bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgery for Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression in Thoracic Spine, Anterior or Posterior Approach?
Authors: Liao Jen Chung 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background: The most commonly encounter tumor of the spine is metastasis, and thoracic spine is the most commonly metastatic spine. Controversy exists regarding the optimal surgical approach for this kind of patient. The author conducted a study to assess the differences between anterior thoracotomy and posterior approach in patients with malignant epidural cord compression in the thoracic spine.
Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2015, patients with metastatic thoracic lesion underwent surgery at our department were stratified into two groups according to different approach method to the lesion site. Group A mean anterior thoracotomy, decompression and fixation. Group P represented posterior decompression and fixation. Survival was defined as months since surgery to last tractable times. American Spinal Injury Association grade was used to assess preoperative and postoperative neurologic status. Days at intensive care unit (ICU) were compared. Every complication by surgery or during admission was documented.
Results: Group A had 25 patients and Group P had 67 patients. Lung cancer was ther most commonly origin cancer in both groups. The most commonly surgical level was the 9th thoracic vertebrae in Group A and the 10th thoracic vertbrae in Group P. Both gropus had a similar preoperative neurologic (p=0.959). One patients in Group A and two in the Group P sustained neurologic deterioation immediately after surgery. Group A took more operation time (213.0 vs 199.2 minutes, p=0.380) and had more blood loss (912.5 vs 834.4 ml, p=0.571). 6 patients in Group A (24%) and 10 patients in Group P (13.9%) developed complications immediately or postoperatively. Patients in Group A need more days of care at ICU (2.36 vs 0.19 days, p<0.001). The longer survival was seen in the goup P (15.4 vs 11.2 months) but without significant differnce.
Conclusion: Patients in Group P required significantly less days of care at ICU. Besides, posterior approach also took a shorter surgical time, and had a less blood loss during surgery, although without statistically significant difference. According to the results, the author would prefer posterior approach by decompression and fixation for those with thoracic metastatic tumor with epidural compression.
Keywords: Thoracic spine; metastatic epidural spinal cord compression; anterior thoracotomy; posterior approach; survivorship; neurologic status; complications.
Tests of Joints in AAC Masonry Walls
Authors: GALMAN Iwona , JASIŃSKI Radosław 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The paper presents the results of the Authors’ tests on the joints in AAC masonry walls. The shape of the tested element and the test stand were fitted innovatively based on the Authors’ own experience as well as on the literature overview and numerical analysis. Cracking morphology and mode of failure were investigated. The relationship between the load and displacement for different types of joins was compared. The obtained results were also compared to the results obtained on the reference model, which was a model with a traditional masonry bond. In the remaining testing elements, the connection was realized with the use of steel connectors. Various mechanisms of cracking and failure have been observed as well as the behaviour and load-bearing capacity of joints were different. The obtained results encourage to further analyses focused on detailing the joints and application of new methods in the construction of the joints.
A Gis Based Graph Oriented Algorithmic Model for Poly-Optimization of Waste Management System
Authors: GASKA Krzysztof , GENEROWICZ Agnieszka , ZIMOCH Izabela , CIUŁA Józef , SIEDLARZ Dariusz 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The article presents an integrated (inferential) system of computer assistance in waste management designed in component-based technology. The system allows for the implementation of individual elements (system components) with native and managed programming languages and performance technologies, ensuring easy integration of those components into one coherent, cooperating whole. One of the key issues involves the placement of the objects, events and conducted spatial (geographical) analyses in the system through the application of GIS technology (ability to use digital (vector or halftonebased) terrain maps), execution of spatial analyses, data visualization on maps, etc., using also commonly available spatial data available as part of the Infrastructure for Spatial Information (established under the Act on Infrastructure for Spatial Information).
Possibilities of Using Post-Consumer Wood Waste as a Fuel in a Cement Plant
Authors: KAJDA-SZCZEŚNIAK Małgorzata , JAWORSKI Tomasz J. , WAJDA Agata 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The energetic use of wood waste in cement plants, as well as in the commercial power industry and district heating can bring measurable economic and environmental benefits. The article presents an analysis of the possibility of using selected postconsumer wood waste as an alternative fuel. For this purpose, a series of tests were carried out to determine the physicochemical properties of the waste. The tests confirm the usefulness of post-consumer wood waste in cement plants as a separate fuel or one of the alternative fuel components.
Temporal Composition of Alfalfa–Grass Pastures and Productivity Response of Holstein Steers
Authors: Nieman Christine C. , Albrecht Kenneth A. , Schaefer Daniel M. 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Bloat incidence was less when grass proportion was 40% or more of grass–alfalfa sward.
Alfalfa masked differences among grasses in grazed forage amount and nutritive value.
Holstein steer growth rate was highest when sward alfalfa proportions were greatest.
Alfalfa–meadow fescue maintained the greatest alfalfa proportion after three seasons.
This study compared forage productivity and animal performance in three alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–grass mixtures: alfalfa–meadow fescue [Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv] (A–MF), alfalfa–orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) (A–OG), and alfalfa–tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] (A–TF). Mixtures were rotationally grazed with Holstein (Bos taurus, initial weight 242 kg, annually n = 180) steers from 2014 to 2016. Steer performance data from 2014 were excluded due to several incidences of bloat. Grass proportions increased over the 3‐yr study from 23% in 2014 to 40% in 2015 to 71% in 2016 (P < 0.01). Relationships (P < 0.001) between grass proportion and nutritive variables were detected with neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (R2 = 0.40) and NDF digestibility (R2 = 0.13) increasing with grass proportion, and crude protein (CP) decreasing (R2 = 0.29) with grass proportion. No relationship (P = 0.82) existed for in vitro true digestibility (IVTD). Grass proportions were lower, 60% grass, (P < 0.05) in A–MF pastures in 2016, compared to 77% for A–TF and A–OG causing higher average daily gain (ADG) for A–MF (P < 0.01) (0.81, 0.56, and 0.57 kg d−1 for A–MF, A–OG, and A–TF, respectively) and a tendency (P = 0.10) for greater gain per hectare for A–MF (P = 0.08) (994, 752, and 765 kg ha−1 for A–MF, A–TF, and A–OG, respectively). Cattle ADG was greatest when alfalfa sward proportions were high. By 2016, A–MF pastures had the highest alfalfa proportion, and therefore, the highest levels of ADG and gain per hectare.
Has Water Quality Improved or Been Maintained? A Quantitative Assessment Procedure
Authors: McBride Graham B. 
Published: February 2019

Many policies require reporting on water quality trends. This is usually addressed by testing a hypothesis positing that there was zero slope in some parameter of the sampled population over a given period. Failure to achieve “statistical significance” is often falsely interpreted as evidence that there was no trend of concern—the P‐value of these tests can become ever smaller as the sample size increases and so also can the detectable trend. To avoid this problem, a new trend direction assessment (TDA) procedure is proposed, based on a formulation in psychological literature that considers error risks when inferring the direction of differences between two population means. The TDA procedure abandons testing altogether and instead calculates probabilities that water quality variables have been increasing or decreasing. Nominated probability breakpoints then give rise to a graduated scale in which phrases such as “extremely likely” or “unlikely” can be used to summarize results, avoiding casting many into a “not statistically significant” box. This trend assessment procedure requires no more information than a traditional test, for which the significance level is reinterpreted as a misclassification error rate (inferring an increase when in fact there was a decrease, or vice versa). Example applications of this procedure to small and large datasets are given. This procedure also possesses a possible framework that addresses the more complex question of whether water quality has been “maintained,” in which a trend magnitude of environmental significance must be defined. The TDA procedure may be applied to any environment, not just water quality.Core Ideas
Abandon reporting of “statistical significance” for trend analysis.
Assess trend direction rather than using hypothesis/significance tests.
Calculate the probability that the trend direction has been correctly identified.
Use a graduated descriptive probability scale to present results.
Use results to inform an assessment of whether water quality has been maintained.
Channelizing Streams for Agricultural Drainage Impairs their Nutrient Removal Capacity
Authors: Booman Gisel C. , Laterra Pedro 
Published: February 2019

In agricultural basins, fluvial ecosystems can work as filters when retaining the nutrient excess from agricultural activities, mitigating the impacts downstream. In frequently flooded areas, like the Pampas Region of Argentina, natural streams are being channelized to reduce flood frequency and intensity, thus increasing land suitability for crop production, but the impact of these interventions on nutrient removal capacity by streams is unknown. To evaluate the effects of channelizing streams on the assimilation rate of nitrate, ammonia, and phosphorus, nutrient addition experiments were performed in streams of the southern Pampas under three different conditions: (i) channelized reaches without Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Palla (reeds), (ii) unchannelized reaches without reeds, and (iii) unchannelized reaches with reeds. Assimilation rates were estimated by applying the one‐dimensional transport with inflow and storage (OTIS) model, which considers the solute transport with lateral flow and storage. Nitrate and ammonia uptake rates were higher in unchannelized than in channelized stream reaches, and a higher nitrate assimilation rate was found in the presence of reeds, indicating an important role of this macrophyte in the nitrate uptake. In the case of phosphorous, uptake rates were higher in unchannelized reaches with reeds than in the channelized reaches. These results suggest that channelizing first‐order streams in agricultural landscapes of the Argentine Pampas may significantly reduce the ability of streams to mitigate nutrients loss to continental and marine water sinks.Core Ideas
Channelizing streams significantly reduces their capacity of nutrient removal.
Assimilation velocity and areal uptake rate (U) were the main affected parameters.
Median reductions of nitrogen U due to channelization varied between 34 and 86%.
Median reductions of phosphorus U due to channelization varied between 63 and 75%.
Nutrients removal in nonchannelized streams is enhanced by reed cover.
Quantifying Nitrate Leaching under Commercial Red Raspberry Using Passive Capillary Wick Samplers
Authors: Loo Shawn E. , Zebarth Bernie J. , Ryan M. Cathryn , Forge Thomas A. , Cey Edwin E. 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas
NO3 leaching was quantified by passive capillary wick samplers over 2 yr.
NO3 leaching was three times greater in Year 1 than Year 2 (240 vs. 80 kg N ha−1).
Increased Year 1 NO3 leaching reflected field renovation prior to monitoring period.
There was strong seasonality in NO3 leaching from the field.
Despite fertilizer banding in rows, 60% of NO3 leached from alleys between rows.
Groundwater NO3–N contamination in the Abbotsford‐Sumas Aquifer in British Columbia, Canada, has been attributed primarily to NO3–N leaching from red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.); however, direct estimates of NO3–N leaching are lacking. This study quantified the magnitude and timing of NO3–N leaching under a commercial red raspberry field over 30 mo (October 2010–March 2013) using passive capillary wick samplers installed below the root zone at three row locations (irrigated row, nonirrigated row, and alley) after the critical period of field renovation and replanting. Substantial NO3–N leaching (240 kg N ha−1) during the first year of monitoring was attributed to the effects of field renovation (including autumn chopping and incorporation of raspberry canes and soil fumigation and spring poultry broiler manure application) in the year prior to the initiation of monitoring. Lower NO3–N leaching (80 kg N ha−1) occurred in the second year of monitoring under typical mineral fertilizer management practices. Strong seasonality of NO3–N leaching was observed in both years, with ∼48% in autumn, 34% in spring and summer, and 17% in winter. Approximately 60% of the NO3–N leaching was attributed to the alleys between raspberry rows, which did not receive mineral fertilizer or irrigation. The high proportion of leaching during spring and summer and from the alleys suggests that growing‐season irrigation practices and alley vegetation management, respectively, would be good targets for the development of improved practices. The samplers were effective in quantifying the magnitude and timing of NO3–N leaching from a commercial agricultural field and informing the development of improved practices.
Performance optimization of banana vibrating screens based on PSO-SVR under DEM simulations
Authors: Li Zhanfu , Li Kunyuan , Ge Xiaole , Tong Xin 
Published: February 2019

This paper carried out the numerical simulation about the movement of non-spherical particles on banana vibrating screen using direct element method (DEM) considering the complexity of particle collision and avoiding obtaining motion information with difficulty. Experimental prototype of banana vibrating screen under variable parameters was manufactured to verify the feasibility of simulations. Because the complex non-linear mathematical model is the basis of optimization. Based on the simulation data this paper applied the least squares support vector machines (LS-SVM) to establish relationships between vibrating parameters of banana screen and screening performance. LS-SVM based on statistical theory can effectively solve the mapping problem of small sample. At same time, in order to improving the quality of modeling, the kernel parameters of SVM were optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO). Considering multi-extremum, large-scale, and non-differentiable of this computational model, the artificial fish-swarm algorithm (AFSA) with strong robustness and global convergence was applied to vibration parameters optimization. Finally, the optimal vibration parameters were: vibration amplitude 2.4 mm, vibration frequency 21 Hz, vibration direction angle 40 degrees.
Alleviation of hexavalent chromium by using microorganisms: insight into the strategies and complications
Authors: Bhattacharya Amrik , Gupta Anshu , Kaur Amarjeet , Malik Darshan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractExcessive industrialization and anthropogenic activities have resulted in widespread prevalence of heavy metals including hexavalent chromium in the environment. In addition to toxic properties, Cr(VI) possesses high stability and mobility, which in total makes it included in the list of priority heavy metals; thus it needs to be managed urgently. Among different methods available for remediation of Cr(VI), bioremediation is considered as one of the sustainable methods which could effectively be utilized for controlling Cr(VI) pollution. In this aspect, the treatment of Cr(VI)-containing wastewater originating from industries is noteworthy. The present review thus is an attempt to present a systematic overview dealing with studies on remediation of hexavalent chromium by using microorganisms and their application in treatment of Cr(VI)–containing industrial wastewaters. Various factors affecting the Cr(VI) removal and methods to enhance the bio-treatment are highlighted, which might act as a basis for researchers developing Cr(VI) bioremediation techniques.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Bile Acids Derivatives: An Overview
Authors: Grbović Ljubica M. , Pavlović Ksenija J. , Jovanović-Šanta Suzana S. , Vasiljević Bojana R. 
Published: February 2019

:
The first attempts at microwave-assisted (MW) syntheses of bile acid derivatives
were performed in domestic MW appliances. However, the reproducibility of these
syntheses, which were performed in uncontrolled conditions, was very low. In the first
part of this overview, compounds synthesized under such conditions are presented. Consequently,
with the development of MW technology, MW-assisted reactions in MW reactors
became reproducible. Thus, in the second part of this review, syntheses of bile acidsbased
compounds in MW reactors are presented. Among others, publications dealing with
the following topics will be covered:

:
− Chemical transformations of hydroxyl and/or carboxyl functions of bile acids into
esters or amides,

:
− Hydroxyl group oxidations,

:
− Derivatization of oxo-compounds with different nitrogen-containing compounds (e.g. 4-amino-3-
substituted-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiones, thiocarbohydrazides and thiosemicarbazides)

:
Bile acid-based molecular tweezers, capable of stereospecific molecular recognition

:
Reactions of hydroxyl functions to give chlorine derivatives, presenting reactive intermediates in substitution
reactions with N- or O-containing nucleophilic arylhydrazides, urea derivatives, substituted thiadiazoles or
triazoles or amino acid methyl esters, mainly in solvent-free conditions.

:
Some of the synthesized compounds expressed antimicrobial potential and/or good recognition properties as
artificial receptors for specific amino acids or anions.

:
Detailed comparisons between conventional and MW-assisted procedures for chemical transformations of bile
acids are given in most of the presented publications. Based on these results, MW irradiation methods are simpler,
more efficient, cleaner and faster than conventional synthetic methods, meeting the requirements of green
chemistry.
Potential Therapeutic Applications of P2 Receptor Antagonists: From Bench to Clinical Trials
Authors: da Silva Ferreira Natiele C. , Alves Luiz A. , Soares-Bezerra Rômulo J. 
Published: February 2019

Background:Extracellular purines and pyrimidines have important physiological functions in mammals. Purines and pyrimidines act on P1 and P2 purinergic receptors, which are widely expressed in the plasma membrane in various cell types. P2 receptors act as important therapeutic targets and are associated with several disorders, such as pain, neurodegeneration, cancer, inflammation, and thrombosis. However, the use of antagonists for P2 receptors in clinical therapy, with the exception of P2Y12, is a great challenge. Currently, many research groups and pharmaceutical companies are working on the development of specific antagonist molecules for each receptor subtype that could be used as new medicines to treat their respective disorders.Objective:The present review compiles some interesting findings on the application of P2 receptor antagonists in different in vitro and in vivo experimental models as well as the progress of advanced clinical trials with these compounds.Conclusion:Despite all of the exciting results obtained on the bench, few antagonists of P2 receptors advanced to the clinical trials, and once they reach this stage, the effectiveness of the therapy is not guaranteed, as in the example of P2X7 antagonists. Despite this, P2Y12 receptor antagonists have a history of success and have been used in therapy for at least two decades to prevent thrombosis in patients at risk for myocardial infarctions. This breakthrough is the motivation for scientists to develop new drugs with antagonistic activity for the other P2 receptors; thus, in a matter of years, we will have an evolution in the field of purinergic therapy.
Repositioning of Difluorinated Propanediones as Inhibitors of Histone Methyltransferases and their Biological Evaluation in Human Leukemic Cell Lines
Authors: Pal Tanushree , Sharda Asmita , Khade Bharat , Ramaa C. Sinha , Gupta Sanjay 
Published: February 2019

Background:
At present, ‘pharmaco-epigenomics’ constitutes the hope in cancer treatment owing to
epigenetic deregulation- a reversible process and playing a role in malignancy.

Objective:
Chemotherapy has many limitations like host-tissue toxicity, drug resistance. Hence, it is imperative
to unearth targets to better treat cancer. Here, we intend to repurpose a set of our previously synthesized
difluorinated Propanediones (PR) as Histone lysine Methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTi).

Methods:
The cell lines of leukemic origin viz. histiocytic lymphoma (U937) and acute T-cell leukemia
(JURKAT) were treated with PR-1 to 7 after docking studies with active pocket of HMT. The cell cycle analysis,
in vitro methylation and cell proliferation assays were carried out to delineate their physiological role.

Results:
A small molecule PR-4, at 1 and 10µM, has shown to alter the methylation of histone H3 and H4 in
both cell lines. Also, treatment shows an increase in G2/M population and a subsequent decrease in the G0/G1
population in U937. In JURKAT, an increase in both G2/M and S phase population was observed. The sub-G1
population showed a steady rise with increase in dose and prolonged time intervals in U937 and JURKAT cell
lines. In SRB assay, the PR showed a cell growth of 42.6 and 53.4% comparable to adriamycin; 44.5 and 53.2%
in U937 and JURKAT, respectively. The study suggests that PR-4 could emerge as a potential HMT inhibitor.

Conclusion:
The molecule PR-4 could be a lead in developing more histone lysine methyltransferases inhibitors
with potential to be pro-apoptotic agents.