bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel biosensor-based microarray assay for the visualized detection of CYP2C19 ∗2, ∗3, ∗4 and ∗5 polymorphisms
Authors: Xiao Jian-Min , Xiong Jie , Kang Guan-Yang , Li Qiang , Jiang Zhong-Yong , Chen Jiu-Hao , Wang Li-Ling , Yao Fu-De , Song Jia-Wu
Published: October 2014

A number of studies have indicated that the conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite is reduced in patients who carry the CYP2C19 *2, *3, *4 or *5 loss-of-function allele, resulting in decreased response of platelet to clopidogrel treatment and worse cardiovascular outcome. The aim of this study was to develop a novel biosensor-based microarray to visually detect CYP2C19 polymorphisms.

The target DNA was amplified from regions flanking the respective alleles using 5′-biotinylated reverse primer, and plasmids were prepared for the respective alleles. High stringency reversed hybridization, horseradish peroxidase-labeled streptavidin reaction, and color development, with multiple washes in different steps, were carried out and the results were recorded with an optical camera. The gene chips were tested for specificity, detection limit, intra- and inter-batch variations using the constructed plasmids. Finally, 88 clinical samples were assayed with this microarray as well as direct sequencing.

The results could be seen with the naked eye. Concordance tests indicated that for alleles *2, *3, *4, and *5, the κ values between this assay and plasmids all reached 1.000. The detection limit was 5×10

This novel biosensor-based microarray assay can amplify the signal in situ so that it can be detected by simple instruments or even the naked eyes. It is promising for clinical application in hospital laboratories.
Furcht vor Verletzungen. Anmerkungen zu Judith Shklars ‚Liberalismus der Furcht‘
Authors: Hirsch Alfred
Published: October 2014

In the reflections of Judith Shklar’s ‘Liberalism of fear’ we find the stimulating insight that a theory of freedom can find its main issue in the injury of the human individual. This concept also provides an opening to thinking of the political in general. I would like to elucidate this approach in my essay following the theory of ‘negative freedom’ in the thought of Isaiah Berlin. The reflections of Shklar make for an impressively consistent contribution to theoretical foundation of freedom. While a thorough comprehension evidences a lack of a socio-philosophical basis, it is necessary if we are to find a theory of freedom grounded in a deeply differentiated social and political practice.
Copper-mediated ligand-free Ullmann reaction approach to substituted s-triazines: rationale, synthesis, and biological evaluation
Authors: Shah Dhruvin R. , Lakum Harshad P. , Chikhalia Kishor H.
Published: October 2014

Two series of s-triazine derivatives were synthesized by copper-catalyzed Ullmann reaction. Facile route was adopted to achieve amination of s-triazines for the first time. The C-N coupling reactions were conducted in water under ligand-free and oxygen-free conditions. The synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity. Compounds were further subjected to in vitro antitubercular screening against the H37Rv strain. Compared with standard drugs, compound 5b was found to be the most active antimicrobial and antitubercular agent that inhibits Staphylococcus aureus and H37Rv strain with minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.56 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively.
Recent advances in dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine synthesis
Authors: Zaware Nilesh , Ohlmeyer Michael
Published: October 2014

Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine (DBO) derivatives possess an array of pharmacological activities, and are of growing pharmaceutical interest. Twelve recent synthetic protocols to construct DBO and DBO derivatives have been described in this review. The reported methods include cyclocondensation with two precursors exemplified by substituted 2-aminophenols and substituted 2-halobenzaldehydes, substituted 2-nitro-1-bromobenzene and substituted 2-triazolylphenols, substituted 2-nitro-1-bromobenzene and substituted 2-hydrazonamidophenol, substituted 2-nitro-1-bromobenzene and substituted 2-(aminomethyl)phenol, and 2-aminobenzonitrile and 1,4-dichloro-2-nitrobenzene. Other methods include copper catalysis, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, domino elimination-rearrangement-addition sequence, and an Ugi four-component reaction followed by an intramolecular O-arylation. These methods will serve as a guide to chemists in developing DBO derivatives of pharmacological interest.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Authors: Ale Iris S. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: October 2014

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the most common form of contact dermatitis. It represents the cutaneous response to the toxic/physical effects of a wide variety of environmental agents. Nowadays, it is recognized that irritancy does not represent a single monomorphous entity but rather a complex biologic syndrome with diverse pathophysiology and clinical manifestations. The clinical presentation is highly variable depending on several factors, including properties and strength of the irritant, dose, duration and frequency of exposure, environmental factors, and skin susceptibility. The pathophysiological mechanism depends on activation of the innate immune system and involves skin barrier disruption, cellular changes, and release of proinflammatory mediators that directly recruit and activate T lymphocytes. The diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis is often clinical, and involves a comprehensive history and examination, as well as the exclusion of allergic contact dermatitis with patch testing. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis as well as better awareness of the clinical significance of ICD will lead to a improved care for our patients.
On the role of gallbladder emptying and incretin hormones for nutrient-mediated TSH suppression in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sonne David P , Lund Asger , Faber Jens , Holst Jens J , Vilsbøll Tina , Knop Filip K
Published: October 2014

Bile acids are possible candidate agents in newly identified pathways through which energy expenditure may be regulated. Preclinical studies suggest that bile acids activate the enzyme type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase, which deiodinates thyroxine (T4) to the biologically active triiodothyronine (T3). We aimed to evaluate the influence of bile acid exposure and incretin hormones on thyroid function parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (total T3 and free T4) were measured in plasma from two human studies: i) 75 g-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and three isocaloric (500 kcal) and isovolaemic (350 ml) liquid meals with increasing fat content with concomitant ultrasonographic evaluation of gallbladder emptying in 15 patients with type 2 diabetes and 15 healthy age, gender and BMI-matched controls (meal-study) and ii) 50 g-OGTT and isoglycaemic intravenous glucose infusions (IIGI) alone or in combination with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) and/or GLP2, in ten patients with type 2 diabetes (IIGI-study). In both studies, TSH levels declined (P<0.01) similarly following all meal and infusion stimuli. T3 and T4 concentrations did not change in response to any of the applied stimuli. TSH levels declined independently of the degree of gallbladder emptying (meal-study), route of nutrient administration and infusion of gut hormones. In conclusion, intestinal bile flow and i.v. infusions of the gut hormones, GIP, GLP1 and/or GLP2, do not seem to affect thyroid function parameters. Thus, the presence of a ‘gut–thyroid–pituitary’ axis seems questionable.
Phase transformation and Raman spectra in BaTiO3 nanocrystals
Authors: Yu Jian , Meng X. J. , Sun J.L. , Wang G.S. , Chu J.H.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, size-induced ferroelectricit yweakening, phase transformation, and anomalous lattice expansion are observed in nanocrystalline BaTiO3 (nc-BaTiO3) deriv ed b y low temperature hydrothermal methods, and they are w ellunderstood using the terms of the long-range interaction and its cooperative phenomena altered by particle size in covalen t ionic nanocrystals. In cubic nc-BaTiO3, five modes centerd at 186, 254, 308, 512 and 716 cm-1 are observed Raman active in cubic nanophase, and they are attributed to local rhombohedral distortion breaking inversion-symmetry in cubic nanophase. The254 and 308 cm-1 modes are significantly affected not only by the concentration of hydroxyl defects, but also their particular configuration. And the 806 cm-1 modes found to be closely associated with OH - absorbed on grain boundaries.
Shear strength testing of glass fibre reinforced thin spray-on liner
Authors: Qiao Q. , Nemcik J. , Porter I.
Published: October 2014

Thin spray-on liners (TSLs) have been attracting increasing attention as an alternative to steel mesh in underground roadway support. In order to investigate the shear strength of glass fibre reinforced TSLs, an improved punch test was developed: the steel ring is replaced by TSL plates and four screws are used to tighten the TSL sample between the clamping plates to ensure stable and symmetrical loading. Four different glass fibre contents were tested to evaluate the effect of glass fibre reinforcement on the shear strength of TSLs. The effect of loading rate was studied. The results suggest that the steel punch can shear through the polymer sheet well and the failure mode can be easily identified. The results are consistent and easily calculated. The shear strength increases with glass fibre content. The TSL material samples showed good linear behaviour prior to reaching ultimate load and ductile behaviour that reflects the fibre reinforcement of failed resin during the yielding stage of the sample, which is beneficial to support in underground mines. Although there may be some impact of the shearing rate on the shear strength, the effect is negligible for the loading rates used.
Organic forms dominate hydrologic nitrogen export from a lowland tropical watershed
Authors: Taylor Philip G. , Wieder William R. , Weintraub Samantha , Cohen Sagy , Cleveland Cory C. , Townsend Alan R.
Published: October 2014

Observations of high dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations in stream water have reinforced the notion that primary tropical rain forests cycle nitrogen (N) in relative excess compared to phosphorus. Here we test this notion by evaluating hydrologic N export from a small watershed on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, where prior research has shown multiple indicators of conservative N cycling throughout the ecosystem. We repeatedly measured a host of factors known to influence N export for one year, including stream water chemistry and upslope litterfall, soil N availability and net N processing rates, and soil solution chemistry at the surface, 15‐ and 50‐cm depths. Contrary to prevailing assumptions about the lowland N cycle, we find that dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) averaged 85% of dissolved N export for 48 of 52 consecutive weeks. For most of the year stream water nitrate (NO3−) export was very low, which reflected minimal net N processing and DIN leaching from upslope soils. Yet, for one month in the dry season, NO3− was the major component of N export due to a combination of low flows and upslope nitrification that concentrated NO3− in stream water. Particulate organic N (PON) export was much larger than dissolved forms at 14.6 kg N·ha−1·yr−1, driven by soil erosion during storms. At this rate, PON export was slightly greater than estimated inputs from free‐living N fixation and atmospheric N deposition, which suggests that erosion‐driven PON export could constrain ecosystem level N stocks over longer timescales. This phenomenon is complimentary to the “DON leak” hypothesis, which postulates that the long‐term accumulation of ecosystem N in unpolluted ecosystems is constrained by the export of organic N independently of biological N demand. Using an established global sediment generation model, we illustrate that PON erosion may be an important vector for N loss in tropical landscapes that are geomorphically active. This study supports an emerging view that landscape geomorphology influences nutrient biogeochemistry and limitation, though more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and spatial significance of erosional N loss from terrestrial ecosystems.
Nonlinear responses in salt marsh functioning to increased nitrogen addition
Authors: Vivanco Lucía , Irvine Irina C. , Martiny Jennifer B. H.
Published: October 2014

Salt marshes provide storm protection to shorelines, sequester carbon (C), and mitigate coastal eutrophication. These valuable coastal ecosystems are confronted with increasing nitrogen (N) inputs from anthropogenic sources, such as agricultural runoff, wastewater, and atmospheric deposition. To inform predictions of salt marsh functioning and sustainability in the future, we characterized the response of a variety of plant, microbial, and sediment responses to a seven‐level gradient of N addition in three Californian salt marshes after 7 and 14 months of N addition. The marshes showed variable responses to the experimental N gradient that can be grouped as neutral (root biomass, sediment respiration, potential carbon mineralization, and potential net nitrification), linear (increasing methane flux, decreasing potential net N mineralization, and increasing sediment inorganic N), and nonlinear (saturating aboveground plant biomass and leaf N content, and exponentially increasing sediment inorganic and organic N). The three salt marshes showed quantitative differences in most ecosystem properties and processes rates; however, the form of the response curves to N addition were generally consistent across the three marshes, indicating that the responses observed may be applicable to other marshes in the region. Only for sediment properties (inorganic and organic N pool) did the shape of the response differ significantly between marshes. Overall, the study suggests salt marshes are limited in their ability to sequester C and N with future increases in N, even without further losses in marsh area.
Effects of an Ascorbic Acid–Derivative Dentifrice in Patients With Gingivitis: A Double‐Masked, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Shimabukuro Yoshio , Nakayama Yohei , Ogata Yorimasa , Tamazawa Kaoru , Shimauchi Hidetoshi , Nishida Tetsuya , Ito Koichi , Chikazawa Takashi , Kataoka Shinsuke , Murakami Shinya
Published: October 2014

Background: Reactive oxygen species might be associated with the onset and progression of gingival inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a dentifrice containing l‐ascorbic acid 2‐phosphate magnesium salt (APM), a long‐acting ascorbic acid derivative with antioxidant properties, on gingival inflammation.

Methods: The clinical effects of APM were investigated in a multicenter, randomized, parallel‐group, controlled clinical trial comprising 300 individuals with gingivitis. Half of the participants were given an APM‐containing dentifrice and half were given a control dentifrice. The primary outcome was the gingival index (GI) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included gingival redness as an indicator of the degree of local gingival inflammation, gingival bleeding as a measure of the gingivitis severity index, and total antioxidant activity of the saliva.

Results: Under the intent‐to‐treat analysis, GI did not significantly differ between the groups (P = 0.12). However, under the per‐protocol analysis, GI was significantly lower in the APM group (P = 0.01) than in the control group. In the APM group, gingival redness was significantly lower, and the difference from the baseline gingivitis severity index was significantly greater (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). The total antioxidant activity of the saliva was significantly higher in the APM group (P = 0.03). The incidence of adverse events did not significantly differ between the groups (P >0.15).

Conclusion: These findings indicate that the regular application of an APM‐containing dentifrice could reduce gingival inflammation.
Field Performance and Yield of Four Pigeonpea Varieties in Middle Tennessee
Authors: Yu Chih-Li , Hui Dafeng , Johnston Trevor , Porter Kadijah , Miller Camerra , Duseja Desh , Tegegne Fisseha
Published: October 2014

As the demand in the United States for legume crops such as pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] increases, it becomes increasing important to improve yield and extend the area where pigeonpea may suitably be grown. To understand the effect of agricultural management on the leaf physiology, growth, and yield of pigeonpea, a 3‐yr (2010–2012) field experiment was conducted in Nashville, TN. A split‐split‐plot experimental design with two planting dates in years 2010 and 2012, and one late planting in 2011 were used (main plot factor, early and late planting). Four pigeonpea varieties (subplot factor, GA1, GA2, W1, and W3) at three plant densities (sub‐subplot factor, 295,500, 145,250, and 96,833 plants/ha) were planted. Maximum leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, plant height, plant stem diameter, leaf area index (LAI), and seed yield were measured. There were significant differences in leaf physiology, growth and yield among varieties, between planting dates, and between years. Leaf transpiration (5.4 mmol H2O/m2/s) and yield (1048 kg/ha) were higher at early planting than at late planting (4.8 mmol H2O/m2/s, 2.64, and 629 kg/ha), but height (138 cm) was lower at early planting than at late planting (150 cm). Among varieties, GA2 plants were shorter (131 cm) and had lower LAI (1.61), but produced higher seed yield (1263 kg/ha). Plant density did not show significant influence on leaf physiology, LAI, or yield. All variables measured showed remarkable variation between years. Our results indicated that variety selection and early planting may improve pigeonpea growth and yield in middle Tennessee.
Soil Compaction, Both an Environmental and Agronomic Culprit: Increased Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Reduced Plant Nitrogen Uptake
Authors: Gregorich E.G. , McLaughlin N.B. , Lapen D.R. , Ma B.L. , Rochette P.
Published: October 2014

With a burgeoning world population and growing demand for agricultural products, it will be necessary to strike a judicious balance between maintaining adequate N inputs and minimizing gaseous N losses in farming systems. Our objective in this study was to quantify the effects of soil compaction, N fertilization, and clay content on N2O emission from soil. Soil cropped to maize (Zea mays L.) was compacted by tractor wheel traffic or not compacted for consecutive years, and N fertilizer was applied at 0, 75, 150, and 300 kg N ha−1 to both compaction treatments. Variability in clay content across the experimental plots allowed us to assess of the effects of texture on N2O response to compaction and N fertilization. Compaction, increasing N fertilization, and their interaction all significantly increased cumulative emissions of N2O during the growing season. There was a significant carryover effect, with higher N2O emissions observed in previously compacted soils in a subsequent year when soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was grown and no compaction or N fertilizer was applied. Nitrous oxide emissions scaled against plant N uptake showed significant positive response to both compaction and N fertilizer. Clay content did not significantly affect N2O emissions, but its role became apparent when the emissions were scaled by N uptake. This scaling amplified the deleterious effects of compaction on gaseous N losses from soil because compaction both increased N2O emissions and decreased yield and plant N uptake. In contrast, increasing N fertilizer increased both and therefore did not have as large an effect on the scaled N2O emissions.
A Modified Philip–Dunne Infiltrometer for Measuring the Field‐Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of Surface Soil
Authors: Ahmed F. , Nestingen R. , Nieber J.L. , Gulliver J.S. , Hozalski R.M.
Published: October 2014

There is a current and expanding need to measure surface infiltration rate parameters for stormwater infiltration practices used to mitigate the detrimental effects of land development activities on watershed hydrology. We have developed a falling‐head soil surface infiltrometer, termed the modified Philip–Dunne (MPD) infiltrometer, that is inexpensive to construct, easy to use, and requires a minimal water volume per test. Because of these characteristics, many MPD devices can be deployed simultaneously to obtain infiltration rate data at multiple locations within a given infiltration practice. Green–Ampt theory was used to derive the expressions needed for analyzing the falling‐head data to solve for the field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and Green–Ampt wetting‐front suction (ψ). The accuracy of the analysis was determined using numerical experiments in which falling‐head data were generated from a computational solution of the axisymmetric form of the three‐dimensional Richards' equation for homogeneous and isotropic porous media with specified input parameters. The falling‐head data were then analyzed using a quasi‐analytical procedure, and the resulting values of Kfs and ψ were compared with the input values. The accuracy of Kfs and ψ derived from data acquired using the MPD device was then assessed using physical experiments involving three large barrels packed with different types of sand. The Kfs values obtained for the media in the barrels using an MPD infiltrometer were, on average, 82% of the values obtained from whole barrel falling‐head tests. The resulting uncertainty in Kfs values from the MPD infiltrometer is considered to be small compared with the orders of magnitude of variability commonly observed for Kfs values in the field.
Evaluating New Definitions of Acute and Early HIV Infection from HIV Surveillance Data
Authors: Buskin Susan E , Fida Neway G , Bennett Amy B , Golden Matthew R , Stekler Joanne D
Published: October 2014

Background :

The U.S. HIV staging system is being revised to more comprehensively track early and acute HIV infection (AHI). We evaluated our ability to identify known cases of AHI using King County (KC) HIV surveillance data.

Methodology :

AHI cases were men who have sex with men (MSM) with negative antibody and positive pooled nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) tests identified through KC testing sites. We used KC surveillance data to calculate inter-test intervals (ITI, time from last negative to first positive test) and the serologic algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion (STARHS). For surveillance data, AHI was defined as an ITI of ≤ 30 days and early infection as an ITI ≤ 180 days or STARHS recent result. Dates of last negative HIV tests were obtained from lab reports in the HIV surveillance system or data collected for HIV Incidence Surveillance.

Results :

Between 2005 and 2011, 47 MSM with AHI were identified by pooled NAAT. Of the 47 cases, 36% had ITI < 1 day, 60% had an ITI < 30 days, and 70% (95% CI=55-82%) had an ITI ≤ 6 months and would have been identified as early HIV infection. Of the 47, 38% had STARHS testing and 94% were STARHS recent.

Conclusion :

MSM with known AHI were not identified by proposed definitions of AHI and early infection. These known AHI cases were frequently missed by HIV surveillance because concurrent negative antibody tests were not reported. Successful implementation of the revisions to the HIV staging system will require more comprehensive reporting.
Implications of different laboratory-based incident diabetic kidney disease definitions on comparative effectiveness studies
Authors: Schroeder Emily B , Goodrich Glenn K , Newton Katherine M , Schmittdiel Julie A , Raebel Marsha A
Published: October 2014

Background:
Comparative effectiveness studies using electronic health records (EHRs) often define chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes using laboratory-based definitions. Recommendations for defining CKD require multiple longitudinal measurements. The implications of applying these definitions to EHR data are poorly understood.
Methods:
Using a cohort of 36,025 individuals with diabetes from three health systems who initiated a new glucose-lowering medication, we compared concordance and CKD incidence rates and rate ratios for glucose-lowering medication classes for laboratory-based CKD definitions requiring one versus multiple abnormal tests.
Results & conclusion:
CKD incidence rates differed more than twofold based on the definition. Reassuring for CER, incidence rate ratios for glucose-lowering medication classes on risk of developing CKD were relatively unaffected by CKD definition.
Paths of income convergence between country pairs within Europe
Authors: Gligoric Mirjana
Published: October 2014

This paper explores income convergence in European countries. Unlike previous
research, the analysis is based on the pair-wise approach (Pesaran, 2007),
identifying four cases: long-run convergence, catching-up, lagging-behind,
and divergence. The results suggest that catching-up prevails, while no
significant evidence was found for the existence of long-run convergence at
the whole sample level. Still, three convergence clubs appear that consist
of countries recording long-run convergence, two in transitional countries
and one involving advanced countries, which indicate the similar growth
model of the countries belonging to each club. Nevertheless, the results do
not allow us to claim with certainty that the income paths of the club
members will not exhibit systematic tendencies toward divergence or changes
in membership in future.
Perceived career development support in workplace career programme
Authors: Ismail Azman , Adnan Nurrul , Bakar Rizal
Published: October 2014

This study aims to quantify the relationship between the workplace career
programme, perceived career development support, and job satisfaction. The
survey method was employed to gather self-reported questionnaires from
employees who work at a defence-based higher learning institution in
Malaysia. The outcomes of SmartPLS path model analysis showed two important
findings: first, the relationship between career planning and career
management was positively and significantly correlated with job satisfaction.
Second, the relationship between perceived career development support was
positively and significantly correlated with job satisfaction. This finding
confirms that perceived career development support does act as an important
mediating variable in the relationship between workplace career programme and
job satisfaction in the organizational sample. This study includes a
discussion, implications, and a conclusion.
Some parameters of nutritional quality of meat obtained from Mangalitsa and Landrace pig breeds
Authors: Sevic Radoslav , Lukac Dragomir , Vidivic Vitomir , Puvaca Nikola , Savic Bozidar , Ljubojevic Dragana , Tomovic Vladimir , Dzinic Natalija
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to provide a comparative analysis of chemical and fatty acid composition, as well as of the connective tissue proteins in pigs of different genotypes, Mangalitsa and Landrace. Both pig genotypes were fed with the same feed of standard composition and quality. At the end of the fattening period, in total 24 pigs of both genotypes were slaughtered. Based on the analysis of the chemical composition we came to the conclusion that the protein content in both genotypes was similar. Moisture and ash content in the Landrace pig genotype differed significantly (P < 0.01) compared with genotype of Mangalitsa breed. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) were established in the fat content, which was 7.95 g/100 g, in pigs of Mangalitsa breed and 1.59 g/100 g in the Landrace pigs breed. Content of hydroxyproline, non-proteinogenic amino acids, in meat of Landrace was significantly higher (P < 0.01) compared to the content in the Mangalitsa breed. The same tendency was observed with regard to the connective tissue protein content, as well as with the relative connective tissue protein content. The fatty acid composition of the meat indicated that the most common saturated fatty acid (SFA) in both tested breeds was palmitic fatty acid (C16), whose content was significantly higher in Landrace (P < 0.01) compared with its content in Mangalitsa breed. In addition, the share of stearic acid (C18) was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in Landrace compared to Mangalitsa pig breed, what significantly contributed to the increase of the SFA share in Landrace compared to Mangalitsa breed. The most common monounsaturated fatty acid in both pig breeds was the oleic fatty acid (C18:1), whose share was significantly higher in Mangalitsa compared to the Landrace breed (P < 0.01). Out of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic fatty acid (C18:2) was the most predominant in both pig breeds, with no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The content of PUFA was not statistically significantly different between the tested breeds, as well as the content of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, which caused no statistically significant differences in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Ratio of the unsaturated fatty acids, i.e., of the sum of MUFA and PUFA, and of the saturated fatty acids was significantly higher in Mangalitsa compared to Landrace breed (1.86 vs. 1.4), and the same was observed when it comes to the relationship MUFA/SFA (1.51 in Mangalitsa vs. 1.08 in Landrace breed) and MUFA/PUFA (4.35 vs. 3.38).
Frequency-temperature response of a new multiferroic
Authors: Kumar Nawnit , Patri Sunanda , Choudhary Ram
Published: October 2014

The frequency dependence of the electrical properties of a new complex
multiferroic Bi4Pb2Ti3FeNbO18 at different temperatures was investigated by
impedance spectroscopy technique. The impedance spectroscopic data were
collected at different frequencies (100Hz-1MHz) and temperatures (25-500?C).
This study provides important information about the effect of grain and grain
boundary on microstructures of the materials. The data are presented in the
Nyquist plots, from which electrical resistivity is determined.
Comparative studies on impact of synthesis methods on structural and magnetic properties of magnesium ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Kaur Manpreet
Published: October 2014

Magnesium ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by co-precipitation,
sol-gel and solution combustion methods. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), urea and
oxalyl dihydrazide (ODH) were used as fuels for the combustion. Various
physicochemical techniques viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample
magnetometry (VSM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), BET
surface analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to
study the effect of synthetic methodology on the properties of synthesized
NPs. Differences in crystallinity, surface area, particle size and magnetic
parameters of the ferrite NPs synthesized by different methods were
observed. XRD pattern of NPs obtained by sol-gel and combustion methods
confirmed phase purity where as in co-precipitation method ?-Fe2O3 was
detected as impurity phase which also resulted in greater value of physical
density and lowering of magnetic parameters of the final thermolysis
product. TEM micrographs indicated that ferrite NPs are spherical with
average diameter of 12-25 nm. Presence of rectangular shaped crystallites of
?-Fe2O3 was clearly evident in the TEM images of the NPs synthesized by
co-precipitation method.
Mechanisms of improving institutional capacities of the state to prevent hate speech and hate crimes
Authors: Dokmanovic Mirjana
Published: October 2014

The Republic of Serbia has introduced special circumstances for the
determination of sentence for hate crime in the Criminal Code amended in
December 2012. If a criminal offence is committed through hate based on race
or religion, national or ethnic affiliation, sex, sexual orientation or
gender identity of another, the court shall consider any aggravating factors
except when it is not stipulated as a feature of the criminal offence.
However, the State still neglects to consider mitigating factors. Moreover,
it does not pay sufficient attention to eliminating verbal expressions of
hatred and discrimination that often precede crimes motivated by hate. The
paper discusses the possibility of improving education and coordinated
activities of the State, particularly of courts, prosecutors, police and
local self-governments, to combat hate speech and hate crimes. The aim of the
paper is to present mechanisms of improving institutional capacities to
prevent these phenomena that have been implemented within the project
?Implementation of Anti-Discrimination Policies in Serbia? financed by the
European Union. The paper concludes that central to the success of this
process are the education of state actors, and the development of a value
system based on equality and acceptance of diversity.
On the strategy of prevention and protection against discrimination as the basic document of the state’s anti-discrimination policy
Authors: Mrsevic Zorica
Published: October 2014

The article presents legal and political aspects of the Strategy of
prevention of and protection against discrimination. This is a binding
commitment from the state given to its citizens in relation to reaching
certain goals, principally towards eliminating discrimination in social life.
The main aim of the presentation is to highlight factors which are necessary
to ensure the Strategy is efficient in combating a culture of intolerance; in
identifying what is necessary in practice to tackle discrimination,
particularly discrimination against unpopular groups; so that a culture of
intolerance among state agencies and organizations of civil society would be
replaced by culture of mutual respect and equal opportunities. The article
considers all categories that may be protected against discrimination, such
as women, LGBT persons, people with disabilities, Roma people, elderly
people, children, refugees, national minorities, internally displaced persons
and people whose health condition might be the ground of discrimination.
Perception of police on discrimination in Serbia
Authors: Zekavica Radomir
Published: October 2014

This paper presents and analyses results deriving from the research on the
attitudes of criminal investigation officers in five police departments in
Serbia: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Novi Pazar, Subotica and Vranje. The case studies
examined the attitudes of members of criminal investigation police and their
perception(s) of discrimination towards vulnerable groups. The study aimed to
determine the level of animosity exhibited in speech, to analyse socio-ethnic
distance, to observe reactions towards measures designed to improve the
situation of vulnerable groups, to consider the relationship among
institutions regarding their responsibility for the occurrence of
discrimination and its impact on the reduction of it, to discuss personal
experiences of discrimination and to analyse attitudes regarding certain
claims of a stereotypical character. Moreover, the paper also presents a
comparative analysis of similar surveys on the perception of citizens towards
discrimination that have thus far been conducted in Serbia. The results
demonstrated that the police in Serbia did not exhibit a particularly
discriminatory attitude towards citizens. It is important to note that the
most prominent socio-ethnic distances were exhibited in relation to Roma and
members of the LGBT community.
Implementation of anti-discrimination legislation in the sphere of labor
Authors: Reljanovic Mario
Published: October 2014

The establishment of an anti-discrimination normative framework concluded
with the adoption of Anti-discrimination Law in 2009. In the intervening
five years since its implementation there has been various difficulties,
doubts and misinterpretations in case law. This is particularly evident in
the field of labor engagement, where discrimination is traditionally very
common, and consequently there is a necessity for efficient protection of
employees. The aim of this research is to analyze and resolve problems
perceived in practice, to point out misinterpretations and misapplications of
anti- discriminatory norms in general, particularly in the field of labor,
and to suggest solutions that would lead in following years to a
harmonization of practices and therefore better protection of workers exposed
to discrimination. The article highlights good practices and experiences of
free legal aid providers as important elements in understanding the
peculiarities of court procedures regarding discrimination in the sphere of
labor.
The impact of public policies on economic empowerment of women in Serbia
Authors: Brankovic-Djundic Maja
Published: October 2014

The subject of this article is the possibilities and ways in which public
policies can effect economic empowerment of women. In this paper the social
and historical factors that influence the development of gender-based
economic inequalities and economic status of women in Serbia are presented.
Additionally, the paper offers critical review of strategic documents and
specific public policies in Serbia that address the improvement of the status
of women from a gender aspect, and assess their potential impact on changes
regarding gender inequality.
Supplier selection using different metric functions
Authors: Omosigho S.E. , Omorogbe Dickson
Published: October 2014

Supplier selection is an important component of supply chain management in
today?s global competitive environment. Hence, the evaluation and selection
of suppliers have received considerable attention in the literature. Many
attributes of suppliers, other than cost, are considered in the evaluation
and selection process. Therefore, the process of evaluation and selection of
suppliers is a multi-criteria decision making process. The methodology
adopted to solve the supplier selection problem is intuitionistic fuzzy
TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution).
Generally, TOPSIS is based on the concept of minimum distance from the
positive ideal solution and maximum distance from the negative ideal
solution. We examine the deficiencies of using only one metric function in
TOPSIS and propose the use of spherical metric function in addition to the
commonly used metric functions. For empirical supplier selection problems,
more than one metric function should be used.
A procedure for distributing recruits in manpower systems
Authors: Ekhosuehi Virtue , Osagiede Augustine , Iguodala Wilfred
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we treat the following problem: Given a stable Gani-type
personflow model and assuming no negative recruitment, what recruitment
distribution at the n ? step is capable of generating a staff-mix that
closely follows the desired structure? We relate the problem to the
challenge of universities in Nigeria towards reaching the desired academic
staff-mix by rank specified by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
We formulate a population-dynamic model consisting of aggregate-fractional
flow balance equations within a discrete-time Markov chain framework for the
system. We use MATLas a convenient platform to solve the system of
equations. The utility of the model is illustrated by means of academic
staff flows in a university-faculty setting in Nigeria.
Two-phased DEA-MLA approach for predicting efficiency of NBA players
Authors: Radovanovic Sandro , Radojicic Milan , Savic Gordana
Published: October 2014

In sports, a calculation of efficiency is considered to be one of the most
challenging tasks. In this paper, DEA is used to evaluate an efficiency of
the NBA players, based on multiple inputs and multiple outputs. The
efficiency is evaluated for 26 NBA players at the guard position based on
existing data. However, if we want to generate the efficiency for a new
player, we would have to re-conduct the DEA analysis. Therefore, to predict
the efficiency of a new player, machine learning algorithms are applied. The
DEA results are incorporated as an input for the learning algorithms,
defining thereby an efficiency frontier function form with high reliability.
In this paper, linear regression, neural network, and support vector machines
are used to predict an efficiency frontier. The results have shown that
neural networks can predict the efficiency with an error less than 1%, and
the linear regression with an error less than 2%.
Is Children's Informal Knowledge of Mathematics Important? Rethinking Assessment of Children's Knowledge of Mathematics
Authors: Lee Joohi
Published: October 2014

Children bring with them tremendous informal knowledge of mathematics when they enter school, but this has often been overlooked when assessing their knowledge of mathematics. This article raises the inevitable issue among early childhood educators and researchers to rethink the assessments to evaluate young children's informal knowledge of mathematics.
Cadherin Engagement Improves Insulin Secretion of Single Human β-Cells
Authors: Parnaud Geraldine , Lavallard Vanessa , Bedat Benoît , Matthey-Doret David , Morel Philippe , Berney Thierry , Bosco Domenico
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to assess whether cadherin-mediated adhesion of human islet cells was affected by insulin secretagogues and explore the role of cadherins in the secretory activity of β-cells. Experiments were carried out with single islet cells adherent to chimeric proteins made of functional E-, N-, or P-cadherin ectodomains fused to the Fc fragment of immunoglobulin (E-cad/Fc, N-cad/Fc, and P-cad/Fc) and immobilized on an inert substrate. We observed that cadherin expression in islet cells was not affected by insulin secretagogues. Adhesion tests showed that islet cells attached to N-cad/Fc and E-cad/Fc acquired, in a time- and secretagogue-dependent manner, a spreading form that was inhibited by blocking cadherin antibodies. By reverse hemolytic plaque assay, we showed that glucose-stimulated insulin secretion of single β-cells was increased by N-cad/Fc and E-cad/Fc adhesion compared with control. In the presence of E-cad/Fc and after glucose stimulation, we showed that total insulin secretion was six times higher in spreading β-cells compared with round β-cells. Furthermore, cadherin-mediated adhesion induced an asymmetric distribution of cortical actin in β-cells. Our results demonstrate that adhesion of β-cells to E- and N-cadherins is regulated by insulin secretagogues and that E- and N-cadherin engagement promotes stimulated insulin secretion.
Factors Affecting the Decline in Incidence of Diabetes in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS)
Authors:   Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Research Group, Hamman Richard F. , Horton Edward , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Bray George A. , Christophi Costas A. , Crandall Jill , Florez Jose C. , Fowler Sarah , Goldberg Ronald , Kahn Steven E. , Knowler William C. , Lachin John M. , Murphy Mary Beth , Venditti Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

During the first 7 years of the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS), diabetes incidence rates, when compared with the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), decreased in the placebo (−42%) and metformin (−25%), groups compared with the rates in the intensive lifestyle intervention (+31%) group. Participants in the placebo and metformin groups were offered group intensive lifestyle intervention prior to entering the DPPOS. The following two hypotheses were explored to explain the rate differences: “effective intervention” (changes in weight and other factors due to intensive lifestyle intervention) and “exhaustion of susceptible” (changes in mean genetic and diabetes risk scores). No combination of behavioral risk factors (weight, physical activity, diet, smoking, and antidepressant or statin use) explained the lower DPPOS rates of diabetes progression in the placebo and metformin groups, whereas weight gain was the factor associated with higher rates of progression in the intensive lifestyle intervention group. Different patterns in the average genetic risk score over time were consistent with exhaustion of susceptibles. Results were consistent with exhaustion of susceptibles for the change in incidence rates, but not the availability of intensive lifestyle intervention to all persons before the beginning of the DPPOS. Thus, effective intervention did not explain the lower diabetes rates in the DPPOS among subjects in the placebo and metformin groups compared with those in the DPP.
Postnatal β-Cell Proliferation and Mass Expansion Is Dependent on the Transcription Factor Nkx6.1
Authors: Taylor Brandon L. , Benthuysen Jacqueline , Sander Maike
Published: October 2014

All forms of diabetes are characterized by a loss of functional β-cell mass, and strategies for expanding β-cell mass could have significant therapeutic benefit. We have recently identified the transcription factor Nkx6.1 as an essential maintenance factor of the functional β-cell state. In addition, Nkx6.1 has been proposed to control β-cell proliferation, but a role for Nkx6.1 in regulating β-cell mass has not been demonstrated. Here, we show that Nkx6.1 is required for postnatal β-cell mass expansion. Genetic inactivation of Nkx6.1 in newly formed β-cells caused a drastic decrease in early postnatal β-cell proliferation, leading to reduced β-cell mass and glucose intolerance. Interestingly, Nkx6.1 was dispensable for prenatal β-cell proliferation. We found that Nkx6.1 regulates the expression of several β-cell maturation markers as well as expression of the nutrient sensors Glut2 and Glp1r. Manifestation of the β-cell mass defect at the transition to postnatal feeding suggests that Nkx6.1 could regulate β-cell growth by enabling β-cells to respond to nutrient-dependent proliferation signals, such as glucose and Glp1. Identification of β-cell-intrinsic regulators that connect nutrient-sensing and proliferation suggests new therapeutic targets for expanding functional β-cell mass.
Biological Restorations as an Alternative to Reconstructing Posterior Teeth: A Case Report
Authors: Albuquerque NLG , Mendonça JS , Fonteles CSR , Pereira JC , Santiago SL
Published: October 2014

This article reports on a three-year follow-up of two biological restorations performed on a 15-year-old female patient. After clinical evaluation, tooth fragments from extracted permanent molars were obtained from a Human Teeth Bank and were autoclaved, adjusted to the prepared cavity, and bonded to the remaining tooth structure with dual resin cement. The technical aspects are described and the benefits and disadvantages of biological restorations as an alternative treatment for rehabilitation of severely destroyed permanent molars are discussed.
Comparison of Alternate Personality Models in Psychopathology Assessment
Authors: Floros Georgios D. , Stogiannidou Ariadni , Giouzepas Ioannis , Garyfallos Georgios D.
Published: October 2014

This study assessed the results from the parallel application of two alternate personality models, the Zuckerman-Kuhlman trait model and Bond's Defense Styles, in a sample of 268 Greek medical students (172 women, M age = 22.0 yr., SD = 1.1; 95 men, M age = 22.3 yr., SD = 1.2) in relation to psychopathological symptoms, so as to clarify whether this practice yielded accurate results while avoiding shared variance. Data from both models are cross-checked with canonical correlation analysis to validate whether there was significant conceptual overlap between them that would mean that their parallel use is an ineffective research practice. Following this analysis, factors from both models are utilized to predict variance in sample psychopathology, so as to compare their relative usefulness. Results indicated that the two models did not share a significant amount of variance, while a combination of personality aspects from both models, including Impulsive Sensation-Seeking, Neuroticism-Anxiety, Aggression-Hostility, and Sociability traits and Maladaptive Action, Image Distorting, and Adaptive Action defense styles, predicted high variance in psychopathology symptoms.