bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive manufacturing of optical components
Authors: Heinrich Andreas , Rank Manuel , Maillard Philippe , Suckow Anne , Bauckhage Yannick , Rößler Patrick , Lang Johannes , Shariff Fatin , Pekrul Sven
Published: June 2016

The development of additive manufacturing methods has enlarged rapidly in recent years. Thereby, the work mainly focuses on the realization of mechanical components, but the additive manufacturing technology offers a high potential in the field of optics as well. Owing to new design possibilities, completely new solutions are possible. This article briefly reviews and compares the most important additive manufacturing methods for polymer optics. Additionally, it points out the characteristics of additive manufactured polymer optics. Thereby, surface quality is of crucial importance. In order to improve it, appropriate post-processing steps are necessary (e.g. robot polishing or coating), which will be discussed. An essential part of this paper deals with various additive manufactured optical components and their use, especially in optical systems for shape metrology (e.g. borehole sensor, tilt sensor, freeform surface sensor, fisheye lens). The examples should demonstrate the potentials and limitations of optical components produced by additive manufacturing.
Accent stigmatization as a moderator of the relationship between perceived L2 proficiency and L2 use anxiety
Authors: Vincze Laszlo , MacIntyre Peter
Published: June 2016

By integrating the social context model of L2 acquisition with the pyramid model of willingness to communicate in L2, this study examined aspects of the psychological process underlying willingness to communicate (WTC) in Slovak among young Hungarian speakers in Southern Slovakia. The data was collected among Hungarian-speaking secondary school students (N=310). The results indicated that frequent and pleasant contact with Slovak speakers was related to higher proficiency in Slovak and lower anxiety to use Slovak, and these increased the willingness to communicate in Slovak. However, it was also demonstrated that accent stigmatization moderated the relationship between perceived L2 proficiency and L2 use anxiety. Anxiety was more closely related to proficiency among those who perceived less accent stigmatization than among those who perceived more stigma because of their Hungarian accent. The theoretical implications of these findings for the role of the intergroup context in developing accent stigmatization, and the link between accent stigmatization, L2 use anxiety and willingness to communicate in the majority language are discussed.
Economic Sovereignty as the Democratization of Work: The Role of Basic Income
Authors: Casassas David
Published: June 2016

Let us understand economic democracy as the fourfold capacity (i) to decide what social relations we wish to “enter” in order to work; (ii) to determine the (im)material nature of the space where we decide to stay and work, which requires the capacity of having a “voice” that is effectively listened to; (iii) to opt for “exiting” this space in case its nature and functioning go against what we wish for our lives; and (iv) in case we opt for leaving, to resort to an outside-the-previous-workplace offering tools for second and subsequent opportunities, that is, to effectively “restart” our (re)productive lives in other terms and conditions. Basic income can play a crucial role in fostering such capacity. Because of its unconditionality, and thanks to bargaining power deriving from it, basic income is a sort of income that is convertible in terms of (a) time to conceive of (and put into practice) projects of one’s own, be it individually and/or collectively; (b) a capacity to explore alternative options and take promising risks; and (c) the right to credit, in the twofold sense of the right to financial resources and the right to social trust. As noticed and appreciated by some post-crash social movements, there are some spheres where such democracy-enhancing bargaining power may unfold: wage-earning work, the decommodification of labour force and the possible subsequent constitution of cooperatives and other self-managed (re)productive spaces, the household, entrepreneurship, socio-political participation, etc. In sum, more flexible combinations of different kinds of work may emerge when individuals and groups enjoy an income stream that is guaranteed as a right, which echoes both classical and contemporary discourses on the need for humans to have the democratic right to autonomously choose and determine work(s) all along the life cycle.
Serum uric acid levels and risk of prehypertension: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Menglin , Gong Dandan , Fan Yu
Published: June 2016

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels may increase the risk of prehypertension. However, the findings from these studies remain conflicting. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between SUA levels and risk of prehypertension by conducting a meta-analysis. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and the Wangfang database without language restrictions through May 2015. Observational studies assessing the relationship between SUA levels and prevalence of prehypertension were included. Pooled adjust odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) of prehypertension were calculated for the highest vs. lowest SUA levels. Prehypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ranging from 120 to 139 mmHg or diastolic BP ranging from 80 to 89 mmHg. Eight cross-sectional studies with a total of 21,832 prehypertensive individuals were included. Meta-analysis showed that elevated SUA levels were associated with increased risk of prehypertension (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.42–2.38) comparing the highest vs. lowest level of SUA levels. Subgroup analyses showed that elevated SUA levels significantly increased the risk of prehypertension among men (OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.12–2.21) and women (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.17–2.16). Elevated SUA levels are positively associated with the risk of prehypertension in the general population. However, more well-designed longitudinal studies are needed before a definitive conclusion can be drawn due to the cross-sectional studies included are susceptible to bias.
CFD Modeling and Operation Strategies for Hetero-/Homogeneous Combustion of Methane-Air Mixtures in Catalytic Microreactors Using Detailed Chemical Kinetics
Authors: Chen Junjie , Liu Baofang
Published: June 2016

The hetero-/homogeneous combustion of methane-air mixtures in platinum-coated microreactors was investigated by means of two-dimensional CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations with detailed chemical reaction schemes, detailed species transport, and heat transfer mechanisms in the solid wall. Detailed homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical kinetic mechanisms are employed to describe the chemistry. The effects of the reactor size, inlet velocity and feed composition were elucidated. Operation strategies for controlling the heterogeneous and homogeneous chemistry in heterogeneous-homogeneous microreactors were developed. Simulations using these mechanisms suggested that homogeneous chemistry can be sustained for gaps well below the quenching distance because of enhanced catalyst-induced heating. This finding has very important ramifications for catalyst safety and lifetime, as well as can be used to produce chemicals, e. g. in oxidative coupling and oxidative dehydrogenation reactions. The proportion of heterogeneous and homogeneous contributions depends strongly upon the reactor operating conditions. Reactor size plays a vital role in the homogeneous chemistry contribution. Smaller reactors result in reduced homogeneous chemistry contribution. Pure heterogeneous chemistry can occur under certain proper conditions, such as heat loss/heat exchange rates, feed compositions, and flow rates. The competition or synergism between homogeneous and heterogeneous chemistry was delineated.
Management of very early preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in twin pregnancies by selective feticide
Authors: Yılanlıoğlu Necip Cihangir , Semiz Altuğ , Akpak Yaşam Kemal
Published: June 2016

Aim:

To assess the efficacy of selective termination in improving pregnancy outcome in very early preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in twin pregnancies.

Methods:

A total of six dichorionic twin intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) pregnancies complicated with very early PPROM between 17+5 and 19+3 gestational weeks were admitted to our hospital and were managed by selective termination of the member with ruptured membranes and followed up. Two cases were twins reduced from triplets at our unit (33%). The fetuses with ruptured membranes were subjected to feticide by intra-cardiac injection of potassium chloride after a mean of 3.5 days following PPROM.

Results:

The overall PPROM-delivery/miscarriage time-interval was 80 days using the proposed management scheme. Two cases ended with total pregnancy loss at 21+ and 23+ weeks, respectively. Four cases progressed successfully beyond 29 weeks, reaching an average of 35+5 days.

Conclusions:

The handling of these six twin PPROM cases as described produced a healthy baby to take home in four instances, resulting in a success rate of 67%, whereas the implementation of a more conservative approach using antibiotics and steroids is expected to lead to a survival rate of around 15% and a handicap rate up to 50%.
The most important message in the history of mankind
Authors: Skubała Piotr
Published: June 2016

It the long history of life on the Earth five major mass extinctions were observed. Nowadays, the impact of human activities on the planet has accelerated the loss of species and ecosystems to a level comparable to a sixth mass extinction, the first driven by a living species. Surprisingly, this fact rarely reaches the public consciousness. The negative influence of human activity is observed in whole area of land ecosystems, whereas marine ecosystems are at risk of entering a phase of extinction unprecedented in human history. We have domesticated landscapes and ecosystems causing unforeseen changes in ecosystem attributes. Humanity has already overshot global biocapacity by 50% and now lives unsustainabily by depleting stocks of natural capital. Three the Earth-system processes - climate change, rate of biodiversity loss and interference with the nitrogen cycle - have already transgressed their boundaries. Human activities are of sufficient magnitude to suggest that we have triggered a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. The “Biosphere 2” project revailed that we are not able to build and control a different system life and that we are totally dependent on the present biosphere. The experiment known in the literature as “The Tragedy of the Commons” reminds us that we need frugality and cooperation to solve environmental problems and survive.
Effect of oil palm ash on the mechanical and thermal properties of unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Sahari J. , Maleque M.A.
Published: June 2016

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of oil palm ash (OPA) on the mechanical and thermal properties of biocomposites. Different compositions of OPA (i.e. 0, 10, 20 and 30 vol%) were introduced to unsaturated polyester (UPE) by using simple casting method with methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) as a hardener. The specimens were prepared based on ASTM D5083 standards for tensile testing. From the results, it was found that the mechanical properties of UPE/OPA composites were improved in modulus with increasing the OPA content. The physical properties of UPE/OPA were also investigated where the density of biocomposites decrease with increasing OPA while the water absorption of UPE/OPA increase with increasing OPA. The thermal and morphological characterization of the UPE/OPA composites have been done using TGA, DSC and SEM.
Preparation of solution-processable colorless polyamide-imides with extremely low thermal expansion coefficients through an in-situ silylation method for potential space optical applications
Authors: Wang Song , Yang Guangjie , Wu Shibin , Ren Ge , Yang Wei , Liu Xikui
Published: June 2016

Several tough and flexible fluorinated polyamide-imide films were prepared from trimellitic anhydride chloride and 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine through a facile one-pot in-situ silylation method. By incorporating fluorinated side groups, the solubility of the prepared polyamide-imide was greatly enhanced. Meanwhile, due to their linear chain configuration and the existence of hydrogen bonding, the prepared polyamide-imide films revealed high tensile strength, high tensile modulus, high glass transition temperature (Tg) and most interestingly, very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 11 ppm/°C. Copolymerization with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) led to an extremely low CTE of 4 ppm/°C which should be among the lowest values available for soluble polyamide-imides. The optical homogeneity and stress homogeneity of the obtained polyamide-imide films were also tested. After non-contact with substance and thermal treatment at 300°C, they revealed a better optical homogeneity and stress homogeneity than that of the commercially available Kapton polyimide (PI) films, with a PV value of 0.915 λ and RMS value of 0.163 λ. Thus, these colorless and soluble polyamide-imide films simultaneously possessing promising optical imaging performance are good candidates as novel diffractive membrane optical system architectures.
CPW-Fed 8-Shaped Monopole Antenna for Ultra Wideband Applications
Authors: Singhal Sarthak , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: June 2016

A CPW-fed 8-shaped monopole antenna for ultra wideband applications is presented. It consists of a 8-shaped monopole and two quarter elliptical coplanar waveguide ground planes. An impedance bandwidth from 5.4 GHz to 23.83 GHz is achieved. The radiation patterns are observed to be omnidirectional and bidirectional in E-and H-plane respectively at lower resonances. At higher frequencies, the radiation patterns are found to be nearly omnidirectional in both planes. The group delay variation is also observed to be constant in the operating frequency range. A good agreement is found between the simulation and experimental results. The designed antenna structure has miniaturized dimensions and wider bandwidth as compared to other already reported monopole structures.
Cognitive Wireless Communications – A paradigm shift in dealing with radio resources as a prerequisite for the wireless network of the future – An overview on the topic of cognitive wireless technologies
Authors: Haustein Thomas , Stanczak Slawomir , Wolisz Adam , Jondral Friedrich , Schotten Hans , Kraemer Rolf , Mück Markus , Mennenga Horst , Bender Paul
Published: June 2016

Wireless radio communications systems form the basis for mobile network connections in the digital society. A limited amount of radio spectrum and a spatially densified use of wireless communications systems require a resource-efficient use of the spectrum. Mechanisms of cognitive radio may hold the key to a more efficient use of the available spectrum under consideration of quality of service requirements. These mechanisms take advantage of location-specific knowledge of the wireless channel occupation in the dimensions of frequency, time, location and direction in space and therefore enable co-existent and reliable wireless communication. The authors give an introduction to the status of cognitive wireless communication technology, which represents the starting point of a series of research projects promoted by BMBF during 2012–2014.
The Status of Urban and Suburban Sprawl in Egypt and Iran
Authors: Gouda Amr Ah. , Hosseini Maryamsadat , Masoumi Houshmand E.
Published: June 2016

The circumstances of urban sprawl in the Middle Eastern cities have been basically examined; now we are aware of the existence of a crawling sprawl in the growth pattern of the region’s cities. Nevertheless, the extent and the causes of this phenomenon have not yet been clearly explained. Thus, two questions are still unanswered: (1) to what extent are the Middle Eastern cities sprawled?, (2) what are the main drivers of sprawl in the Middle East? This paper brings together several evidences from international and the national languages to provide explanation to the above. The findings show that urban and suburban sprawl is an inclusive pattern seen in a wide variety of city sizes, planning concepts, times, etc. Sprawl is not limited to large metropolitan areas; mid-sized and small cities of the region are also sprawling. Furthermore, administrative and planning reasons are the strongest causes of urban sprawl in the region.
Location of super and hypermarkets in the city of Ústí nad Labem
Authors: Olšová Petra , Jánská Michaela
Published: June 2016

Retail stores are a common part of our everyday life. We focus on the site selection of supermarkets and hypermarkets in Ústí nad Labem and analyze the role of selected factors that drive the site selection of these super/hypermarkets. The role of the factors is verified by a correlation analysis. In the city of Ústí nad Labem, retail units of the supermarket or hypermarket type are unevenly distributed and are concentrated in the more central areas of the city. The location of stores has no power association with monitored factors. The result is certainly strongly influenced by the lack in availability of relevant data.
Low Back Pain in Student Nurses: Literature Review and Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Menzel Nancy , Feng Du , Doolen Jessica
Published: June 2016

There is consensus that registered nurses worldwide have a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly of the back. Patient handling activities such as lifting present the highest risk of injury, activities that begin in nursing school. A literature review identified 21 studies of back pain in nursing students, indicating a wide range of prevalence rates. A prospective cohort study of nursing students in a United States baccalaureate program followed 119 students who completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire upon beginning the 16 month upper division major and then a year later. There was no statistically significant change in low back pain prevalence over time. While nursing students have intermittent and brief exposure to patient handling activities, nursing schools must nevertheless protect them before they enter the high risk profession of nursing by teaching evidence-based safe patient handling techniques, empowering students to refuse unsafe manual lifts, and ensuring that the clinical settings with which they affiliate have adequate mechanical equipment available.
Read mapping
Authors: Hoffmann Steve , Stadler Peter F.
Published: June 2016

The Read Mapping problem asks for the exact origin of a nucleotide sequence in a reference genome. It translates to
a conceptually simple approximate string matching problem. The practical difficulty, however, arises from the typical size
of the data sets produced by modern high throughput sequencing technologies, from the biological processes involved in
derivation of the query molecule from its genomic source, and from the technical processes of the sequencing technology
itself.
A history of DNA sequence assembly
Authors: Myers Jr Eugene W.
Published: June 2016

DNA sequence assembly is a rich combinatorial problem that arose with the first DNA sequencing projects in the early 80's.
Here we give a short history of the progression of algorithmic ideas used to solve the de novo problem of
inferring a genome given a large sampling of substrings covering it. This classic inverse problem is compounded by
a variety of experimental features and artifacts that must be considered in any realistic solution. While current methods
produce very good results, the perfect assembler has yet to be built.
Stream processing platforms for analyzing big dynamic data
Authors: Hagedorn Stefan , Götze Philipp , Saleh Omran , Sattler Kai-Uwe
Published: June 2016

Nowadays, data is produced in every aspect of our lives, leading to a massive amount of information generated every
second. However, this vast amount is often too large to be stored and for many applications the information contained in
these data streams is only useful when it is fresh. Batch processing platforms like Hadoop MapReduce do not fit these
needs as they require to collect data on disk and process it repeatedly. Therefore, modern data processing engines combine
the scalability of distributed architectures with the one-pass semantics of traditional stream engines. In
this paper, we survey the current state of the art in scalable stream processing from a user perspective. We examine and
describe their architecture, execution model, programming interface, and data analysis support as well as discuss the
challenges and limitations of their APIs. In this connection, we introduce Piglet, an extended Pig Latin language and code
generator that compiles (extended) Pig Latin code into programs for various data processing platforms. Thereby, we discuss
the mapping to
platform-specic concepts in order to provide a uniform view.
Reconstructing single genomes from complex microbial communities
Authors: Kang Dongwan D. , Rubin Edward M. , Wang Zhong
Published: June 2016

High throughput next generation sequencing technologies have enabled cultivation-independent approaches to study microbial
communities in environmental samples. To date much of functional metagenomics has been limited to the gene or pathway
level. Recent breakthroughs in metagenome binning have made it feasible to reconstruct high quality, individual microbial
genomes from complex communities with thousands of species. In this review we aim to compare several automated metagenome
binning software tools for their performance, and provide a practical guide for the metagenomics research community to
carry out successful binning analyses.
Challenges ahead for matchmaking
Authors: Krawitz Peter M.
Published: June 2016

With every additional individual whose genome is sequenced thousands of novel variants enter the scene. It is these
variants of unknown clinical significance, VUCS, that represent a great challenge to geneticists, who are dealing with
high-throughput sequencing data sets. Especially in diagnostics of patients with unknown monogenic disease the joint
effort of geneticists is required to find new disease gene associations. For this purpose, online platforms for
matchmaking have been developed that allow clinician scientists to collaborate worldwide and to share medically relevant
data. However, for a success of these tools, skills in deep phenotyping as well as new statistical approaches will be
required.
Combining Environmental and Spatial Discount Rates for Valuation of Assets According to International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Jaunzeme Justine Sophia
Published: June 2016

Application of discount rate in finance and accounting is founded on the concept of time value of money. Discounted cash flow model is widely used for asset valuation under the International Financial Reporting Standards (in abbreviation, IFRS). The discount rate applied in valuation models normally is the best rate of return that investors would earn alternative investments. With emergence of ecological economics as a separate branch of economics, the concept of ecological (or in other words, environmental discount rate) has been elaborated. Muller (2013) in his paper ‘The Discounting Confusion: an Ecological Economics Perspective’, argues that traditional discounting can undermine long-term sustainability of the economy. In his work, Frank G. Muller considered adjusting the traditional discount rate in order to arrive at an environmental discount rate, which would help to ensure the sustainability of the economy. Hannon (2001) and Perrings (2001) in their paper ‘An Introduction to Spatial Discounting’ consider another variation of the discount rate - spatial discount rate. Spatial discount rate represents the rate at which the diffusion of environmental effects of economic activities is discounted over space. By February 2016, neither the application of environmental nor spatial discount rates under IFRS has been considered. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the implications that environmental and spatial discounting would have for the application of discounted cash flow model according to IFRS. The research methods applied are methods of economic analysis and synthesis.
Identification of Indicators’ Applicability to Settle Borrowers’ Probability of Default
Authors: Jurevičienė Daiva , Rauličkis Darius
Published: June 2016

Borrowers default risk is one of the most relevant types of risk in commercial banking and its assessment is important to secure business profitability and avoid huge losses during economic turbulences. This leads to necessity to investigate topics related to assessment of borrowers’ default probability and applicability of factors, which would enable to capture the newest trends of borrowers’ markets. Leading economic indicators (in addition to financial and other economic indicators) are often suggested as forward-looking in scientific literature. However, there is still a discussion going on applicability of financial ratios and economic indicators. As the problem is relevant in theoretical view as well as for practitioners, this article aims to identify applicability of leading economic indicators for the estimation of default probability. Further, the qualitative criteria for factor selection were identified and used when using detailing, grouping and SWOT analysis methods. Based on current scientific literature analysis, this paper concludes that although leading economic indicators are able to capture forward-looking signals, they should be used with careful analysis of its drawbacks and in combination with financial factors in order to avoid overshooting effects. The limitation of the article is the analysis of factors based on rather theoretical analysis than estimation of quantitative criteria. This suggests that every time using leading economic indicators requires using empirical study of particular indicators’ set.
The Role of Human Capital for National Innovation Capability in Eu Countries
Authors: Aleknavičiūtė Rasa , Skvarciany Viktorija , Survilaitė Simona
Published: June 2016

Innovation is essential for economic growth in developed countries. One of the most important sources of innovation is human capital. In this article, state of human capital in EU countries is investigated in order to show the relationship between human capital and national innovation performance. In the first part, theoretical assumptions of human capital importance for innovation processes are analysed. Secondly, measures of human capital are analysed and a measurement model is presented. This model is applied for investigation of state of human capital in 26 EU countries during 2002-2012. Results showed that quality of human capital is the most important factor for innovation performance. Quality indicators have even higher correlation with innovation in countries with low share of innovative enterprises (enterprises with high-level of new technology acceptance and usage). The aim of research is to analyse the theoretical importance of human capital investment for national innovation capability in EU countries, and to determine human capital aspects that foster innovation performance. Therefore, objectives are as follows: to analyse theoretical assumptions of human capital importance for innovation processes and to present the current state of research; to analyse available human capital measures and create a human capital measurement model; and to analyse state of human capital in EU countries as well as its relationship with national innovation capability.
Path-dependent J-integral evaluations around an elliptical hole for large deformation theory
Authors: Unger David J.
Published: June 2016

An exact expression is obtained for a path-dependent J-integral for finite strains of an elliptical hole subject to remote tensile tractions under the Tresca deformation theory for a thin plate composed of non-work hardening material. Possible applications include an analytical resistance curve for the initial stage of crack propagation due to crack tip blunting.
Propagation of SH waves in a regular non-homogeneous monoclinic crustal layer lying over a non-homogeneous semi-infinite medium
Authors: Sethi Munish , Sharma Arvind , Sharma Vishal , Sharma Anupamdeep
Published: June 2016

This study discusses the dispersion equation for SH waves in a non-homogeneous monoclinic layer over a semi-infinite isotropic medium. The wave velocity equation has been obtained. In the isotropic case, when the non-homogeneity is absent, the dispersion equation reduces to a standard SH wave equation. The dispersion curves are depicted by means of graphs for different values of non-homogeneity parameters for the layer and semi-infinite medium.
An efficient method for selecting stable tester strains of vegetative compatibility groups in Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Rataj-Guranowska Maria
Published: June 2016

The way compatible pairs of nitrate non-utilizing mutants (nit) are selected is usually not explained and remains unclear whether these pairs are representative for an isolate or strain. In addition, tester strains of Verticillium dahliae vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) cross-react with at least one pair of tester strains of another VCG, and although it is a common knowledge of scientists working with the fungus that reversion of nit mutants to wild type occurs far too often, this fact is rarely mentioned in papers. To overcome the above problems, a protocol was developed for the generation of large number of nit mutants from any given isolate and to ensure that compatible pairs of mutants are indeed stable and the most frequent within the putative tester mutants produced from each isolate. Thus, we provide a reproducible and objective way of selecting V. dahliae tester strains for each isolate and VCG. Although VC grouping is based on the formation of stable heterokaryons, we demonstrate in this work that cross-reactions cannot be eliminated and that strict genetic barriers between two main VCG groups are absent in V. dahliae.
Diagnostic value of circulating tumor cells in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Ning Mu , Chunhua Ma , Rong Jiang , Yuan Lv , Jinduo Li , Bin Wang , Liwei Sun
Published: June 2016

Objective

To assess circulating tumor cells in cerebrospinal fluid as a diagnostic approach to identify meningeal metastasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer by using tumor marker immunostaining–fluorescence in situ hybridization (TM-iFISH).

Methods

In 5 non-small cell lung cancer patients who were confirmed to have developed meningeal metastasis by cerebrospinal fluid cytology, 20 ml of cerebrospinal fluid was obtained through lumbar puncture, from which 7.5 ml was utilized for TM-iFISH to identify and quantitate circulating tumor cells, 10ml for cerebrospinal fluid cytology, and 2.5ml for detection of cerebrospinal fluid tumor markers.

Results

TM-iFISH examination identified 18 to 1,823 circulating tumor cells per 7.5ml cerebrospinal fluid. In contrast, cytology assessment revealed tumor cells in only 2 cases. The expression levels of cerebrospinal fluid tumor markers were all increased in all 5 patients when compared with their respective serum levels. Contrast-enhanced MRI scans demonstrated presence of meningeal metastasis in all 5 cases.

Conclusion

TM-iFISH may become a novel cerebrospinal fluid-based diagnostic strategy to identify circulating tumor cells and meningeal metastasis as compared to traditional diagnostic approaches, although its superior sensitivity and specificity needs to be confirmed through additional studies with a larger sample size.
Detected EGFR mutation in cerebrospinal fluid of lung adenocarcinoma patients with meningeal metastasis
Authors: Rong Jiang , Chunhua Ma , Yuan Lv , Ning Mu , Jinduo Li , Bin Wang , Liwei Sun
Published: June 2016

Objective

To discuss the application of ARMS method to detect EGFR gene mutation in cerebrospinal fluid of lung adenocarcinoma patients with meningeal metastasis.

Methods

5 cases of lung adenocarcinoma were identified with meningeal metastasis that were cleared EGFR gene mutation by gene sequencing method. From each patient 5ml cerebrospinal fluid was obtained by lumbar puncture. ARMS method was used to detect EGFR mutations in cerebrospinal fluid.

Results

5 samples of cerebrospinal fluid were successfully detected by ARMS method, 3 samples found that EGFR gene mutations, the mutations in line with direct sequencing method.

Conclusion

ARMS method can be used to detect EGFR gene mutations of cerebrospinal fluid samples in lung adenocarcinoma with meningeal metastasis. But cerebrospinal fluid specimens from histological specimens, blood samples need to be confirmed by further comparative study whether there is advantage.
Prevention and treatment of peritoneal adhesions in patients affected by vascular diseases following surgery: a review of the literature
Authors: Rocca Aldo , Aprea Giovanni , Surfaro Giuseppe , Amato Maurizio , Giuliani Antonio , Paccone Marianna , Salzano Andrea , Russo Anna , Tafuri Domenico , Amato Bruno
Published: June 2016

Intra-abdominal adhesions are the most frequently occurring postoperative complication following abdomino-pelvic surgery. Abdominal and pelvic surgery can lead to peritoneal adhesion formation causing infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and intestinal obstruction. Laparoscopy today is considered the gold standard of care in the treatment of several abdominal pathologies as well as in a wide range of vascular diseases. Laparoscopy has several advantages in comparison to open surgery. These include rapid recovery times, shorter hospitalisation, reduced postoperative pain, as well as cosmetic benefits. The technological improvements in this particular surgical field along with the development of modern techniques and the acquisition of specific laparoscopic skills have allowed for its wider utilization in operations with fully intracorporeal anastomoses. Postoperative adhesions are caused by aberrant peritoneal healing and are the leading cause of postoperative bowel obstruction. The use of anti-adherence barriers is currently being advocated for their prevention. The outcome of the investigation showed adhesion formation inhibition without direct detrimental effects on anastomotic healing. Poor anasto-motic healing can provoke adhesions even in the presence of anti-adhesion barriers. This review gives a short overview on the current evidence on the pathophysiology and prevention of peritoneal adhesions.
Role of FDG-PET scan in staging of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Calabrese Cecilia , Gilli Marina , De Rosa Nicolina , Di Crescenzo Vincenzo , Zeppa Pio , Vitale Carolina , Vatrella Alessandro
Published: June 2016

In this report we describe a case of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) in a young woman. The neoplasm manifested with dry cough, chest pain, finger clubbing, and multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules on chest x-ray and computed tomographic (CT) scan. She underwent thoracoscopy, and the histological features of the lung biopsies were initially interpreted as consistent with a not-well-defined interstitial lung disease. Our patient was clinically and radiologically stable over a period of four years, after which the disease progressed to involve not only the lung but also mediastinal lymph nodes, liver and bone. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed subtotal occlusion of the right middle and lower lobe bronchi. The histologic examination of bronchial biopsies revealed a poorly differentiated neoplasm immunohistochemically positive for vimentin and vascular markers CD31, CD34 and Factor VIII. A diagnosis of malignant hemangioendothelioma was made. Positron emission tomography (PET) is more sensitive than CT scan and bone scintigraphy in detecting PEH metastases. Furthermore, 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake seems to be related to the grade of malignancy of PEH lesions. Therefore, we suggest that FDG-PET should be included in the staging system and follow-up of PEH.
SOX7 inhibits tumor progression of glioblastoma and is regulated by miRNA-24
Authors: Xiuju Chen , Zhen Wang , Yanchao Shi
Published: June 2016

Objective

Sex-determining region Y-box 7 (SOX7) is a putative tumor suppressor in various types of human cancers. In the present study, the expression and function of SOX7 was investigated in human glioblastoma (GBM) cells.

Methods

Real-time PCR and western blot were carried out to reveal the expression of SOX7 in GBM specimens and cultured cell lines. A short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting SOX7 was synthesized and transfected into U87 cells. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to valuate the cell proliferation ability in U87 cells. Bioinformatics analysis further predicted its regulation by microRNA-24 (miR-24). Luciferase reporter assay was performed to prove this regulation.

Results

SOX7 was downregulated in GBM specimens and cell lines. Inhibition of SOX7 in cultured U87 cells resulted in a slower growth rate. Mechanically, SOX7 was a target of miR-24, demonstrated by reporter assay.

Conclusion

SOX7 was a strong tumor suppressor regulated by miR-24 in human GBM cells.
Sternal reconstruction by extracellular matrix: a rare case of phaces syndrome
Authors: Molinaro Francesco , Garzi Alfredo , Cerchia Elisa , Di Crescenzo Vincenzo Giuseppe , Luzzi Luca , Bulotta Anna Lavinia , Gotti Giuseppe , Messina Mario
Published: June 2016

Congenital defects of the sternum are rare and due to a failure of midline development and fusion of the sternal bones. Surgical correction of a sternal cleft should be preferred during infancy for functional reasons. Chest wall reconstruction represented a complex problem in the last decades.

We report our successful outcome of sternal reconstruction in a rare case of PHACES syndrome, in which the patient was submitted to reconstruction of the sternum and complete closure of the thoracic defect by the employ of an extracellular matrix XCM Biologic tissue matrix.

We promote the use of extracellular matrix in surgical reconstruction of chest defects for its maneuverability, plasticity, tolerability and the possibility of growing with the children’s chest getting a good compliance and optimal cosmetic results.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and antibacterial activity of tricyclohexyltin salicylates
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wang Wenqiang , liu Qingtao , Zheng Xiaofeng , Tian Laijin
Published: June 2016

Three tricyclohexyltin salicylates, 3-X-5-Y-2-HOC6H2COOSn(C6H11-c)3 (where X, Y=H, H 1; H, NO2
2; NO2, NO2
3), have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR, and 1H NMR spectra. The crystal structures of compounds 1–3 are determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. In these compounds, the carboxylate is monodentate, and the tin atom adopts distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. In 2 and 3, the neighboring molecules are connected into a one-dimensional supramolecular chain by the intermolecular Sn···O weak interactions between tin and oxygen of nitro group. Bioassay results have shown that the compounds have good in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia
coli.
Does Grade Level Matter for the Assessment of Business Process Management Maturity?
Authors: Gabryelczyk Renata
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this paper is to create and test the practical application of a business process management maturity assessment conducted at two different grade levels (management and professional level) in an organization. The conceptual framework for this research includes creating a business process maturity indicator (BPMI) for six process areas: strategy, documentation, optimization, implementation, execution, and controlling. The comparative analysis of the business process management maturity is performed using the BPMI on two cases: inside a single organization and the sector internally.
Response of picophytoplankton to a warm eddy in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Wang Junxing , Tan Yehui , Huang Liangmin , Ke Zhixin , Tan Jiyang , Hu Zifeng , Wang Qiong
Published: June 2016

We investigated the distribution of several picophytoplankton groups (Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and picoeukaryotes) in relation to a warm eddy in the northern South China Sea in summer 2012. An anticyclonic eddy centered on 117°E longitude was identified during the sampling period using satellite data and hydrologic mapping. The layer of maximum Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus abundance within the eddy core dropped from 50 to 75 m, which was consistent with the subsurface chlorophyll a maximum. The water-column integrated abundance of Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and picoeukaryotes in the eddy core (9.67±0.23, 1.56±0.04, and 0.28±0.01 × 103 cells ml-1, respectively) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of the reference stations (25.10±2.32, 2.71±0.63, and 0.92±0.15 × 103 cells ml-1, respectively), and the abundance of Prochlorococcus in the core was also significantly lower than that at eddy edges (15.75±1.78 × 103 cells ml-1). However, there were no differences in the water-column integrated Chl a between the eddy core and edge. Our findings show that the warm eddy led to the reduced picophytoplankton abundance, especially of Prochlorococcus and picoeukaryotes, causing the layer of maximum picophytoplankton abundance to differ from that of the subsurface Chl a maximum.
Partition of pentachlorophenol (PCP) into particulate and dissolved phases in the waters of the Vistula River mouth at the Gulf of Gdańsk
Authors: Kobusińska Marta E. , Witt Maria , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Niemirycz Elżbieta
Published: June 2016

The Vistula River plays an important role in the supply of autochthonous and allochthonous material to the Gulf of Gdansk. The suspended particulate matter (SPM) of fluvial origin is considered to constitute a specific sorbent for halogenated organic compounds due to their lipophilic characteristics and relative solubility. Because there are many factors affecting the input of SPM into the estuarine environment of the Gulf of Gdansk, e.g. hydrological characteristics of the Vistula River, it became necessary to verify whether the same processes may affect a discharge of organic contaminants. The study presents an approach to the assessment of temporal trends in SPM concentration in the Vistula River discharged into the Gulf of Gdansk as well as the analysis of pentachlorophenol (PCP), a commonly used agricultural biocide, a precursor of dioxins in either dissolved or particulate phases in the river (the Vistula River) and sea waters (the Gulf of Gdansk). The study revealed that the hydrological characteristics appear to influence a load of SPM. However, the discharge of PCP is additionally related to the environmental conditions, physicochemical properties of the compound and the sorbent, affecting the partitioning of PCP into dissolved and particulate phases.
Narratives of Russia’s “Information Wars”
Authors: Kalinina Ekaterina
Published: June 2016

Information warfare became a topic of a heated discussion with the advancement of the Russian state on the territory of the neighbouring Ukraine. Already forgotten since the collapse of the Soviet Union discourse about the Cold War made a rapid comeback into the media and public discourse creating confusion among readers. Hence, this article aims to clarify the relevant terminology when it comes to the use of information operations in Russia as well as to point out the importance of mediated narratives. By relying on Russian military thought, the article sheds some light on the importance of narratives such as: Russia-West confrontation and hybrid wars, Russian history and identity, and Russian patriotism.
Effects of Main Pollution Sources on Parameters of Water Quality of the Prut River Within the Limits of Chernivtsi in the Last Seven Years and Consequent Environmental Impacts
Authors: Hrytsku V.S. , Hrytsku-Andriyesh I.P.
Published: June 2016

The results of the Prut River water quality monitoring in the last 7 years are dealt with. Attention is paid to situation of water quality worsening and to the reasons that caused it. Application of the method of water quality index’s integrated assessment has confirmed that it is not solely the degree of anthropogenic impact that affects the water quality, but also the effects of natural factors.
Ecological-Geochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Rural Geosystems Mountain Areas of Northern Bukovina (Ukraine)
Authors: Tanasiuk M.V.
Published: June 2016

The study of general ecological peculiarities of rural geosystems should be conducted on the basis of analysis and evaluation of geochemical showings. Among anthropogenic factors influencing the formation of ecological-geochemical peculiarities of rural geosystems considerable negative influence have unpractical nature management and the economic activity human being. That’s why the study of ecological-geochemical condition of rural geosystems all enables us to estimate them and to determine the change dynamics.

On the basis of the conducted researches geosystems in the mountain areas of Northern Bukovina, the concentration coefficients are calculated, total showings of contamination, there being determined the showings of contamination intensivity of the natural component and the integral indicator of the ecological danger, there being given a general evaluation of the ecologicalgeochemical situation of the rural geosystems of the investigated area.
Meteorological Elements Used in the Numerical Forecast of PM10 Over the Romanian Territory
Authors: Maco Bogdan Alexandru , Ionac Nicoleta , Dumitrache Rodica Claudia
Published: June 2016

Pollutants in large amounts may not only cause severe health problems and damage crops, but may also represent one of the main causes of global warming. Air quality numerical models are very useful tools in forecasting air pollutants transport and spread. Consequently, this paper analyzes the regional concentration of PM10 (a geographical domain representative of Romania’s territory), by using the numerical air quality forecasting model: WRF-CHEM version 3.5. The respective model has been applied on a Romania-centered upon geographical area, for both the two months representative of the warm and cold seasons (June and January 2013, respectively), at a spatial resolution of 10 km, with a 24 hours’ anticipation. For the WRF-CHEM chemistry module to be initiated, values of PM10 emissions were extracted from the TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek, www.tno.nl) database for 2009. The meteorological parameters required by the weather forecast model were obtained from the numerical output of the ECMWF (www.ecmwf.int) global model. All these meteorological parameters are very important for air quality simulations, especially wind profiles, which are very important assessment tools since they determine where pollutants are transported, and air-temperature as it may largely influence the speed of chemical reactions in the atmosphere. The vertical diffusion is strongly linked to the height of the mixing layer and influences the exchange between the ground layers and the open troposphere. In order to highlight the quality of the numerical forecasts for PM10 from the WRF-CHEM model, the results obtained were compared to the measurements obtained through gravimetric methods (average daily values of PM10). Hence, specific measurements were provided by the National Environmental Protection Agency (ANPM).