bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Production Lines in the Education of Engineers: How to Choose the Right Software?
Authors: Rostkowska Marta
Published: December 2014

The article discusses the problems of modeling and simulation in the design of production lines, mainly from an educator's perspective. Nowadays, there is a wide range of computer programs that can be used to design production lines and to simulate various aspects of their operation. However, the programs being available vary considerably as to their functionality, the approach to production system design, and the visualization tools. Therefore we demonstrate and evaluate in this paper four simulation programs, focusing on the easiness of system design, area of the possible applications in education of engineers, and the limitations imposed by versions dedicated for students. We evaluate three of programs for digital factory simulation on a common, simple assembly task, then demonstrate that these programs may be also used for more specialized simulations in various areas of production, and compare with a specialized program for simulation of robotised production lines and work cells.
Methods for Stimulating Creativity in Production Engineering
Authors: Wasilewska Barbara , Knosala Ryszard
Published: December 2014

The article presents possibilities of using fields of creative problem solving in engineering issues. Fields associated with so-called advanced creativity allow to combine stimulation of creativity with seeking innovative solutions. The article introduces stages leading to creative ideas as shown by two case studies of studied companies. The authors, in line with their research activity, highlighted the merits of forming creative sessions and creative teams in the company.
Extension of solid immersion lens technology to super-resolution Raman microscopy
Authors: Ostertag Edwin , Lorenz Anita , Rebner Karsten , Kessler Rudolf W. , Meixner Alfred J.
Published: December 2014

Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM) has developed during recent decades into a valuable tool to optically image the surface topology of materials with super-resolution. With aperture-based SNOM systems, the resolution scales with the size of the aperture, but also limits the sensitivity of the detection and thus the application for spectroscopic techniques like Raman SNOM. In this paper we report the extension of solid immersion lens (SIL) technology to Raman SNOM. The hemispherical SIL with a tip on the bottom acts as an apertureless dielectric nanoprobe for simultaneously acquiring topographic and spectroscopic information. The SIL is placed between the sample and the microscope objective of a confocal Raman microscope. The lateral resolution in the Raman mode is validated with a cross section of a semiconductor layer system and, at approximately 180 nm, is beyond the classical diffraction limit of Abbe.
Synergistic extraction of Cr(VI) from Ni(II) and Co(II) by flat sheet supported liquid membranes using TIOA and TBP as carriers
Authors: Eyupoglu Volkan , Surucu Ahmet , Kunduracioglu Ahmet
Published: December 2014

In present study, the synergistic separation of Cr(VI) has been investigated from synthetic acidic solution containing Cr(VI), Co(II) and Ni(II) by fl at sheet supported liquid membrane (FSSLM) technique using triisooctylamine (TIOA) and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) as carriers. The main goal of the study was based in the exploring of the synergistic effect of TBP on selective extraction of Cr(VI) in presence of Co(II) and Ni(II) ions. The various parameters related with membrane and aqueous solution properties were studied to identify the optimum extraction and stripping conditions of the Cr(VI) through FSSLM. In the optimum conditions, initial mass flux (J0) and separation factors (βCr/Co and βCr/Ni) were obtained as 1.49 x 10-05 (kg/m2.s), 382.2 and 725.3 respectively from aqueous H2SO4 media through Celgard 2500 (Celgard Inc., USA) polymer support. As a result, the considerable synergistic infl uence on selective transport of Cr(VI) through FSSLM using TIOA and TBP as carriers has been identifi ed.
Quality of Life and Sleep Disorders Among Patients Treated with Hemodialysis in Relation to Dialysis Adequacy
Authors: Dryl-Rydzyńska Teresa , Sak Jarosław , Książek Andrzej
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Recent studies in this field are insufficient to determine the relationship between life quality and hemodialy-sis adequacy. The problem, which requires further analysis is the issue of verification of these relationships and the problem of the relationship between sleep disorders and hemodialysis indicators.

Aim. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between quality of life and sleep disorders occurring among patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with hemodialysis and the dialysis adequacy parameters.

Material and methods. The survey was based on two standardized international scales: the Quality of Life Scale (SF-36) and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study was conducted among 150 patients (67 women and 83 men) treated with hemodialysis at the Fresenius center. All patients participating in the study were undergoing dialysis three times a week. The average value of Kt/V was 1.45 (SD=0.22) and URR ration 71.78 (SD=5.95).

Results. The urea level prior to hemodialysis moderately strongly correlates with life energy deficit (r=-0.34, p=-0.049) and that the values of urea reduction ratio URR weakly correlates with the patient's conviction on restricting life's activity (SF-36) (r=0.18, p=0.046). The level of urea prior to dialysis correlates positively with the time of falling asleep in PSQI scale (r=-0.39, p=0.023).

Conclusions. Patients with lower urea level before hemodialysis have a significantly higher vitality level. Higher fluctuations of urea concentrations before and after hemodialysis (higher urea reduction ratio URR) are associated with restrictions of physical activity in hemodialysis patients.
Conditions of Attending Prophylactic Gynecological Examinations by Women
Authors: Pilewka-Kozak Anna B. , Łepecka-Klusek Celina , Stadnicka Grażyna , Syty Kinga , Kozak Łukasza , Jakiel Grzegorz
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Low percentage of women who attend prophylactic examinations and also react early to the first symptoms of a disease is a common problem.

Aim. The aim of the study was to determine demographic and environmental characteristics which had positive effects on having prophylactic gynecological examinations by women as well as to investigate what significance women's practicing of hormonal contraception had in that question.

Material and methods. The study covered 430 women. The conditions of including women into the study group were as follows: age <45 years, commencement of sexual intercourses, maintaining of sexual activity, consent to participate in the study. The method of the study was a diagnostics survey using the questionnaire.

Results. The majority of the surveyed women said that they attended prophylactic gynecological examinations regularly. Having prophylactic gynecological examinations was significantly affected (p<0.05) by mean monthly income per capita in the family, practicing and the type of contraception. The joint effect of the surveyed characteristics proved to be significant (p<0.05).

Conclusions. The model woman who willingly attends prophylactic gynecological examinations is a young person who lives in a big city, has a university education and a very good financial position confirmed by high family income per capita. Practicing of hormonal contraception by women is a factor that has a beneficial effect on women's care of their health understood as having regular prophylactic gynecological examinations.
Survey-Based Research on Patients' Knowledge About Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Janczarek Magdalena , Cieszko-Buka Maria , Bachanek Teresa , Chałas Renata
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Patients' awareness and knowledge of the endodontic treatment is a very important issue in everyday practice of a dentist. It influences significantly the course and effects of treatment.

Aim. The paper presents an analysis of data collected from the patients about their concerns, expectations and perceptions about root canal treatment.

Material and methods. Questionnaire surveys were conducted in a group of 203 patients consisting questions characterizing their knowledge about endodontic treatment – their expectations, experiences, possible complications and treatment costs.

Results. Analyzing the experiences of patients regarding endodontic treatment, it was found that 69% of people in the past had experienced the procedure of root canal treatment. Most respondents define their state of knowledge of root canal treatment as an average. Fifty-seven percent of respondents admitted to knowing the price of endodontic treatment, 67% of them said that the cost was adequate to the complexity of the procedure. The study shows that most patients still choose specialists (38%).

Conclusion. An improvement of knowledge and awareness of patients about the endodontic treatment has been observed.
Comparison of Knowledge and Attitudes Towards the Use of Scientific Research in Clinical Practice Among Departmental and Charge Nurses
Authors: Belowska Jarosława , Panczyk Mariusz , Gotlib Joanna
Published: December 2014

Introduction. The awareness of benefits arising from the use of the latest results of scientific research (EBNP – Evidence-Based Nursing Practice) among departmental and charge nurses is a necessary condition to ensure effective and safe health services and nursing care meeting the highest standards of patient care.

Aim. The comparison of knowledge of and attitudes towards EBNP among nurses depending on their position.

Material and methods. Twenty one departmental nurses (PO) (mean age 50.38 years, min. 37, max. 62, SD=7.35) and 20 Bachelor's degree students of a bridge programme (SSP) (mean age 43 years, min. 34, max. 55, SD=6.37). Qualitative study and analysis of the results, structured interview, extended focus.

Results. PO and SSP were not able to define the acronyms EBM and EBP correctly and did not have detailed knowledge of the criteria for assessment of reliability of scientific literature. A majority of DN was familiar with the available journals for nurses and was aware of benefits resulting from using EBNP. The use of EBNP in everyday clinical practice in SSP group was limited by a lack of time, insufficient knowledge of English and access to the Internet, as well as working at the position that makes taking decisions on developing procedures and standards for nursing care impossible.

Conclusions.

1. The level of knowledge about EBNP in both groups was inadequate and needs urgent supplementation of knowledge and skills of nurses with reference to this subject area.

2. The attitudes of nurses towards EBNP were different depending on their work position. Departmental nurses were aware of benefits resulting from using the most recent study results in everyday clinical practice and being up-to-date with medical knowledge.

3. The boundaries limiting the use of EBNP in everyday clinical practice by the study participants were objective and they require system changes with reference to the organization of work and the system of continuing education.
Health Education as an Important Tool in the Healthcare System
Authors: Przybylska Daria , Borzęcki Andrzej , Drop Bartłomiej , Przybylski Piotr , Drop Katarzyna
Published: December 2014

Health education is the main, and at the same time, integral part of complementary health promotion. The main assumption underlying the essence of health education is an assertion that the health of individuals and, consequently, of communities they belong to is significantly conditioned by the behaviour of inter-subject variability, which can be pro-healthily shaped by the educational impact. Thanks to transferred knowledge, shaping attitudes and the acquisition of certain skills, patients receive help in coping with health problems which improves their well-being, satisfaction, and the process of recovery. The education of a patient has advantages either in the clinical or social field, hence, it is perceived as an inseparable part of a high-quality healthcare. The importance of health education has been also recognized as one of the main factors that determine the long-term health policy, which indirectly may be reflected in the reduction of costs in the healthcare. In the recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on preventive and educational aspects of the healthcare. Family medicine, as the source of the initiation of shaping health-oriented attitudes, has a prominent place in the system organized in such a way. In patients' opinion, medical staff is the best and most reliable source of knowledge on health. Such expectations increase the importance of primary care physicians in preventing diseases and shaping health-oriented attitudes in a given society. The main task of a modern health education is primarily to support the creation of conditions for change, the growth competence of individuals and groups in the sphere of independent action for health at different levels of the organization of social life.
Mechanism and Effects of Cyanobacterial Hepatotoxin Action on Human Organism
Authors: Zyska Aleksandra , Jasik-Ślęzak Jolanta
Published: December 2014

Eutrophication of waters and climate warming have created in the last decades favourable conditions for cyanobacteria colonization. The presence of cyanobacteria toxins in heavily polluted lake waters and fish ponds has become a current problem. These toxins belong to cyanobacteria secondary metabolites and are active in various fields of harmfulness to animals and humans. This group includes neurotoxins, dermatotoxins and hepatotoxins having a destructive influence on liver's cells. The group of hepatotoxins comprises microcystins and nodularin. The symptoms of hepatotoxin poisoning include stomach, intestine and liver disorders, intra-liver bleeding and physiological insufficiency of this organ.

These compounds can induce apoptosis of liver cells and tumor promoters. From the above facts, it follows that hepatotox-ins can pose a very serious health problem on a global scale. This work presents the characteristic of cyanobacterial hepato-toxins, their chemical structure, properties, and mechanism of their action on human organism. The harmful influence caused by consuming products used in diet supplements, which contain microcystins was also pointed out.
Characterization of heavy metals resistant heterotrophic bacteria from soils in the Windmill Islands region, Wilkes Land, East Antarctica
Authors: Tomova Iva , Stoilova−Disheva Margarita , Vasileva−Tonkova Evgenia
Published: December 2014

In this study, selected heavy metals resistant heterotrophic bacteria isolated from soil samples at the Windmill Islands region, Wilkes Land (East Antarctica), were characterized. Phylogenetic analysis revealed affiliation of isolates to genera Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Micrococcus and Stenotrophomonas. The strains were found to be psychrotolerant and halotolerant, able to tolerate up to 10% NaCl in the growth medium. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the seven heavy metals Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Cd, Zn, and Pb was determined in solid media for each bacterial strain. Gram−positive Vi−2 strain and Gram−negative Vi−4 strain showed highest multiply heavy metals resistance, and Vi−3 and Vi−4 strains showed multi−antibiotic resistance to more than a half of the 13 used antibiotics. Plasmids were detected only in Gram−negative Vi−4 strain. The bacteria were able to produce different hydrolytic enzymes including industrially important proteases, xylanases, cellulases, and β−glucosidases. High heavy metals resistance of the Antarctic bacteria suggests their potential application for wastewater treatment in cold and temperate climates. Highly sensitive to Cd and Co ions Vi−1, Vi−5 and Vi−7 strains would be promising for developing biosensors to detect these most toxic heavy metals in environmental samples.
New perspectives on the Late Triassic vertebrates of East Greenland: preliminary results of a Polish−Danish palaeontological expedition
Authors: Sulej Tomasz , Wolniewicz Andrzej , Bonde Niels , Błażejowski Błażej , Niedźwiedzki Grzegorz , Tałanda Mateusz
Published: December 2014

The Fleming Fjord Formation (Jameson Land, East Greenland) documents a diverse assemblage of terrestrial vertebrates of Late Triassic age. Expeditions from the turn of the 21st century have discovered many important fossils that form the basis of our current knowledge of Late Triassic Greenlandic faunas. However, due to the scarcity and incompleteness of the fossils and their insufficient study, our understanding of the taxonomic diversity of the Fleming Fjord Formation is hindered. Here, we report the preliminary findings of a Polish-Danish expedition to the Fleming Fjord Formation that took place in 2014. Three areas were visited – the fairly well known MacKnight Bjerg and Wood Bjerg and the virtually unexplored Liasryggen. MacKnigth Bjerg and Liasryggen yielded fossils which promise to significantly broaden our knowledge of vertebrate evolution in the Late Triassic. Stem-mammal remains were discovered at Liasryggen. Other fossils found at both sites include remains of actinopterygians, sarcopterygians, temnospondyl amphibians and various archosaurs (including early dinosaurs). Numerous vertebrate trace fossils, including coprolites, pseudosuchian footprints, theropod and sauropodomorph dinosaur tracks, were also discovered. Newly discovered skeletal remains as well as abundant trace fossils indicate higher tetrapod diversity in the Late Triassic of Greenland than previously thought. Trace fossils also allow inferences of early theropod and sauropodomorph dinosaur behaviour.
Use of Expanded Criteria in Living Kidney Donors – the Crucial Factor for Improvement of the Kidney Transplant Programme in Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Popov Zivko , Kolevski Perko , Ivanovski Ninoslav
Published: December 2014

Renal transplantation is surely the best treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients in both developed and developing countries. Due to the tragic events in former Yugoslavia at the beginning of the nineties, it was not possible to develop a really good clinical practice in the field of transplantation. Facing the lack of Deceased Donor Donation Transplantation and any organ-sharing among the Balkan countries, we introduced a large and very ambitious living donor transplant programme including what were called expanded criteria living donors. In the period of the past 20 years elderly (above 65 years), unrelated (emotionally related), marginal and ABO incompatible living donors were accepted. Due to the skilled surgical team, powerful immunosupression and HLA compatibility testing, the results were promising and the number of complications very low. The authors concluded that use of an expanded criteria living donor is fully acceptable, especially in developing countries, and could ameliorate the severe organ shortage in the region.
Genotypes of Esbl Producing Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Relation to Resistance to Antimicrobial Drugs
Authors: Kaftandzieva Ana , Trajkovska-Dokic Elena , Kotevska Vesna , Cekovska Zaklina , Jankoska Gordana
Published: December 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of drug resistance with β-lactamase gene types in ESBL positive E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae-Kp.

Material and methods: A total of 251 ESBL-positive E. coli and Kp isolates obtained from urine, tracheal aspirate, wound swab and blood from patients hospitalised at the University Clinics in Skopje were detected using the ESBL set and automated Vitek 2 system. Vitek was also used for susceptibility testing (determination of MIC of 17 antimicrobial agents). Multiplex PCR was used to identify genes for different types of ESBLs in a 100 randomly selected, ESBL positive strains.

Results: More of the 87 ESBL typeable isolates (61%) harbour two or more bla genes and the frequency of antibiotic resistance was high in these isolates, compared to those with a single gene. Isolates with ≥ 3 genes were highly resistant to beta-lactams and non-beta lactams used. The degree of resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins was also high in these isolates (MIC ≥ 64). More of the ESBL-positive isolates showed higher resistance to cefotaxime than to ceftazidime.

Conclusion: Identification of the genes is necessary for the surveillance of their transmission in hospitals. Surveillance of antibiotic resistance patterns are crucial to overcome the problems associated with ESBLs.
Echocardiographic Predictors of Chronotropic Incompetence to Exercise in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Hristovski Zharko , Projevska-Donegati Daniela , Georgievska-Ismail Ljubica
Published: December 2014

Objective: Exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is most often attributed to diastolic dysfunction (DD); however, chronotropic incompetence (CI) could also play an important role. We intended to examine whether there are predictive echocardiographic parameters of DD for impaired chronotropic response to exercise.

Methods and Results: Patients (n = 143) with unexplained dyspnea and/or exercise intolerance who fulfilled clinical and echocardiographic criteria of HFpEF presence underwent a symptom-limited exercise test using a treadmill (ETT) according to the Bruce protocol. CI was defined as an achieved heart rate reserve (HRR) of ≤ 80%. Comparison of the groups with (n = 98) and without CI (n = 45) did not show any statistically significant difference regarding demographic and clinical character-ristics except for use of beta blockers (BB) that were more frequently present (p = 0.012) in patients with CI in comparison with those without. Patients with CI had a higher mean E-wave velocity, E/A ratio, increased E/E‵ septal, lateral as well as average ratio and abnormal IVRT/TE-e‵ index all consistent with elevated LV filling pressures. E/E‵ average ratio > 15 was statistically insignificantly more frequently present in patients with CI. In addition, by multivariate stepwise regression analysis value of E‵ septal (β = 3.697, 95%CI 0.921–6.473, p = 0.009) along with use of BB, current smoking and basal heart rate appeared as statistically significant independent predictors of lower HRR %.

Conclusion: Patients with HFpEF frequently have chronotropic incompetence to graded exercise which may partly be predicted with echocardiographic parameters that are consistent with elevated LV filling pressures.
The dynamic changes of dominant clones of Staphylococcus aureus causing bloodstream infections in the European region: Results of a second structured survey
Authors: Grundmann H , Schouls L  M , Aanensen D M , Pluister G N , Tami A , Chlebowicz M , Glasner C , Sabat A J , Weist K , Heuer O , Friedrich A W ,   on behalf of the ESCMID Study Group on Molecular Epidemiological Markers and the European Staphylococcal Reference Laboratory Working Group
Published: December 2014

>Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important human pathogens and meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) presents a major cause of healthcare- and community-acquired infections. This study investigated the spatial and temporal changes of S. aureus causing bacteraemia in Europe over a five-year interval and explored the possibility of integrating pathogen-based typing data with epidemiological and clinical information at a European level. Between January 2011 and July 2011, 350 laboratories serving 453 hospitals in 25 countries collected 3,753 isolates (meticillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and MRSA) from patients with S. aureus bloodstream infections. All isolates were sent to the national staphylococcal reference laboratories and characterised by quality-controlled spa typing. Data were uploaded to an interactive web-based mapping tool. A wide geographical distribution of spa types was found, with some prevalent in all European countries. MSSA was more diverse than MRSA. MRSA differed considerably between countries with major international clones expanding or receding when compared to a 2006 survey. We provide evidence that a network approach of decentralised typing and visualisation of aggregated data using an interactive mapping tool can provide important information on the dynamics of S. aureus populations such as early signalling of emerging strains, cross-border spread and importation by travel.
Patterns and Trends in Grade Retention Rates in the United States, 1995–2010
Authors: Warren John Robert , Hoffman Emily , Andrew Megan
Published: December 2014

Although grade retention may be consequential for a number of important educational and socioeconomic outcomes, we know surprisingly little about the actual rate at which students are made to repeat grades. We build on Hauser, Frederick, and Andrew’s 2007 measure of grade retention using data from the 1995 through 2010 Current Population Surveys. We make technical improvements to their measure, provide more recent estimates, and validate the measure against external criteria. Our measure describes large disparities in grade retention rates by sex, race/ethnicity, geographic locale, and students’ socioeconomic circumstances. However, both absolute retention rates and disparities in retention rates have declined markedly since 2005. We conclude by describing how our measures might be used to model the impact of economic and policy contexts on grade retention rates.
Neoliberal turns in higher education
Authors: Krause-Jensen Jakob , Garsten Christina
Published: December 2014

Over the past decades, higher education has been profoundly restructured across the world. With remarkable consistency educational reforms have been put forward that rest on a particular and similar rationale: to achieve global competitiveness and adapt to the advent of the so-called ‘knowledge economy’. The ramifications for universities have been dramatic: institutions have changed, roles of students and university employees have been re-defined and the concept of knowledge itself altered.
Antibody Fragments Defining Biologically Relevant Conformations of Target Proteins
Authors: Lawson Alastair
Published: December 2014

Antibody fragments have long been used as chaperones in crystallography, but have more recently been applied to the definition of biologically relevant conformations among the dynamic ensemble of target protein conformational sampling. This review charts the progress being made in understanding function in the context of structure using this approach, and highlights new opportunities for drug discovery.
Hand Traces: Technical Aspects of Positive and Negative Hand-Marking in Rock Art
Authors: Dobrez Patricia
Published: December 2014

Affordances necessary for the making of hand traces in the form of stencils and prints—primarily the availability of pigment and a suitable surface—bear on our understanding of their emergence as early exograms. Matters relating to the question of how pigment was/is applied, the placement and embellishment of images, the procurement and preparation of ochre, and the selecting and priming of surfaces, are discussed here—as well as the intriguing occurrence of variant hands. Advantage is taken of Australia’s position as a zone of ongoing hand-marking practice to suggest what can be learned from ethnography. Finally, avenues for future research are proposed with a view to opening out a discussion of external information storage possibilities in relation to hand traces.
Geometric Thermodynamics: Black Holes and the Meaning of the Scalar Curvature
Authors: García-Ariza Miguel , Montesinos Merced , Torres del Castillo Gerardo
Published: December 2014

In this paper we show that the vanishing of the scalar curvature of Ruppeiner-like metrics does not characterize the ideal gas. Furthermore, we claim through an example that flatness is not a sufficient condition to establish the absence of interactions in the underlying microscopic model of a thermodynamic system, which poses a limitation on the usefulness of Ruppeiner’s metric and conjecture. Finally, we address the problem of the choice of coordinates in black hole thermodynamics. We propose an alternative energy representation for Kerr-Newman black holes that mimics fully Weinhold’s approach. The corresponding Ruppeiner’s metrics become degenerate only at absolute zero and have non-vanishing scalar curvatures.
Consensus of Discrete Multiagent System with Various Time Delays and Environmental Disturbances
Authors: Yan Zheping , Wu Di , Liu Yibo
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the consensus problem of discrete multiagent systems with time varying sampling periods is studied. Firstly, with thorough analysis of various delays among agents, the control input of each agent is designed with consideration of sending delay and receiving delay. With construction of discrete dynamics of state error vector, it is proved by applying Halanay inequality that consensus of the system can be reached. Further, the definition of bounded consensus is proposed in the situation where environmental disturbances exist. In order to handle this problem, the Halanay inequality is extended into a more general one with boundedness property. Based on the new Halanay inequality obtained, the boundedness of consensus error is guaranteed. At last, simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the theoretical conclusions.
Fatigue Load Estimation through a Simple Stochastic Model
Authors: Lind Pedro , Herráez Iván , Wächter Matthias , Peinke Joachim
Published: December 2014

We propose a procedure to estimate the fatigue loads on wind turbines, based on a recent framework used for reconstructing data series of stochastic properties measured at wind turbines. Through a standard fatigue analysis, we show that it is possible to accurately estimate fatigue loads in any wind turbine within one wind park, using only the load measurements at one single turbine and the set of wind speed measurements. Our framework consists of deriving a stochastic differential equation that describes the evolution of the torque at one wind turbine driven by the wind speed. The stochastic equation is derived directly from the measurements and is afterwards used for predicting the fatigue loads for neighboring turbines. Such a framework could be used to mitigate the financial efforts usually necessary for placing measurement devices in all wind turbines within one wind farm. Finally, we also discuss the limitations and possible improvements of the proposed procedure.
Effect of Food and Vitamin D Supplements on the Serum 25(OH)D3 Concentration in Children during Winter Months
Authors: Van der Gaag Ellen , Brekhoff Lisanne
Published: December 2014

Aim: To determine the contribution of food and vitamin D supplements on the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentration between October and April in a northern country (almost absent vitamin D synthesis by sunlight). Methods: Children aged 1–18 years were selected who visited the general pediatrician with a complaint whereby serum 25(OH)D3 concentration was determined. The intake of vitamin D was calculated based on a dietary questionnaire. Results: 51.1% of the 174 children had a serum 25(OH)D3 concentration below 50 nmol/L, 9.2% had a serum 25(OH)D3 concentration below 30 nmol/L. Adolescents showed lower concentrations compared to younger children. There was a positive correlation between the total amount of vitamin D obtained from food and the serum 25(OH)D3 concentration (r = 0.218, p = 0.004). The intake of milk contributed more to the serum 25(OH)D3 concentration compared to the intake of artificial supplementation, butter or fish. Conclusions: In the absence of vitamin D synthesis by sunlight, vitamin D obtained from food has a significant influence on the serum 25(OH)D3 concentration in children. Vitamin D supplements can be described as trivial. This means we should pay more attention to food as a natural source of vitamin D.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure, Indoor Smoking Bans and Smoking-Related Knowledge in China
Authors: Jin Yue , Wang Ling , Lu Bo , Ferketich Amy
Published: December 2014

Although previous studies have provided strong evidence that Chinese individuals are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) and lack knowledge of its harmful effects, there has not been an in-depth exploration of the variability in exposure and knowledge by geographic region, occupation, and socioeconomic status. The objectives of this study were to examine: (1) the demographic factors associated with the level of knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking; (2) the factors related to implementation of in-home and workplace smoking bans; and (3) geographic differences in being exposed to SHS in government buildings, healthcare facilities, restaurants, public transportations, and schools. We used data from the 2010 Global Adult Tobacco Survey-China. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. The results suggested that among Chinese citizens age 15 years and older, there is poor knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco, and knowledge varies with region and socioeconomic status. Over three-quarters of the households had no smoking restrictions, and a large percentage of workers reported working in places with no smoking ban. In public places, exposure to SHS was high, particularly in rural areas and in the Southwest. These results suggest Chinese individuals are not well informed of smoking and SHS associated risks and are regularly exposed to SHS at home, work and public places.
Modulation of Induced Cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin by Using Apoferritin and Liposomal Cages
Authors: Gumulec Jaromir , Fojtu Michaela , Raudenska Martina , Sztalmachova Marketa , Skotakova Anna , Vlachova Jana , Skalickova Sylvie , Nejdl Lukas , Kopel Pavel , Knopfova Lucia , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene , Stiborova Marie , Babula Petr , Masarik Michal
Published: December 2014

Doxorubicin is an effective chemotherapeutic drug, however, its toxicity is a significant limitation in therapy. Encapsulation of doxorubicin inside liposomes or ferritin cages decreases cardiotoxicity while maintaining anticancer potency. We synthesized novel apoferritin- and liposome-encapsulated forms of doxorubicin (“Apodox” and “lip-8-dox”) and compared its toxicity with doxorubicin and Myocet on prostate cell lines. Three different prostatic cell lines PNT1A, 22Rv1, and LNCaP were chosen. The toxicity of the modified doxorubicin forms was compared to conventional doxorubicin using the MTT assay, real-time cell impedance-based cell growth method (RTCA), and flow cytometry. The efficiency of doxorubicin entrapment was 56% in apoferritin cages and 42% in the liposome carrier. The accuracy of the RTCA system was verified by flow-cytometric analysis of cell viability. The doxorubicin half maximal inhibition concentrations (IC50) were determined as 170.5, 234.0, and 169.0 nM for PNT1A, 22Rv1, and LNCaP, respectively by RTCA. Lip8-dox is less toxic on the non-tumor cell line PNT1A compared to doxorubicin, while still maintaining the toxicity to tumorous cell lines similar to doxorubicin or epirubicin (IC50 = 2076.7 nM for PNT1A vs. 935.3 and 729.0 nM for 22Rv1 and LNCaP). Apodox IC50 was determined as follows: 603.1, 1344.2, and 931.2 nM for PNT1A, 22Rv1, and LNCaP.
A Comparative Study of Sodium Houttuyfonate and 2-Undecanone for Their in Vitro and in Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Stabilities
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Wenqing , Shi Chunyang , Fang Jianguo
Published: December 2014

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (H. cordata) is an anti-inflammatory herbal drug that is clinically used in Asia. The essential oil obtained from H. cordata is known to contain 2-undecanone (2-methyl nonyl ketone). In addition, sodium houttuyfonate is a compound that can be derived from H. cordata and has important clinical uses as an anti-inflammatory agent. Sodium houttuyfonate can be converted to decanoyl acetaldehyde (houttuynin) and then to 2-undecanone. Therefore, the experiments described here explore the comparative anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds. Sodium houttuyfonate showed more potent anti-inflammatory activities than that of 2-undecanone at the same dosage, both in vitro and in vivo, although both compounds significantly inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), but increased the secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, both compounds showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on xylene-induced mouse ear edema. In a previous study, we found sodium houttuyfonate to be transformed to 2-undecanone during steam distillation (SD). Optimum therapeutic effects are related to the stability and pharmacological activity of the drugs. Consequently, we studied the stability of sodium houttuyfonate under a simulated gastrointestinal environment with the main influencing factors being solvent, temperature and pH effects. For the first time, sodium houttuyfonate and 2-undecanone were detected simultaneously in the mouse serum and the gastrointestinal tissue after oral administration. Sodium houttuyfonate is detected within a short period of time in the systemic circulation and tissues without conversion to 2-undecanone.
Antimicrobial and Hypoglycemic Activities of Novel N-Mannich Bases Derived from 5-(1-Adamantyl)-4-substituted-1,2,4-triazoline-3-thiones
Authors: Al-Abdullah Ebtehal , Al-Tuwaijri Hanaa , Hassan Hanan , Haiba Mogedda , Habib Elsayed , El-Emam Ali
Published: December 2014

The reaction of 5-(1-adamantyl)-4-ethyl or allyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3-thione with formaldehyde solution and various 1-substituted piperazines yielded the corresponding N-Mannich bases. The newly synthesized N-Mannich bases were tested for in vitro inhibitory activities against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast-like pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Six compounds showed potent antibacterial activity against one or more of the tested microorganisms, while two compounds exhibited moderate activity against the tested Gram-positive bacteria. None of the newly synthesized compounds were proved to possess marked activity against Candida albicans. The oral hypoglycemic activity of six compounds was determined in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Four compounds produced significant strong dose-dependent reduction of serum glucose levels, compared to gliclazide at 10 mg/kg dose level (potency ratio > 75%).
Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Biosynthesis of Heme and Proteins: Potential Implications for the Partitioning of Glu-tRNAGlu between These Pathways
Authors: Farah Carolina , Levicán Gloria , Ibba Michael , Orellana Omar
Published: December 2014

Glutamyl-tRNA (Glu-tRNAGlu) is the common substrate for both protein translation and heme biosynthesis via the C5 pathway. Under normal conditions, an adequate supply of this aminoacyl-tRNA is available to both pathways. However, under certain circumstances, Glu-tRNAGlu can become scarce, resulting in competition between the two pathways for this aminoacyl-tRNA. In Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, glutamyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (GluRS1) is the main enzyme that synthesizes Glu-tRNAGlu. Previous studies have shown that GluRS1 is inactivated in vitro by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This raises the question as to whether H2O2 negatively affects in vivo GluRS1 activity in A. ferrooxidans and whether Glu-tRNAGlu distribution between the heme and protein biosynthesis processes may be affected by these conditions. To address this issue, we measured GluRS1 activity. We determined that GluRS1 is inactivated when cells are exposed to H2O2, with a concomitant reduction in intracellular heme level. The effects of H2O2 on the activity of purified glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GluTR), the key enzyme for heme biosynthesis, and on the elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) were also measured. While exposing purified GluTR, the first enzyme of heme biosynthesis, to H2O2 resulted in its inactivation, the binding of glutamyl-tRNA to EF-Tu was not affected. Taken together, these data suggest that in A. ferrooxidans, the flow of glutamyl-tRNA is diverted from heme biosynthesis towards protein synthesis under oxidative stress conditions.
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Kristensen Tina , Knutsson Malin , Wehland Markus , Laursen Britt , Grimm Daniela , Warnke Elisabeth , Magnusson Nils
Published: December 2014

Neo-angiogenesis is a critical process for tumor growth and invasion and has become a promising target in cancer therapy. This manuscript reviews three currently relevant anti-angiogenic agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor system: bevacizumab, ramucirumab and sorafenib. The efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs in adjuvant therapy or as neo-adjuvant treatment has been estimated in clinical trials of advanced breast cancer. To date, the overall observed clinical improvements are unconvincing, and further research is required to demonstrate the efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs in breast cancer treatments. The outcomes of anti-angiogenic therapy have been highly variable in terms of tumor response. New methods are needed to identify patients who will benefit from this regimen. The development of biomarkers and molecular profiling are relevant research areas that may strengthen the ability to focus anti-angiogenic therapy towards suitable patients, thereby increase the cost-effectiveness, currently estimated to be inadequate.
Consequences of Decreased Light Harvesting Capability on Photosystem II Function in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Nagarajan Aparna , Page Lawrence , Liberton Michelle , Pakrasi Himadri
Published: December 2014

Cyanobacteria use large pigment-protein complexes called phycobilisomes to harvest light energy primarily for photosystem II (PSII). We used a series of mutants with partial to complete reduction of phycobilisomes to examine the effects of antenna truncation on photosystem function in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The antenna mutants CB, CK, and PAL expressed increasing levels of functional PSII centers to compensate for the loss of phycobilisomes, with a concomitant decrease in photosystem I (PSI). This increased PSII titer led to progressively higher oxygen evolution rates on a per chlorophyll basis. The mutants also exhibited impaired S-state transition profiles for oxygen evolution. Additionally, P700+ re-reduction rates were impacted by antenna reduction. Thus, a decrease in antenna size resulted in overall physiological changes in light harvesting and delivery to PSII as well as changes in downstream electron transfer to PSI.
Toward Spatially Regulated Division of Protocells: Insights into the E. coli Min System from in Vitro Studies
Authors: Kretschmer Simon , Schwille Petra
Published: December 2014

For reconstruction of controlled cell division in a minimal cell model, or protocell, a positioning mechanism that spatially regulates division is indispensable. In Escherichia coli, the Min proteins oscillate from pole to pole to determine the division site by inhibition of the primary divisome protein FtsZ anywhere but in the cell middle. Remarkably, when reconstituted under defined conditions in vitro, the Min proteins self-organize into spatiotemporal patterns in the presence of a lipid membrane and ATP. We review recent progress made in studying the Min system in vitro, particularly focusing on the effects of various physicochemical parameters and boundary conditions on pattern formation. Furthermore, we discuss implications and challenges for utilizing the Min system for division site placement in protocells.
Reconciling Ligase Ribozyme Activity with Fatty Acid Vesicle Stability
Authors: Anella Fabrizio , Danelon Christophe
Published: December 2014

The “RNA world” and the “Lipid world” theories for the origin of cellular life are often considered incompatible due to the differences in the environmental conditions at which they can emerge. One obstacle resides in the conflicting requirements for divalent metal ions, in particular Mg2+, with respect to optimal ribozyme activity, fatty acid vesicle stability and protection against RNA strand cleavage. Here, we report on the activity of a short L1 ligase ribozyme in the presence of myristoleic acid (MA) vesicles at varying concentrations of Mg2+. The ligation rate is significantly lower at low-Mg2+ conditions. However, the loss of activity is overcompensated by the increased stability of RNA leading to a larger amount of intact ligated substrate after long reaction periods. Combining RNA ligation assays with fatty acid vesicles we found that MA vesicles made of 5 mM amphiphile are stable and do not impair ligase ribozyme activity in the presence of approximately 2 mM Mg2+. These results provide a scenario in which catalytic RNA and primordial membrane assembly can coexist in the same environment.
Distribution of Heparan Sulfate Oligosaccharides in Murine Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA
Authors: Mason Kerryn , Meikle Peter , Hopwood John , Fuller Maria
Published: December 2014

Heparan sulfate (HS) catabolism begins with endo-degradation of the polysaccharide to smaller HS oligosaccharides, followed by the sequential action of exo-enzymes to reduce these oligosaccharides to monosaccharides and inorganic sulfate. In mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) the exo-enzyme, N-sulfoglucosamine sulfohydrolase, is deficient resulting in an inability to hydrolyze non-reducing end glucosamine N-sulfate esters. Consequently, partially degraded HS oligosaccharides with non-reducing end glucosamine sulfate esters accumulate. We investigated the distribution of these HS oligosaccharides in tissues of a mouse model of MPS IIIA using high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Oligosaccharide levels were compared to total uronic acid (UA), which was used as a measure of total glycosaminoglycan. Ten oligosaccharides, ranging in size from di- to hexasaccharides, were present in all the tissues examined including brain, spleen, lung, heart, liver, kidney and urine. However, the relative levels varied up to 10-fold, suggesting different levels of HS turnover and storage. The relationship between the di- and tetrasaccharides and total UA was tissue specific with spleen and kidney showing a different disaccharide:total UA ratio than the other tissues. The hexasaccharides showed a stronger correlation with total UA in all tissue types suggesting that hexasaccharides may more accurately reflect the storage burden in these tissues.
Synergistic Radiation Protective Effect of Purified Auricularia auricular-judae Polysaccharide (AAP IV) with Grape Seed Procyanidins
Authors: Bai Haina , Wang Zhenyu , Cui Jie , Yun Keli , Zhang Hua , Liu Rui Hai , Fan Ziluan , Cheng Cuilin
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic antioxidant potential and protective effect of grape seed procyanidins (GSP) in combination with Auricularia auricular-judae polysaccharides (AAP IV) on radiation injury in splenocytes. Rat splenocyte irradiation resulted in significantly higher apoptosis rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.005), reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.01); cell viability, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) (p < 0.01), catalase (CAT) (p < 0.01), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) (p < 0.05), activity and glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.01) levels were significantly reduced, compared with the control group. “GSP + AAP IV” treatment of rat splenocytes at doses of “GSP (0.3 μg/mL) + AAP IV (50 μg/mL)” displayed higher radioprotective and antioxidative effects than the administration of either GSP or AAP IV, as evident by lower levels of MDA (p < 0.001) concentration, as well as higher cell viability and T-SOD (p < 0.05), CAT (p < 0.005), GSH-PX (p < 0.01) and GSH content compared to the radiation group. In addition, in vivo studies have shown that “GSP + AAP IV” significantly ameliorated the decrease of spleen index (p < 0.005) and spleen GSH (p < 0.005) levels and significantly inhibited the increase of MDA (p < 0.005) levels of spleen with radiation-induced damage, compared with the non-treated group. The in vivo and in vitro results suggested that GSP and AAP IV have a synergistic protective effect against radiation-induced injury by improving the antioxidant and immunomodulation activities.