bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of the rotor heat-up rate for supercritical parameter turbines
Authors: Rusin Andrzej , Lipka Marian , Łukowicz Henryk
Published: October 2013

The paper presents the results of the numerical analyses for the steam turbine rotor, dedicated for the newly-designed 900 MW steam unit with supercritical steam parameters (650 °C, 30.0 MPa). Basing on the design calculations, an optimal design solution was determined. Review of the available literature on materials for turbine rotors with supercritical steam parameters was done. Then the start-ups of the turbine were simulated. Thermal and strength states were analyzed. As a result, an optimal start-up characteristic was obtained.
Role of phase angle measurement in electrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Cseresnyés I. , Rajkai K. , Vozáry E.
Published: October 2013

Importance of phase angle measurement during the application of electrical impedance spectroscopy was studied by executing pot experiments with maize. Electrical impedance, phase angle (strength of capacitive character), and dissipation factor in the plant-soil system were scanned between 100 and 10 000 Hz current frequency. The frequency-dependent change in the phase angle could be described by optimum curves culminating within 920-3 650 Hz. Since the rate of energy dissipation is independent of root extent, the higher phase angle and lower energy dissipation were associated with the higher coefficient of determination achieved for the root electrical impedance - root system size (root dry mass and root surface area) regressions. The characteristic frequency selected on the basis of phase angle spectra provided a higher significance level at statistical comparison of plant groups subjected to stress conditions influencing root development. Due to the physicochemical changes observable in aging root tissue, the apex of phase angle spectra, thus the characteristic frequency, shifted continuously toward the higher frequencies over time. Consequently, the regularly repeated phase angle measurement is advisable in time-course studies for effective application of the electrical impedance method, and the systematic operation at the same frequency without determination of phase angle spectra should be avoided.
Using satellite data for soil cation exchange capacity studies
Authors: Ghaemi M. , Astaraei A.R. , Sanaeinejad S.H. , Zare H.
Published: October 2013

This study was planned to examine the use of LandSat ETM+ images to develop a model for monitoring spatial variability of soil cation exchange capacity in a semi-arid area of Neyshaboor. 300 field data were collected from specific GPS registered points, 277 of which were error free, to be analysed in the soil laboratory.The statistical analysis showed that therewas a small R-Squared value, 0.17, when we used the whole data set. Visual interpretation of the graphs showed a trend among some of the data in the data set. Forty points were filtered based on the trends, and the statistical analysis was repeated for those data. It was discovered that the 40 series were more or less in the same environmental conditions; most of them were located in disturbed soils or abandoned lands with sparse vegetation cover. The soil was classified into high and medium salinity, with variable carbon (1.0 to 1.6%), heavy textured and with high silt and clay. Finally it was concluded that two different models could be fitted in the data based on their spatial dependency. The current models are able to explain spatial variability in almost 45 to 65% of the cases.
Case study of developing an integrated water and nitrogen scheme for agricultural systems on the North China Plain
Authors: Liu Y. , Tao F. , Luo Y. , Ma J.
Published: October 2013

Appropriate irrigation and nitrogen fertilization, along with suitable crop management strategies, are essential prerequisites for optimum yields in agricultural systems. This research attempts to provide a scientific basis for sustainable agricultural production management for the North China Plain and other semi-arid regions. Based on a series of 72 treatments over 2003-2008, an optimized water and nitrogen scheme for winter wheat/summer maize cropping system was developed. Integrated systems incorporating 120 mm of water with 80 kg N ha-1 N fertilizer were used to simulate winter wheat yields in Hebei and 120 mm of water with 120 kg N ha-1 were used to simulate winter wheat yields in Shandong and Henan provinces in 2000-2007. Similarly, integrated treatments of 40 kg N ha-1 N fertilizer were used to simulate summer maize yields in Hebei, and 80 kg N ha-1 was used to simulate summer maize yields in Shandong and Henan provinces in 2000-2007. Under the optimized scheme, 341.74 107 mm ha-1 of water and 575.79 104 Mg of urea fertilizer could be saved per year under the wheat/maize rotation system. Despite slight drops in the yields of wheat and maize in some areas, water and fertilizer saving has tremendous long-term eco-environmental benefits.
Physical properties of cumin and caraway seeds
Authors: Zare D. , Bakhshipour A. , Chen G.
Published: October 2013

Physical properties of cumin and caraway seeds were measured and compared at constant moisture content of 7.5% w.b. The average thousand mass of grain, mean length, mean width, mean thickness, equivalent diameter, geometric mean diameter, surface area, volume, sphericity, aspect ratio, true density, bulk density and porosity were measured for cumin and caraway. There are significant differences (p<0.01) in most physical properties of cumin and caraway, except porosity and sphericity
Real-Time PCR and Immunocytochemical Study of Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans after Scratch Wounding in Cultured Astrocytes / PCR I IMUNOCITOHEMIJSKA STUDIJA EKSPRESIJE HONDROITIN-SULFATNIH PROTEOGLIKANA NAKON POVREDE ASTROCITA U KULTURI
Authors: Parabucki Ana , Santrač Anja , Savić Danijela , Dacić Sanja , Bjelobaba Ivana , Peković Sanja , Stojiljković Mirjana
Published: October 2013

Background: Various in vivo and in vitro models have been described in order to elucidate the pathobiology underlying the traumatic brain injury (TBI) and test potentially suitable treatments. Since TBI is a complex disease, models differ in regard to the aspect of TBI that is being investigated. One of the used in vitro models is the scratch wound assay, first established as a reproducible, low-cost assay for the analysis of cell migration in vitro. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the relevancy of this model as a counter- part of in vivo TBI models.

Methods: We have examined the astrocytic response to a mechanical injury in terms of expression of chondroitin sul- fate proteoglycans (CSPGs) - phosphacan, neurocan and brevican, using real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry.

Results: Our results indicate that in vitro scratch wounding alters the expression profile of examined CSPGs. Four hours after the scratch injury of the astrocytic monolayer, real-time PCR analysis revealed upregulation of mRNA levels for phos- phacan (3-fold) and neurocan (2-fold), whereas brevican mRNA was downregulated (2-fold). Immunofluorescent sig- nal for phosphacan and neurocan was more intense in astro- cytes close to the injury site, while brevican was scarcely present in cultured astrocytes.

Conclusions: Obtained results indicate that CSPGs are differ- entially expressed by astrocytes after scratch wounding, demonstrating that the scratch wound model might be suit- able for investigation of astrocyte-derived response to injury.
Prenatal Programming of Psychopathology: The Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms / PRENATALNO PROGRAMIRANJE PSIHIJATRIJSKIH POREMEĆAJA: ULOGA EPIGENETSKIH MEHANIZAMA
Authors: Kundakovic Marija
Published: October 2013

The Human Genome Project, completed ten years ago, widely opened the door for the field of Epigenetics as a new venue to study the causes of human disease and to search for predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a wide range of disorders. The field of behavioral and psychiatric epigenetics is still very young, but increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. The prenatal period is particularly vulnerable to epigenetic disruption, and it seems likely that adverse in utero environments can induce epigenetic dysregulation and predispose an individual to mental disease later in life. Emerging evidence from animal studies has shown that maternal exposure to drugs, stress, and toxicants can alter epigenetic gene programming in the brain and contribute to neurodevelopmental and behavioral deficits in the offspring. The evidence from human studies is more limited but is in agreement with animal data. Several human studies have shown that prenatal risk factors, such as maternal food deprivation and stressful life events, are associated with persistent epigenetic changes in genes that are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and psychopathology. Although these studies support the hypothesis that epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in prenatal programming of psychopathology, a collaborative effort of basic, clinical and epidemiological research is needed to advance this field. Nevertheless, this field holds great promise to facilitate our understanding of environmental contribution to human mental disease and to reveal new predictive biomarkers as well as preventive and therapeutic approaches for various neuropsychiatric disorders.
Gene Expression Studies: How to Obtain Accurate and Reliable Data by Quantitative Real-Time RT PCR / IZUČAVANJE EKSPRESIJE GENA: KAKO DOBITI TAČNE I POUZDANE PODATKE KVANTITATIVNIM RT PCR-OM U REALNOM VREMENU
Authors: Nestorov Jelena , Matić Gordana , Elaković Ivana , Tanić Nikola
Published: October 2013

Real-time RT PCR has been recognized as an accurate, reliable and sensitive method for quantifying gene transcription. However, several steps preceding PCR represent critical points and source of inaccuracies. These steps include cell processing, RNA extraction, RNA storage, assessment of RNA concentration and cDNA synthesis. To compensate for potential variability introduced by the procedure, normalization of target gene expression has been established. Accurate normalization has become an absolute prerequisite for the correct quantification of gene expression. Several strategies are in use for the normalization of data, including normalization to sample size, to total RNA or to an internal reference. Among these, the use of housekeeping genes as an internal (endogenous) control is the most common approach. Given the increased sensitivity, reproducibility and large dynamic range of this methodology, the requirements for a proper reference gene for normalization have become increasingly stringent. The aim of this paper is to discuss the concept of normalization in mRNA quantification, as well as to discuss several statistical algorithms developed to help the validation of potential reference genes. By showing that the use of inappropriate endogenous control might lead to incorrect results and misinterpretation of experimental data, we are joining the creators of Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) in an attempt to convince scientists that proper validation of potential reference genes is an absolute prerequisite for correct normalization and, therefore, for providing accurate and reliable data by quantitative real-time RT PCR gene expression analyses.
The Influence of Personality Characteristics on Individual Competencies of Work Group Members: A Cross-cultural Study
Authors: Kodydek Georg , Hochreiter Ronald
Published: October 2013

In this article, we investigate how college students and graduates with diverse backgrounds experience working in groups by focusing on their perceptions regarding group work, attribution of leader coaching, and self-perspectives of personality traits. Moreover, this article explores relationships between personality factors (using the Big Five factors) and selected individual competencies from Bartram’s Great Eight Competencies (2005). We furthermore review current management research on competency management, personality, and also identify current trends for young professionals who are about to enter the job market. This study was conducted in an experimental setting at a large European business school. Participants were 80 business students from Austria, Turkey, China, and the United States of America with a fairly even gender split who had to work on tasks in homogeneous and heterogeneous settings. We assess participants’ ratings following Rammstedt and John’s Big Five Inventory (2007) and a modified version of Wageman, Hackman and Lehman’s Team Diagnostic Survey (2005) that we enhanced accordingly. Results are analyzed and discussed with relation to global challenges and developments regarding competencies, diversity, and group work.
Comparative Leisure Physical Activity: A Comparison Between Polish and European Population
Authors: Biernat Elżbieta , Piątkowska Monika
Published: October 2013

Introduction and objective: In Poland, there are only a few studies that refer to the whole society’s participation in sport and recreation and that are based an the international questionnaire thus allowing for comparative analysis with other European reports. The aim of the study was to determine the association between leisure physical activity and socio-demographic variables. Methods: A survey based on CAPI was carried out in Poland from October to November 2012. A random sample of Polish adults (N=1,633) was interviewed using the IPAQ-long form. The data were analyzed using standard statistical procedures. Results: More than 21% of Polish subjects did not undertake any physical activity in their leisure time. Of those who were physically active, over 70% engaged in vigorous physical activity; only one in four respondents performed moderate physical activity or walking. The average leisure physical activity of the Poles was 1,916.9 ± 2,621 MET-min/week. A comparison of the current results and European research findings demonstrated that the median physical activity for the Polish population (MET-min/week) was similar to the median values for Czech subjects and Norwegian males and nearly three times higher than Croats. Conclusions: Insufficient participation in the conscious process of caring for one’s health is a common occurrence among adults living in the EU. In order to encourage the Polish population’s participation in physical activities, it is necessary to raise their awareness of the need of well-balanced, regular exercise. Furthermore, this study suggests that caution is warranted before using the CAPI technique to provide the IPAQ-long form survey.
Social Stratification in Japanese and Some Other Martial Arts: A Comparison and Discussion of Changes
Authors: Cynarski Wojciech J.
Published: October 2013

Using the humanistic theory of martial arts and martial arts sociology, the author attempts to describe and explain the relationship between social stratification and martial arts. He asks whether a person’s position in the martial arts environment is, today, dependent on social background. He asks: Who could practice with weapons, and which weapons, a hundred years ago? Who can study in the ancient fencing schools today? The analysis includes martial arts in ancient Japan, Europe and Brazil as well as today. He finds that positions originally went to those in the privileged classes or social strata. Today, this does not matter. It can be concluded that there is simply a generational transmission of interest within families. Position in the martial arts, as in many other areas, is part of a person’s long-term effort to determine their own position in society, or “position developed independently”. Martial arts are part of the farreaching democratization and leveling of society. Positions inherited from father to son arise only very rarely. This mainly now happens only in the ancient ancestral schools.
Lattice model with power-law spatial dispersion for fractional elasticity
Authors: Tarasov Vasily
Published: October 2013

A lattice model with a spatial dispersion corresponding to a power-law type is suggested. This model serves as a microscopic model for elastic continuum with power-law non-locality. We prove that the continuous limit maps of the equations for the lattice with the power-law spatial dispersion into the continuum equations with fractional generalizations of the Laplacian operators. The suggested continuum equations, which are obtained from the lattice model, are fractional generalizations of the integral and gradient elasticity models. These equations of fractional elasticity are solved for two special static cases: fractional integral elasticity and fractional gradient elasticity.
Examining quartz OSL age underestimation for loess samples from Luochuan in the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Lai Zhongping , Fan Anchuan
Published: October 2013

When using quartz OSL to date loess samples from the Chinese Loess Plateau, it has been reported that the agreement between OSL ages and the independent ages is limited to the samples younger than ∼70 ka with a corresponding De of ∼230 Gy, and a sample with an expected age of 780 ka was dated to 107 ka, corresponding to 403 Gy. The growth curves of these samples do not saturate at doses of 700 Gy, and a linear growth part was observed for doses higher than 200 Gy. However, the maximum measured age of ∼100 ka imply that the De determined using this linear part of a growth curve could be problematic, or that the quartz OSL signal is not as stable as previously thought and has a barrier age of ∼100 ka. In the current study, we examine the reasons for the age underestimation. We examined the shape of growth curves, anomalous fading, thermal stability, etc. The results show that, for the loess samples examined, quartz OSL does not fade anomalously, and the barrier age of ∼100 ka is due to the fact that the OSL signals are less thermally stable, the lifetime of 0.311 Ma at 20°C obtained is much smaller than those for quartz samples from other regions such as Australia (∼100 Ma).
Next-Generation Bio-Products Sowing the Seeds of Success for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Berg Gabriele , Zachow Christin , Müller Henry , Philipps Jörg , Tilcher Ralf
Published: October 2013

Plants have recently been recognized as meta-organisms due to a close symbiotic relationship with their microbiome. Comparable to humans and other eukaryotic hosts, plants also harbor a “second genome” that fulfills important host functions. These advances were driven by both “omics”-technologies guided by next-generation sequencing and microscopic insights. Additionally, these new results influence applied fields such as biocontrol and stress protection in agriculture, and new tools may impact (i) the detection of new bio-resources for biocontrol and plant growth promotion, (ii) the optimization of fermentation and formulation processes for biologicals, (iii) stabilization of the biocontrol effect under field conditions, and (iv) risk assessment studies for biotechnological applications. Examples are presented and discussed for the fields mentioned above, and next-generation bio-products were found as a sustainable alternative for agriculture.
Variation in the Subcellular Localization and Protein Folding Activity among Arabidopsis thaliana Homologs of Protein Disulfide Isomerase
Authors: Yuen Christen , Matsumoto Kristie , Christopher David
Published: October 2013

Protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) catalyze the formation, breakage, and rearrangement of disulfide bonds to properly fold nascent polypeptides within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Classical animal and yeast PDIs possess two catalytic thioredoxin-like domains (a, a′) and two non-catalytic domains (b, b′), in the order a-b-b′-a′. The model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, encodes 12 PDI-like proteins, six of which possess the classical PDI domain arrangement (AtPDI1 through AtPDI6). Three additional AtPDIs (AtPDI9, AtPDI10, AtPDI11) possess two thioredoxin domains, but without intervening b-b′ domains. C-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions to each of the nine dual-thioredoxin PDI homologs localized predominantly to the ER lumen when transiently expressed in protoplasts. Additionally, expression of AtPDI9:GFP-KDEL and AtPDI10: GFP-KDDL was associated with the formation of ER bodies. AtPDI9, AtPDI10, and AtPDI11 mediated the oxidative folding of alkaline phosphatase when heterologously expressed in the Escherichia coli protein folding mutant, dsbA−. However, only three classical AtPDIs (AtPDI2, AtPDI5, AtPDI6) functionally complemented dsbA−. Interestingly, chemical inducers of the ER unfolded protein response were previously shown to upregulate most of the AtPDIs that complemented dsbA−. The results indicate that Arabidopsis PDIs differ in their localization and protein folding activities to fulfill distinct molecular functions in the ER.
A Low-Cost, High-Performance System for Fluorescence Lateral Flow Assays
Authors: Lee Linda , Nordman Eric , Johnson Martin , Oldham Mark
Published: October 2013

We demonstrate a fluorescence lateral flow system that has excellent sensitivity and wide dynamic range. The illumination system utilizes an LED, plastic lenses and plastic and colored glass filters for the excitation and emission light. Images are collected on an iPhone 4. Several fluorescent dyes with long Stokes shifts were evaluated for their signal and nonspecific binding in lateral flow. A wide range of values for the ratio of signal to nonspecific binding was found, from 50 for R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) to 0.15 for Brilliant Violet 605. The long Stokes shift of R-PE allowed the use of inexpensive plastic filters rather than costly interference filters to block the LED light. Fluorescence detection with R-PE and absorbance detection with colloidal gold were directly compared in lateral flow using biotinylated bovine serum albumen (BSA) as the analyte. Fluorescence provided linear data over a range of 0.4–4,000 ng/mL with a 1,000-fold signal change while colloidal gold provided non-linear data over a range of 16–4,000 ng/mL with a 10-fold signal change. A comparison using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as the analyte showed a similar advantage in the fluorescent system. We believe our inexpensive yet high-performance platform will be useful for providing quantitative and sensitive detection in a point-of-care setting.
Vitamin D Is a Multilevel Repressor of Wnt/b-Catenin Signaling in Cancer Cells
Authors: Larriba María , González-Sancho José , Barbáchano Antonio , Niell Núria , Ferrer-Mayorga Gemma , Muñoz Alberto
Published: October 2013

The Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway is abnormally activated in most colorectal cancers and in a proportion of other neoplasias. This activation initiates or contributes to carcinogenesis by regulating the expression of a large number of genes in tumor cells. The active vitamin D metabolite 1a,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) inhibits Wnt/b-catenin signaling by several mechanisms at different points along the pathway. Additionally, paracrine actions of 1,25(OH)2D3 on stromal cells may also repress this pathway in neighbouring tumor cells. Here we review the molecular basis for the various mechanisms by which 1,25(OH)2D3 antagonizes Wnt/b-catenin signaling, preferentially in human colon carcinoma cells, and the consequences of this inhibition for the phenotype and proliferation rate. The effect of the vitamin D system on Wnt/b-catenin signaling and tumor growth in animal models will also be commented in detail. Finally, we revise existing data on the relation between vitamin D receptor expression and vitamin D status and the expression of Wnt/b-catenin pathway genes and targets in cancer patients.
Aerosol Optical Properties over South Asia from Ground-Based Observations and Remote Sensing: A Review
Authors: Ramachandran S. , Kedia Sumita
Published: October 2013

Seasonal and inter-annual variabilities in aerosol optical depth (AOD) andaerosol size distribution are investigated using ground-based measurements (sun photometersand sun/sky radiometers), and MODIS (MODerate Imaging Spectroradiometer) and MISR(Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer) satellites over Ahmedabad, Gurushikhar, Karachi,Kanpur and Gandhi College in South Asia during 2006–2008. An analysis and a review onthe comparison between aerosol optical depths measured from ground-based observationsand remote sensing over South Asia is performed. Karachi and Ahmedabad AODs aretwo times higher than Gurushikhar, a high altitude remote site. AODs over Kanpur andGandhi College in the Indo-Gangetic basin are higher than those measured over Ahmedabad,Gurushikhar and Karachi. Summer monsoon AODs are higher over Ahmedabad andKarachi, while winter AODs are higher over Kanpur and Gandhi College. AOD ratio,ratio of AODs obtained at 0.38 μm and 0.87 μm, is higher during postmonsoon andwinter than premonsoon and monsoon ratio suggesting the abundance of fine mode aerosolsduring postmonsoon and winter. Monsoon AOD ratios are lowest owing to the dominanceof coarse mode (mainly sea salt) particles. Ångström wavelength exponent (α) duringpostmonsoon and winter are higher than that of premonsoon and monsoon values. Lower α values over Gurushikhar and Karachi indicate the dominance of coarse mode aerosols(dust in Gurushikhar, and dust and sea salt in Karachi). Dominance of fine mode aerosolsdue to anthropogenic activities give rise to higher α values over urban locations (e.g.,Ahmedabad and Kanpur). Comparison between ground-based and MODIS (Terra andAqua) retrieved AODs show that aerosol optical depths do not change significantly inan hour and much of the diurnal AOD variation is captured well by the two MODISinstruments. The temporal difference (about an hour) between the ground-based and remotesensing measurements contributes negligibly to the observed differences in AODs. Thedifferences between ground-based and remote sensing (MODIS and MISR) AODs vary onspatial scales. During the study period (2006–2008) MODIS underestimates AODs overwestern India by about 0.04, while over the Indo-Gangetic Plain MODIS overestimatesAOD by 0.06 in (Kanpur) and underestimates by 0.07 (Gandhi College) with respect toAODs measured by hand held sun photometer and Microtops sun photometer (Ahmedabadand Gurushikhar), and AERONET sun/sky radiometers (Karachi, Kanpur and GandhiCollege) respectively. During the same period MISR underestimates AODs in the rangeof 0.02–0.17 over Ahmedabad, Gurushikhar, Karachi and Kanpur, while in Gandhi CollegeMISR overestimates AOD by 0.2 when compared to ground-based AODs. Results on spatial,seasonal and inter-annual variations in aerosol characteristics will be useful in improving theaerosol retrieval algorithms in remote sensing, and in regional and global estimates of aerosolradiative forcing.
Effect of the Environmental Pollutant Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) on the Neuronal Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Addae Cynthia , Cheng Henrique , Martinez-Ceballos Eduardo
Published: October 2013

Exposure to persistent environmental pollutants may constitute an important factor on the onset of a number of neurological disorders such as autism, Parkinson’s disease, and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which have also been linked to reduced GABAergic neuronal function. GABAergic neurons produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. However, the lack of appropriate models has hindered the study of suspected environmental pollutants on GABAergic function. In this work, we have examined the effect of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), a persistent and bioaccumulative environmental pollutant, on the function and morphology of GABAergic neurons generated in vitro from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. We observed that: (1) treatment with 0.5 nM HCB did not affect cell viability, but affected the neuronal differentiation of ES cells; (2) HCB induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS); and (3) HCB repressed neurite outgrowth in GABAergic neurons, but this effect was reversed by the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Our study also revealed that HCB did not significantly interfere with the function of K+ ion channels in the neuronal soma, which indicates that this pollutant does not affect the maturation of the GABAergic neuronal soma. Our results suggest a mechanism by which environmental pollutants interfere with normal GABAergic neuronal function and may promote the onset of a number of neurological disorders such as autism and ADD.
The Effect on Proliferation and Differentiation of Cementoblast by Using Sclerostin as Inhibitor
Authors: Bao Xingfu , Liu Yuyan , Han Guanghong , Zuo Zhigang , Hu Min
Published: October 2013

Cementogenesis is of great importance for normal teeth root development and is involved in the repair process of root resorption caused by orthodontic treatment. As highly differentiated mesenchymal cells, cementoblasts are responsible for this process under the regulation of many endogenous agents. Among these molecules, sclerostin has been much investigated recently for its distinct antagonism effect on bone metabolism. Encoded by the sost gene, sclerostin is expressed in osteocytes and cementocytes of cellular cementum. it is still unclear. In the current study, we investigated the effects of sclerostin on the processes of proliferation and differentiation; a series of experiments including MTT, apoptosis examination, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, gene analysis, and alizarin red staining were carried out to evaluate the proliferation and differentiation of cementoblasts. Protein expression including osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) were also checked to analyze changes in osteoclastogenesis. Results show that sclerostin inhibits cementoblasts proliferation and differentiation, and promotes osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, the monoclonal antibody for sclerostin has shown positive effects on osteoporosis, indicating that it may facilitate cementogenesis and benefit the treatment of cementum related diseases.
Biology of the Marine Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Guo Zhiling , Zhang Huan , Liu Sheng , Lin Senjie
Published: October 2013

Heterotrophic dinoflagellates are prevalent protists in marine environments, which play an important role in the carbon cycling and energy flow in the marine planktonic community. Oxyrrhis marina (Dinophyceae), a widespread heterotrophic dinoflagellate, is a model species used for a broad range of ecological, biogeographic, and evolutionary studies. Despite the increasing research effort on this species, there lacks a synthesis of the existing data and a coherent picture of this organism. Here we reviewed the literature to provide an overview of what is known regarding the biology of O. marina, and identify areas where further studies are needed. As an early branch of the dinoflagellate lineage, O. marina shares similarity with typical dinoflagellates in permanent condensed chromosomes, less abundant nucleosome proteins compared to other eukaryotes, multiple gene copies, the occurrence of trans-splicing in nucleus-encoded mRNAs, highly fragmented mitochondrial genome, and disuse of ATG as a start codon for mitochondrial genes. On the other hand, O. marina also exhibits some distinct cytological features (e.g., different flagellar structure, absence of girdle and sulcus or pustules, use of intranuclear spindle in mitosis, presence of nuclear plaque, and absence of birefringent periodic banded chromosomal structure) and genetic features (e.g., a single histone-like DNA-associated protein, cob-cox3 gene fusion, 5′ oligo-U cap in the mitochondrial transcripts of protein-coding genes, the absence of mRNA editing, the presence of stop codon in the fused cob-cox3 mRNA produced by post-transcriptional oligoadenylation, and vestigial plastid genes). The best-studied biology of this dinoflagellate is probably the prey and predators types, which include a wide range of organisms. On the other hand, the abundance of this species in the natural waters and its controlling factors, genome organization and gene expression regulation that underlie the unusual cytological and ecological characteristics are among the areas that urgently need study.
Sesquiterpene Lactones and Their Derivatives Inhibit High Glucose-Induced NF-κB Activation and MCP-1 and TGF-β1 Expression in Rat Mesangial Cells
Authors: Jia Qian-Qian , Wang Jian-Cheng , Long Jing , Zhao Yan , Chen Si-Jia , Zhai Jia-Dai , Wei Lian-Bo , Zhang Quan , Chen Yue , Long Hai-Bo
Published: October 2013

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common and serious chronic complications of diabetes mellitus, however, no efficient clinical drugs exist for the treatment of DN. We selected and synthesized several sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), and then used the MTT assay to detect rat mesangial cells (MCs) proliferation, ELISA to measure the expression level of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) and fibronectin(FN), real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR analysis to measure the MCP-1 and TGF-β1 gene expression, western blot to detect the level of IκBα protein and EMSA to measure the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). We discovered that SLs, including parthenolide (PTL), micheliolide (MCL), arglabin, and isoalantolactone (IAL), as well as several synthetic analogs of these molecules, could effectively attenuate the high glucose-stimulated activation of NF-κB, the degradation of IκBα, and the expression of MCP-1, TGF-β1 and FN in rat mesangial cells (MCs). These findings suggest that SLs and their derivatives have potential as candidate drugs for the treatment of DN.
IGF-1, the Cross Road of the Nutritional, Inflammatory and Hormonal Pathways to Frailty
Authors: Maggio Marcello , De Vita Francesca , Lauretani Fulvio , Buttò Valeria , Bondi Giuliana , Cattabiani Chiara , Nouvenne Antonio , Meschi Tiziana , Dall'Aglio Elisabetta , Ceda Gian
Published: October 2013

The decline in functional capacity is a heterogeneous phenomenon in the elderly. An accelerated ageing determines a frail status. It results in an increased vulnerability to stressors for decreased physiological reserves. The early identification of a frail status is essential for preventing loss of functional capacity, and its clinical consequences. Frailty and mobility limitation result from an interplay of different pathways including multiple anabolic deficiency, inflammation, oxidative stress, and a poor nutritional status. However, the age-related decline in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) bioactivity deserves special attention as it could represent the ideal crossroad of endocrine, inflammatory, and nutritional pathways to frailty. Several minerals, namely magnesium, selenium, and zinc, appear to be important determinants of IGF-1 bioactivity. This review aims to provide an overview of the potential usefulness of nutrients modulating IGF-1 as potential therapeutic targets in the prevention of mobility limitation occurring in frail older subjects.
Eating and Obesity—The New World Disorder
Authors: Rigby Neville
Published: October 2013

Obesity is not a new phenomenon. Paleolithic artefacts, some almost 35,000 years old, depict obesity in its classical gynoid form, suggesting that early hunter-gathers were not entirely safeguarded by the assumed Stone Age diet [1]. Nevertheless it has been convincingly argued by Boyd Eaton and others that the 21st century epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including obesity, is attributable to mankind no longer enjoying the diet of our ancestors for which we remain genetically and metabolically programmed [2]. Even if our forebears seemed to revere obesity sufficiently to carve out stone “venuses”, it is still unclear if they were documenting a commonplace feature, although the frequency with which these venuses appear across thousands of years and even thousands of miles apart might suggest that obesity, in women at least, was not a complete rarity [3].
Benefit Transfer: A Review of Methodologies and Challenges
Authors: Boutwell James , Westra John
Published: October 2013

For policy makers, regulators and natural resource managers, the resources necessary for original empirical resource valuations are often unavailable. A common alternative to original valuation studies is the practice of benefit transfer—the use of an empirical value estimate or estimates from a previous study or studies for application in a similar context. In order to reduce the error inherent in applying values from one parcel of land to another, researchers commonly use meta-analysis, or the “study of studies”, to provide a more thorough and statistically valid value estimate for use in a benefit transfer. In the practice of benefit transfer, much emphasis has been placed on improving the validity of values for transfer, but fewer studies have focused on the appropriate application of the established estimates. In this article, several often disregarded concerns that should be addressed when practicing benefit transfer are identified. A special focus is placed on spatial considerations and the recent progress that has been made to incorporate spatial trends. Geographic information systems (GIS) are advocated as a useful tool for incorporating the spatial aspects of benefit transfer. Consensuses and trends in the literature are acknowledged, and areas of potential improvement are highlighted.
Multi Sensor Fusion Framework for Indoor-Outdoor Localization of Limited Resource Mobile Robots
Authors: Marín Leonardo , Vallés Marina , Soriano Ángel , Valera Ángel , Albertos Pedro
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a sensor fusion framework that improves the localization of mobile robots with limited computational resources. It employs an event based Kalman Filter to combine the measurements of a global sensor and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on an event based schedule, using fewer resources (execution time and bandwidth) but with similar performance when compared to the traditional methods. The event is defined to reflect the necessity of the global information, when the estimation error covariance exceeds a predefined limit. The proposed experimental platforms are based on the LEGO Mindstorm NXT, and consist of a differential wheel mobile robot navigating indoors with a zenithal camera as global sensor, and an Ackermann steering mobile robot navigating outdoors with a SBG Systems GPS accessed through an IGEP board that also serves as datalogger. The IMU in both robots is built using the NXT motor encoders along with one gyroscope, one compass and two accelerometers from Hitecnic, placed according to a particle based dynamic model of the robots. The tests performed reflect the correct performance and low execution time of the proposed framework. The robustness and stability is observed during a long walk test in both indoors and outdoors environments.
Remote Driven and Read MEMS Sensors for Harsh Environments
Authors: Knobloch Aaron , Ahmad Faisal , Sexton Dan , Vernooy David
Published: October 2013

The utilization of high accuracy sensors in harsh environments has been limited by the temperature constraints of the control electronics that must be co-located with the sensor. Several methods of remote interrogation for resonant sensors are presented in this paper which would allow these sensors to be extended to harsh environments. This work in particular demonstrates for the first time the ability to acoustically drive a silicon comb drive resonator into resonance and electromagnetically couple to the resonator to read its frequency. The performance of this system was studied as a function of standoff distance demonstrating the ability to excite and read the device from 22 cm when limited to drive powers of 30 mW. A feedback architecture was implemented that allowed the resonator to be driven into resonance from broadband noise and a standoff distance of 15 cm was demonstrated. It is emphasized that no junction-based electronic device was required to be co-located with the resonator, opening the door for the use of silicon-based, high accuracy MEMS devices in high temperature wireless applications.
Materials, Designs and Standards Used in Ski-Boots for Alpine Skiing
Authors: Colonna Martino , Nicotra Marco , Moncalero Matteo
Published: October 2013

This review article reports the recent advances in the study, design and production of ski-boots for alpine skiing. An overview of the different designs and the materials used in ski-boot construction is provided giving particular emphasis to the effect of these parameters on the final performances and on the prevention of injuries. The use of specific materials for ski-boots dedicated to different disciplines (race skiing, mogul skiing, ski-mountaineering etc.) has been correlated with the chemical and physical properties of the polymeric materials employed. A review of the scientific literature and the most interesting patents is also presented, correlating the results reported with the performances and industrial production of ski-boots. Suggestions for new studies and the use of advanced materials are also provided. A final section dedicated to the standards involved in ski-boot design completes this review article.
Cuzco ou la grande recherche des terres arables
Authors: Cadène Christophe
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT- Most traditional societies have described their capital as the centre of the universe. Beyond such a concept, an in-depth lexical analysis will reveal that the name given by the Incas to their political centre has much more complex and farther-reaching implications : it encompasses a difficult quest, organization, and clearing.
Histoire des micaretas
Authors: Gaudin Benoit
Published: October 2013

RESUMO- Durante os anos 90 o Brasil contrai a febre das micaretas. Esses carnavais temporões têm por origem a festa francesa do meio da Quaresma e a Serração da velha ibérica. Em 1914, Salvador celebra a sua primeira festa do meio da Quaresma como um segundo carnaval. Pouco a pouco a palavra micareta impóe-se e ela adquire o seu maior brilho em Feira de Santana (Bahia) que se torna célebre pelo sucesso do seu carnaval temporáo, já em 1937. Com os anos 50, a micareta associa-se ao trio-elétrico -veículo equipado com material eletro- acústico sobre o qual tocam os músicos. O seu êxito prejudica às vezes o Carnaval tradicional que não dispõe de tantos meios. A história da micareta permite também uma melhor compreensão das festas carnavalescas e da sua importância na cultura brasileira.
Le Mexique, lieu symbolique et fantasmatique dans le cinéma américain
Authors: Coudassot-Ramirez Sabine , Duhurt Quitterie
Published: October 2013

RÉSUMÉ- L'examen attentif des représentations que le cinéma américain (1929-1993) donne du Mexique tend à montrer la construction d'une image figée dans les stéréotypes. Comment expliquer cette prégnance d'un message unique qui ne se dément pas dans le temps ? A travers l'étude des conditions de production de ce cinéma, nous tenterons de comprendre les enjeux de cette représentation qui sollicite les fondements de l'identité et de la culture américaines dans son rapport avec son voisin hispanique, géographiquement le plus proche.
Structure of 1,5-benzodiazepinones in the solid state and in solution: Effect of the fluorination in the six-membered ring
Authors: Pérez-Torralba Marta , Claramunt Rosa M , Ángeles García M , López Concepción , Torralba M Carmen , Rosario Torres M , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: October 2013

Two novel tetrafluorinated 1,5-benzodiazepinones were synthesized and their X-ray structures determined. 6,7,8,9-Tetrafluoro-4-methyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/c space group and 6,7,8,9-tetrafluoro-1,4-dimethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one in the triclinic P−1 space group. Density functional theory studies at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level were carried out on these compounds and on four non-fluorinated derivatives, allowing to calculate geometries, tautomeric energies and ring-inversion barriers, that were compared with the experimental results obtained by static and dynamic NMR in solution and in solid state.
RETRACTED: HOW TO SOLVE THE MORAL DILEMMA OF HELPING A FALLEN OLD MAN: AN ECONOMIC POINT OF VIEW
Authors: Li Fengsen
Published: October 2013

Retracted: how to solve the moral dilemma of helping a fallen old man: an economic point of view.[Business, Management and Education 11(2):209-223, 2013]
RESEARCH ON THE INFLUENCE OF AN ACOUSTIC FIELD ON PARTICLE COHESION IN LIQUID / AKUSTINIO LAUKO ĮTAKA DALELIŲ SUKIBIMUI SKYSTYJE
Authors: Vilkišius Ramūnas , Styra Andrius , Vekteris Vladas
Published: October 2013

Iron is one of the most common natural elements. When iron concentration in water is more than 0,3 mg/l, it causes the formation of rust drain tag or changes the colour of the fabric during washing. Thus, the use of the acoustic field to improve water quality is a very relevant topic. Acoustic oscillations are currently widely used in various industrial sectors, including water treatment, metallurgy, chemical and food industry, equipment manufacturing and medicine. When materials are affected by acoustic fields, physical-chemical processes begin. Acoustic fields cause material dispersion, emulsification, coagulation and degassing (gas removal) as well as influence the crystallization and melting processes. Acoustic vibrations may also cause various chemical transformations such as oxidation, polymerization processes and depolymerisation. The utilization of acoustics to enhance water oxidation and precipitation of coarse impurities further extends the scope of the use of this physical method.

Santrauka

Lietuvos požeminiame vandenyje geležis yra svarbiausias komponentas, pažeidžiantis geriamojo vandens kokybės normatyvinius reikalavimus, todėl tiriamas akustinio lauko naudojimas šioms dalelėms sukibti skystyje. Šiuo metu garso virpesiai yra plačiai taikomi įvairiose pramonės šakose: metalurgijoje, chemijos ir maisto pramonėje, gaminant įrenginius ir medicinoje. Akustikos naudojimas oksidacijos procesui vandenyje sustiprinti, nusodinant stambiąsias priemaišas, dar labiau išplečia šio fizikinio metodo taikymo sritį.
RESEARCH INTO THE INFLUENCE OF THE ACOUSTIC FIELD ON THE EFFICIENCY OF REMOVING AEROSOLS / AKUSTINIO LAUKO ĮTAKOS AEROZOLIO ŠALINIMO EFEKTYVUMUI TYRIMAS
Authors: Stukaitė Laura , Tetsman Ina , Vekteris Vladas
Published: October 2013

The paper presents the methods for reducing harmful aerosols from galvanic baths polluting the environment under conditions when air flow helps in forming an acoustic field above the bath. The findings show that the level of air humidy is the lowest when aerosols are removed with the help of a side exhauster. Side effects on acoustic coagulation may occur. Aerosol coagulates when elevated above the liquid and returns to liquid not dispersed in the evironment. The article introduces active suckers in accordance to their form and effectiveness collecting pollutants. The dependence of humidity on temperature is analyzed under the impact of external factors such as sucking, blowing and sucking or blowing, sucking and an acoustic field. The paper also discusses data on the dependence of sound pressure and looks at the level of frequency distribution.

Santrauka

Atliktas kenksmingų garų (aerozolio), patenkančių į aplinką nuo galvaninių vonių, tyrimas, kai jiems šalinti naudojamas aktyvintasis šoninis siurbtuvas su oro srautu, kuris suformuoja akustinį lauką virš vonios. Parodyta, kad oro drėgnumas kinta nereikšmingai esant skysčio temperatūroms iki 85 ºC, kai kartu su siurbimu naudojami aeroakustiniai srautai, dėl kurių pasireiškia akustinė koaguliacija. Nustatyta, kad aerozoliui pakilus virš skysčio, vyksta koaguliacija, ir jis, nepasklidęs į aplinką, sugrįžta į skystį. Aptariami aktyvintieji šoniniai siurbtuvai pagal formą ir efektyvumą surenkant teršalus. Analizuojama drėgnumo priklausomybė nuo skysčio temperatūros, veikiant išoriniams veiksniams: siurbimui; siurbimui ir pūtimui; siurbimui, pūtimui ir akustiniam laukui. Atlikta sukuriamo akustinio lauko parametrų analizė: garso slėgio intensyvumo ir garso slėgio lygio pasiskirstymas dažnio srityje.