bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Attitudes to Inequality in Water Distribution: Insights From Preferences for Water Reallocation From Irrigators to Aboriginal Australians
Authors: Jackson Sue , Hatton MacDonald Darla , Bark Rosalind H.
Published: June 2019

Water allocation regimes that adjudicate between competing uses are in many countries under pressure to adapt to increasing demands, climate‐driven shortages, expectations for equity of access, and societal changes in values and priorities. International authorities expound standards for national allocation regimes that include robust processes for addressing the needs of “new entrants” and for varying existing entitlements within sustainable limits. The claims of Indigenous peoples to water represents a newly recognized set of rights and interests that will test the ability of allocation regimes to address the global water governance goal of equity. No study has sought to identify public attitudes or willingness to pay for a fairer allocation of water rights between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous people. We surveyed households from the jurisdictions of Australia's Murray‐Darling Basin, a region undergoing a historic government‐led recovery of water, and found that 69.2% of respondents support the principle of reallocating a small amount of water from irrigators to Aboriginal people via the water market. Using contingent valuation, we estimated households are willing to pay A$21.78 in a one‐off levy. The aggregate value calculated for households in the basin's jurisdictions was A$74.5 million, which is almost double a recent government commitment to fund the acquisition of entitlements for Aboriginal nations of this basin. Results varied by state of residency and affinity with environmental groups. An information treatment that presented narrative accounts from Aboriginal people influenced the results. Insights from this study can inform water reallocation processes.
Characterization of gelatin/chitosan ploymer films integrated with docosahexaenoic acids fabricated by different methods
Authors: Cai Luyun , Shi Hang , Cao Ailing , Jia Jingze
Published: June 2019

In this study, docosahexaenoic acid powder-enhanced gelatin-chitosan edible films were prepared by casting, electrospinning and coaxial electrospinning, respectively. The color (CR), transparency (UV), light transmission (UV), mechanical strength (TA-XT), thermal stability (DSC), crystalline structures (XRD), molecular interactions (FTIR), and microstructure (SEM) were assessed in the analytical research. The results of the research showed that the electrospinning process and the coaxial electrospinning process produced a smooth surface visible to by the naked eye and a uniform granular network structure in a unique film-forming manner, thereby exhibiting good water solubility and mechanical properties. In contrast, the casted film was smooth, transparent, and mechanically strong but poorly water soluble. It was also found that the addition of docosahexaenoic acid powder affected the optical, physical and mechanical properties of the film to varying degrees.
The value of indocyanine green clearance assessment to predict postoperative liver dysfunction in patients undergoing liver resection
Authors: Schwarz Christoph , Plass Immanuel , Fitschek Fabian , Punzengruber Antonia , Mittlböck Martina , Kampf Stephanie , Asenbaum Ulrika , Starlinger Patrick , Stremitzer Stefan , Bodingbauer Martin , Kaczirek Klaus
Published: June 2019

Postoperative liver dysfunction remains a major concern following hepatic resection. In order to identify patients who are at risk of developing liver dysfunction, indocyanine green (ICG) clearance has been proposed to predict postoperative liver function. All patients who underwent liver resection at the Medical University Vienna, Austria between 2006 and 2015 with preoperative ICG clearance testing (PDR, R15) were analyzed in this study. Postoperative liver dysfunction was analyzed as defined by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery. Overall, 698 patients (male: 394 (56.4%); female: 304 (43.6%)) with a mean age of 61.3 years (SD: 12.9) were included in this study, including 313 minor liver resections (44.8%) and 385 major liver resections (55.2%). One hundred and seven patients developed postoperative liver dysfunction after liver resection (15.3%). Factors associated with liver dysfunction were: male sex (p = 0.043), major liver resection (p < 0.0001), and preoperative ICG clearance (PDR (p = 0.002) and R15 (p < 0.0001)). Notably ICG clearance was significantly associated with liver dysfunction in minor and major liver resections respectively and remained a predictor upon multivariable analysis. An optimal cut-off for preoperative ICG clearance to accurately predict liver dysfunction was PDR < 19.5%/min and R15 > 5.6%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study analyzing the predictive value of preoperative ICG clearance assessment in patients undergoing liver resection. ICG clearance is useful to identify patients at risk of postoperative liver dysfunction.
Visual Field Prediction using Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Park Keunheung , Kim Jinmi , Lee Jiwoong
Published: June 2019

Artificial intelligence capabilities have, recently, greatly improved. In the past few years, one of the deep learning algorithms, the recurrent neural network (RNN), has shown an outstanding ability in sequence labeling and prediction tasks for sequential data. We built a reliable visual field prediction algorithm using RNN and evaluated its performance in comparison with the conventional pointwise ordinary linear regression (OLR) method. A total of 1,408 eyes were used as a training dataset and another dataset, comprising 281 eyes, was used as a test dataset. Five consecutive visual field tests were provided to the constructed RNN as input and a 6th visual field test was compared with the output of the RNN. The performance of the RNN was compared with that of OLR by predicting the 6th visual field in the test dataset. The overall prediction performance of RNN was significantly better than OLR. The pointwise prediction error of the RNN was significantly smaller than that of the OLR in most areas known to be vulnerable to glaucomatous damage. The RNN was also more robust and reliable regarding worsening in the visual field examination. In clinical practice, the RNN model can therefore assist in decision-making for further treatment of glaucoma.
Targeting CLDN18.2 by CD3 Bispecific and ADC Modalities for the Treatments of Gastric and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhu Guoyun , Foletti Davide , Liu Xiaohui , Ding Sheng , Melton Witt Jody , Hasa-Moreno Adela , Rickert Mathias , Holz Charles , Aschenbrenner Laura , Yang Amy H. , Kraynov Eugenia , Evering Winston , Obert Leslie , Lee Chenyu , Sai Tao , Mistry Tina , Lindquist Kevin C. , Van Blarcom Thomas , Strop Pavel , Chaparro-Riggers Javier , Liu Shu-Hui
Published: June 2019

Human CLDN18.2 is highly expressed in a significant proportion of gastric and pancreatic adenocarcinomas, while normal tissue expression is limited to the epithelium of the stomach. The restricted expression makes it a potential drug target for the treatment of gastric and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, as evidenced by efforts to target CLDN18.2 via naked antibody and CAR-T modalities. Herein we describe CLDN18.2-targeting via a CD3-bispecific and an antibody drug conjugate and the characterization of these potential therapeutic molecules in efficacy and preliminary toxicity studies. Anti-hCLDN18.2 ADC, CD3-bispecific and diabody, targeting a protein sequence conserved in rat, mouse and monkey, exhibitedin vitrocytotoxicity in BxPC3/hCLDN18.2 (IC50 = 1.52, 2.03, and 0.86 nM) and KATO-III/hCLDN18.2 (IC50 = 1.60, 0.71, and 0.07 nM) respectively and inhibited tumor growth of pancreatic and gastric patient-derived xenograft tumors. In a rat exploratory toxicity study, the ADC was tolerated up to 10 mg/kg. In a preliminary assessment of tolerability, the anti-CLDN18.2 diabody (0.34 mg/kg) did not produce obvious signs of toxicity in the stomach of NSG mice 4 weeks after dosing. Taken together, our data indicate that targeting CLDN18.2 with an ADC or bispecific modality could be a valid therapeutic approach for the treatment of gastric and pancreatic cancer.
High-dimensional detection of imaging response to treatment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kanber Baris , Nachev Parashkev , Barkhof Frederik , Calvi Alberto , Cardoso Jorge , Cortese Rosa , Prados Ferran , Sudre Carole H. , Tur Carmen , Ourselin Sebastien , Ciccarelli Olga
Published: June 2019

Changes on brain imaging may precede clinical manifestations or disclose disease progression opaque to conventional clinical measures. Where, as in multiple sclerosis, the pathological process has a complex anatomical distribution, such changes are not easily detected by low-dimensional models in common use. This hinders our ability to detect treatment effects, both in the management of individual patients and in interventional trials. Here we compared the ability of conventional models to detect an imaging response to treatment against high-dimensional models incorporating a wide multiplicity of imaging factors. We used fully-automated image analysis to extract 144 regional, longitudinal trajectories of pre- and post- treatment changes in brain volume and disconnection in a cohort of 124 natalizumab-treated patients. Low- and high-dimensional models of the relationship between treatment and the trajectories of change were built and evaluated with machine learning, quantifying performance with receiver operating characteristic curves. Simulations of randomised controlled trials enrolling varying numbers of patients were used to quantify the impact of dimensionality on statistical efficiency. Compared to existing methods, high-dimensional models were superior in treatment response detection (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.890 [95% CI = 0.885–0.895] vs. 0.686 [95% CI = 0.679–0.693], P < 0.01]) and in statistical efficiency (achieved statistical power = 0.806 [95% CI = 0.698–0.872] vs. 0.508 [95% CI = 0.403–0.593] with number of patients enrolled = 50, at α = 0.01). High-dimensional models based on routine, clinical imaging can substantially enhance the detection of the imaging response to treatment in multiple sclerosis, potentially enabling more accurate individual prediction and greater statistical efficiency of randomised controlled trials.
Direct transmission electron microscopy observation of the oriented edge-attachment processes between single-layer graphene flakes
Authors: Wan Neng , Shao Zhiyong , Zhao Xiaokang , Xu Kang
Published: June 2019

Oriented attachment works on super-lubric surfaces, which could be helpful for 2-dimensional material deposition.
Push–pull unsymmetrical substitution in nickel(ii) complexes with tetradentate N2O2 Schiff base ligands: synthesis, structures and linear–nonlinear optical studies
Authors: Rigamonti Luca , Forni Alessandra , Righetto Stefania , Pasini Alessandro
Published: June 2019

Push–pull unsymmetrical substitution efficiently modulates the electronic, linear and nonlinear optical properties of nickel(ii) complexes with salen-type ligands.
A family of lanthanide complexes with a bis-tridentate nitronyl nitroxide radical: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Miao Hao , Li Hong-Qing , Shen Fu-Xing , Wei Hai-Yan , Wang Bao-Lin , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: June 2019

A family of 2p–4f LnIII–radical complexes and 4f–2p–4f LnIII–radical–LnIII complexes were synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically.
Expansion of the scope of alkylboryl-bridged N → B-ladder boranes: new substituents and alternative substrates
Authors: Pammer Frank , Schepper Jonas , Glöckler Johannes , Sun Yu , Orthaber Andreas
Published: June 2019

A series of new boranes capable of forming intramolecular N → B-heterocycles has been prepared and their properties have been studied by electrochemical methods and UV-vis-spectroscopy complemented by DFT calculations.
Catalytic synthesis of 9-cis-retinoids: mechanistic insights
Authors: Kahremany Shirin , Kubas Adam , Tochtrop Gregory P. , Palczewski Krzysztof
Published: June 2019

Novel approach for the catalytic synthesis of 9-cis-retinoids using conventional heat and microwave irradiation, followed by mechanistic investigation using quantum chemical calculations at the level of coupled-cluster methods.
Correction: Different antitumor effects of quercetin, quercetin-3′-sulfate and quercetin-3-glucuronide in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells
Authors: Wu Qiu , Needs Paul W. , Lu Yalong , Kroon Paul A. , Ren Daoyuan , Yang Xingbin
Published: June 2019

Correction for ‘Different antitumor effects of quercetin, quercetin-3′-sulfate and quercetin-3-glucuronide in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells’ by Qiu Wu et al., Food Funct., 2018, 9, 1736–1746.
Creating glasswing butterfly-inspired durable antifogging superomniphobic supertransmissive, superclear nanostructured glass through Bayesian learning and optimization
Authors: Haghanifar Sajad , McCourt Michael , Cheng Bolong , Wuenschell Jeffrey , Ohodnicki Paul , Leu Paul W.
Published: June 2019

Nanostructured superclear, superomniphobic glass fabricated by a statistical machine learning procedure.
Theoretical study on the mechanism and chemoselectivity in gold(i)-catalyzed cycloisomerization of β,β-disubstituted ortho-(alkynyl)styrenes
Authors: Zhou Lin , Yang Li , Zhang Yanwen , Kirillov Alexander M. , Fang Ran , Han Bing
Published: June 2019

The mechanism and chemoselectivity of gold(i)-catalyzed cycloadditions of β,β-disubstituted ortho-(alkynyl)styrenes were explored by DFT calculations.
Prediction on the origin of chemoselectivity in Lewis base-mediated competition cyclizations between allenoates and chalcones: a computational study
Authors: Shi Qianqian , Wang Wei , Wang Yang , Lan Yu , Yao Changsheng , Wei Donghui
Published: June 2019

The HOMOTSs and p-orbital contributions of the center atoms were used to predict the origin of chemoselectivity in this work.
Rh-Catalyzed intramolecular decarbonylative cyclization of ortho-formyl group tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes (ACPs) for the construction of 2-methylindenes
Authors: Fan Xing , Liu Ruixing , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: June 2019

A Rh-catalyzed intramolecular cascade decarbonylative coupling reaction of ortho-formyl group-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes has been developed, affording indene derivatives in moderate to good yields.
Ring-opening C(sp3)–C coupling of cyclobutanone oxime esters for the preparation of cyanoalkyl containing heterocycles enabled by photocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Pan Yu-Liang , Yang Chen , Li Xin , Wang Bin
Published: June 2019

A ring-opening C(sp3)–C coupling of cyclobutanone oxime esters for the preparation of cyanoalkyl containing heterocycles was realized under visible-light or sunlight irradiation.
Infrared and Raman spectra of Bi2O2X and Bi2OX2 (X = S, Se, and Te) studied from first principles calculations
Authors: Xu Yao-Di , Wang Cong , Lv Yang-Yang , Chen Y. B. , Yao Shu-Hua , Zhou Jian
Published: June 2019

Crystal structures of bismuth oxychalcogenide compounds Bi2O2X and Bi2OX2 (X = S, Se, and Te).
The effect of ISR on OFMSW during acidogenic fermentation for the production of AD precursor: kinetics and synergies
Authors: Soomro Abdul F. , Ni Zhe , Ying Li , Liu Jianguo
Published: June 2019

Acidogenic fermentation of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and it's components (food waste and paper wastes) was studied in batch percolator reactor without artificial pH adjustment.
Effects of single and split injection on the performance, emission and combustion attributes of a CRDI engine powered with diesel and honge biodiesel
Authors: Indudhar M. R. , Banapurmath N. R. , Rajulu K. Govinda , Khan T. M. Yunus , Manoj E. K.
Published: June 2019

This paper reports an investigation of the use of biodiesel in a common rail direct injection (CRDI) engine.
Influence of charge sequence on the adsorption of polyelectrolytes to oppositely-charged polyelectrolyte brushes
Authors: Sethuraman Vaidyanathan , McGovern Michael , Morse David C. , Dorfman Kevin D.
Published: June 2019

The influence of backbone charge sequence in oppositely charged polyelectrolyte brushes upon their adsorption efficacy is reported at low salt concentration using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations.
Synergistic electrocatalysis of polysulfides by a nanostructured VS4-carbon nanofiber functional separator for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhang Yongzheng , Xu Guixin , Kang Qi , Zhan Liang , Tang Weiqiang , Yu Yaxin , Shen Kaili , Wang Hucheng , Chu Xuan , Wang Jinyun , Zhao Shuangliang , Wang Yanli , Ling Licheng , Yang Shubin
Published: June 2019

Nanostructured VS4 was in situ grown on defect-rich carbon nanofibers as a functional separator coating, which exerts the efficient entrapment and electrocatalysis of LiPS conversion.
Ni1−xMxSe2 (M = Fe, Co, Cu) nanowires as anodes for ammonia-borane electrooxidation and the derived Ni1−xMxSe2−y–OOH ultrathin nanosheets as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution
Authors: Wang Guojing , Wang Hu , Chen Tao , Tan Yiwei
Published: June 2019

Nickel-based bimetallic selenide nanowires were synthesized, and Ni1−xCuxSe2 NWs and derived Ni1−xFexSe2−y–OOH nanosheets were used as anodes and showed superior performance for the ammonia–borane and water electrooxidation reactions, respectively.
On understanding bandgap bowing and optoelectronic quality in Pb–Sn alloy hybrid perovskites
Authors: Rajagopal Adharsh , Stoddard Ryan J. , Hillhouse Hugh W. , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: June 2019

Experimental insights regarding bandgap evolution in hybrid perovskite alloys and the optimal small-bandgap absorber composition desired for next-generation perovskite tandems.
Water-based synthesis of keratin micro- and nanoparticles with tunable mucoadhesive properties for drug delivery
Authors: Perotto Giovanni , Sandri Giuseppina , Pignatelli Cataldo , Milanesi Giulia , Athanassiou Athanassia
Published: June 2019

A water-based synthesis to produce micro and nano particles of keratin, that can be easily loaded with drugs and showed a sustained release, is reported. The particles interaction with mucin could be altered to favor or decrease their mucoadhesion.
Combining antioxidant hydrogels with self-assembled microparticles for multifunctional wound dressings
Authors: di Luca Mariagrazia , Curcio Manuela , Valli Emanuele , Cirillo Giuseppe , Voli Florida , Butini Maria Eugenia , Farfalla Annafranca , Pantuso Elvira , Leggio Antonella , Nicoletta Fiore Pasquale , Tavanti Arianna , Iemma Francesca , Vittorio Orazio
Published: June 2019

A multi-functional composite to be employed as a dressing material was prepared by combining hydrogel and microparticle systems.
Analysis of operating conditions of a cooling installation with carbon dioxide
Authors: Bieniek Artur , Mika Łukasz , Kuchmacz Jan
Published: June 2019

In response to international regulations, natural refrigerants

such as carbon dioxide are more and more frequently used in the refrigeration industry. Due to thermodynamic properties, R-744 is used in the transcritical cycle as an individual refrigerant. In the hereby article, high pressure of CO2 and air temperature values were analysed. The measurements were conducted on the gas cooler side and involved external air temperature values in the summer period between 1 June to 30 September 2018. The “Booster” installation was used in one of Polish supermarkets. Correlations required to determine the optimal pressure of carbon dioxide depending on ambient temperature were presented in the article. The equations presented hereby allowed to maximize the energy efficiency ratio. An optimal high pressure for one of the correlations from literature was calculated on the basis of the measurement of ambient temperature. Actual and optimal pressure values of carbon dioxide were compared in the analysed period of time.
Application of the counter- and cross-flow indirect evaporative cooler for heat recovery under different climate conditions
Authors: Cichoñ Aleksandra , Pacak Anna , Pandelidis Demis , Anisimov Sergey
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the potential of applying an indirect evaporative cooler for heat recovery in air-conditioning system under various climate conditions. The counter- and cross-flow configurations of the indirect evaporative exchanger are addressed in this study in terms of their performance and applicability for different climate zones. Presented analyses are carried out with original ε-NTU model considering condensation from the product airflow and validated against experimental data. It was stated that both configurations of the indirect evaporative exchanger have a high application potential to be employed as a heat recovery device under most climatic parameters. Additionally for each climate zone considered in this paper, the air-conditioning system that consists of either the indirect evaporative exchanger and vapor-compression cooler or indirect evaporative exchanger and direct evaporative cooler is proposed.
Experimental analysis of waste tyres as a sustainable source of energy
Authors: Czajczyńska Dina , Czajka Krzysztof M. , Krzyżyńska Renata , Jouhara Hussam
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, the stability of energy supply that additionally should be sustainable is one of the most important global issues. Thus, many new potential energy sources are being investigated. Since automobile industry is growing, a huge amount of waste tyres (WT) occur each year. Pyrolysis of scrap tyres can be considered as a sustainable way to recover significant amounts of energy as well as the valuable materials. Potential of waste tyres in the energy sector is studied in this work. Proximate, ultimate and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis of mechanically grounded WT sample was done. Waste tyres feature high heating value combined with carbon content as high as 87.90 % (on dry ash-free basis). Additionally, TG analysis allows to choose optimal operating temperature for pyrolysis process which is between 350 and 500°C. However, the sulphur content is also relatively high – around 2 wt.% - and it is the most important challenge for utilizing this waste in a thermochemical way.
Cemetery waste management in Poland. A case study for Wrocław city
Authors: Janda Anna , Marcinkowski Tadeusz
Published: June 2019

The annual amount of cemetery waste in Wrocław does not exceed 1% of generated municipal waste. The largest amount of cemetery waste is generated in autumn months. For the Osobowicki cemetery, the total volume of containers for selective waste collection has doubled since 2013 and now constitutes 49% of the total volume of containers. Research of the content of selected waste containers revealed the segregation of glass, plastics and biodegradable waste in the range from 81% to 92%. For the St. Lawrence cemetery the volume of containers for selective waste collection constitutes only 6% of the total volume of containers there. Despite these difficulties, the degree of separation of glass and plastics is very high (from 89% to 94%). Increase of the volume of containers for biodegradable waste would reduce the high share of green fraction (from 22% to 38%) in non-biodegradable waste containers.
Methodology and impact categories of environmental life cycle assessment in geothermal energy sector
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Michał
Published: June 2019

The development of renewable energy sources, including geothermal energy, causes that more and more attention should be devoted to their environmental impact in a holistic approach. Currently, the impact of geothermal installations on the environment is analyzed in the context of emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere at the operational stage. Additionally, sustainable development and creating a responsible energy mix requires the use of tools that will provide precise information about the effectiveness of the proposed technological solutions and their impact on the environment. The LCA lifecycle assessment can be such a tool. The complexity of the investment process, which is the construction of a heating plant, a combined heat and power plant or power plant based on geothermal energy, results mainly from changing geological, topographical and environmental conditions. In such a case, the precise determination of the methodology and the definition of impact categories are crucial. The article is a review of the applied methodologies in the world, taking into account impact categories and databases used in conducting the LCA in the geothermal energy sector.
Comparison of daily flows simulated for the year 2060 on the Kaczawa River for various scenarios of climate change by simple time series analysis
Authors: Kuchar Leszek , Broszkiewicz-Suwaj Ewa , Iwanski Slawomir , Jelonek Leszek
Published: June 2019

In this paper a time series analysis for daily flow simulations according three climate change scenario for Kaczawa River a left side tributary of the Odra River in south-west Poland is presented. The flow sequences were simulated using the hydrological model MIKE SHE and the spatial SWGEN meteorological data generator. Meteorological data for the hydrological model were generated based on data from 24 meteorological stations and 35-year daily data from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management of the National Research Institute (IMGW). Data were generated for future climate condition for 2060 according GISS Model E, HadCM3, and GFDL R15 scenarios as well for the present conditions. The year 2000 was used as a reference year. The results obtained on the basis of a simple time series analysis point to small changes in flows for current and simulated conditions for 2060 for the Kaczawa River.
Minor pressure losses for different connections of PP-R and PEX/Al/PEX installation pipes
Authors: Ligaj Kinga , Widomski Marcin K. , Musz-Pomorska Anna
Published: June 2019

This paper presents results of laboratory and numerical research concerning determination of water flow resistance through three types of two-way connection of polymer installation pipes: PP-R 20x3.4 mm and PEX/Al/PEX 16x2.0 mm. The following fittings were applied: the direct connection, pipe union and coupler, allowing to test six measurement variants. The laboratory measurements of pressure loss for the tested pipes connections were performed for variable Reynolds number, from approx. 5000 to 50000. The numerical modeling allowing to assess the distributions of velocity of flow and turbulence intensity were performed using FLUENT, Ansys Inc. modelling software. The relations between determined values of minor pressure loss and coefficients of local pressure losses and type of pipes connection, direction of flow as well as the value of Reynolds number were observed. The applied nonparametric statistics, combined with multi comparison, showed that in most cases of analyzed connections, besides the pipe union, the observed differences in pressure losses for various directions of flows are statistically significant for p = 0.05.
Lighting of urban green areas – the case of Grabiszyn Park in Wrocław. Searching for the balance between light and darkness through social and technical issues
Authors: Łopuszyńska Agata , Bartyna-Zielińska Małgorzata
Published: June 2019

Illuminating the urban green spaces could lead to conflicts of spatial, technical and social nature. This relatively new, though already global, problem is expected to grow bigger with the further increase of urban areas artificial brightness. The case of Grabiszyn Park in Wrocław is an example of how difficult it is to find a balance between big-city lights and a natural darkness. The situation is even more difficult if the light is not legally recognized as a significant source of air pollution and direct nuisance at the legal level. The aim of the paper is to recognize the broader perspective of urban greenery lighting issues, global recommendations basis and the local awareness. The authors also made an attempt to analyze and assess the project implementation, as well as to characterize the components of the quality of an urban green areas lighting.
Measurements of natural radioactivity in soil samples collected in the Kampinoski National Park
Authors: Łukaszek-Chmielewska Aneta , Girard Martin , Stawarz Olga , Piotrowska Barbara , Wojtkowski Karol , Isajenko Krzysztof
Published: June 2019

In this article are presented the results of measurements of natural radioactivity in twelve soil samples from the Kampinoski National Park by using high purity germanium detector (HPGe). The average values of the natural radionuclides40K,226Ra and228Ac concentrations in the soil samples are 8.54, 6.65 and 206 Bq/kg respectively. Additionally radiation hazard indices were calculated to evaluate the radiological risk for the public and environment. The results show that the mean values of radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and gamma absorbed dose rate (D) in the air, outdoor annual effective dose equivalent (Eout), and representative level index (Iγ) for analyzed samples were lower than the limit recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). This study is the first to evaluate the radiological impacts in the investigation area.
Isolation of anaerobic bacteria of the Bacteroides fragilis group from environmental samples
Authors: Niestępski Sebastian , Harnisz Monika , Korzeniewska Ewa , Osińska Adriana
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of identification of Bacteroides fragilis group (BFG) strains isolated from human and rat feces, hospital wastewater, and untreated and treated sewage from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). BFG strains were plated on Bacteroides Bile Esculin (BBE) agar. Characteristic colonies were isolated from the culture medium, tested for antibiotic resistance and identified by PCR and MALDI-TOF MS. A total of 319 strains that formed characteristic colonies were isolated from BBE agar, of which 250 were resistant to kanamycin, colistin and vancomycin. PCR revealed that only 135 strains harbored the bfr gene specific to the BFG. In MALDI-TOF MS analysis, only 123 isolates were classified as members of the BFG. The most frequently isolated species was Parabacteroides distasonis (51.22% of strains). B. fragilis, B. ovatus and B. thetaiotaomicron were less frequently encountered in the analyzed environmental samples (30.01%, 8.13% and 5.69%, respectively). The strains isolated from human and rat feces on BBE agar were most reliably identified, and 100% of the isolated strains were classified as members of the BFG. The effectiveness of isolation of BFG strains from hospital wastewater and untreated and treated sewage from the WWTP was relatively low (20%, 19%, 40%, respectively). The results of this study suggest that the method for isolating BFG strains from environmental samples on BBE agar requires modification. Additional methods, such as PCR and MALDI-TOF MS, can be used to more effectively identify BFG strains isolated from different environmental samples.
Analysis of the multi-stage desiccant cooling system performance in Wrocław (Poland)
Authors: Pacak Anna , Cichoń Aleksandra , Pandelidis Demis , Anisimov Sergey
Published: June 2019

In this study, the application potential of desiccant cooling system with indirect evaporative precooling is analyzed for moderate climatic conditions. Wrocław (Poland) was selected as a representative city. On the base of summer season weather parameters different system running modes were proposed such as cooling and dehumidification mode (Mode 1) and only cooling mode (Mode 2). The average month Thermal and Electrical COP were established for selected climatic conditions. It was concluded that proposed system allows to cool the air without occurrence of condensation in Mode 2 with high average monthly electrical COP (COPel = 62.2 in August). On the other hand when dehumidification is needed, system operates in Mode 1 and obtains relatively high average Thermal COP values (COPth = 2.2).
Application of mathematical modelling in evaluation of odour nuisance from selected waste management plant
Authors: Pawnuk Marcin , Sówka Izabela
Published: June 2019

A wide range of tools is required to comprehensively assess the impact of odours on people and the environment. Among them, mathematical tools for odour dispersion modelling are widely used. We can distinguish models based on Gaussian, Lagrangian and Eulerian approach. In Poland, the reference model, Operat FB, based on Gaussian way is commonly used for odour dispersion modelling. Modelling was conducted for two scenarios: first including area and point emission sources, while second one included only point sources. Comparison of both scenarios shows significant improvement of odour impact range of selected Plant in case when area sources are excluded.
The model of energy efficiency transportation of thermal and electric energy in the underground heat collector
Authors: Titkov Dmitriy
Published: June 2019

The paper deals with modeling of the underground heat collector thermal conditions for utilities, calculating variations in temperature taking place in the soil mass around the collector as well as temperature variations in the air space of the latter. This leads to the reduction in the cost of heat and electricity transportation and a significant cost cutting of heat that is electricity supply of urban areas. The dependences of the thermal soil massiveness on the laying depth of the collector and changes in soil temperature in the course of time are presented.
Thermal efficiency of the building envelope with the air layer and reflective coatings
Authors: Ujma Adam , Umnyakova Nina
Published: June 2019

Currently, when calculating the heat-shielding qualities of external enclosing structures, the ability of fencing surfaces to reflect the heat flux by radiation is not taken into account. All this leads to an underestimation of heat-shielding characteristics in comparison with reality. Studies have shown. that a number of factors affect the thermal protection of air layers - the difference in temperature on the surfaces of the interlayer, its thickness. But the most important is the coefficient of elimination of the air gap surface. The use of reflective heat insulation with a low emissivity on one of the surfaces of the air gap makes it possible to increase its thermal protection 2.5–3 times. The article presents the calculations of thermal protection of air gaps with different emissivity coefficients of surfaces and conclusions about the effectiveness of the use of reflective insulation.
The impact of chemical contaminants on biocenosis (ecotoxycological studies)
Authors: Wróbel Magdalena , Stojanowska Agnieszka , Nosarzewska Martyna , Rutkowski Radosław , Rybak Justyna
Published: June 2019

The analysis of the impact of PCC “Rokita” chemical industry on the natural environment has been studied. Samples of water, soil and sediment taken nearby industry were analyzed with ecotoxicological tests.. We used Avena sativa for study the impact of industry on producers and to evaluate soil quality. Additionally the commercial test, Phytotoxkit, test was conducted. Water quality was assessed using Tubifex tubifex and Daphnia magna/ Sediment’s quality was assessed with the application of Ostracodtoxkit F test (Heterocypris incongruens). Conducted ecotoxicological tests proved that the studied area surrounding PCC “Rokita” is still contaminated with organic toxic compounds we observed mortality in water and soil of organisms tested. The fighest impact of toxicants was recorded for sediments suggesting accumulation of toxicants over many years.
Open circuit voltage of organic photovoltaic cells using C60 as acceptor: variation with the donor
Authors: El Jouad Zouhair , Cattin Linda , Addou Mohammed , Bernède Jean Christian
Published: June 2019

The open circuit voltage (Voc) of organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) is an important parameter in terms of OPV performance. In the present work, we check that its value depends on the energy difference between the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital of the electron acceptor (LUMOA) and the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital of the donor (HOMOD). The electron acceptor is the fullerene, while the electron acceptors are used as parameter. The results show that Voc increases with the value of Δ(LUMOA–HOMOD). However, for some molecules, this increase is not linear, which shows that other parameters are also determinant.
Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia
Authors: Peraçoli José Carlos , Borges Vera Therezinha Medeiros , Ramos José Geraldo Lopes , Cavalli Ricardo de Carvalho , Costa Sérgio Hofmeister de Almeida Martins , Oliveira Leandro Gustavo de , Souza Francisco Lazaro Pereira de , Korkes Henri Augusto , Brum Ione Rodrigues , Costa Maria Laura , Corrêa Junior Mário Dias , Sass Nelson , Diniz Angélica Lemos Debs , Prado Caio Antonio de Campos , Cunha Filho Edson Viera da
Published: June 2019

Pre-eclampsia is a multifactorial and multisystemic disease specific to gestation. It is classically diagnosed by the presence of hypertension associated with proteinuria manifested in a previously normotensive pregnant woman after the 20th week of gestation. Pre-eclampsia is also considered in the absence of proteinuria if there is target organ damage. The present review takes a general approach focused on aspects of practical interest in the clinical and obstetric care of these women. Thus, it explores the still unknown etiology, current aspects of pathophysiology and of the diagnosis, the approach to disease prediction, its adverse outcomes and prevention. Management is based on general principles, on nonpharmacological and on pharmacological clinical treatment of severe or nonsevere situations with emphasis on the hypertensive crisis and eclampsia. Obstetric management is based on preeclampsia without or with signs of clinical and/or laboratory deterioration, stratification of gestational age in < 24 weeks, between 24 and less than 34 weeks, and ≥ 34 weeks of gestation, and guidance on route of delivery. An immediate puerperium approach and repercussions in the future life of pregnant women who develop preeclampsia is also presented.
Cirugía de rescate en el síndrome del túnel del carpo: nuestra experiencia utilizando el colgajo vascularizado de grasa hipotenar
Authors: Almoguera-Martinez Alejandro , Martinez-Perez Irene , Jiménez Lydia Alcázar , Valmaña José María De la Sotilla , Martínez María Ángeles Calvo , Plasencia Miguel Ángel Arriba
Published: June 2019

Introducción Una de las técnicas más extendidas para tratar la recidiva del síndrome del túnel del carpo (STC), es la interposición de un colgajo de almohadilla grasa hipotenar vascularizada (técnica de Strickland). Esa técnica es la empleada por la Unidad de Cirugía de Muñeca y Mano del Servicio de Traumatología del Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias. El objetivo de este estudio, es revisar los pacientes intervenidos de recidiva del STC en dicha unidad mediante esa técnica, y comprobar su evolución a medio y largo plazo.

Material y Método En este trabajo se lleva a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de tipo descriptivo. La población estudiada es la muestra de pacientes operados mediante la técnica de Strickland, para la recidiva del STC, intervenidos entre el 2010 y el 2017, habiendo pasado un mínimo de 6 meses desde esa última intervención.

Conclusión Pese a las limitaciones de este estudio, los datos avalan que se obtiene mejoría objetiva y subjetiva en un número elevado de pacientes con STC recidivado: al menos el 50% de los pacientes intervenidos se encuentran satisfechos; siendo bajo el índice de complicaciones.
Capitolunate Arthrodesis versus Four-corner Arthrodesis in Scaphoin Nonunion Advanced Collapsed Wrist Treatment
Authors: González Porto Sara Alicia , Cano Leira María Ángeles , González Rodríguez Alba , Álvarez Jorge Ángel
Published: June 2019

Objective To evaluate the outcomes of scaphoidectomy and capitolunate arthrodesis versus four-corner arthrodesis in patients with stage III scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrists.

Methods We reviewed retrospectively all of the consecutive patients surgically treated in our center between 2007 and 2015, including 20 patients in the four-corner arthrodesis group and 11 patients in the capitolunate group. The mean follow-up time was of 47 months. The follow-up evaluation included wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, visual analogue scale (VAS), the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the Mayo wrist scale (MWS). Postoperative complications and the radiographic evaluation were also assessed.

Results There was no statistical difference in flexion, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, grip strength, VAS, DASH or MWS scores. There was a statistically significant increase (6°) in extension in capitolunate arthrodesis versus four-corner arthrodesis, possibly without clinical relevance. There were two nonunions in the four-corner group, and none in the capitolunate group. None of the patients in the capitolunate group required screw removal. One patient in the four-corner group required dorsal plate removal. One patient in each group required conversion to total arthrodesis.

Conclusions Capitolunate arthrodesis shows similar results in wrist ROM, grip strength and patient-reported outcomes when compared with four-corner arthrodesis at an average follow-up period of 4 years. We did not have any pisotriquetral arthritis in the capitolunate arthrodesis group, despite not removing the triquetrum in any of patients of this group.

Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Surgical Planning in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Schöller Karsten , Siller Sebastian , Brem Christian , Lutz Jürgen , Zausinger Stefan
Published: June 2019

Background and Study Aims/Objective Despite its invasiveness, computed tomography myelography (CTM) is still considered an important supplement to conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for preoperative evaluation of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). We analyzed if diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) could be a less invasive alternative for this purpose.

Material and Methods In 20 patients with CSM and an indication for decompression of at least one level, CTM was performed preoperatively to determine the extent of spinal canal/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space and cord compression (Naganawa score) for a decision on the number of levels to be decompressed. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were correlated with these parameters and with MRI-based increased signal intensity (ISI). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity to discriminate levels requiring decompression surgery. European Myelopathy Score (EMS) and neck/radicular visual analog scale (VAS-N/R) were used for clinical evaluation.

Results According to preoperative CTM, 20 levels of maximum and 16 levels of relevant additional stenosis were defined and decompressed. Preoperative FA and particularly ADC showed a significant correlation with the CTM Naganawa score but also with the ISI grade. Furthermore, both FA and ADC facilitated a good discrimination between stenotic and nonstenotic levels with cutoff values < 0.49 for FA and > 1.15 × 10−9 m2/s for ADC. FA and especially ADC revealed a considerably higher sensitivity (79% and 82%, respectively) in discriminating levels requiring decompression surgery compared with ISI (55%). EMS and VAS-N/R were significantly improved at 14 months compared with preoperative values.

Conclusion DTI parameters are highly sensitive at distinguishing surgical from nonsurgical levels in CSM patients and might therefore represent a less invasive alternative to CTM for surgical planning.
Nuclear transplantation between allogeneic cells through topological reconnection of plasma membrane in a microfluidic system
Authors: Okanojo Masahiro , Okeyo Kennedy O. , Hanzawa Hiroko , Kurosawa Osamu , Oana Hidehiro , Takeda Shizu , Washizu Masao
Published: June 2019

Previous studies have demonstrated that somatic cells fused with pluripotent stem cells can be reprogrammed on the basis of reprogramming factors acquired from the latter. However, fusion-reprogrammed cells are deemed unsuitable for therapeutic applications mainly because conventional fusion techniques often yield tetraploid fusants that contain exogenous genes acquired from the fusion partners. Here, we present a novel cell–cell topological reconnection technique and demonstrate its application to nuclear transplantation between a somatic cell and a stem cell without nuclei mixing. As a proof of concept, a microfluidic fusion chip embodied with a microslit (4 μm in width) to prevent nuclei mixing was developed and used to perform one-to-one electrofusion of a target somatic cell (Jurkat cell) with an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell. To extract its cytoplasm, the target cell was first topologically connected to a sacrificial iPS cell by electrofusion via a microslit, followed by shear flow removal of the latter to obtain a cytoplasm-depleted nucleus of the target cell. Then, to replace the lost cytoplasm, topological reconnection to a second iPS cell was performed similarly by electrofusion, followed by shear flow separation of the target cell to enable it acquire most of the iPS cytoplasm, but without nuclei mixing. Microscopic observation of target cells harvested and cultured post hoc in a microwell confirmed that they manifested cell division. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential application of the cell–cell topological reconnection technique to somatic cell nuclear transplantation for the generation of autologous pluripotent stem cells.
Soil quality and vegetation performance indicators for sustainable rehabilitation of bauxite residue disposal areas: a review
Authors: Di Carlo E. , Chen C. R. , Haynes R. J. , Phillips I. R. , Courtney R.
Published: June 2019

The generation of bauxite residue, the by-product of alumina manufacture from bauxite ore, has increased to a global stockpile of some 3 billion tonnes. In the absence of significant reuse options, the bulk of this residue is contained within bauxite residue disposal areas (BRDAs), which can occupy a significant footprint and pose potential environmental risk. Rehabilitation (amendment and vegetation establishment) is viewed as a significant strategy for eventual closure of the BRDAs. Major limitations to plant growth in residue include high pH, salinity, and sodicity, as well as deficiencies of macro- and micronutrients and potentially elevated levels of trace elements. The physical properties are also problematic as residue mud consolidates to form a solid mass that waterlogs easily or dries to form a massive structure, whereas sand has a very low water- and nutrient-holding capacity. A variety of techniques have been trialled at the pot level and at the field scale to bring about reductions in residue alkalinity and sodicity to promote plant establishment, with gypsum amendment viewed as the most promising. Other amendment strategies include use of organic additions or fertiliser applications, and a combined approach can lead to improved residue properties and successful plant establishment. Few reports have focused on longer term plant growth, self-propagation, and residue interactions under field conditions. There is some evidence that rehabilitated residue can support vegetation growth and soil development in the short to medium term (~15 years), but key issues such as nutrient availability and plant uptake require further study. Although rehabilitated residue can support diverse microbial communities and demonstrate trajectory analogous to soil, the ability of rehabilitated residue to support soil biota and key ecosystem processes warrants further study. The bioavailability of trace elements within rehabilitated sites and potential food chain transfer are relatively unexplored. These areas need careful study before definitive statements can be made regarding the sustainability of residue rehabilitation strategies.