bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Harvard Water Federalism Project – process and substance
Authors: Briscoe John
Published: June 2014

This Special Edition of Water Policy is one outcome of an innovative educational and research project, the Harvard Water Federalism Project, designed to train a new generation of students from a wide variety of disciplines to address the growing challenge of water security. This paper describes the core ideas behind the project, namely the creation of a new generation of ‘specialized integrators’ and that of exposing students to the wisdom of ‘thinking practitioners’. The paper describes the particular water problem chosen, namely that of the infrastructural and institutional challenges involved with the development and management of water in large rivers (the Colorado, Indus, Mississippi, Murray–Darling and São Francisco) in federal countries (Australia, Brazil, Pakistan and the United States). The paper serves as an overview to the basin papers written by multi-disciplinary student teams, and draws some general lessons from this comparative analysis.
Challenges and responses in the Murray–Darling Basin
Authors: Sennett Amy , Chastain Emma , Farrell Sarah , Gole Tom , Randhawa Jasdeep , Zhang Chengyan
Published: June 2014

This paper traces the evolving institutional and policy responses to the social, environmental and economic needs of stakeholders in the Murray–Darling Basin. The paper begins by describing four cycles of challenge and response in the basin: the first period (1830–1900) witnessed the state-level development of irrigation and navigation in the basin; the second period (1900–1982) encompassed the construction of the basin's major engineering projects and irrigation infrastructure; the third period (1982–2007) covered the institution of market reforms under a ‘whole Basin’ management approach, in particular, the development of inter-state water trading and the National Water Initiative; and the fourth phase (2007–present), marks the assertion of federal authority over water management with the passing of the Water Act in 2007. The second section of the paper provides background on the basin's natural environment and its infrastructure. This section also describes the increasing centralization of basin management authority by the federal government. The paper's final section presents three key questions for the basin's future: (1) the politically acceptable balance between environmental and economic uses for water in the basin; (2) the appropriate allocation of responsibility between federal and state basin management authorities; and (3) the best way to deliver the desired environmental outcomes.
Challenge and response in the São Francisco River Basin
Authors: Lee Hannah , Chan Zamyla , Graylee Kai , Kajenthira Arani , Martínez Daniela , Roman Andrei
Published: June 2014

The São Francisco River has been, and continues to be, the only major river in arid Northeast Brazil and, as such, continues to be a major focus for development policy in this poorest part of the country. In a context of persistent water scarcity and recurring drought, the imperative is to develop a water development and management framework capable of simultaneously creating a platform for growth, dealing with distributive conflicts and ensuring rational usage. Addressing this challenge has been complicated by the multi-layered institutions of Brazilian federalism. This paper traces the development of the institutional framework for water management in the São Francisco Basin, highlighting the role of both local innovation and the pressures of federal centralization. The single most important policy debate currently affecting the basin is an ambitious inter-basin transfer project that aims to provide secure water supply to major cities and irrigation projects in neighboring basins. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of the project, with a special focus on understanding the policy process underpinning the project. This analysis anchors the discussion in the difficult dilemmas currently faced by policymakers and gives some insights into the actual functioning of a complex and sometimes ambiguous institutional set-up.
Nitropropenyl Benzodioxole, An Anti-Infective Agent with Action as a Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Inhibitor
Authors: White Kylie S. , Nicoletti Gina , Borland Robert
Published: June 2014

We report on the activities of a broad spectrum antimicrobial compound,nitropropenyl benzodioxole (NPBD) which are of relevance to its potential as an anti-infective drug. These investigations support the proposal that a major mechanism of NPBD is action as a tyrosine mimetic, competitively inhibiting bacterial and fungal protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP).

NPBD did not affect major anti-bacterial drug targets, namely, ATP production, cell wall or cell membrane integrity, or transcription and translation of RNA. NPBD inhibited bacterial YopH and human PTP1B and not human CD45 in enzyme assays. NPBD inhibited PTP-associated bacterial virulence factors, namely, endospore formation inBacillus cereus,prodigiosin secretion inSerratia marcescens, motility inProteusspp., and adherence and invasion of mammalian cells byYersinia enterocolitica. NPBD acts intracellularly to inhibit the early development stages of theChlamydia trachomatisinfection cycle in mammalian cells known to involve sequestration of host cell PTPs. NPBD thus both kills pathogens and inhibits virulence factors relevant to early infection, making it a suitable candidate for development as an anti-infective agent, particularly for pathogens that enter through, or cause infections at, mucosal surfaces. Though much is yet to be understood about bacterial PTPs, they are proposed as suitable anti-infective targets and have been linked to agents similar to NPBD. The structural and functional diversity and heterogeneous distribution of PTPs across microbial species make them suitably selective targets for the development of both broadly active and pathogen-specific drugs.
A Gray-purple Mass on the Floor of the Mouth: Gigantic Mucogingival Pyogenic Granuloma in a Teenage Patient
Authors: Brunet-LLobet Lluís , Miranda-Rius Jaume , Lahor-Soler Eduard , Mrina Ombeni , Nadal Alfons
Published: June 2014

Pyogenic granuloma is defined as a benign neoplasm of vascular phenotype. This case describes the clinical and histopathological features of a gigantic mucogingival pyogenic granuloma, in a 14-year-old healthy black boy. This exophytic gray-purple mass, related to a toothpick injury, had more than twelve-month evolution on the anterior mandible involving lingual area besides to the floor of the mouth pressing the right salivary duct. Conservative excision was performed, followed by uncomplicated healing with no recurrence in two years. The histopathological examination reported a pyogenic granuloma (lobular capillary haemangioma). The authors provide a discussion of the presurgical differential diagnosis of the lesion. This case report presents an extremely uncommon location of a gigantic pyogenic granuloma, involving mucogingival complex and affecting the salivary outflow. This clinical manuscript may shed light on the controversies about possible mechanisms inducing oral pyogenic granuloma.
Laboratory Comparison of Four Iron‐Based Filter Materials for Drainage Water Phosphate Treatment
Authors: Allred Barry J. , Racharaks Ratanachat
Published: June 2014

A laboratory investigation evaluated phosphate (PO43–) drainage water treatment capabilities of four iron‐based filter materials. The iron‐based filter materials tested were zero‐valent iron (ZVI), porous iron composite (PIC), sulfur modified iron (SMI), and iron oxide/hydroxide (IOH). Only filter material retained on a 60‐mesh sieve (>0.25 mm) was used for evaluation. The laboratory investigation included saturated falling‐head hydraulic conductivity tests, contaminant removal or desorption/dissolution batch tests, and low‐to‐high flow rate saturated solute transport column tests. Each of the four iron‐based filter materials have sufficient water flow capacity as indicated by saturated hydraulic conductivity values that in most cases were greater than 1 × 10−2 cm/s. For the 1, 10, and 100 ppm PO43–‐P contaminant removal batch tests, each of the four iron‐based filter materials removed at least 95% of the PO43–‐P originally present. However, for the 1000 ppm PO43–‐P contaminant removal batch tests, IOH by far exhibited the greatest removal effectiveness (99% PO43–‐P removal), followed by SMI (72% PO43–‐P removal), then ZVI (62% PO43–‐P removal), and finally PIC (15% PO43–‐P removal). The desorption/dissolution batch test results, especially with respect to SMI and IOH, indicate that once PO43– is adsorbed/precipitated onto surfaces of iron‐based filter material particles, this PO43– becomes fixed and is then not readily desorbed/dissolved back into solution. The results from the column tests showed that regardless of low or high flow rate (contact time ranged from a few hours to a few minutes) and PO43– concentration (1 ppm or 10 ppm PO43–‐P), PIC, SMI, and IOH reduced PO43–‐P concentrations to below detection limits, while ZVI removed at least 90% of the influent PO43–‐P. Consequently, these laboratory results indicate that the ZVI, PIC, SMI, and IOH filter materials all exhibit promise for phosphate drainage water treatment.
Comparison of evidence-based interventions on outcomes of hospitalized, cognitively impaired older adults
Authors: Naylor Mary D , Hirschman Karen B , Hanlon Alexandra L , Bowles Kathryn H , Bradway Christine , McCauley Kathleen M , Pauly Mark V
Published: June 2014

Aim:This article reports the effects of three evidence-based interventions of varying intensity, each designed to improve outcomes of hospitalized cognitively impaired older adults.Materials & methods:In this comparative effectiveness study, 202 older adults with cognitive impairment (assessed within 24 h of index hospitalization) were enrolled at one of three hospitals within an academic health system. Each hospital was randomly assigned one of the following interventions: Augmented Standard Care (ASC; lower dose: n = 65), Resource Nurse Care (RNC; medium dose: n = 71) or the Transitional Care Model (TCM; higher dose: n = 66). Since randomization at the patient level was not feasible due to potential contamination, generalized boosted modeling that estimated multigroup propensity score weights was used to balance baseline patient characteristics between groups. Analyses compared the three groups on time with first rehospitalization or death, the number and days of all-cause rehospitalizations per patient and functional status through 6-month postindex hospitalization.Results:In total, 25% of the ASC group were rehospitalized or died by day 33 compared with day 58 for the RNC group versus day 83 for the TCM group. The largest differences between the three groups on time to rehospitalization or death were observed early in the Kaplan–Meier curve (at 30 days: ASC = 22% vs RNC = 19% vs TCM = 9%). The TCM group also demonstrated lower mean rehospitalization rates per patient compared with the RNC (p < 0.001) and ASC groups (p = 0.06) at 30 days. At 90-day postindex hospitalization, the TCM group continued to demonstrate lower mean rehospitalization rates per patient only when compared with the ASC group (p=0.02). No significant group differences in functional status were observed.Conclusion: Findings suggest that the TCM intervention, compared with interventions of lower intensity, has the potential to decrease costly resource use outcomes in the immediate postindex hospitalization period among cognitively impaired older adults.
Improving the quality of life for older people in long-term care settings
Authors: Murphy Kathy , Cooney Adeline , Casey Dympna
Published: June 2014

Many governments across Europe and America set maintaining the quality of life (QoL) of older people living in long-term care as a key policy objective; however, much of the evidence reveals that life in many care environments is still routinized and institutionalized. QoL is a term that is widely used but poorly defined and understood. The focus of this Review is on identifying the components of QoL and reviewing strategies for improving QoL in long-term care. Six components of QoL were consistently identified across studies: autonomy, environment, connectedness, meaningful activity, independence and sense of self. A review of strategies for improving QoL revealed that the evidence of effectiveness across studies remains inconclusive. The judgment of quality was often hampered by inadequate details on the study design and the use of nonspecific and wide-ranging QoL tools. Furthermore, high-quality studies are required to determine effectiveness.
Is there enough evidence for routine use of drug-eluting stents in acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation?
Authors: Tesic Milorad , Stankovic Goran
Published: June 2014

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Factors associated with positive outcome of avulsion injuries in children
Authors: Markovic Dejan , Vukovic Ana , Vukovic Rade , Soldatovic Ivan
Published: June 2014

Introduction/Aim. Avulsions are severe dental injuries with high impact on
patients? quality of life due to prolonged treatment and possible severe
complications. The aim of the study was to analyze the epidemiological
factors related to the occurrence, treatment and outcome of avulsions in
Serbian children. Methods. This research included 2,194 patients aged 1-18
years with traumatic dental injuries. The history, demographic, clinical and
radiographic data of the patients were observed from dental medical records.
Results. A total of 266 avulsions were observed in 207 patients. The
frequency of avulsions was 12% in primary dentition and 5% in permanent
dentition. A statistically significant relationship between place, cause of
avulsion and outcome was observed. Replantation of permanent teeth was
performed in 46.7% with a mean time 6.9 h. Almost a half of permanently
avulsed teeth (48.7%) were not retrieved from the accident site and 11.3% of
replanted teeth were transported in adequate media. The observed incidence
of complications was 31.9%. Conclusions. Replantation was not performed in
more than a half of all eligible teeth due to either loss or
inadequate/delayed transport, which emphasizes the need for preventive
strategies and health education in population.
Long term complications of ventilation tube insertion in children with otitis media with effusion
Authors: Djordjevic Vladimir , Bukurov Bojana , Arsovic Nenad , Jesic Snezana , Milovanovic Jovica , Nesic Vladimir
Published: June 2014

Background/Aim. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is characterized by the prolonged presence of fluid (longer than 12 weeks) of different viscosity in the middle ear, without perforation of the eardrum or signs of acute inflammation. The conservative treatment does not always provide satisfactory recovery, so surgical treatment may be unavoidable. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence, type and frequency of complications caused by ventilation tube insertion as a part of treatment
for OME in children, and specifically, to evaluate the evolution of these
changes over the extended period of time. Methods. During a 5-year period
(1986-1991), 84 children with chronic bilateral OME, aged from 6 months to
12 years, were enrolled in the study and treated with ventilation tube
insertion. All the patients were periodically checked every 6 months over a
3-8 year period following the intervention (otomicroscopic examination,
audiometry, tympanometry), and reexamined in 2013 (22-27 years after the
primary surgical intervention). Results. The complications observed in this
study (51%) were atrophic scarring of the tympanic membrane, myringo- and
tympanosclerosis, retraction of the eardrum, persistent perforations, granulation tissue formations, development of chronic otitis and sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion. The incidence of complications after ventilation tube insertion was 51% in this study. Atrophic scars and myringosclerosis were the most prominent complications. Despite high complications rate ventilation tube insertion still remains the treatment of choice in children with otitis media with effusion.
ENPP2 Contributes to Adipose Tissue Expansion and Insulin Resistance in Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Nishimura Satoshi , Nagasaki Mika , Okudaira Shinichi , Aoki Junken , Ohmori Tsukasa , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Igarashi Koji , Yamashita Hiroshi , Eto Koji , Uno Kansei , Hayashi Naoto , Kadowaki Takashi , Komuro Issei , Yatomi Yutaka , Nagai Ryozo
Published: June 2014

Body weight is tightly regulated by food intake and energy dissipation, and obesity is related to decreased energy expenditure (EE). Herein, we show that nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2 (ENPP2, autotaxin) is an adipose-derived, secreted enzyme that controls adipose expansion, brown adipose tissue (BAT) function, and EE. In mice, Enpp2 was highly expressed in visceral white adipose tissue and BAT and is downregulated in hypertrophied adipocytes/adipose tissue. Enpp2+/− mice and adipocyte-specific Enpp2 knockout mice fed a high-fat diet showed smaller body weight gains and less insulin resistance than control mice fed the same diet. BAT was functionally more active and EE was increased in Enpp2-deficient mice. In humans, ENPP2 expression in subcutaneous fat and ENPP2 levels in serum were reduced in obese subjects. Taken together, our results establish ENPP2 as an adipose-derived, secreted enzyme that regulates adipose obesity and systemic metabolism. They also suggest ENPP2 could be a useful therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic disease.
Reducing RIP140 Expression in Macrophage Alters ATM Infiltration, Facilitates White Adipose Tissue Browning, and Prevents High-Fat Diet–Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Liu Pu-Ste , Lin Yi-Wei , Lee Bomi , McCrady-Spitzer Shelly K. , Levine James A. , Wei Li-Na
Published: June 2014

Adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) recruitment and activation play a critical role in obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance (IR). The mechanism regulating ATM activation and infiltration remains unclear. In this study, we found receptor interacting protein 140 (RIP140) can regulate the dynamics of ATM that contribute to adipose tissue remodeling. A high-fat diet (HFD) elevates RIP140 expression in macrophages. We generated mice with RIP140 knockdown in macrophages using transgenic and bone marrow transplantation procedures to blunt HFD-induced elevation in RIP140. We detected significant white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and improved systemic insulin sensitivity in these mice, particularly under an HFD feeding. These mice have decreased circulating monocyte population and altered ATM profile in WAT (a dramatic reduction in inflammatory classically activated macrophages [M1] and expansion in alternatively activated macrophages [M2]), which could improve HFD-induced IR. These studies suggest that reducing RIP140 expression in monocytes/macrophages can be a new therapeutic strategy in treating HFD-induced and inflammation-related diseases.
Statins and the Risk of Diabetes: Evidence From a Large Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Corrao Giovanni , Ibrahim Buthaina , Nicotra Federica , Soranna Davide , Merlino Luca , Catapano Alberico L. , Tragni Elena , Casula Manuela , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between adherence with statin therapy and the risk of developing diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The cohort comprised 115,709 residents of the Italian Lombardy region who were newly treated with statins during 2003 and 2004. Patients were followed from the index prescription until 2010. During this period, patients who began therapy with an antidiabetic agent or were hospitalized for a main diagnosis of type 2 diabetes were identified (outcome). Adherence was measured by the proportion of days covered (PDC) with statins (exposure). A proportional hazards model was fitted to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the exposure-outcome association, after adjusting for several covariates. A set of sensitivity analyses was performed to account for sources of systematic uncertainty.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 11,154 cohort members experienced the outcome. Compared with patients with very-low adherence (PDC <25%), those with low (26–50%), intermediate (51–75%), and high (≥75%) adherence to statin therapy had HRs (95% CIs) of 1.12 (1.06–1.18), 1.22 (1.14–1.27), and 1.32 (1.26–1.39), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world setting, the risk of new-onset diabetes rises as adherence with statin therapy increases. Benefits of statins in reducing cardiovascular events clearly overwhelm the diabetes risk.
Lethal Hypoplasia and Developmental Anomalies of the Lungs in a Newborn with Intrauterine Adrenal Hemorrhage and Cerebral Infarcts: A Proposed Pulmonary Disruption Sequence
Authors: Lertsburapa Terakeith , Vargas Diana , Lambert-Messerlian Geralyn , Tantravahi Umadevi , Gündoğan Füsun , DeLaMonte Suzanne , Coyle Mara G. , De Paepe Monique E.
Published: June 2014

We report a case of a 31-week-gestation male newborn who died soon after birth from intractable respiratory failure and persistent pulmonary hypertension. The pregnancy had been complicated by intermittent bleeding between 13 and 20 weeks' gestation, attributed to peripheral placental separation, as well as bilateral fetal adrenal hemorrhage, first detected at 17 weeks' gestation. Postmortem examination revealed small, calcified adrenal glands as well as several remote cerebral and cerebellar infarcts. The lungs were hypoplastic (lung weight/body weight ratio: 1.64%; 10th percentile for 28–36 weeks' gestation: 2.27%) and distorted by exaggerated lobulation. Microscopically, the lungs exhibited several developmental anomalies, including focal acinar dysgenesis suggestive of arrested development in the pseudoglandular stage of development (8–16 weeks' gestation) (mainly in the upper lobes), and features of bronchial obstruction, including focal lobular hyperplasia and microcystic maldevelopment (mainly in the lower lobes). The adrenal and cerebral findings were consistent with a severe early-gestation hypoxic-ischemic insult, likely related to peripheral placental separation and chronic abruption. The co-occurrence and timing of these well-recognized hypoxic lesions provide further evidence that certain developmental lung anomalies, such as focal acinar dysplasia, focal lobular hyperplasia, and microcystic maldevelopment, may, at least in some cases, have a hypoxic/ischemic etiology.
High average power passively Q-switched laser diode side-pumped green laser by using Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG/YAG composite crystal
Authors: Zhu Siqi , He Qing , Wang Sue , Chen Zhenqiang , Li Anming , Yin Hao , Li Zhen
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a high average power passively Q-switched, laser diode side-pumped green laser at 532 nm was reported by using Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG/YAG composite crystal for the first time. The performances of the average power, pulse width, and pulse repetition rate on pump power were measured. Under the pump power of 187.5 W, the Q-switched green laser was obtained with the average power of 27.2 W, pulse width of 210 ns, and the repetition rate of 21.2 kHz. The single-pulse energy was 1.28 mJ and peak power was higher than 6.1 kW.
Cancer of Unknown Primary Site Syndrome‐CUP Syndrome - Diagnostic and Therapeutical Dillemas
Authors: Pejčić Ivica , Vrbić Svetislav , Todorović Mirjana , Petković Ivan , Balić Mirjana , Stanković Ana
Published: June 2014

Metastatic carcinomas of unknown primary origin (cancer of unknown primary-CUP) represent 3-5% of all cancers. This term includes all patients presented with metastatic disease in whom the primary site could not have been identified. Despite the use of modern and comprehensive diagnostic techniques and procedures, there is no improvement in efficacy (efficiency) of indentifying the primary site of disseminated disease. That is why a diagnostic procedure should be rational and should include the basic diagnostic examination (analyses) with the aim to define biological and clinical characteristics of diagnosed disease, as well as an optimal therapeutic approach. Although the overall prognosis of the majority of these patients is poor, it is possible, nowadays, to distinguish the subgroups of patients with favorable prognosis. Results of new basic research, better understanding of pathogenesis at the molecular level and introduction of new drugs through clinical trials suggest an advance in this disease treatment and outcome.
Monte Carlo Method Based QSAR Modeling of Coumarin Derivates as Potent HIV‐1 Integrase Inhibitors and Molecular Docking Studies of Selected 4‐phenyl Hydroxycoumarins
Authors: Veselinović Jovana , Veselinović Aleksandar , Toropov Andrey , Toropova Alla , Damnjanović Ivana , Nikolić Goran
Published: June 2014

In search for new and promising coumarin compounds as HIV-1 integrase inhibitors, chemoinformatic methods like quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) modeling and molecular docking have an important role since they can predict desired activity and propose molecule binding to enzyme.

The aim of this study was building of QSAR models for coumarin derivatives as HIV-1 integrase inhibitors with the application of Monte Carlo method. SMILES notation was used to represent the molecular structure and for defining optimal SMILES-based descriptors. Molecular docking into rigid enzyme active site with flexible molecule was performed.

Computational results indicated that this approach can satisfactorily predict the desired activity with very good statistical significance. For best built model statistical parameters were: a) 3’ Processing activity: R2=0.9980 and Q2=0.9977 for training set and R2=0.9788 for test set and b) Integration activity: R2=0.9999 and Q2=0.9998 for training set and R2= 0.9213 for test set. Built QSAR models were applied to selected 4-phenyl hydroxycoumarins for calculating desired activity and for HIV-1 integrase inhibition estimation. Additionally, molecular docking study was performed to a newly identified pocket in the HIV-1 integrase enzyme structure for determination of selected 4-phenyl hydroxycoumarins binding mode.

Monte Carlo method proved to be an efficient approach to build up a robust model for estimating HIV-1 integrase inhibition of coumarin compounds. Based on QSAR and molecular docking studies, 4-phenyl hydroxycoumarins can be considered as promising model compounds for developing new HIV-1 integrase inhibitors.
Analysis of Fascicular Structure and Connective Tissue Sheaths in Sural Nerve during Aging
Authors: Kundalić Braca , Ugrenović Slađana , Jovanović Ivan , Stefanović Natalija , Petrović Vladimir , Kundalić Jasen , Pavlović Miljana , Antić Vladimir
Published: June 2014

The aim of our study was to analyze the changes of connective tissue sheaths of epi-, peri- and endoneurium of sural nerve during aging.

The study was conducted on sural nerve samples of 10 cases aged 9-80 years. The specimens were embedded in paraffin using standard procedures, after which 5-μm-thick cross-sections of nerve trunks were made and stained using Masson’s trichrome staining. After morphological analysis of fascicular structure and connective sheaths of the nerve, morphometric analysis was conducted using the software for digital image analysis “ImageJ”. Each investigated case was analyzed for total neural, epineurial and fascicular cross-section area, mean values of perineurial index, volume density of myelinated axons and of endoneurial content. To test the difference in mean values for statistical significance we used the Student’s T-test for small independent sample.

The number of fascicles was 5-13, while the majority of the nerves had less than 10 fascicles. Fascicular structure, which included the number of fascicles and epifascicular/fascicular area ratio, did not show significant changes during aging. Perineurial thickness /fascicle size ratio statistically significantly increased in the older investigated group (p<0.05). Myelinated fibres were of smaller diameter, with more irregular form and markedly less frequent in older cases. Quantitative analysis showed statistically significant decrease in volume density of myelinated fibres in the older group.

As results of applied investigation methods we found thickening of perineurial sheath of sural nerve during aging, as well as endoneurial fibrosis. Future investigations of age-related changes should focus on analysis of the components of extracellular matrix within perineurium and endoneurium.
Medical Studies in English: Shared Learning
Authors: Antić Zorica , Milosavljević Nataša
Published: June 2014

In recent years, medical studies in English have been organized at the Niš Faculty of Medicine. Thus, modern teaching approaches are required. It has been shown that there are many similarities between the two fields - English and medicine. As a result, it is believed that the methods and strategies used in teaching medical English language could be helpful when it comes to medical subjects.

The paper presents the principles and techniques of teaching English for medical purposes and examines the possibility of applying these principles to teaching medical subjects in English.
The Synthesis of Stable Platinum Nanoparticles in the Microreactor
Authors: Luty-Błocho M. , Wojnicki M. , Grzonka J. , Kurzydłowski K.J.
Published: June 2014

In this work, the synthesis of the spherical clusters containing 3-4 nm platinum nanoparticles enclosed in a polymer capsule is described. The process of nanoparticles formation was intensified by using a microreactor. The application of microreactor enabled us to shorten the time of redox reaction and nucleation stage up to 6 seconds at 105°C in comparison with the process carried out in a batch reactor at 40°C. Using Vitamin C as a bio-reducer of platinum(IV) complexes and biocompatible polymers, the products non-toxic and environmentally friendly, stable for at least 9 months, were obtained. Presented procedure for nanoparticles synthesis seems to be an alternative method for platinum recovery from solutions containing platinum(IV) chloride complexions.
Finite Element Modelling of the Residual Stresses Induced in Thermally Deposited Coatings
Authors: Zimmerman J.
Published: June 2014

A numerical model based on the finite element method has been constructed with the aim to examine the residual stress state induced during thermal deposition of coatings on various substrates. The first stage of the modelling was designed to solve the problem of the high-velocity impact of a single spherical particle on a substrate using the “dynamics-explicit” module of the FEM ADINA software. In the second stage, the deposition process was simulated as a progressive growth of the coating until it achieved the desired thickness, and then the entire system was cooled to the ambient temperature. This problem was assumed to be thermo-mechanical and was also solved with the use of the FEM ADINA software. The samples assumed in the computations were cylindrical in shape and were built of a titanium coating, with three different thicknesses, deposited on an Al2O3 ceramic substrate by the detonation method. The numerical model was verified experimentally by measuring the deflection of the samples after their cooling. The computed values appeared to be in good agreement with those obtained experimentally.
Elimination of Negative Effect of Fe in Secondary Alloys AlSi6Cu4 (En Ac 45 000, A 319) by Nickel
Authors: Bolibruchová D. , Macko J. , Brůna M.
Published: June 2014

Submitted article deals with influence of iron based phases segregation by nickel, which is in literature known as iron based phases corrector. Iron is one of the most common impurities that can be found in Al-Si alloys. It is impossible to remove iron from melt by standard operations, but it is possible to eliminate iron negative effects by addition of other elements, that enables segregation of iron in form of intermetallics with less harmful effect. For melt treatment was selected an exact alloy with requested iron content - master alloy AlNi20. Influence of nickel was evaluated quantitatively by chemical analysis (solubility), thermal analysis and microstructure evaluation. Experimental results analysis shows a new view on solubility of iron based phases during melt preparation and treatment with higher iron content and also nickel effect as iron corrector of iron based phases. It can be concluded that nickel did not influenced iron based phases (β-phases), it does not change their type into more favorable form. As an initial impulse for starting this work was insufficient theoretical knowledge of usage secondary alloys Al-Si-Cu with higher iron content and its appropriate elimination in process of castings production for automotive industry. Increased iron content in alloys causes segregation of iron phases in various shapes and types during solidification, which subsequently affects quality, soundness and lifetime of castings. Because of increased demands for casting quality, final mechanical properties and effort to reduce costs, it is necessary to look for compromises in casting production from secondary alloys with occurrence of various impurities.
Computer-Assisted Integration of Knowledge in the Context of Identification of the Causes of Defects in Castings
Authors: Kluska-Nawarecka S. , Wilk-Kołodziejczyk D. , Dajda J. , Macura M. , Regulski K.
Published: June 2014

The paper outlines the rules of creating diagnostic tasks scenarios in determining the causes of defects in castings. The paper presents as well the rules of operation of the computer system for data integration based on Extract-Trasform-Load technology, and a description of prototype implementation of this system, also examples of the tests that was carried out.
Distribution of Reinforcing Particles in the Pressure Die Cast AlSi11/20% Sic Composite
Authors: Pasieka A. , Konopka Z.
Published: June 2014

A method of pressure die casting of composites with AlSi11 alloy matrix reinforced with 20 vol. % of SiC particles and the analysis of the distribution of particles within the matrix are presented. The composite castings were produced at various values of the piston velocity in the second stage of injection, at diverse intensification pressure values, and various injection gate width values. The distribution of particles over the entire cross-section of the tensile specimen is shown. The index of distribution was determined on the basis of particle count in elementary measuring fields. The regression equation describing the change of the considered index was found as a function of the pressure die casting parameters. The conclusion presents an analysis of the obtained results and their interpretation.
A Study of the Impact of Power Supply Parameters on Metal Flow Velocity in the Channel of a Device for Washing out Precious Metals from of the Automotive Catalytic Converters
Authors: Fornalczyk A. , Golak S. , Przyłucki R. , Willner J.
Published: June 2014

The lifetime of a catalytic converters is limited. Today’s environmental regulations require that used converters should be properly recycled as a valuable source of precious metals, Al2O3 and steel scrap. The precious metals used in the devices perform catalytic functions. They are suspended in a ceramic or metal carrier. This paper deals with the recovery of precious metals from automotive converters using a metal-collector method. In order to speed up the washout of the precious metals from the capillary structure of the converter, the movement of the liquid metal-collector was forced by the electromagnetic field. The research was aimed at improving the effective velocity of the liquid metal flow through the carrier by means of a device with a double windings. Various ways of power supply were considered. The calculation experiment was performed as a weakly coupled analysis of the electromagnetic field and flow field.
Causality of Interest Rate Policy and Agricultural Production in an Atmosphere of Economic Deregulation in Nigeria
Authors: Oyakhilomen Oyinbo
Published: June 2014

This study was carried out to examine the causal relationship between interest rate policy and agricultural production in a deregulated economic setting in Nigeria using time series data covering 1987 to 2011. The data utilized include data on interest rate and agricultural production which were obtained from various publications of central bank of Nigeria. Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test, Vector autoregression (VAR) lag order selection test and granger causality test were employed in the data analysis and the result indicated that market driven interest rate was not significant in influencing agricultural production over the period of deregulation and this was attributed to the substantial volatility and high market driven interest rate leading to limited accessibility to credit facilities by small scale farmers. It is recommended that the central bank of Nigeria should strongly exercise some measure of interest rate control that favours investment friendly interest rate policy that is supportive of credit mobilization for sustainable agricultural production and also the realization of the goal of Agricultural Transformation Action Plan (ATAP) in Nigeria
Factors influencing the Disbursements of Loans from selected Commercial Banks to Small-scale and Medium-scale Agro-based Enterprises in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Chidiebere-Mark Nneka Maris , Oguoma Nicolas , Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu , Henri-Ukoha Ada
Published: June 2014

This study evaluated the performance of small and medium-scale agro-based enterprises financed by selected commercial banks in Imo State, Nigeria. It identified the dominant agro-based enterprises in the study area; estimated the adequacy of funds disbursed to them by selected commercial banks; determined factors that influenced the disbursements and the relative risk in financing them. A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques was adopted in selecting the respondents (commercial banks and small scale and medium scale agro-based enterprises) for the study. Questionnaire and interview schedule were the main tools for data collection and data collected were analyzed using descriptive and econometric tools. The result showed that the mean amount disbursed to small-scale agro-based enterprises was N533, 833.33 ($3558.89) while a mean of N1, 813,021 ($12086.81) was disbursed to the medium scale enterprises. The multiple regression coefficient for interest rate (X3), experience (X4) and repayment rate(X6) were positive and significant at 1% while category of enterprise (X5) was negative and significant at 5% implying that these variables are important factors influencing the amount of loan disbursed to small-scale agro-based enterprises in Imo State while interests rate (X3) and repayment rate (X6) were positive and significant at 1% ; coefficient for age (X2), experience (X4) and category of enterprise (X5) were negative and significant at 5%, implying that these variables are important factors influencing the amount of loan disbursed to medium scale agro-based enterprises in the study area. The risk in financing medium-scale agrobased enterprises was higher than that for the small-scale agro-based enterprises. The main constraints faced by agro-based SMEs in obtaining loans were mainly insufficient collateral (100%), and high interest rate (87.45%). It is therefore recommended that commercial banks should make more credit accessible to agro-based SMEs and at better conditions and cheaper lending rate to encourage their increased production and expansion
Principal Component Analysis of Chlorophyll Content in Tobacco, Bean and Petunia Plants Exposed to Different Tropospheric Ozone Concentrations
Authors: Borowiak Klaudia , Zbierska Janina , Budka Anna , Kayzer Dariusz
Published: June 2014

Three plant species were assessed in this study - ozone-sensitive and -resistant tobacco, ozone-sensitive petunia and bean. Plants were exposed to ambient air conditions for several weeks in two sites differing in tropospheric ozone concentrations in the growing season of 2009. Every week chlorophyll contents were analysed. Cumulative ozone effects on the chlorophyll content in relation to other meteorological parameters were evaluated using principal component analysis, while the relation between certain days of measurements of the plants were analysed using multivariate analysis of variance. Results revealed variability between plant species response. However, some similarities were noted. Positive relations of all chlorophyll forms to cumulative ozone concentration (AOT 40) were found for all the plant species that were examined. The chlorophyll b/a ratio revealed an opposite position to ozone concentration only in the ozone-resistant tobacco cultivar. In all the plant species the highest average chlorophyll content was noted after the 7th day of the experiment. Afterwards, the plants usually revealed various responses. Ozone-sensitive tobacco revealed decrease of chlorophyll content, and after few weeks of decline again an increase was observed. Probably, due to the accommodation for the stress factor. While during first three weeks relatively high levels of chlorophyll contents were noted in ozone-resistant tobacco. Petunia revealed a slow decrease of chlorophyll content and the lowest values at the end of the experiment. A comparison between the plant species revealed the highest level of chlorophyll contents in ozone-resistant tobacco.
Problems of Forest Management in Municipal Forests of the City of Poznań
Authors: Jaszczak Roman , Wajchman Sandra
Published: June 2014

The article presents some selected management problems in municipal forests occurring as a result of the increasing pressure on recreation and urbanization. The object of investigation was municipal forests of the city of Poznań. A thesis was formed that the consequences of the recreational pressure can be reduced through reasonable equipment of forest areas in appropriate recreational infrastructure. The second thesis put forward an assumption that an uncontrolled urban pressure posed a threat to the stability of ecosystems of municipal forests.
Heavy Metal Accumulation in Leaves of Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae L. and Biomonitoring Applications
Authors: Polechońska Ludmiła , Dambiec Małgorzata
Published: June 2014

In present study the concentrations of Hg, Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu in water, bottom sediments and leaves of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae from 11 oxbow lakes of the Odra River were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Trace metal concentration in water and bottom sediments were below the geochemical background, indicating no anthropogenic impact in the studied area. On average, the concentrations of metals in leaves of H. morsus ranae exceeded natural thresholds. A high bioaccumulation factors for metals were recorded. The significant positive correlations found between the content Zn, Fe and Hg of in water and in the H. morsus ranae indicate the potential use of the species in the biomonitoring of environmental contamination with these metals.
Viticulture in the Context of Historical Landscape Structure in the Small Carpathian Region – Model Area of Rača
Authors: Krivosudský Rastislav
Published: June 2014

The development of viticulture and wine producing has brought forward some unique elements of cultural land and introduced culture itself into the landscape. This culture has affected lives of many generations and determined the development of the society and the living environment. The form, the shape and the type of use of the respective elements of landscape structure has changed according to the change in technology, cultivation processes, orientation of production and the value system of the society. However, the recent viticultural rural land (together with residual areas of historical structure elements) in the vicinity of the capital city of Slovakia -- Bratislava has been under growing pressure caused by suburbanisation. This pressure directly threatens the existence of this kind of landscape and causes irreversible changes to landscape character. Landscape ecologists and architects have to face the issue of how to identify the valuable characteristics of the land and how to protects and keep them for the future generations. The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the role of viticulture in the formation, existence and change of the elements of historical structures of agricultural landscape (HSAL). In addition, this paper presents the layout of various types of these elements, the methodical approach to their mapping and their present status. The results show that out of 141 localities where the HSALs were present in 1951, they could have been located only in 25 localities in 2011. These localities are mainly situated in private properties. However, many of the mapped HSALs are no longer used and in the state of deterioration. The lack of their management gradually causes their demise.
Patterns and Factors of Natural Hazard Induced Out-migration from Meghna Estuarine Islands of Bangladesh
Authors: Siddiqui Rezwan
Published: June 2014

Migration behaviour of the Inhabitants of Meghna Estuarine region has been affected by several social, economic and natural causes. This migration has been thought as a part of social behaviour in this region. It has been predicted in several international researches that, human migration is going to be the worst possible effect triggered by the changing climatic scenario (IPCC, 2007). Natural hazards are also very much responsible for human migration. Purpose of this research is to find out the pattern and factors of natural hazards induced outmigration in Meghna Estuarine Islands of Bangladesh. In this empirical research, primary data has been collected through threestage socioeconomic survey. From this research it has been seen that, natural hazards like river bank erosion, saline tide, flood, cyclone, storms cause extreme havoc to the life and livelihood of the inhabitants of Meghna Estuary islands. Many of these situations force inhabitants to migrate temporarily or permanently. Indirectly these hazards also affects migration behaviours by affecting natural resources and income sources of inhabitants of this region. Natural hazards have two types of effect on migration behaviour; one is forcing rapid migration by riverbank erosion, cyclone etc. and the other is making situations for slow migration decision by disturbing the regular economic, social and environmental system. Two types of outmigrations are prominent in these islands; permanent household migration and partial migration – and these migration behaviours have been influenced by natural hazards of these study areas.
Morphological Evaluation of Variously Intercalated Pre-baked Clay
Authors: Ullah Hameed , Imtiaz Ahmad
Published: June 2014

The use of porous materials is enjoying tremendous popularity and attention of the advance scientific communities due to their excellent adsorptive and catalytic activities. Clays are one of the most important candidates in the porous community which shows the above mentioned activities after modifing with a different intercalating agent. The paper is focused on the infiuence of some inorganic intercalating agents (NaOH) on the morphology of the variously intercalated clay samples. The alkali metal was used as the inorganic intercalating agent. The effect of intercalation temperature, intercalation agent concentration and intercalation time on the pre-baked clay morphology were also part of the study. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study was performed to evaluate the morphological changes of the resultant intercalates. Different morphological properties were improved significantly in the case of the inorganically modified clay samples. Thus, such intercalations are suggested to be effective if the clays under study are to be used for different industrial process at elevated conditions.