bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivation and motoric tests in sports
Authors: Karaba-Jakovljevic Dea , Popadic-Gacesa Jelena , Grujic Nikola , Barak Otto , Drapsin Miodrag
Published: November 2007

Motivation in sport performance has been an interesting topic for many investigators during the past decade. This area can be considered from different viewpoints: motivation for participation in sport activity, achievement motivation, competitiveness etc. Motivation plays an important role in all out tests, as well as in sport activities and at all levels of competition. Motivation climate, or positive social environment may influence and modulate motivation of individuals involved in sports. Experience has shown that conventional encouragement and feedback during the test may affect its outcome. According to Wingate research team recommendations, verbal encouragement, as a motivation factor, was given to all examined subjects during Wingate anaerobic test, which is considered the most reliable test for assessing anaerobic capacity. The investigated group consisted of 30 young men - medical students, who were not actively involved in any programmed sport activity. The investigated group included second-year students of the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad chosen by random sampling. The Wingate anaerobic test was performed in all subjects, and changes of parameters when test was performed with verbal encouragement, were recorded. The results show statistically significant increase of Wingate test parameters when conducted with verbal encouragement: anaerobic power (622/669 W); relative anaerobic power (7.70/8.27 W/kg); slope of the power (95.5/114 W/s); relative slope of the power (1.18/1.40 W/s/kg); anaerobic capacity (12.7/13.2 kJ) and relative anaerobic capacity (158/164 J/kg).
Demographic aspects of aging
Authors: Turkulov Vesna , Madle-Samardzija Nadezda , Niciforovic-Surkovic Olja , Gavrancic Cedomir
Published: November 2007

Introduction: The contemporary world is undergoing demographic transition not only due to a decreased population growth, but also due to change in age-structure. The aging process is most prominent in the developed countries, while it is yet expected to commence in the European developing countries. The aging process is characterized by participation of persons older than 60 or 65 years in the overall population. USA Persons older than 65 make up 13 % of the US population. It is expected that their share will increase to 30% during the next 30 years. Europe European population in the world is systematically declining. By the year 2050, the population aged 65 and over will exhibit an increase of 60%. A nonlinear, ever increasing depopulation is expected to occur in Croatia, while FYR Macedonia has already been classified as a country in an advanced stage of population aging. Serbia During the second half of the 20th century, on average, the Serbian population was younger than the European, but aging was more prominent. Today, Serbia is among ten countries with the oldest population in the world. Vojvodina The worst demographic situation is found in Vojvodina. According to an assessment, its population has been among the world?s oldest for more than 30 years. The latest census shows a shift in the most numerous age group: from 35-39 to 40-45. Conclusion: Population aging is a worldwide reality. Differences among developed, developing and undeveloped countries are diminishing. Our population is among the oldest. Unless the state takes appropriate measures, we are heading towards a demographic catastrophe.
Treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures with double dynamic internal fixation
Authors: Golubovic Zoran , Mitkovic Milorad , Gajdobranski Djordje , Macukanovic-Golubovic Lana , Micic Ivan , Stojiljkovic Predrag
Published: November 2007

Introduction: Trochanteric fractures are extracapsular fractures of the proximal femur. The increasing number of trochanteric fractures is a great sociomedical problem. These fractures usually occur in elderly people (older than 65 years) with osteoporosis. Lateral and frontal falls are the most frequent cause of trochanteric fractures in the elderly. The aim of this paper is to present our results of applying the Mitkovic selfdynamisable internal fixator (SIF). Material and methods: From January 2001 to December 2005, 238 patients with trochanteric femoral fractures were treated operatively using the Mitkovic selfdynamisable internal fixator at the Clinic of Orthopedics and Traumatology in Nis. The average patient age was 69,11 years (range 17 to 88). In the analyzed group there were 152 (64%) female and 86 (36%) male patients, whereas patients in the eighth 101 (43%) and seventh 65 (27%) decade of life prevailed. Results: Excellent results in the treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures with a Mitkovic dynamic internal fixator were achieved in 143 (60%) patients, good in 49 (21%) patients, poor in 41 (17%) and unsatisfactory in 5 (2%) patients. Discussion and conclusion: The treatment of trochanteric fractures may be operative and nonoperative. The aim of the operative treatment, considered to be the "gold standard" for these fractures, is to restore the patient's pretraumatic activity level and to reduce life-threatening complications. The operative stabilization is performed using various types of implants. Surgical treatment by using dynamic implants is a method of choice in the treatment of trochanteric fractures. Internal fixation using the Mitkovic selfdynamisable internal fixator is a method of choice in the treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures, providing dynamization and compression of the fracture site in two axes (axis of the femoral neck and femoral diaphyseal axis) and balanced biomehancal 3D.
Damage to proximal tubular epithelial cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Vlatkovic Vlastimir , Stojimirovic Biljana , Obrenovic Radmila , Nogic Spomenka
Published: November 2007

Introduction: Kidney damage from diabetes mellitus is called diabetic nephropathy. At the beginning it is a functional disorder, but later it results in an irreversible damage. The aim of this research was to establish damage to proximal tubular cells in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and various degrees of proteinuria by determining the urinary N-acetyl-b-D-glucose-aminidase and g-glutamyl-transferase; to compare obtained results with the results in healthy examinees; to establish the correlation between these enzymes, and to investigate their sensitivity. Material and methods Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and creatinine clearence >80 ml/min were included in the research. Patients were divided into three groups, according to the degree of proteinuria. The first group included diabetics without microalbuminuria; the second - patients with proteinuria <300 mg/24h and microalbuminuria >20 mg/24h, and the third group included patients with proteinuria >300 mg/24h. Healthy examinees were the control group. Results: Values of the urinary N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase activity were elevated before microalbuminuria was observed. The highest values were detected in the group of patients with microalbuminuria. Differences among the examined groups were statistically significant, which implies that this enzyme has a high diagnostic importance. Enzyme g-glutamyl-transferase was less sensitive in this research. The activity of this enzyme was increased only in the group of patients with proteinuria >300 mg/24h, where values increased with diabetes mellitus duration. Conclusion The increased activity of urinary N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase points to early tubular damage, and can be used as a sensitive parameter in its early detection. On the other hand, gamma-glutamyl-transferase was a less sensitive damage indicator.
Long term survival and quality of life after myocardial revascularization with respect to age and sex distribution
Authors: Redzek Aleksandar , Susak Stamenko , Zecevic Dragan
Published: November 2007

Introduction. Quality of life assessment and survival analysis are a "gold standard" in assessing treatment quality in general. In the absence of a universally accepted integral index, we developed our own QOLi-NS (Quality of life index - Novi Sad) as a disease specific index. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term survival and quality of life after myicardial revascularization with respect to sex and age. Material and methods. The study included 563 coronary patients operated on at the University Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery in Sremska Kamenica, in the period from September 1, 1995 to June 1, 1998. The patients were divided into two groups with respect to sex and age; two age categories were defined: younger and older than 65 years of age. Quality of life was evaluated using Integral quality of life index QOLi - NS. Actuarial life table was used to establish the survival curve. Results. After myocardial revascularization, all investigated patients demonstrated a considerable improvement in quality of life with statistically significant differences with respect to age and sex. The highest postoperative quality of life (QOLi-NS), and the best survival rate were found in male patients and in patients younger than 65 years. Conclusion. The gathered data confirmed a significant improvement in quality of life and survival rate after myocardial revascularization in all groups of patients. A statistically significant difference in survival rate was determined with respect to the patients age. Improved quality of life in patients older than 65 years proved that myocardial revascularization is a good therapeutic option for these patients. .
Endonasal endoscopy and computerized tomography in diagnosis of the middle nasal meatus pathology
Authors: Buljcik-Cupic Maja , Savovic Slobodan
Published: November 2007

Introduction. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy enables clear visualization of all structures of the middle nasal meatus and of the ostiomeatal complex. It is a primary means for diagnosis of all anatomic variations and other pathogenic factors of the lateral nasal wall, which cannot be diagnosed by using anterior/posterior rhinoscopy. Furthermore, the effects of therapy can be endoscopically controlled and, if necessary, a surgical procedure may be performed. Computed tomography has become the imaging study of choice in the diagnosis and management of sinonasal diseases. It provides detailed information and an unparalleled view of the sinuses, especially the bony anatomy. Material and methods. The following methods were used in the study: endoscopic examination and CT of the nose and paranasal cavities. Data processing and comparison of diagnostic methods tomography was done using a biostatistical approach - kappa. Results. The correlation between computerized tomography and endoscopy of the nose and sixty nasal cavities of examined patients is significantly high, with mean kappa coefficient of k=0.89 i.e. k>0.8. Discussion and conclusion. The diagnosis of rhinosinusitis is generally based on clinical grounds. In 1997, the Task Force of Rhinosinusitis developed the major and minor criteria for diagnosing rhinosinusitis. The presence of two major or one major and two minor symptoms is generally sufficient to make a clinical diagnosis of rhinosinusitis. In order to make a specific diagnosis and provide specific treatment, ednonasal endoscopy is the method of choice. In cases with refractory rhinosinusitis, acute rhinosinusitis with complications, or atypical cases requiring confirmation of sinusitis, use of coronal and axial CT is necessary. This article confirms that diagnostic endoscopy of the nose and paranasal cavities with computer tomography of paranasal cavities represent an ideal combination and a widely recognized standard for diagnosis and treatment of nasal and paranasal cavity disorders in many countries. .
Preoperative and postoperative histopathological findings in patients with endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Djordjevic Biljana , Stanojevic Zorica , Zivkovic Vesna , Lalosevic Dusan , Gligorijevic Jasmina , Krstic Miljan
Published: November 2007

Introduction. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the histopathological findings in curettage and hysterectomy specimens, to evaluate the accuracy of histopathological diagnosis in curettage specimens, and to determine the frequency of coexisting endometrial carcinoma in patients with histopathological diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia. Material and methods. Curettage and hysterectomy specimens of 135 female patients with initially diagnosed endometrial hyperplasia were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Results. Simple hyperplasia was found in 49 patients (36.3%), complex hyperplasia in 14 (10.4%), simple atypical hyperplasia in 24 (17.8%), and complex atypical hyperplasia in 48 (35.5%) patients. After hysterectomy, 59 (43.7%) patients were found to have simple hyperplasia, 12 (8.9%) complex hyperplasia, 15 (11.1%) simple atypical hyperplasia, 18 (20.7%) complex atypical hyperplasia, and 21 (15.5%) endometrial carcinoma. The accuracy of histopathological diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia in curettage specimens was 82.2-89.6% and dependent on the types of hyperplasia. The frequency of coexisting endometrial carcinoma was significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients with atypical hyperplasia than in patients with hyperplasia without cytological atypia. After hysterectomy, coexisting endometrial carcinoma was found in 27.8% of patients with histopathological diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia in curettage specimens. In contrast to simple atypical hyperplasia, the frequency of coexisting endometrial carcinoma was significantly higher (p<0.05) in complex atypical hyperplasia. Conclusion. The frequency of coexisting endometrial carcinoma in hysterectomy specimens in patients with histopathological diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia in curettage specimens was relatively high and it should be taken into account when planning therapy. .
Ambient air quality and the frequency of physician visits by preschool children
Authors: Durmisevic Smajil , Durmisevic-Serdarevic Jasminka
Published: November 2007

Introduction. Ambient air pollution in the town of Kakanj, mostly of industrial origin, has become a major reason for increased use of health care services by children under the age of six years. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2), suspended particles and nitrogenoxides (NOx), and the frequency/number of visits to health care institutions by children under the age of six years. Material and methods. The investigation was carried out in the period from January to December 2003, in the area of Kakanj and Brnjic. We examined the average number of monthly visits to health care institutions and concentrations of sulphur dioxide, suspended particles and nitrogen oxides in the town of Kakanj. Results. The investigation shows that there is a linear increase of visits to health care institutions in relation to linear increase of concetrations of sulphur dioxide, suspended particles and nitrogen oxides (O<R<+1). An increase in visits to health care institutions significantly correlates (0.05) with the average concetrations of sulphur dioxide (0.713) and suspended particles (0.433), and with the average concentrations of nitrogen oxides (0.901). Discussion. High correlation between the increase in visits to health care institutions and increased concentrations of nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide was also found by Berktas, Jazbec, Transande. Conclusion. Children under the age of six in the town of Kakanj visit health care institutions considerably more frequently than children of the same age in the village of Brnjic, which significantly correlates with the average monthly concentrations of sulphur dioxide, suspended particles and nitrogen oxides in the air. .
Investigation of zinc stannate synthesis using photoacoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Ivetic T. , Nikolic M.V. , Nikolic P.M. , Blagojevic V. , Djuric S. , Sreckovic T. , Ristic M.M.
Published: November 2007

Mixtures of ZnO and SnO2 powders, with molar ratio of 2:1, were mechanically activated for 40, 80 and 160 minutes in a planetary ball mill. The resulting powders were compacted into pellets and non-isothermally sintered up to 1200?C with a heating rate of 5?C/min. X-ray diffraction analysis of obtained powders and sintered samples was performed in order to investigate changes of the phase composition. The microstructure of sintered samples was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The photoacoustic phase and amplitude spectra of sintered samples were measured as a function of the laser beam modulating frequency using a transmission detection configuration. Fitting of experimental data enabled determination of photoacoustic properties including thermal diffusivity. Based on the results obtained a correlation between thermal diffusivity and experimental conditions as well the samples microstructure characteristics was discussed. .
A simplified analytical approach to calculation of the electromagnetic behavior of left-handed metamaterials with a graded refractive index profile
Authors: Dalarsson N. , Maksimovic M. , Jaksic Z.
Published: November 2007

We investigated the spectral properties of a new class of nanostructured artificial composite materials with tailored electromagnetic response, i.e. negative refractive index materials, also known as "left-handed" metamaterials. We analyzed structures incorporating both ordinary positive index media and negative refractive index metamaterials where the interface may be graded to an arbitrary degree. Utilizing a modified version of the Rosen-Morse function, we derived analytical expressions for the field intensity and spectral reflection and transmission through a graded interface between positive and negative index materials. We compared our results to numerical solutions obtained using the transfer matrix technique. .
Legislation framework for Croatian renewable energy sources development
Authors: Raguzin Igor , Tomsic Zeljko
Published: November 2007

The energy sector reform in the Republic of Croatia (started 2001), which comprises restructuring, liberalization, privatization, and changes in the overall energy sector, has a significant effect on the possibilities of introducing and increasing the share of renewable energy sources (RES). The adoption of a new legislative framework within the context of reforming Croatia?s energy sector is of key importance for further development and for the future or RES utilization. The Electricity Market Act sets out the le- gal obligation to purchase electricity produced from RES in the manner that a quota or a minimum obligatory share of RES in electricity production is determined by a Government ordinance combined with Tariff system for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources and co-generation. Consequently, on the one hand, incentive funds needed to cover increased costs of production from RES will be collected from customers through the supplier and distributed to privileged producers (feed-in-tariffs, purchase is guaranteed to RES producers on known terms) through the Market Opera- tor. On the other hand, RES investment projects will be encouraged by pur- pose-specific government subsidy and by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (out of public budget). By applying new energy legislation and associated by-laws (coming into force in 2007), RES projects in Croatia will be provided with a complete and stable legal framework as well as support through incentive measures which will equitably value environmental, social and other benefits of RES use.
A method for the long-term scheduling of hydrothermal power system with multiple user reservoirs
Authors: Sutlovic Elis , Majstrovic Matislav , Sarajcev Ivan
Published: November 2007

This paper presents an optimization-based method for the long-term scheduling of hydrothermal power system with several multiple-user reservoirs. The proposed method maximizes the profit of various types of water utilization taking into account limited water resources and all accomplishable restrictions. Hydroelectric power plants and other water users are treated like a peer participant in the profit realization. The method has been implemented in a computer program and tested on real system. .
Feasibility study and energy efficiency estimation of geothermal power station based on medium enthalpy water
Authors: Borsukiewicz-Gozdur Aleksandra , Nowak Wladyslaw
Published: November 2007

In the work presented are the results of investigations regarding the effectiveness of operation of power plant fed by geothermal water with the flow rate of 100, 150, and 200 m3/h and temperatures of 70, 80, and 90 ?C, i. e. geothermal water with the parameters available in some towns of West Pomeranian region as well as in Stargard Szczecinski (86.4 ?C), Poland. The results of calculations regard the system of geothermal power plant with possibility of utilization of heat for technological purposes. Analyzed are possibilities of application of different working fluids with respect to the most efficient utilization of geothermal energy. .
Marginal-Zone B-Cells of Nonobese Diabetic Mice Expand With Diabetes Onset, Invade the Pancreatic Lymph Nodes, and Present Autoantigen to Diabetogenic T-Cells
Authors: Mariño Eliana , Batten Marcel , Groom Joanna , Walters Stacey , Liuwantara David , Mackay Fabienne , Grey Shane T.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE—B-cells are important for disease pathogenesis in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Recent studies demonstrate that marginal-zone B-cells (MZBs), which connect innate with adaptive immune responses, are increased in NOD mice. However, beyond this, the contribution of different B-cell subsets to diabetes pathogenesis is poorly understood.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—To better understand the role of different B-cell subsets in the etiology of type 1 diabetes, we have examined the MZB compartment in NOD mice, with respect to their number, distribution, and function.

RESULTS—We demonstrate that splenic MZB numbers in female NOD mice undergo a marked, approximately threefold expansion between ∼12 and 16 weeks of age, coincident with the onset of frank diabetes. Functionally, NOD MZBs are hyperresponsive to toll-like receptor 9 ligation and CD40 ligation, as well as sphingosine-1-phosphate–dependent chemotactic cues, suggesting an increased sensitivity to selective innate- and activation-induced stimuli. Intriguingly, at 16 weeks of age, ∼80% of female NOD mice present with MZB-like cells in the pancreatic lymph node (PLN). These MZB-like cells express major histocompatibility complex class II and high levels of CD80 and CD86, and their presence in the PLN is associated with an increased frequency of activated Vβ4+ CD4+ T-cells. Significantly, we demonstrate that purified MZBs are able to present the autoantigen insulin to diabetogenic T-cells.

CONCLUSIONS—These data are consistent with MZBs contributing to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes as antigen-presenting cells. By integrating innate-derived inflammatory signals with the activation of autoreactive T-cells, MZBs may help to direct T-cell responses against β-cell self-constituents.
Neuropathic Toe Ulcers Treated with Toe Flexor Tenotomies
Authors: Laborde J. Monroe
Published: November 2007

Background: Foot ulcers are common causes of hospital admissions for infection and amputation in patients with neuropathy. This retrospective study evaluates the results of treating plantar neuropathic toe ulcers with percutaneous flexor tenotomy. Methods: From 1996 to 2003, 28 toe ulcers in 18 patients were treated with tenotomy of the toe flexors. Results: Fourteen of 18 patients had diabetic neuropathy. No patients were lost to followup. Average followup for the 28 ulcers was 36 (range 20 to 65) months. All ulcers healed. None of the 11 lesser toe ulcers recurred. Three of 17 first toe ulcers recurred but two that had repeat tenotomy healed and did not recur. There were no toe amputations, infections, or other complications of tenotomy. One patient had unrelated transtibial amputation. Conclusions: No long-term results of treating toe ulcers with toe flexor tenotomy by other authors have been found. Toe flexor tenotomies appear to be effective and safe treatment for neuropathic toe ulcers.
Fixation of Calcaneal Avulsion Fractures Using Screws With and Without Suture Anchors: A Biomechanical Investigation
Authors: Khazen Gabriel E. , Wilson Adam N. , Ashfaq Sarmad , Parks Brent G. , Schon Lew C.
Published: November 2007

Background: Lag screw fixation commonly is used to treat avulsion fractures of the posterior calcaneal tuberosity, but this method may not offer reliable fixation. This study compared the strength to failure of lag screws compared to lag screw fixation augmented with suture anchors in these fractures. Methods: The calcanei and Achilles tendons of 12 fresh lower extremity cadaver matched pairs were dissected and removed. An oblique osteotomy was created in the calcaneus, and two 4.0-mm lag screws were placed nearly perpendicular to the plane of the fracture in the dorsal aspect of the calcaneus with 30 degrees of divergence between them. In the contralateral specimen, the same procedure was done, but with two suture anchors placed 1.5 to 2 mm distal to the osteotomy. A zigzag suture technique through the Achilles tendon was used. The specimens were mounted and placed in a load frame for monotonic loading to failure. A paired Student t-test and a Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data ( p ≤ 0.05). Results: The specimens treated with lag screws alone failed at 251.3 (range 66 to 459) N whereas specimens repaired with lag screws and suture anchors failed at 441.6 (range 274 to 661; p = 0.01 N). Conclusions: Suture anchor augmentation significantly improved the strength of screw fixation of the calcaneal posterior tuberosity avulsion fractures. Clinical relevance: The use of suture anchor augmentation as described may improve the reliability of fixation in avulsion fractures of the posterior calcaneal tuberosity.
Le côté sensible du travail : trois micro-ethnographies à Lisbonne
Authors: Durão Susana
Published: November 2007

Résumé: Les villes vivent de et sont également vécues au travers des métiers. L'article porte sur l'ethnographie de trois métiers de la ville : cuisiniers macrobiotiques, ouvriers typographes et tatoueurs «professionnels». Il propose d'explorer et de comparer la façon dont le corps assume le rôle de protagoniste. Les métiers appréhendés impliquent tous de la dextérité, de la participation, de la coordination et un développement différentiel des cinq sens.
La politique de l'émigration sous Salazar : étude de l'État portugais et des Portugais en France
Authors: Pereira Victor
Published: November 2007

Comment le régime salazariste entrevoit-il le départ de près de 10% des Portugais vers la France, démocratie industrialisée et, de surcroît, berceau de la Révolution française ? Comment ces élites se sont-elles représentées ces départs massifs à l'allure de défection vis-à-vis de la dictature ? N'ont-elles pas redouté que ce mouvement de population ne désenclave économiquement, culturellement et politiquement les campagnes du pays dont l'arriération était un des socles de la dictature ? Et qu'a fait le gouvernement pour réglementer l'émigration, pour protéger les migrants et pour restreindre les effets pervers redoutés, c'est-à-dire une démocratisation du pays ? Plutôt que de chercher à répondre à ces questions, cet article présente le matériau et les postulats de recherche utilisés pour y tenter.
Des lusodescendants dans les sociétés française et portugaise : mémoires de la migration et appartenances enchevêtrées
Authors: Strijdhorst dos Santos Irène
Published: November 2007

Este artigo apresenta uma investigação etnológica levada a cabo em França e em Portugal, junto de descendentes de migrantes Portugueses (18-30 anos). Após uma breve apresentação do terreno e um questionamento de ordem epistemológica, o autor analisa o papel desta geração na reabilitação da memória desta migração no seio das sociedades de origem e de acolhimento. A análise das práticas associativas evidencia о emaranhado dos vinculos territoriais, sociais e culturais do grupo estudado .
Une ou des lusodescendances ? Les rencontres européennes de lusodescendants
Authors: De Portugal Branco Jorge
Published: November 2007

O autor apresenta as notas de terreno dos diversos Encontros europeus de lusodescendentes em que participou, propondo eixos de reflexão. О que acontece quando um grupo formado por jovens, oriundos dos vários países europeus, para onde seus pais emigrararam nos anos 1960/1970, coexiste durante uma semana em Portugal, num evento de que sâo, simultâneamente, actores, público-alvo e productores de conteudo ? Quais são os códigos e as condutas, as semelhanças e os antagonismos ? Sera que a origem nacionál comum dos pais e a efectiva lusofonia constituem uma base suficiente para que uma coesão se instale ? Qual é a combinatória das outras componentes, socioculturais e escolares, mas também nacionais ?
Reality monitoring and the media
Authors: Johnson Marcia K.
Published: November 2007

The study of reality monitoring is concerned with the factors and processes that influence the veridicality of memories and knowledge, and the reasonableness of beliefs. In thinking about the mass media and reality monitoring, there are intriguing and challenging issues at multiple levels of analysis. At the individual level, we can ask how the media influence individuals' memories, knowledge and beliefs, and what determines whether individuals are able to identify and mitigate or benefit from the media's effects. At the institutional level, we can ask about the factors that determine the veridicality of the information presented, for example, the institutional procedures and criteria used for assessing and controlling the quality of the products produced. At the inter‐institutional level we can consider the role that the media play in monitoring the products and actions of other institutions (e.g. government) and, in turn, how other institutions monitor the media. Interaction across these levels is also important, for example, how does individuals' trust in, or cynicism about, the media's institutional reality monitoring mechanisms affect how individuals process the media and, in turn, how the media engages in intra‐ and inter‐institutional reality monitoring. The media are interesting not only as an important source of individuals' cognitions and emotions, but for the key role the media play in a critical web of social/cultural reality monitoring mechanisms. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing history: doctored photographs affect memory for past public events
Authors: Sacchi Dario L. M. , Agnoli Franca , Loftus Elizabeth F.
Published: November 2007

We investigated how doctored photographs of past public events affect memory for those events. Italian participants viewed either original images or misleading digitally doctored images depicting the 1989 Tiananmen Square protest in Beijing and a 2003 protest in Rome against the war in Iraq, and they subsequently answered questions about those events. Viewing the doctored images affected the way participants remembered the events. Those who viewed the doctored photograph of the Beijing event estimated that a larger number of people participated in it. Those who viewed the doctored photograph of the Rome event rated the event as more violent and more negative, recalled more physical confrontation, damage to property, and injuries to demonstrators, and were less inclined to participate in future protests. Both younger and older adult participants were affected by the manipulation. Results indicate that doctored photographs of past public events can influence memory, attitudes and behavioural intentions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic‐Catalytic and Spectrophotometric Determination of Hg(II) Using its Catalytic Effect on Ligand Substitution Reaction between Hexacyanoferrate(II) and Pyrazine
Authors: Naik Radhey Mohan , Singh Pradeep Kumar , Rastogi Richa , Singh Ruchi , Agarwal Abhinav
Published: November 2007

A sensitive, simple and rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of mercury (II) based on its catalytic effect on the abstraction of coordinated cyanide from hexacyanoferrate (II) by pyrazine has been developed using fixed time procedure. The extent of the reaction is monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the increase in absorbance at λmax=440 nm of the yellow colored complex, [Fe(CN)5Pz]3− under the reaction conditions; [Fe(CN)6]4−=7.2×10−3 mol L−1, [Pz]=3.75×10−4 mol L−1, temperature=25.0±0.1 °C, pH= 2.50±0.02 and I=0.1 mol L−1(KNO3). The experimental rate data under the conditions used in the present study exhibited a linear dependence between absorbance and [Hg2+] catalyst in the range 5.065–50.15 ng mL−1. The detection limit is found to be 4.01 ng mL−1. The maximum relative standard deviations and percentage errors for mercury(II) determination are found to be 2.2 and 3 % respectively. The percentage recoveries are found to be in the range of 99–102 %. Analytical data fordetermination of mercury(II) is presented together with the application of proposed method in water spiked synthetic mixtures. The validity of the proposed method is tested by comparing the results obtained by present method with atomic absorption spectrometry.
Simultaneous Determination of Aluminium and Iron with Hematoxylin Using Spectrophotometric and Orthogonal Signal Correction‐Partial Least Squares in Plant and Water
Authors: Niazi Ali , Zolgharnein Javad , Davoodabadi Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2007

Simple and novel spectrophotometric method is described for simultaneous determination of aluminum and iron. The method is based on the colored complexes formed by aluminum and iron with hematoxylin in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a surfactant at pH 5.8. All factors affecting the sensitivity were optimized and the linear dynamic range for determination of aluminum and iron was found. The simultaneous determination of aluminum and iron mixtures by using spectrophotometric methods is a difficult problem, due to spectral interferences. By multivariate calibration methods such as partial least squares (PLS), it is possible to obtain a model adjusted to the concentration values of the mixtures used in the calibration range. Orthogonal signal correction (OSC) is a preprocessing technique used for removing the unrelated information and is a suitable preprocessing method for PLS calibration of mixtures without loss of prediction capacity using spectrophotometric method. In this study, the calibration model is based on absorption spectra in the 360‐620 nm range for 25 different mixtures of aluminum and iron. Calibration matrices contained 0.06‐21.00 and 0.03‐15.00 μg mL‐1 of aluminum and iron, respectively. The RMSEP for aluminum and iron with OSC and without OSC were 0.06, 0.08 and 0.24, 0.27, respectively. The proposed method has been applied to the simultaneous determination of aluminum and iron in plant and water samples.
Development of Solid Phase Microextraction‐High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Determination of Copper(II) in Environmental Samples Using Morpholine‐4‐Carbodithioate
Authors: Kaur Varinder , Malik Ashok Kumar
Published: November 2007

A highly sensitive solid phase microextraction – high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of copper(II) using morpholine‐4‐carbodithioate (MDTC) as an analytical reagent. The MDTC formed yellowish‐ brown species of copper(II) at a pH range of 2‐9 and complex was sorbed onto PDMS fiber. The Cu(II)‐MDTC complex shows maximum absorbance at 430 nm and can be separated on C18 column by using acetonitrile : water (80 : 20) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml min‐1.The detection limit of method was found to be 0.51 μg L‐1. The interference due to common metal ions were studied. The repeatability of the method was checked by finding the relative standard deviation. The developed method was successfully employed for the determination of copper(II) in different alloy samples and the results were compared with existing methods.
Lagrangean heuristic for the scheduling and control of polymerization reactors
Authors: Terrazas‐Moreno Sebastian , Flores‐Tlacuahuac Antonio , Grossmann Ignacio E.
Published: November 2007

A decomposition technique is applied to address the simultaneous scheduling and optimal control problem of multigrade polymerization reactors. The simultaneous scheduling and control (SSC) problem is reformulated using Lagrangean decomposition as presented by Guignard and Kim. The resulting model is decomposed into scheduling and control subproblems, and solved using a heuristic approach used before by Van den Heever et al. in a different kind of problem. The methodology is tested using a methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerization system, and the high impact polystyrene (HIPS) polymerization system, with one continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR), and with a complete HIPS polymerization plant composed of a train of seven CSTRs. In these case studies, different polymer grades are produced using the same equipment in a cyclic schedule. The results of the heuristic decomposition technique are compared against those obtained by solving the problem without decomposition, whenever both solutions were available. The presence of a duality gap for the decomposed solution is observed as expected when integer variables and other nonconvexities are present. Computational times in the first two examples were lower for the decomposition heuristic than for the direct solution in full space, and the optimal solutions found were slightly better. The example related to the full scale HIPS plant was only solvable using the decomposition heuristic. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Psychiatric genetic testing: Attitudes and intentions among future users and providers
Authors: Laegsgaard Mett Marri , Mors Ole
Published: November 2007

Psychiatric genetic research may eventually render possible psychiatric genetic testing. Whereas all genetic knowledge has certain characteristics raising ethical, legal, and social issues, psychiatric genetic knowledge adds more controversial issues. Ethical principles have been proposed as a guide in this field, but the optimal utilization of genetic testing has also been recognized to depend on knowledge of the potential consumers' attitudes. To provide knowledge to inform the public debate on mental illness and genetics, and the future conducting of psychiatric genetic testing and counseling, we surveyed attitudes toward psychiatric genetic testing among 397 patients with a psychiatric diagnosis, 164 of their relatives and 100 medical and psychology students. The results showed widespread interest in psychiatric genetic testing of self and child, but less support for prenatal testing. Psychiatric and somatic genetic testing attracted the same amounts of accept. General attitudes toward access to psychiatric genetic testing and information revealed substantial support for bioethical principles of autonomy and privacy. However, questions describing more specific situations revealed contradictions mirroring the bioethical dilemmas recognized in the field and variations in attitudes between groups with different levels of knowledge of genetics, different kinds of experience with mental illness, and different motives and preconceptions regarding psychiatric genetics. The contradictions and differences in attitudes among possible future users and providers of psychiatric genetic testing and counseling indicate ambivalence, insecurity, and perceived lack of knowledge in relation to psychiatric genetics. These results should inform further research and the future integration of psychiatric genetics into practice. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photoluminescence analysis of Sm3+ and DY3+ doped PVA films
Authors: Seeta Rama Raju G. , Buddhudu S.
Published: November 2007

A couple of Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) films with Sm3+ and Dy3+ ions have been prepared by a conventional solution cast technique. For these Sm3+ and Dy3+ doped PVA films, Fourier transform infrared and also absorption spectral measurements have been carried out. Excitation and emission spectra and decay curves have been recorded to understand emission performance of the polymers namely Sm3+: PVA film with λexci = 400 nm and Dy3+: PVA film with λexci = 349 nm. Emission performances of these films have been explained in terms of relevant energy level schemes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Evaluation of genotoxic effects in human leukocytes after in vitro exposure to 1950 MHz UMTS radiofrequency field
Authors: Zeni O. , Schiavoni A. , Perrotta A. , Forigo D. , Deplano M. , Scarfi M.R.
Published: November 2007

In the present study the third generation wireless technology of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) signal was investigated for the induction of genotoxic effects in human leukocytes. Peripheral blood from six healthy donors was used and, for each donor, intermittent exposures (6 min RF on, 2 h RF off) at the frequency of 1950 MHz were conducted at a specific absorption rate of 2.2 W/kg. The exposures were performed in a transverse electro magnetic (TEM) cell hosted in an incubator under strictly controlled conditions of temperature and dosimetry. Following long duration intermittent RF exposures (from 24 to 68 h) in different stages of the cell cycle, micronucleus formation was evaluated by applying the cytokinesis block micronucleus assay, which also provides information on cell division kinetics. Primary DNA damage (strand breaks/alkali labile sites) was also investigated following 24 h of intermittent RF exposures, by applying the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCG)/comet assay. Positive controls were included by treating cell cultures with Mitomycin‐C and methylmethanesulfonate for micronucleus and comet assays, respectively. The results obtained indicate that intermittent exposures of human lymphocytes in different stages of cell cycle do not induce either an increase in micronucleated cells, or change in cell cycle kinetics; moreover, 24 h intermittent exposures also fail to affect DNA structure of human leukocytes soon after the exposures, likely indicating that repairable DNA damage was not induced. Bioelectromagnetics 29:177–184, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Options for biochemical production of 4‐hydroxybutyrate and its lactone as a substitute for petrochemical production
Authors: Efe C. , Straathof Adrie J.J. , van der Wielen Luuk A.M.
Published: November 2007

Options are discussed for biochemical production of 4‐hydroxybutyrate (4‐HB) and its lactone, gamma‐butyrolactone (GBL), from renewable sources. In the first part of the study, the thermodynamic feasibility of four potential metabolic pathways from glucose to 4‐HB are analyzed. The calculations reveal that when the pathways are NAD+ dependent the intermediate succinate semialdehyde (SSA) accumulates leading to low 4‐HB yields at equilibrium. For NADP+ dependent pathways the calculated yield of 4‐HB improves, up to almost 100%. In the second part of this study, continuous removal of 4‐HB from the solution is considered to shift SSA conversion into 4‐HB so that SSA accumulation is minimized. One option is the enzymatic production of GBL from 4‐HB. Candida antarctica Lipase B shows good lactonization rates at pH 4, but unfortunately this conversion cannot be performed in‐vivo during 4‐HB production because of the neutral intracellular pH. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1392–1406. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
pH prediction and control in bioprocesses using mid‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Schenk Jonas , Marison Ian W. , von Stockar Urs
Published: November 2007

An on‐line pH monitoring method based on mid‐infrared spectroscopy relevant to bioprocesses is presented. This approach is non‐invasive and does not require the addition of indicators or dyes, since it relies on the analysis of species of common buffers used in culture media, such as phosphate buffer. Starting with titrations of phosphoric and acetic acid solutions over almost the entire pH range (2–12), it was shown that the infrared spectra of all samples can be expressed as a linear combination of the molar absorbance of the acids and their deprotonated forms. In other words, pH had no direct influence on the molar infrared spectra themselves, but only on deprotonation equilibria. Accurate prediction (standard error of prediction for pH < 0.15 pH units) was achieved by taking into account the non‐ideal behavior of the solutions, using the Debye–Hückel theory to estimate the activity coefficients. Batch cultures of E. coli were chosen as a case study to show how this approach can be applied to bioprocess monitoring. The discrepancy between the spectroscopic prediction and the conventional electrochemical probe never exceeded 0.12 pH units, and the technique was fast enough to implement a feedback controller to maintain the pH constant during cultivation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 82–93. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ionic liquids for aqueous two‐phase extraction and stabilization of enzymes
Authors: Dreyer Susanne , Kragl Udo
Published: November 2007

The ionic liquid (IL) Ammoeng110™ contains cations with oligoethyleneglycol units and was found to be highly effective for the formation of aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) that can be used for the biocompatible purification of active enzymes. Above critical concentrations of the IL and an inorganic salt in aqueous solution, phase separation takes place resulting in the formation of an IL‐enriched upper and a salt‐enriched lower phase. For the optimization of the composition of IL‐based ATPS with regard to the extraction of catalytically active enzymes, the Box–Wilson method of experimental design was successfully applied; IL‐based ATPS proved to be suitable for the purification and stabilization of two different alcohol dehydrogenases (fromLactobacillus brevisand a thermophilic bacterium). Both enzymes were enriched in the IL‐containing upper phase resulting in an increase of specific activity by a factor of 2 and 4 respectively. Furthermore, the presence of IL within the system provided the opportunity to combine the extraction process with the performance of enzyme‐catalyzed reactions. The IL was found to exhibit a stability improving effect on both enzymes and a solubility enhancing effect on hydrophobic substrates. Thus the conversion and volumetric productivity of ADH catalyzed reduction of acetophenone could be increased significantly. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1416–1424. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.