bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subtraction CT angiography in head and neck with low radiation and contrast dose dual-energy spectral CT using rapid kV-switching technique
Authors: Ma Guangming , YU Yong , Duan Haifeng , Dou Yuequn , Jia Yongjun , Zhang Xirong , Yang Chuangbo , Chen Xiaoxia , Han Dong , Guo Changyi , He Taiping
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To investigate the application of low radiation and contrast dose spectral CT angiology using rapid kV-switching technique in the head and neck with subtraction method for bone removal.

Methods:

This prospective study was approved by the local ethics committee. 64 cases for head and neck CT angiology were randomly divided into Groups A (n = 32) and B (n = 32). Group A underwent unenhanced CT with 100 kVp, 200 mA and contrast-enhanced CT with spectral CT mode with body mass index-dependent low dose protocols. Group B used conventional helical scanning with 120 kVp, auto mA for noise index of 12 HU (Hounsfield unit) for both the unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT. Subtraction images were formed by subtracting the unenhanced images from enhanced images (with the 65 keV-enhanced spectral CT image in Group A). CT numbers and their standard deviations in aortic arch, carotid arteries, middle cerebral artery and air were measured in the subtraction images. The signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio for the common and internal carotid arteries and middle cerebral artery were calculated. Image quality in terms of bone removal effect was evaluated by two experienced radiologists independently and blindly using a 4-point system. Radiation dose and total iodine load were recorded. Measurements were statistically compared between the two groups.

Results:

The two groups had same demographic results. There was no difference in the CT number, signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratio values for carotid arteries and middle cerebral artery in the subtraction images between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the bone removal effect score [median (min-max)] in Group A [4 (3–4)] was rated better than in Group B [3 (2–4)] (p < 0.001), with excellent agreement between the two observers (κ > 0.80). The radiation dose in Group A (average of 2.64 mSv) was 57% lower than the 6.18 mSv in Group B (p < 0.001). The total iodine intake in Group A was 13.5g, 36% lower than the 21g in Group B.

Conclusion:

Spectral CT imaging with rapid kV-switching in the subtraction angiography in head and neck provides better bone removal with significantly reduced radiation and contrast dose compared with conventional subtraction method.

Advances in knowledge:

This novel method provides better bone removal with significant radiation and contrast dose reduction compared with the conventional subtraction CT, and maybe used clinically to protect the thyroid gland and ocular lenses from unnecessary high radiation.
Faca de dois gumes: desafios em políticas públicas de segurança
Authors: De Abreu Júlio Cesar Andrade , Gava Vanessa da Silva , Zampieri Vittorio Rangel Credidio
Published: February 2018

Este caso aborda os impasses vividos por um gestor da área de Segurança Pública do Rio de Janeiro, que busca, a partir da sua função e da sua parceria com diversos atores da sociedade civil, desenvolver melhorias na segurança pública. Tenta, a partir desses conflitos e impasses, demonstrar o quanto os processos de cooperação e jogo de interesses influenciam integralmente a construção e conclusão dos projetos sociais. Este caso é indicado para os cursos de graduação e pós-graduação na área de Administração Pública, do campo de Públicas e correlatos. Aplica-se para discussão em disciplinas de políticas públicas, políticas de segurança e desenvolvimento regional. Mobiliza conceitos de formação de agenda e tomada de decisão pública.
E agora? Sei onde estou, mas para onde vou? Dilemas de carreira
Authors: Dos Santos Gabriela Tavares , Da Silva Anielson Barbosa
Published: February 2018

Ester estava concluindo o curso de Administração quando foi admitida no mestrado acadêmico e, no mesmo período, foi convidada para assumir um cargo gerencial. Ela tem que decidir entre a oportunidade de gerenciar a empresa em que trabalha e o desafio e satisfação de cursar o mestrado e seguir uma desejada carreira docente. O presente caso foi desenvolvido para auxiliar estudantes de graduação em Administração a refletir sobre sua carreira profissional.
Get with the Program: Software-Driven Innovation in Traditional Manufacturing
Authors: Branstetter Lee G. , Drev Matej , Kwon Namho
Published: February 2018

This paper documents the increasing importance of software for successful innovation in manufacturing sectors well beyond the traditional definition of electronics and information technology. Using panel data for 229 publicly listed firms from 18 countries across four manufacturing industries over the period 1981–2005, we find significant variation across firms in the software intensity of their innovative activity. Firms that exhibit a higher level of software intensity generate more patents per R&D dollar, and their investment in R&D is more highly valued by equity markets.

Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2960 .

This paper was accepted by Anandhi Bharadwaj, information systems.
Hepatic encephalopathy: causes and health-related burden
Authors: Clayton Michelle
Published: February 2018

Patients with cirrhosis are at risk of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). While its pathogenesis is not fully understood, the circulation of increased levels of ammonia through the bloodstream to the brain is thought to be a key causative factor. The ammonia penetrates the blood-brain barrier, ultimately leading to cerebral oedema. This can result in cognitive impairments, which can exhibit in multiple ways, adversely affecting quality of life for both patients and their families. The need for hospitalisation and longer hospital stays associated with HE has cost implications for the health service. Treatment revolves around the reduction of ammonia levels in the bloodstream
Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Cystic Fibrosis in the Genomic Era
Authors: Wiencek Joesph R , Lo Stanley F
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex autosomal recessive disease that continues to present unique diagnostic challenges. Because CF was first described in 1938, there has been a substantial growth of genetic and phenotypic information about the disorder. During the past few years, as more evidence has become available, a consortium of international experts determined that the 2008 guidelines from the CF Foundation needed to be reviewed and updated.

CONTENT

The goal of this review is to highlight the latest advances in CF multidisciplinary care, together with the recent updates to the 2017 CF Foundation diagnostic guidelines.

Data from newborn screening programs, patient registries, clinical databases, and functional research have led to a better understanding of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Recent consensus guidelines have provided recommendations for clinicians and laboratorians to better assist with interpretation of disease status and related CF mutations. The highly recommended Clinical and Functional Translation of CFTR project should be the first resource in the evaluation of disease severity for CF mutations. Screen-positive newborns and patients with high clinical suspicion for CF are always recommended to undergo confirmatory sweat chloride testing with interpretations based on updated reference intervals. Every patient diagnosed with CF should receive genotyping, as novel molecular therapies are becoming standard of practice. The future of CF management must consider healthcare system disparities as CF transitions from a historically childhood disease to a predominantly adult epidemic.
KAJIAN KUALITAS HIDUP MASYARAKAT WADUK PLUIT PASCA RELOKASI DI RUSUNAWA MUARA BARU
Authors: Agyaputeri Bunga Kasih , Rahayu Sri
Published: February 2018

The role of Jakarta is the center of commerce and national government has implication on higher rates of in-migration that leads to increasing price of land and housing due to high demand. For people who can not afford a decent place to live forced to live in illegal settlements and slums, such as illustrated in the edge of Pluit reservoir. Therefore, the government implemented a program of normalization reservoir to reduce the risk of flooding in Jakarta. Here, the community of this neighbourhood were relocated to the flats (vertical housing) that had been prepared, one of which is located in the Muara Baru. This research contributes on the decision making related to the improvement of urban quality of life by considering a more comprehensive approach in assessing the impact of community relocation. The focus of this assessment is to see change in the quality of life of this community, including their environmental, economic, and social condition. The method used is mixed with a questionnaire to calculate the scores and interviews to clarify the results of the questionnaire and explore the maintenence applied in this area. In addition, a factor analysis was also conducted to determine the factors that influence the changes in quality of life. This research found that the relocation of residents from the edge Pluit reservoir for Muara Baru Rusunawa can improve the quality of life that previously in moderate to good levels.
PEMILIHAN LOKASI TERBAIK PENGEMBANGAN PROPERTI APARTEMEN DI PERKOTAAN CIBINONG RAYA KABUPATEN BOGOR
Authors: Amanullah Muhammad Saifuddin , Haryanto Ragil
Published: February 2018

As a part of Greater DKI Jakarta or known as Jabodetabek, Cibinong Raya offers alternatives for residence location. The statistic of population in Cibinong noted that its population has grown by 16.37% (BPS Bogor Regency, 2016) that has implication on the increase of residential dwelling demand. However, the amount of non-built area in the city is limited. So, land use optimazition strategy is significant to reach the optimum land-use value. The result of this study is expected to give different perpective of property development applied by the property developers in Indonesia. Hence, this research applied variables derived from the literature reviews and asked the property experts to analyse the variables. Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), it was revealed that there were four suitable alternative location named as Location A, Location B, Location C and Location D. Based on the experts perception through AHP method, the study showed that the highest optimum value was Location D (0.336) and followed by Location A (0.309), Location C (0.218) and Location B (0.139).
Circulating prolactin levels and Behcet's disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Song Gwan Gyu , Lee Young Ho
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to summarize the current evidence on the relationship between circulating prolactin levels and Behcet's disease (BD). We performed a meta-analysis comparing the serum/plasma prolactin levels in patients with BD with those of controls and performed a subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, disease activity, and sex. Ten articles with a total of 320 patients with BD and 259 controls were included. The prolactin levels were not significantly higher in the BD group than in the control group (SMD=0.208, 95% CI=-0.012–0.428, p=0.064). Stratification by ethnicity indicated no elevation in prolactin level in Turkish patients with BD (SMD=0.127, 95% CI=-0.111–0.366, p=0.295). Stratification by disease activity revealed no elevation in prolactin level in both the active and inactive BD groups compared with the control group (SMD=0.373, 95% CI=-0.095–0.841, p=0.119; SMD=0.055, 95% CI=-0.243–0.354, p=0.717). Stratification by sex revealed no elevation in prolactin level in both the female and male BD groups (SMD=0.031, 95% CI=-0.398–0.460, p=0.888; SMD=0.279, 95% CI=-1.411–1.969, p=0.746). The prolactin levels were not significantly elevated in patients with BD, regardless of the adjustments for age/sex, sample size, or data type evaluated. This meta-analysis of current evidence suggests that circulating prolactin levels may not be higher in patients with BD than in controls.
Molecular mechanisms underlying the participation of Ribonuclease T2 gene into self-incompatibility of Citrus grandis var. Shatianyu Hort
Authors: Qin Xin Min , Zhang Yu , Liu Yu Jie , Guo Dan Ni , Li Hui Min
Published: February 2018

The RIB (ribonuclease T2) of Citrus grandis var. Shatianyu Hort involved in self-incompatibility (SI) mechanism was identified by prokaryotic expression. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression level of RIB in self pollinated stigma is significantly higher than that in cross pollinated stigma. A vector for prokaryotic expression of RIB was constructed after codon-optimization, and the recombinant protein was induced and purified. In vitro pollen germination test indicated that the RIB protein markedly inhibited pollen germination and pollen tube growth. The result is helpful for better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the SI in C. grandis.
Long term treatment by mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium modulates cellular, molecular and behavioral aspects of adjuvant-induced arthritis
Authors: Nazemian Vida , Manaheji Homa , Sharifi Ali Mohammad , Zaringhalam Jalal
Published: February 2018

Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in expression of symptoms of numerous autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases such as pain during rheumatoid arthritis. Overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of intracellular signaling pathways have been strongly implicated in the generation of pathological pain states, particularly at central nervous system sites and induction of spinal neuroinflammatory symptoms. The wide ranges of research to define new therapeutic approaches, including neuroimmune-modulators like stem cells are in progress. Mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium (MSC-CM) has anti-inflammatory factors which can regulate the immune responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of administration of MSC-CM on behavioral, cellular and molecular aspects of adjuvant-induced arthritis in male Wistar rats. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis (AA) was caused by single subcutaneous injection of CFA into the rat's hind paw on day 0. MSC-CM was administered daily (i.p.) and during the 21 days of the study after injection. Hyperalgesia, Edema, Serum TNF-Î± levels and p38MAPK and NF-ÎºB activities were assessed on days 0,7,14 and 21 of the study. The results of this study indicated the role of MSC-CM in reducing inflammatory symptoms, serum TNF-Î± levels and activity of intracellular signaling pathway factors during different phases of inflammation caused by CFA. It seems that MSC-CM treatment due to its direct effects on inhibition of intracellular signaling pathways and pro-inflammatory cytokines can alleviate inflammatory symptoms and pain during CFA-induced arthritis.
Społeczna nieodpowiedzialność biznesu a niszczenie wizerunku przedsiębiorstwa
Authors: Gołata Krzysztof
Published: February 2018

W literaturze i dyskursie publicznym pojęcie społecznej nieodpowiedzialności biznesu pojawia się stosunkowo rzadko. Przedsiębiorstwa zdecydowanie częściej informują o pozytywnych aspektach swojej działalności pozabiznesowej (działaniach na rzecz pracowników, społeczności lokalnych, ochrony środowiska) niż o kwestiach pogarszających ich wizerunek i reputację w oczach opinii publicznej. Mówienie o negatywnych stronach działalności pozabiznesowej wydaje się jednak istotne, gdyż eliminowanie patologii (społecznej nieodpowiedzialności biznesu) zwiększa społeczne zaufanie do działań w ramach społecznej odpowiedzialności biznesu.
Propozycje aktualnych tematów dla dydaktyki przyszłych kadr menedżerskich w zakresie etyki biznesu
Authors: Sroka Robert
Published: February 2018

Celem artykułu jest próba wyboru istotnych i aktualnych zagadnień, jakie powinny znaleźć się w programie nauczania przyszłych menedżerów. Lista zaproponowanych tematów wynika z dwóch źródeł: 1) analizy zjawisk biznesowych prowadzonych w nurcie zarządzania humanistycznego – w artykule uwaga została skupiona na poglądach Marthy C. Nussbaum; 2) wniosków z uznanych międzynarodowych badań w zakresie etyki biznesu na poziomie rozwiązań organizacyjnych.
Investigating the Effect of Glass Ion Release on the Cytocompatibility, Antibacterial Eflcacy and Antioxidant Activity of Y2O3 / CeO2 doped SiO2-SrO-Na2O glasses
Authors: Placek L. M. , Keenan T. J. , Coughlan A. , Wren A. W.
Published: February 2018

The effect on ion release and cytocompatibility of Yttrium (Y) and Cerium (Ce) are investigated when substituted for Sodium (Na) in a 0.52SiO2-0.24SrO-0.24-Na2OMOglass series (where MO= Y2O3or CeO2). Glass leaching was evaluated through pH measurements and Inductive Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysiswhere the extract pH increased during incubation (11.2 - 12.5). Ion release of Silicon (Si), Na and Strontium (Sr) from the Con glass was at higher than that of glasses containing Y or Ce, and reached a limit after 1 day. Ion release from Y and Ce containing glasses reached a maximum of 1800 μg/mL, 1800 μg/mL, and 10 μg/mL for Si, Na, and Sr, respectively. Release of Y and Cewas below the ICP- OES detection limit <0.1 μg/mL. Cell viability of both L929 fibroblasts and MC3T3 osteoblasts decreased for Con, LY, and LCe extracts; HY extracts did not significantly decrease cell viability while YCe and HCe saw concentrationdependent viability decrease (20%, 33% extract concentrations). Bacterial studies saw Con and LCe eliminating >75% of bacteria at a 9% extract concentration. Antioxidant capacity (mechanism for neuroprotection) was evaluated using the ABTS assay. All glasses had inherent radical oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capability with Con reaching 9.5 mMTE.
Quantification of anthropogenic metabolism using spatially differentiated continuous MFA
Authors: Schiller Georg , Gruhler Karin , Ortlepp Regine
Published: February 2018

Coefficient-based, bottom-up material flow analysis is a suitable tool to quantify inflows, outflows and stock dynamics of materials used by societies, and thus can deliver strategic knowledge needed to develop circular economy policies. Anthropogenic stocks and flows are mostly of bulk nonmetallic mineral materials related to the construction, operation and demolition of buildings and infrastructures. Consequently, it is important to be able to quantify circulating construction materials to help estimate the mass of secondary materials which can be recovered such as recycled aggregates (RA) for fresh concrete in new buildings. Yet as such bulk materials are high volume but of low unit value, they are generally produced and consumed within a region. Loops are thus bounded not only by qualitative and technical restrictions but also spatially to within regions. This paper presents a regionalized continuous MFA (C-MFA) approach taking account of these restrictions of local consumption, quality standards and technical limitations, illustrated using the example of Germany. Outflows and inflows of stocks are quantified at county level and generalized by regional type, considering demand and supply for recycled materials. Qualitative and technical potentials of recycling loops are operationalized by defining coefficients to reflect waste management technologies and engineering standards. Results show that 48% of outflows of concrete and bricks are suitable for high-quality recycling, while 52% of outflows do not fulfill the quality requirement and must be recovered or disposed of elsewhere. The achievable inflow to RA is limited by the building activity as well as the requirements of the construction industry, e.g. the RA fraction of fresh concrete must not exceed 32%. In addition, there exist spatial disparities in construction across the country. In Germany, such disparities mean that there will be a shortfall in RA of 6.3 Gt by the year 2020, while the technically available but unusable RA (due to a regional mismatch of potential supply and demand) will total 3.2 Gt. Comprehensive recycling strategies have to combine high-quality recycling with other lower-grade applications for secondary raw materials. Particularly in the case of building materials, essential constraints are not only technical but also local conditions of construction and demolition. These interrelations should be identified and integrated into a comprehensive system to manage the social metabolism of materials in support of circular economy policies.
Material for Compact Hydrogen Cartridges Based on Commercial Aluminium Alloys Activated by Ga-In Eutectics
Authors: Nizovskii A.I. , Kulikov A.V. , Trenikhin M.V. , Bukhtiyarov V.I.
Published: February 2018

Reactivity of commercial aluminium alloys activated by the liquid eutectic alloy (76 wt.% of Ga, 24 wt.% of In, t
Nobody Knows My Name: The Masquerade of Mourning in the Early 1980s Artistic Productions of Michael Jackson and Prince
Authors: Pochmara Anna , Wierzchowska Justyna
Published: February 2018

The article analyses Michael Jackson’s album Thriller and Prince’s movie Purple Rain. We explore their camp aesthetics and their recasting of the cultural representations of the black male. Jackson’s and Prince’s performative personas are both liberatory and burdened with the received cultural scripts of black masculinity. We claim that their employment of camp is political rather than escapist and depoliticized. Camp serves them as a platform to mourn the cultural displacement of the black male body in a postslavery America. In particular, the two artists distance themselves from the extensive ideological and physical pressures exerted on the black male body in the early 1980s. As a result, their performances are complexly de-Oedipalized. Prince in Purple Rain refuses to assume the patriarchal position of the Father. Analogously, Jackson fashions himself as a Peter Pan-like eternal adolescent who never makes his final identification as either heterosexual or LGBTQ desiring agent. In the coda to the article, we reach beyond the 1980s to explore a more flexible approach to camp in the artistic output of twenty-first-century African American performers of Queercore and Afrofuturist scenes, which were partially enabled by Jackson’s and Prince’s performances.
Corrosion studies of DC reactive magnetron sputtered alumina coating on 304 SS
Authors: Thangaraj Baskar , Mahadevan Krishnan
Published: February 2018

Aluminum oxide films on SS 304 deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering technique were studied with respect to the composition of the sputter gas (Ar:O
Design and synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous WO3-MnO2 composite nanostructures on carbon cloth for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Shinde Pragati A. , Lokhande Vaibhav C. , Patil Amar M. , Ji Taeksoo , Lokhande Chandrakant D.
Published: February 2018

To enhance the energy density and power performance of supercapacitors, the rational design and synthesis of active electrode materials with hierarchical mesoporous structure is highly desired. In the present work, fabrication of high-performance hierarchical mesoporous WO
Group-groupoid actions and liftings of crossed modules
Authors: Mucuk Osman , Şahan Tunçar
Published: February 2018

The aim of this paper is to define the notion of lifting via a group morphism for a crossed module and give some properties of this type of liftings.
Further, we obtain a criterion for a crossed module to have a lifting crossed module.
We also prove that the category of the lifting crossed modules of a certain crossed module is equivalent to the category of group-groupoid actions on groups, where the group-groupoid corresponds to the crossed module.
On the geometrical properties of hypercomplex four-dimensional Lie groups
Authors: Nasehi Mehri , Aghasi Mansour
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we first classify Einstein-like metrics on hypercomplex four-dimensional Lie groups. Then we obtain the exact form of all harmonic maps on these spaces. We also calculate the energy of an arbitrary left-invariant vector field X on these spaces and determine all critical points for their energy functional
restricted to vector fields of the same length. Furthermore, we give a complete and explicit description of all totally geodesic hypersurfaces of these spaces. The existence of Einstein hypercomplex four-dimensional Lie groups and the non-existence of non-trivial left-invariant Ricci and Yamabe solitons on these spaces are also proved.
Optimization of 2‑Stage Turbocharged Gas SI Engine Under Steady State Operation
Authors: Vítek Oldřich , Macek Jan , Klíma Jiří , Vacek Martin
Published: February 2018

The proposed paper deals with an optimization of a highly-turbocharged large-bore gas SI engine. Only steady state operation (constant engine speed and load) is considered. The paper is mainly focused on theoretical potential of 2-stage turbocharging concept in terms of performance and limitation. The results are obtained by means of simulation using complex 0-D/ 1-D engine model including the control algorithm. Different mixture composition concepts are considered to satisfy different levels of NOx limit - fresh air mixed with external cooled EGR is supposed to be the right approach while optimal EGR level is to be found. Considering EGR circuit, 5 different layouts are tested to select the best design. As the engine control is relatively complex (2-sage turbocharger group, external EGR, compressor blow-by, controlled air excess), 5 different control means of boost pressure were considered. Each variant based on above mentioned options is optimized in terms of compressor/turbine size (swallowing capacity) to obtain the best possible BSFC. The optimal variants are compared and general conclusions are drawn.
Evaluation of the Predictive Capabilities of a Phenomenological Combustion Model for Natural Gas SI Engine
Authors: Toman Rastislav , Macek Jan
Published: February 2018

The current study evaluates the predictive capabilities of a new phenomenological combustion model, available as a part of the GT-Suite software package. It is comprised of two main sub-models: 0D model of in-cylinder flow and turbulence, and turbulent SI combustion model. The 0D in-cylinder flow model (EngCylFlow) uses a combined K-k-ε kinetic energy cascade approach to predict the evolution of the in-cylinder charge motion and turbulence, where K and k are the mean and turbulent kinetic energies, and ε is the turbulent dissipation rate. The subsequent turbulent combustion model (EngCylCombSITurb) gives the in-cylinder burn rate; based on the calculation of flame speeds and flame kernel development. This phenomenological approach reduces significantly the overall computational effort compared to the 3D-CFD, thus allowing the computation of full engine operating map and the vehicle driving cycles. Model was calibrated using a full map measurement from a turbocharged natural gas SI engine, with swirl intake ports. Sensitivity studies on different calibration methods, and laminar flame speed sub-models were conducted. Validation process for both the calibration and sensitivity studies was concerning the in-cylinder pressure traces and burn rates for several engine operation points achieving good overall results.
Experimental and theoretical study of 1, 4-naphthoquinone based dye in dye-sensitized solar cells using ZnO photoanode
Authors: Shinde Dnyaneshwar , Tambade Popat , Pathan Habib , Gadave Kisan
Published: February 2018

A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was assembled using a dye 4-(3-chloro-1, 4-dioxo-1, 4-dihydronaphthalen-2-ylamino) benzoic acid with ZnO as a photoanode. It was synthesized using 2, 3-dichloro 1, 4-naphthoquinone and p-amino benzoic acid. The spectral features of the dye were analyzed in ethanol using experimental and computational methods. The theoretical investigations revealed that the synthesized dye may act as a sensitizer in DSSCs. The photoelectrochemical performance was tested under direct sunlight using a sandwich type DSSC. The photovoltaic data of the dye adsorbed on ZnO films indicated thepower conversion efficiency of 1.07 % under sunlight with a light intensity of 39 mW·cm-2.
The Participatory Construction of Agro-Ecological Knowledge As A Soil Conservation Strategy In The Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil)
Authors: de Assis Renato Linhares , de Aquino Adriana Maria
Published: February 2018

Agriculture in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro State is characterized by intensive soil use and input. Such mountainous environments are vulnerable to climate events; thus, the current article presents a report on methods applied to exchange academic and traditional knowledge. The aim is to expand farmers’ perception about the need of implementing agro-ecological practices, mainly soil management practices, which are important for agricultural sustainability in mountainous environments. The study was conducted in a Nova Friburgo family production unit, in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil). It consisted of implementing three observation and soil organic-matter management units. The idea was to reduce the incidence of clubroot of crucifers disease caused by Plasmidiophora brassicae. The soil fauna was discussed with local farmers, with emphasis on the association between ecological processes and soil management. The present study improved the discussion with farmers and the need of introducing other innovative conservation practices such as no-tillage system and participatory research based on agro-ecological propositions.
Extensions of pseudo-Perron-Frobenius splitting related to generalized inverse AT,S
(2)
Authors: Huang Shaowu , Wang Qing-Wen , Wu Shuxia , Yu Yaoming
Published: February 2018

We in this paper define the outer-Perron-Frobenius splitting, which is an extension of the pseudo- Perron-Frobenius splitting defined in [A.N. Sushama, K. Premakumari, K.C. Sivakumar, Extensions of Perron-Frobenius splittings and relationships with nonnegative Moore-Penrose inverse, Linear and Multilinear Algebra 63 (2015) 1-11]. We present some criteria for the convergence of the outer-Perron-Frobenius splitting. The findings of this paper generalize some known results in the literatures.
Roles of Prefrontal Cortex and Mediodorsal Thalamus in Task Engagement and Behavioral Flexibility
Authors: Marton Tobias F. , Seifikar Helia , Luongo Francisco J. , Lee Anthony T. , Sohal Vikaas S.
Published: February 2018

Behavioral tasks involving auditory cues activate inhibitory neurons within auditory cortex, leading to a reduction in the amplitude of auditory evoked response potentials (ERPs). One hypothesis is that this process, termed “task engagement,” may enable context-dependent behaviors. Here we set out to determine (1) whether the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a role in task engagement and (2) how task engagement relates to the context-dependent processing of auditory cues in male and female mice performing a decision-making task that can be guided by either auditory or visual cues. We found that, in addition to auditory ERP suppression, task engagement is associated with increased mPFC activity and an increase in theta band (4–7 Hz) synchronization between the mPFC and auditory cortex. Optogenetically inhibiting the mPFC eliminates the task engagement-induced auditory ERP suppression, while also preventing mice from switching between auditory and visual cue-based rules. However, mPFC inhibition, which eliminates task engagement-induced auditory ERP suppression, did not prevent mice from making decisions based on auditory cues. Furthermore, a more specific manipulation, selective disruption of mPFC outputs to the mediodorsal (MD) thalamus, is sufficient to prevent switching between auditory and visual rules but does not affect auditory ERPs. Based on these findings, we conclude that (1) the mPFC contributes to both task engagement and behavioral flexibility; (2) mPFC-MD projections are important for behavioral flexibility but not task engagement; and (3) task engagement, evidenced by the suppression of cortical responses to sensory input, is not required for sensory cue-guided decision making.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWhen rodents perform choice-selection tasks based on sensory cues, neural responses to these cues are modulated compared with task-free conditions. Here we demonstrate that this phenomenon depends on the prefrontal cortex and thus represents a form of “top-down” regulation. However, we also show that this phenomenon is not critical for task performance, as rodents can make decisions based on specific sensory cues even when the task-dependent modulation of responses to those cues is abolished. Furthermore, disrupting one specific set of prefrontal outputs impairs rule switching but not the task-dependent modulation of sensory responses. These results show that the prefrontal cortex comprises multiple circuits that mediate dissociable functions related to behavioral flexibility and sensory processing.
Ekspresi Prethrombin-2 Manusia Recombinan dalamPichia pastoris dan Optimasi Kondisi Ekspresinya
Authors: Gaffar Shabarni , Upay Purba , Maksum Iman Permana , Hasan Khomaini , Subroto Toto , Enus Sutarya , Soemitro Soetijoso , Pertiwi Wulan
Published: February 2018

Pretrombin merupakan prekursor dari trombin yang memiliki aktivitas proteolitik. Trombin merubah fibrinogen menjadi benang fibrin yang salah satu aplikasinya adalah dapat digunakan sebagai lem untuk menggantikan teknik jahitan pasca bedah. Aplikasi trombin untuk pembuatan lem fibrin menuntut diproduksinya trombin rekombinan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah ekspresi gen pretrombin-2 (PT2) manusia rekombinan menggunakan sistem ekspresi Pichia pastoris. Gen pengode PT2 dirancang sesuaidengan kodon preferensi P. pastoris. Fragmen PT2 diamplifikasi dengan metoda PCR dengan penambahan sisi restriksi EcoR1 pada ujung 5’ dan sisi restriksi SacII pada ujung 3’. Produk PCR yang berukuran 924 pb diligasi dengan vektor ekspresi pPICZaB untuk P. pastoris dan disubkloning dalam inang Escherichia coli. Urutan nukleotida dikonfirmasi dengan metoda dideoxy Sanger. Plasmid rekombinan pPICZaB-PT2 kemudian digunakan untuk mentransformasi P. pastoris SMD1168 defisien protease dengan metoda elektroporasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa gen PT2 berhasil diamplifikasi dan dikloning dalam E. coli. Analisis restriksi dan penentuan urutan DNA menunjukkan bahwa PT2 rekombinan 100% homologi dengan hasil rancangan. Hasil ekspresi PT2 oleh P. pastoris menggunakan metanol sebagai inducer memperlihatkan bahwa PT2 dengan berat molekul 35 kDa berhasil diekspresikan. Optimasi kondisi ekspresi melalui variasi konsentrasi metanol sebagai inducer dan sorbitol sebagai sumber karbon tambahan menunjukkan bahwa metanol 2% dan sorbitol 2% merupakan kondisi optimum ekspresi PT2.
The Effect of Extraction Condition on The Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity of Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe Rhizome
Authors: Marliani Lia , Budiana Wempi , Anandari Yonara
Published: February 2018

White turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe) is one of Indonesian herbal medicine. The extraction process to get active compound was influenced by some factor such as solvent, temperature, time, and method of extraction. The objective of this study was to determine the significant factor of extraction  that is solvent, temperature and time of extraction on the polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe) rhizome. Extraction was done by dynamic maceration method with variations (23 factor variable design) of solvent (ethanol 95% and water), temperature (25°C and 70°C), time (6 and 24 hours). The method of analysis of polyphenol content using Folin Ciocalteu reagent, and the antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical reduction method. The experiment design and data analysis using software Design Expert ver.10. The result showed that extraction using ethanol 95% at 70°C for 24 hours was gave high polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Data analysis was showed that polyphenol content and antioxidant activity was influenced only by solvent of extraction. This study indicated that solvent is significant extraction factor for polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe) rhizome. Keywords: Antioxidant, Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe, extraction, polyphenol
The dynamics of the dendroflora ecomorphic and biomorphic spectra at the former Botanic garden of the Kryvyi Rih state educational institute
Authors: Savosko V. M.
Published: February 2018

The aim of the work is to identify the features of the temporal dynamics of the ecomorphic and biomorphic spectra at the former Botanic Garden of the Kryvyi Rih State Educational Institute. It was found that on 01.10. 2011 in the plantations of the former Botanical Garden 47 species of trees, shrubs and lianas had grown. In the composition of the dendroflora only five species of gymnosperms and 42 species of angiosperms had been revealed. Leading families were Rosaceae, Fabaceae and Salicaceae and Aceraceae. The dominant genera were Acer and Populus. For the last 40 years, 99 species, 46 genera and 10 families from the collection had been dropped out. At the same time, the Botanical Garden was the only habitat of unique species such as Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Celtis australis, Securinega suffruticosa, Cercis siliquastrum, Indigofera gerardiana, Kerria japonica, Koelreuteria paniculata, Xanthoceras sorbifolium, Schisandra chinensis. At present the scientific collections in our region are lacking in these species. Since that time, the dendroflora’s trofomorphic spectrum of the former Botanical Garden had undergone some changes. The first thing to note is an increase in the proportion of mehatrophes: from 15.5 % in 1966 – up to 25.5 % in 2006 (1.6 times). At the same time the total proportion of olihotrophes and olihomezotrophes had been reduced: from 26.4 % in 1966 to 14.9 % in 2006 (1.8 times). Despite the lack of a clear trend towards changing the proportion of mezotrophes, they are consistently the most common woody plants of the Botanic Gardens. Age-related changes of the dendroflora’s hygromorphic spectrum of the former Botanical Garden have such directions: the proportion of xerophytes decreased in 1.9 times and mezohygrophytes in 2.4 times. However, there has been an increase in the relative number of mezophytes (1.1 times), mezokserophytes (1.2 times) and hygromezophytes (1.6 times). Over the time the dendroflora’s heliomorhic spectrum had the following changes from the former Botanical Garden: despite the decrease in the proportion of heliophytes (from 58.8 % in 1966 to 53.2 % in 2006), they remained the largest group of the spectrum. At the same time it was revealed an increase of scioheliophytes in 1.4 times, and overall reduction of heliosciophytes and sciophytes in the number and proportion. In the plantations of the Botanic Gardens it has been established a tendency of the introduced species reduction and of the native species increase. However, this has not changed the overall pattern – the dominance of the introduced species, both trees and shrubs. On the whole the conditions of the region are the most adapted for megatrophes plants, mesophytes and heliophytes and trees. The basis of the collection consists of introduced species from the Atlantic-North American, East Asian and Tsimkumboreal floristic regions.
Fe-Mn pedofeatures in soils and their geochemical role (analytical review)
Authors: Nikorych V. A. , Szymański W.
Published: February 2018

Based on the analysis of literature data, the genesis, distribution, morphology, composition and properties of Fe-Mn pedofeatures (mainly nodules and concretions), taking into account their unique geochemical role, review of general scientific information was done. Terminology and classification problems concerning pedofeatures of this type were shown. The need for difference of concepts between ‘nodules’ and ‘concretion’ was highlighted. The morphological and physical properties of Fe-Mn pedofeatures (shape, color, size, and consistence), depending on soil conditions, were discussed. Additionaly, mineralogical composition of Fe-Mn pedofeatures including determination of mineral prevalence were shown. The role of nodules and concretions in accumulation of macro- and microelements was analyzed. The possibility of using the enrichment factor (EF), which is calculated as the ratio of elements in pedofeatures to the elements in corresponding soil material for evaluation their geochemical role was studied. The possible manner and mechanisms of accumulation of elements in the discussed Fe-Mn pedofeatures were shown. Moreover, the possibility of the Fe-Mn pedofeatures to accumulation of heavy metals was discussed. The possibility allows us to consider them as the main natural material that is able to control the dynamics of pollutants in the soil environment.
Cenopopulation structure of climax forest stands of formation of beech forests in Ukrainian Carpathians
Authors: Parpan T. V.
Published: February 2018

Logging in the mountainous conditions of the Carpathians has transformed the forest cover into a continuous succession system. Climax exemplary communities which are subject to protection and research according to the position of structure and dynamics on the population methodological basis, to have survived on an insignificant area in the reserves and protective categories of forests. The cenopopulation paradigm considers the edificator species (spruce, fir, beech, pine) as a system of interacting geographic, food and elementary populations. The structure of climax uneven-aged coenopopulations of formation of the beech forest is considered as natural climax cenoses that have arisen as a result of endo- or exogenous successions due to climatic and edaphic conditions. Their dynamic equilibrium is supported by the variability of the spatial mosaic structure through the age-old turnover of generations. The distribution of trees by diameter in climax forest stands is characterized by three types: reverse s-shaped, j-shaped and bell-shaped with right-sided asymmetry. The inverse s-type distribution type is the main one and occupies 77 % of trial plots. The types of reverse j-shaped and bell-shaped with right-side asymmetry are encountered respectively in 2 and 21 % of the trial plots. Vertical stratification in climax beech cenoses distinguishes four functional tiers-horizons, or spatial ecological niches. There is a possibility to forecast the directions of successions by species composition in tiers. In mixed dark-coniferous-beech stands, the beech occupies a dominant position, and fir, and especially spruce, a regressive position. The age structure of climax forest stands is presented to 6 age groups: pre-generative - juvenile and imature and virginal; generative – young, middle-aged, ripe and old (overmature). According to number of climax coniferous/beech and beech stands the full-member beech cenpopulations predominate. The age spectra of fir and spruce, maple-sycamore, ash, and elm are usually unequal, or fragmentary. On average, one hectare in climax coniferous/beech and beech stands include 174–235 individuals of generative generation – 42–52 – fir, 5–16 – spruce, 5–10 – maple-sycamore and ash tree. The timber stock in half (50–60 %) is concentrated in overmature and 25 % in mature age condition. Introduction of the population paradigm in forest synecology discover a new opportunity to divide the stand of the age generation and treat them as old-growth forests and virgin forests which form a set of key species of cenopopulations, and also determine the direction of succession.
Crioconservación de semen de dorada Brycon moorei con dimetilsulfóxido
Authors: Atencio García Victor Julio , Dorado Longas María , Montes Prieto César , Prieto-Guevara Martha , Espinosa-Araujo José
Published: February 2018

El objetivo fue evaluar la calidad del semen descongelado de dorada Brycon moorei crioconservado con dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO) a tres porcentajes de inclusión. El semen se obtuvo de nueve machos mantenidos en cautiverio en la Estación Piscícola Repelón (Atlántico, Col), inducidos con extracto pituitario de carpa (4,5 mg/kg). El semen fue diluido en proporción 1:3 con un diluyente compuesto de DMSO a tres porcentajes 5%, 10% y 15%; glucosa al 6% y yema de huevo al 12%; empacado en macrotubos de 2,5 ml, congelados en vapores de nitrógeno y después de tres meses descongelados a 35°C durante 90 s. Semen fresco fue considerando como tratamiento control. En semen descongelado se evaluó movilidad total, tipos de movilidades, progresividad, velocidades y concentración espermática con el programa Sperm Class Analyzer SCA®; adicionalmente en semen fresco se determinó volumen, color y tiempo de activación. El semen fresco presentó movilidad mayor a 80% y tiempo de activación entre 28,5 y 41 s; mientras que, la concentración espermática osciló entre 10188,1 y 14590,2 millones/ml. La movilidad total del semen descongelado fue mayor cuando DMSO se incluyó a 5% (40,1±5,0%) o 10% (43,3±8,7%) (p>0,05); pero a 15% registró la menor movilidad (30,6±7,9%) y el mayor porcentaje de espermatozoides inmóviles (69.4±7.9%) (p<0,05); lo cual sugiere que inclusiones de DMSO por encima de 10% ocasionan mayores daños al espermatozoide de dorada. Los resultados permiten concluir que DMSO debe ser incluido entre 5 y 10%, junto con glucosa al 6% y yema de huevo al 12% para crioconservar semen de dorada.
Perspectiva histórica del origen evolutivo de la resistencia a antibióticos
Authors: Celis Bustos Yamile Adriana , Vanesa Rubio Vivian , Camacho Navarro María Marcela
Published: February 2018

La resistencia a antimicrobianos representa un aspecto natural de evolución bacteriana, que puede resultar de mutaciones o por adquisición de genes foráneos. Hay diferentes posturas sobre el origen de ésta resistencia que explican la habilidad de estos microorganismos de adquirir nuevas características. Las teorías de la evolución de Lamarck y Darwin, han dado pie a experimentos diseñados para explorar el origen de la variación bacteriana y surgimiento de nuevas características. Estos estudios muestran que la resistencia está relacionada con mutaciones en genes cromosomales y/o la transferencia de elementos genéticos extracromosomales, que se expresan según la presión antibiótica ejercida. Está revisión recopila los principales experimentos y las conclusiones derivadas para explicar el fenómeno de resistencia a antibióticos.
Early Steps in the Value of Cancer Care—Many Paths Remain Unexplored
Authors: Goldstein Daniel A. , La Vecchia Carlo , Goulart Bernardo H.L.
Published: February 2018

Articles from the Value in Cancer Care series are highlighted.
Permeation grouting and excavation at Victoria station, London
Authors: Packer Megan , Newman Richard , Prangley Craig , Heath Ian
Published: February 2018

Paid area link 6 (Pal6) underpass, a crucial tunnel connection of London Underground's Victoria station upgrade project, was engineered within notoriously difficult sub-artesian granular River Terrace Deposits (RTD) immediately below the Victorian-age District and Circle line masonry tunnel, a structure highly sensitive to ground displacements. Due to the proximity of the overlying operational railway, the consequences of ground movement were of very high risk. Historic tunnel construction in the heterogeneous RTD had limited success with permeation grouting, and face losses and instabilities occurred. For the case of Pal6, the railway tunnel overhead magnified the difficulties. Permeation grouting still remained the most feasible stabilising option, but only with significant improvements in both grouting technique and grout types. A low-risk tunnelled solution, using a bespoke and sophisticated construction approach, enabled safe continuous excavation within the severely restricted structural constraints. Successful tunnelling demanded: complete sequence recovery of the RTD for accurate soil characterisation for design of the grouting system; caution with permeation grouting; appropriate grout selection to promote permeation without claquage (uncontrolled fracturing by grout with its consequent irregular distribution), thus precisely targeting discrete zones; uniform treatment; and observational control by monitoring real-time ground movements.