bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Yekaterinburg headache initiative: an interventional project, within the Global Campaign against Headache, to reduce the burden of headache in Russia
Authors: Lebedeva Elena R , Olesen Jes , Osipova Vera V , Volkova Larisa I , Tabeeva Guzyal R , Steiner Timothy J
Published: December 2013

Background

As major causes of global public ill-health and disability, headache disorders are paradoxically ignored in health policy and in planning, resourcing and implementing health services. This is true worldwide. Russia, where the prevalence of headache disorders and levels of attributed disability are well in excess of the global and European averages, is no exception, while arcane diagnoses and treatment preferences are an aggravating factor. Urgent remedial action, with political support, is called for.

Methods

Yekaterinburg, in Sverdlovsk Oblast, is the chosen centre for a demonstrational interventional project in Russia, undertaken within the Global Campaign against Headache. The initiative proposes three actions: 1) raise awareness of need for improvement; 2) design and implement a three-tier model (from primary care to a single highly specialized centre with academic affiliation) for efficient and equitable delivery of headache-related health care; 3) develop a range of educational initiatives aimed at primary-care physicians, non-specialist neurologists, pharmacists and the general public to support the second action.

Results and conclusion

We set these proposals in a context of a health-care needs assessment, and as a model for all Russia. We present and discuss early progress of the initiative, justify the investment of resources required for implementation and call for the political support that full implementation requires. The more that the Yekaterinburg headache initiative can achieve, the more likely it is that this support will be forthcoming.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress mediates house dust mite-induced airway epithelial apoptosis and fibrosis
Authors: Hoffman Sidra M , Tully Jane E , Nolin James D , Lahue Karolyn G , Goldman Dylan H , Daphtary Nirav , Aliyeva Minara , Irvin Charles G , Dixon Anne E , Poynter Matthew E , Anathy Vikas
Published: December 2013

Background

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response participates in many chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In the current study, we sought to examine the contribution of ER stress transducers in the pathogenesis of three principal facets of allergic asthma: inflammation, airway fibrosis, and airways hyperresponsiveness.

Methods

House Dust Mite (HDM) was used as an allergen for in vitro and in vivo challenge of primary human and murine airway epithelial cells. ER stress transducers were modulated using specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in vivo. Inflammation, airway remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness were measured by total bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts, determination of collagen, and methacholine responsiveness in mice, respectively.

Results

Challenge of human bronchiolar and nasal epithelial cells with HDM extract induced the ER stress transducer, activating transcription factor 6 α (ATF6α) as well as protein disulfide isomerase, ERp57, in association with activation of caspase-3. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of ATF6α and ERp57 during HDM administration in mice resulted in a decrease in components of HDM-induced ER stress, disulfide mediated oligomerization of Bak, and activation of caspase-3. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated knockdown of ATF6α and ERp57 led to decreased inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway fibrosis.

Conclusion

Collectively, our work indicates that HDM induces ER stress in airway epithelial cells and that ATF6α and ERp57 play a significant role in the development of cardinal features of allergic airways disease. Inhibition of ER stress responses may provide a potential therapeutic avenue in chronic asthma and sub-epithelial fibrosis associated with loss of lung function.
Reproductive mode and fine-scale population genetic structure of grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) in a viticultural area in California
Authors: Islam Md Sajedul , Roush Tamara L , Walker Michael Andrew , Granett Jeffrey , Lin Hong
Published: December 2013

Background

Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) is one of the world’s most important viticultural pests. However, the reproductive mode, genetic structure and host adaptation of phylloxera in various viticultural environments remains unclear. We examined reproductive mode and genetic structure of phylloxera by analyzing microsatellite makers across the samples from four vineyard-sites in California.

Result

The phylloxera populations in California are believed to have predominantly parthenogenetic reproduction. Therefore, genetic diversity of phylloxera is expected to be limited. However, this study showed relatively high levels of diversity in Napa and Yolo county populations with a large number of unique genotypes, average number of alleles (2.1 to 2.9) and observed heterozygosities (0.330 to 0.388) per vineyard-sites. Reproduction diversity index (G: N—unique genotypes versus number of samples) ranged from 0.500 to 0.656 among vineyard-sites. Both significant and non-significantPsex(probability of sexual reproduction) were observed among different repeated genotypes within each vineyard. Moreover, high variation ofFISwas observed among different loci in each vineyard-site. Genetic structure analysis (UPGMA) and various measures of population differentiations (FST, PCA, and gene flow estimates) consistently separated AXR#1 (Vitis viniferaxV. rupestris—widely planted in California during the 1960s and 1970s) associated populations from the populations associated with other different rootstocks.

Conclusion

Genetic diversity, G: N ratio,PsexandFISconsistently suggested the occurrence of both parthenogenetic and sexual reproduction in California populations. This study clearly identified two major groups of phylloxera obtained from various rootstocks, with one group exclusively associated with only AXR#1 rootstock, defined as “biotype B”, and another group associated with vinifera-based rootstocks, known as “biotype A”.
Release of extracellular ATP by bacteria during growth
Authors: Mempin Roberto , Tran Helen , Chen Connie , Gong Hao , Kim Ho Katharina , Lu Sangwei
Published: December 2013

Background

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is used as an intracellular energy source by all living organisms. It plays a central role in the respiration and metabolism, and is the most important energy supplier in many enzymatic reactions. Its critical role as the energy storage molecule makes it extremely valuable to all cells.

Results

We report here the detection of extracellular ATP in the cultures of a variety of bacterial species. The levels of the extracellular ATP in bacterial cultures peaked around the end of the log phase and decreased in the stationary phase of growth. Extracellular ATP levels were dependent on the cellular respiration as bacterial mutants lacking cytochrome bo oxidase displayed lower extracellular ATP levels. We have also shown that Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella actively depleted extracellular ATP and an ATP supplement in culture media enhanced the stationary survival of E. coli and Salmonella. In addition to E. coli and Salmonella the presence of the extracellular ATP was observed in a variety of bacterial species that contain human pathogens such as Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that extracellular ATP is produced by many bacterial species during growth and extracellular ATP may serve a role in the bacterial physiology.
Remission of severe aphthous stomatitis of celiac disease with etanercept
Authors: Hasan Adey , Patel Hiren , Saleh Hana , Youngberg George , Litchfield John , Krishnaswamy Guha
Published: December 2013

Celiac disease is a common autoimmune disease triggered by gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley and rye) in genetically predisposed individuals. We present a patient with celiac disease complicated by severe aphthous stomatitis resulting in impairing swallowing, chewing and speaking. This led to weight loss, psychosocial problems as well as inability to perform her work. A variety of topical and systemic medications used resulted in either no improvement or only partial alleviation of the patient’s symptoms. After informed consent, etanercept was initiated and resulted in complete remission of aphthous stomatitis, decrease in arthralgia and fatigue and considerable improvement in her quality of life. The use of newer biological agents for selected and severe manifestations of celiac disease may lead to improved morbidity in these patients, but more studies are needed to determine long-term efficacy as well as safety of these drugs in the mucosal and/or systemic complications of this disease.
Architecture of epigenetic reprogramming following Twist1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Malouf Gabriel G , Taube Joseph H , Lu Yue , Roysarkar Tapasree , Panjarian Shoghag , Estecio Marcos RH , Jelinek Jaroslav , Yamazaki Jumpei , Raynal Noel J-M , Long Hai , Tahara Tomomitsu , Tinnirello Agata , Ramachandran Priyanka , Zhang Xiu-Ying , Liang Shoudan , Mani Sendurai A , Issa Jean-Pierre J
Published: December 2013

Background

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to impart metastasis and stemness characteristics in breast cancer. To characterize the epigenetic reprogramming following Twist1-induced EMT, we characterized the epigenetic and transcriptome landscapes using whole-genome transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq, DNA methylation by digital restriction enzyme analysis of methylation (DREAM) and histone modifications by CHIP-seq of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in immortalized human mammary epithelial cells relative to cells induced to undergo EMT by Twist1.

Results

EMT is accompanied by focal hypermethylation and widespread global DNA hypomethylation, predominantly within transcriptionally repressed gene bodies. At the chromatin level, the number of gene promoters marked by H3K4me3 increases by more than one fifth; H3K27me3 undergoes dynamic genomic redistribution characterized by loss at half of gene promoters and overall reduction of peak size by almost half. This is paralleled by increased phosphorylation of EZH2 at serine 21. Among genes with highly altered mRNA expression, 23.1% switch between H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 marks, and those point to the master EMT targets and regulators CDH1, PDGFRα and ESRP1. Strikingly, Twist1 increases the number of bivalent genes by more than two fold. Inhibition of the H3K27 methyltransferases EZH2 and EZH1, which form part of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), blocks EMT and stemness properties.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the EMT program requires epigenetic remodeling by the Polycomb and Trithorax complexes leading to increased cellular plasticity. This suggests that inhibiting epigenetic remodeling and thus decrease plasticity will prevent EMT, and the associated breast cancer metastasis.
Determinants of Pain Severity Changes in Ambulatory Patients With Cancer: An Analysis From Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial E2Z02
Authors: Zhao Fengmin , Chang Victor T. , Cleeland Charles , Cleary James F. , Mitchell Edith P. , Wagner Lynne I. , Fisch Michael J.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To understand changes in pain severity over time and to explore the factors associated with pain changes in ambulatory patients with solid tumors.

Patients and Methods

We enrolled 3,106 patients with invasive cancer of the breast, prostate, colon/rectum, or lung from multiple sites. At baseline and 4 to 5 weeks later, patients rated their pain level on a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale. A 2-point change in pain score was defined as a clinically significant change in pain. Multivariable logistic models were fitted to examine the effects of pain management and demographic and clinical factors on change in pain severity.

Results

We analyzed 2,761 patients for changes in pain severity. At initial assessment, 53.0% had no pain, 23.5% had mild pain, 10.3% had moderate pain, and 13.2% had severe pain. Overall, one third of patients with initial pain had pain reduction within 1 month of follow-up, and one fifth had an increase, and the improvement and worsening of pain varied by baseline pain score. Of the patients without pain at initial assessment, 28.4% had pain (8.9% moderate to severe) at the follow-up assessment. Logistic regression analysis showed that inadequate pain management was significantly associated with pain deterioration, as were lower baseline pain level, younger age, and poor health status.

Conclusion

One third of patients have pain improvement and one fifth experience pain deterioration within 1 month after initial assessment. Inadequate pain management, baseline pain severity, and certain patient demographic and disease characteristics are associated with pain deterioration.
Dynamic Implications of Subjective Expectations: Evidence from Adult Smokers
Authors: Wang Yang
Published: December 2013

We set up a dynamic discrete choice model with subjective expectations data to explain adult smokers’ smoking decisions. We find important differences between subjective survival probabilities and those estimated using observed mortality data. Subjectively, individuals attach less weight to their health conditions and smoking choices and more weight to such factors as age, race, and parents’ longevity. Moreover, adult smokers are found to care more about their health and to be more forward-looking than predicted by a rational expectations framework. We further show the importance of unobserved heterogeneity in agents’ subjective survival probabilities, and discuss policy implications of subjective expectations. (JEL D12, D84, I12)
Small Steps for Workers, a Giant Leap for Productivity
Authors: Hendel Igal , Spiegel Yossi
Published: December 2013

We document the evolution of productivity in a steel mini mill with fixed capital, producing an unchanged product with Leontief technology working 24/7. Despite—almost—unchanged production conditions, output doubled within the sample period (12 years). We decompose the gains into downtime reductions, more rounds of production per time, and more output per run. After attributing productivity gains to investment and an incentive plan, we are left with a large unexplained component. Learning by experimentation, or tweaking, seems to be behind the continual and gradual process of productivity growth. The findings suggest that capacity is not well defined, even in batch-oriented manufacturing. (JEL D24, D83, G31, J24, L23, L61)
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation induced hypomanic symptoms in a woman with a history of electroconvulsive therapy induced mania: a case report
Authors: Philip Noah S. , Carpenter S. Louisa
Published: December 2013

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a comparatively novel option for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric illnesses. Previous research has shown rTMS to be safe and without significant side effects compared to pharmacologic options. However, rare cases of rTMS-induced mania have been reported. This case report describes such an affective switch in a 52 year old female veteran with treatment-resistant MDD and a history of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)-induced mania. Six treatments of rTMS were administered at 5 Hz for a total of 3000 pulses per day, when the patient began to display multiple hypomanic symptoms. These symptoms decreased after the termination of treatment and abated within a couple of days. In conclusion, caution should be used when administering rTMS to patients with a history of ECT-induced mania.
Plasma fetuin-A levels are reduced in patients with hypothyroidism
Authors: Bakiner Okan , Bozkirli Emre , Ertugrul Derun , Sezgin Nurzen , Ertorer Eda
Published: December 2013

Objective

To determine plasma fetuin-A levels in hypothyroid patients before and after treatment withl-thyroxine (T4) and to determine the relation between plasma fetuin-A levels with cardiovascular risk factors.

Design

A prospective, controlled, single-blind study.

Methods

Forty-four treatment-naive female patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism and 39 age- and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, plasma TSH, fetuin-A, free T4, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen levels, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation were measured. All measurements were repeated after 3 months in the control group and 3 months after the attainment of euthyroidism withl-T4replacement in the hypothyroid group.

Baseline data were compared between the two groups. Posttreatment plasma fetuin-A levels of hypothyroid patients were compared with baseline levels of both groups. The relationship between plasma fetuin-A, TSH levels, and other cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated.

Results

Plasma fetuin-A levels were ∼20% lower in hypothyroid female patients compared with the controls (P=0.0001). Fetuin-A levels increased by ∼20% in hypothyroid patients after achievement of euthyroidism (P=0.0001) and were no longer different compared with controls (P=0.38). There was a negative correlation between plasma TSH and fetuin-A levels (r=−0.79;P=0.001). There was no significant correlation between plasma fetuin-A levels and cardiovascular risk factors within or between groups. The fetuin-A levels were normalized with thyroid hormone treatment.

Conclusion

Plasma fetuin-A levels are reduced in female patients with hypothyroidism, which are restored to normal during restoration of euthyroidism. There was no relation with cardiovascular risk factors.
Large-Scale Quality Analysis of Published ChIP-seq Data
Authors: Marinov Georgi K , Kundaje Anshul , Park Peter J , Wold Barbara J
Published: December 2013

ChIP-seq has become the primary method for identifying in vivo protein–DNA interactions on a genome-wide scale, with nearly 800 publications involving the technique appearing in PubMed as of December 2012. Individually and in aggregate, these data are an important and information-rich resource. However, uncertainties about data quality confound their use by the wider research community. Recently, the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project developed and applied metrics to objectively measure ChIP-seq data quality. The ENCODE quality analysis was useful for flagging datasets for closer inspection, eliminating or replacing poor data, and for driving changes in experimental pipelines. There had been no similarly systematic quality analysis of the large and disparate body of published ChIP-seq profiles. Here, we report a uniform analysis of vertebrate transcription factor ChIP-seq datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository as of April 1, 2012. The majority (55%) of datasets scored as being highly successful, but a substantial minority (20%) were of apparently poor quality, and another ∼25% were of intermediate quality. We discuss how different uses of ChIP-seq data are affected by specific aspects of data quality, and we highlight exceptional instances for which the metric values should not be taken at face value. Unexpectedly, we discovered that a significant subset of control datasets (i.e., no immunoprecipitation and mock immunoprecipitation samples) display an enrichment structure similar to successful ChIP-seq data. This can, in turn, affect peak calling and data interpretation. Published datasets identified here as high-quality comprise a large group that users can draw on for large-scale integrated analysis. In the future, ChIP-seq quality assessment similar to that used here could guide experimentalists at early stages in a study, provide useful input in the publication process, and be used to stratify ChIP-seq data for different community-wide uses.
Genomic Characterization of the Mouse Ribosomal DNA Locus
Authors: Zentner Gabriel E , Balow Stephanie A , Scacheri Peter C
Published: December 2013

The transcription of rRNA is critical to all living cells and is tightly controlled at the level of chromatin structure. Although the widespread adoption of genomic technologies including chromatin immunoprecipitation with massively parallel short-read sequencing (ChIP-seq) has allowed for the interrogation of chromatin structure on a genome-wide scale, until recently rDNA has not been analyzed by this technique. We extended genomic analysis of rDNA to mouse (Mus musculus), in which rDNA is similar in structure but highly divergent in sequence compared with human rDNA. Comparison of rDNA histone marks between mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and more differentiated mouse cell types revealed differences between pluripotent and differentiated states. We also observed substantial divergence in rDNA histone modification patterns between mESCs and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Surprisingly, we found that the pluripotency factor OCT4 was bound to rDNA in similar patterns in mESCs and hESCs. Extending this analysis, we found that an additional 17 pluripotency-associated factors were bound to rDNA in mESCs, suggesting novel modes of rDNA regulation in pluripotent cells. Taken together, our results provide a detailed view of rDNA chromatin structure in an important model system and enable high-resolution comparison of rDNA regulation between mouse and human.
Effect of angle of repose of aggregates on asphalt indirect tensile strength value
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Das Animesh , Chakroborty Partha
Published: December 2013

Aggregates are the major constituent of asphalt mix and the properties of the aggregates significantly affect the response of the asphalt mix. In the present study, the effect of angle of repose on the strength of asphalt mix was investigated using indirect tensile strength as a measure of the strength of the asphalt mix. Statistical relationships have been proposed between the overall angle of repose of the aggregates to the indirect tensile strength of the mix. As the measurement of angle of repose is a simple and quick test, it can be used as an indicator of the mix strength. This may be helpful in the preliminary mix design stage for selecting some mixes for further study, out of a large number of aggregate mix combinations that may be possible.
Values and Learning Styles of Postgraduate Public Health Students in Mexico
Authors: Palacios-Hernández Bruma , Idrovo Alvaro J. , Magaña-Valladares Laura
Published: December 2013

This study identifies learning values and styles of students at the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico (2009–2011). The values described by Allport-Vernon-Lindser and the Learning Style Inventory were used to classify the students. Assimilating learning was identified as more frequent among students, without differences noted in either type of program. As regards values, the theoretical value was well above other values in research-oriented programs, while students of programs focusing on professional development mainly expressed a social value. A significant difference in the social value of accepted and rejected students was found, with the highest levels in the first group. The assimilator learning style was frequent among public health students. The most significant values in each type of program are consistent with the educational areas of focus and the type of work to be developed after graduating from the courses.
A Case Report on Escitalopram-Induced Hyperglycaemia in a Diabetic Patient
Authors: Zuccoli M. L. , Brasesco P. C. , Milano G. , Martelli A. , Leone S. , Mattioli F. , Fucile C.
Published: December 2013

The incidence of depression in diabetic patients is quite high; moreover, it has been suggested that the presence of depression itself may increase the risk of diabetes mellitus. Hence, it follows that the simultaneous use of antidiabetic and antidepressant drugs is common. Some clinical evidence indicates that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) could be very useful in treating overweight patients, both with and without diabetes. However, recent deregulation of glucidic metabolism was tested in diabetic subjects treated with antidepressants. Several cases of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia associated with other SSRIs have been published, whereas only one case of escitalopram inducing hyperglycaemia has been noted. The exact mechanism of glucose control impairment in patients taking SSRIs—escitalopram in particular—still remains unclear. We describe a diabetic 83-year-old woman with good glycaemic control (as evinced by glycaemic and glycosylated haemoglobin assay—HbA1c—values) before escitalopram initiation in response to therapy with glibenclamide. Escitalopram resulted in a significantly increased glycaemia values 5 days following administration. Glycaemia values returned to normality only after suspension of escitalopram, despite antidiabetic dosage increase. We report this case to draw attention to escitalopram as a possible cause of glycaemic control loss.
Earthworm: A Natural Ecofriendly Organism for Recycling of Organic Residues and Improvement of Soil Health by Vermicompost
Authors: Ambasta Sanjeev Kumar , Kumari Seema
Published: December 2013

Vermicompost of agriculture waste is an important method in which organic waste such as leaves or stalks of agricultural field is converted into useful compost by means of worms is useful to the environment. Earthworm and microbes acts together and breaks down the complex organic matter of agricultural field and resulting material is rich in nutrients and oxygen. Composting is becoming an effective way to increase organic matter of soil. In addition to increasing organic matter of soil compost also increases soil microbial population (Pera et al., 1983; Perucci, 1990), which leads to the improvement of soil quality. The entire residues after crop is harvested must go back to the soil to replenish the lost nutrient, so vermicompost is considered as excellent way to recycling nutrient in the ecosystem. Soil organic carbon enhancement through crop residues recycling by means of vermicomposting along with fertilizers and integrated nutrient management (INM) are major option to improves soil health and crop productivity. The major objective to vermicomposting is that more ground water recharge and lesser depletion of water table as well as reduces soil salinity and less pollution by agrochemicals.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9130 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 171-175
Effect of Microbial (Jeevatu) Treatment on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production
Authors: Adhikari Suraj Raj , Paudel Khadga Bhakta , Pokhrel Kusum , Paudel Amrita
Published: December 2013

JeevatuTM is a consortium of beneficial natural microbes, available in liquid form. The yield of rice was observed vigorously high in Jeevatu based rice cultivated plant. The seed production in per spikelet is 237.1±44.92 in Jeevatu based and 179.4±25.26 in chemical based rice plant.  In case of vegetative growth, 173.1±6.34 cm and 140.9±11.11 cm in Jeevatu based rice plant and chemical based methods respectively. Similarly the length of stalk of spikelet is 27±1.63cm and 22.1±2.23 cm was observed in Jeevatu based and chemical based respectively. The number of stalk in lumps is 16.2±1.75 and 12.2±2.20 in Jeevatu and chemical based paddy plant respectively under the same environment and physical factors.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9134 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 184-188
Synthesis, Characterization and Biocidal Evaluation of Azole-Based Ligandsmetal Complexes
Authors: Olagboye S. A. , Hassan G. F.
Published: December 2013

Different metal complexes of the azole-based ligands have been synthesized and characterized based on the solubility, percentage yield, melting points and conductivity a well as the antimicrobial evaluations on the selected fungi species of plant pathogens. The studies revealed that solid metal complexes were soluble in 80% water and 20% (DMSO) dimethylsulphuroxide and the percentage yields were of appreciable high while the conductivity results showed that metal complexes were non-electrolytes. The solid complexes were also screened against the fungi species: Rhizoctonia solani,Pythium aphaindermatum,Rhizoctonia cerealis,Sclerotium rofisil ,Phyphotoria palmivora (causative agent of black pod diseases) and Benlate a commercial anti fungi agent (as control).The  results of the present studies confirmed that metal complexes had good inhibitory actions on the growth of the fungi species and metal complexes appeared to be more proactive on the tested organisms than the free ligands.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9176 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 258-265
Bioaerosols from a Food Waste Composting Plant Affect Human Airway Epithelial Cell Remodeling Genes
Authors: Chang Ming-Wei , Lee Chung-Ru , Hung Hsueh-Fen , Teng Kuo-Sheng , Huang Hsin , Chuang Chun-Yu
Published: December 2013

The composting procedure in food waste plants generates airborne bioaerosols that have the potential to damage human airway epithelial cells. Persistent inflammation and repair responses induce airway remodeling and damage to the respiratory system. This study elucidated the expression changes of airway remodeling genes in human lung mucoepidermoid NCI-H292 cells exposed to bioaerosols from a composting plant. Different types of microorganisms were detectable in the composting plant, using the agar culture method. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the level of Aspergillus fumigatus and the profile of remodeling genes. The real-time PCR results indicated that the amount of A. fumigatus in the composting hall was less than 102 conidia. The endotoxins in the field bioaerosols were determined using a limulus amebocyte lysate test. The endotoxin levels depended on the type of particulate matter (PM), with coarse particles (2.5–10 μm) having higher endotoxin levels than did fine particles (0.5–2.5 μm). After exposure to the conditioned medium of field bioaerosol samples, NCI-H292 cells showed increased pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 release and activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21WAF1/CIP1) gene expression, but not of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9. Airborne endotoxin levels were higher inside the composting hall than they were in other areas, and they were associated with PM. This suggested that airborne bioaerosols in the composting plant contained endotoxins and microorganisms besides A. fumigatus that cause the inflammatory cytokine secretion and augment the expression of remodeling genes in NCI-H292 cells. It is thus necessary to monitor potentially hazardous materials from bioaerosols in food composting plants, which could affect the health of workers.
Utilizing GIS to Examine the Relationship Between State Renewable Portfolio Standards and the Adoption of Renewable Energy Technologies
Authors: Schelly Chelsea , Price Jessica
Published: December 2013

In the United States, there is no comprehensive energy policy at the federal level. To address issues as diverse as climate change, energy security, and economic development, individual states have increasingly implemented Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPSs), which mandate that utility providers include a specified amount of electricity from renewable energy sources in their total energy portfolios. Some states have included incentives for individual energy technologies in their RPS, such as solar electric (also called photovoltaic or PV technology). Here, we use GIS to visualize adoption of RPSs and electricity generation from renewable energy sources in the US and examine changes in renewable electricity and solar electric generation over time with the goal of informing future policies aimed at promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Gliotoxin Isolated from Marine Fungus Aspergillus sp. Induces Apoptosis of Human Cervical Cancer and Chondrosarcoma Cells
Authors: Nguyen Van-Tinh , Lee Jung , Qian Zhong-Ji , Li Yong-Xin , Kim Kil-Nam , Heo Soo-Jin , Jeon You-Jin , Park Won , Choi Il-Whan , Je Jae-Young , Jung Won-Kyo
Published: December 2013

Gliotoxin, a secondary metabolite produced by marine fungus Aspergillus sp., possesses various biological activities including anticancer activity. However, the mechanism underlying gliotoxin-induced cytotoxicity on human cervical cancer (Hela) and human chondrosarcoma (SW1353) cells remains unclear. In this study, we focused on the effect of gliotoxin induction on apoptosis, the activating expressions of caspase family enzymes in the cells. Apoptotic cell levels were measured through DAPI and Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) double staining analysis. The apoptotic protein expression of Bcl-2 and caspase family was detected by Western blot in Hela and SW1353 cells. Our results showed that gliotoxin treatment inhibited cell proliferation and induced significant morphological changes. Gliotoxin induced apoptosis was further confirmed by DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation and disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential. Gliotoxin-induced activation of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9, down-regulation of Bcl-2, up-regulation of Bax and cytochromec (cyt c) release showed evidence for the gliotoxin activity on apoptosis. These findings suggest that gliotoxin isolated from marine fungus Aspergillus sp. induced apoptosis in Hela and SW1353 cells via the mitochondrial pathway followed by downstream events leading to apoptotic mode of cell death.
A Comparative Study on the Metabolism of Epimedium koreanum Nakai-Prenylated Flavonoids in Rats by an Intestinal Enzyme (Lactase Phlorizin Hydrolase) and Intestinal Flora
Authors: Zhou Jing , Chen Yan , Wang Ying , Gao Xia , Qu Ding , Liu Congyan
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the significance of the intestinal hydrolysis of prenylated flavonoids in Herba Epimedii by an intestinal enzyme and flora. Flavonoids were incubated at 37 °C with rat intestinal enzyme and intestinal flora. HPLC-UV was used to calculate the metabolic rates of the parent drug in the incubation and LC/MS/MS was used to determine the chemical structures of metabolites generated by different flavonoid glycosides. Rates of flavonoid metabolism by rat intestinal enzyme were quicker than those of intestinal flora. The sequence of intestinal flora metabolic rates was icariin > epimedin B > epimedin A > epimedin C > baohuoside I, whereas the order of intestinal enzyme metabolic rates was icariin > epimedin A > epimedin C > epimedin B > baohuoside I. Meanwhile, the LC/MS/MS graphs showed that icariin produced three products, epimedin A/B/C had four and baohuoside I yielded one product in incubations of both intestinal enzyme and flora, which were more than the results of HPLC-UV due to the fact LC/MS/MS has lower detectability and higher sensitivity. Moreover, the outcomes indicated that the rate of metabolization of flavonoids by intestinal enzyme were faster than those of intestinal flora, which was consistent with the HPLC-UV results. In conclusion, the metabolic pathways of the same components by intestinal flora and enzyme were the same. What’s more, an intestinal enzyme such as lactase phlorizin hydrolase exhibited a more significant metabolic role in prenylated flavonoids of Herba Epimedi compared with intestinal flora.
Silicon Nanowire‐Based Devices for Gas-Phase Sensing
Authors: Cao Anping , Sudhölter Ernst , De Smet Louis
Published: December 2013

Since their introduction in 2001, SiNW-based sensor devices have attracted considerable interest as a general platform for ultra-sensitive, electrical detection of biological and chemical species. Most studies focus on detecting, sensing and monitoring analytes in aqueous solution, but the number of studies on sensing gases and vapors using SiNW-based devices is increasing. This review gives an overview of selected research papers related to the application of electrical SiNW-based devices in the gas phase that have been reported over the past 10 years. Special attention is given to surface modification strategies and the sensing principles involved. In addition, future steps and technological challenges in this field are addressed.
Durum Wheat (Triticum Durum Desf.) Lines Show Different Abilities to Form Masked Mycotoxins under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Cirlini Martina , Generotti Silvia , Dall'Erta Andrea , Lancioni Pietro , Ferrazzano Gianluca , Massi Andrea , Galaverna Gianni , Dall'Asta Chiara
Published: December 2013

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most prevalent trichothecene in Europe and its occurrence is associated with infections of Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum, causal agents of Fusarium head blight (FHB) on wheat. Resistance to FHB is a complex character and high variability occurs in the relationship between DON content and FHB incidence. DON conjugation to glucose (DON-3-glucoside, D3G) is the primary plant mechanism for resistance towards DON accumulation. Although this mechanism has been already described in bread wheat and barley, no data are reported so far about durum wheat, a key cereal in the pasta production chain. To address this issue, the ability of durum wheat to detoxify and convert deoxynivalenol into D3G was studied under greenhouse controlled conditions. Four durum wheat varieties (Svevo, Claudio, Kofa and Neodur) were assessed for DON-D3G conversion; Sumai 3, a bread wheat variety carrying a major QTL for FHB resistance (QFhs.ndsu-3B), was used as a positive control. Data reported hereby clearly demonstrate the ability of durum wheat to convert deoxynivalenol into its conjugated form, D3G.
SOLVING THE PROBLEMS OF DAYLIGHTING AND TRADITION CONTINUITY IN A RECONSTRUCTED VERNACULAR BUILDING
Authors: Šiožinytė Eglė , Antuchevičienė Jurgita
Published: December 2013

Seeking for saving traditional forms, sizes, proportions and other features of vernacular architecture and satisfying norms for a contemporary building sometimes is not an easy task. The presented case study about indoor daylighting in Lithuanian vernacular architecture shows the existing problem. The authors of the article suggest possible variants of how to improve daylighting in vernacular buildings. The aim of the conducted research is to propose a rational solution to the problem using multiple criteria assessment. Alternative variants can be characterized by a number of quantitative and qualitative criteria. Thus, for ranking alternatives and achieving the most rational solution, the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate the relative importance of criteria as well as the application of Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods are put forward. The case study presents possible alternatives for improving daylighting in the reconstructed building and simultaneously analyses the process of saving the features of vernacular architecture applying the AHP for weighting criteria and Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS), Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) for ranking alternative solutions. It is estimated that the utility degree of the best ranked alternative exceeds the further ranked alternatives from 29 to 49 percent.
AN IMPROVED FINITE ELEMENT APPROXIMATION AND SUPERCONVERGENCE FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL PROBLEMS
Authors: Tang Yuelong
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we consider an improved finite element approximation for temperature control problems, where the state and the adjoint state are discretized by piecewise linear functions while the control is not discretized directly. The numerical solution of the control is obtained by a projection of the adjoint state to the set of admissible controls. We derive a priori error estimates and superconvergence of second-order. Moreover, we present some numerical examples to illustrate our theoretical results.
TRANSACTION COSTS INFLUENCE ON THE STABILITY OF FINANCIAL MARKET: AGENT-BASED SIMULATION
Authors: Šperka Roman , Spišák Marek
Published: December 2013

We implement an agent-based simulation of financial market model. Agent-based simulations are used nowadays as an alternative to the traditional models, based on predetermined equilibrium state theory. Agent technology brings some kind of local intelligence and rational expectations to the decision support system of financial market participants. Agents follow technical and fundamental trading rules to determine their speculative investment positions. We consider direct interactions between speculators and they may decide to change their trading behaviour. If a technical trader meets a fundamental trader and they realize that fundamental trading has been more profitable than technical trading in recent past, the probability that the technical trader switches to the fundamental trading rules is relatively high. In particular the influence of transaction costs is studied in this paper. Transaction costs can be increased by the off-market regulation (for example in the form of taxes) on financial market stability, by overall volume of trade and other market characteristics. The paper shows a positive impact of suitable transaction costs on the financial market stability in the long run.
TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY AND CONVERGENCE: EVIDENCE FROM OLD AND NEW EU MEMBER COUNTRIES’ BANKING SECTORS
Authors: Kasman Adnan , Kasman Saadet , Ayhan Duygu , Torun Erdost
Published: December 2013

This paper examines whether there has been convergence of total factor productivity levels across twenty-two EU member and three candidate countries following the process of legislative harmonization. The results indicate evidence of β-convergence and σ-convergence in productivity across sampled countries. The results further indicate that all sampled banking sectors seem to have experienced a significant productivity growth over the sample period. The productivity growth levels range from 3.1% to 15.6% and 6.8% to 19.5% in the old member and new member states, respectively. The geometric means considering all banking firms in the new member and candidate countries together reveal that banking sectors in these countries were more productive than those of in the old EU member countries. Overall, the evidence indicates that promoting merger and acquisition activities in the banking system (and hence supporting market driven consolidation of smaller banks) and enhancing the presence of foreign banks could increase competition and productivity in these banking systems.
AN INVESTOR'S PERSPECTIVE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON MARKET BEHAVIOR
Authors: Wang Yi-Hsien , Yang Fu-Ju , Chen Li-Je
Published: December 2013

Recently, increasing number of infectious diseases has swept the world. The outbreak of a contagious disease not only affects the health and lives of people but also causes economic growth to stagnate. Business in the biotechnology industry is closely related to infectious diseases but what exactly is the information value of the outbreak of infectious disease on biotechnology? This study investigates how such outbreaks can affect the performance of biotechnology stocks. In the past 10 years, major statutory infectious diseases in Taiwan have included ENTEROVIRUS 71, DENGUE FEVER, SARS and H1N1. The empirical results indicate that there is a significant abnormal return on company shares in Taiwan's biotechnology industry because of statutory infectious epidemics. The relationship between the financial ratios of biotechnology companies and abnormal returns was analyzed as part of this research. The results show that the influence on R&D ratios, current ratios and assets are significant. Empirical findings reveal that the investors rationally measure operating conditions of the biotechnology companies during outbreaks of major infectious disease and adjust portfolio allocation accordingly.
THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CORPORATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE
Authors: Kearney Claudine , Hisrich Robert D. , Antoncic Bostjan
Published: December 2013

A model is proposed that tests the antecedents and the mediating effect of corporate entrepreneurship on the external environment-performance relationship within private and public sector organizations. Hypotheses were tested using data from a sample of chief executive officers in 51 private sector organizations in the United States, 141 private sector organizations in Slovenia and 134 public sector state and semi-state enterprises in Ireland. Data was analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. The results show that dynamism and munificence effects on performance are mediated by an organization's corporate entrepreneurship in the private sector and munificence effects on performance are mediated by an organization's renewal in the public sector and that renewal must be in place to maximize the effect of munificence on performance. The results support a model that incorporates an extensive and diverse literature into a single model and helps illuminate similarities and differences of corporate entrepreneurship between the private sector and the public sector. The study shows that an integrative model and the interplay among the constructs yields new insights unavailable to single and focused approaches. It offers new insights about corporate entrepreneurship, not only as a discrete pursuit, but also as a construct that shapes and extends organizational performance.
FEATURES OF THE USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES FOR AGRICULTURE APPLICATIONS
Authors: Urbahs Aleksandrs , Jonaite Ieva
Published: December 2013

Micro-UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) with a total weight below 5 kg are interesting alternative carriers for agricultural applications. Compared to standard airborne aerial surveys, UAVs are much more flexible and weather independent. As a result, micro-UAV surveys will pave the way for affordable, current and accurate geo-information. This article deals with the general conditions and challenges for unmanned aerial vehicles that can be used for agricultural land monitoring. The article includes an overview of the structural characteristics and parameters of a UAV that has been developed for environmental monitoring by the Institute of Transport Vehicle Technology of Riga Technical University, and a detailed review about surveying fields with UAV systems is carried out.
A HYBRID DYNAMIC MADM MODEL FOR PROBLEM-IMPROVEMENT IN ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
Authors: Peng Kua-Hsin , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung
Published: December 2013

A typical multiple attribute decision making (MADM) model is a scientific analytical model for evaluating and improving a set of alternatives based on multiple criteria. However, this study identified some important new concepts and limitations/defects of traditional MADM for solving the real-world problems. First, the traditional MADM model assumes that criteria considered are independent and hierarchical in structure; however, the real-world problems often involve interdependent criteria, and thus interdependent models are required. Second, relatively good solutions from existing alternatives are replaced by the aspiration levels. Third, the trend has shifted from how to “rank” or “select” the most preferable alternatives, to how to “improve” their performances. Fourth, information fusion/aggregation, such as fuzzy integrals, basically, a non-additive/super-additive model, has been developed for performance aggregation. Therefore, to overcome the defects of the conventional MADM method and solve complex and dynamic real world problems, a Hybrid Dynamic Multiple Criteria Decision Making (HDMADM) method is needed. Finally, this study presented real cases to demonstrate the effectiveness of the HDMADM method for overcoming the defects of the conventional MADM method.