bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-216b suppresses tumor growth and invasion by targeting KRAS in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Deng Min , Tang Hailin , Zhou Yanhong , Zhou Ming , Xiong Wei , Zheng Ying , Ye Qiurong , Zeng Xi , Liao Qianjin , Guo Xiaofang , Li Xiaoling , Ma Jian , Li Guiyuan
Published: August 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that are involved in various diseases, including cancer. In the present study, we found that miR-216b was downregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines and specimens. Decreased expression of miR-216b was directly related to advanced clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. miR-216b levels correlated inversely with levels of KRAS protein during nasopharyngeal tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-216b can bind to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of KRAS and inhibit expression of the KRAS protein. Both in vitro and in vivo assays revealed that miR-216b attenuated NPC cell proliferation, invasion and tumor growth in nude mice. miR-216b exerts its tumor suppressor function through inhibition of the KRAS-related AKT and ERK pathways. Our findings provide, for the first time, significant clues regarding the role of miR-216b as a tumor suppressor by targeting KRAS in NPC.
Imaging molecular dynamics in vivo – from cell biology to animal models
Authors: Timpson Paul , McGhee Ewan J. , Anderson Kurt I.
Published: August 2011

Advances in fluorescence microscopy have enabled the study of membrane diffusion, cell adhesion and signal transduction at the molecular level in living cells grown in culture. By contrast, imaging in living organisms has primarily been restricted to the localization and dynamics of cells in tissues. Now, imaging of molecular dynamics is on the cusp of progressing from cell culture to living tissue. This transition has been driven by the understanding that the microenvironment critically determines many developmental and pathological processes. Here, we review recent progress in fluorescent protein imaging in vivo by drawing primarily on cancer-related studies in mice. We emphasize the need for techniques that can be easily combined with genetic models and complement fluorescent protein imaging by providing contextual information about the cellular environment. In this Commentary we will consider differences between in vitro and in vivo experimental design and argue for an approach to in vivo imaging that is built upon the use of intermediate systems, such as 3-D and explant culture models, which offer flexibility and control that is not always available in vivo. Collectively, these methods present a paradigm shift towards the molecular-level investigation of disease and therapy in animal models of disease.
The Aurora kinase Ipl1 is necessary for spindle pole body cohesion during budding yeast meiosis
Authors: Shirk Katelan , Jin Hui , Giddings Thomas H. , Winey Mark , Yu Hong-Guo
Published: August 2011

In budding yeast, the microtubule-organizing center is called the spindle pole body (SPB) and shares structural components with the centriole, the central core of the animal centrosome. During meiotic interphase I, the SPB is duplicated when DNA replication takes place. Duplicated SPBs are linked and then separate to form a bipolar spindle required for homolog separation in meiosis I. During interphase II, SPBs are duplicated again, in the absence of DNA replication, to form four SPBs that establish two spindles for sister-chromatid separation in meiosis II. Here, we report that the Aurora kinase Ipl1, which is necessary for sister-chromatid cohesion, is also required for maintenance of a tight association between duplicated SPBs during meiosis, which we term SPB cohesion. Premature loss of cohesion leads to SPB overduplication and the formation of multipolar spindles. By contrast, the Polo-like kinase Cdc5 is necessary for SPB duplication and interacts antagonistically with Ipl1 at the meiotic SPB to ensure proper SPB separation. Our data suggest that Ipl1 coordinates SPB dynamics with the two chromosome segregation cycles during yeast meiosis.
The Greek way to the Register: the establishment and operation of the Register for Clinical Chemists-Clinical Biochemists in Greece
Authors: Rizos Demetrios , Karababa Photini , Nikolou Chara , Sarandakou Angeliki , Panagiotakis Othon , Ferderigou Angeliki , Haliassos Alexander , Makris Konstantinos , Psarra Katerina , Bairaktari Eleni , Spyropoulou Panagiota , Galiatsatos Nikolaos , Trakas Nikolaos , Seferiadis Konstantin
Published: August 2011

In Greece, there is no officially organized training in clinical chemistry for scientists. The Greek Society of Clinical Chemistry-Clinical Biochemistry (GSCC-CB), following the encouragement of the EC4/RC decided to organize a voluntary Register for specialists in clinical chemistry. The following criteria for registration were defined: 1) University degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy or other relevant subject. 2) A total of 9 years of university studies and postgraduate specialization in clinical chemistry-clinical biochemistry. 3) A minimum of 4 years of postgraduate specialization in clinical chemistry-clinical biochemistry on the job. 4) The candidate must be practicing clinical chemistry-clinical biochemistry in a laboratory in a medical environment in Greece. The postgraduate specialization in clinical chemistry-clinical biochemistry includes the laboratory training and the theoretical education. The laboratory training is organized by the GSCC-CB according to the Professional Training Dossier. The theoretical education was organized in a series of 18 “Seminars” which was the content of the “Educational program” of the GSCC-CB. Successful completion of the Educational program leads to a Certificate of Competence. The Greek Register has gained equivalence with the EC4 Register and it has 218 members, more than 80 of whom are European clinical chemists.
Rapid and simple IgG specific test for the exclusion of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Authors: Kolde Hans-Jürgen , Dostatni Ralf , Mauracher Susanne
Published: August 2011

The exclusion of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is required for selecting the most appropriate anticoagulation therapy in affected patients. It requires the combination of clinical data with the detection of antibodies directed against platelet factor 4 (PF4) in complex with polyanions (PA) such as heparin.

We developed a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for PF4/PA complex specific IgG antibodies based on gold nanoparticles. Unlike most other assays, the initial immune reaction takes place in the liquid phase. The sensitivity of the assay has been adjusted with clinical samples aiming in the reliable detection of sera which are positive in a functional platelet activation assay.

Sera from 60 patients with suspected HIT were investigated. LFIA identified correctly all samples (n=20) which were positive in a functional assay (HIPA) and an IgG specific ELISA. It correlated with ELISA, but false positive results were less frequent (7 samples were negative with LFIA and HIPA but positive with ELISA).

The LFIA may be a suitable tool for the rapid exclusion of HIT within 10 min.
On the involution module of SL2(2ƒ)
Authors: Pforte Lars
Published: August 2011

For any group G the involutions ℐ in G form a G-set under conjugation. The corresponding kG-permutation module kℐ is known as the involution module of G, with k an algebraically closed field of characteristic two. In this paper we discuss the involution module of the special linear group SL2(2ƒ). We describe the vertices and the Loewy and Socle Series of all its components.
Trabalho artesanal, cadências infernais e lesões por esforços repetitivos: estudo de caso em uma comunidade de mariscadeiras na Ilha de Maré, Bahia
Authors: Pena Paulo Gilvane Lopes , Freitas Maria do Carmo Soares de , Cardim Adryanna
Published: August 2011

O trabalho artesanal persiste no país, cuja abordagem deve considerar particularidades sociais distintas das relações assalariadas. O objetivo foi analisar o processo de trabalho artesanal e suas relações com a saúde em uma comunidade de pescadores artesanais, particularmente nas atividades de pesca extrativa de mariscos. Estudar as cadências e contingenciamentos de tempo e outras condições de trabalho relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de patologias como lesões por esforços repetitivos - LER. Realizou-se um estudo qualitativo, ou etnográfico, no período de 2005 a 2007, em uma comunidade de 800 habitantes, situada em Ilha de Maré - Bahia. Foram entrevistados 30 pescadores e familiares, observados as atividades no trabalho e os casos suspeitos de LER encaminhados para serviço ambulatorial especializado. Evidenciou-se a gravidade das condições de trabalho, em particular para enfermidades LER. Em um modo de extração de mariscos, verificou-se a frequência média de 10.200 movimentos repetitivos por hora, enquanto, para a atividade de digitador, a norma oficial estabelece o limite de 8.000 toques por hora. Concluiu-se que as mariscadeiras devem ser incluídas dentre os grupos sociais de riscos que realizam esforços excessivos e repetitivos do sistema músculo-esquelético nas atividades do trabalho.
As representações sociais dos trabalhadores sobre o Programa Saúde da Família
Authors: Shimizu Helena Eri , Reis Leonardo da Silva
Published: August 2011

O estudo tem como objetivo analisar as representações dos trabalhadores acerca do Programa Saúde da Família (PSF), a fim de verificar as potencialidades e as limitações para a mudança do modelo de atenção à saúde. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com dezoito trabalhadores da área da saúde e observação do processo de trabalho das equipes do Programa Família Saudáveis de cinco Regionais Administrativas do Distrito Federal. As entrevistas analisadas com o software Alceste evidenciaram dois eixos temáticos. O primeiro deles foi o das representações sociais do PSF, composto pelas classes um -o PSF como estratégia para a mudança do modelo de atenção -, dois -dificuldades de infra-estrutura -e cinco -a interação com a família baseada na prática da medicalização. O segundo eixo temático foi: as práticas cotidianas do PSF, composto pela classe três -as ações desenvolvidas pelo PSF -, e pela classe quatro -os modos de organização e de divisão do trabalho no PSF.
Booms, Busts, and Divorce
Authors: Hellerstein Judith K , Morrill Melinda Sandler
Published: August 2011

For almost a century, anecdotes have suggested that divorce rates decline during recessions. However, until very recently there has been surprisingly little formal empirical evidence on whether such a link exists, let alone its magnitude if it does. Moreover, the anticipated direction of the effect is ambiguous theoretically. Although previous studies have concluded that individual job loss destabilizes marriages, macroeconomic conditions may affect divorce probabilities even for those not directly experiencing a job shock. We add to the few existing contemporaneous studies of the effects of macroeconomic shocks on divorce by conducting an empirical analysis of the relationship between state-level unemployment rates and state-level divorce rates using vital statistics data on divorces in the United States from 1976-2009. We find a significant and robust negative relationship between the unemployment and divorce rates, whereby a one percentage point rise in the unemployment rate is associated with a decrease of 0.043 divorces per one thousand people, or about a one percent fall in the divorce rate. The result that divorce is pro-cyclical is robust to a host of alternative empirical specifications, to disaggregating by state characteristics and time period, to expanding the unemployment series back to 1970, and to using alternative measures of local economic conditions.
Transitional Dynamics in a Tullock Contest with a General Cost Function
Authors: Grossmann Martin , Lang Markus , Dietl Helmut
Published: August 2011

This paper constructs and analyzes open-loop equilibria in an infinitely repeated Tullock contest in which two contestants contribute efforts to accumulate individual asset stocks over time. To investigate the transitional dynamics of the contest in the case of a general cost function, we linearize the model around the steady state. Our analysis shows that optimal asset stocks and their speed of convergence to the steady state crucially depend on the elasticity of marginal effort costs, the discount factor and the depreciation rate. In the case of a cost function with a constant elasticity of marginal costs, a lower discount factor, a higher depreciation rate and a lower elasticity imply a higher speed of convergence to the steady state. We further analyze the effects of second prizes in the contest. A higher prize spread increases individual and aggregate asset stocks, but does not alter the balance of the contest in the long run. During the transition, a higher prize spread increases asset stocks, produces a more balanced contest in each period and increases the speed of convergence to the steady state.
Novel acute stressor effects on interscapular brown adipose tissue sympathetic inervation and UCP-1 content in chronically isolated and spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Lakic Iva , Drenca Tamara , Djordjevic Jelena , Vujovic P. , Jasnic N. , Djurasevic S. , Dronjak-Cucakovic Sladjana , Cvijic Gordana
Published: August 2011

Interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) is an energy storing organ involved
in the maintenance of homeostasis in stress conditions when the balance of
energy supplies is disturbed. The major regulator of IBAT activity is the
sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Since genetic background is responsible for
the individual differences in neuroendocrine stress responsivity,
spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) that have a genetically increased
general sympathetic output are a useful model for studying adaptive processes
in stress conditions. Our aim was to test the effect of acute and/or chronic
exposure to various stressors (thermal-cold, psychophysical-immobilization
and psychosocial-isolation) on IBAT SNS and the metabolic activity in SHR, by
measuring the number of monoamine-containing nerve endings and uncoupling
protein-1 (UCP-1) content. The obtained results show that the IBAT SNS
activity of unstressed SHR was stimulated by the administration of a single
acute or chronic stressor and was independent of the duration or type of
stressor, while chronic pre-stress of isolation suppressed further the SNS
reaction to novel acute stress exposure. The IBAT UCP-1 content followed SNS
changes, suggesting that this system is dominant in the regulation of IBAT
metabolic rate in SHR.
Fatigue and depression in multiple sclerosis: Correlation with quality of life
Authors: Miletic Svetlana , Toncev Gordana , Jevdjic Jasna , Jovanovic B. , Canovic D.
Published: August 2011

The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between fatigue and
depression, common features of multiple sclerosis (MS), and the quality of
life (QOL). The study was comprised of 120 patients with clinical
manifestations of definite MS. Relapsing-remitting MS was present in 76.7%
patients and secondary progressive MS was present in 23.3% patients. Mean
disease duration was 8.1 ? 5.6 years and the mean Expanded Disability Status
Score (EDSS) was 3.5 ? 1.8 (range 1-8). Fatigue was measured with the Fatigue
Severity Scale (FSS), depression was measured by the Beck Depression
Inventory (BDI) and QOL was assessed using the health-related quality of life
questionnaire SF-36. We observed that the global FSS score was 4.6 ? 1.8
(range 1-7) and BDI was 10.7 ? 10.3 (range 0-39). The FSS significantly and
positively correlated with the BDI scores (r = 0.572; p = 0.000). The
severity of fatigue had a significant impact on the quality of life (r =
-0.743; p = 0.000), in particular on mental health (r = -0.749; p = 0.000).
We observed a significant correlation between the severity of depression and
impaired quality of life (r = -0.684; p = 0.000). This study shows that
fatigue and depression are associated with impaired QOL in MS.
A case of a double variant of the arterial system in the upper extremity: Arteria brachialis accessoria et arteria comitans nervi mediani
Authors: Kachlik D. , Konarik M. , Hajek P.
Published: August 2011

A thorough knowledge of arteries of the upper extremity is necessary for
catheterization, graft harvesting, shunt application, and Astrup?s
examination. Coincidences of two different variants are rather rare. We
present a case of the coincidental presence of arteria brachialis accessoria
stemming from the arteria axillaris and reuniting with the arteria brachialis
1.5cm below the origin of the arteria collateralis ulnaris inferior; and
arteria comitans nervi median originated in association with the arteria
interossea communis from the arteria ulnaris, passing into the palm and
towards the arteriae digitales palmares to the thumb, index and lateral side
of the third finger. Such coincidence has never been reported before.
Pattern of plasticity to irradiance levels and genotypic correlations between structural and physiological leaf traits in Iris pumila
Authors: Vuleta Ana , Manitasevic-Jovanovic Sanja , Tucic Branka
Published: August 2011

Plasticity to irradiance and genotypic correlations between structural and
physiological leaf traits in Iris pumila were investigated in an experiment
conducted at a sun-exposed dune habitat in the Deliblato Sands. A sample of
six native, genetically different clones were covered with a neutral screen
which transmitted ~35% of daylight, so that one clone-half of each clone
experienced reduced sunlight, while the other one full sunlight. LMA,
stomatal density, ?leaf, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and lipid
peroxidation were determined in unshaded and shaded leaves of the same clone.
It was found that the plasticity index, PIv was higher for physiological than
for structural traits. Genotypic correlations between trait pairs were high,
but rarely significant, in contrast to the correlation matrices which were
significantly different between unshaded and shaded leaves.
Phylogenetic analysis of different Artemisia species based on chloroplast gene rps11
Authors: Mahmood Tariq , Hassan Nadia , Nazar Nazia , Naveed Ishrat
Published: August 2011

Artemisia L. of the family Astereacae is a genus with enormous economical and
medicinal importance. As a result, the genus Artemisia has been the subject
of diversity-focused studies. In the present study, phylogenetic analysis
based on restriction fragment length polymorphism of the chloroplast rps11
gene was conducted on eight species of Artemisia that represent the major
morphological subgroups. After digestion of the rps11 gene that was amplified
from eight species, with six different restriction enzymes, each restriction
site was observed and scored on a 12% polyacrylamide gel. The data were
analyzed using the Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System to
infer the phylogenetic relationship within the genus. A mixed pattern was
observed among the species belonging to various taxonomic groups of
Artemisia.
Biochemical characterization of digestive carbohydrases from Xanthogaleruca luteola and inhibition of its α-amylase by inhibitors extracted from the common bean
Authors: Sharifi Mahbobeh , Ghadamyari Mohammad , Moghadam Mahdavi , Saiidi Fetemeh
Published: August 2011

Xanthogaleruca luteola M?ll. (Col.: Chrysomelidae) is a major urban insect
pest on elm trees in Iran. Digestion in the alimentary canal of the elm leaf
beetle is facilitated by some carbohydrases which are responsible for the
digestion of carbohydrates. The presence of digestive carbohydrases was
determined in the digestive system of adult and last larval instar of the elm
leaf beetle. The specific activity of ?-amylase in the digestive system of
adult females and last larval instars were 0.49? 0.05 and 0.72? 0.07
?mol/min/mg protein, respectively. Also, the amylase activity in the midgut
of the last larval instar was 3.125- and 4.16-fold higher than that its
activity in the foregut and hindgut, respectively. Results showed that
optimum activity for ?-amylase was found at pH 5. As calculated from
Lineweaver-Burk plots, the Km values for ?-amylase were 0.64 and 1.44 mg/ml,
when glycogen and starch were used as substrates, respectively. The effect of
pH and temperature on ?- and ?-glucosidase and ?- and ?-galactosidase
activities was determined in the digestive system of X. luteola. Results
showed that the activity of ?- and ?-glucosidases in adult females was higher
than in larvae, but the ?galactosidase activity in larvae was more than that
of the adult. In adult females the glucosidase activity was higher than the
galactosidase activity. The zymogram pattern in the native gel revealed that
X. luteola ?-amylase, ?-glucosidase and ?-galactosidase in the digestive
system had one, three and one isoforms. ?-amylase inhibitors, purified from
Phaseolus vulgaris L. with an ion-exchange DEAE cellulose column showed good
inhibitory activity on X. luteola gut ?-amylase.
Radical scavenging activity of crude polysaccharides from Camellia sinensis
Authors: Yang Fan , Yang Zhiwei , Xiao Jianbo
Published: August 2011

A preparation of crude polysaccharides (TPS) was isolated from Camellia
sinensis by precipitation and ultrafiltration. TPS1, TPS2, and TPS3 had
molecular weights of 240, 21.4, and 2.46 kDa, respectively. The radical
scavenging activities of TPS were evaluated by DPPH free radical, hydroxyl
radical and superoxide radical scavenging. These results revealed that TPS
exhibited strong radical scavenging activity in a concentration-dependent
manner. TPS3 with lowest molecular weight showed a higher radical scavenging
activity.
Abundance, diversity and distribution of macrophyte communities in neighboring lakes of different trophic states and morphology in north-central Greece
Authors: Pirini Chrisoula , Karagiannakidou Vasiliki , Charitonidis Savvas
Published: August 2011

The role of aquatic vegetation in wetland ecosystems is closely related with
their abundance, diversity and distribution, which in turn represents synergy
of various environmental factors. The floristic composition of the aquatic
vegetation in two neighboring lakes (Vegoritida and Petron) in north-central
Greece was investigated by means of 160 relev?s, which were recorded using
the Braun-Blanquet method. The analysis of relev?s based on TWINSPAN
clustering showed the existence of 10 plant communities from the Lemnetea,
Potametea, Phragmito-Magnocaricetea and Juncetea maritimi classes. The most
important environmental factors for the vegetation differentiation in the
study area, according to the ordination diagram, are light intensity and
water depth of the habitats. The plant species diversity was quantified with
species richness, Shannon Diversity and evenness indices at a scale of each
relev?, with a sampling size of 20 m2. There was a clear differentiation
between the relev?s at the more eutrophic Petron Lake and those at Vegoritida
Lake. The mean plot diversity was also calculated for each plant community,
to enable comparison of the diversity indices among the communities at the
plot level.
Indicators of the environmental state of the Bilecko Jezero Lake
Authors: Dekic R. , Lolic Svjetlana , Gnjato R. , Trbic G. , Gnjato O. , Ivanc A.
Published: August 2011

The research refers to the physical, chemical and microbiological parameters
of the Bilecko Jezero Lake water quality. The monitoring of physical and
chemical parameters and their interaction with other parameters helps
estimate the water quality and any possible changes. Some parameter values
and their alteration directly affect the water life. The research was
performed at three sites: the Grancarevo watergate, the Trebisnjica River
fountain and Orah in the period 2006-2009, and the results of conducted
physical and chemical analyses indicate that the water quality was
satisfactory, albeit with certain deviations. Bacteriological analyses showed
that the water of Bileca accumulation, especially at the Izvor site, was
burdened with fecal material.
The reproductive biology of Calligonum L. in relation to ex situ conservation in a botanical garden
Authors: Xiaoshan Kang , Borong Pan , Shimin Duan , Wei Shi , Yongzhi Zhang
Published: August 2011

In this study, we observed the flowering phenology, breeding system,
pollination and seed germination of four species of Calligonum (C.
calliphysa, C. rubicundum, C. densum and C. ebinuricum) in the Turpan
Eremophytes Botanic Garden, China. Our results showed that the species had
overlapping flowering phenologies and were pollinated by similar pollination
agents. Their breeding systems were self-compatible, and with signs of
outbreeding, but not of hybridization with each other; the main isolation
mechanism was post-zygotic isolation and they also had high seed germination
rates. Therefore, they are suited to ex situ conservation in the Turpan
Eremophytes Botanic Garden, and can supply sufficient seeds for renewal
populations and the conservation of germplasm resources. Furthermore, these
results provide theoretical support for the construction of a national
germplasm resource garden of Calligonum, and for the introduction to the
garden of other eremophyteplants and their conservation.
On two new pseudoscorpions from Herzegovina
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Curcic S.B. , Curcic Nina , Radja T. , Dimitrijevic R.
Published: August 2011

Two new endemic cave pseudoscorpion species from the Petropavlova Pecina
Cave, village Bihovi, 6 km from Trebinje, Herzegovina, are presented,
thoroughly described and illustrated. These are named Chthonius
(Globochthonius) petroupauli n. sp. and Roncus paulipetrou n. sp. Their main
morphometric characteristics and important diagnostic features are analyzed
and compared to those of their phylogenetically closest congeners.
Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy, 1907)(Hemiptera, Aphididae): A new invasive species in Bulgaria
Authors: Yovkova Mariya , Petrovic-Obradovic Olivera
Published: August 2011

nema
Residue of ochratoxin a in chicken tissues-risk assessment
Authors: Milicevic Dragan , Jovanovic Milijan , Matekalo-Sverak Vesna , Radicevic Tatjana , Petrovic Milan , Vukovic Dubravka
Published: August 2011

Background: Toxicological investigations of tissues of normally slaughtered
chickens were carried out to provide preliminary evaluation of the incidence
of OTA in chicken tissues (n=90). Majority of tissue samples were not found
to contain measurable amounts of OTA, while in general, the OTA levels found
in the analyzed tissue were low. Methods: The presence of OTA in tissue
samples was determined by HPLC-FL after liquid-liquid extraction procedure.
Method validation was performed according to the Commission Decision
2002/657/EC. Results: Of the 90 liver, kidney and gizzard samples originating
from chicken farms located in the different agricultural areas of Serbia, OTA
was reported in 23 (38.33%), 17 (28.3%) and 16 (26.6%) samples, respectively,
with levels ranging from 0.14 to 3.9 ng/g in liver, 0.1 to 7.02 ng/g in
kidneys and 0.25 to 9.94 ng/g in gizzard. None of the tissue samples
contained more than the maximum level (10 ng/g) recommended by the European
Commission. Conclusion: Low OTA results also suggested that chicken meat
available in the retail market is unlikely to pose an adverse health risk to
the consumers in respect to OTA toxicity.
The seventieth anniversary of the hormonal treatment of prostatic carcinoma
Authors: Milovanovic Lela
Published: August 2011

Hormonal treatment of prostatic carcinoma was initiated in the first half of
twentieth century. Theoretical basis of hormonal treatment was established
with the work of Charles Brenton Huggins published in 1941. Initial results
were encouraging, but fatal outcome occurred anyway. There are four
directions of hormonal treatment of pancreatic cancer: orchiectomy,
estrogens, LHRH agonists, or antiandrogens. Refinements of hormonal therapy
were constant and resulted in prolonged survival time and fairly improved
quality of life. These results rank hormonal therapy of pancreatic cancer as
the most successful systemic treatment of metastatic disease.
Granular cell tumor of the bronchus coexisting with a bronchogenic adenocarcinoma: Case report
Authors: Solajic Nenad , Krcedinac Jelena , Samardzija Golub , Milic Miljan , Lovrenski Aleksandra
Published: August 2011

Pulmonary granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon and usually benign and
their coexistence with bronchogenic adenocarcinoma is rare. We report the
case of 50-year-old woman with GCT located in the left lung hilum, which
occurred simultaneously with a primary bronchogenic adenocarcinoma in the
same area. Contrast CT scan of the head revealed secondary deposits in the
right cerebellum, presumably of adenocarcinomas origin. Bronchoscopy revealed
narrowing on the beginning of the left lingular bronchus and infiltration of
the medial distal wall of the left main bronchus. Large tumor cells with
eosinophilic granular cytoplasm were seen on light microscopic examination.
Tumor cells fully occupied submucosa and had small, round nuclei with no
signs of pleomorphism. Immunohistochemically, these cells were S-100
positive. In small area, groups of atypical oval-shaped cells of
adenocarcinomas origin were noticed. This confirmed the diagnosis of GCT
coexisting with adenocarcinoma. After consultation with oncologists, the
patient was scheduled for further polychemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Some common fixed point theorems in vector metric spaces
Authors: Altun Ishak , Çevik Cüneyt
Published: August 2011

In this paper we give some theorems on point of coincidence and common fixed
points for two self mappings satisfying some general contractive conditions
in vector metric spaces. Our results generalize some well-known recent
results.
A posteriori bounds of approximate solution to variational and quasi-variational inequalities
Authors: Jacimovic Milojica , Krnic Izedin
Published: August 2011

In this paper we present some bounds of an approximate solution to
variational and quasi-variational inequalities. The measures of errors can be
used for construction of iterative and continuous procedures for solving
variational (quasi-variational) inequalities and formulation of corresponding
stopping rules. We will also present some methods based on linearization for
solving quasi-variational inequalities.
Oriented incidence energy and threshold graphs
Authors: Stevanovic Dragan
Published: August 2011

Let G be a simple graph with n vertices and m edges. Let edges of G be given
an arbitrary orientation, and let Q be the vertex-edge incidence matrix of
such oriented graph. The oriented incidence energy of G is then the sum of
singular values of Q. We show that for any n?9, there exists at least
([n/9]/2)+1 distinct pairs of graphs on n vertices having equal oriented
incidence energy.
On conformal, harmonic mappings and Dirichlet’s integral
Authors: Kalaj David , Mateljevic Miodrag
Published: August 2011

This paper has an expository character, however we present as well some new
results and new proofs. We prove a complex version of Dirichlet?s principle
in the plane and give some applications of it as well as estimates of
Dirichlet?s integral from below. Some of the results in the plane are
generalized to higher dimensions. Roughly speaking, under the appropriate
conditions we estimate the n-Dirichlet integral of a mapping u defined on a
domain ? ? Rn , n ? 2, by the measure of u(?) and show that equality holds if
and only if it is injective conformal. Also some sharp inequalities related
to the L2 norms of the radial derivatives of vector harmonic mappings from
the unit ball in Rn, n ? 2, are given. As an application, we estimate the
2-Dirichlet integrals of mappings in the Sobolev space Wi2.
Double sequence transformations that guarantee a given rate of p-convergence
Authors: Patterson Richard , Savaş Ekrem
Published: August 2011

In this paper the following sequence space is presented. Let [t] be a
positive double sequence and define the sequence space ?''(t) = {complex
sequences x : xk,l = O(tk,l)}. The set of geometrically dominated double
sequences is defined as G'' = U r,s?(0,1) G(r, s) where G(r, s) = {complex
sequences x : x k,l = O(rk sl)} for each r, s in the interval (0, 1). Using
this definition, four dimensional matrix characterizations of l?,?, c'',
and c0'' into G'' and into ?''(t) are presented. In addition to these
definitions and characterizations it should be noted that this ensure a rate
of converges of at least as fast as [t]. Other natural implications will also
be presented.
On spaces of group-valued functions
Authors: Kocinac Ljubisa
Published: August 2011

Several results concerning closure-type properties of function spaces of
continuous real-valued functions on a Tychonoff space X are extended to the
spaces of group-valued functions.
On some vector valued generalized difference modular sequence spaces
Authors: Karakaya Vatan , Dutta Hemen
Published: August 2011

In this paper we generalize the modular sequence space ?{Mk} by introducing
the sequence space ?{Mk,p,q,s,?n/vm}. We give various properties relevant
to algebraic and topological structures of this space and derived some other
spaces.
On the sum-connectivity index
Authors: Wang Shilin , Bo Zhou , Trinajstic Nenad
Published: August 2011

The sum-connectivity index of a simple graph G is defined in mathematical
chemistry as R+(G) = ? uv?E(G)(du+dv)?1/2, where E(G) is the edge set
of G and du is the degree of vertex u in G. We give a best possible lower
bound for the sum-connectivity index of a graph (a triangle-free graph,
respectively) with n vertices and minimum degree at least two and
characterize the extremal graphs, where n ? 11.
Pseudobounded or ω-pseudobounded paratopological groups
Authors: Lin Fucai , Lin Shou
Published: August 2011

We say that a paratopological group G is pseudobounded (?-pseudobounded), if
for every neighborhood V of the identity element e of G, there exists a
natural number n such that G=Vn (G = U?n=1 Vn). In this paper, we mainly
discuss the pseudobounded and ?-pseudobounded paratopological groups. First,
we give an example to show that a theorem in [4] is not true. And then, we
define the concept of premeager, and discuss when a pseudobounded
paratopological group is a topological group. Moreover, we also discuss some
properties of ?-pseudobounded topological groups, and show that the class of
connected topological groups is contained in the class of ?-pseudobounded
topological groups. Finally, some open problems concerning the
paratopological groups are posed.
Univalence criterion for two integral operators
Authors: Ularu Nicoleta , Breaz Daniel
Published: August 2011

In this paper we extend some results obtained by Breaz et al. in [3], for a
general integral operators Gn,?(z), G?1,...,?n,n (z) and J?1,?2,...,?n,?.
On the number of restricted Dyck paths
Authors: Ilic Aleksandar , Ilic Andreja
Published: August 2011

In this note we examine the number of integer lattice paths consisting of
up-steps (1, 1) and down-steps (1,?1) that do not touch the lines y = m and
y=?k, and in particular Theorem 3.2 in [P. Mladenovic, Combinatorics,
Mathematical Society of Serbia, Belgrade, 2001]. The theorem is shown to be
incorrect for n ? m + k + min(m,k), and using similar combinatorial
technique we proved the upper and lower bound for the number of such
restricted Dyck paths. In conclusion, we present some relations between the
Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind and generating function for the
number of restricted Dyck paths, and connections with the spectral moments of
graphs and the Estrada index.
On a semi-symmetric non-metric connection
Authors: Chaubey S.K. , Ojha R.H.
Published: August 2011

Yano [1] defined and studied semi-symmetric metric connection in a Riemannian
manifold and this was extended by De and Senguta [8] and many other
geometers. Recently, the present authors [3], [5] defined semi-symmetric
non-metric connections in an almost contact metric manifold. In this paper,
we studied some properties of a semi-symmetric non-metric connection in a
Kenmotsu manifold.
Matrix summability of statistically p-convergence sequences
Authors: Patterson Richard , Savaş Ekrem
Published: August 2011

Matrix summability is arguable the most important tool used to characterize
sequence spaces. In 1993 Kolk presented such a characterization for
statistically convergent sequence space using nonnegative regular matrix. The
goal of this paper is extended Kolk?s results to double sequence spaces via
four dimensional matrix transformation. To accomplish this goal we begin by
presenting the following multidimensional analog of Kolk?s Theorem : Let X be
a section-closed double sequence space containing e'' and Y an arbitrary
sequence space. Then B ?(st2A ? X,Y) if and only if B ? (c''? X,Y) and
B[KxK]?(X,Y) (?A(K?K)=0). In addition, to this result we shall also
present implication and variation of this theorem.
The function (bx−ax)/x: Logarithmic convexity and applications to extended mean values
Authors: Guo Bai-Ni , Feng Qi
Published: August 2011

In the paper, we first prove the logarithmic convexity of the elementary
function bx?ax/x, where x ? 0 and b > a > 0. Basing on this, we then
provide a simple proof for Schur-convex properties of the extended mean
values, and, finally, discover some convexity related to the extended mean
values.
Inequalities for two specific classes of functions using Chebyshev functional
Authors: Masjed-Jamei Mohammad
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we introduce two specific classes of functions in Lp-spaces
that can generate new and known inequalities in the literature. By using some
recent results related to the Chebyshev functional, we then obtain upper
bounds for the absolute value of the two introduced functions and consider
three particular examples. One of these examples is a suitable tool for
finding upper and lower bounds of some incomplete special functions such as
incomplete gamma and beta functions.
Topologies in generalized Orlicz sequence spaces
Authors: Kolk Enno
Published: August 2011

In 1994 S. D. Parashar and B. Choudhary defined certain paranorms in some
Orlicz sequence spaces of Maddox type. Their ideas are applied later by many
authors for topologization of various generalized Orlicz sequence spaces. We
determine alternative F-seminorms in such spaces by using the standard
arguments of modular spaces theory and a result about the topologization of
sequence spaces defined by modulus functions.
Epigenetic and genetic approach to the transmissibility of dental characteristics in twins: Report of two cases
Authors: Jefferson Martins , Garbin Saliba , Aparecida Costa , Arruda Braga , Amoroso Paschoal
Published: August 2011

Transmissibility of dental and jaw characteristics is strongly influenced by
environmental factors during the years of extra uterine life when
odontogenesis occurs. Through biochemical factors, such as enzymes, proteins,
hormones and other mediators, genes are activated or silenced to suit the
cell or organism to its environment. These changes are not transmitted to our
descendants, because of that, these factors are called epigenetic. Among the
most cited epigenetic factors are food, pollution, drugs and exercise. The
objective of this study was to assess the transmissibility of dental
characteristics in two pairs of twins. In one case, 13-year-old boys had the
same basic dental and jaw characteristics with prolonged retention of the
second upper deciduous molars and the presence of permanent successors. In
the other case, 14-year-old boys had prolonged retention of lower deciduous
second molars and absence of permanent successors, but only one of them had
the germs of third lower molars. The phenotypic difference in the dentition
of twins from clinical case 2 could be due to epigenetic factors, showing the
absence of genetic determinism in the transmissibility of dental
characteristics.
The prohibition of financing of terrorism in the light of international law and regulations of the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Cmiljanic Bajo
Published: August 2011

Terrorist acts are sometimes carried out in order to obtain funds for
financing terrorist organizations and terrorist actions. Therefore, due
attention in considering the forms of combat against terrorism has been paid
to the connection between money and violence. The issue of prohibition of
financing of terrorism is the subject of many international legal documents.
Republic of Serbia has devoted many normative documents to this problem, that
are harmonized with the international obligations accepted upon the signing
of international treaties. The task of this paper is to show the basic norms
of international law and the laws of the Republic of Serbia regarding the
prohibition of financing of terrorism.
Air Quality Response Modeling for Decision Support
Authors: Cohan Daniel S. , Napelenok Sergey L.
Published: August 2011

Air quality management relies on photochemical models to predict the responses of pollutant concentrations to changes in emissions. Such modeling is especially important for secondary pollutants such as ozone and fine particulate matter which vary nonlinearly with changes in emissions. Numerous techniques for probing pollutant-emission relationships within photochemical models have been developed and deployed for a variety of decision support applications. However, atmospheric response modeling remains complicated by the challenge of validating sensitivity results against observable data. This manuscript reviews the state of the science of atmospheric response modeling as well as efforts to characterize the accuracy and uncertainty of sensitivity results.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of 3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-thioxo-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one
Authors: Saeed Aamer , Mahmood Shams ul , Ishida H.
Published: August 2011

Synthesis of the title compound from 4-methoxyaniline was accomplished in three steps. The structure was supported by spectroscopic data and unambiguously confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21 with unit cell dimensions α = 9.9349(8), b = 6.3377(5), c = 10.5783(10) Å, β = 97.752(3)°, V = 659.97(10) Å3, Z = 2.
A Maximum Entropy Estimator for the Aggregate Hierarchical Logit Model
Authors: Donoso Pedro , De Grange Louis , González Felipe
Published: August 2011

A new approach for estimating the aggregate hierarchical logit model is presented. Though usually derived from random utility theory assuming correlated stochastic errors, the model can also be derived as a solution to a maximum entropy problem. Under the latter approach, the Lagrange multipliers of the optimization problem can be understood as parameter estimators of the model. Based on theoretical analysis and Monte Carlo simulations of a transportation demand model, it is demonstrated that the maximum entropy estimators have statistical properties that are superior to classical maximum likelihood estimators, particularly for small or medium-size samples. The simulations also generated reduced bias in the estimates of the subjective value of time and consumer surplus.
Local Stability Analysis of a Thermo-Economic Model of a Chambadal-Novikov-Curzon-Ahlborn Heat Engine
Authors: Barranco-Jiménez Marco A. , Páez-Hernández Ricardo T. , Reyes-Ramírez Israel , Guzmán-Vargas Lev
Published: August 2011

In this work we present a local stability analysis of the thermo-economic model of an irreversible heat engine working at maximum power conditions. The thermo-economic model is based on the maximization of a benefit function which is defined by the ratio of the power output and the total cost involved in the plant’s performance. Our study shows that, after a small perturbation, the system decays exponentially to the steady state determined by two different relaxation times. In particular, we show that the relaxation times are function of the temperature ratio τ = T2/T1 (T1 > T2), the cost function ƒ and the parameter R (a parameter related to the degree of internal irreversibilities). We observe that the stability of the system improves as τ increases whereas for changes in ƒ and R, the stability properties are characterized by a rapid decay along the fast eigendirection as ƒ increases and R decreases. Finally, we discuss our results in the context of energetic properties.
Tools for Small Hydropower Plant Resource Planning and Development: A Review of Technology and Applications
Authors: Punys Petras , Dumbrauskas Antanas , Kvaraciejus Algis , Vyciene Gitana
Published: August 2011

This paper reviews and compares software tools for the planning and design of small hydropower (SHP) plants. The main emphasis is on small scale hydropower resource assessment computer tools and methodologies for the development of SHP plants corresponding to a preliminary or prefeasibility study level. The paper presents a brief evaluation of the historic software tools and the current tools used in the small hydro industry. The reviewed tools vary from simple initial estimates to quite sophisticated software. The integration of assessment tools into Geographic Information System (GIS) environments has led to a leap forward in the strengthening of the evaluation of the power potential of water streams in the case of the spatial variability of different factors affecting stream power. A number of countries (e.g., Canada, Italy, Norway, Scotland and the US) have re-assessed their hydropower capacities based on spatial information of their water stream catchments, developing tools for automated hydro-site identification and deploying GIS-based tools, so-called Atlases, of small-scale hydropower resources on the Internet. However, a reliable assessment of real SHP site feasibility implies some “on the ground” surveying, but this traditional assessment can be greatly facilitated using GIS techniques that involve the spatial variability of catchment characteristics.
Aberrant Single Exon Skipping is not Altered by Age in Exons of NF1, RABAC1, AATF or PCGF2 in Human Blood Cells and Fibroblasts
Authors: Mellert Kevin , Uhl Michael , Högel Josef , Lamla Markus , Kemkemer Ralf , Kaufmann Dieter
Published: August 2011

In human pre-mRNA splicing, infrequent errors occur resulting in erroneous splice products as shown in a genome-wide approach. One characteristic subgroup consists of products lacking one cassette exon. The noise in the splicing process, represented by those misspliced products, can be increased by cold shock treatment or by inhibiting the nonsense mediated decay. Here, we investigated whether the splicing noise frequency increases with age in vivo in peripheral bloods cells or in vitro in cultured and aged fibroblasts from healthy donors. Splicing noise frequency was measured for four erroneously skipped NF1 exons and one exon of RABAC1, AATF and PCGF2 by RT-qPCR. Measurements were validated in cultured fibroblasts treated with cold shock or puromycin. Intragenic but not interpersonal differences were detected in splicing noise frequencies in vivo in peripheral blood cells of 11 healthy donors (15 y–85 y) and in in vitro senescent fibroblasts from three further donors. No correlation to the age of the donors was found in the splicing noise frequencies. Our data demonstrates that splicing error frequencies are not altered by age in peripheral blood cells or in vitro aged fibroblasts in the tested exons of the four investigated genes, indicating a high importance of correct splicing in these proliferating aged cells.