bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of dodecaguanidinium bis(tetrapropylammonium) heptacarbonate, C43H128N38O21
Authors: Zhu Xin , Liu Xianghua
Published: September 2017

C43H128N38O21, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 19.556(4) Å, b = 20.105(4) Å, c = 20.573(4) Å, V = 8089(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0592, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1028, T = 296 K.
Genotype-by-environment interaction and stability of sweetpotato genotypes for root dry matter, β-carotene and fresh root yield
Authors: Gurmu Fekadu , Hussein Shimelis , Laing Mark
Published: September 2017

The study was conducted to estimate the magnitude of genotype x environment interactions (G x E) and to select stable and high yielding sweetpotato genotypes for root dry matter content (RDMC), β-carotene content and fresh root yield, and to identify the most discriminating and representative test environments in Ethiopia. The study was conducted across six environments (Halaba, Kokate, Areka, Arbaminch, Hawassa and Dilla) in southern Ethiopia. Twenty four selected genotypes and one check variety (Tula) were evaluated using a 5 × 5 simple lattice design. Stability analysis was conducted using Genotype plus Genotype by Environment Interaction (GGE bi-plot). Environment, genotype and G × E interaction variances were significant (p < 0.001) for the three traits. The magnitude of environment and G x E interaction was 66.8% for fresh root yield, 44.0% for RDMC and 7.6% for β-carotene content. Three genotypes designated as G1, G6 and G20 were identified as having above average RDMC of 31.82, 32.60 and 30.06%, high β-carotene content of 12.48, 14.27 and 13.99 mg 100 g-1 and, stable and high fresh root yields of 25.09, 26.92 and 25.46 t ha-1, respectively. These genotypes were selected for final evaluation and recommendations. Among the test environments, Arbaminch, Halaba and Areka better discriminated among genotypes for RDMC and fresh root yield while Areka, Dilla and Halaba were the environments better discriminated among genotypes for β-carotene content. Four environments, Arbaminch, Halaba, Areka and Dilla can be considered good environments for sweetpotato screening in southern Ethiopia. Kokate is not a good environment for sweetpotato testing in Southern Nation, Nationalities and People’s Regional State (SNNPRS). Generally, the current study demonstrated the possibility of breeding sweetpotato varieties with combined high RDMC, β-carotene content and a high fresh root yield, with wide adaptation for large scale production.
Alternative Religiosity in Communist Yugoslavia: Migration as a Survival Strategy of the Nazarene Community
Authors: Milovanović Aleksandra Djurić
Published: September 2017

The Nazarenes were founded by a former Reformed minister Samuel Fröhlich about 1830 in Switzerland, but they soon expanded to Central and Eastern Europe. Because of their pacifist beliefs and refusal to swear and to take an oath a large number of the Nazarenes were condemned to severe prison sentences. This religious community was persecuted primarily during the communist era in Southeastern European countries (Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia) since they were considered disloyal citizens and a threat to the government. From 1945 until 1960 the Nazarene illegal border crossing from Yugoslavia to Italy or Austria was highly present. Rejecting one of the essential components of Yugoslav communism, so-called “nationwide defence and social self-protection”, the Nazarenes were perceived as anti-communists and their existence was seen as illegitimate. The repression of this religious minority in communist Yugoslavia is the subject of this paper. The material collected for the purposes of this paper came to be the result of empirical research, conducted in Serbia (2009-2013) and the United States (2015), on the Nazarene community and their emigration to North America. Based on qualitative interviews and archival research, this paper aims to analyse community members’ narratives of their lives during communism and emigration of this religious minority across the Atlantic.
Construction of Waveform Library in Cognitive Radar
Authors: Yongqiang Guo , Yumin Wu , Hui Liu
Published: September 2017

Based on the thoughts of cognitive radar, Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) is used to generate a rotatable waveform libraries of Frank coded/Barker coded waveform in this paper. Then, the ambiguity function is used to analyze the delay resolution, Doppler resolution, delay side-lobe level, and Doppler side-lobe level of the waveform libraries and orthogonality of them is also analyzed. Furthermore, we proved theoretically that there is a fixed coordinate transformation between the waveforms of library and its origin waveform. Therefore, the Cramér-Rao low bound (CRLB) of motion parameters can be computed easily using the waveforms of the libraries, which facilitate the subsequent waveform scheduled work. Simulation results show that the library waveforms can reduce delay resolution to satisfy the different situations and can bring significant benefits for delay resolution, orthogonality and reuse interval.
Fuzzy Method and Neural Network Model Parallel Implementation of Multi-Layer Neural Network Based on Cloud Computing for Real Time Data Transmission in Large Offshore Platform
Authors: Hu Zhang , Qin Wei
Published: September 2017

With the rapid development of electronic technology, network technology and cloud computing technology, the current data is increasing in the way of mass, has entered the era of big data. Based on cloud computing clusters, this paper proposes a novel method of parallel implementation of multilayered neural networks based on Map-Reduce. Namely in order to meet the requirements of big data processing, this paper presents an efficient mapping scheme for a fully connected multi-layered neural network, which is trained by using error back propagation (BP) algorithm based on Map-Reduce on cloud computing clusters (MRBP). The batch-training (or epoch-training) regimes are used by effective segmentation of samples on the clusters, and are adopted in the separated training method, weight summary to achieve convergence by iterating. For a parallel BP algorithm on the clusters and a serial BP algorithm on uniprocessor, the required time for implementing the algorithms is derived. The performance parameters, such as speed-up, optimal number and minimum of data nodes are evaluated for the parallel BP algorithm on the clusters. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed parallel BP algorithm in this paper has better speed-up, faster convergence rate, less iterations than that of the existed algorithms.
Research on Marine Photovoltaic Power Forecasting Based on Wavelet Transform and Echo State Network
Authors: Xinhui Du , Shuai Wang , Juan Zhang
Published: September 2017

With the rapid development of photovoltaic power generation technology, photovoltaic power generation system has gradually become an important component of the integrated energy system of marine. High precision short-term photovoltaic power generation forecasting is becoming one of the key technologies in ship energy saving and ship energy efficiency improving. Aiming at the characteristics of marine photovoltaic power generation system, we designed a highprecision power forecasting model (WT+ESN) for marine photovoltaic power generation system with anti-marine environmental interference. In this model, the information mining of the photovoltaic system in marine environment is carried out based on wavelet theory, then the forecasting model basing on echo state network is construct ed. Lastly, three kinds of error metrics are compared with the three traditional models by Matlab, the result shows that the model has high forecasting accuracy and strong robustness to marine environmental factors, which is of great significance to save fuel for ships, improve the energy utilization rate and assist the power dispatching and fuel dispatching of the marine power generation system.
Inversion of Side Scan Sonar Motion and Posture in Seabed Geomorphology
Authors: Tao Weiliang , Liu Yan , Hu Wenbin
Published: September 2017

Side scan sonar measurement platform, affected by underwater environment and its own motion precision, inevitably has posture and motion disturbance, which greatly affects accuracy of geomorphic image formation. It is difficult to sensitively and accurately capture these underwater disturbances by relying on auxiliary navigation devices. In this paper, we propose a method to invert motion and posture information of the measurement platform by using the matching relation between the strip images. The inversion algorithm is the key link in the image mosaic frame of side scan sonar, and the acquired motion posture information can effectively improve seabed topography and plotting accuracy and stability. In this paper, we first analyze influence of platform motion and posture on side scan sonar mapping, and establish the correlation model between motion, posture information and strip image matching information. Then, based on the model, a reverse neural network is established. Based on input, output of neural network, design of and test data set, a motion posture inversion mechanism based on strip image matching information is established. Accuracy and validity of the algorithm are verified by the experimental results.
Visualization Investigation on the Marine Data with Multivariate Statistical Analysis Methods
Authors: Yajie Li , Zhengdong Lv , Maonan Wang
Published: September 2017

Marine information is an important way for us to know and study more about the ocean. Marine data makes the basic of marine information. Because of the huge quantity and diversity of marine data, and at the same time marine data is polyatomic variable, we start with statistical analysis methods to search for the regularity of the marine data. On one hand, we get the aggregate variation functions of the marine data by factor analyzing in aspect of the spatiality. Then we visually describe the marine status of the studied sea area with pre variogram function and post variogram function. On the other hand, we used cluster analysis method to get the verifying rule in time and make visible graphs of the marine data. In this way, we can also supply with the suggestions in classifying the sea seawater quality. The data processing result shows that the suggested methods in this article are both operable and effective. At the same time some reasonable suggestions are given in the article.
Research on he Classification of Life-Cycle Safety Monitoring Levels of Subsea Tunnels
Authors: Lu Junfu , Xue Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2017

As a traffic engineering project across straits or gulfs, subsea tunnel is one of the oceaneering with great construction difficulties, and the key to the success of subsea tunnel engineering lies in timely and accurate assessment of the structure safety of subsea tunnel engineering construction and life-cycle. Xiang’an Xiamen subsea tunnel is China’s first subsea tunnel which crosses complex formation conditions, engineering accidents such as collapse, sudden inflow of water or mud might occur during tunnel construction and operation. Therefore, the concept of subsea tunnel life-cycle monitoring is proposed aiming at the particularity of subsea tunnels. The variation forms of subsea tunnel mainly include large deformation, collapse, primary support cracking, water leakage, water pressure increase, steel arch corrosion, concrete corrosion, longitudinal differential settlement, etc., and classification of the life-cycle safety monitoring levels of the subsea tunnel is conducted based on risk assessment theory and risk level management benchmark to determine the possible variation forms in the monitoring level segments. The research results will provide reference for the subsea tunnel life-cycle monitoring, disaster warning as well as risk management under construction or to be built at home and abroad.
Fatigue Life Prediction of Umbilicals Considering Non-Linear Stress
Authors: Qingzhen Lu , Yuanchao Yin , Zhixun Yang , Jinlong Chen , Jun Yan , Qianjin Yue
Published: September 2017

The fatigue problem induced by wave loads and floater movements of dynamic umbilicals in deepwater is studied. The prediction method of the fatigue life is investigated by considering no-linear local stress due to contact and friction between components of the umbilical. A case study of a dynamic umbilical for 1500 meters depth in South China Sea was presented. The results showed that the more accurate result of the fatigue life was calculated by considering non-linear local stress. The fatigue life by considering local stress with the no-slip assumption was conservative. An obviously longer fatigue life was obtained by considering local stress with the full-slip assumption.
Study on Green Water of Tumblehome Hull Using Dam-Break Flow and Ranse Models
Authors: Sun Shuzheng , Du Wenlei , Li Hui
Published: September 2017

The tumblehome hull adopts some novelty designs such as low-tumblehome freeboard and wave-piercing bow. The new form design makes the ship have many special hydrodynamic performances. Especially the green water of tumblehome hull is different from that of hulls with flare free board. Green water is a strong nonlinear phenomenon of ship-wave interaction, the variation of free surface of liquid is complicated, and there are still some difficulties to solve green water problems well with numerical simulation method. In this paper firstly the motion responses of the tumblehome hull was calculated based on 3D potential theory, and then the dam-break flow model was used to calculate green water height and pressure distribution. According to the result of numerical simulation, some typical working conditions are chosen for 3D CFD simulation using RANS method. The results of numerical simulation methods are compared with the experimental results measured in towing tank. The influence of different ship form parameters and wave parameters to the green water of tumblehome hull is analyzed, and some regularities of green water on tumblehome hull in regular waves are summarized.
Development of Evaluation System of Coastline Resource in Dafeng
Authors: Ming Chen , Changxin Xu , Hongquan Chen
Published: September 2017

Coastline is one type of valuable non-renewable resources. From the perspective of economic theory, it can gather population, promote traffic construction, and then improve the level of international trade. The research object of this paper is the coastline resource in Dafeng area. Firstly, we have a brief summary of the existing coastline evaluation literature, then introduce the location and natural attributes of the coastline resources in Dafeng. Following that, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model is used to build the economic evaluation index system based on the characteristics of coastline in Dafeng. Specially, this index system consists of 6 factors, and a total of 41 detailed indicators were chosen including water depth, GDP, etc. On this basis, we use the assignment method to quantify the weight of each index, and calculate the comprehensive score of coastline resource by using the YAAHP software. The final conclusion is as follows: The total score of economic evaluation of coastline resource in Dafeng is 0.87. Therefore, the coastline resource in Dafeng will eventually be constructed a unique coastal economic zone, where the implemented port industrial projects will include shipbuilding, logistics, mechanical processing etc.
Analysis of Deterioration Phenomena in a Koran by Nineteenth Century Ottoman Calligrapher Mehmed Şevki
Authors: Kural Özgörüş Nurçin , Ünlü Cüneyt H. , Grupče Orhideja , Bakan Feray , Sezen Meltem
Published: September 2017

A Koran written by Mehmed Şevki is the subject of this comparative analysis. This manuscript displayed an extensive degree of deterioration in 28 of the folios, while the rest of the manuscript is in considerably better condition. The aforementioned deteriorated sections of the book proved to be brittle and much darker in colour compared to the rest of this manuscript. The possible cause for this condition was ascertained using complementary techniques including the utilisation of micro-chemical (spot) tests, SEM-EDS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The Micro-chemical Herzberg test indicated rag fibres in the paper used for the Koran, while the Raspail test #1 revealed rosin only in the sizing material of the deteriorated folios. SEM-EDS identified the presence of iron in all layers of the deteriorated folios but not in the stable folios. These results led subsequently to the conclusion that the deterioration of the folios was in fact related to the acid-catalysed hydrolysis due mainly to the presence of rosin and oxidation processes promoted by iron ions. This finding was also supported by FTIR analysis. The analyses indicated that different sizing materials had been used in the papermaking process of the two types of folios. In addition, Raman, EDS and HPLC techniques were also applied for the characterization of the inks and dyes. The results showed that inks and dyes were consistent throughout the entire text, thus suggesting calligrapher Mehmed Şevki and illuminator Hüseyin processed the book continually. It is plausible that calligrapher Mehmed Şevki changed his paper supply during the writing process which is why today we see a variety of differences in the condition of the papers.
Heterogeneous catalysts for gas-phase conversion of ethylene to higher olefins
Authors: Ghashghaee Mohammad
Published: September 2017

The reduced availability of propylene and C4 products from steam crackers continues to provoke on-purpose technologies for light olefins such that almost 30% of propylene in 2025 is predicted to be supplied from unconventional sources. Furthermore, the recent discoveries of natural gas reservoirs have urged interest in the conversion of surplus alkanes and alkenes, especially ethane and ethylene. The direct conversion of ethylene to propylene or a combination of value-added chemicals, including butylenes and oligomers in the range of gasoline and diesel fuel, provides the capability of responding to the fluctuations in the balance between supply and demand of the main petrochemicals. A comprehensive review of heterogeneous catalysts for the gas-phase conversion pathways is presented here in terms of catalytic performances (ethylene conversion and product selectivities), productivities, lifetimes, active sites, physicochemical properties, mechanisms, influence of operating conditions, deactivation and some unresolved/less-advanced aspects of the field. The addressed catalysts cover both zeolitic materials and transition metals, such as tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium and nickel. Efforts in both experimental and theoretical studies are taken into account. Aside from the potential fields of progress, the review reveals very promising performances for the emerging technologies to produce propylene, a mixture of propylene and butenes, or a liquid fuel from ethylene.
Une autre approche structurale est possible: Sens, expérience, analyse
Authors: Tore Gian Maria
Published: September 2017

Greimassian approach to texts represents undoubtedly the most incisive cases of structural analysis: textualistic (cf. the principle of the “closure” and the “immanence” of the object) and systemic (cf. the signifying “wholes”, grasped according to a semiotics of “levels” or “hierarchies”). It is an utterly synchronic, and even static approach (transformations, “doings” conceived from a reductionist perspective as a simple passage from one state to another). It is an epistemology of transparency (the question of reflexivity is evacuated and meaning never seems to cause any problem, with no account of the misunderstanding elicited from the text, interpretation thus being always univocal and victorious). The aim of this article is twofold: first, to call and comment on such principles as a coherent whole; then, to show how we may overthrow them, and nevertheless secure a structuralistic approach remaining faithful to the object of study. We may come up with a lucid and rigorous analysis à la Greimas, while fully adhering to a theory that is critical of the Greimassian approach: analysis that are dynamicists, reflexive and even “anarchic” (non-hierarchic, not attached to a priori established and thus unique orders); analyses assigned to an object according the way the object itself is explicitly constructed by the analyst (other constructions are equally conceivable); analysis assigned thus to an irreducible multiplicity of the object – according the way the object itself is put in value (in its dimensions, phases and aspects).
‚Make America Great Again‘? Die strategische Handlungs(un)fähigkeit der USA vom Ende des Kalten Kriegs bis zu Präsident Donald Trump
Authors: Groitl Gerlinde
Published: September 2017

Kurzfassung:

Den USA gelang es über viele Jahrzehnte besser als anderen Staaten, strategisch zu handeln und ihre Macht zielgerichtet und zielführend im Dienste ihrer nationalen Interessen einzusetzen. Dazu gehörten die Sicherung der eigenen Vormachtstellung und die Gestaltung einer liberalen internationalen Ordnung. Nach dem Kalten Krieg änderte sich das Bild, weil die USA ihren strategischen Kompass verloren, die politische Polarisierung zunahm und der gesellschaftliche Rückhalt sank. Die Supermacht leidet schon länger unter Einbußen in ihrer strategischen Handlungsfähigkeit. Doch Donald Trump treibt es auf die Spitze: Seine Außenpolitik ist die Fortsetzung des Wahlkampfs mit anderen Mitteln.
Die künftige internationale Einbettung der Ukraine: Sechs Sicherheitspolitische Szenarien für einen osteuropäischen Schlüsselstaat
Authors: Umland Andreas
Published: September 2017

Kurzfassung:

Die größte strategische Herausforderung für die Herausbildung eines stabilen und geeinten ukrainischen Nationalstaats und das größte strukturelle Hindernis für eine erfolgreiche wirtschaftliche Entwicklung der Ukraine bleiben weiterhin die russischen Maßnahmen der hybriden Kriegsführung. Obwohl auch weitere ukrainische Reformfortschritte wichtig sind, wird westliches Engagement entscheidend dafür sein, die Effekte des fortdauernden russischen Hybridkrieges gegen die Ukraine einzuschränken. Vor diesem Hintergrund beschreibt der Aufsatz sechs alternative Entwicklungsszenarien der kommenden Jahre.
Integrationsdiskurs und migrantische Biographie
Authors: Kontos Maria
Published: September 2017

Der Artikel lehnt sich an ein relationales Konzept von Diskurs an, das die Interpretationsleistung des rezipierenden Subjekts als konstitutives Element des Diskurses versteht, und überprüft die Idee der Artikulation von Diskurs und Subjekt am empirischen Material und im Kontext von biographietheoretischen Überlegungen. Der Fokus richtet sich auf die Bedeutung der Prozessstrukturen des Lebensablaufs und insbesondere der Prozessstruktur der Wandlung zum Verständnis von Artikulation, De-Artikulation und Re-Artikulation von Diskurs und Subjekt. Am Fallbeispiel eines freigestellten migrantischen Betriebsrates wird die Erfahrung und Verarbeitung der neueren öffentlichen Integrationsdebatte 2009-2010 analysiert; ebenso die Positionierung des Subjekts gegenüber dem Integrationsdiskurs und dem gesellschaftlichen Ganzen als biographische und normative Arbeit, die den Prozess von Artikulation von Diskurs und Subjekt prägt
Ergonomic Consideration of the Effect of Flour Dust on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate of Bakers in Abeokuta, Ogun State
Authors: Musa Adekunle Ibrahim , Orelaja Oluseyi A.
Published: September 2017

Flour dusts are one of the most harmful chemicals in the bakery industries which could lead to serious heart and lung diseases. This study investigated the effect of flour dust on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate of male bakers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria with the relationship to the anthropometrical parameters. A total of One hundred Eighty (180) male participants were investigated, where ninety (90) participants were bakers and ninety (90) individuals as control group. The Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and anthropometrical parameters of the participant were measured using mini-Wright peak flow meter (PFM 20, OMRON) and Detecto PD300MDHR (Cardinal Scale manufacturing company, USA) column scale with digital height rod was used to measure body mass [kg] and height (cm) respectively. The PEFR and anthropometrical parameters of the bakers and control groups were analysed using descriptive statistics and T-test with SPSS. The results showed that lower PEFR, 182.67 ± 16.34 L/min existed in bakers compared to 287.67 ± 17.02 L/min in the control study. The result also showed that a significant correlation exist between body mass, height and age (P < 0.01), PEFR, height (P < 0.05) and years of exposure (P < 0.01) of the bakers respectively. Furthermore, the results also showed that workers in the dusting and mixing of flour are at a risk of developing related pulmonary function impairment such as asthma. The study concluded that there is need to develop an effective intervention strategy, treatment seeking behaviour through awareness programs to prevent lung impairment diseases among the bakery workers.
Approach to Assessing the Preparedness of Hospitals to Power Outages
Authors: Brehovská Lenka , Nešporová Veronika , Řehák David
Published: September 2017

Within the secondary impacts of electricity blackouts, it is necessary to pay attention to facilities providing medical care for the population, namely the hospitals. Hospitals represent a key position in the provision of health care also in times of crisis. These facilities must provide constant care; it is therefore essential that the preparedness of such facilities is kept at a high level. The basic aim of this article is to analyse the preparedness of hospitals to power outages (power failures, blackouts) within a pilot study. On that basis, a SWOT analysis is used to determine strengths and weaknesses of the system of preparedness of hospitals to power outages and solutions for better security of hospitals are defined. The sample investigated consists of four hospitals founded by the Regional Authority (hospitals Nos. 1-4) and one hospital founded by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic (hospital No. 5). The results of the study shows that most weaknesses of the preparedness of hospitals are represented by inadequately addressed reserves of fuel for the main backup power supply, poor knowledge of employees who are insufficiently retrained, and old backup power supplies (even 35 years in some cases).
Population Dynamics of the Roe Deer, Capreolus Capreolus, and the Red Deer, Cervus Elaphus (Artiodactyla, Cervidae), in the Mountain Crimea
Authors: Smagol V. M. , Yarish V. L.
Published: September 2017

Results of the investigations of changes in the number of hoof-animals in the Mountain Crimea in the period from 1980 to 2014 are presented in the article. It is found that the period of the animal numbers change is 7.5 years for red deer and 4.6 years for roe deer. The shortening of the period of the animal numbers change as compared with other populations is a defence mechanism under conditions of a continuous anthropogenic pressure.
Ginkgetin inhibits proliferation of human leukemia cells via the TNF-α signaling pathway
Authors: Pan Ling-Ling , Wu Wen-Jun , Zheng Gao-Feng , Han Xiao-Yan , He Jing-Song , Cai Zhen
Published: September 2017

Ginkgetin is known to be an anticancer agent in many studies. However, its effectiveness in treating chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL) remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of ginkgetin on the growth of the K562 cell line. The MTT assay was employed to examine the proliferation of K562, and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was conducted to detect the apoptotic rates. Furthermore, changes of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Western blot analysis. Ginkgetin inhibited the proliferation of K562 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Concentrations of ginkgetin required to induce 50% death of K562 at 24, 48 and 72 h were 38.9, 31.3 and 19.2 μM, respectively. Moreover, treatment of ginkgetin increased K562 apoptosis in vitro along with increased levels of TNF-α. Interestingly, anti-TNF-α antibody prevented ginkgetin-induced K562 cell apoptosis and growth inhibition via deactivation of caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3. Concomitantly, downregulation of TNF-α by etanercept in vivo attenuated ginkgetin-induced inhibitory effects on the tumor growth in an xenograft mouse model. Our results indicate that ginkgetin effectively inhibits K562 cell proliferation, and TNF-α plays a key role in ginkgetin-induced cell apoptosis.
GC-MS characterization of n-hexane soluble fraction from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F.H. Wigg.) aerial parts and its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Ivanov Ivan , Petkova Nadezhda , Tumbarski Julian , Dincheva Ivayla , Badjakov Ilian , Denev Panteley , Pavlov Atanas
Published: September 2017

A comparative investigation of n-hexane soluble compounds from aerial parts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F.H. Wigg.) collected during different vegetative stages was carried out. The GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane (unpolar) fraction showed the presence of 30 biologically active compounds. Phytol [14.7% of total ion current (TIC)], lupeol (14.5% of TIC), taraxasteryl acetate (11.4% of TIC), β-sitosterol (10.3% of TIC), α-amyrin (9.0% of TIC), β-amyrin (8.3% of TIC), and cycloartenol acetate (5.8% of TIC) were identified as the major components in n-hexane fraction. The unpolar fraction exhibited promising antioxidant activity – 46.7 mmol Trolox equivalents/g extract (determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method). This fraction demonstrated insignificant antimicrobial activity and can be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Pain Perception and Body Awareness Among Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Ginzburg Karni , Biran Iftah , Aryeh Itay Goor , Tsur Noga , Defrin Ruth
Published: September 2017

Studies indicate that individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often demonstrate attenuated pain perception, termed hypoalgesia. This study examines the hypothesis that body awareness moderates the association between BPD and pain perception. Participants consisted of 46 women diagnosed with BPD and 47 healthy controls. Sensory testing included the measurement of heat-pain thresholds, ratings of suprathreshold stimuli, measurement of temperature evoking moderate pain, and temporal summation of noxious mechanical stimuli. Body awareness was assessed by a self-report questionnaire. As hypothesized, among subjects with low levels of body awareness, those with BPD demonstrated hypoalgesia as manifested in their lower suprathreshold pain ratings and moderate pain evoked by higher temperature, in comparison with the controls. Among those with high levels of body awareness, BPD subjects demonstrated increased reactivity to pain as manifested in their higher pain ratings and moderate pain evoked by lower temperature, in comparison with the controls.
The TRPM1 Channel Is Required for Development of the Rod ON Bipolar Cell-AII Amacrine Cell Pathway in the Retinal Circuit
Authors: Kozuka Takashi , Chaya Taro , Tamalu Fuminobu , Shimada Mariko , Fujimaki-Aoba Kayo , Kuwahara Ryusuke , Watanabe Shu-Ichi , Furukawa Takahisa
Published: September 2017

Neurotransmission plays an essential role in neural circuit formation in the central nervous system (CNS). Although neurotransmission has been recently clarified as a key modulator of retinal circuit development, the roles of individual synaptic transmissions are not yet fully understood. In the current study, we investigated the role of neurotransmission from photoreceptor cells to ON bipolar cells in development using mutant mouse lines of both sexes in which this transmission is abrogated. We found that deletion of the ON bipolar cation channel TRPM1 results in the abnormal contraction of rod bipolar terminals and a decreased number of their synaptic connections with amacrine cells. In contrast, these histological alterations were not caused by a disruption of total glutamate transmission due to loss of the ON bipolar glutamate receptor mGluR6 or the photoreceptor glutamate transporter VGluT1. In addition,TRPM1deficiency led to the reduction of total dendritic length, branch numbers, and cell body size in AII amacrine cells. Activated Goα, known to close the TRPM1 channel, interacted with TRPM1 and induced the contraction of rod bipolar terminals. Furthermore, overexpression of Channelrhodopsin-2 partially rescued rod bipolar cell development in theTRPM1−/−retina, whereas the rescue effect by a constitutively closed form of TRPM1 was lower than that by the native form. Our results suggest that TRPM1 channel opening is essential for rod bipolar pathway establishment in development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeurotransmission has been recognized recently as a key modulator of retinal circuit development in the CNS. However, the roles of individual synaptic transmissions are not yet fully understood. In the current study, we focused on neurotransmission between rod photoreceptor cells and rod bipolar cells in the retina. We used genetically modified mouse models which abrogate each step of neurotransmission: presynaptic glutamate release, postsynaptic glutamate reception, or transduction channel function. We found that the TRPM1 transduction channel is required for the development of rod bipolar cells and their synaptic formation with subsequent neurons, independently of glutamate transmission. This study advances our understanding of neurotransmission-mediated retinal circuit refinement.
SOCS3 expression in SF1 cells regulates adrenal differentiation and exercise performance
Authors: Pedroso João A B , de Mendonca Pedro O R , Fortes Marco A S , Tomaz Igor , Pecorali Vitor L , Auricino Thais B , Costa Ismael C , Lima Leandro B , Furigo Isadora C , Bueno Debora N , Ramos-Lobo Angela M , Lotfi Claudimara F P , Donato Jose
Published: September 2017

Many hormones/cytokines are secreted in response to exercise and cytokine signaling may play a pivotal role in the training adaptations. To investigate the importance of cytokine signaling during vertical ladder climbing, a resistance exercise model, we produced mice lacking SOCS3 protein exclusively in steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) cells (SF1 Socs3 KO mice). SF1 expression is found in steroidogenic cells of the adrenal cortex and gonads, as well as in neurons of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Histological markers of the fetal adrenal zone (or X-zone in rodents) were still present in adult males and postpartum SF1 Socs3 KO females, suggesting a previously unrecognized effect of SOCS3 on the terminal differentiation of the adrenal gland. This change led to a distinct distribution of lipid droplets along the adrenal cortex. Under basal conditions, adult SF1 Socs3 KO mice exhibited similar adrenal weight, and plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations. Nonetheless, SF1 Socs3 KO mice exhibited a blunted ACTH-induced corticosterone secretion. The overall metabolic responses induced by resistance training remained unaffected in SF1 Socs3 KO mice, including changes in body adiposity, glucose tolerance and energy expenditure. However, training performance and glucose control during intense resistance exercise were impaired in SF1 Socs3 KO mice. Furthermore, a reduced counter-regulatory response to 2-deoxy-d-glucose was observed in mutant mice. These findings revealed a novel participation of SOCS3 regulating several endocrine and metabolic aspects. Therefore, cytokine signaling in SF1 cells exerts an important role to sustain training performance possibly by promoting the necessary metabolic adjustments during exercise.
Prediction and Subtyping of Hypertension from Pan-Tissue Transcriptomic and Genetic Analyses
Authors: Basu Mahashweta , Sharmin Mahfuza , Das Avinash , Nair Nishanth Ulhas , Wang Kun , Lee Joo Sang , Chang Yen-Pei Christy , Ruppin Eytan , Hannenhalli Sridhar
Published: September 2017

Hypertension (HT) is a complex systemic disease involving transcriptional changes in multiple organs. Here we systematically investigate the pan-tissue transcriptional and genetic landscape of HT spanning dozens of tissues in hundreds of individuals. We find that in several tissues, previously identified HT-linked genes are dysregulated and the gene expression profile is predictive of HT. Importantly, many expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) SNPs associated with the population variance of the dysregulated genes are linked with blood pressure in an independent genome-wide association study, suggesting that the functional effect of HT-associated SNPs may be mediated through tissue-specific transcriptional dysregulation. Analyses of pan-tissue transcriptional dysregulation profile, as well as eQTL SNPs underlying the dysregulated genes, reveals substantial heterogeneity among the HT patients, revealing two broad groupings – a Diffused group where several tissues exhibit HT-associated molecular alterations and a Localized group where such alterations are localized to very few tissues. These two patient subgroups differ in several clinical phenotypes including respiratory, cerebrovascular, diabetes, and heart disease. These findings suggest that the Diffused and Localized subgroups may be driven by different molecular mechanisms and have different genetic underpinning.
Improving Disease Prediction by Incorporating Family Disease History in Risk Prediction Models with Large-Scale Genetic Data
Authors: Gim Jungsoo , Kim Wonji , Kwak Soo Heon , Choi Hosik , Park Changyi , Park Kyong Soo , Kwon Sunghoon , Park Taesung , Won Sungho
Published: September 2017

Despite the many successes of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the known susceptibility variants identified by GWAS have modest effect sizes, leading to notable skepticism about the effectiveness of building a risk prediction model from large-scale genetic data. However, in contrast to genetic variants, the family history of diseases has been largely accepted as an important risk factor in clinical diagnosis and risk prediction. Nevertheless, the complicated structures of the family history of diseases have limited their application in clinical practice. Here, we developed a new method that enables incorporation of the general family history of diseases with a liability threshold model, and propose a new analysis strategy for risk prediction with penalized regression analysis that incorporates both large numbers of genetic variants and clinical risk factors. Application of our model to type 2 diabetes in the Korean population (1846 cases and 1846 controls) demonstrated that single-nucleotide polymorphisms accounted for 32.5% of the variation explained by the predicted risk scores in the test data set, and incorporation of family history led to an additional 6.3% improvement in prediction. Our results illustrate that family medical history provides valuable information on the variation of complex diseases and improves prediction performance.
Efecto de la especie de leguminosa y la fuente de carbohidratos en la calidad física y química de mezclas para ensilaje
Authors: López-Herrera Michael , Briceño-Arguedas Ernesto
Published: September 2017

El objetivo de este experimento fue determinar el efecto de la especie de leguminosa y la fuente de carbohidratos sobre las características físicas y químicas del ensilaje de las mezclas elaboradas a partir de las leguminosas, Arachis pintoi, Vigna unguiculata, Cratylia argentea y Erythrina poeppigiana, con 4 fuentes de carbohidratos (melaza de caña de azúcar, pulpa de cítricos deshidratada, grano de maíz molido y fruto inmaduro de guineo cuadrado). El experimento se desarrolló entre los años 2015 y 2016, este consta de un arreglo factorial 4x4 de 16 tratamientos. Las mezclas se almacenaron durante 50 días en silos de bolsa con capacidad para 5 kg. Los ensilados analizados presentaron características de olor, color y textura de calidad media a buena. Los valores de pH fluctuaron entre 4,5 – 5,8 y los valores de nitrógeno amoniacal variaron entre 4,3 – 14,6% NH3/NT. Los tratamientos con inclusión de fuentes de almidón y leguminosas arbustivas presentaron los niveles más altos de pH y nitrógeno amoniacal (p<0,05); por lo tanto, fueron las mezclas ensiladas de menor calidad. La concentración de los ácidos grasos volátiles de los tratamientos varió entre 0,83 – 6,46% MS para el ácido láctico, 2,48 – 6,87% MS para el ácido acético y 0,13 – 1,79% MS para el ácido butírico. También se encontró una alta correlación (ρ>0,62) entre la concentración de los ácidos acético y butírico con el contenido de humedad de las mezclas sin ensilar, por otra parte, el ácido láctico presentó una correlación alta, aunque negativa (ρ=-0,74), todas las correlaciones fueron significativas p<0,001. Los tratamientos elaborados a partir de leguminosas arbustivas con azúcares o con pectinas presentaron características físicas y químicas que los califican como ensilados de calidad media a buena. Mientras que los tratamientos elaborados a partir de leguminosas de piso y almidones presentaron características físicas y químicas que los califican como ensilados de regular a mala calidad, esto debido a la poca participación de los almidones en el ensilaje.
Assessment of the influence of atmospheric intensity on the wooden facade of the building by visualization method
Authors: Pluta Magda , Thiis Thomas Kringlebotn
Published: September 2017

3D visualization is one of the forms of presentation of spatial phenomena, which, thanks to the
development of new technologies of acquiring, modeling and providing spatial information, is
one of the most popular methods of presenting real objects in the virtual world. Practice shows
that 3D visualization is increasingly being used by different entities to present research results in
3D form, thereby ensuring better readability of the papers. The paper describes the methodology
of 3D visualization of the influence of atmospheric conditions on wooden facades of a school
building. Methods of obtaining data for the purpose of creating a 3D model of a research object,
processing vector and raster data, and rendering the final animation were described. The results
of the study show that the use of 3D visualization as a form of presenting research results enables
accurate estimation of the intensity of atmospheric conditions on the vertical elevation, taking
into account the exact geometry of the research object.
Freshkills Park (Staten Island, NY) as an example of a polluted area’s transformation into a public space
Authors: Wilczkiewicz Małgorzata Zofia
Published: September 2017

Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of the New York City. The borough of Staten Island dif�fers from the other districts for being much more rural, agricultural and full of green areas. The
picturesque landscape of the meadows named Fresh Kills is located in the middle of the Island.
The name ‘Fresh Kills’ comes from the landfill’s location, along the banks of the Dutch name
Fresh Kills estuary, in Western Staten Island. Since 1947, this place has been used as a garbage
dump for the New York City metropolitan area. During the next fifty years, this area formed an
artificial mound of waste occupying a surface of 2200 acres (890 ha). In 2003, the authorities of
the City of New York decided to close the landfill and transform the Fresh Kill landfill into a rec�reational park, for future generation to use. Because of a very complicated system of recupera�tion, the park’s opening is scheduled for 2030. However, some of the parts of the Park are open to
the public now. After completion, the Fresh Kills Park will be the largest park in New York City.
It will be three times bigger than Central Park.
The analysis of Land Cover macrostructure in the suburban area of Krakow
Authors: Kudas Dawid , Różycka-Czas Renata , Salata Tomasz , Szylar Marta
Published: September 2017

The suburban areas are lands under strong anthropogenic pressure which results in their sig-
nificant transformation. Identifying the direction of changes and their intensity is the basis of
research based on the analysis of land use and land cover.
The study involved the analysis of land cover in the area of suburban zone of the city of Krakow
based on the vector geodata available in the European Environment Agency database (Urban Atlas
download service). Geographic data were classified according to various categories of coverage.
The area was divided into evaluation clusters that included covering buffer zones with the given
parameters according to the distance from the city: zones 0–5 km, 5–10 km, 10–15 km and 15–20
km. All analyzes were performed by means of the QGIS software using geoprocessing tools and ad-
ditional ones of spatial statistics (among other things Group Stats). The percentage of each category
of coverage in relation to the total area was made for each of the separate buffer zones’ statements.
The theory of changing the structure of coverage categories along with diverging from the city
according to the diagram of reducing participation of heavily anthropogenic areas to those less
exposed to it was confirmed on the basis of this analysis
Analysis of impact of new road projects on creating areas excluded from agricultural production
Authors: Jakimiak Marcin , Leń Przemysław
Published: September 2017

Road transport is a very important factor, constituting an important element of the country’s
economy and of the labor market. The good quality of international connections creates possi�bilities of faster and safer traffic on the roads, in passenger and freight transport. It increases the
traffic flow by separating local traffic from international one for increased comfort and driving
safety. It should be noted, however, that linear development projects, apart from undisputed eco�nomic capacity benefits in general, have a negative impact on the shaping of spatial structure of
rural areas. Development projects lead to division of land into smaller pieces, scattering of farms
on both sides of the route, which increases fragmentation and dispersal of land farms.
The study presents the process of creating areas excluded from agricultural production that ac�companies construction of new roads in Poland. Based on a study of four road construction
projects, the paper presents the cost of acquisition of remnants and the area of land that has been
set aside. The possibility of restoring these lands to agricultural production was also analyzed.
Vector-borne diseases in cats in Germany
Authors: Hartmann Katrin , Bergmann Michèle
Published: September 2017

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are caused by a wide range of pathogens, which are transmitted by a variety of vectors, such as ticks and fleas. As a result of climate changes, more vector-borne diseases are becoming endemic in Germany, not only in dogs, but also in cats. For some of the pathogens prevalence data still need to be investigated in Germany. However, natural infections with Bartonella, Anaplasma, haemotropic Mycoplasma and Borrelia species have already been described in German cats. Clinical relevance of these pathogens is not fully understood, and it is still unknown, why most infected cats stay asymptomatic and which predisposing factors contribute to the development of clinical signs in cats. Moreover, there is a risk of zoonotic transmission for some of the pathogens, e. g., for some Bartonella spp. infections that are associated with cat scratch disease in humans. Due to the increasing number of VBDs in cats in Germany, preventive measures, such as the use of acaricides and insecticides, should be performed on a regular base in order to reduce the risk of these infections.