bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive screening: The probability of events
Authors: Loncar D. , Jankovic S. , Milovanovic D. , Milosevic-Djordjevic Olivera , Stojadinovic M. , Loncar S.
Published: August 2011

Congenital anomalies are the cause of 20.0-25.0% of cases of perinatal death,
while 3.0% of children are born with malformations of varying size. We
examined the predictive values and defined the credibility ratio of the
combined test results. Sensitivity of the test is 94.0%, and specificity is
99.0%. The positive likelihood ratio [likelihood ratio test (LR+)] is 94.00;
a negative likelihood ratio [likelihood ratio test (LR-)] is 0.06. The
pretest probability that pregnant women carry a fetus with chromosomal
abnormality is 1:250. Posttest odds after the combined test to discover this
abnormality are 0.3760, and probability of the same case is 0.2732 if it
happens that the test result is positive. The result of our study confirms
the justification of combined test usage in routine clinical practice, since
the posttest odds rate in the case of a positive screening increases several
times over (almost 90 times); the probability of detecting a chromosomal
abnormality was about 70 times.
Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ reduce the affinities of flavone, genistein and kaempferol for human serum albumin in vitro
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Jie , Liu Chunxi , Xiaochen Xu , Wenjun Li , Xia Zhihua , Xiao Jianbo
Published: August 2011

Flavone (Fl), genistein (Gen) and kaempferol (Kol) were studied for their
affinities towards human serum albumin (HSA) in the presence and absence of
Pb2+,Cu2+,Zn2+,Mg2+ and Mn2+. The fluorescence intensities of HSA decreased
with increasing concentration of the three flavonoids. Kaempferol resulted in
a blue-shift of the ?em of HSA from 336 to 330 nm; flavone showed an obvious
red-shift of the ?em of HSA from 336 to 342 nm; genistein did not cause an
obvious blue-shift or red-shift of the ?em of HSA. However, the extents of
?em-shifts induced by the flavonoids in the presence of metal ions were much
bigger than that in the absence of mental ions. Pb2+,Cu2+,Zn2+,Mg2+ and Mn2+
reduced the quenching constants of the flavonoids for HSA by 14.6% to 60.7% ,
28% to 67.9%,3.5% to 59.4%, 23.2% to 63.7% and 14% to 65%, respectively. The
affinities of flavone, genistein and kaempferol for HSA decreased about
10.84%, 10.05%and 3.56% in the presence of Pb2+, respectively. Cu2+ decreased
the affinities of flavone, genistein and kaempferol for HSA about 14.04%,
5.14%and 8.89%, respectively. Zn2+ decreased the affinities of flavone,
genistein and kaempferol for HSA about 3.79%, 0.55% and 3.58%, respectively.
Mg2+ decreased the affinities of flavone, genistein and kaempferol for HSA
about 16.94%, 2.94%and 7.04%, respectively. Mn2+ decreased the affinities of
flavone, genistein and kaempferol for HSA about 14.24%, 3.66% and 4.78%,
respectively.
NPM1 gene mutations in children with Myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Jekic Biljana , Bunjevacki Vera , Dobricic Valerija , Novakovic Ivana , Milasin Jelena , Popovic Branka , Damnjanovic Tatjana , Maksimovic Nela , Perovic V. , Lukovic Ljiljana
Published: August 2011

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are rare in children and only a few studies
have analyzed their molecular mechanisms. The NPM1 gene encodes for
nucleophosmin (NPM) which regulates hematopoiesis. Mutations in exon 12 of
the NPM1 cause the nucleophosmin cytoplasmic dislocation and disrupt its
functions. We have analyzed mutations of the NPM1 gene in archival bone
marrow samples from 17 children with MDS and detected, in one patient,
transition C to T in codon 293. To the best of our knowledge, this is the
first analysis of NPM1 mutations in childhood MDS and the very first missense
mutation of the NPM1 gene reported so far.
Lea protein expression during cold-induced dehydration in the Arctic collembola Megaphorura arctica
Authors: Popovic Z.D. , Purac Jelena , Kojic Danijela , Pamer Elvira , Worland M.R. , Blagojevic D.P. , Grubor-Lajsic Gordana
Published: August 2011

The Arctic springtail Megaphorura arctica (Tullberg, 1876) employs a strategy
known as cryoprotective dehydration to survive winter temperatures as low as
-25?C. During cryoprotective dehydration, water is lost from the animal to
ice in its surroundings as a result of the difference in vapour pressure
between the animal?s supercooled body fluids and ice (Worland et al., 1998;
Holmstrup and Somme, 1998). This mechanism ensures that as the habitat
temperature falls, the concentration of solutes remains high enough to
prevent freezing (Holmstrup et al., 2002). In M. arctica, accumulation of
trehalose, a cryo/anhydro protectant, occurs in parallel with dehydration.
Recent studies have identified a number of genes and cellular processes
involved in cryoprotective dehydration in M. arctica (Clark et al., 2007;
Clark et al., 2009; Purac et al., 2011). One of them includes late
embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins. This study, together with that of
Bahrndorff et al. (2008), suggests that LEA proteins may be involved in
protective dehydration in this species.
Seed vigor and ion toxicity in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seedlings produced by various seed sizes under NaCl stress
Authors: Kaya Demir , Bayramin Suay , Kaya Gamze , Uzun Oguzhan
Published: August 2011

Safflower is an important oilseed crop and is largely grown for edible oil
production in low moisture or saltaffected soils of Turkey. The objective of
the study was to find out the quality of seeds with different sized seeds,
and the effects of seed size (3, 4 and 5 mm) and NaCl stresses at electrical
conductivities of 5, 10, 20 and 30 dS m-1 on the germination and early
seedling growth of the safflower cultivar Din?er. Our results show that
heavier one-thousand-seed weight (70.5 g) and higher hull percentage (52.9 %)
were obtained from large seeds while the oil content and water uptake of
small seeds was higher than that of medium or large seeds. Germination
percentage, germination time, root length, shoot length, and seedling fresh
and dry weight showed size-dependent responses of the seeds to salt stress.
In general, medium-sized (4 mm) seeds germinated more rapidly compared to
small and large seeds against all levels of salt stress; however, the highest
germination percentage and most vigorous seedling growth was recorded from
large seeds after 10 days incubation. The inhibitory effect of NaCl levels
was exhibited a drastic effect on seedling growth. Increased NaCl resulted in
an increase in the Na+ and Cl- content of the seedlings produced by all seed
sizes, while the K+ content was not changed. However, the seedlings from
small seeds had the highest Na+ and Cl- content of all measured NaCl levels.
It was concluded that large seeds produced vigorous seedling growth due to a
lower ion accumulation under NaCl stress. Consequently, large seeds could be
used for successful stand establishment in contrast to their slow germination
performance if the cultivation of safflower on saline soils is required.
Can environmental variation affect seedling survival of plants in northeastern Mexico?
Authors: García Jaime
Published: August 2011

The effects of global warming increase the frequency and intensity of many
climate events such as rainfall. We evaluated the effects of environmental
conditions on early stage seedling survival of the native thorn scrub species
Caesalpinia mexicana A. Gray, Celtis pallida Torr., Cordia boissieri A. DC.,
and Ebenopsis ebano (Berland.) Barneby and J.W. Grimes, during the summer of
2009 and 2010. The experimental design had two factors, two levels of
rainfall and three microhabitats of thorn scrub: (i) open interspace, (ii)
thorn scrub edge and (iii) under the canopy of dense thorn scrub. In dense
thorn scrub, seedling survival was higher for Caesalpinia mexicana and Celtis
pallida, and for Cordia boissieri and Ebenopsis ebano seedling survival was
higher in dense thorn scrub and thorn scrub edge. The effect of rainfall on
seedling survival depended on the year. Rainfall in 2010 and dense thorn
scrub increased seedling survival of native species. For survival, the
limiting factors of microhabitats appear to change across the years. Besides
rainfall events, biological aspects like competition and mycorrhiza effects
would need to be considered in models of plant establishment.
Purification and characterization of acid phosphatase from a germinating black gram (Vigna mungo L.) seedling
Authors: Asaduzzaman A.K.M. , Rahman Habibur , Yeasmin Tanzima
Published: August 2011

An acid phosphatase has been isolated and purified from an extract of a
germinating black gram seedling. The method was accomplished by gel
filtration of a germinating black gram seedling crude extract on sephadex
G-75 followed by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose. The acid
phosphatase gave a single band on SDS-polyacrylamide slab gel
electrophoresis. The molecular weight of the acid phosphatase determined by
SDS-polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis was estimated to be 25 kDa. The
purified enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 5 and at temperature of 55?C.
Mg2+, Zn2+ and EDTA had an inhibitory effect on the activity of the acid
phosphatase. Black gram seedling acid phosphatase was activated by K+, Cu2+
and Ba2+. The Km value of the enzyme was found to be 0.49 mM for pNPP as
substrate.
Ecological investigation of zooplankton abundance in the river Haraz, northeast Iran: Impact of environmental variables
Authors: Jafari Naser , Nabavi Mohamad , Akhavan Moslem
Published: August 2011

The influence of physicochemical properties of Haraz river on its zooplankton
composition and abundance were investigated at three sites for one year
between August 2009 and July 2010. The present study records for the first
time the aspects of zooplankton diversity and composition in relation to the
physicochemical environment of the Haraz river. Only three groups of
zooplankton were found: Rotifera with eighteen genera; Cladocera with nine
and Copepoda with six genera. Rotifera was the predominant group (64.89%),
followed by Cladocera (19.62%) and Copepoda (15.32%). Upstream, the abundance
was 805 individuals/m3, while it varied from 922 to 1126 ind/m3 downstream.
Alkaline pH and nutrients were the main environmental factors which affected
zooplankton abundance in the river. Site variation in dominance, diversity,
evenness and richness were calculated. The study revealed that the presence
of certain species, such as Lepadella sp., Mesocyclops sp., Polyarthra sp.
and Brachionus sp. is considered to be a biological indicator for
eutrophication. The calculated Jack1 values of sites 1 to 3 were 7.624,
16.426 and 19.221, respectively. The Shannon-Wiever species diversity index
(H?) values were also different for all the three sites viz., site 1 (1.992),
site 2 (1.21) and site 3 (2.48). Simpson?s dominance index (H) value was
highest at site 1 (0.692), indicating maximum dominance, whereas at site 3
dominance was the lowest (0.227) and diversity was the highest. Overall, our
results showed that changes in the water quality of the river Haraz have
considerable effects on the composition of zooplankton assemblages that can
potentially affect the functioning of these ecosystems.
Phytocoenological characteristics in poplar plantations in the protected region of the central Danube basin
Authors: Galic Z. , Orlovic S. , Vasic Verica , Galovic Vladislava , Klasnja Bojana , Stojanovic D. , Babic Violeta
Published: August 2011

Following the water regulation along the Danube river, the area of natural
forests decreases and the vegetation is fragmented. The goal of the study was
to survey the recent phytocenological characteristics of the region of the
protected floodplain outside the dam. We surveyed three site types in poplar
plantations near Novi Sad. In the poplar plantations phytocoenological
relev?s were made. The elevation of the study plantations is between 75 and
76 m a.s.l. The most represented species on the ground layer are the species
Dactylis glomerata, Urtica dioica and Rubus caesius identified on the
humofluvisol. The most represented species on the sandy part of the fluvisol
were Rubus caesius, Solidago serotina, Dactylis glomerata and Equisetum
arvense. The loamy form of fluvisol occurs at an elevation of 75.50 m. The
most numerous species on the loamy form of the fluvisol in the flooded region
were Rubus caesius, Solidago serotina, Polygonum hydropiper, Dactylis
glomerata and Urtica dioica. Based on the above data, we determined the
differences between ground vegetation in the study areas and in the part of
the alluvial plain affected by additional moisture by both floodwater and
ground water.
Water quality assessment of the Borska Reka river using the WPI (Water Pollution Index) method
Authors: Milijasevic Dragana , Milanovic Ana , Brankov Jovana , Radovanovic M.
Published: August 2011

The Borska Reka river (47 km long, 373 km2 of basin area) is located in
eastern Serbia and it is the biggest tributary of the river Veliki Timok. It
is also one of the most polluted watercourses in Serbia. Using the data of
the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia, the paper analyzes water
pollution using the combined physical-chemical WPI index (water pollution
index) over two periods: 1993-1996 and 2006-2009. The analysis of parameters
showed significantly increased values of heavy metals (especially iron and
manganese) which are indicators of inorganic pollution (primarily because of
mining), but also increased values of organic pollution indicators
(Biological Oxygen Demand-BOD5, ammonium, coliform germs), as the result of
uncontrolled domestic wastewater discharge.
On two new cave-dwelling and relict pseudoscorpions of the genus Chthonius C.L. Koch (Chthoniidae, Pseudoscorpiones) from Bosnia
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Ilic B.S. , Radja T. , Makarov S.E. , Tomic V.T. , Dimitrijevic R.N.
Published: August 2011

The pseudoscorpion sample from a cave in Bosnia has been studied. Two new
species have been described herein: Chthonius (Chthonius) protobosniacus n.
sp. and C. (C.) kladanjensis n. sp. Both taxa are considered endemic of
Bosnia and the Balkan Peninsula. In this paper, diagnostic characters of the
analyzed forms are thoroughly described and figured. Taxonomic
interrelationship amd geographic distribution are briefly discussed.
In vitro antifungal and demelanizing activity of Nepeta rtanjensis essential oil against the human pathogen Bipolaris spicifera
Authors: Ljaljevic-Grbic Milica , Stupar M. , Vukojevic Jelena , Grubisic D.
Published: August 2011

The antifungal activity of Nepeta rtanjensis Diklic & Milojevic essential oil
was tested against the human pathogenic fungus Bipolaris spicifera (Bainier)
Subramanian via mycelial growth assay and conidia germination assay. The
minimally inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the oil was determined at 1.0 ?g
ml-1, while the MIC for the antifungal drug Bifonazole in a positive control
was determined at 10.0 ?g ml-1. The maximum of conidia germination inhibition
was accomplished at 0.6 ?g ml-1. In addition, at 0.6 ?g ml-1 and 0.8 ?g ml-1
the oil was able to cause morphophysiological changes in B. spicifera. The
most significant result is the bleaching effect of the melanized conidial
apparatus of the test fungi, since the melanin is the virulence factor in
human pathogenic fungi. These results showed the strong antifungal properties
of N. rtanjensis essential oil, supporting its possible rational use as an
alternative source of new antifungal compounds.
Optimization of cyclosporin A production by Beauveria nivea in continuous fed-batch fermentation
Authors: Dong Huijun , Jiang Junyun , Yan Tongshun , Zhao Junjie
Published: August 2011

To develop the effective control method for fed-batch culture of cyclosporin
A production, we chose fructose, L-valine and (NH4)2HPO4 as feeding nutrients
and compared their productivities in relation to different concentrations.
The feeding rate of three kinds of feeding materials was controlled to
maintain the suitable residual concentration. The fed-batch fermentation
results indicated that the optimal concentrations of fructose, L-valine and
(NH4)2HPO4 were about 20 g/L, 0.5 g/L and 0.6 g/L for cyclosporin A
production, respectively. The cultivation of Beauveria nivea could produce
cyclosporin A up to 6.2 g/L for 240 hrs through a continuous
feeding-rate-controlled-batch process under the optimal feeding conditions.
A multifactorial assessment of carcinogenic risks of radon for the population residing in a Russian radon hazard zone
Authors: Lezhnin Vladimir , Polzik Evgeny , Kazantsev Vladimir , Zhukovsky Mikhail , Pakholkina Olga
Published: August 2011

Background: Results of numerous epidemiologic studies of carcinogenic effects
of indoor radon conducted in different countries in the past 40 years remain
controversial. To assess the contribution of the residential radon exposure
in the development of lung cancer in the population of the Russian region
with a high radon hazard we conducted a cancer epidemiology study based on a
multifactorial analysis. Methods: The study was conducted in the town of
Lermontov situated in the area with high background radon concentrations and
lung cancer rates of the Caucasian Mineral Water Region of Russia. High
indoor radon levels were found in the houses of urban residents, mostly
employed by the mining and chemical enterprise. The cohort consisted of 122
lung cancer cases and 208 controls. Each of 330 study participants was
characterized by a set of 23 indices reflecting known lung cancer risk
factors. We also collected data on occupational and residential radon
exposure of all subjects. Results: The analysis of a combined effect of 23
different lung cancer risk factors based on pattern recognition methods
showed that the contribution of the non-occupational radon exposure was only
about 2% whereas that of the occupational radon exposure equaled 15%.
Conclusion: Our findings showed that the effect of the residential radon
exposure on the lung cancer rate was 15-20 times weaker than the effects of
the main risk factors such as smoking, occupational hazards, chronic lung
diseases, social and household factors, etc., although for the population of
Lermontov this factor was 2-3 times stronger than that found in the Ural
towns of Russia.
Radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx
Authors: Krstevska Valentina , Stojkovski Igor , Lazarevska Emilija , Crvenkova Simonida
Published: August 2011

Background: The aim of this study is to analyze the results of radical
surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy in patients with advanced
laryngeal cancer. Methods: Seventy-seven patients with advanced laryngeal
cancer were treated with postoperative radiotherapy following total
laryngectomy with or without neck dissection. Median age of patients at the
diagnosis was 57 years (range, 43-76). The median follow-up was 41 months
(range, 11-70). Radiotherapy was performed using three-dimensional conformal
technique. Results: Median duration of overall radiation treatment time was
5.9 weeks (range, 5.4-7.6). Median total dose delivered was 60 Gy (range,
50-66). Locoregional relapse was the most frequent pattern of failure. A
5-year locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) rates were 72.3%
and 66.2%, respectively. A 5-year LRC and OS rates were significantly higher
in patients without nodal disease (N0) as compared to patients with
metastatic involvement of the neck lymph nodes (N+) (p=0.009 and p=0.002,
respectively). Confluent mucositis was developed in 16 patients (20.8%). Late
toxicity most frequently occurred in the skin as well as in the mucous
membrane and in the subcutaneous tissue and was grade 1 reaction (74.0%,
67.5%, and 72.7%, respectively). Conclusion: In order to improve treatment
results in terms of LRC and OS and following evidence-based treatment
recommendations for patients with advanced laryngeal cancer whose initial
treatment was radical surgery, we strongly advocate the acceptance of
postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy in cases with surgical specimen
demonstrating high-risk pathological features.
Spontaneous rupture of malignant ovarian cyst in 8-gestation-week pregnancy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Mladenovic-Segedi Ljiljana , Mandic Aljosa , Segedi Dimitrije , Kozarcic Tatjana
Published: August 2011

Ovarian cancer takes the second place in the incidence of all genital
carcinomas occurring in pregnancy. In spite of a low overall incidence of
ovarian cancer in pregnancy and, in most cases, asymptomatic clinical
picture, the routine use of ultrasonographic examination in early pregnancy
has led to a more frequent detection of adnexal masses in pregnant women. The
authors presented a case of a 35-years-old patient with the diagnosis of
unilocular cyst in the left ovary detected by ultrasonography at gestational
week 8, with the subsequent sinistral adnexectomy administered for the
rupture of the cystic tumor. Based on the histopathological examination we
established the diagnosis of a serous cystadenocarcinoma stage I. The patient
refused any proposed modality of oncologic diagnostics and therapy, and
delivered a healthy female newborn of 3630g/49 cm, 10 days after the probable
term of delivery. The control MRI, 8 months post partum did not confirm the
presence of any pathological changes of either genital organs or any other
organ of the small pelvis. The patient is in good general condition, under
continual medical observation.
Generalized countable iterated function systems
Authors: Secelean Adrian
Published: August 2011

One of the most common and most general way to generate fractals is by using
iterated function systems which consists of a finite or infinitely many maps.
Generalized countable iterated function systems (GCIFS) are a generalization
of countable iterated function systems by considering contractions from X ? X
into X instead of contractions on the metric space X to itself, where (X, d)
is a compact metric space. If all contractions of a GCIFS are Lipschitz with
respect to a parameter and the supremum of the Lipschitz constants is finite,
then the associated attractor depends continuously on the respective
parameter.
On quasi-M-hyponormal operators
Authors: Han Young , Son Hee
Published: August 2011

An operator T is called quasi-M -hyponormal if there exists a positive real
number M such that T ? (M 2 (T ??)? (T ??))T ? T ? (T ??)(T ??)? T for
all ? ? C, which is a generalization of M -hyponormality. In this paper, we
consider the local spectral properties for quasi-M -hyponormal operators and
Weyl type theorems for algebraically quasi-M-hyponormal operators,
respectively. It is also proved that if T is an algebraically quasi-M
-hyponormal operator, then the spectral mapping theorem holds for the Weyl
spectrum and for the essential approximate point spectrum.
On the solution of Steinhaus functional equation using weakly Picard operators
Authors: Berinde Vasile
Published: August 2011

In this paper we obtain existence results regarding the solutions g of a
Steinhaus type functional equation of the form g(x)+ g(f(x))= F(x), under
the significantly weaker assumption that f is a weakly Picard operator. The
solutions are given in terms of sums of either convergent series or divergent
series but summable by some method of summability.
Convergence theorems of finite-step iteration with errors for non-self asymptotically nonexpansive in the intermediate sense mappings
Authors: Saluja G.S.
Published: August 2011

Let K be a nonempty closed convex nonexpansive retract of a uniformly convex
Banach space E with P as a nonexpansive retraction. Let T : K ? E be non-self
asymptotically nonexpansive in the intermediate sense mapping with F(T) = ?.
Let {?ni}, {?ni} and {?ni} are sequences in [0, 1] with ?n(i) + ?n(i) + ?n(i)
= 1 for all i = 1, 2, . . . , N. From arbitrary x1 ? K , define the sequence
{xn } iteratively by (8), where {u(i) } for all i = 1, 2, . . . , N are
bounded sequences in K with P? u(i) < ?. (i) If the dual E
A characterization theorem for levelwise statistical convergence
Authors: Aytar Salih
Published: August 2011

In the present paper, we prove a characterization theorem which gives a
necessary and sufficient condition for a sequence of fuzzy numbers to be
levelwise statistically convergent in the space of fuzzy numbers. As an
application of this theorem we utilize the idea of statistical
equi-continuity in order to obtain a condition which guarantees the set of
levelwise statistical cluster points of a statistically bounded sequence to
be nonempty and a levelwise statistically Cauchy sequence to be levelwise
statistically convergent.
Strong convergence theorems of three-step iterations for multi-valued mappings in Banach spaces
Authors: Homaeipour S. , Razani A.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, two classes of three-step iteration schemes for multi-valued
mappings in a uniformly convex Banach space are presented. Moreover, their
strong convergence are proved.
On common fixed points of weakly compatible mappings satisfying ‘generalized condition (B)’
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Babu G.V.R. , Alemayehu G.N.
Published: August 2011

We prove the existence of common fixed points for two weakly compatible
mappings satisfying a ?generalized condition (B)?. This result generalizes
some theorems of Al-Thagafi and Shahzad [2] and Babu, Sandhya and Kameswari
[3].
Some inequalities for commutators of bounded linear operators in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Dragomir S.S.
Published: August 2011

Some new inequalities for commutators that complement and in some instances
improve recent results obtained by F. Kittaneh are given.
Limit behaviors of the deviation between the sample quantiles and the quantile
Authors: Xu Shoufang , Miao Yu
Published: August 2011

In this article, we discuss the limit behaviors for the deviation between the
sample p-quantile ??np and the p-quantile ?p by sampling from a sequence of
independent and identically distributed samples of size n. The moderate
deviation, large deviation and Bahadur asymptotic efficiency for (??pn??p)
are established under some weak conditions.
On zero sets and parametric representations of some new analytic and meromorphic function spaces in the unit disk
Authors: Arsenovic Milos , Shamoyan Romi
Published: August 2011

We introduce and study some certain new scales of analytic and meromorphic
functions in the unit disk and solve some problems connected with parametric
representations in these scales of spaces. Namely, we provide a complete
description of zero sets and then, based on that description, present new
parametric representations for functions in those spaces.
Characterizations of the harmonic Hardy space h1 on the real ball
Authors: Pavlovic Miroslav
Published: August 2011

We prove some characterizations of the space h1 and use them to give new
proofs of a theorem of Zygmund and a theorem of Kologorov and Smirnov.
Several new Hardy-Hilbert’s inequalities
Authors: Du Hongxia , Miao Yu
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we obtain several extended analogues of Hardy-Hilbert?s
inequalities.
Invariant subspaces of matrix groups and elementary-abelian covers of K4,4
Authors: Kuzman Bostjan
Published: August 2011

We study lifting conditions for groups of automorphisms of the complete
bipartite graph K4,4. In particular, for p?2 a prime we construct, up to
isomorphism of projections, all minimal p-elementary abelian covers of K4,4
such that the respective covering projections admit a lift of some
arc-transitive subgroup of Aut(K4,4).
Embedding relations and boundedness of the multifunctional operators in tube domains over symmetric cones
Authors: Arsenovic Milos , Shamoyan Romi
Published: August 2011

We obtain a new general sufficient condition for the continuity of the
Bergman projection in tube domains over symmetric cones using multifunctional
embeddings. We also obtain some sharp embedding relations between the
generalized Hilbert-Hardy spaces and the mixed-norm Bergman spaces in this
setting.
Sharp maximal function estimates and boundedness for commutators associated with general integral operator
Authors: Liu Lanzhe
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we establish the sharp maximal function estimates for the
commutator associated with some integral operator with general kernel and the
weighted Lipschitz functions. As an application, we obtain the boundedness of
the commutator on weighted Lebesgue, Morrey and Triebel-Lizorkin space. The
operator includes Littlewood-Paley operators, Marcinkiewicz operators and
Bochner-Riesz operator.
Fixed point theorems in minimal generalized convex spaces
Authors: Darzi Rahmat , Delavar Rostamian , Roohi Mehdi
Published: August 2011

This paper deals with coincidence and fixed point theorems in
minimal generalized convex spaces. By establishing a kind of KKM Principle
in minimal generalized convex space, we obtain some results on coincidence
point and fixed point theorems. Generalized versions of Ky Fan?s lemma,
Fan-Browder fixed point theorem, Nash equilibrium theorem and some
Urai?s type fixed point theorems in minimal generalized convex spaces are
given.
Teeth restoration for overdenture support
Authors: Brkovic Snezana , Postic Srdjan , Ilic Dragan
Published: August 2011

Introduction. If patients have remained only a few teeth in one jaw, these
teeth can be retained and specifically prepared to bear mobile supradental
prosthesis i.e. overdenture (OD). The patients are usually very motivated to
preserve remained teeth. The aim of this study was to present the plan, the
preparation procedure and the treatment protocol for the remaining teeth that
will bear full mobile OD. Material and Methods. Study included 12 patients
and 23 remaining teeth. Treatment plan considered: radiological analysis and
selection of the remaining teeth, reduction of the clinical crown of the
teeth, endodontic and periodontal treatment and finally conservative or
prosthodontic restoration of these teeth. Fifteen teeth were restored using
cast crown build-up (cap) and eight teeth were restored with amalgam
restorations. Patients who received twelve lower mobile full OD were observed
for one year to assess the integrity of the extra alveolar tooth structure.
Results. After observation period of one year, the integrity of crown
restorations was maintained as well as the alveolar bone height. Conclusion.
The restoration of the remaining teeth using cast crown build-up (cap) and
amalgam is very important for maintaining extra alveolar tooth structure and
successful treatment with overdentures.
Mineral trioxide aggregate as material of choice in endodontic therapy
Authors: Jokanovic Vukoman , Colovic Bozana , Zivkovic Slavoljub , Zivojinovic Vesna , Markovic Dejan
Published: August 2011

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a material with broad indications in
endodontics. Currently, this material is used for pulp capping, pulpotomy, as
apical barrier in teeth with necrotic pulp and open apex, and in the
treatment of various root canal perforations. By comparing the biological
response of pulp tissue capped with calcium hydroxide and MTA, the
superiority of MTA has been indicated. The bridge of hard tissue formed under
MTA prevented the irritation of pulp. Histological studies of pulpotomy in
dog teeth have shown after 120 days a hard tissue without necrosis formed
under MTA. MTA is also the material of choice for retrograde root canal
obturation and lateral perforation. Meta analysis of published papers on MTA
in recent years indicated the great clinical success of this material which
ensured a good canal seal and superior biocompatibility. It is the only
material for retrograde root canal obturation that encourages tissue
regeneration. Studies have also shown that MTA has inductive and conductive
properties for hard tissue as well as the ability to release ions in a liquid
medium. The main disadvantage of MTA is related to its color, the presence of
iron and mangan ions, the difficulties in maintaining the characteristics of
material during time, absence of solvent for this material and the difficulty
for its removal after crosslinking.
Gender regimes and the challenges of macroeconomic paradigm in Serbia in the light of the global economic crisis
Authors: Djuric-Kuzmanovic Tatjana , Vukovic Marija
Published: August 2011

The paper is focused on the causes and gender effects of the current global
economic crisis, its particular effects in the Republic of Serbia and on the
possibilities of overcoming the crisis. Using feminist development economics
perspective this paper offers criticism of neo-liberalism with respect to the
crisis. The strong imbalance in the relationships between work and capital is
explained as a result of neoliberal deregulation and separation of the market
economy from social and natural reproduction, as well as ignoration of the
hierarchical relation established between paid work and care as unpaid work
performed mainly by women. With regard to Serbia, when foreign capital is
lacking, privatization funds are empty and the structure deficit is
significant, the economy has faced decrease in income, rise in unemployment,
fall in aggregate demand and women and children suffer the most. A new gender
sensitive development strategy should re-address the current unequal power
relationship, so that all people can exercise choices that would lead them to
a fulfilled life.
Society as a victim of bearers of economic and political power
Authors: Tanjevic Natasa
Published: August 2011

In the transition countries, politics and economics are so connected and
interrelated that many individuals who take high governmental positions or
who have economic power abuse their status in order to make huge profits and
commit criminal acts without impunity. The aim of this paper is to indicate
the basic characteristics of this kind of crime and its negative consequences
to the society as a whole. The abuse of economic and political power results
in increasing economic inequalities, decreasing chances of entering foreign
direct investments, and falling economic growth. Besides, this contributes to
creating fertile soil for populism and supporting political elites that are
not committed to building rule of law, stable democratic society and fair
market economy. As a result, citizens? confidence in the state and its
institutions weakens, while the normative system of values in the society is
jeopardized. In this way, the society becomes the victim of irresponsible
individuals, and of those who abuse their economic and social power.
Performance of a Polymer Flood with Shear-Thinning Fluid in Heterogeneous Layered Systems with Crossflow
Authors: Lee Kun Sang
Published: August 2011

Assessment of the potential of a polymer flood for mobility control requires an accurate model on the viscosities of displacement fluids involved in the process. Because most polymers used in EOR exhibit shear-thinning behavior, the effective viscosity of a polymer solution is a highly nonlinear function of shear rate. A reservoir simulator including the model for the shear-rate dependence of viscosity was used to investigate shear-thinning effects of polymer solution on the performance of the layered reservoir in a five-spot pattern operating under polymer flood followed by waterflood. The model can be used as a quantitative tool to evaluate the comparative studies of different polymer flooding scenarios with respect to shear-rate dependence of fluids’ viscosities. Results of cumulative oil recovery and water-oil ratio are presented for parameters of shear-rate dependencies, permeability heterogeneity, and crossflow. The results of this work have proven the importance of taking non-Newtonian behavior of polymer solution into account for the successful evaluation of polymer flood processes. Horizontal and vertical permeabilities of each layer are shown to impact the predicted performance substantially. In reservoirs with a severe permeability contrast between horizontal layers, decrease in oil recovery and sudden increase in WOR are obtained by the low sweep efficiency and early water breakthrough through highly permeable layer, especially for shear-thinning fluids. An increase in the degree of crossflow resulting from sufficient vertical permeability is responsible for the enhanced sweep of the low permeability layers, which results in increased oil recovery. It was observed that a thinning fluid coefficient would increase injectivity significantly from simulations with various injection rates. A thorough understanding of polymer rheology in the reservoir and accurate numerical modeling are of fundamental importance for the exact estimation on the performance of polymer flood.
Water Transfer Characteristics during Methane Hydrate Formation Processes in Layered Media
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wu Qingbai , Pu Yibin , Deng Yousheng
Published: August 2011

Gas hydrate formation processes in porous media are always accompanied by water transfer. To study the transfer characteristics comprehensively, two kinds of layered media consisting of coarse sand and loess were used to form methane hydrate in them. An apparatus with three PF-meter sensors detecting water content and temperature changes in media during the formation processes was applied to study the water transfer characteristics. It was experimentally observed that the hydrate formation configurations in different layered media were similar; however, the water transfer characteristics and water conversion ratios were different.
Reassessing Domain Architecture Evolution of Metazoan Proteins: Major Impact of Errors Caused by Confusing Paralogs and Epaktologs
Authors: Nagy Alinda , Bányai László , Patthy László
Published: August 2011

In the accompanying paper (Nagy, Szláma, Szarka, Trexler, Bányai, Patthy, Reassessing Domain Architecture Evolution of Metazoan Proteins: Major Impact of Gene Prediction Errors) we showed that in the case of UniProtKB/TrEMBL, RefSeq, EnsEMBL and NCBI’s GNOMON predicted protein sequences of Metazoan species the contribution of erroneous (incomplete, abnormal, mispredicted) sequences to domain architecture (DA) differences of orthologous proteins might be greater than those of true gene rearrangements. Based on these findings, we suggest that earlier genome-scale studies based on comparison of predicted (frequently mispredicted) protein sequences may have led to some erroneous conclusions about the evolution of novel domain architectures of multidomain proteins. In this manuscript we examine the impact of confusing paralogous and epaktologous multidomain proteins (i.e., those that are related only through the independent acquisition of the same domain types) on conclusions drawn about DA evolution of multidomain proteins in Metazoa. To estimate the contribution of this type of error we have used as reference UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot sequences from protein families with well-characterized evolutionary histories. We have used two types of paralogy-group construction procedures and monitored the impact of various parameters on the separation of true paralogs from epaktologs on correctly annotated Swiss-Prot entries of multidomain proteins. Our studies have shown that, although public protein family databases are contaminated with epaktologs, analysis of the structure of sequence similarity networks of multidomain proteins provides an efficient means for the separation of epaktologs and paralogs. We have also demonstrated that contamination of protein families with epaktologs increases the apparent rate of DA change and introduces a bias in DA differences in as much as it increases the proportion of terminal over internal DA differences.We have shown that confusing paralogous and epaktologous multidomain proteins significantly increases the apparent rate of DA change in Metazoa and introduces a positional bias in favor of terminal over internal DA changes. Our findings caution that earlier studies based on analysis of datasets of protein families that were contaminated with epaktologs may have led to some erroneous conclusions about the evolution of novel domain architectures of multidomain proteins. A reassessment of the DA evolution of multidomain proteins is presented in an accompanying paper [1].
Environmentally Reformed Travel Habits During the 2006 Congestion Charge Trial in Stockholm—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Henriksson Greger , Hagman Olle , Andréasson Håkan
Published: August 2011

Policy measures that reduce or replace road traffic can improve environmental conditions in most large cities. In Stockholm a congestion charge was introduced during a test period in 2006. This was a full-scale trial that proved to meet its targets by reducing traffic crossing the inner city segment during rush hours by 20%. Emissions of carbon dioxide and particles were also substantially reduced. This study, based on in-depth interviews with 40 inhabitants, analyses how and why new travel habits emerged. The results show that particular, sometimes unexpected, features of everyday life (habits, resources, opportunities, values, etc.) were crucial for adjustment of travel behaviour in relation to the policy instrument. One example was that those accustomed to mixing different modes of transport on a daily basis more easily adapted their travel in the targeted way. On a more general level, the results revealed that the policy measure could actually tip the scales for the individual towards trying out a new behaviour.
The Correlation between Thermal and Noxious Gas Environments, Pig Productivity and Behavioral Responses of Growing Pigs
Authors: Choi Hong Lim , Han Sang Hwa , Albright Louis D. , Chang Won Kyung
Published: August 2011

Correlations between environmental parameters (thermal range and noxious gas levels) and the status (productivity, physiological, and behavioral) of growing pigs were examined for the benefit of pig welfare and precision farming. The livestock experiment was conducted at a Seoul National University station in South Korea. Many variations were applied and the physiological and behavioral responses of the growing pigs were closely observed. Thermal and gas environment parameters were different during the summer and winter seasons, and the environments in the treatments were controlled in different manners. In the end, this study finds that factors such as Average Daily Gain (ADG), Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), stress, posture, and eating habits were all affected by the controlled environmental parameters and that appropriate control of the foregoing could contribute to the improvement of precision farming and pig welfare.
Selection of Candidate Housekeeping Genes for Normalization in Human Postmortem Brain Samples
Authors: Penna Ilaria , Vella Serena , Gigoni Arianna , Russo Claudio , Cancedda Ranieri , Pagano Aldo
Published: August 2011

The most frequently used technique to study the expression profile of genes involved in common neurological disorders is quantitative real-time RT-PCR, which allows the indirect detection of very low amounts of selected mRNAs in tissue samples. Expression analysis by RT-qPCR requires an appropriate normalization to the expression level of genes characterized by a stable, constitutive transcription. However, the identification of a gene transcribed at a very stable level is difficult if not impossible, since significant fluctuations of the level of mRNA synthesis often accompanies changes of cell behavior. The aim of this study is to identify the most stable genes in postmortem human brain samples of patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) suitable as reference genes. The experiments analyzed 12 commonly used reference genes in brain samples from eight individuals with AD and seven controls. After a careful analysis of the results calculated by geNorm and NormFinder algorithms, we found that CYC1 and EIF4A2 are the best reference genes. We remark on the importance of the determination of the best reference genes for each sample to be analyzed and suggest a practical combination of reference genes to be used in the analysis of human postmortem samples.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis and Chemical Recycling of Poly(ester-urethane)s
Authors: Hayashi Hiroto , Yanagishita Yoshio , Matsumura Shuichi
Published: August 2011

Novel poly(ester-urethane)s were prepared by a synthetic route using a lipase that avoids the use of hazardous diisocyanate. The urethane linkage was formed by the reaction of phenyl carbonate with amino acids and amino alcohols that produced urethane-containing diacids and hydroxy acids, respectively. The urethane diacid underwent polymerization with polyethylene glycol and a,w-alkanediols and also the urethane-containing hydroxy acid monomer was polymerized by the lipase to produce high-molecular-weight poly(ester-urethane)s. The periodic introduction of ester linkages into the polyurethane chain by the lipase-catalyzed polymerization afforded chemically recyclable points. They were readily depolymerized in the presence of lipase into cyclic oligomers, which were readily repolymerized in the presence of the same enzyme. Due to the symmetrical structure of the polymers, poly(ester-urethane)s synthesized in this study showed higher Tm, Young’s modulus and tensile strength values.
Osteoinductivity Assessment of BMP-2 Loaded Composite Chitosan-Nano-Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds in a Rat Muscle Pouch
Authors: Reves Benjamin T. , Jennings Jessica A. , Bumgardner Joel D. , Haggard Warren O.
Published: August 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the osteoinductivity of composite chitosan-nano-hydroxyapatite scaffolds in a rat muscle pouch model. Previous in vitro characterization demonstrated the ability of the scaffolds to promote bone regeneration and as a carrier for local delivery of BMP-2. Composite microspheres were prepared using a co-precipitation method, and scaffolds were fabricated using an acid wash to adhere beads together. To determine the in vivo osteoinductivity of the scaffolds, the following groups (n = 6) were implanted into muscle pouches created in the latissimus dorsi of Sprague Dawley rats: (A) lyophilized scaffolds without rhBMP-2, (B) lyophilized scaffolds with rhBMP-2, (C) non-lyophilized scaffolds with rhBMP-2, and (D) absorbable collagen sponge with rhBMP-2 (control). Groups B, C, and D were loaded with 4 mL of a 9.0 μg/mL solution of rhBMP-2 for 48 h. The rats were sacrificed after one month and samples were analyzed for amount of residual implant material, new bone, and osteoid. Although the experimental groups displayed minimal degradation after one month, all of the scaffolds contained small amounts of woven bone and considerable amounts of osteoid. Approximately thirty percent of the open space available for tissue ingrowth in the scaffolds contained new bone or osteoid in the process of mineralization. The ability of the composite scaffolds (with and without BMP-2) to promote ectopic bone growth in vivo was demonstrated.
Spinning Carbon Nanotube Nanothread under a Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Li Weifeng , Jayasinghe Chaminda , Shanov Vesselin , Schulz Mark
Published: August 2011

Nanothread with a diameter as small as one hundred nanometers was manufactured under a scanning electron microscope. Made directly from carbon nanotubes, and inheriting their superior electrical and mechanical properties, nanothread may be the world’s smallest man-made fiber. The smallest thread that can be spun using a bench-top spinning machine is about 5 microns in diameter. Nanothread is a new material building block that can be used at the nanoscale or plied to form yarn for applications at the micro and macro scales. Preliminary electrical and mechanical properties of nanothread were measured. The resistivity of nanothread is less than 10−5 Ω∙m. The strength of nanothread is greater than 0.5 GPa. This strength was obtained from measurements using special glue that cures in an electron microscope. The glue weakened the thread, thus further work is needed to obtain more accurate measurements. Nanothread will have broad applications in enabling electrical components, circuits, sensors, and tiny machines. Yarn can be used for various macroscale applications including lightweight antennas, composites, and cables.