bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fish fauna of the Jacaré-Guaçu River basin, Upper Paraná River basin
Authors: Esguícero André Luiz Henríques , Arcifa Marlene Sofia
Published: November 2011

This study aimed to evaluate the fish fauna composition and distribution in different environments, up- and downstream the Gavião Peixoto Dam, in the Jacaré-Guaçu River basin. Most of the sampled ichthyofauna is autochthonous, and the majority of the species belongs to the orders Characiformes and Siluriformes. The order Characiformes comprised most of the specimens caught, Astyanax altiparanae being the most abundant species. All the studied environments were characterized by the massive occurrence of accidental species and low similarity between their ichthyofauna. In general, a greater number of species and higher values of the diversity index were observed downstream of the dam. The fish diversity in the studied habitats was positively correlated with the water body depth, and negatively correlated with the water conductivity. This last correlation may be an indicative of the negative influence of the pollution of the Jacaré-Guaçu basin on the local fish fauna.
Caracterização florística e estrutural de remanescentes florestais de Quedas do Iguaçu, Sudoeste do Paraná
Authors: Viani Ricardo Augusto Gorne , Costa Julio César , Rozza Adriana de Fátima , Bufo Luis Vicente Brandolise , Ferreira Marcelo Antonio Pinho , Oliveira Ana Cláudia Pereira de
Published: November 2011

O sudoeste paranaense localiza-se na transição entre a Floresta Estacional Semidecidual (FES) e a Floresta Ombrófila Mista (FOM), numa região de grande relevância ecológica, por conter duas importantes formações florestais do sul-sudeste brasileiro. Entretanto, essa mesma região é marcada pela escassez de levantamentos florísticos e de caracterização da vegetação. Nesse trabalho é feita a caracterização florística e estrutural de três áreas de vegetação nativa, localizadas em Quedas do Iguaçu, sudoeste do Paraná, na bacia do rio Iguaçu. Além disso, foi feita a caracterização fitogeográfica das florestas estudadas, com base nos dados coletados e na listagem de espécies amostradas em outras 52 áreas de FES ou FOM do Brasil. Em cada uma das três áreas estudadas, a vegetação arbustivo-arbórea (diâmetro à altura do peito > 5 cm) foi caracterizada por meio da alocação de pontos quadrantes. No total foram encontradas 128 espécies, com variação entre 63 a 78 para cada área. Cada área apresentou distinção quanto à estrutura e às espécies mais abundantes. Além disso, as áreas se distinguem quanto ao grau de influência da FES e da FOM em sua composição florística. Comparativamente, a área de menor altitude, localizada no vale do Rio Iguaçu, apresenta mais elementos de FES em sua composição florística, enquanto as outras duas áreas, localizadas em trechos mais elevados, têm maior influência da FOM, contando inclusive com a ocorrência de Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze.
Attitudes and Motivations of Students Taking Professional Certificate Examinations
Authors: Cheng Pi-Yueh , Lin Mei-Lan , Su Chia-Kai
Published: November 2011

In this study we explored the attitudes and motives of business studies students taking examinations for professional certificates, where their participation may have a cognition-oriented motive. The study was divided into 2 phases: in the first phase, a questionnaire survey was used
to examine the differences between internal and external encouragement perspectives for those students with and without professional certificates. We found that the intrinsic motivation of students with professional certificates was significantly higher than their extrinsic motivation. In
the second phase we examined whether the impact of the external justifications of attitude changes are associated with students' attitudes toward participation in the examination. Multiple regression analyses revealed that reward, satisfaction, effort, responsibility, and commitment were predictive
of participants' attitudes.
Avoiding Internet Addiction when Integrating Digital Games into Teaching
Authors: Liu Eric Zhi Feng
Published: November 2011

The aim in this study was to integrate the flow experience and instructional design by incorporating digital games into the school curriculum using the following 7 principles: 1) analyze learners, 2) set clear teaching objectives and select appropriate gaming materials, 3) design teaching
instructions according to teaching objectives and game content, 4) consider teaching as the primary goal and use games as supplementary tools, 5) make good use of the characteristics of computer games, 6) place students at the center of the process and help them enjoy studying, and 7) periodically
assess students' learning and constantly improve teaching. Ultimately, digital games in which appropriate instructional design principles are incorporated will facilitate the development of educational digital games and related investments.
Clothing Color Preferences of Boys and Girls Aged Between Six and Nine
Authors: Kilinç Nurgül
Published: November 2011

The color preferences of girls and boys aged between 6 and 9 were evaluated to determine differences in terms of clothing type, sex, and children's age, and to generate data for child garment designers. In this survey of 312 girls and 316 boys, 5 different clothing types were investigated
and it was concluded that clothing color preferences of children differ according to their age and sex but not according to clothing type.
Job Satisfaction Among Academic Staff in Fisheries Faculties at Turkish Universities
Authors: Saygi Hulya , Tolon Tolga , Tekogul Hatice
Published: November 2011

We assessed the confidence of academics in their careers in fisheries faculties at Turkish universities and developed a scale based on the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (Cellucci & DeVries, 1978) to classify their attitudes in order to evaluate level of job satisfaction. A survey
and a personal information form were made available via the Internet to academics employed in various faculties of fisheries in Turkish universities. Testing for validity and reliability showed that the trust attitudes of academics could be examined with 5 factors: satisfaction with supervisors,
satisfaction with coworkers, satisfaction with pay, satisfaction with promotion, and satisfaction with work itself. Results showed that coworkers and promotions were considered more important than the pay. The most important factor in job satisfaction was coworkers, with working as a team
and sharing also rated as important. There was no significant difference in the rating of the factors according to gender. These findings are important as preliminary research in the fishing sector.
Social Self-Efficacy of Adolescents Who Participate in Individual and Team Sports
Authors: Dinç Zeynep
Published: November 2011

This study was conducted to compare different variables of social self-efficacy (SSE) as determinants for adolescents in selecting and taking part in team and individual sports. Four sporting codes were selected for study: table tennis, swimming, handball, and basketball. Participants
were 100 adolescents who had played their chosen sport for an average of 5.4 years. Results showed that the difference in SSE between those playing table tennis and those playing handball was significant, as was the difference between those playing table tennis and those playing basketball,
swimming and handball, swimming and basketball. No statistical difference was found in SSE between those playing table tennis and those involved in swimming, and handball and basketball. Likewise, there was no statistically significant difference between SSE scores according to gender for
any of the sports. Nor was there any significant difference between the socioeconomic status (SES) of the participants according to the sport they played and the arithmetic average of their SSE scores. A negative correlation was noted (p > .05) between the sporting code and the SES
of participants.
The Predictive Relationship Between Emotion Management Skills and Internet Addiction
Authors: Oktan Vesile
Published: November 2011

The relationship between emotion management skills and the use of the Internet was examined in this study to determine whether or not the emotion management skills of university students are a predictor of Internet addiction. The study was conducted in the 2008/2009 academic year with
345 students from different departments of a university in Turkey. Data were collected using the Emotion Management Skills Inventory (Çeçen, 2006) and the Problematic Internet Usage Scale (Ceyhan, Ceyhan, & Gürcan, 2007). Results of regression analysis showed that the
total measure of emotion management skills predicted the levels of Internet addiction.
The variable impact of the global economic crisis in South East Europe
Authors: Bartlett Will , Prica Ivana
Published: November 2011

This paper studies the variable impact of the global economic crisis on the
countries of South East Europe. The central question is whether the
institutional reforms introduced during the transition period have enabled
countries to cope with external shocks such as those associated with the
recent global economic crisis. The transmission mechanisms of the crisis to
the region are identified as contractions of credit, foreign direct
investment, remittances, and exports, and their variable impact across
countries is assessed. Several types of institutions are examined, including
the degree to which countries have adopted the acquis communautaire,
determined by the extent of their EU integration, progress with transition,
and the broad institutional environment measured through the quality of
governance. The paper asks whether countries with a more flexible economy due
to faster progress with transition reforms were better able to adjust to the
impact of external shocks. It concludes that the variable impact of the
global crisis in the region can be explained mainly by their degree of
integration into the global economy, and that the institutional reforms that
were introduced during the boom times have made countries more integrated
into the global economy, and therefore more vulnerable to the impact of the
global economic crisis.
The potential of cluster development and the role of cluster support policies in Latvia
Authors: Boronenko Vera , Zeibote Zane
Published: November 2011

The objective of this paper is to examine the role of institutional and
policy support for cluster development, and the competitive advantages of
regions based on regional labour force concentration. The tool of cluster
identification in regional economies - Location Quotient (LQ) - has been
applied to measure the concentration of the labour force in the main economic
sectors of Latvia and Finland. This comparative analysis has shown that
Finland has much stronger regional labour force concentration in certain
sectors of the economy, which is not typical for Latvia and reveals that the
regional economy of Latvia has much lower potential for cluster development
and competitiveness in global markets. The results of this research confirm
that governments should support cluster development to achieve sustainable
long-term development based on natural growth poles, exploiting the potential
of regional comparative advantages such as specific concentration of skills
and knowledge (labour force), concentration of industries, natural resources,
etc., but not concentrate on short-term priorities in cluster development.
The Montenegrin capital market: Calendar anomalies
Authors: Karadzic Vesna , Backovic-Vulic Tamara
Published: November 2011

Many researchers have shown that capital markets in CEE countries are weakly
efficient in terms of calendar anomalies. The goal of this paper is to
investigate whether the capital market in Montenegro is efficient regarding
some of these anomalies. The main characteristics of the Montenegrin capital
market are briefly explained. The empirical analysis is done on the daily
values data of stock market index NEX20. An investigation of the January
effect is implemented with the graphical representation of the rate of return
for all the months of the seven-year period and by estimation of a regression
model of return on index NEX20. The intercept represents the value of the
return in January and it is insignificant. The holiday effect, tested by
graphical representation for the Statehood Day data, was not present in the
whole period. To investigate the turn-of-the-month effect we employed the
graphical representation and regression model of the return rate on index
NEX20 for the last week of every month and for the rest of the month. The
value of the intercept, representing return for the last week of the month,
is significant. The absence of some tested calendar anomalies suggests that
the Montenegrin capital market is becoming more efficient.
Empirical research on the internal audit position of companies in Serbia
Authors: Ljubisavljevic Snezana , Jovanovic Dejan
Published: November 2011

In the context of the globalization of business operations and the increasing
use of information technologies, complexity of business transactions, and
business risk, the role of internal audit is becoming increasingly important
and the range of tasks performed by internal auditors is growing. As a part
of the company control system, the internal audit assesses the efficiency,
effectiveness, economy, and fairness of the realization of tasks, provides
consulting services to the enterprise?s management, and promotes the
effectiveness of risk management with the aim of creating added value and
enhancing business activities. It is the aim of this work, through empirical
research conducted in large and medium-sized Serbian companies, to show the
degree of development of the internal audit, the perception of accountants in
respect to the tasks and responsibilities of internal audit, and whether
there is a connection between the enterprise size and legal form on the one
hand, and the organization and responsibilities of internal audit on the
other.
Interactions of short chain phenylalkanoic acids within ionic surfactant micelles in aqueous media
Authors: Naeem Kashif , Shah Syed , Naseem Bushra , Shah Syed
Published: November 2011

% SDS
KR nema
Solubilization and interactions of phenylalkanoic acids induced by cationic
surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and an anionic surfactant,
sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was investigated spectrophotometrically at
25.0?C. The UV spectra of the additives (acids) were measured with and
without surfactant above and below critical micelle concentration (cmc) of
the surfactant. The presence of alkyl chain in phenylalkanoic acids is
responsible for hydrophobic interaction resulting in shift of the spectra
towards longer wavelength (red shift). The value of partition coefficient
(Kx) between the bulk water and surfactant micelles and in turn standard free
energy change of solubilization (?Gp?) were also estimated by measuring the
differential absorbance (?A) of the additives in micellar solutions.
Mechanochemical synthesis of stoichiometric nickel and nickel-zinc ferrite powders with Nicolson-Ross analysis of absorption coefficients
Authors: Jovalekic Cedomir , Nikolic Aleksandar , Gruden-Pavlovic Maja , Pavlovic Miodrag
Published: November 2011

The interest in finding new methods for preparation of nickel ferrite
(NiFe2O4) and nickel-zinc ferrite (NixZn1-xFe2O4) powders has recently
increased, due to the fact that physical and chemical properties of these
soft magnetic materials depend strongly on the preparation conditions. In
this paper, powder samples of ferrites were obtained by: 1) classic sintering
procedure (NixZn1-xFe2O4, x = 0.9) and 2) planetary mill synthesis (both
NiFe2O4 and NixZn1-xFe2O4). Mechanochemical reaction leading to the formation
of NixZn1-xFe2O4 (x = 1 and 0.9) spinel phase was monitored by SEM, TEM, and
XRD. Values of the real and imaginary parts of permittivity and permeability
were measured for the obtained nickel and nickel-zinc ferrite samples in the
7-12 GHz frequency range. Based on the obtained results, the EMR absorption
coefficients were calculated for all three sample types. It has been
concluded that the method of preparation and the final particle size
influence the EMR absorption coefficient of nickel and nickel-zinc ferrites.
Zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes with pheophytin and mesoporphyrin and their stability to UV-B irradiation: Vis spectroscopy studies
Authors: Zvezdanovic Jelena , Markovic Dejan , Milenkovic Sanja
Published: November 2011

Stability of Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes of porphyrin derivatives (pheophytin
and mesoporphyrin) to UV-B -irradiation has been studied by absorbance
spectroscopy in 95% ethanol. The chosen porphyrins as well as their heavy
metal complexes undergo photochemical decomposition obeying first-order
kinetics. In general, pheophytin is more stable than mesoporphyrin to UV-B
irradiation. On the other hand, stability of Zn(II)-complex is smaller than
Cu(II)-complex both for pheophytin and mesoporphyrin; however while
Cu(II)-complex with pheophytin is more stable than the one with
mesoporphyrin, with Zn(II)-complex the situation is vice versa.
Oxidative stress in rat liver during acute cadmium and ethanol intoxication
Authors: Radosavljevic Tatjana , Mladenovic Dusan , Ninkovic Milica , Vucevic Danijela , Boricic Ivan , Jesic-Vukicevic Rada , Sljivancanin Tamara , Lopicic Srdjan , Todorovic Vera
Published: November 2011

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of binge drinking on
prooxidant/antioxidant system in rat liver in acute cadmium (Cd)
intoxication. In experiment male Wistar rats were used and divided into
following groups: 1. control, 2. ethanol-treated group, in five subsequent
doses of 2 g/kg administered by orogastric tube, 3. Cd-treated group in a
single dose of 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, 4. group that received Cd 12
hours after the last dose of ethanol. Blood and liver samples were collected
for determination of oxidative stress parameters, 24 hours after treatment.
When administered in combination, ethanol and Cd induced a more pronounced
increase in serum and liver malondialdehyde level than either of these
substances alone (p<0.01). Liver manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)
activity was increased both in ethanol and Cd-treated group (p<0.01), while
liver copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) activity was elevated in Cd
group only. However, when administered in combination, ethanol and Cd induced
a more pronounced decrease in liver MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD activity 24 hours
after treatment (p<0.01). Based on our study, it can be concluded that
ethanol may act sinergistically with Cd in inducing lipid peroxidation and
reduction in liver SOD activity.
Iridium anomaly in the cretaceous-paleogene boundary at Højerup (Stevns Klint, Denmark) and Woodside Creek (New Zealand): The question of an enormous proportion of extraterrestrial component
Authors: Premovic Pavle , Ilic Budimir , Djordjevic Milos
Published: November 2011

The Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary clays at H?jerup and Woodside Creek show
anomalous enrichments of iridium compared with the marine sedimentary rocks.
For the average iridium content of 465 ppb in CI chondrite the estimate of
the carbonaceous chondritic proportions in the decarbonated iridium-rich
boundary layers, based on the integrated iridium fluencies, is about 26% at
H?jerup and 65% at Woodside Creek. These proportions are most likely too high
due to a significant Ir influx from the nearby marine or continental site to
these sections.
Scalable methodologies for the synthesis of novel unsymmetrically-substituted secondary amines
Authors: Roman Gheorghe
Published: November 2011

Fast, easy, and scalable methodologies for the synthesis of
unsymmetrically-substituted secondary amines containing naphthalene, indole,
pyridine and imidazole moieties through reductive amination were explored.
The investigated operating procedures were successful on a 50- to 30-mmole
scale, and presented a high potential for upscaling.
Electrochemical behaviors and electrochemical determination of carbamazepine at ionic liquid modified carbon paste electrode in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate
Authors: Liu Li-Hong , Duan Cheng-Qian , Gao Zuo-Ning
Published: November 2011

The electrochemical behavior and electrochemical determination of
carbamazepine (CBZ) at hydrophobic ionic liquid 1-Benzyl-3-Methylimidazole
hexafluorophosphate ([BnMIM]PF6) modified carbon paste electrode
([BnMIM]PF6/CPE) in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were
investigated. A well-defined and sensitive oxidation peak was observed at
[BnMIM]PF6/CPE in the presence of SDS and 0.10 M phosphate buffer solution
(pH 6.80). The oxidation peak current of CBZ increased significantly at
[BnMIM]PF6/CPE in the presence of SDS compared with that in the absence of
SDS at carbon paste electrode. It suggested that both SDS and [BnMIM]PF6/CPE
show an obvious enhancing effect on the electrochemical oxidation of CBZ. The
electrochemical kinetic parameters for CBZ at [BnMIM]PF6/CPE in aqueous SDS
solutions were also determined by Chronocoulometry and Chronoamperometry.
Finally, the experimental conditions were optimized, and a new
electrochemical method of determination for CBZ had been established. The
oxidation peak current was linearly dependent on CBZ concentration in the
range of 7.0 ?M to 0.7 mM with a detection limit of 0.98 ?M (signal to noice
ratio, S/N = 3). The relative standard deviation for six determinations of
0.10 mM CBZ was between 1.40 and 2.13%. The proposed method was applied in
the determination of CBZ in commercial tablet samples.
Catalytic tetrahydropyranylation of phenols and alcohols using vanadium(V)-substituted polyoxomolybdates
Authors: Gharib Ali , Jahangir Manouchehr
Published: November 2011

Alcohols and phenols were tetrahydropyranylated in the presence of
H7[PMo8V4O40] in good to excellent yields in acetonitrile and under
solventfree reaction conditions. A mild and convenient method for the
formation and deprotection of tetrahydropyranyl ethers (THP ethers) is
described. The formation of THP ethers from the corresponding alcohols was
accomplished in the presence of acid-sensitive functional groups.
Decolorization of reactive black 5 using dielectric barrier discharge in the presence of inorganic salts
Authors: Dojcinovic Biljana , Roglic Goran , Obradovic Bratislav , Kuraica Milorad , Tosti Tomislav , Markovic Marijana , Manojlovic Dragan
Published: November 2011

Inorganic salts improve the coloration of textiles, which increase pollution
load on dyehouse effluent in general. Decolorization of reactive textile dye
C.I. Reactive Black 5 was studied using Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)
in a non-thermal plasma reactor, based on coaxial water falling film
Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD). Initial dye concentration in the solution
was 40.0 mg L-1. The effects of addition of inorganic salt different high
concentrations (NaCl, Na2SO4 and Na2CO3) on the degree of decolorization were
studied. Recirculation of dye solution through the DBD reactor with applied
energy density 45-315 kJ L-1 was used. The influence of residence time was
investigated after 5 minutes and 24 hours of plasma treatment. Decolorization
of the dyes was monitored by spectrophotometric measurement. Changes of pH
values and the conductivity of dye solution after each recirculation were
tested. The most effective decolorization of over 90% was obtained with the
addition of NaCl (50 g L-1), applied energy density of 135 kJ L-1 and after
residence time of 24 hours of plasma treatment. Decolorization of solutions
containing inorganic salts Na2SO4 and Na2CO3 were lower than for the solution
without salt.
Borel sets and countable models
Authors: Mijajlovic Zarko , Doder Dragan , Ilic-Stepic Angelina
Published: November 2011

We show that certain families of sets and functions related to a countable
structure A are analytic subsets of a Polish space. Examples include sets of
automorphisms, endomorphisms and congruences of A and sets of the
combinatorial nature such as coloring of countable plain graphs and domino
tiling of the plane. This implies, without any additional set-theoretical
assumptions, i.e., in ZFC alone, that cardinality of every such uncountable
set is 2?0.
A logic with big-stepped probabilities that can model nonmonotonic reasoning of system P
Authors: Doder Dragan
Published: November 2011

We develop a sound and strongly complete axiomatic system for probabilistic
logic in which we can model nonmonotonic (or default) reasoning. We discuss
the connection between previously developed logics and the two sublogics of
the logic presented here.
Gröbner bases for complex Grassmann manifolds
Authors: Prvulovic Branislav
Published: November 2011

By Borel?s description, integral cohomology of the complex Grassmann manifold
Gk,n is a polynomial algebra modulo a well-known ideal. A strong Gr?bner
basis for this ideal is obtained when k = 2 and k = 3.
Complex powers of nondensely defined operators
Authors: Kostic Marko
Published: November 2011

The power (?A)b, b ? C is defined for a closed linear operator A whose
resolvent is polynomially bounded on the region which is, in general,
strictly contained in an acute angle. It is proved that all structural
properties of complex powers of densely defined operators with polynomially
bounded resolvent remain true in the newly arisen situation. The fractional
powers are considered as generators of analytic semigroups of growth order r
> 0 and applied in the study of corresponding incomplete abstract Cauchy
problems. In the last section, the constructed powers are incorporated in the
analysis of the existence and growth of mild solutions of operators
generating fractionally integrated semigroups and cosine functions.
Chaos expansion methods for stochastic differential equations involving the Malliavin derivative, Part I
Authors: Levajkovic Tijana , Selesi Dora
Published: November 2011

We consider Gaussian, Poissonian, fractional Gaussian and fractional
Poissonian white noise spaces, all represented through the corresponding
orthogonal basis of the Hilbert space of random variables with finite second
moments, given by the Hermite and the Charlier polynomials. There exist
unitary mappings between the Gaussian and Poissonian white noise spaces. We
investigate the relationship of the Malliavin derivative, the Skorokhod
integral, the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck operator and their fractional counterparts
on a general white noise space.
Complex oscillation of differential polynomials generated by meromorphic solutions of linear differential equations
Authors: Belaïdi Benharrat
Published: November 2011

We investigate the complex oscillation of some differential polynomials
generated by solutions of the differential equation f'' + A1(z)f' + A0(z)f =
0, where A1(z), A0(z) are meromorphic functions having the same finite
iterated p-order.
2-normed algebras-II
Authors: Srivastava Neeraj , Bhattacharya S. , Lal S.N.
Published: November 2011

In the first part of the paper [5], we gave a new definition of real or
complex 2-normed algebras and 2-Banach algebras. Here we give two examples
which establish that not all 2-normed algebras are normable and a 2-Banach
algebra need not be a 2-Banach space. We conclude by deriving a new and
interesting spectral radius formula for 1-Banach algebras from the basic
properties of 2-Banach algebras and thus vindicating our definitions of
2-normed and 2-Banach algebras given in [5].
Cadmium content in Hypericum perforatum L. and Thymus serpyllum L. from localities of the mountains Rtanj and Ozren
Authors: Djukic-Cosic Danijela , Stanojevic Aleksandra , Djekic-Ivankovic Marija , Curcic Marijana , Plamenac-Bulat Zorica , Antonijevic Biljana , Matovic Vesna
Published: November 2011

Background/Aim. The beneficial effects of medicinal plants are well-known
from the ancient times. However, expansion of phytopharmacy and phytotherapy
occured during the last decades. Medicinal plants can absorb environmental
contaminants from the ground and consequently may cause harmful effects on
human health. Quality control usually comprises standard methodology which
includes macroscopic identification and examination of active ingredients.
Additionaly, there is a permanent need to control the level of pollutants in
herbs, with a particular attention to the level of toxic metals. In this
study we estimated the level of contamination by determining the content of
cadmium (Cd) in the herbs of Hypericum perforatum and Thymus serpyllum
collected from the different localities of the mountains Rtanj and Ozren.
Methods. Herbs of investigated plants were collected during July 2005 from
various localities of Rtanj and Ozren mountains. After drying, homogenization
and mineralization, Cd content was determined by atomic absorption
spectrophotometry. Results. The obtained results show that Cd content varies
significantly in Hypericum perforatum samples collected. The lowest Cd level
was found in samples from the one of Rtanj localities (0.25 mg Cd/kg), while
the highest was observed in Hypericum perforatum from Ozren locality (1.24
mg/kg). Levels of Cd in the three of four investigated localities were higher
than pro posed by WHO (0.3 mg/kg dried herb material). In all investigated
samples of Thymus serpyllum herbs Cd levels were below the limit of detection
of analytical method (0.2 mg Cd/kg dried materials). Conclusion. This work
contributes to the issue of Cd content in Hypericum perforatum and Thymus
serpyllum grown in localities of Rtanj and Ozren, and implies the importance
for systemic control of Cd content in Hypericum species in order to provide
safety of their preparations. Furthermore, regarding Cd toxicity, maximal
permissible level of Cd in plant material should be evaluated and established
concerning national legislative frame.
Safety of antiretrovirals in pregnacy
Authors: Dragovic Gordana , Grbovic Leposava , Jevtovic Djordje , Andjelic Spaso , Vasic Bojan , Lukic Relja
Published: November 2011

nema
Levosimendan treatment of severe acute congestive heart failure refractory to dobutamine/milrinone in children
Authors: Prijic Sergej , Rakic Sanja , Nikolic Ljubica , Jovicic Bosiljka , Stajevic Mila , Vukomanovic Vladislav , Kosutic Jovan
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Levosimendan is a novel positive inotropic agent which,
improves myocardial contractility through its calcium-sensitizing action,
without causing an increase in myocardial oxygen demand. Also, by opening
ATP-sensitive potassium channels, it causes vasodilatation with the reduction
in both afterload and preload. Because of the long halflife, its effects last
for up 7 to 9 days after 24-hour infusion. Case report. We presented three
patients 2, 15 and 17 years old. All the patients had severe acute
deterioration of the previously diagnosed chronic heart failure (dilatative
cardiomyopathy; univentricular heart with bidirectional Glenn anastomosis and
restrictive bulboventricular foramen; bacterial endocarditis on artificial
aortic valve with severe stenosis and regurgitation). Signs and symptoms of
severe heart failure, cardiomegaly (cardio-thoracic index 0.65) and left
ventricular dilatation (end-diastolic diameter z-score 2.6; 4.1 and 4.0) were
confirmed on admission. Also, myocardial contractility was poor with ejection
fraction (EF - 27%, 25%, 35%), fractional shortening (FS - 13%, 11%, 15%) and
stroke volume (SV - 40, 60, 72 mL/m2). The treatment with standard
intravenous inotropic agents resulted in no improvement but in clinical
deterioration. Thus, standard intravenous inotropic support was stopped and
levosimendan treatment was introduced. All the patients received a continuous
24-h infusion 0.1 ?g/kg/min of levosimendan. In a single patient an initial
loading dose of 11 ?g/kg over 10 min was administrated, too. Levosimendan
treatment resulted in both clinical and echocardiography improvement with the
improved EF (42%, 34%, 44%), FS (21%, 16%, 22%) and SV (59, 82, 93 mL/m2).
Hemodynamic improvement was registered too, with the reduction in heart rate
in all the treated patients from 134-138 bpm before, to less than 120 bpm
after the treatment. These parameters were followed by the normalization of
lactate levels. Nevertheless, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter did not
change after the levosimendan treatment. Conclusion. Our initial experience
demonstrates that administration of levosimendan in patients with severe
chronic heart failure not responsive to standard intravenous inotropic
treatment might result in a significant clinical and hemodynamic improvement
and that, in selected patients, it might be life saving. According to our
best knowledge patients presented are the first pediatric patients treated
with levosimendan in our country.
Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Lovrenski Aleksandra , Panjkovic Milana , Eri Zivka , Klem Istvan , Povazan Djordje , Ilincic Dejan , Milic Miljan
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA) is a
cavitary, infectious process of lung parenchyma with slow progressive course.
Vascular invasion and dissemination to other organs are unusual. Case report.
We presented a 25-year old man with bilineal acute leukaemia who developed
pulmonary and systemic symptoms. Chest CT showed nodular consolidations and
cavitary lesions in both lungs. Bronchial biopsy revealed necrotic hyphae but
it was negative for Aspergillus by culture. Serum was positive for antibodies
to Aspergillus, but it was negative for antigens. A thoracoscopic lung biopsy
of the upper left lobe revealed necrosis of lung tissue, with acute and
chronic inflammation of the cavity wall and the presence of hyphae consistent
with Aspergillus species. Conclusion. Although confirmation of the diagnosis
is difficult, a combination of characteristic clinical, radiological and
histological findings and either serological results positive for Aspergillus
or the isolation of Aspergillus from respiratory samples are highly
indicative of CNPA.
Colonic perforation as an unusual manifestation of Behcet's disease
Authors: Tomic-Lucic Aleksandra , Jovanovic Snezana , Petronijevic Milan , Veselinovic Mirjana
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Behcet's disease is multisystemic vasculitis which affects vein
and artery blood vessels. Intestinal perforation rarely occurs as clinic
manifestation in as litle as 1% of patients. The transverse colon is the most
infrequent site of perforation. We presented a patient diagnosed with
Behcet's disease who underwent both surgical and conversative treatment due
to perforation of the colon. Case report. A 34-year-old patient was admitted
to the hospital with fever, aphthous ulcerations on oral mucosa and genitals
and bilateral uveitis. On the basis of clinical symptoms and the
International Criteria developed in 1990 Behcet's disease was diagnosed.
During the next few days the patient developed erythema nodosum, diarrheic
syndrome and acute abdominal symptoms due to perforation of the transverse
colon. An emergent laparotomy was undertaken involving resection of a
perforated segment of the colon, and bipolar colostomy on the left side of
abdomen. Following the surgery the patient was treated except for antibiotics
with three successive pulse doses of methylprednisolone (500 mg/daily) and
cyclophosphamide (15 mg/kg). The treatment was continued by gradual decrease
in the close of the corticosteroid (perorally) and by cyclophosphamide first
with monthly doses (5 monthly pulse doses of 15 mg/kg cyclophosphoamide), and
then with 3-month doses (totally 6 doses) up to totally 12 g. Conclusion. The
therapy with pulse doses of methylprednisolone combined with pulse doses of
cyclophosphamide was very effective in the reported case with the complex
clinical manifestations leading to resolution of gastrointenstinal, ocular
and orogenital lesions.
Development of a software platform for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle simulator
Authors: Karlis Athanasios , Bibeau Eric , Zanetel Paul , Lye Zelon
Published: November 2011

Electricity use for transportation has had limited applications because of battery storage range issues, although many recent successful demonstrations of electric vehicles have been achieved. Renewable biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol also contribute only a small percentage of the overall energy mix for mobility. Recent advances in hybrid technologies have significantly increased vehicle efficiencies. More importantly, hybridization now allows a significant reduction in battery capacity requirements compared to pure electric vehicles, allowing electricity to be used in the overall energy mix in the transportation sector. This paper presents an effort made to develop a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) platform that can act as a comprehensive alternative energy vehicle simulator. Its goal is to help in solving the pressing needs of the transportation sector, both in terms of contributing data to aid policy decisions for reducing fossil fuel use, and to support research in this important area. The Simulator will allow analysing different vehicle configurations, and control strategies with regards to renewable and non-renewable fuel and electricity sources. The simulation platform models the fundamental aspects of PHEV components, that is, process control, heat transfer, chemical reactions, thermodynamics and fluid properties. The outcomes of the Simulator are: (i) determining the optimal combination of fuels and grid electricity use, (ii) performing greenhouse gas calculations based on emerging protocols being developed, and (iii) optimizing the efficient and proper use of renewable energy sources in a carbon constrained world.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment of Non- or Delayed Union of Proximal Metatarsal Fractures
Authors: Alvarez Richard G. , Cincere Brandon , Channappa Chandra , Langerman Richard , Schulte Robert , Jaakkola Juha , Melancon Keith , Shereff Michael , Lee Cross G.
Published: November 2011

Background:

Nonunion or delayed union of fractures in the proximal aspect of metatarsals 1 to 4 and Zone 2 of the fifth metatarsal were treated by high energy extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) to study the safety and efficacy of this method of treatment in a FDA study of the Ossatron device.

Materials and Methods:

In a prospective single-arm, multi-center study, 34 fractures were treated in 32 patients (two subjects had two independent fractures) with ESWT. All fractures were at least 10 (range, 10 to 833) weeks after injury, with a median of 23 weeks. ESWT application was conducted using a protocol totaling 2,000 shocks for a total energy application of approximately 0.22 to 0.51 mJ/mm2 per treatment. The mean ESWT application time for each of the treatments was 24.6 ± 16.6 minutes, and anesthesia time averaged 27.1 ± 10.4 minutes. All subjects were followed for 1 year after treatment at intervals of 12 weeks, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Results:

The overall success rate at the 12-week visit was 71% with low complications, significant pain improvement as well as improvement on the SF-36. The success/fail criteria was evaluated again at the 6- and 12-month followup, showing treatment success rates of 89% (23/26) and 90% (18/20), respectively. The most common adverse event was swelling in the foot, reported by five subjects (15.6%).

Conclusion:

High-energy ESWT appears to be effective and safe in patients for treatment of nonunion or a delayed healing of a proximal metatarsal, and in fifth metatarsal fractures in Zone 2. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Prospective Study of a Cementless, Mobile-Bearing, Third Generation Total Ankle Prosthesis
Authors: Schenk Katja , Lieske Sebastian , John Michael , Franke Konrad , Mouly Stéphane , Lizee Emmanuel , Neumann Wolfram
Published: November 2011

Background:

The SALTO total ankle prosthesis is a nonce-mented mobile bearing anatomic design characterized by dual Ti-HA coating. This study reviews our results with this prosthesis.

Materials and Methods:

Between 2001 and 2007, 413 consecutive SALTO prostheses were implanted in our institution in 215 women and 198 men, aged 57.1 ± 11.9 years. At the last visit, 401 implants (47% in the left ankle) were available with a mean followup of 29 (range, 1 to 84) months.

Results:

Based on the results of the 218 patients with at least 2 years of postoperative followup, the 5-year estimated survivorship, with the primary end-point being implant removal, was 86.6% and ranged from 85.1% in patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis to 95.6% in those with rheumatoid arthritis. The AOFAS score increased from 50.9 ± 16.8 points preoperatively to 82.2 ± 14 points at followup (mean difference, 31. 1 ± 1.4, 95% confidence interval (C.I.) for the difference, 28. 3 to 33.8, p < 0.001). Visual analog scale for pain decreased from 7.4 ± 1.1 preoperatively to 2.0 ± 2.0 postoperatively (mean difference, −5.4 ± 0.7, 95% C.I. for the difference, −5.6 to −5.2, p < 0.001). Flexion/extension ROM increased from 25.2 ± 14.1 degrees to 33.1 ± 13.6 degrees at the last followup visit (mean difference, 7. 9 ± 0.5 degrees, 95% C.I. for the difference, 4. 3 to 7.2, p < 0.001), while pronation/supination ROM increased from 23.8 ± 13.7 degrees to 25.4 ± 14.5 degrees (mean difference, 1. 6 ± 0.7 degrees, 95% C.I. for the difference, 0. 9 to 2.2, p = 0.005).

Conclusion:

The SALTO prosthesis provided good clinical and functional results and we believe helps validate the concept of anatomic replacement. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Interaction of Glycyl – Glycine with Hydroxopentaaquarhodium(Iii) Ion in Aqueous Medium: Kinetic and Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Bera Biplab K. , Mallick Subhasis , Mandal Arup , Mondal Subala , Karmakar Parnajyoti , Ghosh Alak K.
Published: November 2011

The kinetics of interaction between glycyl-glycine (L-L'H) and[Formula: see text] [Rh(H2O)5OH] 2+ have been studied spectrophotometrically in aqueous medium as a function of [Rh(H2O)5OH] 2+], [glycyl - glycine], pH and temperature at constant ionic strength. At pH 4.3, the interaction with glycyl-glycine shows two parallel paths: both processes are ligand-dependent. The rate constant for the processes are: k1 ∼ 10 −3 s −1 and k2∼10−5 s−3. The activation parameters calculated from Eyring plots are: ΔH1≠ - 26.7 ± 0.3 kj mol−1, ΔS1≠ =-207+1 JK−1 mol−1, ΔH2≠ = 92.4 ± 1.3 kJ mol−1 and ΔS2≠ = −42±4 JK−1 mol−1. The ligand glycyl-glycine, with different donor atoms (N and O), attacks two rhodium(III) ions (Rh(III) being a borderline acid), with different reactivity. Based on the kinetic and activation parameters, an associative interchange mechanism is proposed for both interaction processes. From the temperature dependence of the outer-sphere association equilibrium constant, the thermodynamic parameters calculated are: ΔH1∘ = 21.8 ± 1.9 kJ mol−1, ΔS1∘ = 124± 6 JK−1 mol−1, ΔH2∘ = 12.7 ±0.5 kj mol−1 and ΔS2∘ 89±2 JK−1 mol″−1 which give a negative A G° value for both the steps at all temperatures studied, supporting the spontaneous formation of an outer- sphere association complex for both the parallel paths. The product of the reaction has been characterized from IR and ESI-mass spectroscopic analysis.
Radiolabelling Measurements of Free Radicals Derived from Aromatic Volatile Organic Compounds Adsorbed in Zeolite Nanomaterials to and above Saturation Loadings
Authors: Rhodes Christopher J. , Dintinger Timothy C.
Published: November 2011

Benzene, para-xylene and mesitylene were adsorbed into silicalite, Na - morde- nite, Na - ZSM5 and Li - X zeolites, and studied using the longitudinal field muon spin relaxation (LF-μSRx) technique. The zeolites ZSM5/silicalite and mordenite contain microporous channels while zeolite X has only supercages. For cyclohex- adienyl radicals/benzene adsorbed in Na-ZSM5, silicalite and Na - mordenite, a fraction was detected with a common reorientational activation energy in the region of ca 5kJ mol−1; however, in all cases there appeared a second fraction with an activation energy of ca 12kJmol’. [In Li-X only a single fraction was observed with Ea = 8.1kJ mol−1, from molecules adsorbed in supercages]. Given that high loadings of benzene, beyond the saturation capacities of the zeolites were employed, we believe the two distinct motional distributions represent the channel intersection and channel/external-surface niche locations in ZSM5/silicalite, the latter having the higher activation energy. An extraneous fraction may also be present (possibly as a thin film coating the zeolite grains), which probably also contributes to the detected ca 5 kJ mol−1 component in which, as at the channel-intersections, the motion tends toward bulk behaviour. Mordenite has only a single accessible channel structure and is hence devoid of the relatively unrestricting channel intersecting pores that are present in ZSM5/silicalite. However, the channels are wider (ca 7 A diameter) and we may ascribe therefore, the ca 5 kJ mol−1 fraction to the formation of benzene clusters within these channels that exhibit bulk-type behaviour, while we assign, in analogy with the results for ZSM5/silicalite, the ca 12kJ mol−1 fraction to molecules adsorbed in niches on the external surface. It is thought that the essential difference between the two activation energies is that the ca 5 kJ mol -1 processes involve molecular motion within clusters of benzene molecules with properties similar to the bulk phase (6.6 kJ mol -1 was measured in pure benzene), while those characterised at ca 12kJ mol−1 reflect single benzene molecules or small, ordered molecular clusters interacting with a zeolite surface. The results for dimethylcyclohexadienyl radicals (derived from p-xylene) are rather similar, but indicate slightly reduced activation energies. The larger mesitylene molecules can penetrate zeolite X and (more slowly) mordenite, but are excluded from the internal pores of ZSM5/silicalite.
Other side of the Ashulia wetland: a limnological purview
Authors: Hossain Bhuiyan M Azmal , Khondker Moniruzzaman , Begum ZN Tahmida
Published: November 2011

Limnology of a temporary wetland Ashulia was found highly seasonal. Fluctuations of water depth, water temperature, Secchi depth, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen and alkalinity were studied in three different stations for one year. Water depth showed a range of 1.5 - 4.2 m and Secchi disc transparency from 0.07 - 2.15 m. Annual ranges in respect of pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO) and alkalinity of water varied from 6.3 -7.2, 92 - 1028 μS/cm,43.4 - 491.0 mg/l, 4.3 - 28.9 mg/l, and 0.71 - 6.45 meq/l, respectively. The wetland showed a good to moderate water quality during rainy season because in this season visibility of water increased, TDS load, alkalinity and conductivity came down to their lowest. Dissolved oxygen content also showed an acceptable water quality value during rainy season. Key words: Wetland; Physical factors; Chemical factors; Limnology; Phytoplankton; Macrophytes   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i1.8940 DUJBS 2010; 19(1): 21-26