bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction in Fatalities, Ambulance Calls, and Hospital Admissions for Road Trauma After Implementation of New Traffic Laws
Authors: Brubacher Jeffrey R. , Chan Herbert , Brasher Penelope , Erdelyi Shannon , Desapriya Edi , Asbridge Mark , Purssell Roy , Macdonald Scott , Schuurman Nadine , Pike Ian 
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We evaluated the public health benefits of traffic laws targeting speeding and drunk drivers (British Columbia, Canada, September 2010). Methods. We studied fatal crashes and ambulance dispatches and hospital admissions for road trauma, using interrupted time series with multiple nonequivalent comparison series. We determined estimates of effect using linear regression models incorporating an autoregressive integrated moving average error term. We used neighboring jurisdictions (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington State) as external controls. Results. In the 2 years after implementation of the new laws, significant decreases occurred in fatal crashes (21.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 15.3, 26.4) and in hospital admissions (8.0%; 95% CI = 0.6, 14.9) and ambulance calls (7.2%; 95% CI = 1.1, 13.0) for road trauma. We found a very large reduction in alcohol-related fatal crashes (52.0%; 95% CI = 34.5, 69.5), and the benefits of the new laws are likely primarily the result of a reduction in drinking and driving. Conclusions. These findings suggest that laws calling for immediate sanctions for dangerous drivers can reduce road trauma and should be supported.
Reducing Tobacco Use and Access Through Strengthened Minimum Price Laws
Authors: McLaughlin Ian , Pearson Anne , Laird-Metke Elisa , Ribisl Kurt 
Published: August 2014

Higher prices reduce consumption and initiation of tobacco products. A minimum price law that establishes a high statutory minimum price and prohibits the industry’s discounting tactics for tobacco products is a promising pricing strategy as an alternative to excise tax increases. Although some states have adopted minimum price laws on the basis of statutorily defined price “markups” over the invoice price, existing state laws have been largely ineffective at increasing the retail price. We analyzed 3 new variations of minimum price laws that hold great potential for raising tobacco prices and reducing consumption: (1) a flat rate minimum price law similar to a recent enactment in New York City, (2) an enhanced markup law, and (3) a law that incorporates both elements.
Analysis of the Accuracy of Weight Loss Information Search Engine Results on the Internet
Authors: Modave François , Shokar Navkiran K. , Peñaranda Eribeth , Nguyen Norma 
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We systematically identified and evaluated the quality and comprehensiveness of online information related to weight loss that users were likely to access. Methods. We evaluated the content quality, accessibility of the information, and author credentials for Web sites in 2012 that were identified from weight loss specific queries that we generated. We scored the content with respect to available evidence-based guidelines for weight loss. Results. One hundred three Web sites met our eligibility criteria (21 commercial, 52 news/media, 7 blogs, 14 medical, government, or university, and 9 unclassified sites). The mean content quality score was 3.75 (range = 0–16; SD = 2.48). Approximately 5% (4.85%) of the sites scored greater than 8 (of 12) on nutrition, physical activity, and behavior. Content quality score varied significantly by type of Web site; the medical, government, or university sites (mean = 4.82, SD = 2.27) and blogs (mean = 6.33, SD = 1.99) had the highest scores. Commercial (mean = 2.37, SD = 2.60) or news/media sites (mean = 3.52, SD = 2.31) had the lowest scores (analysis of variance P < .005). Conclusions. The weight loss information that people were likely to access online was often of substandard quality because most comprehensive and quality Web sites ranked too low in search results.
Moving Upstream: Why Rehabilitative Justice in Military Discharge Proceedings Serves a Public Health Interest
Authors: Seamone Evan R. , McGuire James , Sreenivasan Shoba , Clark Sean , Smee Daniel , Dow Daniel 
Published: August 2014

The cultural divide between US military and civilian institutions amplifies the consequences of military discharge status on public health and criminal justice systems in a manner that is invisible to a larger society. Prompt removal of problematic wounded warriors through retributive justice is more expedient than lengthy mental health treatment. Administrative and punitive discharges usually preclude Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility, posing a heavy public health burden. Moving upstream—through military rehabilitative justice addressing military offenders’ mental health needs before discharge—will reduce the downstream consequences of civilian maladjustment and intergenerational transmission of mental illness. The public health community can play an illuminating role by gathering data about community effect and by advocating for policy change at Department of Veterans Affairs and community levels.
Primary basidiospore charge and taxonomy of Agaricomycetes
Authors: Saar Maret , Parmasto Erast 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article deals with the polarity of electrostatic charges that are carried on ballistic basidiospores after their liberation from fruiting bodies. The spores were collected by placing a portable device beneath the basidiome and allowing them to fall in a horizontal homogeneous electrostatic field, created by vertical parallel plane electrodes. Thus, the experimental setup enabled to investigate the primary charges, the charges present on spores immediately after the release from spore bearing cells. Spores of 135 basidiomes of 50 species of hymenomycetous fungi were collected in various natural conditions. The non-turgescent (drying up, collapsing or ceasing to sporulate) basidiomes were excluded from the taxonomical analysis; the 128 turgescent basidiomes (223 spore samples) of 47 species were taxonomically analyzed. These species represented eight orders (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota), covering 21 families and 36 genera. The analysis showed that the spore charges were distributed according to the polarity similarly in all samples in a species, and in a genus. In most cases also genera of one family had the same type of polarity distribution of spore charges. Possibly all taxa from species to monophyletic families are characterized by specific type of polarity of the primary electrostatic charge of basidiospores. Depending on the taxonomical group, all spore charges were negative, positive, or both negative and positive charges were present. This information could be useful in investing the ballistosporic discharge mechanism and for constructing higher-level phylogeny.
Effect of gamma-ray irradiation on Escherichia coli motility
Authors: Atsumi Tatsuo , Fujimoto Eriko , Furuta Masakazu , Kato Mikio 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The effects of ionizing radiation on bacteria are generally evaluated from the dose-dependent survival ratio, which is determined by colony-forming ability and mutation rate. The mutagenic damage to cellular DNA induced by radiation has been extensively investigated; however, the effects of irradiation on the cellular machinery in situ remain unclear. In the present work, we irradiated Escherichia coli cells in liquid media with gamma rays from 60Co (in doses up to 8 kGy). The swimming speeds of the cells were measured using a microscope. We found that the swimming speed was unaltered in cells irradiated with a lethal dose of gamma rays. However, the fraction of motile cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Similar results were observed when protein synthesis was inhibited by treatment with kanamycin. Evaluation of bacterial swimming speed and the motile fraction after irradiation revealed that some E. coli cells without the potential of cell growth and division remained motile for several hours after irradiation.
The study of hypermethylation in blood leukocytes of irradiated parents and their children
Authors: Kuzmina Nina , Myazin Andrey , Lapteva Nellya , Rubanovich Alexander 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground: Accumulation of evidence about the epigenetic regulation of genome function suggests the necessity to explore new aspects of the genotoxic action of radiation on the human body. Methodology: A methylation-sensitive PCR assay was used to analyze promoter methylation of p16/CDKN2A, p14/ARF, RASSF1A and GSTP1 genes in blood leukocytes from 103 unirradiated volunteers and 104 irradiated subjects (83 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant liquidators and 21 nuclear specialists). Additionally, 21 families whose fathers were nuclear specialists were examined. Results: A significantly elevated frequency of individuals with abnormal methylation of p16/CDKN2A and GSTP1 genes was revealed in the exposed group compared to the control group (p = 0.0097 and p = 0.005, respectively). The occurrence of promoter methylation of RASSF1A gene significantly correlated with aging both in the control group (r = 0, 213; p = 0.006) and in the exposed individuals (r = 0, 212; p = 0,031). No methylated genes were found in the offspring of control families. Conclusion: Our study showed for the fist time that prolonged radiation exposure at low and medium doses is associated with hypermethylation of genes involved in the basic protective functions of cells; an effect that is persistent in blood leukocytes for significant periods after irradiation.
Bioactive compounds in sweet rowanberry fruits of interspecific Rowan crosses
Authors: Mlcek Jiri , Rop Otakar , Jurikova Tűnde , Sochor Jiri , Fisera Miroslav , Balla Stefan , Baron Mojmir , Hrabe Jan 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Sweet rowanberries originated by the crossbreeding of wild rowanberries with other fruit species such as apples, medlars or black chokeberries. They are highly resistant to cold climate. In contrast with wild rowanberries, they have sweet mild taste and show less parasorbic acid toxicity, which can be eliminated, when the consumption is excessive, by heating. The objective of the work was to determine selected antioxidant properties in 6 cultivars. The analyses showed that the contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids and ascorbic acid were high. Similarly, antioxidant capacity (6.58–9.62 g of ascorbic acid equivalents kg−1) was also high. The work brings novel data, in particular, when comparing the cultivars; moreover, results regarding reactive oxygen and nitrogen species scavenging activity in sweet rowanberries are being published for the first time. The sweet rowanberry extracts (10%) showed inhibitory ability on hydroxyl radical (16.12–24.73%), superoxide anion (26.74–34.02%), nitric oxide (24.75–31.39%), and lipid peroxidation (7.93–13.12%). The values obtained are even many times higher than those found in common commercial fruit species like apples. Therefore, sweet rowanberries appear to be a promising fruit species for human nutrition, especially due to their high content of bioactive substances and ease of cultivation in worse climatic and soil conditions.
In vitro introduction of healthy and virus-infected genotypes of native Croatian grapevine cultivars
Authors: Marković Zvjezdana , Preiner Darko , Bošnjak Anita , Safner Toni , Stupić Domagoj , Andabaka Željko , Maletić Edi , Chatelet Philippe , Engelmann Florent , Kontić Jasminka 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
We evaluated the response of eight economically important Croatian grapevine cultivars and studied the impact of their sanitary status on in vitro introduction, by comparing the response of healthy and virus-infected genotypes of one cultivar. Nodal explant survival on three media, M1 (half-strength MS), M2 (full-strength MS) or M3 (full-strength MS with 4.4 µM L−1 benzylaminopurine) was measured after 2 weeks and regrowth after 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, average shoot length and node number were significantly higher on M2 compared to M1 and M3. M3 induced significantly shorter average internode length, compared to M1 and M2. Survival of one healthy and of five cultivar Plavac mali genotypes infected with GFLV, GLRaV-1, GLRaV-3, GLRaV-3+GVA and GLRaV-1+GLRaV-3 was 97.5 and 82.8–87.5%, respectively. Regrowth of the healthy genotype reached 95.5%, but dropped to 5.5–31.4% in infected ones. The healthy genotype showed significantly higher shoot length (6.3 cm) and node number (7.3) compared to infected genotypes, with shoot length between 1.2–2.6 cm and node number between 1.2–3.0. By contrast, internode length was not significantly different between the healthy and the infected genotypes. The present work represents the first successful in vitro introduction for three of the eight native Croatian cultivars studied.
The parasitic fauna of the European bison (Bison bonasus) (Linnaeus, 1758) and their impact on the conservation. Part 2 The structure and changes over time
Authors: Karbowiak Grzegorz , Demiaszkiewicz Aleksander , Pyziel Anna , Wita Irena , Moskwa Bożena , Werszko Joanna , Bień Justyna , Goździk Katarzyna , Lachowicz Jacek , Cabaj Władysław 
Published: August 2014

AbstractDuring the last century the recorded parasite fauna of Bison bonasus includes 88 species. These are 22 species of protozoa, 4 trematode species, 4 cestode species, 43 nematode species, 7 mites, 4 Ixodidae ticks, 1 Mallophaga species, 1 Anoplura, and 2 Hippoboscidae flies. There are few monoxenous parasites, the majority of parasites are typical for other Bovidae and Cervidae species and many are newly acquired from Cervidae. This is an evident increased trend in the parasite species richness, in both the prevalence and intensity of infections, which is associated with the bison population size, host status (captive breeding or free-ranging) and the possibility of contact with other ruminant species. In light of the changes to parasite species richness during the last decades, special emphasis shall be given to new parasite species reported in European bison, their pathogenicity and potential implications for conservation.
Grillotia erinaceus (van Beneden, 1858) (Cestoda:Trypanorhyncha) from whiting in the Black Sea, with observations on seasonality and host-parasite interrelationship
Authors: Özer Ahmet , Öztürk Türkay , Kornyushin Vadim , Kornyychuk Yulia , Yurakhno Violetta 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe genus Grillotia Guiart, 1927 is cosmopolitan in its distribution and the type-species, G. erinaceus (van Beneden, 1858), has been relatively well studied. However, this study provides infection indices of Grillotia erinaceus from southern and northern Black Sea whiting Merlangius merlangus for the first time. The specimens of Grillotia erinaceus were obtained from subserosa of the anterior oesophagus, stomach, pyloric caeca, liver, ovaries and mesenterium of whiting caught by commercial fishing vessels off Sinop, Turkey and off Balaklava, Ukraine. Fish were examined during the period from May 2011 to April 2012. Prevalence and mean intensity values in 268 fish collected off Sinop in the Black Sea were 18.66% and 1.82 ± 0.16 parasites per infected fish, respectively. In Ukrainian 166 whiting samples collected off Balaklava in the Black Sea, however, G. erinaceus plerocercus infection prevalence was 10.24% and mean intensity 1.71 ± 0.75 parasites per infected fish. Infection parameters were also determined at both sampling sites in relation with host length, sex and season.
Calamicoptes anatidus sp. nov., a new quill wall mite (Acari: Laminosioptidae) from the Greater Scaup Aythya marila (L.) (Aves: Anseriformes)
Authors: Skoracki Maciej , Kavetska Katarzyna , Ozminski Michał , Zawierucha Krzysztof 
Published: August 2014

AbstractCalamicoptes anatidus sp. nov., a new species of rarely found parasitic mites of the family Laminosioptidae (Acari: Astigmata) is described from quill walls of wing covert feathers of Aythya marila Linnaeus (Anseriformes: Anatidae) captured in Poland. This is the first record of the family Laminosioptidae on birds of the order Anseriformes and the first record of this mite family in the fauna of Poland. Females of the new species are most similar to those of C. arenariae Lombert, Gaud et Lukoschus, 1984 and differ from them by the presence of the pygidial shield, which covers dorsal and ventro-lateral parts of the opisthosoma, and by having setae c2 and d2 short and subequal in length, and setae se and cp not reaching the metapodonotal shield.
Thermophilic potentially pathogenic amoebae isolated from natural water bodies in Poland and their molecular characterization
Authors: Adamska Malgorzata , Leonska-Duniec Agata , Lanocha Natalia , Skotarczak Bogumila 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe free-living amoebae (FLA) may live in the environment and also within other organisms as parasites and then they are called amphizoic. They are potentially pathogenic for humans and animals and are found in water that is a source of infection. The aim of this study was molecular detection and identification of these FLA in natural water bodies in North-Western Poland to evaluate the risk of the pathogenic amoebae infections. We examined surface water samples collected from 50 sites and first, the tolerance thermic test was performed in order to select thermophilic, potentially pathogenic strains. For molecular identification of FLA, regions of 18S rDNA, 16S rDNA and intergenic spacers were amplified. Acanthamoeba T4 and T16 genotypes of 18S rDNA gene and 18S rDNA of H. vermiformis were detected. We identified two variants of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype, two variants of Acanthamoeba T16 genotype and one variant of H. vermiformis. Identification of the T16 genotype and H. vermiformis in water was for the first time in Poland. Additionally, we made attempts to adapt the RLB method for detection and differentiation of FLA species and strains. PCR seems to be more sensitive than RLB hybridization, though.
Increased serum urea to creatinine ratio and its negative correlation with arterial pressure in canine babesiosis
Authors: Zygner Wojciech , Gójska-Zygner Olga 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe increase of the serum urea to creatinine ratio (UCR) was observed in dogs infected with Babesia canis. Previous studies have suggested that decrease of blood pressure can be one of the reasons for this phenomenon. In this work statistically significant increase of the UCR was observed in dogs with babesiosis. Comparison of the UCR between 23 azotaemic dogs and 25 non-azotaemic dogs infected with Babesia canis showed statistically significantly higher mean of the UCR in azotaemic dogs. Correlations between UCR and systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP) in 48 dogs infected with B. canis were negative (UCR and SAP: r = −0.3909; UCR and DAP: r = −0.3182; UCR and MAP: r = −0.3682) and statistically significant (p < 0.05). This result may indicate contribution of hypotension in the increase of the UCR in canine babesiosis. However, the correlations were not high, and there was no statistically significant correlation between UCR and arterial pressures in azotaemic dogs. Thus, it seems that decrease of blood pressure in dogs with babesiosis explains only partially the cause of increased UCR in infected dogs. The other authors suggested hyperureagenesis and myocardial injury as a potential reason for the increased UCR in canine babesiosis. Thus, further studies are needed to determine causes of increased UCR in dogs with babesiosis, especially on the connection between UCR changes and the concentrations of plasma cardiac troponins and ammonia, and the occurrence of occult blood on fecal examination.
Molecular drug targets and therapies for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Singh Dev , Gupta Manish , Kesharwani Rajesh , Sagar Mamta , Dwivedi Seema , Misra Krishna 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by normal memory loss and cognitive impairment in humans. Many drug targets and disease-modulating therapies are available for treatment of AD, but none of these are effective enough in reducing problems associated with recognition and memory. Potential drug targets so far reported for AD are β-secretase, Γ-secretase, amyloid beta (Aβ) and Aβ fibrils, glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyl-transferase (ACAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Herbal remedies (antioxidants) and natural metal-chelators have shown a very significant role in reducing the risk of AD, as well as lowering the effect of Aβ in AD patients. Researchers are working in the direction of antisense and stem cell-based therapies for a cure for AD, which mainly depends on the clearance of misfolded protein deposits — including Aβ, tau, and alpha-synuclein. Computational approaches for inhibitor designing, interaction analysis, principal descriptors and an absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) study could speed up the process of drug development with higher efficacy and less chance of failure. This paper reviews the known drugs, drug targets, and existing and future therapies for the treatment of AD.
Study on Pumping Conveying Capacity Characteristics of Polymer Solids in Vane Extruder
Authors: Xu Y. S. , Li J. B. , Zhang G. Z. , Zhao Y. Q. , Qu J. P. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
A vane extruder consists of a group of vane plasticization units that can together be considered a vane pump. During extrusion, materials in the extruder are plasticized and conveyed by positive conveying and suppressed by normal stress. A mathematical model of the pumping capacity of polymer solids in the vane extruder is established based on its structure and conveying mechanism. The minimum bulk density under atmospheric pressure and leakage coefficient in this model are obtained experimentally. Four general polymer materials are chosen to investigate the pumping conveying capacity of polymer solids in the vane extruder. The experimental results of the first vane plasticization unit show that the pumping conveying capacity increases almost linearly with the rotor velocity and is only slightly influenced by the material properties. Furthermore, the leakage coefficient increases when the temperature and velocity in the vane extrusion process are set inappropriately; this reduces the pumping conveying capacity of polymer solids in the vane extruder.
Optimization of Abrasive Water Jet Turning Parameters for Machining of Low Density Polyethylene Material Based on Experimental Design Method
Authors: Kartal F. , Çetin M. H. , Gökkaya H. , Yerlikaya Z. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Studies to improve the machining of engineering materials have great importance for mechanical systems. Abrasive water-jet turning (AWJT) is a new and effective process for increasing machinability of engineering materials by providing temperature free cutting conditions, high surface quality and having no tool wear problem. In this study, AWJT of low density polyethylene (LDPE) material were investigated in terms of average surface roughness (ASR) and material removal rate (MRR) values and process parameters were optimized by experimental design method. The primary objectives of the study are to investigate AWJT process and system parameters to enhance machinability of LDPE material and to determine optimal processing parameters. Nozzle feed rate (5, 25 and 45 mm/min), abrasive flow rate (50, 200 and 350 g/min) and spindle speed (1 000, 1 500 and 2 500 min−1) were analyzed as process parameters. Taguchi L27 orthogonal full factorial design, optimization box and analysis of variance (Anova) were used for the experimentation and results analysis. Experimental results show that, AWJT process is more efficient in the machining of LPDE material than the conventional machining methods by increasing surface quality and MRR parameters. Minimum ASR and maximum MRR were obtained 1.67 μm and 14 072.02 mm3/min respectively; at optimum parameters of 5 mm/min nozzle feed rate, 350 g/min abrasive flow rate and 2 500 min−1 spindle speed.