bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of calcium acetylide and acetylene production
Authors: Oršula Igor , Lehocký Miroslav , Steltenpohl Pavol
Published: December 2015

Design simulation of a reactor for acetylene production from calcium acetylide and its purification in the gaseous phase is presented. Simulations were performed using the program ASPEN+ which is a very flexible and useful tool for the simulation and optimization of various types of chemical technologies including gas-liquid-solid systems. The first step of the acetylene synthesis, based on coal as the raw material, is the production of calcium acetylide. This substance is obtained from coke and limestone in an electric arc furnace at elevated temperatures. Raw materials used in this process contain relatively large amounts of impurities that are converted and entrapped in the desired product of the above reaction. Some of the impurities, e.g. metallic iron or its alloys, can be separated easily. However, most of the other elements present in the form of their compounds with calcium remain a part of “technical grade” calcium acetylide. Acetylene is commercially produced by the reaction of “technical grade” calcium acetylide with water under controlled reaction conditions in an inert atmosphere. Depending on the purity of calcium acetylide used, the produced raw acetylene contains a variety of admixtures that lower its quality. As a consequence, prior to its expedition to the customer, raw acetylene should be submitted to a down-stream processing that consists of the separation of basic and acidic pollutants present in acetylene by absorption. The final processing step is adsorption and/or freezing-out of water vapor from the purified acetylene stream. Besides acetylene, the reaction of calcium acetylide with an excess of water provides aqueous calcium hydroxide. In order to commercialize this byproduct, the content of water in the mixture should be lowered to the required level. In this contribution, development of a model of calcium acetylide and acetylene production as well as the simulation of these processes in ASPEN+ are presented. Simulation results of a realistic production line model correlate very well with the actual data from the technology used in Fortischem, a.s., Novaky, Slovakia.
Photocleavage of pDNA by bis-imidazolidino and bis-thioureido proflavines
Authors: Cisárikováa Alžbeta , Abaffy Pavel , Imrich Ján , Paulíková Helena
Published: December 2015

New photosensitizers are needed for photodynamic antimicrobial and anticancer chemotherapy. Two new groups of proflavine derivatives have been recently prepared and their action on the cancer cells has been investigated by our research team. In this paper, we studied an effect of UV-A irradiation of two groups of proflavines: 3,6-bis((1-alkyl-5-oxo-imidazolidin-2-yliden)imino)acridine hydrochlorides (AcrDIMs) and 1’,1”-(acridin-3,6-diyl)-3’,3”-dialkyldithiourea hydrochlorides (AcrDTUs) on a plasmid DNA (pDNA). These compounds induced a photocleavage of pDNA characteristic by generation of free radicals, single strand DNA breaks and formation of an open circular form of pDNA.
Production of galacto-oligosaccharides by commercial preparates of fungal β-galactosidase
Authors: Tokošová Silvia , Hronská Helena , Rosenberg Michal
Published: December 2015

Three different fungal b-galactosidases, from three commercial sources, were studied for their capacity to produce galacto-oligosaccharides by trans-galactosylation from lactose. The enzymes were investigated in a soluble form for the GOS production at two concentrations of lactose (10 % and 30 % w/w). The maximum of GOS concentration (70.9 g · L-1) was obtained at 30 % of the initial lactose (pH 4.5, temperature 30 ℃) in the second hour of enzyme reaction. The GOS yield (24 % w/w) was not significantly affected by the process of immobilisation in comparison with the free enzyme preparation (22 % w/w), but time to obtain a maximal GOS concentration was prolonged. Galacto-oligosaccharides were effectively produced by immobilised β-galactosidase in the 15 repeated batch runs of 30 % (w/w) of lactose as the substrate.
Antioxidant activity of ginger extract and identification of its active components
Authors: Mošovská Silvia , Nováková Dominika , Kaliňák Michal
Published: December 2015

The object of presented study was the evaluation of antioxidant activity of extract from Zingiber officinale. A method for the preparation of the extract was chosen, which enabled to isolate mostly phenolic compounds. According to the measurements with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, obtained extract comprised total polyphenols (181.41 mgGAE/g of extract) from which flavonoids contributed to 7.8 % (14.15 mgquercetin/g of extract). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that the phenolic ketones were predominant in the extracts of whole phenolic compounds. According to results of two spectrophotometric methods (ABTS and DPPH test), ginger extract showed stronger ability to scavenge DPPH radical than ABTS cation radical.
Protective gloves use and work habits of non-professionals handling agricultural pesticides – a survey
Authors: Hojerová Jarmila , Beránková Martina , Peráčková Zuzana , Birbičová Simona
Published: December 2015

As many chemicals, also agricultural pesticides (APs) can be hazardous if not used safely. Under typical working conditions, the majority of exposure to the APs is through the hand-skin. Wearing appropriate gloves should be a standard practice when handling the APs. Unlike professionals, amateurs applying the APs in their gardens or vineyards are not trained for the workplace hygiene. In this survey conducted in the spring 2015 across the Slovak Republic, practices regarding the use of protective gloves were obtained. 520 copies of the “paper-and-pencil” questionnaire were distributed to amateur users and specialized stores selling the APs (return rate of 59 %). A set of ten questions a “closed-ended” or “multiple-choice” type was offered. 75 % of respondents wear gloves when handling the APs. Regrettably, among users wearing gloves, 58 % use the same disposable gloves repeatedly, 67 % wear the reusable gloves from last season, and 53 % do not wash outside of the reusable gloves with detergent before removing them. 30 % of glove users wear all available gloves including absolutely inappropriate materials like fabric and leather, 28 % do not recognize the glove material which they use, 20 % use disposable Latex and 3 % Vinyl and Polyethylene gloves. Only 19 % of glove users wear a material that is generally considered a good choice for handling the APs (7 % Neoprene & Latex, 5 % Neoprene, 5 % Nitrile, and 2 % Butyl rubber). The survey showed the need for better education about adequate protective gloves not only for amateur users but also for retailers selling the APs and protective equipment.
Fermentation of milk- and water-based amaranth mashes
Authors: Matejčeková Zuzana , Liptáková Denisa , Valík Ľubomír
Published: December 2015

Growth dynamics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of the culture Fresco DVS 1010 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in milk- and water-based amaranth mashes with sucrose or flavouring compounds (chocolate, caramel) were evaluated in this study. After fermentation that was performed at 37 ± 1 ℃ for 8 h in CO2 incubator (5 %) the products were kept at 6 ± 1 ℃ for 2 weeks. The content of proteins, lipids, reducing sugars, and starch of used amaranth flours was determined before and after expiry date, to evaluate the differences in main nutritional components. The results showed that all amaranth substrates were suitable for fermentation as the LAB levels from 108 to 109 CFU · ml-1 were reached and the levels higher than 106 CFU · ml-1 remained during cold storage. The presence of milk compared to water had no significant impact on the growth rates of LAB under study. Sensory value of flavoured amaranth mashes after the 8 h fermentation, and after 7 and 14 days of refrigerated storage was part this study as well. The best sensory acceptance according to the final evaluation of overall acceptability was evaluated in case of milk amaranth chocolate mash after 7 days of storage.
Utilization of parallel computing in chemical engineering
Authors: Danko Matej , Labovský Juraj , Janošovský Ján , Labovská Zuzana , Jelemenský Ľudovít
Published: December 2015

The main objective of the presented work was to explore the possibilities of parallel computing utilization in chemical engineering. Parallel computers and principles of parallel computing are in brief described in Introduction. The next part exposes the possibilities of parallel programming in Matlab and C# programming language environment. The next three parts provide case studies of parallel computing in chemical engineering. Each example of the benefits of HPC involves a comparison with its serial equivalents.
Removal of selected pesticides by nano zero-valent iron
Authors: Šimkovič Karol , Derco Ján , Valičková Mária
Published: December 2015

This paper is focused on the possibility of using iron nanoparticles (nZVI - nano zero-valent iron) to remove selected specific synthetic substances, such as hexachlorobutadiene, pentachlorobenzene, hexachlorobenzene, lindane and heptachlor. Experimental measurements were performed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the removal of substances and their specific removal rate. Evaluation of the results shows that nanoiron NANOFER 25 is a convenient reactant for the removal of heptachlor, lindane and hexachlorobenzene; while for pentachlorbenzene and hexachlorobutadiene removal, longer contact times are necessary to achieve significant removal efficiencies.
Behavior of the guanosine monophosphate modified boron-doped diamond electrode in the presence of the pesticide alachlor
Authors: Svítková Jana , Švorc Ľubomír , Labuda Ján
Published: December 2015

Alachlor (ALA) has been widely used in agriculture and may act as a carcinogen and an environmental estrogen. The present work deals with chemical modification of boron-doped diamond electrode (BDDE) by guanosine monophosphate (GMP) and its study in the presence of ALA. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spektroscopy in the presence of the redox indicator 1 × 10-3 mol/L [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- together with differential pulse voltammetry of the nucleotide base were explored to test effects of GMP immobilization time, the pesticide concentrations and incubation time in the pesticide solution. It was found that GMP layer on the BDDE surface is distorted after incubation in the ALA solution.
Recent achievements and applications of solid – phase microextraction in pesticide residues analysis in food
Authors: Andraščíková Mária , Hrouzková Svetlana
Published: December 2015

The current trend in sample preparation methods is devoted to minimizing or eliminating the volume of extractive solvent. In this review, the focus on solid phase microextraction (SPME) as a solvent free sample preparation method for the isolation of pesticides residues in different food matrices is given. To achieve satisfactory extraction efficiency, selection of the fiber coating is an important step in the method development. Here, recent trends in new supporting materials and new fiber coatings development are discussed. Finally, applicability of SPME for the pesticide residues analysis in various food matrices using mainly chromatographic methods is also reviewed.
Pre-processing of inkjet prints NIR spectral data for principal component analysis
Authors: Oravec Michal , Gál Lukáš , Čeppan Michal
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a novel approach in non-destructive analysis of inkjet-printed documents. Our method is based on the combination of molecular spectroscopy in the Near Infrared Region (NIR) and a chemometric method - principal component analysis (PCA). The aim of this work was to prepare spectral data for the analysis of the interrelationships between 19 samples consisting of the same type of office paper on which black squares were full printed in black ink only. The spectra were obtained separately using the Ocean Optics System in two spectral regions, i.e., overtones: 1000-1600 nm and combination bands: 1600-2300 nm, with the paper base. Experimental results confirmed the high reliability of the proposed approach despite the sparse dataset.
DNA-based biosensors with polyvinyl alcohol external membrane as a tool for the evaluation of antioxidant activity of white wines
Authors: Svitková Veronika , Steffelová Lucia , Blaškovičová Jana , Labuda Ján
Published: December 2015

Electrochemical DNA-based biosensors with external protective membranes were prepared for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of white wines against pro-oxidant hydroxyl radicals. A glassy carbon working electrode (GCE) was modified using a layer-by-layer deposition technique with low molecular weight double stranded DNA and an outer sphere polymer film membrane of Nafion, chitosan or polyvinylalcohol. The composition of a working procedure with membrane-covered DNA biosensors were optimized with respect to their voltammetric response in solution of the DNA redox indicator [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- after the incubation in white wines. Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) film was proved to be the suitable membrane. The PVA/DNA/GCE biosensor was used for the detection of a deep degradation of the surface-attached DNA at the incubation in the cleavage agent and for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of white wines at the incubation in mixtures of cleavage agent and wine. The investigation of the biosensors with protective membranes represents a significant contribution to utilization of the electrochemical DNA based biosensors for practical purposes.
Raman and infrared spectra, conformations and ab initio calculations of 3-methoxymethylene-2,4-pentanedione
Authors: Gatial Anton , Milata Viktor , Prónayová Nadežda , Herzog Klaus , Salzer Reiner
Published: December 2015

The IR (4000-400 cm-1) and Raman (4000-50 cm-1) spectra of 3-methoxymethylene-2,4-pentanedione [H3C-O-CH=C(COCH3)2] as a liquid and solutes in various solvents of different polarity have been recorded at ambient temperature. Additional IR and Raman spectra were obtained for amorphous and crystalline solid state at low temperature. The vibrational spectra revealed that the compound exists at least in two dominant conformers of different polarity and that the conformer present in the solid phase is less polar. NMR spectra in various solvents at different temperatures were also obtained.

The compound can exist in several conformers due to the rotation around O-C= and both =C-C bonds with planar or nonplanar arrangements of heavy atoms. Ab initio MP2 and DFT calculations using a wide scale of basis sets were carried out. According to these calculations six conformational structures of the eight theoretically possible conformational structures with the methoxy group oriented as anti or syn and carbonyl groups oriented as Z or E towards the C=C double bond were obtained at potential energy surface. It has been shown that the conformers with the E orientations of both acetyl groups are not the stable ones. The calculated ab initio MP2 and DFT energies of all found conformers in vacuum suggest the most stable ZEa conformer where Z and E regard to the trans and cis acetyl groups, respectively and a denotes the orientation of the methoxy group. The EZa conformer was calculated as the second most stable one with the energy by at least 10 kJ mol-1 higher. Corrections of the relative energies of single conformers obtained in vacuum on the polar surroundings were done by including the solvent effect into the calculations using IEF Polarizable Continuum Model.

Assignments of the vibrational spectra for the studied compound were made with the aid of normal coordinate calculations employing scaled ab initio force field. The scaled ab initio frequencies as well as calculated energies indicate that ZEa is the conformer present in the solid phase.
Electromagnetic launch systems for civil aircraft assisted take-off
Authors: Bertola Luca , Cox Tom , Wheeler Patrick , Garvey Seamus , Morvan Herve
Published: December 2015

This paper considers the feasibility of different technologies for an electromagnetic launcher to assist civil aircraft take-off. This method is investigated to reduce the power required from the engines during initial acceleration. Assisted launch has the potential of reducing the required runway length, reducing noise near airports and improving overall aircraft efficiency through reducing engine thrust requirements. The research compares two possible linear motor topologies which may be efficaciously used for this application. The comparison is made on results from both analytical and finite element analysis (FEA).
A comparison between cylindrical and cross-shaped magnetic vibration isolators: ideal and practical
Authors: Van Casteren D.T.E.H. , Paulides J.J.H. , Lomonova E.A.
Published: December 2015

In this paper a cross-shaped isolator consisting of cuboidal magnets and a cylindrical isolator are compared by resonance frequency to volume ratio and shape. Both isolators are capable of obtaining a low resonance frequency, i.e. 0.15 Hz and 0.01 Hz for the cross and cylinder, respectively. The volume of both isolators is comparable, only the shape is different, resulting in a tall structure with a small footprint for the cross and a flat with a large diameter cylindrical structure. A sensitivity analysis shows that due to the large amount of magnets, the cross-shaped isolator is less sensitive to manufacturing tolerances
Active suspension system with integrated electrical tubular linear motor: design, control strategy and validation
Authors: Thul Andreas , Eggers Daniel , Riemer Björn , Hameyer Kay
Published: December 2015

This paper focuses on the design and control of an active suspension system, where a tubular linear motor is integrated into a spring damper system of a vehicle. The spring takes up the weight of the vehicle. Therefore the electric linear motor can be designed very compact as it has to provide forces to adjust the damping characteristic only. Design and construction of the active suspension system, a control strategy and validation measurements at a test bench are presented.
A small scale magnetically levitated train for project-based laboratory education
Authors: Glehn Gregor , Appunn Rüdiger , Hameyer Kay
Published: December 2015

The drive train of a small scale magnetically levitated train reveals the principles of a mechatronic system and offers challenges related to design, construction and control. Therefore, it is used at the Institute of electrical Machines (IEM) of the RWTH Aachen University as a demonstrator for engineering solutions. Instead of being a part of a static predefined student laboratory, the small scale magnetically levitated train is part of dynamic individual student projects. This approach provides the advantage that the students are directly involved in the engineering process and gain motivation out of their personal ideas becoming reality.
Performance evaluation of fractional-slot tubular permanent magnet machines with low space harmonics
Authors: Wang Jiabin
Published: December 2015

This paper evaluates the perforamnce of fractional-slot per pole winding configurations for tubular permanent magnet (PM) machines that can effectively eliminate the most undesirable space harmonics in a simple and cost-effective manner. The benefits of the proposed machine topology winding configurations are illustrated through comparison with 9-slot, 10-pole tubular PM machine developed for a free piston energy converter under the same specification and volumetric constraints. It has been shown that the proposed machine topology results in more than 7 times reduction in the eddy current loss in the mover magnets and supporting tube, and hence avoids potential problem of excessive mover temperature and risk of demagnetization.
On the Demographics and the Severity of the Social Security Crisis
Authors: Gahramanov Emin
Published: December 2015

Changing demographics across the world threatens the sustainability of pension benefits. Yet there is widespread sentiment among some business and policy analysts that in the presence of population ageing, more elderly people would mean more old-age consumption and robust business opportunities across all spending dimensions. In this paper we look at a micro-level analysis of intertemporal consumption/saving behavior, and find that in the presence of notable heterogeneity with respect to the consumer impatience and rationality degree, different demographic challenges and likely policy responses would imply greatly varying and significant consumption changes at old age. We also touch upon the associated issues of welfare analysis and transitional effects and discuss various complexities and challenges for policy implications and economic projections.
Loss Aversion and Consumption Plans with Stochastic Reference Points
Authors: Park Hyeon
Published: December 2015

This paper studies the making of risky choices following loss aversion with endogenous reference expectations under the two schemes of state-independent and state-dependent stochastic reference points. Using a tractable, intertemporal choice model, this paper derives analytic solutions to show that, when loss aversion is high, the reference-dependent decision maker saves a markedly larger amount than is predicted by the standard model. When the loss aversion is low (i.e. the individual is loss-tolerant), the overall result is ambiguous, although the decision maker may deviate into consuming more; if he faces a small level of uncertainty relative to the intensity of his loss aversion, he may even do this by borrowing. Given the same loss aversion level, this study determines that, in the presence of positive state-dependence, the state-independent model generates greater deviation than the state-dependent one. Finally, this paper derives a two-period general equilibrium result with two agents who have different attitudes toward loss.
Transmedia Project Design: Theoretical and Analytical Considerations
Authors: Rampazzo Gambarato Renira
Published: December 2015

Theoretical and analytical considerations around the development of transmedia projects are evolving, but are still widely open, probably because transmedia storytelling is a relatively new subject that does not yet have its own specific methods and methodology of analysis. Moreover, transmedia projects are complex phenomena involving multiple dimensions, such as narrative, cultural context, marketing, business models, and legal framework. Currently, the usual approach gives place to methodologically separate analytical perspectives related to some of these dimensions. This article first discusses the elusive concept of transmedia storytelling and later presents analytical considerations outlining relevant aspects that can contribute to perceive the process of developing transmedia projects. The significance of these discussions is to address essential features of the design process behind transmedia projects and contribute to support the analytic needs of transmedia designers and the applied research in the interest of the media industry.
Take Care of Your Scar(f), Lilya! De-stigmatizing the Image of the Post-Soviet Other in Nordic Cinema
Authors: Pauly Tzvetomila
Published: December 2015

The article discusses the cinematic representations of the post-Soviet individual in two internationally acclaimed Nordic films, namely, Aki Kaurismäki’s Take Care of Your Scarf, Tatiana (Pidä huivista kiinni, Tatjana, Finland/Germany, 1994) and Lukas Moodysson’s Lilya 4-Ever (Lilja 4-ever, Sweden/Denmark, 2002). The guiding premise is that the films represent cross-cultural inquiries on identity and otherness that reflect and challenge the (male) gaze of the West European North upon the (female) post-Soviet East soon after the collapse of the communist regimes in Eastern Europe.
TSH and fT4 during pregnancy: an observational study and a review of the literature
Authors: Joosen Annemiek M.C.P. , van der Linden Ivon J.M. , de Jong-Aarts Neletta , Hermus Marieke A.A. , Ermens Antonius A.M. , de Groot Monique J.M.
Published: December 2015

Background: Trimester-specific reference intervals for TSH are recommended to assess thyroid function during pregnancy due to changes in thyroid physiology. Laboratories should verify reference intervals for their population and assay used. No consistent upper reference limit (URL) for TSH during pregnancy is reported in literature. We investigated the use of non-pregnant reference intervals for TSH, recommended during pregnancy by current Dutch guidelines, by deriving trimester-specific reference intervals in disease-free Dutch pregnant women as these are not available.

Methods: Apparently healthy low risk pregnant women were recruited via midwifery practices. Exclusion criteria included current or past history of thyroid or other endocrine disease, multiple pregnancy, use of medication known to influence thyroid function and current pregnancy as a result of hormonal stimulation. Women who were TPO-antibody positive, miscarried, developed hyperemesis gravidarum, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, HELLP, diabetes or other disease, delivered prematurely or had a small for gestational age neonate were excluded. Blood samples were collected at 9–13 weeks (n=99), 27–29 weeks (n=96) and 36–39 weeks (n=96) of gestation and at 4–13 weeks post-partum (n=95). Sixty women had complete data during pregnancy and post-partum. All analyses were performed on a Roche Cobas e601 analyser.

Results and conclusions: In contrast to current Dutch guidelines, the 97.5th percentiles of TSH in the first (3.39 mIU/L) and second trimesters (3.38 mIU/L) are well under the non-pregnant URL of 4.0 mIU/L. The higher TSH in the third trimester (97.5th percentile 3.85 mIU/L) is close to the current non-pregnant URL of 4.0 mIU/L. Absolute intra-individual TSH is relatively stable during pregnancy and post-partum as individuals tracked within the tertile assigned in trimester 1. Even small deviations within the population reference interval may indicate subtle thyroid dysfunction.
Use of isoelectric focusing to discriminate transient oligoclonal bands from monoclonal protein in treated myeloma
Authors: Henry Robyn , Glegg Debra
Published: December 2015

A 62-year-old diabetic man with prostate cancer first presented to our clinical laboratory in 2003 with a normal serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation. In March 2009 he was diagnosed with an IgG κ myeloma. He underwent treatment and went into remission with the original paraprotein band being undetectable. Over the following 5 years, he developed oligoclonal bands and then eventually relapsed. Serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation were inconclusive, however, isoelectrofocusing identified the oligoclonal pattern then the return of the original band, indicating relapse. This case illustrates the usefulness of an isoelectric focusing method to correctly determine clonality of small abnormal protein bands. It also highlights the need for appropriate commenting on reported results so that they are not confusing for clinicians.
Quantitative determination of four immunosuppressants by high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)
Authors: Bruns Kai , Mönnikes Rene , Lackner Karl J.
Published: December 2015

Background: Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) utilizing triple-quadrupole instruments has been widely used for quantification of endogenous compounds, drugs or metabolites in clinical laboratories. In contrast, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is typically used for compound identification due to its limited dynamic range. Recently HRMS instruments with enhanced linear dynamic range have become available. The aim of this study was to evaluate HRMS for fast quantitative applications in a clinical laboratory.

Methods: A high throughput UPLC-TOF-MS assay for simultaneous quantification of cyclosporin A, tacrolimus, sirolimus and everolimus was developed. All immunosuppressants were analyzed as sodium adducts in TOF-only mode using an Agilent 6540 Q-TOF system. Extracted ion chromatograms of analytes and internal standards were created from full-scan data. The assay was evaluated and compared to an established LC-MS/MS assay according to CLSI recommendations.

Results: The novel HRMS assay has a total run time of 3 min. The assay is linear in a clinical relevant concentration range for all four immunosupressants. Method correlations vs. established LC-MS/MS assay were between R2=0.99 and R2=0.97. Total coefficients of variation (CVT) ranges were 4.5%–6.4% (tacrolimus), 7.4%–8.0% (sirolimus), 8.0%–8.8% (everolimus) and 6.1%–7.4% (cyclosporine A) for three relevant concentration levels each.

Conclusions: High resolution TOF-MS and LC-MS/MS show equivalent quantitative performance for monitoring of cyclosporin A, tacrolimus, sirolimus and everolimus. HRMS has the potential to replace conventional LC-MS/MS in clinical laboratories because it simplifies assay development (no optimization of fragmentations and product ions necessary) and its full-scan data can provide additional information.
Is accuracy of serum free light chain measurement achievable?
Authors: Jacobs Joannes F.M. , Tate Jillian R. , Merlini Giampaolo
Published: December 2015

The serum free light chain (FLC) assay has proven to be an important complementary test in the management of patients with monoclonal gammopathies. The serum FLC assay has value for patients with plasma cell disorders in the context of screening and diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and quantitative monitoring. Nonetheless, serum FLC measurements have analytical limitations which give rise to differences in FLC reporting depending on which FLC assay and analytical platform is used. As the FLC measurements are incorporated in the International Myeloma Working Group guidelines for the evaluation and management of plasma cell dyscrasias, this may directly affect clinical decisions. As new certified methods for serum FLC assays emerge, the need to harmonise patient FLC results becomes increasingly important. In this opinion paper we provide an overview of the current lack of accuracy and harmonisation in serum FLC measurements. The clinical consequence of non-harmonized FLC measurements is that an individual patient may or may not meet certain diagnostic, prognostic, or response criteria, depending on which FLC assay and platform is used. We further discuss whether standardisation of serum FLC measurements is feasible and provide an overview of the steps needed to be taken towards harmonisation of FLC measurements.
Hydrogel supported chiral imidazolidinone for organocatalytic enantioselective reduction of olefins in water
Authors: Sacchetti Alessandro , Rossi Filippo , Rossetti Arianna , Pesa Roberto , Mauri Emanuele
Published: December 2015

Chiral products play an important role particularly in the field of medicinal chemistry, where it is known that enantiomers often have very different biological properties and effects. One of the most powerful tool to obtain a product as a single enantiomer is asymmetric catalysis. Recently, organocatalysis, i.e. the use of small organic molecules to catalyze enantioselective transformations, has emerged as a prominent field in asymmetric synthesis. In this work, the use of hydrogels as a support for a chiral imidazolidinone organocatalyst (MacMillan catalyst) and its application in the reduction of activated olefins mediated by the Hantzsch ester is reported for the first time. Results showed a good activity of hydrogels in respect to both yield and enantioselection.
Enzyme-assisted extraction of citrus essential oil
Authors: Chávez-González Mónica L. , López-López Lluvia I. , Rodríguez-Herrera Raúl , Contreras-Esquivel Juan C. , Aguilar Cristóbal N.
Published: December 2015

Citrus peels are underutilized in the processing industry and are commonly considered as waste as their chemical composition varies. However, it is possible to recover some value-added products, one of them being essential oil, which is widely used in the food industry. Due to the current increase in global demand for citrus essential oils, it is necessary to implement processes directed to the maximum recovery of oil from waste peels. Numerous eﬀorts have been made without achieving signiﬁcant improvements in yields. In this work, enzymatic pretreatments of orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels were applied to achieve increased yields of essential oil extracted by hydro-distillation. In two of the sources it was possible to increase the essential oil yield from two to six times. Moreover, a signiﬁcant amount of fermentable sugars which can be used in the production of certain other compounds of interest through fermentation was obtained.
Experimental investigations of liquid flow in pipe with flat internal baffles
Authors: Talaga Jan , Wójtowicz Ryszard
Published: December 2015

Liquid flow in a tubular reactor with flat internal baffles of various widths was investigated. On the basis of the laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) measurements, the main flow parameters, i.e. the mean and fluctuating velocity components and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) were determined. The investigations demonstrated that the insertion of baffles into a pipe and a change in their width caused a generation of liquid stream whirls, induced liquid recirculation loops and intensified the flow considerably. The results can be useful in describing turbulent flow in tubular reactors with baffles and in optimising their design.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta type II with the variant c.4237G>A (p.Asp1413Asn) in COL1A1 in a dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancy
Authors: Novak Linda , Steinberger Daniela , Wilhelm Anneke , Bahlmann Franz
Published: December 2015

We present the case of a 34-year-old woman with a prenatally diagnosed osteogenesis imperfecta type II of one fetus of a diamniotic-dichorionic twin pregnancy at 28 weeks and 2 days of gestation. The diagnosis was suspected after a routine ultrasound examination, specified by 3D-ultrasound and confirmed with moleculargenetic analyses of COL1A1 with DNA of fetal cells obtained after amniotic drainage. Since a premature rupture of membranes occurred a cesarean section was performed at 36 weeks of gestation. Both newborns received primary medical care by neonatologists. The affected child received further treatment initially stationary, later as an ambulant patient. Even though ultrasound is a powerful tool to identify clinical features of osteogenesis imperfecta, the condition can finally only be confirmed by collagen or DNA analyses. We discuss the possibilities and limits of prenatal diagnosis, treatment options as well as issues that are relevant for genetic counseling.
Emergence and Emergents in Entrepreneurship: Complexity Science Insights into New Venture Creation
Authors: Lichtenstein Benyamin
Published: December 2015

Emergence is at the nexus of entrepreneurship and complexity science because the former studies how and why new organizations emerge, and complexity examines the emergence of new order in dynamic systems. As a means of summarizing work in emergence, this invited paper presents six insights that complexity science has brought to entrepreneurship: An emergence process generates an emergent outcome; emergence is driven by agency; emergence increases the capacity of a system; emergence occurs in cycles; emergence follows a distinct logic; and entrepreneurial emergents follow an 80/20 rule.
Leaching from the stratum corneum does not explain the previously reported elevated potassium ion concentration in sweat
Authors: Buono Michael J. , Stone Michael , Cannon Daniel T.
Published: December 2015

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine if K+ is leached from the stratum corneum when sweat is present on the skin’s surface. The results will help address whether sweat [K+] previously reported in the literature are artifactually elevated as a result of K+ leaching.

Methods: Twelve (six female, six male) healthy volunteers participated in this study. After thorough skin cleansing and preparation with isopropyl alcohol and high-performance liquid chromatography-grade distilled water, three sites were chosen and a 50 μL drop of artificial sweat was pipetted directly onto the skin. The artificial sweat had a [K+] of 4 mEq·L–1, an osmolality of 120 mosm·L–1, and a pH of 6.0. Immediately following, a clear plastic cover slip (~6 cm2) with a shallow 0.8 cm2 convex impression in the center was applied over each drop, preventing evaporation. Each sample was allowed to sit on the forearm, under the plastic cover slip, for 10 min.

Results: The mean (±SD) [K+] in ‘artificial’ sweat not exposed to the skin was measured to be 4.2±0.4 mEq·L–1. After 10 min of exposure to the stratum corneum of the forearm, the artificial sweat had a mean (±SD) [K+] of 3.9±0.3 mEq·L–1. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the [K+] between the control artificial sweat and the samples collected after 10 min of exposure to forearm skin.

Conclusions: These results do not support the hypothesis that significant K+ leaching from the stratum corneum into standing sweat is the cause for the previously reported elevated sweat [K+].
Gewissen und Gerechtigkeit in den Beichtbüchern der Frühen Neuzeit
Authors: Scattola Merio
Published: December 2015

“Conscience” was a main issue in the Catholic theology of the XVI century and it played an important part in the speculative theology of the great commentaries on the Summa theologiae, where it was treated as the epistemological problem of the synderesis. But it also dominated the literature of the Summulae confessorum, which was intended to solve problems of practical life. These writings could rely on a quite long and very rich tradition, which had given in the XV century a systematic shape to all questions pertaining to the different fora competent for the sins of the Christian. The main feature of this doctrine was that the church had to administrate both the forum internum and the forum externum, which was intended as a part of the ecclesiastic jurisdiction. The same pattern was adopted since the late XVI century by both Lutheran and Calvinistic or Puritan theology, of course with an important difference, because the sacramental mediation of the church in the process of the confession was progressively dismissed completely. In this way, the difference between the forum internum and the forum externum was developed to such a point that the former corresponded only with the singular conscience and the latter coincided only with the law of a sovereign power.
Les intellectuels iréniques de Transylvanie et la traduction de la Bible en roumain
Authors: Nagy Levente
Published: December 2015

The greatest propagator of the reformation among the Romanians was István Geleji Katona (1589–1649). He had a good relationship with the teachers from Herborn (Philipp Ludwig Piscator, 1575–1629, Johann Heinrich Alsted, 1588–1638, and Johann Heinrich Bisterfeld 1605–1655) invited to the Academicum Collegium seu Gymnazium Illustre in Gyulafehérvár by Transylvanian princes Gábor Bethlen (1580–1629) and György Rákóczi I (1593–1648). All of them represented an irenic attitude and they wanted to convert to the Reformation not only the Greek Orthodox Romanians but the Islamic Turkish people as well. The study shows the activity of this intellectual circle in Gyulafehérvár – as a result of this activity The New Testament was published in Romanian language in 1648, and the Book of Psalms in 1651.
Transregional Reformation: Synods and Consensus in the Early Reformed Churches
Authors: Foresta Patrizio
Published: December 2015

This article will explore what might be called the transregional scope and outreach of early modern Reformed synods in a theological as well as ecclesial sense, examining some very few but important moments between the sixteenth and seventeenth century that marked a turning point in the history of the European Reformed Churches and show some particular aspects of the constitutive link between synods and consensus. A transregional level implies a methodological shift towards a more complex and many-sided view of synods, according to which a supposedly unyielding and confessionally adamant institution was affected by the social, geographical, cultural, theological and political stratifications within a wide range of mediating factors and conditions: different local Churches were linked together and crossed the political and ecclesiastical borders through the channels along which persons and ideas passed from region to region, thus creating a mutual exchange through which political, institutional and theological communication took place.
On temporal-structural dynamic failure criteria for rocks
Authors: Qi Chengzhi , Wei Xiaokun , Hongsen Wang , Aifantis Elias C.
Published: December 2015

Various failure criteria for rocks are discussed with emphasis on intrinsic temporal and structural features. It is shown that such internal-time/structure-based fracture criteria are different expressions of the governing structural changes under external action. Rock mass has a complex internal structural hierarchy, and failure is intimately related to the development of cracks, their growth and coalescence. In order to describe properly deformation and fracture in rocks it is necessary to consider the internal structural hierarchy of the rock mass and the finiteness of crack propagation. Critical issues including the essence of incubation time, the nature of limit failure strain, and the type of failure criteria for different strain rate sensitivity regimes, are discussed.
Lipoprotein(a): when to measure, how to treat?
Authors: Chennamsetty Indumathi , Scharnagl Hubert , Kleber Marcus E. , März Winfried , Kostner Gert M.
Published: December 2015

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is one of the most atherogenic lipoproteins consisting of a core low-density lipoprotein particle and the specific glycoprotein apo(a). Apo(a) is homologous to plasminogen yet in contrast exhibits a specific size polymorphism. This polymorphism is due to the fact that the number of kringle-IV (K-IV) repeats ranges between two and approximately 50. Apo(a) is synthesized almost exclusively in the liver, and there is still some discussion regarding whether the assembly of Lp(a) occurs intracellularly or in the circulating blood. The plasma Lp(a) concentration is markedly skewed to the right and extends from <1 mg/dL to more than 200 mg/dL. Up to 90% of the variance of Lp(a) concentrations may be genetically determined and the Lp(a) concentration correlates inversely with the number of K-IV repeats. In the apo(a) promoter there are numerous response elements for transcription factors and nuclear receptors, whereby the HNF4α binding sequence is the most important one. Activation of FXR causes the dissociation of HNF4α from its response element and in turn a significant down regulation of apo(a) transcription. Recent large epidemiological studies document beyond any doubt that Lp(a) is an independent causal risk factor for coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. Hence, novel approaches to correct elevated Lp(a) are under investigation. Among the established lipid-lowering drugs, only nicotinic acid lowers Lp(a) in a consistent and clinically relevant fashion, and we recently elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying this effect. Novel medicines in clinical trials include CETP inhibitors, PCSK9 antibodies, the MTP inhibitor lomitapide and antisense oligonucleotides. APO(a)Rx
®, an antisense oligonucleotide, which is specifically directed against the mRNA for apo(a), has the strongest effect on Lp(a). It offers the opportunity to examine the impact of selective Lp(a) lowering on clinical events. Lp(a) emerged as an important screening parameter to assess the risk for atherosclerosis. Its quantitation in the clinical laboratory had not been standardized for a long period of time. New commercial methods, in particular enzyme immunoassays with monoclonal antibodies that recognize single epitopes in apo(a), or nephelometric and turbidimetric assays hold the potential to warrant comparable results in different laboratories.
Advanced nanoarchitectures of carbon aerogels for multifunctional environmental applications
Authors: Hu Peidong , Tan Beihui , Long Mingce
Published: December 2015

In recent decades, carbon aerogels (CAs) have attracted increasing attention. Compared with other carbon materials, CAs are available in macroscopic diverse morphologies with tunable hierarchical porosity and large specific surface area. The interconnected carbonaceous framework also endows CAs with excellent electrical properties. CA can be a promising material for various purposes through proper design and functionalization. In this article, we place an emphasis on CAs based on resorcinol-formaldehyde resin and graphene sheets. We review the state-of-the-art progress on the preparation of functionalized CAs, and the relationships between their advanced nanoarchitectures and performances in environmental remediation, including adsorption, capacitive deionization and catalysis, are discussed. The challenges in design and application of CAs are also proposed.
Fast colourimetric detection of H2O2 by biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesised using Benincasa hispida fruit extract
Authors: Roy Kaushik , Sarkar Chandan K. , Ghosh Chandan K.
Published: December 2015

This study reports a single-step, fast and eco-friendly procedure for preparing silver nanoparticles from silver nitrate solution using fruit extract of
Making drugs safer: improving drug delivery and reducing the side effect of drugs on the human biochemical system
Authors: Odiba Arome , Ukegbu Chimere , Anunobi Oluchukwu , Chukwunonyelum Ike , Esemonu Juliet
Published: December 2015

Restrategizing becomes inevitable when in trying to proffer solution to a problem, damage in a different form is done. The unintended effects of drugs (side effects) could be leaving behind more damage than the therapeutic effect they are required to provide. This has led to the withdrawal of a number of drugs. However, there are still a number of options to explore in delivery, especially in the application of nanomedicine. Such advances in nanomedicine employ the use of phenylboronic acid-installed polymeric micelles, matrix metalloproteinase 2-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-drug conjugate, multifunctional DNA nanoflowers, single vehicular delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA), nanoparticle-mediated codelivery of siRNA and prodrug, lipopeptide nanoparticles for siRNA delivery, ferrous iron-dependent drug delivery, polyprodrug amphiphiles, transepithelial transport of Fc-targeted nanoparticles, mutant KRAS target, monovalent molecular shuttle, near-infrared-actuated devices, transferrin receptor trafficking, remote loading of preencapsulated drugs, ATP-mediated liposomal drug delivery, nanoparticle-based combination chemotherapy delivery system, nucleic acid nanoparticle conjugates, ultrasound-triggered disruption of cross-linked hydrogels, refilling drug delivery depots through the blood, siRNA payloads to target KRAS-mutant cancer, delivery of antibody mimics into mammalian cells, biologically “smart” hydrogel, combination of liposomes containing bio-enhancers, and tetraether lipids. Minimized side effects, increased bioavailability, and reduced dosage are possible benefits of improved drug targeting.