bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceramic balsamaria-bottles: The example of Viminacium
Authors: Nikolic Snezana , Raickovic Angelina
Published: August 2008

The earliest balsamaria to appear in the Hellenistic and Early Roman periods are ceramic and seldom over 10 cm in height. On the Southern Necropolis of Viminacium (sites Vise grobalja and Pecine) 21 vessels of this type have been found. The features they have in common are a long slender neck and the absence of handles. Based on the shape of their bodies nine groups have been identified. Although they are similar to glass balsamaria, the term bottle seems more appropriate chiefly on account of their size. Of several proposed suggestions about their basic function, the most plausible seems to be that their primary use was as containers for products packed in small amounts. Although most published finds come from burials, the question of their significance and use in funerary rituals remains inadequately elucidated. It is impossible to say with certainty whether the larger-sized vessels of a later date had the same function as the smaller Hellenistic and Early Roman ones. What is certain is that they are usually found in cremation burials, as shown by both Viminacium's Southern Necropolis, the necropolises of Poetovio and Emona, and individual graves on other sites. To judge from the clay fabric and colour and the manner of manufacture, the ceramic bottles from Viminacium come from different and as yet unidentified production centres. From the stratigraphic data and the grave goods they were found in association with they can be dated to the end of the first and first half of the second century, tentatively regarded as a later phase in their production.
(italijanski) La scena di caccia: motivo di decorazione delle stele funerarie della moesia superior
Authors: Pilipovic Sanja
Published: August 2008

(italijanski) In questo studio l'argomento della ricerca si focalizza sulle scene di caccia come motivo di decorazione, nella maggior parte dei fregi delle stele funerarie della Moesia Superior. Verranno indagate le caratteristiche iconografiche ed il simbolismo; in base a quest'esempio, si tenter? di evidenziare l'esistenza del legame tra le botteghe dei monumenti di lusso della Moesia Superior, cio? di quelle di Viminacium, e quelle della Pannonia e del Noricum.
(francuski) Une nouvelle borne milliaire découverte sur la voie romaine Naissus-Lissus
Authors: Petrovic Vladimir
Published: August 2008

(francuski) Cet article a pour objet d'?tude la voie romaine Naissus-Lissus, la station d'Ad Fines (Kursumlija), le compendium (raccourci) dont fait ?tat une inscription de Viminacium et une borne milliaire d?couverte r?cemment, entre autre mat?riel, sur le site d'Aquae Bas. (Kursumlijska Banja). Il analyse les d?couvertes arch?ologiques et ?pigraphiques, et discute le trac? de cette voie de communication de l'antiquit? romaine.
New roman graffiti from gradiste near Prvonek (Southern Serbia)
Authors: Nedeljkovic Vojin
Published: August 2008

In May 2005 a few fragments of roof tiles inscribed with Latin graffiti were discovered in the ruins of a fourth-century Roman structure at Gradiste, 10 km east of Vranje. (1) A tile broken into three pieces but almost complete 68.5 ? 38.5 ? 2.5 cm (see Fig. 1): exauda te dominus ? in die tribulationis "May the Lord hear thee in the day of tribulation", Ps. 20(19).2. For exauda = exaudiat, cf. e.g. DVulg 837 custoda = custodia, IMS 4.115 aduvet=adjuvet. (2) Fragment of a tile, 25 ? 21 ? 2 cm (see Fig. 2, left): ? magnu. [--- ? eu.i.sopu. [---. (3) Another fragment, found in immediate proximity to (2) measuring 14 ? 11 ? 9 ? 2.5 cm (see Fig. 2, right): ---]s.dom[--- ? ---]ds. [---. The latter two fragments, although non-contiguous, may belong to a single tile, in which case the graffito will probably read (2+3) ? magnus dom[inus expl]?evis opu[s ?4] d(eu)s[---, "Great is the Lord: you will accomplish your job? God?"; cf. Vulg. Ps. 146.5 magnus dominus noster et magna virtus ejus. For expl]evis (=explebis) opu[s], cf. e.g. Hier. In Amos 2.prol.ut. coeptum. opus expleam, Greg. Dial. 1.12 ut opus.. expleret. These inscriptions provide new evidence of what seems to have been common practice among ancient Christian builders: messages written on tiles or bricks (cf. IMS 4.115) used to travel from the brick plant over to the building site containing prayers and good wishes, to the attention of the masons, who were able to read them before putting the material into final use.
Mycological and mycotoxicological quality of wheat and flour fractions
Authors: Stojanovic Tatjana , Skrinjar Marija , Psodorov Djordje
Published: August 2008

The seed infection is a result of complex factors influence: weather conditions, health conditions of used seed, quantity of infective potentila in soil, etc. By visual evaluation, initial wheat sample has been divided in four fractions: healthy, dark germed, slightly and very fusarious. Three varietes from two localities 1 and 2 have been included in analyses. Beside the wheat, the mycotoxicological contamination of flour produced by grounding of given samples was monitored, too. The representatives of genera Fusarium were dominating, and the most frequent was F. oxysporum. The wheat and flour samples have also been analysed on presence of aflatoxin B1 "AB1" and G1 "AG1", ochratoxin A "OA" and zearalenone "F-2" toxin. AG1 had the lowest representation (2,3 g/kg) and the highest representation was of F-2 toxin (even 500 g/kg).
Mycopopulations of alfalfa silage with particular review on toxigenic Fusarium spp.
Authors: Bocarov-Stancic Aleksandra , Adamovic Milan , Djordjevic Nenad
Published: August 2008

Mycological and mycotoxicological investigations of alfalfa samples (initial not fermented plant material, as well as silage obtained from unfaded and faded state of the same) were performed during the year 2003. Total of 14 fungal species, included in 11 genera, were identified during the present study. The most frequent moulds were Chaetomium piluliferum and their anamorph Botryotrichum piluliferum (83.3% and 66.7% respectively). Potentially toxigenic Fusarium spp. (F. culmorum, F. semitectum and F. sporotrichioides) were observed less frequently (from 16.7% to 33.0%) and only on initial not fermented alfalfa. From the sample of alfalfa faded state contaminated with 0.25 mg/kg of diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and 1.28 mg/kg of zearalenone (ZEA) F. semitectum SL-B was isolated. The production of fusariotoxins by this strain was later on tested in vitro conditions. Different aeration treatments in semisynthetic medium with glucose (GPK) or sucrose (SPK), as well as cultivation on sterilized corn kernels (moisture content 47%) were used. The highest yield of DAS (64.0 mg/l) was obtained during submerged cultivation of F. semitectum SL-B in GPK (210 rpms, 3 days room temperature). Production of T-2 toxin, but rather poor (0.08 mg/1), was detected only in SPK (150 rpms, 3 days, room temperature). ZEA was found exclusively after 25 days of cultivation on corn kernels at room temperature (21-25?C).
Mycological and mycotoxicological analysis of a herb (oregano) used in meat industry
Authors: Jankovic Vesna , Skrinjar Marija , Vukojevic Jelena , Radmili Marin
Published: August 2008

Raw materials used in meat industry can be contaminated with toxigenic moulds and mycotoxins. Such raw materials present a source of contamination of final products with these compounds. This paper gives a review of the presence of aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A and zearalenon and moulds in five different samples of oregano.
Presence of moulds and mycotoxins in spices
Authors: Karan Dragica , Vukojevic Jelena , Milicevic Dragan , Ljajevic Milica-Grbic , Jankovic Vesna
Published: August 2008

In this paper there are presented the results of mycologic and mycotoxicologic analysis of seven spices which are being used for production of meat products. Using standard mycologic methods, in all the tested samples, we noticed a presence of moulds. By quality and quantity, most represented are genera: Aspergillus and Penicillium. With smaller occurrence there are presented genera: Rhizopus, Mucor, Paecylomyces and Absydia. Mycotoxins - ochratoxin, aflatoxins and zearalenon, are detected in samples of ground white pepper, ginger, cloves and ground caraway.
Occurrence of ochratoxin A in feed and residue in porcine liver and kidney
Authors: Milicevic Dragan , Sinovec Zlatan , Saicic Snezana , Vukovic Dubravka
Published: August 2008

The effect of ochratoxin A in feed for pigs, and the incidence of its residue in liver and kidney were investigated. The samples were taken from farms and corresponding slaughterhouse in different areas of Serbia. The criteria for OTA residue examination in the mentioned tissues were macroscopic alterations in kidneys, that is a marked kidney ischemia. 14 feed samples, 12 kidney samples and 12 liver samples in total were examined. The average OTA concentration in feed was 25,24 g/kg (0,0-85 g/kg). The presence of the OTA residue was found in all of examined tissues samples. The average OTA concentration in kidneys was 2,37 g/kg (1,0-8,2 g/kg), in liver was 2,66 g/kg (1,2-5,5 g/kg). The experiment showed that the average OTA concentration in feed of farm A in contrast to farm B was significantly low (p < 0,05), in liver was significantly lower (p < 0,01), while in kidneys was not significantly low (p < 0,05). The correlation between these three findings was postulated and discussed.
Efficiency of crude corn extract clean-up on different columns in fumonisins determination
Authors: Abramovic Biljana , Jaksic Sandra , Masic Zoran
Published: August 2008

The efficiencies of different clean-up procedures for crude corn extract from corn samples naturally contaminated by fumonisins B1 and B2 were compared. These procedures precede liquid chromatography determination with fluorescence detection. The efficiencies of immunoaffinity columns (IMA) strong anion exchange columns (SAX), as well as columns with reversed-phase C18 (RP C18) were investigated. No significant differences in the obtained results were found, regardless of the crude extract clea-nup procedure. However, the use of IMA columns for clean-up provided better chromatographic resolution, with the clean-up procedure being the simplest and the fastest. Also, because of the possibility of IMA column regeneration, it is possible to prepare ten samples on one column, so all in all, the lower price of SAX and RP C18 columns is of no great significance.
Expert system for determination of fumonisins in corn samples
Authors: Abramovic Biljana , Abramovic Borislav , Jaksic Sandra
Published: August 2008

An expert system (ES) to solve the problem of choosing an optimal procedure for the determination of fumonisins in corn samples was developed, having in mind that these toxins most frequently contaminate this particular cereal. In constructing the ES use was made of the deterministic approach starting from the assumption that the experts in the field have a profound knowledge about the problem in question. The ES knowledge base contains the solutions that have been published in the pertinent literature, as well as some solutions and recommendations, which we have developed and introduced. On the basis of this information, as well as on the basis of the demanded method detection limit, available equipment, chemicals, as well as the time the experimenter has at his disposal for the determination, the ES proposes a procedure for solving the given analytical problem, starting from sampling, preparation of all the necessary solutions, the appropriate apparatus, probe preparation, the mode of determining results, calculation of the results, and provides a survey of all the relevant literature references. The base of ES is a shell, which can work under a variety of Microsoft Windows operating systems. In the development of ES and its adaptation for users who are not familiar with computer techniques, different tools, which operate with Microsoft Windows operating systems, as well as the tools within Microsoft Office are used.
Zearalenone endocrine system catch
Authors: Bursic Vojislava , Juric Verica
Published: August 2008

This paper deals with the contamination of our environment with thousands of both natural and man-made chemicals which affect the endocrine system of humans and animals. These so-called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are thought to mimic or block the action of hormones and therefore disrupt sexual development in utero. EDCs are organochlorine pesticides, dioxin compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, alkylpolyethoxylates, plastic additives and phytoestrogens (occurring naturally in foods: isoflavones coumenestans and zearalenone). The structure of zearalenone is similar to the structure of estrogens and it enables binding to the estrogenic receptors. DNA laddering on gel electrophoresis was present 12 h after dosing thus indicating a conclusion that there was apoptosis. Apoptosis is the principal mechanism contributing to germ cell depletion and testicular atrophy following zearalenone exposure.
Cereal seed mycopopulations in Serbia
Authors: Bagi Ferenc , Stojsin Vera , Balaz Ferenc
Published: August 2008

Mycopopulation of cereals-durum wheat (cultivars Zitka and Durumko) triticale (cultivars Goranac and NS tritikale), winter barley (cultivars NS 131, ZA 37 and Jagodinac) and oat (cultivars Slavuj and Rajac) had been studied during three years (harvest 2002, 2003 and 2004) from numerous Serbian localities. In all three investigated years and four cereal species the predominant fungal genus were Alternaria and Fusarium. On seeds there were determinated representatives of genus Penicillium, Mucor, Bipolaris Aspergillus, Stemphylium and Epicoccum, too. The established fungi can significantly affect quality of seeds and flour products.
Influence of organic acids and organochlorinated insecticides on metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pejin Dusanka , Vasic Vesna
Published: August 2008

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is exposed to different stress factors during the production: osmotic, temperature, oxidative. The response to these stresses is the adaptive mechanism of cells. The raw materials Saccharomyces cerevisiae is produced from, contain metabolism products of present microorganisms and protective agents used during the growth of sugar beet for example the influence of acetic and butyric acid and organochlorinated insecticides, lindan and heptachlor, on the metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated and presented in this work. The mentioned compounds affect negatively the specific growth rate, yield, content of proteins, phosphorus, total ribonucleic acids. These compounds influence the increase of trechalose and glycogen content in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells.
Macroelements and heavy metals in some lignicolous and tericolous fungi
Authors: Karaman Maja , Matavulj Milan
Published: August 2008

Considering the importance of Basidiomycotina fungi as bioindicators and the increasing tendency of air and soil contamination nowadays, content of macroelements: N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na, and some of heavy metals (microelements): Fe, Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn in sporocarps of 22 species of macrofungi from National park Fruska Gora was analyzed in this work. The majority of them are lignicolous species from the class: Homobasidiomycetes order Aphyllophorales s. lato and two of them belong to subdivision Ascomycotina. Special attention was given to the medically important fungal species widely distributed in this area: Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma applanatum, Coriolus. versicolor, Flammulina velutipes, Meripilus giganteus and Omphalotus olearius. Since fungi uptake macro- and microelements from the substrate, the soil and tree samples were also analyzed. The aim of this study was to determine the common concentration data of these elements in unpolluted area. According to the obtained results, fungi tended to accumulate K, P and N with lower variability recorded than that for Ca, Mg and Na due to essential importance of these elements in fungal metabolic processes, independently from ecological group affiliation and habitats. The analysing substrate (wood) contain higher concentration of Ca and Pb in relevance to fungi. As a result of transfer factors (TFs) that were estimated from the ratio of "concentration in fungi on dry weight basis" to "concentration in the tree or soil on dry weight basis" analyzed fungi tended to accumulate Cu and Zn, and partially Cr. Among the species that accumulate microelements the following species could be emphasized: Meripilus giganteus (except for Zn) Schizophyllum commune (except for Pb), Ganoderma applanatum (except for Fe and Zn). Superaccumulators of Fe were the lignicolous, medically imortant species M. giganteus, G. lucidum, Sch. commune, and tericolous ones: C. atramentari- us, F. velutipes, and P. vernalis. Good Cu accumalators were tericolous species: Psathyrella vernalis, Morchella vulgaris, and Coprinus atramentarius, then the species possesing the rhizomorphs: Armillaria polymyces and Omphalotus olearius, and finally lignicolous species: Ganoderma applanatum and Pseudotrametes gibbosa. The highest accumulation of Zn was recorded for the species Schizophyllum commune, while the fungal species expressed the smallest tendency of accumulation of Pb, except one tericolous saprophytic species C. atramentarius. The greatest accumulation of Cr was found in tericolous species especially C. atramentarius, too. Statistical cluster analysis classified fungi mostly by location, by which the urban site is distinguished from the others, where the analyzed tericolous species were found. These data indicate that the accumulation ability is not only genetically coded, but also influenced by environmental factors. This data could be used in toxicology, pharmacology and environmental protection.
Human mycoses
Authors: Tasic Sinisa , Stojanovic Slobodan , Poljacki Mirjana
Published: August 2008

Fungi are an independent group of plant kingdom which members do not contain chlorophyll and have no capability of photo synthesizing, meaning that they can not synthesize nutritive compounds, so they exist as the saprophytes or parasites of plants, animals and humans. Between 50.000 and 100.000 species are known, but only about 100 species cause diseases (mycoses) of humans or animals, while many other cause diseases of plants. Only the dermatophytes and species of genus Candida are usually transferable from human to human. The importance of fungi was certainly less than that of the bacteria and viruses for the time being, but their role as the opportunist pathogens is unavoiding, especially for immunocompromised patients. Incidence of fungal infections grows steadily, even in the countries with high level of general and health culture. Diagnosis and therapy of fungal infections are many times unadequate. Prophylaxis is still an object of discussion.
Efficiency of Pc genes of resistance to prevalent pathotypes of Puccinia coronata avenae
Authors: Staletic Mirjana , Stojanovic Srbobran , Milovanovic Milivoje
Published: August 2008

This paper deals with efficiency of some Pc genes of resistance to pre valent pathotypes of crown rust causer in oat. It was found that in seedlings stage the most efficient were genes Pc 68 and Pc 39 (100%). Satisfying degree of efficiency demonstrated genes Pc 38 and Pc 55 (87,5%). Majority of genes expressed partial resistance. Efficiency of Pc genes of resistance to prevalent pathotypes of pathogen in both years of investigation was satisfying and it was 61,45%.
Effect of Vitamin K Supplementation on Insulin Resistance in Older Men and Women
Authors: Yoshida Makiko , Jacques Paul F. , Meigs James B. , Saltzman Edward , Shea M. Kyla , Gundberg Caren , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Dallal Gerard , Booth Sarah L.
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—Vitamin K has a potentially beneficial role in insulin resistance, but evidence is limited in humans. We tested the hypothesis that vitamin K supplementation for 36 months will improve insulin resistance in older men and women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was an ancillary study of a 36-month, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial designed to assess the impact of supplementation with 500 μg/day phylloquinone on bone loss. Study participants were older nondiabetic men and women (n = 355; aged 60–80 years; 60% women). The primary outcome of this study was insulin resistance as measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) at 36 months. Fasting plasma insulin and glucose were examined as the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS—The effect of 36-month vitamin K supplementation on HOMA-IR differed by sex (sex × treatment interaction P = 0.02). HOMA-IR was statistically significantly lower at the 36-month visit among men in the supplement group versus the men in the control group (P = 0.01) after adjustment for baseline HOMA-IR, BMI, and body weight change. There were no statistically significant differences in outcome measures between intervention groups in women.

CONCLUSIONS—Vitamin K supplementation for 36 months at doses attainable in the diet may reduce progression of insulin resistance in older men.
Improved Survival of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients 1995–2008
Authors: Young Matthew J. , McCardle Joanne E. , Randall Luann E. , Barclay Janet I.
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to determine whether a strategy of aggressive cardiovascular risk management reduced the mortality associated with diabetic foot ulceration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—After an initial audit of outcomes demonstrating a high mortality rate in 404 diabetic foot ulcer patients with the first ulceration developing between 1995 and 1999, a new aggressive cardiovascular risk policy was introduced as standard practice at the Diabetic Foot Clinic, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, in 2001. In the first 3 years of this policy, 251 patients were screened and identified. The audit cycle was then closed by reauditing the 5-year mortality for this second group of foot ulcer patients in 2008.

RESULTS—Overall 5-year mortality was reduced from 48.0% in cohort 1 to 26.8% in cohort 2 (P < 0.001). Improvement in survival was seen for both neuroischemic patients (5-year mortality of 58% reduced to 36%; relative reduction 38%) and neuropathic patients (36% reduction to 19%; relative reduction 47%) (both P < 0.001). Patients were more likely to die if they were older at the time of ulceration or had type 2 diabetes, renal impairment, or preexisting cardiovascular disease or were already taking aspirin. Prior statin use, current smoker or ex-smoker status, blood pressure, A1C, and total cholesterol were not significantly different between survivors and those who died in the follow-up periods.

CONCLUSIONS—Diabetic foot ulcer patients have a high risk of death. Survival has improved over the past 13 years. The adoption of an aggressive cardiovascular risk management policy in diabetic foot ulcer clinics is recommended for these patients.
Electromyography for Assessment of Pain in Low Back Muscles
Authors: Candotti Cláudia Tarragô , Loss Jefferson Fagundes , Pressi Ana Maria Steffens , de Souza Castro Flávio Antonio , La Torre Marcelo , de Oliveira Melo Mônica , Araújo Lucas Dutra , Pasini Maicon
Published: August 2008

Background and Purpose

Pain is currently evaluated with “subjective” methods (eg, patient self-report). This study aimed to test whether fatigue indexes are able to accurately discriminate between subjects with and subjects without low back pain.

Subjects

Sixty subjects separated into 2 groups—a group with low back pain (n=30) and a group without low back pain (n=30)—participated in this study.

Methods

Electromyographic (EMG) and force data were obtained during a muscle fatigue test. The same test was repeated to monitor recovery. Linear regression analysis was used to obtain fatigue indexes.

Results

Subjects with pain produced significantly lower force values than those without pain. The use of fatigue indexes and force values permitted accurate classification in 89.5% of cases.

Discussion and Conclusion

The results confirm that subjects with pain show early myoelectrical manifestations of muscle fatigue and that EMG can be a useful tool in the evaluation of low back pain.
Remarkable Activation of an Enzyme by (R)‐Pyrrolidine‐ Substituted Imidazolium Alkyl PEG Sulfate
Authors: Abe Yoshikazu , Hirakawa Takuya , Nakajima Shino , Okano Nagisa , Hayase Shuichi , Kawatsura Motoi , Hirose Yoshihiko , Itoh Toshiyuki
Published: August 2008

The chiral pyrrolidine‐substituted imidazolium cetyl‐PEG10‐sulfate (D‐ProMe) derived from D‐proline worked as an excellent activating agent of Burkholderia cepacia lipase; it is particularly interesting that the D‐isomer of the imidazolium salt worked better than the L‐isomer. This suggests that the imidazolium cation group directly interacts with the enzyme protein and causes preferable modification of the reactivity.
Circumstances of fatal lockout/tagout‐related injuries in manufacturing
Authors: Bulzacchelli Maria T. , Vernick Jon S. , Sorock Gary S. , Webster Daniel W. , Lees Peter S.J.
Published: August 2008

Background

Over the past few decades, hundreds of manufacturing workers have suffered fatal injuries while performing maintenance and servicing on machinery and equipment. Using lockout/tagout procedures could have prevented many of these deaths.

Methods

A narrative text analysis of OSHA accident investigation report summaries was conducted to describe the circumstances of lockout/tagout‐related fatalities occurring in the US manufacturing industry from 1984 to 1997.

Results

The most common mechanisms of injury were being caught in or between parts of equipment, electrocution, and being struck by or against objects. Typical scenarios included cleaning a mixer or blender, cleaning a conveyor, and installing or disassembling electrical equipment. Lockout procedures were not even attempted in the majority (at least 58.8%) of fatal incidents reviewed.

Conclusions

Lockout/tagout‐related fatalities occur under a wide range of circumstances. Enhanced training and equipment designs that facilitate lockout and minimize worker contact with machine parts may prevent many lockout/tagout‐related injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:728–734, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Male aggression during mating: evidence for sexual coercion in a female dominant primate?
Authors: Parga Joyce A. , Henry Amy R.
Published: August 2008

In this article we document male sexual coercion of a Lemur catta female on St. Catherines Island (SCI), USA. Data presented in this paper were collected on one free‐ranging L. catta group during October–November 2002 using all‐occurrences sampling for agonism and reproductive behavior. We observed a male forcefully attempting to mate with a year‐old estrous female. Despite the fact that we observed this female to present to the male during her estrus, throughout the episode the male employed the use of force, and achieved penile intromission on at least one occasion while the female struggled and resisted. We interpret his behavior as sexual coercion. As measured by sexual presents, the female appeared to more strongly prefer two other males as mates, yet each of these males gained fewer mounts and less cumulative time spent in mounts than the coercive male. The coercive male was one of two group males with the lowest observed mating success, suggesting that coercion might be a strategy used by males who are not highly sexually preferred. Females undergo early sexual maturation at this site owing to provisioning, and can therefore enter estrus before fully attaining dominance over males. As such, these data suggest that one consequence of provisioning a wild L. catta population (or of maintaining L. catta in captivity) may be that young females can be the targets of sexual coercion if they reach sexual maturity before fully achieving social dominance over males. In conclusion, male sexual coercion can occur in L. catta despite the female dominance characteristic of this species, and can constrain the mating behavior of females. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1187–1190, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Classification of scientific networks using aggregated journal‐journal citation relations in the Journal Citation Reports
Authors: Chen C.‐M.
Published: August 2008

I propose an approach to classifying scientific networks in terms of aggregated journal‐journal citation relations of the ISI Journal Citation Reports using the affinity propagation method. This algorithm is applied to obtain the classification of SCI and SSCI journals by minimizing intracategory journal‐journal (J‐J) distances in the database, where distance between journals is calculated from the similarity of their annual citation patterns with a cutoff parameter, t, to restrain the maximal J‐J distance. As demonstrated in the classification of SCI journals, classification of scientific networks with different resolution is possible by choosing proper values of t. Twenty journal categories in SCI are found to be stable despite a difference of an order of magnitude in t. In our classifications, the level of specificity of a category can be found by looking at its value of $\overline D $RJ (the average distance of members of a category to its representative journal), and relatedness of category members is implied by the value of $\overline D $J‐J (the average J‐J distance within a category). Our results are consistent with the ISI classification scheme, and the level of relatedness for most categories in our classification is higher than their counterpart in the ISI classification scheme.
Net energy and strategic decision‐making
Authors: Poldy Franzi
Published: August 2008

Recent calls for the dismissal of net energy are based on an inadequate understanding of the concept and are profoundly mistaken. Net energy captures one of the most important characteristics of an energy resource, and is central to strategic thinking about long‐term energy futures. Net energy relates the economy's need for energy to the energy expenditure required to meet that need. It determines the relative size of the energy sector in the economy. With high‐net‐energy fossil resources under threat, the strategic challenge is to find alternatives with comparable net energies. The calls for the dismissal of net energy are based on a number of misunderstandings about the treatment of primary and fossil resources in the calculation. Underlying them is a concern with the introduction of alternative fuels in the current economy rather than with the nature of energy supply in a post‐fossil world. This is a legitimate concern that may well require other metrics, but it is not a reason to dismiss net energy. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Role of non‐coding RNAs in neurodegeneration and stress response in Drosophila
Authors: Savvateeva‐Popova Elena , Medvedeva Anna , Popov Andrei , Evgen'ev Michael
Published: August 2008

The inherent limitations of genetic analysis in humans and other mammals as well as striking conservation of most genes controlling nervous system functioning in flies and mammals made Drosophila an attractive model to investigate various aspects of brain diseases. Since RNA research has made great progress in recent years here we present an overview of studies demonstrating the role of various non‐coding RNAs in neurodegeneration and stress response in Drosophila as a model organism. We put special emphasis on the role of non‐coding micro RNAs, hsr‐omega transcripts, and artificial small highly structured RNAs as triggers of neuropathology including aggregates formation, cognitive abnormalities and other symptoms. Cellular stress is a conspicuous feature of many neurodegenerative diseases and the production of specialized proteins protects the nerve cells against aggregates formation. Therefore, herein we describe some data implicating various classes of non‐coding RNAs in stress response in Drosophila. All these findings highlight Drosophila as an important model system to investigate various brain diseases potentially mediated by some non‐coding RNAs including polyglutamine diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Huntigton's disease, and many others.
Microanatomical study on the functional origin and direction of the thoracodorsal nerve from the trunks of brachial plexus
Authors: Lu Wei , Xu Jian‐Guang , Wang Da‐Ping , Gu Yu‐Dong
Published: August 2008

Ipsilateral C7 nerve root transfer or neurotization has been used for the repair of brachial plexus avulsions. In this procedure, the ipsilateral C7 nerve root is used as a donor nerve and is implanted into the damaged nerve of the brachial plexus in order to reinnervate distal muscles. However, this procedure may result in unintended injury to the thoracodorsal nerve, which receives motor fascicles form the cervical nerves of C6, C7, and C8, but mainly from C7. Damage to the thoracodorsal nerve ultimately results in weakness or paralysis of the latissimus dorsi muscle, which it innervates. In the present study, 20 adult cadaveric brachial plexus specimens and 3 fresh specimens were dissected using microscopy. The origin and direction of motor fascicles from the three trunks of the brachial plexus to the thoracodorsal nerve were investigated. Motor fiber counts of C7 and the thoracodorsal nerve were also performed. Several observations can be made: (1) The origin of the thoracodorsal nerve can be divided into three types: Type A, the thoracodorsal nerve originated from the superior and middle trunks; Type B, the thoracodorsal nerve originated from the inferior and middle trunks; and Type C, the thoracodorsal nerve originated from all three trunks. (2) More than 52% of the motor fibers in the thoracodorsal nerve originated in the C7 nerve root. (3) Motor fascicles from C7 to the thoracodorsal nerve were mostly localized in the posterior‐interanl part of C7 at the trunk‐division boundary. In conclusion, we suggest that: (1) Because of variation in the origin of the thoracodorsal nerve, electromyography should be routinely performed intraoperatively during C7 nerve root transfer to determine the origin type and avoid thoracodorsal fascicle injury. (2) Preservation of the posterior‐internal part of C7 (selective C7 transfer) can protect thoracodorsal nerve fascicles from damage and prevent postoperative dysfunction of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Clin. Anat. 21:509–513, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tracheobronchial variations in Turkish population
Authors: Beder Sumru , Küpeli̇ Eli̇f , Karnak Demet , Kayacan Oya
Published: August 2008

The tracheobronchial tree exhibits highly individualistic features and many variations. As the anatomic variations among Turkish population have not been studied previously, we aimed to evaluate the type and frequency of tracheobronchial variations (TBVs) in our bronchoscopy population. In a 3‐year period, 1,114 patients underwent flexible bronchoscopy (FB). Among these, 780 (70%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 51.3 ± 15.1 (range: 17–84) years. In 639 cases, no TBV were detected. A total of 999 TBV were observed in 475 patients. Of all, 71.3% (713) of the total TBV were detected in males. Forty‐nine and six‐tenths percent (49.6%) of the TBV were observed on the right bronchial system, 49.2% on the left, and 1.2% in the trachea. The five most frequently observed TBV were right lower lobe basal orifice with two subsegments, left lower lobe basal orifice with two subsegments, left upper lobe with three segments, right upper lobe with two segments, and right lower lobe with a subapical segment. In the same lobe bronchus, single variation and two different TBV were seen in 85% and 15% of patients, respectively. Number of TBV increased linearly with the number of lobes involved. The availability and popularity of FB in recent years has led to the increase in identification and reporting of TBV. TBV should be correctly identified and documented. This information is invaluable during follow‐up bronchoscopies as well as lung resection. Clin. Anat. 21:531–538, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membrane protein analysis of human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 by different membrane washing methods
Authors: Ruan Yusong , Pei Weijing , Wan Mingxi
Published: August 2008

Membrane and membrane‐associated proteins are rich in known or potential pharmaceutical drug targets for carcinogenesis. In order to systemically analyze membrane proteins of human breast cancer, we isolated membrane from MCF‐7 cells by sequential extraction by washing with three different buffers, namely, phosphate buffer (5 mM, pH 8.0), Tris (40 mM, pH 9.5), and sodium carbonate (100 mM pH 11). The extracted proteins were separated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) using cup‐loading and were then analyzed by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF). A total of 137 spots from the gels of the three procedures were successfully identified. They corresponded to 79 distinct proteins. Among them, 22 exclusive proteins belonging to each washing procedure were also found, including P‐glycoprotein, endoplasmin, Stress‐70 protein, ADAM 10, protein disulfide isomerase, and glutamate receptor. These results indicate phosphate buffer to be the most beneficial for enrichment of peripheral membrane proteins, and sodium carbonate is beneficial for the presentation of integral membrane proteins but usually with poor resolution. The reference maps and identified proteins will serve as a basis for the further investigation of breast cancer, especially the proteomic comparison among different cell types of breast cancer, or among the different stages in the drug interfering process of the MCF‐7 cell line. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of CRE‐mediated recombination driven by myosin light chain 1/3 regulatory elements in embryonic and adult skeletal muscle: A tool to study fiber specification
Authors: Mourkioti Foteini , Slonimsky Esfir , Huth Marion , Berno Valeria , Rosenthal Nadia
Published: August 2008

An increasing number of genes have been implicated in skeletal muscle fiber diversity. To study the contribution of diverse genetic elements to the regulation of fiber‐type composition, we generated a transgenic mouse in which CRE recombinase expression is driven by muscle‐specific regulatory sequences of the myosin light chain 1/3 locus (MLC). Using ROSA26 conditional reporter mice, we detected expression of the MLC‐Cre transgene starting from embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5). By E15, recombination was detected in all muscle‐derived structures. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed CRE activity was restricted to fast‐twitch (type II) and excluded from slow‐twitch (type I) fibers of skeletal muscle. The MLC‐Cre transgenic mouse can be used in conjunction with conditional alleles to study both developmental patterning and maintenance of fast fiber‐type phenotypes. genesis 46:424–430, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anisotropic mesh adaption for time‐dependent problems
Authors: Micheletti S. , Perotto S.
Published: August 2008

We propose a space–time adaptive procedure for a model parabolic problem based on a theoretically sound anisotropic a posteriori error analysis. A space–time finite element scheme (continuous in space but discontinuous in time) is employed to discretize this problem, thus allowing for non‐matching meshes at different time levels. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A convective weakly viscoelastic rotating flow with pressure Neumann condition
Authors: Claeyssen Julio R. , Asenjo Elba Bravo , Rubio Obidio
Published: August 2008

The objective of this work is to investigate through the numeric simulation, the effects of the weakly viscoelastic flow within a rotating rectangular duct subject to a buoyancy force due to the heating of one of the walls of the duct. A direct velocity–pressure algorithm in primitive variables with a Neumann condition for the pressure is employed. The spatial discretization is made with finite central differences on a staggered grid. The pressure field is directly updated without any iteration. Numerical simulations were done for several Weissemberg numbers (We) and Grashof numbers (Gr) . The numerical results show that for high Weissemberg numbers (We>7.4 × 10−5) and for ducts with aspect ratio 2:1 and 8:1, the secondary flow is restabilized with a stretched double vortex configuration. It is also observed that when the Grashof number is increased (Gr>17 × 10−4) , the buoyancy force neutralizes the effects of the Coriolis force for ducts with aspect ratio 8:1. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐resolution wetting and drying algorithm for free‐surface hydrodynamics
Authors: Casulli Vincenzo
Published: August 2008

A new wetting and drying algorithm for numerical modeling free‐surface flows is proposed and analyzed. A well structured, mildly nonlinear system for the discrete water surface elevation is derived from the governing differential equations by requiring a correct mass balance in wet areas as well as in the region of transition from wet to dry and from dry to wet. Existence and uniqueness of the numerical solution, along with a convergence analysis of an iterative scheme for the mildly nonlinear system, is provided. The present algorithm is devised to use high‐resolution bathymetric data at subgrid level. The resulting model is quite efficient, does not require a threshold value for minimal water depth, does not produce un‐physical negative water depths and generates accurate results with relatively coarse mesh and large time step size. These features are illustrated on a severe test‐case with known analytical solution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The measurement of efficiency and productivity of health care delivery
Authors: Hollingsworth Bruce
Published: August 2008

The measurement of efficiency and productivity of health service delivery has become a small industry. This is a review of 317 published papers on frontier efficiency measurement. The techniques used are mainly based on non‐parametric data envelopment analysis, but there is increasing use of parametric techniques, such as stochastic frontier analysis. Applications to hospitals and other health care organizations and areas are reviewed and summarised, and some meta‐type analysis undertaken. Cautious conclusions are that public provision may be potentially more efficient than private, in certain settings. The paper also considers conceptualizations of efficiency, and points to dangers and opportunities in generating such information. Finally, some criteria for assessing the use and usefulness of efficiency studies are established, with a view to helping both researchers and those assessing whether or not to act upon published results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescence lifetime optical projection tomography
Authors: McGinty James , Tahir Khadija B. , Laine Romain , Talbot Clifford B. , Dunsby Christopher , Neil Mark A. A. , Quintana Laura , Swoger James , Sharpe James , French Paul M. W.
Published: August 2008

We describe a quantitative fluorescence projection tomography technique which measures the 3‐D fluorescence lifetime distribution in optically cleared specimens up 1 cm in diameter. This is achieved by acquiring a series of wide‐field time‐gated images at different relative time delays with respect to a train of excitation pulses, at a number of projection angles. For each time delay, the 3‐D time‐gated intensity distribution is reconstructed using a filtered back projection algorithm and the fluorescence lifetime subsequently determined for each reconstructed horizontal plane by iterative fitting to a mono‐exponential decay. Due to its inherently ratiometric nature, fluorescence lifetime is robust against intensity based artefacts as well as producing a quantitative measure of the fluorescence signal. We present a 3‐D fluorescence lifetime reconstruction of a mouse embryo labelled with an alexa‐488 conjugated antibody targeted to the neurofilament, which clearly differentiates between the extrinsic label and the autofluorescence, particularly from the heart and dorsal aorta. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Expression of Sox and fibrillar collagen genes in lamprey larval chondrogenesis with implications for the evolution of vertebrate cartilage
Authors: Ohtani Kaoru , Yao Tuoya , Kobayashi Mari , Kusakabe Rie , Kuratani Shigeru , Wada Hiroshi
Published: August 2008

Lampreys possess unique types of cartilage in which elastin‐like proteins are the dominant matrix component, whereas gnathostome cartilage is mainly composed of fibrillar collagen. Despite the differences in protein composition, the Sox–col2a1 genetic cascade was suggested to be conserved between lamprey pharyngeal cartilage and gnathostome cartilage. We examined whether the cascade is conserved in another type of lamprey cartilage, the trabecular cartilage. We found that SoxD and SoxE are expressed in both trabecular and pharyngeal cartilages. However, trabecular cartilage shows no clade A fibrillar collagen gene expression, including genes expressed in pharyngeal cartilage of this animal. On the basis of these observations, we propose that lampreys possess an ancestral type of cartilage that is similar to amphioxus gill cartilage, and in this respect, gnathostome cartilage can be regarded as derived for the loss of elastin‐like protein as a cartilage component and recruitment of fibrillar collagen, which is included as a minor component in the ancestral cartilage, as the main component. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:596–607, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An innovative approach to supporting hospitalist physicians towards academic success
Authors: Howell Eric , Kravet Steven , Kisuule Flora , Wright Scott M.
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND:

Academic hospitalist physicians face significant challenges that may threaten their chances for successful and timely promotions, such as heavy clinical workloads, limited training in research, and relatively few experienced mentors in their field. The appreciable growth of hospital medicine groups in recent years, as has occurred at our institution, compounds the predicament by diluting the limited resources that are available to support these physicians.

METHODS:

A needs assessment was followed by the development of specific objectives for the division and for individual members of the division related to academic success. The resulting 3‐pronged strategy to support the academic success of our group was based on securing strong mentorship, investing requisite resources, and committing to recruit fellowship‐trained new faculty.

RESULTS:

To date, the initiative has resulted in an increased number of peer‐reviewed publication and grants, as well as national leadership roles for division members. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:314–318. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Challenging family dialogues within the intensive care unit: An intensivist's perspective
Authors: Halpern Neil A. , Raoof Nina D. , Voigt Louis P. , Pastores Stephen M.
Published: August 2008

Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:354–356. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.