bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytological and Molecular Characterization of Genetic Diversity inStenotaphrum
Authors: Milla‐Lewis Susana R. , Zuleta M. Carolina , Van Esbroeck George A. , Quesenberry Kenneth H. , Kenworthy Kevin E.
Published: November 2012

St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum(Walt.) Kuntze] is a warm‐season turfgrass broadly distributed across the southern United States. Here, we investigated genetic diversity and ploidy levels in publicly available plant introductions and cultivars of St. Augustinegrass as an aid to more effective use of these materials in breeding programs. Ploidy assignment of genotypes was problematic in some cases because of a lack of agreement between flow cytometry–inferred ploidy level and chromosome counts indicating that DNA content of higher ploidy genotypes was not a simple multiple of the diploid genome. Cytological investigations indicated five different ploidy levels (diploid, triploid, aneuploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid) with chromosome numbers ranging from 2n= 2x= 18 to 2n= 6x= 54. Principal coordinate and cluster analyses separated genotypes into distinct groups that were mostly congruent with ploidy levels. Moreover, analysis of molecular variance results based on amplified fragment length polymorphism genotyping indicated that 46% of the total variation could be explained by differences between ploidy levels. A clear positive correlation was observed between ploidy level and number of scored bands, with polyploids showing an increased number of bands. Variation in chromosome number is an important source of genetic variation inS. secundatum, and knowledge of the genetic relationships among accessions of this species can be an important consideration for the proper utilization of this germplasm in applied cultivar development.
Contribution of Field Pea to Winter Forage Production and Nutritive Value in the South‐Central United States
Authors: Han K. J. , Alison M. W. , Pitman W. D. , McCormick M. E.
Published: November 2012

Field pea [Pisum sativum L. subsp. sativum var. arvense (L.) Poir] appears to hold promise as a cool‐season legume option for the south‐central United States. A 2‐yr field study at two locations in Louisiana was conducted to evaluate forage dry matter (DM) production and nutritive value of an oat (Avena sativa L.)–field pea combination and an annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.)–field pea combination at different field pea seeding rates. Monocultures of the grasses at a range of N fertilizer rates were included for comparison. Increasing seeding rates of field pea increased forage DM production linearly (P < 0.05) and linearly (P < 0.01) increased crude protein from forage of interseeded plantings. Interseeding field pea did not improve in vitro true digestibility of oat–field pea or annual ryegrass–field pea forage at either harvest, even though the annual grasses maintained a similar high digestibility to field pea only at the first harvest. Nitrogen fertilizer, which produced a linear increase in forage production with increasing N rate, provides more flexibility and easier management than the use of legumes. Cost of N will determine when the use of legumes such as field pea is a preferred option. The improved forage nutritive value of interseeded field pea can be a meaningful benefit with specific classes of livestock and production goals.
Biplot Analysis of Incomplete Two‐Way Data
Authors: Yan Weikai
Published: November 2012

As a graphical data analysis tool, biplot analysis has increasingly been used in analyzing genotype × environment data and other types of two‐way data. One limitation of biplot analysis is that it requires a complete two‐way table. This paper reports on a procedure for estimating missing values in a two‐way table so that incomplete data can be effectively analyzed using biplots. This procedure involves iteration of missing values based on singular value decomposition (SVD), which is the basic technique for biplot analysis. Simulation indicates that the proposed procedure successfully predicts missing values and recovers patterns for two sample datasets. On a smaller wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) dataset, the estimation was successful only when the proportion of missing data was less than 40%; for a larger oat (Avena sativaL.) dataset, the estimation was successful even when 60% of the data were treated as missing. The use of the SVD‐based missing‐value‐estimation procedure enabled incomplete multiple‐year data to be effectively analyzed in a single biplot. As a result, genotypes not tested in the same environments can be reasonably compared, and genotypes that have not been fully tested can be critically evaluated.
Breeding Potential of Elite Maize Landraces to Improve Forage Yield and Quality of Two Heterotic Patterns
Authors: Incognito Salvador J. P. , Eyhérabide Guillermo H. , Bertoia Luis M. , López César G.
Published: November 2012

Breeders recognize that the maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm base is narrow and consequently, it should be extended by the introgression of exotic germplasm. Several studies have explored the potential of open‐pollinated populations to improve grain yield, disease resistances, and other traits, but few have considered traits related to forage yield and quality. In the present study, a group of elite landraces were evaluated as sources of favorable alleles to improve two target hybrids representing two heterotic patterns, Stiff Stalk Synthetic × Lancaster Sure Crop (B73 × Mo17) and Stiff Stalk Synthetic × Argentine Orange Flint (B73 × LP122‐2). Inbred lines B73, Mo17, and LP122‐2, single crosses B73 × Mo17 and B73 × LP122‐2, and 24 inbred × landrace crosses were evaluated in four environments for stover dry matter yield (SY), ear dry matter yield (EY), in vitro digestibility of stover dry matter (iDS), and in vitro digestibility of ear dry matter (iDE). Several landraces are a potential source of favorable alleles not present in the parent inbred lines of both target hybrids for SY, EY, and iDE. ARZM17035 is the most promising landrace since it has favorable alleles for all traits not present in both target hybrids. The results indicate that landraces represent a potential source of useful genetic variability to improve forage maize.
An Improved Crop Management Increases Grain Yield and Nitrogen and Water Use Efficiency in Rice
Authors: Xue Yaguang , Duan Hua , Liu Lijun , Wang Zhiqin , Yang Jianchang , Zhang Jianhua
Published: November 2012

A major challenge in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production is to achieve the dual goal of increasing food production and resource use efficiency. This study aimed to investigate if an improved crop management (ICM) could increase grain yield, N use efficiency (NUE), and water use efficiency (WUE). Three rice cultivars were field grown at either Yangzhou or Lianyungang, China. in 2009 and 2010. Three treatments, local farmers’ practice (LFP), ICM, and N omission, were conducted. The ICM adopted two new techniques, that is, site‐specific N management and irrigation using alternate wetting and moderate drying. Compared with the LFP, the ICM significantly increased percentage of productive tillers, crop growth rate, and contents of cytokinins in plants at mid and late growth stages, nonstructural carbohydrate accumulation in the stem at the heading time, and root oxidation activity, leaf area duration, photosynthetic rate of the flag leaf, and activities of key enzymes involved in sucrose‐to‐starch conversion in grains during grain filling. On average, the ICM increased grain yield by 14.4%, agronomic NUE (kg grain yield increase per kg N applied) by 64.1%, and WUE for irrigation (grain yield over amount of irrigation water) by 36.4% when compared with the LFP. We conclude that the ICM could increase not only grain yield but also NUE and WUE. Improved physiological performances at latter growth stages contribute to increases in grain yield and resource use efficiency.
Decadal Changes in Soil Carbon and Nitrogen under a Range of Irrigation and Phosphorus Fertilizer Treatments
Authors: Schipper Louis A. , Dodd Mike B. , Pronger Jack , Mudge Paul L. , Upsdell Martin , Moss Ray A.
Published: November 2012

We determined decadal changes in soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) due to different irrigation regimes and phosphorus fertilization of pastures. Archived soil samples (0–75 mm) collected annually from two long‐term trials in New Zealand were analyzed for %C and %N from three P input treatments (ranging from 0 to 376 kg superphosphate ha−1yr−1, 1952–2009) and three irrigation treatments (unirrigated and irrigated when soil moisture content fell below either 10 or 20%, 1959–2002). In the fertilizer trial, soil C increased linearly from 2.7 to 4.2%, and there was no difference in rates of increase in C between treatments, despite much greater aboveground production when P was added. This lack of difference was attributed to higher stocking rates on treatments with higher production, and to the possibility that root inputs (which differed less between treatments) was a more important control of soil C accumulation. Nitrogen (%) was lower in the unfertilized than fertilized treatments due to lower clover N fixation, which was constrained by P availability. Soil C (%) was significantly greater in the unirrigated treatment than the irrigated treatments throughout the trial. Aboveground production was much greater in the irrigated than dryland treatment but root biomass was lower. Irrigation must have increased C and N losses, possibly via increased respiration rates during seasonally dry periods. Our study showed that P fertilizer application did not result in an increase in surface soil C and that flood irrigation resulted in a constrained increase in surface soil C content.
Maize and Soybean Litter‐Carbon Pool Dynamics in Three No‐Till Systems
Authors: Kochsiek Amy E. , Knops Johannes M.H. , Brassil Chad E. , Arkebauer Timothy J.
Published: November 2012

After harvest, the litter‐C pool contributes 20 to 23% of the total C present in maize (Zea maysL.)‐based agricultural ecosystems. Therefore, understanding litter‐C pool dynamics is important in determining the overall C dynamics of the system and its potential to sequester C. We examined litter‐C production and in situ decomposition of maize and soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] litter using four annual litter cohorts (2001–2004) in three no‐till management regimes: irrigated continuous maize, irrigated maize–soybean rotation, and rainfed maize–soybean rotation. Litter inputs, i.e., litter‐C production, was 20 to 30% higher in irrigated fields than the rainfed field, and maize produced approximately twice as much litter C as soybean. Litter losses, i.e., decomposition, were highly variable, but overall, after 3 yr of decomposition, only 20% litter C remained on average. We fit decomposition models to our data to predict litter‐C accretion after 10 yr of management. While management and annual variation were important in fitting the model, tissue type increased model fit most, suggesting a strong role of litter physical structure in decomposition. The predicted 10‐yr standing litter pool was 15 and 35% higher in the irrigated maize field than the irrigated or rainfed maize–soybean rotations, respectively. Our data clearly show that the litter‐C pool is highly dynamic, with as much as a 60% increase within 1 yr. Thus, short‐term C sequestration estimates in agricultural ecosystems largely reflect litter‐C pool changes, which are primarily driven by litter inputs and not decomposition differences.
Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen After Application of Nine Organic Amendments
Authors: Wuest Stewart B. , Gollany Hero T.
Published: November 2012

The amount and type of C‐containing amendments applied to soil can have an influence on soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. To test the hypothesis that amendment type is more important than amount, we applied 250 g C m−2 as manure, legume foliage, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residue, municipal biosolid, wood sawdust, brassica (Brassica napus L.) residue, composted wheat residue, sucrose, and cotton linters to both fallow soil and an annual winter wheat crop for five consecutive years. After an additional 3.5 yr with no inputs and all plots being fallow, the SOC of biosolid, manure, and wood amended plots were significantly (P < 0.0001) greater than the unamended check. The application of biosolid increased SOC 492 g m−2, and manure increased SOC 316 g m−2, over the fallow check plots in the top 300 kg m−2 of soil (approximately 0–25 cm). The increase in SOC relative to the check ranged from 0 to 39% of the amendment C applied. The SOC content was 482 g m−2 greater under continuous winter wheat than under fallow. The amendment and wheat crop effects on soil C and N changed little during the 3.5 yr after treatments ended, indicating that decomposition occurred soon after application. Wood sawdust was unique in that it increased SOC even though it was low in N content, and it changed the soil C/N ratio from 12.3 to 13.4. This field research demonstrated that amendments applied at the same C rate can have variable effects on SOC accretion.
Elution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil Columns Using Low‐Molecular‐Weight Organic Acids
Authors: Kong Huoliang , Sun Rui , Gao Yanzheng , Sun Bingqing
Published: November 2012

The impacts of low‐molecular‐weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on the release, distribution, and availability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated soils were investigated using soil column experiments. Citric and malic acids, as representative LMWOAs, significantly promoted the release and enhanced the availability of phenanthrene and pyrene in three soil columns. Both the mobilized amounts and availabilities of test PAHs increased with increasing concentrations of citric or malic acid. When the concentration of citric acid was 80 mmol L−1, the mobilized amounts of phenanthrene and pyrene in a yellow‐brown soil column increased by approximately three times compared with the control. The simultaneous decreases in phenanthrene and pyrene not extractable by n‐butanol relative to their initial amounts were 63.17 and 73.38%, respectively, which indicated that a large amount of initially nonextractable PAHs in soils were transformed into n‐butanol‐extractable PAHs. After elution, the PAH residual concentrations in the soil layers followed the order bottom layer > middle layer > top layer. Similar results were observed for experiments using malic acid. Results obtained showed that LMWOAs could dissolve a portion of soil organic matter into solution and disrupt the organic–metal ion–mineral linkages in soils, resulting in PAH release and dissolution of metal ions; however, the mechanism of elution of the PAHs in the soil column by LMWOAs was not in accord with the mechanism by which metal ions were dissolved. The findings of this work may be instructive for remediation strategies in contaminated soils.
Aggregate and Soil Clod Volume Measurement: A Method Comparison
Authors: Uteau D. , Pagenkemper S. K. , Peth S. , Horn R.
Published: November 2012

Reference volume for soil physical and chemical characteristics of soil samples is often based on soil core extraction. At the aggregate level, however, volume determination is more difficult and fraught with greater uncertainty due to irregular shapes. Our objective was to identify a method that best described relevant variables in aggregates. For this purpose, we compared four methods to determine the possibilities and limitations in acquiring those variables: paraffin coating and submerging, automated pycnometer, three‐dimensional laser scanner, and x‐ray microcomputed tomography. All methods gave reliable results for aggregate volume, but the pycnometer and three‐dimensional laser scanner slightly overestimated the volume. The key benefits of the three‐dimensional laser scanner and x‐ray microtomography are the gain of additional parameters such as surface roughness, axial ratios, and interaggregate pore volumes. These characteristics may be of interest for further questions such as aggregate stability or accessibility of sorption surfaces.
Field Correlation of Potassium Soil Test Methods Based on Dried and Field‐Moist Soil Samples for Corn and Soybean
Authors: Barbagelata Pedro A. , Mallarino Antonio P.
Published: November 2012

Soil K extraction with ammonium‐acetate (NH4OAc) from oven‐dried samples is the most widely used K test method, but drying often increases extracted K compared with field‐moist soil. This study assessed sample drying effects on soil K extracted by NH4OAc and used field response data to correlate K tests based on dried (35–40°C) (DK) and field‐moist (MK) samples for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] based on 162 single‐ and multi‐year response trials conducted during 6 yr (200 site‐years for corn and 162 for soybean). Potassium (15‐cm depth) extracted by DK was higher than for MK (on average 1.92 times higher). The ratio DK/MK decreased exponentially with increasing K (R2 0.77); increased linearly with soil clay, organic matter (OM), estimated cation exchange capacity (ECEC), and (Ca+Mg)/K ratio (r2 0.15–0.32); and increased with sample moisture but the relationship was poor (r2 0.03). The MK test correlated better than DK with grain yield response. The R2 values for Cate–Nelson (CN), linear‐plateau (LP), and quadratic‐plateau (QP) models across crops were 0.24 to 0.27 for DK and 0.39 to 0.58 for MK. Critical concentration (CC) ranges for corn defined by these models were 144 to 301 mg K kg−1 for DK and 51 to 82 mg K kg−1 for MK; whereas for soybean were 136 to 283 for DK and 49 to 84 for MK. Potassium testing of field‐moist samples predicts crop response to K fertilization better than the common test based on oven‐dried samples.
Modeling the Strength Degradation and Fatigue of Carbon Fiber Rein-forced Composites
Authors: Verde Pasquale
Published: November 2012

Static and fatigue data available in literature concerning carbon fiber reinforced composite laminates subjected tension-tension fatigue were re-elaborated in the framework of a two-parameter fatigue model explicitly accounting for the cyclic as well as the mean stress. The data were used to obtain the model parameters by best fitting procedures. A primitive statistical implementation of the model was based on the hypothesis that the monotonic tensile strength follows a two-parameter Weibull distribution. The model has the potential of being predictive indicating that the fatigue character-ization of given laminate can be achieved with a minimum of experimental tests. The model reliability and its applicabil-ity limits are discussed.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Safyral® 2012
Authors: Nelson Anita L
Published: November 2012

The incidence of pregnancies affected with neural tube defects (NTDs) has been reduced by food fortification programs and public health campaigns promoting folic acid supplementation, but the incidence of NTDs in the USA has not achieved the full potential reduction expected with adequate periconceptional folate utilization. In seeking new ways to access sexually active women at risk for pregnancy, one option would be to link folic acid supplementation to contraceptive use. Since birth control pills are the most popular method of reversible contraception in the USA, it would seem quite logical to find a way to supplement them. To this end, a very efficient folate, levomefolate calcium salt (metafolin), has been added to drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives in equimolar concentrations to the recommended supplements of folic acid to reduce the risk for pregnancy and to reduce the risk of NTDs in pregnancies that occur while women are taking the pill or shortly after they discontinue its use. This article will focus on the need for such folate supplementation and will summarize the contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits of the 30 μg EE/3 mg drospirenone pill (Yasmin®, Bayer Healthcare, NJ, USA) to which has been added 451 metafolin (Safyral®, Bayer Healthcare). The new information about thromboembolism risks associated with use of drospirenone-containing pills is also discussed.
Role of Inflammation and Aromatase Expression in the Eutopic Endometrium and its Relationship with the Development of Endometriosis
Authors: Maia Hugo , Haddad Clarice , Coelho Genevieve , Casoy Julio
Published: November 2012

Epigenetic changes favoring the transcription of the aromatase gene in the endometrium allow endometrial cells to survive in ectopic locations by producing estrogens that spare them from destruction through activated macrophages. Local estrogen production hastens prostaglandin synthesis by stimulating COX-2 activity, thus creating a self-perpetuating sequence of augmented estrogen formation and enhanced inflammation. Repetitive retrograde menstruation reintroduces aromatase-positive endometrial cells endowed with the capacity to implant and invade the peritoneum. In order to control endometriosis, an effective medication must inhibit aromatase, block COX-2, decrease fibrosis and induce amenorrhea. Within this framework, progestins, either alone or in the form of oral contraceptives, appear as first-line treatment for endometriosis owing to their capacity to block enzymes such as aromatase and COX-2.
Does Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis Exacerbate Risk Factors for Falls in Older Adults?
Authors: Hoops Mackenzie L , Rosenblatt Noah J , Hurt Christopher P , Crenshaw Jeremy , Grabiner Mark D
Published: November 2012

The risk of falling reportedly increases almost 2.5-times in those with lower extremity osteoarthritis (OALE) compared with age-matched controls. However, the mechanisms underlying the increased risk are not clear. The risk factors for falls in people with OALE found in the literature are mostly the same as the risk factors for people without OALE. It is hypothesized that risk factors for falls are exacerbated by OALE, such that these individuals are more likely to become dynamically unstable and, once this has occurred, are less able to perform an appropriate compensatory stepping response compared with people without OALE. To the extent that this is true, task-specific training targeting the compensatory step, which decreases falls in middle-aged and older women, should be effective for people with OALE. The purpose of the present review is to provide the rationale for the above hypothesis. Furthermore, the present authors present evidence that the fall risk of people with OALE could be efficiently and effectively reduced using task-specific training previously shown to reduce falls in middle aged and older women.
A new version of Zagreb indices
Authors: Ghorbani Modjtaba , Hosseinzadeh Mohammad
Published: November 2012

The Zagreb indices have been introduced by Gutman and Trinajstic as M1(G) =
???V(G)(dG)(?))2 and M2(G) = ??v?E(G) dG(u)dG(?), where dG(u) denotes
the degree of vertex u. We now define a new version of Zagreb indices as M*1 (G) = ??v?E(G) [?G(u)+ ?G(?)] and M*2(G)= ??v?E(G) ?G(u)?G(?), where ?G(u) is the largest distance between u and any other vertex ? of G. The goal of this paper is to further the study of these new topological index.
Summation formulae involving harmonic numbers
Authors: Chu Wenchang
Published: November 2012

Several summation formulae for finite and infinite series involving the
classical harmonic numbers are presented.
Convolution properties for subclasses of meromorphic univalent functions of complex order
Authors: Bulboacă Teodor , Aouf Mohamed , El-Ashwah Rabha
Published: November 2012

Using the new linear operator Lm(?,l)f(z) = 1/z + ??k=1(l/l+ ?k)m akzk-1,
f ? ?, where l > 0, ? ? 0, and m ? N0 = N ? {0}, we introduce two subclasses
of meromorphic analytic functions, and we investigate several convolution
properties, coefficient inequalities, and inclusion relations for these
classes.
Almost Fedosov and metriplectic structures in the geometry of semisprays
Authors: Crasmareanu Mircea
Published: November 2012

Given a pair (semispray S, almost symplectic form ? on a tangent bundle, the
family of nonlinear connections N such that ? is recurrent with respect to
(S,N) with a fixed recurrent factor is determined by using the Obata tensors.
In particular, we obtain a characterization for a pair (N, ?) to be recurrent
as well as for the triple (S, cN, ?) where cN is the canonical nonlinear
connection of the semispray S. In the particular case of vanishing recurrence
factor we get the family of almost Fedosov structures associated to a fixed
semispray and almost symplectic structure. For a triple (semispray S, almost
symplectic form ?, metric g), a characterization for existence of a
corresponding almost metriplectic structure is obtained.
Strong intuitionistic fuzzy graphs
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Davvaz Bijan
Published: November 2012

We introduce the notion of strong intuitionistic fuzzy graphs and investigate
some of their properties. We discuss some propositions of self complementary
and self weak complementary strong intuitionistic fuzzy graphs. We introduce
the concept of intuitionistic fuzzy line graphs.
Weakly linear systems of fuzzy relation inequalities and their applications: A brief survey
Authors: Ignjatovic Jelena , Ciric Miroslav
Published: November 2012

Weakly linear systems of fuzzy relation inequalities and equations have
recently emerged from research in the theory of fuzzy automata. From the
general aspect of the theory of fuzzy relation equations and inequalities
homogeneous and heterogeneousweakly linear systems have been discussed in two
recent papers. Here we give a brief overview of the main results from these
two papers, as well as from a series of papers on applications of weakly
linear systems in the state reduction of fuzzy automata, the study of
simulation, bisimulation and equivalence of fuzzy automata, and in the social
network analysis. Especially, we present algorithms for computing the
greatest solutions to weakly linear systems.
On the torsion graph and von Neumann regular rings
Authors: Rad Malakooti , Ghalandarzadeh S.H. , Shirinkam S.
Published: November 2012

Let R be a commutative ring with identity and M be a unitary R-module. A
torsion graph of M, denoted by ?(M), is a graph whose vertices are the
non-zero torsion elements of M, and two distinct vertices x and y are
adjacent if and only if [x : M][y : M]M = 0. In this paper, we investigate
the relationship between the diameters of ?(M) and ?(R), and give some
properties of minimal prime submodules of a multiplication R-module M over a
von Neumann regular ring. In particular, we show that for a multiplication
R-module M over a B?zout ring R the diameter of ?(M) and ?(R) is equal,
where M , T(M). Also, we prove that, for a faithful multiplication R-module
M with |M|?4,?(M) is a complete graph if and only if ?(R) is a complete
graph.
On a semi-symmetric non-metric connection
Authors: Chaubey S.K. , Ojha R.H.
Published: November 2012

Yano [10] defined and studied semi-symmetric metric connection in a
Riemannian manifold and this was extended by De and Senguta [4] and many
other geometers. Recently, the present authors [2], [3] defined
semi-symmetric non-metric connections in an almost contact metric manifold.
In this paper, we studied some properties of a semi-symmetric non-metric
connection in a Kenmotsu manifold.
A comment on some recent results concerning the Drazin inverse of an anti-triangular block matrix
Authors: Deng Yuan
Published: November 2012

In this note we give formulae for the Drazin inverseMD of an anti-triangular
special block matrix M = (ABC0)under some conditions expressed in terms of
the individual blocks, which generalize some recent results given by
Changjiang Bu [7, 8] and Chongguang Cao [10], etc.
Perturbation bounds for the Moore-Penrose inverse of operators
Authors: Liu Xiaoji , Qin Yonghui , Cvetkovic-Ilic Dragana
Published: November 2012

We consider the perturbation bounds for the Moore-Penrose inverse of a given
operator on Hilbert space and apply these results to the relative errors of
the minimum norm least squares solution of the equation Ax = b.
Ricci solitons and gradient Ricci solitons in three-dimensional trans-Sasakian manifolds
Authors: Turan Mine , De Chand , Yildiz Ahmet
Published: November 2012

The object of the present paper is to study 3-dimensional trans-Sasakian
manifolds admitting Ricci solitons and gradient Ricci solitons. We prove
that if (1,V, ?) is a Ricci soliton where V is collinear with the
characteristic vector field ?, then V is a constant multiple of ? and the
manifold is of constant scalar curvature provided ?, ? =constant. Next we
prove that in a 3-dimensional trans-Sasakian manifold with constant scalar
curvature if 1 is a gradient Ricci soliton, then the manifold is either a
?-Kenmotsu manifold or an Einstein manifold. As a consequence of this result
we obtain several corollaries.
Ascoli-type theorems and ideal (α)-convergence
Authors: Athanassiadou E. , Boccuto A. , Dimitriou X. , Papanastassiou N.
Published: November 2012

We investigate fundamental properties of I-exhaustiveness and I-convergence
of real-valued function sequences, giving some characterizations.
Furthermore, we establish new versions of Ascoli and Helly theorems, giving
also applications to measure theory. Finally, we pose an open problem.
The effects of ethanol on paracetamol-induced oxidative stress in mice liver
Authors: Mladenovic Dusan , Ninkovic Milica , Vucevic Danijela , Colic Miodrag , Micev Marjan , Todorovic Vera , Stankovic Milena , Radosavljevic Tatjana
Published: November 2012

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of binge drinking on
paracetamol induced oxidative stress in mice liver. Male Swiss mice were
divided into groups: control; ethanol-treated group (E) in five subsequent
doses of 2 g/kg by orogastric tube; paracetamol-treated group (P) in a dose
of 300 mg/kg intraperitoneally; group that received paracetamol 12 hrs after
the last dose of ethanol (PE). Blood and liver samples were collected for
determination of oxidative stress parameters 6, 24 and 48 hrs after
treatment. Prior binge drinking potentiated paracetamol-induced rise in liver
malondialdehyde level 48 hours after treatment in comparison with P and E
groups (17.14 ? 1.98 vs 13.14 ? 0.82 and 12.99 ? 1.18 ?mol/L, p<0.01).
Ethanol and paracetamol in combination induced a more pronounced decrease in
liver GSH level than either of these substances alone at all time intervals
(p<0.01). Total liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly
lower in PE 48 hours after treatment in comparison with P and E groups
(251.73 ? 80.63 vs 707.62 ? 179.92 and 1179.62 ? 147.94 U/mg prot., p<0.01).
The lowest MnSOD activity in PE group was detected 48 hrs after treatment
(86.52 ? 28.31; 41.13 ? 11.07 and 23.16 ? 5.18 U/mg prot. in P, E and PE
groups, p<0.05, respectively). Prior binge ethanol drinking potentiates
paracetamol-induced reduction of antioxidative capacity of hepatocytes due to
GSH depletion and SOD activity reduction, simultaneously increasing lipid
peroxidation caused by paracetamol.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and pharmacological evaluation of oxazolone derivatives
Authors: Fareed Ghulam , Afza Nighat , Versiani Ali , Fareed Nazia , Mughal Rasheed , Kalhoro Ali , Iqbal Lubna , Lateef Mehreen
Published: November 2012

A series of 4-aryl methylidene-2-phenyl/methyl-5-(4H)-oxazolone derivatives
(2-7) have been synthesized using the reported method by condensation of
aldehydes with N-benzoyl / N-acetyl glycine in the presence of zinc oxide as
a catalyst and acetic anhydride at room temperature in ethanol. The compounds
(2-6) are new derivatives. The structures of compounds were evaluated on the
basis of 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, EIMS, FT-IR and elemental analysis. All the
compounds were screened for their antibacterial and urease inhibition
activity. Antibacterial activity was tested by agar well diffusion method
using Mueller Hinton Agar medium. Compound (2) showed excellent activity
against S. aureus which has 16 mm (80%) inhibition and above 24 mm (70%)
against S. typhi. The most active compound against E. coli was compound (6)
having 20 mm (80%) inhibition followed by compound (5) having above 18 mm
(70%) inhibition. Urease inhibition activity of all the compounds was
determined by indophenol method. Compounds (3, 6) and (7) showed significant
inhibition against Jacks bean urease.
Ab initio study of vibronic transitions between x2π and 12Σ+ electronic states of HCP+ ion
Authors: Stojanovic Ljiljana
Published: November 2012

The ground and low-lying excited doublet electronic states of the HCP+ ion
were studied by means of multireference configuration interaction method.
Vibronic energy levels of the X2? state of ?, ?, ?, and ? symmetry, up to the
2500 cm-1, have been calculated variationally, employing previously developed
ab initio methods which take into account vibronic and spin-orbit
interactions. Obtained vibronic wave functions were used to estimate
transition moments between vibronic energy levels of the X2? and 12?+
electronic states. Results were compared to available experimental and
theoretical data.
Childhood epileptic seizures imitating migraine and encephalitis
Authors: Kravljanac Ruzica , Djuric Milena
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Paroxismal events can resemble epileptic seizures, however,
some epileptic seizures, especially benign occipital childhood epilepsies can
imitate migraine, cycling vomiting or encephalitis. Objective. The aim of
this study was evaluation of clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG)
features and outcome in children with benign occipital childhood epilepsies.
Methods. Investigation included 18 patients with benign occipital childhood
epilepsies hospitalized in the period from 2007 to 2010. The diagnosis was
based on clinical and EEG characteristics of seizures, while treatment
included acute therapy for seizures and chronic antiepileptic drugs.
Prognosis was analyzed in terms of neurological outcome and seizure
recurrence rate. Results. Benign occipital childhood epilepsy with early
onset was diagnosed in 15 children. Vegetative symptoms, mostly ictal
vomiting (13), eye deviation and loss of consciousness (13) dominated in the
clinical presentation. The most frequent EEG findings showed occipital
epileptic discharges. Benign occipital childhood epilepsy with late onset was
diagnosed in three cases. Seizures were manifested by visual hallucinations,
headache and secondary generalized convulsions. All three patients were
administered chronic antiepileptic drugs and had good outcome. Conclusion. In
our patients, clinical manifestations of benign occipital epilepsies had some
similarities with clinical features of migraine and encephalitis. It could
explain misdiagnosis in some of them. Knowledge about main features and
differences between each of these disorders is crucial for making appropriate
diagnosis.
Reduced glutathione level and gsh-dependent enzyme activities in corticonuclear blocks of lenses in patients with senile cataract
Authors: Kisic Bojana , Miric Dijana , Zoric Lepsa , Ilic Aleksandra , Dragojevic Ilija
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Reduced compound glutathione (GSH) in the lens has the function
to protect the thiol group of lens proteins, and as a substrate of
glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Protein
containing thiol groups is significant for the normal function of lens
epithelium, i.e. enzymes Na-K-ATP-ase, thus influencing cell permeability.
The relationship GSH/GSSG (oxidized glutathione) is normally high in the lens
and other ocular tissue owing to the glutathioneredox cycle, which is
localized in the lens epithelium and cortex surface. Objective. The aim of
the study was to investigate non-enzymic factors of the antioxidant
protection of non-protein and protein tiol, as well as to determine
glutathione-dependent enzyme activity in the corticonuclear blocks of lenses
in patients with senile cataract. Methods. Biochemical studies of lens were
carried on 101 patients with senile cataract. According to cataract maturity
degree, the patients were classified into two groups: senile incipient
cataract (N=41) and mature senile cataract (N=60). GSH concentration was
determined by Ellman?s reagent. GPx activity was assayed with cumene
hydroperoxide, and that of glutathione S-transferase by follow-up of
glutathione conjugation and 1-chloro-2.4-dinitrobenzene rates. Results. A
significantly higher GSH concentration was found in the corticonuclear blocks
of lenses with initial as related to mature cataract (p<0.001). The activity
of enzyme GPx and GST was considerably higher in the corticonuclear blocks of
lenses with initial cataract (p<0.001). With cataract progression, the
quantity of available GSH, necessary for GPx and GST functioning, declined,
so that the activity of these enzymes was also significantly decreased in
mature cataract. Conclusion. The determined lower GSH concentration and
antioxidant enzyme activity in corticonuclear blocks of lenses, particularly
in cataract with a nuclear component, indicate the weakened antioxidant
response of lens tissue during the development of senile cataract.
Surgical treatment of internal carotid artery restenosis following eversion endarterectomy
Authors: Radak Djordje , Tanaskovic Slobodan , Vukotic Miloje , Babic Srdjan , Aleksic Nikola , Kolar Jovo , Popov Petar , Nenezic Dragoslav , Vucurevic Goran , Gajin Predrag , Ilijevski Nenad
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Carotid angioplasty and internal carotid artery stenting is the
therapeutic method of choice in the treatment of carotid restenosis, but when
it is not technically feasible (expressed tortuosity of supraaortic branches,
calcifications, presence of pathological elongation of very long lesions) a
redo surgery is indicated. Objective. The aim of our study was to examine the
benefits and risks of redo surgery in patients with symptomatic and
asymptomatic significant internal carotid artery restenosis and its impact on
early and late morbidity and mortality. Methods. The study included 45
patients who were surgically treated for a hemodynamically significant
internal carotid artery restenosis from January 2000 to December 2009.
Surgical techniques included redo endarterectomy with direct suture, redo
anderectomy with a patch plastic and resection with Dacron tubular graft
interposition. The patients were followed for postoperative neurological
ischemic events (transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke), local surgical
complications and lethal outcome after one month, six months, one year and
after two years). Results. In the early postoperative period (up to 30 days)
there were no lethal outcomes. TIA was diagnosed in four patients (8.8%),
minor stroke in one patient (2.2%) and one patient (2.2%) also had cranial
nerve injury. After two years two patients died (4.4%) due to fatal
myocardial infarction, three patients (6.5%) had ipsilateral stroke and one
patient developed graft occlusion (2%). Conclusion. In the case of
symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid restenosis that cannot be treated by
carotid percutaneous angioplasty, redo surgical treatment is therapeutic
option with an acceptable rate of early and late postoperative complications.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and familial Mediterranean fever: Are they related?
Authors: Sarkis Cihat , Caglar Erkan , Ugurlu Serdal , Cetinkaya Emel , Tekin Nilüfer , Arslan Mubeccel , Özdemir Sebati , Tuncer Murat
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a periodic febrile
disease characterized by acute recurrent episodes of serositis. Liver disease
is not considered a part of the spectrum of clinical manifestations of FMF.
Objective. The purpose of this study was to characterize the nonalcoholic
fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that could be associated with familial
Mediterranean fever (FMF). Methods. Clinical findings and treatment
information of the patients with FMF were obtained from outpatient files.
Weight, height, hip and waist circumference, blood pressure, blood C-reactive
protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, glucose,
low-density lipoprotein (LDL), highdensity lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides
(TG), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and insulin levels were
determined in all subjects, and additionally liver ultrasonography was
performed for signs of hepatosteatosis. Results. Fifty-two age and gender
matched patients with FMF, and 30 healthy controls were included in the
study. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the patient group was
determined to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the
healthy group. When FMF patients with and without hepatosteatosis were
compared, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was determined to be 6 vs. 3,
respectively (p<0.001). Eleven patients with FMF were found to have grade 1-2
hepatosteatosis, and only 6 of healthy subjects had grade 1 hepatoseatosis
(p=0.901). Conclusion. When compared with healthy controls, we found the
prevalence of NAFLD was not increased in patients with FMF.
Screening for aneuploidies by maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency and maternal serum biochemistry at 11-13+6 gestational weeks
Authors: Karadzov-Orlic Natasa , Egic Amira , Filimonovic Dejan , Marinkovic Maja , Damnjanovic-Pazin Barbara , Milovanovic Zagorka , Joksic Ivana , Brankovic Snezana , Lukic Relja , Mandic Vesna , Cerovic Nikola , Mojovic Donka , Plamenac Sanja , Stankovic Minja , Maglic Dragana , Mikovic Zeljko
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Aneuploidies are the major cause of perinatal death and early
psychophysical disorders. Objective. In this study, we analyzed detection and
false-positive rates of screening for aneuploidies in the first trimester by
the combination of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and
maternal serum free beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (?-hCG), and
pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) at 11-13+6 weeks of gestation,
using the appropriate software developed by the Fetal Medicine Foundation.
Methods. Our screening study for aneuploidies analyzed 4172 singleton
pregnancies from January 2006 to December 2010. The sensitivities and
false-positive rates using the combined aneuploidies determination for the
risk cut-off of 1:275 were evaluated. Results. In the trisomy 21 pregnancies,
the fetal NT was higher than 95th centile, in 72.8%, serum free b-hCG
concentration it was above the 95th centile in 55% and serum PAPP-A was below
the 5th centile in 47% of the cases. In the trisomy 18 and 13, the fetal NT
was above 95th centile in 66.6% and 44.4% of the cases, respectively. The
serum free b-hCG concentration was above the 95th centile in 0 and 10%, but
serum PAPP-A was below 5th centile in 80.9% and 88.8% of pregnancies. In the
trisomy 21 pregnancies the median free beta-hCG was 2.3 MoM and the median
PAPP-A was 0.45 MoM. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 169 fetuses:
trisomy 21 (97), Turner syndrome (19), trisomy 18 (28), trisomy 13 (11) and
others (14). Detection rate of combined screening for aneuploides were 86.0%
with false positive rate of 5.3% (mean age 33?4.9 years, >35 years in 35% of
pregnancies). Conclusion. Our study suggests that the strategy of
first-trimester combined screening of biochemical values and ultrasonographic
parameters at 12 gestational weeks identifies higher percentage of
aneuploidies with a lower false-positive rate than a single parameter
strategy.
Antiviral/immunomodulatory combination therapy: Pegylated interferon alpha 2a and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Delic Dragan , Mitrovic Nikola , Popovic Natasa , Urosevic Aleksandar , Pesic Ivana , Simonovic Jasmina , Dulovic Olga , Svirtlih Neda
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can progress to liver
cirrhosis that causes bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, liver failure
and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Use of standard therapeutic option
consists of recombinant pegylated interferon alpha 2a/b with ribavirin in
order to eradicate virus and prevent complications. Objective. The aim of
investigation was to evaluate efficiency of combination therapy (pegylated
interferon alpha 2a/b plus ribavirin) in patients with chronic HCV infection
and to estimate predictive factors for successful treatment. Methods. A total
of 387 patients with confirmed diagnosis of hepatitis C were evaluated (aged
18-65 years of both genders). Patients were treated with pegylated
interferon alpha 2a/b and ribavirin according to a standard regimen lasting
24 or 48 weeks, dependent on virus genotype. Results. Negative HCV RNA (PCR
assay) was recorded in 79.7% of patients at the end of treatment. Six months
after completed therapy, negative HCV RNA, i.e. stained virologic response
(SVR) was assessed in 70.5% of patients. Statistical summary of our results
concerning SVR confirmed better efficiency of combination therapy for the
following parameters compared to other investigated variables: age ?40 (84.3%
vs. 59.l%; p<0.0005), absence of cirrhosis (75.6% vs. 58.3%; p=0.003), lack
of genotype 1 (86.6% vs. 61.8%; p<0.0005), and in patients who received full
doses of pegylated interferon alpha 2a (78.3% vs. 63.3%; p=0.002).
Conclusion. Combination therapy of recombinant pegylated interferon alpha 2a
with ribavirin leads to SVR in the majority of treated patients (70.5%).
Successful treatment depends on a variety of host and virus factors.
Pulsed electromagnetic field during cast immobilization in postmenopausal women with Colles’ fracture
Authors: Lazovic Milica , Kocic Mirjana , Dimitrijevic Lidija , Stankovic Ivona , Spalevic Marija , Ciric Tamara
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Although Colles? fracture i.e. a dorsally displaced distal
radius fracture (DRF) is one of the most common fractures, there is no enough
evidence to determine the best form of rehabilitation. Objective. To assess
whether the use of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy during cast
immobilization of DRF provides beneficial effects on pain, edema, wrist range
of motion and function, as well as on the frequency of complications
immediately after cast removal. Methods. The prospective randomized
controlled study included 60 women over the age of 55 years with
extra-articular displaced DRF treated with reduction and cast immobilization.
The patients were alternately allocated to either a PEMF group (n=30,
received 10 days of PEMF therapy during immobilization), or a control group
(n=30, without PEMF therapy). Pain, function, hand circumference, wrist and
forearm range of motion and frequency of complications for each patient was
evaluated within two to three days of cast removal. Results. Better mean
values for the majority of examined parameters were recorded in the PEMF
group than in the control group, but the difference was statistically
significant just for edema (p<0.001), flexion, extension and supination range
(p<0.01). Conclusion. During immobilization PEMF therapy in DRF patients gave
better results immediately after cast removal in terms of edema and wrist
range of motion (ROM).
Orthodontic management of facial asymmetry caused by early condilar fracture in a growing patient
Authors: Papadopulos Konstantinos , Tanic Tatjana , Mitic Vladimir
Published: November 2012

Introduction. There are numerous possible causes of facial asymmetry. The
facial asymmetry can be summarized and divided into three main categories:
congenital, developmental, and acquired, resulting from disease or trauma.
The most common cause of acquired facial asymmetry is condylar fracture. One
of therapy concepts is the functional orthodontic treatment. Case Outline.
The case presented is a 10.4 years old girl whose chief complaint was a
progressive facial asymmetry. The patient?s medical history established a
facial trauma at the age of 2 years. The treatment plan consisted of
functional jaw orthopedic appliance therapy (modification of activator) and
fixed appliances on the upper and lower jaw. Conclusion. Timely diagnosis of
condylar fracture, which can lead to facial asymmetry, can be managed by
comprehensive orthodontic treatment.