bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of The Hydraulic System of The Storage Reservoir Hydraulically Unloading The Sewage Network
Authors: Stec Agnieszka , Słyś Daniel
Published: July 2014

After presentation of the characteristics of a water reservoir in CaCO3 excavation pit, called the Turkusowe Lake, situated in the Wolin National Park on the Wolin Island, available results of the analyses referring to the quality of surface water of this water reservoir and being carried out since 1986 as well as those of own studies being carried out from 1999 to 2010 were gathered, collecting this way a research material covering the quarter-century 1986-2010. It was shown that the Turkusowe Lake is a water reservoir being resistant by nature to eutrophication (lake basin development and depth, surrounding by the heights adhering to it, and presence of CaCO3 building the lake basin), whereas an increase in the trophic level and development of eutrophication phenomena in the form of weak phytoplankton blooms being observed, particularly in 2005-2010, is connected with increased anthropogenic pressure in the form of direct discharge of municipal sewage to the lake and waste-water to the soil in the alimentation zone of underground waters feeding this lake. The extent of anthropogenic pressure was so big that it started to prevail over the natural processes limiting an increase in the trophic level in this lake.
Destabilization Of Model Wastewater In The Chemical Coagulation Process
Authors: Smoczyński Lech , Muńska Kamilla Teresa , Kosobucka Marta , Pierożyński Bogusław , Wardzyńska Regina , Załęska-Chróst Beata
Published: July 2014

This paper discusses the results of laboratory analyses of the coagulation and flocculation of model wastewater. The investigated wastewater was susceptible to treatment by chemical coagulation. The effectiveness of two commercial coagulants, PAC produced at the DEMPOL-ECO Chemical Plant and PIX manufactured by KEMIPOL, was compared. A mathematical model relying on a second-degree polynomial was used to describe and analyze experimental data. In each case, the parabola minimum point was a precisely determined coagulant dose, regarded as the optimal dose. The application of a coagulant dose higher than the optimal dose reduced the effectiveness of wastewater treatment by coagulation. A detailed analysis of turbidity, suspended solids, total phosphorus and pollutant removal measured by the COD test revealed that PAC was a more effective and a more efficient coagulant than PIX. The risk of coagulant overdosing was greater with the use of PAC than PIX.
Agribusinesses and Agroenergy: A Model of Change in Agriculture
Authors: Massari Saverio Francesco
Published: July 2014

Abstract (EN)

Energy production through biomass valorization seems to find favor with the most recent energy policies: in order to reach a sustainable balance between production and energy use the agriculture seems to play an important role.

The use of biomass for energy valorization, indeed, could be further increased and meets different needs: it alleviates energy dependence, propels the technological innovation of companies and rural areas, and promotes the multifunctional nature of modern agriculture. Nevertheless these dynamics generate a debate about the use of agricultural lands and crops for energy purpose and, finally, the same concept of agribusiness seem to be under evolution: a summary about the Italian legislative scenario on the agribusiness's concept shows how relations between energy and agriculture is extending the traditional scope and definitions of agribusiness and possible criticisms arising.
Air Protection in the Slovak Republic in the Light of the EU Legislation
Authors: Pavlíková Barbara
Published: July 2014

Abstract (EN)

Environmental protection belongs in accordance with the Article 4 par. 2 letter e) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union between joint powers of the European Union and the Member States. In terms of vertical division of powers, this means that Member States and the Union engage in this field while respecting the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality. The European Union adopts in the field of protection of the single components of the environment mainly framework programs and directives, aimed at defining the general objectives, while the choice of tools to achieve them is usually left to the discretion of Member States. Given that the directive which is the most common act of secondary legislation in this area can be transposed into national law only in the form of generally binding legal act, its objectives at the national level are contained in national laws. Specific conditions are then further laid down by the decree of the responsible department - in the case of environmental protection particularly the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic, in cooperation with other central State administration authorities.

The contribution focuses primarily on the legal regulation of one of the components of the environment - air, which is an important factor influencing the quality of life of the population, but the rules defined in this area also have considerable impact on the economy of the country. The work provides a comparison of Slovak legal acts and rules enshrined in primary and secondary EU law, as well as its non-binding acts.
Comparison of Changes in Living Standards of Poland’S Population Across Different Classes of Location Over The Years 2000–2011
Authors: Zwiech Patrycja , Turczak Anna
Published: July 2014

The goal of this article is to verify the hypothesis that from 2000 to 2011 the discrepancies between material living standards in the countryside and cities of different sizes blurred in Poland year by year. On the basis of the research conducted it has been determined that over the first decade of the 21st century the discrepancy between the living standards in Poland’s rural and urban areas decreased in terms of the amount and structure of expenditure per capita, volume of quantitative consumption, housing conditions and household equipment including durable goods. This conclusion has been drawn because the level of examined variables, both in the countryside and cities or towns of different sizes over the years 2000–2011, approached in most cases the level observed for the whole country.
Detecting Shocks in The Economic Development Dynamics of Selected Countries
Authors: Janiga-Ćmiel Anna
Published: July 2014

The paper examines the development of the Polish economy as well as the economies of selected countries in the period from 2001 to 2012. For that purpose, models based on the GDP growth in particular countries were built. A comparative analysis of the development of economies in the countries concerned (the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, France, Poland, the Netherlands), based on a specially built full-factor multivariate GARCH model, is presented. The theory of the construction of a full-factor multivariate GARCH model and its estimation method are discussed. In the paper, a multivariate GARCH model where the covariance matrix is always positive, deﬁnite and the number of parameters is relatively small compared to other multivariate models is proposed. The causality of the impact that economies exert on one another is examined and the occurrence of the contagion effect is verified by means of the Forbes and Rigobon test.
Hazard Function as a Tool to Diagnose Business Liquidation
Authors: Markowicz Iwona
Published: July 2014

Research of firms cohorts, such as human cohorts, are carried out by means of the methods of survival analysis (duration). The paper presents the possibility of using expectancy tables and intensity function (hazard) of firms liquidation. This function may take a typical shape such as shape of a “bathtub” – the intensity of deaths, or the shape of an inverted U – the intensity of firms liquidations.
Microscale Evaluation of The Diagnosis Stability
Authors: Wawrzyniak Katarzyna
Published: July 2014

In the paper the author makes a classification of the Construction Sector companies that are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The classification is made with a view to identify those companies whose financial standing in the years of study (2007, 2009 and 2011) was good or bad from the point of view of several selected ratios. The classification is based on the inquiry into the stability of final diagnoses of the companies’ financial standing. The final diagnoses were founded on the median from partial diagnoses which had been created in the course of a two-element diagnostic process where the real values of the companies’ financial indices were compared with theoretical and empirical norms.
Effect of Number of Touches and Exercise Duration on the Kinematic Profile and Heart Rate Response During Small-Sided Games in Soccer
Authors: Casamichana David , Suarez-Arrones Luis , Castellano Julen , Román-Quintana Jaime San
Published: July 2014

This study aimed to examine the effect of exercise duration and the number of touches allowed during possession on time-motion characteristics and the physiological responses of soccer players in 6 vs. 6 small-sided games (SSGs) lasting 12 minutes. The analysis divided each game into two 6-min periods and we compared two formats: free play (SSGfp) vs. a maximum of two touches per individual possession (SSG 2T). Participants were 12 semi-professional players (age: 22.7±4.3 years; body height: 177.5+4.9 cm; body mass: 74.9±6.3 kg) and the following variables were measured by means of heart rate monitors and GPS devices: mean heart rate (HRmean), time spent in each exercise intensity zone, total distance covered, total distance covered in different speed zones, number of accelerations at different intensities, maximum speed reached, player load, and the work-to-rest ratio. The results showed that in SSGFP there was a decrease in the intensity of physical parameters during the second 6-min period (6-12 min), whereas this decrease was not observed when a maximum of two touches per individual possession was allowed. During the second period (6-12 min) of SSG2T there was an increase in HRmean and in the time spent in high exercise intensity zones, but these differences were not observed in SSGFP. The value of these findings for soccer coaches is that they illustrate how different technical, tactical or conditioning objectives could be addressed by altering the length and format of the SSG used in training.
Reliability of Tethered Swimming Evaluation in Age Group Swimmers
Authors: Amaro Nuno , Marinho Daniel A. , Batalha Nuno , Marques Mário C. , Morouço Pedro
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability of tethered swimming in the evaluation of age group swimmers. The sample was composed of 8 male national level swimmers with at least 4 years of experience in competitive swimming. Each swimmer performed two 30 second maximal intensity tethered swimming tests, on separate days. Individual force-time curves were registered to assess maximum force, mean force and the mean impulse of force. Both consistency and reliability were very strong, with Cronbach's Alpha values ranging from 0.970 to 0.995. All the applied metrics presented a very high agreement between tests, with the mean impulse of force presenting the highest. These results indicate that tethered swimming can be used to evaluate age group swimmers. Furthermore, better comprehension of the swimmers ability to effectively exert force in the water can be obtained using the impulse of force.
The Reliability of a Functional Agility Test for Water Polo
Authors: Tucher Guilherme , Castro Flávio Antonio de Souza , Garrido Nuno Domingos , Silva Antonio José Rocha Martins da
Published: July 2014

Few functional agility tests for water polo take into consideration its specific characteristics. The preliminary objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of an agility test for water polo players. Fifteen players (16.3 ± 1.8 years old) with a minimum of two years of competitive experience were evaluated. A Functional Test for Agility Performance (FTAP) was designed to represent the context of this sport. Several trials were performed to familiarize the athlete with the movement. Two experienced coaches measured three repetitions of the FTAP. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), 95% limit of agreement (LOA), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurements (SEM) were used for data analysis. It was considered that certain criteria of reliability measures were met. There was no significant difference between the repetitions, which may be explained by an effect of the evaluator, the ability of the players or fatigue (p > 0.05). The ICC average from evaluators was high (0.88). The SEM varied between 0.13 s and 0.49 s. The CV average considering each individual was near 6-7%. These values depended on the condition of measurement. As the FTAP contains some characteristics that create a degree of unpredictability, the same athlete may reach different performance results, increasing variability. An adjustment in the sample, familiarization and careful selection of subjects help to improve this situation and enhance the reliability of the indicators.
A comparison between Pseudomonas aureofaciens (chlororaphis) and P. fluorescens in biological control of cotton seedling damping-off disease
Authors: Samaneh Samavat , Heydari Asghar , Zamanizadeh Hamid Reza , Rezaee Saeed , Aliabadi Ali Alizadeh
Published: July 2014

Due to the importance of the biological control of plant diseases, testing and introducing new biocontrol-active microorganisms is a major concern among plant pathologists. The causal agent of cotton seedling damping-off disease is Rhizoctonia solani. In this regard, we tried to investigate the antagonistic activities of Pseudomonas aureofaciens (chlororaphis) 30–84 (phenazine producing wild type and non-phenazine producing mutant) strains on R. solani, in comparison with some isolates of P. fluorescent under both in vitro (laboratory) and in vivo (greenhouse) conditions. In the laboratory experiment, the inhibitory effects of all the bacteria, on the growth of R. solani, were evaluated using the dual culture procedure. Results showed that five isolates of P. fluorescent along with both strains of P. aureofaciens significantly inhibited the growth of R. solani. Effective bacterial antagonists were then evaluated in a greenhouse experiment where cotton seeds were coated with their suspensions and were sown in pasteurised field-soil. The soil had been pre-inoculated with a virulent isolate of R. solani. The efficacy of the bacterial antagonists was evaluated by counting the number of surviving seedlings in different treatments, at 15 and 60 days after sowing, for determining pre- and post-emergence damping-off incidence. According to the results of the greenhouse experiment, at both intervals, two isolates of P. fluorescens along with both strains of P. aureofaciens caused significant increases in the number of healthy seedlings, in comparison with the untreated control, and a commonly used fungicide (carboxin-thiram). The efficacy of phenazine producing a wild type strain of P. aureofaciens was higher than its non-phenazine producing mutant, indicating that phenazine plays an important role in the antagonistic activity of P. aureofaciens. Effective bacterial antagonists were then studied for their antagonistic mechanisms. The results showed that all four bacteria employed different mechanisms. The bacteria produced siderophore, and volatile metabolites and non-volatile metabolites, in their antagonistic activities. The results of this study suggest that P. auerofaciens may be a new biocontrol agent for controlling cotton seedling mortality disease.
Fluctuations in Learners’ Willingness to Communicate during Communicative Task Performance: Conditions and Tendencies
Authors: Mystkowska-Wiertelak Anna , Pawlak Mirosław
Published: July 2014

A person’s willingness to communicate (WTC), believed to stem from a combination of proximal and distal variables comprising psychological, linguistic, educational and communicative dimensions of language, appears to be a significant predictor of success in language learning. The ability to communicate is both a means and end of language education, since, on the one hand, being able to express the intended meanings in the target language is generally perceived as the main purpose of any language course and, on the other, linguistic development proceeds in the course of language use. However, MacIntyre (2007, p. 564) observes that some learners, despite extensive study, may never become successful L2 speakers. The inability or unwillingness to sustain contacts with more competent language users may influence the way learners are evaluated in various social contexts. Establishing social networks as a result of frequent communication with target language users is believed to foster linguistic development. WTC, initially considered a stable personality trait and then a result of context-dependent influences, has recently been viewed as a dynamic phenomenon changing its intensity within one communicative event (MacIntyre and Legatto, 2011; MacIntyre et al., 2011). The study whose results are reported here attempts to tap into factors that shape one’s willingness to speak during a communicative task. The measures employed to collect the data – selfratings and surveys – allow looking at the issue from a number of perspectives.
College Culture and Student Satisfaction
Authors: Uprety Raju , Chhetri Sabina Baniya
Published: July 2014

This study examines the relationship between college culture and student satisfaction. It also examines the order of strength of relationship of college culture dimensions as perceived by students with student satisfaction. The study was conducted among 251 BBA students of various colleges located within Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts of Nepal using Denison Organizational Culture Survey Model. We measured student satisfaction using the questionnaire adopted from Hartman and Schmidt (1995) and Silva and Fernandes (2012). Our results indicated that college culture dimensions – involvement, adaptability, and consistency – related significantly to student satisfaction and the strength of relationship followed the order: involvement, adaptability and consistency.
Can less be more? Comparing duration vs. frequency of sexual encounters in same-sex and mixed-sex relationships
Authors: Blair Karen L. , Pukall Caroline F.
Published: July 2014

A commonly measured indicator of a romantic couple's sexual well-being and satisfaction has been the frequency with which they engage in sexual activity, or more specifically, sexual intercourse. Although some have acknowledged that frequency of sexual intercourse is not an appropriate measure for all types of romantic relationships (e.g. same-sex couples), the measurement of sexual frequency, of one type or another, has remained fairly constant throughout sex and relationships research. While precise estimates of sexual frequency among different types of couples (male/female same-sex vs. mixed-sex) have varied, the general pattern of findings has often indicated that female same-sex couples report lower sexual frequencies than other couples. The current study sought to examine an alternate dimension of sexuality by asking individuals in same-sex and mixed-sex relationships to report the length of their last sexual encounter as well as the length of their average sexual encounter. A sample of 822 participants reported both length of sexual encounters and frequency of sexual activity. While the sexual frequency data replicated past findings, with female same-sex couples reporting the lowest sexual frequencies, sexual duration data painted a very different picture, with female same-sex couples reporting significantly longer durations spent on individual sexual encounters than men and women in mixed-sex or male same-sex relationships. Consequently, it is argued that to better understand the nature of a specific couple's sexual relationship, it is important to examine not just sexual frequency, but also the amount of time spent on individual sexual encounters.
Experimental Microsimulation Modeling of Road Safety Impacts of Bus Priority
Authors: Goh Kelvin C. K. , Currie Graham , Sarvi Majid , Logan David
Published: July 2014

The safety implications of the implementation of bus lanes on road corridors remain unclear, given the mixed findings from previous research. Recent research found improvements in road safety resulting from bus priority in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; however, the causal factors for this effect remain to be explored. In this study, an experimental microscopic traffic simulation modeling approach was adopted to explore the road safety effects of implementation of bus lanes on a representative road corridor in Melbourne. Models compared the traffic conflict patterns of three traffic configurations: mixed traffic (base case, no priority), curbside lane reallocated for buses, and new curbside lane added for buses. For each configuration, the safety performance of the road corridor, including intersection approaches and bus stop locations, was measured with two safety performance indicators: deceleration rate to avoid a crash and crash potential index. The overall results showed that curbside bus lanes reduced conflict occurrences at intersection approaches and bus stop locations, regardless of the scheme design. The results pointed to reductions in rear-end and sideswipe accidents as being a major driver of the reduced risk of a road accident, consistent with the outcomes found in previous research. Bus priority acts to remove bus movements from traffic flows and provides new and separate road space for curbside turning traffic at intersections. These effects of bus priority act to reduce sideswipe and rear-end traffic conflicts and thus to improve road safety. Implications for policy and future research are suggested.
Comparing and contrasting the behaviour of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice over the 35 year period 1979-2013
Authors: Simmonds Ian
Published: July 2014

We examine the evolution of sea-ice extent (SIE) over both polar regions for 35 years from November 1978 to December 2013, as well as for the global total ice (Arctic plus Antarctic). Our examination confirms the ongoing loss of Arctic sea ice, and we find significant (p˂ 0.001) negative trends in all months, seasons and in the annual mean. The greatest rate of decrease occurs in September, and corresponds to a loss of 3 x 106 km2 over 35 years. The Antarctic shows positive trends in all seasons and for the annual mean (p˂0.01), with summer attaining a reduced significance (p˂0.10). Based on our longer record (which includes the remarkable year 2013) the positive Antarctic ice trends can no longer be considered ‘small’, and the positive trend in the annual mean of (15.29 ± 3.85) x 103 km2 a–1 is almost one-third of the magnitude of the Arctic annual mean decrease. The global annual mean SIE series exhibits a trend of (–35.29 ± 5.75) x 103 km2 a-1 (p<0.01). Finally we offer some thoughts as to why the SIE trends in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Phase 5 (CMIP5) simulations differ from the observed Antarctic increases.
QM/MM Molecular Dynamics Studies of Metal Binding Proteins
Authors: Vidossich Pietro , Magistrato Alessandra
Published: July 2014

Mixed quantum-classical (quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM)) simulations have strongly contributed to providing insights into the understanding of several structural and mechanistic aspects of biological molecules. They played a particularly important role in metal binding proteins, where the electronic effects of transition metals have to be explicitly taken into account for the correct representation of the underlying biochemical process. In this review, after a brief description of the basic concepts of the QM/MM method, we provide an overview of its capabilities using selected examples taken from our work. Specifically, we will focus on heme peroxidases, metallo-β-lactamases, α-synuclein and ligase ribozymes to show how this approach is capable of describing the catalytic and/or structural role played by transition (Fe, Zn or Cu) and main group (Mg) metals. Applications will reveal how metal ions influence the formation and reduction of high redox intermediates in catalytic cycles and enhance drug metabolism, amyloidogenic aggregate formation and nucleic acid synthesis. In turn, it will become manifest that the protein frame directs and modulates the properties and reactivity of the metal ions.
Nocapyrones: α- and γ-Pyrones from a Marine-Derived Nocardiopsis sp.
Authors: Kim Youngju , Ogura Hiromu , Akasaka Kazuaki , Oikawa Tsutomu , Matsuura Nobuyasu , Imada Chiaki , Yasuda Hisato , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: July 2014

One new α-pyrone (nocapyrone R (1)), and three known γ-pyrones (nocapyrones B, H and L (2–4)) were isolated from the culture extract of a Nocardiopsis strain collected from marine sediment. Structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data including NMR and MS. γ-Pyrones 2–4 were found to induce adiponectin production in murine ST-13 preadipocyte cells but the α-pyrone 1 had no activity. The absolute configuration of the anteiso-methyl branching in 4 was determined by HPLC comparison of a degraded product of 4 with standard samples as a 2:3 enantiomeric mixture of (R)- and (S)-isomers.
Evolution of Geochemical and Mineralogical Parameters during In Situ Remediation of a Marine Shore Tailings Deposit by the Implementation of a Wetland Cover
Authors: Diaby Nouhou , Dold Bernhard
Published: July 2014

We present data of the time-evolution of a remediation approach on a marine shore tailings deposit by the implementation of an artificial wetland. Two remediation cells were constructed: one in the northern area at sea-level and one in the central delta area (above sea-level) of the tailings. At the beginning, the “sea-level” remediation cell had a low pH (3.1), with high concentrations of dissolved metals and sulfate and chloride ions and showed sandy grain size. After wetland implementation, the “sea-level” remediation cell was rapidly water-saturated, the acidity was consumed, and after four months the efficiency of metal removal from solution was up to 79.5%–99.4% for Fe, 94.6%–99.9% for Mn, and 96.1%–99.6% for Zn. Al and Cu concentrations decreased below detection limit. The “above sea-level” remediation cell was characterized by the same pH (3.1) and finer grain size (clayey–silty), and with some lower element concentrations than in the “sea-level” cell. Even after one year of flooding, the “above sea-level” cell was not completely flooded, showing on-going sulfide oxidation in between the wetland cover and the groundwater level; the pH increased only to 4.4 and metal concentrations decreased only by 96% for Fe, 88% for Al, 51% for Cu, 97% for Mn, and 95% for Zn. During a dry period, the water level dropped in the “sea-level” cell, resulting in a seawater ingression, which triggered the desorption of As into solution. These data show that the applied remediation approach for this tailings deposit is successful, if the system is maintained water-saturated. Metal removal from solution was possible in both systems: first, as a result of sorption on Fe(III) hydroxide/and/or clay minerals and/or co-precipitation processes after rise of pH; and then, with more reducing conditions, due to metal sulfides precipitation.
Evolution of Acid Mine Drainage Formation in Sulphidic Mine Tailings
Authors: Dold Bernhard
Published: July 2014

Sulphidic mine tailings are among the largest mining wastes on Earth and are prone to produce acid mine drainage (AMD). The formation of AMD is a sequence of complex biogeochemical and mineral dissolution processes. It can be classified in three main steps occurring from the operational phase of a tailings impoundment until the final appearance of AMD after operations ceased: (1) During the operational phase of a tailings impoundment the pH-Eh regime is normally alkaline to neutral and reducing (water-saturated). Associated environmental problems include the presence of high sulphate concentrations due to dissolution of gypsum-anhydrite, and/or effluents enriched in elements such as Mo and As, which desorbed from primary ferric hydroxides during the alkaline flotation process. (2) Once mining-related operations of the tailings impoundment has ceased, sulphide oxidation starts, resulting in the formation of an acidic oxidation zone and a ferrous iron-rich plume below the oxidation front, that re-oxidises once it surfaces, producing the first visible sign of AMD, i.e., the precipitation of ferrihydrite and concomitant acidification. (3) Consumption of the (reactive) neutralization potential of the gangue minerals and subsequent outflow of acidic, heavy metal-rich leachates from the tailings is the final step in the evolution of an AMD system. The formation of multi-colour efflorescent salts can be a visible sign of this stage.
T-Type Ca2+ Channel Blocker, KYS05090 Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis in A549 Cells through Inhibiting Glucose Uptake
Authors: Rim Hong-Kun , Cho Sehyeon , Shin Dong-Hyun , Chung Kyung-Sook , Cho Young-Wuk , Choi Jung-Hye , Lee Jae , Lee Kyung-Tae
Published: July 2014

It has been reported that [3-(1,1'-biphenyl-4-yl)-2-(1-methyl-5-dimethylamino-pentylamino)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-yl]-N-benzylacetamide 2hydrochloride (KYS05090), a selective T-type Ca2+ channel blocker, reduces tumor volume and weight in the A549 xenograft model, but the molecular mechanism of cell death has not yet been elucidated. In this study, KYS05090 induced autophagy- and apoptosis-mediated cell death in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Although KYS05090 decreased intracellular Ca2+ levels, it was not directly related with KYS05090-induced cell death. In addition, KYS05090 generated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced glucose uptake, and catalase and methyl pyruvate prevented KYS05090-induced cell death. These results indicate that KYS05090 can lead to autophagy and apoptosis in A549 cells through ROS generation by inhibiting glucose uptake. Our findings suggest that KYS05090 has potential chemotherapeutic value for the treatment of lung cancer.
Fluorescent Lectins for Local in Vivo Visualization of Peripheral Nerves
Authors: KleinJan Gijs , Buckle Tessa , Van Willigen Danny , Oosterom Matthias , Spa Silvia , Kloosterboer Harmen , Van Leeuwen Fijs
Published: July 2014

Damage to peripheral nerves caused during a surgical intervention often results in function loss. Fluorescence imaging has the potential to improve intraoperative identification and preservation of these structures. However, only very few nerve targeting agents are available. This study describes the in vivo nerve staining capabilities of locally administered fluorescent lectin-analogues. To this end WGA, PNA, PHA-L and LEL were functionalized with Cy5 (λex max 640 nm; λem max 680 nm). Transfer of these imaging agents along the sciatic nerve was evaluated in Thy1-YFP mice (n = 12) after intramuscular injection. Migration from the injection site was assessed in vivo using a laboratory fluorescence scanner and ex vivo via fluorescence confocal microscopy. All four lectins showed retrograde movement and staining of the epineurium with a signal-to-muscle ratio of around two. On average, the longest transfer distance was obtained with WGA-Cy5 (0.95 cm). Since WGA also gave minimal uptake in the lymphatic system, this lectin type revealed the highest potential as a migration imaging agent to visualize nerves.
Multichannel System Based on a High Sensitivity Superconductive Sensor for Magnetoencephalography
Authors: Rombetto Sara , Granata Carmine , Vettoliere Antonio , Russo Maurizio
Published: July 2014

We developed a multichannel system based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) for magnetoencephalography measurements. Our system consists of 163 fully-integrated SQUID magnetometers, 154 channels and 9 references, and all of the operations are performed inside a magnetically-shielded room. The system exhibits a magnetic field noise spectral density of approximatively 5 fT/Hz1=2. The presented magnetoencephalography is the first system working in a clinical environment in Italy.
PROGNOSTICATION OF NOISE EXPOSURE RISK ON WORKERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH IN LITHUANIA
Authors: BUTKUS Ričardas , ŠARLAUSKAS Alvidas , VASILIAUSKAS Gediminas
Published: July 2014

This study explores the association between the levels of noise exposure at various sectors of economic activity and the percentage distribution of workplaces where these levels can occur. The results of the research are based on statistical data which was collected at various workplaces at the sectors of construction, transport, agriculture and forestry, electricity, water and gas supply etc. These results include the mathematical analysis of noise levels at 748 workplaces. These workplaces were sectioned by economic activity sector and percentage distribution was calculated as a ratio between the actual and total number of places where the respective noise level was exceeded. Probability index was calculated as a descriptive parameter for the evaluation of workplaces at various levels of noise exposure level normalized to a nominal 8 hour working day (LEX, 8h). Results show that highest number of workplaces where LEX, 8h was exceeded was at the companies of wood processing and furniture manufacturing. LEX, 8h of 80 dB(A) was exceeded at 77%, LEX, 8h = 85 dB(A) – 72% and LEX, 8h = 87 dB(A) – 68% of all the workplaces. This shows that hearing loss occurrence is likely and it can be assessed as “very risky” or “potentially risky” at the companies of wood, metal and textiles ectors (probability index’s values from 0,087 to 0,032 respectively).
Increased Antitumor Effects Using IL-2 with Anti–TGF-β Reveals Competition between Mouse NK and CD8 T Cells
Authors: Alvarez Maite , Bouchlaka Myriam N. , Sckisel Gail D. , Sungur Can M. , Chen Mingyi , Murphy William J.
Published: July 2014

Because of increasing interest in the removal of immunosuppressive pathways in cancer, the combination of IL-2 with Abs to neutralize TGF-β, a potent immunosuppressive cytokine, was assessed. Combination immunotherapy resulted in significantly greater antitumor effects. These were correlated with significant increases in the numbers and functionality of NK cells, NK cell progenitors, and activated CD8 T cells, resulting in the observed antitumor effects. Combination immunotherapy also was accompanied by lesser toxicities than was IL-2 therapy alone. Additionally, we observed a dual competition between NK cells and activated CD8 T cells such that, after immunotherapy, the depletion of either effector population resulted in the increased total expansion of the other population and compensatory antitumor effects. This study demonstrates the efficacy of this combination immunotherapeutic regimen as a promising cancer therapy and illustrates the existence of potent competitive regulatory pathways between NK cells and CD8 T cells in response to systemic activation.
Logarithm laws for strong unstable foliations in negative curvature and non-Archimedian Diophantine approximation
Authors: Athreya Jayadev S. , Paulin Frédéric
Published: July 2014

Given a finite volume negatively curved Riemannian manifold

M

, we give a precise relation between the logarithmic growth rates of the excursions of the strong unstable leaves of negatively recurrent unit tangent vectors into cusp neighborhoods of

M

and their linear divergence rates under the geodesic flow. Our results hold in the more general setting where

M

is the quotient of any proper CAT(±1) metric space

X

by any geometrically finite discrete group of isometries of

X

. As an application to non-Archimedian Diophantine approximation in positive characteristic, we relate the growth of the orbits of

\mathcal{O}_{\hat K}

-lattices under one-parameter unipotent subgroups of

\mathrm{GL}_2(\hat K)

with approximation exponents and continued fraction expansions of elements of the local field

\hat K

of formal Laurent series over a finite field.
A note on trace fields of complex hyperbolic groups
Authors: Cunha Heleno , Gusevskii Nikolay
Published: July 2014

We show that if

\Gamma

is an irreducible subgroup of SU(2,1), then

\Gamma

contains a loxodromic element

A

. If

A

has eigenvalues

\lambda_1 = \lambda e^{i\varphi}

,

\lambda_2 = e^{-2i\varphi}

,

\lambda_3 = \lambda^{-1}e^{i\varphi}

, we prove that

\Gamma

is conjugate in SU(2,1) to a subgroup of SU

(2,1,\mathbb{Q}(\Gamma,\lambda))

, where

\mathbb{Q}(\Gamma, \lambda)

is the field generated by the trace field

\mathbb{Q}(\Gamma)

of

\Gamma

and

\lambda

. It follows from this that if

\Gamma

is an irreducible subgroup of SU(2,1) such that the trace field

\mathbb{Q}(\Gamma)

is real, then

\Gamma

is conjugate in SU(2,1) to a subgroup of SO(2,1). As a geometric application of the above, we get that if

G

is an irreducible discrete subgroup of PU(2,1), then

G

is an

\mathbb R

-Fuchsian subgroup of PU(2,1) if and only if the invariant trace field

k(G)

of

G

is real.
Endomorphisms of profinite groups
Authors: Reid Colin D.
Published: July 2014

We obtain some general restrictions on the continuous endomorphisms of a profinite group

G

under the assumption that

G

has only finitely many open subgroups of each index (an assumption which automatically holds, for instance, if

G

is finitely generated). In particular, given such a group

G

and a continuous endomorphism

\phi

we obtain a semidirect decomposition of

G

into a ‘contracting’ normal subgroup and a complement on which

\phi

induces an automorphism; both the normal subgroup and the complement are closed. If

G

is isomorphic to a proper open subgroup of itself, we show that

G

has an infinite abelian normal pro-

p

subgroup for some prime

p

.
On the geometry of the edge splitting complex
Authors: Sabalka Lucas , Savchuk Dmytro
Published: July 2014

The group Out of outer automorphisms of the free group has been an object of active study for many years, yet its geometry is not well understood. Recently, effort has been focused on finding a hyperbolic complex on which Out acts, in analogy with the curve complex for the mapping class group. Here, we focus on one of these proposed analogues: the edge splitting complex

\mathcal{E}\mathcal{S}_n

, equivalently known as the separating sphere complex. We characterize geodesic paths in its 1-skeleton

\mathcal{E}\mathcal{S}_n^1

algebraically, and use our characterization to find lower bounds on distances between points in this graph.

Our distance calculations allow us to find quasiflats of arbitrary dimension in

\mathcal{E}\mathcal{S}_n

. This shows that

\mathcal{E}\mathcal{S}_n

: is not hyperbolic, has infinite asymptotic dimension, and is such that every asymptotic cone is infinite dimensional. These quasiflats contain an unbounded orbit of a reducible element of Out. As a consequence, there is no coarsely Out-equivariant quasiisometry between

\mathcal{E}\mathcal{S}_n

and other proposed curve complex analogues, including the regular free splitting complex

\mathcal{F}\!\mathcal{S}_n

, the (nontrivial intersection) free factorization complex

\mathcal{F\!F}_n

, and the free factor complex

\mathcal{F}_n

.
The structure of Sobolev extension operators
Authors: Fefferman Charles , Israel Arie , Luli Garving K.
Published: July 2014

Let

L^{m,p}(\mathbb{R}^n)

denote the Sobolev space of functions whose

m

-th derivatives lie in

L^p(\mathbb{R}^n)

, and assume that

p>n

. For

E \subseteq \mathbb{R}^n

, denote by

L^{m,p}(E)

the space of restrictions to

E

of functions

F \in L^{m,p}(\mathbb{R}^n)

. It is known that there exist bounded linear maps

T \colon L^{m,p}(E) \rightarrow L^{m,p}(\mathbb{R}^n)

such that

Tf = f

on

E

for any

f \in L^{m,p}(E)

. We show that

T

cannot have a simple form called “bounded depth”.
Inviscid limit for the axisymmetric stratified Navier–Stokes system
Authors: Sulaiman Samira
Published: July 2014

This paper is devoted to the study of the Cauchy problem for the stratified Navier–Stokes system in three-dimensional space. In the first part of the paper, we prove the existence of a unique global solution

(v_\nu,\rho_\nu)

for this system with axisymmetric initial data belonging to the Sobolev space

H^{s}\times H^{s-2}

with

s>{5}/{2}.

The bounds on the solution are uniform with respect to the viscosity. In the second part, we analyse the inviscid limit problem. We prove that the viscous solutions

(v_\nu, \rho_\nu)_{\nu>0}

converge strongly in the space

L^{\infty}_{\text{loc}}(\mathbb{R}_+; H^{s}\times H^{s-2})

to the solution

(v,\rho)

of the stratified Euler system.
Stochastic variational formulas for solutions to linear diffusion equations
Authors: Conlon Joseph G. , Guha Mohar G.
Published: July 2014

This paper is concerned with solutions to a one-dimensional linear diffusion equation and their relation to some problems in stochastic control theory. A stochastic variational formula is obtained for the logarithm of the solution to the diffusion equation, with terminal data which is the characteristic function of a set. In this case the terminal data for the control problem is singular, and hence standard theory does not apply. The variational formula is used to prove convergence, in the zero noise limit, of the cost function for the stochastic control problem and its first derivatives, to the corresponding quantities for a classical control problem.
Cluster Randomized Trial of Text Message Reminders to Retail Staff in Tanzanian Drug Shops Dispensing Artemether-Lumefantrine: Effect on Dispenser Knowledge and Patient Adherence
Authors: Bruxvoort Katia , Festo Charles , Kalolella Admirabilis , Cairns Matthew , Lyaruu Peter , Kenani Mitya , Kachur S. Patrick , Goodman Catherine , Schellenberg David
Published: July 2014

Artemisinin combination therapies are available in private outlets, but patient adherence might be compromised by poor advice from dispensers. In this cluster randomized trial in drug shops in Tanzania, 42 of 82 selected shops were randomized to receive text message reminders about what advice to provide when dispensing artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Eligible patients purchasing AL at shops in both arms were followed up at home and questioned about each dose taken. Dispensers were interviewed regarding knowledge of AL dispensing practices and receipt of the malaria-related text messages. We interviewed 904 patients and 110 dispensers from 77 shops. Although there was some improvement in dispenser knowledge, there was no difference between arms in adherence measured as completion of all doses (intervention 68.3%, control 69.8%, p [adjusted] = 0.6), or as completion of each dose at the correct time (intervention 33.1%, control 32.6%, p [adjusted] = 0.9). Further studies on the potential of text messages to improve adherence are needed.
Determinants of Patient Satisfaction in Internal Medicine Resident Continuity Clinics: Findings of the Educational Innovations Project Ambulatory Collaborative
Authors: Francis Maureen D. , Warm Eric , Julian Katherine A. , Rosenblum Michael , Thomas Kris , Drake Sean , Gwisdalla Keri Lyn , Langan Michael , Nabors Christopher , Pereira Anne , Smith Amy , Sweet David , Varney Andrew , Francis Mark L.
Published: July 2014

Background

Many internal medicine programs have reorganized their resident continuity clinics to improve the ambulatory care experience for residents. The effect of this redesign on patient satisfaction is largely unknown.

Methods

Our multi-institutional, cross-sectional study included 569 internal medicine residents from 11 programs participating in the Educational Innovations Project Ambulatory Collaborative. An 11-item patient satisfaction survey from the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems was used to assess patient satisfaction, comparing patient satisfaction in traditional models of weekly continuity clinic with 2 new clinic models. We then examined the relationship between patient satisfaction and other practice variables.

Results

Patient satisfaction responses related to resident listening and communication skills, knowledge of medical history, perception of adequate visit time, overall rating, and willingness to refer to family and friends were significantly better in the traditional and block continuity models than the combination model. Higher ambulatory workload was associated with reduced patient perception of respect shown by the physician. The percentage of diabetic patients with glycated hemoglobin < 8% was positively correlated with number of visits, knowledge of medical history, perception of respect, and higher scores for recommending the physician to others. The percentage of diabetic patients with low density lipoprotein < 100 mg/dL was positively correlated with the physician showing respect.

Conclusions

Patient satisfaction was similar in programs using block design and traditional models for continuity clinic, and both outperformed the combination model programs. There was a delicate balance between workload and patient perception of the physician showing respect. Care outcome measures for diabetic patients were associated with aspects of patient satisfaction.
Short-term effects of low-intensity prescribed fire on ground-dwelling invertebrates in a Canarian pine forest
Authors: García-Domínguez C. , Arévalo J. R. , Calvo L.
Published: July 2014

The effects of prescribed fire on the forest upper ground layer can have consequences for invertebrate communities. Prescribed fire is starting to be used in the Canary Islands as a tool to reduce wildfire risk, but the impacts of this management practice on the Canarian pine forest have not been investigated. The aim of this study is to explore the short-term effects of prescribed burning on the most abundant groups of ground-dwelling invertebrates. Three of six plots were randomly burn and the other three were used as controls. Pitfall trapping was used to collect the ground-dwelling invertebrates four months after burning. No differences were found in total richness, diversity, evenness and total abundance between treatments. Only Psocopteran abundance increased after fire. Litter depth, total vegetation cover and decayed wood cover were different between treatments. Canonical Correspondence Analyses (CCA) revealed differences in species composition between treatments using these environmental variables. It is concluded that the use of low-intensity prescribed burning in this stand did not have an important impact on the structural parameters of the ground-dwelling invertebrate community, but species composition changed. Care shoud be taken with valuable endemic, rare or sensible species.