IT for Innovative Educational Environments: Exploring, Authoring and Programming

The paper presents a novel approach based on using a single educational environment to achieve various methods for supporting educational activities – exploring prebuilt learning modules, using authoring tools to create educational modules and programming activities. This approach builds a solid foundation for subject-neutral and multidisciplinary applications and utilized modern IT techniques like virtual reality, interactivity and explorativity

A Parsimonious Generalised Height-Diameter Model for Scots Pine Plantations in Bulgaria: a Pragmatic Approach

Considering the state-of-the-art of forest inventory in Bulgaria, our investigation pursued development of a parsimonious generalised height-diameter model for the Scots pine plantations in the country. A number of 2-, 3- and 4-predictor candidate models were examined and compared based on their goodness-of-fit statistics. Data records obtained in variable-sized sample plots, established throughout the distribution range of the plantations and covering the variety of sites, densities and growth stages were used to fit the models. Two hundred twenty-four plot-level measurements and 3056 tree height-diameter pairs were utilised for parameterization. An independent data set of tree-level measurements and two sets of dominant height-diameter pairs, estimated for differently defined top height tree collectives, were used for model validation. Statistical analyses were carried out using packages nlstools, moments, equivalence, car, nlme, stats and the results were illustrated with ggplot2 and graphics packages of R software environment. A modified form of Gaffrey’s model was selected, which estimates the height of a tree through the breast-height tree diameter, mean stand height and diameter, and accounts for the tree social status. It was fitted by generalised non-linear least squares method, with residual variance weighted by a product of tree diameter and mean stand height exponential functions. An adjusted coefficient of determination of 0.917 and residual standard error of 0.794 m indicated the high predictive potential of the derived model. Validation tests showed that the estimated regression line is very well fitted to the independent data and is appropriate to forecast dominant stand heights. The range of errors, relative to the predicted dominant height values, was narrow, ±25-30%, with low magnitude of the average of their absolute values (4-5%). The equivalence tests rejected the null hypothesis of dissimilarity regarding model bias (observations-predictions line intercept) for all validation data sets, for a region of equivalence as narrow as ±5%. The 3-predictor generalised height-diameter model developed in our study needs information readily available from the inventories and therefore can be broadly used. Its application in dominant stand height prediction is recommended

Biodesulphurized subbituminous coal by different fungi and bacteria studied by reductive pyrolysis. Part 1: Initial coal

One of the perspective methods for clean solid fuels production is biodesulphurization. In order to increase the effect of this approach it is necessary to apply the advantages of more informative analytical techniques. Atmospheric pressure temperature programming reduction (AP-TPR) coupled with different detection systems gave us ground to attain more satisfactory explanation of the effects of biodesulphurization on the treated solid products. Subbituminous high sulphur coal from ‘‘Pirin” basin (Bulgaria) was selected as a high sulphur containing sample. Different types of microorganisms were chosen and maximal desulphurization of 26% was registered. Biodesulphurization treatments were performed with three types of fungi: ‘‘Trametes Versicolor” – ATCC No. 200801, ‘‘Phanerochaeta Chrysosporium” – ME446, Pleurotus Sajor-Caju and one Mixed Culture of bacteria – ATCC No. 39327. A high degree of inorganic sulphur removal (79%) with Mixed Culture of bacteria and consecutive reduction by 13% for organic sulphur (Sorg) decrease with ‘‘Phanerochaeta Chrysosporium” and ‘‘Trametes Versicolor” were achieved. To follow the Sorg changes a set of different detection systems i.e. AP-TPR coupled ‘‘on-line” with mass spectrometry (AP-TPR/MS), on-line with potentiometry (AP-TPR/pot) and by the ‘‘off-line” AP-TPR/GC/MS analysis was used. The need of applying different atmospheres in pyrolysis experiments was proved and their effects were discussed. In order to reach more precise total sulphur balance, oxygen bomb combustion followed by ion chromatography was used

A Giant Hand Lipoma As a Rare Cause of Secondary Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - a Case Report

Introduction: Lipomas are a rare cause of compressive neuropathy and they lead to atypical clinical presentation that can mimic carpal tunnel syndrome. Case presentation: The authors describe a rare presentation of a carpal tunnel syndrome recurrence after a hand giant lipoma, presenting with rapidly compression neuropathy of the median nerve, 6 months after de primary surgery. Discussion: Lipomas are common benign soft tumours. Their occurrence in the hand remains rare and they rarely cause secondary entrapment neuropathies. Carpal tunnel syndrome is mostly idiopathic and bilateral. Local factors should be suspected when these neuropathies present with atypical symptomatology or even when they recur after primary conventional surgical release. Investigation should consider images studies as this correct preoperative assessment leads to successful diagnosis and treatment.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Multiple System Atrophy: Immunomodulation and Neuroprotection

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are currently strong candidates for cell-based therapies. They are well known for their differentiation potential and immunoregulatory properties and have been proven to be potentially effective in the treatment of a large variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Currently there is no treatment that provides consistent long-term benefits for patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a fatal late onset α-synucleinopathy. Principally neuroprotective or regenerative strategies, including cell-based therapies, represent a powerful approach for treating MSA. In this study we investigated the efficacy of intravenously applied MSCs in terms of behavioural improvement, neuroprotection and modulation of neuroinflammation in the (PLP)-αsynuclein (αSYN) MSA model.MSCs were intravenously applied in aged (PLP)-αSYN transgenic mice. Behavioural analyses, defining fine motor coordination and balance capabilities as well as stride length analysis, were performed to measure behavioural outcome. Neuroprotection was assessed by quantifying TH neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). MSC treatment on neuroinflammation was analysed by cytokine measurements (IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, GM-CSF, INFγ, MCP-1, TGF-β1, TNF-α) in brain lysates together with immunohistochemistry for T-cells and microglia. Four weeks post MSC treatment we observed neuroprotection in the SNc, as well as downregulation of cytokines involved in neuroinflammation. However, there was no behavioural improvement after MSC application.To our knowledge this is the first experimental approach of MSC treatment in a transgenic MSA mouse model. Our data suggest that intravenously infused MSCs have a potent effect on immunomodulation and neuroprotection. Our data warrant further studies to elucidate the efficacy of systemically administered MSCs in transgenic MSA models

Systemic proteasome inhibition triggers neurodegeneration in a transgenic mouse model expressing human α-synuclein under oligodendrocyte promoter: implications for multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive late onset neurodegenerative α-synucleinopathy with unclear pathogenesis. Recent genetic and pathological studies support a central role of α-synuclein (αSYN) in MSA pathogenesis. Oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions of fibrillar αSYN and dysfunction of the ubiquitin–proteasome system are suggestive of proteolytic stress in this disorder. To address the possible pathogenic role of oligodendroglial αSYN accumulation and proteolytic failure in MSA we applied systemic proteasome inhibition (PSI) in transgenic mice with oligodendroglial human αSYN expression and determined the presence of MSA-like neurodegeneration in this model as compared to wild-type mice. PSI induced open field motor disability in transgenic αSYN mice but not in wild-type mice. The motor phenotype corresponded to progressive and selective neuronal loss in the striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar systems of PSI-treated transgenic αSYN mice. In contrast no neurodegeneration was detected in PSI-treated wild-type controls. PSI treatment of transgenic αSYN mice was associated with significant ultrastructural alterations including accumulation of fibrillar human αSYN in the cytoplasm of oligodendroglia, which resulted in myelin disruption and demyelination characterized by increased g-ratio. The oligodendroglial and myelin pathology was accompanied by axonal degeneration evidenced by signs of mitochondrial stress and dysfunctional axonal transport in the affected neurites. In summary, we provide new evidence supporting a primary role of proteolytic failure and suggesting a neurodegenerative pathomechanism related to disturbed oligodendroglial/myelin trophic support in the pathogenesis of MSA

Changes in the transcriptome of the prefrontal cortex of OXYS rats as the signs of Alzheimer’s disease development

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neuro­degenerative disease. It produces atrophic changes in the brain, which cause dementia. The incidence of AD is increasing with increasing life expectancy and gradual aging of the population in developed countries. There are no effective prophylactic inter­ventions because of insufficient understanding of the AD pathogenesis and the absence of adequate experimental models. Recently, we showed that senescence-accelerated OXYS rats represent a promis­ing model of AD; in these rats, accelerated aging of the brain is accompanied by the typical signs of AD: degenerative alterations and death of neurons, a de­crease in synaptic density, mitochondrial dysfunction, hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein, an increased level of amyloid β (Aβ1–42), and the formation of amyloid plaques. To elucidate how these signs develop, we used a nextgeneration RNA sequencing technique (RNA-Seq) to study the prefron­tal-cortex transcriptome of OXYS rats during the manifestation of AD signs (at an age of 5 months) and during their active progres­sion (at an age of 18 months), using age-matched Wistar rats (parental strain) as controls. At the age of 5 months, there were significant differences between OXYS and Wistar rats (p < 0.01) in the mRNA expression of more than 900 genes (> 2000 genes at the age of 18 months) in the prefrontal cortex. Most of these genes were related to neuronal plasticity, protein phosphorylation, Са2+ homeostasis, hypoxia, immune processes, and apoptosis. Between the ages of 5 and 18 months, there were changes in the expression of 499 genes in Wistar rats and changes in the expres­sion of 5500 genes in OXYS rats. Only 333 genes were common between these sets. This finding points to differences in the mechanisms and rates of age-related changes in the brain between normal aging and the period of development of AD-specific neuro­degene­rative processes

Influence of Antioxidant SkQ1 on Accumulation of Mitochondrial DNA Deletions in the Hippocampus of Senescence-Accelerated OXYS Rats

Human and animal aging is associated with gradual decline of cognitive functions (especially learning ability and memory) and increased risk of development of neurodegenerative diseases 596 Abbreviations: bp, base pairs; mtDNA, mitochondrial DNA; ∆mtDNA, deletion in mitochondrial DNA; ∆mtDNA 4834 , 4834-bp mitochondrial DNA deletion; ROS, reactive oxygen species; SkQ1, antioxidant 10-(6′-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium. * To whom correspondence should be addressed. Abstract-Reduction of efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation associated with aging and the development of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease is thought to be linked to the accumulation of deletions in mitochondrial DNA (∆mtDNA), which are seen as a marker of oxidative damage. Recently, we have shown that mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (10-(6′-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium) can slow the development of signs of Alzheimer's disease in senescence-accelerated OXYS rats. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the development of neurodegenerative changes in the brain of OXYS rats and changes in the amount of mtDNA and the 4834-bp mitochondrial DNA deletion (∆mtDNA 4834 ) as well as the effect of SkQ1. We studied the relative amount of mtDNA and ∆mtDNA 4834 in the hippocampus of OXYS and Wistar (control) rats at ages of 1, 2, 6, 10, and 20 days and 3, 6, and 24 months. During the period crucial for manifestation of the signs of accelerated aging of OXYS rats (from 1.5 to 3 months of age), we evaluated the effects of administration of SkQ1 (250 nmol/kg) and vitamin E (670 mmol/kg, reference treatment) on the amount of mtDNA and ∆mtDNA 4834 and on the formation of the behavioral feature of accelerated senescence in OXYS rats -passive type of behavior in the open field test. In OXYS rats, the level of ∆mtDNA 4834 in the hippocampus is increased compared to the Wistar rats, especially at the stage of completion of brain development in the postnatal period. This level remains elevated not only at the stages preceding the manifestation of the signs of accelerated brain aging and the development of pathological changes linked to Alzheimer's disease, but also during their progression. However, at age of 24 months, there were no detectable differences between the two strains. SkQ1 treatment reduced the level of ∆mtDNA 4834 in the hippocampus of Wistar and OXYS rats and slowed the formation of passive behavior in OXYS rats. These results support the possible use of SkQ1 for prophylaxis of brain aging. Influence of Antioxidant SkQ1 o

Dwarf Copper-Gold Porphyry Deposits of the Buchim-Damjan-Borov Dol Ore District, Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)

The metallogenic aspects, tectonic setting, magmatism, structure, and composition of Au-and Ag-bearing porphyry copper deposits in the Buchim-Damjan-Borov Dol ore district and their genetic features are considered and compared with earlier published data. Special attention is paid to supergene gold in heavy concentrate halos of the Borov Dol deposit. The total Cu reserves of the deposits discussed in this paper do not exceed 150 kt. The Buchim deposit likely is the world's smallest deposit of this type currently involved in mining. A comprehensive study of these dwarf porphyry copper deposits is undertaken to answer questions on the conditions of their formation. How do they differ from formation conditions of giant deposits

Marine biodiversity and ecosystem function relationships: The potential for practical monitoring applications

Abstract There is an increasing demand for environmental assessments of the marine environment to include ecosystem function. However, existing schemes are predominantly based on taxonomic (i.e. structural) measures of biodiversity. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function (BEF) relationships are suggested to provide a mechanism for converting taxonomic information into surrogates of ecosystem function. This review assesses the evidence for marine BEF relationships and their potential to be used in practical monitoring applications (i.e. operationalized). Five key requirements were identified for the practical application of BEF relationships: 1) a complete understanding of strength, direction and prevalence of marine BEF relationships, 2) an understanding of which biological components are influential within specific BEF relationships, 3) the biodiversity of the selected biological components can be measured easily, 4) the ecological mechanisms that are the most important for generating marine BEF relationships, i.e. identity effects or complementarity, are known and 5) the proportion of the overall functional variance is explained by biodiversity, and hence BEF relationships, has been established. Numerous positive and some negative BEF relationships were found within the literature, although many reproduced poorly the natural species richness, trophic structures or multiple functions of real ecosystems (requirement 1). Null relationships were also reported. The consistency of the positive and negative relationships was often low that compromised the ability to generalize BEF relationships and confident application of BEF within marine monitoring. Equally, some biological components and functions have received little or no investigation. Expert judgement was used to attribute biological components using spatial extent, presence and functional rate criteria (requirement 2). This approach highlighted the main biological components contributing the most to specific ecosystem functions, and that many of the particularly influential components were found to have received the least amount of research attention. The need for biodiversity to be measureable (requirement 3) is possible for most biological components although difficult within the functionally important microbes. Identity effects underpinned most marine BEF relationships (requirement 4). As such, processes that translated structural biodiversity measures into functional diversity were found to generate better BEF relationships. The analysis of the contribution made by biodiversity, over abiotic influences, to the total expression of a particular ecosystem function was rarely measured or considered (requirement 5). Hence it is not possible to determine the overall importance of BEF relationships within the total ecosystem functioning observed. In the few studies where abiotic factors had been considered, it was clear that these modified BEF relationships and have their own direct influence on functional rate. Based on the five requirements, the information required for immediate ‘operationalization’ of BEF relationships within marine functional monitoring is lacking. However, the concept of BEF inclusion within practical monitoring applications, supported by ecological modelling, shows promise for providing surrogate indicators of functioning