bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Heart Failure: The Importance of Ventricular Dyssynchrony and Left Bundle Branch Block in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: González-Costello José , Lorite Nicolás Manito , Elías Josep Roca
Published: June 2011

Heart failure is a very prevalent disease in the general population, but more so in the elderly. It has a very high morbidity and mortality and it is a growing public health problem. Half of the patients with heart failure have a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and fewer have a left bundle branch block, which is our currently best selection criterion to identify electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony. When these patients are severely symptomatic despite adequate medical treatment of their heart failure, implantation of a biventricular pacemaker can resynchronize the ventricles and induce a reverse remodelling of the left ventricle and marked symptomatic improvement.
Indications of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Based on Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Alonso-Martin Concepción , Gandara Nuria Rivas , Rodríguez Oscar Alcalde , Mitjans Angel Moya
Published: June 2011

Since the first application of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in 1994, an important body of information has been delivered from many randomized trials including a large number of patients. Most of these trials have showed strong evidence to support the use of CRT to improve heart failure symptoms, quality of life, left ventricular ejection fraction, exercise capacity and survival. As a result, current guidelines recommend the use of CRT as a Class I indication in patients with NYHA classes III or IV, LVEF less than 35%, QRS duration greater than120 ms, LV end-diastolic diameter > 55 mm and, sinus rhythm. However, a lack of information exists regarding other scenarios such as patients in NYHA classes II, patients with a narrow QRS complex, patients with normal ejection fraction or patients with baseline rhythms other than sinus rhythm such as those in atrial fibrillation or pacing dependent. The following chapter is dedicated to the indications for CRT therapy recommended on current clinical guidelines from the American and European Societies reviewing the clinical evidence supporting these indications.
Novel Indications of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Patients in Atrial Fibrillation, with Narrow QRS Complex and in Functional Class II
Authors: Martin Ana , Berruezo Antonio
Published: June 2011

Randomized clinical trials have shown important clinical benefits from cardiac resynchronization therapy, in addition to those obtained with optimal medical treatment, in the advanced heart failure population. However, the criteria for inclusion in these trials are restrictive and only a small proportion of heart failure patients are candidates. The logical next step is to expand this therapy and its possible benefits to heart failure patients in less advanced stages of the disease, with narrow QRS and in atrial fibrillation. In this chapter we review the available findings on the use of this therapy in these subsets of patients.
CRT Considered in Patients with Established Pacing Indication and in Patients with Right Bundle Branch Block
Authors: Diaz Infante Ernesto , Leon Rocio Cozar
Published: June 2011

The beneficial effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on symptoms, hospitalizations and mortality are well established in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and QRS. 120 ms. Majority of studies about CRT have included patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, in some subgroups of patients with heart failure and electrical disorders such as right bundle branch block (RBBB) or induced LBBB by permanent pacing, the benefit of CRT remains uncertain.

Right ventricle apex (RVA) pacing cause electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony, which could worsen the left ventricular ejection fraction and remodel left ventricle. Some trials, as DAVID or MOST, have suggested a possible harmful role of RVA pacing. In patients with left ventricular dysfunction and need of pacing, CRT could be considered as an alternative. Several trials, as HOBIPACE and RD-CHF, support CRT in patients with left ventricular disfunction who need pacing. Therefore, current clinical practice guidelines recommend the use of CRT in heart failure patients with depressed systolic function who need permanent pacing.

In other hand, RBBB also causes electrical disorders like interventricular and intraleft ventricular dyssynchrony. And this has been identified as a predictor of HF worsening. CRT might also have some hemodynamic benefits in patients with RBBB and intraleft ventricular dyssynchrony. Nowadays, recommendations for CRT in the guidelines do not specify QRS morphology although emphasize that there is not yet sufficient evidence to provide specific recommendations for patients with RBBB.
Code Simulations and Death: Processing of Emotional Distress
Authors: Leavy Jane D , Vanderhoff Calvin J. , Ravert Patricia K
Published: June 2011

It is important for nursing students to be exposed to critical patient care scenarios because high stress clinical situations, such as patient codes, occur unexpectedly and infrequently in the clinical setting. In addition, it is important for nursing students to be exposed to the reality of patient death in order to help them overcome fears associated with death and to develop effective coping strategies. Students may or may not have an opportunity to deal with patient codes or patient death in the clinical setting, therefore simulation labs provide students with the opportunity to practice important clinical skills and discuss emotions in a safe environment. Although there is some research on the benefits of incorporating end-of-life patient care scenarios in simulation labs, there is no research that analyzes students’ perceptions of the benefits of participating in simulated code scenarios and their emotions following patient simulated death. A pilot study was conducted to assess students’ views on the benefits of participating in simulated code scenarios in which a patient dies and the effectiveness of the debriefing session in processing emotions related to the lab experience.
Effect of Battery Energy Storage System on Load Frequency Control under Deregulation
Authors: Chatterjee Kalyan
Published: June 2011

Frequency oscillations due to large load disturbance can be effectively damped by fast acting energy storage devices, because additional energy storage capacity is provided as a supplement to the kinetic energy storage in the moving mass of the generator rotor. The energy storage devices share the sudden changes in power requirement in the load. This paper deals with the concept of Load Frequency Control (LFC) in a deregulated power system considering Battery Energy Storage (BES) system. Time domain simulations are carried out to study the performance of the power system and BES system. The performance of the power system under realistic situation is investigated by including the effects of Generation Rate Constraint (GRC) and governor Dead Band (DB) in the simulation studies.
A Deadly Disparity: A Unified Assessment of the Black-White Infant Mortality Gap
Authors: Elder Todd E , Goddeeris John H , Haider Steven J
Published: June 2011

We provide a unified assessment of a striking disparity in the United States: the differential rate at which white and black infants die. We separate the overall mortality gap into three temporal components—fitness at birth, conditional neonatal mortality, and conditional post-neonatal mortality—and quantify the extent to which each of the components can be predicted using a flexible reweighting method. Almost 90 percent of the overall mortality gap is due to differential fitness at birth, little of which can be predicted by racial differences in background characteristics. The remaining mortality gap stems from conditional post-neonatal mortality differences, nearly all of which can be predicted by background characteristics. The predictability of the mortality gap has declined substantially over the past two decades, largely because the mortality gap among extremely low-fitness infants is increasingly unrelated to background characteristics.
Determination of uranium isotope concentrations in precipitation in the vicinity of lignite-fired power plants
Authors: Papadopoulos Nick , Efstathopoulos Angelos , Karangelos Dimitrios , Petropoulos Nick
Published: June 2011

Coal- and lignite-fired power plants produce significant amounts of fly ash,
which in many cases contains high concentrations of naturally occurring
radionuclides such as 238U. This is of importance from the
radio-environmental point of view since a small portion of the fly ash
escapes from the power plant filtering system and disperses in the
surrounding atmosphere. In addition, coal- and lignite-fired plants related
activities such as fuel mining and ash deposition contribute to the suspended
matter in the air with particles containing naturally occurring
radionuclides. In this study, rainwater samples were collected in the
Megalopolis lignite field basin of the Arcadia prefecture in Greece, where
lignite-fired power plants are in operation and related activities are fully
developed. The samples were preconcentrated and analyzed with alpha
spectrometry and kinetic phosphorescence analysis in order to determine the
levels of uranium isotope concentrations in precipitation in the Megalopolis
basin. A control rainwater sample was also collected in the Athens area to
account for reference purposes. Concentrations determined via the two
techniques were found to be in statistical agreement. The concentration of
238U in the samples collected at the Megalopolis basin varies from 2.2 ? 0.6
to 90 ? 14 mBq/L, and is 5-40 times higher than the concentration of 238U in
the sample collected in Athens. This could be attributed to the operation of
the lignite-fired power plants, the fossil fuel mines, and the ash
depositories.
Influence of nuclear radiation and laser beams on optical fibers and components
Authors: Pantelic Sladjana , Borna Nadezda , Sreckovic Milesa , Kovacevic Aleksander , Bugarinovic Aleksandar , Kovacevic Milojko , Lazarevic Djordje
Published: June 2011

The influence of nuclear radiation and particles has been the object of
investigation for a long time. For new materials and systems the research
should be continued. Human activities in various environments, including
space, call for more detailed research. The role of fibers in contemporary
communications, medicine, and industry increases. Fibers, their connections
and fused optics components have one type of tasks - the transmission of
information and power. The other type of tasks is reserved for fiber lasers:
quantum generators and amplifiers. The third type of tasks is for fiber
sensors, including high energy nuclear physics. In this paper we present some
chosen topics in the mentioned areas as well as our experiments with nuclear
radiation and laser beams to fiber and bulk materials of various nature
(glass, polymer, metallic, etc.).
Burn-up dependent steady-state thermal hydraulic analysis of Pakistan research reactor-1
Authors: Muhammad Atta , Iqbal Masood , Mahmood Tayyab
Published: June 2011

The burn-up dependent steady-state thermal hydraulic analysis of Pakistan
research reactor-1, reference operating core, has been carried out utilizing
standard computer codes WIMS/D4, CITATION, and RELAP5/MOD3.4. Reactor codes
WIMS/D4 and CITATION have been used for the calculations of neutronic
parameters including peaking factors and power profiles at different burn-up
considering a xenon free core and also the equilibrium xenon values.
RELAP5/MOD3.4 code was utilized for the determination of peak fuel
centerline, clad and coolant temperatures to ensure the safety of the reactor
throughout the cycle. The calculations reveal that the reactor is safe and no
nucleate boiling will commence at any part of the core throughout the cycle
and that the safety margin increases with burnup as peaking factors decrease.
Breech presentation at term: Caesarean section or vaginal delivery?
Authors: Djuric Janko , Arsenijevic Slobodan , Bankovic Dragic , Protrka Zoran , Sorak Marija , Dimitrijevic Aleksandra , Zivanovic Aleksandar
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Term breech presentation occurs in 3-4% of all deliveries. Most
obstetricians are completely sure how to end delivery when the foetus is in
breech presentation, by caesarean section as the only option. Objective. The
main goal of the paper was to present the method of delivery for term breech
presentation analyzed at the Hospital of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and
Clinical Centre in Kragujevac, and parameters that influenced the decision on
the method of choice to perform delivery with the foetus in breech position.
Methods. During a three-year prospective study, the course and outcome of all
term breech deliveries were under follow-up. The study involved only
deliveries in breech presentation, with a trial of labour ending by vaginal
delivery, while elective caesarean section due to breech presentation of the
foetus was not included in the study. The following parameters were compared:
body mass, newborn?s first minute Apgar score and head circumference,
gestational maturity, gestational age, delivery duration, maternal level of
education and maternal parity. Results. Of total 6,470 deliveries, 653
(10.10%) were finalized by caesarean section. Of these, there were 202
(3.12%) term breech presentations, of which 72 (35.64%) women had caesarean
and 130 (64.36%) vaginal delivery. A difference was detected in newborn?s
body mass and head circumference, delivery duration, maternal level of
education and parity between pregnancies terminated surgically in comparison
to vaginal delivery, while pregnancy duration, maternal age, first minute
Apgar score, and most significantly, perinatal morbidity did not show any
difference regardless of the method of delivery for term breech presentation.
Conclusion. With respect of all known parameters, vaginal delivery in breech
presentation is also accepted.
Quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Pavic Sladjana , Delic Dragan , Simonovic Jasmina , Svirtlih Neda
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Hepatitis C virus often causes chronic liver disease reducing
physical, mental and social functions in these patients. Objective. The aim
of this investigation was analysis of the quality of life in chronic
hepatitis C patients compared to patients with other chronic liver diseases
and healthy population, as well as investigation of the influence of
socio-demographic factors on the quality of life in patients with chronic
hepatitis C. Methods. A generic Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and
Chronic Liver Diseases Questionnaire (CLDQ) were used in this prospective
study for the investigation of the quality of life in 160 patients (100
patients with chronic hepatitis C, 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 30
patients with non-viral chronic liver diseases) and 50 healthy controls.
Results. Reduced quality of life was noted in patients with chronic hepatitis
C patients in comparison with healthy controls (p=0.00). Significant
differences in SF-36 were found between patients with chronic hepatitis C and
B regarding physical functions, activity, physical pain and emotional
functions. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed ages below 50
years as the most important positive variable in chronic hepatitis C patients
for total score of the quality of life and physical component score (B=14.5;
SE=5.16; p=0.049; and B=16.4; SE=5.94; p=0.003, respectively). The most
important positive variable for the mental component of the quality of life
was male gender (B=15.3; SE=5.81; p=0.003). Conclusion. Quality of life is
reduced in patients with chronic hepatitis C in comparison with healthy
population. The quality of life in chronic hepatitis C patients is better
than in patients with other non-viral chronic liver diseases. In comparison
with patients with chronic hepatitis B, reduction in some domains of the
quality of life is noted. Younger age is the most predictable group for the
lowest damage of the total quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis
C patients among other socio- demographic characteristics of these patients.
Clinical characteristics of idiopathic ulcerative colitis in children
Authors: Lekovic Zoran , Radlovic Nedeljko , Brdar Radivoj , Vuletic Biljana , Janic Nenad , Ristic Dragana , Stojsic Zorica , Radlovic Vladimir , Simic Dusica , Nikolic Dejan
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Idiopathic ulcerative colitis (IUC) represents a rare disease
of childhood. It usually occurs at age over 10 years, and below that
exceptionally rarely. Objective. The aim of the paper was to analyze the
clinical signs, symptoms and therapeutic procedures in children with IUC.
Methods. The aims of the paper were based on a sample of 17 children (11 male
and 6 female, mean age 11.90?3.50 years; range 3.8-17.5 years) with IUC. The
disease diagnosis was based on characteristic endoscopic and
pathohistological findings. Results. The basic signs of the disease involved
chronic mucosal haemorrhagic diarrhoea which was confirmed in 16 of 17
patients, with body weight deficiency (10), recurrent abdominal pain (6),
fever (5), slowed-down maturation (5), marked anorexia (4), and tenesmus (3).
Two patients had recurrent aphthous stomatitis, 2 anal fissures, 2
arthralgia, one autoimmune hepatitis and one pyoderma gangrenosum. None of
the children had longitudinal growth retardation. Elevated sedimentation rate
and C-reactive protein in blood were registered in 11, sideropenia in 10,
anaemia in 6 and hypoalbuminemia in 3 patients. The remission of
proctosigmoiditis and left-sided colitis was achieved with aminosalicylates,
and of pancolitis with the combination of aminosalicylates and
glucocorticoids, except in cases of steroid-dependent colitis, which
additionally required azathioprine. Conclusion. The main signs of IUC in
children are chronic mucous haemorrhagic diarrhoea, body weight loss and
sideropenic anaemia, while the basic therapy consists of aminosalicylates,
and in more severe cases of the disease the initial use of glucocorticoids
and later azathioprine.
Biometeorological influence on motorcyclists and bicyclists trauma
Authors: Gajic Vladimir , Milojevic Dragan , Raskovic Aleksandar , Smailagic Jasminka , Djonovic Nela , Sijacki Ana
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Biometeorological circumstances have great influence on all
traffic participants, especially on reflexes, movement coordination and
perception ability, increasing the number of accidents. Motocyclists and
bicyclists are specific participants in traffic, so their traumatism has its
own special characteristics. Objective. The aim of this study was to
establish biometeorological influence on motorcyclists and bicyclists
accidents. Methods. Comparative analysis of everyday biometeorological phases
for the city of Kragujevac determinated by the Republic Hydrometeorological
Service of Serbia and motorcyclists and bicyclists accident evidence received
from Kragujevac traffic police for the period 2004-2008. Results. There were
5,180 traffic accidents in this period, with 180 accidents in which 77
motorcyclists and 116 bicyclists were knocked down. Most of the accidents
were in 2008 (53) and the least in 2005 (28). Most accidents occurred during
August (28) and between 19.00 and 20.00 hours (18). There were no accidents
during January, between 04.00 and 06.00 hours. There were 85% accidents in
the urban area. Most of 169 males were aged 16-20 and 21-25 years (20 and
21). Most of 24 females (6) were aged 11-15 years. Those who caused the
accident mostly sustained injuries due to improper speed limit (31), while
the victims due to the disrespect of street-crossing priorities (32).
Forty-one motorcyclists and 85 bicyclists suffered mild body injuries.
Thirty-one motorcyclists and 27 bicyclist suffered severe injuries. Five
motorcyclists and four bicyclists ended lethally. Most accidents happened in
biometeorological phases 9 (63), 4 (32) and 1 (31). Conclusion. Statistical
analysis showed a significant correlation between accidents and
biometeorological phases, with most accidents occurring during stabile warm
weather and rapid penetrations of cold fronts, and with a sudden switch of
weather conditions.
Mineral waters of the Pannonian basin spas in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Klimo Atila
Published: June 2011

Introduction. The fact itself that thermo-mineral waters and mud have healing
effects has always attracted attention throughout the history to exploit,
explore and study their benefit on the human body. Modern lifestyle and the
speed of life endanger man?s psycho-physical health. This is why people more
often return to old time proven values, the nature and natural health
resorts. Objective. To establish hydro-geological conditions for the
formation of mineral water and to summarize their balneological
characteristics in spas, i.e., in rehabilitation centres of the Pannonian
basin of the Republic of Serbia, where underground waters are still actively
exploited for balneotherapy. Methods. By retrospective descriptive analysis,
a recapitulation of hydro-geological conditions for the formation of mineral
waters was made and their balneological characteristics were established in
eight spas of the Pannonian basin. Results. The healing spas of the Pannonian
basin are predominated by HCO3 (2.9 g/l - 4.6% milival), iodic (up to 6.5
mg/l), slightly alkaline (pH up to 8.1) thermal-mineral water (temperature up
to 72?C, bounty to 36.6 l/s) with a significant content of Br (up to 8.1
mg/l), Fe (to 6.0 mg/l), metaboron (up to 60 mg/l) and metasilicon acid (up
to 95 mg/l). They are used for external application, bathing and showering.
Conclusion. Once the Pannonian Sea (the Paratethys), today a wide plain
terrain is a tectonic depression of the lower Pannonian pont age with compact
type aquifers. In the geological column of sedimentary rocks a large
underground aquifer was formed with free water of high mineralization, high
temperature and geothermal properties above the average in relation to the
European hydrogeological standards. Therefore, the Pannonian basin can be
rightly called a thermal valley with the predominance of sodium
hydro-carbonate (alkaline) iodine healing water of enviable abundance and
reserves.
Adams-Oliver syndrome: Case report
Authors: Kuburovic Vladimir , Vukomanovic Vladislav , Kosutic Jovan , Rakic Sanja , Gazikalovic Slobodan , Dzudovic Slobodan , Kuburovic Nina
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Adams-Oliver syndrome is characterized by congenital aplasia of
the vertex skin of the skull in combination with skull and transverse limb
defects. Case Outline. We presented a 5-month old female infant with
Adams-Oliver syndrome manifested as cutis marmorata, dilated scalp veins and
limb reduction defects. Clinical manifestation also included thumb hypoplasia
and extreme hypoplasia of other fingers, with agenesis of all toes on both
feet. Echocardiogram revealed foramen ovale apertum. Venography showed
dilated malformed scalp and neck veins, predominantly on the right side. On
the basis of the clinical features and extended investigation we confirmed
Adams-Oliver syndrome in the presented patient. Conclusion. We recommended
prenatal diagnosis in case of future pregnancies, ultrasound examination, and
follow-up of foetal anomalies.
Wound infection after carotid artery endarterectomy caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Case report
Authors: Popov Petar , Tanaskovic Slobodan , Matic Predrag , Babic Srdjan , Nenezic Dragoslav , Jovanovic Predrag , Ilijevski Nenad , Vucurevic Goran
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Carotid endarterectomy is a safe and reliable surgical
procedure to treat the narrowing of the internal carotid artery greater than
70%. One of the most serious complications of surgical wound after
endarterectomy is an infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) which is accompanied with high morbidity and mortality. Case
Outline. A 62-year-old woman developed a graft infection caused by MRSA after
a carotid endarterectomy with synthetic graft placement. Two years after
unsuccessful antibiotic and local wound treatment, we replaced the infected
graft by an autologous saphenous vein conduit. Conclusion. The case suggests
that only by aggressive surgical approach with replacement of infected graft
a successful outcome can be achieved in such a rare but potentially fatal
post-operative complication.
Acute abdomen caused by adnexal torsion in the first trimester of pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Terzic Milan , Aksam Slavica , Maricic Sanja , Arsenovic Nebojsa
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Adnexal torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain during
pregnancy. The clinical and laboratory findings are non-specific. In this
paper we present a case of adnexal torsion in the first trimester of
pregnancy. Case Outline. On admission, the patient presented signs of acute
abdomen. The pain started few hours prior to admission, and was predominantly
localized, occasionally irradiating to the central parts of the lower
abdomen, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Ultrasound revealed viable
intrauterine pregnancy and right adnexal mass with small amount of free fluid
in the Douglas pouch. After short preoperative evaluation, laparotomy and
adnexectomy were performed. Surgery and postoperative follow-up were
uneventful, and histopathology reported torquated corpus luteum cysts.
Conclusion. The diagnosis of adnexal torsion during pregnancy is difficult,
and occasionally remains a diagnostic dilemma. Surgery is inevitable, must be
prompt, and comprises adnexectomy.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Brkic Snezana , Tomic Slavica , Ruzic Maja , Maric Daniela
Published: June 2011

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined by a profound, debilitating
fatigue, lasting for at least 6 months and resulting in a substantial
reduction of occupational, personal, social and educational status. CFS is a
relatively poorly recognized clinical entity, although everyday experience
shows that there are many patients with CFS symptoms. The incidence and
prevalence of CFS remain unknown in most countries; however, the working
population is most affected with predominantly female patients in generative
period. Although, CFS was first mentioned four centuries ago, mysterious
aethiopathogensis of CFS still intrigues scientists as hundreds of studies
are still published every year on the subject. About 80 different
aetiological CFS factors are mentioned, which can be classified into five
basic groups: genetics, immunology, infectious diseases, endocrinology and
neuropsychiatry-psychology. Even today the condition is passed established
based on the diagnosis by exclusion of organic and psychiatric disorders,
which demands u multidisciplinary approach. As the syndrome is often
misdiagnosed and mistreated, self-medication is not uncommon in CFS
patients?. In addition, such patients usually suffer for years tolerating
severe fatigue. Thus, at the moment there are three priorities regarding CFS;
understanding pathogenesis, development of diagnostic tests and creating
efficient treatment program.
Armes provenant de tombes celtes d’un site inconnu
Authors: Popovic Petar
Published: June 2011

En automne 2003, lors d?un contr?le effectu? ? la fronti?re entre
la Serbie et la Hongrie et en application de la loi sur la protection des
biens culturels, les autorit?s de police ont confisqu? ? X une certaine
quantit? d?objets arch?ologiques en fer qui ont ?t? confi?s ? la garde du
Mus?e national de Belgrade. La plus grande partie de cette saisie, que l?on
suppose ?tre constitu?e de trouvailles originaires du Srem, ?tait constitu?e
d?armes celtes pr?sentant divers degr?s de conservation (Pl. I-III). Il
s?agit de trois ?p?es pli?es avec leurs fourreaux, deux anneaux de ceinturon,
six fers de lance, deux talons de lance, trois umbos dont un avec manipule en
fer, deux grands coutelas, deux rasoirs, trois couteaux recourb?s et un
bracelet. Au vue de la nature du mat?riel en question il est permis d?en
conclure que ces objets proviennent de tombes pill?es, appartenant peut-?tre
? une grande n?cropole des Scordisques, qui correspondrait ? La T?ne Moyenne
(LT C2), soit la premi?re moiti? et le milieu du IIe si?cle av. n. ?. En
l?absence d?autres donn?es on ne peut que supposer qu?il s?agit, pour le
moins, de trois s?pultures distinctes, en soulignant que ce mat?riel peut
d?j? ?tre rang? parmi les plus remarquables panoplies de guerriers pour la
p?riode La T?ne Moyenne provenant du territoire des Scordisques.
Simultan?ment, il pourrait s?agir d?un excellent exemple du type d?armement
des Celtes de l?Est pour cette ?poque.
Silver jewelry of autochthonous style from south and south-east parts of roman province Dalmatia
Authors: Popovic Ivana
Published: June 2011

In the hinterland of the middle Adriatic, at the sites Ivosevci (Burnum) and
Podgradje (Asseria), were found the knee-like fibulae made of silver, on which
were hanged the chains made of silver twisted wire with pendants. Silver
fibulae of same type, also with hanged silver chains, were found in the
region of south-east Dalmatia, at the sites Komini (Municipium S?) and
Kolovrat. These finds confirmed the already existing thesis about the
migration of the part of population from middle Dalmatia into its south-east
regions around Komini and Kolovrat. The anlysis of jewelry from that region
confirmed also the existence of an older ethnic component, maybe of Celtic
origin, whose style of decorations is close to that one practiced by the
inhabitants of the upper and middle part of Drina Valley. The specific local
forms of decorations and jewelry have their origin in the transformation of
the long-lasting influences from the Greek cultural circle and they bear
witness to the conservatism of this population.
Finite element method analysis of pipe material temperature changes influence on line expansion loops in hydraulic installations on modern tankers
Authors: Banaszek Andrzej , Petrovic Radovan , Zylinski Bartlomiej
Published: June 2011

Finite element method analysis of main lines of hydraulic central loading
system installation expansion loops mounted on product and chemical tankers
has been presented in the paper. The axial forces problem in installations
mounted along the ship?s open decks executed from hull deformations on waves
and thermal stresses is given. Use of ?U? type expansion loops is described.
Results of forces in anchor points and stresses of Mises due to expansion
loop deformations are shown. Calculations were made by ABAQUS Ver.6.7 FEM
computer program.
Xerophilic fungal genus Wallemia: Bioactive inhabitants of marine solar salterns and salty food
Authors: Zajc Janja , Zalar Polona , Sepcic Kristina , Gunde-Cimerman Nina
Published: June 2011

Wallemia is a genus of cosmopolitan xerophilic fungi, frequently involved in
food spoilage of particularly sweet, salty, and dried food. Until recently,
only a single species, Wallemia sebi, was recognized in the genus. When a
large group of strains globally collected in salterns and other different
ecological niches was analyzed on the level of physiological, morphological
and molecular characteristics, a new basidiomycetous class, Wallemiomycetes,
covering an order of Wallemiales was proposed and three Wallemia species were
recognized: W. ichthyophaga, W. sebi and W. muriae. Wallemia ichthyophaga was
recognized as the most halophilic eukaryote known, thus representing an
appropriate eukaryotic model for in depth studies of adaptation to
hypersaline conditions. Our preliminary studies indicated that all three
Wallemia species synthesized a yet undescribed haemolytic compound under,
surprisingly, low water activity conditions. Due to the taxonomic status w
hich was unrevealed only recently, there were so far no reports on the
production of any bioactive compounds by the three newly described species.
The article aims to present the taxonomy, ecology, physiology and so far
described molecular mechanisms of adaptations to life at low water activity,
as well as bioactive potential of the genus Wallemia, a phylogenetically
ancient taxon and a taxonomic maverick within Basidiomycota.
Elisa and HPLC analyses of deoxynivalenol in maize and wheat
Authors: Matic Jovana , Jajic Igor , Saric Bojana , Misan Aleksandra , Krstovic Sasa , Mandic Anamarija
Published: June 2011

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a part of the family of mycotoxins called
trichothecenes which are produced by a number of different Fusarium mold
species. The presence of DON in 25 wheat and 25 maize samples was examined by
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and High Performance Liquid
Chromatography (HPLC) methods. The presence of DON was detected and
determined in 5 (20%) maize and 6 (25%) wheat samples by both of the methods.
Correlation between ELISA and HPLC results was established, with the
correlation coefficients (r) of 0.9691 and 0.9735 for wheat and maize
samples, respectively. The results obtained by ELISA method were
significantly higher than those obtained by HPLC method. This fact can be
explained by the presence of conjugated or masked mycotoxins in the samples,
especially DON-3-glucoside (DON-3-Glc), which could not be determined by HPLC
method due to the lack of external standards. Contrary to this, being
insufficiently selective towards masked DON, ELISA method measures total DON
content of a sample. According to the obtained results, ELISA can be used as
a reliable screening method, but the confirmation of positive results must be
done by HPLC method.
Mycotoxins in horse feed: Incidence of deoxynivalenol in oat samples from stud farms
Authors: Urosevic Miroslav , Jajic Igor , Milicic Zeljka
Published: June 2011

Reports concerning mycotoxins in horse feed are very rare and are typically
restricted to fumonisins. As a non-ruminant monogastric species, horses may
be more sensitive to adverse effects of mycotoxins, but the most severe
effect of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in equines is that it causes fatal
leucoencephalomalacia. In recent years, the European Food Safety Authority
(EFSA) has evaluated several mycotoxins as ?undesirable substances in animal
feed? with the aim of establishing guidance values for the feed industry. In
its evaluation of deoxynivalenol (DON), EFSA concluded that this toxin
exhibited toxic effects in all species, but that horses were more tolerant
towards this toxin than pigs. According to the available data, a systematic
survey on mycotoxins in horse feed in Serbia has not been published.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of
mycotoxins in horse feed in Vojvodina. Samples of oats for horse consumption,
collected in 2010, were analyzed by enzyme immunoassays (ELISA) for
deoxynivalenol contamination. Twelve samples of oats were taken from twelve
horse studs, with sport, school and hobby horses.
The role of paecilomyces lilacinus (thom) samson and other fungal species in biodegradation of ochratoxin a
Authors: Bocarov-Stancic Aleksandra , Levic Jelena , Salma Natasa , Stankovic Slavica , Pantic Vladimir , Dolic Bisera
Published: June 2011

Nine isolates of fungi of genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Paecilomyces and
Penicillium were cultured on the modified Vogel?s medium with the addition
of crude ochratoxin A (OTA) extract. This crude OTA extract was derived from
a natural solid substrate on which Aspergillus ochraceus strain CBS 108.08
was cultivated. OTA was isolated, partially purified, dried by evaporating
and dissolved in ethanol (1 mg ml-1), and added to the test medium up to the
final concentration of 10 ?g ml-1. The presence of OTA residues was
determined after 7 and 14 day cultivation of fungi in the test medium at
27?1?C. The Paecilomyces lilacinus isolate (Inf. 2/A), which completely
degraded OTA (150 ?g) after only seven days, was selected for further
studies. Wet sterile rice grains (50 g + 25 ml distilled water) were
inoculated with individual isolates of fungi A. ochraceus (strain CBS
108.08) and P. lilacinus (isolate Inf. 2/A), and with their combination. In
the case of P. lilacinus monoculture, 0.9 mg of crude OTA was also added
into cultivation substrate. Each test was done in three replications. After
the four week cultivation of individual and combined fungi at 27?1?C,
inoculated rice grains were dried to the constant weight and pulverized. OTA
was determined in these samples by the application of standard TLC method
for fodder analysis. OTA in the amount of 61.310 ?g kg-1 dry matter (DM) was
determined only in the samples inoculated with a producer of ochratoxin A
(A. ochraceus, strain CBS 108.08). On the other hand, a much smaller amount
of OTA (80 ?g kg-1 DM) was detected in samples inoculated with combined
cultures of A. ochraceus and P. lilacinus isolates. Gained results indicate
that P. lilacinus degraded, on average, 99.8% of OTA. After four week
cultivation, the same fungal isolate in the samples of wet sterile rice
kernels with the addition of 0.9 mg of crude OTA, completely degraded added
crude OTA (<8 ?g kg-1).
Mycoflora of commercial maize seed in 2010
Authors: Medic-Pap Sladjana , Masirevic Stevan , Sofhauzer Ivana
Published: June 2011

Ear and kernel rots can reduce yield, quality and feed value of grain. Toxins
produced by the fungi in corn can also have serious implications on the end
use of the grain. Various fungi cause ear and kernel rots. Fungi belonging to
the genus Fusarium are the most significant fungi which can cause corn ear
and kernel rots. The aim of this paper is to test health of mercantile maize
seed belonging to different hybrids. Seed health testing was done using
filter paper and nutritive media (PDA) method. Fungi from genera Fusarium,
Penicillium, Aspergillus and Alternaria were isolated from tested corn seed
by both methods. Two species from the genus Fusarium were found in the tested
corn samples F. graminearum and F. monilirome. Tested hybrids that belonged
to different FAO maturity groups showed differences in susceptibility to ear
and kernel rot.
Mycotoxigenic molds in spices from Macedonian stores
Authors: Kungulovski Dzoko , Avramoski Oliver , Atanasova-Pancevska Natalija , Kungulovski Ivan
Published: June 2011

Twenty-six samples of spices most frequently occurring in the stores of the
Republic of Macedonia were examined for their fungal contamination and the
incidence of Aspergillus and Penicillium species and their teleomorphs. It
included mainly commercial packages most frequently occurring in the stores
of the Republic of Macedonia. According to the relative frequency of each of
the isolated species, the typical mycoflora of these samples includes A.
niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, P. chrysogenum and Eurotium sp. Fungal counts
varied from log10 < 2 CFU g-1 (DG18 at 25oC; DRBC at 25oC), for a sample of
paprika, to log10 6.17 CFU g-1 (DG18 at 25oC), for a sample of bay leaf.
During the experiment, A. flavus was detected in 17 samples, out of which 7
isolates were capable of producing Af-B1, and 4 isolates produced Af-B2. All
isolates of A. nomius and A. parasiticus, in the experimental conditions,
produced Af-B1, Af-B2, Af-G1 and Af-G2.
Parasitic mycobiota of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.)
Authors: Pavlovic Snezana , Stojanovic Sasa , Starovic Mira , Josic Dragana , Menkovic Nebojsa
Published: June 2011

Mycopopulation of yellow gentian growing in plantations was studied in 2008
and 2009. Fourteen species of fungi were registered at seed, out of which
five were pathogenic. The most common species was Alternaria alternata (72-74
%). Species of the genus Fusarium (F. oxysporum, F. solani and F. equiseti)
were present in a small percentage (2-6 %). These species, as well as F.
verticillioides, were isolated from root, and Fusarium sp. was isolated from
the flowers. Alternaria alternate, Epicoccum purpurescens, Phoma sp. and
Alternaria sp. were regularly present on the leaves and stems.
The influence of mineral and bacterial fertilization on the number of fungi in soil under maize
Authors: Stanojkovic Aleksandra , Djukic Dragutin , Mandic Leka , Milicic Bogic
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of an application of
different rates of mineral fertilizers and their combination with associative
N-fixing Klebsiella planticola and Enterobacter spp., and sampling period on
the number of fungi in Cambisol and grain yield of maize. The investigation
was conducted on Mladenovac experimental station and in the Laboratory of
Institute of Soil Science, Belgrade, during 2006. Unfertilized soil was used
as the control soil. Each of the studied variants was carried out in three
replications. The effect of the studied fertilizers was determined three
times during the maize growing season, the number of fungi being determined
by indirect dilution method on Czapek nutritive medium. The results of the
study showed that all fertilization variants studied influenced, more or
less, fungal growth in the study soil. However, the applied high content of
mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as their combination with
bacterial inoculants brought about the highest increase in the number of
fungi during all studied vegetation periods of maize. The highest increase in
the number of soil fungi was registered in the second sampling period. The
highest increase in the grain yield of maize was obtained by combined
application of microbial inoculants and high rates of mineral NPK
fertilizers.
The importance of antioxidants in the protection against mycotoxicoses in farm animals
Authors: Joksimovic-Todorovic Mirjana , Davidovic Vesna
Published: June 2011

Mycotoxins are biologically active substances that are synthesized by
saprophytic and parasitic fungi, and which, when taken into organism by
ingestion, can provoke intoxications known as mycotoxicoses. Farm animals
show different susceptibility to mycotoxins depending on various factors:
genetic (species and breeds), physiological (age and obesity) and
environmental (hygienic and climatic). One of the mechanisms of mycotoxin
activities is peroxidation of lipids brought about directly by the production
of free radicals or by increased sensitivity of tissue to peroxidation.
Peroxidation of lipids provoked by mycotoxins is caused by low level of
natural antioxidants, so they have a crucial role in the protection against
mycotoxins. Nutritive stress can influence negatively the relationship
between antioxidants/pro-oxidants, and mycotoxins are nowadays regarded as
leading factors of stress induced by nutrition. This optimal relationship can
be regulated by the use of antioxidants in food (selenium, vitamin E,
carotenoids, etc.) known to prevent tissue damages caused by free radicals.
Selenium and vitamin E are essential nutrients which contribute to the
preservation of animal health by realizing mutual biological activities in
the organism. This paper presents the findings on mechanisms of the action of
different species of mycotoxins and the importance of antioxidative
protection in farm animals, as well as the results of our investigations of
influence of mycotoxins on the occurrence of some reproductive disorders in
pigs.
Extract from wild strain of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum as natural antioxidant
Authors: Kozarski Maja , Klaus Anita , Niksic Miomir
Published: June 2011

Recently, much attention has been paid to revealing natural biomaterials for
clinical purposes since use of synthetic antioxidants is restricted due to
their carcinogenicity. Among various natural antioxidants, polysaccharides,
in general, have strong antioxidant activities and can be explored as novel
potential antioxidants. The aim of this work was to examine the antioxidant
properties of hot water extracted polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum in
the form of mature fruit bodies, collected from the Bojcinska forest near
Belgrade, the Republic of Serbia. Antioxidant properties were assayed in
vitro, by the conjugated diene method, reducing power, scavenging abilities
against 1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and chelating ability
on ferrous ions. At concentrations of 1 mg/ml, the scavenging ability of G.
lucidum polysaccharide extract on DPPH radicals was 74.7 %. At 1 mg/ml, the
radical scavenging ability of the positive controls BHT, ascorbic acid and
?-tocopherol were 11.5, 77.1 and 79.4 %, respectively. The antioxidant
activity of the polysaccharide extract increased as the concentration
increased to 78.0% at 20 mg/ml. Antioxidant activities of ascorbic acid and
?-tocopherol were 63.8 % and 65.4% at 20 mg/ml. Polysaccharide extract from
G. lucidum showed steady increase in the reducing activity as concentrations
increased to 2.9 at 20 mg/ml. Ascorbic acid, used as a positive control, had
a reducing power of 3.9 at 5 mg/ml. Chelating effects of the polysaccharide
extract on ferrous ion increased with the increased concentrations. At 0.1-20
mg/ml, the chelating ability of G. lucidum polysaccharide extract was between
10.3-87.8%. The chelating effect of the synthetic metal chelator EDTA was
100% at 0.1-20 mg/ml, while citric acid did not prove to be good chelating
agent for ferrous ions in this assay since its chelating ability was 10.3% at
20 mg/ml.
Dynamics of ligninolytic enzyme production in Ganoderma applanatum depending on cultivation type
Authors: Cilerdzic Jasmina , Vukojevic Jelena , Stajic Mirjana
Published: June 2011

Ganoderma applanatum belongs to the group of white-rot fungi, due to a
well-developed ligninolytic enzyme system. White-rot fungi have attracted
great scientific attention in recent years, especially with respect to their
enzymatic potential for the bioremediation of persistent pollutants. Contrary
to G. lucidum, which medicinal properties, as well as ligninolytic enzyme
system have been extensively studied, enzymatic system of G. applanatum has
not been studied yet. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics
of laccase, Mn-dependent peroxidase, and versatile peroxidase activity during
submerged and solid state cultivation on two selected plant raw materials.
Enzyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically after 7, 10 and 14 days
of cultivation. The peak of laccase activity (220.14 Ul-1) was noted after 14
days of submerged wheat straw fermentation. Maximum level of Mn-dependent
peroxidase (110.91 Ul-1) and versatile peroxidase (116.20 Ul-1) activity was
obtained in the medium with oak sawdust after 14 days of submerged
cultivation.
Income Conservatism in the U.S. Technology Sector
Authors: Chandra Uday
Published: June 2011

SYNOPSIS

I investigate the extent and nature of income conservatism in the financial statement numbers of firms in the U.S. technology sector. Technology firms are predicted to have greater income conservatism than other U.S. firms because they are subject to both higher shareholder litigation risk and conservative accounting standards such as SFAS 2. In the absence of a generally accepted measure of conservatism, I examine several proxies, including loss incidence and accounting rates of return, operating cash flow and nonoperating accrual levels, and regression coefficients from the earnings-return model in Basu (1997). Relative to other companies, technology firms' earnings are characterized by higher (and intertemporally increasing) levels of both conditional and unconditional conservatism. These differences are both statistically and economically significant. Further analysis suggests that technology firms' higher conservatism results primarily from lower operating cash flows due to R&D expensing and more income-decreasing accounting accruals linked to litigation risk. The results of this study are potentially useful to financial analysts, researchers, regulators, managers, and other users of financial statements.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources.