bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the quality of life in adolescents with acne
Authors: Reljic Vesna , Maksimovic Natasa , Jankovic Janko , Mijovic Biljana , Peric Jelena , Jankovic Slavenka
Published: July 2014

Background/Aim. Acne is well recognized condition that adversely affects
quality of life (QoL) of the patients. The aim of this study was to determine
the self-reported prevalence of acne and its main characteristics in high
school pupils, and to assess their QoL. Methods. The cross-sectional study
conducted in May 2011 comprised 440 pupils from Serbia (281 from Belgrade and
159 from Uzice). Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous. Two
questionnaires were administered: a short demographic questionnaire, and
Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Internal consistency was
assessed using the Cronbach?s alpha while item-total score correlations were
assessed using Spearman's correlation analysis. Results. The majority of the
study population (84.3%) were girls, and 15.7% were boys. The total mean age
of the pupils was 16.48 ? 0.55 years. A total of 228 (51.8%) pupils
self-reported their acne with significantly higher prevalence in Uzice
(73.6%) than in Belgrade (39.5%). The mean CDLQI score was 3.55 with the
similar quality of life impairment in adolescents from the two cities. The
mean Cronbach?s alpha was 0.83. There was a statistically significant
positive correlation between the mean overall CDLQI score and CDLQI subscale
scores that ranged from 0.401 to 0.841. Conclusion. Our study confirmed that
acne is associated with impairment in QoL that is in accordance with previous
studies performed on teenagers. The CDLQI is a reliable and valid measure,
and can be used as a practical tool for measuring the impact of acne on
patients? QoL.
Les Serbes au Monténégro après la séparation en 2006
Authors: Lutovac Zoran
Published: July 2014

Ce trait? examine le probl?me de la position et du statut des Serbes au
Mont?n?gro, ainsi que leur organisation politique et sociale depuis la
s?paration de la Serbie et du Mont?n?gro en 2006. La question de l?identit?
nationale de la population chr?tienne orthodoxe du Mont?n?gro reste encore
dans la sph?re de la politique et non pas de la statistique et repr?sente une
des scissions sociales principales du Mont?n?gro contemporain. Les Serbes ne
sont pas satisfaits, et cela ? juste raison, de la mani?re dont on a trait?
cette question jusqu?? pr?sent et juste le moyen dont on se servira d?sormais
pour r?soudre cette question d?finira consid?rablement le caract?re du
Mont?n?gro en tant qu??tat et le peuple Serbe dans cet ?tat. La r?ponse ? la
question si les Serbes seront reconnus comme un peuple autochtone et ?gal
d?pendra, avant tout, des Serbes au Mont?n?gro eux-m?mes, mais aussi, elle
d?pendra consid?rablement de l?attitude et de la position que prendra la
Serbie par rapport ? cette question et ensuite de la capacit? des ?lites
politiques mont?n?grines au pouvoir de les accepter, non seulement en th?orie
mais aussi en pratique, comme une communaut? nationale ?gale.
Inclusion, Integration or Perpetual Exclusion? A Critical Examination of the Decade of Roma Inclusion, 2005–2015
Authors: Curcic Svjetlana , Miskovic A , Plaut Shayna , Ceobanu Ciprian
Published: July 2014

A total of 12 European countries with significant Roma populations are taking part in the Decade of Roma Inclusion, 2005–2015 (the Decade). Each of these countries developed a Decade Action Plan with the aim of eliminating the marginalization and discrimination of Roma in the areas of housing, health care, employment and education. Nonetheless, as we near the end of the Decade, we find little evidence that disparities between Roma and non-Roma citizens of Europe have decreased. Of all the priorities noted in the Decade, education is seen as the most successful, and that success is minimal at best. This article critically examines why ‘inclusion’ has failed and offers insights into micro and macro contexts and educational goals formulated by the states participating in the Decade.
Phase diagram of the system CaSO4—K2SO4—KNO3—Ca(NO3)2—H2O
Authors: Jurišová Jana , Danielik Vladimír , Fellner Pavel , Lencsés Marek , Králik Milan
Published: July 2014

Potassium nitrate as a fertilizer suitable for greenhouse and hydroponic applications can be prepared by the reaction of potassium sulphate with calcium nitrate. However, it may happen that simultaneously with the precipitation of gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) also two other binary salts, viz. syngenite (K2SO4·CaSO4·H2O) and görgeyite (K2SO4·5CaSO4·H2O) can crystallize. This would lower the yield of KNO3. For minimization of potassium loss we have to determine the conditions under which syngenite and görgeyite crystallize. As a useful tool for the quantitative determination of specific hydrates, simultaneous DTA/TG technique appeared. Each hydrate decomposes at a certain temperature. The loss of water at dehydration can be used for a quantitative determination of the amount of the hydrate in the precipitating solid phase. Based on the experimental data several conclusions can be drawn: (i) excess of calcium cations lowers the concentration of sulphate ions in the liquid phase together with lowering of contents of syngenite and görgeyite in the solid phase; (ii) higher content of water results in a higher solubility of sulphate ions; (iii) joint crystallization of syngenite and gypsum occurs in the composition area interesting from the point of KNO3 production; (iv) area of the primary crystallization of görgeyite does not exist in the phase diagram at 80 °C. However, görgeyite crystallizes at the molar ratio Ca(NO3)2:K2SO4 = 1:1 by ternary crystallization; (v) area of crystallization of pure gypsum is shifted to lower ratio Ca(NO3)2:K2SO4 by the addition of water to the system.
Crystal and molecular structure of (5S,8aS,9S)-9-hydroxy- 5-methyl- 4,6,7,8,8a,9-hexahydrothieno-[ 3,2-f] indolizin-5-ium iodide
Authors: Viktor Vrábel , Július Sivý , Peter Šafař , Štefan Marchalín
Published: July 2014

The title compound, C11H16NOS・I, is chiral molecule with three stereogenic centres. The absolute configuration was assigned from the synthesis and confirmed by the structure determination. The central six-membered ring of the indolizine moiety adopts a half-chair conformation with atom displaced by 0.655 (2) A from the plane of the oder remaining five atoms. The pyrrolidine ring adopts an envelope conformation, with the greatest deviation from the mean plane of the ring being 0.646 (2) A for the bridgehead N atom. The crystal structure of the title compound is stabilized by O-H・・・I and C-H・・・O hydrogen bonds.
Identification of biodegradation products of biphenyl and 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl (2,3-DHB)
Authors: Murínová Slavomíra , Dercová Katarína , Tarábek Peter , Tölgyessy Peter
Published: July 2014

We investigated the degradation of biphenyl and identified main degradation products. Biphenyl and 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl (2,3-DHB) was added to cultivation media to identify whole collection of degradation products of four bacterial strains isolated from long-term PCB contaminated soil (Alcaligenes xylosoxidans and Pseudomonas stutzeri) and long-term PCB contaminated sediment (Ochrobactrum anthropi and Pseudomonas veronii). Cultivation flasks were processed in different time after inoculation to determine biphenyl fission rate. Alcaligenes xylosoxidans was revealed as the most appropriate strain for bioremediation process with the highest biphenyl transformation rate. Biphenyl degradation led to the formation of benzoic acid. However, as the presence of 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-6-phenylhex-2,4-dienoic acid (HOPDA) was not confirmed, the transformation pathway common for many other bacteria is probably modified.
Lectin detection of cell surface saccharides remodeling induced by development of P-glycoprotein mediated multidrug resistance phenotype in L1210 leukemia cells
Authors: Šereš Mário , Pavlíková Lucia , Sulová Zdena , Breier Albert
Published: July 2014

P-glycoprotein is an ATP dependent drug efflux pump the expression of which is responsible for strong depression of cell sensitivities to large group of structurally unrelated substances in neoplastic cells. We found that the expression of this protein in mice leukemia cells L1210 is associated with massive remodeling of cell surface saccharides. This remodeling is consistent with the alteration of cellular contents of UDP-sugars, glycogen and glycoproteins when P-gp positive and P-gp negative L1210 cell variants were compared. The current paper is focused on bringing the state of art information about this topic.
Production of pectin lyase from Geobacillus pallidus p26, purification, characterization and fruit juice application
Authors: Çelik Safinur Yildirim , Demir Nazan , Demir Yaşar , Adiguzel Ahmet , Gulluce Medine
Published: July 2014

A bacterial strain was isolated from Pasinler hot spring, Erzurum, Turkey. The purified thermophilic isolate was identified as Geobacillus pallidus P26 and used to produce extracellular pectin lyase (EC 4.2.2.10). Pectin lyase enzyme was purified 34 fold by using DEAE-cellulose anion exchange column chromatography and characterized. Molecular weight of the enzyme was determined as 56 kDa by using Sephadex G-100 gel filtration chromatography. Purification of enzyme was verified by SDS-PAGE. The pH- and temperature optima of enzyme were determined (pH 9.0 and 60°C, respectively). Pectin lyase was mostly stable at 50 oC for 24 hours. Its’ activity decreased to 50 % for 24 h at 60°C. KM and Vmax were calculated as 24.8 mg/mL and 2.28 μmol/L min, respectively. Purified pectin lyase was inhibited by Fe3+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Ca2+, Co2+ and Hg2+ but not by Mg2+. The purified pectin lyase enzyme was used for getting fruits juices. It was found that yields of fruits juices increased when they were compared with control.
An Apparatus for Beating Cigarettes Under Controlled Conditions / Erfahrungen mit dem Ausschütteln von Cigaretten unter kontrollierten Bedingungen
Authors: Hoffmann C
Published: July 2014

An apparatus is described for beating cigarettes under controlled conditions with the purpose of investigating the effect of manufacturing conditions (moistening, drying temperature, duration of storage, moisture content of tobacco in the cigarette making machine, etc.) on the filling capacity of tobacco
Apparatus for Determining the Hardness of Cigarettes as Deduced "Modulus of Hardness" / Ableitung des Härtemoduls als belastungsunabhängiges Mass der Cigarettenhärte
Authors: Bethmann M , Boettcher H
Published: July 2014

1. An apparatus designed by the Scientific Department of the company Martin Brinkmann AG is presented for determining the hardness of cigarettes, i.e. their degree of filling. The deformation of test pieces caused by several measuring arms of identical weight is measured in a prism at the rate of 30 pieces per minute.

2. The intensity of the deforming forces is calculated. This calculation does take into account the changes in shape produced by both the arms and the positional support in the measuring prism. A unit of measure termed ''modulus of hardness" (Haerte-Modul) is established by formal analogy with the modulus of elasticity.

3. The relations existing between the deformations caused respectively by the arms (a) and by the support (a'), the measurable value of the total deformation (agem) and the modulus of hardness are deduced from tables correspondingly set up by reckoning. The deduction is based on the cross-sectional area of the power of the arm application (1 mm) to the exclusion of longitudinal forces and, furthermore, on the postulated fact of cigarettes being ideally cylindrical and in themselves homogeneous bodies.

4. The experimentally proved fulfilment of Hooke's Law confirms the truth of the authors' theoretical suppositions. The relative deformation is found to be proportional to the load, if the calculation of the deformation is made according to the chord and not according to the circular arc. The results hitherto obtained show the measured values to depend only to a small extent on the calibre of the test piece.

5. The values determined on the basis of the modulus of hardness thus deduced are found to quantitatively and qualitatively represent the cigarette's physical property in question to an optimum extent. They are shown to be plausible with regard to the modulus of elasticity of other materials commonly used as for example rubber. The hardness values ascertained prove to be inversely proportional to the logarithm of the duration of load application. It is above all the influence exerted by the duration of load application that makes the hardness values of cigarettes differ from the elasticity values of other materials.

6. The particular conditions of the measurement of the hardness of filter cigarettes as well as the influence exercised by longitudinal forces on the measurement of filter rods are pointed out.
The Determination of the Static Burning Rate of Cigarettes / Messung der Glimmgeschwindigkeit von Cigaretten
Authors: Stoop E
Published: July 2014

A method is described to determine the static burning rate of cigarettes in weight per unit time
The Quantitative Determination of Insecticides in Tobacco and Tobacco Smoke. 2nd Report: The Determination of Carbamate Residues - Methoden zur quantitativen Bestimmung von Insektiziden in Tabak und Tabakrauch. II. Mitteilung: Zur Bestimmung von Carbamat-Insektiziden
Authors: Nesemann E. , Schröder R. , Seehofer F.
Published: July 2014

A thin-layer chromatographic method has been developed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of carbamate residues on tobacco. The method's inferior limit of detection is 80 ng for Carbaryl and 200 ng for Undene. The coefficient of variation of the results is 5.3 % for Carbaryl and 7.7 % for Undene.
Chemical Studies on Tobacco Smoke: V. Quantitative Determination of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Insecticides in Cigarette Tobacco and its Smoke
Authors: Hoffmann D. , Rathkamp G.
Published: July 2014

An analytical method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides in tobacco products. It is based on three consecutive distributions, followed by column chromatography on deactivated alumina. This procedure leads to a degree of enrichment which allows the direct assessment of the insecticides by gas chromatography. For the isolation and identification of the individual components the column chromatography endfractions are separated by gas chromatography and collected from the effluent of the column. These materials are used for mass spectrometric analyses. For the quantitative analyses DDT-C14 is used as internal standard and the amount of insecticides is determined with the aid of a gas chromatograph with electron capture detector. In 1.0 g cigarette tobacco were found 11.7 µg 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane [DDD]; 4.8 µg 1,1-dichloro2-(o-chlorophenyl)-2-(p-chlorophenyl)ethane [o,p-DDD]; 1,1 µg 1-chloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene [DDM]; 7.8 µg 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane [DDT] and 3.6 µg of an admixture of 1,1,1-trichloro-2-(o-chlorophenyl)2-(p-chlorophenyl)ethane [o,p-DDT] and 1,1-dichloro-2-(m-chlorophenyl)2-(p-chlorophenyl)ethane [m,p-DDD]. The mainstream smoke of an 85 mm U.S. blended cigarette without filter tip contained 1.75 µg DDD, 0.45 µg o,p-DDD, 0.81 µg DDM, 0.77 µg DDT, 0.70 µg o,p-DDT plus m,p-DDD, 0.21 µg 1,1-dichloro-2-2bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene and 1.52 µg trans-4,4'-dichlorostilbene. Endrin was detected neither in cigarette smoke nor in U.S. tobaccos of Winter 1967-68. The transfer rates for unchanged chlorinated insecticides from cigarette tobacco into mainstream smoke amounted to 18 % for DDD, 11.6 % for o,p-DDD and 12.4 % for DDT. The findings of this study are compared with earlier publications and are briefly discussed in respect to formation of some of the chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons and the possible, though rather unlikely, contribution of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides to experimental tobacco carcinogenesis.
The Determination of the Flow Rate by Measuring the Absorption of Beta Rays - Tabakflussmengenmessung mittels Beta-Strahlung
Authors: Marek J. , Hayn G.
Published: July 2014

The experiments made reveal that the principle of determining the rate of flow by measuring the absorption of beta rays is suitable for industrial application in the field of tobacco processing. The advantages of the procedure are the free installation and the small dimensions of the device. The price of the apparatus is surprisingly low, its application is, therefore, expedient mainly as transducer for controlling the flow rate of additives. The precision of the procedure satisfies most purposes being constant over long periods of time and not depending on factors such as, for example, the formation of a layer sticking to the surface of the belt weigher. There is, furthermore, the possibility of measuring the rate of tobacco flow in pneumatic conveyors.
The Calculation of the Technical Efficacy of Production Machines - Die Berechnung des Leistungsgrades von Produktionsmaschinen
Authors: Smit H. , Arendzen H.
Published: July 2014

Different definitions of time and production capacity at present employed by Turmac Tobacco Company are presented. The terms defined serve the purpose of calculating and evaluating the technical efficacy and productivity of production machines. They form, furthermore, the basis of the planning of production and the demand for personnel, of the calculation of the quantity of cigarettes produced as well as of a wage incentive scheme.
The Effect of Additives on the Combustion Temperature of Cigarettes
Authors: Miller Frank , Freeman Walter J. , Stedman R. L.
Published: July 2014

A large number of cigarette additives was tested for the effect on the combustion temperature, including free radical initiators and inhibitors, salts of organic acids, inorganic salts and other inorganic compounds, lead-borate glasses, oxidizing agents, petroleum refining and oxidative catalysts, flame retardants, fire-proofing salts and other compounds and mixtures. Most of the additives showed no dramatic increase or decrease of temperature even at high concentrations but some indications of small alterations were obtained in a few cases.
A Simple Method Designed for the Collection of Gaseous Tobacco Smoke Components and its Application for the Determination of Carbon Monoxide in Cigarette Smoke - Eine einfache Methode zur Gewinnung gasförmiger Tabakrauchbestandteile: Ihre Anwendung zur Bestimmung des Kohlenmonoxids im Rauch
Authors: Harke H.P. , Drews C.J.
Published: July 2014

The present paper describes a simple device designed for the analytical smoking of single cigarettes and capable of collecting the gaseous constituents of tobacco smoke. The trap has been used to determine the carbon monoxide content of the smoke of cigarettes made from reconstituted tobacco by gas chromatography
Examination of the Gas-Vapour Phase of Cigarette Smoke. 2nd Report: The Determination of the Carbon Monoxide Content of the Gas Phase of Cigarette Smoke - Zur Untersuchung der Gas-Dampf-Phase des Cigarettenrauches: 2. Mitteilung: Zur Bestimmung des Stickstoffmonoxids (NO) aus der Gasphase des Cigarettenrauches
Authors: Barkemeyer H. , Seehofer F.
Published: July 2014

The NO content of the gas-vapour phase of cigarette smoke is determined by a simple colourimetric procedure: NO is absorbed by a solution of FeSO4 in diluted H2SO4 up to an equilibrium with the formation of the addition compound Fe•NO•SO4. The spectrophotometric investigation of the resulting solution shows two maxima (580 and 445 mµ). The maximum at 445 mµ is chosen for the colourimetric determination of NO. The formation of Fe•NO•SO4 takes place via a reversible stoichiometric reaction, the absorption of NO is proportional to the partial pressure of NO in the gas mixture. The concentration of NO in the mainstream smoke of commercial cigarettes with different tobacco types and blends has been shown to be in the range between 250-1500 ppm, i.e. 110-660 µg NO/ cigarette. Contrary to other methods, the new procedure enables the differentiated determination of NO besides NO2. In the fresh smoke from Straight Virginia cigarettes, i.e. 2-5 sec. after generation, no NO2 was detectable. Under the same conditions, blended cigarettes showed a content of about 5 µg NO2/cigarette. 60 seconds after smoke generation, about 200 µg NO2/cigarette have been determined. These results show that of the nitrogen oxides only NO is present in fresh cigarette smoke. The autoxidation to NO2 occurs to a considerable extent within 60 seconds
Determination of the Balance of Carbon-14 Activity Added to Cigarettes
Authors: Thornton R. E. , Valentine C.
Published: July 2014

A simple method for the determination of the balance of carbon-14 activity added to cigarettes is described. The total recovery of activity is 80 % or greater, and the method can be used to obtain information on the transfer and pyrolysis reactions occurring when cigarettes are smoked.
Examinations with an Improved Densimeter for Measuring the Filling Capacity of Cut Tobacco and the Hardness of Cigarettes - Untersuchungen mit einem verbesserten Densimeter zum Prüfen der Füllfähigkeit von Schnittabak und der Härte von Cigaretten
Authors: Lorenz H. W. , Seehofer F.
Published: July 2014

Maintaining the approved principle of determining the filling capacity of tobacco and the hardness of cigarettes by measuring the change in volume under constant pressure within a constant time, the instruments "Densimeter" and "Kompressimeter" have been combined, automatisized and supplied with improved indicator devices. Moreover for measuring the hardness of cigarettes the shape of the loading platforms has been changed. The influence of different parameters on the filling power of tobacco and the hardness of cigarettes for several types of blends has been investigated with this combined set of apparatuses. The results hitherto obtained confirm the usefulness of the new instrument for measuring the hardness of cigarettes and of filter rods as well as for determining the filling capacity of cut tobacco for quality control, routine checks and basic investigations.
Determination of the Binding Heat of Water in Tobacco - Bestimmung der Bindungswärme des Wassers im Tabak
Authors: D.I. Zorbalas
Published: July 2014

The evolution of the desorption curves of a Greek cigarette brand at temperatures of 15° to 30°C is presented by means of the formula established by Brunauer, Emmet and Teller, and used to determine the heat of binding of water at 40 % to 70 % relative humidity of air. The mechanical linkage force of water is shown to be confirmed by the calculated heat values.
The Determination of By-Passing Air in Cigarettes - Über die Messung der Nebenluft bei Cigaretten
Authors: Krüll F. , Jodl R.
Published: July 2014

The authors describe a method to determine the rate of by-passing air in cigarettes.
Naturbanization and Urban – Rural Dynamics in Spain: Case Study of New Rural Landscapes in Andalusia and Catalonia
Authors: Pallarès-Blanch Marta , Prados Velasco Maria-José , Tulla Pujol Antoni Francesc
Published: July 2014

The early 20th century saw the beginning of a process of urbanizing rural space (Berry, 1976a; 1976b), described as counter-urbanization (Champion, 1989). The creation of Protected Natural Areas (PNAs) has defined some rural spaces, relatively far from large urban metropolitan areas, where the ecological and scenic value is a magnet for urbanization (Prados, 2005). Thus, PNAs make rural areas more attractive to new economic and leisure activities and can promote a more positive type of development that has been called naturbanization (Prados, 2009). We address this topic in six sections: (1) Introduction; (2) Conceptual framework of naturbanization; (3) Methodology to analyse the process of naturbanization; (4) Processes of naturbanization in Andalusia and in Catalonia; (5) Comparative analysis of two case studies, and (6) Conclusions and Recommendations
An Index to Measure Rural Diversity in the Light of Rural Resilience and Rural Development Debate
Authors: Quaranta Giovanni , Salvia Rosanna
Published: July 2014

Diversity has been extensively studied in ecological systems and its relationship with resilience has been well recognized. In social and ecological systems, in fact, diversity is considered key to determining resilience where resilience is defined as system’s capacity to learn and adapt in the face of internal or external perturbations. However, although human and ecological systems are dynamic, interacting and interdependent, little attention has been given to social systems diversity and its implications. The interest in diversity and resilience of social-ecological systems is increasingly growing, particularly in the rural contexts, due to its possible effects on social and economic development and livelihoods. In this paper we define an analytical tool, the Rural Diversity Index (RDI), to assess the role of natural, economic and social diversity in determining alternative rural socio-ecological developmental patterns. The application of the RDI in pilot areas of Southern Italy showed that, in specific socio-ecological systems, higher natural-socio-economic diversity leads to higher degree of rural development, as measured through standard socio-economic indicators.
Rural-Urban Multiplier and Policy Effects in Finish Rural Regions: an Inter-Regional Sam Analysis
Authors: Hyytiä Nina
Published: July 2014

The paper studies rural policies in two Finnish regions, and whether the policy benefits would accumulate to the rural or urban areas. Rural-urban social accounting matrices were built and used as a base data for the SAM multiplier analysis. The output multiplier values demonstrate the important role of agriculture and food industry in both of the study regions. In the urban areas, however, services and construction were among the industries with the highest income generating potential. Whilst urban and rural industries had almost an equal potential for stimulating the whole economies, the results indicate that urban activities spill over welfare to the surrounding rural areas and thus can back up the development of the whole regions. Due to their different economic structures, South Ostrobothnia responded stronger to the agricultural policies while North Karelia was more responsive to the infrastructure and tourism policies.
Relativistic symmetries of Schioberg and general Manning-Rosen potentials and the effects of tensor coupling
Authors: Ikot A. N. , Maghsoodi E. , Isonguyo C. N. , Zarrinkamar S. , Hassanabadi H.
Published: July 2014

In this paper we solve the Dirac equation with Schioberg and general Manning- Rosen potentials including the Coulomb-like tensor interaction. The approximate analytical bound state solutions of the Dirac equation with the Schioberg and Manning-Rosen potential, energy equations and the corresponding unnormalized wave functions are obtained in a closed form using SUSYQM. We have also reported the numerical results to show the effect of the tensor interaction.
Structural and optical properties of europium doped Y2O3 nanoparticles prepared by self-propagation room temperature reaction method
Authors: Ćulubrk Sanja , Lojpur Vesna , Antić Željka , Dramićanin Miroslav D.
Published: July 2014

Europium-doped yttrium oxide nanoparticles with different doping concentrations were prepared by self-propagation room temperature reaction method. This simple synthesis method provides particles in the range of 12nm to 50 nm, depending on the temperature of calcination. In all cases, the nanopowders showed intense red emission upon excitation with ultraviolet radiation. Structural and optical characterization showed that the nanoparticles obtained after calcination at 1100°C have smaller unit cell volume and microstrain and longer emission lifetimes compared to the nanoparticles obtained after calcination at 600°C and 800°C. The maximal emission intensity was found for the sample doped with 5at% of Eu3+.
Spectral characterization of hydrogen-like atoms confined by oscillating systems
Authors: Iacob Felix
Published: July 2014

The spectral characterization of Coulomb systems confined by a homogeneous pseudo-Gaussian oscillator is investigated. This is done using the efficient computational method of generating functionals. Also, this method is used for the spectral characterization of homogeneous harmonic oscillator confinement, treated as a particular case of pseudo-Gaussian oscillator confinement. Finally, confinement by an impenetrable sphere of finite radius is considered by studying its conjugate effect along with a harmonic oscillator.
Identifying stakeholder opinion regarding access to “high-cost medicines”: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Wahlster Philip , Scahill Shane , Garg Sanjay , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din
Published: July 2014

Objective: To identify the viewpoints and perceptions of different stakeholders regarding high cost medicines (HCMs). Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify original research articles. Using predefined categories, data related to the viewpoints of different stakeholders was systematically extracted and analyzed. Results: Thirty seven original research articles matched the criteria. The main stakeholders identified include physicians, patients, public and health funding authorities. The influence of media and other economic and ethical issues were also identified in the literature. A large number of stakeholders were concerned about lack of access to HCMs. Physicians have difficulty balancing the the rational use of expensive drugs while at the same time acting as “patients’ advocate”. Patients would like to know about all treatment options, even if they may not be able to afford them. The process and criteria for reimbursement should be transparent and access has to be equitable across patient groups. Conclusion: Access to HCMs could be improved through transparency and involvement of all stakeholders, especially patients and the public. Moral issues and the “rule of rescue” could influence decision-making process significantly. At system level, objectivity is important to ensure that the system is equitable and transparent.
Severe renal vascular hypertension caused by upper left branch renal artery stenosis complicated with multiple thrombosis and cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Milošević Danko , Batinić Danica , Hodžić Sonja , Lemac Maja , Spajić Marija , Turudić Daniel , Potkonjak Ana-Meyra
Published: July 2014

A severe hypertension was found in a 9 month old boy with signs and symptoms of severe arterial hypertension. An upper left branch renal artery stenosis complicated with multiple thrombosis and cardiac hypertrophy was diagnosed. Surgical heminephrectomy of the upper pole of the left kidney was successful in blood pressure normalization with significant improve of cardiac function and thrombosis recanalization.
Association of EGF and p53 gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk in the Slovak population
Authors: Mahmood Silvia , Sivoňová Monika , Matáková Tatiana , Dobrota Dusan , Wsólová Ladislava , Dzian Anton , Mištuna Dusan
Published: July 2014

During the transformation process single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of key genes, such as p53 Arg72Pro or EGF A61G, may mediate various cellular processes. These variants may be associated with colorectal cancer risk (CRC), but conflicting findings have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of the SNPs in 5′ UTR of EGF A61G and p53 Arg72Pro and CRC in the Slovak population. The present case-control study was carried out in 173 confirmed CRC patients and 303 healthy subjects. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP methods. Significant association was observed between age and CRC risk (p=0.001). Lower CRC risk was seen in younger patients carrying genotype p53 Arg72Pro (0.14; 95% CI 0.02–0.99, p=0.049). Gender-stratified analysis showed a significant inverse association of the polymorphism EGF G61G with CRC risk (0.48; 95% CI 0.2–0.9, p=0.04) only in male patients. Tumour site genotype distribution revealed that female patients with localized colon cancer were significantly associated with p53 Pro72Pro genotype (4.0; 95% CI 1.27–12.7, p=0.04) whereas the cancer of rectosigmoid junction was associated with the EGF G61G genotype (4.5; 95% CI 1.2–16.97, p=0.02). Combination of p53 Arg72Pro or EGF A61G polymorphisms were not associated with CRC risk by using logistic regression.
A fetus with meckel-gruber syndrome associated with isomerism
Authors: Kitova Tanya , Kilova Kristina , Kitov Borislav , Masmoudi Aida , Milkov Denis , Gaigi Soumeya
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Meckel-Gruber syndrome (MKS) is an autosomal recessive lethal malformation. As far as we know, the rate of incidence for the syndrome is 0.02 per 10,000 births. It is estimated that Meckel-Gruber syndrome accounts for 5% of all neural tube defects in Finland. Objective. The aim of this study is to present a case of a fetus with Meckel-Gruber syndrome associated with complete left isomerism. Method. The fetus was obtained after medical interruption of the pregnancy during the fifteenth gestational week. The mother was 36 years old and in a consanguineous marriage. The antenatal ultrasound examination revealed a polymalformative syndrome, leading to a postmortem examination. The fetopathological study of the fetus was conducted at the Centre for Maternity and Neonatology, Tunis, Tunisia, in 2008. Results. The female fetus had a significantly deformed ballooning abdomen, pes equinovarus, flexion of the wrist and a total posterior cleft palate. The central nervous system abnormalities were occipital encephalocele, cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle, agenesis of corpus callosum and hydrocephalus. The study of the internal organs found dextrocardia, irregular lobulation of the lungs, left isomerism, and polysplenia. The microscopic examination revealed bilateral cystic dilation of the kidneys, fibrous proliferation of the liver and ectasic dilatation of the billiary ducts, representing a ductal plate malformation of the liver. Conclusion. The case is diagnosed with Meckel-Gruber syndrome associated with complete left isomerism, cleft palate and possibly Dandy-Walker syndrome.
Cannabinoid receptor activation inhibits cell cycle progression by modulating 14-3-3β
Authors: Jung Hye-Won , Park Inae , Ghil Sungho
Published: July 2014

Cannabinoids display various pharmacological activities, including tumor regression, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids, we used a yeast two-hybrid system to screen a mouse brain cDNA library for proteins interacting with type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R). Using the intracellular loop 3 of CB1R as bait, we identified 14-3-3β as an interacting partner of CB1R and confirmed their interaction using affinity-binding assays. 14-3-3β has been reported to induce a cell cycle delay at the G2/M phase. We tested the effects of cannabinoids on cell cycle progression in HeLa cells synchronized using a double-thymidine block-and-release protocol and found an increase in the population of G2/M phase cells. We further found that CB1R activation augmented the interaction of 14-3-3β with Wee1 and Cdc25B, and promoted phosphorylation of Cdc2 at Tyr-15. These results suggest that cannabinoids induce cell cycle delay at the G2/M phase by activating 14-3-3β.
Application of positron emission tomography and 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose for visualization and quantification of solute transport in plant tissues
Authors: Partelová Denisa , Uhrovčík Jozef , Lesný Juraj , Horník Miroslav , Rajec Pavol , Kováč Peter , Hostin Stanislav
Published: July 2014

The aim of the presented work was to evaluate the uptake and distribution of 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose spiked with 18F (2-[18F]FDG) in tissues of tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) by positron emission tomography and multivariate data analysis after the immersion of the petiole of excised leaf or root of a tobacco plant in a glucose solution. From individual experiments it was found that increasing glucose concentration (c glu) in the applied solution resulted in significantly higher 2-[18F]FDG diffusion and translocation within the leaf parenchyma. More than a four times increase of the 2-[18F]FDG translocation into the aboveground parts of the tobacco plant in case of the root immersion in solution with 100-times higher c glu in comparison with the control (c glu = 0.00762 mg cm−3) was determined. These facts were not confirmed only visually on basis of the obtained 3D images, but also by the increasing coincidence transfer factor (TFc) values defined by the ratio of the number of analyzed coincidences in the non-immersed parts of leaf or plant to coincidences in leaf petiole or root immersed in the solution. Cluster and principal component analysis suggest that the 2-[18F]FDG uptake by the petiole of excised leaf and root system was realized by different mechanisms; also, the 3D image quality is influenced by the initial radioactivity of the applied solution.
Rhizofiltration potential of Arundo donax for cadmium and zinc removal from contaminated wastewater
Authors: Dürešová Zuzana , Šuňovská Anna , Horník Miroslav , Pipíška Martin , Gubišová Marcela , Gubiš Jozef , Hostin Stanislav
Published: July 2014

The main aim of the presented work was to design and characterize the rhizofiltration system comprised of giant reed plants (Arundo donax L.), as species with phytoremediation potential, for the removal of cadmium as a toxic metal and zinc as an important microelement from model solutions spiked with radionuclides 109Cd and 65Zn. The possibility of effective cadmium and zinc rhizofiltration by the root system of giant reed plants under continuous flow conditions to achieve complete decontamination was confirmed. The highest 109Cd and 65Zn specific radioactivity (Bq g−1; dry mass) was found in case of plants located near the input of the solution into the system, whereby the radioactivity in the plants decreased in the direction of the solution flow within the system. On the other hand, gradual increasing of the concentration ratio [Cd]shoot: [Cd]root within this horizontal plants location was observed. Individual experiments showed that the efficiency of cadmium rhizofiltration decreased in the order of model solutions: synthetic wastewater (χ = 505 μS cm−1), deionized water (χ = 29.6 μS cm−1), 100 % Hoagland medium (χ = 1675 μS cm−1). The same results were also found in case of zinc rhizofiltration. For the description of cadmium and zinc rhizofiltration processes, the kinetic mathematical models widely applied for sorption processes under continuous flow conditions were successfully used.
Synthesis by UV-curing and characterisation of polyurethane acrylate-lithium salts-based polymer electrolytes in lithium batteries
Authors: Ugur Mustafa , Kılıç Hasan , Berkem Mustafa , Güngör Atilla
Published: July 2014

UV-cured caprolactone-based polyurethane acrylate (PUA) polymer blend electrolytes were prepared and characterised. To develop polymer electrolytes suited to ambient temperature, an ionically-conductive and reliable polymer electrolyte based on urethane acrylate resins synthesised from a fluorine-containing di-functional oligomer 6F ethoxylated diacrylate, a di-functional reactive diluent 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate for adjusting the viscosity, and a radical photo-initiator doped with a mixture of lithium salts were used. Free-standing flexible electrolyte films were prepared by UV-curing via free-radical photopolymerisation. The performance of the lithium polymer cell system (Li/PE(F4)/LiCoO2) was determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, a galvanostatic recurrent differential pulse, chronocoulometry and chronoamperometry. The electrolyte with optimal amounts of fluorine-containing oligomer and optimal salt mixture content exhibited enhanced conductivity, showing a conductivity of 1.00 × 10−4 S cm−1 at ambient temperature. The specific capacity, specific energy and specific power of a Li/PE(F4)/LiCoO2 cell were also determined.
Ab initio- and density-functional studies of conformational behaviour of N-formylmethionine in gaseous phase
Authors: Das Gunajyoti , Mandal Shilpi
Published: July 2014

The current work is a study of the conformational space of the non-ionic N-formylmethionine molecule around its seven structurally significant internal backbone torsional angles at B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) levels of theory in the gaseous phase. The potential energy surface exploration reveals that a total of 432 different conformers would result if all the possible combinations of the internal rotations were to be considered. A set of twelve conformers of the N-formylmethionine molecule are then further analysed in terms of their relative stabilities, theoretically predicted harmonic vibrational frequencies, HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, ESP charges, rotational constants and dipole moments calculated using MP2/6-31++G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) levels. The calculated relative energy-range of the conformers at the MP2 level is 11.08 kcal mol−1 (1 kcal = 4.1868 kJ), whereas the same obtained at the B3LYP level is 10.02 kcal mol−1. The results of this study provide a good account of the role of four types of intramolecular H-bonds, namely O…H—O, O…H—N, O…H—C and N…H—C, in influencing the energies of the conformers as well as their conformational and vibrational spectroscopic aspects. The relative stability order of the conformers appears to depend on the level of theory used while the vibrational frequencies calculated at the B3LYP level are in better agreement with the experimental values.
Physical and water properties of Albeluvisols in the Silesian Lowland (SW Poland)
Authors: Glina Bartłomiej , Jezierski Paweł , Kabała Cezary
Published: July 2014

Soil texture, bulk and specific density, total porosity, and the water capacity at pF 0.2.7 were measured in Albeluvisols with more or less pronounced lithological discontinuity. The soil pits were located in the north-eastern part of the Silesian Lowland, on the glacial plain built of till blanketed with cover materials of various origin, mainly sands. Distinct albeluvic tongues with sandy texture and strong stagnic color mosaic at the contact of eluvial and illuvial horizons were identified in all profiles under study. The lowest bulk density was measured in the plough layers, while the highest in subsoil EBw horizons or glossic E/Bt horizons. Total porosity was the largest in plough layers, rapidly decreased in subsoil E horizons and then back increased with depth. Water capacity (at each measured pF value) was strongly correlated mainly with clay content and rapidly raised in E/B horizons. The highest field water capacity was measured in E/Bt horizons at low albeluvic tonguing intensity, or in deeper parts of Bt horizon at larger intensity of albeluvic tonguing into the illuvial horizon. The easily available water stock in the upper 100 cm-thick column of Albeluvisols with lithological discontinuity depends mainly on the depth of transition of eluvial (coarser) and illuvial (finer-textured) zones, similarly to typical Luvisols with the same type of textural (lithological) variability in the soil profile.
Assessment of different methods of soil suitability classification for wheat cultivation
Authors: Sharififar Amin
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the impact of soil temperature and soil moisture on the virulence To protect soil resources and also to achieve optimal crop production, it is essential to dedicate the most suitable land to a specific land use. Achieving this goal is possible through land use planning in conjunction with land evaluation. In this study a land suitability evaluation was carried out for wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivation, and was performed in the Bastam region located in the north east of Iran. 104 soil profiles were sampled and 11 land units were separated. In order to find out the most correct method of physical land suitability evaluation, three methods of combining soil criteria for soil index calculation for wheat production were tested. These methods are based on parametric and maximum limitation approaches, and the results of each method were compared with the observed yield. Ultimately, the maximum limitation method was found to be the best method and was used for classification of the suitability of the study area lands for wheat cultivation. The varying results of applying different ways of evaluation in this study indicate that the accuracy of the method of land evaluation adopted should be checked before using the results for any purposes.
Understanding the paradox of deer persisting at high abundance in heavily browsed habitats
Authors: Saout Soizic Le , Chollet Simon , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon , Blanc Laetitia , Padié Sophie , Verchere Thibault , Gaston Anthony J. , Gillingham Michael P. , Gimenez Olivier , Parker Katherine L. , Picot Denis , Verheyden Hélène , Martin Jean‐Louis
Published: July 2014

In the context of remarkable increases in many deer populations observed in temperate forests, it is critical to better understand the processes sustaining abundant populations despite dramatic declines in the vegetation they feed on. When natural predation and hunting levels are too low to control deer populations, a resource‐driven negative feedback is expected. Such a feedback assumes that the remaining resources do not match the energy requirements of a current herbivore population, thereby limiting herbivore abundance. Here we take advantage of a well‐documented, long‐term study of abundant predator‐free populations of black‐tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis on the Haida Gwaii archipelago (Canada) to assess the ability of a heavily browsed forest habitat to sustain abundant deer populations. For two deer populations, we: 1) compared the energy provided by various resource pools to the energy required by deer; and 2) identified what components of the environment contributed most to support them. Qualitatively, our results are robust to the many assumptions and uncertainties and identify the resources currently available that allow these abundant deer populations to meet their energy needs despite the apparent paucity in resources. Resources are provided by a flux of hardly visible plant tissue produced by perennial species highly tolerant of herbivory and able to survive via underground structures (e.g. rhizomes), and by subsidies provided by canopy trees or by plants in refuges (i.e. litterfall and seed bank). We discuss the possibility of a resource‐driven feedback that may ultimately occur in the long term as a result of changes in recruitment, productivity and fertility of plants. The possible lack of resource‐driven feedback in the short or medium term should be considered by managers when assessing the need for active deer population control in situations without carnivores or hunting.