bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UML activity diagram transformation into BPEL integration flow
Authors: Górski Tomasz , Ziemski Grzegorz
Published: October 2018

The growing interest of companies in integration and interoperability between information systems has caused increase in significance of Service-Oriented Architecture which provides tools
for Enterprise Application Integration. In that architecture, Enterprise Service Bus provides technical possibilities of communication between IT systems. A key element in the communication are integration flows.
Objective: The aim of this article is to present a new transformation Integration2BPEL, which automates the development of executable integration flow expressed in the Web Services Business Process Execution Language (WS-BPEL) based on the model of the integration flow presented in the Unified Modelling Language (UML) activity diagram.
Method: The author proposes a transformation of the type of model-to-code type which generates integration flow expressed in WS-BPEL, which can be executed in any BPEL-compliant process engine. The integration flow is modelled using UML activity diagram with stereotypes from ‘UML Profile for Integration Flows’ profile in an IBM Rational Software Architect (RSA). Using Integration2BPEL transformation a complete, executable integration flow is generated, which is composed of many mediation mechanisms. Generated integration flows have been executed on OpenESB.
Results: The ability to generate a complete integration flow in BPEL, which without any additions can be run on enterprise service bus. Implementation phase of an integration flow construction was automated. Each of integration flows is implemented according to the same rules. In addition, it allows to avoid mistakes made by designers and programmers.
Conclusions: Model-Driven Development is an approach that leads to the automation of the design and programming phases. Integration2BPEL transformation is a uniform mechanism to design integration flow. Potentially, it also allows to avoid implementation errors.
Keywords: Web Services Business Process Execution Language (BPEL), Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), Unified Modelling Language (UML), UML activity diagram, Model-Driven Development (MDD),
Transformation.

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Smoke as a component of military camouflage systems
Authors: Harmata Władysław
Published: October 2018

This paper is a study of military optical identification and guidance solutions. The technical
measures used in the Polish Armed Forces for smoke screen deployment and their relation to IR
camouflage were analysed.
Keywords: reconnaissance, identification, counter-identification, counter-reconnaissance, camouflage, smoke
Tribological study of low friction DLC:Ti
and MoS2 thin films
Authors: Paradecka A. , Lukaszkowicz K.
Published: October 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to characterize and compare the microstructure and
tribological properties of low friction DLC:Ti and MoS2 thin films deposited on the austenitic
steel X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 substrate.
Design/methodology/approach: In the research, the samples of the DLC:Ti and MoS2
thin films deposited by PACVD technology and magnetron sputtering method respectively
were used. Observations of topography were made using atomic force microscope (AFM).
Adhesion of the coating to the substrate material was verified by the scratch test. The
friction coefficient and wear rate of the coating were determined in the ball-on-disc test.
Findings: AFM as well as adhesion and friction coefficient tests confirmed low friction
nature of MoS2 and DLC:Ti coatings. During the research information on the behaviour of
coatings under tribological load was obtained. The investigated coating reveals high wear
resistance and good adhesion to the substrate.
Practical implications: The area of testing of low-friction thin films is widely studied
due to their practical application. Intensive development of new technologies requires the
introduction of corresponding layers of both full protective functions and reducing friction.
Originality/value: Growing area of low-friction coatings with specific properties requires
thorough tribological and topographical research, which is closely related to these properties.
TERRITORIAL COHESION OF COMMUNES IN POLAND IN 2005-2015 WITH REFERENCE TO TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN TERMS OF SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION MEASURES
Authors: Gospodarowicz Marcin
Published: October 2018

Territorial cohesion refers to integrated space management, that mitigates and prevents its polarization. The aim of the analysis was to delimit the phenomenon of territorial cohesion in terms of the development of technical infrastructure using spatial autocorrelation statistics to identify homogeneous groups – clusters of municipalities with similar characteristics and hot spots – regions with outliers in relation to the environment. The survey covered the entire population of communes in Poland (2,478), in 2005, 2010 and 2015. The results indicate the existence of positive and increasing spatial autocorrelation for the aggregate measure of technical infrastructure development in subsequent years. For the size of clusters of local Moran statistics, the differentiating features were the type and population type of communes and the spatial location in voivodship. Territorial cohesion, ie compliance in relation to the type of homogenous group has been identified in a small part of the surveyed local government units.
CHALLENGES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL POWER
MACHINES AND THEIR OPERATING COSTS IN HUNGARY
Authors: Késmárki-Gally Szilvia Erdeiné , Rák Renáta
Published: October 2018

One of the most important factors of competitive production is mechanization, which enables tasks to be done on time and in a high-quality manner. Nowadays, in Hungary, many distributors deal with the trading of agricultural machines and spare parts. The operating costs of these machines constitute a significant proportion of the expenses involved in agricultural production, and thus the appropriate and inappropriate use of machinery can significantly influence the efficiency of farming. The goal of this study is to present the market of agricultural power machines, examine the operating costs and analyse the causes of changes in the Hungarian machinery market during the past few years. In our research, it can be seen that EU co-financed support for machinery and equipment investment have a great impact on the replacement of power machines and average annual usage, since after EU subsidies are no longer incoming, the number of agricultural machines sold has decreased.
DETERMINANTS OF PROFITABILITY OF BEEKEEPING PRODUCTION IN POLAND
Authors: Majewski Janusz
Published: October 2018

The aim of the paper was to identify factors affecting the profitability of apiculture production in
Poland. In the work was used data from the Central Statistical Office, the Polish Beekeeping Association
and literature on the subject. Eight direct interviews with beekeepers were also conducted. The calculations
were made for four types of apiaries differing in the scale of production and the way of management. For
the types of apiaries indicated, the calculated direct surplus for two methods of selling honey (purchase
and direct sales). The highest results were obtained in the case of a migratory apiary. The value of direct
surplus per bee colony amounted to PLN 1,160 for direct sales, and PLN 450 for purchase. In the case of
stationary management, the amount of direct surplus was from 2 to a dozen times lower than in the case of
a migratory apiary. Similar differences were also recorded when estimating the value of net agricultural
income. The factors determining the profitability of beekeeping production in Poland include: the scale
of production, the kind of economy in the apiary (stationary or migratory), honey distribution channels
and the beekeeper’s reputation.
DIVERSIFICATION OF THE LIVING STANDARDS OF RURAL AND URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN 2006 AND 2016
Authors: Murawska Anna
Published: October 2018

The aim of the paper was to assess differences in the standard of living in households in rural areas
and in rural areas in Poland. An analysis was made of indicators that measure the level of satisfaction
of needs. Economic, infrastructural and environmental factors were taken into account. The results were
presented for 2006 and 2016. The data was subjected to statistical analysis. The dynamics indexes, the
measure of the range and the measure of the distance between the features values were calculated. The
living standards in rural areas and in urban areas are significantly different to the detriment of rural
households. This is due to the poorer material situation, less developed social and technical infrastructure
and less developed assets of the natural environment.
ANALYSIS OF POLISH INTERNATIONAL TRADE WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES, USING GRAVITY MODEL
Authors: Pomichowski Piotr , Parlińska Maria
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was to examine whether there are non-tariff barriers (NTB s) in Poland’s trade
with neighboring countries and in what amounts. For this purpose, a gravitational model of international
trade was used, in which the parameters of selected variables were estimated in 4 agri-food sectors:
agricultural raw materials, dairy products, food, fruit and vegetables, and meat products. The estimation
of NTB s was the smallest in all sectors mentioned in Poland’s exports to Slovakia. The largest restrictions
except for the dairy sector occur in Poland’s trade with Ukraine. The largest non-tariff barriers in Poland’s
trade with neighbors occur in the agricultural raw materials sector, and the smallest in meat products.
In addition, the model confirmed the veracity of the Linder hypothesis.
IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF A SMALL ENTERPRISE STRATEGY – A CASE STUDY OF A CONFECTIONER'S SHOP
Authors: Rutkiewicz Krzysztof , Berbeka Tomasz
Published: October 2018

The aim of the research was an all-encompassing assessment of the process of shaping the strategy
of a small enterprise (confectioner’s shop), conducting business activity on the local market. The verified
hypothesis is that the strategy of a small company is not always formalized, because strategic plans can
only be hidden „in the owner’s head”. The research is of a theoretical and empirical nature, including
a critical analysis of the data. An observation method, in-depth personal interview and questionnaire
research were applied. A SWOT and CSF (Critical Success Factor) analysis were carried out concerning
the examined enterprise and its competitors. The contemporary market realities determine the necessity
of the organization’s flexibility in achieving objectives as a part of creative and innovative strategies. The
researched company is in a stable phase of maturity, using the strategy of maintaining a strong position
on the local confectionery market. A conservative strategy based solely on increasing the range, not on
innovation, may be a symptom of depression. The company, using 30 years of experience, has developed
its own value system (organization’s DNA) in the form of principles, standards and views on business
issues that instinctively are implemented into the conducted economic activity.
EFFICIENCY OF SLELECTED FARM TYPES IN LUBLIN PROVINCE IN 2014-2016
Authors: Syp Alina , Kagan Adam , Osucha Dariusz
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was to present changes in the efficiency of farms specializing in crops and pigs
production in the Lublin province. To perform the analysis the empirical data for large crop and pig
farms collected in Polish FADN system in the years 2014-2016 were applied. The level of efficiency was
determined using input oriented Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models. In the studied years, in the
field crops farms ratios of technical efficiency and scale efficiency remained at the same level, whereas
the value of pure technical efficiency slightly increased. In the pig holdings, all efficiency indices have
deteriorated. Comparing the average efficiency results according to farm specialization it was found that
filed crops farms were more efficient than crop farms.
CONSOLIDATION IN THE MEAT INDUSTRY – REASONS AND EFFECTS
Authors: Szymańska Elżbieta Jadwiga
Published: October 2018

The aim of the research was to identify the most important mergers and acquisitions in the meat industry
in Poland in 2015-2017 and their causes and effects. Data on transactions in the meat market in the country
were obtained from Thomson Reuters database. A valuable source of information was also the subject literature
and press interviews with experts in the meat industry. The analysis showed that the structure of entities on
the meat market in Poland is very fragmented, which limits their competitiveness. In connection with this, the
number of mergers and acquisitions increases, the aim of which is to increase the position of enterprises on
the market and to achieve higher profit from combined entities. As a result of such actions on the meat market
in Poland, the share of large foreign entities with a global scale of activity increases. Small and medium-sized
enterprises, however, are afraid of consolidation processes because their negotiating position is weakening.
COMPOSITE MEASURE AS A METHOD OF THE IT SYSTEM FOR ORGANIC FARMING
Authors: Woźniakowski Tomasz
Published: October 2018

The paper describes the next stage of the project of an IT platform supporting farmers and organic producers. The article describes the implementation of the method developed in the course of research described in the previous, cited publication of the author. The method assumes the use of composite measures to create a universal gauge (“Good Food Print” ratio GFP) that provides comprehensive information on the good practices used throughout the supply chain of the final product of organic farming. The system offers consumers information in the formula of the Internet All Things, supports producers in the selection of the best suppliers and enables the maintenance of obligatory registers.
CONSUMER PREFERENCES in Skierniewice WHILE PURCHASE OF BUTTON MUSHROOMS
Authors: Zmarlicki Krzysztof , Brzozowski Piotr
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was, based on surveys, to learn about consumer preferences when buying button mushrooms. In Poland, when the consumption of vegetables decreases, the consumption of mushrooms increases, however its level is about two times lower than the EU average. In the first half of 2018, 347 consumers were surveyed in Skierniewice shops and at the local farmer’s market in order to learn about the factors affecting the purchase and consumption of mushrooms. Only twenty people from the population surveyed said they did not eat button mushrooms. Most of the respondents consume them, occasionally or once a month, respectively 46.1 and 41.8% of the answers. Most willingly, the respondents bought mushrooms in 500-gram packs 52.9% indications and in bulk 28.4% of responses. The factors limiting the purchase of button mushrooms indicated the bad appearance of them, 53.2% of responses, and too high price 30.0% responses. Of the population studied, only 139 people buy processed button mushrooms.
THE IMPACT OF T HE STATE ON CREATING CONDITIONS TO ENSURE FOOD SECURIT Y IN THE NATIONAL AND REGIONAL DIMENSION
Authors: Żmija Dariusz , Żmija Katarzyna , Czekaj Marta
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was to identify the key directions of state influence which guarantee food security
of the country and its regions, i.e. ensure physical availability of food, physical and economic access to
food, its security and stability of the food system. The empirical study was based on the results of the
workshops, which were organized in 2017 in the Rzeszów subregion, and whose participants were broadly
understood stakeholders of the regional food system. The research results indicate that food security is a
multidimensional concept referring to economic, political, demographic, social, cultural and technical
issues. It requires to take various types of actions at the same time, carried out at various levels of state authorities, implemented in different areas.
Une étude empirique exploratoire sur le traitement juridictionnel des demandes d’accommodement raisonnable en milieu de travail
Authors: Tremblay Potvin Charles
Published: October 2018

L’auteur présente les résultats d’une étude empirique à caractère exploratoire portant sur un échantillon de décisions rendues en matière d’accommodement raisonnable en milieu de travail et s’étalant sur une période de quinze ans. Plus de 400 décisions ont été répertoriées et analysées en fonction d’une grille standardisée, dans le but d’évaluer notamment les acteurs, les secteurs et les juridictions les plus touchés par les demandes ayant mené à une décision juridictionnelle ainsi que les motifs les plus souvent invoqués au soutien de ces demandes. L’auteur explore également l’hypothèse voulant que l’évolution de la jurisprudence de la Cour suprême du Canada à partir des années 2007 et 2008 au regard des critères juridiques applicables en cette matière ait eu un impact sur certains des indicateurs étudiés, dont le nombre de décisions rendues et l’issue des litiges. Après l’analyse descriptive des résultats globaux, l’auteur se penche plus précisément sur les décisions relatives aux demandes d’accommodement basées sur des motifs religieux.
Targeting the invaders – targeted detection of four priority freshwater invasive non-native species using environmental DNA
Authors: Blackman Rosetta C , Benucci Marco , Donnelly Robert , Hänfling Bernd , Harper Lynsey R , Kimbell Helen , Sellers Graham S , Sheard Andrew M , Watson Hayley V , Lawson-Handley Lori
Published: October 2018

Early detection is paramount for attempts to remove invasive non-native species (INNS). Traditional methods rely on physical sampling and morphological identification, which can be problematic when species are in low densities and/or are cryptic. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a monitoring tool in freshwater systems is becoming increasingly acceptable and widely used for the detection of single species. Here we demonstrate the development and application of standard PCR primers for the detection of four freshwater invasive species which are high priority for monitoring in the UK and elsewhere: Dreissenid mussels; Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1987) and D. polymorpha (Pallas, 1771), and Gammarid shrimps; Dikerogammarus villosus (Sowinsky, 1984) and D. haemobaphes (Eichwald, 1843). We carried out a rigorous validation process for testing the new primers, including DNA detection and degradation rate experiments in mesocosm, and a field comparison with traditional monitoring protocols. We successfully detected all four target species in mesocosms, but success was higher for mussels than shrimps. eDNA from single individuals of both mussel species could be detected within four hours of the start of the experiment. By contrast, shrimp were only consistently detected at higher densities (20 individuals). In field trials, the two mussel species and D. haemobaphes were detected at all sites where the species are known to be present, and eDNA consistently outperformed traditional kick sampling for species detection. However, D. villosus eDNA was only detected in one of five sites where the species was confirmed by kick sampling. These results demonstrate the applicability of standard PCR for eDNA detection of freshwater invasive species, but also highlight the importance of differences between taxa in terms of the detection ability.
Tuning site-specific dynamics to drive allosteric activation in a pneumococcal zinc uptake regulator
Authors: Capdevila Daiana A , Huerta Fidel , Edmonds Katherine A , Le My Tra , Wu Hongwei , Giedroc David P
Published: October 2018

MarR (multiple antibiotic resistance repressor) family proteins are bacterial repressors that regulate transcription in response to a wide range of chemical signals. Although specific features of MarR family function have been described, the role of atomic motions in MarRs remains unexplored thus limiting insights into the evolution of allostery in this ubiquitous family of repressors. Here, we provide the first experimental evidence that internal dynamics play a crucial functional role in MarR proteins. Streptococcus pneumoniae AdcR (adhesin-competence repressor) regulates ZnII homeostasis and ZnII functions as an allosteric activator of DNA binding. ZnII coordination triggers a transition from somewhat independent domains to a more compact structure. We identify residues that impact allosteric activation on the basis of ZnII-induced perturbations of atomic motions over a wide range of timescales. These findings appear to reconcile the distinct allosteric mechanisms proposed for other MarRs and highlight the importance of conformational dynamics in biological regulation.
Changes to social feeding behaviors are not sufficient for fitness gains of the Caenorhabditis elegans N2 reference strain
Authors: Zhao Yuehui , Long Lijiang , Xu Wen , Campbell Richard F , Large Edward E , Greene Joshua S , McGrath Patrick T
Published: October 2018

The standard reference Caenorhabditis elegans strain, N2, has evolved marked behavioral changes in social feeding behavior since its isolation from the wild. We show that the causal, laboratory-derived mutations in two genes, npr-1 and glb-5, confer large fitness advantages in standard laboratory conditions. Using environmental manipulations that suppress social/solitary behavior differences, we show the fitness advantages of the derived alleles remained unchanged, suggesting selection on these alleles acted through pleiotropic traits. Transcriptomics, developmental timing, and food consumption assays showed that N2 animals mature faster, produce more sperm, and consume more food than a strain containing ancestral alleles of these genes regardless of behavioral strategies. Our data suggest that the pleiotropic effects of glb-5 and npr-1 are a consequence of changes to O2 -sensing neurons that regulate both aerotaxis and energy homeostasis. Our results demonstrate how pleiotropy can lead to profound behavioral changes in a popular laboratory model.
Characterization of small fiber pathology in a mouse model of Fabry disease
Authors: Hofmann Lukas , Hose Dorothea , Grießhammer Anne , Blum Robert , Döring Frank , Dib-Hajj Sulayman , Waxman Stephen , Sommer Claudia , Wischmeyer Erhard , Üçeyler Nurcan
Published: October 2018

Fabry disease (FD) is a life-threatening X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by α-galactosidase A (α-GAL) deficiency. Small fiber pathology and pain are major FD symptoms of unknown pathophysiology. α-GAL deficient mice (GLA KO) age-dependently accumulate globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons paralleled by endoplasmic stress and apoptosis as contributors to skin denervation. Old GLA KO mice show increased TRPV1 protein in DRG neurons and heat hypersensitivity upon i.pl. capsaicin. In turn, GLA KO mice are protected from heat and mechanical hypersensitivity in neuropathic and inflammatory pain models based on reduced neuronal Ih and Nav1.7 currents. We show that in vitro α-GAL silencing increases intracellular Gb3 accumulation paralleled by loss of Nav1.7 currents, which is reversed by incubation with agalsidase-α and lucerastat. We provide first evidence of a direct Gb3 effect on neuronal integrity and ion channel function as potential mechanism underlying pain and small fiber pathology in FD.
The Primary Medicine Initiative—Continuity in medical education
Authors: Wood Douglas L.
Published: October 2018

Primary care will play a central role in the new national healthcare program. Our osteopathic medical education programs must change if osteopathic physicians are to remain dominant in primary care and thereby play a large role in the revamped healthcare system. This article outlines a pilot program currently in development at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSU-COM). H successful, the MSU-COM program could be used as a blueprint for a similar nationwide program in osteopathic medical education.
Effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment in patients with cervicothoracic pain: Pilot study using thermography
Authors: Walko Edward J. , Janouschek Christine
Published: October 2018

To provide information on how cervicothoracic pain responds to osteopathic manipulative treatment, five subjects with acute or chronic pain received appropriate medication and three osteopathic manipulative treatments by the principal investigator using thrust and nonthrust techniques. The mean number of findings by both investigators on structural examination decreased considerably immediately after each of the three treatments. The number of findings increased in week 2 and decreased in week 3. The prinicpal investigator observed a further decrease by the final session, but the coinvestigator reported an increase. The pain scale score improved an average of nearly 3Wo. Thermography showed cooling of the cervicothoracic region in all subjects and conversion to a normal pattern in four. Osteopathic manipulative treatment should be considered for patients with acute or chronic cervicothoracic pain. The use of thermographic analysis in clinical osteopathic research seems warranted.
False-positive malignant peritoneal cytology associated with pelvic endometriosis
Authors: Markuly Sotirios N. , Fanning James , Hindman Travis L. , Galle Phillip C. , Ertmoed Ernest , Hilgers Robert D.
Published: October 2018

The peritoneal washings obtained at diagnostic laparoscopy of two women with suspected endometriosis contained cells with cytologic features of adenocarcinoma. Exploratory laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and pelvic washings confirmed endometriosis with no evidence of cancer. At 1.5-year and 4.0-year follow-up, respectively, cancer had not developed in either patient. The authors report what they were able to find in the literature regarding false-positive assessments of malignancy obtained by cytologic examination. They also outline steps to be taken should a diagnosis of malignancy arise in a woman with endometriosis who desires pregnancy.
Unusual manifestations of thoracic actinomycosis
Authors: Bentley Evert Randall , Ostransky David
Published: October 2018

Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative bacterial infection characterized by multiple abscesses, sinus tracts, fibrosis, and granulation involving the face, neck, thorax, or abdomen. Thoracic actinomycosis probably results from aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. Its description in the literature is extensive. Reported herein are two cases of thoracic actinomycosis with unusual manifestations exemplifying the organism's lack of regard for fascial planes. The authors present a comprehensive review of actinomycosis in order to encourage early diagnosis. The importance of bedside examination and inspection of available material stained by Gram's method are emphasized. Computed tomography scanning is a useful adjunct for assessing the anatomic extent of this disease.
Morphological characterization of virus-like particles in coral reef sponges
Authors: Pascelli Cecília , Laffy Patrick W. , Kupresanin Marija , Ravasi Timothy , Webster Nicole S.
Published: October 2018

Marine sponges host complex microbial consortia that vary in their abundance, diversity and stability amongst host species. While our understanding of sponge-microbe interactions has dramatically increased over the past decade, little is known about how sponges and their microbial symbionts interact with viruses, the most abundant entities in the ocean. In this study, we employed three transmission electron microscopy (TEM) preparation methods to provide the first comprehensive morphological assessment of sponge-associated viruses. The combined approaches revealed 50 different morphologies of viral-like particles (VLPs) represented across the different sponge species. VLPs were visualized within sponge cells, within the sponge extracellular mesohyl matrix, on the sponge ectoderm and within sponge-associated microbes. Non-enveloped, non-tailed icosahedral VLPs were the most commonly observed morphotypes, although tailed bacteriophage, brick-shaped, geminate and filamentous VLPs were also detected. Visualization of sponge-associated viruses using TEM has confirmed that sponges harbor not only diverse communities of microorganisms but also diverse communities of viruses.
Intraspecific phenotypic variation in life history traits ofDaphnia galeatapopulations in response to fish kairomones
Authors: Tams Verena , Lüneburg Jennifer , Seddar Laura , Detampel Jan-Phillip , Cordellier Mathilde
Published: October 2018

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a genotype to produce different phenotypes depending on the environment. It has an influence on the adaptive potential to environmental change and the capability to adapt locally. Adaptation to environmental change happens at the population level, thereby contributing to genotypic and phenotypic variation within a species. Predation is an important ecological factor structuring communities and maintaining species diversity. Prey developed different strategies to reduce their vulnerability to predators by changing their behaviour, their morphology or their life history. Predator-induced life history responses inDaphniahave been investigated for decades, but intra-and inter-population variability was rarely addressed explicitly. We addressed this issue by conducting a common garden experiment with 24 clonal lines of EuropeanDaphnia galeataoriginating from four populations, each represented by six clonal lines. We recorded life history traits in the absence and presence of fish kairomones. Additionally, we looked at the shape of experimental individuals by conducting a geometric morphometric analysis, thus assessing predator-induced morphometric changes. Our data revealed high intraspecific phenotypic variation within and between fourD. galeatapopulations, the potential to locally adapt to a vertebrate predator regime as well as an effect of the fish kairomones on morphology ofD. galeata.
C9orf72, a protein associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor
Authors: Iyer Shalini , Subramanian Vasanta , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: October 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), two late onset neurodegenerative diseases, have been shown to share overlapping cellular pathologies and genetic origins. Studies suggest that a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene is the most common cause of familial FTD and ALS pathology. The C9orf72 protein is predicted to be a differentially expressed in normal and neoplastic cells domain protein implying that C9orf72 functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) to regulate specific Rab GTPases. Reported studies thus far point to a putative role for C9orf72 in lysosome biogenesis, vesicular trafficking, autophagy and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex1 (mTORC1) signaling. Here we report the expression, purification and biochemical characterization of C9orf72 protein. We conclusively show that C9orf72 is a GEF. The distinctive presence of both Rab- and Rho-GTPase GEF activities suggests that C9orf72 may function as a dual exchange factor coupling physiological functions such as cytoskeleton modulation and autophagy with endocytosis.
Utility of GDF‐15 as a diagnostic biomarker in gastric cancer: an investigation combining GEO, TCGA and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Jie‐yu , Dong Xing‐xuan , Lu Jia‐nan , Zhang Yue , Liu Kai‐fan , Liu Ling‐feng , E Qing‐zhi , Lu Xiao‐jing , Yin Jie‐yun , Shen Yue‐ping
Published: October 2018

It was recently suggested that growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) is associated with gastric cancer (GC) carcinogenesis. However, the diagnostic potential of GDF‐15 for GC remains unclear. To address this issue, we obtained RNA sequencing and microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, and searched PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science for relevant literature. We then used STATA to perform a meta‐analysis. In total, reports of 253 GC patients and 112 healthy controls who contributed peripheral blood samples were taken from the four literature sources, while information on 754 GC tumor and 263 gastric normal tissues was drawn from TCGA and seven GEO datasets. The expression level of GDF‐15 mRNA was significantly higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues, with a standard mean difference (SMD) of 0.79% and a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 0.63–0.95. Consistently, the GDF‐15 protein in blood was significantly increased in GC patients as compared to controls (SMD = 3.74, 95% CI = 1.81–5.68). In addition, based on information from TCGA and GEO datasets, the expression level of GDF‐15 mRNA may be of use for the diagnosis of GC, with a combined sensitivity, specificity and odds ratio of 0.69 (95% CI = 0.58–0.79), 0.90 (95% CI = 0.84–0.93) and 6.32 (95% CI = 4.22–9.49), respectively. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the area under the curve was 0.90 (95% CI = 0.87–0.93). The results suggest higher levels of GDF‐15 may be associated with GC tumorigenesis and may have the potential to be a diagnostic biomarker of GC.
Material Design for Photocatalytic Water Splitting from a Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Fu Cen‐Feng , Wu Xiaojun , Yang Jinlong
Published: October 2018

Currently, problems associated with energy and environment have become increasingly serious. Producing hydrogen, a clean and renewable resource, through photocatalytic water splitting using solar energy is a feasible and efficient route for resolving these problems, and great efforts have been devoted to improve the solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency. Light harvesting and electron–hole separation are key in enhancing the efficiency of solar energy utilization, which stimulates the development of new photocatalytic materials. Here, recent advances in material design for photocatalytic water splitting are presented from a theoretical perspective. Specifically, aiming to enhance the photocatalytic performance, general strategies of materials design are discussed, including codoping and introducing a built‐in electric field to improve the light harvesting of materials, reducing the dimension of materials to shorten the migration pathway of carriers to inhibit electron–hole recombination, and constructing heterojunctions to enhance light harvesting and electron–hole separation. Future opportunities and challenges in the theoretical design of photocatalytic materials toward water splitting are also included.
A phase II study of omacetaxine mepesuccinate for patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia after failure of hypomethylating agents
Authors: Short Nicholas J. , Jabbour Elias , Naqvi Kiran , Patel Ami , Ning Jing , Sasaki Koji , Nogueras‐Gonzalez Graciela M. , Bose Prithviraj , Kornblau Steven M. , Takahashi Koichi , Andreeff Michael , Sanchez‐Petitto Gabriela , Estrov Zeev , Dinardo Courtney D. , Montalban‐Bravo Guillermo , Konopleva Marina , Alvarado Yesid , Bhalla Kapil N. , Fiskus Warren , Khouri Maria , Islam Rubiul , Kantarjian Hagop , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo
Published: October 2018

The outcome of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) after failure of hypomethylating agents (HMAs) failure is poor with a median overall survival (OS) of only 4‐6 months. Omacetaxine mepesuccinate (OM) is safe and effective in myeloid malignancies but has not been studied in MDS with HMA failure. We conducted a phase II study of OM in patients with MDS or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) who had previously failed or been intolerant to HMAs. Patients received OM at a dose of 1.25 mg/m2 subcutaneously every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days on a 4‐ to 7‐week schedule. The primary endpoints were the overall response rate (ORR) and OS. A total of 42 patients were enrolled with a median age of 76 years. The ORR was 33%. Patients with diploid cytogenetics were more likely to respond to OM than were those with cytogenetic abnormalities (58% vs 23%, respectively; P = .03). Overall, the median OS was 7.5 months and 1‐year OS rate was 25%. Patients with diploid cytogenetics had superior OS to those with cytogenetic abnormalities (median OS 14.8 vs 6.8 months, respectively; P = .01). Two patients had ongoing response to OM of 2 years or longer (both MDS with diploid cytogenetics and RUNX1 mutation). The most common grade ≥ 3 adverse events were infections in 11 patients (26%), febrile neutropenia in 4 (10%), and hemorrhage in 3 (7%). Overall, OM was safe and active in patients with MDS or CMML who experienced HMA failure. These results support the further development of OM in this setting.
Novel screening criteria for post‐traumatic venous thromboembolism by using D‐dimer
Authors: Iyama Keita , Inokuma Takamitsu , Sato Shuntaro , Yamano Shuhei , Tajima Goro , Hirao Tomohito , Tasaki Osamu
Published: October 2018

Aim

Because severe trauma patients frequently manifest coagulopathy, it is extremely important to detect venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the acute phase. However, no reference value for D‐dimer in post‐traumatic VTE has been reported given the substantial increase in its levels after injury. Therefore, this study evaluates the ability of our screening criteria using D‐dimer to detect VTE in severe trauma patients.

Methods

Trauma patients (n = 455) who were admitted to our emergency medical center during October 2011–June 2015 were included in this study. To prevent VTE, intermittent pneumatic compression was carried out in most patients. Our screening criteria included the following: (i) ≥5 days of hospital stay, (ii) increasing D‐dimer levels across 3 measuring days, (iii) D‐dimer levels ≥15 μg/mL. Patients who met these screening criteria underwent contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT) to detect VTE.

Results

During the study period, 108 cases satisfied the screening criteria; 73 of these underwent CE‐CT, 34 of whom were diagnosed with VTE (positive predictive value, 46.6%). The median hospital stay on satisfying the screening criteria and before undergoing CE‐CT was 7 and 10 days, respectively. No patient had VTE symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Also, none of the remaining 347 patients who did not satisfy the screening criteria had VTE symptoms.

Conclusion

The screening criteria using D‐dimer presented herein can be used as reference for efficiently detecting VTE in severe trauma patients.
Levodopa‐induced dyskinesia in Parkinson disease: Sleep matters
Authors: Amato Ninfa , Manconi Mauro , Möller Jens C. , Sarasso Simone , Stanzione Paolo , Staedler Claudio , Kaelin‐Lang Alain , Galati Salvatore
Published: October 2018

Objective

The spectrum of clinical symptom changes during the course of Parkinson disease (PD). Levodopa therapy, while offering remarkable control of classical motor symptoms, causes abnormal involuntary movements as the disease progresses. This levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) has been associated with abnormal cortical plasticity. Because slow wave activity (SWA) of nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep underlies adjustment of cortical excitability, we sought to elucidate the relationship between this physiological process and LID.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients at different stages of PD underwent whole‐night video polysomnography–high‐density electroencephalography (vPSG‐hdEEG), preceded by 1 week of actigraphy. To represent the broad spectrum of the disease, patients were divided into 3 groups by disease stage—(1) de novo (n = 9), (2) advanced (n = 13), and (3) dyskinetic (DYS; n = 14)—were compared to an age‐matched control group (n = 12). The SWA‐NREM content of the vPSG‐hdEEG was then temporally divided into 10 equal parts, from T1 to T10, and power and source analyses were performed. T2‐T3‐T4 were considered early sleep and were compared to T7‐T8‐T9, representing late sleep.

Results

We found that all groups, except the DYS group, manifested a clear‐cut SWA decrease between early and late sleep.

Interpretation

Our data demonstrate a strong pathophysiological association between sleep and PD. Given that SWA may be a surrogate for synaptic strength, our data suggest that DYS patients do not have adequate synaptic downscaling. Further analysis is needed to determine the effect of drugs that can enhance cortical SWA in LID. Ann Neurol 2018;84:905–917
Chemoselektive α,β‐Dehydrierung von gesättigten Amiden
Authors: Teskey Christopher J. , Adler Pauline , Gonçalves Carlos R. , Maulide Nuno
Published: October 2018

Wir berichten über eine Methode zur selektiven α,β‐Dehydrierung von Amiden in der Gegenwart von anderen Carbonylgruppen unter milden Bedingungen. Unsere Strategie basiert auf elektrophiler Aktivierung, verbunden mit einer in situ selektiven, Selen‐vermittelten Dehydrierung. Die α,β‐ungesättigten Produkte werden in moderaten bis exzellenten Ausbeuten gewonnen, und ihre Vielseitigkeit wird anhand einiger Transformationen demonstriert. Mechanistische Experimente lassen auf die Bildung einer elektrophilen SeIV‐Spezies schließen.
Emerging Applications of Nanotechnology for Controlling Cell‐Surface Receptor Clustering
Authors: Zhang Kaixiang , Gao Hua , Deng Ruijie , Li Jinghong
Published: October 2018

The spatial organization of cell‐surface receptors plays an important role in defining cell fate. Recently, the development of strategies for the direct regulation of receptor clustering using nanomaterials has aroused enormous interest. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and features of recently developed nanomaterial‐based strategies to control the nanoscale distribution of cell binding ligands and regulate cell behavior. We expect this review to inspire innovative work on manipulating cell functions by controlling the clustering of cell surface receptors.
α‐MnO2 Nanowire‐Anchored Highly Oxidized Cluster as a Catalyst for Li‐O2 Batteries: Superior Electrocatalytic Activity and High Functionality
Authors: Gu Tae‐Ha , Agyeman Daniel Adjei , Shin Seung‐Jae , Jin Xiaoyan , Lee Jang Mee , Kim Hyungjun , Kang Yong‐Mook , Hwang Seong‐Ju
Published: October 2018

An effective chemical way to optimize the oxygen electrocatalyst and Li‐O2 electrode functionalities of metal oxide can be developed by the control of chemical bond nature with the surface anchoring of highly oxidized selenate (SeO42−) clusters. The bond competition between (Se6+−O) and (Mn−O) bonds is quite effective in stabilizing Jahn–Teller‐active Mn3+ state and in increasing oxygen electron density of α‐MnO2 nanowire (NW). The selenate‐anchored α‐MnO2 NW shows excellent oxygen electrocatalytic activity and electrode performance for Li‐O2 batteries, which is due to the improved charge transfer kinetics and reversible formation/decomposition of Li2O2. The present study underscores that the surface anchoring of highly oxidized cluster can provide a facile, effective way of improving the oxygen electrocatalyst and electrochemical performances of nanostructured metal oxide in Li‐O2 cells.
Plasma‐Triggered Synergy of Exfoliation, Phase Transformation, and Surface Engineering in Cobalt Diselenide for Enhanced Water Oxidation
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhuang Linzhou , Jia Yi , Liu Hongli , Yan Xuecheng , Zhang Longzhou , Yang Dongjiang , Zhu Zhonghua , Yao Xiangdong
Published: October 2018

Various strategies, such as increasing active site numbers and structural and surface engineering, have been used to improve the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance of transition‐metal dichalcogenides. However, it is challenging to combine these strategies in one system to realize the full catalytic potential. Now, an Ar/O2 plasma method is used to simultaneously induce exfoliation, surface reorganization (formation of an oxidative layer with rich oxygen vacancies), and phase transformation (cubic‐to‐orthorhombic) on CoSe2 to generate an exceptionally outstanding OER electrocatalysts. The as‐made samples require an overpotential of only 251 mV at 10 mA cm−2, outperforming commercial RuO2 and most reported OER catalysts. The striking catalytic activity originates from the optimized chemical and electronic environment. This work provides valuable insights into the design of promising OER electrocatalysts with high natural abundance via multilevel structural modulation.
Functionalization of Carbon Monoxide and tert‐Butyl Nitrile by Intramolecular Proton Transfer in a Bis(Phosphido) Thorium Complex
Authors: Vilanova Sean P. , del Rosal Iker , Tarlton Michael L. , Maron Laurent , Walensky Justin R.
Published: October 2018

We report intramolecular proton transfer reactions to functionalize carbon monoxide and tert‐butyl nitrile from a bis(phosphido) thorium complex. The reaction of (C5Me5)2Th[PH(Mes)]2, Mes=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2, with 1 atm of CO yields (C5Me5)2Th(κ2‐(O,O)‐OCH2PMes‐C(O)PMes), in which one CO molecule is inserted into each thorium–phosphorus bond. Concomitant transfer of two protons, formerly coordinated to phosphorus, are now bound to one of the carbon atoms from one of the inserted CO molecules. DFT calculations were employed to determine the lowest energy pathway. With tert‐butyl nitrile, tBuCN, only one nitrile inserts into a thorium–phosphorus bond, but the proton is transferred to nitrogen with one phosphido remaining unperturbed affording (C5Me5)2Th[PH(Mes)][κ2‐(P,N)‐N(H)C(CMe3)P(Mes)]. Surprisingly, reaction of this compound with KN(SiMe3)2 removes the proton bound to nitrogen, not phosphorus.
Enantioselective Formal C(sp3)−H Bond Activation in the Synthesis of Bioactive Spiropyrazolone Derivatives
Authors: Li Houhua , Gontla Rajesh , Flegel Jana , Merten Christian , Ziegler Slava , Antonchick Andrey P. , Waldmann Herbert
Published: October 2018

Herein, we report the first enantioselective annulation of α‐arylidene pyrazolones through a formal C(sp3)−H activation under mild conditions enabled by highly variable RhIII‐Cpx catalysts. The method has a wide substrate scope and proceeds with good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities. Its synthetic utility was demonstrated by the late‐stage functionalization of drugs and natural products as well as the preparation of enantioenriched [3]dendralenes. Preliminary biological investigations also identified the spiropyrazolones as a novel class of Hedgehog pathway inhibitors.
Experimental investigation and mathematical modeling of nano‐composite membrane fabrication process: Focus on the role of solvent type
Authors: Boshrouyeh Ghandashtani Mohammad , Tavangar Tohid , Zokaee Ashtiani Farzin , Karimi Mohammad , Fouladitajar Amir
Published: October 2018

In this study, the effect of fabrication parameters on the performance of nano‐SiO2‐embedded membranes fabricated by three prevalent solvents was investigated. Genetic programming was applied for modeling and estimating the best preparation conditions to obtain a proper membrane for oily wastewater microfiltration. Membranes were prepared via a combination of vapor‐induced phase separation and nonsolvent‐induced phase separation methods. Different types of solvents such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, N,N‐dimethyl formamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide were used in cooperating with SiO2 nanoparticles to improve hydrophilicity properties of polyethersulfone. Thermodynamic behavior of solvents and their interaction with polymer and nonsolvent were considered as criteria for forming a suitable membrane with the maximum effectiveness of nanoparticles. The results showed that nanoparticles are more influential along with a solvent that has a weak affinity with a polymer, which subsequently can produce efficient membranes under conditions with a balance between exposure time and relative humidity. The optimum amounts of parameters were estimated by genetic algorithm to introduce a condition for having a membrane with the maximum permeate flux. Membranes fabricated with dimethyl sulfoxide represented the highest pore size and the most hydrophilic surface, which, in turn, led to the desired membrane (permeate flux 300 L/m2 hr and oil rejection 97%).