bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Large-Scale Chemical Screen for Regulators of the Arginase 1 Promoter Identifies the Soy Isoflavone Daidzeinas a Clinically Approved Small Molecule That Can Promote Neuronal Protection or Regeneration via a cAMP-Independent Pathway
Authors: Ma Thong C. , Campana Aline , Lange Philipp S. , Lee Hsin-Hwa , Banerjee Kasturi , Bryson J. Barney , Mahishi Lata , Alam Shabnam , Giger Roman J. , Barnes Stephen , Morris Sidney M. , Willis Dianna E. , Twiss Jeffrey L. , Filbin Marie T. , Ratan Rajiv R.
Published: January 2010

An ideal therapeutic for stroke or spinal cord injury should promote survival and regeneration in the CNS. Arginase 1 (Arg1) has been shown to protect motor neurons from trophic factor deprivation and allow sensory neurons to overcome neurite outgrowth inhibition by myelin proteins. To identify small molecules that capture Arg1's protective and regenerative properties, we screened a hippocampal cell line stably expressing the proximal promoter region of thearginase 1gene fused to a reporter gene against a library of compounds containing clinically approved drugs. This screen identified daidzein as a transcriptional inducer of Arg1. Both CNS and PNS neurons primedin vitrowith daidzein overcame neurite outgrowth inhibition from myelin-associated glycoprotein, which was mirrored by acutely dissociated and cultured sensory neurons primedin vivoby intrathecal or subcutaneous daidzein infusion. Further, daidzein was effective in promoting axonal regenerationin vivoin an optic nerve crush model when given intraocularly without lens damage, or most importantly, when given subcutaneously after injury. Mechanistically, daidzein requires transcription and induction of Arg1 activity for its ability to overcome myelin inhibition. In contrast to canonical Arg1 activators, daidzein increases Arg1 without increasing CREB phosphorylation, suggesting its effects are cAMP-independent. Accordingly, it may circumvent known CNS side effects of some cAMP modulators. Indeed, daidzein appears to be safe as it has been widely consumed in soy products, crosses the blood–brain barrier, and is effective without pretreatment, making it an ideal candidate for development as a therapeutic for spinal cord injury or stroke.
Die Spanische Grippe 1918/19. Verlauf, Folgen und Deutungen in Deutschland im Kontext des Ersten Weltkriegs
Authors: Michels Eckard
Published: January 2010

Vorspann

Zwischen 25 und 39 Millionen Opfer weltweit – kein Krieg, kein Genozid, sondern eine gewöhnliche Seuche: Die spanische Grippe traf 1918 auf eine Welt, die vom Ersten Weltkrieg zutiefst gezeichnet und erschöpft war. Aber war diese Pandemie tatsächlich eine Folge des Krieges? Und vor allem: Welchen Einfluss hatte sie auf den Ausgang dieses globalen Konflikts? Eckard Michels, ein in London lehrender Historiker, räumt mit vielen falschen Vorstellungen auf und präsentiert überraschende Antworten.
Simone de Beauvoir and Sexuality in the Third Person
Authors: Lucey Michael
Published: January 2010

This article proposes a contextualization of Simone de Beauvoir's 1943 novel L'Invitée (She Came to Stay), a novel that registers sexual relationships between women—such as the ones Beauvoir herself was involved in around the time of its writing—without ever representing them. To perceive how it registers them requires a careful investigation of the relationship of the text to a variety of its contexts, contexts whose existence can be fragile, whose persistence can be uneven. The particular contextualization offered here is meant to be a contribution to both the history and the historiography of sexuality, in particular of its misfit (nonmainstream) forms.
Effects of abnormal cannabidiol on oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility
Authors: Houlihan Diarmaid D , Dennedy Michael C , Morrison John J
Published: January 2010

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of abnormal cannabidiol (abn-cbd) on oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility occurring during pregnancy. Isometric tension recordings were performed in isolated myometrial strips from biopsies obtained at elective cesarean section. The effects of cumulative doses of abn-cbd (10−9–10−5 M) on oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions alone, and on those following pre-incubation with SR 144528, AM 251, methylene blue, and iberiotoxin were measured, and dose–response curves were constructed. The pD2(−log EC50) values and the maximal inhibitory (MMI) values that were achieved were compared for each tissue type. Abn-cbd exerted a potent relaxant effect on oxytocin-induced myometrial contractionsin vitro. Pre-incubation with the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue, and the BKCachannel antagonist, iberiotoxin, significantly attenuated this effect (for pD2,P<0.01; for MMI,P<0.01). Abn-cbd exerts a potent inhibitory effect on human uterine contractility. This effect is partially mediated through modulation of guanylate cyclase and activation of BKCachannel activity. These findings have implications for physiologic regulation of myometrial quiescence.
Structured Deposition in Early Neolithic Northern Italy
Authors: Pearce Mark
Published: January 2010

The paper reviews the interpretations of pits found in early Neolithic settlement sites in the Po valley of northern Italy, with particular attention paid to the concentration of late 6th–early 5th millennium Cal BC sites around Vhò (Piadena, Cremona). It argues that these are unlikely to have been pit-dwellings, despite a long tradition of interpreting them in this way. It suggests that the assemblages and associations found in the fills of some of the pits indicate the practice of structured deposition, and explores the consequences of this finding for our interpretation of sites dating from this period.
Beyond Ethnicity: The Overlooked Diversity of Group Identities
Authors: Sweeney Naofse Mac
Published: January 2010

This article challenges the current tendency in archaeology to assume an ethnic basis for group identity. Archaeology has rehabilitated the concept of ethnicity over the last decade, embracing a theoretically sensitive model of it as both socially constructed and socially constructing, as flexible, embodied and hybridised. The success of this model has been such that group identities are often assumed to be ethnic without investigation. Group identity, however, can relate to many types of perceived commonality and we must learn to look beyond ethnicity, viewing it as only one amongst many potentially salient social factors. This article advocates the active investigation of group identity and the complex social rationales that lie behind it. It takes as a case study the site of Beycesultan in western Anatolia, illustrating the dynamism of group identities in the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages, and highlighting how group identity crystallised only at particular historical moments and around social rationales which were not primarily ethnic.
Modeling the Emergence of Three Arable Bedstraw (Galium) Species
Authors: Royo-Esnal Aritz , Torra Joel , Conesa Josep Antoni , Forcella Frank , Recasens Jordi
Published: January 2010

Multiyear field data from Spain were used to model seedling emergence for three bedstraw species (Galium) that can coexist in winter cereal fields. The relationships between cumulative emergence and both growing degree days (GDD) and hydrothermal time (HTT) in soil were analyzed as sigmoid growth functions (Weibull). Iterations of base temperature and base water potential were used to optimize the HTT scale. All species were well described with Weibull functions. Both GDD and HTT models provided good descriptions of catchweed bedstraw emergence, as its seedlings have less dependence on soil water potential than false cleavers and threehorn bedstraw, which were described best with HTT. The HTT model for catchweed bedstraw was validated successfully with independent data from the United Kingdom. The models may be useful for predicting bedstraw emergence in semiarid Mediterranean regions and elsewhere.
Distribution and Cross-Resistance Patterns of ALS-Inhibiting Herbicide Resistance in Smallflower Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus difformis)
Authors: Merotto Aldo , Jasieniuk Marie , Fischer Albert J.
Published: January 2010

Basic factors contributing to the rapid evolution and broad distribution of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicide resistance in smallflower umbrella sedge L. have not yet been investigated. The objectives of this study were to examine patterns of cross-resistance to ALS herbicides and genetic diversity within and among smallflower umbrella sedge populations in California rice fields to provide insight into the processes contributing to resistance spread. Twelve different patterns of herbicide cross-resistance were found across the 56 populations sampled. The frequency of populations with at least one resistant individual in the North, Central and South Sacramento Valley, and the San Joaquin Valley were 76, 86, 67, and 50%, respectively. Analysis of the genetic diversity of 29 populations using 73 sequence-related amplified polymorphism molecular markers revealed little genetic diversity within populations, with estimates of Nei's gene diversity index,h, ranging from 0 to 0.049, and Shannon's information index (I) ranging from 0 to 0.079. Hierarchical analyses of molecular variance indicated that the majority of genetic variation was partitioned among populations, rather than within populations or among regional groups. No isolation by distance was evident. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages analysis indicated that population clustering was not region specific. The results suggest that resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in smallflower umbrella sedge populations from California rice fields appears to have evolved independently multiple times rather than spread from a single population where resistance originated. Consequently, prevention and management of smallflower umbrella sedge in California rice fields should emphasize in-field strategies that focus on decreasing the selection pressure caused by ALS-inhibiting herbicides.
Using Assembly Theory to Explain Changes in a Weed Flora in Response to Agricultural Intensification
Authors: Storkey J. , Moss Stephen R. , Cussans John W.
Published: January 2010

The intensification of crop management in the U.K. over the past 60 years has resulted in the decline of the populations of a number of annual plant species adapted to arable habitats. In contrast, other species continue to be common as arable weeds. A community assembly approach was taken to explain these recent changes in the weed flora using databases of plant functional traits, a pot experiment, and weed surveys of the Broadbalk long-term experiment. The hypothesis was tested that species that have been selected against by increased fertilizer inputs and herbicide use share an adverse combination of traits. An analysis comparing the combination of maximum height, seed weight, and time of first flowering of 29 common and 32 rare or threatened U.K. autumn weeds established that rare or threatened species occupied an area of trait space that was distinct from the common species. A rare weed trait syndrome of short stature, large seed, and late flowering was identified. The theory that species with a trait syndrome that is currently unfavorable are better adapted for less fertile environments was supported by the pot experiment. Species with a combination of short stature and large seed had a relatively greater competitive ability in low compared to high fertility treatments. Analysis of survey data from the Broadbalk long-term experiment confirmed that, as N inputs increased, the abundance of the two functional groups that contained only common species remained stable or increased; whereas, the groups dominated by rare or threatened species declined as fertility increased. An understanding of the response traits of arable plants to management filters, including fertilizer inputs and herbicide, is valuable for designing conservation strategies for rare species or predicting future shifts in the functional diversity of weed communities including the potential for invasive species to establish.
Germination Ecology of Biennial Wormwood (Artemisia biennis) and Lanceleaf Sage (Salvia reflexa) Seeds
Authors: Kegode George O. , Nazre Gauri , Christoffers Michael J.
Published: January 2010

Biennial wormwood and lanceleaf sage have become serious weeds of several crops within the northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada. Both species are prolific seed producers but little is known about their potential for developing persistent seedbanks. Field studies were conducted to determine the influence of duration (7, 8, 11, 19, 20, and 23 mo) and depth of burial (0, 2.5, and 10 cm) on biennial wormwood and lanceleaf sage seed viability and decay. Biennial wormwood and lanceleaf sage seeds were buried in September 2003 (burial 1) and September 2004 (burial 2). In burial 1, biennial wormwood and lanceleaf sage seed viability was 65 and 66%, respectively, after 23 mo of burial. In burial 2, biennial wormwood and lanceleaf sage seed viability was 8 and 3%, respectively, after 23 mo of burial. The difference was likely because of higher soil moisture during burial 2, which promoted seed decay. Controlled-environment studies sought to determine the influence of stratification environments (freezing, chilling, and freeze–thaw) followed by exposure to diurnally fluctuating temperatures on germination of biennial wormwood and lanceleaf sage seeds. Stratified biennial wormwood seed germination was 95% or greater when incubated in fluctuating day/night temperatures of 37/20 or 37/25 C. Stratified lanceleaf sage seeds from freezing and chilling environments did not differ in germination following incubation in fluctuating temperatures and averaged 56 and 55%, respectively. Germination of stratified lanceleaf sage seeds from the freezing and thawing environment was higher than 50% during the thawing cycle, suggesting the possibility of early season emergence of this species. Our study indicates that biennial wormwood and lanceleaf sage have the potential to develop a seedbank that can persist for more than 2 yr. High moisture levels in the soil seedbank can lead to reduced seed survival.
The Herbicide Saflufenacil (Kixor™) is a New Inhibitor of Protoporphyrinogen IX Oxidase Activity
Authors: Grossmann Klaus , Niggeweg Ricarda , Christiansen Nicole , Looser Ralf , Ehrhardt Thomas
Published: January 2010

Saflufenacil (Kixor™) is a new herbicide of the pyrimidinedione chemical class for preplant burndown and selective preemergence dicot weed control in multiple crops, including corn. In this study, the mode of action of saflufenacil was investigated. For initial characterization, a series of biotests was used in a physionomics approach for comprehensive physiological profiling of saflufenacil effects. With the use of treated duckweed plants, metabolite profiling was performed based on quantification of metabolite changes, relative to untreated controls. Physiological and metabolite profiling suggested a mode of action similar to inhibitors of protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO) in tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway. Saflufenacil inhibited PPO enzyme activity in vitro with 50% inhibition of 0.4 nM for the enzymes isolated from black nightshade, velvetleaf, and corn. PPO inhibition by saflufenacil caused accumulations of protoporphyrin IX (Proto) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in leaf tissue of black nightshade and velvetleaf. In corn, only slight increases in Proto and H2O2 were found, which reflects in planta tolerance of this crop. The results show that saflufenacil is a new PPO-inhibiting, peroxidizing herbicide.
Do We Have Enough Evidence to Implement Particle Therapy as Standard Treatment in Lung Cancer? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pijls-Johannesma Madelon , Grutters Janneke P.C. , Verhaegen Frank , Lambin Philippe , De Ruysscher Dirk
Published: January 2010

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Evaluate the published results of particle therapy in the treatment of lung cancer and discuss their implications for the treatment of stage I and stage III NSCLC.Using the available evidence to date, assess the current role of particle therapy in the treatment of lung cancer.Identify relevant outstanding issues and address these issues with an action plan for further research.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Background.

The societal burden of lung cancer is high because of its high incidence and high lethality. From a theoretical point of view, radiotherapy with beams of protons and heavier charged particles, for example, carbon ions (C-ions), should lead to superior results, compared with photon beams. In this review, we searched for clinical evidence to justify implementation of particle therapy as standard treatment in lung cancer.

Methods.

A systematic literature review based on an earlier published comprehensive review was performed and updated through November 2009.

Results.

Eleven fully published studies, all dealing with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mainly stage I, were identified. No phase III trials were found. For proton therapy, 2- to 5-year local tumor control rates varied in the range of 57%–87%. The 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and 2- and 5-year cause-specific survival (CSS) rates were 31%–74% and 23% and 58%–86% and 46%, respectively. Radiation-induced pneumonitis was observed in about 10% of patients. For C-ion therapy, the overall local tumor control rate was 77%, but it was 95% when using a hypofractionated radiation schedule. The 5-year OS and CSS rates were 42% and 60%, respectively. Slightly better results were reported when using hypofractionation, 50% and 76%, respectively.

Conclusion.

The present results with protons and heavier charged particles are promising. However, the current lack of evidence on the clinical (cost-)effectiveness of particle therapy emphasizes the need to investigate the efficiency of particle therapy in an adequate manner. Until these results are available for lung cancer, charged particle therapy should be considered experimental.
The Evolving Role of Monoclonal Antibodies in Colorectal Cancer: Early Presumptions and Impact on Clinical Trial Development
Authors: Eng Cathy
Published: January 2010

Targeted biologic agents have an established role in treating metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Bevacizumab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody against the vascular endothelial growth factor ligand is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bevacizumab-naïve patients. Cetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is FDA approved as a single agent, or in combination with irinotecan, in both irinotecan-naïve and refractory patients, and has additional efficacy in combination with oxaliplatin. Panitumumab, a fully human EGFR mAb, is FDA approved as a single agent in refractory patients but has additional efficacy in combination with chemotherapy. After reaching a temporary therapeutic plateau of FDA-approved agents for the treatment of mCRC, pivotal results have developed that critically affect the care for these patients. Correlative data from randomized trials of EGFR inhibitors across disease settings have demonstrated higher response rates, specifically for patients with wild-type K-RAS tumors. The interpretation of the B-RAF mutation and other molecular markers may further define the appropriateness of anti-EGFR therapy. Recent literature revealed that the first-line use of combined anti-EGFR therapy plus bevacizumab resulted in inferior outcomes and additional toxicities. Furthermore, the role of biologic agents for locally advanced colon cancer cannot be advocated at this time. With impending changes in the health care system, the economic impact of mAbs will continue to be scrutinized. Hence, as the significance of molecular markers continues to develop, their role as it pertains to the appropriate use of biologic agents in the treatment of mCRC will continue to evolve.
Eliminating Target Cells by Inducing Apoptosis-Related Factors Using hTERT Promoter
Authors: Takashina Tomoki , Nakayama Manabu
Published: January 2010

Inducing the complete apoptosis cascade in target cells is useful for eliminating cancer cells and for producing animal models lacking specific cell types. Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells lack caspase-8 and are thus resistant to the apoptosis-inducing effects of 2DEDplusE, an engineered Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) containing tandem death effector domains (DEDs) of FADD and lambda phage E protein. To overcome tumor cells' resistance to apoptosisinducing factors, we produced new engineered factors ― 2DEDcasp8, 2DEDcasp8 Δ DEDa, and 2DEDcasp8 Δ DEDab ― by fusing the tandem DEDs of FADD to procaspase-8 or its different segments. Of the three, 2DEDcasp8 Δ DEDa most effectively induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Finally, by using the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter, a known cancer cell-specific promoter, and adapting it to a mifepristone-inducing system, we expressed engineered factors that induced apoptosis in HeLa and A549 tumor cells. The same system did not induce apoptosis in normal Wi-38 and MRC-5 cells, although driving the same system with a constitutive thymidine kinase (TK) promoter induced apoptosis in both cell types.
Mining the Proteome of Haemophilus ducreyi for Identification of Potential Drug Targets
Authors: Sarangi Aditya Narayan , Gupta Stuti , Trivedi Nidhi , Rathi Bhawna , Gupta Shailendra Kumar
Published: January 2010

Chancroid is an extremely infectious sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi, prevalent in Africa, United States and in some parts of South Asia. Chancroid has been recognized as a cofactor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. So, there is a requirement to develop an efficient drug to combat chancroid, which can also diminish the HIV prevalence in those populations where chancroid is a prime source for HIV infection. The availability of the complete proteome information of H. ducreyi help enabled in silico analysis for identification of potential vaccine candidates and drug targets. Our study revealed 1226 proteins in H. ducreyi to be nonhomologous with human proteome. Screening these proteins using the Database of Essential Genes (DEG) resulted in the identification of 451 essential proteins. Analysis of the identified essential proteins, using the KEGG Automated Annotation Server (KAAS), revealed 40 proteins of H. ducreyi as potential drug targets as they are involved in pathogen specific metabolic pathways. Subcellular localization prediction of these 451 essential proteins revealed that 11 proteins lie on the outer membrane of the pathogen which could be potential vaccine candidates. Functional family prediction for the 50 putative uncharacterized essential proteins of H. ducreyi by SVM-Prot web server revealed that out of 50, 3 proteins as transmembrane proteins, which may be potential drug targets. Identification of potential inhibitors against these targets through virtual screening may consequence in detection of novel lead compounds effective against H. ducreyi to combat chancroid.
To Make the Familiar Strange— Aesthetic Derealization in the Work of Alberto Giacometti
Authors: Kalus Oren
Published: January 2010

Derealization, the phenomenon in which things appear strange and unfamiliar, is usually understood as pathological or, at best defensive. I present evidence for an “aesthetic” form of derealization as observed and described by the artist Alberto Giacometti and propose that it served a critically productive role in his creative process. Not only did Giacometti experience derealization's core estrangement, altered body images, obsessional skepticism, and prolonged observation, but these typically pathological features combined synergistically into a method of visual inquiry for him. A process that entailed the “deconstruction” of habitual and routine perceptions associated with day-to-day reality. This suggests that seeing things as unfamiliar, unknown, or even as meaningless may confer an advantage on the artist, both loosening the constraints of pre-conceptions and supporting alternative, fresh perceptions. Aesthetic derealization might also share with its clinical counterpart a common dissociative mechanism that separates perception from cognition or seeing from knowing. Whereas clinical derealization is crude and disorienting, the aesthetic variant is flexible and enlightening. Giacometti and perhaps other artists might employ an intriguing mix of sophistication and naïveté in seeing things strangely.
Camera Obscura's Role in Johannes Vermeer's Painting Space
Authors: Sato Noriko
Published: January 2010

This article considers the hypothesis that the 17th century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer utilized a camera obscura as an auxiliary tool in creating his paintings. I created analytic diagrams and plan views of 13 genre pieces in which he depicted perspective accurately, and compared them with reference to the dimensions of tiles depicted in those images. As a result, I determined that the depicted scenes can be cropped within the region of an image circle of the same size. The conclusion is that an image projected by a camera obscura is an excellent resource from the point of view of depicting perspective consistency within a painting space on canvas, and that by utilizing that resource, Vermeer explored spatial representations that had not been seen up until his time.
Contextual Information, Artistic Style and the Perception of Art
Authors: Bordens Kenneth S.
Published: January 2010

An experiment was conducted to determine if providing contextual information about various artistic styles would increase liking and lead to more positive perceptions of examples of art. Participants were 172 male and female artistically naive undergraduate students. Participants evaluated four artworks from one of four styles (Dada, Outsider, Impressionism, and Renaissance) on several rating scales. Results showed that when no contextual information was presented perceived match between an artwork and an internal concept of art was higher than if contextual information was presented and that Dada art received the lowest match scores followed by Outsider, Impressionist, and Renaissance art. Dada art was liked significantly less than Outsider, Impressionist, or Renaissance art. Factor analysis of bipolar semantic differential scales revealed four dimensions underlying perception of art and that different styles could be separated based on these dimensions.
The Effects of Integrating On-Going Training for Technical Documentation Teams
Authors: Catanio Joseph T. , Catanio Teri L.
Published: January 2010

The tools and techniques utilized in the technical communications profession are constantly improving and changing. Information Technology (IT) organizations devote the necessary resources to equip and train engineering, marketing, and sales teams, but often fail to do so for technical documentation teams. Many IT organizations tend to view documentation as an afterthought; however, consumers of IT products frequently base their purchasing decisions on the end user documentation's content, layout, and presentation. Documentation teams play a unique role in IT organizations as they help to build and create a public identity through end user manuals and the corporate website, as well as maintain intellectual knowledge through knowledge sharing and management. The technical communicator “ makes sense” of complex engineering specifications by creating user-friendly manuals for the layman. The practitioner who compiles and records this complex information is a valuable resource to any IT organization. Therefore, on-going training for technical documentation teams is essential to stay competitive in the fast-paced technical market. Technical communicators in IT organizations who only write end user manuals are becoming a rarity. Research indicates a marked trend toward technical writers in multiple roles and varied responsibilities that include web design and development, and business systems analysis functions. Although these added roles and responsibilities require training on some of the newer software tools and more complex programming tools, technical communicators are experiencing difficulty keeping pace with these tools. This article discusses technical documentation teams in IT organizations and provides an on-going training assessment to help technical documentation managers identify their team's strengths and weaknesses. In addition, measures and results from a study conducted at eight IT organizations, are provided to show the effect of how the integration of on-going training for documentation teams enhances individual competency and improves team performance.
Trade and Migration in an Enlarged European Union: A Spatial Analysis
Authors: May Justin B.
Published: January 2010

One of the most prominent features in the evolution of the European Union (EU) has been its geographical expansion. Using a dynamic general equilibrium approach, this paper predicts the effects of future eastward expansions of the EU on both inter- and intra-national flows of trade and labor. Underlying the simulations is a spatial model of the EU incorporating heterogeneous firms, intra-industry trade, iceberg trade costs, and many possible locations. Locations are populated by a large number of potential firms, and these firms employ labor that varies across countries in its relative skill. The dynamics of the model are such that unprofitable firms are forced to exit in the long run, and workers have the opportunity to migrate in response to steep gradients in real compensation. Novel features of the data used here are that locations are defined in a very precise way and that the simulations take as their starting point a proxy for the actual distribution of economic activity across the European landmass. The model is calibrated to match aggregate trade and migration data from the 2004 enlargement as well as data on exporter characteristics. Simulations of enlargement predict an increase in aggregate exports of potential new members to the previous EU-15 of 4.7 percent of GDP in the five-year period following adoption of the acquis communautaire and net migration flows from potential new members to the previous EU-15 of 1.3 percent of aggregate acceding country population over the same period. Moreover, the simulations deliver many of the stylized facts of economic geography.
The Sustainability of the U.S. Current Account Deficit: Revisiting Mann's Rule
Authors: Lizardo Radhames A. , Mollick Andre Varella
Published: January 2010

Using quarterly data from 1973 to 2008, we provide evidence that current account (CA) deficits exceeding 4.2% of GDP (“Mann's rule") do have a significant lowering effect on the U.S. dollar value against major currencies. Controlling for inflation, public debt, and a broad trade weighted index, excessive CA deficits have a negative long-run impact on the USD. Along the transition path, much faster speeds of adjustment to long-run equilibrium are found when current account deficits in excess of Mann's rule are considered: 20% of the deviations from the long-run equilibrium are corrected in a month against 8% or 9% without Mann's rule. This suggests that excessive values of the CA deficit are “priced in" in international foreign exchange markets. Contrary to earlier evidence in favor of CA sustainability, we conjecture that economic conditions have made investors more sensitive to bad news for the U.S. dollar.
Long-Term Fundamentals of the 2008 Economic Crisis
Authors: Mayer-Foulkes David A.
Published: January 2010

The current economic crisis has long-term causes that are rooted in the economic dynamics of globalization. I argue that globalization (a) increases the world economic growth rate; (b) is consistent with development, underdevelopment and miracle growth; (c) increases inequality in leading countries; and (d) generates a transition path along which the interest rate diminishes if capital accumulates at a faster rate than technological change. This condition is generated by cheap-factor-seeking foreign direct investment (FDI), which by combining advanced technologies with low costs yields extraordinary profits and experiences lower incentives for innovation. Over the period 1980-2007, liberalization unleashed a wave of globalization, and the international sector experienced miracle growth. Profits rose to all time highs and global saving exceeded global investment. This savings glut or investment shortfall fueled a global housing appreciation, after which excessive risk in a deregulated financial market led to a financial meltdown. While restoring financial markets and reducing the housing market fallout have been immediate priorities for the U.S., economic growth can only be recovered by restoring global investment. Lowering interest rates cannot generate very much investment, nor will consumption flows from fiscal spending. To stimulate the global economy, whole new economic sectors and technologies must be developed in advanced countries, and economic development deepened in underdeveloped countries. At the same time, a global harmonization of corporate taxes, ending the corporate tax haven loophole, would raise funds for publicly provided goods that complement private investment and balance incentives between local and international production. It would also reduce the polarization between developed and underdeveloped countries, balance global markets with global governance, and strengthen global cooperation.
Changes in nutritive and textural quality of apple osmodehydrated in sugar beet molasses and saccharose solutions
Authors: Koprivica Gordana , Misljenovic Nevena , Levic Ljubinko , Pribis Vjera
Published: January 2010

The paper describes texture and mineral content of apple, osmotically dehydrated in sugar beet molasses as compared to apples treated in saccharose solution. Osmotic dehydration was conducted at constant temperature of 55?C and atmospheric pressure. During the experiment, the concentration of sugar beet molasses was varied 40 to 80%, the concentration of saccharose solutions was varied in the range of 30 to 70%, and the most important kinetic parametars of the osmotic dehydration, after 1, 3 and 5 hours of immersion were observed. During osmotic dehydration, in the samples which were treated in sugar beet molasses, the content of minerals was increased to a great extent that enhanced their nutritive value. Textural quality parameter was evaluated from the maximum cut force, tested at Instron testing machine. It was found that the samples dehydrated in saccharose solutions had a softer and more gentle texture - the maximum force load decreased threefold as compared to the other samples.
Textural characteristics of fermented milk beverages produced by kombucha
Authors: Milanovic Spasenija , Ilicic Mirela , Durakovic Katarina , Vukic Vladimir
Published: January 2010

Rheological properties of fermented dairy products are very important parameters of the product quality. The behaviour of gel formed during fermentation of milk is influenced by a great number of factors, such as: milk composition, starter culture, flavourings addition, etc. The aim of this research was to examine the influence of fat content, and kombucha inoculum concentration on textural characteristics of fermented milk beverages: firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and viscosity index after production and during 10 days of storage. Higher fat content of beverage affects the firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and viscosity index, while higher amount of inoculum in beverages has an opposite effect on textural characteristics of samples during storage.
Comparison of three in vitro methods for determining and predicting the organic matter digestibility of complete diets for ruminants
Authors: Palic Dragan , Leeuw Klaas-Jan
Published: January 2010

In this study, the organic matter digestibility (OMD) of six complete diets for ruminants has been determined in-vivo in trials with sheep and in-vitro using two-stage Tilley and Terry (T&T) method, gas production (GP) technique and multi-enzyme incubation (EDOM) procedures. The mean OMD values obtained in vivo and using T&T, GP and EDOM techniques were 684, 716, 685 and 710 g OM/kgDM respectively and did not differ significantly (P>0.05). The obtained in vitro results were regressed against determined in-vivo values to derive prediction equations. Using the T&T technique, the prediction equation OMD (in_vivo) = -17.36 + 0.98 x OMD (in_vitro_T&T), (R2 = 0.75; RMSE = 37.59) has been obtained. The equation OMD (in_vivo) = 198.98 + 0.71 x OMD (in_vitro_GP), (R2 = 0.21; RMSE = 66.36) has been derived for Gas production procedure, while the equation OMD (in_vivo) = 102 + 0.82 x OMD (in_vitro_EDOM), (R2 = 0.86; RMSE = 27.30) has been generated for multi-enzyme incubation technique. The results of this study showed that the OMD of complete diets for ruminants can be successfully determined, and in-vivo values predicted, using multi-enzyme incubation procedure, which is important because of the fact that rumen liquor, needed for the in-vitro twostage T&T and GP techniques is not always available to analytical laboratories.
Determination of the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 coatings on clay roofing tile substrates methylene blue as model pollutant
Authors: Loncar Eva , Radeka Miroslava , Petrovic Snezana , Skapin Andrea , Rudic Ognjen , Ranogajec Jonjaua
Published: January 2010

The photocatalytically active mesoporous coatings, based on titanium dioxide sols (Degussa), of the fired clay roofing tiles substrate were prepared by using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) M-600 and M-4000, as the structure directing agents. The coatings were deposited using spray technique followed by thermal treatment. Photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 coatings was evaluated by aqueous solution of methylene blue as model dye, deposited on the top of the coatings, after irradiation with UV light. The results were compared with the photocatalytic efficiency of some commercial self-cleaning products (clay roofing tiles, glass). The newly design coatings showed an interesting decolourisation performance (over 30 % after 24 h). It appeared that the procedure of photocatalytic activity determination, in the case of porous substrates, should be renewed by a preadsorption process.
By-products of fruits processing as a source of phytochemicals
Authors: Djilas Sonja , Canadanovic-Brunet Jasna , Cetkovic Gordana
Published: January 2010

The processing of fruits results in high amounts of waste materials such as peels, seeds, stones, and oilseed meals. A disposal of these materials usually represents a problem that is further aggravated by legal restrictions. Thus new aspects concerning the use of these wastes as by-products for further exploitation on the production of food additives or supplements with high nutritional value have gained increasing interest because these are high-value products and their recovery may be economically attractive. It is well known that by-products represent an important source of sugars, minerals, organic acid, dietary fibre and phenolics which have a wide range of action which includes antitumoral, antiviral, antibacterial, cardioprotective and antimutagenic activities. This review discusses the potential of the most important by-products of apple, grape and citrus fruits processing as a source of valuable compounds. The relevance of this topic is illustrated by a number of references.
The influence of carbon black on curing kinetics and thermal aging of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber
Authors: Jovanovic Vojislav , Budinski-Simendic Jaroslava , Samardzija-Jovanovic Suzana , Markovic Gordana , Marinovic-Cincovic Milena
Published: January 2010

Elastomers based on a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile (NBR) have excellent oil resistance but are very sensitive for degradation at very high temperatures. The aim of this applicative contribution was to determine the effect of high abrasion furnace carbon black with primary particle size 46 nm on aging properties of elastomeric materials based on NBR as network precursor. The curing kinetics was determined using the rheometer with an oscillating disk, in which the network formation process is registered by the torque variation during time. The vulcanizates were obtained in a hydraulic press at 150?C. The mechanical properties of elastomeric composites were determined before and after thermal aging in an air circulating oven. The reinforcing effect of the filler particles was assessed according to mechanical properties before and after aging.
Transition and growth: What was taught and what happened
Authors: Cerovic Bozidar , Nojkovic Aleksandra
Published: January 2010

The paper demonstrates why the transition process is taking more time than predicted and why many countries are still far away from the projected goal: a developed market economy. Analyzing the causes and re-examining the endogenous character of the transition progress, the authors conclude that the majority of reforms were implemented at a pace conditional on the initial, pre-transition conditions. The results obtained show a significant impact on the economic and institutional heritage of a country, which lasts much longer than was predicted on the eve of the reform process: initial conditions strongly and significantly affect the speed of transition throughout the entire observed period (1989-2007). They also affect the performance of a country: in the first years the transition progress may affect growth in a positive way, but later it becomes insignificant. This can explain some growth peculiarities previously remarked when transition countries were analyzed by means of long-run growth models. Using Barro and Levine-Renelt models the authors show that despite somewhat better results for the second decade of transition many peculiar patterns remain, which could temporarily block poorer transition economies in their attempts to catch up and cause unnecessary losses since transition policies were not properly adjusted to the initial conditions.
An analytical method of estimating Value-at-Risk on the Belgrade Stock Exchange
Authors: Obadovic Milica , Obadovic Mirjana
Published: January 2010

This paper presents market risk evaluation for a portfolio consisting of shares that are continuously traded on the Belgrade Stock Exchange, by applying the Value-at-Risk model - the analytical method. It describes the manner of analytical method application and compares the results obtained by implementing this method at different confidence levels. Method verification was carried out on the basis of the failure rate that demonstrated the confidence level for which this method was acceptable in view of the given conditions.
Some further results on Lahiri
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit
Published: January 2010

With the aid of weighted sharing of values we prove a result on the uniqueness of meromorphic functions sharing three values. Our result will improve and supplement some earlier results of Lahiri [6], Yi [21] and some very recent results of both the present author [2] and Chen, Shen, Lin [4]. We also exhibit some examples to show that our result is best possible. In the application part of our result we will show that some results obtained by Chen, Shen, Lin [4] are wrong by obtaining the actual results.
A note on achromatic coloring of star graph families
Authors: Vernold Vivin , Venkatachalam M. , Akbar Ali
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we find the achromatic number of central graph, middle graph and total graph of star graph, denoted by C(K1,n), M(K1,n) and T(K1,n) respectively.
Evaluation of a polynomial by means of mathematical spectra of M. Petrovic
Authors: Madic Jovan , Velickovic Vesna , Madic Ivana
Published: January 2010

In this paper we propose new spectral methods for the exact evaluation of polynomials with integer, fixed point real and fractional coefficients. The new methods are based on Besout's proposition and the division of polynomials by the use of mathematical spectra. Some examples are given to illustrate the presented methods. We also give the implementation of the proposed methods in MATHEMATICA.
Anthropogenic effects on environment: Case study: Peat islands of lake Vlasina
Authors: Momcilovic-Petronijevic Ana , Trajkovic Slavisa , Randjelovic Vladimir
Published: January 2010

Floating islands represent residue of peat which swam out on surface of water after flooding former Vlasina peat-bog. These islands are refuges of plant and animal species characteristic from peat-bog habitats. These specific habitats destroyed to a great extent with exploitation of peat for different human needs and survival of many plant and animal species endangered.
SNP and SSR marker analysis and mapping of a maize population
Authors: Simic Domagoj , Ledencan Tatjana , Jambrovic Antun , Zdunic Zvonimir , Brkic Josip , Brkic Andrija , Mladenovic-Drinic Snezana , Brkic Ivan
Published: January 2010

Although highly polymorphic SSRs are currently the marker of choice worldwide in maize breeding, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as a newer marker system are recently used more extensively. The objective of this study was investigate the utility of SSR and SNP markers for mapping of a maize population adapted to conditions of Southeast Europe. Total of 294 F2:3 lines derived from a biparental mapping population were genotyped using 121 polymorphic SNP and SSR markers. The SNP markers were analyzed using the SNPlex technology. 56 of the 142 tested SNPs (39%) were polymorphic between the parents of the mapping population and were successfully mapped. The remaining markers were either not functional (5 = 3.5%) or not polymorphic (81 = 57%). No mapped SNP marker showed more than 10% missing data. On average, the level of missing data for SNPs (1.5%) was considerably lower than that for SSRs (3.4%). For the mapping procedure, the SNP data were combined SSR data. A comparison of the mapping data with the publicly available mapping data on SSR markers and the proprietary mapping data indicates that the map is of good quality and that the map position of almost all markers agrees with their published map position. Thus, information obtained from both marker systems is utilizable for further QTL analysis.
Pollen grain traits of oil species from the Novi Sad collection
Authors: Atlagic Jovanka , Marjanovic-Jeromela Ana , Marinkovic Radovan , Terzic Sreten
Published: January 2010

The collection of oil species in Novi Sad contains 12 species represented with 1-4 cultivars or landraces. In the continuous work on this collection in the sense of breeding of some of those species and their usage as a source of 'desirable genes' we analyzed pollen grain morphology (shape and size), as well as pollen viability. To determine mentioned pollen traits we used Axiovert 40C microscope together with a software package (AxioVision LE; Rel.4.3.) for measurement of pollen length and width. Pollen viability was determined using a staining method (ALEXANDER, 1969). The results showed that species differ by pollen grain shape (round, egg-shaped, triangular and rod) as well as by shape of exine (thick and spiky, thick to thin). In some species there was a specific number of apertures present (1-11). The size of viable pollen grains ranged from 29,10/12,58? (coriander) to 176,63/169,94? (oil gourd), while non-viable pollen grains were always smaller (27,27/10,97? to 119,62/100,86?) at the same plant species. Pollen viability of most species was around 80%. Lowest pollen viability was found in white flax (56,98%), and the highest in oil pumpkin (91,43%).