bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidental detection by computed tomography is an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients operated for nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Orrason Andri W. , Sigurdsson Martin I. , Baldvinsson Kristjan , Thorsteinsson Hunbogi , Jonsson Steinn , Gudbjartsson Tomas
Published: April 2017

We studied the rate of incidental detection of lung carcinomas and its effect on long-term survival in a nationwide cohort of patients operated for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

All patients operated for NSCLC in Iceland during 1991�2010 were included. Demographic and clinicopathological features were compared in patients diagnosed incidentally using chest radiography or computed tomography (CT), and in those with symptomatic presentation. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate prognostic factors.

Out of 508 patients, 174 (34%) were diagnosed incidentally; in 26% of cases by chest radiography and in 8% by CT. The CT-detected tumours were significantly smaller than symptomatic tumours, diagnosed at earlier TNM (tumour, node and metastasis) stages and more often of adenocarcinoma histology. 5-year cancer-specific survival for symptomatic
versus
incidentally diagnosed patients detected by chest radiography and CT was 41%, 57% and 68%, respectively (p=0.003). After adjusting for stage, the hazard ratio (HR) for NSCLC mortality was significantly lower for incidental diagnosis by CT (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98; p=0.04) compared to incidental diagnosis by chest radiography (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.70-1.27; p=0.71) or symptomatic diagnosis (HR 1.0).

One-third of surgically treated NSCLCs were detected incidentally, with an increasing rate of incidental CT diagnosis. NSCLC patients diagnosed incidentally by CT appear to have better survival than those diagnosed incidentally by chest radiography, and particularly those who present with symptoms.
Weak convergence theorems for split feasibility problems on zeros of the sum of monotone operators and fixed point sets in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Suwannaprapa Montira , Petrot Narin , Suantai Suthep
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we consider a type of split feasibility problem by focusing on the solution sets of two important problems in the setting of Hilbert spaces that are the sum of monotone operators and fixed point problems. By assuming the existence of solutions, we provide a suitable algorithm for finding a solution point. Some important applications and numerical experiments of the considered problem and constructed algorithm are also discussed.
A Call to Develop Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) for Nonmajors Courses
Authors: Ballen Cissy J. , Blum Jessamina E. , Brownell Sara , Hebert Sadie , Hewlett James , Klein Joanna R. , McDonald Erik A. , Monti Denise L. , Nold Stephen C. , Slemmons Krista E. , Soneral Paula A. G. , Cotner Sehoya
Published: April 2017

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) for non–science majors (nonmajors) are potentially distinct from CUREs for developing scientists in their goals, learning objectives, and assessment strategies. While national calls to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education have led to an increase in research revealing the positive effects of CUREs for science majors, less work has specifically examined whether nonmajors are impacted in the same way. To address this gap in our understanding, a working group focused on nonmajors CUREs was convened to discuss the following questions: 1) What are our laboratory-learning goals for nonmajors? 2) What are our research priorities to determine best practices for nonmajors CUREs? 3) How can we collaborate to define and disseminate best practices for nonmajors in CUREs? We defined three broad student outcomes of prime importance to the nonmajors CURE: improvement of scientific literacy skills, proscience attitudes, and evidence-based decision making. We evaluated the state of knowledge of best practices for nonmajors, and identified research priorities for the future. The report that follows is a summary of the conclusions and future directions from our discussion.
A direct inverse method for subsurface properties: The conceptual and practical benefit and added value in comparison with all current indirect methods, for example, amplitude-variation-with-offset and full-waveform inversion
Authors: Weglein Arthur B.
Published: April 2017

Direct inverse methods solve the problem of interest; in addition, they communicate whether the problem of interest is the problem that we (the seismic industry) need to be interested in. When a direct solution does not result in an improved drill success rate, we know that the problem we have chosen to solve is not the right problem — because the solution is direct and cannot be the issue. On the other hand, with an indirect method, if the result is not an improved drill success rate, then the issue can be either the chosen problem, or the particular choice within the plethora of indirect solution methods, or both. The inverse scattering series (ISS) is the only direct inversion method for a multidimensional subsurface. Solving a forward problem in an inverse sense is not equivalent to a direct inverse solution. All current methods for parameter estimation, e.g., amplitude-variation-with-offset and full-waveform inversion, are solving a forward problem in an inverse sense and are indirect inversion methods. The direct ISS method for determining earth material properties defines the precise data required and the algorithms that directly output earth mechanical properties. For an elastic model of the subsurface, the required data are a matrix of multicomponent data, and a complete set of shot records, with only primaries. With indirect methods, any data can be matched: one trace, one or several shot records, one component, multicomponent, with primaries only or primaries and multiples. Added to that are the innumerable choices of cost functions, generalized inverses, and local and global search engines. Direct and indirect parameter inversion are compared. The direct ISS method has more rapid convergence and a broader region of convergence. The difference in effectiveness increases as subsurface circumstances become more realistic and complex, in particular with band-limited noisy data.
Application of calibrations to hyperspectral images of food grains: example for wheat falling number
Authors: Caporaso Nicola , Whitworth Martin , Fisk Ian
Published: April 2017

The presence of a few kernels with sprouting problems in a batch of wheat can result in enzymatic activity
sufficient to compromise flour functionality and bread quality. This is commonly assessed using the Hagberg Falling
Number (HFN) method, which is a batch analysis. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) can provide analysis at the single grain level
with potential for improved performance. The present paper deals with the development and application of calibrations
obtained using an HSI system working in the near infrared (NIR) region (~900–2500 nm) and reference measurements of
HFN. A partial least squares regression calibration has been built using 425 wheat samples with a HFN range of 62–318 s,
including field and laboratory pre-germinated samples placed under wet conditions. Two different approaches were
tested to apply calibrations: i) application of the calibration to each pixel, followed by calculation of the average of the
resulting values for each object (kernel); ii) calculation of the average spectrum for each object, followed by application of
the calibration to the mean spectrum. The calibration performance achieved for HFN (R2 = 0.6; RMSEC ~ 50 sRMSEP ~ 63 s)
compares favourably with other studies using NIR spectroscopy. Linear spectral pre-treatments lead to similar results
when applying the two methods, while non-linear treatments such as standard normal variate showed obvious
differences between these approaches. A classification model based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was also
applied to segregate wheat kernels into low (<250 s) and high (>250 s) HFN groups. LDA correctly classified 86.4% of
the samples, with a classification accuracy of 97.9% when using an HFN threshold of 150 s. These results are promising
in terms of wheat quality assessment using a rapid and non-destructive technique which is able to analyse wheat
properties on a single-kernel basis, and to classify samples as acceptable or unacceptable for flour production.
Wash-in and wash-out of sevoflurane in a test-lung model: A comparison between Aisys and FLOW-i
Authors: Jakobsson Petter , Lindgren Madleine , Jakobsson Jan G.
Published: April 2017

Background:Modern anaesthesia workstations are reassuringly tight and are equipped with effective gas monitoring, thus providing good opportunities for low/minimal flow anaesthesia. A prerequisite for effective low flow anaesthesia is the possibility to rapidly increase and decrease gas concentrations in the circle system, thereby controlling the depth of anaesthesia. Methods:We studied the wash-in and wash-out of sevoflurane in the circle system with fixed fresh gas flow and vaporizer setting. We compared two modern anaesthesia work stations, the Aisys (GE, Madison, WI, USA) and FLOW-i (Maquet, Solna, Sweden) in a test lung model. Results: We found fresh-gas flow to have, as expected, a major influence on wash-in, as well as wash-out of sevoflurane. The wash-in time to reach a stable circle 1 MAC (2.1%) decreased from an average of 547 ± 83 seconds with a constant fresh gas flow of 300 ml/min and vaporizer setting of 8%, to a mean of 38 ± 6 seconds at a fresh gas flow of 4 L/min. There were only minor differences between the two works-stations tested; the Aisys was slightly faster at both 300 and 4 L/min flow. Time to further increase circle end-tidal concentration from 1-1.5 MAC showed likewise significant associations to fresh gas and decreased from 330 ± 24 seconds at 300 ml/min. to less than a minute at constant 4 L/min (17 ± 11 seconds), without anaesthetic machine difference. Wash-out was also fresh gas flow dependent and plateaued at 7.5 L/min. Conclusions: Circle system wash-in and wash-out show clear fresh gas dependency and varies somewhat between the Aisys and Flow-i. The circle saturation, reaching 1 MAC end-tidal or increasing from 1-1.5 MAC can be achieved with both work-stations within 1.5 minutes at a constant fresh gas flow of 2 and 4 L/min. Wash-out plateaued at 7.5 L/min.
Gene length and detection bias in single cell RNA sequencing protocols
Authors: Phipson Belinda , Zappia Luke , Oshlack Alicia
Published: April 2017

Background: Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has rapidly gained popularity for profiling transcriptomes of hundreds to thousands of single cells. This technology has led to the discovery of novel cell types and revealed insights into the development of complex tissues. However, many technical challenges need to be overcome during data generation. Due to minute amounts of starting material, samples undergo extensive amplification, increasing technical variability. A solution for mitigating amplification biases is to include unique molecular identifiers (UMIs), which tag individual molecules. Transcript abundances are then estimated from the number of unique UMIs aligning to a specific gene, with PCR duplicates resulting in copies of the UMI not included in expression estimates.

Methods: Here we investigate the effect of gene length bias in scRNA-Seq across a variety of datasets that differ in terms of capture technology, library preparation, cell types and species.

Results: We find that scRNA-seq datasets that have been sequenced using a full-length transcript protocol exhibit gene length bias akin to bulk RNA-seq data. Specifically, shorter genes tend to have lower counts and a higher rate of dropout. In contrast, protocols that include UMIs do not exhibit gene length bias, with a mostly uniform rate of dropout across genes of varying length. Across four different scRNA-Seq datasets profiling mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we found the subset of genes that are only detected in the UMI datasets tended to be shorter, while the subset of genes detected only in the full-length datasets tended to be longer.

Conclusions: We find that the choice of scRNA-seq protocol influences the detection rate of genes, and that full-length datasets exhibit gene-length bias. In addition, despite clear differences between UMI and full-length transcript data, we illustrate that full-length and UMI data can be combined to reveal the underlying biology influencing expression of mESCs.
Viewing RNA-seq data on the entire human genome
Authors: Weitz Eric M. , Pantano Lorena , Zhu Jingzhi , Upton Bennett , Busby Ben
Published: April 2017

RNA-Seq Viewer is a web application that enables users to visualize genome-wide expression data from NCBI’s Sequence Read Archive (SRA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The application prototype was created by a small team during a three-day hackathon facilitated by NCBI at Brandeis University. The backend data pipeline was developed and deployed on a shared AWS EC2 instance. Source code is available at https://github.com/NCBI-Hackathons/rnaseqview.
Hide-and-Seek Games on a Network, Using Combinatorial Search Paths
Authors: Alpern Steve
Published: April 2017

This paper introduces a new search paradigm to hide-and-seek games on networks. The Hider locates at any point on any arc. The Searcher adopts a “combinatorial” path when searching the network: a sequence of arcs, each adjacent to the last, and traced out at unit speed. In previous literature the Searcher was allowed “simple motion,” any unit speed path, including ones that turn around inside an arc. The new approach more closely models real problems such as search for improvised explosive devices using vehicles that can only turn around at particular locations on a road. The search game is zero sum, with the time taken to find the Hider as the payoff.

Using a lemma giving an upper bound for the expected search time on a semi Eulerian network, we solve the search game on a network Q3 consisting of two nodes connected by three arcs of arbitrary lengths. When two Q3 networks with unit length arcs are linked by two small central arcs incident at the start node, one of these arcs must be traversed at least three times in an optimal search. This property holds for both combinatorial paths and simple motion paths, and the latter makes it a counterexample to a conjecture of Gal, which said that two traversals were always sufficient.
Early migration of a partially cemented fluted glenoid component inserted using a cannulated preparation system
Authors: Nuttall D. , Birch A. , Haines J. F. , Watts A. C. , Trail I. A.
Published: April 2017

Aims

Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) allows an extremely accurate measurement of early micromotion of components following arthroplasty.

Patients and Methods

In this study, RSA was used to measure the migration of 11 partially cemented fluted pegged glenoid components in patients with osteoarthritis who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty using an improved surgical technique (seven men, four women, mean age 68). Patients were evaluated clinically using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant-Murley scores and by CT scans two years post-operatively.

Results

There were two patterns of migration, the first showing little, if any, migration and the second showing rotation by > 6° as early as three months post-operatively. At two years, these two groups could be confirmed on CT scans, one with osseointegration around the central peg, and the second with cystic changes. Patients with osteolysis around the central peg were those with early migration and those with osseointegration had minimal early migration. Both groups,however,had similar clinical results.

Conclusion

Rapid early migration associated with focal lucency and absence of osseointegration was observed in three of 11 glenoid components, suggesting that lack of initial stability leads to early movement and failure of osseointegration. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:674–9.
Five-year clinical and radiological outcomes in 257 consecutive cementless Oxford medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasties
Authors: Blaney J. , Harty H. , Doran E. , O’Brien S. , Hill J. , Dobie I. , Beverland D.
Published: April 2017

Aims

Our aim was to examine the clinical and radiographic outcomes in 257 consecutive Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (OUKAs) (238 patients), five years post-operatively.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of patients treated between April 2008 and October 2010 in a regional centre by two non-designing surgeons with no previous experience of UKAs. The Oxford Knee Scores (OKSs) were recorded and fluoroscopically aligned radiographs were assessed post-operatively at one and five years.

Results

The median age of the 238 patients was 65.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) 59.0 to 73.0), the median body mas index was 30.0 (IQR 27.5 to 33.0) and 51.7% were male. There were no intra-operative complications. There was a significant improvement in the median OKS at six weeks (34, IQR 31.0 to 37.0), one year (38, IQR 29.0 to 43.0) and five years (37, IQR 27.0 to 42.0) when compared with the pre-operative scores (16, IQR 13.0 to 19.0) (all p = < 0.01). No patient had progressive radiolucent lines or loosening. A total of 16 patients had died by five years. The cumulative survival at five years was 98.8% and the mean survival time was 5.8 years (95% confidence interval 5.6 to 5.9). A total of seven OUKAs (2.7%) were revised; three within five years and four thereafter, between 5.1 and 5.7 years post-operatively. Five (1.9%) had re-operations within five years.

Conclusion

The proportion of patients requiring revision at five years is lower than that generally reported for UKA. These findings add support for the use of the cementless OUKA outside the design centre. Longer follow-up is required. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:623–31.
The segment-dependent changes in lumbar intervertebral space height during flexion-extension motion
Authors: Fu M. , Ye Q. , Jiang C. , Qian L. , Xu D. , Wang Y. , Sun P. , Ouyang J.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Many studies have investigated the kinematics of the lumbar spine and the morphological features of the lumbar discs. However, the segment-dependent immediate changes of the lumbar intervertebral space height during flexion-extension motion are still unclear. This study examined the changes of intervertebral space height during flexion-extension motion of lumbar specimens.

Methods

First, we validated the accuracy and repeatability of a custom-made mechanical loading equipment set-up. Eight lumbar specimens underwent CT scanning in flexion, neural, and extension positions by using the equipment set-up. The changes in the disc height and distance between adjacent two pedicle screw entry points (DASEP) of the posterior approach at different lumbar levels (L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1) were examined on three-dimensional lumbar models, which were reconstructed from the CT images.

Results

All the vertebral motion segments (L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1) had greater changes in disc height and DASEP from neutral to flexion than from neutral to extension. The change in anterior disc height gradually increased from upper to lower levels, from neutral to flexion. The changes in anterior and posterior disc heights were similar at the L4/5 level from neutral to extension, but the changes in anterior disc height were significantly greater than those in posterior disc height at the L3/4 and L5/S1 levels, from neutral to extension.

Conclusions

The lumbar motion segment showed level-specific changes in disc height and DASEP. The data may be helpful in understanding the physiologic dynamic characteristics of the lumbar spine and in optimising the parameters of lumbar surgical instruments. Cite this article: M. Fu, Q. Ye, C. Jiang, L. Qian, D. Xu, Y. Wang, P. Sun, J. Ouyang. The segment-dependent changes in lumbar intervertebral space height during flexion-extension motion. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:245–252. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2016-0245.R1.
Stability of the Hydronium Cation in the Structure of Illite
Authors: Escamilla-Roa Elizabeth , Nieto Fernando , Sainz-Díaz C. Ignacio
Published: April 2017

Some aspects of the crystal structure of illite are not understood properly yet, in spite of its abundance and significance as a component of soils, sediments, and low-grade metamorphic rocks. The present study aimed to explore the role of hydronium cations in the interlayer space of illite in a theoreticalexperimental approach in order to clarify previous controversial reports. The infrared spectroscopy of this mineral has been studied experimentally and by means of atomistic calculations at the quantum mechanical level. The tetrahedral charge is critical for the stability of the hydronium cations, the presence of which has probably been underestimated in previous studies. In the present study, computational studies have shown that the hydronium cations in aqueous solutions are likely to be intercalated in the interlayer space of illite, exchanging for K cations. During the drying process these cations are stabilized by hydrogen bonds in the interlayer space of illite.
Copeptin Associates with Cause-Specific Mortality in Patients with Impaired Renal Function: Results from the LURIC and the 4D Study
Authors: Krane Vera , Genser Bernd , Kleber Marcus E , Drechsler Christiane , März Winfried , Delgado Graciela , Allolio Bruno , Wanner Christoph , Fenske Wiebke
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

In chronic kidney disease (CKD) arginine vasopressin (AVP) cannot efficiently act via renal V2-receptors. AVP is upregulated leading to augmented activation of V1a- and V1b-receptors, which might contribute to the increase in cardiovascular and infectious complications in CKD. Here, we evaluate copeptin, a surrogate of AVP, and its association with cause specific mortality among patients within the whole spectrum of renal function.

METHODS

Copeptin was measured in baseline samples from the LURIC (n = 3131 patients with coronary angiograms) and the 4D-Study (n = 1241 type 2 diabetic hemodialysis patients). Patients were stratified into 4 groups: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2, 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2, <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and hemodialysis. The association of copeptin with mortality was assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression during 9.9 years of median follow-up in the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study and 4 years of median follow-up in the German Diabetes Dialysis Study (4D-Study).

RESULTS

Median copeptin increased with decreasing eGFR: 5.6 [interquartile range (IQR), 3.1–8.1] pmol/L (eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), 6.7 (2.9–10.5) pmol/L (eGFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2), 15.3 (6.7–23.9) pmol/L (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), and 80.8 (51.2–122) pmol/L (hemodialysis), respectively. Per SD increase in copeptin, the risk of coronary, infectious, and all-cause mortality increased by 25, 30, and 15% [hazard ratios (HR), 1.25; 95% CI, 1.13–1.39; HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.98–1.71; and HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05–1.25], respectively, in patients with eGFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2. Except for coronary death, results were similar among patients with more advanced renal disease. No significant association was found in patients with normal renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Copeptin concentrations were independently associated with coronary, infectious, and all-cause mortality in patients with renal impairment. In patients with normal renal function no significant association was found.
Masculinity and aspiring consumption: A reception study of men’s lifestyle magazines in contemporary China
Authors: Lee Tracy K. , Song Geng
Published: April 2017

Men’s lifestyle magazines came to China at the turn of the twenty-first century as a result of the commercialization and globalization of the media. Existing investigations of these publications focus on a new form of masculinity that is associated with middle-class identity and the cult of cosmopolitanism that the magazines promote. However, the consumption of men’s lifestyle magazines remains an uncharted area, leaving unanswered such important questions as who the readers of these magazines are, why they read them, and whether there is any discrepancy between their target and actual readerships. Based on two online questionnaire surveys with magazine readers, this study fills this gap by comparing textual readings of Chinese men’s lifestyle magazines with the findings of reader reception studies. It argues that, on the one hand, men’s lifestyle magazines generate fantasies about and project a ‘cosmopolitan masculinity’, particularly among China’s younger generation, that invites fruitful interpretation in light of the concepts of cultural capital and ‘technology of the self’; on the other, however, there is tension between the ideal masculinity featured in these magazines and the real-life perceptions and situations of their readers, primarily owing to a lack of purchasing power. This tension indicates the limitations of the lifestyle magazine, despite its growing power of influence, in the construction of new identities in present-day China.
Mitos y Realidades del Acceso Abierto
Authors: García-Peñalvo Francisco José
Published: April 2017

El primer editorial del volumen 18 de EKS retoma un tema recurrente en esta revista como es el Acceso Abierto, en este caso para reflexionar sobre alguno de los mitos que todavía se encuentran muy arraigados en la comunidad científica.
Wann ist ein Boden schwermetallbelastet? Eine bodenkundliche Sicht auf gesetzliche Richtwerte When is a soil contaminated? A soil scientist's view on legal guide levels for heavy metal
Authors: Blaser Peter
Published: April 2017

Soils in Switzerland are protected
by the environmental protection law. The ultimate purpose of the ordinance relating to impacts on the soil (OIS), dating from July 1998, is the long-term preservation of soil fertility.Soil contamination
by hazardous inorganic substances is assessed according to a three-tier system, defined by guide, test and remediation values. All trace elements listed in the OIS are components of natural bedrock, occurring
in any soil. The guide values refer strongly to the soil fertility,as defined in the ordinance. However,in contrast to the soil fertility, which is related to the site and soil conditions, the guide values
are valid for all sites and soil uses. This makes it difficult to justify the measures to be taken (i.e. preventive emission control) once the guide values have been exceeded. Such measures make sense only
if we can distinguish between the natural and the anthropogenic origins of the contaminants. Alternatively,the soil protection could be based on the test or remediation values mentioned above. Presently,however,the
database in the OIS is too limited for such a change. This implies further research in the fields of soil chemistry and effect-oriented biology.
Formulating New Policy for the Creative Economy in Slovakia
Authors: Roest Emile M. , Dudekova Alena
Published: April 2017

The purpose of the research is to understand formulation of policy for creative industries, and in particular the importance of quantitative and qualitative data or information for formulation of the first policies for creative industries at national and regional level. The goal of the research is to assess whether it is possible to draft useful policy for the creative industry without having specific quantitative data at its disposal, which is often the case when such policy is being newly developed. The methodology used is a brief literature review, and a case study. The case study regards policy development for the architectural sector in the East-Slovak region of Košice, which was executed by the authors in the context of the assignment to draft a strategy for development of the creative economy of the Košice region. Statistical data presented in this research were generated in the context of that assignment.The authors found that in the case of Slovakia and the region of Košice, the availability of data on the creative industries as a new policy area is very limited. Both at national level and at regional level, qualitative data and information are most useful for formulating policy. This is possible among others because qualitative needs’ assessment is feasible; international literature and best practices provide a guideline for formulating policy; and because general policies can address specific requirements through demand driven projects. The implication of the research is that specific quantitative data on the creative industries does not need to be considered a conditio sine qua non for drafting and implementing policy for the creative industries. Quantitative data will be necessary for evaluating outputs and impact of policy, in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of public spending. The choice of indicators, and collecting, processing and interpreting of quantitative data shall be an integral part of the policy to be implemented.
Prediction of Gas Solubility in Ionic Liquids Using the Cosmo-Sac Model
Authors: Jaschik Manfred , Piech Daniel , Warmuzinski Krzysztof , Jaschik Jolanta
Published: April 2017

Thermodynamic principles for the dissolution of gases in ionic liquids (ILs) and the COSMO-SAC model are presented. Extensive experimental data of Henry’s law constants for CO2, N2 and O2 in ionic liquids at temperatures of 280-363 K are compared with numerical predictions to evaluate the accuracy of the COSMO-SAC model. It is found that Henry’s law constants for CO2 are predicted with an average relative deviation of 13%. Both numerical predictions and experimental data reveal that the solubility of carbon dioxide in ILs increases with an increase in the molar mass of ionic liquids, and is visibly more affected by the anion than by the cation. The calculations also show that the highest solubilities are obtained for [Tf2N]ˉ. Thus, the model can be regarded as a useful tool for the screening of ILs that offer the most favourable CO2 solubilities. The predictions of the COSMOSAC model for N2 and O2 in ILs differ from the pertinent experimental data. In its present form the COSMO-SAC model is not suitable for the estimation of N2 and O2 solubilities in ionic liquids.
Estimation of Filtration Efficiency – from Simple Correlations to Digital Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Przekop Rafał
Published: April 2017

Aerosol filtration in fibrous filters is one of the principal methods of accurate removal of particulate matter from a stream of gas. The classical theory of depth filtration of aerosol particles in fibrous structures is based on the assumption of existing single fibre efficiency, which may be used to recalculate the overall efficiency of entire filter. Using “classical theory” of filtration one may introduce some errors, leading finally to a discrepancy between theory and experiment. There are several reasons for inappropriate estimation of the single fibre efficiency: i) neglecting of shortrange interactions, ii) separation of inertial and Brownian effects, ii) perfect adhesion of particles to the fibre, iv) assumption of perfect mixing of aerosol particles in the gas stream, v) assumption of negligible effect of the presence of neighbouring fibres and vi) assumption of perpendicular orientation of homogenous fibres in the filtration structure. Generally speaking, “classical theory” of filtration was used for characterization of the steady - state filtration process (filtration in a clean filter, at the beginning of the process) without deeper investigation of the influence of the nternal structure of the filter on its performance. The aim of this review is to outline and discuss the progress of deep-bed filtration modelling from the use of simple empirical correlations to advanced techniques of Computational Fluid Dynamics and Digital Fluid Dynamics.
The Parameters of Cleaning a CIP System Affected Energy Consumption and Cleaning Efficiency of the Plate Heat Exchanger
Authors: Piepiórka-Stepuk Joanna , Diakun Jarosław , Jakubowski Marek
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a study on the effect of cleaning factors on the energy consumption of the cleaning process in a CIP system, and the correlation between single components of electricity necessary to perform this process and the cleanliness degree obtained. Studies were carried out in a laboratory cleaning station, wherein a plate heat exchanger contaminated with hot milk was included. The research program was developed according to a 5-level statistical plan. Based on the results, obtained with Experiment Planner 1.0, a regression function of energy requirement considering variables such as: cleaning time, temperature and flow rate of the cleaning liquid via the cleaned exchanger has been developed. Describing this relationship, linear and quadratic functions with double interactions were used. Significance level for the analysis was established at α = 0.05. Correlation analysis between components of the electricity necessary to perform the cleaning process (pump drive and heating of the cleaning agent) and the resulting degree of cleaning of heat exchanger plates was performed.
A Simple Analytical Method for Determining Basic Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Hybrid Fluidized-Bed Air-Lift Apparatae
Authors: Tabiś Bolesław , Boroń Dominika
Published: April 2017

A simple analytical method for determination of basic hydrodynamic characteristics of hybrid fluidized-bed air-lift devices was presented. These devices consist of two parts: a two-phase air-lift part and a two-phase liquid-solid fluidized-bed part. Forced circulation of fluid in the air-lift part is used for fluidization of solid particles in the fluidized-bed part. According to the opinion given in the literature, if such apparatus is used for aerobic microbiological processes, its advantage is lower shear forces acting on the biofilm immobilized on fine-grained material compared with shear forces in three-phase fluidized-bed bioreactors. Another advantage is higher biomass concentration due to its immobilization on fine particles, compared with two-phase airlift bioreactors. A method of calculating gas hold-up in the air-lift part, and gas and liquid velocities in all zones of the analyzed apparatus is presented.
On asymptotics of branching processes with immigration
Authors: Khusanbaev Yakubdzhan M.
Published: April 2017

We consider a sequence of almost critical branching processes with immigration supposing that the immigration process is weakly stationary. The rate of growth and asymptotic properties of fluctuations of such branching processes are investigated.
On some measures of complexity of finite Abelian groups
Authors: Kochergin Vadim V.
Published: April 2017

Let a finite Abelian multiplicative group
On bases of closed classes of vector functions of many-valued logic
Authors: Taimanov Vladimir A.
Published: April 2017

We consider the functional system of vector functions of many-valued logic with the naturally defined operation of superposition and construct examples of closed classes of special type without a basis and with a countable basis.
Crystal structure of ethyl 1-benzyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate, C19H18N2O2
Authors: Xu Wen-Chang , You Jin-Zong , Feng Qi , Zhang Yi-Ping , Ni Wan-Min , Huang Xu-Wen , Li Tang-Qi , Tong Sheng-Yue , Qi De-Qiang
Published: April 2017

C19H18N2O2, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 9.832(2) Å, b = 10.590(2) Å, c = 17.794(3) Å, α = 77.080(3)°, β = 81.720(4)°, γ = 64.958(3)°, V = 1633.7(5) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0634, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1964, T = 296 K.
The Use of Concept Maps in Creating a Short Video with Students
Authors: Gocsál Ákos , Tóth Renáta
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the results of an experimental project in which media students created a short video. The students in groups of 4 or 5 used concept maps for collected their ideas about organizing the project. The analysis of the concept maps revealed that two groups were product-oriented, one group was workflow-oriented, and two groups used concepts that belonged to both categories. The contents of the concept maps also reflected students′ prior knowledge and skills related to the task. In a joint discussion of the concept maps, students created a to-do list for shooting the video, which was an important activity to build common knowledge. This project confirms that the use of concept maps is a useful tool for developing students’ professional skills.
Psychological Immunity Research to the Improvement of the Professional Teacher Training’s National Methodological and Training Development
Authors: Bredács Alice Mária
Published: April 2017

In this study, we introduce what kind of role is played by psychological immunity and its sub-factors and its factor values in life of the students taking part in the professional training, in their performance at school, in the improvability of the students′ strengths and weaknesses. The target of the research is to renew the methodology of the professional training through becoming acquainted with the students of the new generations more exactly. Since, the new generation has changed and it is still changing even today. Their education - training is getting more and more difficult because we do not know them enough. Teachers say that the knowledge of the students, the level of their education, mainly in the specialised secondary schools, is very low because the series of their failures can be detected and the non-attendance is also typical. Much of the students do not have any relevant prospect for the future after the specialised secondary school; they do not have any targets in the long run. The teachers in the specialised secondary schools observe that students are disinterested, they miss persistence, their control ability is very low, the EQ is decreasing and their self-knowledge is imperfect. All of them can be the source of conflicts.
Ring opening of cyclobutane in 1,3-dimethyl-5-methylenebarbituric acid dimer by various nucleophiles
Authors: Sweidan Kamal , Dayyih Wael Abu , AlDamen Murad A. , Mallah Eyad , Arafat Tawfiq , El-Abadelah Mustafa M. , Salih Hanadi , Voelter Wolfgang
Published: April 2017

The reactivity of cyclobutane moiety in 1,3-dimethyl-5-methylenebarbituric acid dimer (5) towards different nucleophiles was investigated. New derivatives of 5-(substituted methyl)-1,3-dimethylbarbiturate 6–13 were prepared in good yields using various aliphatic amines, cyanide anion, and Ph3P, Ph3As, Ph3Sb. Chemical structures of synthesized products were characterized using NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The reaction of thiophenoxide and thiocyanate nucleophiles with 5 did not give any new products.
Neuronal Chloride Regulation via KCC2 Is Modulated through a GABABReceptor Protein Complex
Authors: Wright Rebecca , Newey Sarah E. , Ilie Andrei , Wefelmeyer Winnie , Raimondo Joseph V. , Ginham Rachel , Mcllhinney R.A. Jeffrey , Akerman Colin J.
Published: April 2017

GABABreceptors are G-protein-coupled receptors that mediate inhibitory synaptic actions through a series of downstream target proteins. It is increasingly appreciated that the GABABreceptor forms part of larger signaling complexes, which enable the receptor to mediate multiple different effects within neurons. Here we report that GABABreceptors can physically associate with the potassium-chloride cotransporter protein, KCC2, which sets the driving force for the chloride-permeable ionotropic GABAAreceptor in mature neurons. Using biochemical, molecular, and functional studies in rodent hippocampus, we show that activation of GABABreceptors results in a decrease in KCC2 function, which is associated with a reduction in the protein at the cell surface. These findings reveal a novel “crosstalk” between the GABA receptor systems, which can be recruited under conditions of high GABA release and which could be important for the regulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSynaptic inhibition in the brain is mediated by ionotropic GABAAreceptors (GABAARs) and metabotropic GABABreceptors (GABABRs). To fully appreciate the function and regulation of these neurotransmitter receptors, we must understand their interactions with other proteins. We describe a novel association between the GABABR and the potassium-chloride cotransporter protein, KCC2. This association is significant because KCC2 sets the intracellular chloride concentration found in mature neurons and thereby establishes the driving force for the chloride-permeable GABAAR. We demonstrate that GABABR activation can regulate KCC2 at the cell surface in a manner that alters intracellular chloride and the reversal potential for the GABAAR. Our data therefore support an additional mechanism by which GABABRs are able to modulate fast synaptic inhibition.
Decreased Motor Neuron Support by SMA Astrocytes due to Diminished MCP1 Secretion
Authors: Martin Jasmin E. , Nguyen TrangKimberly T. , Grunseich Christopher , Nofziger Jonathan H. , Lee Philip R. , Fields Douglas , Fischbeck Kenneth H. , Foran Emily
Published: April 2017

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by severe, often fatal muscle weakness due to loss of motor neurons. SMA patients have deletions and other mutations of thesurvival of motor neuron 1(SMN1) gene, resulting in decreased SMN protein. Astrocytes are the primary support cells of the CNS and are responsible for glutamate clearance, metabolic support, response to injury, and regulation of signal transmission. Astrocytes have been implicated in SMA as in in other neurodegenerative disorders. Astrocyte-specific rescue of SMN protein levels has been shown to mitigate disease manifestations in mice. However, the mechanism by which SMN deficiency in astrocytes may contribute to SMA is unclear and what aspect of astrocyte activity is lacking is unknown. Therefore, it is worthwhile to identify defects in SMN-deficient astrocytes that compromise normal function. We show here that SMA astrocyte cultures derived from mouse spinal cord of both sexes are deficient in supporting both WT and SMN-deficient motor neurons derived from male, female, and mixed-sex sources and that this deficiency may be mitigated with secreted factors. In particular, SMN-deficient astrocytes have decreased levels of monocyte chemoactive protein 1 (MCP1) secretion compared with controls and MCP1 restoration stimulates outgrowth of neurites from cultured motor neurons. Correction of MCP1 deficiency may thus be a new therapeutic approach to SMA.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by the loss of motor neurons, but astrocyte dysfunction also contributes to the disease in mouse models. Monocyte chemoactive protein 1 (MCP1) has been shown to be neuroprotective and is released by astrocytes. Here, we report that MCP1 levels are decreased in SMA mice and that replacement of deficient MCP1 increases differentiation and neurite length of WT and SMN-deficient motor-neuron-like cells in cell culture. This study reveals a novel aspect of astrocyte dysfunction in SMA and indicates a possible approach for improving motor neuron growth and survival in this disease.
Effect of mitotane on mouse ovarian follicle development and fertility
Authors: Innocenti Federica , Cerquetti Lidia , Pezzilli Serena , Bucci Barbara , Toscano Vincenzo , Canipari Rita , Stigliano Antonio
Published: April 2017

Mitotane (MTT) is an adrenolytic drug used in advanced and adjuvant treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma, in Cushing’s disease and in ectopic syndrome. However, knowledge about its effects on the ovary is still scarce. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of MTT on the ovary using in vivo and in vitro models. The study was performed in CD1 mice and in the COV-434 human ovarian granulosa cell line. We examined ovarian morphology, follicle development, steroidogenesis and procreative function in mice and the effect of MTT on cell growth in vitro. Our results revealed that treatment of CD1 mice with MTT induces a decrease in early antral follicles with a subsequent increase in the secondary follicles, measured by the increased levels of anti-Mullerian Hormone (P < 0.05) and decreased levels of FSH receptor (P < 0.05). Moreover, we observed a significant decrease in Cyp11a1 (P < 0.01) and Cyp17a1 (P < 0.001) mRNA level in MTT-treated animals. Ovulation, induced by PMSG/hCG stimulation, was also significantly impaired, with a reduction in the number of ovulated oocytes (P < 0.01) and fewer corpora lutea in treated animals. Likewise, the mating experiment demonstrated a delay in the time of conception as well as fewer pups per litter in MTT-treated mice (P < 0.05). Experiments performed on the COV-434 cell line showed a significant inhibition of growth followed by apoptosis (P < 0.01). In conclusion, our study highlights the key points of ovarian folliculogenesis affected by MTT and demonstrates impairment of the ovulation process with a negative impact on conception, which is nevertheless preserved.
A Chromosome-Scale Assembly of theBactrocera cucurbitaeGenome Provides Insight to the Genetic Basis ofwhite pupae
Authors: Sim Sheina B , Geib Scott M
Published: April 2017

Genetic sexing strains (GSS) used in sterile insect technique (SIT) programs are textbook examples of how classical Mendelian genetics can be directly implemented in the management of agricultural insect pests. Although the foundation of traditionally developed GSS are single locus, autosomal recessive traits, their genetic basis are largely unknown. With the advent of modern genomic techniques, the genetic basis of sexing traits in GSS can now be further investigated. This study is the first of its kind to integrate traditional genetic techniques with emerging genomics to characterize a GSS using the tephritid fruit fly pest Bactrocera cucurbitae as a model. These techniques include whole-genome sequencing, the development of a mapping population and linkage map, and quantitative trait analysis. The experiment designed to map the genetic sexing trait in B. cucurbitae, white pupae (wp), also enabled the generation of a chromosome-scale genome assembly by integrating the linkage map with the assembly. Quantitative trait loci analysis revealed SNP loci near position 42 MB on chromosome 3 to be tightly linked to wp. Gene annotation and synteny analysis show a near perfect relationship between chromosomes in B. cucurbitae and Muller elements A–E in Drosophila melanogaster. This chromosome-scale genome assembly is complete, has high contiguity, was generated using a minimal input DNA, and will be used to further characterize the genetic mechanisms underlying wp. Knowledge of the genetic basis of genetic sexing traits can be used to improve SIT in this species and expand it to other economically important Diptera.
Roles for the Rad27 Flap Endonuclease in Mitochondrial Mutagenesis and Double-Strand Break Repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Nagarajan Prabha , Prevost Christopher T , Stein Alexis , Kasimer Rachel , Kalifa Lidza , Sia Elaine A
Published: April 2017

The structure-specific nuclease, Rad27p/FEN1, plays a crucial role in DNA repair and replication mechanisms in the nucleus. Genetic assays using the rad27-∆ mutant have shown altered rates of DNA recombination, microsatellite instability, and point mutation in mitochondria. In this study, we examined the role of Rad27p in mitochondrial mutagenesis and double-strand break (DSB) repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our findings show that Rad27p is essential for efficient mitochondrial DSB repair by a pathway that generates deletions at a region flanked by direct repeat sequences. Mutant analysis suggests that both exonuclease and endonuclease activities of Rad27p are required for its role in mitochondrial DSB repair. In addition, we found that the nuclease activities of Rad27p are required for the prevention of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations, and in the generation of spontaneous mtDNA rearrangements. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of Rad27p in the maintenance of mtDNA, and demonstrate that it participates in multiple DNA repair pathways in mitochondria, unlinked to nuclear phenotypes.