bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tra comune e camera regia : la gestione delle finanze a Roma e nel Lazio
Authors: Caciorgna Maria Teresa
Published: October 2017

I caratteri della dominazione angioina a Roma e nei comuni del Lazio hanno determinato un sistema di rapporti peculiari rispetto alle forme di intervento regio nelle finanze dei comuni piemontesi e toscani. L’intervento si propone di rispondere ad alcuni interrogativi non affrontati per la situazione romana : fino a qual punto il comune romano, durante i senatorati di Carlo I d’Angiò e di Roberto d’Angiò, ha mantenuto l’autonomia finanziaria ; se le entrate comunali bastavano alle spese per un apparato amministrativo dilatato ; se il controllo della produzione e dell’esportazione di grano fu efficace con l’istituzione dei grascieri nell’approvvigionamento di Roma. Tra i comuni del Lazio, su Rieti (1327-1331) e su Terracina (1307-1334), connotati da una posizione geo-politica particolare, la dominazione è stata effettiva nel periodo di Roberto d’Angiò, sporadici e in funzione della città di Roma gli interventi sui comuni durante il periodo di Carlo I – ordine di abolire la dogana del sale a Terracina, approvvigionamento di cereali dai comuni del distretto-. La documentazione di Terracina consente di delineare i caratteri del controllo angioino, mentre per Rieti la mancanza di fonti limita la possibilità dell’indagine.
La cartografia storica. Considerazioni a premessa di un possibile progetto geomatico sulle geografie (anche fiscali) del regno di Napoli tra età angioina e aragonese
Authors: Somaini Francesco
Published: October 2017

Questo intervento ha a che fare con il tema dell’utilità sul piano conoscitivo della cartografia storica, intesa non solo come lo studio delle antiche rappresentazioni cartografiche (quella che potremmo chiamare « historischekartographie » ), ma anche e soprattutto nel senso della produzione e realizzazione di mappe di argomento storico ( « geschichtlichekartographie » ) finalizzate per l’appunto a rendere visibili aspetti e problemi relativi al passato, ed anche a suggerire nuove domande ed a porre nuovi interrogativi. Partendo da una breve disamina dei fattori (di ordine concettuale prima ancora che di carattere finanziario, organizzativo o di altro genere) che hanno impedito nel corso del Novecento il realizzarsi del progetto – più volte immaginato e proposto – di un Atlante Storico Italiano, si vogliono qui suggerire delle possibili strade alternative, che anche in virtù della versatilità delle nuove tecnologie, e in particolare delle tecniche geomatiche dei GIS – « Geographic Information Systems » – applicate all’elaborazione di dati di carattere storico, potrebbero in effetti consentire di superare alcune di quelle che fino a ieri potevano risultare delle criticità pressoché insormontabili. A tale proposito, si verrà qui a dare conto di alcune recenti realizzazioni cartografiche riguardanti le geografie politiche, amministrative, ecclesiastiche e fiscali del Mezzogiorno bassomedievale (tra età angioina ed età aragonese). E si illustreranno alcuni aspetti di un progetto portato avanti in questi ultimi anni nell’ambito di alcuni PRIN.
Preparation of Magnetic Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles and their Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wongyara Chutamanut , Harnkar Preeyaporn , Suwanchawalit Cheewita , Puangpetch Tarawipa , Laohhasurayotin Kritapas , Patil Avinash
Published: October 2017

Zinc ferrites (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the simple co-precipitation method. The effects of calcination temperature and the amount of surfactant on the microstructure of zinc ferrite products were studied. The products were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The XRD results confirmed the formation of a cubic spinel structure in all samples. The SEM results revealed that surfactant molecules play a crucial role to control the microstructure of the samples. All samples showed extended absorptions in the visible region. The photocatalytic results indicated that ZnFe2O4 enhanced the photocatalytic activity with increased calcination temperature. In addition, the ZnFe2O4 prepared by addition of high concentrations of surfactant gave the highest photocatalytic activity. The synthesized ZnFe2O4 can be recovered by applying an external magnetic field.
Enhancement of Hydrogen Production from Sugarcane Bagasse by Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumonia DSM 30104(T) Using Statistical Methods
Authors: Saraphirom Piyawadee , Teerakul Mullika , Anyabho Manit
Published: October 2017

This study employed statistically based experimental designs to optimize environmental factors for H2 production from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate by K. pneumoniae subsp. Pneumonia DSM 30104(T) isolated from wastewater sludge using statistical method. The 12 runs of Plackett-Burman design were used to classify important factors influencing the H2 production from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate by K. pneumonia subsp. pneumonia DSM 30104(T). Mutual interaction between the significant factor and their optimal values that brought the maximum H2 production (mL H2/L) were further investigated using Box-Behnken design of response surface method. Experimental results indicated that yeast extract, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, iron (II) sulfate and total sugar of sugarcane bagasse had an interdependent effect on the maximum H2 production while only interaction effect between yeast extract and calcium chloride had statistically significant (P≤0.05) influences on the maximum H2 production. Optimal conditions for the predicted maximal H2 production were 7.50 g/L yeast extract, 0.50 g/L ammonium chloride, 15.0 g/L potassium chloride, 0.75 g/L calcium chloride, and 10.0 g/L total sugar. At the optimal condition, the maximum H2 production of 277 mL H2/L was estimated from Box-Behnken design that more than 9 times compared to Plackett-Burman design. The highest ratio of butyric acid to acetic acid (B/A ratio) of 1.47 was indicated the high performance of H2 fermentation of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate by K. pneumoniae subsp. Pneumonia DSM 30104(T) under the optimal condition obtained.
Bioethanol Production from Ball-Milled and Regenerated Rice Husk
Authors: Ouajai Sirisart , Wanichayachart Riangploy , Suksomprasong Thapanee , Pisitwinyoo Atchara
Published: October 2017

This research focused on the bioethanol production from rice husk via enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of glucose product. Rice husks were ball-milled, alkali pretreated with 2 %(w/v) NaOH for 3 hours and regenerated by N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO)/H2O solution into Cellulose II structure. These processes were aimed to enhance the surface purity area and accessibility of enzyme, respectively. Rice husks were hydrolyzed with cellulase from Trichodermareesei ATCC 26921 at various concentrations ranging from 10 to 40 FPU/g of rice husk. The maximum yields of glucose from alkali pretreated rice husk, ball-milled rice husk of sieve size 45-75 μm and regenerated rice husk were 7.13, 9.52 and 10.36 mg/mL, respectively. This was conducted at the enzyme concentration of 20 FPU/g of rice husk for 48 hours. The glucose product was fermented by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Safale US-05 at various concentrations ranging from 10 to 70 %(v/v). The maximum yields of ethanol products at 50 %(v/v) of yeast and 48 hours of fermentation from the alkali pretreated rice husk, ball-milled rice husk of sieve size 45-75 μm and regenerated rice husk were 44.36%, 68.79% and 89.11% of glucose respectively. The greater yield may be arise from an increase in surface area and the swollen cellulose structure of rice husk.
Pyrolysis of Palm Oil in a Continuous Flow Microchannel Reactor
Authors: Kun-Asa Kodchakon , Attanatho Lalita , Reubroycharoen Prasert
Published: October 2017

Palm oil is considered as a potential feedstock for biofuel production in Thailand due to its property and availability. In recent years, there has been an increased attention on upgrading of palm oil to biofuels using various technologies. One of the most promising technologies is pyrolysis, in which palm oil is heated at the temperature in the range of 400 to 500 °C under oxygen-free atmosphere. In the present study, the uncoated catalyst and coated catalyst pyrolysis processes of palm oil for biofuel production in a continuous flow microchannel reactor were investigated with various catalyst types (MgO, Al2O3) at 400-500 °C, 2 ml/hr palm oil flow rate, and 0.1 g of catalysts. Liquid product yield, solid product yield and gaseous product yield were determined. The obtained results revealed that the high triglyceride conversion could be achieved at a short reaction time in microchannel reactor, which attributed to the enhancement of both heat and mass transfer. The pyrolysis liquid products composed of hydrocarbons, free fatty acids, and other oxygenated compounds which are the results of triglyceride cracking. Furthermore, product selectivity of palm oil pyrolysis depended on temperature and catalyst type.
Scratch Resistance and Impact Strength of Semi Interpenetrating Networked PMMA and PU with In Situ Produced Silica
Authors: Silpcharu Komthep , Yeetsorn Rungsima , Kreua-Ongarjnukool Narumol , Kritanusorn Arnupab , Tzoganakis Costas
Published: October 2017

The scratch damage resistance and impact strength of PMMA sheets are necessary factors that have to be concerned by manufacturers. The aim of this work is to investigate the influences of silica (Si) from tetraethoxysilane on scratch damage resistance of the sheet surfaces for optical applications. The polymeric composites including PMMA, polyurethane (PU) and Si were produced via a bulk polymerization in a casting process. The technique creates semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) between PMMA and PU. The percentage of IPNs and surface morphology of the composite sheets were observed. Furthermore, scratch resistance, impact strength, ultraviolet and thermal degradations of PMMA-PU-Si sheets were measured and compared with those of neat PMMA-PU sheets. The results revealed that the optimal Si amount (0.039 phr) provided 2B of the scratch resistance (2B of pencil range). This composite formula gave the highest impact values of 24.27 kJ/m2 for an Izod type and 24.94 kJ/m2 for a Charpy type. Composite sheets showed increases in ultraviolet and heat resistance by increasing the content of Si. However, the PMMA-PU-Si sheets were useable at temperature lower than 180 ⁰C.
Synthesis of PAA-PAMPS-PNaSS Terpolymers as Ultraviolet-Tagged Scale Inhibitor for Industrial Water Cooling System
Authors: Jitreewas Parinya , Saengvattanarat Suwicha , Tansiri Phanita , Pranee Siriporn , Chuayprakong Sunanta , Khemtong Chalermchai , Seeyangnok Samitthichai
Published: October 2017

Carboxylated polymer can be used as an anti-scaling agent in circulating water cooling systems. Poly(acrylic acid) and homopolymer have some drawbacks such as slight solubility in water and low calcium tolerance leading difficulty to determine the remaining quantity of polymer in water. This research is mainly focused on synthesis and ability of poly(acrylic acid-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) (PAA-PAMPS) for scale inhibition. These terpolymers varied in mole ratios of monomers were prepared via solution polymerization. The obtained polymers are then characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, TGA, turbidity, and UV-visible spectroscopy. For a scale inhibition test, GB/T 16632-2008 standard is applied. The scale inhibition efficiency for 100% was found in PAA-PAMPS copolymer (7:3). Afterwards this polymer was chosen for synthesizing an ultraviolet-tagged PAA-PAMPS-PNaSS terpolymer. UV-visible spectroscopy was used to monitor benzene sulfonate structure in sodium styrene sulfonate of the polymer chain at 224 nm.
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Gelatin Films with Na2SO4 Cross-Linked for Controlled-Release of Nitrofurantoin
Authors: Somphon Weenawan , Samnaree Siriporn
Published: October 2017

This work prepared and characterized of chitosan (Cs)-gelatin (Gel) films for the controlled release of the nitrofurantoin (NF) antibacterial drug. The side effects of NF are nausea and emesis due to its high absorption rate immediately after oral administration. The use of Cs-Gel films enables economic production of the drug carrier system. Cs-Gel films were prepared by mixing Cs with Gel at different ratios and were cross-linked with Na2SO4 with different concentrations. NF was loaded into the films by soaking of drug solution. Films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and evaluated for thickness, water absorption capacity, swelling behaviour and invitro NF drug release in phosphate buffer solution pH 5.8 and pH 7.4. The results indicated that additional amount of gelatin and sulfate ion cross-linked to the films increased the swelling, water absorption ability and also improved NF release.
Adsorption of Ammonia on Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Framework: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Phikulthai Saowalak , Injongkol Yuwanda , Maihom Thana , Treesukol Piti , Maitarad Phornphimon , Tangsermvit Vitsarut , Kongpatpanich Kanokwan , Boekfa Bundet
Published: October 2017

Zirconium-based Metal-organic framework ((Zr6O4(OH)4(1,4-benzenedicarboxylate)6), UiO-66) is one of the most outstanding MOFs for heterogeneous catalysis owning to its high thermal and chemical stabilities. 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, which is an organic linker of UiO-66, can be functionalized by a sulfonic acid group (UiO-66-SO3H) for several acid-catalyzed reactions. In this work, the structures and acidity of the synthesized UiO-66 and UiO-66-SO3H were characterized using X-ray diffraction, IR-spectroscopy and adsorption experiments. The adsorption of ammonia on UiO-66 type frameworks was studied on the C162H122O67SZr12 cluster model by different DFT functionals including B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, M06-L, PBE, TPSS and ωB97X-D. The adsorption energies were calculated to be -16.4, -19.2, -18.0, -19.7, -17.4 and -19.3 kcal/mol, respectively, which agreed well with the value from MP2 calculation (-17.9 kcal/mol). This study provides a guideline on the suitable calculation models and yield more insights on the adsorption in acid-functionalized UiO-66 MOF framework.
The effectiveness of Sesheke Church’s transformational task: An exposition of the descriptive-empirical task from a practical theological perspective
Authors: Mutemwa David , Hattingh Willem , Hattingh-Rust Rene
Published: October 2017

This article reports on the findings of the descriptive-empirical task of an original research into the effectiveness of the Sesheke Church’s transformational task. Osmer’s (2008) model of the four tasks of practical theological interpretation (descriptive-empirical, interpretive, normative, and pragmatic) has been employed in the original research. Each of the tasks addresses a specific stage of a proposed study, but this article, as already mentioned, reports on the descriptive-empirical task. The task seeks to understand the current praxis of the Sesheke Church regarding the transformation of their local community (Osmer, 2008:31–79).The Sesheke Pastors Fellowship, referred to as Sesheke Church in the article, has accepted an obligation regarding the welfare of their community and formed a sub-committee in July 2007 to engage the church, government, and all other stakeholders in a transformation process. The aim of the Sesheke Church has been to bring about socio-economic transformation for the local community.The researcher was chairperson of the sub-committee for seven years and has, therefore, been motivated to investigate the praxis and impact of the Sesheke Church’s transformational task. According to the opinions of the participants interviewed, the transformational task by the church in Sesheke has not been effective for various reasons. This article discusses the reasons for the church’s failure as perceived by the participants.The researcher believes that this article will contribute to the understanding of practical theology with regards to community transformation from the unique context and situation of the transformational task by the church in the Sesheke area.
Оценки констант ограниченной изометрии для жестких фреймов
Authors: Kaporin Igor Evgen'evich
Published: October 2017

Рассмотрено стандартное условие ограниченной изометрии для жестких фреймов (часто используемых в качестве матриц сжатого измерения) и построены детерминистские нижние границы для входящих в него констант. Указанные границы зависят только от размеров матрицы и степени разреженности. Обсуждается точность оценок, а также связанные результаты, получаемые в рамках существующей теории сжатого измерения.
Библиография: 18 наименований.
О функциях от квазитeплицевых матриц
Authors: Bini Dario Andrea , Massei Stefano , Meini Beatrice
Published: October 2017

Пусть $a(z)=\sum_{i\in\mathbb Z}a_iz^i$ - комплекснозначная функция, определенная при $|z|=1$ и такая, что $\sum_{i=-\infty}^{+\infty}|ia_i|<\infty$. Рассмотрим полубесконечную тeплицеву матрицу $T(a)=(t_{i,j})_{i,j\in\mathbb Z^+}$, ассоциированную с функцией $a(z)$ следующим образом: $t_{i,j}=a_{j-i}$. Квазитeплицевой матрицей, ассоциированной с функцией $a(z)$, называется матрица вида $A=T(a)+E$, где $E=(e_{i,j})$, $\sum_{i,j\in\mathbb Z^+}|e_{i,j}|<\infty$. Для краткости используется термин $\mathrm{QT}$-матрица. Для заданных функции $f(x)$ и $\mathrm{QT}$-матрицы $M$ мы формулируем условия, при которых значение $f(M)$ корректно определено и является $\mathrm{QT}$-матрицей. Кроме того, мы вводим параметризацию $\mathrm{QT}$-матриц и алгоритмов для вычисления значений $f(M)$. Изучается случай, когда $f(x)$ задается в терминах степенных рядов, и случай, когда $f(x)$ определяется в терминах интеграла Коши. Проведенный анализ также применяется к конечным матрицам, которые допускают запись в виде суммы тeплицевой матрицы и поправки небольшого ранга.
Библиография: 27 названий.
Асимптотика собственных чисел и собственных векторов матриц Тeплица
Authors: Bottcher Albrecht , Bogoya Johan Manuel , Grudskii Sergei Mikhailovich , Maximenko Egor Anatolevich
Published: October 2017

Исследование асимптотического поведения спектральных характеристик тeплицевых матриц, когда размерность матрицы стремится к бесконечности, имеет более чем столетнюю историю. Например, хорошо известны многочисленные варианты теоремы Сeгe об асимптотическом распределении собственных чисел и так называемой сильной теоремы Сегe об асимптотическом поведении определителей тeплицевых матриц. Начиная с 1950-х гг. интенсивно изучались асимптотики наибольших и наименьших собственных чисел. Отметим однако, что исследования, посвященные изучению индивидуальных асимптотик всех собственных чисел и собственных векторов матриц Тeплица, появились совсем недавно. Первые статьи на эту тему опубликованы в 2009-2010 гг. Настоящая работа посвящена обзору этого нового направления.
Библиография: 55 названий.
Hygroscopic behavior and chemical composition evolution of internally mixed aerosols composed of oxalic acid and ammonium sulfate
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Jing Bo , Tan Fang , Ma Jiabi , Zhang Yunhong , Ge Maofa
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Although water uptake of aerosol particles plays an important role in the atmospheric environment, the effects of interactions between components on chemical composition and hygroscopicity of particles are still not well constrained. The hygroscopic properties and phase transformation of oxalic acid (OA) and mixed particles composed of ammonium sulfate (AS) and OA with different organic to inorganic molar ratios (OIRs) have been investigated by using confocal Raman spectroscopy. It is found that OA droplets first crystallize to form OA dihydrate at 71 % relative humidity (RH), and further lose crystalline water to convert into anhydrous OA around 5 % RH during the dehydration process. The deliquescence and efflorescence point for AS is determined to be 80.1 ± 1.5 % RH and 44.3 ± 2.5 % RH, respectively. The observed efflorescence relative humidity (ERH) for mixed OA ∕ AS droplets with OIRs of 1 : 3, 1 : 1 and 3 : 1 is 34.4 ± 2.0, 44.3 ± 2.5 and 64.4 ± 3.0 % RH, respectively, indicating the elevated OA content appears to favor the crystallization of mixed systems at higher RH. However, the deliquescence relative humidity (DRH) of AS in mixed OA ∕ AS particles with OIRs of 1 : 3 and 1 : 1 is observed to occur at 81.1 ± 1.5 and 77 ± 1.0 % RH, respectively. The Raman spectra of mixed OA ∕ AS droplets indicate the formation of ammonium hydrogen oxalate (NH4HC2O4) and ammonium hydrogen sulfate (NH4HSO4) from interactions between OA and AS in aerosols during the dehydration process on the time scale of hours, which considerably influence the subsequent deliquescence behavior of internally mixed particles with different OIRs. The mixed OA ∕ AS particles with an OIR of 3 : 1 exhibit no deliquescence transition over the RH range studied due to the considerable transformation of (NH4)2SO4 into NH4HC2O4 with a high DRH. Although the hygroscopic growth of mixed OA ∕ AS droplets is comparable to that of AS or OA at high RH during the dehydration process, Raman growth factors of mixed particles after deliquescence are substantially lower than those of mixed OA ∕ AS droplets during the efflorescence process and further decrease with elevated OA content. The discrepancies for Raman growth factors of mixed OA ∕ AS particles between the dehydration and hydration process at high RH can be attributed to the significant formation of NH4HC2O4 and residual OA, which remain solid at high RH and thus result in less water uptake of mixed particles. These findings improve the understanding of the role of reactions between dicarboxylic acid and inorganic salt in the chemical and physical properties of aerosol particles, and might have important implications for atmospheric chemistry.
Impact of agricultural emission reductions on fine-particulate matter and public health
Authors: Pozzer Andrea , Tsimpidi Alexandra P. , Karydis Vlassis A. , de Meij Alexander , Lelieveld Jos
Published: October 2017

Abstract. A global chemistry-climate model has been used to study the impacts of pollutants released by agriculture on fine-particulate matter (PM2.5), with a focus on Europe, North America, East and South Asia. Simulations reveal that a relatively strong reduction in PM2.5 levels can be achieved by decreasing agricultural emissions, notably of ammonia (NH3) released from fertilizer use and animal husbandry. The absolute impact on PM2.5 reduction is strongest in East Asia, even for small emission decreases. Conversely, over Europe and North America, aerosol formation is not immediately limited by the availability of ammonia. Nevertheless, reduction of NH3 can also substantially decrease PM2.5 concentrations over the latter regions, especially when emissions are abated systematically. Our results document how reduction of agricultural emissions decreases aerosol pH due to the depletion of aerosol ammonium, which affects particle liquid phase and heterogeneous chemistry. Further, it is shown that a 50 % reduction of agricultural emissions could prevent the mortality attributable to air pollution by  ∼ 250 000 people yr−1 worldwide, amounting to reductions of 30, 19, 8 and 3 % over North America, Europe, East and South Asia, respectively. A theoretical 100 % reduction could even reduce the number of deaths globally by about 800 000 per year.
Contrails and Their Impact on Shortwave Radiation and Photovoltaic Power Production – A Regional Model Study
Authors: Gruber Simon , Unterstrasser Simon , Bechtold Jan , Vogel Heike , Vogel Bernhard , Jung Martin , Pak Henry
Published: October 2017

Abstract. A high resolution regional-scale numerical model was extended by a parameterization that allows for both the generation and the life cycle of contrails and contrail cirrus to be calculated. The life cycle of contrails and contrail cirrus is described by a two-moment cloud microphysical scheme that was extended by a separate contrail ice class for a better representation of the high concentration of small ice crystals that occur in contrails. The basic input data set contains the spatially and temporally highly resolved flight trajectories over Central Europe derived from real time data. The parameterization provides aircraft-dependent source terms for contrail ice mass and number. A case study was performed to investigate the influence of contrails and contrail cirrus on the radiative fluxes at the earth's surface. Accounting for contrails produced by aircraft enabled the model to simulate high clouds that were otherwise missing on this day. The effect of these extra clouds was to reduce the incoming shortwave radiation at the surface as well as the production of photovoltaic power by up to 10 %.
On the Appropriate Definition of Soil Profile Configuration and Initial Conditions for Land Surface-Hydrology Models in Cold Regions
Authors: Sapriza-Azuri Gonzalo , Gamazo Pablo , Razavi Saman , Wheater Howard S.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Arctic and sub-arctic regions are amongst the most susceptible regions on Earth to global warming and climate change. Understanding and predicting the impact of climate change in these regions require a proper process representation of the interactions between climate, the carbon cycle, and hydrology in Earth system models. This study focuses on Land Surface Models (LSMs) that represent the lower boundary condition of General Circulation Models (GCMs) and Regional Climate Models (RCMs), which simulate climate change evolution at the global and regional scales, respectively. LSMs typically utilize a standard soil configuration with a depth of no more than 4 meters, whereas for cold, permafrost regions, field experiments show that attention to deep soil profiles is needed to understand and close the water and energy balances, which are tightly coupled through the phase change. To address this, we design and run a series of model experiments with a one-dimensional LSM, called CLASS (Canadian Land Surface Scheme), as embedded in the MESH (Modélisation Environmentale Communautaire – Surface and Hydrology) modelling system, to (1) characterize the effect of soil profile depth under different climate conditions and in the presence of parameter uncertainty, and (2) develop a methodology for temperature profile initialization in permafrost regions, where the system has an extended memory, by the use of paleo-records and bootstrapping. Our study area is in Norman Wells, Northwest Territories of Canada, where measurements of soil temperature profiles and historical reconstructed climate data are available. Our results demonstrate that the adequate depth of soil profile in an LSM varies for warmer and colder conditions and is sensitive to model parameters and the uncertainty around them. In general, however, we show that a minimum of 20 meters of soil profile is essential to adequately represent the temperature dynamics. Our results also indicate the significance of model initialization in permafrost regions and our proposed spin-up method requires running the LSM over more than 300 years of reconstructed climate time series.
Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum ccm 3627 and Lactobacillus brevis ccm 1815 for fermentation of cereal substrates
Authors: Romanová Kvetoslava , Urminská Dana
Published: October 2017

Lactobacillus is the most representative strain in a group of lactic acid bacteria, which perform an essential role in the preservation and production of wholesome foods. Lactic acid fermentation is the oldest traditional method for preparation of fermented vegetables, meat products, dairy products and cereal foods. Cereal grains are considered to be one of the most important sources of dietary proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibre for people. The main exploitation of cereals is to prepare sourdough, which is a mixture of wheat, rye or other cereal flour with water and contains yeasts and lactobacilli. The basic biochemical changes that occur in sourdough bread fermentation are acidification of the dough with organic acids produced by the lactobacilli and leavening with carbon dioxide produced by the yeast and the lactobacilli. Acidification perhaps initiate enzymatic processes of proteins and phytates degradation. Lactobacilli produce various enzymes which make flavour precursors, improve of mineral bioavailability or degrade celiac active peptides, because some species of lactobacilli produce specific peptidases during growth, which are capable to hydrolyze hardly cleavable, celiac-active proline-rich peptides. Microbial fermentation with selected strains of lactobacilli may be new alternative approach for modification of gluten by hydrolysis. In this paper are described growth characteristics and intracellular aminopeptidases activities of Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 3627 and Lactobacillus brevis CCM 1815. Work was focused on characterization of the lactobacilli for potential usage as a starter culture in further fermentation experiments.
Survival of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Bifidobacterium animalis in yoghurts made from commercial starter cultures during refrigerated storage
Authors: Dudriková Eva , Nagyová Mária , Dičáková Zuzana
Published: October 2017

All over the world, fermented dairy products have been consumed for nutrition and maintenance of good health for a very long time. This study evaluated the survival of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 in yoghurts after the manufacturing during the shelf-life up to 21 days at 4 °C, which is mostly accepted by the consumers. The titratable acidity and pH showed the same patterns of increase or decline after manufacturing and storage of yoghurts. There was a significant difference (p <0.05) in acidity between yoghurts in glass bottle and plastic cup. The increase in numbers of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and their survival during storage time were dependent on the species and strain of associative yoghurt bacteria (control-only yoghurt lactic acid bacteria and experimental containing except yoghurt culture also Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12) and on the packaging material (glass bottle versus plastic cup). It was observed, that counts of bifidobacteria were lower than counts of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus (190 to 434 x 107 at 1d) and slowly increased (p <0.001) at maximum level on day 7 (294.3 - 754 x 107) and then slowly declined to 6.33 x 107 in glass bottle and 2.33 x 107 in plastic cups, respectively. Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus multiplied better in glass bottles than in plastic cups, as observed during experimental period in-group with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12. At the end of the storage period at 4 ºC, viable counts of lactobacilli were higher (p <0.001) in glass bottles. Al the yoghurts, contained the recommended levels of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (107 cfu.g-1) at the end of storage period (21 d).
Effect of different levels of green tea (Camellia sinensis) on productive performance, carcass characteristics and organs of broiler chickens
Authors: Hrnčár Cyril , Bujko Jozef
Published: October 2017

In this work we aimed to determine the effect of different levels of green tea in powder form to feed on productive performance, carcass parameters and organs in broiler chickens. Totally 240 day-old broiler chickens Ross 308 were divided to four dietary groups (n = 60) namely control and three experimental groups with supplementation of green tea to feed mixture in levels 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. Broiler chickens were feeding with commercial feed mixtures and feed and drinking water were provided ad libittum. The feeding period lasted 42 days. Individual body weight of broiler chickens was determined at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 day, feed sonsumption and mortality per group were determined at 42 day of fattening period. Carcass quality and organs weight of broiler chickens were determined at the end of the experiment. The results indicated that supplementation of different levels of green tea statistically significant decreased body weight gain and we recorded lower body weight in 21 days of age compared with control group. However, in second period of fattening, broiler chickens in experimental groups growing faster and in 42 days of age we found statistically no significantly differences among control and experimental groups. Feed consumption did not differ among the dietary groups at 42 days of fattening. Mortality no affected by supplementation of green tea to broiler chickens diets in comparison with control group. From the carcass parameters addition of green tea significantly decreased percentage of abdominal fat between control and 1.5% green tea level, in other parameters (percentage of breast, percentage of drumstick, carcass yield) were different among control and experimental groups not statistically significant. The caecum and small intestine weights was significantly (p ≤0.05) decreased in chickens fed diets containing 0.5% green tea supplement compared to 1% and 1.5%. For neck, crop, heart, liver, proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, kidneys, small intestine, caecum and large intestine weights among control and experimental groups we recorded no statistical differences (p ˃0.05).
Phacoemulsification plus endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation versus phacoemulsification alone in primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Pérez Bartolomé Francisco , Rodrigues Ian A. , Goyal Saurabh , Bloch Edward , Lim Wei S. , Alaghband Pouya , Guajardo Jose , Jones Stephanie , Lim Kin S.
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

To examine the efficacy and safety of combined phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (phaco-ECP) compared to phacoemulsification alone in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:

We performed a retrospective notes review of 99 consecutive clinical records of patients with POAG from 2 London eye departments. A total of 69 patients who underwent phaco-ECP and 30 sex- and age-matched control patients who underwent cataract surgery alone were included. Data on intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity (VA), number of ocular hypotensive medications, and postoperative complications were collected over 12 months. The primary outcome measure was defined as an IOP within normal limits (<21 mm Hg) and at least a 20% reduction in IOP from baseline.

Results:

Mean IOP was significantly decreased in both groups after 1 year (p<0.001 from baseline). The success rate was significantly higher in the phaco-ECP group (69.6%) than in the phaco group (40%) after 1 year (p = 0.004). Reduction in mean IOP and number of medications was also greater in the phaco-ECP group after 1 year (IOP reduction: 4.5 ± 5.13 mm Hg vs 1.83 ± 3.61 mm Hg; p = 0.007; number of medications reduction: 0.73 ± 0.71 vs 0.23 ± 0.56; p = 0.001). Both groups achieved a similar improvement in VA. There was a higher incidence of minor and self-limiting complications in the phaco-ECP group (p<0.047).

Conclusions:

Phaco-ECP resulted in a greater reduction in IOP and number of medications than phacoemulsification alone in POAG.
Safety of the use of xylometazoline nasal spray in young children undergoing lacrimal surgery: an observational study
Authors: Joganathan Varajini , Beigi Bijan
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

It is common practice to prepare the nasal mucosa with decongestant in children undergoing lacrimal surgery. Xylometazoline 0.05% (Otrivine) nasal spray is commonly used. It has been reported to cause cardiovascular side effects. In the absence of formal guidelines on the safety of the use of nasal decongestants in children, we reviewed our practice to answer the question: How safe is preoperative use of xylometazoline in children undergoing lacrimal surgery? To our knowledge, this is the first study to address the potential side effects of the use of xylometazoline preoperatively in children undergoing lacrimal surgery.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of medical notes of children undergoing lacrimal surgery with the use of preoperative intranasal xylometazoline 0.05% over a 5-year period.

Results:

Twenty-nine children, age 1-6 years (mean 3 years), underwent lacrimal surgery under general anesthesia with preoperative use of intranasal xylometazoline. Topical intranasal 1:10,000 adrenaline was used during surgery in all patients. All children were found to have uneventful surgery and recovery from anesthesia.

Conclusions:

Xylometazoline 0.05% intranasal use for prelacrimal surgery was found to be effective and safe. Addition of sympathomimetic topical adrenaline (1:10,000) did not impose any risks. The type of general anesthesia may influence the cardiovascular side effects anecdotally recorded during xylometazoline use.
Mobile femtosecond laser platform for pediatric cataract surgery
Authors: Fung Simon S.M. , Brookes John , Wilkins Mark R. , Adams Gillian G.W.
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

To describe the use of a mobile femtosecond laser platform in assisting paediatric cataract surgery.

Methods:

A mobile femtosecond laser was brought into the operating room and calibrated on the day of the surgery. After general anesthesia is induced, the femtosecond laser was docked onto the eyes with a liquid-filled interface, without any perioperative adaptations or additional surgical procedures. An anterior capsulotomy was created with the femtosecond laser, followed by conventional cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation.

Results:

Five eyes of 3 children with congenital cataracts were treated with this technique. Docking and capsulorhexis were successful in all cases. No perioperative or intraoperative complications were noted in any of the cases. At median follow-up of 15 months (range 6-18 months), all patients had improved best-corrected visual acuity.

Conclusions:

Using the mobile femtosecond laser platform, a perfectly sized anterior capsulotomy could be created with high precision and accuracy in paediatric cataract cases, while ensuring that perioperative care for the children undergoing the procedure was not compromised.
Pegaptanib: choroidal neovascularization in patients with age-related macular degeneration and previous arterial thromboembolic events
Authors: Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Di Bartolo Emanuele , Brue Claudia , Cappello Ezio , Furino Claudio , Giuffrida Sebastiano , Imparato Manuela , Reibaldi Michele
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and the rate of side effects of the pegylated aptamer pegaptanib in the treatment of patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a history of previous arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs).

Methods:

Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients with subfoveal CNV due to AMD and cerebrovascular accidents (n = 12) and myocardial infarction (n = 11) in the previous 6 months received intravitreal pegaptanib 0.3 mg according to a pro re nata regimen and were followed for 12 months. The paired Student t test was used to evaluate mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; primary outcome measure) and central foveal thickness (CFT).

Results:

The mean patient age was 71.5 ± 4.6 years; there were 14 women and 9 men. The CNV was type 1, 2, and 3 in 18, 3, and 2 eyes, respectively. The mean BCVA improved from 0.67 ± 0.23 logMAR at baseline to 0.52 ± 0.31 logMAR at the end of 12-month follow-up (p = 0.044). Thirty-five percent of patients achieved ≥3 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study lines improvement at 12 months. Mean CFT at baseline (381 ± 111 µm) decreased to 304 ± 82 µm at 12 months (p = 0.008). Patients received a mean of 4.3 ± 1.3 (range 3-7) injections. No systemic or ocular side effects occurred; no patient experienced further ATEs.

Conclusions:

Intravitreal pegaptanib can be considered a viable treatment option for patients with AMD-related CNV who are at high risk of ATEs.
Ocular blood flow in steep Trendelenburg positioning during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Demasi Christian L. , Porpiglia Francesco , Tempia Augusto , D’Amelio Savino
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

Several ischemic optic neuropathies that occurred during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) have been reported to be due to the Trendelenburg position, which lowers ocular perfusion pressure (OPP). We examined changes in pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) and its correlation with OPP during RALRP in the steep Trendelenburg position.

Methods:

Pulsatile ocular blood flow and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured in 50 patients by the OBF Langham System 5 times during RALRP. The mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate, plateau airway pressure, and end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) at each time point were recorded. Ocular perfusion pressure was calculated from simultaneous IOP and MAP measurements.

Results:

Pulsatile ocular blood flow was 15.53 ± 3.32 µL/s at T0, 18.99 ± 4.95 µL/s at T1, 10.04 ± 3.24 µL/s at T2, 11.45 ± 3.02 µL/s at T3, and 15.07 ± 3.81 µL/s at T4. Ocular perfusion pressure was 70.15 ± 5.98 mm Hg at T0, 64.21 ± 6.77 mm Hg at T1, 57.71 ± 7.07 mm Hg at T2, 51.73 ± 11.58 mm Hg at T3, and 64.21 ± 12.37 mm Hg at T4. Repeated-measures analysis of variance on POBF and OPP was significant (p>0.05). This difference disappeared when the correlation between MAP and POBF, EtCO2 and POBF, and EtCO2 and OPP were considered, while correlation between MAP and OPP confirmed the difference. The regression analysis between POBF and OPP showed a statistically significant difference at T0 and T3 (r = 0.047, p = 0.031 and r = 0.096, p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions:

Pulsatile ocular blood flow and OPP reached the lowest level at the end of surgery.
Circulating or tissue microRNAs and extracellular vesicles as potential lung cancer biomarkers: a systematic review
Authors: Song Yan , Yu Xiuli , Zang Zongmei , Zhao Guijuan
Published: October 2017

For both lung cancer patients and clinical physicians, tumor biomarkers for more efficient early diagnosis and prediction of prognosis are always wanted. Biomarkers in circulating serum, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and extracellular vesicles, hold the greatest possibilities to partially substitute for tissue biopsy. In this systematic review, studies on circulating or tissue miRNAs and extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers for lung cancer patients were reviewed and are discussed. Furthermore, the target genes of the miRNAs indicated were identified through the miRTarBase, while the relevant biological processes and pathways of miRNAs in lung cancer were analyzed through MiRNA Enrichment Analysis and Annotation (MiEAA). In conclusion, circulating or tissue miRNAs and extracellular vesicles provide us with a window to explore strategies for diagnosing and assessing prognosis and treatment in lung cancer patients.
Prognostic value of the Glasgow prognostic score in lung cancer: evidence from 10 studies
Authors: Jin Jing , Hu Kejia , Zhou Yongzhao , Li Weimin
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To conduct a meta-analysis of prospective and retrospective studies to reveal the relationship between the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) and overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with lung cancer.

Methods:

Correlative studies were included by searching the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed Cochrane Library until April 16, 2017. We combined the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the correlation between GPS and OS or PFS in patients with lung cancer.

Results:

Ten studies involving 5,369 participants from several regions were identified through searching databases. In a pooled analysis of all studies, elevated GPS was associated with poorer OS (HR = 2.058; 95% CI, 1.51-2.80; p<0.05). However, the combined data showed no significant relationship between the GPS of 1 or 2, and PFS, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the patients with GPS ≥1 had poorer OS compared with those with GPS = 0 (HR = 2.01; 95% CI, 1.75-2.32; p<0.001). A similar trend was observed in patients receiving chemotherapy (HR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17-2.36; p<0.05) and surgery (HR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.59-5.22; p<0.001) when stratified by treatment.

Conclusions:

Increased level of GPS may have a prognostic value in lung cancer. We detected a statistical difference in the association of elevated GPS and poorer OS, though the association was not significant in PFS settings. However, further studies are warranted to draw firm conclusions.
BTG1 low expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is associated with a poorer prognosis
Authors: Huang Yufang , Zheng Jiawei , Tan Ting , Song Li , Huang Shanshan , Zhang Yan , Lin Lin , Liu Jingnan , Zheng Peichan , Chen Xiong , Chen Xi , Ouyang Xuenong
Published: October 2017

Objective:

BTG1 is a member of the TOB/BTG protein family, which is a transducer of ErbB-2 and TOB2. It is known to inhibit tumor genesis, but its role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression of BTG1 protein in PDAC and to determine its prognostic significance.

Methods:

Immunohistochemistry is used to determine the protein expression of the BTG1 gene in 79 surgically resected PDAC. The association of BTG1 expression with all the patients’ clinicopathologic parameters, including survival, was analyzed using statistical software.

Results:

High BTG1 expression was observed in 27.8% (22/79) of the PDAC tissues, which was significantly lower than the 58.2% (46/79) of corresponding normal adjacent noncancerous tissues by immunohistochemical staining (p<0.001).Through the stratified analysis, we found a significant difference of BTG1 expression in peri-neural invasion (p = 0.002), T stage (p = 0.000), N stage (p = 0.018), and tumor, node, and metastasis stage (p = 0.000). Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis revealed that BTG1 expression status was an independent prognostic factor in PDAC (p = 0.027). Moreover, overall survival was better in PDAC cases with higher rather than lower BTG1 expression (p = 0.027).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated for the first time that lower expression of BTG1 might be involved in the progression of PDAC, suggesting that BTG1 might be a novel prognostic marker and a target for therapy.
A Review of the Molecular Basis for Reduced Endometrial Receptivity in Uterine Fibroids and Polyps
Authors: Narula Shagun , Harris Amani , Tsaltas Jim
Published: October 2017

The presence of fibroids and endometrial polyps is associated with reduced endometrial receptivity and subsequent fertility outcomes. The following review explores the molecular mechanisms behind reduced endometrial receptivity, with a focus upon homebox genes, basic transcription element binding proteins, transforming growth factor β-3, and bone morphogenetic protein 2. A better understanding of these processes is essential for future targeted therapy.