bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic Principles of Health Economics Applied – How to Assess if Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation is Worth the Investment
Authors: Brunn Matthias , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle ,   Research Fellow, Paris Health Economics and Health Services Research Unit (URC Eco), Hotel Dieu, AP-HP, 1 Place du Parvis Notre Dame, 75004 Paris, France. E: matthias.brunn@urc-eco.fr,   Director, Paris Health Economics and Health Services Research Unit (URC Eco) and Department of Public Health at Henri Mondor Hospital, Paris, France
Published: August 2014

This article attempts to present some highlights from the rich economic literature pertaining to interventional cardiology and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). There are currently more questions than answers, not surprisingly given the pace of technological change in interventional cardiology. For clinicians who work in a strictly regulated environment and have limited control over their use of medical technologies, this article will hopefully shed some light on the motives for policy decisions. For clinicians who make decisions on the resources used to treat their patients, it aims to provide the means of looking for evidence that will allow for informed decisions from both clinical and economic perspectives.
Personal Experience with Bioresorbable Scaffolds in Bifurcations
Authors: Diletti Roberto , Van Mieghem Nicolas M ,   Department of Interventional Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,   Department of Interventional Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Room Bd 171, ‘s Gravendijkwal 230 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands. E: n.vanmieghem@erasmusmc.nl
Published: August 2014

Bioresorbable scaffolds represent a promising new technology in the field of percutaneous coronary interventions. The concept of the eventual resorption of the scaffold pertains to multiple theoretical advantages that may hold true particularly in bifurcation lesions – no permanent caging of the coronary artery, avoidance of acquired device malapposition and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, no permanent metallic stent protrusion in the main branch, etc. The worldwide experience with the use of bioresorbable scaffolds is limited. In our experience of selected bifurcation lesions, a provisional approach using one-scaffold has excellent results. Two-scaffold techniques appeared feasible. Our data support the exploration of the use of bioresorbable scaffolds in more challenging coronary substrates like bifurcations. Prospective registries and ideally randomised trials should assess whether the theoretical benefits of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) in bifurcation lesions can produce sustainable good clinical outcomes.
International comparative study on health condition of young people
Authors: Munkácsi Brigitta , Nagy Beáta Erika
Published: August 2014

Introduction: The connection between physical condition, coping strategies and emotional intelligence is widely studied in the international literature, but comparative research data collected among Transylvanian and Hungarian adolescents are not available in contemporary psychological literature. Aim: The aim of the authors was to study health indicators, emotional intelligence and coping strategies among adolescents and analyse connections between these factors and physical condition as part of an international research. Method: The physical condition, coping strategies and emotional intelligence of 390 individuals, aged between 13 and 19 years living in Debrecen (Hungary) and Érmihályfalva (Romania) were observed. Results: adaptive (i. e. problem-focused) coping strategies used in stressful situations resulted in lower depression rates, as well as better mental well-being than the maladaptive ones such as emotional clearing, self-punishment, distraction of attention. Adolescents showing higher emotional intelligence had lower depression levels and better mental well-being. Conclusions: Institutionally initiated emotional intelligence and coping strategy development for young people may prove to be an important preventive interventional public health programme. This may serve as a basis to assist health-consciousness and personality formatting. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(34), 1353–1360.
Performance of UASB reactors in two stages under different HRT and OLR treating residual waters of swine farming
Authors: Urbinati Estevão , Duda Rose M. , Oliveira Roberto A. de
Published: August 2014

In this study it was evaluated the effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and Organic Loading Rate (OLR) on the performance of UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) reactors in two stages treating residual waters of swine farming. The system consisted of two UASB reactors in pilot scale, installed in series, with volumes of 908 and 188 L, for the first and second stages (R1 and R2), respectively. The HRT applied in the system of anaerobic treatment in two stages (R1 + R2) was of 19.3, 29.0 and 57.9 h. The OLR applied in the R1 ranged from 5.5 to 40.1 kg CODtotal (m³ d)-1. The average removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids (TSS) ranged, respectively, from 66.3 to 88.2% and 62.5 to 89.3% in the R1, and from 85.5 to 95.5% and 76.4 to 96.1% in the system (R1 + R2). The volumetric production of methane in the system (R1 + R2) ranged from 0.295 to 0.721 m³CH4 (m³ reactor d)-1. It was found that the OLR applied were not limiting to obtain high efficiencies of CODtotal and TSS removal and methane production. The inclusion of the UASB reactor in the second stage contributed to increase the efficiencies of CODtotal and TSS removal, especially, when the treatment system was submitted to the lowest HRT and the highest OLR.
Soil Organic Matter and Root and Rhizome Responses to Management Strategies in Smooth Bromegrass Pastures
Authors: Guretzky John A. , Wingeyer Ana B. , Schacht Walter H. , Klopfenstein Terry J. , Watson Andrea
Published: August 2014

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key component of pasture production. This study investigated how management strategies that varied amount and form of N input in a long‐term experiment affected concentrations and stocks of total‐soil organic C and N, particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate organic nitrogen (PON), root and rhizome mass, C and N contents in topsoil of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pastures with silty clay loam soils in a wet (2010) and dry (2012) year. Management strategies included: (i) unfertilized pasture grazed with unsupplemented beef cattle (CONT); (ii) unfertilized pasture grazed with dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS)‐supplemented beef cattle (SUPP); and (iii) nitrogen‐fertilized pasture grazed with unsupplemented beef cattle (FERT). After 8 yr, management strategies had similar concentrations and stocks of total‐soil organic C and N, POC, and PON, and there were no management strategy × year interactions. From 2010 to 2012, total‐soil organic C and N, POC, and PON stocks increased as soils dried and soil bulk density increased. The CONT and SUPP management strategies had less root and rhizome mass (concentrations and stocks) and greater soil bulk density than FERT. These belowground responses were consistent with earlier research conducted at the site demonstrating greater herbage accumulation and litter deposition in FERT. Management strategies that vary amount and form of N inputs into pasture appear to have low potential to affect total‐soil organic C and N concentrations in the short‐term, but long‐term effects of less root and rhizome contents remain unknown.
Inter‐rotational Effects of Fertilization and Weed Control on Juvenile Loblolly Pine Productivity and Nutrient Dynamics
Authors: Subedi Praveen , Jokela Eric J. , Vogel Jason G. , Martin Timothy A.
Published: August 2014

The inter‐rotational effects of fertilization and weed control treatments on the productivity and soil nutrient availability of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands growing on a North Florida Spodosol were investigated using two replicated, randomized complete block design experiments. The first rotation treatments were: control (C), fertilizer only (F), weed control only (W), and fertilizer + weed control (FW). One experiment was actively retreated as in the previous rotation, while the second was left untreated (CC, CF, CW, and CFW). A common full‐sib loblolly pine family was planted in both experiments. After three growing seasons, the second‐rotation pine growth consistently outperformed the first rotation. The actively retreated FW treatment had fourfold higher aboveground pine biomass than the C treatment (7.7 Mg ha−1); the untreated CF (17.9 Mg ha−1) treatment had 1.5‐fold higher pine biomass than the CFW treatment. While a suite of improved cultural practices (e.g., advanced genetics and site preparation) and environmental factors may be responsible for higher growth responses in the second rotation than the first in both experiments, lower growth response in the CFW treatment compared with the CF treatment was associated with lower soil P availability (r = 0.8, p < 0.01) and historical P movement from the E to Bh and Bt horizons. These results suggest that the understory vegetation and forest floor from the first rotation served as an important nutrient sink, especially for P, which then subsequently became a nutrient source (through mineralization) in the second rotation. Historical P fertilization on flatwoods Spodosols may thus alleviate the need for P fertilization during stand establishment when an intact understory was present in the previous stand.
Energy efficiency and energy saving in the German water industry
Authors: Plath Michael , Ernst Mathias , Wichmann Knut
Published: August 2014

From July 2007 to August 2010, the first German project about energy efficiency in water supply was carried out. The project results are summarised in a guidance report entitled ‘DVGW-Information Wasser Nr. 77’. The DVGW Research Centre worked on assessing the energy saving potentials and a reduction in energy demand for German water supply systems. It is assumed that the energy-saving potential for German water utilities is in the region of 20%. Two main sections were identified as relevant for an investigation of energy efficiency in a water utility. First and foremost, a comprehensive and structured energy balance must be formulated. Based on this information, the energy saving potentials can then be assessed. In the above-mentioned guidance report additional energy saving potentials for all sections of the water supply industry were summarised. An energy balance for water supply must be related to different sectors and levels to guarantee a detailed energy efficiency evaluation. This in turn allows for a structured assessment of the energy saving potentials. In the majority of cases, specific investigations with detailed data capture are necessary. Based on these, an evaluation of applicable measures needs to be undertaken before the measures can be implemented and their success documented. The guidance report ‘DVGW-Information Wasser Nr. 77’ is a manual for these investigations and also includes tools for an energy efficiency analysis in water utilities.
Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Ciprofloxacin in Bangladeshi Volunteers: A Preliminary Evaluation
Authors: Chowdhury Reefat Zaman , Islam Md Saiful , Rahman Md Sayedur
Published: August 2014

The present study has attempted to establish a High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to determine ciprofloxacin in plasma, in order to evaluate the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin. In this study, initially 8 (eight) Bangladeshi Bangalee healthy male volunteers and 7 (seven) Bangladeshi Tribal healthy male volunteers received 500 mg tablet of pioneer brand of ciprofloxacin in oral route. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, 180, 360, 540 and 720 minutes after drug administration. After 1 week of washout period, same volunteers of two groups received 200 mg injection of pioneer brand of ciprofloxacin in intravenous route. HPLC with ultraviolet detection was used to quantify plasma ciprofloxacin concentrations. In case of oral route, AUC012h, Cmax, Tmax and T1/2 values for Bangladeshi Bangalee and Tribal healthy volunteers were 545.53 ± 32.35 & 655.74 ± 16.57 ?g min/mL, 2.19 ± 0.16 & 2.49 ± 0.20 ?g/mL, 75.00 ± 27.77 & 94.29 ± 32.07 min and 241.96 ± 13.53 & 242.02 ± 19.88 min respectively. In case of intravenous route, the AUC012h, Cmax, Tmax and T1/2 values for Bangladeshi Bangalee and Tribal healthy volunteers were 344.07 ± 29.31 & 343.31 ± 25.34 ?g min/mL, 2.47 ± 0.17 & 2.46 ± 0.18 ?g/mL, 30.00 ± 0.00 & 30.0 ± 0.0 min and 278.16 ± 1.74 & 272.74 ± 4.42 min respectively and the difference between these two groups of volunteers was not significant. The difference in AUC012h, Cmax, Tmax and T1/2 values between these two groups of volunteers was significant. The mean percent absolute bioavailability in Bangladeshi Bangalee and Tribal healthy volunteers was 64.04 ± 3.21 and 76.81 ± 6.71 respectively. In conclusion, pharmacokinetic parameters of ciprofloxacin significantly varied among Bangladeshi Bangalee and Bangladeshi Tribal healthy volunteers indicating necessity of further study on population pharmacokinetic in these groups of people. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v27i1-2.20066 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2011;27(1&2):1-8.
Physical Exercise is More Effective than HRT in Improving Lipid Profile Status in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ferdous Tabassum , Jahan Nasim , Sultana Nayma , Akhter Hafiza , Islam Mohammed Montasir , Alam Mohammed Rajeeb
Published: August 2014

Disturbances of lipid profile in postmenopausal women may occur due to hormonal changes and physical inactivity which ultimately increases the risk of atherosclerosis, CHD and MI. Physical exercise may play a significant role in the management of dyslipidemia among postmenopausal women than HRT The study was carried out to compare and contrast between the effects of physical exercise and HRT in improving lipid profile status among postmenopausal women. This study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, from 1st January, 2009 to 31st December, 2009. A total number of 90 postmenopausal women having age ranged from 50-60 years were included in the study. Among 90 postmenopausal women, 30 were performing regular physical exercise, 30 were receiving HRT and 30 were sedentary postmenopausal women without receiving HRT. Lipid profile such as TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG and fasting blood sugar of all the participants were estimated in Physiology laboratory, SSMC Mitford, Dhaka. The statistical analysis was done by using appropriate test as applicable. Mean serum TC, LDL-C and TG were significantly (p<0.001) higher and mean HDL-C was significantly (p<0.001) lower in sedentary postmenopausal women than those of postmenopausal women with regular physical exercise and postmenopausal women receiving HRT. Again, TC, LDL-C and TG were comparative higher in postmenopausal women receiving HRT than those of postmenopausal women with regular physical exercise and HDL-C were almost similar among these two groups of women. Conclusion: Physical exercise could be more effective than HRT in improving lipid profile status in postmenopausal women. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v27i1-2.20068 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 27(1&2):9-12
Prescribing Pattern of Antimicrobials used in Under Five Years Children in Cough or Cold and Pneumonia in Outdoor Settings of Two Tertiary Level Hospital
Authors: Begum Shamin Ara , Ahmed Aftab Uddin , Saha Shyamil Kumar , Nahar Shamsun , Parveen Feroza , Sattar Shamima , Chakraborty Reemi
Published: August 2014

This descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted in MMCH and CBMCB during the period from 1st July/2005 to 30th Jun/2006.The aim of the study was to find out the prescribing pattern of antimicrobials in cough or cold and pneumonia in under five years children. Prescriptions were collected from the out-patient pediatric department by using structured questionnaire. The structured questionnaires were made according to WHO/ INRUD drug use indicator. In case of cough or cold, the main findings on drug use were (a) Average number of drugs per prescription were 3.21 in MMCH and 3.85 in CBMCB respectively, (b) Percentage of prescriptions with an antibiotic prescribed was 100% in MMCH and CBMCB, (c) Percentage of drugs prescribed in generic name were 57.69% in MMCH and it was nil in CBMCB, (d) Cotrimoxazole, Amoxicillin and Cephalosporin were used frequently in MMCH and Cephalosporin and Erythromycin mostly were used in CBMCB, and (e) Route of administration were appropriate in both the institutes. In case of pneumonia, (a) Average number of drugs per prescription were 3.77, (b) Percentage of prescription with an antibiotic was 100%, (c) Percentage of drug prescribed in generic name was 27.5%, (d) Cephalosporin were used mostly (45.5%) for the treatment of pneumonia. Trend of poly pharmacy was found in both the institutes DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v27i1-2.20069 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 27(1&2):13-20
Establishing Medical Education Unit (MEU) and Medical Skill Centre (MSC) at Medical Institutes is the Demand of Present Time
Authors: Talukder Md Humayun Kabir
Published: August 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v27i1-2.20071 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 27(1&2):28-30
Study on relationship between stroke and kidney dysfunction based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
Authors: Jahan Sharmin , Begum Rokeya , Akhter Qazi Shamima
Published: August 2014

Background: Stroke is one of the commonest causes of severe disability and accounts for a large proportion of health care resources. Kidney diseases are related to stroke and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) appears to be a significant independent prognostic factor for short as well as long term mortality in stroke patients. Objective: The present study has been designed to assess the relationship between stroke and kidney dysfunction based on eGFR. Methods: The present study was a case control study. The study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka from 1st July 2010 to 30th June 2011. A total of 200 subjects were included with the age limit of 3585 years. Out of them 100 apparently healthy subjects were selected as control(Group A) for comparison and 100 diagnosed stroke patients were selected as study group (Group B). On the basis of age, group A and group B were further subdivided into group A1(age 35-59 years) consisting of 47 normal persons and group A2(age 60-85 years) consisting of 53 normal person, group B1(age35-59 years) was consisting of 42 stroke patients and group B2(60-85 years) consisting of 58 stroke patients .The study subjects were selected from admitted patients in Department of Medicine, DMCH, Dhaka. Estimated GFR (eGFR) were measured by MDRD equation. The data was analyzed by computer based statistical software (SPSS version 12). Results: The result was expressed as Mean (+SD). The test of significance was calculated and p values <0.05 was accepted as level of significance. The mean(±SD)of eGFR level was significantly(p<0.001) lower in group B1 and B2 than that of group A1 and A2 respectively.Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that, stroke patients suffers from kidney dysfunction than that of normal control group on the basis of measuring eGFR.http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v29i1-2.20062 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2013; 29(1&2) : 12-16
Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Garbuglia Anna
Published: August 2014

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is currently considered to be a major etiologic factor, in addition to tobacco and alcohol, for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) development. HPV positive OPCs are epidemiologically distinct from HPV negative ones, and are characterized by younger age at onset, male predominance, and strong association with sexual behaviors. HPV16 is the most prevalent types in oral cavity cancer (OCC), moreover the prevalence of beta, and gamma HPV types is higher than that of alpha HPV in oral cavity.
Bacterial Effectors and Their Functions in the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System: Insight from the Modes of Substrate Recognition
Authors: Kim Minsoo , Otsubo Ryota , Morikawa Hanako , Nishide Akira , Takagi Kenji , Sasakawa Chihiro , Mizushima Tsunehiro
Published: August 2014

Protein ubiquitination plays indispensable roles in the regulation of cell homeostasis and pathogenesis of neoplastic, infectious, and neurodegenerative diseases. Given the importance of this modification, it is to be expected that several pathogenic bacteria have developed the ability to utilize the host ubiquitin system for their own benefit. Modulation of the host ubiquitin system by bacterial effector proteins inhibits innate immune responses and hijacks central signaling pathways. Bacterial effectors mimic enzymes of the host ubiquitin system, but may or may not be structurally similar to the mammalian enzymes. Other effectors bind and modify components of the host ubiquitin system, and some are themselves subject to ubiquitination. This review will describe recent findings, based on structural analyses, regarding how pathogens use post-translational modifications of proteins to establish an infection.
A Maximum Entropy Approach for Predicting Epileptic Tonic-Clonic Seizure
Authors: Martín Maria , Plastino Angelo , Vampa Victoria
Published: August 2014

The development of methods for time series analysis and prediction has always been and continues to be an active area of research. In this work, we develop a technique for modelling chaotic time series in parametric fashion. In the case of tonic-clonic epileptic electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis, we show that appropriate information theory tools provide valuable insights into the dynamics of neural activity. Our purpose is to demonstrate the feasibility of the maximum entropy principle to anticipate tonic-clonic seizure in patients with epilepsy.
Compact, Wearable Antennas for Battery-Less Systems Exploiting Fabrics and Magneto-Dielectric Materials
Authors: Costanzo Alessandra , Masotti Diego , Aldrigo Martino
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we describe some promising solutions to the modern need for wearable, energy-aware, miniaturized, wireless systems, whose typical envisaged application is a body area network (BAN). To reach this goal, novel materials are adopted, such as fabrics, in place of standard substrates and metallizations, which require a systematic procedure for their electromagnetic characterization. Indeed, the design of such sub-systems represents a big issue, since approximate approaches could result in strong deviations from the actual system performance. To face this problem, we demonstrate our design procedure, which is based on the concurrent use of electromagnetic software tools and nonlinear circuit-level techniques, able to simultaneously predict the actual system behavior of an antenna system, consisting of the radiating and of the nonlinear blocks, at the component level. This approach is demonstrated for the design of a fully-wearable tri-band rectifying antenna (rectenna) and of a button-shaped, electrically-small antenna deploying a novel magneto-dielectric substrate. Simulations are supported by measurements, both in terms of antenna port parameters and far-field results.
A Critical Interpretation and Quantitative Extension of the Sama-Szargut Second Law Rules in an Extended Exergy Perspective
Authors: Sciubba Enrico
Published: August 2014

Twenty-five years ago, Gaggioli, Sama and Qian published a series of 10 “second law guidelines” for design and process engineers, nicknamed at that time “the Gaggioli-Sama rules”. These guidelines, some of them previously published by Sama between 1980 and 1983, are a compilation of “second law errors” to avoid in the design of energy conversion systems. The list was rearranged several times, until a revised version containing 21 rules was published by Sama and Szargut in 1995. Ever since, these guidelines came to be known as “the Sama-Szargut rules”. The rules are a series of well-formulated and insightful suggestions that reflect a thermodynamicist’s idea that the “best design” is the one that minimizes the overall irreversibility in a process or plant, under the prescribed technological constraints. Characteristically, the concept of “optimal system” is completely absent, the emphasis being on the extensive inclusion of second law reasoning into design decisions. A critical analysis of the rules would suggest that all of them be routinely implemented both in new designs and most important in retrofit projects. A survey of some of the current most common energy conversion installations shows that, quite on the contrary, most of the rules are disregarded in practical applications. This paper argues that the reason for this incongruency is the neglection in the engineering design decision of the real cost of installation, operation and decommissioning of a plant, and proposes a rephrasing of the rules in an extended exergy perspective: if the production cost, including the externalities, is measured in units of equivalent primary exergy, the Sama-Szargut rules can be directly interpreted in this sense, and abidance by the rules results in the reduction of the resource cost for any given objective.
Maternal Mercury Exposure, Season of Conception and Adverse Birth Outcomes in an Urban Immigrant Community in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
Authors: Bashore Cynthia , Geer Laura , He Xin , Puett Robin , Parsons Patrick , Palmer Christopher , Steuerwald Amy , Abulafia Ovadia , Dalloul Mudar , Sapkota Amir
Published: August 2014

Adverse birth outcomes including preterm birth (PTB: <37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight (LBW: <2500 g) can result in severe infant morbidity and mortality. In the United States, there are racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of PTB and LBW. We investigated the association between PTB and LBW with prenatal mercury (Hg) exposure and season of conception in an urban immigrant community in Brooklyn, New York. We recruited 191 pregnant women aged 18–45 in a Brooklyn Prenatal Clinic and followed them until delivery. Urine specimens were collected from the participants during the 6th to 9th month of pregnancy. Cord blood specimens and neonate anthropometric data were collected at birth. We used multivariate logistic regression models to investigate the odds of LBW or PTB with either maternal urinary mercury or neonate cord blood mercury. We used linear regression models to investigate the association between continuous anthropometric outcomes and maternal urinary mercury or neonate cord blood mercury. We also examined the association between LBW and PTB and the season that pregnancy began. Results showed higher rates of PTB and LBW in this cohort of women compared to other studies. Pregnancies beginning in winter (December, January, February) were at increased odds of LBW births compared with births from pregnancies that began in all other months (OR7.52 [95% CI 1.65, 34.29]). We observed no association between maternal exposure to Hg, and either LBW or PTB. The apparent lack of association is consistent with other studies. Further examination of seasonal association with LBW is warranted.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Microparticles: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Tan Xi , Gong Yong-Zhen , Wu Ping , Liao Duan-Fang , Zheng Xi-Long
Published: August 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that give rise to various cell types of the mesodermal germ layer. Because of their unique ability to home in on injured and cancerous tissues, MSCs are of great potential in regenerative medicine. MSCs also contribute to reparative processes in different pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, many studies have shown that only a small proportion of transplanted MSCs can actually survive and be incorporated into host tissues. The effects of MSCs cannot be fully explained by their number. Recent discoveries suggest that microparticles (MPs) derived from MSCs may be important for the physiological functions of their parent. Though the physiological role of MSC-MPs is currently not well understood, inspiring results indicate that, in tissue repair and anti-cancer therapy, MSC-MPs have similar pro-regenerative and protective properties as their cellular counterparts. Thus, MSC-MPs represent a promising approach that may overcome the obstacles and risks associated with the use of native or engineered MSCs.
Neuroprotective Effects of Sulforaphane on Cholinergic Neurons in Mice with Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Lesions
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Jingzhu , Fang Lingduo , Li Xi , Zhao Yue , Shi Wanying , An Li
Published: August 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in elderly individuals, and effective therapies are unavailable. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of sulforaphane (an activator of NF-E2-related factor 2) on mice with AD-like lesions induced by combined administration of aluminum and d-galactose. Step-down-type passive avoidance tests showed sulforaphane ameliorated cognitive impairment in AD-like mice. Immunohistochemistry results indicated sulforaphane attenuated cholinergic neuron loss in the medial septal and hippocampal CA1 regions in AD-like mice. However, spectrophotometry revealed no significant difference in acetylcholine level or the activity of choline acetyltransferase or acetylcholinesterase in the cerebral cortex among groups of control and AD-like mice with and without sulforaphane treatment. Sulforaphane significantly increased the numbers of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-positive neurons in the subventricular and subgranular zones in AD-like mice which were significantly augmented compared with controls. Atomic absorption spectrometry revealed significantly lower aluminum levels in the brains of sulforaphane-treated AD-like mice than in those that did not receive sulforaphane treatment. In conclusion, sulforaphane ameliorates neurobehavioral deficits by reducing cholinergic neuron loss in the brains of AD-like mice, and the mechanism may be associated with neurogenesis and aluminum load reduction. These findings suggest that phytochemical sulforaphane has potential application in AD therapeutics.
The Use of Deconstructed Tires as Elastic Elements in Railway Tracks
Authors: Sol-Sánchez Miguel , Moreno-Navarro Fernando , Rubio-Gámez Mª
Published: August 2014

Elastic elements such as rail pads, under sleeper pads and under ballast mats are railway components that allow for a reduction in track deterioration and vibrations. And they are furthermore commonly used to obtain an optimal vertical stiffness of the infrastructure. However, the use of elastomeric materials can increase construction costs and the consumption of raw materials. Thus, the utilization of used tire layers offers an alternative to reuse an abundant waste reducing the cost of elastic elements. In addition, an innovator technique allows deconstructing tire layers without grinding up the material, reducing production costs at the same time that tire properties are remained. This research is focused on the study of the viability of developing elastic components from used tire layers by evaluating the influence of thickness, the resistance capacity of the elements and their behavior in a ballast box. Results indicate the ability of tire pads to manufacture elastic elements (rail pads, under sleeper pads and under ballast mats) to be used in railway tracks.
Paper Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Induction in Human Tumor Cells by Galaxamide and Its Analogues
Authors: Xiao Xi , Liao Xiaojian , Qiu Shaoling , Liu Zihao , Du Bin , Xu Shihai
Published: August 2014

Our previous study reported that galaxamide, which is a cyclo-pentapeptide containing five leucines that was extracted from Galaxaura filamentosa, displayed remarkable anticancer cytotoxicity. This novel cyclo-peptide provided a new skeleton for the structural modifications used in finding new drugs with better anticancer properties. In this study, five analogues were synthesized based on changing the number of d/l amino acids by adding a new amino acid, phenylalanine. Galaxamide and five of its analogues were evaluated through MTT assays to examine their cytotoxic activities. We found that modified analogue 5, which is referred to as A5, displayed broad spectrum cytotoxic activity toward every cell line tested; in addition, the IC50 of A5 was lower than that of galaxamide and the other analogues. Furthermore, we used flow cytometry and western blot assays to investigate whether galaxamide and A5 could induce cancer cell apoptosis. The flow cytometric studies showed that HepG2 cells treated with different concentrations of galaxamide or A5 over 72 h displayed significant and dose-dependent increases in the percentages of early-stage apoptotic cells. Western blotting revealed that both compounds induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in HepG2 cells through a mitochondria-mediated pathway. The results demonstrate that galaxamide and its analogues have potential applications as clinical anticancer drugs.
The Fungal Defensin Family Enlarged
Authors: Wu Jiajia , Gao Bin , Zhu Shunyi
Published: August 2014

Fungi are an emerging source of peptide antibiotics. With the availability of a large number of model fungal genome sequences, we can expect that more and more fungal defensin-like peptides (fDLPs) will be discovered by sequence similarity search. Here, we report a total of 69 new fDLPs encoded by 63 genes, in which a group of fDLPs derived from dermatophytes are defined as a new family (fDEF8) according to sequence and phylogenetic analyses. In the oleaginous fungus Mortierella alpine, fDLPs have undergone extensive gene expansion. Our work further enlarges the fungal defensin family and will help characterize new peptide antibiotics with therapeutic potential.
Stability Analysis for a Multi-Camera Photogrammetric System
Authors: Habib Ayman , Detchev Ivan , Kwak Eunju
Published: August 2014

Consumer-grade digital cameras suffer from geometrical instability that may cause problems when used in photogrammetric applications. This paper provides a comprehensive review of this issue of interior orientation parameter variation over time, it explains the common ways used for coping with the issue, and describes the existing methods for performing stability analysis for a single camera. The paper then points out the lack of coverage of stability analysis for multi-camera systems, suggests a modification of the collinearity model to be used for the calibration of an entire photogrammetric system, and proposes three methods for system stability analysis. The proposed methods explore the impact of the changes in interior orientation and relative orientation/mounting parameters on the reconstruction process. Rather than relying on ground truth in real datasets to check the system calibration stability, the proposed methods are simulation-based. Experiment results are shown, where a multi-camera photogrammetric system was calibrated three times, and stability analysis was performed on the system calibration parameters from the three sessions. The proposed simulation-based methods provided results that were compatible with a real-data based approach for evaluating the impact of changes in the system calibration parameters on the three-dimensional reconstruction.
Options and Obstacles for Designing a Universal Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Jang Yo , Seong Baik
Published: August 2014

Since the discovery of antibodies specific to a highly conserved stalk region of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA), eliciting such antibodies has been considered the key to developing a universal influenza vaccine that confers broad-spectrum protection against various influenza subtypes. To achieve this goal, a prime/boost immunization strategy has been heralded to redirect host immune responses from the variable globular head domain to the conserved stalk domain of HA. While this approach has been successful in eliciting cross-reactive antibodies against the HA stalk domain, protective efficacy remains relatively poor due to the low immunogenicity of the domain, and the cross-reactivity was only within the same group, rather than among different groups. Additionally, concerns are raised on the possibility of vaccine-associated enhancement of viral infection and whether multiple boost immunization protocols would be considered practical from a clinical standpoint. Live attenuated vaccine hitherto remains unexplored, but is expected to serve as an alternative approach, considering its superior cross-reactivity. This review summarizes recent advancements in the HA stalk-based universal influenza vaccines, discusses the pros and cons of these approaches with respect to the potentially beneficial and harmful effects of neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies, and suggests future guidelines towards the design of a truly protective universal influenza vaccine.
Magnesium batteries: Current state of the art, issues and future perspectives
Authors: Mohtadi Rana , Mizuno Fuminori
Published: August 2014

“...each metal has a certain power, which is different from metal to metal, of setting the electric fluid in motion...” Count Alessandro Volta. Inspired by the first rechargeable magnesium battery prototype at the dawn of the 21st century, several research groups have embarked on a quest to realize its full potential. Despite the technical accomplishments made thus far, challenges, on the material level, hamper the realization of a practical rechargeable magnesium battery. These are marked by the absence of practical cathodes, appropriate electrolytes and extremely sluggish reaction kinetics. Over the past few years, an increased interest in this technology has resulted in new promising materials and innovative approaches aiming to overcome the existing hurdles. Nonetheless, the current challenges call for further dedicated research efforts encompassing fundamental understanding of the core components and how they interact with each other to offering new innovative solutions. In this review, we seek to highlight the most recent developments made and offer our perspectives on how to overcome some of the remaining challenges.
Priority of Listening Materials for Autonomous Intermediate Language Learners
Authors: Turel Vehbi
Published: August 2014

In this chapter, the author offers suggestions to help in determining the priority of listening materials both for self-access Foreign Language Learning (FLL) centres and for home/self-study from the standpoint of view of autonomous intermediate language learners. To be able to make accurate, objective, reliable, and valid suggestions, firstly the author describes and then re-categorises the types of listening materials from the point of availability. Later, he accounts for some main features that he thinks pedagogically and psychologically need to be considered in giving priority to listening materials in terms of FLL and autonomous intermediate language learners. Finally, the result of the comparison is analysed, and some suggestions and hypotheses regarding their priority are made.
Analysis of the Damage Causes of High Speed Bearing Failure
Authors: Simkulet Vladimir , Kočiško Marek , Hutyrová Zuzana , Fečová Veronika
Published: August 2014

High speed bearings are specified with mechanical properties, technological parameters and defined microstructure too. When these qualities are not respected in the manufacture, arise significant damage and consequently their not running ability. Cause of damage can also be bad operating conditions during its operation running. In this work microstructure characteristics are evaluated due to significant damage of the high speed bearings and thus its rejection of traffic. After microstructure investigation was not changed this microstructure but in some places micro hardness value was below the limit value, which is given by the producer and it was a consequence of bearing damage.
Influence of Processing Parameters Production of Sandwich Composite Structures Designed Especially for the Construction of Machine Tool Parts
Authors: Rusnáková Sona , Kučerka Daniel , Podařil Martin , Kmec Ján , Rusnák Vladimir , Bicejova Luba
Published: August 2014

All components of a huge machine tool need to work together perfectly to ensure not only a quality finished product, but operator safety. One of those many components is the material of support panels and moving parts in the machine construction. Mechanical structure of the machine, in most cases does not reach the technical level of regulatory techniques or electric drives and potential increase in dynamics, speed or accuracy of the machines remain unused. Used classic construction materials, steel or light alloy then zoom in to limit their physical capabilities. Designers have machine tools or robots are forced to solve the formidable task in the form of reducing the weight of the moving parts while maintaining or even increasing stiffness with respect to the thermal stability or damping. Laminates are for construction of production machines, robots and manipulators of crucial importance. One big advantage is the high rigidity while maintaining low specific weight. The presented paper is focused on the investigation of composite sandwich construction produced by prepreg technology, which is the suitable production choose for construction of machine tools parts. First of all, the production of sandwich structures with cork core, honeycomb core and foam cores are compared and described. In terms of the production process it is a method very friendly to the environment, since there are no leaks styrene vapours into the air. Since it is important from the perspective of a manufacturer of transport or machine industry manufactured from environmentally friendly materials, so naturally from materials that are from the perspective of safety of passengers (operators of machine tools or robots) at a high level, when any accident was lowest possible hazard due to fire (burn materials used) and terms of the strength of composite materials. This is one of the major scientific articles and to find the most ideal surveyed composite sandwich materials that would be the greatest possible extent fulfils the required properties. In the experimental part of the article are compared and investigated the mechanical characteristics of composite sandwich structures with regard to varying number of layers of predimpregnated skin materials due to the different types of core materials suitable for use in the machine industry. In addition, these characteristics are an important part of the article research because described the influence number of layers to values of the bending stiffness those composite structures.
Long-Term Monitoring of a Composite Steel-Concrete Bridge on the Prague Ring Road
Authors: Tej Petr , Král Jaromír , Tejová Alena , Marková Jana
Published: August 2014

The composite steel-concrete bridge across the “Slavičí údolí” on the Prague ring exposed to extreme traffic is selected for present traffic flow monitoring. The response of the bridge to the traffic loads is monitored using strain gauges. The record of voltage is converted to the amount of relative deformation, respectively stress in the bottom flange of steel I beam of the bridge. In parallel with the measurements, the computer slab - wall model based on finite element method is developed. The computer model is used for comparison of calculated and measured stresses and deflections in the flanges and to determine the natural frequencies of the examined bridge structure. Calibrated measurements are used for three-year monitoring of the effects of road traffic on bridge facilitating national decision in the National Annex to EN 1991-2.
Assessment State of Masonry Components Degradation
Authors: Żółtowski Mariusz
Published: August 2014

The chosen problems of identification the state destruction of wall elements in work were introduced. It was showed on possible relationships between methods of opinion of dynamic state and methods of opinion of destruction the wall elements. Near they utilizations experimental modal analysis they illustrate the complexity the problems and need of optimization of number component measuring the examples - results of investigations.
Fatigue of Steel Specimens at Low Temperatures
Authors: Tesár Alexander , Sedlár Marek
Published: August 2014

Fatigue of steel specimens at low temperatures is treated in present paper. Micro-mechanical modeling is used for numerical analysis of the problem. The numerical treatment of non-linear problems appearing is made by updated Lagrange formulation of motion. Each step of iteration approaches the solution of the linear problem. Numerical and experimental assessment is submitted in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the approach suggested.
Mathematical Modelling of Thin-Walled Cold-Rolled Cross-Section
Authors: Flodr Jakub , Krejsa Martin , Mikolášek David , Sucharda Oldrich , Žídek Libor
Published: August 2014

The purpose of the paper is to perform a static analysis of a thin-wall cold-rolled steel cross-section of a trapezoidal sheet by means of a mathematical model developed in ANSYS, commercially available software applications. The trapezoidal sheets are used typically as an external cladding which covers the structures of steel halls. Investigating into behaviour of the trapezoidal sheets subjected to extreme loads represents an urgent issue in wind engineering. A physical tension test has been performed in order to verify and confirm the mathematical model. Experiments have been performed to prove results of the static analysis into the behaviour of a load-carrying structure formed by a thin-wall cross-section.
Probability and Sensitivity Analysis of Plate
Authors: Tvrdá Katarina
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with some problems of the ceiling plate, made of the Cobiax-system. Cobiax provides a system to produce voided, biaxial, flat plate slabs as a high-quality concrete solution for large spans and slim slabs. Plastic voids in the shape of spheres or flattened spheres are contained in steel cages and put into concrete structures to create longer spans and reduce vertical loads. The presented plate is made of cobiax balls with a diameter of 27 cm located outside the area of columns. Probability analysis of Monte-Carlo method in Ansys is presented. Input parameters are changing according to Gauss or triangular distribution.
Investigation of the Bond Behavior of UHPC
Authors: Citek David , Huňka Petr , Rehacek Stanislav , Kolisko Jiří
Published: August 2014

Ultra High Performance Concrete - UHPC has become increasingly used. Its outstanding features are generally known. It is a fact that the bond of the reinfocement in UHPC is better than that in ordinary concrete, but this bond needs to be quantified .The aim of the experimental research was to determine the average bond stress between prestressing strands and different types of UHPC and to show very significant increase in the average shear stress in bond with UHPC compared to ordinary concrete. In order to determine the bond capacity, an experimental research was carried out. Experimental details of the models in real structures – parts of prestressed girders made from UHPC, were tested in the laboratory and the results were compared with specimens prepared according to standard. The influence of different material properties and different anchorage length of prestressing strands to bond behavior of UHPC was examined in pull out tests. Test results of bond test led to the conclusion that the application of UHPC can significantly reduce the anchorage length of reinforcement compared with the ordinary concrete.