bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of high carbohydrate versus high fat diet with glycated hemoglobin in high calorie consuming type 2 diabetics
Authors: Shadman Zhaleh , Khoshniat Mohsen , Poorsoltan Nooshin , Akhoundan Mahdieh , Omidvar Maryam , Larijani Bagher , Hoseini Saeed
Published: June 2013

Background

Since both dietary carbohydrate and fatty acids separately affect carbohydrate metabolism, how dietary macronutrients distribution may have different effects on carbohydrate metabolism pathways and regulation of blood glucose especially in diabetic patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study 750 type 2 diabetic patients (261 men and 489 women, aged 35–65 years),who at least two years were followed in Diabetes and Metabolic disease Clinic of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria by simple sampling. Dietary data were collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Other variables were anthropometric measurements, Stress, physical activity level, Biochemical analyses including fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, Glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, low and high density lipoproteins, triglycerides and 25-hydoxy D3. Linear regression models were used to assess the association of covariates with the mean concentrations of HbA1C in quintiles and multivariate linear regression model was used to distinguish the impacts of dietary macronutrient composition of the diet.

Results

Carbohydrate and dietary fiber intakes were inversely (P: < 0.0001 and 0.003 respectively) and dietary amount and proportion of saturated, mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty were positively (P: < 0.0001, 0.03, 0.01 and 0.01 respectively) associated with HbA1C concentrations.

Multivariate linear regression macronutrient density model that controlled for age, sex, diabetes duration and calorie intake showed that carbohydrate was inversely associated with HbA1C (P < 0.0001, R2 = 15%). Results were also the same in the other three models adjusted for stress and exercise levels in model 2, waist circumference and sum of meals in model 3 and serum triglyceride and 25-hydroxy vitamin D in model 4(P < .0001, <.0001 and 0.0003 respectively). Calorie intake of 25 Kcal/body weight was identified as a cut of point of the negative effect of dietary carbohydrate and 30 for the positive effect of fat on HbA1c respectively (P = 0.04 and 0.03). Moreover, carbohydrate intake was positively (β = 0.08, P = 0.01) and protein (β = −0.04, P < 0.0001), SAFA (β = −0.04, P < 0.0001) and MUFA (β = −0.02, 0.07) proportion were negatively associated with increment in calorie intake.

Conclusion

This study showed that the substitution of fat for carbohydrate is associated with low concentrations of HbA1c in high calorie consuming type 2 diabetic patients.
Gene Patents and Personalized Cancer Care: Impact of the Myriad Case on Clinical Oncology
Authors: Offit Kenneth , Bradbury Angela , Storm Courtney , Merz Jon F. , Noonan Kevin E. , Spence Rebecca
Published: June 2013

Genomic discoveries have transformed the practice of oncology and cancer prevention. Diagnostic and therapeutic advances based on cancer genomics developed during a time when it was possible to patent genes. A case before the Supreme Court, Association for Molecular Pathology v Myriad Genetics, Inc seeks to overturn patents on isolated genes. Although the outcomes are uncertain, it is suggested here that the Supreme Court decision will have few immediate effects on oncology practice or research but may have more significant long-term impact. The Federal Circuit court has already rejected Myriad's broad diagnostic methods claims, and this is not affected by the Supreme Court decision. Isolated DNA patents were already becoming obsolete on scientific grounds, in an era when human DNA sequence is public knowledge and because modern methods of next-generation sequencing need not involve isolated DNA. The Association for Molecular Pathology v Myriad Supreme Court decision will have limited impact on new drug development, as new drug patents usually involve cellular methods. A nuanced Supreme Court decision acknowledging the scientific distinction between synthetic cDNA and genomic DNA will further mitigate any adverse impact. A Supreme Court decision to include or exclude all types of DNA from patent eligibility could impact future incentives for genomic discovery as well as the future delivery of medical care. Whatever the outcome of this important case, it is important that judicial and legislative actions in this area maximize genomic discovery while also ensuring patients' access to personalized cancer care.
Sertoli Cell Androgen Receptor Expression Regulates Temporal Fetal and Adult Leydig Cell Differentiation, Function, and Population Size
Authors: Hazra Rasmani , Jimenez Mark , Desai Reena , Handelsman David J. , Allan Charles M.
Published: June 2013

We recently created a mouse model displaying precocious Sertoli cell (SC) and spermatogenic development induced by SC-specific transgenic androgen receptor expression (TgSCAR). Here we reveal that TgSCAR regulates the development, function, and absolute number of Leydig cells (LCs). Total fetal and adult type LC numbers were reduced in postnatal and adult TgSCAR vs control testes, despite normal circulating LH levels. Normal LC to SC ratios found in TgSCAR testes indicate that SC androgen receptor (SCAR)-mediated activity confers a quorum-dependent relationship between total SC and LC numbers. TgSCAR enhanced LC differentiation, shown by elevated ratios of advanced to immature LC types, and reduced LC proliferation in postnatal TgSCAR vs control testes. Postnatal TgSCAR testes displayed up-regulated expression of coupled ligand-receptor transcripts (Amh-Amhr2, Dhh-Ptch1, Pdgfa-Pdgfra) for potential SCAR-stimulated paracrine pathways, which may coordinate LC differentiation. Neonatal TgSCAR testes displayed normal T and dihydrotestosterone levels despite differential changes to steroidogenic gene expression, with down-regulated Star, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1 expression contrasting with up-regulated Hsd3b1, Hsd17b3, and Srd5a1 expression. TgSCAR males also displayed elevated postnatal and normal adult serum testosterone levels, despite reduced LC numbers. Enhanced adult-type LC steroidogenic output was revealed by increased pubertal testicular T, dihydrotestosterone, 3α-diol and 3β-diol levels per LC and up-regulated steroidogenic gene (Nr5a1, Lhr, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd3b6, Srd5a1) expression in pubertal or adult TgSCAR vs control males, suggesting regulatory mechanisms maintain androgen levels independently of absolute LC numbers. Our unique gain-of-function TgSCAR model has revealed that SCAR activity controls temporal LC differentiation, steroidogenic function, and population size.
Production of Sheet-Like Hydroxyapatite Particles Using a Microreactor
Authors: Matsuzawa Mitsuhiro , Togashi Shigenori , Kandori Kazuhiko
Published: June 2013

Calcium hydroxyapatite (Hap) particles were produced using a microreactor, and the relationship between the morphology of the Hap particles and the synthesis conditions using a microreactor was investigated. Sheet-like Hap particles could be produced continuously using a microreactor, whereas only rod-like Hap particles were produced by a batch method. The Ca/P atomic ratio of the Hap particles produced by microreactor processing was 1.40–1.46, which was lower than the stoichiometric value of 1.67. This result suggests that the Hap particles produced by microreactor processing were calcium-deficient. The size of the sheet-like Hap particles increased, and the length of b and c axes of the Hap particles increased as the mixing efficiency of the microreactor increased, whereas the length of a axis remained almost unchanged. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the lattice constant of the c axis increased while that of the a axis decreased as the mixing efficiency of the microreactor increased and they came close to data reported in a previous study. The size and shape of Hap particles produced by microreactor processing significantly depend on the mixing efficiency of the microreactor.
Exceptional stories of microRNAs
Authors: Lee Heon-Jin
Published: June 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of target genes in eukaryotic cells and have been extensively studied in the past decade. However, recent evidence suggests that miRNAs have additional, important roles and functions other than post-transcriptional regulation through binding at the 3′ untranslated regions of their target genes. This review describes newly discovered information about the biogenesis and functions of miRNAs as well as presents different points of view about the miRNA system. Our increasing knowledge of the exceptional stories of miRNAs will offer new insights into these powerful gene regulators from virus and bacteria to animals.
Study on Structure Characteristics of B2O3 and TiO2-bearing F-Free Mold Flux by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Zhen , Shu Qifeng , Chou Kuochih
Published: June 2013

Structure characteristics of fluoride-Free mold flux containing simultaneously B2O3 and TiO2 have been investigated by Raman spectroscopy in this work. Raman spectra for glass samples with different basicities, different contents of TiO2 and B2O3 were recorded during the experiments. According to the experiments results, increase of TiO2 content leads to the appearance of [TiO4] and [TiO6] structure groups, and [TiO4] becomes the main structure unit in the system. TiO2 produces a certain destructive effect on Si-O-Si network structure as well as large borate group and conducive to the formation of some other complex structure groups, such as (Si,Ti) coupling in sheet unit. It can be concluded that, with the increase of B2O3, the ratio of mixing of the Q0 structure unit and [TiO4] structural group decrease and the ratio of sheet structure unit increase, and there forms large borate group. Existence of B2O3 increases polymerization degree of the slag system. In addition, increasing basicity causes to the decrease of Q2 and sheet structure unit and increase of mixing of the Q0 structure unit and [TiO4] structural group, and weakening the large borate group. It could be concluded that the increase of basicity reduces the degree of polymerization of the system.
Crystal structure of bis(3-phenylpyridine-κN)bis(thiocyanato-κS)-platinum(II), C24H18N4PtS2
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: June 2013

C24H18N4PtS2, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 9.820(1) Å, b = 5.3464(8) Å, c = 21.463(3) Å, β = 102.471(3)°, V = 1100.3 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0254, wRref(F2) = 0.0578, T = 200 K.
“A Distant Land of Snow …”: Russian Language Learners’ Representations of Russia
Authors: Nikitina Larisa , Furuoka Fumitaka
Published: June 2013

Extensive research has been done on language learners’ perceptions and representations of the target lan­guage country, culture and speaking community. However, first of all, there is a lack of such studies in the context of Russian language teaching and learning. Secondly, no attempts have been made in the previous stu­dies to quantitatively assess the favourabillity of the country images held by the language learners. The pre­sent study addresses these gaps in research literature. It employs an interdisciplinary approach to explore the content of Russian language learners’ stereotypical representations of Russia and to assess favourability of these stereotypes. The findings indicate that the students’ representations of Russia were predominantly positive though their knowledge about the country was limited. The study offers a discussion on pedagogical implications of its findings.
Deutsches Theater auf polnischen Bühnen. Über die Faszination des polnischen Theaters durch die deutsche Theaterkunst der letzten zwanzig Jahre
Authors: Prykowska-Michalak Karolina
Published: June 2013

The political transformation of the late 1980’s allowed for a significant change of the cultural and artistic exchange between Poland and Germany. Fascination with the new dramatic/spectacle forms, observed in Poland since the end of the 1990’s, was to a large extent the result of new communication forms, the lifting of the political and mental barriers, and in general a stronger presence of artists from Western Europe, predominantly from Germany, in the polish theatre life, who displayed an innovative approach to the dramatic text, new staging methods and performance techniques. These more and more common contacts were a major inspiration for Polish artists, who were looking for a new stage language and creatively customized the German theatrical experience to their own spectacles. The scale of the process was so large that it can be described as a rather unique phenomenon in contemporary art and in the Polish-German relations.
Erbium in Semiconductors: Where are we coming from; Where are we going?
Authors: Peaker A. R.
Published: June 2013

It is one of the curious twists of technology that transitions which are parity forbidden in the free ions of rare earths should have become of immense importance in solids used in fluorescent lighting, cathode ray tubes and optical amplifiers. It is not an unreasonable expectation that having achieved such success with excitation from photons and accelerated electrons that junction electroluminescence should also be important. Since Ennen demonstrated good low temperature electroluminescence in silicon in the early 80's, a formidable amount of work has been done to try to understand the excitation and quenching mechanisms in common semiconductor hosts such as silicon and gallium arsenide. Although some remarkable experimental results have been obtained for erbium in nanostructures, insulators and wide bandgap materials the performance in bulk silicon and silicon germanium is disappointing. More importantly we still have not achieved a comprehensive, detailed understanding of the processes of non-radiative competition to the rare earth emission. In this paper the key steps that have been made over the last twenty years towards our present day knowledge of erbium luminescence in semiconducting hosts are reviewed and an assessment made of what remains to be done.
Effect of leaching from freshly cast concrete on pH
Authors: Law David W. , Setunge Sujeeva , Adamson Robert , Dutton Louise
Published: June 2013

The pollution of water through release of hydroxyl ions from freshly cast concrete exposed to water can have a detrimental effect on aquatic life by causing a rise in pH. The concentration of hydroxyl ions leached from concrete can be affected by a number of factors. A detailed study has been undertaken to ascertain the effect of parameters such as flow rate, age of concrete after exposure, air quality, cement type, surface area and the volume of concrete. This paper presents the results of the experimental programme and a predictive model for change of pH of water after exposure to freshly cast concrete. Analysis of the results showed that the flow rate was the most significant factor in both the peak pH observed and the time to the peak pH. The volume of the sample was also identified as being a significant factor in the peak pH.
Crop Productivity and Nutrient Dynamics in a Shrub‐Based Farming System of the Sahel
Authors: Dossa Ekwe L. , Diedhiou Ibrahima , Khouma Mamadou , Sene Modou , Badiane Aminata N. , Ndiaye Samba Samba A. , Assigbetse Komi B. , Sall Saidou , Lufafa Abel , Kizito Fred , Dick Richard P. , Saxena Jyotisna
Published: June 2013

Piliostigma reticulatum (DC.) Hochst., an indigenous shrub, forms an important vegetative component of parkland cropping systems in the Sahel; however, its biophysical interactions with soil and crops are not well understood. Therefore, the objectives were to determine the impact of P. reticulatum, under varying fertilizer rates, on crop yield response and soil nutrient dynamics. The experiment had a split‐plot factorial design, where the main plot was shrub (presence or absence) and the subplot was fertilizer rate (0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 times the recommended N–P–K fertilizer rate) applied to a peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)–pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] rotation. In 3 of the 4 yr, P. reticulatum improved or had no effect on crop yields when averaged across fertilizer rates. Overall, millet and peanut biomass and N and P uptake by millet increased in the presence of shrubs and with increasing fertilizer rate. Contrary to P, inorganic N in the soils changed very rapidly, reaching very low levels by the end of the growing season. The N content of soil leachates below the rooting zone was generally lower beneath than outside the shrub canopy, suggesting that the shrub conserves N that is otherwise lost through leaching. Piliostigma reticulatum increased particulate organic matter, indicating that this shrub improved soil quality. These results suggest that P. reticulatum, under nonthermal management and a higher density than typically found in farmers’ fields, has ecological benefits with improved soils and reduced loss of N, which has implications throughout the Sahel.
The Podzol Hydrosequence of Itaguaré (São Paulo, Brazil). 1. Geomorphology and Interpretation of Profile Morphology
Authors: Buurman Peter , Vidal-Torrado Pablo , Martins Vanda Moreira
Published: June 2013

A continuous section of hydromorphic to well‐drained podzols in a Late Pleistocene marine terrace of southeastern Brazil offers a unique opportunity for a detailed interpretation of podzol morphology. The soils show very deep and homogeneously colored B horizons in the most hydromorphic members, where the predominant water movement in the B horizon appears to be lateral. Upon improving drainage, the effect of roots becomes evident by the increase in root‐related E‐horizon tongues, while the B horizon becomes shallower and shows a more pronounced accumulation of organic matter at its top. Only where the groundwater does not periodically reach into the B horizon, a homogeneous distribution of Fe is found in the Bs horizon. The sequence shows clear effects of decomposition of the B horizon through growth of the E horizon, sometimes leading to isolated remnants of the B horizon, on the fringes of which organic matter may accumulate. Especially the hydromorphic profiles show large mottles with roughly concentric structures in the B horizon where organic matter has been depleted. In the poorly drained members of the sequence, the effect of improved drainage by erosion of the cliff is visible in black instead of brown colors of the upper B horizon. In all profiles, the conversion of the former B horizon into an E horizon is accompanied by strong biological activity in the form of burrows.
Hydropedological Classification of South African Hillslopes
Authors: van Tol J.J. , Le Roux P.A.L. , Lorentz S.A. , Hensley M.
Published: June 2013

Soil has an interactive relationship with hydrology. It is a product of water related processes (physical and chemical) and a first order control of the destiny of rainwater. It is mapable with transfer functionality. These properties make it an appropriate entity for classification of hillslope hydrological responses. Hillslopes from all over South Africa were surveyed and hydropedologically interpreted. Soils were classified and based on the interpretation of the dominant hydrological pathway grouped into five hydrological soil types. The type and position of a hydrological soil types in a hillslope served as basis for the hillslope classification. Each of the hillslopes surveyed were assigned to one of six hillslopes classes. A flow diagram of the hydrology is presented. Arrows indicate the dominant flowpaths, and a hydrograph shows the anticipated impact on streamflow. The results made an impact on distributed modeling and land‐use decisions, including land‐use change to forestry and selection of on‐site sanitation limiting water pollution. The composition and distribution of hydrological hillslope classes can serve as a basis for classification of catchments.
Converting OBR-scolio ontology in OWL DL
Authors: Lukovic Vanja , Milosevic Danijela , Devedzic Goran , Cukovic Sasa
Published: June 2013

We developed the OBR-Scolio ontology that models scoliosis as pathological
state of spine using the method of extracting from the FMA reference ontology
in anatomical domain and the principal ontology framework of the OBR
reference ontology, which is spread over anatomy, physiology and pathology
domains. Following the FMA modeling framework, OBR-Scolio ontology initially
is created in Protege using its frame based representation. In order to
enable more powerful reasoning support, ontology visualization, and more
precise concepts? definition and description, we converted OBR-Scolio in OWL
DL language, due to its higher expressiveness. The paper addresses and
discusses the key conversion principles, as well as our experience in such
conversion, and the results obtained from Racer reasoner.
Voluntary Adoption of More Stringent Governance Policy on Audit Committees: Theory and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Chen Feng , Li Yue
Published: June 2013

This study exploits an exogenous change to audit committee policy in Canada and presents new evidence on how high-quality corporate governance mitigates managerial resource diversion and improves firm values. We first examine why some firms listed on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX Venture) voluntarily adopted the more stringent governance policy in 2004 that requires all audit committee members to be independent and financially literate. We develop a parsimonious analytical model that shows that both compliance costs and financing needs have an impact on firms' adoption decisions. Confirming the model's predictions, we find that TSX Venture firms with low compliance costs and greater future financing needs are more likely to adopt the new policy voluntarily. The analytical model also shows that high-quality audit committees enhance firm values by reducing the likelihood of managerial resource diversion. Consistent with the predictions of our analytical model, we find that the adoption decision has a positive impact on firm value and a negative impact on firms' cost of equity capital for both Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture firms. As corroborating evidence of the economic impact of the more stringent governance policy, we also show that both TSX and TSX Venture firms have improved investment efficiency following the adoption decisions.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources identified in the paper.
Book Review
Authors: Chakraborty Vasundhara
Published: June 2013

CLAYTON M. CHRISTENSEN, The Innovator's Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business. (New York, NY: Harper Business, 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0-06-052199-8, ISBN-10: 0-06-052199-6, 286 pages, $17.99).
Assembling and testing of quasi-static hybrid piezoelectric motor based on electroactive lubrication principle
Authors: Rouchon Jean-Francois , Harribey Dominique , Tran Duc-Hoan , Ryndzionek Roland , Sienkiewicz Łukasz , Ronkowski Mieczysław , Michna Michal , Kostro Grzegorz
Published: June 2013

The presented paper concerns a novel concept of hybrid piezoelectric motor based on electroactive lubrication principle. Its structure is combined of quasi-static and resonance piezoelectric actuators, synchronizing their work to generate the rotary movement. The hybrid motor topology is compared to the existing piezoelectric motors, regarding its field of applications in embedded systems with very high security requirements. The electroactive lubrication principle is briefly presented with regards to optimization of the hybrid motor. The performance principle of the hybrid motor is described in terms of its working cycle. The assembling process of the prototype hybrid motor is briefly explained with emphasis put on the frequency and impedance tuning of the applied quasi-static and resonance piezoelectric actuators. Next, the hybrid motor power supply system is described and chosen measured performance characteristics are presented. Finally, conclusions concerning the features of the tested prototype hybrid motor and possible solutions of the faced issues, during assembling and testing, are presented.
Fuzzy adaptive Kalman filter for the drive system with an elastic coupling
Authors: Serkies Piotr J. , Szabat Krzysztof
Published: June 2013

In the paper issues related to the design of a robust adaptive fuzzy estimator for a drive system with a flexible joint is presented. The proposed estimator ensures variable Kalman gain (based on the Mahalanobis distance) as well as the estimation of the system parameters (based on the fuzzy system). The obtained value of the time constant of the load machine is used to change the values in the system state matrix and to retune the parameters of the state controller. The proposed control structure (fuzzy Kalman filter and adaptive state controller) is investigated in simulation and experimental tests.
Drug related deaths between 2008 and 2011. A retrospective study in 32 Romanian counties
Authors: Dermengiu Dan , Hostiuc Sorin , Radu Doina , Aciu Florina , Gorun Gabriel , Astarastoae Vasile , Ioan Beatrice , Constantinescu Gabriela , Enache Alexandra , Ciocan Veronica , Talos Ioan , Curca George
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study is to determine the pattern of drug related deaths in Romania between 2008 and 2011 by analyzing the medical-legal cases, from a significant proportion of Romanian Counties (out of 41 plus the capital), in which the direct causal link between drug overdose and death was drug related. Material and methods. 446 forensic toxicology cases were analyzed in a four year period, obtained from more than two thirds of the counties in Romania. Results. 54.26% yielded a positive toxicological analysis, most often with benzodiazepines, opiates, barbiturates and cannabinoids. Males around 31 years old represented the most affected group. Illegal drug related deaths were more frequent in males and non-illegal drug related deaths were proportionally more frequent in females. Discussions and conclusions. The pattern of consumption is similar to the one obtained by similar studies in neighboring countries. The city capital has a very distinct pattern of consumption compared to other cities/counties.
Lithium and venlafaxine poisoning — a case report
Authors: Sinkovič Andreja , Vrbnjak Matej , Svensek Franci , Kirbis Simona
Published: June 2013

In treatment of manic-depressive conditions long-term lithium therapy may be combined with an effective and relatively safe antidepressant venlafaxine. Combined overdose may increase the risk of early toxicity of both drugs and of delayed lithium intoxication, responding to symptomatic and renal replacement therapy. We present a patient with combined lithium and venlafaxine self-poisoning with nothing but delayed signs of lithium intoxication with the emphasis on early and late treatment. 41-year old woman attempted suicide by large amount of lithium and venlafaxine. On admission she was asymptomatic, but with increased serum lithium over 5mmol/L. After gastric lavage, active charcoal and laxative administration she was receiving IV fluids. After a delay of 63 hours she deteriorated acutely by disorientation, confusion, fasciculation and tremor and was readmitted to Intensive care unit. In spite serum lithium decreased to 2mmol/L clinical signs were attributed to delayed lithium intoxication. After symptomatic and renal replacement therapy the patient’s condition improved after few days. We conclude that decontamination procedures are effective in particular for venlafaxine poisoning. If increased serum lithium levels are noted renal replacement therapy may be started even in asymptomatic patients as delayed lithium intoxication is most likely after few days.
Effect of exopolymeric substances on the kinetics of sorption and desorption of trivalent chromium in soil
Authors: Kantar Cetin , Demir Aydeniz , Koleli Nurcan
Published: June 2013

Laboratory batch sorption-desorption and column experiments were performed to better understand the effects of microbial exopolymeric substances (EPS) on Cr(III) sorption/desorption rates in the soil-water system. The experiments were carried out in two different modes: one mode (sorption) in which Cr(III) and EPS were applied simultaneously, and the other (desorption) included the sequential application of Cr(III) and EPS to the soil-water system. The batch sorption and desorption experiments showed that, while chromium(III) desorption was significantly enhanced in the presence of EPS relative to non-EPS-containing systems, the desorption rates were much smaller than the sorption rates, and the fraction dissolved by EPS accounted for only a small portion of the total chromium initially sorbed onto soil minerals. Similarly, the column experiments suggested that, while the microbial EPS led to an increase in Cr dissolution relative to non-EPS-containing systems, only a small portion of the total chromium initially added to the soil was mobilised. The differences observed in Cr sorption and desorption rates can be explained through the very low solubility and strong interactions of chromium species with soil minerals as well as the mass transfer effects associated with low diffusion rates. The overall results suggest that, while microbial EPS may play an important role in microbial Cr(VI) treatment in sub-surface systems due to the formation of soluble Cr-EPS complexes, the extent and degree of Cr mobilisation are highly dependent on the type of initial Cr sorption.
Simultaneous determination of 32 antibiotics in aquaculture products using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Fedorova Ganna , Nebesky Vaclav , Randak Tomas , Grabic Roman
Published: June 2013

An analytical multiclass, multi-residue method for the determination of antibiotics in aquaculture products was developed and validated. A fast, cheap, and straightforward extraction procedure followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was proposed. This method covers 32 antibiotics of different classes, which are frequently used in aquaculture. Three different extraction procedures were compared, and the extraction with acetonitrile (0.1 vol. % formic acid) showed the best results. The selected extraction procedure was validated at four different fortification levels (10 μg kg−1, 25 μg kg−1, 50 μg kg−1, and 100 μg kg−1). Recoveries of the tested antibiotics ranged from 70 % to 120 %, with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of triplicates lower than 20 %. The limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.062 μg kg−1 to 4.6 μg kg−1, allowing for the analysis of trace levels of these antibiotics in aquaculture products. The method was applied to the analysis of selected antibiotics in fish and shrimp meat available in the Czech market.
Keratitis, Ichthyosis and Deafness (KID) Syndrome – a Case Report
Authors: Stepanović Milica , Paravina Mirjana , Janković Goran , Janjić Spasić Danica
Published: June 2013

Keratitis, ichthyosis and deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare congenital ectodermal dysplasia characterized by ichthyosiform hyperkeratosis of the skin, neurosensory hearing loss and vascularizing keratitis. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, now known to be due to mutations in the connexin gene.

This paper presents a case of a 20-year-old male patient with erythrokeratodermia and mild scaling since birth. He presented mild hearing impairment at the age of two and often suffered from eye inflammations. On admission, his clinical picture was typical of KID syndrome with erythrokeratodermia, neurosensory deafness, vascularizing keratitis, alopecia, palmoplantar keratosis, and nail dystrophy. The patient also had a history of recurrent infections, especially bacterial and candidal infections of the skin, auditory canals and eyes. Despite extensive skin, ocular, ear and hair manifestations, his physical and psychomotor growth and development were normal.

Adjuvant balneotherapy in Prolom Spa, along with emollient creams, significantly reduced cutaneous manifestations in our patient.
RETRACTED: The Role of microRNAs in the Tumorigenesis of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Di Leva Gianpiero , Croce Carlo M.
Published: June 2013

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a complex disease, with multiple histological subtypes recognized. There have been major advances in the understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of this human malignancy, however the survival rate of women with EOC has changed little since platinum-based-treatment was introduced more than 30 years ago. Since 2006, an increasing number of studies have indicated an essential role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in ovarian-cancer tumorigenesis. Several miRNA profiling studies have shown that they associate with different aspects of ovarian cancer (tumor subtype, stage, histological grade, prognosis, and therapy resistance) and pointed to a critical role for miRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of EOC. In this review, we discuss the current data concerning the accumulating evidence of the modulated expression of miRNAs in EOC, their role in diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of response to therapy. Given the heterogeneity of this disease, it is likely that increases in long-term survival might be also achieved by translating the recent insights of miRNAs involvement in EOC into novel targeted therapies that will have a major impact on the management of ovarian cancer.
How Does a Regional Climate Model Modify the Projected Climate Change Signal of the Driving GCM: A Study over Different CORDEX Regions Using REMO
Authors: Teichmann Claas , Eggert Bastian , Elizalde Alberto , Haensler Andreas , Jacob Daniela , Kumar Pankaj , Moseley Christopher , Pfeifer Susanne , Rechid Diana , Remedio Armelle , Ries Hinnerk , Petersen Juliane , Preuschmann Swantje , Raub Thomas , Saeed Fahad , Sieck Kevin , Weber Torsten
Published: June 2013

Global and regional climate model simulations are frequently used for regional climate change assessments and in climate impact modeling studies. To reflect the inherent and methodological uncertainties in climate modeling, the assessment of regional climate change requires ensemble simulations from different global and regional climate model combinations. To interpret the spread of simulated results, it is useful to understand how the climate change signal is modified in the GCM-RCM modelmodelgeneral circulation model-regional climate model (GCM-RCM) chain. This kind of information can also be useful for impact modelers; for the process of experiment design and when interpreting model results. In this study, we investigate how the simulated historical and future climate of the Max-Planck-Institute earth system model (MPI-ESM) is modified by dynamic downscaling with the regional model REMO in different world regions. The historical climate simulations for 1950–2005 are driven by observed anthropogenic forcing. The climate projections are driven by projected anthropogenic forcing according to different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). The global simulations are downscaled with REMO over the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) domains Africa, Europe, South America and West Asia from 2006–2100. This unique set of simulations allows for climate type specific analysis across multiple world regions and for multi-scenarios. We used a classification of climate types by Köppen-Trewartha to define evaluation regions with certain climate conditions. A systematic comparison of near-surface temperature and precipitation simulated by the regional and the global model is done. In general, the historical time period is well represented by the GCM and the RCM. Some different biases occur in the RCM compared to the GCM as in the Amazon Basin, northern Africa and the West Asian domain. Both models project similar warming, although somewhat less so by the RCM for certain regions and climate types. A common feature in regions of tropical climate types is that REMO shows dryer climate conditions than forMax Planck Institute for Meteorology-Earth System Model (MPI-ESM) for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, leading to an opposing sign in the climate change signal. With an increase in radiative forcing from RCP 2.6 to RCP 8.5 and towards the end of the 21st century, some of the detected differences between GCM and RCM are more pronounced.
Ethanol Neurotoxicity in the Developing Cerebellum: Underlying Mechanisms and Implications
Authors: Kumar Ambrish , LaVoie Holly , DiPette Donald , Singh Ugra
Published: June 2013

Ethanol is the main constituent of alcoholic beverages that exerts toxicity to neuronal development. Ethanol affects synaptogenesis and prevents proper brain development. In humans, synaptogenesis takes place during the third trimester of pregnancy, and in rodents this period corresponds to the initial few weeks of postnatal development. In this period neuronal maturation and differentiation begin and neuronal cells start migrating to their ultimate destinations. Although the neuronal development of all areas of the brain is affected, the cerebellum and cerebellar neurons are more susceptible to the damaging effects of ethanol. Ethanol’s harmful effects include neuronal cell death, impaired differentiation, reduction of neuronal numbers, and weakening of neuronal plasticity. Neuronal development requires many hormones and growth factors such as retinoic acid, nerve growth factors, and cytokines. These factors regulate development and differentiation of neurons by acting through various receptors and their signaling pathways. Ethanol exposure during development impairs neuronal signaling mechanisms mediated by the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, the retinoic acid receptors, and by growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). In combination, these ethanol effects disrupt cellular homeostasis, reduce the survival and migration of neurons, and lead to various developmental defects in the brain. Here we review the signaling mechanisms that are required for proper neuronal development, and how these processes are impaired by ethanol resulting in harmful consequences to brain development.
Ethylene Methacrylic Acid (EMAA) Single Splat Morphology
Authors: Xie Wei , Wang James , Berndt Christopher
Published: June 2013

A single splat is the building block of a thermal spray coating; thus, investigating single splats is essential to understanding thermal spray coatings and their properties. In this study, the morphology of flame sprayed ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA) splats, deposited at various stand-off distances (SODs) onto glass and mild steel substrates were investigated using a scanning electron microscope, Leica M Stereo-microscope, the WYKO surface profiler and the ContourGT surface profiler. This work analyzed the effect of the process variables on EMAA splat morphology. The modeling of the temperature versus velocity (TV) map, the temperature versus stand-off distance (TS) map and the velocity versus stand-off distance (VS) map of EMAA single splat were presented.
Can Tidal Current Energy Provide Base Load?
Authors: Giorgi Simone , Ringwood John
Published: June 2013

Tidal energy belongs to the class of intermittent but predictable renewable energy sources. In this paper, we consider a compact set of geographically diverse locations, which have been assessed to have significant tidal stream energy, and attempt to find the degree to which the resource in each location should be exploited so that the aggregate power from all locations has a low variance. An important characteristic of the locations chosen is that there is a good spread in the peak tidal flow times, though the geographical spread is relatively small. We assume that the locations, all on the island of Ireland, can be connected together and also assume a modular set of tidal turbines. We employ multi-objective optimisation to simultaneously minimise variance, maximise mean power and maximise minimum power. A Pareto front of optimal solutions in the form of a set of coefficients determining the degree of tidal energy penetration in each location is generated using a genetic algorithm. While for the example chosen the total mean power generated is not great (circa 100 MW), the case study demonstrated a methodology that can be applied to other location sets that exhibit similar delays between peak tidal flow times.
Idle Operation with Low Intake Valve Lift in a Port Fuel Injected Engine
Authors: Clenci Adrian , Bîzîiac Adrian , Podevin Pierre , Descombes Georges , Deligant Michael , Niculescu Rodica
Published: June 2013

Reducing fuel consumption is a prime objective in the automotive industry in order to meet regulatory and customer demands. Variable valve actuation offers many opportunities for improving the spark ignition engine’s performance in areas such as fuel economy and pollutant emissions. Our studies revealed that the ability to control maximum intake valve lift does indeed offer the ability to control intake air mass, but also has the added benefit that it improves the fuel-air mixing process thanks to an increased turbulence, caused by the increased intake flow velocity. This is particularly important at idle and low part loads when low maximum lifts are to be used for improving the fuel economy or for achieving the required power. The paper focuses on the experimental results obtained when approaching idle operation with different intake valve laws. Results indicating the potential of using low intake valve lift for fuel economy and cyclic dispersion improvement are presented in this paper.
Transient Momentum Balance—A Method for Improving the Performance of Mean-Value Engine Plant Models
Authors: Katrašnik Tomaž
Published: June 2013

Mean-value engine models (MVEMs) are frequently applied in system-level simulations of vehicle powertrains. In particular, MVEMs are a common choice in engine simulators, where real-time execution is mandatory. In the case of real-time applications with prescribed, fixed sampling times, the use of explicit integration schemes is almost mandatory. Thus the stability of MVEMs is one of the main limitations when it comes to optimizing their performance. It is limited either by the minimum size of the gas volume elements or by the maximum integration time step. An innovative approach that addresses both constraints arises from the fact that the mass flow through the transfer elements of the MVEM is not modelled considering the quasi-steady assumption, but instead the mass-flow is calculated using a single transient momentum balance (TMB) equation. The proposed approach closely resembles phenomena in the physical model, since it considers both the flow-field history and the inertial effects arising from the time variation of the mass flow. It is shown in this paper that a consideration of the TMB equation improves the stability and/or the computational speed of the MVEMs, whereas it also makes it possible to capture physical phenomena in a more physically plausible manner.
District Council Members and the Importance of Member Involvement in Organization Renewal Processes in Swedish Forest Owners’ Associations
Authors: Kronholm Thomas , Wästerlund Dianne
Published: June 2013

The objective of this paper is to examine the organization renewal process in forest owners’ associations and the role of members in this process. Based on 15 qualitative interviews with district council members in a forest owners’ association, we describe the characteristics of today’s elected member representatives in terms of their motives for volunteering, their relationship with the organization, and the organizational practices and routines of the renewal process. It is shown that most district council members are traditional forest owners with a family history within the association and that the district councils are therefore not representative of all member groups. We thus argue that it will be important for the renewal process that the associations carefully consider how they want to be perceived by both current and potential members in order to encourage the involvement of different owner groups. The election committees, which prepare the elections to the councils and board, play an important role in the associations’ renewal processes and must become more active in their search for suitable candidates.
Metabolomic-Based Study of the Leafy Gall, the Ecological Niche of the Phytopathogen Rhodococcus fascians, as a Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Nacoulma Aminata , Vandeputte Olivier , De Lorenzi Manuella , El Jaziri Mondher , Duez Pierre
Published: June 2013

Leafy gall is a plant hyperplasia induced upon Rhodococcus fascians infection. Previously, by genomic and transcriptomic analysis, it has been reported that, at the early stage of symptom development, both primary and secondary metabolisms are modified. The present study is based on the hypothesis that fully developed leafy gall, could represent a potential source of new bioactive compounds. Therefore, non-targeted metabolomic analysis of aqueous and chloroform extracts of leafy gall and non-infected tobacco was carried out by 1H-NMR coupled to principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Polar metabolite profiling reflects modifications mainly in the primary metabolites and in some polyphenolics. In contrast, main modifications occurring in non-polar metabolites concern secondary metabolites, and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) evidenced alterations in diterpenoids family. Analysis of crude extracts of leafy galls and non-infected tobacco leaves exhibited a distinct antiproliferative activity against all four tested human cancer cell lines. A bio-guided fractionation of chloroformic crude extract yield to semi-purified fractions, which inhibited proliferation of glioblastoma U373 cells with IC50 between 14.0 and 2.4 µg/mL. Discussion is focused on the consequence of these metabolic changes, with respect to plant defense mechanisms following infection. Considering the promising role of diterpenoid family as bioactive compounds, leafy gall may rather be a propitious source for drug discovery.
Does Melatonin Homeostasis Play a Role in Continuous Epigastric Pain Syndrome?
Authors: Chojnacki Cezary , Poplawski Tomasz , Blasiak Janusz , Chojnacki Jan , Klupinska Grazyna
Published: June 2013

Two clinical forms of functional dyspepsia (FD) are listed in the Rome III criteria: postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), differing in the recurrence of ailments depending on the diet. Continuous EPS (CEPS) is observed in some EPS patients, also at night, but its cause is still unknown. We showed previously that melatonin (MEL) homeostasis may be associated with FD. In the present work we evaluated selected components of melatonin homeostasis in patients with CEPS. The study included 30 patients with CEPS, 21 women and nine men, aged 21–49 years and 30 control subjects (EPS excluded); organic and mental diseases, as well as Helicobacter pylori infection, were excluded in both groups. The average severity of abdominal pain in the last three months was estimated in a 10-point scale (Visual Analog Scale). The levels of mRNA expression of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT), the main components of MEL homeostasis, were determined in gastric mucosa with real time PCR. The fasting serum level of MEL (at 09:00 a.m.) and circadian urine excretion of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-HMS) were determined with ELISA. AANAT expression in antral mucosa of control subjects was 1.76 ± 0.41, in the gastric body 1.35 ± 0.38, and in the dyspeptic group 1.42 ± 0.38 (p < 0.05) and 0.92 ± 0.55 (p < 0.05), respectively. HIOMT expression in the control was 2.05 ± 0.70 in the antrum and 1.57 ± 0.69 in the body and in the CEPS group, it was: 1.51 ± 0.57 (p < 0.05) and 0.74 ± 0.31 (p < 0.001), respectively. MEL concentration (pg/mL) was 9.41 ± 3.09 in the control group and 5.62 ± 1.34 (p < 0.01) in the CEPS group. Urinary 6-HMS excretion (μg/24 h) was 11.40 ± 4.46 in the controls and 7.68 ± 2.88 (p < 0.05) in the CEPS. Moreover, a negative correlation was found between the tested parameters and severity of epigastric pain. These results indicate that patients with CEPS may display low level of AANAT and HIOMT expression in gastric mucosa, resulting in decreased MEL synthesis.