, the rainy season in the Oklahoma‐Texas region, precipitation has migrated northward in correspondence to the shifted northern edge of the GPLLJ, leading to near 50% declines in precipitation since 1979. These observed changes are discussed in the context of recent droughts and projected climate for the region.
First common volume ground‐based and space measurements of the mesospheric front in noctilucent clouds
Authors: Dalin P. , Connors M. , Schofield I. , Dubietis A. , Pertsev N. , Perminov V. , Zalcik M. , Zadorozhny A. , McEwan T. , McEachran I. , Grønne J. , Hansen O. , Andersen H. , Frandsen S. , Melnikov D. , Romejko V. , Grigoryeva I. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe report on the first common volume ground‐based and space measurements of the mesospheric front in noctilucent clouds (NLCs). The detailed ground‐based observations were performed with automated digital cameras located at the Athabasca University Geophysical Observatory (Canada) on the night of 29–30 June 2012, while simultaneous space measurements were conducted onboard the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics satellite using the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry instrument. The large temperature difference of 20–25 K between two different air masses at about 85 km altitude was responsible for the front jump separating the area filled with NLCs from the area with no NLCs. The front jump (soliton) had a pronounced elevation of 12 km up to the altitude of 96 km relative to the undisturbed NLC layer located between 84.5 and 86.3 km. Considering present and previous ground‐based measurements of the NLC height, we conclude that altitude of 96–97 km is the upper limit of possible heights of NLCs.
Metals in Cells: Control of Cellular Metal Concentration
Authors: Gilston Benjamin A. , O'Halloran Thomas V. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThere are arrays of intricate systems for controlling the cellular metal economy, that is, the sum of import, sensing, utilization, storage, and export processes that keeps the transition metal quota or “metallome” of the cell in the optimal position for survival in a given environment. The cellular metallome corresponds to the amount of both uncoordinated “free” and complexed transition metal ions for a given organism. Over the past several years, it has become apparent that selective complexation by receptors and active compartmentalization are key to the cellular management of each metal. Long thought to be present only at “trace” levels in biology, transition metals are hardly trace from a cellular point of view. Many cells accumulate metals such as zinc and iron to concentrations approaching millimolar levels and then maintain this concentration within a narrow range. This raises the question, how cells maintain tight regulation of the metal ion quotas while avoiding the toxicity of extra free ions in the cell? This article and the many others in this book introduce a few of the chemical considerations, the metal receptors and the metal‐trafficking proteins that regulate the intracellular metallome.