bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunized pregnant woman with rare Rh fenotype: Case report
Authors: Budakov Zorana , Milosavljevic-Knezevic Natasa , Grujic Jasmina , Krga-Milanovic Mirjana
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Rh blood group system is one of the most polymorphic systems of
human blood and consists of 50 antigens. Antigen D is the most important
antigen in the Rh system and next to ABO, is the most clinically significant
in transfusion medicine. The aim of this paper was to present a case of a
rare Rh phenotype ccDEE in an immunized pregnant woman, whose fourth
pregnancy ended with birth of a female newborn infant with hemolytic disease
of the lower level. Case report. The history of a 42-year-old pregnant woman
stated that she had had four pregnancies. She was transfused with 1500 ml of
whole blood, three units of packed red cells and two units of fresh frozen
plasma. Due to her high-risk pregnancy she was referred to the Clinic of
Gynecology and Obstetrics in Novi Sad. Blood sample was tested in the
Department of Prenatal Care of the Institute for Blood Transfusion Vojvodina.
ABO and Rh were tested, antibody screening was done by indirect antiglobulin
test and the detected antibodies were identified by gel technology. The
results of testing were: O RhD positive, Rh phenotype ccDEE, positive
screening for red blood cells antibodies by indirect antiglobulin test, alo
anti-e antibody. According to the literature data, it is a very rare Rh
phenotype whose incidence in the population ranges from 0.34% to 1.99%. The
compatible blood products for the patient and her newborn were searched for
on the basis of the immunoserology tests. Conclusion. Two major problems
within transfusion medicine have emerged in our case: the problem of
immunization of pregnant woman with a rare blood type and the problem of
finding compatible blood. Health care of pregnant women can be improved by
following pregnancies according to the national antenatal testing algorithm
and better teamwork of gynecologists and transfusions.
A paradigm shift in German historiography: In the state of Croatia (1941-1945) there was no genocide against the Serbs?
Authors: Umeljic Vladimir
Published: February 2013

At the Humboldt University of Berlin, German historian Alexander Korb
defended, with the highest grade (summa cum laude), his doctoral thesis in
historical studies ?In the Shadow of the World War II. Mass violence by the
Ustasa against Serbs, Jews and Roma?. His radically new thesis are as
follows: 1) in the State of Croatia (1941-1945) ?there was no genocide
against the Serbs?; 2) clerical component (Croatian Catholic clergy and the
Vatican) ?played no significant role? in the mass violence against the Serbs
in the State of Croatia (1941-1945), so the forced catholicization of the
Serbs was ?purely secular in character?. Korb, therefore, enters into
absolute conflict with the vast majority of previous research papers and
their conclusions. Korb?s theses are challenged from three aspects in this
analysis: a) scientific and historical, b) linguistic and philosophical
(definitionism theory) and c) political. Regarding scientific and historical
aspects, Korb approached this problem one-sidedly, in a selective way, and
from the very beginning drastically reduced i.e. excluded an enormous part of
primary historical sources and scientific literature. He excluded all Serbian
sources, including testimonies of Serbian survivors and victims, on the
grounds that they were either ?Serbian nationalists? or ?Serbian communists?,
then all testimonies of eye-witnesses from the opressors side - German
Nazis and Italian Fascists - with justification that they are manipulated by
?Serbian nationalists? or ?Serbian communists?, as well as all primary
historical sources and scientific literature which testify of the role of
Croatian Roman Catholic clergy and the Vatican, on the basis that they are
?anti-clerical?. From linguistic and philosophical aspect, Korb?s
argumentations clearly belong to the principle of ?usurpation of power over
definitions and psychagogy? recognized by classical theory of concepts as a
convenient redefinition, virtualization of reality and psychagogic
establishment of the new ?real reality? in the minds of the target group
through its internalization. Korb?s work is, therefore, rather relativistic
linguistic and philosophical treatise clad in historical science than
scientific study of history. As for the aspect of political science, it can
be concluded that paradigm shift in social sciences and humanities in
Germany, due to his indisputable efforts, obtained a new quality, a
completely different level of arbitrary and virtual reflection of reality.
Namely, these sciences are rapidly getting mutual and dominant ideological
and political connotation.
Critical constructivism: Establishment of open and critical discourse in teaching
Authors: Milutinovic Jovana
Published: February 2013

Constructivism today is a popular cognitive theory with important
implications on teaching and education. This paper promotes a form of
critical constructivism with the emphasis on social awareness and democratic
development of society. In this aspect, the paper discusses the basic
features of critical constructivism and its possible application in the
classroom. The aim is to show the characteristics of an open and critical
discourse as a distinctive mark of application of critical constructivism in
teaching and to analyze the practical implications of this theoretical
position on position and role of a teacher who is considered a key factor in
raising the quality of education. It is concluded that careful application of
this theoretical position in teaching process can be extremely fruitful as it
provides a unique incentive for diversity and inventiveness. It is determined
that the critical perspectives in education is especially important in terms
of preparing students for an active role of a citizen who participates in the
further democratization of his own community, as well as in terms of
preparation for life in the world full of uncertainties and diversities.
Prediction of mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, developmental toxicity, and skin sensitisation with Caesar program for a set of conazoles
Authors: Bolčič-Tavčar Mateja , Vračko Marjan
Published: February 2013

This article presents models to predict mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, developmental toxicity, and skin sensitisation for a set of 27 conazoles. The predictions were performed with the program package CAESAR, which is available on the Internet. The CAESAR programs were developed to support the European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use (REACH) and follow the OECD principles for (Q)SAR models used for regulatory purposes. The programs provide a number of information, including a binary classifi cation of a compound as toxic or non-toxic and information on similar compounds from the model’s training sets (similarity sets). In this study we analysed conazole sets using principal component analysis (PCA). The predictions were compared to the currently valid classifi cation of these substances in the European Union (EU) or to the classifi cation proposed at expert meetings of the Pesticide Risk Assessment and Peer Review (PRAPeR) group. The predicted classifi cation for mutagenicity was in good agreement with regulatory classifi cation, the predictions for carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity showed some discrepancy in particular cases, while the predictions for skin sensitisation showed even greater discrepancy.
Biological indicators in response to radiofrequency/microwave exposure
Authors: Marjanović Ana Marija , Pavičić Ivan , Trošić Ivančica
Published: February 2013

Over the years, due to rapid technological progress, radiation from man-made sources exceeded that of natural origin. There is a general concern regarding a growing number of appliances that use radiofrequency/ microwave (RF/MW) radiation with particular emphasis on mobile communication systems. Since nonthermal biological effects and mechanisms of RF/MW radiation are still uncertain, laboratory studies on animal models, tissues, cells, and cell free system are of extraordinary importance in bioelectromagnetic research. We believe that such investigations play a supporting role in public risk assessment. Cellular systems with the potential for a clear response to RF/MW exposures should be used in those studies. It is known that organism is a complex electrochemical system where processes of oxidation and reduction regularly occur. One of the plausible mechanisms is connected with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Depending on concentration, ROS can have both benefi cial and deleterious effects. Positive effects are connected with cell signalling, defence against infectious agents, and proliferative cell ability. On the other hand, excessive production, which overloads antioxidant defence mechanism, leads to cellular damage with serious potential for disease development. ROS concentration increase within the cell caused by RF/MW radiation seems to be a biologically relevant hypothesis to give clear insight into the RF/MW action at non-thermal level of radiation. In order to better understand the exact mechanism of action and its consequences, further research is needed in the fi eld. We would like to present current knowledge on possible biological mechanisms of RF/MW actions.
Comparison of buffers for extraction of mite allergen der p 1 from dust
Authors: Prester Ljerka , Kovačić Jelena , Macan Jelena
Published: February 2013

Der p 1 is the main allergen of house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which has routinely been detected in residential dust. However, the procedure for extracting Der p 1 from reservoir dust has not been well defi ned. The aim of this study was to compare Der p 1 mass fractions in dust extracts prepared using the following extraction buffers: phosphate (pH 7.4), borate (pH 8.0), and ammonium bicarbonate (pH 8.0), all with 0.05 % Tween 20. Twenty-eight dust samples were divided into three aliquots and each portion was extracted with one of the three buffers at room temperature. Der p 1 mass fractions were measured in a total of 84 dust extracts using the enzyme immunoassay (range: 0.1 μg g-1 to 7.53 μg g-1). Statistical methods including intraclass correlation showed a high agreement between Der p 1 mass fractions irrespective of the extracting medium. Our results suggest that all three buffers are suitable for the extraction of mite allergens and routine Der p 1 analysis in dust.
Associations between weather conditions and ragweed pollen variations in Szeged, Hungary
Authors: Matyasovszky István , Makra László , Csépe Zoltán
Published: February 2013

This study analyses potential associations between day-to-day variations in common ragweed pollen counts in the southern Hungarian district of Szeged and meteorological variables using adapted factor analysis. The database includes ten years (1997-2006) worth of data on daily common ragweed pollen ratios (value on the given day per value on the day before) and daily differences (value on the given day minus value on the day before) in eight meteorological variables (mean temperature, minimum temperature, maximum temperature, temperature range, irradiance, relative humidity, wind speed, and rainfall) over the ragweed pollen season. This method is new, as it has only been applied in the economics. In factor analysis it is advisable to combine all the weights of the factors and the resultant variable into one factor indicating the rank of importance of the given explanatory variables in infl uencing the resultant variable, while the remaining factors are uncorrelated with the resultant variable. The procedure shows that wind speed, rainfall, and temperature range are the most important, while minimum temperature and irradiance are the least important meteorological variables infl uencing daily pollen ratios. We found a tendency to stronger associations between the meteorological variables and the pollen variable when the pollen ratio was 1 or below. This is due to the fact that data corresponding to the pollen ratio over 1 come mainly from the prepeak pollen season, while data corresponding to less than 1 are characteristic of the post-peak pollen season (late summer to early autumn).
Geochemistry of the Permian sandstones from the Malužiná Formation in the Malé Karpaty Mts (Hronic Unit, Western Carpathians, Slovakia): implications for source-area weathering, provenance and tectonic setting
Authors: Vďačný Marek , Vozárová Anna , Vozár Jozef
Published: February 2013

The Permian sandstones of the Malužiná Formation in the northern part of the Malé Karpaty Mts are dominantly quartzofeldspathic and quartzolithic in composition with abundant feldspars and volcanic, plutonic igneous and less metasedimentary lithic fragments, indicating the sand grains were derived from a basement uplift and recycled orogen. The Malužiná Formation sandstones have moderate to high SiO2 contents (68-85 wt. %; on average 76 wt. %), TiO2 concentrations averaging 0.3 wt. %, Al2O3 contents of about 12 wt. %, and Fe2O3 (total Fe as Fe2O3) + MgO contents of around 2.9 wt. %. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values for the Permian Malužiná Formation sandstones vary from 45 to 68 with an average of 55, indicating low to moderate weathering of the source area. The bulk chemical composition and selected trace elements preserve the signatures of a felsic and intermediate igneous provenance, and suggest mostly an active continental margin tectonic setting of the source area for the Malužiná Formation sandstones. The Eu/Eu* (~0.78), La/Sc (~7.28), Th/Sc (~2.10), La/Co (~6.67), Th/Co (~1.85), and Cr/Th (~6.57) ratios as well as the chondrite-normalized REE patterns with flat HREE, LREE enrichment, and negative Eu anomalies indicate derivation of the Malužiná Formation sandstones from felsic rock sources. The deposition of the Malužiná Formation sandstones took place in a rifted continental margin environment supplied from collision orogen on a thick continental crust composed of rocks of older fold belts.
Addiction and Recovery: Perceptions among Professionals in the Swedish Treatment System
Authors: Samuelsson Eva , Blomqvist Jan , Christophs Irja
Published: February 2013

Aims

The objective of the study was to explore perceptions of different addictions among Swedish addiction care personnel.

Data

A survey was conducted with 655 addiction care professionals in the social services, health care and criminal care in Stockholm County. Respondents were asked to rate the severity of nine addictions as societal problems, the individual risk to getting addicted, the possibilities for self-change and the perceived significance of professional treatment in finding a solution.

Results

The images of addiction proved to vary greatly according to its object. At one end of the spectrum were addictions to hard drugs, which were judged to be very dangerous to society, highly addictive and very hard to quit. At the other end of the spectrum were smoking and snuff use, which were seen more as bad habits than real addictions. Some consistent differences were detected between respondents from different parts of the treatment system. The most obvious was a somewhat greater belief in self-change among social services personnel, a greater overall change pessimism among professionals in the criminal care system and a somewhat higher risk perception and stronger emphasis on the necessity of treatment among medical staff.

Conclusion

Professionals' views in this area largely coincide with the official governing images displayed in the media, and with lay peoples' convictions.
Problem Drinking, Gambling and Eating – Three Problems, One Understanding? A Qualitative Comparison between French and Finnish Social Workers
Authors: Egerer Michael
Published: February 2013

Aim

Culture Is often used as a wildcard in cross-cultural studies. This article proposes a more diverse understanding of culture, as layered from “deep structures” towards institutional arrangements. It analyses which cultural levels are involved in Finnish and French social workers' understanding of problem drinking, gambling and eating.

Design

A stimulated focus group method (Reception Analytical Group Interview) RAGI was applied to eight groups of Finnish and five groups of French social workers not specialised in addiction. The interviews were analysed with a semi-otic approach.

Results

Finnish social workers understand problem drinking, gambling and eating as rooted in society and harming the social environment. It is the individual's responsibility to solve the problem. French social workers conceptualise only problem eating similar to problem drinking as being caused by an individual defect. They identify problem gambling as a social issue.

Conclusions

The results imply that both the institutional context and structures deeper in culture influence how we conceptualise excessive behaviours. This shows the usefulness of a layered concept of culture. The article recommends caution in using “addiction” as an umbrella concept for all kinds of excessive behaviours, as the perception of each problem depends not only on culture, but on the different cultural levels. Problem gambling in particular seems to evoke multiple understandings.
How Finns Perceive Obstacles to Recovery from Various Addictions
Authors: Hirschovits-Gerz Tanja
Published: February 2013

Aims

This article examines how Finns perceive obstacles to overcoming various substance and behavioural addictions.

Design

A random population survey (n=740) was conducted in the autumn of 2007. The survey included questions on five types of barriers to recovery: the properties of the substance or behaviour, the personal properties of the individual, the significance of the environment, the effect of difficult living conditions, and the prejudices and negative expectations of other people.

Results

The individual and the substances or behaviours as such were considered bigger obstacles to recovery than contextual factors such as the environment, living conditions or attitudes and prejudices. The substances were considered bigger obstacles to recovery than behaviours not involving psychoactive substances. The personal properties of the individual were considered a moderately big obstacle in all forms of addictions, while prejudices were believed to restrict the recovery possibilities the least.

Conclusion

The result reflects people's overall tendency to explain other people's unpleasant or troublesome behaviour with clear-cut and definable factors. The obstacles to recovery are located in the individual and substances and not so much in socio-cultural factors. The reduction of dependence problems could succeed better if, in addition to the individual factors, attention were directed at the environmental factors that feed and maintain these problems.
In situ bioconversion of compactin to pravastatin by Actinomadura species in fermentation broth of Penicillium citrinum
Authors: Ahmad Ajaz , Mujeeb Mohd , Kapoor Rohit , Panda Bibhu
Published: February 2013

The biocatalytic production of pravastatin from compactin by hydroxylation has found many applications in health care and pharmaceuticals. Actinomadura macra, Actinomadura madurae, and Actinomadura livida can efficiently bioconvert compactin to pravastatin. The fermentation broth (Penicillium citrinum fermented media) harvested on the eighth day contained 388.90 mg L−1 of compactin and an undetectable level of mycotoxin (citrinin). Bioconversion by A. macra was highest (87 %) in the yeast extract-amended medium. The anti-actinomadura effects of citrinin reduce the bioconversion capacity of Actinomadura. The in situ hydroxylation of compactin produced by P. citrinum represents a preferable alternative for the use of purified compactin, as a way to reduce cost and time processing.
Degradation products of proguanil — 4-chloroaniline and related components with regard to genotoxicity
Authors: Schulz Katharina , Oberdieck Ulrich , Weitschies Werner
Published: February 2013

In the event of genotoxic impurities in drug products, knowledge of the origin and fate of these components is of particular importance. In the present study, commercially available proguanil tablets (Paludrine®) were investigated in respect of formation of the main degradation product, 4-chloroaniline (PCA), which is known to be genotoxic. The investigations made use of high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and gas chromatography coupled with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID) systems. In addition, proposals for the structure of further proguanil degradation products were developed based on results obtained by mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS). Database analysis using DEREK, MCASE, and Vitic was performed to obtain an initial toxicological evaluation of the proposed chemical structures. Finally, the absence of the newly established structures in stored proguanil tablets was verified.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy of nanostructured polyanilines
Authors: Nascimento Gustavo
Published: February 2013

In this paper, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy at the nitrogen K edge (N K XANES) data of polyaniline (PANI) and its derivatives were revisited and expanded. The N K XANES spectra of PANI nanocomposites and PANI nanofibers were also investigated. The analysis of N K XANES spectra were done by the deconvolution of bands and the 1s → π* and 1s → σ* transitions were assigned by a correlation with the N K XANES spectra of smaller organic compounds. The “free” forms of PANI were dominated by bands from 397.7 eV to 399.1 eV attributed to imine and radical cation nitrogen atoms, respectively. Nitrogen bonded to phenazine-like rings can also be seen, mainly for PANI prepared at pH higher than 3.0. The spectra of nanocomposites show sharper bands than the “free” polymers as well as new bands at 398.8 eV and 405–406 eV. These new bands were assigned to phenazine-like rings and azo bonds in the structure of the polymers (polyaniline, polybenzidine, and poly(p-phenylediamine)) within the galleries of the montmorillonite clay. PANI nanofibers doped with HCl or HClO4 show bands related to phenazine-like rings and/or dication segments of PANI, indicating that these segments are important in the formation of PANI nanofibers.
Methyl-2-arylidene hydrazinecarbodithioates: synthesis and biological activity
Authors: Mahapatra Manojkumar , Kulandaivelu Umasankar , Saiko Philipp , Graser Geraldine , Szekeres Thomas , Andrei Graciela , Snoeck Robert , Balzarini Jan , Jayaprakash Venkatesan
Published: February 2013

Methyl-2-arylidene hydrazine-carbodithioate has not been of particular interest to researchers even though its metal complexes are extensively reported on due to their biological activity. This study examined the cytostatic and antiviral activity of twelve methyl-2-arylidene hydrazinecarbodithioates reported by many researchers as intermediates for the synthesis of thiosemicarbazides and the preparation of their metal complexes. Compounds IIc, IIi, and IIl with tridentate ligand features were found to have the lowest IC50 value (6.5 μM, ≈ 1 μM, and 0.8 μM, respectively) against HL60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. They were also most inhibitory to human embryonic lung (HEL) fibroblast proliferation (5.3 μM, 17 μM, and 2.6 μM). Compound IIc and IIl show antiviral activity against wild-type herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and acyclovirresistant HSV; however, these activities were observed at concentrations at which the compounds also markedly inhibit HL60 and HEL cell proliferation.
Polyaniline micro-/nanostructures: morphology control and formation mechanism exploration
Authors: Li Yu , Zheng Jian-Long , Feng Jing , Jing Xin-Li
Published: February 2013

This article provides a brief overview of recent work by the authors’ group as well as related researches reported by others on controlling the morphology and exploring the formation mechanism of typical micro-/nanostructures of polyaniline (PANI) and aniline oligomers through template-free aniline chemical oxidation process. The contents are organised as follows: (i) tuning the morphology of aniline polymerisation products by employing ultrasonic irradiation, mass transfer, and pH profiles; (ii) exploring the formation mechanism of micro-/nanostructures during aniline chemical oxidation through examining the precipitation behaviours of aniline oligomers and polymers in a post-synthetic system; (iii) tailoring PANI micro-/nanostuctures into pre-designed morphology by introducing certain heterogeneous nucleation centres; (iv) application potential of PANI nanofibres in the areas of transparent conductive film, electromagnetic interference-shielding coating and graphene-based electrode materials. This short review concludes with our perspectives on the challenges faced in gaining the exact formation mechanism of PANI micro-/nanostructures and the future research possibility for morphologically precisely controlled PANI micro-/nanostructures.
Effect of PPy/PEG conducting polymer film on electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 cathode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Oriňáková Renáta , Fedorková Andrea , Oriňák Andrej
Published: February 2013

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been the most commonly used batteries in the portable electronics market for many years. Polypyrrole (PPy) was now investigated as a conducting addition agent to enhance the cathode and anode materials performance in LIBs. Actual development in the synthesis and modification of the most promising cathode materials, LiFePO4, is described in this mini-review. The main aim of this mini-review is to highlight the effect of PPy based conducting polymer films on the electrochemical efficiency of LiFePO4 based cathode materials for LIBs summarizing our own research. Influence of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) additive in the PPy coating layer was evaluated. The improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the enhanced electronic conductivity, higher solubility of ions originating from the electrolyte, higher movability of dissolved Li+ ions, and improved structural flexibility resulting from the incorporation of the PPy or PPy/PEG conducting polymer layer. The stabilizing effect of PEG in PPy was reflected in lowered cross-linking and reduced structural defects and, in consequence, in higher specific capacity of PPy/PEG-LiFePO4 cathodes compared to that of PPy-LiFePO4 cathodes and bare LiFePO4 cathodes.
Oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of yew, cypress and pine litter in southern Italy
Authors: Seniczak Stanisław , Seniczak Anna
Published: February 2013

Oribatid mite communities were investigated in southern Italy in litter under yew, pine and cypress trees. These mites achieved the highest density in yew and cypress litter in a park in the inland town of Caserta, and the lowest density in pine litter at the coast of Capo Vaticano. In these mite communities, only 1-4 species were abundant, so the Shannon index H’ was rather low. The density of oribatid mites, species number, and dominance structure depended greatly on the kind of litter. The most abundant and common was Zygoribatula propinqua, but the highest density in yew litter was achieved by Oribatella superbula. In oribatid mite communities, the juveniles usually dominated, but the age structure of species greatly depended on the kind of litter.
Plant-soil feedback in herbaceous species of Mediterranean coastal dunes
Authors: Bonanomi Giuliano , Esposito Assunta , Mazzoleni Stefano
Published: February 2013

Plants induce soil heterogeneity that can affect species coexistence. In this work, the soil heterogeneity induced by the growth of 9 species selected from Mediterranean vegetation of coastal dunes was studied in controlled conditions. We investigated the effect of the grown plants on soil characteristics (pH, electrical conductivity, NO3 -, and NH4 +) and performance of 4 target species (Dactylis hispanica, Melilotus neapolitana, Petrorhagia velutina, and Phleum subulatum). Plant growth and survival were affected by soil history in species-specific ways, showing a high variability of both parameters, with survival ranging from 100% to 0%. Soil history did not affect soil pH and conductivity but dramatically changed the availability of mineral nitrogen forms. However, for all plant species, growth and survival results were unrelated to the measured soil characters. Other factors, such as accumulation of allelopathic compounds and/or changes in soil microbial communities, may explain the observed effects. The experimental results, demonstrating a widespread occurrence of plant-soil feedback, show the importance of this process also in species-rich herbaceous Mediterranean vegetation.
Seasonal distribution of phenolics in leaves of aromatic plants (Origanum vulgare L., Mentha spicata L., Clinopodium vulgare L.) and their ecophysiological implications
Authors: Kofidis George , Bosabalidis Artemios M.
Published: February 2013

Seasonal distribution of phenolics was studied in leaves of 3 species of the family Lamiaceae: Origanum vulgare L., Mentha spicata L., and Clinopodium vulgare L. Phenolic compounds were identified in fresh leaves by a histochemical test and quantified morphometrically by point-counting analysis. The summer leaves (August) of O. vulgare contained the highest amounts of phenolics, as compared to M. spicata and C. vulgare. Phenolics were abundant in all leaf tissues (upper and lower epidermis, palisade and spongy parenchyma) of O. vulgare, but mainly in epidermal cells of M. spicata. In case of C. vulgare, however, phenolics were mostly present in the spongy parenchyma of the mesophyll. High amounts of phenolics in the summer leaves of these aromatic plants appeared to impart protection from harmful insects, microorganisms, and drought stress, rather than from UV-B radiation.
A northern refugium of the Mediterranean water shrew Neomys anomalus in Słowiński National Park (N Poland)
Authors: Rychlik Leszek , Stachowiak Agnieszka , Nowak Urszula , Kardynia Paweł
Published: February 2013

The influence of recent anthropogenic and climatic changes on the distribution or population size of individual species should be especially pronounced at the boundaries of their geographical ranges. Therefore, in summers 2008-2010, we live-trapped small mammals and analysed habitat features on 14 study plots comprising various wet habitats of Słowiński National Park (at the Baltic coast in northern Poland) in order to recognize the current distribution and population size of Neomys anomalus Cabrera, 1907 in its northernmost population in Europe. N. anomalus was, however, captured only on one plot - a wet, unmown meadow crossed by unkempt drainage ditches, situated on the Gać Peninsula (Półwysep Gacki). This result, compared to historical data, suggests that neither the abundance of N. anomalus has increased nor its range has been extended. We give a detailed description of the habitat in this study plot. The information can be useful in the protection of this rare shrew species with very specific habitat requirements.
An investigation into the influence of different parameters on the onset of boiling in minichannels
Authors: Piasecka Magdalena
Published: February 2013

The paper presents experimental studies on boiling heat transfer in rectangular minichannels. The investigations focus on the transition from single phase forced convection to nucleate boiling, i.e., in the zone of boiling incipience. The experiment has been carried out with FC-72, R-123 and R-11 at the Reynolds number below 4700, corresponding to mass flow rate range 95-710 kg/(m s). The main part of the test section is a minichannel of pre-set depth from 0.7 to 2 mm and width (20, 40 and 60 mm), with different spatial orientations from vertical to horizontal and 30% inclination angle adjustment. The objective of the paper includes the impact of selected parameters (liquid flow velocity, pressure and inlet liquid subcooling, channel dimensions and spatial orientation) on the boiling incipience in minichannels. The investigations are intended to develop a correlation for the calculations of the Nusselt number under the conditions of boiling incipience in the minichannel as a function of changeable parameters.
Giant Liver Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Cuzic Viviana , Tica C. , Enache F. , Mihai Cristina , Bălăşa Adriana , Mihai Larisia , Frecuş Corina , Ungureanu Adina
Published: February 2013

Hydatiosis due to Echinococcus granulosus is an endemic parasitic zoonosis characterized by worldwide distribution. The most commonly involved anatomical locations are the liver and lung. The autors present a 12-year-old patient with a giant hepatic echinococcus cyst misdiagnosed as an abdominal malignancy during formal investigation. The patient was admitted to the hospital complaining for abdominal pain and with an important abdominal distention. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a giant abdominal mass: 23/21 cm, resembling a tumor, adherent to the liver edges and parietal peritoneum. The patient was taken into operation, and an a giant liver hydatid cyst was removed despite the radiological findings and the preoperative clinical suspicion.
CBD grown ZnO nanostructures: effects of solution temperature
Authors: Kahraman Süleyman , Çakmak Hacı Mustafa , Çetinkaya Samed , Çetinkara Hacı Ali , Güder Hüsnü Salih
Published: February 2013

In the present study, textured and highly oriented nano-structured ZnO films were synthesized via chemical bath deposition. The effects of solution temperature have been investigated. It is concluded that the solution temperature is crucial to the crystallography, morphology, electrical and optical behaviors of the ZnO films. X-ray diffraction studies and scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that the structures grown at 95°C had a large aspect ratio, a faster c-axis growth and better vertical orientation than those obtained at relatively lower temperature. The variations depending on solution temperature have been provisionally explained theoretically. Electrical resistivity and activation energies of the films decreased with increasing solution temperature. The variation was attributed to enhancement in the crystallographic structure with increasing growth temperature and to delocalized phonon states. Through the optical absorption spectra a red shift was observed and attributed to crystal defects, non-stochiometry that Zn+2 ions substitute oxygen vacancies and delocalized phonon states.
Influence of the strain rate on deformation mechanisms of an AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Trojanová Zuzanka , Podrábský Tomáš , Lukáč Pavel , Armstrong Ronald W. , Pešička Josef , Forejt Milan
Published: February 2013

The paper reports mechanical properties of magnesium alloy AZ31 deformed at low and high strain rates. Material was prepared using squeeze casting technology. Compression tests were performed at an initial strain rate of 8.3 × 10−5 s−1 at temperatures between room temperature and 300°C. Dynamic compression Hopkinson tests were carried out at room temperature with impact velocities ranging from 11.2 to 21.9 m s−1. Transmission electron microscopy investigations showed significant dislocation and twins densities. Results are discussed considering the importance of the activation volume determined in the stress relaxation tests obtained at the low strain rate and, quite separately, the importance of adiabatic shear banding at high strain rates.
Modeling Impact of Sensor Placement for Vision-Based Traffic Monitoring
Authors: Laird John , Geers D. Glenn , Wang Yang , Chou Chun Tung
Published: February 2013

A generic sensor placement model for vision-based traffic monitoring is the focus of this study. A significant problem with such sensors is the difficulty in detection because of the occlusion between vehicles. Thus, the efficiency of traffic monitoring can be directly affected by sensor placement. To simulate various traffic flows, models are developed for various aspects of moving traffic. Such models include Gaussian mixture distributions for vehicle dimensions and the distribution for gap length between vehicles. These models are used to predict the vehicle detection error in a traffic flow as perceived from various sensor locations when vehicle headlight detection methods are used. Validation of the model has shown that accuracy is consistent with performance from a vehicle detection framework with approximately 3% variance on average.
Characterizing Travel Time Variability in Vehicular Traffic Networks
Authors: Mahmassani Hani S. , Hou Tian , Dong Jing
Published: February 2013

Modeling travel time reliability requires characterizing travel time distributions. Two key statistics commonly used to describe a distribution are the mean deviation and the standard deviation, with one depicting the central tendency and the other describing the dispersion. Although the mean travel time is easier to measure and predict, the corresponding standard deviation is usually hard to obtain because of the insufficiency of individual trip data. Building on seminal insight that goes back to Herman and Prigogine's kinetic theory, this study explores a robust characterization of travel time variability that provides for a near-linear relation between the standard deviation of travel time per unit distance and the corresponding mean value. Simulation-generated vehicle trajectory data from three road networks are used to explore this relationship. On the basis of multiscale and multilevel analysis, large amounts of data show that these two quantities are highly positively correlated; that is, the dispersion of the distribution of individual travel time per unit distance increases with increasing value of the mean travel time per unit distance. Furthermore, regression models and statistical testing indicate that this relation is linear or near-linear. The relation is also validated by Global Positioning System probe data from the Seattle, Washington, area. This relation provides a robust basis for predicting the standard deviation per unit distance when the mean value is known and thus for characterizing the reliability of travel in a network in strategic and operational studies.
Development of a Resource: To Help Consumers Select Nutrition Supplements
Authors: Koo Megan , Whiting Susan
Published: February 2013

Purpose: In Canada, many people do not meet all the recommended nutrient intakes with food alone; the use of supplements may be one strategy to compensate for some of these inadequacies. Previous research has revealed several barriers to supplement use, including a lack of knowledge. In this qualitative study, we developed a resource to help inform and educate consumers on the selection of appropriate nutrition supplements.

Methods: Three focus groups with participants residing in low-income neighbourhoods in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and seven key informant interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide and four resource examples. After transcription of the discussion and interviews, thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes.

Results: Analysis yielded three overarching themes: barriers to use, interdisciplinary issues, and resource expectations. Each overarching theme had several subthemes. Subthemes of the overarching theme of resource expectations were subsequently used to create a new tool to help consumers select an appropriate multivitamin.

Conclusions: A tool was developed after available resources were explored and stakeholders were interviewed. The new resource was based on community members’ and health care professionals’ expressed needs, ideas, and beliefs.
Prevalence of Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension and Proteinuria in a Rural area of Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Mahmud Javed , Muqueet Abdul , Sharmeen Atia , Rahman Masudar , Ahmed Tofayel Uddin , Haque Amdadul , Quddush ASM Ruhul , Bari Md Abdul
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13857 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 8-13
Prevalence and Characteristics of Headache Assessed in Bangladeshi School and College Going Students
Authors: Siddiqi Mahmudul Hasan , Rahman Muhammad Hasibur , Hadiuzzaman Dr , Yeasmin Farida , Ali Yunus
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13858 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 14-18
Occurrence and Characteristics of Verruca Vulgaris attending a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Khondker Lubna , Wahab Md Abdul , Khan Md Shirajul Islam , Rahman Muhammad Hasibur
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13861 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 32-37
Surveillance of Influenza in Outpatient ILI Cases in Community Based Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Aminul , Khan M Karim , Ahmed KH Golam Sabbir , Asaduzzaman Md
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13862 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 38-47
Bart's Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Hasibur , Khan M Karim , Miah Md Abdal , Hossain Md Shahadat
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13863 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 48-50
The Legal Translator’s Approach to Texts
Authors: Stolze Radegundis
Published: February 2013

Translation can be a basis for humanistic investigations when translation is seen as a personalized activity. The article describes, on the basis of hermeneutics, the specific perspective from which a translator may approach legal texts. Various aspects have to be considered in such texts, since the cultural and legal background is evident in linguistic aspects at the text level. Different text types are rooted in a specific legal system and fulfill their function within a special field of law. Comparative law does research on the differences in legal concepts, whereas translation uses this knowledge as a basis. Legal terminology presents various levels of abstraction and appears in texts besides general language words. Well-grounded understanding along with subject knowledge is necessary for legal translation. This should be combined with proficiency in writing in the legal style. The translator tries to make source cultural and legal aspects transparent for target readers, as translation is always a means of comprehension that furthers communication.
Anti-Proliferative Activities and Apoptosis Induction by Triterpenes Derived from Eriobotrya japonica in Human Leukemia Cell Lines
Authors: Uto Takuhiro , Sakamoto Ayana , Tung Nguyen , Fujiki Tsukasa , Kishihara Kenji , Oiso Shigeru , Kariyazono Hiroko , Morinaga Osamu , Shoyama Yukihiro
Published: February 2013

Eriobotrya japonica leaf is a traditional herbal medicine that contains numerous triterpenes, which have various pharmacological properties. In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative activity of four triterpenes derived from E. japonica, including corosolic acid (CA), ursolic acid (UA), maslinic acid (MA) and oleanolic acid (OA), in human leukemia cell lines. CA showed the strongest anti-proliferative activity in all of the leukemia cell lines tested, but not in normal human skin fibroblast cell lines. To determine the mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative effect of CA, we examined the effect of CA on molecular events known as apoptosis induction. CA induced chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, sub-G1 phase DNA, activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9 and the cleavage of PARP in HL-60. CA also activated Bid and Bax, leading to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm) and cytochrome c release into the cytosol, whereas Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were unaffected by CA. These results suggest that CA has an anti-proliferative effect on leukemia cells via the induction of apoptosis mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation. CA may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of human leukemia.
Characterization of Proanthocyanidins in Stems of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb as Strong Starch Hydrolase Inhibitors
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Song Lixia , Feng Shengbao , Liu Yuancai , Zuo Gang , Lai Fuli , He Guangyuan , Chen Mingjie , Huang Dejian
Published: February 2013

Characterzation of polyphenolic compounds in the stems of P. multiflorum was conducted using HPLC, high resolution LC-MS and LC-MSn. Proanthocyanidins in particular were isolated in 4.8% yield using solvent extraction followed by Sephadex LH-20 fractionation. HPLC analysis using a diol column revealed oligomers (from dimer to nonamer) as minor components, with (epi)catechin monomeric units predominating, and oligomers with higher degree of polymerization being dominant. Thiolysis treatment of the proanthocyanidins using mercaptoacetic acid produced thioether derivatives of (epi)catechin as the major product and a mean value of the degree of polymerization of 32.6 was estimated from the ratio of terminal and extension units of the (epi)catechin. The isolated proanthocyanidins were shown to strongly inhibit α-amylase with an acarbose equivalence (AE) value of 1,954.7 µmol AE/g and inhibit α-glucosidase with an AE value of 211.1 µmol AE/g.
Socioeconomic Status Is Significantly Associated with the Dietary Intakes of Folate and Depression Scales in Japanese Workers (J-HOPE Study)
Authors: Miyaki Koichi , Song Yixuan , Taneichi Setsuko , Tsutsumi Akizumi , Hashimoto Hideki , Kawakami Norito , Takahashi Masaya , Shimazu Akihito , Inoue Akiomi , Kurioka Sumiko , Shimbo Takuro
Published: February 2013

The association of socioeconomic status (SES) with nutrient intake attracts public attention worldwide. In the current study, we examined the associations of SES with dietary intake of folate and health outcomes in general Japanese workers. This Japanese occupational cohort consisted off 2266 workers. SES was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Intakes of all nutrients were assessed with a validated, brief and self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). The degree of depressive symptoms was measured by the validated Japanese version of the K6 scale. Multiple linear regression and stratified analysis were used to evaluate the associations of intake with the confounding factors. Path analysis was conducted to describe the impacts of intake on health outcomes. Education levels and household incomes were significantly associated with intake of folate and depression scales (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex and total energy intake, years of education significantly affect the folate intake (β = 0.117, p < 0.001). The structural equation model (SEM) shows that the indirect effect of folate intake is statistically significant and strong (p < 0.05, 56% of direct effect) in the pathway of education level to depression scale. Our study shows both education and income are significantly associated with depression scales in Japanese workers, and the effort to increase the folate intake may alleviate the harms of social disparities on mental health.
Forgery Detection and Value Identification of Euro Banknotes
Authors: Bruna Arcangelo , Farinella Giovanni , Guarnera Giuseppe , Battiato Sebastiano
Published: February 2013

This paper describes both hardware and software components to detect counterfeits of Euro banknotes. The proposed system is also able to recognize the banknote values. Differently than other state-of-the-art methods, the proposed approach makes use of banknote images acquired with a near infrared camera to perform recognition and authentication. This allows one to build a system that can effectively deal with real forgeries, which are usually not detectable with visible light. The hardware does not use any mechanical parts, so the overall system is low-cost. The proposed solution is reliable for ambient light and banknote positioning. Users should simply lean the banknote to be analyzed on a flat glass, and the system detects forgery, as well as recognizes the banknote value. The effectiveness of the proposed solution has been properly tested on a dataset composed by genuine and fake Euro banknotes provided by Italy's central bank.