bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vrednovanje Dobara pri Ocjeni Društvene Opravdanosti Investicionih Projekata / Evaluation of Goods in Assessment of Social Justification of Investment Projects
Authors: Čoprka Miodrag
Published: March 2016

Rezime

Efekti investicija se, u zavisnosti od njihove vrste i veličine, različito mogu manifestovati na privredu, zbog čega je potrebno sagledati različite aspekte njihovog vrednovanja. Polazeći od toga da tržište ne može uvijek i pod svim okolnostima pravilno vrednovati sve robe i usluge s gledišta društva, opravdanost s komercijalnog gledišta se može u mnogome razlikovati od opravdanosti s gledišta društva. Osnovno polazište pri tome predstavlja primjena obračunskih umjesto tržišnih cijena, odnosno sagledavanje oportunitetnih koristi i troškova investicionih projekata, budući da su sastavni dio investicije a ne primjenjuju se u najboljoj alternativnoj upotrebi. Polazeći od nedostataka klasičnih finansijskih analiza u identifikaciji i vrednovanju efekata investicionih projekata sa društvenog aspekta, potrebno je afirmisati pristupe koji se u svijetu sve više razvijaju i dobijaju na značaju.
Međunarodni Transferi Tehnologije i Znanja Kao Podsticajnih Faktora Razvoja Preduzeća / International Transfer of Technology and Knowledge as a Factor Stimulating Enterprise Development
Authors: Mirković Milena , Milovanović Ljubica
Published: March 2016

Rezime

Savremeni uslovi poslovanja zahtijevaju od preduzeća brzo mijenjanje, prilagođavanje i konstantno usavršavanje. Opstanak, rast i razvoj na sve većem i dinamičnijem tržištu mogu obezbijediti preduzeća koja na vrijeme dođu do potrebnih znanja, informacija i tehnologije. To su najčešće najpotrebniji resursi za rast i razvoj i za ostvarenje postavljenih ciljeva preduzeća. Nerijetko se dešava da preduzeća ne raspolažu svim navedenim resursima i do njih, u savremenim uslovima poslovanja, dolaze na osnovu razvoja međunarodnog transfera. Međunarodna trgovina obezbjeđuje brži i lakši transfer tehnologije i znanja između zemalja na različitim krajevima svijeta. Takav način funkcionisanja i poslovanja preduzeća, tj. transfer tehnologije i znanja donosi preduzeću brojne prednosti i olakšava mu razvojni put.
Kulturne Determinante Globalizacije i Održivi Razvoj / Sustainable Development and Cultural Determinants of Globalization
Authors: Đukić Petar
Published: March 2016

Rezime

Kultura i globalizacija se međusobno prožimaju i uslovljavaju ne samo zbog uobičajene interakcije kultura već i, pre svega, zbog tehnoloških transfera koji oblikuju globalnu ekonomiju. Celokupni društveni razvoj se tako prilagođava kulturama i kulturi uopšte. Sa jedne strane gledano, tržište i globalizacija negativno utiču na kulturu. Kao skup trajnih materijalnih i nematerijalnih vrednosti i ljudskih tvorevina, kultura je izložena mnoštvu problematičnih, kontrakulturnih i degradirajućih procesa, koji proističu iz sukoba interesa i, ponekad, prebrzih promena, kao i nekritički prihvaćenih novina, formi i standarda. U tom smislu degradacija kulture može usloviti pad kvaliteta ekonomske aktivnosti.

Ekološka kultura i kultura održivosti, predstavljaju samo deo jedne relativno nove poslovne kulture i ponašanja. U stvari, ekološko ponašanje i „zelena inteligencija“ svojstvene su čoveku i deo su univerzalne ljudske kulture, kao i održivog odnosa prema prirodi i budućim naraštajima.

Mimo uobičajenih shvatanja i predrasuda, većina istraživanja pokazuje da globalizacija i razvoj tržišta imaju pozitivan neto efekat na ekološku kulturu i održivi razvoj. Pred čovečanstvom je šansa da se ta pozitivna prožimanja iskoriste, a da kultura globalizacije postane podsticajni faktor održivog razvoja.
Prag Ekonomičnosti i Njegova Primjena u Poslovnoj Politici Preduzeća/ Economical Threshold and its Use in the Business Policies of Companies
Authors: Berberović Šefkija , Bandur Miodrag
Published: March 2016

Rezime

U vođenju poslovne politike, poznavanje troškova, kao ulaznog elementa procesa reprodukcije i njihovog ponašanja u dinamici sukcesivnih procesa je od velikog značaja za kvalitet ekonomije preduzeća. Činjenica da se troškovi različito ponašaju u odnosu na stepen korišćenja kapaciteta, zahtjeva od menadžmenta preduzeća poznavanje zakonitosti u ponašanju troškova u dinamici procesa reprodukcije. U skladu s tim je uspješnost iznalaženja optimalnog stepena korišćenja kapaciteta, gdje se postiže maksimalna dobit. U tu svrhu koriste se metode utvrđivanja graničnih troškova, kao i minimalnog stepena korišćenja kapaciteta, te metod utvrđivanja tačke - praga ekonomičnosti.
Instrumenti Međunarodnog Platnog Prometa - Bankarske Garancije/ Instruments of Payment - Bank Guarantees
Authors: Mičić Nataša
Published: March 2016

Rezime

U izvršenju spoljnotrgovinskih plaćanja postoje mogućnosti upotrebe širokog spektra instrumenata. Svaki od njih ima svoje specifičnosti na koje ćemo ukazati. Ubjedljivo najviše korišćeni instrument međunarodnih plaćanja je dokumentarni akreditiv. Pored akreditiva i „tradicionalniih“ instrumenata plaćanja - čeka i mjenice, u spoljnotrgovinskom poslu postoji i mogućnost plaćanja bankarskim doznakama, što se uglavnom koristi za avansna plaćanja (plaćanja unaprijed, pre prijema robe), što nosi određene rizike za kupca. Postoji i mogućnosti dokumentarne naplate - tzv. dokumentarni inkaso. Kod tog instrumenta je obnut red poteza od doznačavanja sredstava unaprijed. To nosi rizik za prodavca koji šalje robu unaprijred, a posebno šalje dokumenta na naplatu, a ona se naplate kada se kupac saglasi. Instrumenti platnog prometa su predmet ovog rada.
Plant bio-stimulator fertilizers can be applied in integrated plant management (IPM) in forest nurseries
Authors: Tkaczyk Miłosz , Nowakowska Justyna A. , Oszako Tomasz
Published: March 2016

In the circumstances of only a limited number of pesticides being approved for use in forest nurseries, it is necessary to also examine the efficacy of new products available on the European market that stimulate growth and improve resilience and vitality among seedlings and saplings, with a view to the application of these products forming part of an integrated programme of plant protection. This paper describes trials of the three commercially available fertilizer products Actifos, Zielony Busz and Effective Microorganisms (EM), as carried out in seven Polish nurseries in an attempt to promote the growth of shoots and root systems of seedlings and saplings. In 64% of cases of it being used, Actifos was shown to stimulate growth significantly beyond control levels in the shoots of oak, beech, pine, spruce and alder saplings as well as the roots of young alders and oaks.
Thermal convection of magneto compressible couple-stress fluid saturated in a porous medium with Hall current
Authors: Mehta C.B. , Singh M. , Kumar S.
Published: March 2016

An investigation is made on the effect of Hall currents on thermal instability of a compressible couple-stress fluid in the presence of a horizontal magnetic field saturated in a porous medium. The analysis is carried out within the framework of the linear stability theory and normal mode technique. A dispersion relation governing the effects of viscoelasticity, Hall currents, compressibility, magnetic field and porous medium is derived. For the stationary convection a couple-stress fluid behaves like an ordinary Newtonian fluid due to the vanishing of the viscoelastic parameter. Compressibility, the magnetic filed and couple-stress parameter have stabilizing effects on the system whereas Hall currents and medium permeability have a destabilizing effect on the system, but in the absence of Hall current couple-stress has a destabilizing effect on the system. It has been observed that oscillatory modes are introduced due to the presence of viscoelasticity, magnetic field porous medium and Hall currents which were non-existent in their absence.
MHD flow past a parabolic flow past an infinite isothermal vertical plate in the presence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction
Authors: Muthucumaraswamy R. , Sivakumar P.
Published: March 2016

The problem of MHD free convection flow with a parabolic starting motion of an infinite isothermal vertical plate in the presence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction has been examined in detail in this paper. The fluid considered here is a gray, absorbing emitting radiation but a non-scattering medium. The dimensionless governing coupled linear partial differential equations are solved using the Laplace transform technique. A parametric study is performed to illustrate the influence of the radiation parameter, magnetic parameter, chemical reaction parameter, thermal Grashof number, mass Grashof number, Schmidt number and time on the velocity, temperature, concentration. The results are discussed graphically and qualitatively. The numerical results reveal that the radiation induces a rise in both the velocity and temperature, and a decrease in the concentration. The model finds applications in solar energy collection systems, geophysics and astrophysics, aerospace and also in the design of high temperature chemical process systems.
Study of the influence of temperature and water level of the reservoir about the displacement of a concrete dam
Authors: Oro S.R. , Mafioleti T.R. , Chaves Neto A. , Garcia S.R.P. , Neumann Júnior C.
Published: March 2016

Multivariate techniques are used in this study to analyze the monitoring data displacements of a concrete dam, measured by means of pendulums, extensometer bases and multiple rod extensometers, taking into account the action of environmental conditions, bounded by the surface temperature of the concrete at ambient temperature and the tank water level. The canonical correlation analysis is used to evaluate the influence of environmental variables in the displacement of structures and dam foundations. The factor analysis is used to identify data sources of variability and order the sensors according to the action of factors. The dates of the measurements are grouped according to similarities in the present observations, by applying the cluster analysis. Then the discriminant analysis is used to assess the groups as to their homogeneity. The results demonstrate that the techniques used for distinguishing the dam responses and identify the effects of changes in environmental conditions on the displacements of the structures and dam foundations.
Plasma cadmium and zinc and their interrelationship in adult Nigerians: potential health implications
Authors: Ugwuja Emmanuel Ike , Ogbonnaya Lawrence Ulu , Uro-Chukwu Henry , Obuna Johnson Akuma , Ogiji Emeka , Ezenkwa Simon Uchenna
Published: March 2016

Zinc (an essential trace element) and cadmium (a ubiquitous environmental pollutant with acclaimed toxicity) have been found to occur together in nature, with reported antagonism between the two elements. The present study aimed at determination of plasma levels of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) and their interrelationship in adult Nigerians. The series comprised adults (n=443) aged ≥18 yrs (mean ± SD 38.4±13.7 yrs), consisting of 117 males, 184 non-pregnant and 140 pregnant females. Sociodemographic data were collected by questionnaire while anthropometrics were determined using standard methods. Plasma Cd and Zn were determined by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean plasma zinc and cadmium were 94.7±18.1 μg/dl and 0.150±0.548 μg/dl, respectively. Age, sex, pregnancy, and parity had no effect on either plasma Zn or Cd. Although educational level had no effect on plasma Zn, it had a significant effect on Cd; subjects possessing either secondary or tertiary education had significantly lower plasma Cd than subjects without formal education. Moreover, there seemed to be an inverse relationship between Cd and Zn, but this was not statistically significant (r=–0.089; p=0.061). Although plasma Zn was not related to BMI (r=0.037; p=0.432), Cd was significantly negatively correlated with BMI (r=–0.124; p=0.009). It may be concluded that adult Nigerians in Ebonyi State have elevated plasma levels of Cd, with apparent impact on the levels of plasma Zn. This has important public health implications considering the essential roles of Zn in the protection of Cd mediated adverse health effects. While food diversification is recommended to improve plasma Zn, efforts should be made to reduce exposure to Cd to mitigate partially its possible adverse effects.
Altered differential hemocyte count in 3rd instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster as a response to chronic exposure of Acephate
Authors: Rajak Prem , Dutta Moumita , Roy Sumedha
Published: March 2016

Acephate, an organophosphate (OP) pesticide, was used to investigate the effects of its chronic exposure on hemocyte abundance in a non-target dipteran insect Drosophila melanogaster. For this purpose, six graded concentrations ranging from 1 to 6 μg/ml were selected, which are below the reported residual values (up to 14 μg/ml) of the chemical. 1st instar larvae were fed with these concentrations up to the 3rd instar stage and accordingly hemolymph smears from these larvae were prepared for differential hemocyte count. Three types of cells are found in Drosophila hemolymph, namely, plasmatocytes, lamellocytes and crystal cells. Plasmatocyte count was found to decrease with successive increase in treatment concentrations. Crystal cells showed an increasing trend in their number. Though the number of lamellocytes was very low, a bimodal response was noticed. Lamellocyte number was found to increase with the initial three concentrations, followed by a dose dependent reduction in their number. As hemocytes are directly linked to the immune system of fruit flies, fluctuations in normal titer of these cells may affect insect immunity. Hemocytes share homologies in their origin and mode of action with the immune cells of higher organisms including man. Thus the present findings suggest that immune cells of humans and other organisms may be affected adversely under chronic exposure to Acephate.
Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous stem bark extract of Bridelia ferruginea (Euphorbiaceae) in rodents
Authors: Awodele Olufunsho , Amagon Kennedy Iliya , Agbo John , Prasad Majeti Narasimha Vara
Published: March 2016

Bridelia ferruginea is a woody shrub that grows in the Savannah or rain forests of Africa and has traditionally been used to treat diabetes, arthritis and boils. Despite all these uses, extensive toxicological evaluation has not been carried out. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicological effects of the stem bark aqueous extract of Bridelia ferruginea in rats. The lethal dose (LD50) was determined using probit analysis and graded doses of the extract (250–4 000 mg/kg) were administered to the animals via oral and intraperitoneal routes and observed for mortality, behavioral changes and signs of toxicity. Sub-chronic toxicity study was carried out at doses of 1 000, 2 000 and 4 000 mg/kg administered daily for 60 days. The animals were sacrificed after 60 days. Blood was collected for biochemical (renal and hepatic), hematological, oxidative stress, sperm and histopathological examinations, using standard methods. LD50 of the extract was estimated as >4 000 mg/kg orally; neither significant visible signs of toxicity nor mortality were observed. There were no significant differences in the animals and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters in the treated groups compared to the control group. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of lipid peroxidation and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in sperm count were observed in the treated animals compared with the control group. The stem-bark aqueous extract of Bridelia ferruginea was found to be relatively safe, though it has the potential to cause lipid peroxidation and damage sperm quality and should thus be used with caution.
Antitumor activity and antioxidant status of Streblus asper bark against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma in mice
Authors: Suresh Kumar R.B. , Kar Biswakanth , Dolai Narayan , Karmakar Indrajit , Bhattacharya Sanjib , Haldar Pallab K.
Published: March 2016

Streblus asper Lour (Moraceae), commonly known as Siamee Rough Brush in English is widely distributed in subtropical Asia and traditionally used for several medicinal purposes. In the present study, the ethyl acetate fraction of the methanol extract from Streblus asper bark (EASA) was evaluated for antitumor effect against Dalton’s ascitic lymphoma (DAL) in Swiss albino mice. Twenty-four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of DAL cells in mice, EASA was administered intraperitoneally at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 9 consecutive days. On the 10th day, half of the mice were sacrificed to determine the tumor growth parameters, and the rest were kept alive for survival assessment. Hematological, serum biochemical and tissue (liver, kidney) antioxidant profiles were also determined. EASA exhibited significant and dose dependent decrease in tumor growth parameters and increased survival of DAL bearing animals. EASA significantly and dose-dependently normalized the altered hematological, serum biochemical and tissue antioxidant parameters as compared with the DAL control mice. From the present study it may be concluded that S. asper bark possesses remarkable antitumor efficacy mediated by amelioration of oxidative stress by multiple mechanisms.
Blood level of cadmium and lead in occupationally exposed persons in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Alli Lukman Adewale
Published: March 2016

This study was designed to assess the blood levels of cadmium and lead in some occupationally exposed individuals and compare the values with non-exposed individuals, with the aim of increasing the awareness of health risk caused by these heavy metals. A total of 120 subjects (64 occupationally exposed and 56 non-exposed subjects) with the age range of 15–40 years were studied in cross-sectional study conducted between September 2012 and February 2013 in Gwagwalada area of Abuja, Nigeria. Blood cadmium and lead were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The respective mean blood levels of cadmium and lead were 11.63±1.73 μg/dl and 45.43±6.93 μg/dl in occupationally-exposed subjects, while in non-exposed subjects 2.03±0.55 μg/dl and 12.08±2.87 μg/dl. The results show that occupational exposure increases the blood level of cadmium and lead, which consequently increases the health risk of the exposed individuals.
Long-term changes in brain cholinergic system and behavior in rats following gestational exposure to lead: protective effect of calcium supplement
Authors: Basha Chand D. , Reddy Rajarami G.
Published: March 2016

Our earlier studies showed that lactational exposure to lead (Pb) caused irreversible neurochemical alterations in rats. The present study was carried out to examine whether gestational exposure to Pb can cause long-term changes in the brain cholinergic system and behavior of rats. The protective effect of calcium (Ca) supplementation against Pb toxicity was also examined. Pregnant rats were exposed to 0.2% Pb (Pb acetate in drinking water) from gestational day (GD) 6 to GD 21. The results showed decrease in body weight gain (GD 6–21) of dams, whereas no changes were observed in offspring body weight at different postnatal days following Pb exposure. Male offspring treated with Pb showed marginal alterations in developmental landmarks such as unfolding of pinnae, lower and upper incisor eruption, fur development, eye slit formation and eye opening on postnatal day (PND) 1, whereas significant alterations were found in the righting reflex (PNDs 4–7), slant board behavior (PNDs 8–10) and forelimb hang performance (PNDs 12–16). Biochemical analysis showed decrease in synaptosomal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and an increase in acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus on PND 14, PND 21, PND 28 and in the four-month age group of rats following Pb exposure. Significant deficits were also observed in total locomotor activity, exploratory behavior and open field behavior in selected age groups of Pb-exposed rats. These alterations were found to be maximal on PND 28, corresponding with the greater blood lead levels observed on PND 28. Addition of 0.02% Ca to Pb reversed the Pb-induced impairments in the cholinergic system as well as in behavioral parameters of rats. In conclusion, these data suggest that gestational exposure to Pb is able to induce long-term changes in neurological functions of offspring. Maternal Ca administration reversed these neurological effects of Pb later in life, suggesting a protective effect of calcium in Pb-exposed animals.
Toxicological assessment of polyhexamethylene biguanide for water treatment
Authors: Asiedu-Gyekye Isaac J. , Mahmood Abdulai Seidu , Awortwe Charles , Nyarko Alexander K.
Published: March 2016

Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is an antiseptic with antiviral and antibacterial properties used in a variety of products including wound care dressings, contact lens cleaning solutions, perioperative cleansing products, and swimming pool cleaners. There are regulatory concerns with regard to its safety in humans for water treatment. We decided to assess the safety of this chemical in Sprague-Dawley rats. PHMB was administered in a single dose by gavage via a stomach tube as per the manufacturer’s instruction within a dose range of 2 mg/kg to 40 mg/kg. Subchronic toxicity studies were also conducted at doses of 2 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg body weight and hematological, biochemical and histopathological findings of the major organs were assessed. Administration of a dose of 25.6 mg/kg, i.e. 1.6 mL of 0.4% PHMB solution (equivalent to 6.4×103 mg/L of 0.1% solution) resulted in 50% mortality. Histopathological analysis in the acute toxicity studies showed that no histopathological lesions were observed in the heart and kidney samples but 30% of the animals had mild hydropic changes in zone 1 of their liver samples, while at a dosage of 32 mg/kg in the subchronic toxicity studies, 50% of the animals showed either mild hepatocyte cytolysis with or without lymphocyte infiltration and feathery degeneration. Lymphocyte infiltration was, for the first time, observed in one heart sample, whereas one kidney sample showed mild tubular damage. The acute studies showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) is 25.6 mg/kg (LC50 of 1.6 mL of 0.4% PHMB. Subchronic toxicological studies also revealed few deleterious effects on the internal organs examined, as seen from the results of the biochemical parameters evaluated. These results have implications for the use of PHMB to make water potable.
Internal e-mail communication in the workplace: Is there an “East-West divide”?
Authors: Ly Annelise
Published: March 2016

Westerners are often depicted in intercultural communication literature as direct and Asians indirect when they communicate. If their communication styles are so different, however, how can they understand each other and collaborate in the workplace? The present article looks at internal e-mail communication in the workplace. More specifically, the aim of this article is twofold: first, to analyze the way Western employees formulate three different speech acts (request, criticism, and disagreement) when writing internal work e-mails to their Asian colleagues, and second, to examine the way these e-mails are perceived by the Asian employees in terms of politeness, friendliness, and clarity. The data consists of 182 elicited e-mails produced by Western employees using role enactment and 33 perception questionnaires collected in different Asian business units of an international company. The procedure to analyze the elicited e-mails is inspired by the CCSARP while the questionnaires are analyzed following sociolinguistics studies. Last, the discussion of the results is anchored partly in the ongoing East-West politeness debate.
A mechanism-based pharmacological evaluation of efficacy of Flacourtia indica in management of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic rats
Authors: Singh Shiv Vardan , Shrivastava Atul , Jyotshna  , Chaturvedi Upma , Singh Subhash Chandra , Shanker Karuna , Saxena Jitendra K. , Bhatia Gitika , Pal Anirban
Published: March 2016

Background:
Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr. is a medicinal plant indigenous to India and is broadly used worldwide for the treatment of a variety of health ailments. The present study was experimented on hyperlipidemic Charles Foster rats with the aim to explore the possible mechanism responsible for the antidyslipidemic activity of the hydromethanolic extract from F. indica leaves (FIL).

Methods: Hyperlipidemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal dose of Triton WR-1339 in Charles Foster rats. The plasma lipid levels were estimated in control and treated groups. The antioxidant potential of F. indica was assessed in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems. An acute toxicity study of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fingerprinted extract was carried out in Swiss albino mice.

Results: The F. indica extract at a dose of 150 mg/kg significantly lowers the plasma level of total cholesterol (17%), triglycerides (13%), and phospholipids (16%) by increasing post-heparin lipolytic activity (19%) and lecithin-cholesterol-acyltransferase activity (20%) in Triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats. In addition, the F. indica extract showed significant in vitro antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activity. HPLC analysis indicates the presence of flavanones and flavones in the extract, and the extract was found to be non-toxic up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight in the acute oral toxicity study.

Conclusions: These finding suggest that F. indica holds significant potential in preventing clinical deterioration induced by dyslipidemia along with oxidative stress.
Biochemical effects of lead exposure on oxidative stress and antioxidant status of battery manufacturing workers of Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Ghanwat Ganesh Haribhau , Patil Arun Jalindar , Patil Jyotsna A. , Kshirsagar Mandakini S. , Sontakke Ajit , Ayachit Ram Krishna
Published: March 2016

Background: Lead induces oxidative stress and alters the antioxidant status of population exposed to high lead levels, i.e. battery manufacturing workers. The aim of this study was to know the current scenario of blood lead (PbB) levels and their effect on the oxidative stress parameter, i.e. serum lipid peroxide (LP), and antioxidant parameters, such as red blood cell (RBC)-superoxide dismutase (SOD), RBC-catalase (CAT), plasma ceruloplasmin (CP), and serum nitrite, of battery manufacturing workers.

Methods: Forty-three battery manufacturing workers from Western Maharashtra, India, with ages between 19 and 42 years, were selected as study group and compared with 38 age-matched, healthy male subjects (control group). From both group subjects, 10 mL of blood sample was drawn by puncturing the antecubital vein, and PbB, serum LP, RBC-SOD, RBC-CAT, plasma CP, and serum nitrite were estimated using standard methods.

Results: The PbB levels of the battery manufacturing workers were significantly higher (p<0.001, 1050%) as compared with the control subjects. The serum LP levels were significantly increased (p<0.001, 96.86%); all antioxidant status parameters such as RBC-SOD (p<0.001, –26.32%), RBC-CAT (p<0.001, –51.57%), and plasma CP (p<0.001, –35.13%) were significantly decreased; and serum nitrite levels (p<0.001, 154%) were significantly increased in the battery manufacturing workers as compared with the control subjects.

Conclusions: Despite modern techniques used to reduce lead exposure in battery manufacturing workers, PbB levels remain high, inducing oxidative stress and altering the antioxidant status of battery manufacturing workers.
Systematic Studies of Distributed and Hybrid Raman Amplification in 10G-EPON and TWDM-PON
Authors: Kashima N.
Published: March 2016

We have studied distributed Raman amplification (DRA) and hybrid Raman amplification to apply both 10G-EPON and TWDM-PON systems. Two types of access networks, 50 km and 10 km, are assumed for case studies. Using the calculated optical received signal power Ps and optical signal noise ratio (OSNR), we consider the cases where the hybrid Raman amplification is necessary or not. In the case of coexistence of both systems, co-use of lumped Raman amplification (LRA) located at a central office (CO) may be possible. The co-use of LRA for both systems is discussed using the calculated Ps and OSNR.
Serum vascular endothelial cadherin and thrombomodulin are markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children
Authors: Kan Xuan , Liu Geli , Yang Yong , Yang Qingyan , Li Yapu , Wang Feng
Published: March 2016

Background:

The diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is usually based on liver ultrasonography and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. However, the serum ALT level is not sensitive for detecting NAFLD. If more serum markers are available, serum analysis may play a more important role in the diagnosis of NAFLD.

Methods:

Here, we have investigated whether vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cad) and thrombomodulin (TM) are markers of NAFLD in children. After an examination of liver ultrasonography, 90 children were divided into a lean control group (n=32), an overweight/obese NAFLD group (group-NAFLD, n=34) and an overweight/obese non-NAFLD group (group-SOO, n=24).

Results:

Two overweight/obese groups had similar obesity. However, serum VE-cad and TM levels were increased in group-NAFLD but not group-SOO. When data from all children were pooled, serum VE-cad and TM levels were positively correlated to body-mass index (BMI) and serum ALT levels.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, VE-cad and TM are markers of pediatric NAFLD.
Leigh syndrome associated with a novel mutation in the COX15 gene
Authors: Miryounesi Mohammad , Fardaei Majid , Tabei Seyed Mohammadbagher , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh
Published: March 2016

Leigh syndrome (LS) is a subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy with a diverse range of symptoms, such as psychomotor delay or regression, weakness, hypotonia, truncal ataxia, intention tremor as well as lactic acidosis in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid or urine. Both nuclear gene defects and mutations of the mitochondrial genome have been detected in these patients. Here we report a 7-year-old girl with hypotonia, tremor, developmental delay and psychomotor regression. However, serum lactate level as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging were normal. Mutational analysis has revealed a novel mutation in exon 4 of
Ink transport modelling in Dip-Pen Nanolithography and Polymer Pen Lithography
Authors: Urtizberea Ainhoa , Hirtz Michael , Fuchs Harald
Published: March 2016

Dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) and Polymer pen lithography (PPL) are powerful lithography techniques being able to pattern a wide range of inks. Transport and surface spreading depend on the ink physicochemical properties, defining its diffusive and fluid character. Structure assembly on surface arises from a balance between the entanglement of the ink itself and the interaction with the substrate. According to the transport characteristics, different models have been proposed. In this article we review the common types of inks employed for patterning, the particular physicochemical characteristics that make them flow following different dynamics as well as the corresponding transport mechanisms and models that describe them.
From solutions to molecular emulsions
Authors: Perera Aurélien
Published: March 2016

Concentration fluctuations play an important role in the statistical description of the stability of liquids, particularly in the neighborhood of phase transitions. Classical thermodynamics is blind to fluctuations, and statistical thermodynamics is required to fully understand quantities such as the isothermal compressibility or heat capacity, by linking them to fluctuations of appropriate statistical microscopic quantities and showing that they are response functions. This is illustrated by the seminal Kirkwood–Buff theory of solutions. However, the existence of micro-heterogeneous structures, particularly in aqueous mixtures, which leads to large Kirkwood–Buff integrals, suggest that micro-heterogeneity is a form of concentration fluctuation. This interpretation becomes difficult to accept when extrapolated to larger micro-heterogeneous structures such as micellar aggregates in micro-emulsions. By analyzing how different methods, experimental, computer experiments and theoretical approaches deal with the underlying duality behind these two physical manifestations, we put in evidence the need to reconsider the description of liquids by incorporating the description of emergent “objects”, such as the micro-heterogeneous structures from a molecular point of view. On this path, the concept of “molecular emulsion” allows to describe in a unified way all type of disordered liquids, from solutions to the organized liquids of soft matter.
Polish National Registry for Fetal Cardiac Malformations (www.orpkp.pl) and negative verifications during the 10 years
Authors: Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: March 2016

Polish National Registry for Fetal Cardiac Malformations ( initiated in 2004) was opened for primary practicioners as well as for the referral centers performing or basic fetal heart evaluation or targeted fetal echocardiography. None of the physicians until current era had regular education of fetal cardiology . It was necessary to create an audit - veryfication system, which was provided as a checking each record by the 3 most experienced fetal cardiologists in Poland, using randomised computer system. The aim of this analysis was a retrospective evaluation of „Negatively Verified”

Material and methods: The total number of fetuses in Registry during 2004 and 2013 was 5682 and there were 170 negative verified cases. Every „negative case” was analyzed and qualified to one of five categories: An error in classification of the severity of CHD ; computer mistakes , reported other prenatal problems but not CHD, different interpretation of the images (freezed frames or cine loops) and bad order of the labels of cardiac anomalies.

Results: The percentage of negative verifications was similar every year and total number of negative verification was 2,9% . The main reason for negative was first of all unproper fetal heart classification in 71 cases (42%). In majority the differences in interpretations were minor: but there were 5 huge differences between primary and secondary interpretation.

Conclusions:

1) Fetal heart cardiology requires prenatal heart classification instead of pediatric classification

2) Computer mistakes (missing fields, missing diagnoses, lack of freezed frames or cine-loops) shoud be picked up by the system during up-loading of the cases

3) The different interpretation of the images could be used for teaching purpose of fetal cardiology .
Assessment of the accuracy in prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations. Analysis of 101 questionnaires filled in by parents of neonates hospitalized in the Department of Congenital Malformations Polish Mother's Memorial Research Institute
Authors: Strzelecka Iwona , Słodki Maciej , Zieliński Andrzej , Maroszyńska Iwona , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: March 2016

Introduction:

Prenatal diagnosis is an integral part of modern perinatal care. In the article results of questionnaires pertaining to the prenatal process of diagnosis are presented. Parents whose children were afflicted with congenital malformations of all types responded to enquiry

Materials and methods:

Between March 2014 and March 2015 150 of 355 infants were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatric Intensive Care and Congenital Malformations in Łódź, and 150 had congenital malformations.

Results:

101 parents of 150 children (67,3%) have given the feedback. Anomalies were such as: of the digestive system (37%), CHD (25%), OUN (14 %), genito-urinary (13%), skeletal system (9%) and respiratory system (2%). In 65 children of 101 the defects were detected prenatally. The obstetric US exam was the most frequently pointed out as performed (more than 1200). The biochemical markers and genetic tests in were performed in 34 pregnancies. The high percentage of ability to detect malformation was reported in the group of fetal echo examinations.

Conclusions:

1. Prenatal ultrasound exams were the least effective method of making appropriate prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformation.

2. Fetal echocardiography had a high level of sensitivity and specificity in detecting congenital malformations.

3. Prenatal cardiologists proved to be the most effective in detecting congenital malformations 89,3 % of detected abnormalities.

4. Biochemical exams had a positive result in only one case of Down Syndrome.
Place of residence and cancer survival in Germany – regional disparities and possible causes
Authors: Jansen Lina , Brenner Hermann
Published: March 2016

Regional disparities in cancer survival have been disclosed in various countries and have mostly been attributed to socio-economic factors. Here, we summarize the results from recent studies on regional variations in cancer survival in Germany. Results show that the former survival gap of cancer patients in Eastern Germany has been essentially overcome. However, survival disadvantages were observed in most deprived regions in Germany.
(Stipendien-) Programme für Medizinstudierende zur Förderung der Niederlassung im ländlichen Raum
Authors: Böhme Klaus , Kotterer Angela , Maun Andy
Published: March 2016

Eine flächendeckende ambulante ärztliche Versorgung ist in den ländlichen Regionen Deutschlands zunehmend gefährdet. Unterschiedliche i.d.R. finanziell ausgestattete Stipendienprogramme für Medizinstudierende gehören hierzulande zu den prioritären Maßnahmen, dieser Entwicklung zu begegnen. Internationale Erfahrungen legen nahe, neben finanziellen Förderungen zusätzlich Aspekte der Studierendenauswahl und der inhaltlichen Ausgestaltung des Medizinstudiums zu berücksichtigen.
Visualizing structural “inverted pyramids” in English news discourse across levels
Authors: Zhang Hongxin , Liu Haitao
Published: March 2016

Drawing on an analogy between discourse and syntactic trees, this paper chooses 359 Wall Street Journal articles with multiple paragraphs from the Rhetorical Structure Theory (RST) Discourse Treebank, and converts each discourse tree into three additional dependency ones, at discourse, paragraph and sentence levels, with exclusively elementary discourse units of clauses, sentences and paragraphs, respectively. It empirically tests and visually presents the genre-specific “summary+details” or “inverted pyramid” structuring of news discourse. It further extends the idea of inverted pyramid structuring to the paragraph and sentence levels. It proves that the body of the report also has a similar schematic top-down installment organization with macro-propositions on top. It also visually and statistically presents the rhetorical structures at sentence level, which differ to some extent from grammatical structures. Operated in line with the compositionality criterion and hierarchy principle of RST, the converted trees provide unique analytical advantages and constitute new research prospects.
High-Pressure Elastic Constant of Some Materials of Earth’s Mantle
Authors: Liu Quan
Published: March 2016

In the present work, an exponential relationship for the volume dependence of the Anderson–Grüneisen parameter along isotherm and the formulation derived from Tallon’s model have been used to develop a simple theoretical model for the elastic constants as a function of pressure. Applying it to some materials of earth’s mantle at different pressure ranges, the calculated results are in good agreement with the earlier theoretical investigations and available experimental data and thus show that our theory can be applied for predicting the elastic behaviour of earth materials at high pressure.
Crystal structure of a dimeric 1-benzothiepin
Authors: Schollmeyer Dieter , Gröschl Dieter , Meier Herbert
Published: March 2016

The crystal structure of the 1-benzothiepin derivativemeso-5is presented. Compound5is the first dimeric 1-benzothiepin system.
Synthesis and crystal structure of new K and Rb selenido/tellurido ferrate cluster compounds
Authors: Stüble Pirmin , Berroth Angela , Röhr Caroline
Published: March 2016

In the course of a systematic study of alkali iron chalcogenido salts containing clusters [Fe4
Q
8] a series of new mixed-valent potassium and rubidium selenido and tellurido ferrates(II/III) was synthesized by carefully heating the pure elements enclosed in sample tubes under an argon atmosphere up to maximum temperatures of 800–900 °C. Their crystal structures have been determined by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction. The mixed-valent FeII/III tellurido ferrates A
7[Fe4Te8] form three different structure types. All structures contain tetramers of four edge sharing [FeTe4] tetrahedra, which are connected by common edges to form only slightly distorted tetrahedral [Fe4Te8]7− anions (‘stella quadrangula’) with a [Fe4Te4] cubane core. In all cases, these anions are surrounded by 26 alkali cations, which are located at the eight corners and the midpoints of the six faces and 12 edges of a cube. The three crystal structures can thus be described by three different packings of cuboid moieties: The monoclinic rubidium compound Rb7[Fe4Te8] (space group C2/c, a = 2000.16(7), b = 897.79(3), c = 1768.12(6) pm, β = 117.4995(10)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0296) is isotypic to the known cesium tellurido and sulfido ferrates Cs7[Fe4(S/Te)8]. Depending on the temperature, K7[Fe4Te8] forms two different but closely related new structure types: The tetragonal r.t. modification (space group P42/nmc, a = 1222.25(14), c = 872.1(2) pm, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0583) crystallizes in a supergroup of the orthorhombic l.t. (100 K) form (space group Pbcn, a = 1715.5, b = 866.76(3), c = 1715.50(7) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0160). In all structures, the cluster centered cubes are stacked to form columns along the short (≈870 pm) axis. These columns are themselves densely packed with 4 (both K compounds) and 6 (A = Rb) adjacent face-sharing columns. According to these arrangements of cluster-centered cubes, a relation of the packing of K/Rb cations and cluster anions with the simple cubic packing can be established applying the crystallographic group-subgroup formalism. Attempts to synthesize the corresponding selenium compound K7[Fe4Se8] resulted in the formation of the likewise mixed-valent compound K6[Fe4Se8]. Despite the modified composition, the new orthorhombic structure (space group Pbcn, a = 1632.62(6), b = 821.10(3), c = 1592.75(6) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0540) is almost isotypic to the l.t. form of K7[Fe4Te8], the only difference being a missing K site. K5Fe2Te5 crystallizes in a new structure type (cubic, space group Pa3̅, a = 1709.02(5) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0594). According to K5Fe2Te5=K15[Fe3Te7]2(Te), its structure contains mixed-valent cuboidal trimers [Fe3Te7](6/7)− and isolated telluride ions, which are coordinated by cubes of K+ cations.
Fatty acid composition of achenes of Cirsium taxa (Asteraceae, Carduoideae) from Turkey
Authors: Ozcan Melahat , Ayaz Faik Ahmet , Ozogul Yesim , Glew Robert , Ozogul Fatih
Published: March 2016

The fatty acid compositions and total oil contents in achenes of 22 Cirsium taxa collected from different natural habitats in Turkey were investigated. The range of total fat in the taxa varied from 1.7% to 13.3%. The taxa contained palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1n-9), linoleic (C18:2n-6), and α-linolenic (C18:3n-3) acid. Polyunsaturated fatty acids had the highest level, ranging from 52.1% to 75.2% (C18:2n-6) and 0.5%–17.3% (C18:3n-3). Total saturated (6.9%–17.4%), monounsaturated (11.7%–28.9%), and polyunsaturated (57.4%–79.9%) fatty acids varied substantially, whereas total unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 70.6% to 91.3%. Considerable variation was observed (P<0.05) within each taxon for these fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3). Fatty acid compositions of the 22 taxa were compared by cluster analysis (UPGMA) and principle component analysis (PCA) based on six major fatty acids. This is the first report on the lipid content and fatty acid composition of achenes of Cirsium taxa growing in different areas of Turkey. Fatty acid profiles, relative proportions and levels of fatty acids can be used as additional biochemical markers in the taxonomy of Cirsium.
Thonningiiflavanonol A and thonningiiflavanonol B, two novel flavonoids, and other constituents of Ficus thonningii Blume (Moraceae)
Authors: Ango Patrick Y. , Kapche Deccaux W.F.G. , Fotso Ghislain W. , Fozing Christian D. , Yeboah Elizabeth M.O. , Mapitse Renameditswe , Demirtas Ibrahim , Ngadjui Bonaventure T. , Yeboah Samuel O.
Published: March 2016

A phytochemical study of Ficus thonningii has led to the isolation of two previously unreported compounds, thonningiiflavanonol A and thonningiiflavanonol B together with 16 known compounds: shuterin, naringenin, syringic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, genistein, 5,7,3′,4′,5′-pentahydroxyflavanone, luteolin, methylparaben, aromadendrin, garbanzol, dihydroquercetin, 5,7,3′-trihydroxyflavanone, β-sitosterol, sitosterolglucoside, lupeol acetate, and taraxerol. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The new compounds and extracts displayed potent antioxidant activity.
Representation of Functional Category in the Monkey Prefrontal Cortex and Its Rule-Dependent Use for Behavioral Selection
Authors: Tsutsui Ken-Ichiro , Hosokawa Takayuki , Yamada Munekazu , Iijima Toshio
Published: March 2016

Humans, monkeys, and other animals are considered to have the cognitive ability to use functional categories—that is, stimulus groups based on functional equivalence independent of physical properties. To investigate the underlying neural mechanisms of the use of functional categories, we recorded single-unit activity in the prefrontal cortex of monkeys performing a behavioral task in which the rule-dependent usage of functional category was needed to select an appropriate response. We found a neural correlate of functional categories on the single-neuron level and found that category information is coded independently of other task-relevant information such as rule and contingency information. Analysis of the time course of the information activation suggested that contingency information used for action selection is derived by integrating incoming category information with rule information maintained throughout a session. Such neural computation can be considered as the neural background of flexible behavioral control based on category and rule.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPerceptual categories are based on perceptual similarity, whereas functional categories are based on functional equivalence independently of their physical properties. The neural background of perceptual categories has been investigated in a number of studies, but that of functional categories has been investigated in only a few. In the present study, we found neural correlates of functional categories on the single-neuron level. Further analysis suggested that functional category information and rule information is integrated within the prefrontal cortex to derive contingency information necessary for action selection. This study has shown how the brain uses the category to select an action appropriate to the behavioral context.