bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pleurocidin-family cationic antimicrobial peptides are cytolytic for breast carcinoma cells and prevent growth of tumor xenografts
Authors: Hilchie Ashley L , Doucette Carolyn D , Pinto Devanand M , Patrzykat Aleksander , Douglas Susan , Hoskin David W
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs) defend against microbial pathogens; however, certain CAPs also exhibit anticancer activity. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of the pleurocidin-family CAPs, NRC-03 and NRC-07, on breast cancer cells.

Methods

MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and acid phosphatase cell-viability assays were used to assess NRC-03- and NRC-07-mediated killing of breast carcinoma cells. Erythrocyte lysis was determined with hemolysis assay. NRC-03 and NRC-07 binding to breast cancer cells and normal fibroblasts was assessed with fluorescence microscopy by using biotinylated-NRC-03 and -NRC-07. Lactate dehydrogenase-release assays and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the effect of NRC-03 and NRC-07 on the cell membrane. Flow-cytometric analysis of 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide- and dihydroethidium-stained breast cancer cells was used to evaluate the effects of NRC-03 and NRC-07 on mitochondrial membrane integrity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively. Tumoricidal activity of NRC-03 and NRC-07 was evaluated in NOD SCID mice bearing breast cancer xenografts.

Results

NRC-03 and NRC-07 killed breast cancer cells, including drug-resistant variants, and human mammary epithelial cells but showed little or no lysis of human dermal fibroblasts, umbilical vein endothelial cells, or erythrocytes. Sublethal doses of NRC-03 and, to a lesser extent, NRC-07 significantly reduced the median effective concentration (EC50) of cisplatin for breast cancer cells. NRC-03 and NRC-07 bound to breast cancer cells but not fibroblasts, suggesting that killing required peptide binding to target cells. NRC-03- and NRC-07-mediated killing of breast cancer cells correlated with expression of several different anionic cell-surface molecules, suggesting that NRC-03 and NRC-07 bind to a variety of negatively-charged cell-surface molecules. NRC-03 and NRC-07 also caused significant and irreversible cell-membrane damage in breast cancer cells but not in fibroblasts. NRC-03- and NRC-07-mediated cell death involved, but did not require, mitochondrial membrane damage and ROS production. Importantly, intratumoral administration of NRC-03 and NRC-07 killed breast cancer cells grown as xenografts in NOD SCID mice.

Conclusions

These findings warrant the development of stable and targeted forms of NRC-03 and/or NRC-07 that might be used alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of breast cancer.
Diagnostic value of urine sTREM-1 for sepsis and relevant acute kidney injuries: a prospective study
Authors: Su Long-xiang , Feng Lin , Zhang Jie , Xiao Yong-jiu , Jia Yan-hong , Yan Peng , Feng Dan , Xie Li-xin
Published: October 2011

Introduction

We explored the diagnostic value of a urine soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) for early sepsis identification, severity and prognosis assessment, and for secondary acute kidney injury (AKI). We compared this with white blood cell (WBC) counts, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum procalcitonin (PCT), urine output, creatinine clearance (CCr), serum creatinine (SCr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

Methods

We enrolled 104 subjects admitted to the ICU: 16 cases with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS); 35 with sepsis and 53 with severe sepsis. Results for urine sTREM-1, WBC, serum CRP and serum PCT were recorded on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. For 17 sepsis cases diagnosed with secondary AKI, comparisons between their urine sTREM-1, urine output, CCr, SCr and BUN at diagnosis and 48 h before diagnosis were made.

Results

On the day of admission to the ICU, and compared with the SIRS group, the sepsis group exhibited higher levels of urine sTREM-1 and Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores (P < 0.05). Areas under the curve (AUC) shaped by the scores were 0.797 (95% CI 0.711 to 0.884) and 0.722 (95% CI 0.586 to 0.858), respectively. On days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14, urine sTREM-1, serum PCT and WBC levels registered higher in the severe sepsis group in contrast to the sepsis group (P < 0.05). Urine sTREM-1 and serum PCT levels continuously increased among non-survivors, while WBC and serum CRP levels in both groups declined. For 17 patients with AKI, urine sTREM-1, SCr and BUN levels at 48 h before AKI diagnosis were higher, and CCr level was lower than those for non-AKI subjects (P < 0.05). AUC for urine sTREM-1 was 0.922 (95% CI 0.850 to 0.995), the sensitivity was 0.941, and the specificity was 0.76 (based on a cut-off point of 69.04 pg/ml). Logistic regression analysis showed that urine sTREM-1 and severity were risk factors related to AKI occurrence.

Conclusions

Besides being non-invasive, urine sTREM-1 testing is more sensitive than testing WBC, serum CRP, and serum PCT for the early diagnosis of sepsis, as well as for dynamic assessments of severity and prognosis. It can also provide an early warning of possible secondary AKI in sepsis patients.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT01333657
R1507, a Monoclonal Antibody to the Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor, in Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors: Results of a Phase II Sarcoma Alliance for Research Through Collaboration Study
Authors: Pappo Alberto S. , Patel Shreyaskumar R. , Crowley John , Reinke Denise K. , Kuenkele Klaus-Peter , Chawla Sant P. , Toner Guy C. , Maki Robert G. , Meyers Paul A. , Chugh Rashmi , Ganjoo Kristen N. , Schuetze Scott M. , Juergens Heribert , Leahy Michael G. , Geoerger Birgit , Benjamin Robert S. , Helman Lee J. , Baker Laurence H.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The type 1 insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT). We conducted a multicenter phase II study of the fully human IGF-1R monoclonal antibody R1507 in patients with recurrent or refractory ESFT.

Patients and Methods

Patients ≥ 2 years of age with refractory or recurrent ESFT received R1507 at doses of 9 mg/kg intravenously one a week or 27 mg/kg intravenously every three weeks. Response was measured by using WHO criteria. Tumor imaging was performed every 6 weeks for 24 weeks and then every 12 weeks.

Results

From December 2007 through April 2010, 115 eligible patients from 31 different institutions were enrolled. The median age was 25 years (range, 8 to 78 years). The location of the primary tumor was bone in 57% of patients and extraskeletal in 43% of patients. A total of 109 patients were treated with R1507 9 mg/kg/wk, and six patients were treated with 27 mg/kg/3 wk. The overall complete response/partial response rate was 10% (95% CI, 4.9% to 16.5%). The median duration of response was 29 weeks (range, 12 to 94 weeks), and the median overall survival was 7.6 months (95% CI, 6 to 9.7 months). Ten of 11 responses were observed in patients who presented with primary bone tumors (P = .016). The most common adverse events of grades 3 to 4 were pain (15%), anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (7%), and asthenia (5%).

Conclusion

R1507 was a well-tolerated agent that had meaningful and durable benefit in a subgroup of patients with ESFT. The identification of markers that are predictive of a benefit is necessary to fully capitalize on this approach.
S0356: A Phase II Clinical and Prospective Molecular Trial With Oxaliplatin, Fluorouracil, and External-Beam Radiation Therapy Before Surgery for Patients With Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Leichman Lawrence P. , Goldman Bryan H. , Bohanes Pierre O. , Lenz Heinz J. , Thomas Charles R. , Billingsley Kevin G. , Corless Christopher L. , Iqbal Syma , Gold Philip J. , Benedetti Jacqueline K. , Danenberg Kathleen D. , Blanke Charles D.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma is associated with improved survival. The Southwest Oncology Group designed a trimodality, phase II, single-arm trial with objectives of achieving a pCR rate of 40% with prospective exploratory analyses of intratumoral molecular markers postulated to affect response and survival.

Patients and Methods

Patients with clinically staged II or III esophageal adenocarcinoma received oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 on days 1, 15, and 29; protracted-infusion fluorouracil (PI-FU) 180 mg/m2/d on days 8 through 43; and external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) 5 days a week at 1.8 Gy/d for 25 fractions; surgery was performed 28 to 42 days after neoadjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy was planned after surgery. Tumors were analyzed for mRNA expression and polymorphisms in genes involved in drug metabolism and DNA repair.

Results

Ninety-three patients were evaluable. Two deaths (2.2%) were attributable to preoperative therapy, and two deaths (2.2%) were attributable to surgery. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were recorded for 47.3% and 19.4% of patients, respectively. Seventy-nine patients (84.9%) underwent surgery; 67.7% of patients had R0 resections. Twenty-six patients (28.0%) had confirmed pCR (95% CI, 19.1% to 38.2%). At a median follow-up of 39.2 months, estimates of median and 3-year overall survival (OS) were 28.3 months and 45.1%, respectively. Intratumoral ERCC-1 gene expression was inversely related to progression-free survival and OS.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant oxaliplatin, PI-FU, and EBRT for esophageal adenocarcinoma is active and tolerable. Because the regimen failed to meet the primary end point, it does not define a new standard. However, future trials can be built on this platform to validate the role of ERCC-1 in determining the best systemic regimen for individual patients.
Paracrine Pax6 activity regulates oligodendrocyte precursor cell migration in the chick embryonic neural tube
Authors: Di Lullo Elizabeth , Haton Celine , Le Poupon Chantal , Volovitch Michel , Joliot Alain , Thomas Jean-Leon , Prochiantz Alain
Published: October 2011

Homeoprotein transcription factors play fundamental roles in development, ranging from embryonic polarity to cell differentiation and migration. Research in recent years has underscored the physiological importance of homeoprotein intercellular transfer in eye field development, axon guidance and retino-tectal patterning, and visual cortex plasticity. Here, we have used the embryonic chick neural tube to investigate a possible role for homeoprotein Pax6 transfer in oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) migration. We report the extracellular expression of Pax6 and the effects of gain and loss of extracellular Pax6 activity on OPCs. Open book cultures with recombinant Pax6 protein or Pax6 blocking antibodies, as well as in ovo gene transfer experiments involving expression of secreted Pax6 protein or secreted Pax6 antibodies, provide converging evidences that OPC migration is promoted by extracellular Pax6. The paracrine effect of Pax6 on OPC migration is thus a new example of direct non-cell autonomous homeoprotein activity.
Erect Wing facilitates context-dependent Wnt/Wingless signaling by recruiting the cell-specific Armadillo-TCF adaptor Earthbound to chromatin
Authors: Xin Nan , Benchabane Hassina , Tian Ai , Nguyen Kerrie , Klofas Lindsay , Ahmed Yashi
Published: October 2011

During metazoan development, the Wnt/Wingless signal transduction pathway is activated repetitively to direct cell proliferation, fate specification, differentiation and apoptosis. Distinct outcomes are elicited by Wnt stimulation in different cellular contexts; however, mechanisms that confer context specificity to Wnt signaling responses remain largely unknown. Starting with an unbiased forward genetic screen in Drosophila, we recently uncovered a novel mechanism by which the cell-specific co-factor Earthbound 1 (Ebd1), and its human homolog jerky, promote interaction between the Wnt pathway transcriptional co-activators β-catenin/Armadillo and TCF to facilitate context-dependent Wnt signaling responses. Here, through the same genetic screen, we find an unanticipated requirement for Erect Wing (Ewg), the fly homolog of the human sequence-specific DNA-binding transcriptional activator nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), in promoting contextual regulation of Wingless signaling. Ewg and Ebd1 functionally interact with the Armadillo-TCF complex and mediate the same context-dependent Wingless signaling responses. In addition, Ewg and Ebd1 have similar cell-specific expression profiles, bind to each other directly and also associate with chromatin at shared genomic sites. Furthermore, recruitment of Ebd1 to chromatin is abolished in the absence of Ewg. Our findings provide in vivo evidence that recruitment of a cell-specific co-factor complex to specific chromatin sites, coupled with its ability to facilitate Armadillo-TCF interaction and transcriptional activity, promotes contextual regulation of Wnt/Wingless signaling responses.
Targeted mutation of thetalpid3gene in zebrafish reveals its conserved requirement for ciliogenesis and Hedgehog signalling across the vertebrates
Authors: Ben Jin , Elworthy Stone , Ng Ashley Shu Mei , van Eeden Freek , Ingham Philip W.
Published: October 2011

Using zinc-finger nuclease-mediated mutagenesis, we have generated mutant alleles of the zebrafish orthologue of the chicken talpid3 (ta3) gene, which encodes a centrosomal protein that is essential for ciliogenesis. Animals homozygous for these mutant alleles complete embryogenesis normally, but manifest a cystic kidney phenotype during the early larval stages and die within a month of hatching. Elimination of maternally derived Ta3 activity by germline replacement resulted in embryonic lethality of ta3 homozygotes. The phenotype of such maternal and zygotic (MZta3) mutant zebrafish showed strong similarities to that of chick ta3 mutants: absence of primary and motile cilia as well as aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signalling, the latter manifest by the expanded domains of engrailed and ptc1 expression in the somites, reduction of nkx2.2 expression in the neural tube, symmetric pectoral fins, cyclopic eyes and an ectopic lens. GFP-tagged Gli2a localised to the basal bodies in the absence of the primary cilia and western blot analysis showed that Gli2a protein is aberrantly processed in MZta3 embryos. Zygotic expression of ta3 largely rescued the effects of maternal depletion, but the motile cilia of Kupffer’s vesicle remained aberrant, resulting in laterality defects. Our findings underline the importance of the primary cilium for Hh signaling in zebrafish and reveal the conservation of Ta3 function during vertebrate evolution.
Performance and Turnover in a Stochastic Partnership
Authors: McAdams David
Published: October 2011

Suppose that players in a stochastic partnership have the option to quit and rematch anonymously. If stage-game payoffs are subject to a persistent initial shock, the (unique) social welfare-maximizing equilibrium induces a “dating” process in which all partners enjoy the full potential equilibrium gains from each match. By contrast, maximizing social welfare in non-stochastic repeated games with rematching requires that players burn money or otherwise fail to realize all potential equilibrium gains. Comparative statics on welfare and turnover are also provided, consistent with documented patterns of “survivorship bias” and “honeymoon.” (JEL C72, C73, C78)
Competition in Multi-Sided Markets: Divide and Conquer
Authors: Jullien Bruno
Published: October 2011

This paper studies Stackelberg price competition in a multi-sided market. The second-mover can engage in divide-and-conquer strategies, which involve cross-subsidies between sides. The paper recovers bounds on profits, and refines the results with a selection criteria whereby consumers resolve coordination failure in favor of a focal platform. It then analyzes perfect price discrimination with network effects, and two-sided market, sheding lights on inefficiencies and strategic choices by platforms. A leading platform may refrain from selling to some side in order to soften competition, it tends to favor excessively balanced market shares and may prefer compatibility to reduce price competition. (JEL D43, D85)
Personal Retirement Accounts and Saving
Authors: Aguila Emma
Published: October 2011

Aging populations are leading countries worldwide to social security reforms. Many countries are moving from pay-as-you-go to personal retirement account (PRA) systems because of their financial sustainability and positive impact on private savings. PRA systems boost private savings at a macro level by converting a government liability into financial wealth managed by private fund managers. However, at a micro level, changes in retirement wealth affect individuals' saving and consumption patterns through their working lives. Retirement wealth increased for lower-income workers after Mexico introduced PRAs, crowding out saving, increasing consumption, and offsetting some of the PRA effect on private savings. (JEL D14, E21, H55, J26, O16)
Why Do Skilled Immigrants Struggle in the Labor Market? A Field Experiment with Thirteen Thousand Resumes
Authors: Oreopoulos Philip
Published: October 2011

Thousands of randomly manipulated resumes were sent in response to online job postings in Toronto to investigate why immigrants, allowed in based on skill, struggle in the labor market. The study finds substantial discrimination across a variety of occupations towards applicants with foreign experience or those with Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, and Greek names compared with English names. Listing language fluency, multinational firm experience, education from highly selective schools, or active extracurricular activities had no diminishing effect. Recruiters justify this behavior based on language skill concerns but fail to fully account for offsetting features when listed. (JEL J15, J24, J61)
Hold the Salt! Effects of Sodium Information Provision, Sodium Content, and Hypertension on Perceived Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Purchase Intentions
Authors: Howlett Elizabeth , Burton Scot , Tangari Andrea Heintz , Bui My
Published: October 2011

Excessive sodium intake is a major cause of hypertension, a significant risk factor for several forms of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Despite this finding, the average intake among Americans is 150% of the maximum recommended level. The goal of this research is to obtain greater consumer insight into this important public health issue. The authors analyze data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 and conduct two experiments using a nationwide panel of consumers. The results indicate that hypertension status has a significant effect on consumers’ attention to sodium on the Nutrition Facts panel (Study 1) and moderates the influence of sodium disclosure on perceived cardiovascular disease risk and purchase intentions for restaurant items (Study 2). In addition, the authors find that sodium level on a Nutrition Facts panel interacts with the provision of health-related sodium educational materials to influence disease risk perceptions and purchase intentions (Study 3). They offer potential implications of their findings for public policy makers, the public health community, and consumers.
Evaluation of Maxwell® 16 for automated DNA extraction from whole blood and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue
Authors: Khokhar Shama Khan , Mitui Midori , Leos Nora Kristine , Rogers Beverly Barton , Park Jason Y.
Published: October 2011

The aim of the study was to assess the performance of Promega, Maxwell

DNA was extracted from 10 whole blood and 10 FFPE specimens using six different commercial kits.

For whole blood, the mean DNA concentration obtained by Maxwell

Comparative evaluation of the six DNA extraction kits indicated that the semi-automated Maxwell
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Primary HT and risk for breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Angelousi Anna G , Anagnostou Valsamo K , Stamatakos Michael K , Georgiopoulos Georgios A , Kontzoglou Konstantinos C
Published: October 2011

Objective

The association between hypothyroidism and breast cancer has been described from very early on. Breast and thyroid tissue are interconnected on a molecular level mainly through activation of thyroid hormone receptors expressed on cells of the mammary gland as well as on the plasma membrane of breast cancer cells. Despite the experimental evidence the true value of hypothyroidism as a risk factor for breast cancer remains controversial.

Methods

We searched the PubMed database through February 2011 to identify studies that evaluated the association between hypothyroidism and risk for breast cancer as well as the effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy on breast cancer incidence.

Results

A meta-analysis performed in 12 studies showed that hypothyroidism was not associated with risk for breast cancer (pooled risk ratio (RR)=1.06, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.82–1.35, P=0.672). The effect of treatment was assessed in seven studies and no evidence for an association between thyroid hormone replacement and breast cancer was observed with an overall RR of 0.99 (95% CI 0.73–1.35, P=0.965).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis showed that hypothyroidism is not associated with increased risk for breast cancer and thyroid hormone replacement therapy does not reduce breast cancer prevalence; however, the heterogeneity of the studies analyzed precludes firm conclusions.
Age and Risks of FDA-Approved Long-Acting β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists
Authors: McMahon Ann W. , Levenson Mark S. , McEvoy Bradley W. , Mosholder Andrew D. , Murphy Dianne
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the risk, by age group, of serious asthma-related events with long-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonists marketed in the United States for asthma.

METHODS:

The US Food and Drug Administration performed a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials comparing the risk of LABA use with no LABA use for patients 4 to 11, 12 to 17, 18 to 64, and older than 64 years old. The effects of age on a composite of asthma-related deaths, intubations, and hospitalizations (asthma composite index) and the effects of concomitant inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use were analyzed.

RESULTS:

One hundred ten trials with 60 954 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The composite event incidence difference for all ages was 6.3 events per 1000 patient-years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2–10.3) for using LABAs compared with not using LABAs. The largest incidence difference was observed for the 4- to 11-year age group (30.4 events per 1000 patient-years [95% CI: 5.7–55.1]). Differences according to age were statistically significant (P = .020). Results for the subgroup of patients with concomitant ICS use (n = 36 210) were similar to the overall results; with assigned ICSs (n = 15 192), the incidence difference was 0.4 events per 1000 patient-years (95% CI: −3.8 to 4.6), and there was no statistically significant difference according to age group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The excess of serious asthma-related events attributable to LABAs was greatest among children. Additional data are needed to assess risks of LABA use for children with simultaneous ICS use.
Stool Color Card Screening for Biliary Atresia
Authors: Tseng Jui-Ju , Lai Mei-Su , Lin Ming-Chih , Fu Yun-Ching
Published: October 2011

INTRODUCTION:

Biliary atresia is a major cause of extrahepatic obstructive jaundice in neonates. Early Kasai operation is the gold standard of treatment. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of stool color card screening by using claims data from the National Health Insurance Research Database.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study. Data from medical charts of all inpatients who were diagnosed with biliary atresia from 1996 to 2008 were collected from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients who received a Kasai operation or liver transplant were identified by the Operation code. The patients' gender, age at admission, and type of operation were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS:

From 1996 to 2008, the overall incidence of biliary atresia was 1.48 per 10 000 live births. The median age at first admission for patients with suspected biliary atresia decreased after the implementation of stool color card screening (47 vs 43 days). The proportion of very late referral decreased from 9.5% to 4.9%. The median age of Kasai operation advanced from 51 to 48 days. The proportions of Kasai operation within 60 days of age were 68.9% before and 73.6% after screening program.

CONCLUSION:

Stool color card screening seemed to increase parents' and physicians' awareness of biliary atresia. It also was associated with a decline in the proportion of late referral. Thus, screening might be especially effective in areas with high a proportion of late referral. Improvements in the speed of workup and the operation room should be the focus of education and training in the future.
Microstructural modification upon hydrogen cycling of MgH2 nanocomposites
Authors: Montone A. , Aurora A. , Gattia D. Mirabile , Antisari M. Vittori
Published: October 2011

The morphological evolution of Mg based powders during repeated absorption-desorption reactions with hydrogen has been studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy. The main feature observed is the presence, after several cycles, of surface protrusions probably constituted by the base Mg material without the presence of a catalyst. The effect is present both in catalyzed and non-catalyzed materials and it is considered an indication of the tendency of the base material to exit from the oxide shell surrounding the Mg powder particles. This tendency is confirmed by the observation of empty MgO boxes indicating that the effect can push until a complete expulsion of the base material. This effect can represent the base for an innovative method for cleaning the surface of a tank material by an “in situ” procedure.
Equivalent hydraulic resistance to simulate pipes subject to diffuse outflows
Authors: Ferrante M. , Todini E. , Massari C. , Brunone B. , Meniconi S.
Published: October 2011

In water distribution network simulation models, pipes subject to diffuse outflow, either due to connections or to distributed demand or to leaks along their length, are generally converted into pipe elements only subject to lumped demand at their ending nodes. This approximation, which disregards the flow variation along the pipes, generates a loss of axial momentum, which is not correctly taken into account in the present generation of water distribution network models. In this paper a correction to the lumped demand approximation is provided and this equivalence is analyzed within the framework of the Global Gradient Algorithm. This is obtained through a correction of the pipe hydraulic resistance; this approach has proven to be more effective than the use of an asymmetrical lumped demand of the total distributed outflow at the pipe ending nodes. In order to assess the effect of the introduced correction, an application to a simple water distribution system is finally provided.
Prediction of dissolved oxygen in reservoirs using adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system
Authors: Ranković Vesna , Radulović Jasna , Radojević Ivana , Ostojić Aleksandar , Čomić Ljiljana
Published: October 2011

Predicting water quality is the key factor in the water quality management of reservoirs. Since a large number of factors affect the water quality, traditional data processing methods are no longer good enough for solving the problem. The dissolved oxygen (DO) level is a measure of the health of the aquatic system and its prediction is very important. DO dynamics are highly nonlinear and artificial intelligence techniques are capable of modelling this complex system. The objective of this study was to develop an adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to predict the DO in the Gruža Reservoir, Serbia. The fuzzy model was developed using experimental data which were collected during a 3-year period. The input variables analysed in this paper are: water pH, water temperature, total phosphate, nitrites, ammonia, iron, manganese and electrical conductivity. The selection of an appropriate set of input variables is based on the building of ANFIS models for each possible combination of input variables. Results of fuzzy models are compared with measured data on the basis of correlation coefficient, mean absolute error and mean square error. Comparing the predicted values by ANFIS with the experimental data indicates that fuzzy models provide accurate results.
Rainfall–runoff modelling using genetic programming
Authors: Rodríguez-Vázquez K. , Arganis-Juárez M. L. , Cruickshank-Villanueva C. , Domínguez-Mora R.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the application of genetic programming to the generation of models to assess the total runoff of a basin starting from the total rainfall in it and using data recorded in a sub-basin at the valley of Mexico (the Mixcoac sub-basin to the west of Mexico City). The modelling process is developed contrasting two types of models with different complexity degree: (1) a nonlinear model whose complexity is resolved using multi-objective optimization and (2) a nonlinear model with a given structure obtained by means of a physical interpretation of the dynamics of the direct and the base flow. Data from two storms (rainfall and runoff), one in 1997 and another in 1998, were used in testing the models. First, the storm in 1997 was used for the calibration step and that in 1998 for the validation step. Afterwards, the order was reversed. An interpretation of the results, focused on the applicability and possible improvement of the models in forecasting runoff, is made through their discussion and is summarized in the conclusions.
Dynamic changes of the ecological environment quality in a river basin: a case study of the main stream of Songhua river basin
Authors: Cheng Y. , Wang L. , Ma F. , Du C.
Published: October 2011

This paper reports the investigation and analysis of the status and dynamic changes of ecological environment quality in the main stream of Songhua river basin. The evaluation index system was established and the eco-environment quality in the year of 2000 and 2008 was studied in depth. Based on our research, the trend of dynamic changes of the eco-environment quality and its origins have been further discussed: In the year of 2000, the range of evaluation index covered from 0.31 to 0.47. Harbin and Yichun was relatively better than the rest of study areas. In the year of 2008, except districts of Daqing and Qitaihe, the environmental quality of Songhua river basin has entirely improved, wherein the evaluation index of the eco-environment covered from 0.31 to 0.57. Particularly, the eco-environment quality of Hegang and Shuangyashan has obtained significant improvement, whereas the improvement of Jiamusi was not obvious. According to the evaluation results, the environmental quality in the study area has an upward trend with the average growth rate 0.13% per year.
The effect of operational conditions on the hydrodynamic characteristics of the sludge bed in UASB reactors
Authors: Leitão R. C. , Santaellla S. T. , van Haandel A. C. , Zeeman G. , Lettinga G.
Published: October 2011

This work aims to evaluate the hydrodynamic properties of the sludge bed of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors based on its settleability and expansion characteristics. The methodologies used for the evaluation of the settleability of aerobic activated sludge, and for the expansibility of a sludge bed of Expanded Granular Sludge Bed reactors and Fluidised Bed Reactors were adapted and applied to the particular characteristics of the sludge of UASB reactors. An easy-to-build experimental set-up was developed to assess the parameters necessary for the equations of settleability and of expansibility. The results obtained from the sludges of seven differently operated reactors show that, for the treatment of low strength wastewater, settleability increased and expansibility decreased at decreased hydraulic retention time, from 6 to 1 h, and/or increased influent concentrations, from 136 to approximately 800 mg chemical oxygen demand/L. The results also show that it is useless to design an UASB reactor with a longer hydraulic retention time to cope with hydraulic shock loads, as a more expansible sludge will develop at such condition.
Correlation of Electrical Conductivity and Thermal Properties of Native Starch during Ohmic Heating
Authors: Wong Lam-Lam , Xu Yong-Wei , Lu Zhan-Hui , Li Li-Te
Published: October 2011

Electrical conductivity of starch suspension during ohmic heating was applied to analyze the starch gelatinization process. Native starches from wheat, corn, rice, potato, sweet potato, and pea were prepared on a starch to water ratio of 1:3 (w/w) with adding 0.05 M potassium chloride. A laboratory scale ohmic heating setup was designed to heat the starch suspension from room temperature to 90°C at a controlled heating rate of 10°C/min operating at 50 Hz and 110 V. The results show that starch gelatinization temperatures could be precisely calculated from electrical conductivity of starch suspension during ohmic heating process. The starch gelatinization temperatures based on ohmic heating were comparable to those measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Highly significant correlation of onset temperature (R=0.9972) and peak temperature (R=0.9950) were observed. The ohmic heating method could provide an alternative way to DSC with a promising potential for on-line and rapid evaluation of starch gelatinization temperatures.
Environmental aspects of rural development planning
Authors: Ljesevic Milutin , Mrksa Milutin , Milanovic Misko
Published: October 2011

Environment of rural areas is specific. Rural area is different from the city
because of the different densities of housing, different economic activities
and different social psychological characteristics of the population. In
contrast to the urban rural areas are mostly developed elementary, while the
city doing different types of urban plans and development. Opinion is that
the rural environment and healthier preserved from the city. However, as
rising demand for food, so it is coming to an increase of different agro
chemicals, additives and hormones. In recent times the current problems of
genetically modified agricultural products. Therefore, is control and
environmental management has become liabilities.
The right to environmental information as a technique for the protection of the environment
Authors: Vucic Mihajlo
Published: October 2011

By analyzing legal documents and case law the author has tried to show how
the right to environmental information can be used as a technique for the
protection of the environment, given the wide and numerous possibilities its
provisions cast upon the entire society. Despite these obvious possibilities,
the exceptions from the general rule of free access, are defined widely, and
are so numerous that it is a real danger of public authorities abusing these
exceptions, thus annihilating positive effects of the existence of such a
right. Therefore, access to justice is an irreplaceable complementary right,
since for the effective use of the right of access to environmental
information, it shows itself as an inevitable remedy. As for the situation
regarding the legal system in the Republic of Serbia, while the real results
of the effectiveness of this right in the protection of the environment have
yet to happen in future, it is important that most of the basic legal
documents dealing with provisions on the access to environmental information
have created a good basis for the judicial system to build upon.
Radio-response to leucocytes in peripheral blood of mice against gamma irradiation and their protection by Alstonia scholaris extract
Authors: Gupta Uma , Chaudhary Ranu , Goyal Pradeep
Published: October 2011

The present study deals with the protective effect of Alstonia scholaris
extract against radiation-induced hematological alterations. Swiss albino
male mice were selected from an inbred colony and divided into four groups.
The first group received only double distilled water orally, served as
vehicle control and the second group were administered the Alstonia scholaris
extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight per day dissolved in the double
distilled water. The third group was administered the double distilled water,
which served as irradiated control while the fourth group was administered
the Alstonia scholaris extract once in a day for five consecutive days.
Groups third and fourth were exposed to 7.5 Gy of gamma radiation after half
an hour of 5th day of double distilled water or Alstonia scholaris extract
administration, respectively. The animals were autopsied at 12 hours, days:
1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th, and 30th post-exposure for hematological evaluation. The
extract was found to restore the total leucocytes and differential leucocytes
(lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and non-neutrophilic granulocytes)
count in the Alstonia scholaris extract pretreated animals as compared to the
irradiated control group. The data clearly indicate that the Alstonia
scholaris extract significantly reduced the deleterious bioeffects of
radiation on peripheral blood.
MCNP5 study on kinetics parameters of coupled fast-thermal system HERBE
Authors: Pesic Milan
Published: October 2011

New validation of the well-known Monte Carlo code MCNP5 against measured
criticality and kinetics data for the coupled fast-thermal HERBE System at
the Reactor B critical assembly is shown in this paper. Results of earlier
calculations of these criticality and kinetics parameters, done by
combination of transport and diffusion codes using two-dimension geometry
model are compared to results of new calculations carried out by the MCNP5
code in three-dimension geometry. Satisfactory agreements in comparison of
new results with experimental data, in spite complex heterogeneous
composition of the HERBE core, are achieved confirming that MCNP5 code could
apply successfully to study on HERBE kinetics parameters after uncertainties
in impurities in material compositions and positions of fuel elements in fast
zone were removed.
Determination of organic components of milk as method for evaluating energy status of dairy cows
Authors: Savic Djordje , Matarugic D. , Delic N. , Kasagic D. , Stojanovic M.
Published: October 2011

The objective of the investigations described in this work was to determine the energy status and to make recommendations for correcting the cow diet at a farm of high-yield dairy cows, on the grounds of values for the concentration of organic components of milk and their ratios in individual milk samples. A total of 147 cows were examined, including 97 in the first and 50 in the second lactation. Average concentrations of milk fat and urea were within the physiological values. Namely, the milk fat concentration in cows in the first lactation was 38.88?5.07 g/l, and it was 36.47?4.82 g/l in cows in the second lactation, while the urea concentration in cows in the first lactation 3.16?0.58 mmol/l and it was 3.72?0.64 mmol/l in cows in the second lactation. The protein concentration in both groups of cows was below the physiological values, being 30.33?2.35 g/l in cows in the first lactation and 30.17?2.27 g/l in cows in the second lactation. Based on the ratio of urea and protein concentrations, as well as of fat and proteins in the individual milk samples, it was concluded that in most examined cows, both in those in the first and those in the second lactation, there is a deficit of energy, along with a deficit or relative surplus of proteins. On the grounds of the obtained results, recommendations were given for correcting the feed rations in the coming period. .
Nutritive value of fodder mixes for nutrition of cattle in territory of Republic of Serbia
Authors: Sefer Dragan , Markovic Radmila , Speranda Marcela , Petrujkic Branko
Published: October 2011

Over a period of five years (2005-2009), the laboratory of the Department for Nutrition and Botanic analyzed 22 samples of mixes from the territory of Serbia, intended for the diet of two categories of cattle (fattening calves I and dairy cows with over 20 liters of milk). The analysis was performed using standard methods, and the obtained results were compared with the quality conditions prescribed under the Regulations on quality and other requirements for animal feed (SRY Official Gazette numbers 20/00 and 38/01). Intensive breeding of cattle implies the use of concentrated mixes for all categories which are adapted to the age and purpose of maintenance of the animals. The mixes are products of the animal food industry, and they are obtained through an established technological procedure using the required raw materials. The inadequate quality of raw materials causes problems involving the quality of the finished products, so that strict adherence to the established recipes does not necessary result in a satisfactory quality of the mixes. All of the above imposes the need for the constant monitoring of the nutritive value of the mixes, and consequently also of their quality. On the grounds of the analysis of the presence of the elementary nutritive matter, no significant differences were established with regard to the prescribed quantity of nutritive matter, so that the use of the examined mixes in the diets of the respective categories of cattle can be expected to yield satisfactory production results. .
Blood transfusion in horses
Authors: Trailovic Dragisa , Laus Sasa , Djokovic Stefan
Published: October 2011

Fluid therapy includes blood transfusion which presents the most efficient manner of treating hypovolaemia caused by blood loss, even though whole blood can be used as a therapeutic means in other cases as well - in deficits of the blood coagulation factor, exhaustion of the antiprotease system, hypoproteinaemia, primarily hypoalbuminaemia, and others. The application of fresh blood has an advantage over preserved blood, which does not lessen the importance of setting up a blood bank, in particular in cases when the blood groups of the donors are precisely determined. .
Correlation between p53 expression and clinical-pathological characteristics of gastric cancer
Authors: Radovanovic Dragce , Knezevic Milan , Canovic Dragan , Acimovic Ljubisa
Published: October 2011

Backgraund/Aim. Gene p53, or ?cell genome keeper?, has a preventive effect on
the occurrence of genetic aberrations and prevents abnormal expansion of
(tumor) cells. In gastric cancer cells in most cases we register high
expression of mutated p53 gene, which correlates with prognosis and specific
clinicalpathological characteristics of gastric cancer. Methods. Using the
imunohistochemical method we determined the level of expression of p53
protein in 62 gastric cancers and 30 precancerous conditions (intestinal
metaplasia of the stomach). We analyzed the relationship of the level of p53
expression and clinical pathological characteristics of gastric cancer.
Results. Expression of p53 was positive in 42 (67.7%) tumor cases and in 7
(14.3%) cases of intestinal metaplasia. Expression of P53 and stomach cancer
were in direct correlation (p = 0.000). Sensitivity for p53 in stomach cancer
cases was 67.7% (42/62), and specifility was 76.7% (23/30). Expression of
mutated p53 protein was in direct correlation with the invasion of lymph
nodes (p = 0.034) and with invasion of blood vessels by carcinoma cells (p =
0.042). Conclusion. There is a direct correlation between p53 expression and
gastric cancer and it indicates the ability of carcinoma cells to invade
blood vessels.
Plasma and whole brain cholinesterase activities in three wild bird species in Mosul, IRAQ: In vitro inhibition by insecticides
Authors: Alias Ashraf , Al-Zubaidy Muna , Mousa Yaareb , Mohammad Fouad
Published: October 2011

Plasma and whole brain cholinesterase activities in three wild bird species in Mosul, IRAQ:In vitroinhibition by insecticides

Plasma and brain cholinesterase activities were determined in three wild bird species to assess their exposure to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides which are used in agriculture and public health. In the present study, we used an electrometric method for measurement of cholinesterase activities in the plasma and whole brain of three indigenous wild birds commonly found in northern Iraq. The birds used were apparently healthy adults of both sexes (8 birds/species, comprising 3-5 from each sex) of quail (Coturnix coturnix), collard dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and rock dove (Columba livia gaddi), which were captured in Mosul, Iraq. The mean respective cholinesterase activities (Δ pH/30 minutes) in the plasma and whole brain of the birds were as follows: quail (0.96 and 0.29), collard dove (0.97and 0.82) and rock dove (1.44 and 1.42). We examined the potential susceptibility of the plasma or whole brain cholinesterases to inhibition by selected insecticides. The technique ofin vitrocholinesterase inhibition for 10 minutes by the organophosphate insecticides dichlorvos, malathion and monocrotophos (0.5 and 1.0 μM) and the carbamate insecticide carbaryl (5 and10 μM) in the enzyme reaction mixtures showed significant inhibition of plasma and whole brain cholinesterase activities to various extents. The data further support and add to the reported cholinesterase activities determined electrometrically in wild birds in northern Iraq. The plasma and whole brain cholinesterases of the birds are highly susceptible to inhibition by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides as determined by the described electrometric method, and the results further suggest the usefulness of the method in biomonitoring wild bird cholinesterases.
Characteristics of selected seminal plasma proteins and their application in the improvement of the reproductive processes in mammals
Authors: Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M. , Kordan W.
Published: October 2011

Characteristics of selected seminal plasma proteins and their application in the improvement of the reproductive processes in mammals

Understanding the biochemical processes associated with ovum fertilization and knowledge about the structure and function of individual substances participating in these processes is crucial for the development of biotechnological methods to improve reproduction of animals and humans. Among many components of seminal plasma, proteins and peptides play a specific role in regulation of the fertilization process, particularly through their ability to bind various types of ligands such as polysaccharides, lipids and ions. Heparin-binding proteins regulate capacitation and acrosome reaction processes. Affinity of plasma proteins to mannans of the fallopian tube epithelium facilitates formation of spermatozoa reservoirs in the female reproductive tract. Ability to bind phosphorylcholine is one of the conditions for the coating of the seminal plasma proteins on the sperm membrane and also determines the formation of oligomeric forms of certain proteins. Zinc binding by seminal plasma proteins regulates sperm chromatin condensation state. It also affects motility of these cells and acrosome reaction. The interspecies analysis indicates significant structural and functional similarities, especially for the proteins with low molecular weight. Fertility associated proteins (FAPs) have been determined in the bull, stallion, boar, ram and dog. The contents of these proteins correlate with the indicators of the fertilizing abilities of sperm. In humans, several seminal plasma proteins were found which serve as diagnostic markers of spermatogenesis, seminiferous epithelium state, and azoospermia. To determine the semen ability for preservation, measurement of some seminal plasma protein content may also be used. Addition of specific plasma proteins to a spermatozoa solution undergoing the process of preservation may be used to retain the features of the cells responsible for efficient fertilization.