bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religious Revival and Deprivatization in Post-Soviet Georgia: Reculturation of Orthodox Christianity and Deculturation of Islam
Authors: Köksal Pınar , Aydıngün Ayşegül , Gürsoy Hazar Ege
Published: August 2018

The countries of the former Soviet Union witnessed a religious revivalism in the final years of the regime, although following the collapse, the revivals of the different faith communities have had different characteristics. This article discusses the nature of the desecularization and deprivatization processes of both the Orthodox Christian Georgians and the Muslim minorities in Georgia. Based on field researches and indepth interviews conducted with elites and experts, it is argued that the revival of Orthodox Christianity in Georgia differs from the revival of Islam. While the Islamic revival has taken the form of a deculturation, very much in line with global processes, the Orthodox Christian revival is taking the form of a reculturation.
LifeLab Southampton: a programme to engage adolescents with DOHaD concepts as a tool for increasing health literacy in teenagers –a pilot cluster-randomized control trial
Authors: Woods-Townsend K. , Leat H. , Bay J. , Bagust L. , Davey H. , Lovelock D. , Christodoulou A. , Griffiths J. , Grace M. , Godfrey K. , Hanson M. , Inskip H.
Published: August 2018

Adolescence is a critical time point in the lifecourse. LifeLab is an educational intervention engaging adolescents in understanding Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concepts and the impact of the early life environment on future health, benefitting both their long-term health and that of the next generation. We aimed to assess whether engaging adolescents with DOHaD concepts improves scientific literacy and whether engagement alone improves health behaviours.

Six schools were randomized, three to intervention and three to control. Outcome measures were changed in knowledge, and intended and actual behaviour in relation to diet and lifestyle. A total of 333 students completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. At 12 months, intervention students showed greater understanding of DOHaD concepts. No sustained changes in behaviours were identified.

Adolescents’ engagement with DOHaD concepts can be improved and maintained over 12 months. Such engagement does not itself translate into behaviour change. The intervention has consequently been revised to include additional components beyond engagement alone.
The Arp8 and Arp4 module acts as a DNA sensor controlling INO80 chromatin remodeling
Authors: Brahma Sandipan , Ngubo Mzwanele , Paul Somnath , Udugama Maheshi , Bartholomew Blaine
Published: August 2018

Nuclear actin and actin-related proteins (Arps) are key components of chromatin remodeling and modifying complexes. Although Arps are essential for the functions of chromatin remodelers, their specific roles and mechanisms are unclear. Here we define the nucleosome binding interfaces and functions of the evolutionarily conserved Arps in the yeast INO80 chromatin remodeling complex. We show that the N-terminus of Arp8, C-terminus of Arp4 and the HSA domain of Ino80 bind extranucleosomal DNA 37–51 base pairs from the edge of nucleosomes and function as a DNA-length sensor that regulates nucleosome sliding by INO80. Disruption of Arp8 and Arp4 binding to DNA uncouples ATP hydrolysis from nucleosome mobilization by disengaging Arp5 from the acidic patch on histone H2A-H2B and the Ino80-ATPase domain from the Super-helical Location (SHL) -6 of nucleosomes. Our data suggest a functional interplay between INO80’s Arp8-Arp4-actin and Arp5 modules in sensing the DNA length separating nucleosomes and regulating nucleosome positioning.
Mapping temporal-network percolation to weighted, static event graphs
Authors: Kivelä Mikko , Cambe Jordan , Saramäki Jari , Karsai Márton
Published: August 2018

The dynamics of diffusion-like processes on temporal networks are influenced by correlations in the times of contacts. This influence is particularly strong for processes where the spreading agent has a limited lifetime at nodes: disease spreading (recovery time), diffusion of rumors (lifetime of information), and passenger routing (maximum acceptable time between transfers). We introduce weighted event graphs as a powerful and fast framework for studying connectivity determined by time-respecting paths where the allowed waiting times between contacts have an upper limit. We study percolation on the weighted event graphs and in the underlying temporal networks, with simulated and real-world networks. We show that this type of temporal-network percolation is analogous to directed percolation, and that it can be characterized by multiple order parameters.
Prediction of Ewing Sarcoma treatment outcome using attenuated tissue reflection FTIR tissue spectroscopy
Authors: Chaber Radosław , Łach Kornelia , Arthur Christopher J. , Raciborska Anna , Michalak Elżbieta , Ciebiera Krzysztof , Bilska Katarzyna , Drabko Katarzyna , Cebulski Józef
Published: August 2018

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common type of primary bone cancer and predominantly affects children and young people. Improved outcome prediction is key to delivering risk-adjusted, appropriate and effective care to cancer patients. Advances in the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of tissues enable it to be a non-invasive method to obtain information about the biochemical content of any biological sample. In this retrospective study, attenuated tissue reflection FTIR spectroscopy of biopsy samples from paediatric patients reveals spectral features that are diagnostic for Ewing Sarcoma. Furthermore, our results suggest that spectral features such as these may be of value for the prediction of treatment outcome independent to well-known, routinely used risk factors.
Restriction on the local realism violation in three-qubit states and its relation with tripartite entanglement
Authors: Barasiński Artur
Published: August 2018

Quantum entanglement and non-locality are two special aspects of quantum correlations. The relationship between multipartite entanglement and non-locality is at the root of the foundations of quantum mechanics but there is still no general quantitative theory. In order to address this issue we analyze the relationship between tripartite non-locality and tripartite entanglement measure, called the three-tangle. We describe the states which give the extremal quantum values of a Bell-type inequality for a given value of the tripartite entanglement. Moreover, we show that such extremal states can be reached if one introduced an appropriate order induced by the three-π entanglement measure. Finally, we derive an analytical expression relating tripartite entanglement to the maximal violations of the Bell-type inequalities.
Investigation of optical force on magnetic nanoparticles with magnetic-fluid-filled Fabry-Perot interferometer
Authors: Yao Tianjun , Pu Shengli , Rao Jie , Zhang Jianming
Published: August 2018

The optical force acting on the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is investigated with the magnetic-fluid-filled fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometer. The shift of interference spectra is related with the local refractive index variation in the light path, which is assigned to the optical-force-induced outward movement of MNPs. The influence of magnetic fluid’s viscosity, ambient temperature, strength and orientation of the externally applied magnetic field on the optical-force-induced MNPs’ movement is studied in details. The results of this work provide a further understanding of interaction between light and MNPs and clarify the dynamic micro-processes of MNPs within magnetic fluid under external stimuli. It may have the potentials in the fields of light-controllable magnetic-fluid-based devices and vector magnetic field detection.
Social bees are fitter in more biodiverse environments
Authors: Kaluza Benjamin F. , Wallace Helen M. , Heard Tim A. , Minden Vanessa , Klein Alexandra , Leonhardt Sara D.
Published: August 2018

Bee population declines are often linked to human impacts, especially habitat and biodiversity loss, but empirical evidence is lacking. To clarify the link between biodiversity loss and bee decline, we examined how floral diversity affects (reproductive) fitness and population growth of a social stingless bee. For the first time, we related available resource diversity and abundance to resource (quality and quantity) intake and colony reproduction, over more than two years. Our results reveal plant diversity as key driver of bee fitness. Social bee colonies were fitter and their populations grew faster in more florally diverse environments due to a continuous supply of food resources. Colonies responded to high plant diversity with increased resource intake and colony food stores. Our findings thus point to biodiversity loss as main reason for the observed bee decline.
Mechanistic role of transglutaminase-2 in focal adhesions
Authors: Png Evelyn , Hou Aihua , Tong Louis
Published: August 2018

Transglutaminase (TG)-2 interacts with matrix proteins and integrins, forming focal adhesions (FA) to initiate cell migration, thus playing a vital role in wound healing. Previously we showed that TG-2 influenced phosphorylation of paxillin and other FA proteins. Here, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of TG-2 regulation of paxillin. Human corneal epithelial cells expressing shRNA against TG-2 (shTG) and scrambled sequence control (shRNA) were cultured. TG-2 was pulled down by anti-paxillin antibody, but not MAP3K12. Cell-free interaction assay with immobilized paxillin shows that TG-2 bind to paxillin directly. JNK was the strongest kinase for paxillin phosphorylation in the in-vitro kinase screen, but TG-2 could not phosphorylate paxillin directly. Increasing TG-2 concentrations did not increase the amount of JNK in the TG-2/paxillin complex. Immunofluoresent staining shows that TG-2 colocalises with vinculin and paxillin in FA of migrating cells. TG-2 binds to paxillin and JNK-containing FA but does not recruit JNK directly. Taken together with previous findings, TG-2 binds paxillin non-covalently, and JNK can phosphorylate paxillin, these processes critically regulate corneal epithelial adhesion and migration.
Near full length genome of a recombinant (E/D) cosavirus strain from a rural area in the central region of Brazil
Authors: da Costa Antonio Charlys , Luchs Adriana , Milagres Flavio Augusto de Pádua , Komninakis Shirley Vasconcelos , Gill Danielle Elise , Lobato Márcia Cristina Alves Brito Sayão , Brustulin Rafael , das Chagas Rogério Togisaki , Abrão Maria de Fátima Neves dos Santos , Soares Cassia Vitória de Deus Alves , Deng Xutao , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Delwart Eric , Leal Élcio
Published: August 2018

In the present article we report the nearly full length genome of a Cosavirus strain (BRTO-83) isolated from a child with acute gastroenteritis, and who is an inhabitant of a rural area in the central region of Brazil. The sample was previously screened and negative for both: common enteric viruses (i.e. rotavirus and norovirus), bacteria, endoparasites and helminthes. Evolutionary analysis and phylogenetic inferences indicated that the Brazilian BRTO-83 Cosavirus strain was a recombinant virus highly related to the E/D recombinant NG385 strain (Genbank JN867757), which was isolated in Nigeria from an acute flaccid paralysis patient. This is the first report of a recombinant E/D Cosavirus strain detected in Brazil, and the second genome described worldwide. Further surveillance and molecular studies are required to fully understand the epidemiology, distribution and evolution of the Cosavirus.
Fused silica optical fibers with graded index nanostructured core
Authors: Anuszkiewicz Alicja , Kasztelanic Rafal , Filipkowski Adam , Stepniewski Grzegorz , Stefaniuk Tomasz , Siwicki Bartlomiej , Pysz Dariusz , Klimczak Mariusz , Buczynski Ryszard
Published: August 2018

The ability to shape the index profile of optical fibers holds the key to fully flexible engineering of their optical properties and future applications. We present a new approach for the development of a graded index fused silica fiber based on core nanostructurization. A graded index core is obtained by means of distribution of two types of subwavelength glass rods. The proposed method allows to obtain arbitrary graded distribution not limited to the circular or any other symmetry, such as in the standard graded index fibers. We have developed a proof of concept fiber with parabolic refractive index core and showed a perfect match between its predicted, designed and measured properties. The fiber has a core composed of 2107 rods of 190 nm of diameter made of either pure fused silica or Ge-doped fused silica with 8.5% mol concentration. The proposed method breaks the limits of standard fabrication approaches used in fused silica fiber technology.
Assessing the Use of Influenza Forecasts and Epidemiological Modeling in Public Health Decision Making in the United States
Authors: Doms Colin , Kramer Sarah C. , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: August 2018

Although forecasts and other mathematical models have the potential to play an important role in mitigating the impact of infectious disease outbreaks, the extent to which these tools are used in public health decision making in the United States is unclear. Throughout 2015, we invited public health practitioners belonging to three national public health organizations to complete a cross-sectional survey containing questions on model awareness, model use, and communication with modelers. Of 39 respondents, 46.15% used models in their work, and 20.51% reported direct communication with those who create models. Over half (64.10%) were aware that influenza forecasts exist. The need for improved communication between practitioners and modelers was overwhelmingly endorsed, with over 50% of participants indicating the need for models more relevant to public health questions, increased frequency of telecommunication, and more plain language in discussing models. Model use for public health decision making must be improved if models are to reach their full potential as public health tools. Increased quality and frequency of communication between practitioners and modelers could be particularly useful in achieving this goal. It is important that improvements be made now, rather than waiting for the next public health crisis to occur.
Hsa-miR-10a-5p downregulation in mutant UQCRB-expressing cells promotes the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Kim Jeong Eun , Hong Ji Won , Lee Hannah S. , Kim Wankyu , Lim Jisun , Cho Yoon Shin , Kwon Ho Jeong
Published: August 2018

Ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase binding protein (UQCRB) is known to play crucial roles in the development of various types of diseases. However, the link between UQCRB and microRNAs remains unknown. In the present study, we performed microRNA sequencing of mutant UQCRB-expressing stable cell lines that exhibited pro-oncogenic activities caused by expression of the mutant UQCRB gene. Results showed that hsa-miR-10a-5p was significantly downregulated in the mutant UQCRB-expressing cell lines. Furthermore, mRNA sequencing and gene ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway might be activation by mutant UQCRB expression. Moreover, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in mutant UQCRB-expressing cells via treatment with the specific inhibitors suppressed the cell proliferation. Transfection with a hsa-miR-10a-5p mimic validated that lanosterol synthase (LSS) is a target of hsa-miR-10a-5p. In addition, hsa-miR-10a-5p was found to be downregulated in liver cancer cell lines overexpressing UQCRB. Taken together, our findings highlighted the potential use of hsa-miR-10a-5p as a biomarker for UQCRB related diseases.
Post-operative AICS status in completely resected lung cancer patients with pre-operative AICS abnormalities: predictive significance of disease recurrence
Authors: Anayama Takashi , Higashiyama Masahiko , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Kikuchi Shinya , Ikeda Atsuko , Okami Jiro , Tokunaga Toshiteru , Hirohashi Kentaro , Miyazaki Ryohei , Orihashi Kazumasa
Published: August 2018

The AminoIndexTM Cancer Screening (AICS) system, a plasma-free amino acid (PFAA)-based multivariate discrimination index, is a blood screening test for lung cancer based on the comparison of PFAA concentrations between patients with lung cancer and healthy controls. Pre- and post-operative AICS values were compared among 72 patients who underwent curative resection for lung cancer. Post-operative changes in PFAA concentrations were also evaluated. AICS values were classified as rank A (0.0–4.9), B (5.0–7.9), or C (8.0–10.0). Rank B–C patients were evaluated for outcomes and post-operative changes in their AICS values. Twenty-three of the 44 pre-operative rank B–C patients experienced post-operative reductions in AICS rank. Only one patient experienced cancer recurrence. Post-operative changes in PFAA concentrations were associated with the risk of post-operative cancer recurrence (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the absence of a post-operative reduction in AICS rank independently predicted cancer recurrence (hazard ratio: 14.28; p = 0.012). The majority of patients had high pre-operative AICS values and exhibited a reduction in AICS rank after curative resection. However, the absence of a post-operative reduction in AICS rank was associated with cancer recurrence, suggesting that AICS rank may be a sensitive marker of post-operative recurrence.
Predictors of mosaic chromosome Y loss and associations with mortality in the UK Biobank
Authors: Loftfield Erikka , Zhou Weiyin , Graubard Barry I. , Yeager Meredith , Chanock Stephen J. , Freedman Neal D. , Machiela Mitchell J.
Published: August 2018

Mosaic loss of the Y chromosome (mLOY) is the most commonly reported large structural somatic event. Previous studies have indicated age and cigarette smoking increase the risk of mLOY, but the relationship of other exposures with mLOY and mLOY with disease has not been adequately investigated. We characterized mLOY in a large cohort of 223,338 men from the UK Biobank by scanning for deviations in genotyping array median log2 intensity ratios (mLRR) of the Y chromosome using a standard algorithm. A total of 3,789 (1.7%) men showed evidence for mLOY (mLRR < −0.15). In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, we found that mLOY increases exponentially with age (overall P-value < 4.9 × 10−324; p-value for the quadratic term = 2.1 × 10−7), and observed a strong association with current smoking (P-value = 7.8 × 10−184). We observed less mLOY in men of African ancestry (0.4%) compared to men of European ancestry (1.8%, P-value = 0.003). Although mLOY was not associated with prevalent cancer (P-value = 0.61), associations were observed for diabetes (P-value = 0.003) and cardiovascular disease (P-value = 0.01). Using Cox proportional hazards regression models, mLOY was associated with all-cause mortality among men with a high proportion of cells affected (mLRR < −0.40; HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.08–1.70, P-value = 0.009). In conclusion, mLOY was associated with several health-related factors as well as with all-cause mortality. Further functional studies are warranted to understand how and in what way mLOY could influence adult male health.
Transcriptional network analysis of human astrocytic endfoot genes reveals region-specific associations with dementia status and tau pathology
Authors: Simon Matthew J. , Wang Marie X. , Murchison Charles F. , Roese Natalie E. , Boespflug Erin L. , Woltjer Randall L. , Iliff Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2018

The deposition of misfolded proteins, including amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles is the histopathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The glymphatic system, a brain-wide network of perivascular pathways that supports interstitial solute clearance, is dependent upon expression of the perivascular astroglial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Impairment of glymphatic function in the aging rodent brain is associated with reduced perivascular AQP4 localization, and in human subjects, reduced perivascular AQP4 localization is associated with AD diagnosis and pathology. Using human transcriptomic data, we demonstrate that expression of perivascular astroglial gene products dystroglycan (DAG1), dystrobrevin (DTNA) and alpha-syntrophin (SNTA1), are associated with dementia status and phosphorylated tau (P-tau) levels in temporal cortex. Gene correlation analysis reveals altered expression of a cluster of potential astrocytic endfoot components in human subjects with dementia, with increased expression associated with temporal cortical P-tau levels. The association between perivascular astroglial gene products, including DTNA and megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1 (MLC1) with AD status was confirmed in a second human transcriptomic dataset and in human autopsy tissue by Western blot. This suggests changes in the astroglial endfoot domain may underlie vulnerability to protein aggregation in AD.
Terrestrial exposure of a fresh Martian meteorite causes rapid changes in hydrogen isotopes and water concentrations
Authors: Stephant Alice , Garvie Laurence A. J. , Mane Prajkta , Hervig Richard , Wadhwa Meenakshi
Published: August 2018

Determining the hydrogen isotopic compositions and H2O contents of meteorites and their components is important for addressing key cosmochemical questions about the abundance and source(s) of water in planetary bodies. However, deconvolving the effects of terrestrial contamination from the indigenous hydrogen isotopic compositions of these extraterrestrial materials is not trivial, because chondrites and some achondrites show only small deviations from terrestrial values such that even minor contamination can mask the indigenous values. Here we assess the effects of terrestrial weathering and contamination on the hydrogen isotope ratios and H2O contents of meteoritic minerals through monitored terrestrial weathering of Tissint, a recent Martian fall. Our findings reveal the rapidity with which this weathering affects nominally anhydrous phases in extraterrestrial materials, which illustrates the necessity of sampling the interiors of even relatively fresh meteorite falls and underlines the importance of sample return missions.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling of atomoxetine with regard to CYP2D6 genotypes
Authors: Kim Se-Hyung , Byeon Ji-Young , Kim Young-Hoon , Lee Choong-Min , Lee Yun Jeong , Jang Choon-Gon , Lee Seok-Yong
Published: August 2018

Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor indicated in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It is primarily metabolized by CYP2D6 to its equipotent metabolite, 4-hydroxyatomoxetine, which promptly undergoes further glucuronidation to an inactive 4-HAT-O-glucuronide. Clinical trials have shown that decreased CYP2D6 activity leads to substantially elevated atomoxetine exposure and increase in adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to to develop a pharmacologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of atomoxetine in different CYP2D6 genotypes. A single 20 mg dose of atomoxetine was given to 19 healthy Korean individuals with CYP2D6*wt/*wt (*wt = *1 or *2) or CYP2D6*10/*10 genotype. Based on the results of this pharmacokinetic study, a PBPK model for CYP2D6*wt/*wt individuals was developed. This model was scaled to those with CYP2D6*10/*10 genotype, as well as CYP2D6 poor metabolisers. We validated this model by comparing the predicted pharmacokinetic parameters with diverse results from the literature. The presented PBPK model describes the pharmacokinetics after single and repeated oral atomoxetine doses with regard to CYP2D6 genotype and phenotype. This model could be utilized for identification of appropriate dosages of atomoxetine in patients with reduced CYP2D6 activity to minimize the adverse events, and to enable personalised medicine.
Barn swallows long-distance migration occurs between significantly temperature-correlated areas
Authors: Pancerasa Mattia , Ambrosini Roberto , Saino Nicola , Casagrandi Renato
Published: August 2018

Organisms are routinely confronted with crucial decisions on the best time and place to perform fundamental activities. However, unpredictable spatio-temporal variation in ecological factors makes life-history optimization difficult particularly for long-distance migrants, which are putatively blind of conditions thousands of kilometers and weeks ahead along their journey. Here we challenge, on a hierarchy of geographical scales, the common wisdom that migratory birds have no clue to ecological conditions at destination. Using ringing data of the inter-continental migrating barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), we show that temperatures at breeding sites and at times of arrival from migration are more correlated with those at actual wintering sites and at times of departure than with those at other sites and at periods before/after departure. Hence, individual swallows have clues to adjust timing of spring migration based on expected conditions at destination, and they apparently choose wintering sites to increase availability of such information.
Deep soil water storage varies with vegetation type and rainfall amount in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Cao Ruixue , Jia Xiaoxu , Huang Laiming , Zhu Yuanjun , Wu Lianhai , Shao Ming’an
Published: August 2018

Soil-water storage in a deep soil layer (SWSD), defined as the layer where soil water is not sensitive to daily evapotranspiration and regular rainfall events, functions as a soil reservoir in China’s Loess Plateau (LP). We investigated spatial variations and factors that influence the SWSD in the 100–500 cm layers across the entire plateau. SWSD generally decreased from southeast to northwest following precipitation gradient, with a mean value of 587 mm. The spatial variation in the SWSD in grassland was the highest, followed by protection forests, production forests and cropland. Variation in the >550 mm rainfall zone was much lower than that in the <550 mm zone. The significant influencing variables explained 22.3–65.2% of the spatial variation in SWSD. The joint effect of local and climatic variables accounted for most of the explained spatial variation of SWSD for each vegetation type and the <450 mm rainfall zone. Spatial variation of SWSD, however, was dominantly controlled by the local variables in the 450–550 and the >550 mm rainfall zones. Therefore, regional models of SWSD for a specific vegetation need to incorporate climatic, soil and topographic variables, while for a rainfall zone, land use should not be ignored.
Simple rules for construction of a geometric nest structure by pufferfish
Authors: Mizuuchi Ryo , Kawase Hiroshi , Shin Hirofumi , Iwai Daisuke , Kondo Shigeru
Published: August 2018

A small (~10 cm) male pufferfish (Torquigener albomaculosus) builds a large (~2 m) sandy nest structure, resembling a mysterious crop circle, to attract females. The circle consists of radially arranged deep ditches in the outer ring region, and maze-like shallow ditches in the central region. The configuration is geometrical. Here, we examined the process of the outer ring construction, and extracted the ‘rules’ followed by the pufferfish. During construction, the pufferfish repeatedly excavates ditches from the outside in. Generally, excavation starts at lower positions, and occurs in straight lines. The entry position, the length, and the direction of each ditch were recorded. A simulation program based on these data successfully reproduced the circle pattern, suggesting that the complex circle structure can be created by the repetition of simple actions by the pufferfish.
Augmentation of leaf color parameters, pigments, vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in selected Amaranthus tricolor under salinity stress
Authors: Sarker Umakanta , Oba Shinya
Published: August 2018

Amaranthus tricolor genotype VA13 was evaluated under four salinity stress in terms of color parameters, leaf pigments, β-carotene, vitamin C, TPC, TFC, TAC, phenolic acids and flavonoids. Salinity stress significantly increases all the studied traits. The increments of all these compounds were high under moderate and severe salinity stress compared to control condition. In this study, trans-cinnamic acid was newly identified phenoic acid in A. tricolor. Salicylic acid, vanilic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercetin and m-coumaric acid were the most abundant phenolic compounds of amaranth that increased with the severity of salinity stress. A. tricolor leaves are good source of pigments, β-carotene, vitamin C, bioactive compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids and antioxidants. In salt-stressed amaranth, correlation studies revealed strong antioxidant activity of leaf pigments, β-carotene, vitamin C, TPC, TFC. These bioactive compounds played a vital role in scavenging ROS and could be beneficial to human nutrition by serving as a good antioxidant and antiaging source in human health benefit. A. tricolor cultivated under salinity stress conditions can contribute a high quality of the final product in terms of leaf pigments, bioactive compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids and antioxidants. It can be a promising alternative crop in saline-prone areas.
Visual Processing by Calretinin Expressing Inhibitory Neurons in Mouse Primary Visual Cortex
Authors: Camillo Daniela , Ahmadlou Mehran , Saiepour M. Hadi , Yasaminshirazi Maryam , Levelt Christiaan N. , Heimel J. Alexander
Published: August 2018

Inhibition in the cerebral cortex is delivered by a variety of GABAergic interneurons. These cells have been categorized by their morphology, physiology, gene expression and connectivity. Many of these classes appear to be conserved across species, suggesting that the classes play specific functional roles in cortical processing. What these functions are, is still largely unknown. The largest group of interneurons in the upper layers of mouse primary visual cortex (V1) is formed by cells expressing the calcium-binding protein calretinin (CR). This heterogeneous class contains subsets of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) interneurons and somatostatin (SOM) interneurons. Here we show, using in vivo two-photon calcium imaging in mice, that CR neurons can be sensitive to stimulus orientation, but that they are less selective on average than the overall neuronal population. Responses of CR neurons are suppressed by a surrounding stimulus, but less so than the overall population. In rats and primates, CR interneurons have been suggested to provide disinhibition, but we found that in mice their in vivo activation by optogenetics causes a net inhibition of cortical activity. Our results show that the average functional properties of CR interneurons are distinct from the averages of the parvalbumin, SOM and VIP interneuron populations.
Tortuosity and mass transfer limitations in industrial hydrotreating catalysts: effect of particle shape and size distribution
Authors: Kolitcheff Svetan , Jolimaitre Elsa , Hugon Antoine , Verstraete Jan , Rivallan Mickael , Carrette Pierre-Louis , Couenne Françoise , Tayakout-Fayolle Mélaz
Published: August 2018

Comparison of the tortuosity factor of γ-alumina supports and hydrotreating catalysts evaluated with PFG-NMR, inverse liquid chromatography and catalytic experiments.
Promoting effect of solvent on Cu/CoO catalyst for selective glycerol oxidation under alkaline conditions
Authors: Dodekatos Georgios , Ternieden Jan , Schünemann Stefan , Weidenthaler Claudia , Tüysüz Harun
Published: August 2018

Cu/CoO catalysts were employed for the selective oxidation of glycerol in the aqueous phase under basic conditions.
Supramolecular organization of liquid-crystal dimers – bis-cyanobiphenyl alkanes on HOPG by scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Krzyżewska Klaudyna , Jaroch Tomasz , Maranda-Niedbała Agnieszka , Pociecha Damian , Górecka Ewa , Ahmed Ziauddin , Welch Chris , Mehl Georg H. , Proń Adam , Nowakowski Robert
Published: August 2018

Effect of the alkyl spacer length on 2D self-organization of cyanobiphenyls bimesogens on HOPG is studied by scanning tunneling microscopy.
A flexible SERS-active film for studying the effect of non-metallic nanostructures on Raman enhancement
Authors: Wang Guilin , Yi Ronghua , Zhai Xueting , Bian Renji , Gao Yongqian , Cai Dongyu , Liu Juqing , Huang Xiao , Lu Gang , Li Hai , Huang Wei
Published: August 2018

A flexible SERS-active film was attached onto nanostructured non-metal surfaces to investigate the effect of non-metallic nanostructures on Raman enhancement.
Hierarchical Co–FeS2/CoS2 heterostructures as a superior bifunctional electrocatalyst
Authors: Wang Ka , Guo Weilan , Yan Shancheng , Song Haizeng , Shi Yi
Published: August 2018

Here we report a facile solvothermal synthesis of Co–FeS2/CoS2 heterostructures with remarkable electrocatalytic properties.
Adhesion analysis of single circulating tumor cells on a base layer of endothelial cells using open microfluidics
Authors: Mao Sifeng , Zhang Qiang , Li Haifang , Zhang Wanling , Huang Qiushi , Khan Mashooq , Lin Jin-Ming
Published: August 2018

We present a microfluidic method for adhesion strength analysis of single CTCs on endothelial cells to reveal tumor metastasis.
Director reorientation dynamics of ferromagnetic nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Sebastián Nerea , Osterman Natan , Lisjak Darja , Čopič Martin , Mertelj Alenka
Published: August 2018

Complex director switching dynamics in ferromagnetic liquid crystals takes place under the application of very small external magnetic fields.
The conjugation of indolicidin to polyethylenimine for enhanced gene delivery with reduced cytotoxicity
Authors: Hu Wei-Wen , Yeh Chiao-Chun , Tsai Ching-Wei
Published: August 2018

The hydrophobic domains of conjugated peptides can stabilize their insertion into the cell membrane to promote transportation.
The prognostic values of the peroxiredoxins family in ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Saisai , Hu Xiaoli , Ye Miaomiao , Zhu Xueqiong
Published: August 2018

Purpose: Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are a family of antioxidant enzymes with six identified mammalian isoforms (PRDX1–6). PRDX expression is up-regulated in various types of solid tumors; however, individual PRDX expression, and its impact on prognostic value in ovarian cancer patients, remains unclear.

Methods: PRDXs family protein expression profiles in normal ovarian tissues and ovarian cancer tissues were examined using the Human Protein Atlas database. Then, the prognostic roles of PRDX family members in several sets of clinical data (histology, pathological grades, clinical stages, and applied chemotherapy) in ovarian cancer patients were investigated using the Kaplan–Meier plotter.

Results: PRDXs family protein expression in ovarian cancer tissues was elevated compared with normal ovarian tissues. Meanwhile, elevated expression of PRDX3, PRDX5, and PRDX6 mRNAs showed poorer overall survival (OS); PRDX5 and PRDX6 also predicted poor progression-free survival (PFS) for ovarian cancer patients. Furthermore, PRDX3 played significant prognostic roles, particularly in poor differentiation and late-stage serous ovarian cancer patients. Additionally, PRDX5 predicted a lower PFS in all ovarian cancer patients treated with Platin, Taxol, and Taxol+Platin chemotherapy. PRDX3 and PRDX6 also showed poor PFS in patients treated with Platin chemotherapy. Furthermore, PRDX3 and PRDX5 indicated lower OS in patients treated with these three chemotherapeutic agents. PRDX6 predicted a poorer OS in patients treated with Taxol and Taxol+Platin chemotherapy.

Conclusion: These results suggest that there are distinct prognostic values of PRDX family members in patients with ovarian cancer, and that the expression of PRDX3, PRDX5, and PRDX6 mRNAs are a useful prognostic indicator in the effect of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients.
Molecular gas content in obscured AGN at z > 1
Authors: Perna M. , Sargent M. T. , Brusa M. , Daddi E. , Feruglio C. , Cresci G. , Lanzuisi G. , Lusso E. , Comastri A. , Coogan R. T. , D’Amato Q. , Gilli R. , Piconcelli E. , Vignali C.
Published: August 2018

Aims. The standard active galactic nuclei (AGN)-galaxy co-evolutionary scenario predicts a phase of deeply “buried” supermassive black hole growth coexisting with a starburst (SB) before feedback phenomena deplete the cold molecular gas reservoir of the galaxy and an optically luminous quasar (QSO) is revealed (called the SB-QSO evolutionary sequence). The aim of this work is to measure the cold gas reservoir of three highly obscured QSOs to test if their gas fraction is similar to that of submillimetre galaxies (SMGs), as expected by some models, and to place these measurements in the context of the SB-QSO framework.

Methods. We target CO(1-0) transition in BzK4892, a Compton thick (CT) QSO at z = 2.6, CO(1-0) in BzK8608 and CO(2-1) in CDF153, two highly obscured (NH ≈ 6 × 1023 cm−2) QSOs at z = 2.5 and z = 1.5, respectively. For these targets, we place 3σ upper limits on the CO lines, with L′CO < (1.5 ÷ 2.8)×1010 K km s−1 pc2. We also compare the molecular gas conditions of our targets with those of other systems at z > 1, considering normal star-forming galaxies and SMGs, and unobscured and obscured AGN from the literature. For the AGN samples, we provide an updated and almost complete collection of targets with CO follow-up at z > 1.

Results. BzK4892 displays a high star formation efficiency (SFE = LIR/L′CO > 410 L⊙/(K km s−1 pc2 )) and a gas fraction fgas = Mgas/(Mstar + Mgas)< 10%. Less stringent constraints are derived for the other two targets (fgas < 0.5 and SFE > 10 L⊙/(K km s−1 pc2 )). From the comparison with the literature data we found that, on average, i) obscured AGN at z > 1 are associated with higher SFE and lower fgas with respect to normal star-forming galaxies and SMGs; ii) mildly and highly obscured active galaxies have comparable gas fractions; iii) the SFE of CT and obscured AGN are similar to those of unobscured AGN.

Conclusions. Within the SB-QSO framework, these findings could be consistent with a scenario where feedback can impact the host galaxy already from the early phases of the SB-QSO evolutionary sequence.
The role of gardens in the 19th century asylums for the mentally and neurotically ill. The theory and practice by the example of the Prussian asylums in the former Province of Posen
Authors: Bręczewska-Kulesza Daria
Published: August 2018

Although mental illnesses have existed ever since the dawn of time, the development of psychiatry is dated to have begun from the end 18th century. At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, mentally ill people began to be placed at mental facilities not only to be exercised care of, but also to have their health states improved. The movement of reformation expanded across entire Europe. The Kingdom of Prussia was no exception when it came to establishing asylums. Wanting to create the best environmental conditions for the mentally ill possible, all of the complexes of the asylums were designed so that they served therapeutic purposes. One of the vital elements in this regard was the hospital gardens. The said gardens comprised of partially open, decorative green squares, outlined by the fences of the gardens assigned to the individual wards meant for the mentally ill and the utility gardens, where therapy through labor could be exercised. In conformity with the prototypes described above, in the former Province of Posen four asylums were built. The article analyzes the development of gardens within the urban configurations of select hospitals, comparing them to the leading gardens and theoretical configurations described in the specialist literature.
Comparison of the existing photovoltaic power plant performance simulation in terms of different sources of meteorological data
Authors: Cieslak Krystian , Dragan Piotr
Published: August 2018

Detailed and reliable design of a photovoltaic (PV) power plant cannot be underestimated. In terms of energy production forecasts and legal issues concerning financing - simulation performance of the PV installation is a very important problem for both the investor and the bank. In order to simulate the performance of the PV system one has to choose proper meteorological database which would be the most reliable on the installation site. Since different meteorological databases have different measurements methods and analysis, choosing the best one is not a trivial problem. In order to find the best meteorological data source for PV simulation performance under eastern Poland conditions, PVSYST software has been used. Detailed project of an 1.39 MWp PV power plant located in Bordzilowka in the east of Poland was introduced into the software. Choosing different meteorological data bases, monthly and yearly energy production was established. The simulation results were compared with the real data obtained from the PV power plant.
Analysis of the possibility of applications for a two-phase reverse thermosyphon in passive heat transport systems
Authors: Duda Michal , Dobrianski Jurij , Chludzinski Daniel
Published: August 2018

Devices called reverse thermosyphon enable passive heat transfer when the heat source is above the place of its receipt. This is often the case in solar installations for the preparation of hot water. The article concerns the determination of the possibility of using a two-phase inverted thermosyphon with two working factors in a passive downwards heat transport installation. The analysis was carried out on the basis of previous experimental studies. The height of the tested installation in one case was 1.5 m, in the second 18 m, at a heat load of 300, 600 and 900 W. Water and pentane was used as a working fluid inside the loop. Initial conclusions from the analysis confirm the possibility of using reverse thermosyphon with two working factors in the construction of a passive heat transport system.
Research of the Theban limestone: The case of Temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari
Authors: Dziedzic Teresa , Michiewicz Mieczysław
Published: August 2018

Authors of this article wish to collect previous research and broaden knowledge about limestone used for construction of the Temple of Hatshepsut and present results of the latest studies. The main purpose of the studies was to obtain information about tensile strength when bending architectural elements made of limestone. It will allow - among others - the span of architraves on which vault blocks, architrave and ceiling slabs with cornices and railings to be established, as well as their acceptable strength parameters. Theban limestone research most often focuses on the geological origin of this material and its microscopic analysis. These tests are supplemented by endurance tests necessary for the work of engineers and architects who work on the reconstruction or exhibition of the ancient temples. The authors of many years of work in Polish - Egyptian Archeology - Conservation Mission at the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari solve everyday problems associated with exposure and reconstruction of the monument.
Municipal waste management on the example of the Municipal Waste Management Company in Olsztyn - a case study
Authors: Fieducik Jolanta
Published: August 2018

This article presents the technological processes associated with waste management on the example of the Municipal Waste Treatment Plant in Olsztyn. Legal acts regulating waste management and the maintenance of cleanliness at the municipal level are discussed. The Municipal Waste Treatment Plant in Olsztyn processes waste from 37 municipalities in the Region of Warmia and Mazury. Waste transported to the plant is separated into sorted waste and mixed waste which undergoes further processing. An innovative solution in the country of drying waste mixed in bioreactors, where aerobic biodegradation occurs, was applied in Olsztyn. As a result of the temperature in this process, the waste is dried without additional energy from the outside. Processed waste is used in the production of alternative fuel. Around 5-15% of the collected waste is not fit for processing, and it is landfilled.
Evaluation of dampness-induced strength reduction of calcium silicate blocks
Authors: Garbalińska Halina , Głowacka Anna , Strzałkowski Jarosław
Published: August 2018

Due to its numerous technical advantages as well as health benefits, sand-lime brick is increasingly used in the construction of brick walls, especially in residential buildings. Unfortunately, the occurrence of damp leads to a sharp deterioration of the technical properties of the material and the environmental conditions inside the building. Given the importance of this issue, an attempt was made to diagnose the extent of dampness variability of the main hygrothermal and strength characteristics of calcium silicate products. The study involved the basic material properties (density in dry and water-saturated conditions), moisture-related properties (capillary adsorption coefficient and sorptivity), thermal coefficients (thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity) as well as mechanical properties (compressive strength). This article describes diagnostic studies that were conducted to assess the extent of the effect of dampness on the strength of sand-lime products. In order to render the diagnosis more comprehensive and to include a wider range of silicate blocks available on the market, it was decided to examine three groups of silicate blocks (strength class 15, 20 and 25) obtained from three different factories. It was demonstrated that for all the examined groups dampness caused a significant decrease in compressive strength ranging from about 30% to about 40%.
Analysis of the influence of selected factors on natural greenhouse ventilation
Authors: Grabarczyk Sławomir
Published: August 2018

In greenhouses, in order to maintain proper indoor air temperature, during the period of high values of solar radiation intensity, shading treatments using thermal screens and ventilation are applied. The research was carried out in a mono-span greenhouse in order to determine the effectiveness of natural ventilation. The object of analysis is a greenhouse with a thermal screen installed inside. The tests were carried out during the summer days. The effect of the research was to determine the ventilation air flow through the vents of the greenhouse on the basis of measurements and calculation analyzes. The dependence of the air flow on the windward and leeward side was determined from the wind speed and the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor air. On the basis of calculations made from observation during shading of the cultivated area and with open ventilators, the coefficients of air exchange per unit floor area of the greenhouse were determined. It was established that at a wind speed exceeding 0.8 m/s, the air exchange rate in the tested greenhouse exceeds the value recommended by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers of 0.04 m3/(s.m2).
Modeling of heat consumption in a greenhouse using experimental data
Authors: Grabarczyk Sławomir
Published: August 2018

The use of experimental research results to teach artificial neural networks was aimed at determining the relationship between heat consumption and measured variables. The mechanism of changes in heat consumption was determined by changes in external climate parameters, microclimate conditions in the greenhouse and parameters describing the functioning of the technical equipment of the facility. The accuracy of modeling the heat consumption in the case of changes in the properties of the building's external partitions has been determined. In a greenhouse, this is related to the functioning of an additional movable curtain - a thermal screen. MLP networks - multilayer perceptrons with hidden layers proved to be particularly useful for predicting changes in heat consumption. In the analysis attention was paid to the accuracy of modeling depending on the size of the measurement data set. The sources of information are collections with different intervals between registered measurement records, which were collected during the tests carried out during the full calendar year.