bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear System Identification with a Real–Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA)
Authors: Cherif Imen , Fnaiech Farhat
Published: January 2016

This paper is devoted to the blind identification problem of a special class of nonlinear systems, namely, Volterra models, using a real-coded genetic algorithm (RCGA). The model input is assumed to be a stationary Gaussian sequence or an independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) process. The order of the Volterra series is assumed to be known. The fitness function is defined as the difference between the calculated cumulant values and analytical equations in which the kernels and the input variances are considered. Simulation results and a comparative study for the proposed method and some existing techniques are given. They clearly show that the RCGA identification method performs better in terms of precision, time of convergence and simplicity of programming.
Application of Cubic Box Spline Wavelets in the Analysis of Signal Singularities
Authors: Rakowski Waldemar
Published: January 2016

In the subject literature, wavelets such as the Mexican hat (the second derivative of a Gaussian) or the quadratic box spline are commonly used for the task of singularity detection. The disadvantage of the Mexican hat, however, is its unlimited support; the disadvantage of the quadratic box spline is a phase shift introduced by the wavelet, making it difficult to locate singular points. The paper deals with the construction and properties of wavelets in the form of cubic box splines which have compact and short support and which do not introduce a phase shift. The digital filters associated with cubic box wavelets that are applied in implementing the discrete dyadic wavelet transform are defined. The filters and the algorithme à trous of the discrete dyadic wavelet transform are used in detecting signal singularities and in calculating the measures of signal singularities in the form of a Lipschitz exponent. The article presents examples illustrating the use of cubic box spline wavelets in the analysis of signal singularities.
Neural Networks as a Tool for Georadar Data Processing
Authors: Szymczyk Piotr , Tomecka-Suchoń Sylwia , Szymczyk Magdalena
Published: January 2016

In this article a new neural network based method for automatic classification of ground penetrating radar (GPR) traces is proposed. The presented approach is based on a new representation of GPR signals by polynomials approximation. The coefficients of the polynomial (the feature vector) are neural network inputs for automatic classification of a special kind of geologic structure—a sinkhole. The analysis and results show that the classifier can effectively distinguish sinkholes from other geologic structures.
Existence and asymptotic behavior of ground state solutions of semilinear elliptic system
Authors: Mâagli Habib , Ben Othman Sonia , Dridi Safa
Published: January 2016

In this article, we take up the existence and the asymptotic behavior of entire bounded positive solutions to the following semilinear elliptic system:

-Δu=a1a_{1}(x)uαu^{\alpha}vrv^{r},x∈\inℝn\mathbb{R}^{n}(n≥\geq3), -Δv=a2a_{2}(x)vβv^{\beta}usu^{s},x∈\inℝn\mathbb{R}^{n},u,v¿ 0 inℝn\mathbb{R}^{n},lim|x|→+∞\lim_{|x|\rightarrow+\infty}u(x) =lim|x|→+∞\lim_{|x|\rightarrow+\infty}v(x)=0,

whereα,β<1{\alpha,\beta<1},r,s∈ℝ{r,s\in\mathbb{R}}such thatν:=(1-α)⁢(1-β)-r⁢s>0{\nu:=(1-\alpha)(1-\beta)-rs>0}, and the functionsa1a_{1},a2a_{2}are nonnegative in𝒞locγ⁢(ℝn){\mathcal{C}^{\gamma}_{\mathrm{loc}}(\mathbb{R}^{n})}(0¡γ¡1) and satisfy some appropriate assumptions related to Karamata regular variation theory.
Cross-species PCR and field studies on Paulownia elongata: A potential bioenergy crop
Authors: Basu Chhandak , Joshee Nirmal , Gezalian Tigran , Vaidya Brajesh Nanda , Satidkit Asada , Hemmati Homa , Perry Zachary David
Published: January 2016

Paulownia elongata is a short-rotation fast growing tree and is known for high biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration potential. Optimization of protocols for nucleic acid extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, and other molecular biology techniques are required for better understanding of cellulose synthesis and to assess the potential of Paulownia as a biofuel tree. The main objective of this work was to study a putative cellulose synthase amplicon expression under various environmental conditions and evaluate the potentials of Paulownia as a biofuel tree. Using cross-species PCR an amplicon representative of a putative cellulose synthase gene from Paulownia was identified. This 177-bp long DNA sequence was 46% similar with cellulose synthase genes from Arabidopsis as expected. Gene specific primers for this particular Paulownia cellulose synthase gene were designed and reverse transcription PCR was performed to confirm its transcription. We report an inexpensive cDNA dot-blot method to study expression of this gene under various environmental conditions. We observed that cold and, to a lesser extent, heat stress downregulated its expression. This information will help to understand cellulose deposition in plant cell wall under stressful conditions. To the best of our knowledge this is the first characterization of a cDNA sequence from Paulownia elongata.
Alkali treatment of fungal pretreated wheat straw for bioethanol production
Authors: García-Torreiro María , Pallín Miguel Álvarez , López-Abelairas María , Lu-Chau Thelmo A. , Lema Juan M.
Published: January 2016

Bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials into ethanol requires an intermediate pretreatment step for conditioning biomass. Sugar yields from wheat straw were previously improved by the addition of a mild alkali pretreatment step before bioconversion by the white-rot fungus Irpex lacteus. In this work, an alternative alkaline treatment, which significantly reduces water consumption, was implemented and optimized. Sugar recovery increased 117% with respect to the previously developed alkaline wash process at optimal process conditions (30°C, 30 minutes and 35.7% (w/w) of NaOH). In order to further reduce operational costs, a system for alkali recycling was implemented. This resulted in the treatment of 150% more wheat straw using the same amount of NaOH. Finally, enzymatic hydrolysis was optimized and resulted in a reduction of enzyme dose of 33%.
Life in the cold: links between mammalian hibernation and longevity
Authors: Wu Cheng-Wei , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: January 2016

The biological process of aging is the primary determinant of lifespan, but the factors that influence the rate of aging are not yet clearly understood and remain a challenging question. Mammals are characterized by >100-fold differences in maximal lifespan, influenced by relative variances in body mass and metabolic rate. Recent discoveries have identified long-lived mammalian species that deviate from the expected longevity quotient. A commonality among many long-lived species is the capacity to undergo metabolic rate depression, effectively re-programming normal metabolism in response to extreme environmental stress and enter states of torpor or hibernation. This stress tolerant phenotype often involves a reduction in overall metabolic rate to just 1–5% of the normal basal rate as well as activation of cytoprotective responses. At the cellular level, major energy savings are achieved via coordinated suppression of many ATP-expensive cell functions; e.g. global rates of protein synthesis are strongly reduced via inhibition of the insulin signaling axis. At the same time, various studies have shown activation of stress survival signaling during hibernation including up-regulation of protein chaperones, increased antioxidant defenses, and transcriptional activation of pro-survival signaling such as the FOXO and p53 pathways. Many similarities and parallels exist between hibernation phenotypes and different long-lived models, e.g. signal transduction pathways found to be commonly regulated during hibernation are also known to induce lifespan extension in animals such asDrosophila melanogasterandCaenorhabditis elegans. In this review, we highlight some of the molecular mechanisms that promote longevity in classic aging modelsC. elegans, Drosophila, and mice, while providing a comparative analysis to how they are regulated during mammalian hibernation.
Prospective validation of an automated chemiluminescence-based assay of renin and aldosterone for the work-up of arterial hypertension
Authors: Rossi Gian Paolo , Ceolotto Giulio , Rossitto Giacomo , Seccia Teresa Maria , Maiolino Giuseppe , Berton Chiara , Basso Daniela , Plebani Mario
Published: January 2016

Background:

The availability of simple and accurate assays of plasma active renin (DRC) and aldosterone concentration (PAC) can improve the detection of secondary forms of arterial hypertension. Thus, we investigated the performance of an automated chemiluminescent assay for DRC and PAC in referred hypertensive patients.

Methods:

We prospectively recruited 260 consecutive hypertensive patients referred to an ESH Center for Hypertension. After exclusion of six protocol violations, 254 patients were analyzed: 67.3% had primary hypertension, 17.3% an aldosterone producing adenoma (APA), 11.4% idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA), 2.4% renovascular hypertension (RVH), 0.8% familial hyperaldosteronism type 1 (FH-1), 0.4% apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME), 0.4% a renin-producing tumor, and 3.9% were adrenalectomized APA patients. Bland-Altman plots and Deming regression were used to analyze results. The diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve, AUC of the ROC) of the DRC-based aldosterone-renin ratio (ARRCL) was compared with that of the PRA-based ARR (ARRRIA) using as reference the conclusive diagnosis of APA.

Results:

At Bland-Altman plot, the DRC and PAC assay showed no bias as compared to the PRA and PAC assay. A tight relation was found between the DRC and the PRA values (concordance correlation coefficient=0.92, p<0.0001) and the PAC values measured with radioimmunoassay and chemiluminescence (concordance correlation coefficient=0.93, p<0.001). For APA identification the AUC of the ARRCLwas higher than that of the ARRRIA[0.974 (95% CI 0.940–0.991) vs. 0.894 (95% CI 0.841–0.933), p=0.02].

Conclusions:

This rapid automated chemiluminescent DRC/PAC assay performed better than validated PRA/PAC radioimmunoassays for the identification of APA in referred hypertensive patients.
The Asaeda–Haagerup fusion categories
Authors: Grossman Pinhas , Izumi Masaki , Snyder Noah
Published: January 2016

The classification of subfactors of small index revealed several new subfactors. The first subfactor above index 4, the Haagerup subfactor, is increasingly well understood and appears to lie in a (discrete) infinite family of subfactors where the

ℤ

\mathbb{Z}

/3

ℤ

\mathbb{Z}

symmetry is replaced by other finite abelian groups. The goal of this paper is to give a similarly good description of the Asaeda–Haagerup subfactor which emerged from our study of its Brauer–Picard groupoid. More specifically, we construct a new subfactor

𝒮

{\mathcal{S}}

which is a

ℤ

\mathbb{Z}

/4

ℤ

\mathbb{Z}

×

\times

ℤ

\mathbb{Z}

/2

ℤ

\mathbb{Z}

analogue of the Haagerup subfactor and we show that the even parts of the Asaeda–Haagerup subfactor are higher Morita equivalent to an orbifold quotient of

𝒮

{\mathcal{S}}

. This gives a new construction of the Asaeda–Haagerup subfactor which is much more symmetric and easier to work with than the original construction. As a consequence, we can settle many open questions about the Asaeda–Haagerup subfactor: calculating its Drinfeld center, classifying all extensions of the Asaeda–Haagerup fusion categories, finding the full higher Morita equivalence class of the Asaeda–Haagerup fusion categories, and finding intermediate subfactor lattices for subfactors coming from the Asaeda–Haagerup categories. The details of the applications will be given in subsequent papers.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cadmium Sulfide Nanoparticles via a Simple Thermal Decompose Method
Authors: Seyghalkar Hamideh , Sabet Mohammad , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: January 2016

In this work, cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles were synthesized from a new Cd-octanoate complex via a simple thermal decompose method. The crystallinity of the product was obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The morphology and product size were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the CdS surface purity. Finally, the optical properties of the product were obtained from photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy.
Thermoeconomic Optimization of a Combined Heating and Humidification Coil for HVAC Systems
Authors: Teodoros Liliana , Andresen Bjarne
Published: January 2016

The total cost of ownership is calculated for a combined heating and humidification coil of an air-handling unit taking into account investment and operation costs simultaneously. This total cost represents the optimization function for which the minimum is sought. The parameters for the cost dependencies are the physical dimensions of the coil: length, width and height. The term “coil” is used generically since in this setup it generates heating as well as humidification in a single unit. The first part of the paper deals with the constructive optimization and finds the relationship between the dimensions for a minimum cost. The second part of the paper takes the results of the constructive optimization further and, based on the data derived in our previous papers, analyzes the minimum total cost for the humidification coil while balancing the amount of water used to humidify the air and modify its temperature.
Performance Evaluation of Passive Optical Network Using Different Modulation Formats
Authors: Kaur Ravneet , Dewra Sanjeev
Published: January 2016

In this paper, the performance of passive optical network is analyzed and compared for different modulation formats such as non-return to zero (NRZ), return to zero (RZ) at 2.5 Gb/s bit rate with 16 optical network units. This system is investigated in terms of quality (Q)-factor, optical received power and eye height at different transmission distances. NRZ achieves maximum transmission distance up to 48 km having Q-factor of 6.18 and RZ achieves the maximum transmission distance up to 41 km having Q-factor of 6.21. Furthermore, it is found that NRZ modulation format is more superior and covers more distance as compared to RZ modulation format.
„Io sono Colui che ti guarisce“. Sanare e salvare nelle più antiche fasi della storia di Israele
Authors: Camassa Giorgio
Published: January 2016

Riassunto

Se si raffronta l’antico Israele con le culture circonvicine, colpisce senza ombra di dubbio la costante affermazione per cui salute e salvezza possono venire esclusivamente da Yahweh, mentre altrove si fa affidamento su qualche divinità del pantheon. In proposito, non disponiamo soltanto dei materiali rifluiti nei libri di quello che è per noi l’„Antico Testamento“. Un corpus, con ogni probabilità destinato ad accrescersi, di iscrizioni risalenti ai secoli iniziali del I millennio a. C. conferma quanto emerge dalle testimonianze bibliche, di per sé altamente problematiche, ma non perciò riconducibili sempre a un orizzonte relativamente tardo. Un ulteriore elemento a disposizione è l’onomastica personale teoforica: l’esame di questi nomi si rivela altamente remunerativo e fornisce indicazioni più di una volta preziose.
Ios. bell. Iud. 2, 366–387 e CIL XIV, 3608: note esegetiche e cronologiche
Authors: Colombo Maurizio
Published: January 2016

Riassunto

Flavio Giuseppe mette in bocca ad Agrippa II un lungo discorso, con cui il re tenta di dissuadere i suoi connazionali dalla rivolta contro l’impero romano; un argomento cruciale consiste nella forza militare dei Romani, alla quale lo storiografo dedica un catalogo concentrato sulla dislocazione delle legioni. La data dichiarata del discorso è il 66 d. C. Emil Ritterling contestò tale ambientazione e datò le informazioni militari del fittizio discorso sotto il regno di Vespasiano; alcuni studiosi hanno pienamente accettato questa ricostruzione, ma altri danno ancora credito alla data narrativa. Qui si dimostra che Flavio Giuseppe, componendo il catalogo delle legioni, riportò diligentemente la genuina dislocazione delle truppe romane poco prima dello scoppio della ribellione giudaica; i pochi anacronismi non vanno oltre il 69 d. C. Questa conclusione permette di gettare nuova luce sulla cronologia e sulla portata delle imprese di Tiberius Plautius Siluanus Aelianus.
Kaiser Julian, An den Senat und das Volk der Athener. Einleitung, Übersetzung und Kommentar
Authors: Stöcklin-Kaldewey Sara
Published: January 2016

Der erstmals in deutscher Übersetzung vorliegende Brief an den Senat und das Volk der Athener, in dem der spätere Kaiser Julian dem Vorwurf der Usurpation entgegentritt, zeichnet sich durch irritierende Offenheit aus. Kein anderes Werk des letzten Vertreters der konstantinischen Dynastie kennt einen vergleichbaren Tonfall. In drastischen Ausdrücken schildert Julian, wie er von Constantius II. und dessen Hofstaat trotz seiner militärischen Erfolge verachtet und hintergangen wurde. Es resultiert ein in vielerlei Hinsicht interessanter Bericht, dessen Potential als historische Quelle bei weitem noch nicht ausgeschöpft wurde.
Effect of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed color and hardness genes on the consumption preference of the house mouse (Mus musculus L.)
Authors: Kiszonas Alecia M. , Fuerst E. Patrick , Talbert Luther , Sherman Jamie , Morris Craig F.
Published: January 2016

Wheat (
Urethral stone of unexpected size: case report and short literature review
Authors: Kaczmarek Krystian , Gołąb Adam , Soczawa Michał , Słojewski Marcin
Published: January 2016

Urolithiasis is a well-known disease. Stones can form in all parts of the urinary tract. Diagnosis and treatment usually do not create clinical problems. However from time to time in daily practice doctors are confronted with casuistic cases. Here, we report a 54-year-old man with a large stone localized to the urethra. Because of the size of the stone, confirmed on radiography, and the presence of a cutaneous fistula, open surgery was performed. Due to urethral stricture, the patient required a second stage of reconstructive surgery. This case emphasizes that unusual presentation of urolithiasis may occur, and different surgical approaches as well as other surgical manipulations in such cases must be considered.
Crystal structure of the catena-poly[bis(1H-imidazole-κN)-(μ2-furan-2,5-dicarboxylato-κ2
O
1:O
4)manganese(II)]monohydrate, C12H12MnN4O6
Authors: Wang Yuan-Rui , Gao Wen-Yuan , Li Ya-Feng
Published: January 2016

C12H12MnN4O6, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 8.1583(16) Å, b = 16.525(3) Å, c = 13.134(3) Å, β = 117.96(3)°, V = 1564.0(7) Å3, 4 = 2, R
gt
(F) = 0.0503, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1579, T = 293 K.
ST2 Deficiency Ameliorates High Fat Diet-Induced Liver Steatosis In BALB/c Mice
Authors: Jovicic Nemanja , Jeftic Ilija , Kovacevic Marina Miletic , Tanaskovic Irena , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Lukic Miodrag L. , Pejnovic Nada
Published: January 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with obesity, but the molecular mechanisms of liver steatosis and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis are incompletely understood. Immune reactivity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The IL-33/ST2 axis has a protective role in adiposity and atherosclerosis, but its role in obesity-associated metabolic disorders requires further clarification. To investigate the unresolved role of IL-33/ST2 signalling in NAFLD, we used ST2-deficient (ST2-/-) and wild type (WT) BALB/c mice maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD) for 24 weeks. HFD-fed ST2-/- mice exhibited increased weight gain, visceral adipose tissue weight and triglyceridaemia and decreased liver weight compared with diet-matched WT mice. Compared with WT mice on an HFD, ST2 deletion significantly reduced hepatic steatosis, liver inflammation and fibrosis and downregulated the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in the liver. The frequency of innate immune cells in the liver, including CD68+ macrophages and CD11c+ dendritic cells, was lower in HFD-fed ST2-/- mice, accompanied by lower TNFα serum levels compared with diet-matched WT mice. Less collagen deposition in the livers of ST2-/- mice on an HFD was associated with lower numbers of profibrotic CD11b+Ly6clow monocytes and CD4+IL-17+ T cells in the liver, lower hepatic gene expression of procollagen, IL-33 and IL-13, and lower serum levels of IL-33 and IL-13 compared with diet-matched WT mice.

Our findings suggest that the IL-33/ST2 axis may have a complex role in obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Although it is protective in HFD-induced adiposity, the IL-33/ST2 pathway promotes hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis.
Enhancement Of Dermal Fibroblast Isolation Method
Authors: Zaric Milan , Nikolic Ivana , Zelen Ivanka , Mitrovic Marina , Milosavljevic Zoran
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Cultivated fibroblasts have been widely used in a large number of in vitro studies. Although they readily proliferate under cell culture conditions, improvements in methods for their isolation are necessary. Here, we present our modified enzyme digestion method and compare its efficiency with commonly used techniques.

Three foreskin samples from young, middle-aged and old donors were used. The classical explant, standard enzyme digestion method with collagenase and our improved enzyme digestion method were compared for efficiency of fibroblast isolation and the time needed to achieve 95% confluence in a 30-mm Petri dish.

The explant method was the slowest to achieve fibroblast confluence, especially with the tissues from the older donors (up to 23 days). With the standard enzyme digestion method, the skin tissue was partially digested, but the fibroblasts reached confluence much faster (the younger donor cells needed approximately 7 days to reach confluence). Our modified “mixed” enzyme digestion method was the fastest (the fibroblasts from the younger donors needed up to 5 days to reach confluence).

For studies requiring the primary isolation and cultivation of dermal fibroblasts, the best method to achieve this goal is the tissue digestion method with the multiple enzyme solution.
CYP3A5 Polymorphism In Serbian Paediatric Epileptic Patients On Carbamazepine Treatment
Authors: Milovanovic Dragana Dragas , Radosavljevic Ivan , Radovanovic Marija , Milovanovic Jasmina R. , Obradovic Slobodan , Jankovic Slobodan , Milovanovic Dragan , Djordjevic Natasa
Published: January 2016

Carbamazepine exhibits significant inter-individual variability in its efficacy and safety, which leads to unpredictable therapy outcomes for the majority of patients. Although its complex biotransformation depends on CYP3A5 activity, evidence of association between carbamazepine treatment outcomes and CYP3A5 functional variations remains inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution of two of the functionally important CYP3A5 variants *2 and *3 as well as their effects on carbamazepine dose requirements, plasma concentrations and clearance in a Serbian population. The study involved 40 paediatric epileptic patients on steady-state carbamazepine treatment. Genotyping was conducted using the PCR-RFLP method, and carbamazepine plasma concentrations were determined using the HPLC method. CYP3A5*2 and *3 polymorphisms were found at frequencies of 0.0% and 97.5%, respectively, which corresponds well to previously published data for Caucasians. No differences in CYP3A5*3 allele frequencies were detected among epileptic patients in comparison to healthy volunteers within similar ethnic populations (p>0.08), indicating that CYP3A5 polymorphism does not represent a risk factor for epilepsy development. There was an observed tendency towards lower dosage requirements (mean±SD: 15.06±4.45 mg/kg vs. 18.74±5.55 mg/kg; p=0.26), higher plasma concentrations (mean±SD: 0.45±0.13 mg/kg vs. 0.38±0.03 mg/kg; p=0.47) and lower clearance (mean±SD: 0.14±0.05 mg/kg vs. 0.15±0.01 mg/kg; p=0.79) of carbamazepine in homozygous carriers of CYP3A5*3/*3 compared to heterozygous CYP3A5*1A/*3 Serbians. Because these genotype groups did not differ significantly in terms of their carbamazepine pharmacokinetics parameters, the proposed effects of CYP3A5*3 on carbamazepine metabolism could not be confirmed.
Risk Factors For Development Of Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Authors: Stojanovic Bojan , Spasic Marko , Radosavljevic Ivan , Canovic Dragan , Radovanovic Dragce , Praznik Ivan , Prodanovic Nikola , Milojevic Andjela , Jelic Ivana , Babic Zivan , Artinovic Viktorija , Grubor Iva , Nikolic Ljiljana , Vucicevic Ksenija , Miljkovic Jelena , Divjak Ana , Stefanovic Srdjan , Jankovic Slobodan
Published: January 2016

Acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) is a severe form of acute pancreatitis that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Thus, an adequate initial treatment of patients who present with acute pancreatitis (AP) based on correct interpretation of early detected laboratory and clinical abnormalities may have a significant positive impact on the disease course.

The aim of the study was to determine patient- and initial treatment-related risk factors for the development of acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

For the purpose of this study a case-control design was chosen, including adult patients treated for AP in the surgical Intensive Care Unit (sICU) of Clinical Center of Kragujevac, from January 2006 to January 2011. The cases (n=63) were patients who developed ANP, while the controls (n=63) were patients with AP without the presence of pancreatic necrosis. The controls were randomly selected from a study sample after matching with the cases by age and sex.

Significant association with the development of ANP was found for the presence of comorbidity (adjusted OR 6.614 95%CI 1.185-36.963), and the use of somatostatin (adjusted OR 7.460, 95%CI 1.162-47.833) and furosemide (adjusted OR 2710.57, 95%CI 1.996-56.035) started immediately upon admission to the sICU.

This study suggests that comorbidities, particularly the presence of serious cardio-vascular disease, can increase the risk for development of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. The probability for the development of ANP could be reduced by the avoidance of the initial use of loop diuretics and somatostatin.
Discoid Lateral Meniscus Incidence During Knee Arthroscopy
Authors: Glisic Miodrag , Blagojevic Zoran , Ristic Branko , Stevanovic Vladan , Matic Aleksandar , Jovanovic Zelimir
Published: January 2016

Discoid meniscus is a morphological anomaly of the lateral meniscus that appears in 1–5% of meniscectomies. A precise diagnosis remains difficult to make, and many dilemmas hinder effective treatment.

To evaluate the incidence of discoid meniscus in patients who underwent knee arthroscopy, as well as the discoid meniscus type, follow-up problems, combined knee lesions, and postoperative results.

This retrospective study included 1357 patients who received knee arthroscopy during the period between January 2007 and December 2013. We analysed the discoid meniscus incidence, sex distribution, type distribution (Monllau classification), noted preoperative symptomatology, rupture incidence and type (O’Connor classification), anomaly presence and other intra-articular lesion correlations. The IKDC score was used to evaluate the operative treatment results.

The DLM incidence was 1.03%. The most common type of discoid meniscus was complete 5 (35.71 %). The dominant symptom was pain, which was reported by 12 (85.71%) patients. Eleven (78.57 %) patients exhibited ruptures, and the most common type was horizontal, which was reported in 4 (36.36%) cases. The number of ruptures was significantly higher in patients older than 18 (9 patients; 90%), compared to those younger than 18 (2 patients; 40%). Operative treatment resulted in an improvement for all patients in terms of subjective symptom reduction.

The incidence of DLM in our study was 1.03%, and the dominant symptom was pain in the knee (85.71%). The most common lesion of the meniscus was a horizontal split, primarily in patients older than 18 years. Patients also presented with joint intra-articular lesions; the most common type was ACL rupture. In all patients, an improved postoperative IKDC score was reported.
The Analysis Of Antibiotic Consumption And Bacterial Resistance As An Indicator Of Their Proper Use At The Urology Department In The Health Centre “Studenica” Kraljevo
Authors: Bukonjić Andriana , Stefanović Srđan
Published: January 2016

The objective of the study was to analyze antibiotic consumption and determine bacterial resistance rates as an indicator of the rational utilization of this drug group at the urology department in the Health Centre “Studenica” Kraljevo.

Over a two-year period, the average antibiotic consumption was 104.55 DDD/100BD. Of the total financial assets used for medical treatment, the antibiotic group JO1 had a share of 49.52% in 2011 and 47.53% in 2012. Antibacterial drugs from a group of β-lactamic antibiotics were consumed most commonly, at 54.02% (2011) and 43.44% (2012). First-generation cephalosporins, quinolones and aminoglycosides were the most frequently used drug groups, while cephalexin was the antibiotic with the highest individual consumption. E. coli was the most frequently isolated bacterium in 2011, while in 2012, Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated bacterium. The total bacterial resistance both in 2011 and 2012 was above 50%. Gram-negative bacteria showed a higher resistance rate (2011, 59.3%; 2012, 58.9%) than Gram-positive bacteria (2011, 44.4%; 2012, 40.6%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the bacterium with the highest resistance (75.3%) in 2011, while in 2012, there was a resistance increase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (71.4%), especially to carbapenems. A correlation was determined between the consumption of individual antibiotics and bacterial strain resistance in 2011 (r=0.433, p=0.044) and in 2012 (r=0.478, p=0.024).

The high resistance rate shown in the bacterial strains, which was correlated with antibiotic consumption, as well as the great financial assets used for this group of drugs suggest the necessity for the rationalization of their utilization. Empirical therapy with Gram-negative bacteria should be based on carbapenems utilization, except with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where piperacillin/tazobactam should be used.
Lack Of PRSS1 And SPINK1 Polymorphisms In Serbian Acute Pancreatitis Patients
Authors: Radosavljevic Ivan , Milojevic Andjela , Miljkovic Jelena , Divjak Ana , Jelic Ivana , Artinovic Viktorija , Spasic Marko , Stojanovic Bojan , Canovic Predrag , Jankovic Slobodan , Djordjevic Natasa
Published: January 2016

Acute pancreatitis represents an acute nonbacterial inflammation of the pancreas caused by a premature and ectopic activation of pancreatic digestive enzymes. Two of the most important genes in pancreatic autodigestion, PRSS1 and SPINK1, were implicated in the earliest discoveries of the genetic background of pancreatitis. However, the distribution of their variations displays interethnic variability, which could significantly affect the magnitude of their proposed effects on this disease worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution of the most important functional variations of PRSS1 (86A>T and 365G>A) and SPINK1 (101A>G), and their influence on the clinical course of acute pancreatitis in Serbian patients. The study enrolled 81 subjects, the severity of disease course was determined using the Atlanta Classification system, and the genotyping was conducted using a PCR-RFLP method. PRSS1 86A>T and 365G>A SNPs were not observed in the study population, while SPINK1 101A>G was present with the frequency of 0.62% (95% CI: 0.00, 3.83%). Due to extremely low frequencies or absences of examined variations, the proposed effect of these SNPs on the severity of acute pancreatitis could not be confirmed. The results do not support routine genotyping of either PRSS1 or SPINK1 in Serbs.
Influence Of Smoking Habit On Age At Diagnosis Of Breast Cancer
Authors: Rajaei Mehrdad , Omidvari Shapour , Saadat Mostafa
Published: January 2016

No studies have yet investigated the influence of smoking on age at diagnosis of breast cancer. Therefore, the present study was carried out. This study consisted of 605 females with pathologically confirmed primary adenocarcinoma of the breast and 438 healthy females matched by age. Among our participants, 86 (14.2%) patients and 62 (14.1%) control subjects, respectively, were smokers. Based on a Cox regression model, evidence suggested that smoking status influenced the age at diagnosis of breast cancer (HR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.99, P=0.040). After stratification of the patients according to their menopausal status, the same results were obtained. The present study indicated that non-smokers have a lower age at diagnosis in comparison with patients who smoke.
Changes In QTc Interval Duration Among Heroin Addicts On Methadone Treatment
Authors: Jovanovic Mirjana , Divnic Mladen , Jovanovic Milan , Babic Sasa , Djuricic Katarina Nikic , Obradovic Andrea
Published: January 2016

This paper aimed to collect and unite facts known about the effect of methadone treatment on QTc interval prolongation that could determine precipitating factors in the development of heart arrhythmias and their consequences (Torsade de Pointes and sudden cardiac death), and to raise the methadone treatment safety level.

Studies conducted up to now clearly demonstrate that methadone therapy evokes changes in the heart’s electrical conduction, but those studies also show that QTc interval prolongation could be precipitated by other factors. The most often present risk factors in our research were dose of methadone, co-medication, and co-morbidity, but other relevant risk factors were gender, age, misuse of illicit drugs, therapy length and tobacco use.

Active participation in modern treatment processes and implementation of knowledge acquired recently into daily practice, such as setting up reutilized questionnaires and diagnostic methods to expose higher risk for complications and providing broader therapeutic range for cases of drug replacement necessity, will enhance therapy safety level and bring us to the next step of resocialization of these patients, which needs to remain the final goal of treatment.
The Effects of Cisplatin and Its PT(II) Analogue on Oxidative Stress of Isolated Rat Heart/ Efekti Cisplatine I PT(II) Analoga Cisplatine Na Oksidacioni Stres Izolovanog Srca Pacova
Authors: Stojic Isidora , Zivkovic Vladimir , Srejovic Ivan , Jeremic Nevena , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Djuric Dragan , Novokmet Slobodan
Published: January 2016

To date, numerous platinum (II) complexes have been successfully used in the treatment of different types of cancer. Therapeutic platinum complexes are different in terms of their structure, chemical reactivity, solubility, pharmacokinetics and toxicity. The aim of our research was the evaluation of cardiotoxicity of dichloro-(ethylendiamine) platinum (II) in a model of isolated rat heart using the Langedorff technique. Oxidative stress was assessed by determination of superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances and nitric oxide levels from coronary venous effluent. All reagents were perfused at increasing concentrations from 10-8 to 10-4 M for 30 minutes. In this paper, we report that substances administered at higher doses did not induce dose-dependent effects on oxidative stress markers. The results of this research may be of great interest for future studies in this area. There are many novel platinum compounds that had previously demonstrated antitumour activity, and these types of experiments in our study can assist in the examination of their cardiotoxicity. These results could be helpful for understanding dose-dependent side effects of existing and novel platinum compounds
Effects Of Different PUFA Supplementation On Inflammatory Response Markers In Young Soccer Players
Authors: Radoman Kristina , Vucic Vesna , Arsic Aleksandra , Cubrilo Dejan , Jeremic Nevena , Jeremic Jovana , Jakovljevic Vladimir
Published: January 2016

Considering the limited knowledge regarding the effects of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs on the inflammatory response during physical activity, we aimed to evaluate the level of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in young soccer players before and after a maximal physical load test at the beginning and end of a two-month training process. The study included 75 young footballers from Football School “Kragujevac,” who were followed during the two-month training programme. The subjects were divided into the following groups: 1) control group (consumed a standard diet); 2) group that consumed fish oil (2500 mg of n-3 PUFAs per day); 3) group that consumed nutritional sunflower oil (2500 mg of n-6 PUFAs daily). The maximal progressive exercise test was performed using a treadmill belt. Venous blood samples were drawn 4 times for the determination of cytokine levels (IL-6 and TNF-α): before and after the exercise load test before the two-month training programme (initial measurement) and immediately before and after the exercise load test after the two-month training programme (control measurement). Supplementation with fish oil (n-3) has been associated with reduced levels of IL-6 compared with the initial values. After an acute bout of exercise, n-3 PUFAs did not show a significant effect on inflammatory marker dynamics, whereas n-6 PUFAs slightly stimulated the production of TNF-α.
Galectin-3 In Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pejnovic Nada
Published: January 2016

Galectin-3 is an important regulator of inflammation and acts as a receptor for advanced-glycation (AGE) and lipoxidation end-products (ALE). Evidence indicates a significant upregulation in circulating levels and visceral adipose tissue production of Galectin-3 in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies demonstrate development of obesity and dysregulation of glucose metabolism in Galectin-3 “knockout” (KO) mice, which also develop accelerated and more severe pathology in models of atherosclerosis and metabolically-induced kidney damage. Thus, evidence that Galectin-3 is an important player in metabolic disease is accumulating. This review discusses current evidence on the connection between Galectin-3 and metabolic disease, focusing on mechanisms by which this galectin modulates adiposity, glucose metabolism and obesity-associated inflammatory responses.
Regional Innovation Support Systems in South Korea and Japan Compared
Authors: Hassink Robert
Published: January 2016

This paper aims at analysing and comparing regional innovation support Systems in South Korea and Japan and explaining the differences found between the countries' Systems. Based on empirical research on innovation support agencies in Kyongbuk-Taegu, South Korea, and Hiroshima, Japan, it will be shown that South Korea is characterised by dirigiste regio nal innovation support Systems, whereas Japan's regions have a mixture of relatively well co-ordinated national and regional agencies with higher levels of local interaction and systemness (integrated Systems). The dirigiste kind of system found in South Korea generates both too homogenous innovation support agen cies, which are not enough focused on specific regional economic demand, and horizontal policy co-ordination problems due to strong vertical dependencies of agencies in the regions to their Sponsors in the central government. The difference in type of Systems found in South Korea and Japan cannot be explained only by a time lag of development policies between the two countries, but also by other factors, such as the long history of supporting small and medium- sized enterprises by Japanese prefectures, differences in collective trust and the size of the countries.
Regionale Innovationssysteme
Authors: Thomi Walter , Werner Robert
Published: January 2016

The paper aims to discuss the concept of the Regional Innovation Systems (RIS). Reference is made to the structural background of the discussion as well as to related concepts of Technological Innovation Systems and National Innovation Systems. Key elements of RIS like cluster, governance, institutional learning etc. as well as approaches towards models and typologies are discussed. The RIS approach is classified as a concept with high political and strategic contents and less theoretical groundings. It is argued that the concept is in need for further clarification at the level of Information flows and knowledge generation.
Das Leitbild nachhaltiger Entwicklung und seine Umsetzung im Rahmen forstlicher Zertifizierung
Authors: Burger Dietrich
Published: January 2016

The vision of sustainable development and its implementation through forest Certification. Vision and principles of sustainable development are reflected in standards and processes of forest certification (FC) according to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FC contributes to institutional changes and capacity building thus improving structural requirements for sustainable development. FC based on the concept of sustainable development promises to better support conservation and sustainable management of forests than the strategies developed before the Rio Conference
Agenten des Wandels
Authors: Schulz Christian , Soyez Dietrich
Published: January 2016

Agents of Change: Conceptual considerations on the role of advanced producer services for the environmental performance of manufacturing firms. Recent development of greening in manufacturing firms has created a new market for environmental business services. Beside some reflections on the functional and spatial organization of these advanced producer services, this paper tries to conceptualize the influence of the services on the greening process of industry. Particular aspects of co-producership and interactive learning are discussed
Verbreitung und Nutzen regionaler Netzwerke in der deutschen Investitionsgüterindustrie
Authors: Brussig Martin , Kinkel Steffen , Lay Gunter
Published: January 2016

Frequency and benefits of regional networks within the German capital goods industry. Based on a representative study, the paper focuses on how frequent regional networking occurs, which firms cooperate in networks more often than others, and which benefits come with regional networks for participating firms. Extending the approach of earlier studies, the paper measures effects of regional networks by observing specific performance characteristics, immediately depending onto the networking activity. The empirical results show that networks offer synergies. Surprisingly, low-profit firms are particularly often engaged in regional networks.
Welche Chancen haben Entwicklungsländer im globalen Innovationswettbewerb?
Authors: Altenburg Tilman
Published: January 2016

Opportunities for developing countries in global innovation-based competition: Innovation becomes increasingly important for global competition. Innovation is a cumulative and interactive process that builds on externalities, thus enhancing spatial concentration and discriminating against latecomers. Yet technological upgrading is a gradual process, and latecomers may specialize on factor cost advantages and subsequently increase their knowledge content. Success mainly depends on socio-political capabilities to govern technological change.
International vernetzte Hochschulen als Ausgangspunkt technologischer Innovationen in Entwicklungsländern ?
Authors: Stamm Andreas
Published: January 2016

Universities in international networks as focal points for technological innovation in developing countries? Experience from Costa Rica and considerations for further research. Empirical evidence suggests that in an overall setting of low technological capabilities, some regions in Latin America are successfully commercialising high-tech products. The observed dynamics is based on small networks centred around technical universities linked to international knowledge communities. The Triple-helix-approach may successfully guide research on late-comer development of technological capabilities.
Kubas Strategie für einen biotechnologisch-pharmazeutischen Forschungspol – positiver Entwicklungspfad oder Sackgasse?
Authors: Nuhn Helmut
Published: January 2016

Cuba’s research and development strategy in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries - road to success or dead end? During the last two decades Cuba has developed biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry with high priority. In spite of remarkable scientific progress the expected economic success did not take place so far. The article outlines the specific goals and general framework of the ambitious Cuban development strategy, describes the building up of the cientific cluster of West Havanna and discusses the problems of commercial exploitation of the high-grade medical products. Finally the outcome of Cuban efforts concerning research and development in the field of biotechnology and medicine are evaluated.
Zur Zukunft der Wirtschaftsgeographie in Deutschland
Authors: Schätzl Ludwig
Published: January 2016

The future of economic geography in Germany. Structural changes in the German system of higher education exert increasing pressure on geography as an academic discipline. This paper discusses these forces of change from the viewpoint of a university manager before evaluating the resulting impacts and challenges for economic geography. It is argued that to survive in an increasingly competitive academic environment, the discipline needs to strengthen its profile and focus on its core competencies. Rather than following the route of a “cultural turn” or building walls to separate economic geography from economics, the author argues for a closer collaboration with economists in both research and teaching.
Regionale Innovationspotenziale in Südostasien aus der Sicht einer „neuen“ Wirtschaftsgeographie
Authors: Kiese Matthias
Published: January 2016

Regional innovation potential in Southeast Asia - empirical evidence from a ‘new’ economic geography perspective. This paper presents the methodological approach and some basic empirical evidence of a research project measuring and comparing regional innovation potential in Singapore, Penang (Malaysia), and Bangkok. This project is conceptually situated in the context of a ‘new’ economic geography that integrates contributions from geographical economics and the economics of knowledge, learning and innovation into an established regional science framework. It is suggested that future research into the geography of innovation and knowledge-based regional development should not only focus on the relationship between various spatial scales, but also explore multi-dimensional concepts of territorial and non-territorial space.
Lokale Beschäftigtenentwicklung und Branchenspezialisierung im Ruhrgebiet und in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Authors: Einig Klaus , Zaspel Brigitte
Published: January 2016

Local employment trends and functional specialization in the Ruhr area and in North Rhine- Westphalia. Caused by heavy structural change the Ruhr area is no more a pure industrial region. The employment structure of the region as a whole seems to develop in a very similar way like the entire North Rhine-Westphalia. However, local communities show a clear heterogeneity. This paper presents an empirical analysis of employment trends in the Ruhr area and in North Rhine- Westphalia from 1999 to 2005 with regard to spatial deconcentration and functional specialization. Cluster analysis is used to classify local communities by equal employment structure and trends. The result shows clear evidence for deconcentration only in the secondary sector and a polycentric employment structure.