bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D QSAR Study of Human PLA2 Inhibitors. A Modeling Approach to Select New and Specific Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Pintore Marco , Mombelli Enrico , Wechman Christophe , Chretien Jacques R.
Published: May 2008

High concentrations of human non pancreatic secretory phospholipase A2 (hnps-PLA2) have been reported as inducing factors in different inflammatory diseases. Thus, hnps-PLA2 inhibitors would be potential drugs against disorders generated by high levels of this enzyme. The latter has been crystallized with different ligands and several classes of inhibitors are known, but the optimization of their therapeutic properties requires: (i) a better understanding of the inhibitorprotein interaction mechanism, and (ii) finding a strategy to predict the activity of new molecules. Approaches related to computational chemistry may help to resolve these two problems. An automated docking study was performed on a series of 188 competitive hnps-PLA2 inhibitors. The docking data were then used to establish 3D QSAR models by combining Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) and PLS modeling. The robustness and prediction power of the best model were assessed with help of cross-validation and test set procedures that delivered excellent scores. The search for the best inhibitors against hnps-PLA2 has to be associated with a high specificity of the molecules selected, minimizing possible human side effects. This requires keeping at an extremely low level the inhibitors activity against human pancreatic phospholipase A2 (hp-PLA2) which is in negligible concentration in all tissues except in pancreatic ones. Then, the above mentioned modeling procedure was applied also on a series of hp-PLA2 inhibitors and, once more, the 3D QSAR model thus generated showed an excellent robustness and prediction power. Finally, the combination of the two models generated on hnps-PLA2 and hp-PLA2 offered a global predictive tool able to select new strong anti-inflammatory drugs with negligible side effects, at least at pancreatic level.
Effect of 7-nitroindazoleon superoxide production and MnSOD activity in threat brain following kainate-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Radenovic Lidija
Published: May 2008

We investigated the effect of 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in vivo, on superoxide concentration as well its influence on mitochondrial MnSOD activity since this activity is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species after kainate-induced neurotoxicity. The time course of in vivo oxidative damage in different brain regions was investigated. Measurements were performed at different times (5 min, 15 min, 2 h, 48 h, and 7 days) in the ipsi- and contralateral hippocampus, forebrain cortex, striatum, and cerebellum homogenates. Our results indicated that 7-NI had no statistically significant influence on superoxide concentrations in the tested brain structures compared to the control values. However, superoxide concentrations after kainate-induced neurotoxicity returned to the control values after pretreatment with 7-NI in all tested brain structures. Regarding the activity of MnSOD, our results demonstrated statistically significant increase 7 days after intrahippocampal KA treatment in all tested brain structures after pretreatment with 7-NI. The obtained results suggest that neuronal NO synthase inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of neurological diseases in which excitotoxic mechanisms play a role.

 This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction 10.2298/ABS150330033E
Different behavioral effects of maprotiline and fluxilan in rats
Authors: Spasojevic Natasa , Gavrilovic Ljubica , Dronjak Sladjana
Published: May 2008

Serotonin and noradrenaline are involved in the mechanisms of action of most antidepressant drugs. We examined the effects of chronic treatment with maprotiline, a selective inhibitor of noradrenaline reuptake, and fluxilan, a selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake, on the behavior of unstressed controls and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model rats in the forced swim test (FST) and elevated plus maze test. Both selective reuptake inhibitors resulted in a significant reduction of time spent in immobility. Climbing was significantly increased in maprotiline- and swimming was exclusively elicited in the fluxilan-treated unstressed control and CUMS rats. Maprotiline-treated ani?mals displayed decreased anxiety and fluxilan-treated rats enhanced anxiety. The obtained results suggest that central noradrenergic and serotonergic systems might be affected differently during FST. The results also demonstrate that the anxiogenic effects of chronic fluxilan treatment are similar to those reported by many other studies. These differences observed for the effects of fluxilan in relation to those reported for maprotiline and probably due to the different phar?macological profiles of these drugs.
Orno-Cotino-Quercetum Pubescentis Ass. nova prov. on the slopes of Titel hill (Serbia)
Authors: Butorac Branislava , Igic Ruzica , Anackov G. , Zlatkovic B. , Vukov Dragana , Boza P.
Published: May 2008

Studied by many botanists from the floristic and vegetation-geographical aspects over the last hundred years, the herbaceous plant cover in dominant on Titel Hill. The first data on plant communities were registered in 1983, when a significant contribution to the study of vegetation of steppe character was made. At that time, presence of shrubby remnants of forest vegetation on Titel Hill was registered. Since 1983, fragments of typical xerothermic woods of pubescent oak have been registered.
The effect of essential oil of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) on UV-induced mutagenesis in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Stanojevic Jasna , Beric Tanja , Opacic Biljana , Vukovic-Gacic Branka , Simic Draga , Knezevic-Vukcevic Jelena
Published: May 2008

The antimutagenic potential of essential oil (EO) of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and its major constituent linalool were studied with the E. coli K12 and S.cerevisiae D7 assays. In the E. coli assay, EO and linalool inhibited UV-induced mutagenesis in a repair-proficient strain, but had no effect on spontaneous mutagenesis in repair-proficient, nucleotide excision repair-deficient, and mismatch-deficient strains. By testing participation of different mechanisms involved in antimutagenesis, it was concluded that the antimutagenic effect against UV-induced mutagenesis involved decrease of protein synthesis and cell proliferation which led to increased efficiency of nucleotide excision repair. An antimutagenic effect of basil derivatives in S. cerevisiae was not detected.
Protoneobisium basilice (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones): A new cave false scorpion from mt. Biokovo, Croatia
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Radja T.
Published: May 2008

A new species of the endemic pseudoscorpion genus Protoneobisium Curcic, 1988, P. basilice sp. n. from Croatia has been found, described and diagnosed. From its phenetically close congener, P. biocovense (M?ller, 1931), the new taxon differs in many respects of both qualitative and quantitative nature. Both species of Protoneobisium have a limited distribution; they inhabit Mt. Biokovo, Croatia, and are probably the remnants of some ancient Maditerranean fauna of pre-Tertiary origin.
Fungicide sensitivity of selected Verticillium fungicola isolates from Agaricus bisporus farms
Authors: Potocnik Ivana , Vukojevic Jelena , Stajic Mirjana , Tanovic Brankica , Todorovic Biljana
Published: May 2008

Five isolates of Verticillium fungicola, isolated from diseased fruiting bodies of Agaricus bisporus collected from mushroom farms in Serbia during 2002-2003, were studied. By observing their colony morphology under different growth conditions and their pathogenic characteristics, the isolates were identified as V. fungicola var. fungicola. The peat/lime casing was the primary source of infection. Testing of sensitivity to selected fungicides showed that all isolates were highly resistant to benomyl (EC50 values were higher than 200.00 mg/l), moderately sensitive to iprodione (EC50 values were between 11.93 and 22.80 mg/l), and highly sensitive to prochloraz-Mn (EC50 values were less than 3.00 mg/l).
Euglenophyta of the Danube River in Serbia
Authors: Subakov-Simic Gordana , Karadzic Vesna , Krizmanic Jelena , Cvijan M. , Maljevic Emira
Published: May 2008

Most genera and many species of euglenophytes exist worldwide. They usually occur during the summer months in slow-flowing and stagnant waters, rich with organic substances. Euglenophytes of the Danube River in Serbia were studied at 16 localities during 2002-2003. A total of 61 taxa were found, 21 belonging to the genus Euglena Ehr., eight to Lepocinclis Perty, 15 to Phacus Duj., six to Strombomonas Defl., and 11 to Trachelomonas Ehr. The highest number of taxa (35) was recorded at Backa Palanka during September 2002, but at the Tekije locality no euglenophytes were detected at all.
Chemical composition of leaf extracts of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni grown experimentally in Vojvodina
Authors: Markovic Ivana , Djarmati Zoltan , Abramovic Biljana
Published: May 2008

The chemical composition of leaf extracts of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, grown for the first time on an experimental field near Zrenjanin, was examined by GC-MS. The tested plant material was harvested in September of 2002. To analyze the chemical composition of the lipophilic components of the plant leaves, essential oils and ethyl acetate extract were isolated. Qualitative analysis of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation showed that among the identified 88 compounds, the majority were mono- and sesquiterpenes (50 types identified). By analysing the ethyl acetate extract, the presence of fatty acids (present as free and as esters), n-alkanes, n-alkenes, cyclic alkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, etc. was ascertained. Sesquiterpenes prevailed among the terpenes (50 types identified). Further constituents identified in ethyl acetate extract included sterols. Nerol, ?-cyclocitral, safranal, aromadendrene, ?-amorphene and T-muurolol were identified for the first time in this species, with match values over 90 %. Taking into consideration that these terpenes were identified for the first time in this species, it is obvious that Stevia rebaudiana grown in this area possesses certain specific characteristics that can be ascribed to cultivation on a domestic plantation.
Chemical composition of Thymus vulgaris L. (Thyme) essential oil from the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
Authors: Porte Alexandre , Godoy Ronoel
Published: May 2008

The essential oil from fresh leaves of Thymus vulgaris L. from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, was isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed through a combination of GC and GC/MS. Compounds representing 95.1 % of the oil were identified. Thirty-nine constituents were detected, of which twenty-eight were identified according to their chromatographic retention indices and mass spectra. The major constituents of the oil were thymol (44.7 %), p-cymene (18.6 %) and ?-terpinene (16.5%).
Hosoya polynomial of zigzag polyhex nanotorus
Authors: Eliasi Mehdi , Taeri Bijan
Published: May 2008

The Hosoya polynomial of a molecular graph G is defined as H(G,?)=?{u,v}V?(G) ?d(u,v), where d(u,v) is the distance between vertices u and v. The first derivative of H(G,?) at ?=1 is equal to the Wiener index of G, defined as W(G)?{u,v}?V(G)d(u,v). The second derivative of 1/2 ?H(G, ?) at ?=1 is equal to the hyper-Wiener index, defined as WW(G)+1/2?{u,v}?V(G)d(u,v)?. Xu et al.1 computed the Hosoya polynomial of zigzag open-ended nanotubes. Also Xu and Zhang2 computed the Hosoya polynomial of armchair open-ended nanotubes. In this paper, a new method was implemented to find the Hosoya polynomial of G = HC6[p,q], the zigzag polyhex nanotori and to calculate the Wiener and hyper Wiener indices of G using H(G,?).
Concentration of rhenium from dilute sodium chloride solutions
Authors: Lukic Dragoljub , Vucina Jurij , Milonjic Slobodan
Published: May 2008

The conditions for the desorption of rhenium from the anion exchange resin Dowex 1-x8 by HNO3, HCl, H2SO4 and NaOH were determined. The solution (5.0?10-3 mol dm-3 Re in 0.15 mol dm-3 NaCl) was passed through a column containing 0.10 g of the resin. The total sorbed amount of rhenium was 0.20 g/g of the resin. It was then eluted by the corresponding eluent in the concentration range up to about 3.0 mol dm-3. The highest elution efficiency and the most favourable elution profile were found with 3.0 mol dm-3 HNO3. Over 77 % of the sorbed rhenium was found in the first 5 ml of the eluate. Practically all the rhenium was recovered with 20 ml of the acid. Under the given experimental conditions, HCl and H2SO4 were less favourable while NaOH was not applicable, due to very low efficiency of rhenium elution.
Prediction of phase equilibria in the In-Sb-Pb system
Authors: Minic Dusko , Manasijevic Dragan , Zivkovic Dragana , Strbac Nada , Stankovic Zvonimir
Published: May 2008

Binary thermodynamic data, successfully used for phase diagram calculations of the binary systems In-Sb, Pb-Sb and In-Pb, were used for the prediction of the phase equilibria in the ternary In-Sb-Pb system. The predicted equilibrium phase diagram of the vertical Pb-InSb section was compared with the results of differential thermal analysis (DTA) and optical microscopy. The calculated phase diagram of the isothermal section at 300 ?C was compared with the experimentally (SEM, EDX) determined composition of phases in the chosen alloys after annealing. Very good agreement between the binary-based thermodynamic prediction and the experimental data was found in all cases. The calculated liquidus projection of the ternary In-Sb-Pb system is also presented.
Short hydrogen bonds in the catalytic mechanism of serine proteases
Authors: Leskovac Vladimir , Trivic Svetlana , Pericin Draginja , Popovic Mira , Kandrac Julijan
Published: May 2008

The survey of crystallographic data from the Protein Data Bank for 37 structures of trypsin and other serine proteases at a resolution of 0.78-1.28 ? revealed the presence of hydrogen bonds in the active site of the enzymes, which are formed between the catalytic histidine and aspartate residues and are on average 2.7 ? long. This is the typical bond length for normal hydrogen bonds. The geometric properties of the hydrogen bonds in the active site indicate that the H atom is not centered between the heteroatoms of the catalytic histidine and aspartate residues in the active site. Taken together, these findings exclude the possibility that short "low-barrier" hydrogen bonds are formed in the ground state structure of the active sites examined in this work. Some time ago, it was suggested by Cleland that the "low-barrier hydrogen bond" hypothesis is operative in the catalytic mechanism of serine proteases, and requires the presence of short hydrogen bonds around 2.4 ? long in the active site, with the H atom centered between the catalytic heteroatoms. The conclusions drawn from this work do not exclude the validity of the "low-barrier hydrogen bond" hypothesis at all, but they merely do not support it in this particular case, with this particular class of enzymes.
Characterization of type III kerogen from Tyrolean shale (Hahntennjoch, Austria) based on its oxidation products
Authors: Bajc S. , Cvetkovic O. , Amblès A. , Vitorovic D.
Published: May 2008

A 29-step alkaline permanganate degradation of type III kerogen from Tyrolean (Hahntennjoch, Austria) oil shale was performed. A high yield of oxidation products was obtained (93.7 % relative to the original kerogen): 0.5 % neutrals and bases, 19.5 % ether-soluble acids and 58.9 % of precipitated (PA). A substantial amount of kerogen carbon (14.8 %) was oxidized into carbon dioxide. The organic residue remaining after the final oxidation step was 6.9 %. The PA components were further oxidized and the total yields relative to original PA were 1.0 % neutrals and bases and 59.0 % ether-soluble acids, the non-degraded residue being 29.3 %. Detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of all oxidation products suggested the Tyrolean shale kerogen to be a heterogeneous macromolecular substance consisting of three types of structures differing in composition and susceptibility towards alkaline permanganate: the first, resistant, presumably composed of aromatic structures linked by resorcinol ethereal bonds; the second, combined in nature, the aliphatic part comprising methyl-substituents and short cross-links, both easily oxidized into CO2, water and low molecular weight acids and aromatic structures yielding aromatic diand tri-carboxylic acids as oxidation products; finally the third, composed of aliphatic cross-links and substituents, alicyclic (and/or heterocyclic) and some aromatic structures, bound into units moderately resistant towards oxidation. The overall yields of kerogen and PA oxidation products lead towards a balance between aromatic, alkane monoand dicarboxylic and alkanepolycarboxylic acids, suggesting a shift of the structure of Tyrolean shale kerogen from typical aromatic reference type III towards a heterogeneous aromatic-aliphaticalicyclic type structure.
Immunohistological characterization of myoepithelial cells using monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Dozic Ivan , Colic Miodrag
Published: May 2008

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of monoclonal antibody (mAbs) in the myoepithelial cells of the rat submandibular salivary glands (SSG) during postnatal development. Material and method: SSG were obtained from 1, 30 and 60 days old, male, AO rats. Streptavidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method was used for immunohistochemistry. Cryostat sections were fixed in acetone and incubated with mAbs which specifically reacts with cytokeratins (CK) polypeptides ( CK7, CK8, CK18, CK kidney, K8.12, K8.13), rats epithelial (PT13D11), rats collagen (RMC-23), laminin (?6?1) and rats sialoadhesin (ED3). Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of the myoepithelial cells showed phenotypic heterogeneity during the postnatal development. Myoepithelial cells of acini were stained by K8.13, PT13D11 and ED3 mAbs, whereas these cells were not stained by mAbs CK7, CK8, CK18, CK-kidney, RMC-23 and ?6?1. In adult rats, myoepithelial cells of excretory duct were stained by K8.12 mAb. Conclusion: The obtained results show phenotypic heterogeneity of myoepithelial cells and might also be useful to further understanding of myoepithelial cells development and functions.
Restoring endodontically treated teeth with all-ceramic endo-crowns: Case report
Authors: Veselinovic Valentina , Todorovic Aleksandar , Lisjak Dejan , Lazic Vojkan
Published: May 2008

The all-ceramic endocrowns are one piece restoration used in the therapy of endodontically treated teeth, usually, with a decreased vertical dimension of the tooth crown. The aim of this paper is to describe two techniques of the making of endocrowns using case studies and to present the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques by way of their comparison. Chair-side production with the Cerec CAD-CAM system and pressing of the ceramic with the Empres II system was used for the production of the endocrowns. Cerec CAD-CAM and Empres II systems yielded equally good results in the production of the endocrowns, in terms of their functionality, retention, aesthetic and duration. The basic difference between them is the length of the endocrown production procedure as the Cerec CAD-CAM system makes it possible to apply the treatment during a single visit using a wide range of materials?.
Synthesis of BaTiO3 from a mechanically activated BaCO3-TiO2 system
Authors: Pavlovic V.P. , Stojanovic B.D. , Pavlovic V.B. , Marinkovic-Stanojevic Z. , Zivkovic Lj. , Ristic M.M.
Published: May 2008

In this article the solid state reaction of BaTiO3 formation from a mechanically activated BaCO3-TiO2 system has been investigated. An equimolar mixture of BaCO3 and TiO2 powders was activated in a planetary ball mill in a continual regime for 0, 30 and 90 min, pressed and thermally treated up to 1200oC. The effect of the milling and firing regime on the phase formation was investigated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Deconvolution of the experimental DTA curve corresponding to the BaTiO3 synthesis process has been performed. The influence of the activation time on the change of characteristic temperature for each elementary step in the complete solid-state reaction of BaTiO3 formation, was analyzed. These results were correlated with the ones obtained by SEM characterization and by XRD analysis.
Intrinsic resistivity of sintered Nickel Manganite vs. powder activation time and density
Authors: Savic S.M. , Nikolic M.V. , Aleksic O.S. , Slankamenac M. , Zivanov M. , Nikolic P.M.
Published: May 2008

In this work the DC resistivity of sintered nickel manganite NiMn2O4 (NTC thermistor material) was studied as a function of additional powder activation time in a planetary ball mill (0, 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min). The activated powders and non-activated powder were sintered at different temperatures (900, 1050 and 12000C) for an hour. Structural changes were analyzed using XRD. Sample density, porosity and DC resistivity were measured on the same sintered samples. Correlations between sample density, porosity, and intrinsic DC resistivity vs. additional powder activation time and the sintering temperature were made. It was noticed that the resistivity falls with the increase of sample density (or increase of the sintering temperature).
New alloying systems for ferrous powder metallurgy precision parts
Authors: Danninger H. , Gierl C.
Published: May 2008

Traditionally, the common alloy elements for sintered steels have been Cu and Ni. With increasing requirements towards mechanical properties, and also as a consequence of soaring prices especially for these two metals, other alloy elements have also become more and more attractive for sintered steels, which make the steels however more tricky to process through PM. Here, the chances and risks of using in particular Cr and Mn alloy steels are discussed, considering the different alloying techniques viable in powder metallurgy, and it is shown that there are specific requirements in particular for sintering process. The critical importance of chemical reactions between the metal and the atmosphere is described, and it is shown that not only O2 and H2O but also H2 and even N2 can critically affect sintering and microstructural homogenization.
Influence of mechanical activation on elelctrical properties of cordierite ceramics
Authors: Djordjevic N.G. , Jovanic P.B.
Published: May 2008

The goal of the presented research was to find a possible correlation of the process parameters and functional properties of cordierite based ceramic materials. A three component oxide mixture was prepared containing MgO+Al2O3+SiO2 in the 2:2:5 ratio with the addition of 10% Bi2O3. Mixtures were mechanochemically activated 5 and 240 minutes in a mill with ceramic balls, and sintered at temperatures from 1173-1573K. Structural transformations were determined by the XRD method. Quantitative measures of the functional sample properties, capacity Cc and electrical resistance R? as well as tangens of dielectric loss angle tg ? were used. The results obtained proved that there is a correlation between mechanochemical activation and properties of cordierite ceramics.
Influence of Mn site doping on electrical resistivity of polycrystalline La1-yAyMn1-xBxO3 (A=Ba, Sr; B=Cu, Cr, Co) Manganites
Authors: Paunovic N. , Popovic Z.V. , Cantarero A. , Sapina F.
Published: May 2008

We have the measured electrical resistivity of La1-yBayMn1-xCuxO3 (0.17?y?0.30; 0.04?x?0.10), La1-ySryMn1-xCrxO3 and La1-ySryMn1-xCoxO3 (0.270?y?0.294; 0.02?x?0.10) polycrystalline samples in the 25-325 K temperature range. The increase of Mn site doping concentration leads to an increase of the electrical resistivity of the samples and the appearance of a ?double-peak? structure in the electrical resistivity versus temperature graphs. The first peak represents the insulator-metal transition in vicinity of the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition (TC). We have found that the intensity of the second peak increases with an increase of concentration of Mn substituents, due to the hole scattering by the random potential of the Mn site impurities.
Crystal structure analysis of Nd-doped ceria solid solutions
Authors: Matovic B. , Dukic J. , Devecerski A. , Boskovic S. , Ninic M. , Dohcevic-Mitrovic Z.
Published: May 2008

This paper deals with Nd-doped ceria solid solutions: Ce1-xNdxO2-d with "x" ranging from 0 to 0.25. Six different powders were synthesized by applying the method based on selfpropagating room temperature reaction (SPRT) between metallic nitrates and sodium hydroxide. The method is known to assure very precise stoichiometry of the final product in comparison with a tailored composition. Rietveld refinement was employed to get structural information on the synthesized powder. An increase of Nd ion concentration increases the unit cell parameters and average bond distances. We have shown that all obtained powders were solid solutions with a fluorite-type crystal structure and all powder particles were of nanometric size (about 3 nm).
Industrial waste as a source for fabrication of composite ceramics-glass with a controlled porosity
Authors: Adziski R. , Fidancevska E. , Anguseva B. , Milosevski D. , Vassilev V. , Milosevski M.
Published: May 2008

Metallurgical slag with granulation (-0.125+0.063mm) and 20 wt% waste TV glass were used for obtaining a glass ceramic composite with a controlled porosity. This material obtained by sintering at 950oC/2h possessed thermal stability, integral porosity of 43.6% and E-modulus and bending strength of 12 GPa and 39 MPa, respectively. The composite was characterized with a permeability of 0.47 Da and generation of air bubbles with size of 1-4 mm in a water medium.
ADEPT Learning Cycles Enhance Intermediate Accounting Student Learning Success
Authors: Shoulders Craig D. , Hicks Sam A.
Published: May 2008

This paper describes an approach to teaching intermediate financial accounting employing testing as a teaching and learning tool, not just an assessment tool. Using exams in an analysis-of-diagnostic-exam-driven teaching and learning cycle (ADEPT Learning Cycle), students received feedback on their proficiency on selected topics. The instructor used the results to direct students on corrective steps to resolve deficiencies and to direct targeted, immediate one-on-one tutoring as needed. Students had to complete each diagnostic exam successfully (80 percent grade) before interim exams. The study reports better student performance in Intermediate I for ADEPT students. Student satisfaction indicated on course evaluations also was extremely high. Further, the study reports superior performance in Intermediate II by Intermediate I ADEPT students compared to other Intermediate I students. Finally, 100 percent of “pre-Intermediate I” accounting majors in the ADEPT approach class completed accounting degrees compared to less than 80 percent of other “pre-Intermediate I” accounting majors.
Kofenya: The Role of Accounting Information in Managing the Risks of a New Business
Authors: Ballou Brian , Heitger Dan L.
Published: May 2008

With its focus on two student entrepreneurs who successfully opened an espresso cafe´, this case illustrates how accounting information can be used to measure performance and control business risks with respect to new businesses. Also, this case encourages you to consider the potential financial outcomes of various risk response options linked to strategic and operating decisions. By completing this case successfully, you should develop a better appreciation for business model development, business process identification, performance measurement, and risk assessment.
Jamestown Electric Supply Company: Assessing Customer Profitability
Authors: Heitger Lester E. , Heitger Dan L.
Published: May 2008

Customers increasingly demand that companies offer a wide variety of products and services. As a result, many companies spend millions of dollars conducting profitability analyses of their customers. For instance, the banking industry alone spends an estimated $500 million per year on customer profitability analyses. Accordingly, customer profitability analysis is listed as one of the recent major developments in managerial accounting (Cotton 2005). Customer profitability analysis refers to the practice of estimating the profitability of individual customers and identifying both customers that create value for the company and, just as importantly, those customers that destroy value. Effective customer profitability analysis provides the company with a strong competitive advantage by improving key strategic and operating decisions involving customer selection and retention. For example, Sprint Nextel drew the attention of investors, analysts, and customers alike when it “fired” 1,000 of its worst customers via a form letter (Srivastava 2007). This case reflects the experiences of several international companies in the automotive supply industry and provides you with an opportunity to enhance your knowledge about customer profitability. First, the case demonstrates the importance of customer profitability analysis. Second, the case enhances your ability to perform customer profitability analysis. Third, it helps you improve your critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills. Finally, the case enables you to integrate business knowledge across functional boundaries.
Assessing Audit and Business Risks at Toy Central Corporation
Authors: Earley Christine E. , Phillips Fred
Published: May 2008

This case requires you to evaluate business risks and accounting issues facing a toy manufacturer, and determine how these matters will translate into assertion-specific audit risks. When performing your analyses, you will need to draw on your general knowledge of toys and possibly research some of the issues facing the toy industry. Through these analyses, you should begin to see a need for auditors to consider broad management issues relating to supply chain management and marketing, as well as more traditional matters pertaining to accounting and auditing.
Quality Engineering Services: A Capital Investment Decision
Authors: Zeller Thomas L. , Stanko Brian B.
Published: May 2008

Quality Engineering Services has determined that it must update its information technology system. The system as configured no longer provides the information the company needs to remain competitive. In this case, you will critically evaluate the risk of two mutually exclusive capital investment alternatives: either to (1) install a new information technology system or (2) update the existing IT system, and then make a capital investment recommendation to Quality Engineering Services' managing partners. Your task is to develop cash flow estimates based upon good, yet incomplete information, much like a real business decision. The spreadsheet template that complements this case provides: (1) a range of net present value estimates for each option and (2) comparative distributions for you to evaluate in making a recommendation to the company's managing partners.
Fractality feature in incompressible three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic turbulence
Authors: Momeni Mahdi , Moslehi-Fard Mahmoud
Published: May 2008

Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of decaying isotropic 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence based on the 10243-modes in a periodic box is used to study the statistical properties of turbulence. In this paper, the presence of intermittency in MHD turbulence is investigated through the analysis of the Probability Distribution Function (PDF) for Elsässer fields and total energy fluctuations. We observe that the PDFs of the Elsässer fields fluctuations display a strong non-Gaussian behavior at small scale, which can be ascribed to multifractality feature, while the PDFs of the total energy fluctuations have the same shape over all observed scales and are monofractal. The PDFs have stretched exponential tail and satisfy the function P(|δX|) ∼ exp(−A|δX|μ). Numerically, we extract the exponent μ and find that it is constant for monofractal behavior as the length scale varies. To check the notion of self-similarity in the respective fluctuation, we apply the compensated structure functions.
Effects of right-unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine infusion-induced memory impairment and oxidative stress: relevance for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hritcu Lucian , Ciobica Alin , Artenie Vlad
Published: May 2008

Male Wistar rats were subjected to right-unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) (2 μg/μl) lesions of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) or the substantia nigra (SN), or were sham-operated, and their ability to acquire the operant task was studied by means of Y-maze and shuttle-box tasks. Lesions of both the VTA and the SN resulted in an impairment of conditioned avoidance response and increase of crossing latency tested by means of shuttle-box task, suggesting significant effects of long-term memory. 6-OHDA significantly decreased spontaneous alternation in Y-maze task, suggesting effects on spatial memory, especially on short-term memory. In addition, 6-OHDA lesions of the VTA and the SN induced reductions in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the temporal lobe rather than in the frontal lobe homogenates. Our results provide further support for the toxic effects of 6-OHDA-induced memory impairment and oxidative stress with relevance for Parkinson’s disease.
The Adoption of Service Learning in Universities Around The World
Authors: Umpleby Stuart , Rakicevik Gabriela
Published: May 2008

The Adoption of Service Learning in Universities Around The World

In the United States, service learning has proven to be an effective means for both education and for community development. It seems logical to assume that service learning would be similarly effective in other countries. However, universities in other countries operate quite differently from universities in the U. S. Discussions with professors from the former Soviet Union and Southeast Europe produced a list of obstacles to transferring service learning to other countries. This paper suggests some ways of minimizing these obstacles. As service learning is implemented in universities around the world, opportunities for people to learn from the experiences of others will increase.
The spinal root origins and clinical implications of the lower subscapular nerve
Authors: Kim Deog‐Im , Lee Kyu‐Seok , Kim Ho‐Jeong , Chae Han‐Kyo , Yu Kee‐Hyun
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study was to define the spinal root origins of the lower subscapular nerve and the amounts of participating nerve fibers from each spinal root and to discuss the clinical implications. Using a method of separating the nerve fascicles that traces the particular nerve fibers at the intrafascicular level, the spinal root origins of the lower subscapular nerve appeared as two types. The first type comprised 76.9% and was composed of the C5, C6, and C7 roots; the second type comprised 23.1% and was composed of the C6 and C7 roots. The number of nerve fibers was 357.2 ± 139.7 (mean ± SD) derived from C5, 1070.4 ± 390.6 from C6, and 500.0 ± 285.4 from C7. The nerve fascicles comprising the lower subscapular nerve traveled within the partially common fascicles composed of the axillary nerve. Therefore, injury of the lower subscapular nerve may be accompanied by a lesion of the axillary nerve, which generally consists of C5 and C6 roots composing the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. Clin. Anat. 21:416–419, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The importance of atrial structure and fibers
Authors: Ho S.Y. , Sánchez‐Quintana D.
Published: May 2008

Atrial structures are important in the current era of cardiac interventions using percutaneous transcatheter procedures. Understanding their locations and component parts helps to reduce risks of procedural‐related damage. The general arrangement of the myofibers that make up the atrial walls is reviewed to provide a morphologic basis for atrial conduction and potential substrates of arrhythmias. The right atrium, dominated by its appendage, is characterized by having an extensive array of pectinate muscles. These extend almost perpendicularly from the terminal crest. The left atrium has relatively smooth walls and a small tubular‐shaped appendage. The myofibers show changes in orientations when traced through the thickness of the walls. Extensions of atrial myocardium onto the pulmonary veins and the superior caval vein are common. Apart from Bachmann's bundle, there are other muscular bridges of variable numbers and sizes that provide interatrial connections, connections between the left atrium and the coronary sinus, and connections between the muscular sleeves of the right pulmonary veins and the right atrium. The purpose of this review is to summarize the three‐dimensional arrangement of gross atrial structures, the myoarchitecture and variations in muscular interatrial connections. These are important features in intra‐ and interatrial conduction. Clin. Anat. 22:52–63, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Junction between the great cerebral vein and the straight sinus: An anatomical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study on 25 human brain cadaveric dissections
Authors: Dagain A. , Vignes J.R. , Dulou R. , Dutertre G. , Delmas J.M. , Guerin J. , Liguoro D.
Published: May 2008

The cerebral venous system is poorly understood, and best appreciated under macroscopic anatomical considerations. We present an anatomical and immunohistochemical studies to better define the morphological characteristics of the junction between the great cerebral vein and the straight sinus. Twenty‐five cadaveric specimens from the anatomy laboratory of the University Victor Segalen of Bordeaux were studied. The observation of the venous junctions with the straight sinus was performed under an operating microscope. The smooth muscular actin immunohistochemical staining was performed for 18 veno–sinosal junctions. Five venous junctions were observed using an electron microscope. We observed 3 different anatomic aspects: type 1 was a junction with a small elevation in its floor and a posterior thickening (14 cases); type 2 was a junction with an outgrowth on the floor like a cornice (7 cases); and type 3 was a junction presenting a nodule. Microscopic study of type 1 and 2 junctions showed a positive coloration to orceine attesting the presence of elastic fibers. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of smooth muscular actin and S 100 protein attesting the presence of smooth muscular fibers and nervous fibers. We observed in the ultrastructural study, a morphological progression of the endothelium. The venous orifice of the great cerebral vein into the straight sinus could be anatomically assimilated as a true “sphincter.” Its function in the regulation of the cerebral blood flow needs further exploration. Clin. Anat. 21:389–397, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An evidence‐based approach to human dermatomes
Authors: Lee M.W.L. , McPhee R.W. , Stringer M.D.
Published: May 2008

The dermatome is a fundamental concept in human anatomy and of major importance in clinical practice. There are significant variations in current dermatome maps in standard anatomy texts. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic literature review of the available evidence for the distribution of human dermatomes. Particular emphasis was placed on the technique of ascertainment, the location and extent of each dermatome, the number of subjects studied, and methodologic limitations. Our findings demonstrate that current dermatome maps are inaccurate and based on flawed studies. After selecting the best available evidence, a novel evidence‐based dermatome map was constructed. This represents the most consistent tactile dermatomal areas for each spinal dorsal nerve root found in most individuals. In addition to highlighting the orderly arrangement, areas of consistency and clinical usefulness of dermatomes, their overlap and variability deserve greater emphasis. This review demonstrates the validity of an evidence‐based approach to an anatomical concept. Clin. Anat. 21:363–373, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetic resonance imaging and correlative gross anatomy of the ligamentum semicirculare humeri (rotator cable)
Authors: Kask Kristo , Kolts Ivo , Lubienski Andreas , Russlies Martin , Leibecke Thorsten , Busch Lüder C.
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study has been to demonstrate macroscopic and MRI anatomy of the so‐called rotator cable, otherwise known as the ligamentum semicirculare humeri (LSCH) of the superior shoulder joint capsule. Twelve shoulder joints from eight cadavers were dissected; seven of which, from four of the cadavers, were studied using MR arthrography (1.5‐Tesla device Somatom Symphony®, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) prior to dissection. The MRI protocol included T1WI, PDWI, and DESS 3D WI standard sequences. The results of MRI were compared with gross anatomic dissection findings. The macroscopically recognizable capsular bundle of LSCH fibers was identified by anatomic dissection in all specimens. On MRI, the entire ligament or parts of it could be identified in six of seven cases. It was best visualized on axial images. In the evaluation of magnetic resonance images of superior shoulder joint structures, additional knowledge on the anatomy of the LSCH can be used by the radiologist to facilitate detailed interpretation of the shoulder MRI. Clin. Anat. 21:420–426, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traditional versus novel forecasting techniques: how much do we gain?
Authors: Fernandez Viviana
Published: May 2008

This article applies two novel techniques to forecast the value of US manufacturing shipments over the period 1956–2000: wavelets and support vector machines (SVM). Wavelets have become increasingly popular in the fields of economics and finance in recent years, whereas SVM has emerged as a more user‐friendly alternative to artificial neural networks. These two methodologies are compared with two well‐known time series techniques: multiplicative seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and unobserved components (UC). Based on forecasting accuracy and encompassing tests, and forecasting combination, we conclude that UC and ARIMA generally outperform wavelets and SVM. However, in some cases the latter provide valuable forecasting information that it is not contained in the former. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving moving average trading rules with boosting and statistical learning methods
Authors: Andrada‐Félix Julián , Fernández‐Rodríguez Fernando
Published: May 2008

We present a system for combining the different types of predictions given by a wide category of mechanical trading rules through statistical learning methods (boosting, and several model averaging methods like Bayesian or simple averaging methods). Statistical learning methods supply better out‐of‐sample results than most of the single moving average rules in the NYSE Composite Index from January 1993 to December 2002. Moreover, using a filter to reduce trading frequency, the filtered boosting model produces a technical strategy which, although it is not able to overcome the returns of the buy‐and‐hold (B&H) strategy during rising periods, it does overcome the B&H during falling periods and is able to absorb a considerable part of falls in the market. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cell population entrapped in bone marrow collection sets
Authors: Dvorakova Jana , Hruba Alena , Velebny Vladimir , Kubala Lukas
Published: May 2008

Bone marrow is an important source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and a promising tool for cytotherapy. MSC utilization is limited by low cell yields obtained under standard isolation protocols. Herein, used bone marrow collection sets were evaluated as a valuable source of MSCs. Adherent cells washed from the collection sets were examined for widely accepted criteria defining MSCs. Significant numbers of cells (median 9 million per set in passage 1) with colony‐forming activity and high proliferative potential at low seeding densities were obtained. These cells were positive for essential MSC surface molecules (CD90, CD105, CD166, CD44, CD29) and negative for most haematopoietic and endothelial cell markers (CD45, CD34, CD11a, CD235a, HLA‐DR, CD144). The cells were capable of differentiation along adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic pathways. Washing out bone marrow collection sets may constitute a highly ethical source of MSCs for research purposes and may be utilized also in clinical applications.
Prolactin decreases the expression ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin in human fetal osteoblast cells
Authors: Seriwatanachai Dutmanee , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol , Suthiphongchai Tuangporn , Krishnamra Nateetip
Published: May 2008

Prolactin (PRL) enhanced bone remodeling leading to net bone loss in adult and net bone gain in young animals. Studies in PRL‐exposed osteoblasts derived from adult humans revealed an increase in the expression ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), thus supporting the previous finding of PRL‐induced bone loss in adults. This study thus investigated the effects of PRL on the osteoblast functions and the RANKL/OPG ratio in human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells which strongly expressed PRL receptors. After 48 h incubation, PRL increased osteocalcin expression, but had no effect on cell proliferation. However, the alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased in a dose—response manner within 24 h. The effect of PRL on alkaline phosphatase was abolished by LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. PRL also decreased the RANKL/OPG ratio by downregulating RANKL and upregulating OPG expression, implicating a reduction in the osteoblast signal for osteoclastic bone resorption. It could be concluded that, unlike the osteoblasts derived from adult humans, PRL‐exposed hFOB cells exhibited indices suggestive of bone gain, which could explain the in vivo findings in young rats. The signal transduction of PRL in osteoblasts involved the PI3K pathway.
Expression mapping of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1‐3 (E‐NPP1–3) in different brain structures during rat development
Authors: Cognato Giana de Paula , Czepielewski Rafael Sanguinetti , Sarkis João José Freitas , Bogo Maurício Reis , Bonan Carla Denise
Published: May 2008

Ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphatases/phosphodiesterases (E‐NPPs) are membrane‐bound ecto‐enzymes involved in the modulation of purinergic signaling. Important physiological roles related to brain development have been associated to purinergic neurotransmission. NPP1, two splice isoforms of NPP2, and NPP3 have already been identified in adult rat brain. However, there are no studies evaluating the mRNA expression of these NPP members during the brain development. The effort of the present study was to map NPP gene expression pattern in olfactory bulb, hippocampus, cerebral cortex, striatum, and cerebellum at crucial ages for rat development (7, 14, 21, 60, and 150 days old) by a semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) strategy. Our results demonstrated an increase in the relative expression of NPP1 throughout the aging in all structures analyzed, except in hippocampus, where the higher expression has been detected in 14 days old rats. Both NPP2 isoforms have shown a similar pattern of expression among all structures. The relative expression of NPP3 decreased during the aging mainly on cerebellum, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb. Altogether, the different patterns of NPP gene expression during rat brain development reinforce the idea that each enzyme may play a distinct role on modulating the purinergic signaling throughout aging.