bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of SPRY4 and SPRY4-IT1 inhibits cell growth and phosphorylation of Akt in human testicular germ cell tumours
Authors: Das Mrinal K. , Furu Kari , Evensen Herman F. , Haugen Øyvind P. , Haugen Trine B.
Published: January 2018

Testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) is the most common cancer in young men in large parts of the world, but the aetiology is mainly unknown. Genome-wide association studies have so far identified about 50 susceptibility loci associated with TGCT, including SPRY4. SPRY4 has shown tumour suppressor activity in several cancer cells, such as lung and prostate, while it was found to act as an oncogene in ovarian cancer. An intronic region within the SPRY4 gene produces a long non-coding RNA, SPRY4-IT1, which has been reported to act as an oncogene in melanoma, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, and as a tumour suppressor in lung cancer. The roles of SPRY4 and SPRY4-IT1 in TGCT development are yet unknown. We found higher expression levels of SPRY4, both mRNA and protein, and of SPRY4-IT1 in human TGCT than in normal adult testis. Small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated transient knockdown of SPRY4 and SPRY4-IT1 in two TGCT cell lines 833 K and NT2-D1 resulted in decreased cell growth, migration, and invasion. Knockdown of SPRY4 and SPRY4-IT1 also led to a significant reduction in the phosphorylation of Akt. Our findings indicate that SPRY4 and SPRY4-IT1 may act as oncogenes in TGCTs via activation of the PI3K / Akt signalling pathway.
Evolution of the Quorum network and the mobilome (plasmids and bacteriophages) in clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii during a decade
Authors: López M. , Rueda A. , Florido J. P. , Blasco L. , Fernández-García L. , Trastoy R. , Fernández-Cuenca F. , Martínez-Martínez L. , Vila J. , Pascual A. , Bou G. , Tomas M.
Published: January 2018

In this study, we compared eighteen clinical strains of A. baumannii belonging to the ST-2 clone and isolated from patients in the same intensive care unit (ICU) in 2000 (9 strains referred to collectively as Ab_GEIH-2000) and 2010 (9 strains referred to collectively as Ab_GEIH-2010), during the GEIH-REIPI project (Umbrella BioProject PRJNA422585). We observed two main molecular differences between the Ab_GEIH-2010 and the Ab_GEIH-2000 collections, acquired over the course of the decade long sampling interval and involving the mobilome: i) a plasmid harbouring genes for blaOXA 24/40 ß-lactamase and abKA/abkB proteins of a toxin-antitoxin system; and ii) two temperate bacteriophages, Ab105-1ϕ (63 proteins) and Ab105-2ϕ (93 proteins), containing important viral defence proteins. Moreover, all Ab_GEIH-2010 strains contained a Quorum functional network of Quorum Sensing (QS) and Quorum Quenching (QQ) mechanisms, including a new QQ enzyme, AidA, which acts as a bacterial defence mechanism against the exogenous 3-oxo-C12-HSL. Interestingly, the infective capacity of the bacteriophages isolated in this study (Ab105-1ϕ and Ab105-2ϕ) was higher in the Ab_GEIH-2010 strains (carrying a functional Quorum network) than in the Ab_GEIH-2000 strains (carrying a deficient Quorum network), in which the bacteriophages showed little or no infectivity. This is the first study about the evolution of the Quorum network and the mobilome in clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii during a decade.
Virtual acoustics in inhomogeneous media with single-sided access
Authors: Wapenaar Kees , Brackenhoff Joeri , Thorbecke Jan , van der Neut Joost , Slob Evert , Verschuur Eric
Published: January 2018

A virtual acoustic source inside a medium can be created by emitting a time-reversed point-source response from the enclosing boundary into the medium. However, in many practical situations the medium can be accessed from one side only. In those cases the time-reversal approach is not exact. Here, we demonstrate the experimental design and use of complex focusing functions to create virtual acoustic sources and virtual receivers inside an inhomogeneous medium with single-sided access. The retrieved virtual acoustic responses between those sources and receivers mimic the complex propagation and multiple scattering paths of waves that would be ignited by physical sources and recorded by physical receivers inside the medium. The possibility to predict complex virtual acoustic responses between any two points inside an inhomogeneous medium, without needing a detailed model of the medium, has large potential for holographic imaging and monitoring of objects with single-sided access, ranging from photoacoustic medical imaging to the monitoring of induced-earthquake waves all the way from the source to the earth’s surface.
Impact of mid-season sulphur deficiency on wheat nitrogen metabolism and biosynthesis of grain protein
Authors: Yu Zitong , Juhasz Angela , Islam Shahidul , Diepeveen Dean , Zhang Jingjuan , Wang Penghao , Ma Wujun
Published: January 2018

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) quality is mainly determined by grain storage protein compositions. Sulphur availability is essential for the biosynthesis of the main wheat storage proteins. In this study, the impact of different sulphur fertilizer regimes on a range of agronomically important traits and associated gene networks was studied. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to analyse the protein compositions of grains grown under four different sulphur treatments. Results revealed that sulphur supplementation had a significant effect on grain yield, harvest index, and storage protein compositions. Consequently, two comparative sulphur fertilizer treatments (0 and 30 kg ha−1 sulphur, with 50 kg ha−1 nitrogen) at seven days post-anthesis were selected for a transcriptomics analysis to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the regulation of sulphur metabolic pathways. The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium chromosome survey sequence was used as reference. Higher sulphur supply led to one up-regulated DEG and sixty-three down-regulated DEGs. Gene ontology enrichment showed that four down-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in nitrogen metabolic pathway related annotation, three of which were annotated as glutamine synthetase. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment identified three significantly enriched pathways involved in nitrogen and amino acid metabolism.
Spheroid-cultured human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Sun Yi , Wang Yang , Zhou Liang , Zou Yizhou , Huang Gengwen , Gao Ge , Ting Shi , Lei Xiong , Ding Xiang
Published: January 2018

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising treatment for ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). However, its effects on hepatic IRI were not consistent in the previous studies. 3D spheroid-cultured MSCs enhance their production of trophic and anti-inflammatory properties, but their effects on hepatic IRI remain unclear. In this study, we compared the 3D spheroid-cultured human umbilical derived MSCs (3D UC-MSCs) with 2D-cultured UC-MSCs (2D UC-MSCs) on treating hepatic IRI. The RNA sequencing data showed that suppression of cell mitosis, response to hypoxia, inflammation, and angiogenesis were the top genetic changes in 3D UC-MSCs compared with 2D UC-MSCs. Although both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes were upregulated in the 3D UC-MSCs, the mRNA and protein of an RNase (ZC3H12A), which turnovers the mRNA of pro-inflammatory genes at the post-transcript level, were significantly upregulated in 3D UC-MSCs. 3D UC-MSCs reduced the secretion of many chemokines and growth factors, but increased the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor. Compared with the vehicle and 2D UC-MSCs, 3D UC-MSCs significantly reduced hepatic IRI in rats, based on the plasma aminotransferase levels, liver damage scores, neutrophil infiltration, hepatocyte apoptosis and expression of inflammation-associated genes. These findings suggest that 3D UC-MSCs therapy is a promising treatment for hepatic IRI.
Cathodic electrochemical activation of Co3O4 nanoarrays: a smart strategy to significantly boost the hydrogen evolution activity
Authors: Yang Li , Zhou Huang , Qin Xin , Guo Xiaodong , Cui Guanwei , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: January 2018

The room-temperature cathodic polarization of Co3O4 leads to an ultrathin amorphous Co–P shell as an active layer. Such a Co–P@Co3O4 hybrid nanoarray needs an overpotential of 73 mV to drive a geometrical catalytic current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Ab initiokinetic Monte Carlo simulation of seeded emulsion polymerizations of styrene
Authors: Drache Marco , Brandl Katrin , Reinhardt Rebecca , Beuermann Sabine
Published: January 2018

A kinetic Monte Carlo model for emulsion polymerizations based on elemental reactions and radical transfer into particles is introduced.
Computational identification of the binding mechanism of a triple reuptake inhibitor amitifadine for the treatment of major depressive disorder
Authors: Xue Weiwei , Wang Panpan , Tu Gao , Yang Fengyuan , Zheng Guoxun , Li Xiaofeng , Li Xiaoxu , Chen Yuzong , Yao Xiaojun , Zhu Feng
Published: January 2018

A shared binding mode involving eleven key residues at the S1 site of MATs for the binding of amitifadine is identified.
The first highly selective turn “ON” fluorescent sensor for vanadyl (VO2+) ions: DFT studies and molecular logic gate behavior
Authors: Varadaraju Chitra , Tamilselvan G. , Enoch I. V. Muthu Vijayan , Srinivasadesikan V. , Lee Shyi-Long , Selvakumar P. Mosae
Published: January 2018

We report the first antipyrine-derived fluorescent chemosensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of vanadyl ions by an inhibited PET mechanism, with DFT studies.
Template removal from mesoporous silicas using different methods as a tool for adjusting their properties
Authors: Barczak Mariusz
Published: January 2018

Use of three detemplation schemes (calcination, extraction and H2O2 treatment) led to materials with different structures and surface chemistry (content of silanol groups), which affected their adsorption performance towards l-histidine.
In situ grown Co3O4/Co(OH)2 hybrids as efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation
Authors: Du Xiaoqiang , Pan Hailong , Yang Zhi
Published: January 2018

A novel heterogeneous Co3O4/Co(OH)2 hybrid is prepared using a controllable facile one-pot hydrothermal reaction. The as-obtained hierarchical Co3O4/Co(OH)2 hybrids can serve as highly efficient electrocatalytic water oxidation catalysts for alkaline electrolytes.
New highly hydrated cellulose microfibrils with a tendril helical morphology extracted from agro-waste material: application to removal of dyes from waste water
Authors: El Achaby M. , Fayoud N. , Figueroa-Espinoza M. C. , Ben youcef H. , Aboulkas A.
Published: January 2018

Cocoa bean shells are a by-product of the cocoa bean processing industry. Highly hydrated cellulose microfibrils with special morphology were obtained from this by-product and used as adsorbent material for waste water treatment.
Highly dispersed Pd on macroporous SmMn2O5 mullite for low temperature oxidation of CO and C3H8
Authors: Zhu Yuning , Du Chun , Feng Zijian , Chen Yongjie , Li Hang , Chen Rong , Shen Meiqing , Shan Bin
Published: January 2018

Pd-modified SMO mullite catalysts were synthesized and found to have excellent catalytic activity for CO and C3H8 oxidation. The remarkable oxidation activity was attributed to the high Pd dispersion.
Correlating supercritical fluid extraction parameters with volatile compounds from Finnish wild mushrooms (Craterellus tubaeformis) and yield prediction by partial least squares regression analysis
Authors: Chen Xiao , Huynh Nghia , Cui Heping , Zhou Peng , Zhang Xiaoming , Yang Baoru
Published: January 2018

Prediction models of ten extracted volatile compounds were established and accurately validated by PLSR.
Sulfur encapsulated in thermally reduced graphite oxide as a cathode for Li–S batteries
Authors: Xu Xinbo , Ruan Jiafeng , Pang Yuepeng , Yuan Tao , Zheng Shiyou
Published: January 2018

Reduced graphite oxide materials with different oxidation degree were investigated as the matrix to load sulfur by an in situ thermal-reduction and intercalation strategy. The C/S composite cathode exhibits a superior electrochemical properties.
The synthesis of a Bi2MoO6/Bi4V2O11heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ri Chol-Nam , Kim Song-Gol , Ju Kyong-Sik , Ryo Hyok-Su , Mun Chol-Ho , Kim U-Hyon
Published: January 2018

A Bi2MoO6/Bi4V2O11heterojunction exhibits remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity for MB degradation and Cr(vi) reduction under visible-light illumination compared to its pristine samples.
Promising bactericidal approach of dihydrazone analogues against bio-film forming Gram-negative bacteria and molecular mechanistic studies
Authors: Rakesh K. P. , Vivek H. K. , Manukumar H. M. , Shantharam C. S. , Bukhari S. N. A. , Qin Hua-Li , Sridhara M. B.
Published: January 2018

Gram-negative members of the ESCAPE family are more difficult to treat, due to the presence of an additional barrier in the form of a lipopolysaccharide layer and the efficiency of efflux pumps to pump out the drugs from the cytoplasm.
Cation–π interactions in protein–ligand binding: theory and data-mining reveal different roles for lysine and arginine
Authors: Kumar Kiran , Woo Shin M. , Siu Thomas , Cortopassi Wilian A. , Duarte Fernanda , Paton Robert S.
Published: January 2018

The interactions of neutral aromatic ligands with cationic arginine, histidine and lysine amino acid residues have been studied with ab initio calculations, symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT), and a systematic meta-analysis of X-ray structures.
Valence, loop formation and universality in self-assembling patchy particles
Authors: Audus Debra J. , Starr Francis W. , Douglas Jack F.
Published: January 2018

The role of patchy valance and loops on the universal nature of cluster formation in patchy particles is explored.
Extracting maximum capacity from Ni-rich Li[Ni0.95Co0.025Mn0.025]O2cathodes for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yoon Chong S. , Ryu Hoon-Hee , Park Geon-Tae , Kim Jae-Hyung , Kim Kwang-Ho , Sun Yang-Kook
Published: January 2018

Capacity degradation of highly Ni-enriched NCM cathodes is aggravated by the formation of the H3 phase in the delithiated state.
Near infrared photothermal-responsive poly(vinyl alcohol)/black phosphorus composite hydrogels with excellent on-demand drug release capacity
Authors: Yang Guanghui , Wan Xuejuan , Gu Zhipeng , Zeng Xierong , Tang Jiaoning
Published: January 2018

Novel PVA/pBP hydrogels with highly effective NIR-responsive drug release performance, robust mechanical properties and good biocompatibility were prepared.
A photosensitizer loaded hemoglobin–polymer conjugate as a nanocarrier for enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Xu Xin , Cui Yuecheng , Bu Huixuan , Chen Jiaming , Li Yang , Tang Guping , Wang Li-Qun
Published: January 2018

A hemoglobin–polymer conjugate (HbTcMs) with oxygen supply was applied to generate more singlet oxygen for enhanced photodynamic therapy.
Size-controlled, colloidally stable and functional nanoparticles based on the molecular assembly of green tea polyphenols and keratins for cancer therapy
Authors: Yi Zeng , Sun Zhe , Chen Guangcan , Zhang Huaiying , Ma Xiaomin , Su Wen , Cui Xinxing , Li Xudong
Published: January 2018

Molecular assembly of green tea polyphenols and keratins into size-controlled, colloidally stable and functional nanoparticles for enhanced cancer therapy was achieved.
4,5-Diazafluorene co-oligomers as electron-deficient light-emitting materials and selective fluorescence sensors for mercury(ii) cations
Authors: Ghosh Sanjay , Alghunaim Abdulaziz S. , Al-mashhadani Mohammed H. , Krompiec Michal P. , Hallett Megan , Perepichka Igor F.
Published: January 2018

4,5-Diazafluorene co-oligomers combine improved electron affinity with strong fluorescence and can be used as electron transporting and light-emitting materials, as well as fluorescent sensors for Hg2+ cations.
An efficient synthetic strategy for uniform perovskite core–shell nanocubes NaMgF3:Mn2+,Yb3+@NaMgF3:Yb3+ with enhanced near infrared upconversion luminescence
Authors: Ding S. , Yang X. F. , Song E. H. , Liang C. L. , Zhou B. , Wu M. M. , Zhou W. Z. , Zhang Q. Y.
Published: January 2018

Uniform perovskite core–shell nanocubes NaMn1−xMgxF3@NaMgF3 and NaMn1−xMgxF3:Yb3+@NaMgF3:Yb3+ have been successfully synthesized via a facile one-pot co-precipitation method at room temperature.
A simple “mix-and-detection” method for the sensitive detection of telomerase from cancer cells under absolutely isothermal conditions
Authors: Ma Fei , Wei Shu-hua , Leng Junhong , Tang Bo , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: January 2018

We develop a simple “mix-and-detection” method for the sensitive detection of telomerase from cancer cells under absolutely isothermal conditions.
UV absorption of Criegee intermediates: quantitative cross sections from high-level ab initio theory
Authors: Sršeň Š. , Hollas D. , Slavíček P.
Published: January 2018

Criegee Intermediates (CIs) are important intermediates in atmospheric and combustion chemistry. We quantitatively model their UV absorption spectra using ab initio techniques.
An on-chip hybrid plasmonic light steering concentrator with ∼96% coupling efficiency
Authors: Zhang Tian , Wang Maoning , Yang Yong , Fan Fei , Lee Takhee , Liu Haitao , Xiang Dong
Published: January 2018

TE-polarized light was used to excite on-chip surface plasmon polaritons to achieve both steering and nanofocusing function.
Michellamines A6 and A7, and further mono- and dimeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids from a Congolese Ancistrocladus liana and their antiausterity activities against pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Lombe Blaise Kimbadi , Feineis Doris , Mudogo Virima , Brun Reto , Awale Suresh , Bringmann Gerhard
Published: January 2018

The first dimers of 5,8′-coupled naphthylisoquinolines with two 1,3-cis-configured tetrahydroisoquinoline portions and their cytotoxicities against cancer cells are described.
Nonlocal heat flux effects on temperature evolution of the solar atmosphere
Authors: Silva S. S. A. , Santos J. C. , Büchner J. , Alves M. V.
Published: January 2018

Context. Heat flux is one of the main energy transport mechanisms in the weakly collisional plasma of the solar corona. There, rare binary collisions let hot electrons travel over long distances and influence other regions along magnetic field lines. Thus, the fully collisional heat flux models might not describe transport well enough since they consider only the local contribution of electrons. The heat flux in weakly collisional plasmas at high temperatures with large mean free paths has to consider the nonlocality of the energy transport in the frame of nonlocal models in order to treat energy balance in the solar atmosphere properly.

Aims. We investigate the impact of nonlocal heat flux on the thermal evolution and dynamics of the solar atmosphere by implementing a nonlocal heat flux model in a 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the solar corona.

Methods. We simulate the evolution of solar coronal plasma and magnetic fields considering both a local collision dominated and a nonlocal heat flux model. The initial magnetic field is obtained by a potential extrapolation of the observed line-of-sight magnetic field of AR11226. The system is perturbed by moving the plasma at the photosphere. We compared the simulated evolution of the solar atmosphere in its dependence on the heat flux model.

Results. The main differences for the average temperature profiles were found in the upper chromosphere/transition region. In the nonlocal heat transport model case, thermal energy is transported more efficiently to the upper chromosphere and lower transition region and leads to an earlier heating of the lower atmosphere. As a consequence, the structure of the solar atmosphere is affected with the nonlocal simulations producing on average a smoother temperature profile and the transition region placed about 500 km higher. Using a nonlocal heat flux also leads to two times higher temperatures in some of the regions in the lower corona.

Conclusions. The results of our 3D MHD simulations considering nonlocal heat transport supports the previous results of simpler 1D two-fluid simulations. They demonstrated that it is important to consider a nonlocal formulation for the heat flux when there is a strong energy deposit, like the one observed during flares, in the solar corona.
Monitoring of the stability of underground workings in Polish copper mines conditions
Authors: Fuławka Krzysztof , Mertuszka Piotr , Pytel Witold
Published: January 2018

One of the problems associated with the excavation of deposit in underground mines is the local disturbance in a state of unstable equilibrium results in the sudden release of energy, mainly in the form of roof falls. The scale and intensity of this type of events depends on a number of factors. To minimize the risk of instability occurrence, continuous observations of the roof strata condition are recommended. Different roof strata observation methods used in the Polish copper mines have been analysed within the framework of presented paper. In addition, selected prospective methods, which could significantly increase efficiency of rock fall prevention are presented.
Method of operator safety assessment for underground mobile mining equipment
Authors: Działak Paulina , Karliński Jacek , Rusiński Eugeniusz
Published: January 2018

The paper presents a method of assessing the safety of operators of mobile mining equipment (MME), which is adapted to current and future geological and mining conditions. The authors focused on underground mines, with special consideration of copper mines (KGHM). As extraction reaches into deeper layers of the deposit it can activate natural hazards, which, thus far, have been considered unusual and whose range and intensity are different depending on the field of operation. One of the main hazards that affect work safety and can become the main barrier in the exploitation of deposits at greater depths is climate threat. The authors have analysed the phenomena which may impact the safety of MME operators, with consideration of accidents that have not yet been studied and are not covered by the current safety standards for this group of miners. An attempt was made to develop a method for assessing the safety of MME operators, which takes into account the mentioned natural hazards and which is adapted to current and future environmental conditions in underground mines.
Use of IT platform in determination of efficiency of mining machines
Authors: Brodny Jarosław , Tutak Magdalena
Published: January 2018

Determination of effective use of mining devices has very significant meaning for mining enterprises. High costs of their purchase and tenancy cause that these enterprises tend to the best use of possessed technical potential. However, specifics of mining production causes that this process not always proceeds without interferences. Practical experiences show that determination of objective measure of utilization of machine in mining enterprise is not simple. In the paper a proposition for solution of this problem is presented. For this purpose an IT platform and overall efficiency model OEE were used. This model enables to evaluate the machine in a range of its availability performance and quality of product, and constitutes a quantitative tool of TPM strategy. Adapted to the specificity of mining branch the OEE model together with acquired data from industrial automatic system enabled to determine the partial indicators and overall efficiency of tested machines. Studies were performed for a set of machines directly use in coal exploitation process. They were: longwall-shearer and armoured face conveyor, and beam stage loader. Obtained results clearly indicate that degree of use of machines by mining enterprises are unsatisfactory. Use of IT platforms will significantly facilitate the process of registration, archiving and analytical processing of the acquired data. In the paper there is presented methodology of determination of partial indices and total OEE together with a practical example of its application for investigated machines set. Also IT platform was characterized for its construction, function and application.
Petrophysical parameters of the porous space of the “tight” type sandstones of the Skole Unit - Preliminary analysis
Authors: Maruta Michał , Kułynycz Vitalij
Published: January 2018

The scientific goal of the paper is the physical characteristics of pore space of the Inocereamian Sandstones located in the Skole Unit as a part of the Outer Carpathians – The Carpathian Flysch. Rock samples were tested using mercury porosimeter. Using this method, cumulative curves of effective porosity were obtained, as well as the pore geometry distribution and pore surface area distribution. geometry and distribution. In the article the authors determine the physical parameters of the pore space for 30 samples, such as porosity, permeability, size and distribution of pore diameter, specific surface area and geometry of a pore space. Preliminary analysis of rock samples is to answer the question of the existence of sandstones capable of forming "tight" type deposits of natural gas and determining their reservoir parameters.
Front of the Werenskiold Glacier (Svalbard) – changes in years 1957–2013
Authors: Ciężkowski Wojciech , Głowacki Tadeusz , Grudzińska Katarzyna K. , Kasza Damian , Zagożdżon Paweł P.
Published: January 2018

Werenskiold Glacier in the Isle of Spitsbergen is one of the polygons on which evaluation of the rate of glacier recession is performed. Location of the glacier front is precisely presented in the specialist literature since the mid. 30. of 20th century. Article presents results of studies about changes in the position of Werenskiold Glacier based on selected archival data and own research conducted in 2012-2013. The initial location of the glacier front was described by the topographical map in the scale 1:5000 elaborated in the year 1961 on the basis of data from the years 1957-1959 by the Polish Army Topographic Service. Moreover, as comparative data on location of glacier front in the later years there were applied results of photogrammetrical images from the year 1973 and a orthophotomap from 1990. These data together with the author's GPS measurements were transformed into the uniform coordinate system. Thus, prepared data made it possible to evaluate the rate of recession of Werenskiold Glacier front in the three epochs from the years 1957-2013. It was found that during the 56 years the glacier front was moved by ca. 1200 m, which gives the mean recession value of 25 m/year as well as the mean yearly loss of the glacier surface of the order of 5 ha.
Factors influencing tropical Island freshwater fishes: species, status, threats and conservation in Hainan Island
Authors: Xiong Wen , Wang Qiang , Xie Dong , Fletcher David H , He Dekui
Published: January 2018

Hainan Island is located within the Indo-Burma global biodiversity hotspot, however, the freshwater fish fauna on this island is poorly understood. Based on field investigations and literature review, we compiled a list of 154 freshwater fish species (138 native and 16 non-native) belonging to 10 orders, 31 families and 104 genera found on Hainan Island. Of these, 31 species are endemic to China. The native freshwater fish fauna in Hainan Island is affiliated to South China sub-region of the Oriental Region. Current knowledge suggests that overexploitation, water pollution, flow modification, habitat degradation, and non-native species have severely reduced the freshwater fish biodiversity in Hainan Island. To protect freshwater fish biodiversity and fisheries in Hainan Island, some new measures should be adopted and current measures better enforced. This study constitutes an important resource for conservation management of freshwater fishes in Hainan Island.
Chemical variability of water and sediment over time and along a mountain river subjected to natural and human impact
Authors: Szarek-Gwiazda Ewa , Mazurkiewicz-Boroń Grażyna , Gwiazda Robert , Urban Jan
Published: January 2018

We studied the variability of physico-chemical parameters in water, and heavy metal contents in water and sediment over time and along the Carpathian Biała Tarnowska River (southern Poland) and related them to catchment geology, human impact and the effect of barriers as a side aspect. The river water was well oxygenated, had pH 7.7–9.5 and was characterised by low and average flow. Temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen did not change significantly, while the contents of major ions, NO3−, NH4+, Mn and Fe increased gradually along the river. The major ion contents were negatively, and nitrate, Mn, and Fe positively, correlated with the flow. We recognise correlations between nitrate, Fe and Mn to be good indicators of soil erosion processes in the catchment. River sediment was unpolluted by most of the studied metals (slightly polluted by Ni and Cd). The differences in the values of some parameters (pH and NH4+, PO43−, HCO3−, Mn, Cd and Pb concentrations) in the water, and heavy metals in the sediment upstream and downstream of some of the barriers were determined. Spatiotemporal changes in the values of studied parameters and the results of statistical calculation indicate the impact of human activity in the catchment basin (land use, wastewater) on the water chemistry.
Mettre la cellule au coeur de la recherche contre le cancer
Authors: Goud Bruno , Louvard Daniel
Published: January 2018

Les altérations génétiques et très probablement épigénétiques survenant pendant la progression tumorale et le processus métastatique conduisent à une dérégulation générale des grandes fonctions cellulaires. Mais les mécanismes moléculaires mis en jeu restent mal compris. Pour les appréhender, la cellule, unité de base du vivant, reste plus que jamais le niveau essentiel permettant d’intégrer l’impact fonctionnel des processus génétiques et épigénétiques à la lumière de l’économie globale de la cellule normale et cancéreuse, et de ses interactions avec son microenvironnement
Évolution, déterminants et régulation des dépenses de médicaments en France
Authors: Le Galès Catherine
Published: January 2018

Selon l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (OCDE), les dépenses de médicaments représentent environ 20 % de l’ensemble des dépenses de santé des pays à haut revenu. L’augmentation de ces dépenses que l’on observe dans tous ces pays sur une longue période, tient à la conjonction du vieillissement des populations, des changements de pratiques médicales et de la dynamique du marché pharmaceutique, en particulier, du marché hospitalier. La France ne fait pas exception. Sa consommation de médicaments (qui représentait 17,5 % des dépenses de santé en 2014), historiquement supérieure en volume, a pourtant crû moins vite au cours de la dernière décennie que dans les autres pays de l’OCDE. Toutefois, l’adoption particulièrement rapide et large des innovations pharmaceutiques, qui a toujours caractérisé la France, a eu, ces dernières années, un effet très significatif sur l’envolée des dépenses couvertes par le système de protection sociale (plus 1,1 milliards en 2014, une année marquée par l’arrivée des nouvelles thérapeutiques contre l’hépatite C). Cet effet significatif devrait perdurer, avec la mise sur le marché de nouvelles thérapeutiques très coûteuses, en particulier en oncologie.
State officials and illicit asset-grabbing: The Roman approach
Authors: Apsitis A. , Joksts J.
Published: January 2018

The article reflects author’s findings regarding the regulation found in Roman legal sources, which is directed against corruptive activities of persons in public state positions, in particular in relation to unlawful seizure of assets belonging to citizens. Legal mechanisms are examined in relation to cases of force (vis-Latin) and fear (metus-Latin) application. The Code of Justinian (Codex Iustinianus) and The Digest (Digesta) contained regulation in relation to interpretation and application of The Julian Law on Extortion (Lex Iulia repetundarum, 59 B.C.) in cases of all types of extortion and bribery with the involvement of public office administering persons, including judges and arbitrators, are examined.
Physiotherapy following cardiac surgery: Program comparison
Authors: Pulmane D. , Vetra A. , Lacis R. , Driba D.
Published: January 2018

The objective is to examine and compare the usability of two physiotherapy programmes, analyzing respiratory function in patients before and after cardiac surgery in hospital during seven postoperative days (POD).

Quantitative randomized prospective study of 157 patients before and after the valve replacement surgery, coronary artery bypass graft and combined surgeries, who moved independently. Participants were randomized into two groups (1 and 2) with different physiotherapy programmes. The routine physiotherapy of breath-enhancing techniques, micro-circulation improvement were used for the first group, for the second group - modified physiotherapy – the improvement of inspiration muscles, mm. quadriceps. gluteus max strength. Anthropometric measurements were defined for both groups on the day before surgery and during spirography - dynamic indicators - forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the 2nd second (FEV1), Tiffeneau index (FEV1 / VC (%)), peak expiratory flow (PEF), operation parameters.

By comparing the postoperative respiratory parameters between the two groups and using independent samples t test, it was found out that the difference in FVC between groups is 1.71 [95% CI: −8.25 to 4.8] and it is not statistically significant (t (155) = −0.52; p = 0.60). Based on the Leuven test results FVC the distribution variance is not statistically notably different for group 1 and group 2 (F = 0.27, p=0.60).

Using routine and modified physiotherapy and comparing postoperative dynamic respiratory performance of the two groups, there was no statistically significant difference, proving that the two models are equally effective.
Perception of ethical issues by students of health professions
Authors: Kralova A. , Littva V. , Fliegova K.
Published: January 2018

In recent years in education in health professions in Slovakia big changes have taken place. New insights regarding approximation to the European education system and contextual understanding of health professionals and patients encourage need of change in approaches. The transition from deep-rooted paternalism to individual responsibility of the patients created a gap which was needed to fulfil in education. In our research we analyzed using ANOVA statistics with p<0.01 a non-standardized questionnaire looking what impact had study of ethical issues on their approach to marginalization, labelling, empathy and holistic approach. Significant difference between both groups of students (125 students at the beginning of the study and 119 students at the end of the study) has been shown related to the study of professional ethics on one side and approach to marginalization, labelling, empathy and holistic approach at other side.
Parenting in low-income families from the perspective of social work
Authors: Banovcinova A. , Mydlikova E. , Vodicková M.
Published: January 2018

The family is the primary socializing factor. Its mission is to create a stable and safe environment for the child and for his comprehensive development. The role of parents is to give to a child the values and norms accepted in the society, which is a prerequisite for successful integration of a child into society. That is why the upbringing function of the family is regarded as one of the main. This feature is, however, influenced by many factors.

The goal of the study was to find how poverty affects parenting. For the data collection was used questionnaire Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ), which measures parenthood through five dimensions (1) positive involvement with children, (2) Supervision and monitoring, (3) use of positive discipline techniques, (4) consistency in Theus of discipline chniques, (5) use of corporal punishment. The sample was divided into two groups, with the first group consisted of 188 parents living in poverty The reference group consisted of parents living in households with income standard (N−188).Analysis of the results showed differences between parents living in poverty and between parents with a standard rate of income especially in monitoring and supervision, and also in the use of positive disciplinary techniques. On the contrary, there were no significant differences in cooperation between the parents or the use of corporal punishment. Based on the results it is clear that poverty is one of the factors affecting parenting. Therefore, social worker who works with low-income families should focus attention on this area of family functioning.
Review of the Savonius rotor's blade profile and its performance
Authors: Chen Liu , Chen Jian , Zhang Zhouzhou
Published: January 2018

The utilization of urban wind energy through small wind turbines has become an arising technology to ease the conflicts between rising energy demands in buildings and depletion of traditional energy resources. Many studies have reported that drag type vertical axis wind turbines have superior performance in the unsteady wind because of their attractive features. Several review studies have been conducted on these turbines. They mainly focused on the geometrical design parameters, the flow patterns, the research methodology, and the wind tunnel blockage correction. However, less research has been conducted to classify the Savonius rotor based on the classification criterion of the blade profile and has made a comprehensive performance comparison between different types of Savonius rotors. The blade profile is the essential design issue for a Savonius rotor; therefore, the variation of the blade profile will change the design parameters and affect the rotor's performance significantly. So, the classification based on the blade profile can not only present the effect of key design parameters on rotor's performance for each blade profile easily but also obtain the functional features of different profiles and the comparison among different profiles. Hence, in this article, we aim to summarize the classification of Savonius wind turbines according to the blade profile and present the development of this promising low speed generator.
Grating-patterned FeCo coated surface acoustic wave device for sensing magnetic field
Authors: Wang Wen , Jia Yana , Xue Xufeng , Liang Yong , Du Zhaofu
Published: January 2018

This study addresses the theoretical and experimental investigations of grating-patterned magnetostrictive FeCo coated surface acoustic wave (SAW) device for sensing magnetic field. The proposed sensor is composed of a configuration of differential dual-delay-line oscillators, and a magnetostrictive FeCo grating array deposited along the SAW propagation path of the sensing device, which suppresses effectively the hysteresis effect by releasing the internal binding force in FeCo. The magnetostrictive strain and ΔE effect from the FeCo coating modulates the SAW propagation characteristic, and the corresponding shift in differential oscillation frequency was utilized to evaluate the measurant. A theoretical model is performed to investigate the wave propagation in layered structure of FeCo/LiNbO3 in the effect of magnetostrictive, and allowing determining the optimal structure. The experimental results indicate that higher sensitivity, excellent linearity, and lower hysteresis error over the typical FeCo thin-film coated sensor were achieved from the grating-patterned FeCo coated sensor successfully.
A review of methods used to capture and restrain introduced wild deer in Australia
Authors: Hampton Jordan O. , Finch Neal A. , Watter Kurt , Amos Matthew , Pople Tony , Moriarty Andrew , Jacotine Andrew , Panther Daryl , McGhie Clark , Davies Chris , Mitchell Jim , Forsyth David M.
Published: January 2018

Six non-native deer species have established wild populations in Australia, and most are expanding in distribution and abundance. There is therefore increasing focus on the need to understand and manage these species. Capturing and immobilising wild deer is essential for many research and management applications, but the best methods for doing this have not been identified for the Australian situation. To address this knowledge gap, we systematically reviewed methods used to physically capture and chemically immobilise the six wild deer species in Australia. A variety of physical and chemical restraint methods have been used to capture wild deer in Australia, but these have seldom been reported in peer-reviewed publications. Physical capture methods have employed a variety of trapping and netting configurations. Some chemical immobilisation approaches have used oral baiting, but most have relied on darting of free-ranging animals or hand-injection of physically restrained deer. There is uncertainty about the efficacy and animal welfare impacts of the techniques currently used to capture wild deer in Australia. Improved reporting of capture outcomes would facilitate the identification of ‘best practice’ techniques for capturing wild deer in Australian environments.
Aqueous-phase photooxygenation of enes, amines, sulfides and polycyclic aromatics by singlet (a1Δg) oxygen: prediction of rate constants using orbital energies, substituent factors and quantitative structure–property relationships
Authors: Nolte Tom M. , Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M.
Published: January 2018

Environmental contextTo aid the transition to sustainable chemistry there is a need to improve the degradability of chemicals and limit the use of organic solvents. Singlet oxygen, 1O2, is involved in organic synthesis and photochemical degradation; however, information on its aqueous-phase reactivity is limited. We developed cheminformatics models for photooxidation rate constants that will enable accurate assessment of aquatic photochemistry without experimentation. AbstractTo aid the transition to sustainable and green chemistry there is a general need to improve the degradability of chemicals and limit the use of organic solvents. In this study we developed quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPRs) for aqueous-phase photochemical reactions by singlet (a1Δg) oxygen. The bimolecular singlet oxygen reaction rate constant can be reliably estimated (R2 = 0.73 for naphtalenes and anthracenes, R2 = 0.86 for enes and R2 = 0.88 for aromatic amines) using the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (EHOMO). Additional molecular descriptors were used to characterise electronic and steric factors influencing the rate constant for aromatic enes (R2 = 0.74), sulfides and thiols (R2 = 0.72) and aliphatic amines. Mechanistic principles (frontier molecular orbital, perturbation and transition state theories) were applied to interpret the QSPRs developed and to corroborate findings in the literature. Depending on resonance, the speciation state (through protonation and deprotonation) can heavily influence the oxidation rate constant, which was accurately predicted. The QSPRs can be applied in synthetic photochemistry and for estimating chemical fate from photolysis or advanced water treatment.
See the Movie, Read the Book! Cleveland Public Library's Bookmarks Programme, 1923–1972
Authors: Gracy Karen F.
Published: January 2018

In the early 1920s the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) in Ohio, USA, instituted an innovative programme to promote reading of quality fiction and nonfiction relating to current motion picture releases. In advance of Cleveland premieres of new films, CPL received promotional materials from the producers of the films to prepare bookmarks and exhibits that served the dual purpose of advertising the picture and drawing CPL patrons to library materials that related in some way to the films. Local movie theatre owners also sponsored the printing of bookmarks listing these related resources and helped to distribute them at their theatres and other public locations around the region. Through these ‘movie tie-ups’, the library hoped to guide Clevelanders to the best books and increase circulation. Lasting more than three decades, the programme was hugely influential on similar programmes established elsewhere and serves as a fascinating early example of private–public cooperation.
Mindsets May Matter in Nursing Education
Authors: Williams Cheryl A.
Published: January 2018

Nursing education needs innovative and effective teaching models that are easily conveyed and economical. Dweck's mindset model harnesses the predictive power of noncognitive factors such as motivation, perseverance, effort, and academic tenacity to shape the learner's perceptions of intelligence for competency development. All individuals possess perceptions of intelligence; however, the mindset model demonstrates the immense potential associated with endorsement of the growth mindset and student success.
Gender Differences in Academic Medicine: Retention, Rank, and Leadership Comparisons From the National Faculty Survey
Authors: Carr Phyllis L. , Raj Anita , Kaplan Samantha E. , Terrin Norma , Breeze Janis L. , Freund Karen M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Prior studies have found that women in academic medicine do not advance or remain in their careers in parity with men. The authors examined a cohort of faculty from the 1995 National Faculty Survey to identify predictors of advancement, retention, and leadership for women faculty.

Method

The authors followed 1,273 faculty at 24 medical schools in the continental United States for 17 years to identify predictors of advancement, retention, and leadership for women faculty. Schools were balanced for public or private status and the four Association of American Medical Colleges geographic regions. The authors used regression models to adjust for covariates: seniority, department, academic setting, and race/ethnicity.

Results

After adjusting for significant covariates, women were less likely than men to achieve the rank of professor (OR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.43–0.78) or to remain in academic careers (OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49–0.94). When number of refereed publications was added to the model, differences by gender in retention and attainment of senior rank were no longer significant. Male faculty were more likely to hold senior leadership positions after adjusting for publications (OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.35–0.69).

Conclusions

Gender disparities in rank, retention, and leadership remain across the career trajectories of the faculty cohort in this study. Women were less likely to attain senior-level positions than men, even after adjusting for publication-related productivity. Institutions must examine the climate for women to ensure their academic capital is fully utilized and equal opportunity exists for leadership.
Curricular Transformation: The Case Against Global Change
Authors: Borkan Jeffrey M. , George Paul , Tunkel Allan R.
Published: January 2018

In this Commentary, the authors make the case for medical schools to pursue more circumscribed solutions to curricular redesign for undergraduate medical education rather than whole system changes—at least as first steps and perhaps as ultimate solutions. Although they focus primarily on the experience at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University (AMS), they believe that the insights gleaned from their experiences are generalizable to other innovations and other medical schools. The authors describe the implementation of the Primary Care–Population Medicine track at AMS as a working example of implementing circumscribed rather than global change, and they discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such an approach to curriculum transformation.