bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Occurrence of the Day-of-the-Week Effects on Polish and Major World Stock Markets
Authors: Jamróz Paweł , Koronkiewicz Grzegorz
Published: August 2014

The aim of this paper is to analyze the occurrence of the so called day of the week effects in market return time series from the period of January 2003 to September 2013 (and additionally January 1999 to December 2002). The study focuses on four indices of the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WIG, WIG20, mWIG40 and sWIG80) and additionally five indices of major world stock exchanges (NIKKEI 225, DAX, CAC40, S&P 500, and IBEX). The main data sample was divided into three subperiods in order to determine whether or not the intensity of day of the week anomalies is constant in time. The study revealed a substantial number of the day of the week anomalies in earliest subperiods and very limited evidence of those effects in later ones, giving rise to the conclusion that the intensity of the day of the week anomalies is diminishing with time. The most common effect identified on the WSE was a positive Friday effect. The Monday effect often described in early literature on the subject matter seems to currently occur very rarely. The study also indicates that the day of the week effects were more persistent among stocks with smaller market capitalization on the WSE.
Decision Support System for Blockage Management in Fire Service
Authors: Krasuski Adam , Kreński Karol
Published: August 2014

In this article we present the foundations of a decision support system for blockage management in Fire Service. Blockage refers to the situation when all fire units are out and a new incident occurs. The approach is based on two phases: off-line data preparation and online blockage estimation. The off-line phase consists of methods from data mining and natural language processing and results in semantically coherent information granules. The online phase is about building the probabilistic models that estimate the block-age probability based on these granules. Finally, the selected classifier judges whether a blockage can occur and whether the resources from neighbour fire stations should be asked for assistance.
Environmental Quality as a Decisive Variable in Shaping Regional Development Policy
Authors: Perło Dorota
Published: August 2014

The article examines the impact of environmental quality on shaping the development policy of Polish voivodeships. The main analytical tool used was the synthetic index of environmental quality, compiled by means of the Perkal method. It was constructed in order to organize Polish voivodeships in terms of environmental quality, which was determined in a comprehensive way on the basis of three thematic areas: advantages of the natural environment, the level of pollution (degradation) of the environment as well as active protective activities. The obtained values of synthetic measures were then compared to the level of economic growth of Polish regions. It was necessary in determining which voivodeships perceive the quality of the environment as the main factor enhancing their economic growth, and which treat it as a barrier to economic development.
On Imprecise Investment Recommendations
Authors: Piasecki Krzysztof
Published: August 2014

The return rate is considered here as a fuzzy probabilistic set. Then the expected return is obtained as a fuzzy subset in the real line. This result is a theoretical foundation for new investment strategies. All considered strategies result of comparison profit fuzzy index and limit value. In this way we obtain an imprecise investment recommendation. Financial equilibrium criteria are a special case of comparison of the profit index and the limit value. The following criteria are generalized here: the Sharpe's Ratio, the Jensen's Alpha and the Treynor's Ratio. Moreover, the safety-first criteria are generalized here for the fuzzy case. The Roy Criterion, the Kataoka Criterion and the Telser Criterion are also generalized. Obtained results show that proposed theory is useful for the investment applications.
Assorted Methods of Making of Pricing Decisions in an Enterprise
Authors: Wnorowski Henryk
Published: August 2014

Decisions concerning price development are best visible in view of their direct impact on the market activities of the company and the general level of profitability. In every activity, the success is measured by an excess of sales revenue over the costs of used resources. In an ideal case, a determined price provides the highest margin resulting from an analysis of the sales volume, takes into consideration the customer's evaluation of the product/service, and allows to react to competitive threats and to fend off the competition's attacks. There is no single universal way to develop prices for various enterprise types, regardless of the conditions of demand, the specific character of the sector they operate in, or the competitive situation, even if we assume that the enterprise has only one goal of activity. That's why, Author recommends three price determination methods. The ways of price determination presented in this article are just the first step on the way to reach the optimal prices. The prices determined in such way, as well as product or service prices already functioning in the market, are subject to modification depending on the assumed goals, taking into consideration the character of demand for a given commodity and the behaviour of the competition.
Using Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction Model for Exploration of Yield Stability in Some Lentil (Lens Culinaris Medik.) Genotypes
Authors: Sabaghnia Naser , Karimizadeh Rahmatollah , Mohammadi Mohtasham
Published: August 2014

The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis has been indicated to be effective in interpreting complex genotype by environment (GE) interactions of lentil (Lens culinarisMedik.) multienvironmental trials. Eighteen improved lentil genotypes were grown in 12 semiarid environments in Iran from 2007 to 2009. Complex GE interactions are difficult to understand with ordinary analysis of variance (ANOVA) or conventional stability methods. Combined analysis of variance indicated the genotype by location interaction (GL) and three way interactions (GYL) were highly significant. FGH1and FGH2tests indicated the five significant components; FRatioshowed three significant components and F-Gollob detected seven significant components. The RMSPD (root mean square predicted difference) values of validation procedure indicated seven significant components. Using five components in AMMI stability parameters (EVFI, SIP-CFI, AMGEFI and DFI) indicated that genotypes G5 and G6 were the most stable genotypes while considering three components in of AMMI stability parameters (EVFII, SIPCFII, AMGEFII and DFII) showed that genotypes G8 and G18 were the most stable genotypes. Also genotypes G2, G5 and G18 were the most stable genotypes according to AMMI stability parameters which calculated from seven components (EVFIII, SIP-CFIII, AMGEFIII and DFIII). Among these stable genotypes, only genotypes G2 (1365.63 kg × ha-1), G11 (1374.13 kg × ha′1) and G12 (1334.73 kg × ha-1) had high mean yield and so could be regarded as the most favorable genotype. These genotypes are therefore recommended for release as commercial cultivars.
Maximum difference scaling
Authors: Furlan Roberto , Turner Graham
Published: August 2014

In recent years, maximum difference scaling (MDS) analysis has gained a significant increase in popularity in market research. MDS represents a valid and better alternative when collecting preference measurements, being scale-free and providing more differentiation when measuring attribute importance than standard rating scales. With growing popularity there is a clear need to better understand the potentialities and limitations of MDS. While some work has already been done (among others, Orme 2005), there are still many unexplored areas, in particular regarding the impact of the key elements in an MDS design on the accuracy of results. With this paper we try to understand to what extent the number of versions, the number of tasks and the number of respondents impact on the results.
Geotechnical Requirements in the Design–Build Selection Process
Authors: Gransberg Douglas D. , Gad Ghada M.
Published: August 2014

Geotechnical uncertainty is always high before a comprehensive site investigation is completed. In many design–build (DB) projects, the contract is awarded with the geotechnical investigation included as part of the required design deliverables. To ensure the necessary geotechnical design and construction quality, the agency must include appropriate factors in the best-value (BV) selection process. This paper describes an investigation of specific design–builder selection decisions involved in the procurement phase of a DB project and the ways in which the geotechnical requirements are incorporated into the selection decision in state departments of transportation (DOTs). The results are presented from the study of four independent sources of information, which were obtained through a review of the literature on geotechnical requirements in procurement documents, a survey of 42 state DOTs, a content analysis of procurement documents from 26 states, and the findings from 11 structured interviews with design–builders whose markets encompassed more than 30 states. The study results led to the conclusion that geotechnical designer qualifications and the experience of companies with geotechnical projects were key in achieving quality in DB projects. The weight of geotechnical factors in requests for qualifications and requests for proposals (RFPs) should be assigned proportionately with respect to the other factors that define DB project success. Experienced DOTs were seen to tailor the amount of geotechnical information that they included in the DB RFP to the specific requirements of a given project. Interactivity during the proposal preparation period offered an agency the opportunity to understand how competing design–builders perceived the geotechnical risk and to adjust the procurement plan accordingly. Alternative technical concepts also were presented as a viable approach to reduce perceived geotechnical risks.
Correlation between prothrombin time and serum ferritin level in thalassaemia patients
Authors: Sultana Nasima , Sadiya Salma
Published: August 2014

Thalassaemia is the most common hereditary disorder in the world including Bangladesh. Beta thalassaemia major and Hb-E thalassaemia both are common in our country. Iron overload causes most of the mortality and morbidity associated with thalassaemia. To assess the iron overload and liver function a cross sectional comparative study carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka in collaboration with Thalassaemia Center and Department of Pathology, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka during the period of July 2006 to June 2007. The study was carried out with the patients who visited regularly in Dhaka Shishu Hospital Thalassaemia Centre (DSHTC) and have multiple transfusions (more than five) and the age more than 2 years. To compare the state of liver function individuals normal healthy persons were also included. Total 70 subjects were included in this study. The study subjects were distributed into two groups, the group  A (cases) and group  B (healthy controls). Group  A consisted of 40 thalassaemia patients and group  B consisted of 30 healthy individuals. According to the major types of thalassaemia present in our country, group A again divided into two, group  AI patients of â-thalassaemia major included 12 patients and group  AII patients of Hemoglobin E âthalassaemia included 28 patients. Prothrombin time. A statistically significant mean difference of prothrombin time was found indicating patients of thalassaemia had higher prothrombin time than normal healthy individuals (p <0.001). A statistically insignificant mean difference of prothrombin time was found indicating group AI and patients AII had no difference in prothrombin time (p > 0.05). Pearsons Correlation between prothrombin time of patients in seconds and serum ferritin of in ng/ml had studied in two ways as a whole correlation between prothrombin time of all the patients in second and serum ferritin of patients in ng/ml had r value 0.39 was statistical significant (P <0.05). On the other side correlation between prothrombin time of the patients of Group Al in second and serum ferritin of same patients in ng/ml had r value of 0.17 was signficant (P<0.05). But correlation between prothrombin time of the patients of group II in second and serum ferritin of same patients in ng/ml had r value 0.46 was statistically significant (p < 0.05). A statistically significant mean difference of ferritin was found indicating ferritin of group AI had higher level of ferritin than group AII. (p < 0.05). http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v26i1-2.19959 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2010; 26(1&2) : 10-15
Field Phenotyping of Soybean Roots for Drought Stress Tolerance
Authors: Fenta Berhanu , Beebe Stephen , Kunert Karl , Burridge James , Barlow Kathryn , Lynch Jonathan , Foyer Christine
Published: August 2014

Root architecture was determined together with shoot parameters under well watered and drought conditions in the field in three soybean cultivars (A5409RG, Jackson and Prima 2000). Morphology parameters were used to classify the cultivars into different root phenotypes that could be important in conferring drought tolerance traits. A5409RG is a drought-sensitive cultivar with a shallow root phenotype and a root angle of <40°. In contrast, Jackson is a drought-escaping cultivar. It has a deep rooting phenotype with a root angle of >60°. Prima 2000 is an intermediate drought-tolerant cultivar with a root angle of 40°–60°. It has an intermediate root phenotype. Prima 2000 was the best performing cultivar under drought stress, having the greatest shoot biomass and grain yield under limited water availability. It had abundant root nodules even under drought conditions. A positive correlation was observed between nodule size, above-ground biomass and seed yield under well-watered and drought conditions. These findings demonstrate that root system phenotyping using markers that are easy-to-apply under field conditions can be used to determine genotypic differences in drought tolerance in soybean. The strong association between root and nodule parameters and whole plant productivity demonstrates the potential application of simple root phenotypic markers in screening for drought tolerance in soybean.
Programmable Thermal Dissociation of Reactive Gaseous Mercury, a Potential Approach to Chemical Speciation: Results from a Field Study
Authors: Ernest Cheryl , Donohoue Deanna , Bauer Dieter , Schure Arnout , Hynes Anthony
Published: August 2014

Programmable Thermal Dissociation (PTD) has been used to investigate the chemical speciation of Reactive Gaseous Mercury (RGM, Hg2+). RGM was collected on denuders and analyzed using PTD. The technique was tested in a field campaign at a coal-fired power plant in Pensacola, Florida. Stack gas samples were collected from ducts located after the electrostatic precipitator and prior to entering the stack. An airship was used to sample from the stack plume, downwind of the stack exit. The PTD profiles from these samples were compared with PTD profiles of HgCl2. Comparison of stack and in-plume samples suggest that the chemical speciation are the same and that it is possible to track a specific chemical form of RGM from the stack and follow its evolution in the stack plume. Comparison of the measured plume RGM with the amount calculated from in-stack measurements and the measured plume dilution suggest that the stack and plume RGM concentrations are consistent with dilution. The PTD profiles of the stack and plume samples are consistent with HgCl2 being the chemical form of the sampled RGM. Comparison with literature PTD profiles of reference mercury compounds suggests no other likely candidates for the speciation of RGM.
Study of Paclitaxel-Treated HeLa Cells by Differential Electrical Impedance Flow Cytometry
Authors: Kirkegaard Julie , Clausen Casper , Rodriguez-Trujillo Romen , Svendsen Winnie
Published: August 2014

This work describes the electrical investigation of paclitaxel-treated HeLa cells using a custom-made microfluidic biosensor for whole cell analysis in continuous flow. We apply the method of differential electrical impedance spectroscopy to treated HeLa cells in order to elucidate the changes in electrical properties compared with non-treated cells. We found that our microfluidic system was able to distinguish between treated and non-treated cells. Furthermore, we utilize a model for electrical impedance spectroscopy in order to perform a theoretical study to clarify our results. This study focuses on investigating the changes in the electrical properties of the cell membrane caused by the effect of paclitaxel. We observe good agreement between the model and the obtained results. This establishes the proof-of-concept for the application in cell drug therapy.
Modeling and Parameterization of Fuel Economy in Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs)
Authors: Oh Yunjung , Park Sungwook
Published: August 2014

The present paper suggests fuel consumption modeling for HDVs based on the code from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment. Two interpolation models (inversed distance weighted (IDW) and Hermite) and three types of fuel efficiency maps (coarse, medium, and dense) were adopted to determine the most appropriate combination for further studies. Finally, sensitivity analysis studies were conducted to determine which parameters greatly impact the fuel efficiency prediction results for HDVs. While vitiating each parameter at specific percentages (±1%, ±3%, ±5%, ±10%), the change rate of the fuel efficiency results was analyzed, and the main factors affecting fuel efficiency were summarized. As a result, the Japanese transformation algorithm program showed good agreement with slightly increased prediction accuracy for the fuel efficiency test results when applying the Hermite interpolation method compared to IDW interpolation. The prediction accuracy of fuel efficiency remained unchanged regardless of the chosen fuel efficiency map data density. According to the sensitivity analysis study, three parameters (fuel consumption map data, driving force, and gross vehicle weight) have the greatest impact on fuel efficiency (±5% to ±10% changes).
Factors Influencing Household Uptake of Improved Solid Fuel Stoves in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Debbi Stanistreet , Elisa Puzzolo , Nigel Bruce , Dan Pope , Eva Rehfuess
Published: August 2014

Household burning of solid fuels in traditional stoves is detrimental to health, the environment and development. A range of improved solid fuel stoves (IS) are available but little is known about successful approaches to dissemination. This qualitative systematic review aimed to identify factors that influence household uptake of IS in low- and middle-income countries. Extensive searches were carried out and studies were screened and extracted using established systematic review methods. Fourteen qualitative studies from Asia, Africa and Latin-America met the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis was used to synthesise data and findings are presented under seven framework domains. Findings relate to user and stakeholder perceptions and highlight the importance of cost, good stove design, fuel and time savings, health benefits, being able to cook traditional dishes and cleanliness in relation to uptake. Creating demand, appropriate approaches to business, and community involvement, are also discussed. Achieving and sustaining uptake is complex and requires consideration of a broad range of factors, which operate at household, community, regional and national levels. Initiatives aimed at IS scale up should include quantitative evaluations of effectiveness, supplemented with qualitative studies to assess factors affecting uptake, with an equity focus.
Mechanistic Understanding of Toxicity from Nanocatalysts
Authors: Jiang Cuijuan , Jia Jianbo , Zhai Shumei
Published: August 2014

Nanoparticle-based catalysts, or nanocatalysts, have been applied in various industrial sectors, including refineries, petrochemical plants, the pharmaceutical industry, the chemical industry, food processing, and environmental remediation. As a result, there is an increasing risk of human exposure to nanocatalysts. This review evaluates the toxicity of popular nanocatalysts applied in industrial processes in cell and animal models. The molecular mechanisms associated with such nanotoxicity are emphasized to reveal common toxicity-inducing pathways from various nanocatalysts and the uniqueness of each specific nanocatalyst.
The Effects of Synthetic Oligopeptide Derived from Enamel Matrix Derivative on Cell Proliferation and Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Katayama Nobuhito , Kato Hirohito , Taguchi Yoichiro , Tanaka Akio , Umeda Makoto
Published: August 2014

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is widely used in periodontal tissue regeneration therapy. However, because the bioactivity of EMD varies from batch to batch, and the use of a synthetic peptide could avoid use from an animal source, a completely synthetic peptide (SP) containing the active component of EMD would be useful. In this study an oligopeptide synthesized derived from EMD was evaluated for whether it contributes to periodontal tissue regeneration. We investigated the effects of the SP on cell proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are involved in tissue regeneration. MSCs were treated with SP (0 to 1000 ng/mL), to determine the optimal concentration. We examined the effects of SP on cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation indicators such as alkaline phosphatase activity, the production of procollagen type 1 C-peptide and osteocalcin, and on mineralization. Additionally, we investigated the role of extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK) in cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation induced by SP. Our results suggest that SP promotes these processes in human MSCs, and that ERK inhibitors suppress these effects. In conclusion, SP promotes cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human MSCs, probably through the ERK pathway.
Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory Activity and ACE Inhibitory Peptides of Salmon (Salmo salar) Protein Hydrolysates Obtained by Human and Porcine Gastrointestinal Enzymes
Authors: Darewicz Małgorzata , Borawska Justyna , Vegarud Gerd , Minkiewicz Piotr , Iwaniak Anna
Published: August 2014

The objectives of the present study were two-fold: first, to detect whether salmon protein fractions possess angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties and whether salmon proteins can release ACE inhibitory peptides during a sequential in vitro hydrolysis (with commercial porcine enzymes) and ex vivo digestion (with human gastrointestinal enzymes). Secondly, to evaluate the ACE inhibitory activity of generated hydrolysates. A two-step ex vivo and in vitro model digestion was performed to simulate the human digestion process. Salmon proteins were degraded more efficiently by porcine enzymes than by human gastrointestinal juices and sarcoplasmic proteins were digested/hydrolyzed more easily than myofibrillar proteins. The ex vivo digested myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic duodenal samples showed IC50 values (concentration required to decrease the ACE activity by 50%) of 1.06 and 2.16 mg/mL, respectively. The in vitro hydrolyzed myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic samples showed IC50 values of 0.91 and 1.04 mg/mL, respectively. Based on the results of in silico studies, it was possible to identify 9 peptides of the ex vivo hydrolysates and 7 peptides of the in vitro hydrolysates of salmon proteins of 11 selected peptides. In both types of salmon hydrolysates, ACE-inhibitory peptides IW, IY, TVY and VW were identified. In the in vitro salmon protein hydrolysates an ACE-inhibitory peptides VPW and VY were also detected, while ACE-inhibitory peptides ALPHA, IVY and IWHHT were identified in the hydrolysates generated with ex vivo digestion. In our studies, we documented ACE inhibitory in vitro effects of salmon protein hydrolysates obtained by human and as well as porcine gastrointestinal enzymes.
Quality Assessment of Mixed and Ceramic Recycled Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Wastes in the Concrete Manufacture According to the Spanish Standard
Authors: Rodríguez-Robles Desirée , García-González Julia , Juan-Valdés Andrés , Morán-del Pozo Julia , Guerra-Romero Manuel
Published: August 2014

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) constitutes an increasingly significant problem in society due to the volume generated, rendering sustainable management and disposal problematic. The aim of this study is to identify a possible reuse option in the concrete manufacturing for recycled aggregates with a significant ceramic content: mixed recycled aggregates (MixRA) and ceramic recycled aggregates (CerRA). In order to do so, several tests are conducted in accordance with the Spanish Code on Structural Concrete (EHE-08) to determine the composition in weight and physic-mechanical characteristics (particle size distributions, fine content, sand equivalent, density, water absorption, flakiness index, and resistance to fragmentation) of the samples for the partial inclusion of the recycled aggregates in concrete mixes. The results of these tests clearly support the hypothesis that this type of material may be suitable for such partial replacements if simple pretreatment is carried out. Furthermore, this measure of reuse is in line with European, national, and regional policies on sustainable development, and presents a solution to the environmental problem caused by the generation of CDW.
Fused-Ring Derivatives of Quinoxalines: Spectroscopic Characterization and Photoinduced Processes Investigated by EPR Spin Trapping Technique
Authors: Barbieriková Zuzana , Dvoranová Dana , Bella Maroš , Milata Viktor , Czímerová Adriana , Brezová Vlasta
Published: August 2014

10-Ethyl-7-oxo-7,10-dihydropyrido[2,3-f]quinoxaline derivatives, synthesized as promising biologically/photobiologically active compounds were characterized by UV/vis, FT-IR and fluorescent spectroscopy. Photoinduced processes of these derivatives were studied by EPR spectroscopy, monitoring in situ the generation of reactive intermediates upon UVA (λmax = 365 nm) irradiation. The formation of reactive oxygen species and further oxygen- and carbon-centered radical intermediates was detected and possible reaction routes were suggested. To quantify the investigated processes, the quantum yields of the superoxide radical anion spin-adduct and 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine N-oxyl generation were determined, reflecting the activation of molecular oxygen by the excited state of the quinoxaline derivative.
The Effect of Some Fluoroquinolone Family Members on Biospeciation of Copper(II), Nickel(II) and Zinc(II) Ions in Human Plasma
Authors: Djurdjevic Predrag , Jakovljevic Ivan , Joksovic Ljubinka , Ivanovic Nevena , Jelikic-Stankov Milena
Published: August 2014

The speciation of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions in the presence of the fluoroquinolones (FQs) moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, in human blood plasma was studied under physiological conditions by computer simulation. The speciation was calculated using an updated model of human blood plasma including over 6,000 species with the aid of the program Hyss2009. The identity and stability of metal-FQ complexes were determined by potentiometric (310 K, 0.15 mol/L NaCl), spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric, ESI-MS and 1H-NMR measurements. In the case of Cu2+ ion the concentration of main low molecular weight (LMW) plasma complex (Cu(Cis)His) is very slightly influenced by all examined FQs. FQs show much higher influence on main plasma Ni2+ and Zn2+ complexes: (Ni(His)2 and Zn(Cys)Cit, respectively. Levofloxacin exhibits the highest influence on the fraction of the main nickel complex, Ni(His)2, even at a concentration level of 3 × 10−5 mol/L. The same effect is seen on the main zinc complex, Zn(Cys)Cit. Calculated plasma mobilizing indexes indicate that ciprofloxacin possesses the highest mobilizing power from plasma proteins, toward copper ion, while levofloxacin is the most influential on nickel and zinc ions. The results obtained indicate that the drugs studied are safe in relation to mobilization of essential metal ions under physiological conditions. The observed effects were explained in terms of competitive equilibrium reactions between the FQs and the main LMW complexes of the metal ions.
Vitamin E Supplementation in Chemical Colorectal Carcinogenesis: A Two-Edged Knife
Authors: Cohen Celia , Cardoso João , Garcia Sergio , Vannucchi Helio
Published: August 2014

This work investigated the effects of Vitamin E (VE) on aberrant crypt foci (ACF) incidence, oxidative stress parameters (serum and hepatic VE concentration, and homocysteine, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels), and expression of both cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) in experimental colorectal carcinogenesis. Male Wistar rats received subcutaneous injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) twice a week, for two weeks (40 mg/kg), except for the Control group. Animals were separated into groups that received different amounts of VE in the diet: 0 IU (0×), 75 IU (recommended daily intake, RDI), 225 IU (3× RDI), or 1500 IU (20× RDI), during (dDMH) or after (aDMH) administration of carcinogen. The 0×dDMH and 3×dDMH groups showed decreased serum VE levels. Hepatic VE concentration was higher in 3×aDMH as compared with the other groups. All the groups, except the Control and the 0×aDMH groups, had reduced GSH levels. The 0×dDMH, 0×aDMH, and 20×aDMH groups exhibited increased MDA levels. The aDMH groups had higher ACF incidence and PCNA expression. The 0×aDMH group presented higher ACF rate, followed by 20×aDMH. Moreover, the 3×aDMH group displayed reduced ACF incidence and COX2 expression. Multivariate analysis revealed that GSH modulated homocysteine levels and COX2. These results suggested that 1500 IU of VE is hazardous, whereas 225 IU of VE has beneficial effects on chemical colorectal carcinogenesis.
Temperature Dependence of the Complexation Mechanism of Celecoxib and Hydroxyl-β-cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Chiang Po-Chiang , Shi Yue , Cui Yong
Published: August 2014

Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) is commonly used as a complexation reagent to solubilize compounds with poor aqueous solubility to improve in vivo dosing. However, the degree of solubility enhancement was often limited by the formation of only a 1:1 complex and a low complexation constant (K). Such a limitation can be significantly improved by the formation of 1:2 complexes in some cases. Despite the understanding of the solubility advantage of the formation of the 1:2 complexes, there is no systematic understanding that could drive for the formation of 1:2 complexes. Thus, in most cases, the formation of 1:2 complexes was limited by observation bases. In this study, we pioneer the usages of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to understand the phenomena of a model drug of celecoxib (CCB) and HP-β-CD. It has been reported that celecoxib (CCB) forms 1:1 complexes with cyclodextrin in solution; however, some data suggest the existence of a 1:2 complex. The simulation results suggest that a transition state of CCB and HP-β-CD may exit at a higher temperature of CCB and HP-β-CD; a model drug, such as celecoxib (CCB), that is known to form 1:1 complexes can achieve a higher degree of complexation (1:2) and obtain much improved solubility when the same amount of cyclodextrin was used and demonstrated in vitro. The simulation results of CCB and HP-β-CD could be a model system that may provide important insights into the inclusion mechanism.
Basic Technology and Clinical Applications of the Updated Model of Laser Speckle Flowgraphy to Ocular Diseases
Authors: Sugiyama Tetsuya
Published: August 2014

Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) allows for quantitative estimation of blood flow in the optic nerve head (ONH), choroid and retina, utilizing the laser speckle phenomenon. The basic technology and clinical applications of LSFG-NAVI, the updated model of LSFG, are summarized in this review. For developing a commercial version of LSFG, the special area sensor was replaced by the ordinary charge-coupled device camera. In LSFG-NAVI, the mean blur rate (MBR) has been introduced as a new parameter. Compared to the original LSFG model, LSFG-NAVI demonstrates a better spatial resolution of the blood flow map of human ocular fundus. The observation area is 24 times larger than the original system. The analysis software can separately calculate MBRs in the blood vessels and tissues (capillaries) of an entire ONH and the measurements have good reproducibility. The absolute values of MBR in the ONH have been shown to linearly correlate with the capillary blood flow. The Analysis of MBR pulse waveform provides parameters including skew, blowout score, blowout time, rising and falling rates, flow acceleration index, acceleration time index, and resistivity index for comparing different eyes. Recently, there have been an increasing number of reports on the clinical applications of LSFG-NAVI to ocular diseases, including glaucoma, retinal and choroidal diseases.
A Novel Through-Thickness Perfusion Bioreactor for the Generation of Scaffold-Free Tissue Engineered Cartilage
Authors: Gilbert Eric , Mosher Mark , Gottipati Anuhya , Elder Steven
Published: August 2014

The objective of this study was to characterize our designed through-thickness perfusion bioreactor which could generate large scaffold-free tissue engineered cartilage constructs. The hypothesis being that through-thickness perfusion could accelerate maturation of scaffold-free tissue engineered cartilage, grown in transwell culture inserts large enough to repair typical size chondral lesions in the human knee. Internal cell culture media temperature and pH were examined over time, upon implementation of the bioreactor perfusion system inside a CO2 incubator, to ensure adequate regulation conducive to cell viability. Results indicate that temperature and pH both equilibrate within approximately 3 h. The bioreactor was tested for its efficacy to support formation of 4.5 cm2 constructs by porcine neonatal chondrocytes. Tests were conducted under three conditions: immediate perfusion with flow from bottom to top, immediate perfusion with media flow from top to bottom, and bottom to top perfusion after four weeks of static culture, giving the cells time to self-aggregate into a consolidated construct prior to perfusion. The best cell culture results were obtained when perfusion was delayed for four weeks relative to the immediate perfusion of the other methods, and this should be further investigated.
Soil Surface Sealing Effect on Soil Moisture at a Semiarid Hillslope: Implications for Remote Sensing Estimation
Authors: Sela Shai , Svoray Tal , Assouline Shmuel
Published: August 2014

Robust estimation of soil moisture using microwave remote sensing depends on extensive ground sampling for calibration and validation of the data. Soil surface sealing is a frequent phenomenon in dry environments. It modulates soil moisture close to the soil surface and, thus, has the potential to affect the retrieval of soil moisture from microwave remote sensing and the validation of these data based on ground observations. We addressed this issue using a physically-based modeling approach that accounts explicitly for surface sealing at the hillslope scale. Simulated mean soil moisture at the respective layers corresponding to both the ground validation probe and the radar beam’s typical effective penetration depth were considered. A cyclic pattern was found in which, as compared to an unsealed profile, the seal layer intensifies the bias in validation during rainfall events and substantially reduces it during subsequent drying periods. The analysis of this cyclic pattern showed that, accounting for soil moisture dynamics at the soil surface, the optimal time for soil sampling following a rainfall event is a few hours in the case of an unsealed system and a few days in the case of a sealed one. Surface sealing was found to increase the temporal stability of soil moisture. In both sealed and unsealed systems, the greatest temporal stability was observed at positions with moderate slope inclination. Soil porosity was the best predictor of soil moisture temporal stability, indicating that prior knowledge regarding the soil texture distribution is crucial for the application of remote sensing validation schemes.
Blind Restoration of Remote Sensing Images by a Combination of Automatic Knife-Edge Detection and Alternating Minimization
Authors: Shen Huanfeng , Zhao Wennan , Yuan Qiangqiang , Zhang Liangpei
Published: August 2014

In this paper, a blind restoration method is presented to remove the blur in remote sensing images. An alternating minimization (AM) framework is employed to simultaneously recover the image and the point spread function (PSF), and an adaptive-norm prior is used to apply different constraints to smooth regions and edges. Moreover, with the use of the knife-edge features in remote sensing images, an automatic knife-edge detection method is used to obtain a good initial PSF for the AM framework. In addition, a no-reference (NR) sharpness index is used to stop the iterations of the AM framework automatically at the best visual quality. Results in both simulated and real data experiments indicate that the proposed AM-KEdge method, which combines the automatic knife-edge detection and the AM framework, is robust, converges quickly, and can stop automatically to obtain satisfactory results.
Time- and Computation-Efficient Calibration of MEMS 3D Accelerometers and Gyroscopes
Authors: Stančin Sara , Tomažič Sašo
Published: August 2014

We propose calibration methods for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) 3D accelerometers and gyroscopes that are efficient in terms of time and computational complexity. The calibration process for both sensors is simple, does not require additional expensive equipment, and can be performed in the field before or between motion measurements. The methods rely on a small number of defined calibration measurements that are used to obtain the values of 12 calibration parameters. This process enables the static compensation of sensor inaccuracies. The values detected by the 3D sensor are interpreted using a generalized 3D sensor model. The model assumes that the values detected by the sensor are equal to the projections of the measured value on the sensor sensitivity axes. Although this finding is trivial for 3D accelerometers, its validity for 3D gyroscopes is not immediately apparent; thus, this paper elaborates on this latter topic. For an example sensor device, calibration parameters were established using calibration measurements of approximately 1.5 min in duration for the 3D accelerometer and 2.5 min in duration for the 3D gyroscope. Correction of each detected 3D value using the established calibration parameters in further measurements requires only nine addition and nine multiplication operations.
Forest Policy and Law for Sustainability within the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Park Mi , Lee Hyowon
Published: August 2014

Since the early 1990s, sustainable forest management (SFM) has emerged as a paradigm of forest management on global, regional and national levels. In developing countries, avoiding deforestation is a preliminary step towards SFM. The Korean peninsula experienced severe deforestation and forest degradation after the Korean War (1950–1953). In the 1970s and 1980s, South Korea achieved forest restoration through the National Greening Program. In contrast, North Korea failed to restore forests in spite of continuous trials with forest restoration plans. In North Korea, deforestation has accelerated since the mid-1980s. Deforestation and forest degradation in North Korea threatens stability throughout the Korean peninsula. This study focuses on comparing the forest policy and laws of South Korea and North Korea and suggesting forest policy that promotes sustainability in the Korean peninsula. The research findings can provide developing countries with significant information on forest policy and laws to avoid deforestation and forest degradation and move towards sustainability.
Cellulose Nanocrystals Obtained from Cynara Cardunculus and Their Application in the Paper Industry
Authors: Coccia Valentina , Cotana Franco , Cavalaglio Gianluca , Gelosia Mattia , Petrozzi Alessandro
Published: August 2014

Biorefinery aims at designing new virtuous and high-efficiency energy chains, achieving the combined production of biofuels (e.g., bioethanol) and biobased products. This emerging philosophy can represent an important opportunity for the industrial world, exploiting a new kind of nano-smart biomaterials in their production chains. This paper will present the lab experience carried out by the Biomass Research Centre (CRB) in extracting cellulose nanocrystals (NCC) from a pretreated (via Steam Explosion) fraction of Cynara cardunculus. This is a very common and invasive arboreal variety in central Italy. The NCC extraction methodology allows the separation of the crystalline content of cellulose. Such a procedure has been considered in the literature with the exception of one step in which the conditions have been optimized by CRB Lab. This procedure has been applied for the production of NCC from both Cynara cardunculus and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The paper will discuss some of the results achieved using the obtained nanocrystals as reinforcing filler in a paper sheet; it was found that the tensile strength increased from 3.69 kg/15 mm to 3.98 kg/15 mm, the durability behavior (measured by bending number) changed from the value 95 to the value 141, and the barrier properties (measured by Gurley porosity) were improved, increasing from 38 s to 45 s.
Alternative Testing Methods for Predicting Health Risk from Environmental Exposures
Authors: Colacci Annamaria , Vaccari Monica , Mascolo Maria , Rotondo Francesca , Morandi Elena , Quercioli Daniele , Perdichizzi Stefania , Zanzi Cristina , Serra Stefania , Poluzzi Vanes , Angelini Paola , Grilli Sandro , Zinoni Franco
Published: August 2014

Alternative methods to animal testing are considered as promising tools to support the prediction of toxicological risks from environmental exposure. Among the alternative testing methods, the cell transformation assay (CTA) appears to be one of the most appropriate approaches to predict the carcinogenic properties of single chemicals, complex mixtures and environmental pollutants. The BALB/c 3T3 CTA shows a good degree of concordance with the in vivo rodent carcinogenesis tests. Whole-genome transcriptomic profiling is performed to identify genes that are transcriptionally regulated by different kinds of exposures. Its use in cell models representative of target organs may help in understanding the mode of action and predicting the risk for human health. Aiming at associating the environmental exposure to health-adverse outcomes, we used an integrated approach including the 3T3 CTA and transcriptomics on target cells, in order to evaluate the effects of airborne particulate matter (PM) on toxicological complex endpoints. Organic extracts obtained from PM2.5 and PM1 samples were evaluated in the 3T3 CTA in order to identify effects possibly associated with different aerodynamic diameters or airborne chemical components. The effects of the PM2.5 extracts on human health were assessed by using whole-genome 44 K oligo-microarray slides. Statistical analysis by GeneSpring GX identified genes whose expression was modulated in response to the cell treatment. Then, modulated genes were associated with pathways, biological processes and diseases through an extensive biological analysis. Data derived from in vitro methods and omics techniques could be valuable for monitoring the exposure to toxicants, understanding the modes of action via exposure-associated gene expression patterns and to highlight the role of genes in key events related to adversity.
Bioreactor Study Employing Bacteria with Enhanced Activity toward Cyanobacterial Toxins Microcystins
Authors: Dziga Dariusz , Lisznianska Magdalena , Wladyka Benedykt
Published: August 2014

An important aim of white (grey) biotechnology is bioremediation, where microbes are employed to remove unwanted chemicals. Microcystins (MCs) and other cyanobacterial toxins are not industrial or agricultural pollutants; however, their occurrence as a consequence of human activity and water reservoir eutrophication is regarded as anthropogenic. Microbial degradation of microcystins is suggested as an alternative to chemical and physical methods of their elimination. This paper describes a possible technique of the practical application of the biodegradation process. The idea relies on the utilization of bacteria with a significantly enhanced MC-degradation ability (in comparison with wild strains). The cells of an Escherichia coli laboratory strain expressing microcystinase (MlrA) responsible for the detoxification of MCs were immobilized in alginate beads. The degradation potency of the tested bioreactors was monitored by HPLC detection of linear microcystin LR (MC-LR) as the MlrA degradation product. An open system based on a column filled with alginate-entrapped cells was shown to operate more efficiently than a closed system (alginate beads shaken in a glass container). The maximal degradation rate calculated per one liter of carrier was 219.9 µg h−1 of degraded MC-LR. A comparison of the efficiency of the described system with other biological and chemo-physical proposals suggests that this new idea presents several advantages and is worth investigating in future studies.
Molecular Approaches to Improve the Insecticidal Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry Toxins
Authors: Lucena Wagner , Pelegrini Patrícia , Martins-de-Sa Diogo , Fonseca Fernando , Gomes Jose , De Macedo Leonardo , Da Silva Maria , Oliveira Raquel , Grossi-de-Sa Maria
Published: August 2014

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive spore-forming soil bacterium that is distributed worldwide. Originally recognized as a pathogen of the silkworm, several strains were found on epizootic events in insect pests. In the 1960s, Bt began to be successfully used to control insect pests in agriculture, particularly because of its specificity, which reflects directly on their lack of cytotoxicity to human health, non-target organisms and the environment. Since the introduction of transgenic plants expressing Bt genes in the mid-1980s, numerous methodologies have been used to search for and improve toxins derived from native Bt strains. These improvements directly influence the increase in productivity and the decreased use of chemical insecticides on Bt-crops. Recently, DNA shuffling and in silico evaluations are emerging as promising tools for the development and exploration of mutant Bt toxins with enhanced activity against target insect pests. In this report, we describe natural and in vitro evolution of Cry toxins, as well as their relevance in the mechanism of action for insect control. Moreover, the use of DNA shuffling to improve two Bt toxins will be discussed together with in silico analyses of the generated mutations to evaluate their potential effect on protein structure and cytotoxicity.