bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobilidade do zinco e do cobre em Argissolo com aplicação de argila bentonita
Authors: Tito Gilvanise A. , Chaves Lucia H. G. , Guerra Hugo O. C.
Published: August 2012

A mobilidade dos metais pesados no solo é influenciada pelas características do solo, pela mineralogia das argilas e pelo teor do metal. Objetivando avaliar o efeito da bentonita na mobilidade do zinco e do cobre no solo, colunas de lixiviação preenchidas com um Argissolo foram submetidas a ensaios de mobilidade utilizando-se doses de bentonita (0, 30 e 60 t ha-1) e concentrações de zinco e cobre, de 50, 250 e 450 mg kg-1. As colunas de solo foram mantidas saturadas e sob fluxo de água permanente; em seguida foram determinados densidade, velocidade do fluxo, fator de retardamento, coeficiente de dispersão-difusão e número de Peclet. Os parâmetros de transporte foram definidos através do modelo computacional DISP. A incorporação de bentonita ao solo promoveu a retenção do zinco e do cobre pelo solo, principalmente deste último, diminuindo a concentração em solução lixiviada e os riscos de contaminação do meio ambiente. A aplicação de bentonita aumentou o fator de retardamento, mas reduziu o coeficiente de dispersão-difusão do solo.
Cana-de-açúcar fertirrigada com vinhaça e adubos minerais via irrigação por gotejamento subsuperficial: ciclo da cana-planta
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo A. A. , Arruda Flavio B. , Pires Regina C. M. , Silva Tonny J. A. da , Sakai Emilio
Published: August 2012

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da irrigação, a aplicação de vinhaça e fertirrigação mineral via irrigação por gotejamento enterrado nos valores biométricos na fase de maturação, produção de colmos, qualidade do caldo da cana-de-açúcar e rendimento de açúcar teórico recuperável. O experimento foi instalado em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram: adubação mineral sem irrigação; irrigação e fertirrigação de NPK com adubos minerais; irrigação e fertirrigação com vinhaça, suprindo o K e complementação do NP com adubos minerais, além de irrigação e fertirrigação com vinhaça, suprindo o NK e complementação do P com adubos minerais. O sistema de irrigação utilizado foi o gotejamento subsuperficial. Os tratamentos irrigados promoveram alterações no número de perfilhos e índice de área foliar quando comparados com o cultivo de sequeiro, independente do manejo da fertirrigação. A fertirrigação com vinhaça suprindo o K proporcionou maior Brix e produção de colmos, quando comparada ao cultivo não irrigado. A irrigação e a fertirrigação com a vinhaça atendendo ao NK, proporcionaram maior rendimento teórico de açúcar recuperável, quando comparado com o do cultivo sem irrigação.
Spatial and seasonal distribution of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in the Upper Paraná River floodplain environments ( Brazil)
Authors: Teixeira Mariana Carolina , Azevedo Júlio César Rodrigues de , Pagioro Thomaz Aurélio
Published: August 2012

AIM: Our aim was to identify dissolved organic matter (DOM) main sources in environments of the Upper Paraná River floodplain and their seasonal and spatial variation. METHODS: Ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy were utilized. The samples were obtained from November 2007 to September 2008 in six lakes of the floodplain. RESULTS: DOM quality differs among environments and also between rainy and dry season. The environments connected with Paraná River showed a high variation on the allochthonous/autochthonous proportion. Aquatic macrophytes might represent an important contribution to DOM in Garças and Osmar lakes. CONCLUSIONS: In general, environments connected to Paraná River have a greater influence of autochthonous DOC, while the others are most influenced by allochthonous inputs.
The influence of particle shape on the (centrifuge) cone penetration test (CPT) end resistance in uniformly graded granular soils
Authors: LIU Q.B. , LEHANE B.M.
Published: August 2012

The paper examines the effect of particle shape on the end resistance measured in a series of centrifuge cone penetration tests (CPTs) conducted in four uniformly graded silica materials, each with its own distinctive particle-shape characteristic. The CPTs were performed at three different centrifuge g-levels and two different relative densities. A parallel series of shear-box tests allowed determination of the materials' shearing characteristics, and led to the development of an expression for peak friction angle that incorporates the influence of particle shape. A simple approach to predict the CPT end resistance employing this expression is shown to match the measured centrifuge CPT data and hence assist with quantification of the relative importance of particle shape on the CPT end resistance.
Quality Assessment of Systematic Reviews on Short Dental Implants
Authors: Elangovan Satheesh , Mawardi Hani H. , Karimbux Nadeem Y.
Published: August 2012

Background: Critical analysis of published systematic reviews may help in understanding their strengths and weaknesses and identifying areas that need improvement. Short dental implants are becoming an important addition to the existing dental armamentarium. The aim of this overview is to analyze the quality of published systematic reviews focused on short dental implants using established checklists such as the assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR).

Methods: A search was conducted to retrieve reviews that used a systematic approach in article selection focusing on short dental implants in humans. Based on a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 10 reviews were selected. Two independent reviewers appraised the quality of the selected reviews using AMSTAR and the checklist proposed by Glenny et al. in 2003. Each article was given a total score based on the number of criteria that it fulfilled.

Results: Six reviews satisfied ≤4 of the 11 AMSTAR items, and only two reviews satisfied nine of the 11 items. This study shows that published systematic reviews on short dental implants exhibit significant structural and methodological variability. Quality assessment using the Glenny checklist further confirmed the variability in the way systematic reviews were conducted and/or reported. A high correlation was observed between the two checklists’ scores.

Conclusions: Uniformity in the way systematic reviews are conducted and/or reported will increase the validity and clinical applicability of future reviews.
A spatial multi-objective optimization model for sustainable urban wastewater system layout planning
Authors: Dong X. , Zeng S. , Chen J.
Published: August 2012

Design of a sustainable city has changed the traditional centralized urban wastewater system towards a decentralized or clustering one. Note that there is considerable spatial variability of the factors that affect urban drainage performance including urban catchment characteristics. The potential options are numerous for planning the layout of an urban wastewater system, which are associated with different costs and local environmental impacts. There is thus a need to develop an approach to find the optimal spatial layout for collecting, treating, reusing and discharging the municipal wastewater of a city. In this study, a spatial multi-objective optimization model, called Urban wastewateR system Layout model (URL), was developed. It is solved by a genetic algorithm embedding Monte Carlo sampling and a series of graph algorithms. This model was illustrated by a case study in a newly developing urban area in Beijing, China. Five optimized system layouts were recommended to the local municipality for further detailed design.
Role of syntrophic microbial communities in high-rate methanogenic bioreactors
Authors: Stams Alfons J. M. , Sousa Diana Z. , Kleerebezem Robbert , Plugge Caroline M.
Published: August 2012

Anaerobic purification is a cost-effective way to treat high strength industrial wastewater. Through anaerobic treatment of wastewaters energy is conserved as methane, and less sludge is produced. For high-rate methanogenesis compact syntrophic communities of fatty acid-degrading bacteria and methanogenic archaea are essential. Here, we describe the microbiology of syntrophic communities in methanogenic reactor sludges and provide information on which microbiological factors are essential to obtain high volumetric methane production rates. Fatty-acid degrading bacteria have been isolated from bioreactor sludges, but also from other sources such as freshwater sediments. Despite the important role that fatty acid-degrading bacteria play in high-rate methanogenic bioreactors, their relative numbers are generally low. This finding indicates that the microbial community composition can be further optimized to achieve even higher rates.
Acetylcholinesterase activity in the freshwater shrimp Caridina nilotica as a biomarker of Roundup® herbicide pollution of freshwater systems in South Africa
Authors: Mensah P. K. , Muller W. J. , Palmer C. G.
Published: August 2012

The use of Caridina nilotica whole-body acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity as a potential biomarker of Roundup® pollution of aquatic ecosystems was investigated. Forty days post hatch (dph) shrimps were exposed to different concentrations of 0.0, 4.3, 6.7, 10.5, 16.4, 25.6 and 40.0 mg/L in a 96 h acute toxicity test; and 0.0, 2.2, 2.8, 3.4, 4.3 and 5.4 mg/L in a 21 d chronic toxicity test. Whole-body AChE activities were determined at the end of the exposure periods by spectrophotometric assay of sample extract; activities were then normalized against protein contents in the samples and expressed in nanomoles of substrate hydrolyzed. Results of both tests showed that AChE activity was concentration-dependent. Mean AChE activities and standard deviations (±SD) for 96 h acute toxicity were 3.6239 (± 0.4185), 3.4157 (± 1.1842), 2.537 (± 1.3989), 2.4253 (± 1.4202), 2.4127 (± 1.9097), 2.0017 (± 1.1080) and 2.316 (± 0.4001) nmol/min/mg protein; while activity levels for 21 d test were 3.6907(± 0.3401), 2.8473 (± 0.713), 2.9134 (± 0.9879), 2.6738 (± 0.7117), 2.3019 (± 0.4464) and 2.1478 (± 0.864) nmol/min/mg protein. Reference basal AChE activity for 40 dph C. nilotica based on the two control groups was estimated as 3.6907 (± 0.3401) nmol/min/mg proteins. The present work provides ecotoxicological basis for the possible use of AChE activity in C. nilotica as a biomarker for monitoring Roundup® pollution in freshwater systems.
Immunomodulation and Anti-Cancer Activity of Polysaccharide-Protein Complexes
Authors: C.Ooi Vincent E. , Liu Fang
Published: August 2012

In the last three decades, numerous polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes have been isolated from mushrooms and used as a source of therapeutic agents. The most promising biopharmacological activities of these biopolymers are their immunomodulation and anti-cancer effects. They are mainly present as glucans with different types of glycosidic linkages such as (1-3), (1-6)-b-glucans and (1-3)-a-glucans, and as true herteroglycans, while others mostly bind to protein residues as polysaccharide-protein complexes. Three antitumor mushroom polysaccharides, i.e. lentinan, schizophyllan and protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK, Krestin), isolated respectively, from Lentinus edodes, Schizophyllum commune and Coriolus versicolor, have become large market items in Japan. Lentinan and schizophyllan are pure b-glucans, whereas PSK is a protein-bound b-glucan. A polysaccharide peptide (PSP), isolated from a strain of Coriolus versicolor in China, has also been widely used as an anti-cancer and immunomodulatory agent. Although the mechansim of their antitumor action is still not completely clear, these polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes are suggested to enhance cell-mediated immune responses in vivo and in vitro and act as biological response modifiers. Potentiation of the host defense system may result in the activation of many kinds of immune cells that are vitally important for the maintenance of homeostasis. Polysaccharides or polysaccharide-protein complexes are considered as multi-cytokine inducers that are able to induce gene expression of vaious immunomodulatory cytokines and cytokine receptors. Some interesting studies focus on investigation of the relationship between their structure and antitumor activity, elucidation of their antitumor mechanism at the molecular level, and improvement of their various biological activities by chemical modifications.
FK506, An Immunosuppressant Targeting Calcineurin Function
Authors: Dumont Francis J.
Published: August 2012

The macrolactam natural product, FK506 (Tacrolimus), acts as a powerful and clinically useful immnosuppressant through disruption of signaling events mediated by the calcium-dependent serine threonine protein phosphatase, calcineurin (CaN), in T lymphocytes. Its mechanism of action involves the formation of a molecular complex with the intracellular FK506-binding protein-12 (FKBP12), thereby acquiring the ability to interact with CaN and to interfere with its access to and dephosphorylation of various substrates. Among the CaN substrates whose activity is altered by FK506, the nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT), a family of transcription factors regulating lymphokine gene expression, have been shown to play a prominent role in FK506-induced immunosuppression. Over the past few years, additional members of the FKBP and NFAT families of proteins have been identified, providing further insights into the complexity of FK506 biological effects. Furthermore, it has become clear that, predominantly as a result of CaN inhibition, FK506 alters multiple biochemical processes in a variety of cells besides lymphocytes. This may account for the adverse side effects of the drug, including neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Extensive medicinal chemistry efforts have been devoted to the generation of analogs of FK506 with the hope of identifying compounds with an improved therapeutic index, that could have broader therapeutic utility than the parent drug. These efforts yielded several compounds with unique biochemical attributes, showing evidence for a dissociation between immunosuppressive and toxic properties, which may pave the way towards designing safer FK506-related immunosuppressants.
Apoptosis at the Interface of Immunosuppressive and Anticancer Activities: The Examples of Two Classes of Chemical Inducers, Oxysterols and Alkylating Agents
Authors: Bischoff Pierre L. , Holl Vincent , Coelho David , Dufour Patrick , Luu Bang , Weltin Denis
Published: August 2012

Recent progresses in the understanding of molecular and biochemical pathways involved in apoptotic cell death offer novel perspec-tives for therapeutic interventions, in particular in immunosuppressive and anti-cancer therapies. In this review, we examine some chemical, biological, and mechanistic aspects of two classes of apoptosis chemical inducers oxysterols and alkylating agents. Oxysterols represent a vast family of oxygenated derivatives of sterols. Found in both animal and vegetal kingdoms, they can be considered as ultimate products of an oxidative stress, and are chemically inert. Some of them (7b-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol and 7,25-dihydroxycholesterol) are cytotoxic at micromolar concentrations towards normal and tumor cells in culture, particularly lymphocytes, and reduce the growth of murine transplanted tumors. Thus, possible applications of oxysterols in medicine as immunosuppressants or as anticancer agents may be considered. Alkylating agents, on the other hand, have been widely used in cancer chemotherapy for decades. There toxicity results from their high chemical reactivity, causing lesions to macromolecules through covalent linkage. Some representative members of this class, mainly bifunctional derivatives which possess dichloroethyl groups, such as Chlormethine, Cyclophosphamide and Chlorabucil, express a pronounced cytotoxicity against lymphoid cells, and have therefore potent immunosuppressive properties. Because they triggers apoptosis via both common and distinct mechanisms, oxysterols and alkylating agents provide unique tools for exploring the initiation of this phenomenon in lymphoid cells, and may help design novel pharmacological approaches based on apoptotic modulation of these cells.
The Impact of Immunosuppressive Drugs on the Analysis of T-Cell Activation
Authors: Rovira Paula , Mascarell Laurent , Bachi Paolo Truffa
Published: August 2012

The discovery of the immunosuppressive properties of cyclosporin A (CSA) and its successful utilisation in organ transplantation was a milestone in clinics. CSA has revolutionised transplantation both in term of efficiency and quality-of-life of the patient. In addition, the analysis of the mode of action of CSA has been rewarding in the understanding the mecha-nisms leading to T lymphocytes activation. CSA binds to a family of cytosolic receptors, the cyclophilins, a highly conserved family of proteins. Once this complex is formed, a third protein, the calcineurin, is recruited. The calcineurin, a calcium-dependent phosphatase, loose its activity when complexed. Dephosphorylation of NFAT, a substrate of calcineurin is a mandatory step for its translocation to the nucleus where NFAT acts as a transactivator involved in the regulation of the genes encoding many cytokines. CSA preventing NFAT dephosphorylation blocks cytokine production this in turn allowing for a better engrafting. The resolution of the tertiary structure of CSA alone or complexed with cyclophilin and calcineurin has important implication in the modelling of new drugs devoid of its side effects. Indeed, the high incidence of cancer is one of the main problems linked to CSA utilisation. Recent data suggest that CSA may promote cancer inducing the transcription of the gene encoding transforming growth factor b. Other molecules sharing with CSA its immunosuppressive activity were later described. Some of them, as FK506, have the some mode of action; others, as rapamycin, mycophenolate mofetil or leflunomide, act at different steps of T cell activation.
Constitutive and Inflammatory Immunopeptidome of Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Dudek Nadine L. , Tan Chor Teck , Gorasia Dhana G. , Croft Nathan P. , Illing Patricia T. , Purcell Anthony W.
Published: August 2012

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Recognition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-bound peptides is critical for both the initiation and progression of disease. In this study, MHC peptide complexes were purified from NIT-1 β-cells, interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-treated NIT-1 cells, splenic and thymic tissue of 12-week-old NOD mice, and peptides identified by mass spectrometry. In addition to global liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis, the targeted approach of multiple-reaction monitoring was used to quantitate the immunodominant Kd-restricted T-cell epitope islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP)206–214. We identified >2,000 MHC-bound peptides; 1,100 of these presented by β-cells grown under normal conditions or after exposure to IFN-γ. These include sequences from a number of known autoantigens. Quantitation of IGRP206–214 revealed low-level presentation by Kd (∼25 complexes/cell) on NIT-1 cells after IFN-γ treatment compared with the simultaneous presentation of the endogenously processed Kd-restricted peptide Janus kinase-1355–363 (∼15,000 copies/cell). We have successfully sequenced peptides from NIT-1 β-cells under basal and inflammatory conditions. We have shown the feasibility of quantitating disease-associated peptides and provide the first direct demonstration of the disparity between presentation of a known autoantigenic epitope and a common endogenously presented peptide.
Alterations in Lipid Signaling Underlie Lipodystrophy Secondary to AGPAT2 Mutations
Authors: Subauste Angela R. , Das Arun K. , Li Xiangquan , Elliot Brandon , Evans Charles , El Azzouny Mahmoud , Treutelaar Mary , Oral Elif , Leff Todd , Burant Charles F.
Published: August 2012

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL), secondary to AGPAT2 mutation is characterized by the absence of adipocytes and development of severe insulin resistance. In the current study, we investigated the adipogenic defect associated with AGPAT2 mutations. Adipogenesis was studied in muscle-derived multipotent cells (MDMCs) isolated from vastus lateralis biopsies obtained from controls and subjects harboring AGPAT2 mutations and in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes after knockdown or overexpression of AGPAT2. We demonstrate an adipogenic defect using MDMCs from control and CGL human subjects with mutated AGPAT2. This defect was rescued in CGL MDMCs with a retrovirus expressing AGPAT2. Both CGL-derived MDMCs and 3T3-L1 cells with knockdown of AGPAT2 demonstrated an increase in cell death after induction of adipogenesis. Lack of AGPAT2 activity reduces Akt activation, and overexpression of constitutively active Akt can partially restore lipogenesis. AGPAT2 modulated the levels of phosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol species, as well as the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) inhibitor cyclic phosphatidic acid. The PPARγ agonist pioglitazone partially rescued the adipogenic defect in CGL cells. We conclude that AGPAT2 regulates adipogenesis through the modulation of the lipome, altering normal activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and PPARγ pathways in the early stages of adipogenesis.
Sudden Cardiac Death After Myocardial Infarction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With No Residual Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Yeung Chun-Yip , Lam Karen Siu-Ling , Li Sheung-Wai , Lam Kwok-Fai , Tse Hung-Fat , Siu Chung-Wah
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for coronary artery disease. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether DM contributes to sudden cardiac death in patients who survive myocardial infarction (MI). The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of sudden cardiac death post-MI in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with no residual myocardial ischemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 610 consecutive post-MI patients referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program with negative exercise stress test were studied.

RESULTS

Of these, 236 patients had DM at baseline. Over a mean follow-up of 5 years, 67 patients with DM (28.4%) and 76 of 374 patients without DM (20.2%) had died with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.28–2.56; P < 0.001). Patients with DM also had a higher incidence of cardiac death (1.84 [1.16–3.21]; P = 0.01), principally due to a higher incidence of sudden cardiac death (2.14 [1.22–4.23]; P < 0.001). Multiple Cox regression analysis revealed that only DM (adjusted HR: 1.9 [95% CI: 1.04–3.40]; P = 0.04), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤30% (3.6 [1.46–8.75]; P < 0.01), and New York Heart Association functional class >II (4.2 [1.87–9.45]; P < 0.01) were independent predictors for sudden cardiac death. Among patients with DM, the 5-year sudden cardiac death rate did not differ significantly among those with LVEF ≤30%, LVEF 31–50%, or LVEF >50% (8.8 vs. 7.8 vs. 6.8%, respectively; P = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-MI patients with DM, even in the absence of residual myocardial ischemia clinically, were at higher risk of sudden cardiac death than their non-DM counterparts.
A Learner-Centered Diabetes Management Curriculum
Authors: DeSalvo Daniel J. , Greenberg Larrie W. , Henderson Celia L. , Cogen Fran R.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes errors, particularly insulin administration errors, can lead to complications and death in the pediatric inpatient setting. Despite a lecture-format curriculum on diabetes management at our children’s hospital, resident diabetes-related errors persisted. We hypothesized that a multifaceted, learner-centered diabetes curriculum would help reduce pathway errors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The 8-week curricular intervention consisted of 1) an online tutorial addressing residents’ baseline diabetes management knowledge, 2) an interactive diabetes pathway discussion, 3) a learner-initiated diabetes question and answer session, and 4) a case presentation featuring embedded pathway errors for residents to recognize, resolve, and prevent. Errors in the 9 months before the intervention, as identified through an incident reporting system, were compared with those in the 10 months afterward, with errors classified as relating to insulin, communication, intravenous fluids, nutrition, and discharge delay.

RESULTS

Before the curricular intervention, resident errors occurred in 28 patients (19.4% of 144 diabetes admissions) over 9 months. After the intervention, resident errors occurred in 11 patients (6.6% of 166 diabetes admissions) over 10 months, representing a statistically significant (P = 0.0007) decrease in patients with errors from before intervention to after intervention. Throughout the study, the errors were distributed into the categories as follows: insulin, 43.8%; communication, 39.6%; intravenous fluids, 14.6%; nutrition, 0%; and discharge delay, 2.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

An interactive learner-centered diabetes curriculum for pediatric residents can be effective in reducing inpatient diabetes errors in a tertiary children’s hospital. This educational model promoting proactive learning has implications for decreasing errors across other medical disciplines.
Equilibrium and dynamical behavior in the Vicsek model for self-propelled particles under shear
Authors: Saracco Gustavo , Gonnella Giuseppe , Marenduzzo Davide , Orlandini Enzo
Published: August 2012

The effects of an externally imposed linear shear profile in the Vicsek model of self-propelled particles is investigated via computer simulations. We find that the applied field changes in a relevant way both the equilibrium and dynamical properties of the original model. Indeed, short time dynamics analysis shows that the order-disordered phase transition disappears under shear, because the flow acts as a symmetry breaking field. Moreover, the coarsening of particle domains is arrested at a characteristic length-scale inversely proportional to shear rate. A generalization of the original Vicsek model where the velocity of particles depends on the local value of the density is also introduced and shows to affect the domain formation.
Status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in goats naturally infected with Babesia ovis
Authors: Esmaeilnejad Bijan , Tavassoli Mousa , Asri-Rezaei Siamak , Dalir-Naghadeh Bahram , Malekinejad Hassan
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to assess lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in goats naturally infected with Babesia ovis. Red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) activities and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in 15 goats naturally infected with B. ovis as well as same number of healthy goats. The parasitological diagnosis was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis by amplifying a partial 18S rRNA gene sequence of B. ovis. Percentage of parasitemia varied from 0.01 to 1%. The activities of erythrocyte GSH-Px, SOD, CAT and TAC were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the infected goats than in healthy ones. MDA concentration in erythrocytes of infected goats was significantly higher in infected goats than in healthy ones (pš0.05). Severity of parasitemia showed a positive correlation with the MDA and negative correlation with PCV, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and TAC. Also, MDA was negatively correlated with PCV, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and TAC. The results of this study suggested that oxidative damage to RBCs may contribute to the pathogenesis of anemia in caprine babesiosis.
New genetic lineages, host associations and circulation pathways of Neorickettsia endosymbionts of digeneans
Authors: Tkach Vasyl , Schroeder Jay , Greiman Stephen , Vaughan Jefferson
Published: August 2012

Neorickettsia is a genus of intracellular bacteria endosymbiotic in digeneans that may also invade cells of vertebrates and are known to cause diseases of wildlife and humans. Herein, we report results of screening for Neorickettsia of an extensive collection of DNA extracts from adult and larval digeneans obtained from various vertebrates and mollusks in the United States. Seven isolates of Neorickettsia were detected by PCR and sequenced targeting a 527 bp long region of 16S rRNA. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that four isolates matched published sequences of Neorickettsia risticii. Three other isolates, provisionally named “catfish agents 1 and 2” (obtained from Megalogonia ictaluri and Phyllodistomum lacustri, both parasitic in catfishes) and Neorickettsia sp. (obtained from cercariae of Diplostomum sp.), differed from previously known genotypes of Neorickettsia and are likely candidates for new species. All 7 isolates of Neorickettsia were obtained from digenean species and genera that were not previously reported as hosts of these bacteria. Members of four digenean families (Dicrocoeliidae, Heronimidae, Macroderoididae and Gorgoderidae) are reported as hosts of Neorickettsia for the first time. Our study reveals several new pathways of Neorickettsia circulation in nature. We have found for the first time a Neorickettsia from a digenean (dicrocoeliid Conspicuum icteridorum) with an entirely terrestrial life cycle. We found N. risticii in digeneans (Alloglossidium corti and Heronimus mollis) with entirely aquatic life cycles. Previously, this Neorickettsia species was known only from digeneans with aquatic/terrestrial life cycles. Our results suggest that our current knowledge of the diversity, host associations and circulation of neorickettsiae is far from satisfactory.
A reliable iterative method for solving the time-dependent singular Emden-Fowler equations
Authors: Wazwaz Abdul-Majid
Published: August 2012

Many problems of physical sciences and engineering are modelled by singular boundary value problems. In this paper, the variational iteration method (VIM) is used to study the time-dependent singular Emden-Fowler equations. This method overcomes the difficulties of singularity behavior. The VIM reveals quite a number of features over numerical methods that make it helpful for singular and nonsingular equations. The work is supported by analyzing few examples where the convergence of the results is observed.
Surface tension and density of liquid Sn–Ag–Cu alloys
Authors: Fima Przemysław
Published: August 2012

The surface tension and density of Sn-Ag-Cu alloys, lying along two cross-sections of silver to copper molar ratios equal to 1 and 7/3, were studied. Sessile drop measurements were carried out over a broad temperature range. It was found that both surface tension and density decrease with increasing concentration of Sn. With the increase in temperature, the density decreases linearly for all compositions, whereas the surface tension shows linear and curvilinear dependence for different compositions. The results are compared with literature data obtained with a different technique and the results of model calculations. Relatively good agreement is observed between the models and experimental data.
Experimental Flow Visualization and Residence Time Distributions in a Co-Kneader
Authors: Brito-Bazan M. , Fradette L. , Tanguy P. A.
Published: August 2012

Flow patterns and residence time distributions have been investigated in a transparent laboratory-scale Co-Kneader with a viscous fluid and different combinations of operating conditions. An image analysis technique, already successfully applied in stirred tanks, has been applied here for the first time in a continuous system. The flow visualization results are presented as mixing curves, which show quantitatively the evolution of the macromixing along the Co-Kneader. It has been found that the image analysis technique gives new insight into the mixing mechanism of the Co-Kneader and may be used as a simple experimental method to quantify the degree of backmixing. Residence time distributions have been used to obtain axial dispersion coefficients. A comparison of the cumulative distribution functions between different systems is also presented.
Preservation of Bacillus firmus Strain 37 and Optimization of Cyclodextrin Biosynthesis by Cells Immobilized on Loofa Sponge
Authors: Pazzetto Rúbia , Ferreira Sabrina Barbosa de Souza , Santos Elder James Silva , Moriwaki Cristiane , Guedes Teresinha Aparecida , Matioli Graciette
Published: August 2012

The preservation of Bacillus firmus strain 37 cells by lyophilization was evaluated and response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) production by cells immobilized on loofa sponge. Interactions were studied with the variables temperature, pH and dextrin concentration using a central composite design (CCD). Immobilization time influence on β-CD production was also investigated. B. firmus strain 37 cells remained viable after one year of storage, showing that the lyophilization is a suitable method for preservation of the microorganism. From the three-dimensional diagrams and contour plots, the best conditions for β-CD production were determined: temperature 60 °C, pH 8, and 18% dextrin. Considering that the amount of dextrin was high, a new assay was carried out, in which dextrin concentrations of 10, 15, and 18% were tested and the temperature of 60 °C and pH 8 were maintained. The results achieved showed very small differences and therefore, for economic reasons, the use of 10% dextrin is suggested. Increasing the immobilization time of cells immobilized on synthetic sponge the β-CD production decreased and did not change for cells immobilized on loofa sponge. The results of this research are important for microorganism preservation and essential in the optimization of the biosynthesis of CD.
Conditional Survival in Canada: Adjusting Patient Prognosis over Time
Authors: Bryant H. , Lockwood G. , Rahal R. , Ellison L.
Published: August 2012

Five-year relative survival statistics are often used to measure cancer control across jurisdictions, and international comparisons such as the CONCORD or EUROCARE studies often point to substantial survival differences across participating countries [...]
Use and Delivery of Granulocyte Colony–Stimulating Factor in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Chemotherapy—Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Zhu X. , Bouganim N. , Vandermeer L. , Dent S.F. , Dranitsaris G. , Clemons M.J.
Published: August 2012

Background: Use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (g-csf) as primary prophylaxis against chemotherapy-induced neutropenia has significant cost implications. We examined use of g-csf for early-stage breast cancer patients at our centre. The study also examined the pattern of nurse-led patient teaching with respect to drug self-administration. Methods: Patients who received g-csf between November 2009 and October 2010 were identified from pharmacy records. After consent had been obtained, electronic charts were examined to extract data on chemotherapy and use of g-csf. Patients were contacted by telephone to obtain information on the utilization of home-care nursing visits for g-csf administration. Results: The study analyzed 36 patients. Median age was 58 years (range: 31–78 years). Of the 36 patients, 30 (83%) had received adjuvant treatment, and 6 (17%), neoadjuvant treatment. Most patients (71%) received 10 days (range: 7–10 days) of filgrastim. Of the 36 patients, 29 (81%) received g-csf as primary prophylaxis. In 90% of those patients, primary prophylaxis commenced with the taxane component of treatment. Of the 36 patients, 7 (19%) received g-csf after neutropenia, including 2 who had febrile neutropenia. In 96% of the patients, injections were received at home with the help of a nurse; those patients were subsequently taught self-injection techniques. The median number of nursing visits was 2 (range: 1–3 visits). Most patients were satisfied with the home care and g-csf teaching they received. Conclusions: Most of the g-csf used in breast cancer treatment during the study period was given for primary prophylaxis. A major reason for the decision to use g-csf appears to have been physician-perceived risk of febrile neutropenia. Delivery of g-csf by home-care nurses was well received by patients.
Excision of the Primary Tumour in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Clinical Dilemma
Authors: Samiee S. , Berardi P. , Bouganim N. , Vandermeer L. , Arnaout A. , Dent S. , Mirsky D. , Chasen M. , Caudrelier J.M. , Clemons M.
Published: August 2012

Background: Approximately 10% of new breast cancer patients will present with overt synchronous metastatic disease. The optimal local management of those patients is controversial. Several series suggest that removal of the primary tumour is associated with a survival benefit, but the retrospective nature of those studies raises considerable methodologic challenges. We evaluated our clinical experience with the management of such patients and, more specifically, the impact of surgery in patients with synchronous metastasis. Methods: We reviewed patients with primary breast cancer and concurrent distant metastases seen at our centre between 2005 and 2007. Demographic and treatment data were collected. Study endpoints included overall survival and symptomatic local progression rates. Results: The 111 patients identified had a median follow-up of 40 months (range: 0.6–71 months). We allocated the patients to one ot two groups: a nonsurgical group (those who did not have breast surgery, n = 63) and a surgical group (those who did have surgery, n = 48, 29 of whom had surgery before the metastatic diagnosis). When compared with patients in the nonsurgical group, patients in the surgical group were less likely to present with T4 tumours (23% vs. 35%), N3 nodal disease (8% vs. 19%), and visceral metastasis (67% vs. 73%). Patients in the surgical group experienced longer overall survival (49 months vs. 33 months, p = 0.01) and lower rates of symptomatic local progression (14% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our study, improved overall survival and symptomatic local control were demonstrated in the surgically treated patients; however, this group had less aggressive disease at presentation. The optimal local management of patients with metastatic breast cancer remains unknown. An ongoing phase iii trial, E2108, has been designed to assess the effect of breast surgery in metastatic patients responding to first-line systemic therapy. If excision of the primary tumour is associated with a survival benefit, then the preselected subgroup of patients who have responded to initial systemic therapy is the desired population in which to put this hypothesis to the test.
Stereoselective synthesis oftrans-fused iridoid lactones and their identification in the parasitoid waspAlloxysta victrix, Part II: Iridomyrmecins
Authors: Hilgraf Robert , Zimmermann Nicole , Lehmann Lutz , Tröger Armin , Francke Wittko
Published: August 2012

Following our earlier approach to the synthesis of dihydronepetalactones, all eight stereoisomers oftrans-fused iridomyrmecins were synthesized starting from the enantiomers of limonene. Combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry including enantioselective gas chromatography revealed that volatiles released by the endohyperparasitoid waspAlloxysta victrixcontain (4S,4aR,7S,7aR)-iridomyrmecin of 95–97% ee and stereochemically pure (4S,4aS,7R,7aS)-iridomyrmecin as a minor component.
THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN THE GLOBAL LABOUR MARKET
Authors: Kajanová Jana
Published: August 2012

The main subject of this paper is to present and submit the basis of both internal and external factors determining the competitive advantages in the global labour market and to assess the possibilities and changes occurring in the current labour market due to the present-day requirements of this sphere. Today, it is necessary to take into account a certain advantage in comparison to other applicants in the market place. It follows that the matter in question is the creation of the competitive advantage, which will strengthen the position of an applicant, point out to the causes of his preference and will provide interesting conditions.
PECULIARITIES IN CONSTRUCTION OF SEGMENTATION MODELS: THEORY AND PRACTICE
Authors: Viselgaitė Daiva , Vilys Mantas
Published: August 2012

Strategic marketing development is a major area of Lithuanian manufacturing companies, which seeks to improve business. In order to develop a strategic marketing plan, companies encompassing several business models are faced with the need to adapt those models here and highlight the lack of skills to carry out marketing activities for the sharp divide in the business models in the marketing literature. In order to give the latter companies a theoretical foundation for development of strategic marketing for sustainable business, which highlights the need for business model adaptation in the process of segmentation, it is worthwhile to analyze the scientific segmentation models and prepare recommendations for model construction. The scientific article is based on marketing research in window manufacturing and mounting business that enables to create a step-by-step market segmentation model, which is based on adaptation of different business models. The main tendencies identified in the sector (high market and technological uncertainty, intense competition) makes it a very characteristic example of a business, which seeks to improve competitiveness.
UNIVERSITY RESERVES MANAGEMENT: INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR LITHUANIA
Authors: Černiauskas Gediminas , Seiranov Jusif
Published: August 2012

The article considers the new opportunities for university reserves management arising in the process of transition to non-profit institution model in Lithuania. Authors review historical background of university funding and significance of endowments. The role of endowments in leading USA and UK universities is analyzed. Structural differences and common trends in the mix of public and private funding of higher education in different countries are showed. Authors analyse the transition from budgetary to nonprofit institution in higher education in Lithuania since 2009 and suggest practical approach to university reserve creation, funds management and financial endowment build-up in the new institutional framework of higher education in Lithuania.
HOW TO IMPLEMENT BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY (BOS) IN B2B SECTOR
Authors: Čirjevskis Andrejs , Homenko Genadijs , Lačinova Valērija
Published: August 2012

The aim of research is to confirm the hypothesis that BOS is viable in the B2B sectors. The objects of research are two business entities: world’s lead­ing suppliers of construction chemicals and manufacturer of purification equip­ment. Authors posed first research question is BOS a suitable within construction chemicals and purification equipment manufacturers’ industries? Second research question was about how to evaluate acceptability of new strategic choice on BOS? Third research question was how to diagnosis organisational hurdles on BOS implementation? Research has confirmed the hypothesis and suggested application of innovation value chain to diagnosing company’s ability to implement value in­novation.
HOSHIN KANRI: POLICY MANAGEMENT IN JAPANESE SUBSIDIARIES BASED IN POLAND
Authors: Ćwiklicki Marek , Obora Hubert
Published: August 2012

This article presents the findings from a research project on the Polish model of Hoshin Kanri identified in Japanese subsidiaries operating in Poland. It begins with an overview of the basic models of the method described in literature. Next, the findings of the project are presented. They were established on the basis of the first, quantitative stage of research conducted in over 50 enterprises of this kind and focusing on the awareness and practical application of Japanese manage­ment methods. The case studies permitted to develop a meta-model of the method typical of Japanese companies operating in Poland.
https://journals.vgtu.lt/index.php/BME/article/view/5281
Authors: Bielińska-Dusza Edita
Published: August 2012

The purpose of the article was to present the research conducted in com­panies, concerning the functioning of internal audit in Poland. During the research, the author identified a number of barriers reducing the efficiency of the cells of internal audit and audit as an instrument for company improvement. One also indi­cated areas which, from the point of view of internal audit efficiency as well as of the company functioning, should be improved.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AS THE FACTOR OF THE STATE CONFIGURATION OF THE MARKET OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
Authors: Ostroga Viktor , Zhukovskaya Olga
Published: August 2012

In the article social capital as the factor of social and economic exchange optimization (transactional costs decrease), configuration of the market and system of economic interests of the Republic of Belarus in the context of the history of this social and economic phenomenon research, the place and role of state regula­tion in economic processes and modern understanding of the market in correla­tion with economic growth and national safety is considered. Also the influence of social capital on the market system of Belarus and mechanisms of this social and economic phenomenon usage with the view of market functioning perfection is analyzed under the conditions of national and global imperatives.
ECONOMIC PHENOMENA VIA MATHEMATICAL MODELLING IN MAPLE SYSTEM
Authors: Chvatalova Zuzana , Simberova Iveta
Published: August 2012

Nowadays, economics utilizes more and more frequently quantitative methods. This is an important phenomenon in the process of education. The paper deals with application of the Maple system for on-line creation of mathematical models in economic sectors. Means of Maple represent an important challenge for application in practice or research – resolve specific problems, apply mathematical models in many science fields, create intelligent documents for the presentation of modelling and analyses with computations, visualizations, animations, simulations. The paper incorporates selected samples of models in Maple and indicates further fields of its practical using, e.g. for measurement of marketing activity effectiveness.