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Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are reported to have disrupted autobiographical memory (AM). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging we investigated behavioral and neural processing of the recall of emotional (sad and happy) memories in 30 MDD, 18 BPD, and 34 healthy control (HC) unmedicated women. The behavioral results showed that the MDD group experienced more sadness than the HC after the sad recall, while BPD participants experienced less happiness than HC after the happy recall. The fMRI results for sad AMs, compared to happy AMs, elicited greater activation in multiple brain regions (i.e., medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, insula) linked to self-related information, emotional processing, and semantic recollection across all groups. Functional connectivity analysis revealed a significant main effect of group between the occipital cortex and precuneus and between occipital cortex and posterior cingulate cortex. The effect was driven by stronger connectivity between the occipital cortex and precuneus in the clinical groups taken together than in the HC. Our results suggest a need for stronger coordination between visual imagery and contextual recall for vivid memory retrieval in these clinical groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of climate information tools in promoting awareness of climate risks and facilitating comprehension of long-term climatic changes. Focusing on the needs of a variety of user groups like decision-makers, educators and the general public, it addresses the demand for reliable, tailored and comprehensible climate information. A cross-national survey involving 343 users in five countries (Estonia, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Ukraine) elucidates the varied skills, qualifications and preferences of users regarding data visualisation, information depth and language. The findings underscore that users have limited awareness of existing climate information tools and that they prefer information accessibility in native languages, revealing the significance of bridging language gaps, particularly in Eastern Europe. User-friendly tools are highlighted as essential, as complexity may deter non-experts. The study concludes by emphasising the need to enhance climate information availability and presentation, as well as the importance of collaboration and co-development efforts to overcome language barriers and link real-time weather events with long-term climatic trends. Overall, the research underscores the demand for adaptable, user-friendly climate information tools, offering valuable insights for mitigating climate risks and supporting adaptation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing precipitation accelerates soil erosion and boosts sediment loads, especially in mountain catchments. Therefore, there is significant pressure to deliver plausible assessments of these phenomena on a local scale under future climate change scenarios. Such assessments are primarily drawn from a combination of climate change projections and environmental model simulations, usually performed by climatologists and environmental modelers independently. Our example shows that without communication from both groups the final results are ambiguous. Here, we estimate sediment loads delivered from a Carpathian catchment to a reservoir to illustrate how the choice of meteorological data, reference period, and model ensemble can affect final results. Differences in future loads could reach up to even 6000 tons of sediment per year. We suggest there must be a better integration between climatologists and environmental modelers, focusing on introducing multi-model ensembles targeting specific impacts to facilitate an informed choice on climate information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the long-term variability of extreme precipitation events in the Carpathian region of Poland in relation to climate change and its potential impact on river regime. Focusing on eight catchments with undisturbed runoff regimes, the research utilized daily data from May to October between 1951 and 2022. This data included precipitation totals from 23 gauging stations, discharge values from eight water level gauging stations, and gridded precipitation data from the E-OBS dataset. Additionally, future projections for 2026–2060 under two RCP scenarios (4.5 and 8.5) were generated using five GCM-RCM model combinations from the EURO-CORDEX simulations. The study explored the relationship between precipitation and discharge, using probability techniques to identify extreme events. This study highlights the strong linkages between extreme precipitation and discharge in the region, indicating an elevated flood risk due to increased precipitation variability and volume. Despite no significant trends in the frequency of precipitation extremes being observed in the historical analysis, an increase in seasonal precipitation totals is projected, although with considerable uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: There is concern that subvisible aggregates in biotherapeutic drug products pose a risk to patient safety. We investigated the threshold of biotherapeutic aggregates needed to induce immunogenic responses. Methods and Results: Highly aggregated samples were tested in cell-based assays and induced cellular responses in a manner that depended on the number of particles. The threshold of immune activation varied by disease state (cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, allergy), concomitant therapies, and particle number. Compared to healthy donors, disease state patients showed an equal or lower response at the late phase (7 days), suggesting they may not have a higher risk of responding to aggregates. Xeno-het mice were used to assess the threshold of immune activation in vivo. Although highly aggregated samples (~ 1,600,000 particles/mL) induced a weak and transient immunogenic response in mice, a 100-fold dilution of this sample (~ 16,000 particles/mL) did not induce immunogenicity. To confirm this result, subvisible particles (up to ~ 18,000 particles/mL, containing aggregates and silicone oil droplets) produced under representative administration practices (created upon infusion of a drug product through an IV catheter) did not induce a response in cell-based assays or appear to increase the rate of adverse events or immunogenicity during phase 3 clinical trials. Conclusion: The ability of biotherapeutic aggregates to elicit an immune response in vitro, in vivo, and in the clinic depends on high numbers of particles. This suggests that there is a high threshold for aggregates to induce an immunogenic response which is well beyond that seen in standard biotherapeutic drug products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we propose a mechanochemical route to manage the disposal of asbestos fibers material from raw chrysotile and asbestos cement, using it as a nutrient source for agriculture. The mechanochemical process, using citric acid as a reactant, led to the fibers' disruption. The constant mixing, the reactants' friction, and the ion migration enabled the formation of calcium/magnesium citrates. Through soil incubation and enzymatic profile analyses, we showed the beneficial effect of these products as readily available carbon to stimulate endogenous microbiota, releasing Ca2+/Mg2+ to correct acid soil pH. The results evidence the potential of these citrates to promote an acidic buffer to the soil and, after their microbiological decomposition, their equivalent effect to commercial limestone for soil pH correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with Zn:Al in molar ratio 1:1, intercalated with sulphate and alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+), were synthesized and characterized. The syntheses of Zn/Al-SO4-K was performed by precipitation with increasing pH when the KOH solution was slowly added to acid mixed solutions of ZnSO4, Al2(SO4)3 and K2SO4, with Zn:Al:K in molar ratios of 0.5:0.5:0.167, at 90°C under the dynamic flow of N2. In the exchange reactions, aqueous LDH dispersions were stirred with an excess of Li2SO4 or Na2SO4 for 96 h at room temperature under N2 flow. All the obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry analyses. After the reactions, alkali metal cations were exchanged, keeping sulphate constant, showing that this new class of LDHs can exchange cations and has the potential for new applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with Zn:Al in molar ratio 1:1, intercalated with sulphate and alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+), were synthesized and characterized. The syntheses of Zn/Al-SO4-K was performed by precipitation with increasing pH when the KOH solution was slowly added to acid mixed solutions of ZnSO4, Al2(SO4)3 and K2SO4, with Zn:Al:K in molar ratios of 0.5:0.5:0.167, at 90°C under the dynamic flow of N2. In the exchange reactions, aqueous LDH dispersions were stirred with an excess of Li2SO4 or Na2SO4 for 96 h at room temperature under N2 flow. All the obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry analyses. After the reactions, alkali metal cations were exchanged, keeping sulphate constant, showing that this new class of LDHs can exchange cations and has the potential for new applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive-attentional syndrome (CAS) is in the self-regulatory executive function model a set of cognitive and behavioural strategies aimed at regulating cognition and emotion originating from maladaptive metacognitive beliefs. Investigating the brain structure of people with high levels of CAS enables a better understanding of the syndrome and bridging between the metacognitive model of psychopathology and previous results on structural abnormalities in various psychological disorders. Participants with high (n=40) and low levels of CAS (n=44) underwent structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging session. Voxel-Based Morphometry analytical approach was used to compute grey matter volume (GMV) differences between the groups. The group with a high level of CAS had lower GMV in the dorsal part of the anterior cingulate cortex. Our results are in line with the self-regulatory executive function model of psychopathology, showing a link between CAS and lowered GMV in the brain region associated with the regulation of cognition and emotion. They are also in agreement with meta-analytical results on structural correlates of various psychological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic (Zn/Al) and trimetallic (Mg,Zn/Al) layered double hydroxides (LDHs) intercalated with nitrate were synthesized by the coprecipitation method and used as precursors to obtain LDHs intercalated with the organic anions 4–4′-diamino-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate and ortho-phthalate through anion exchange reactions. The materials were used as fillers in different ratios in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to obtain polymer nanocomposites by extrusion-injection molding. The layered materials were characterized by several instrumental techniques, and the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated. The samples were exposed to thermo-oxidative conditions at 60 and 90 °C for 1194 h, and the degradation process of the polymer nanocomposites was studied by measurements of hardness, weight loss and oxidation index. Results showed that trimetallic and bimetallic LDH had a notable effect on the LDPE nanocomposites' degradation, depending on the intercalated anion. Both systems showed potential use as environmentally friendly stabilizers of polymeric matrices, reducing material damage induced by heat and oxidation, increasing the lifetime of the material and lowering the environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress may impact the ability to effectively regulate emotions. To study the impact of stressful experiences in early and recent life on emotion regulation, we examined the relationship between early life stress, recent stress, and brain activation during cognitive reappraisal. We investigated two regulation goals: the decrease and increase of emotional response to both negative and positive stimuli. Furthermore, two models of stress consequences were examined: the cumulative and match/mismatch models. A total of 83 participants (Mage = 21.66) took part in the study. There was an interaction between cumulative stress and stimuli valence in the cuneus, superior lateral occipital cortex, superior parietal lobule, supramarginal gyrus extending to superior temporal gyrus, and precentral gyrus extending to supplementary motor area. Interaction between mismatched stress index and stimuli valence was found in the left hippocampus, left insula extending to the orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala, and in a cluster including the anterior cingulate cortex, superior frontal gyrus, and frontal pole. Furthermore, there were differences between the effects of cumulative and mismatched stress indices on brain activation during reappraisal of positive but not negative stimuli. Results indicate that cumulative stress and match/mismatch approaches are both useful for explaining brain activation during reappraisal. This finding is important for our understanding of the multifaceted impact of stress on emotion regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical methods are utilized throughout the biopharmaceutical and vaccines industries to conduct research and development, and to help control manufacturing inputs and outputs. These analytical methods should continuously provide quality data to support decisions while managing the remaining of risk and uncertainty. Analytical quality by design (AQbD) can provide a systematic framework to achieve a continuously validated, robust assay as well as life cycle management. AQbD is rooted in ICH guidelines Q8 and Q9 that were translated to the analytical space through several white papers as well as upcoming USP 1220 and ICH Q14. In this white paper, we expand on the previously published concepts of AQbD by providing additional context for implementation in relation to ICH Q14. Using illustrative examples, we describe the AQbD workflow, its relation to traditional approaches, and potential pathways for ongoing, real-time verification. We will also discuss challenges with respect to implementation and regulatory strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theory of mind plays a fundamental role in human social interactions. People generally better understand the mental states of members of their own race, a predisposition called the own-race bias, which can be significantly reduced by experience. It is unknown whether the ability to understand mental states can be similarly influenced by own-age bias, whether this bias can be reduced by experience and, finally, what the neuronal correlates of this processes are. We evaluate whether adults working with children (WC) have an advantage over adults not working with children (NWC) in understanding the mental states of youngsters. Participants performed fMRI tasks with Adult Mind (AM) and Child Mind (CM) conditions based on the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test and a newly developed Nencki Children Eyes test. WC had better accuracy in the CM condition than NWC. In NWC, own-age bias was associated with higher activation in the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) in AM than in CM. This effect was not observed in the WC group, which showed higher activation in the pSTS and inferior frontal gyri in CM than in AM. Therefore, activation in these regions is required for the improvement in recognition of children's mental states caused by experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly every study dealing with temperature extremes underscores the lack of a universal and broadly used method of identifying such events. The most popular are relative methods, which are based on the empirical distribution of temperature at each location (i.e., percentiles). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the various percentile-based methods of defining hot days on the analysis of their frequency of occurrence, trends, and geographic patterns in summer in Europe. The basis for the research consists of daily maximum (TX) and minimum (TN) values of air temperature for 1961–2017 for Europe obtained from the E-OBS database. A hot day occurs when air temperature exceeds the 90th percentile–based threshold. These thresholds are determined using the following: (I) various temperature metrics (TX and TN), (II) various baseline periods (1961–1990, 1971–2000, 1981–2010), and (III) different timeframes within the year that the percentile is calculated for (summer season, separate summer months, and each calendar day). Our results indicate that the use of different variants of the percentile-based definition leads to differences in the geographic patterns of frequencies of and trends in summer hot days in Europe. The differences are especially substantial within the results obtained using various temperature metrics and baseline periods, and they are relatively small when different timeframes within the year that the percentile is calculated for are considered. On the example of the case study, we also show how the use of different research approaches may affect the intensity and spatial extent of an extreme temperature event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to use functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) to analyse the cortical presentation of selected language functions in patients after a total laryngectomy. Methods: Eighteen patients after total laryngectomy treated with electrolarynx speech and 18 volunteers were included. The mean number of patients' post-operative speech rehabilitation sessions was five (range of 3–8 sessions). Four paradigms were used, including noun generation, pseudoword reading, reading phrases with pseudowords, and nonliteral sign reproduction. Results: In noun, the most significant difference between the groups was the stronger activation of both lingual gyri in the volunteers. Pseudoword reading resulted in stronger activations in patients than in volunteers in the lingual gyri, the right cerebellum, the right Broca's area, and the right parietal operculum. Reading phrases with pseudowords involved different parts of the Brodmann area 40. During nonliteral sign reproduction, there was a stronger activation of the left Broca's area in volunteers and a stronger activation of the left premotor cortex in patients. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of altered cortical activation in response to language tasks in patients after a laryngectomy compared with healthy volunteers, which may be considered brain plasticity in response to a laryngectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesized phases with chemical composition M 6 2 + Al 3 OH 18 A + SO 4 2 12 H 2 O (M2+ = Mn, Mg, Zn; A+ = Li, Na or K) were evaluated in relation to their thermal behavior by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In the shigaite (M2+ = Mn), natroglaucocerinite (M2+ = Zn) and motukoreaite (M2+ = Mg) phases, the TGA measurements indicated that all samples were dehydrated up to 200 °C in two steps, followed by dehydroxylation above 300 °C. After the thermal treatment at 1000 °C, formation of oxides/spinels were observed for the shigaite and natroglaucocerinite phases, while for motukoreaite, oxides, spinels and MgSO4 were detected. XRD indicated a reduction in the basal distance from around 11 Å for the fully hydrated phases to around 7 Å for the dehydrated phases. The thermal treatments of some samples at 100 °C, 150 °C and 200 °C indicated that in all phases, intercalated sulfate and alkaline metal ions can be dehydrated and rehydrated. As indicated by FTIR, at 200 °C sulfate could be grafted to the layers and at 300 °C, for all the phases, a stable mixture of amorphous materials was obtained, which could not be rehydrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the synthesis of cobalt hydroxide nitrate (CoHN) and cobalt hydroxide p-aminobenzoate (CoHAB), which were dispersed in polyethylene with the objective of protecting the polymer from ultraviolet (UV) radiation degradation. First, CoHN was synthesized by urea hydrolysis in the presence of Co(II) nitrate and the intercalation of p-aminobenzoate into CoHAB was performed under hydrothermal alkaline conditions. The structure and thermal stability of the CoHN and CoHAB were characterized by several instrumental techniques. Results indicated that both fillers were dispersed in polyethylene and absorb radiation in the whole UV range, modifying the behavior of the polymer degradation under artificial weathering conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, zinc laurate (ZL) was synthesized by precipitation and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. ZL was applied for monolaurin synthesis by esterification of lauric acid with glycerol using a 23 factorial design to determine the best conditions for monolaurin production. Conversion of nearly to 70% was achieved by using a lauric acid:glycerol molar ratio of 1:1, 2 wt % of catalyst and 140 °C, reaching to 33% of monolaurin selectivity. Statistical analyses at a confidence level of 95% indicated that the decrease in lauric acid:glycerol molar ratio was significant to enhance the monolaurin production. Moreover, the solid was able to be reused, preserving its original structure and the catalytic activity, which indicated the potential use in continuous processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the investigation of the effects related to glycerol and acetic acid esterification over solid acid catalysts under microwave radiation by full factorial design 23 is described. Using clay minerals activated with H3PO4 as catalysts it was possible to produce 26.4 wt% of acetins with molar ratio of 1:3 (glycerol:acetic acid), at 90 °C and using 10 wt% catalysts (in relation to glycerol mass) in 1 h of reaction. On the other hand, under the same conditions and conventional heating, 22.5 wt% of acetins were obtained, without selectivity, while under microwave radiation 67% of produced acetins were monoacetin, which is an important intermediate in organic synthesis. The influence of independent variables at 95% confidence level for reactions under microwave was evaluated and the molar ratio (acetic acid:glycerol) had a negative effect on acetin production. Finally, the catalysts were characterized after its exposure to conventional and microwave heating and no structural modifications were observed, which indicates the possibility of catalysts reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A combination of the caloric test with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a promising method for a comprehensive diagnostics of pathologies of the vestibular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential pattern of grey matter local activation in fMRI using cold and hot caloric stimulation in patients presenting unilateral peripheral vestibular injury. Methods: Forty right-handed participants aged 27 to 56 with the diagnosis of right-sided peripheral vestibular hypofunction were included. Stimulation was performed separately for the right and the left ear with cold (C, 14–15 °C) stimulus and hot (H, 48–49 °C) stimulus. Grey matter activation was assessed in BOLD technique using a 3T scanner. Results: We observed activity within the parieto-insular vestibular cortex (PIVC), thalamus, insula and retroinsular area, hippocampus, and cerebellum, as well as oculomotor centers located in the precentral gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and intraparietal sulcus. Cold stimulus resulted in more areas of activation in response to the right ear activation rather than to the left ear. The ipsilateral activity was noted for insular cortex and intraparietal sulcus. The differences between hot and cold stimuli were noted for the right ear. Conclusions: In this preliminary study, the combination of the caloric test and fMRI allowed to present specific pattern of grey matter activation in patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular injury. Further studies are necessary to develop patterns or cortical maps differentiating various balance disorders and to analyze the dynamics of cortical plasticity after the injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding is a major environmental hazard in Poland with risks that are likely to increase in the future. Land use and land cover (LULC) have a strong influencing on flood risk. In the Polish Carpathians, the two main projected land use change processes are forest expansion and urbanization. These processes have a contradictory impact on flood risk, which makes the future impact of LULC changes on flooding in the Carpathians hard to estimate. In this paper, we investigate the impact of the projected LULC changes on future flood risk in the Polish Carpathians for the test area of Ropa river basin. We used three models of spatially explicit future LULC scenarios for the year 2060. We conduct hydrological simulations for the current state and for the three projected land use scenarios (trend extrapolation, ‘liberalization’ and ‘self-sufficiency’). In addition, we calculated the amount of flood-related monetary losses, based on the current flood plain area and both actual and projected land use maps under each of the three scenarios. The results show that in the Ropa river, depending on scenario, either peak discharge decreases due to the forest expansion or the peak discharge remains constant—the impact of LULC changes on the hydrology of such mountainous basins is relatively low. However, the peak discharges are very diverse across sub-catchments within the modeling area. Despite the overall decrease of peak discharge, there are areas of flow increase and there is a substantial projected increase in flood-related monetary losses within the already flood-prone areas, related to the projected degree of urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain regions are sensitive to climate changes, which make them good indicators of climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of air temperature and precipitation in the Polish Carpathians. This study consists of climatological analyses for the historical period 1851-2010 and future projections for 2021-2100. The results confirm that there has been significant warming of the area and that this warming has been particularly pronounced over the last few decades and will continue in the oncoming years. Climate change is most evident in the foothills; however, these are the highest summits which have experienced the most intensive increases in temperature during the recent period. Precipitation does not demonstrate any substantial trend and has high year-to-year variability. The distribution of the annual temperature contour lines modelled for selected periods provides evidence of the upward shift of vertical climate zones in the Polish Carpathians, which reach approximately 350 meters, on average, what indicates further ecological consequences as ecosystems expand or become extinct and when there are changes in the hydrological cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, we are experiencing unprecedented growth and innovation within the pharmaceutical industry. Established protein therapeutic modalities, such as recombinant human proteins, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and fusion proteins, are being used to treat previously unmet medical needs. Novel therapies such as bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs), chimeric antigen T cell receptors (CARTs), siRNA, and gene therapies are paving the path towards increasingly personalized medicine. This advancement of new indications and therapeutic modalities is paralleled by development of new analytical technologies and methods that provide enhanced information content in a more efficient manner. Recently, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) multi-attribute method (MAM) has been developed and designed for improved simultaneous detection, identification, quantitation, and quality control (monitoring) of molecular attributes (Rogers et al. MAbs 7(5):881–90, 2015). Based on peptide mapping principles, this powerful tool represents a true advancement in testing methodology that can be utilized not only during product characterization, formulation development, stability testing, and development of the manufacturing process, but also as a platform quality control method in dispositioning clinical materials for both innovative biotherapeutics and biosimilars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To physicochemically characterize and compare monoclonal antibody (mAb) solutions containing aggregates generated via metal catalyzed oxidation (MCO). Methods: Two monoclonal IgG2s (mAb1 and mAb2) and one monoclonal IgG1 (rituximab) were exposed to MCO with the copper/ascorbic acid oxidative system, by using several different methods. The products obtained were characterized by complementary techniques for aggregate and particle analysis (from oligomers to micron sized species), and mass spectrometry methods to determine the residual copper content and chemical modifications of the proteins. Results: The particle size distribution and the morphology of the protein aggregates generated were similar for all mAbs, independent of the MCO method used. There were differences in both residual copper content and in chemical modification of specific residues, which appear to be dependent on both the protein sequence and the protocol used. All products showed a significant increase in the levels of oxidized His, Trp, and Met residues, with differences in extent of modification and specific amino acid residues modified. Conclusion: The extent of total oxidation and the amino acid residues with the greatest oxidation rate depend on a combination of the MCO method used and the protein sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain forest areas are key for providing a wide range of ecosystem services and are hot spots for land use change processes, in particular, increase in forest cover at the expense of mountain pastures and meadows. Mountain forest systems in eastern and western Europe have likely similar future socio-economic situations but significantly different socio-economic history. Using a scenario-based land use modelling approach (Dyna-CLUE framework) we model three scenarios (trend, liberalisation and self-sufficiency) of future land use in the Polish Carpathians and the Swiss Alps, focussing on forest cover change. We find that forest cover increase can be expected to continue in European mountainous regions under all likely scenarios, limited only by relatively strict policy interventions. Biophysical factors, rather than socio-economic ones, are key for defining the suitability for, and therefore likely locations of future forest cover, but land use legacy plays a very important role in the spatial patterns of future forest cover, particularly in eastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the synthesis of layered zinc/sodium and zinc/potassium octanoates (A2[Zn(C8H15O2)4], A = Na+ or K+), two underexplored carboxylates, through reaction of the octanoate of the desired alkali metal with a zinc salt. After drying and chemical characterization, their catalytic activities were tested in the esterification of octanoic acid with isopropanol. Conversion values were high for the reactions conducted under following conditions: temperature 155°C, isopropanol/octanoic acid molar ratio = 8: 1, catalyst/ octanoic acid ratio 7 wt %, and reaction time 2 h. Isolation of the catalysts after esterification showed that the materials were converted into zinc octanoate in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An observed increase in air temperature can lead to significant changes in the phenology of plants and, consequently, changes in agricultural production. The aim of the study was to evaluate the spatial differentiation of thermal resources in Poland and their variability during a period of changing thermal conditions in Europe. Since the variability of thermal conditions is of paramount importance for perennial crops, the study focused on apple, plum, and cherry orchard regions in Poland. The analysis was conducted for the period of 1951-2010 using air temperature daily data. Thermal resources have been defined using the growing degree days (GDD) index calculated independently for the whole year and during in frost-free season for three air temperature thresholds: 0, 5, and 10 °C, which determine the non-winter period, growing season, and the period of full plant growth, respectively. In addition, due to the high significance for perennials in particular, the incidence and intensity of frost during flowering were calculated. In this study, a detailed analysis of the spatial differentiation of thermal resources was first performed, followed by an evaluation of long-term variability and associated change patterns. The obtained results confirmed an increase in thermal resources in Poland as a consequence of the lengthening of the growing season. However, the frequency and intensity of spring frost, especially during flowering or even during ripening of plants, remain a threat to harvests in both the eastern and western parts of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article, we introduce the Nencki Affective Word List (NAWL), created in order to provide researchers with a database of 2,902 Polish words, including nouns, verbs, and adjectives, with ratings of emotional valence, arousal, and imageability. Measures of several objective psycholinguistic features of the words (frequency, grammatical class, and number of letters) are also controlled. The database is a Polish adaptation of the Berlin Affective Word List-Reloaded (BAWL-R; Võ et al., Behavior Research Methods 41:534-538, ), commonly used to investigate the affective properties of German words. Affective normative ratings were collected from 266 Polish participants (136 women and 130 men). The emotional ratings and psycholinguistic indexes provided by NAWL can be used by researchers to better control the verbal materials they apply and to adjust them to specific experimental questions or issues of interest. The NAWL is freely accessible to the scientific community for noncommercial use as supplementary material to this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a detailed scientific concept of an operational warning system concerning weather hazards, which is a component of the IT System for Country's Protection against extreme hazards currently under development in Poland. The system displays eight weather hazards that prevail in Poland (air temperature extremes, heavy rainfall, strong wind, intensive snowfall, fog, glaze, rime, and thunderstorms with hail), which are presented on the maps. The information will also be made available to the public in the form of warnings sent automatically via the Internet or text messages. The weather hazard maps consist of two highly complementary components. The first contains maps of areas vulnerable to the hazards' occurrence (climatological maps). These are based on observational and measurement data covering the period of 1951/1966-2010. The second component consists of operational maps based on current weather conditions, including primarily predictive data provided by the mesoscale numerical weather prediction model ALADIN (warning maps). The climatological information has been applied to the operational maps for several extremes not directly predicted by the ALADIN model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered zinc monoglycerolate was synthesized and investigated in the methyl transesterification of soybean oil. Conversions up to 98 % were obtained at 120 °C and after the fourth cycle of use under the same conditions, the solid preserved its structure, attesting the possibility to apply this material in industrial processes. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a co-precipitation process, we intercalated zinc layered hydroxide salts (zinc LHS) with anionic orange azo dyes (methyl orange-MO or orange II-OII), co-intercalated with chloride anions; for comparison purposes, we also intercalated zinc LHS with chloride anions only, which furnished ZHC. After XRD characterization, we filled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with the intercalated materials and submitted them to melt compounding and injection molding. We also obtained control batches of HDPE filled with ZHC, the MO sodium salt, or the OII sodium salt. XRD, thermal (simultaneous TGA/DTA), DSC, SEM, and UV-radiation photostability analyses confirmed that homogeneous composites were obtained. HDPE filled with zinc LHS intercalated with MO (a probable more hydrophobic anionic azo dye) displayed improved mechanical properties, good interface bonding, and stability to UV photodegradation; the other fillers afforded materials with poorer mechanical properties. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To predict precision and other performance characteristics of chromatographic purity methods, which represent the most widely used form of analysis in the biopharmaceutical industry. Methods: We have conducted a comprehensive survey of purity methods, and show that all performance characteristics fall within narrow measurement ranges. This observation was used to develop a model called Uncertainty Based on Current Information (UBCI), which expresses these performance characteristics as a function of the signal and noise levels, hardware specifications, and software settings. Results: We applied the UCBI model to assess the uncertainty of purity measurements, and compared the results to those from conventional qualification. We demonstrated that the UBCI model is suitable to dynamically assess method performance characteristics, based on information extracted from individual chromatograms. Conclusions: The model provides an opportunity for streamlining qualification and validation studies by implementing a 'live validation' of test results utilizing UBCI as a concurrent assessment of measurement uncertainty. Therefore, UBCI can potentially mitigate the challenges associated with laborious conventional method validation and facilitates the introduction of more advanced analytical technologies during the method lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) containing Zn/Al and Mg/Al with different counter-ions and M/M ratios were synthesized and used as catalysts in the esterification of fatty acids with methanol. High conversion rates were obtained depending on the reaction conditions. However, LDHs were also converted in situ into layered carboxylates and this new material was responsible for the observed catalytic activity, which was preserved even after several consecutive reuse cycles. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered lanthanum and copper(II) laurates were tested as catalysts for methanolic esterification of lauric acid (C). Factorial design evidenced a positive effect of reaction temperature and amount of catalyst on ester conversion, while the acid:alcohol molar ratio (MR) had a negative effect. With lanthanum laurate, 90.5% conversion was reached at 140 °C with 10% catalyst and MR of 6:1. Although the highest conversion with copper(II) laurate converted 81.5% under the same conditions, results were better with a lower amount of catalyst (78% ester at 140 °C with 2% catalyst and MR of 6:1). A calcium hydroxide succinate was also investigated showing better catalytic performance than the well-known CaO, under mild reaction conditions (120 °C with 1% catalyst and MR of 3:1). Although layered carboxylates can be successively reused, the layered calcium hydroxide salt transformed into inactive CaCO in the second reuse reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrete element method (DEM) is proving to be a reliable and increasingly used tool to study and predict the behaviour of granular materials. Numerous particle-scale mechanisms influence the bulk behaviour and flow of bulk materials. It is important that the relevant measurable input parameters for discrete element models be measured by laboratory equipment or determined by physical calibration experiments for rational results. This paper describes some of the bench-scale experiments that have been developed to calibrate the DEM simulations to reflect actual dynamic behaviour. Relevant parameters such as static and rolling coefficients of friction, coefficient of restitution and inter-particle cohesion forces from the presence of liquid bridges have been investigated to model the bulk behaviour of dry and moist granular materials. To validate the DEM models, the results have been checked against experimental slump tests and hopper discharge experiments to quantitatively compare the poured and drained angles of repose and solids mass flow rate. The calibration techniques presented have the capability to be scaled to model and fine tune DEM parameters of granular materials of varying length scales to obtain equivalent static and dynamic behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnAl-layered double hydroxides (LDH) were intercalated with anions of the dyes Orange G, Orange II, and Methyl Orange by alkaline co-precipitation of aqueous solutions of zinc chloride and aluminum nitrate simultaneously in the presence of dye sodium salts. Transparent, homogeneous, and colored nanocomposite films were obtained by casting after dispersing the dye-intercalated LDHs (pigments) into commercial poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)) and differential thermal analysis (DTA)), and mechanical testing. Mechanical reinforcement of the PVA compounded with the dye-intercalated LDHs was achieved, and reasonable increases in Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength were observed with as little as 0.5% added filler, while larger amounts tended to decrease the reinforcement effect. These results demonstrate the onset of a new range of potential applications for layered double hydroxide intercalated with dyes in the preparation of polymer composite multifunctional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the response of glioma C6 cells to 2′,3′- O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) and showed that the BzATP-induced calcium signaling does not involve the P2X receptor activity. We show here that in the absence of extracellular Ca, BzATP-generated increase in [Ca] via Ca release from intracellular stores. In the presence of calcium ions, BzATP established a biphasic Ca response, in a manner typical for P2Y receptors. Brilliant Blue G, a selective antagonist of the rat P2X receptor, did not reduce any of the two components of the Ca response elicited by BzATP. Periodate-oxidized ATP blocked not only BzATP- but also UTP-induced Ca elevation. Moreover, BzATP did not open large transmembrane pores. What is more, a cross-desensitization between UTP and BzATP occurred, which clearly shows that in glioma C6 cells BzATP activates most likely the P2Y but not the P2X receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air humidity is an element that plays an important role among meteorological processes within the atmosphere; however, the variety of humidity indices makes the global view of air moisture changes difficult. Long-term variability of air humidity in Kraków was examined by time-series (1901–2000) analysis of vapour pressure and saturation deficit values and their characteristic days with the background of temperature and saturated vapour pressure changes. Long-term variability of air humidity in Kraków has been visible above all in variations of saturation deficit. It should be connected with the contemporary temperature growth and the city development as the atmospheric water vapour content (described by vapour pressure) becomes relatively stable (with no significant tendencies). The parameter showed well-marked trends over the examined period. The growth of saturation deficit values predominated in the warm half of a year (above all in August: an increase in SD value by 3.0 hPa per century). Apart from atmospheric circulation variability, gradual rise in the number of inhabitants and higher development density contributed to the decline in the city’s air humidity; however, the causes of changes in air humidity should be also attributed to natural factors, mainly to variation of air circulation reinforced by the operation of anthropogenic factors. Using air humidity as the indicator, the results that confirm climatic fluctuations in central Europe in the twentieth century obtained earlier were verified and some new aspects of present climate change were given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a paramagnetic anisotropy study of three layered phyllosilicates. The mineral samples were characterized through X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Based on EPR measurements of samples oriented parallel or perpendicular to the magnetic field lines, we show how the substitutional iron is transformed from Fe(II) (biotite) into Fe(III) (muscovite and kaolinite) species and from axial Fe(III) coordination sites (muscovite) to rhombic (kaolinite) sites in response to weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, transmural inflammatory process of the gastrointestinal tract. It often affects the colon with the perianal area. The most common intestinal manifestations include external and/or internal fistulas and abscesses. Assessment of the activity of perianal fistulas in the course of Crohn’s disease seems to be an important factor influencing therapeutic approach. Fistula’s activity is evaluated by such methods as magnetic resonance imaging, anal ultrasound and examination under anaesthesia. Usefulness of imaging methods in the diagnosis of fistulas still remains to be defined. MRI is used to present a wide spectrum of perianal fistulazing Crohn’s disease. Additionally, it is an important instrument revealing location, extent and severity of inflammation. It is also very helpful to detect clinically silent sepsis related to small, local inflammation. The most common method used in MR imaging to assess topography of a fistula’s track, is Parks’ classification. Clinical indications to MRI may include follow-up studies of a diagnosed disease, classification of fistulas’ subtypes in the course of Crohn’s disease, determination of the extent of fistulas’ tracts and spread of an inflammatory process what can guide surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limiting surgical morbidity while maintaining staging adequacy is a primary concern in obese patients with uterine malignancy. The goal of this study was to compare the surgical adequacy and postoperative morbidity of three surgical approaches to staging the disease of obese women with uterine cancer. The records of all patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥35 undergoing primary surgery for uterine corpus cancer at our institution from January 1993 to May 2006 were reviewed. Patients were assigned to three groups on the basis of planned surgical approach—standard laparotomy, laparoscopy, or laparotomy with panniculectomy. Standard statistical tests appropriate to group size were used to compare the three groups. In all, 206 patients with a BMI of ≥35 were grouped as follows: laparotomy, 154 patients; laparoscopy, 25 patients; and laparotomy with panniculectomy, 27 patients. Median BMI was 41 (range, 35–84). Regional lymph nodes were removed in 45% of the laparotomy patients, 40% of the laparoscopy patients, and 70% of the panniculectomy patients ( P = .04). Compared with laparotomy, both laparoscopy and panniculectomy yielded higher median pelvic and total lymph node counts ( P = .001). Operative time was shortest after standard laparotomy, and blood loss was greatest after panniculectomy. The incidence of all incisional complications was lower for panniculectomy (11%) and laparoscopy (8%) compared with standard laparotomy (35%) ( P = .002). On multivariate analysis, a significantly lower risk of total incisional complications was seen for patients undergoing panniculectomy (risk ratio, .25; 95% confidence interval, .071–.88) and laparoscopy (risk ratio, .19; 95% confidence interval, .04–.94). Both laparoscopic staging and panniculectomy in a standardized fashion were associated with an improved lymph node count and a lower rate of incisional complications than laparotomy alone. Although definitive conclusions are limited by low patient numbers, the substantial decrease in wound complications suggests that these two approaches should be considered for obese patients undergoing uterine cancer staging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatio-temporal frequency response profiles of 73 neurons located in the superficial, retino-recipient layers of the feline superior colliculus (SC) were investigated. The majority of the SC cells responded optimally to very low spatial frequencies with a mean of 0.1 cycles/degree (c/deg). The spatial resolution was also low with a mean of 0.31 c/deg. The spatial frequency tuning functions were either low-pass or band-pass with a mean spatial frequency bandwidth of 1.84 octaves. The cells responded optimally to a range of temporal frequencies between 0.74 cycles/s (c/s) and 26.41 c/s with a mean of 6.84 c/s. The majority (68%) of the SC cells showed band-pass temporal frequency tuning with a mean temporal frequency bandwidth of 2.4 octaves, while smaller proportions of the SC units displayed high-pass (19%), low-pass (8%) or broad-band (5%) temporal tuning. Most of the SC units exhibited simple spectral tuning with a single maximum in the spatio-temporal frequency domain, while some neurons were tuned for spatial or temporal frequencies or speed tuned. Further, we found cells excited by gratings moving at high temporal and low spatial frequencies and cells whose activity was suppressed by high velocity movement. The spatio-temporal filter properties of the SC neurons show close similarities to those of their retinal Y and W inputs as well as those of their inputs from the cortical visual motion detector areas, suggesting their common role in motion analysis and related behavioral actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]