bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of RNA-seq and microarray-based models for clinical endpoint prediction
Authors: Zhang Wenqian , Yu Ying , Hertwig Falk , Thierry-Mieg Jean , Zhang Wenwei , Thierry-Mieg Danielle , Wang Jian , Furlanello Cesare , Devanarayan Viswanath , Cheng Jie , Deng Youping , Hero Barbara , Hong Huixiao , Jia Meiwen , Li Li , Lin Simon M , Nikolsky Yuri , Oberthuer André , Qing Tao , Su Zhenqiang , Volland Ruth , Wang Charles , Wang May D. , Ai Junmei , Albanese Davide , Asgharzadeh Shahab , Avigad Smadar , Bao Wenjun , Bessarabova Marina , Brilliant Murray H. , Brors Benedikt , Chierici Marco , Chu Tzu-Ming , Zhang Jibin , Grundy Richard G. , He Min Max , Hebbring Scott , Kaufman Howard L. , Lababidi Samir , Lancashire Lee J. , Li Yan , Lu Xin X. , Luo Heng , Ma Xiwen , Ning Baitang , Noguera Rosa , Peifer Martin , Phan John H. , Roels Frederik , Rosswog Carolina , Shao Susan , Shen Jie , Theissen Jessica , Tonini Gian Paolo , Vandesompele Jo , Wu Po-Yen , Xiao Wenzhong , Xu Joshua , Xu Weihong , Xuan Jiekun , Yang Yong , Ye Zhan , Dong Zirui , Zhang Ke K. , Yin Ye , Zhao Chen , Zheng Yuanting , Wolfinger Russell D. , Shi Tieliu , Malkas Linda H. , Berthold Frank , Wang Jun , Tong Weida , Shi Leming , Peng Zhiyu , Fischer Matthias
Published: June 2015

Background

Gene expression profiling is being widely applied in cancer research to identify biomarkers for clinical endpoint prediction. Since RNA-seq provides a powerful tool for transcriptome-based applications beyond the limitations of microarrays, we sought to systematically evaluate the performance of RNA-seq-based and microarray-based classifiers in this MAQC-III/SEQC study for clinical endpoint prediction using neuroblastoma as a model.

Results

We generate gene expression profiles from 498 primary neuroblastomas using both RNA-seq and 44 k microarrays. Characterization of the neuroblastoma transcriptome by RNA-seq reveals that more than 48,000 genes and 200,000 transcripts are being expressed in this malignancy. We also find that RNA-seq provides much more detailed information on specific transcript expression patterns in clinico-genetic neuroblastoma subgroups than microarrays. To systematically compare the power of RNA-seq and microarray-based models in predicting clinical endpoints, we divide the cohort randomly into training and validation sets and develop 360 predictive models on six clinical endpoints of varying predictability. Evaluation of factors potentially affecting model performances reveals that prediction accuracies are most strongly influenced by the nature of the clinical endpoint, whereas technological platforms (RNA-seq vs. microarrays), RNA-seq data analysis pipelines, and feature levels (gene vs. transcript vs. exon-junction level) do not significantly affect performances of the models.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that RNA-seq outperforms microarrays in determining the transcriptomic characteristics of cancer, while RNA-seq and microarray-based models perform similarly in clinical endpoint prediction. Our findings may be valuable to guide future studies on the development of gene expression-based predictive models and their implementation in clinical practice.
Low-level 226Ra determination in groundwater by SF-ICP-MS: optimization of separation and pre-concentration methods
Authors: Copia Lorenzo , Nisi Stefano , Plastino Wolfango , Ciarletti Marta , Povinec Pavel P
Published: June 2015

Background

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques have been widely used for analysis of long-lived environmental radionuclides. In this paper, we present an optimization of the sector field (SF)-ICP-MS technique for the analysis of 226Ra in groundwater samples using a method of pre-concentration of radium in water samples.

Methods

The separation protocol and a sequential application of ion exchange and extraction chromatography have been optimized, and related polyatomic interferences and matrix effects affecting the 226Ra signal were investigated.

Results

Analyzing 12 replicates (water spiking at 22 fg g−1 of 226Ra), the 226Ra recovery efficiency close to 100 % has been obtained. The instrumental 226Ra detection limit of 0.09 fg g−1 (3σ criterion) and the absolute detection limit of 0.05 fg in a 25-mL groundwater sample have been reached.

Conclusions

An optimization of the radium separation method and a pre-concentration of radium in groundwater samples led to high radium recoveries, almost up to 100 %. The same could be said with respect to the separation of the interfering elements, important for the quantitative 226Ra analysis by SF-ICP-MS. The improvements in the separation and pre-concentration techniques also helped to improve the 226Ra detection limit down to 0.05 fg/25 mL of groundwater sample.
Hyperspectral to multispectral imaging for detection of tree nuts and peanut traces in wheat flour
Authors: Mishra Puneet , Herrero-Langreo Ana , Barreiro Pilar , Roger Jean , Diezma Belén , Gorretta Nathalie , Lleó Lourdes
Published: June 2015

In current industrial environments there is an increasing need for practical and inexpensive quality control systems
to detect the foreign food materials in powder food processing lines. This demand is especially important for the detection
of product adulteration with traces of highly allergenic products, such as peanuts and tree nuts. Manufacturing industries
dealing with the processing of multiple powder food products present a substantial risk for the contamination of powder
foods with traces of tree nuts and other adulterants, which might result in unintentional ingestion of nuts by the sensitised
population. Hence, the need for an in-line system to detect nut traces at the early stages of food manufacturing is of
crucial importance. In this present work, a feasibility study of a spectral index for revealing adulteration of tree nut and
peanut traces in wheat flour samples with hyperspectral images is reported. The main nuts responsible for allergenic
reactions considered in this work were peanut, hazelnut and walnut. Enhanced contrast between nuts and wheat flour
was obtained after the application of the index. Furthermore, the segmentation of these images by selecting different
thresholds for different nut and flour mixtures allowed the identification of nut traces in the samples. Pixels identified as
nuts were counted and compared with the actual percentage of peanut adulteration. As a result, the multispectral system
was able to detect and provide good visualisation of tree nut and peanut trace levels down to 0.01% by weight. In this
context, multispectral imaging could operate in conjuction with chemical procedures, such as Real Time Polymerase Chain
Reaction and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay to save time, money and skilled labour on product quality control. This
approach could enable not only a few selected samples to be assessed but also to extensively incorporate quality control
surveyance on product processing lines.
UAV with VTOL and Endurance Capability Inspired by Unlimited-Class Aerobatic Aircraft
Authors: Poh Chung-Kiak , Poh Chung-How
Published: June 2015

High-aspect ratio sailplanes are well known for their endurance while the unlimited aerobatic aircrafts are specially designed to perform maneuvers under stall conditions such as hovering and the Lomcovák. We propose and simulate an UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) design based on the hybridization of sailplane and aerobatic aircraft. The aim is to design and develop an endurance UAV with VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) and payload capabilities.
X4-MaG: A Low-Cost Open-Source Micro-Quadrotor and its Linux-Based Controller
Authors: Manecy Augustin , Marchand Nicolas , Ruffier Franck , Viollet Stéphane
Published: June 2015

The new open-source quadrotor platform called X4-MaG presented here was developed for academic and research applications. X4-MaG is a small, low-cost open quadrotor of only 307–grammes which offers two levels of controllers providing a manual mode and an automatic mode thanks to powerful Linux-based controller embedded onboard. The experiments presented here show the reliability of the open hardware and software embedded onboard the quadrotor. To estimate the robot s attitude, a quaternion-based complementary filter requiring very few computational resources was developed and implemented on an 8-bit Arduino board. It was also established that the stabilization feedback system based on quaternions tracks the attitude setpoints with precision up to twice greater than a classical cascaded PI controller. The controllers and estimators were designed in the Matlab/Simulink environment and directly implemented onboard the tiny Linux-based autopilot board using a custom made toolbox (RT-MaG toolbox). The autopilot was tested in the brand-new Marseilles Flying Arena with various 3-D flight trajectories and found to be highly accurate with errors of only 0.7cm in hover and less than 3.2cm at 1.2m.s−1. The X4-MaG quadrotor was able to reach speeds greater than 2m.s−1 and reject attitude disturbances of 20′ within 0.8s.
Household Production and Asset Prices
Authors: Da Zhi , Yang Wei , Yun Hayong
Published: June 2015

We empirically examine the asset pricing implications of the Beckerian framework of household production, where utility is derived from both market consumption and home produced goods. We propose residential electricity usage as a real-time proxy for the service flow from household capital, because electricity is used in most modern-day household production activities and it cannot be easily stored. Using U.S. residential electricity usage from 1955 to 2012, our model based on household production explains the equity premium and the cross section of expected stock returns (including those of industry portfolios) with an R2 of 71%.

This paper was accepted by Jerome Detemple, finance.
Responsiveness to Self-Report Interview Questions by Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disability
Authors: Stancliffe Roger J. , Tichá Renáta , Larson Sheryl A. , Hewitt Amy S. , Nord Derek
Published: June 2015

An important line of research involves asking people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) to self-report their experiences and opinions. We analyzed the responsiveness of 11,391 adult users of IDD services to interview questions from Section 1 of the 2008-2009 National Core Indicators-Adult Consumer Survey (NCI-ACS). Proxy responses were not allowed for the selected questions. Overall, 62.1% of participants answered the questions and were rated by interviewers as understanding the questions and as responding consistently. Most participants responded in an all-or-none fashion, answering either all or most questions or few to none. Individuals with milder levels of IDD and with speech as their primary means of expression were more likely to answer the questions and provide a scoreable response. Interviewer ratings of interviewees’ answering questions, understanding of questions, and consistent responding were each related to responsiveness.
Teaching Sight Words to Elementary Students With Intellectual Disability and Autism: A Comparison of Teacher-Directed Versus Computer-Assisted Simultaneous Prompting
Authors: Coleman Mari Beth , Cherry Rebecca A. , Moore Tara C. , Park Yujeong , Cihak David F.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of teacher-directed simultaneous prompting to computer-assisted simultaneous prompting for teaching sight words to 3 elementary school students with intellectual disability. Activities in the computer-assisted condition were designed with Intellitools Classroom Suite software whereas traditional materials (i.e., flashcards) were used in the teacher-directed condition. Treatment conditions were compared using an adapted alternating treatments design. Acquisition of sight words occurred in both conditions for all 3 participants; however, each participant either clearly responded better in the teacher-directed condition or reported a preference for the teacher-directed condition when performance was similar with computer-assisted instruction being more efficient. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
The performance of two Swedish N fertilization functions evaluated on data from Norwegian fertilization experiments
Authors: Sjølie Hanne K. , Sørlie Hans Asbjørn , Tveite Bjørn , Solberg Birger
Published: June 2015

This study compares the responses of two Swedish 5-year predictive stand-level functions with the observed responses in 721 fertilization experiment plots in Norway fertilized with nitrogen (N). All plots are single-species consisting of Norway spruce ((L.) H. Karst.)or Scots pine ( L.) fertilized with ammonium nitrate (AN) or urea. The correlations between the observed and the two predicted responses were 0.34â0.40 for all plots taken together. One response function performed well on average, but underestimated the response in pine plots and overestimated the response in spruce plots. The second function overpredicted the response on the full dataset, in spruce plots and old forest, but performed well in pine plots. Both functions overestimated the growth response in high-productive plots. Higher N deposition in Norway than in Sweden may count for parts of the deviations. Testing of fertilization functions on new datasets is rare, but important part of the evaluation of functions. As the functions are not well fit for predicting the growth response in spruce and high-productive plots in our sample, new functions that include N deposition are welcome.Picea abies Pinus sylvestris
A reliable protocol for the stable transformation of non-embryogenic cells cultures of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) and Taxus x media
Authors: Martínez-Márquez Ascensión , Morante-Carriel Jaime , Ramírez-Estrada Karla , M. Cusidó Rosa , Sellés-Marchart Susana , Palazon Javier , Pedreño Maria Angeles , Bru-Martínez Roque
Published: June 2015

One of the major intent of metabolic engineering in cell culture systems is to increase yields of secondary metabolites. Efficient transformation methods are a priority to successfully apply metabolic engineering to cell cultures of plants that produce bioactive or therapeutic compounds, such as Vitis vinifera and Taxus x media. The aim of this study was to establish a reliable method to transform non-embryogenic cell cultures of these species. The V. vinifera cv. Gamay/cv. Monastrell cell lines and Taxus x media were used for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using the Gateway-compatible Agrobacterium sp. binary vector system for fast reliable DNA cloning. The Taxus x media and Vitis cell lines were maintained in culture for more than 4 and 15 months, respectively, with no loss of reporter gene expression or antibiotic resistance. The introduced genes had no discernible effect on cell growth, or led to extracellular accumulation of phytoalexin trans-Resveratrol (t-R) in response to elicitation with methylated cyclodextrins (MBCD) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in the grapevine transgenic cell lines compared to the parental control. The method described herein provides an excellent tool to exploit exponentially growing genomic resources to enhance, optimize or diversify the production of bioactive compounds generated by grapevine and yew cell cultures, and offers a better understanding of many grapevine and yew biology areas.
Middle-late Eocene dinoflagellate cysts from NE Ukraine (Borehole No. 230, Dnepr-Donets Depression): stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental approach
Authors: Iakovleva Alina I.
Published: June 2015

Analysis of the stratigraphic and quantitative distribution of dinoflagellate cysts and other palynomorphs from a shallow marine Eocene section drilled from borehole No. 230 (NE Ukraine) resulted in an updated age-assessment of regional formations and a reconstruction of the major transgressive-regressive trends in the North Ukrainian palaeosedimentological province. Based on dinocyst age-diagnostic events, the Buchak Formation is attributed to the mid-upper Lutetian; the Kiev Formation is assigned to the Bartonian-?lowermost Priabonian; finally, the Obukhov Formation is dated Priabonian. The Buchak Formation accumulation reflects the first major transgressive episode in the North Ukrainian Province; the accumulation of the lower Kiev Formation corresponds to the maximum of regional marine transgression, while the palynological assemblages from the upper Kiev Formation indicate a protracted regression. The beginning of the Obukhov Formation accumulation corresponds to the last marine transgressive cycle.
Cultivated plants in medieval Kraków (Poland), with special reference to amaranth (Amaranthus lividus L. cf. var lividus) and ruderal communities
Authors: Mueller-Bieniek Aldona , Walanus Adam , Zaitz Emil
Published: June 2015

This paper summarises archaeobotanical studies of plant macroremains derived from medieval town deposits of Kraków, focusing on cultivated plants. Correspondence analysis was used in interpreting the botanical data and their archaeological context. Changes in cultivated plant composition were connected mainly with the chartering of the town under Magdeburg law in 1257, and are discussed in terms of their temporal relation to the chartering of Kraków and possible changes in the food preferences and wealth of the residents. Millet and wheat remains are rarer in specimens from after the establishment of the town; this seems connected mainly with the relocation of the mills outside the city walls. The number of cultivated plants generally increased in the late medieval samples, but hop and mallow were more frequent in the tribal period than later. Problems in the definition of cultivated plants are discussed. The probable escape of cultivated amaranth (Amaranthus lividus L. var. lividus) from gardens to ruderal communities is indicated in the samples. A comparison of archaeobotanical data from written sources shows the incompleteness of both types of source, including the clear underrepresentation of some cultivated plants in the archaeological deposits of the town (especially peas, Pisum sativum), a deficiency which should be considered in other archaeobotanical and palaeodietary studies.
Pollen analysis of a peaty mud sample from the Dunajec River alluvial fan (Sandomierz Basin, Poland) in the context of its morphological position, radiocarbon dating, and comparison with neighbouring sites
Authors: Mamakowa Kazimiera , Gębica Piotr
Published: June 2015

The paper presents the results of pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating of a peaty mud sample from a gravel-sand outlier of the Vistulian alluvial fan of the Dunajec River. The study showed the occurrence of open birch-pine forests with sporadic larch and stone pine at the time of mud deposition. The vegetation, of park tundra type, was characterised by the development of shrubby and sedge-grass communities. The radiocarbon dating of 39 100 ± 3000 BP indicates that deposition occurred in the Middle Plenivistulian (Hengelo interstadial or older, colder climatic stadial). A comparison of the palynological analysis and radiocarbon dating with data from other sites suggests that both the alluvia of the north-western part of the Dunajec River fan and the alluvia of its southern part were formed during the Middle Plenivistulian.
Macro-Elements Composition of Cystic and Follicular Fluid in the Ovaries and their Relationship to Peripheral Blood Concentration in Sows / Odnos Sastava Makroelemenata Folikularne I Cistične Tečnosti Jajnika I Njihove Koncentracije U Perifernoj Krvi Krmača
Authors: Stankiewicz Tomasz , Błaszczyk Barbara
Published: June 2015

The aim of this work is the comparison of sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus concentration in pre-ovulatory follicles and follicular cysts and their concentration in the serum of sows. The research was conducted on sows (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace crossbred). Sodium concentration in cystic fluid was higher than in the follicular fluid (P<0.05). Sodium concentration in the serum of cysts-bearing sows was higher than in non-cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01). Differences were also observed between cysts and serum of cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01), as well as follicles and serum of non-cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01). Calcium concentration in the serum of non-cystsbearing sows was higher than in the case of cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01). Differences were also between calcium concentration in the cysts and its concentration in the serum of cysts-bearing sows (P<0.05). Magnesium concentration in the serum of cysts-bearing sows was lower than in non-cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01). Differences in magnesium concentration were also between cysts and serum of cysts-bearing sows (P<0.01), as well as between follicles and serum of non-cysts-bearing sows (P<0.05). Phosphorus concentration in the cysts was lower than in the follicles (P<0.05). It was also lower in the serum of non-cysts-bearing sows than in the follicles (P<0.05). The concentration of sodium, magnesium and phosphorus in the serum was positively correlated with the concentration of the mentioned macro-elements in ovarian structures (r = 0.66, P<0.01; r = 0.49, and r = 0.48, P<0.05, respectively). A negative correlation was found between the concentration of serum calcium and the ovarian structures (r = -0.47, P<0.05).

The differences in the concentrations of macro-elements suggest that the ionic composition may be one of the factors associated with the processes occurring in the ovarian structures of pigs.
Identification of Cryptic Allele for Merle Patterning in Dogs by Molecular Genetics Methods / Identifikacija Skrivenog Alela Za Mramoriranu Šaru Pasa Pomoću Metoda Molekularne Genetike
Authors: Miluchová Martina , Gábor Michal , Trakovická Anna , Hanusová Jana , Zubrická Stanislava , Zubrický Pavol
Published: June 2015

Merle patterning in dogs, caused by the insertion of a short interspersed element (SINE) in the genetic structure of SILV gene, is characterized by patches of diluted pigment intermingled with normal melanin. Sequencing analyses of SINE element localized in the canine SILV gene discovered a variability of the poly (A)-tail length which is responsible for the different expression of merle pattern. The SINE element with the length of poly(A)-tail between 91 - 101 nucleotides is responsible for the merle phenotype with all characters of merle pattern. On the contrary the dogs which have SINE element with the shorter length of poly(A) tail between 54-65 nucleotides are referred as cryptic merles without expresion of Merle pattern. The aim of this study was to improve molecular genetics method for the detection of cryptic allele for merle patterning in dogs. A total of 40 dogs of four breeds - Border collie, Shetland sheepdog, Australian Shepherd dog, and Chihuahua were used in this study. Canine genomic DNA was isolated from samples of whole blood and buccal cells by commercial column kit. Detection of merle (M), cryptic merle (Mc) and non-merle (m) alleles was done using M13-tailed primer protocol and two different allele-sizing methods for the verification of the electrophoresis result. In the analyzed population of dogs were detected 20 dogs with non-merle genotype mm, 17 dogs with merle genotype Mm, 2 dogs with double merle genotype MM and one dog with merle phenotype but with the presence of cryptic merle allele Mc with the consequential genotype MMc.
OTC Stock Market in China – The New Venture Capital Exit?
Authors: Li Jing
Published: June 2015

Venture capital is certainly important to a country in that it finances entrepreneurship and innovation. In recent years, secondary markets for private shares have emerged as an important node in the VC cycle by both facilitating interim liquidity for non-listed firms and providing external investors with the access to good pre-IPO shares. Ready and able to play an active role on both the exit and entry sides, are VCs more engaged in reducing or increasing their ownership in these markets? Based on a sample consisting of a total of 102 firms that have been quoted on China’s New Third Board from 2006 to 2011 year end, this paper finds that VCs were much more likely to increase than decrease their ownership – there have been 128 times of increases in contrast to 45 times of decreases. In particular, VCs actively took the opportunities of subscribing new shares issued in capital increases to increase their ownership. Out of the total 85 VCs that invested in the 102 firms, 33 were already there as of first quotation, 39 VCs subscribed new shares in capital increases, 33 VCs bought shares from existing shareholders, while only 11 exited. For the purposes of enhancing the attractiveness of the New Third Board as an exit venue, this paper argues that the market should work on increasing its liquidity from both the supply and the demand sides. As the successor of the New Third Board, the National Equities Exchange and Quotations largely manages to realize this by considerably broadening the pool of potential eligible firms and investors, and also by making available various additional mechanisms such as market making and call auctions to boost share transfers. As such, it is generally reasonable to argue that for those SMEs that are not yet able to directly list on public stock exchanges but are already in need for interim liquidity, the NEEQ does serve as a useful platform to achieve the purpose, and thus fills a gap in China’s VC cycle.
Mesoscale Convective Systems Monitoring on the Basis of MSG Data – Case Studies
Authors: Szafranek K. , Jakubiak B. , Lech R. , Tomczuk M.
Published: June 2015

Analysis described in the paper were made in the frame of the PROZA (Operational decisionmaking based on atmospheric conditions, http://projekt-proza.pl/) project co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. One of its tasks was to develop an operational forecast system, which is going to support different economies branches like forestry or fruit farming by reducing the risk of economic decisions with taking into consideration weather conditions. The main purpose of the paper is to describe the method of the MCSs (Mesoscale Convective Systems) tracking on the basis of the MSG (Meteosat Second Generation) data. Until now several tests were performed. The Meteosat satellite images in selected spectral channels collected for Central Europe Region for May 2010 were used to detect and track cloud systems recognized as MCSs in Poland. The ISIS tracking method was applied here. First the cloud objects are defined using the temperature threshold and next the selected cells are tracked using principle of overlapping position on consecutive images. The main benefit of using a temperature threshold to define cells is its efficiency. During the tracking process the algorithm links the cells of the image at time t to the one of the following image at time t+dt that correspond to the same cloud system. Selected cases present phenomena, which appeared at the territory of Poland. They were compared to the weather radar data and UKMO UM (United Kingdom MetOffice Unified Model) forecasts. The paper presents analysis of exemplary MCSs in the context of near realtime prediction system development and proves that developed tool can be helpful in MCSs monitoring.
Limit Analysis of Geometrically Hardening Composite Steel-Concrete Systems / Stany Graniczne Geometrycznie Wzmacniających Się Konstrukcji Zespolonych
Authors: Alawdin Piotr , Urbańska Krystyna
Published: June 2015

The paper considers some results of creating load-carrying composite systems that have uprated strength, rigidity and safety, and therefore are called geometrically (self-) hardening systems. The optimization mathematic models of structures as discrete mechanical systems withstanding dead load, monotonic or low cyclic static and kinematic actions are proposed. To find limit parameters of these actions the extreme energetic principle is suggested what result in the bilevel mathematic programming problem statement. The limit parameters of load actions are found on the first level of optimization. On the second level the power of the constant load with equilibrium preloading is maximized and/or system cost is minimized. The examples of using the proposed methods are presented and geometrically hardening composite steel-concrete system are taken into account.
Examples of Solutions for Steel-Concrete Composite Structures in Bridge Engineering / Przykłady Konstrukcji Zespolonych W Budownictwie Mostowym
Authors: Flaga Kazimierz , Furtak Kazimierz
Published: June 2015

The aim of the article [1] was to discuss the application of steel-concrete composite structures in bridge engineering in the aspect of structural design, analysis and execution. It was pointed out that the concept of steel-concrete structural composition is far from exhausted and new solutions interesting from the engineering, scientific and aesthetic points of view of are constantly emerging. These latest trends are presented against the background of the solutions executed in Poland and abroad. Particular attention is focused on structures of double composition and steel-concrete structures. Concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) structures are highlighted.
Significance of Trans-European Transport Networks for Logistics Centre Localization as Exemplified by the Łódź Region
Authors: Wiśniewski Szymon
Published: June 2015

This work complements and structures knowledge in the field of logistics centres (with focus on the Łódź region). It presents a thorough analysis of strategic documents of the European Union in reference to the functioning of international transport networks. It also provides a detailed description of logistics facilities operations from the theoretical standpoint and definition of relations in points where logistics centres and TEN-T networks overlap. The result of this work is a set of recommendations referring to effective development of logistics centres on the background of transport corridors.
Cobalt, nitrogen-codoped carbon quantum dots as a synergistic catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Huihua , Yang Yanmei , Qu Tianpeng , Kang Zhenhui , Wang Deyong
Published: June 2015

A cobalt/nitrogen/carbon (Co/N/C) electrocatalyst has been successfully synthesized by the solvothermal method using cobalt acetate (Co(Ac)
Financial Distress Prediction Based on Support Vector Machine with a Modified Kernel Function
Authors: Wu Chong , Wang Lu , Shi Zhe
Published: June 2015

For the financial distress prediction model based on support vector machine, there are no theories concerning how to choose a proper kernel function in a data-dependent way. This paper proposes a method of modified kernel function that can availably enhance classification accuracy. We apply an information-geometric method to modifying a kernel that is based on the structure of the Riemannian geometry induced in the input space by the kernel. A conformal transformation of a kernel from input space to higher-dimensional feature space enlarges volume elements locally near support vectors that are situated around the classification boundary and reduce the number of support vectors. This paper takes the Gaussian radial basis function as the internal kernel. Additionally, this paper combines the above method with the theories of standard regularization and non-dimensionalization to construct the new model. In the empirical analysis section, the paper adopts the financial data of Chinese listed companies. It uses five groups of experiments with different parameters to compare the classification accuracy. We can make the conclusion that the model of modified kernel function can effectively reduce the number of support vectors, and improve the classification accuracy.
Co-Crystal structure of 1,3-phenylenediacetic acid and 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazole (1:1), C22H18N4O5
Authors: Xin Ling-Yun , Wu Hai-Xia , Zhang Ying-Ge , Zhang Yan-Yan
Published: June 2015

C22H18N4O5, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 17.153(1) Å, b = 13.4635(8) Å, c = 8.8010(6) Å, β = 90.807(2)°, V = 2032.3 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0414, wRref(F2) = 0.1148, T = 296 K.
“Focus on the young ones”: Discourses on substance abuse and age
Authors: Selseng Lillian Bruland
Published: June 2015

Background & AIMS

Previous research has shown that age categories play a vital part in the decision-making processes of counsellors in substance abuse services, yet very little is known about how the meanings of “age” and “substance abuse” are constructed and intertwined. This article aims to provide insights into the dynamic relationship between discourses on age and substance abuse. It explores the narratives of a group of counsellors on age and substance abuse, and looks at the subject positions this intersection produces.

Design

The data material consists of interviews with 23 counsellors working for the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV). The analysis is inspired by discourse psychology and intersectional and poststructuralist approaches.

Findings

Three positions are constructed: “the vulnerable youth”, “the formative youth” and “the agentic adult”. The article illustrates how the subject positions reinforce a “focus on the young ones” discourse. Findings are discussed against the background of the concept of ageism.

Conclusion

The article highlights the significance of examining categories such as “substance abuse” and “age” as dynamic and contextual phenomena. It points out the significance of continually being aware of the influence age categories have in the process of differentiating and categorising substance abusers in social services.
Debt Shifting and Thin-Capitalization Rules – German Experience and Alternative Approaches
Authors: Ruf Martin , Schindler Dirk
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the general design of thin-capitalization rules and summarizes the economic effects of such rules as identified in theoretical models. We review empirical studies providing evidence on the experience with (German) thin-capitalization rules as well as on the adjustment of German multinationals to foreign thin-capitalization rules. Special emphasis is given to the development in Germany, because Germany went a long way in limiting interest deductibility by enacting a drastic change in its thin-capitalization rules in 2008, and because superb German data on multinational finance allows for testing several aspects consistently. We then discuss the experience of the Nordic countries with thin-capitalization rules. Briefly reviewing potential alternatives as well, we believe that the arm’s-length principle is administratively too costly and impracticable, whereas we argue that controlled-foreign-company rules might be another promising avenue for limiting internal debt shifting. Fundamental tax reforms towards a system with either "allowance for corporate equity" (ACE) or a "comprehensive business income tax" (CBIT) should also eliminate any thin-capitalization incentive.
Important problems of future thermonuclear reactors*
Authors: Sadowski Marek J.
Published: June 2015

This paper concerns important and difficult problems connected with a design and construction of thermonuclear reactors, which have to use nuclear fusion reactions of heavy isotopes of hydrogen, i.e., deuterium (D) and tritium (T). There are described conditions in which such reactions can occur, and different methods of a high-temperature plasma generation, i.e., high-current electrical discharges, intense microwave pulses, and injection of energetic neutral atoms (NBI). There are also presented experimental facilities which can contain hot plasma for an appropriate period, and particularly so-called tokamaks. The second part presents the technical problems which must be solved in order to build a thermonuclear reactor, that might be used for energetic purposes. There are considered problems connected with a choice of constructional materials for a vacuum chamber, its internal parts, external windings generating a magnetic field, and necessary shields. The next part considers the handling of radioactive tritium; the using of alpha particles (4He) for additional heating of plasma; recuperation of hydrogen isotopes absorbed in the tokamak internal parts, and a removal of a helium excess. There is presented a scheme of a future thermonuclear power plant and critical comments on a road map which should enable the construction of an industrial thermonuclear reactor (DEMO).
Study of tungsten surface interaction with plasma streams at DPF-1000U
Authors: Ladygina Marina S. , Skladnik-Sadowska Elzbieta , Zaloga Dobromil R. , Malinowski Karol , Sadowski Marek J. , Kubkowska Monika , Kowalska-Strzeciwilk Ewa , Paduch Marian , Zielinska Ewa , Miklaszewski Ryszard , Garkusha Igor E. , Gribkov Vladimir A.
Published: June 2015

In this note experimental studies of tungsten (W) samples irradiated by intense plasma-ion streams are reported. Measurements were performed using the modified plasma focus device DPF-1000U equipped with an axial gas-puffing system. The main diagnostic tool was a Mechelle®900 optical spectrometer. The electron density of a freely propagating plasma stream (i.e., the plasma stream observed without any target inside the vacuum chamber) was estimated on the basis of the half-width of the Dβ spectral line, taking into account the linear Stark effect. For a freely propagating plasma stream the maximum electron density amounted to about 1.3 × 1017 cm−3 and was reached during the maximum plasma compression. The plasma electron density depends on the initial conditions of the experiments. It was thus important to determine first the plasma flow characteristics before attempting any target irradiation. These data were needed for comparison with plasma characteristics after an irradiation of the investigated target. In fact, spectroscopic measurements performed during interactions of plasma streams with the investigated W samples showed many WI and WII spectral lines. The surface erosion was determined from mass losses of the irradiated samples. Changes on the surfaces of the irradiated samples were also investigated with an optical microscope and some sputtering and melting zones were observed.
High Power Laser Laboratory at the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion: equipment and preliminary research
Authors: Zaraś-Szydłowska Agnieszka , Badziak Jan , Rosiński Marcin , Makowski Józef , Parys Piotr , Piotrowski Marek , Ryć Leszek , Wołowski Jerzy
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this paper is to present the newly-opened High Power Laser Laboratory (HPLL) at the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM). This article describes the laser, the main laboratory accessories and the diagnostic instruments. We also present preliminary results of the first experiment on ion and X-ray generation from laser-produced plasma that has been already performed at the HPLL.
Liquid micro pulsed plasma thruster
Authors: Szelecka Agnieszka , Kurzyna Jacek , Daniłko Dariusz , Barral Serge
Published: June 2015

A new type of pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) for small satellite propulsion is investigated, of which the most innovative aspect is the use of a non-volatile liquid propellant. The thruster is based on an open capillary design. The thruster achieved a thrust-to-power ratio above 45 μN/W, which constitutes a 5-fold improvement over the water-propelled pulsed plasma thruster, and which is also slightly above the performance of a similarly sized PPT with a solid propellant.
The source of X-rays and high-charged ions based on moderate power vacuum discharge with laser triggering
Authors: Alkhimova Mariya A. , Vovchenko Evgeniy D. , Melekhov Andrey P. , Ramakoti Ravi S. , Savelov Alexander S. , Krapiva Pavel S. , Moskalenko Ilya N.
Published: June 2015

The source of X-ray radiation with the energy of quanta that may vary in the range hν = 1÷12 keV was developed for studies in X-ray interaction with matter and modification of solid surfaces. It was based on a vacuum spark discharge with the laser triggering. It was shown in our experiments that there is a possibility to adjust X-ray radiation spectrum by changing the configuration of the electrode system when the energy stored in the capacitor is varied within the range of 1÷17 J. A comprehensive study of X-ray imaging and quanta energy was carried out. These experiments were carried out for the case of both direct and reverse polarity of the voltage on the electrodes. Additionally, ion composition of plasma created in a laser-triggered vacuum discharge was analyzed. Highly charged ions Zn(+21), Cu(+20) and Fe(+18) were observed.
Recursive Trees for Practical ORAM
Authors: Moataz Tarik , Blass Erik-Oliver , Noubir Guevara
Published: June 2015

We present a new, general data structure that reduces the communication cost of recent tree-based ORAMs. Contrary to ORAM trees with constant height and path lengths, our new construction r-ORAM allows for trees with varying shorter path length. Accessing an element in the ORAM tree results in different communication costs depending on the location of the element. The main idea behind r-ORAM is a recursive ORAM tree structure, where nodes in the tree are roots of other trees. While this approach results in a worst-case access cost (tree height) at most as any recent tree-based ORAM, we show that the average cost saving is around 35% for recent binary tree ORAMs. Besides reducing communication cost, r-ORAM also reduces storage overhead on the server by 4% to 20% depending on the ORAM’s client memory type. To prove r-ORAM’s soundness, we conduct a detailed overflow analysis. r-ORAM’s recursive approach is general in that it can be applied to all recent tree ORAMs, both constant and poly-log client memory ORAMs. Finally, we implement and benchmark r-ORAM in a practical setting to back up our theoretical claims.
Practical Forward-Secure Range and Sort Queries with Update-Oblivious Linked Lists
Authors: Blass Erik-Oliver , Mayberry Travis , Noubir Guevara
Published: June 2015

We revisit the problem of privacy-preserving range search and sort queries on encrypted data in the face of an untrusted data store. Our new protocol RASP has several advantages over existing work. First, RASP strengthens privacy by ensuring forward security: after a query for range [a, b], any new record added to the data store is indistinguishable from random, even if the new record falls within range [a, b]. We are able to accomplish this using only traditional hash and block cipher operations, abstaining from expensive asymmetric cryptography and bilinear pairings. Consequently, RASP is highly practical, even for large database sizes. Additionally, we require only cloud storage and not a computational cloud like related works, which can reduce monetary costs significantly. At the heart of RASP, we develop a new update-oblivious bucket-based data structure. We allow for data to be added to buckets without leaking into which bucket it has been added. As long as a bucket is not explicitly queried, the data store does not learn anything about bucket contents. Furthermore, no information is leaked about data additions following a query. Besides formally proving RASP’s privacy, we also present a practical evaluation of RASP on Amazon Dynamo, demonstrating its efficiency and real world applicability.
Privacy Games: Optimal User-Centric Data Obfuscation
Authors: Shokri Reza
Published: June 2015

Consider users who share their data (e.g., location) with an untrusted service provider to obtain a personalized (e.g., location-based) service. Data obfuscation is a prevalent user-centric approach to protecting users’ privacy in such systems: the untrusted entity only receives a noisy version of user’s data. Perturbing data before sharing it, however, comes at the price of the users’ utility (service quality) experience which is an inseparable design factor of obfuscation mechanisms. The entanglement of the utility loss and the privacy guarantee, in addition to the lack of a comprehensive notion of privacy, have led to the design of obfuscation mechanisms that are either suboptimal in terms of their utility loss, or ignore the user’s information leakage in the past, or are limited to very specific notions of privacy which e.g., do not protect against adaptive inference attacks or the adversary with arbitrary background knowledge.

In this paper, we design user-centric obfuscation mechanisms that impose the minimum utility loss for guaranteeing user’s privacy. We optimize utility subject to a joint guarantee of differential privacy (indistinguishability) and distortion privacy (inference error). This double shield of protection limits the information leakage through obfuscation mechanism as well as the posterior inference. We show that the privacy achieved through joint differential-distortion mechanisms against optimal attacks is as large as the maximum privacy that can be achieved by either of these mechanisms separately. Their utility cost is also not larger than what either of the differential or distortion mechanisms imposes. We model the optimization problem as a leader-follower game between the designer of obfuscation mechanism and the potential adversary, and design adaptive mechanisms that anticipate and protect against optimal inference algorithms. Thus, the obfuscation mechanism is optimal against any inference algorithm.
Cultural Industries In The Development Policies Of Cities And Regions: A New Area Of Educationin Spatial Management
Authors: Churski Paweł , Motek Paweł , Stryjakiewicz Tadeusz
Published: June 2015

This paper seeks to present organisational and programme assumptions of a new field of postgraduate studies called Cultural industries in the development policies of cities and regions, prepared by a team of workers of the Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań as a didactic innovation based on a modular system of education that meets contemporary changes in the labour market. The analysis will also embrace experiences following from the educational process implemented under the Human Capital Operational Programme in the years 2013–2015 (Priority IV: Tertiary Education and Science, Measure 4.3: Enhancing the didactic potential of universities in areas of key importance for the Europe 2020 Strategy). They provide a basis for conclusions and recommendations for higher schools interested in the development of this area of education.
Body Mass Index Of Nigerian Adolescent Urban Secondary School Girls
Authors: Onyiriuka Alphonsus N. , Ikuren Jackson I. , Onyiriuka Rita C.
Published: June 2015

Background and Aims: Body mass index (BMI) is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight status, which may have detrimental health consequences. The aim of our study was to assess the pattern of BMI among Nigerian adolescent secondary school girls and determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among them.

Materials and Methods: In this school-based cross-sectional study, weight was measured, using the spring bathroom scale which was supported at all times on a rigid base. Height was measured without footwear with the heels together. The BMI was computed, using the formula weight/height2 (kg/m2). The BMI-for-age percentile chart was used in classifying the weight status of the subjects.

Results: A total of 2,159 girls from two public urban day secondary schools participated in the study. Seven students declined to participate, giving a response rate of 99.7%. The overall mean weight, height and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were 43.16±6.07 kg (95% confidence interval, CI= 42.90-43.42), 151.53±6.20 cm (95% CI=151.27-151.79) and 19.76±3.07 kg/m2 (95% CI= 19.63-19.89). The BMI values increased directly with age. Participants in the early adolescent stage demonstrated a significantly lower mean BMI value than either the middle or late adolescent stages. Based on WHO criteria, the prevalence rates of underweight, overweight and obesity were 7.1% (95% CI= 3.0-11.2), 8.3% (95% CI= 4.3-12.3) and 2.1% (95% CI= 2.0-6.2), respectively. The overall prevalence of healthy weight status was 82.5% (95% CI= 80.7-84.3). Conclusion: Nigerian adolescent secondary school girls are at increased risk of the double burden of nutrition as both underweight and overweight show a relatively similar prevalence rates.