bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Troponin Assays: Guide to Understanding Analytical Characteristics and Their Impact on Clinical Care
Authors: Apple Fred S , Sandoval Yader , Jaffe Allan S , Ordonez-Llanos Jordi
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) determinations are fixtures in clinical practice and research. Cardiac troponin testing has been the standard of practice for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), early rule-out, risk stratification, and outcomes assessment in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-ACS myocardial injury. We recognize from reading the literature over the past several years how poorly understood the analytical characteristics are for cTnI and cTnT assays by laboratorians, clinicians, and scientists who use these assays.

CONTENT

The purposes of this mini-review are (a) to define limit of blank, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and imprecision, (b) overview the analytical characteristics of the existing cardiac troponin assays, (c) recommend approaches to define a healthy (normal) reference population for determining the 99th percentile and the appropriate statistic to use for this calculation, (d) clarify how an assay becomes designated as “high sensitivity,” and (e) provide guidance on determining delta (Δ) change values.

This review raises important educational information regarding cTnI and cTnT assays, their 99th percentile upper reference limits (URL) differentiated by sex, and specifically addresses high-sensitivity (hs)-assays used to measure low concentrations. Recommendations are made to help clarify the nomenclature and analytical and clinical characteristics to define hs-assays. The review also identifies challenges for the evolving implementation of hs-assays into clinical practice. It is hoped that with the introduction of these concepts, laboratorians, clinicians and researchers can develop a more unified view of how these assays should be used worldwide.
Beyond Natriuretic Peptides for Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure
Authors: Ibrahim Nasrien E , Januzzi James L
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with an enormous societal burden in terms of cost and morbidity and mortality. Natriuretic peptide (NP) testing is now widely used to support diagnosis, prognostication, and management of patients with HF, but NPs come with limitations, including vulnerability to the presence of obesity, atrial fibrillation, and renal dysfunction, for example. Beyond the NPs, novel biomarkers may supplement traditional clinical and laboratory testing to improve understanding of the complex disease process of HF, and possibly to personalize care for those affected through better individual phenotyping.

CONTENT

In this review we discuss novel biomarkers by dividing them into categories based on major pathophysiologic pathways they represent including myocardial stretch/stress, cardiac extracellular matrix remodeling, cardiomyocyte injury/death, oxidative stress, inflammation, neurohumoral activation, and renal dysfunction.

Given the limitations of NPs, along with the complex physiology in HF, it is logical to consider utilization of novel biomarkers providing orthogonal biological and clinical information. Several novel HF biomarkers have shown promise but have substantial expectations to meet before being used clinically. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to expect the future lies in the application of multibiomarker panels for the improvement in management of HF and the personalization of care.
Free and Glucuronide Whole Blood Cannabinoids' Pharmacokinetics after Controlled Smoked, Vaporized, and Oral Cannabis Administration in Frequent and Occasional Cannabis Users: Identification of Recent Cannabis Intake
Authors: Newmeyer Matthew N , Swortwood Madeleine J , Barnes Allan J , Abulseoud Osama A , Scheidweiler Karl B , Huestis Marilyn A
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in markers of recent cannabis use because following frequent cannabis intake, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may be detected in blood for up to 30 days. The minor cannabinoids cannabidiol, cannabinol (CBN), and THC-glucuronide were previously detected for ≤2.1 h in frequent and occasional smokers' blood after cannabis smoking. Cannabigerol (CBG), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THCV might also be recent use markers, but their blood pharmacokinetics have not been investigated. Additionally, while smoking is the most common administration route, vaporization and edibles are frequently used.

METHODS

We characterized blood pharmacokinetics of THC, its phase I and phase II glucuronide metabolites, and minor cannabinoids in occasional and frequent cannabis smokers for 54 (occasional) and 72 (frequent) hours after controlled smoked, vaporized, and oral cannabis administration.

RESULTS

Few differences were observed between smoked and vaporized blood cannabinoid pharmacokinetics, while significantly greater 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) and THCCOOH-glucuronide concentrations occurred following oral cannabis. CBG and CBN were frequently identified after inhalation routes with short detection windows, but not detected following oral dosing. Implementation of a combined THC ≥5 μg/L plus THCCOOH/11-hydroxy-THC ratio <20 cutoff produced detection windows <8 h after all routes for frequent smokers; no occasional smoker was positive 1.5 h or 12 h following inhaled or oral cannabis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaporization and smoking provide comparable cannabinoid delivery. CBG and CBN are recent-use cannabis markers after cannabis inhalation, but their absence does not exclude recent use. Multiple, complimentary criteria should be implemented in conjunction with impairment observations to improve interpretation of cannabinoid tests. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02177513
Promoting Sanitation in South Africa through Nutrient Recovery from Urine
Authors: Udert Kai M. , Etter Bastian , Gounden Teddy
Published: October 2016

The water utility of Durban, eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS), installed urine-diverting dry toilets to provide sanitation to under-served communities in rural and peri-urban areas. While faeces was treated by dehydration, urine was discharged into a soak away in the ground.
EWS teamed up with the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and other partners in Switzerland and South Africa to valorise this resource. The VUNA project developed a sanitation system which produces a valuable fertiliser from urine, reduces pollution of
water resources and promotes the acceptance of dry toilets.
Humanökologie und Ernährungsökologie: Auf der Suche nach gemeinsamen Lösungen
Authors: Teherani-Krönner Parto , Rückert-John Jana
Published: October 2016

Die DGH-Jahrestagung 2016 hat hochaktuelle Fragen zur Ernährung in Zeiten des Überflusses, wie Potenziale der Gemeinschaftsverpflegung oder einer klimafreundlichen Ernährung, aufgegriffen und globale und lokale Zusammenhänge diskutiert. Sie hat mögliche Allianzen
zwischen Humanökologie und Ernährungsökologie für eine nachhaltige Ernährungspolitik erkundet.
Kompetent in die Zukunft: Die Forschungs-Bildungs-Kooperation zur Klimawandelbildung k.i.d.Z.21 und k.i.d.Z.21-Austria
Authors: Stötter Johann , Keller Lars , Lütke-Spatz Lara , Oberrauch Anna , Körfgen Annemarie , Kuthe Alina
Published: October 2016

k.i.d.Z.21 ‐ kompetent in die Zukunft ist eine Forschungs-Bildungs-Kooperation zur Klimawandelbildung. Seit 2012 zielt sie darauf ab, bei Schüler(inne)n in Österreich und Bayern Wahrnehmung für die Herausforderungen des Klimawandels, Bewusstsein für notwendiges
Handeln und Handlungsbereitschaft zu schaffen.
Gamified Information Presentation and Consumer Adoption of Product Innovations
Authors: Müller-Stewens Jessica , Schlager Tobias , Häubl Gerald , Herrmann Andreas
Published: October 2016

This research examines the effect of gamified information presentation—conveying information about a product innovation in the form of a game—on consumer adoption of that innovation. The key hypothesis is that gamified information presentation promotes consumer innovation adoption and that it does so through two parallel psychological processes—by increasing consumer playfulness, which stimulates curiosity about the innovation, and by enhancing the perceived vividness of information presentation, which increases the perceived advantage of the innovation relative to (less innovative) competing products. Evidence from seven studies, including two field experiments, supports this theorizing. The results also show that for gamified information presentation to increase innovation adoption, it is essential that the information is integrated into the game. These findings advance the understanding of the psychological forces that govern how consumers respond to receiving product information in the form of games, and they have important practical implications for how firms might use gamified information presentation to promote sales of new products.
The Self-Expressive Customization of a Product Can Improve Performance
Authors: Kaiser Ulrike , Schreier Martin , Janiszewski Chris
Published: October 2016

This research demonstrates that the self-expressive customization of a product can improve performance on tasks performed using the customized product. Five studies show that the effect is robust across different types of tasks (e.g., persistence tasks, concentration tasks, agility tasks). The evidence further shows that the effect is not due to changes in product efficacy beliefs, feelings of competence, feelings of accomplishment, mood, task desirability, goal activation, or goal attainability. Instead, the self-expressive customization of a product extends an identity (e.g., personal identity, group identity) into the product. When the product is subsequently used to pursue a goal whose desired outcome can affirm the extended identity, performance improves.
Existence and general stabilization of the Timoshenko system of thermo-viscoelasticity of type III with frictional damping and delay terms
Authors: Chen Miaomiao , Liu Wenjun , Zhou Weican
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we consider the following Timoshenko system of thermo-viscoelasticity of
type III with frictional damping and delay terms:

{

ρ
1

⁢

φ

t
⁢
t

-

K
⁢

(

φ
x

+
ψ

)

x

=
0

,

(
x
,
t
)

∈

(
0
,
1
)

×

(
0
,
∞
)

,

ρ
2

⁢

ψ

t
⁢
t

-

b
⁢

ψ

x
⁢
x

+

K
⁢

(

φ
x

+
ψ

)

+

β
⁢

θ
x

=
0

,

(
x
,
t
)

∈

(
0
,
1
)

×

(
0
,
∞
)

,

ρ
3

⁢

θ

t
⁢
t

-

δ
⁢

θ

x
⁢
x

+

γ
⁢

ψ

t
⁢
t
⁢
x

+

∫
0
t

g
⁢

(

t
-
s

)

⁢

θ

x
⁢
x

⁢

(
s
)

⁢

d
s

+

μ
1

⁢

θ
t

⁢

(
x
,
t
)

+

μ
2

⁢

θ
t

⁢

(
x
,

t
-
τ

)

=
0

,

(
x
,
t
)

∈

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0
,
1
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×

(
0
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∞
)

,

\left\{\begin{aligned} &\displaystyle\rho_{1}\varphi_{tt}-K(\varphi_{x}+\psi)_%
{x}=0,&&\displaystyle(x,t)\in(0,1)\times(0,\infty),\\
&\displaystyle\rho_{2}\psi_{tt}-b\psi_{xx}+K(\varphi_{x}+\psi)+\beta\theta_{x}%
=0,&&\displaystyle(x,t)\in(0,1)\times(0,\infty),\\
&\displaystyle\rho_{3}\theta_{tt}-\delta\theta_{xx}+\gamma\psi_{ttx}+\int_{0}^%
{t}g(t-s)\theta_{xx}(s)\,\mathrm{d}s+\mu_{1}\theta_{t}(x,t)+\mu_{2}\theta_{t}(%
x,t-\tau)=0,&&\displaystyle(x,t)\in(0,1)\times(0,\infty),\end{aligned}\right.

together with initial datum and boundary conditions of Dirichlet type, where g is a positive non-increasing relaxation function and

μ
1

,

μ
2

{\mu_{1},\mu_{2}}

are positive constants.
Under a hypothesis between the weight of the delay term and the weight of the friction damping term,
we prove the global existence of solutions by using the Faedo–Galerkin approximations together with some energy estimates.
Then, by introducing appropriate Lyapunov functionals, under the imposed constrain on the above two weights, we establish a general energy decay result from which the exponential and polynomial types of decay are only special cases.
Partial differential hemivariational inequalities
Authors: Liu Zhenhai , Zeng Shengda , Motreanu Dumitru
Published: October 2016

The aim of this paper is to introduce and study a new class of
problems called partial differential hemivariational inequalities
that combines evolution equations and hemivariational inequalities.
First, we introduce the concept of strong well-posedness for mixed
variational quasi hemivariational inequalities and establish metric
characterizations for it. Then we show the existence of solutions
and meaningful properties such as measurability and upper
semicontinuity for the solution set of the mixed variational
quasi hemivariational inequality associated to the partial
differential hemivariational inequality. Relying, on these properties
we are able to prove the existence of mild solutions for partial
differential hemivariational inequalities. Furthermore, we show the
compactness of the set of the corresponding mild trajectories.
Existence and Multiplicity of Periodic Solutions for Dirichlet–Neumann Boundary Value Problem of a Variable Coefficient Wave Equation
Authors: Ji Shuguan , Gao Yang , Zhu Wenzhuang
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we consider the periodic solutions of a variable coefficient wave equation which models the forced vibrations of a nonhomogeneous string and the propagation of seismic waves in nonisotropic media. Under Dirichlet–Neumann boundary conditions, we find some important properties for the variable coefficient wave operator. Then, based on these properties, we obtain the existence and multiplicity of periodic solutions by using the Leray–Schauder degree theory.
The learner’s own language
Authors: Kerr Philip
Published: October 2016

The learner’s own language (commonly referred to as ‘L1’ or ‘first language’) has been neglected as a resource in the learning of another language and, in some contexts, it has been banned altogether. The arguments in favour of own-language exclusion are not supported by research and the policy is not followed by a majority of teachers. A reconsideration of these arguments and an awareness of practical suggestions for drawing on the learners’ own language as a resource for learning may help language teachers to enrich their repertoire of teaching techniques and activities.
Four different Phytophthora species that are able to infect Scots pine seedlings in laboratory conditions
Authors: Tkaczyk Miłosz , Sikora Katarzyna , Nowakowska Justyna A. , Aniśko Ewa , Oszako Tomasz , Belbahri Lassaâd , Milenković Ivan
Published: October 2016

To investigate susceptibility of young Scots pine seedlings to four Phytophthora species: Phytophthora cactorum, Phytophthora cambivora, Phytophthora plurivora and Phytophthora pini; seven-day-old seedlings of Scots pine (15 seedlings per experiment) were infected using agar plugs of the respective species. Control group also consisted of 15 seedlings and was inoculated with sterile agar plugs. Results unambiguously show that after 4.5 days, all seedlings show clear signs of infection and display severe symptoms of tissue damage and necrosis. Moreover, three and two seedlings in the P. cactorum and P. cambivora infected seedlings groups, respectively, collapsed. The length of largest necrosis measured 13.4±3.90 mm and was caused by P. cactorum. To rule out any putative contamination or infection by secondary pathogens, re-isolations of pathogens from infection sites were performed and were positive in 100% of plated pieces of infected seedlings. All re-isolations were, however, negative in the case of the control group. Detailed microscopic analyses of infected tissues of young seedlings confirmed the presence of numerous Phytophthora species inside and on the surface of infected seedlings. Therefore, our results suggest Phytophthora spp. and mainly P. cactorum and P. cambivora as aggressive pathogens of Scots pine seedlings and highlight a putative involvement of these species in the damping off of young Scots pine seedlings frequently observed in forest nurseries.
Insecticidal activity of alpha-cypermethrin against small banded pine weevil Pissodes castaneus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in forest plantations and thickets
Authors: Prokocka Aleksandra , Skrzecz Iwona , Sowińska Alicja , Wolski Robert , Janiszewski Wojciech
Published: October 2016

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) plantations and thickets damaged by biotic and abiotic factors are particularly attractive to small-banded pine weevil Pissodes castaneus, whose larvae excavate feeding tunnels in the stems of young trees, causing their death. There are no chemical methods that can be applied to protect forest plantations and thickets against this pest. Therefore, the studies were undertaken aimed at the assessment of the efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin used to reduce the numbers of this pest within restock areas. The scope of work included laboratory and field estimation of insecticidal activity of alpha-cypermethrin.

In laboratory, the beetles of P. castaneus were reared on P. sylvestris twigs treated with five concentrations of alpha-cypermethrin (0.0001–1%) formulated as Fastac Forest 15 SC. Insect mortality was calculated during 7-day rearing and median lethal concentration LC50 was calculated. The field treatments consisted of spraying of four-year old Scots pines with the insecticide in concentrations of 2% and 4%.

In laboratory conditions, the insecticide used at five different concentrations caused a 7–95% mortality of the beetles (LC50 = 0.266%), while field sprays resulted in a 1.5–3.5-fold reduction in the colonization of trees and in higher pest mortality rates.

The results indicate the possibility of using of alpha-cypermethrin in protecting the forest against P. castaneus and can be the basis for the development of chemical method used in the forestry practice.
Wood quality and value production in mixed fir-spruce-beech stands: long-term research in the Western Carpathians
Authors: Petráš Rudolf , Mecko Julián , Bošeľa Michal , Šebeň Vladimír
Published: October 2016

Stem quality and damage was evaluated in mixed spruce-fir-beech stands. Moreover, an assortments structure was determined with their financial value. Results were compared with pure spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.), fir (Abies alba Mill.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands. Repeated measurements on 31 long-term research plots, stand assortment models, assortment yield models and value yield models were used. Stem quality of fir and spruce was only slightly lower in mixed stands compared to pure stands but beech stem quality was considerably worse in mixed stands. Fir and spruce had slightly lower proportions of better IIIA quality logs and higher proportions of IIIB quality in mixed stands. Beech had worse assortment structure than spruce and fir, in general. Pure beech stands had higher proportions of better I–IIIA quality assortments than mixed stands by 1–7%. Fir and spruce average value production (€ m−3) culminated at about 56 and 62 cm mean diameters. Almost the same value production was found in pure stands. In these stands it culminated at the mean diameter of 58 and 60 cm. Beech produced substantially less value on the same sites. In mixed stands, its value production culminated at the mean diameter of 40 cm. In pure stands, it culminated at the mean diameter of 36 cm. Although the production was found to be similar in both mixed and pure forests, higher damage intensity and less stem quality in mixed forests suggest that the pure forests can be more profitable.
Wind – an important ecological factor and destructive agent in forests
Authors: Konôpka Bohdan , Zach Peter , Kulfan Ján
Published: October 2016

Wind is both an ecological provider and disturbance facilitator influences trees and other organisms in forests. Impacts of wind on induvidual trees and forests mainly depend on the strength (or intensity) of the wind and the stability of the trees. Wind causes large-scale damage to forests and serious economical losses for the forestry sector within Europe. Therefore, knowledge of interactions between wind and trees and/or forests provides the baseline for developing adequate prevention or mitigation of the negative consequences associated with wind disturbances in forest ecosystems. Herein, we analyse the wind as an ecological and disturbance factor in forests in Europe, emphasising forests in Slovakia. Here, strong winds destroy mostly spruce dominated forests in the following regions; Orava, High and Low Tatra Mountains, Great Fatra Mountains, Pohronie, Poľana Mountains and Slovak Ore Mountains. Increasing volumes of timber damaged by windstorms have been documented since 1961, with the maximum damage recorded in 2004. Yearly volumes of damaged timber of approximately 2.5 mil. m3are predicted from 2016 to 2030. This highlights the data requirement regarding wind disturbances for integrated forest protection against dangerous winds and other disturbance agents in forest ecosystems in Slovakia and other European countries.
Reconstruction of graded groupoids from graded Steinberg algebras
Authors: Ara Pere , Bosa Joan , Hazrat Roozbeh , Sims Aidan
Published: October 2016

We show how to reconstruct a graded ample Hausdorff groupoid with topologically principal
neutrally graded component from the ring structure of its graded Steinberg algebra over
any commutative integral domain with 1, together with the embedding of the canonical
abelian subring of functions supported on the unit space.
We deduce that diagonal-preserving ring isomorphism of Leavitt path algebras implies

C
*

{C^{*}}

-isomorphism
of

C
*

{C^{*}}

-algebras for graphs E and F in which every cycle has an exit.
Authenticated commutator key agreement protocol
Authors: Ushakov Alexander
Published: October 2016

The original commutator key agreement (CKA) protocol is a two party anonymous key agreement protocol invented by I. Anshel, M. Anshel and D. Goldfeld. In this paper we propose a modification of the CKA protocol with mutual authentication without introducing any additional computational assumptions. In addition, we propose a new zero-knowledge Feige–Fiat–Shamir-type authentication protocol.
The status of polycyclic group-based cryptography: A survey and open problems
Authors: Gryak Jonathan , Kahrobaei Delaram
Published: October 2016

Polycyclic groups are natural generalizations of cyclic groups but with more complicated algorithmic properties. They are finitely presented and the word, conjugacy, and isomorphism decision problems are all solvable in these groups. Moreover, the non-virtually nilpotent ones exhibit an exponential growth rate. These properties make them suitable for use in group-based cryptography, which was proposed in 2004 by Eick and Kahrobaei [
On irreducible algebraic sets over linearly ordered semilattices
Authors: Shevlyakov Artem N.
Published: October 2016

Equations over linearly ordered semilattices are studied. For any equation
Laboratory and Statistical Analysis of Chosen Concentrating Table Technological Parameters Influence on Coal Sludge Enrichment Process
Authors: Mazurek Michał , Manowska Anna , Jendruś Rafał
Published: October 2016

Concentrating tables are a group of one of the oldest and most precise gravitational concentrators with a broad spectrum of application. They were used mainly for the anthracite enrichment process in the domestic coal industry. Conducted research prove that they can be also used for the enrichment of fine grained coals types. The article discusses the results of coal sludge enrichment using WILFLEY concentration tables, as the results obtained show that coal sludge enrichment using these concentration tables allows for the production of coal concentrates and half-products of satisfying quality parameters, the ash content of which varies between several and a dozen or so percent. The reciprocal connection between the actual contents and enrichment process has been determined based on a dependency analysis between the changing characteristics. The correlation analysis allowed for an evaluation of the dependencies between the technological parameters of the enrichment process and the obtained qualitative-quantitative parameters results, which allows the given mineral enrichment process to perform correctly. The enrichment process of the studied sludge has been performed using the most unfavorable construction parameters i.e. using sulcate plate, its inclination angle remained at 6°, furthermore studied material has not been hyphenated.
Sulphides in Hard Coal Seams from the Orzesze Beds s.s. of Mudstone Series (Westphalian B) in the Eastern Part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin
Authors: Bielowicz Barbara , Misiak Jacek
Published: October 2016

Due to dynamic climatic changes resulting, among others, from the use of coal, the content of harmful substances in coal is of particular importance. Dangerous air pollution resulting from the burning of coal (e.g. As, Se, Hg, Pb, Sb) is often associated with sulfide minerals in coal. The study focused on the sulphides occurring in Polish hard coal deposits. Sulfides are one of the forms of occurrence of sulfur in coal. In this paper, an emphasis has been placed on on the characteristics of forms of occurrence of sulphides on both macroscopic and microscopic scale and on the chemical analysis in the micro area. The study has been conducted for the No. 301–308 seams from the eastern part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, stratigraphically belonging to the highest part of the Orzesze Beds s.s. (Westphalian B). The coal samples have been collected from the coal seams in the underground excavations of the following coal mines: Jan Kanty, Sobieski Jaworzno I, Wesoła and Ziemowit hard coal mine.

Iron sulfides (pyrite, marcasite) in coal seams of the Orzesze Beds s.s. form various forms of macroscopically visible aggregates. These include massive, vein, pocket-like (impregnation) or dispersed forms. On the basis of microscopic observations, the following forms of occurence of iron sulphides in the tested coal have been determined: skeletal and massive vein forms, massive pocket-like (impregnation) forms, framboidal pyrite and euhedral crystals. The most common form of sulfides in the studied coal seams are vein forms cutting across bedding, usually creating complex dendritic and skeletal forms. Iron sulfides often occur in pocket-like (impregnation) forms, not directly linked with vein forms and fusinite. The WDS analysis in the micro area has revealed the chemical composition of sulfides in eight coal samples. As follows from the analysis, the tested coal seams are dominated by FeS2 iron sulfides. It has been shown that the iron sulfides contained small admixtures of Pb, Hg, Zn, Cu, Ag, Co Sb and Ni. The admixtures of As and Cd have been observed only in individual minerals. Lead, reaching up to 1.06%, has the highest concentration out of all admixtures in pyrite and marcasite. Small amounts of galena, titanium oxides (rutile), monazite and barite have also been found in the tested coal samples. Locally, vein forms, pyrite and dolomite were interlaying each other; the same applies to pyrite and apatite. In addition, dolomite fills part of the cells in fusinite.
Comparison of chemical composition of the essential oils from different parts of Thuja occidentalis L. ‘Brabant’ and T. occidentalis L. ‘Smaragd’
Authors: Lis Anna , Liszkiewicz Rozalia , Krajewska Agnieszka
Published: October 2016

Introduction:
Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ and T. occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ are widely planted as decoration in parks and as hedges in domestic gardens in Poland.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the yield and the composition of essential oils from different parts of these cultivars.

Methods: The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation, and then analyzed by GC/MS.

Results: Over seventy compounds were identified. The oils from leaves, twigs with leaves and twigs without leaves of ‘Brabant’ variety contained mainly α-thujone (61.0–64.4%), β-thujone (10.4–10.7%) and fenchone (7.7–8.0%), whereas in the cone oil there were α-thujone (42.1%), sabinene (11.2%) and β-thujone (10.2%). The main constituents of the oil from leaves and twigs with leaves of ‘Smaragd’ variety were α-thujone (49.2–49.3%), beyerene (12.8–13.2%) and sabinene (8.9–9.3%).

Conclusions: The yield and chemical composition of the essential oil of T. occidentalis depend on the variety and plant organ. The oil of ‘Brabant’ variety contained more thujones and less diterpenes in comparison with the oil of ‘Smaragd’ variety.
Application of multi-shoots cultures in micropropagation of willow herb (Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop.)
Authors: Dreger Mariola , Wegenke Jolanta , Makowiecka Joanna , Michalik Tomasz , Wielgus Karolina
Published: October 2016

Introduction: Willow herb (Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop. syn. Epilobium angustifolium L. from Onagraceae family is a valuable medicinal plant that has been used in the treatment of urogenital disorders including BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy). The raw material is a rich source of polyphenols as well as steroids, triterpenoids and fatty acids. Due to frequent interspecific hybridization, plants collected in wild display a very diverse and variable content of active compounds. This poses a challenge in obtaining high quality and homogenous raw material. Application of the in vitro cultures and micropropagation techniques may offer a solution for alternative methods of cultivation.

Objective: This work presents preliminary results of the first implementation of in vitro cultures of willow herb to obtain material for medicinal purposes.

Methods: Sterile seedlings were donors of explants, which were used for induction of multi-shoots culture according to a modified protocol described by Turker and co-workers. Statistical analysis was used for assessment of significance of differences among variables.

Results: Six different genotypes (lines) originating from root explants were chosen for clonal propagation. Efficiency of the elaborated method was 16–20 shoots per explant. Finally, over 3000 acclimatized plants were obtained and used for field crops.

Conclusions: The use of Ch. angustifolium in vitro cultures can contribute to the introduction of this valuable herb for field crops and increase the availability of the raw material for food and pharmaceutical industries.
Development of novel plant-based adjuvant formulation against rubella and hepatitis B vaccine antigen
Authors: Gupta Amit , Chaphalkar Sushama R.
Published: October 2016

Introduction: Numerous metabolites present in the aqueous extract from plants are responsible for inducing adjuvant activity against rubella and hepatitis B vaccine antigen (HBsAg). One of the medicinal plants, Adhatoda vasica has been pointed out with great potential of vaccine adjuvant property.

Objective: The objective of our study is to evaluate the adjuvant potential of aqueous leaves extract of Adhatoda vasica against rubella and hepatitis B vaccine antigen (HBsAg).

Methods: For these studies, our group evaluated the antibody (IgG) titre of HBsAg and rubella vaccine antigen using variable doses (0.625–5 mg) of aqueous leaves extract of Adhatoda vasica and also determined the lymphocyte (splenocyte) proliferation assay (0.625–5 mg; 50 μl) in mice model studies ex vivo (i.e. immunized with HBsAg subcutaneously).

Results: The results showed that aqueous leaves extract showed anti-HBsAg and anti-rubella titre and also enhanced the lymphocyte proliferation assay at higher doses (5 mg) as compared to control.

Conclusion: Aqueous leaves extract of Adhatoda vasica showed adjuvant activity against HBsAg and rubella vaccine antigen.
The Long-Run Effects of the Fed’s Monetary Policy on the Dynamics among Major Asset Classes
Authors: Miao Jia
Published: October 2016

It is well known that government monetary policies significantly impact financial markets. There have been numerous studies examining the relationship between monetary policy and the prices of financial assets, including equities and bonds. Little, however, has been done to explore the impact of major financial assets on changes in monetary policies.

This study examines the impacts of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy on the dynamics of major financial assets in the U. S. For this purpose, cointegration was tested for between equities, bonds and real estate markets in the period 1980 to 2014, whereas the U. S. monetary base M2 was used as an exogenous variable.

Our cointegration tests suggest that the exogenous component of the U. S. M2 significantly affected the interaction among major U. S. financial assets. These findings have implications for both policymakers and market practitioners in terms of portfolio allocation rules.
Improved Markov Chain Monte Carlo method for cryptanalysis substitution-transposition cipher
Authors: Fathi-Vajargah Behrouz , Kanafchian Mohadeseh
Published: October 2016

In this paper we first investigate the use of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods to attack classical ciphers. MCMC has previously been used to break simple substitution, transposition and substitution-transposition ciphers. Here, we improve the accuracy of obtained results by these algorithms and we show the performance of the algorithms using quasi random numbers such as Faure, Sobol and Niederreiter sequences.
Channel migration inferred from aerial photographs, its timing and environmental consequences as responses to floods: A case study of the meandering Topľa River, Slovak Carpathians
Authors: Rusnák Miloš , Lehotský Milan , Kidová Anna
Published: October 2016

The bank erosion area, rate of bank retreat and overall geomorphological and financial effects of channel migration due to recent flood events (over the time span 1987–2009) are identified using remotely sensed data and GIS. A 39 km-long reach of the meandering, gravel bed Topľa River (Flysch Slovak Carpathians) was selected as the study area. Based on the analysis of culmination discharges, two different flood periods are identified. The first one (1987–2002) is characterised by the dominance of low magnitude flood events, compared to the second one (2002–2009) with higher magnitude floods. Aerial photographs from 2002 and 2009 were chosen as a way to capture the morphological changes that occurred after the flood periods, while those from 1987 served as the reference point. In total, an area of 85.2 ha was eroded and 60.1 ha were deposited. The average channel shift per year doubled from 0.8 m/year (1987–2002) to 1.6 m/year (2002–2009). The most eroded land cover category in the riparian zone is floodplain forest, followed by arable land, grasslands and pastures and shrubs. From an economic point of view, the eroded floodplain with arable land and grassland (€ 29,924.02 in total) is a negative consequence of channel migration.
An evaluation of soil retention potential as an important factor of water balance in the landscape
Authors: Krnáčová Zdena , Hreško Juraj , Vlachovičová Miriam
Published: October 2016

The ability of soil to retain water in its profile is one of the most important soil functions. It is expressed as the water storage capacity or retention capacity of the soil, and it is primarily affected by the physical properties of the soil. Given the fact that the direct measurement of hydrological data for the soil is very difficult in terms of capacity, statistically expressed pedotransfer functions (PTF) are currently used for the indirect estimation of hydrolimits. The data most commonly used for the PTF are easy-to-measure and usually readily available soil data on particle size, bulk density, organic carbon and morphometric parameters of the environment (e.g. slope of the relief, etc.). The listed pedotransfer functions are deficient for the complex evaluation of soil cover; given disagreements about the attributes, they cannot be directly used for the vector database of classified soil-ecological units in the Slovak Republic. Therefore, we have created a model of an algorithm from selected parameters compatible with the vector database of classified soil-ecological units, which also allows for the spatial distribution of the cumulative coefficient of water retention capacity (CWRC) for the soils of the SR. The results of this evaluation are presented using case studies of the areas of Levoča and Hriňová.
Smart Product Design and Production Control for Effective Mass Customization in the Industry 4.0 Concept
Authors: Zawadzki Przemysław , Żywicki Krzysztof
Published: October 2016

The paper presents a general concept of smart design and production control as key elements for efficient operation of a smart factory. The authors present various techniques that aid the design process of individualized products and organization of their production in the context of realization of the mass customization strategy, which allows a shortened time of development for a new product. Particular attention was paid to integration of additive manufacturing technologies and virtual reality techniques, which are a base of the so-called hybrid prototyping.
Grey Zone in the Real Estate Market
Authors: Kucharska-Stasiak Ewa
Published: October 2016

The grey area exists in all countries of the world. It is visible in various areas of activity, which means that it is widespread. It is a sign of the weak state institutional structures and overregulation of the economy. Traces of it are also visible on the real estate market. This paper argues that the size of the shadow economy in the real estate market is significantly undervalued. For this purpose, areas of its occurrence which had not been included in previous estimates were indicated, prepared by the Central Statistical Office and the Gdansk Institute for Market Economics. Two ways of tracking the grey zone were used: press reports and case studies.
The pools of soil organic carbon accumulated in the surface layers of forest soils in the Karkonosze Mountains, SW Poland
Authors: Szopka Katarzyna , Kabała Cezary , Karczewska Anna , Jezierski Paweł , Bogacz Adam , Waroszewski Jarosław
Published: October 2016

Differentiation of soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations and pools in topsoil horizons of forest soils in the Karkonosze Mountains was examined in relation to environmental and human-induced factors, with special focus on altitudinal gradient, related climatic conditions, and a zonality of vegetation. The samples were collected from the forest litter and soil layers 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, in 621 plots arranged in a regular network of monitoring established in the Karkonosze National Park. The concentrations of SOC were determined in laboratory and used for calculation of SOC pools. Four elevation zones were distinguished for analysis: 500–750 m, 750–1000 m, 1000–1250 m, and >1250 m. The concentrations of SOC in forest litter (38.3–44.1%) showed an insignificant increasing trend with altitude. The concentrations of SOC in the layers 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, were in a very broad range 0.27–47.6%, thus indicating a high differentiation, and also tended to insignificantly increase along with altitude. The largest share of accumulated SOC pools was proved to be present in the layer 0–10 cm, except for the highest zone >1250 m in which forest litter contains slightly larger amounts of SOC. The pools of SOC accumulated in the 20 cm thick topsoil and forest litter turned out to vary considerably (3.6–58.2 kg·m−2), but the mean values and medians in particular elevation zones fall in a narrow range 10.5–11.9 kg·m−2, close to the values reported from the Alps. The lack of statistical significance of reported tendencies was explained by a monitoring sites-oriented random soil sampling, i.e. in forest stands of various age, species-composition and degradation degree.
The 2015 General Election and Singapore’s Political Forecast
Authors: Weiss Meredith L. , Loke Hoe-Yeong , Choa Luenne Angela
Published: October 2016

The People’s Action Party’s unexpectedly strong win in Singapore’s September 2015 general election illuminates the dynamics of opposition under electoral authoritarianism. The conduct and outcome of the election raise questions not just of why the much-hyped opposition efforts fizzled, but also of the implications for Singapore politics, moving forward.
Local Politics in Japan
Authors: Hijino Ken Victor Leonard
Published: October 2016

In recent years, the Japanese conservatives’ dominance in local politics appears to be less of an asset, as traditional analyses claim, and more of a liability. This article argues that the LDP’s entrenched local party organizations have become a restraint on party leadership in pursing key national policy initiatives.
“Beading Becomes a Part of Your Life”
Authors: Ray Lana
Published: October 2016

Indigenous women's knowledge traditions remain largely marginalized within the academy to the detriment of Indigenous communities. The act of beading can serve to disrupt the dislocation of Indigenous women's ways of knowing, providing an avenue for Indigenous women to pursue research that is congruent with their worldviews and understandings of ethical and meaningful relationships. Drawing from the author's doctoral work, which was pursued as a beading project, this article outlines the use of beading as a method of inquiry. Through beading, which can be understood as a form of storytelling, a collective theoretical framework that fosters individuality within the context of relational accountability and nation building emerges. Also, the common supplies of sinew and beeswax used by Anishinaabe women in their beadwork support an Anishinaabecentric approach to research. This is reinforced by the process and aesthetic of beading, which generate the values of respect, balance, harmony centeredness, and repetition.
A Preliminary Study of Bryophytes in Enggano Island, Bengkulu, Indonesia
Authors: Nadhifah Ainun , Surya Muhammad Imam
Published: October 2016

Enggano Island is one of the outer islands  that belongs to the Province of Bengkulu. Furthermore, there is very limited information about the diversity of bryophyte from Sumatera, especially in lowland forest, Enggano Island. The aim of this research was to provide the initial information related to the diversity of bryophytes in Enggano. The research was conducted in six forests i.e. primary, secondary and degraded forests. The results showed that 32 number of collection from 14 families, 21 genera, and 32 species were identified. Leceuneaceae was common family for liverworts while the mosses family was dominated by Hypnaceae. None of the hornworts were found in this study. Some species identified (Taxyphyllum sp., Vesicularia sp., Riccardia sp., and Thuidium sp.) have the potential benefit and biological activity. Two genera were new records to Sumatra, Gongylanthus, and Symphyogyna. Moreover, Gongylanthus sp. and Symphyogyna sp. have important records related to the habitat.

How to Cite

Nadhifah, A., & Surya, M. I. (2016). A Preliminary Study of Bryophytes in Enggano Island, Bengkulu, Indonesia. Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education, 8(2), 201-205.
The Effectiveness of Experimental Diet with Varying Levels of Papain on The Growth Performance, Survival Rate and Feed Utilization of Keureling Fish (Tor tambra)
Authors: Muchlisin Zainal Abidin , Afrido Fardin , Murda Tanzil , Fadli Nur , Muhammadar Abdullah A. , Jalil Zulkarnain , Yulvizar Cut
Published: October 2016

The objective of present study was to determine the optimum level of papain in the diet of keureling fish (Tor tambra). The complete random design was utilized in this study. Six levels of papain dosage were tested in triplicates, i.e. 0 (control); 17.5 mg kg-1,  20.0 mg kg-1, 22.5 mg kg-1, 25.0 mg kg-1 and 27.5 mg kg-1 of feed. The experimental fish were fed the experimental diet two times a day at 8 AM and 5 PM at feeding level of 5% body weight for 90 days. The Anova test result showed that papain enzyme  gave a significant effect on the weight gain, daily growth rate, specific growth rate, survival rate, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency (P<0.05). The Duncan multi-rage test result showed that the higher values for all measured parameters were obtained at the dosage of 27.5 mg kg-1. Therefore, it is concluded that the optimum dosage of papain enzyme for keureling fish was 27.5 mg kg-1 of feed.
Impact of the TCF7L2 genotype on risk of hypoglycaemia and glucagon secretion during hypoglycaemia
Authors: Kristensen Peter L , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik , Due-Andersen Rikke , Høi-Hansen Thomas , Grimmeshave Lise , Lyssenko Valeriya , Groop Leif , Holst Jens J , Vaag Allan A , Thorsteinsson Birger
Published: October 2016

Introduction

In healthy carriers of the T allele of the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), fasting plasma glucagon concentrations are lower compared with those with the C allele. We hypothesised that presence of the T allele is associated with a diminished glucagon response during hypoglycaemia and a higher frequency of severe hypoglycaemia (SH) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Material and methods

This is a post hoc study of an earlier prospective observational study of SH and four mechanistic studies of physiological responses to hypoglycaemia. 269 patients with T1DM were followed in a one-year observational study. A log-linear negative binomial model was applied with events of SH as dependent variable and TCF7L2 alleles as explanatory variable. In four experimental studies including 65 people, TCF7L2 genotyping was done and plasma glucagon concentration during experimental hypoglycaemia was determined.

Results

Incidences of SH were TT 0.54, TC 0.98 and CC 1.01 episodes per patient-year with no significant difference between groups. During experimental hypoglycaemia, the TCF7L2 polymorphism did not influence glucagon secretion.

Discussion

Patients with T1DM carrying the T allele of the TCF7L2 polymorphism do not exhibit diminished glucagon response during hypoglycaemia and are not at increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia compared with carriers of the C allele.
A case of thyroid fibromatosis, a rare lesion of this gland
Authors: Simões-Pereira Joana , Cabrera Rafael Adame , Leite Valeriano
Published: October 2016

Thyroid fibromatosis is a very rare lesion; to our knowledge, there are only four cases reported in the medical literature. Herein, we report the clinical case of a woman with thyroid fibromatosis with a long follow-up (11 years). A 63-year-old female patient, with an increasing multinodular goitre without compressive symptoms, was admitted to total thyroidectomy. The histology revealed a spindle-cell proliferation with fibroblastic characteristics with no atypia and thin capillary vessels. Immunohistochemistry was positive for beta-catenin, focally to desmin and alfa-actin and negative for cytokeratins and CD34. Thyroid cells did not display any features of papillary thyroid cancer. These characteristics were compatible with thyroid fibromatosis. For the past 11 years, the patient has been periodically followed up with neck CTs and she has not shown any signs of recurrence. Thyroid fibromatosis has been associated with invasion of surrounding structures in previous reported cases. However, this aggressive behaviour was not observed in our patient. The most challenging differential diagnosis is with papillary thyroid cancer with fibromatosis-like stroma, in which the malignant component is usually peripheral. Therefore, in these cases, it is mandatory to perform an extensive examination of the resected sample.

Learning points:

Fibromatosis is a mesenchymal lesion that consists of an infiltrative proliferation of fibroblasts without atypia.

Thyroid fibromatosis is a rare entity in this gland. In previously reported cases, it has been associated with an invasive behaviour but this was not the case in our patient.

When spindle-cell proliferation with fibroblastic/myofibroblastic characteristics is detected on thyroid histology, it is mandatory to exclude a papillary thyroid carcinoma with fibromatosis-like stroma.