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The research into the use of less costly modifications of road links and networks, and changes in the service of road surroundings aimed at ensuring an improvement of through traffic performance in suburban areas, and on roads passing through built-up areas as small localities, with application of simulation model, is presented in this paper. From among possible designs, the authors investigated and presented the effectiveness of two, i.e. implementation of an additional multifunctional median lane in the road cross-section, and construction of service roads with different locations of intersections (end or middle of the road section).

W artykule opisano badania trwałosci zmeczeniowej asfaltowej nawierzchni zbrojonej geosyntetyczna warstwa posrednia poddanej zmiennym obciazeniom od kółporuszajacych sie pojazdów. Badania te zrealizowano wykorzystujac numeryczny model nawierzchni opracowany z uzyciem metody elementów skonczonych w systemie ANSYS z wykorzystaniem aplikacji firmy nCode oraz przygotowanych specjalnie makropolecen w jezykach skryptowych APDL (ANSYS Parametric Design Language) i VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). Analizy obejmowały wyznaczenie naprezen, trwałosci zmeczeniowej, macierzy zniszczen oraz macierzy rainflow. Zastosowano metode obliczen zmeczeniowych: naprezenie - liczba cykli (czas zycia), w skrócie S-N.

Drivers' incorrect perception and interpretation of the road space are among reasons for human errors. Proper road markings are elements improving perception of road space. Their effectiveness relies on traffic participants receiving the provided information correctly. The range of signs used is constantly expanding and unusual situations in traffic require use of non-standard signs or an unusual combination of existing standard signs. The aim of this study was to explore the level of comprehensibility of four different types of non-standard signs. The relationship between the level of comprehensibility of these signs and personality traits of the drivers was also studied. A total of 369 drivers were tested using a questionnaire to analyze the traffic signs comprehensibility and Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). The obtained results indicate that symbolic signs, unlike symbolic and text ones, are much better comprehended by drivers. Men comprehend the significance of non-standard symbolic regulatory signs better than women. Higher level of comprehensibility of symbolic and text regulatory signs is shown by older, better educated drivers and professional drivers. The study found there is a link between personality traits of the driver and the comprehensibility of symbolic regulatory signs.

Nanoparticles (NP) as carriers for anti-cancer drugs have shown great promise. Specific targeting of NP to malignant cells, however, remains an unsolved problem. Conjugation of antibodies specific for tumor membrane antigens to NP represents one approach to improve specificity and to increase therapeutic efficacy. In the present study, for the first time a novel membrane heat shock protein (Hsp70)-specific antibody (cmHsp70.1) was coupled to human serum albumin (HSA) NP, loaded with microRNA (miRNA) plasmids to target the inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin. The physicochemical properties of monodisperse miRNA-loaded NP showed a diameter of 180 nm to 220 nm, a plasmid incorporation of more than 95% and a surface binding capacity of the antibody of 70-80%. Antibody-conjugated NP displayed an increased cellular uptake in U87MG and LN229 glioblastoma cells compared to isotype control antibody, PEG-coupled controls and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Survivin expression was significantly reduced in cells treated with the Hsp70-miRNA-NP as compared to non-conjugated NP. Hsp70-miRNA-NP enhanced radiation-induced increase in caspase 3/7 activity and decrease in clonogenic cell survival. In summary, cmHsp70.1 miRNA-NP comprise an enhanced tumor cell uptake and increased therapeutic efficacy of radiation therapy in vitro and provide the basis for the development of antibody-based advanced carrier systems for a tumor cell specific targeting., (© 2013.)

One of the main challenges in radiation oncology is to overcome the resistance of cancer cells against treatment by molecular targeted approaches. Among the most promising targets is the inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin, known to be associated with increased tumour aggressiveness and therapy resistance. The objective of this study was the development of a human serum albumin-based nanoparticulate carrier system for plasmid-mediated RNA interference (miRNA) and the investigation of its in vitro efficacy on survivin knockdown and cellular toxicity in SW480 colorectal cancer cells. The results demonstrate a robust nanoparticulate system of a size around 220 nm with a plasmid incorporation efficacy of about 90%. Moreover, treatment of carcinoma cells with survivin-miRNA nanoparticles resulted in reduction of survivin expression by 50% and increased cytotoxicity if combined with ionising irradiation. These nanoparticles comprise a promising option to enhance the response of carcinoma cells to therapy with ionising irradiation.