bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flap Advancement: Practical Techniques to Attain Tension‐Free Primary Closure
Authors: Greenstein Gary , Greenstein Benjamin , Cavallaro John , Elian Nicholas , Tarnow Dennis
Published: December 2008

Background: Primary and tension‐free closure of a flap is often required after particular surgical procedures (e.g., guided bone regeneration). Other times, flap advancement may be desired for situations such as root coverage.

Methods: The literature was searched for articles that addressed techniques, limitations, and complications associated with flap advancement. These articles were used as background information. In addition, reference information regarding anatomy was cited as necessary to help describe surgical procedures.

Results: This article describes techniques to advance mucoperiosteal flaps, which facilitate healing. Methods are presented for a variety of treatment scenarios, ranging from minor to major coronal tissue advancement. Anatomic landmarks are identified that need to be considered during surgery. In addition, management of complications associated with flap advancement is discussed.

Conclusions: Tension‐free primary closure is attainable. The technique is dependent on the extent that the flap needs to be advanced.
A New Organoleptic Testing Method for Evaluating Halitosis
Authors: Kim Dae‐Jung , Lee Jeong‐Yun , Kho Hong‐Seop , Chung Jin‐Woo , Park Hee‐Kyung , Kim Young‐Ku
Published: December 2008

Background: Halitosis is a common condition in the adult population. The organoleptic method has been used widely in the clinical field for the diagnosis of halitosis because of its simplicity; however, this method has limitations as a result of its lack of objectivity and reproducibility. We developed a new method of organoleptic testing using a gastight syringe to overcome these limitations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of this new method by analyzing the correlations between the organoleptic score measured by it and data from the portable sulfide monitor and gas chromatography in the same subjects.

Methods: Fifty‐two subjects (20 males and 32 females; mean age, 35.6 ± 12.8) who visited the Halitosis Clinic at Seoul National University Dental Hospital, were recruited. We recorded the organoleptic score and measured the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) using a portable sulfide monitor and gas chromatography. The organoleptic test was performed in a standardized way using a gastight syringe and a paper cup connected to a plastic straw.

Results: The organoleptic score by the new method showed a significant positive correlation with the total VSC concentrations that were measured by gas chromatography (r = 0.790; P <0.01) and with the portable sulfide monitor (r = 0.822; P <0.01). There were significant positive correlations between the organoleptic score obtained by the new method and the concentration of H2S (r = 0.776; P <0.01), CH3SH (r = 0.715; P <0.01), and (CH3)2S (r = 0.674; P <0.01) measured by gas chromatography.

Conclusion: The new organoleptic test is a valuable tool for measuring halitosis in the clinical field.
Qualitative Cosmetic Evaluation After Root‐Coverage Procedures
Authors: Kerner Stéphane , Sarfati Alexandre , Katsahian Sandrine , Jaumet Vincent , Micheau Charles , Mora Francis , Monnet‐Corti Virginie , Bouchard Philippe
Published: December 2008

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the esthetic outcome using four categories of root‐coverage procedures (pedicle soft tissue grafts, non‐submerged grafts, submerged grafts, and envelope techniques) and to identify factors associated with esthetic assessment.

Methods: A professional panel of three observers (two periodontists and one control) used a before–after panel scoring system to evaluate the esthetics of 162 root‐coverage surgeries. A five‐point ordinal scale was used to evaluate the overall esthetic improvement and seven variables that may be considered in the assessment.

Results: The intraobserver agreement of the two trained periodontists for the overall cosmetic assessment was almost perfect (κ = 0.83), and substantial agreement was found between them (κ = 0.68). Good to excellent overall esthetic results were found by the professionals and control in >70% of the surgical procedures. Analysis of variance indicated a statistical difference between the non‐submerged grafts category and the three other surgical categories (P <10−3). Multivariate analysis showed that the degree of root coverage was not a significant predictive factor, whereas soft tissue appearance variables and the follow‐up were significantly associated with cosmetic assessment.

Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that non‐submerged grafts are not recommended in cases of esthetic demand. Future root‐coverage trials, basing their justification on esthetics, should include overall qualitative evaluation as the primary variable. The follow‐up period should not be <12 months. The before–after panel scoring system is a tool that can be used to evaluate cosmetic outcomes.
Borel equivalence relations which are highly unfree
Authors: Hjorth Greg
Published: December 2008

There is an ergodic, measure preserving, countable Borel equivalence relation E on a standard Borel probability space (X, μ) such that E∣c is not essentially free on any conull C ⊂ X.
□ on the singular cardinals
Authors: Cummings James , Friedman Sy-David
Published: December 2008

We give upper and lower bounds for the consistency strength of the failure of a combinatorial principle introduced by Jensen. Square on singular cardinals.
A Mathematical Model and Performance Evaluation for a Single-Stage Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (PV) System
Authors: Dash Prajna Paramita , Yazdani Amirnaser
Published: December 2008

This paper proposes a control strategy for important transients of a single-stage, three-phase, PV system that is connected to a distribution network. The proposed control strategy adopts an inner current-control loop and an outer DC-link voltage control loop. The current-control mechanism renders the PV system protected against external faults, enables control of the DC-link voltage and, therefore, controls/maximizes the PV system power output. The paper also proposes a feed-forward compensation strategy for the DC-link voltage control loop to mitigate the impact of the nonlinear characteristic of the PV array on the closed-loop stability, and to permit design and optimization of the DC-link voltage controller for a wide range of operating conditions. A mathematical model and a control design methodology are presented for the PV system, and it is shown that under the proposed control, the PV system fulfills the operational requirements of a grid-connected PV system. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy and the most important transients of the PV system are evaluated through simulation studies conducted on a detailed switched model of the PV system in the PSCAD/EMTDC software environment.
Effect of methionine and cysteine deprivation on growth of different natural isolates of Lactobacillus spp. in chemically defined media
Authors: Lozo Jelena , Begovic Jelena , Jovcic B. , Golic Natasa , Topisirovic L.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of natural isolates of lactobacilli from different ecological niches to grow in a chemically defined medium in the presence or absence of sulphur-containing amino acids, methionine and/or cysteine. The obtained results indicate that cysteine is essential for growth of L. paracasei subsp. paracasei BGHN14 and BGSJ2-8, while methionine is essential for isolates BGHN40, BGCG31, and BGHV54T of the species L. plantarum. Methionine is also essential for growth of L. rhamnosus BGHV58T. Other analyzed strains, such as L. plantarum BGSJ3-18, BGZB19, BGHV52Ta, and BGHV43T, require the presence of both amino acids for their growth.
Use of confocal microscopy in the study of ischemia-induced hippocampal neuronal damage
Authors: Radenovic Lidija , Selakovic Vesna , Bajic A. , Andjus P.R.
Published: December 2008

The present study was undertaken to reveal by means of confocal laser microscopy the cytoarchitecture of hippocampal CA3 neurons in Mongolian gerbils before and after cerebral ischemia of different duration. The common carotid arteries of gerbils were occluded for 5, 10, or 15 min. On the 4th, 14th and 28th day after reperfusion, neuronal damage was examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy in the CA3 region of hippocampus (30 ?m slices). Slices were stained with fluorescent Nissl staining and fluorescent membrane tracer DiI. Increased duration of cerebral ischemia resulted in a progressive loss of hippocampal CA3 neurons. Four days after the ischemic insult, neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA3 region was mild but visible. On the 28th day after reperfusion, neuronal damage in the observed brain structure was most severe. These results demonstrate the temporal profile of neuronal damage after an ischemic insult as observed using confocal microscopy.
Ultrastructural analysis of small blood vessels in skin biopsies in CADASIL
Authors: Lackovic Vesna , Bajcetic M. , Sternic Nadezda , Kostic V. , Zidverc Jasna , Pavlovic Aleksandra , Lackovic Maja , Kocica Mladen
Published: December 2008

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited small- and medium-artery disease of the brain caused by mutation of the Notch3 gene. Very often, this disease is misdiagnosed. We examined skin biopsies in two members of the first discovered Serbian family affected by CADASIL. Electron microscopy showed that skin blood vessels of both patients contain numerous deposits of granular osmiophilic material (GOM) around vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We observed degeneration of VSMCs, reorganization of their cytoskeleton and dense bodies, disruption of myoendothelial contacts, and apoptosis. Our results suggest that the presence of GOM in small skin arteries represents a specific marker in diagnosis of CADASIL.
Basic morphological characteristics of the Rana (Pelophylax) synklepton esculenta complex in relation to legal regulations in Serbia
Authors: Krizmanic I.I.
Published: December 2008

The main purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the basic morphological characteristics of all three taxa of this complex on the territory of Serbia in relation to legal regulations, e.g., the prescribed exploitation limitations. Altogether, 789 water frogs were collected at 22 localities in Serbia and analyzed. The two legally prescribed measures - total body length (L) and body weight (M) - were utilized for this analysis. Inasmuch as the law allows for the choice of characters, this particular formulation is harmful for the reproductively active part of the population. If the formulation of the act could be altered so as to satisfy both criteria, the presented results show that only 5% of the population would qualify for exploitation.
Protaphorura zlatiborensis, a new cave-dwelling species (Onychiuridae, Collembola) from the Balkan peninsula (Serbia)
Authors: Lucic L.R. , Curcic B.P.M. , Pavkovic-Lucic Sofija , Tomic V.T.
Published: December 2008

A cave collembolan, new to science, Protaphorura zlatiborensis sp. n., is described from Serbia, thoroughly illustrated, and diagnosed. Its interrelationships with other species, geographic distribution, and origin are briefly discussed.
New find of the rare and endangered species Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh (Rhodophyta) in Serbia
Authors: Simic Snezana
Published: December 2008

Data about distribution of Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh indicate that this species was found on relatively small number of localities in freshwaters in Europe and world. In Red List of Algae, in some countries, this species is defined as a extinct (Ex) (Poland) or as endangered (En) (Slovakia). In this study, morphological and ecological characteristics of rare and endangered species B. atropurpurea that was found on three localities in Serbia: in Trgoviski Timok River (East Serbia), Gvozdacka Reka River (West Serbia) and Raska River (South-western Serbia). The Raska River is new find of the species B. atropurpurea.
Korelacija metabolickih parametara sa promenama intima-medija kompleksa kod gojaznih nedijabeticara i bolesnika sa razlicitim poremecajima glikoregulacije
Authors: Savic Z.N. , Brajovic M.D. , Popovic S.S. , Canovic F.
Published: December 2008

Measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery by ultrasound, is well known method. using this noninvasive method in various risks factors such as diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, hypertension, smoking, age, obesity could be very useful in pathophisiology studies of atherosklerosis. Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure intima media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery, as an early indicator for development of atherosclerosis, and too estimate if there is any significant differences between investigated groups of pts (diabetics pts, pts with glucose intolerance and obese pts without diabetes an older than 45 years). Methods and Materials: 110 pts were divided in five groups: three groups of diabetics pts: type 1 DM (25) pts, type 2 (25) pts and type 2 DM de novo (20), and (20) pts with glucose intolerance, and 20 pts obese without diabetes, older than 45 years of age. Correlation of metabolic parameters ( body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (OS), lipid status) with IMT was performed as well as hypertension, age, sex, smoking and alcohol abuse. Statistics: The authors used 2 test and Spearman's correlation . Results: Intima media ticknes (IMT) was highly statistically significant in grups of DM type 2 and DM tipe 2 de novo. IMT was stat. sig. in pts with high values of BMI and hip circumference according to those pts with normal values. It was also stat. sig. in pts with smoking hiperlipoproteinemia and hypertension. There was no stat. sig. correlation of IMT with sex, age and alcohol abuse. Conclusion: This study showed that diabetics pts have frequent pathological changes on artery vessels and these changes are diffuse and fervently with complicated wall leasens. The influence of these risks factors is very important because their synergetic effects may augment clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis.
The role of myoma in women infertility
Authors: Acimovic M. , Jeremic K. , Petkovic S. , Maksimovic M. , Vidakovic S. , Vojvodic Lj. , Gojnic M. , Micic J. , Marinkovic D.
Published: December 2008

The aim was to examine which is the role of myoma in women infertility. We analyzed 100 patients with infertility that underwent classic abdominal myomesctomy from 2000. to 2003. year. Frequency of conception was 46%. Most patients were over 30 years old. Conception happened in 80% patients aged 30-39 years. In 69,6% patients with secondary infertility happened conception. Pregnancies occurred more often in infertility shorter than 36 months, in front wall myoma and in intramural-subserose or subserose type. In 11 patients with intramural-submucose myomas, uteral cave was opened and only two of them got pregnant. Recidives of myoma happened in 18%, and postoperative adhesions in 29% of patients. Age, duration of pre-operative infertility and characteristics of myoma did not have statistically significant influence on the conception. Miomectomy is the important method in treatment of infertility, especially if the other possible causes were excluded.
Historical aspects of external fixation and possibilities for the future development
Authors: Lesic A.R. , Gojkovic-Bukarica Lj. , Cobeljic G.N. , Bumbasirevic M.Z.
Published: December 2008

External fixation is not such a novel method, but it is interesting to learn its history, countries in which it has developed and the time when it gained full expert acceptance in treating not only fractures but orthopedic disorders, inequalities, and articular arthrodeses. The beginnings of external fixation are associated to the name of Malgaigne, followed by the authors of Western European, German and American school of external fixation. In the U.S.A., this method was accepted as late as in 1950s; being accepted in Russia through Ilizarov. In our country, the method was accepted in 1950s, through the work of Prof. Bumbairevic and Prof. Radulovic, who are the founders of modern external fixation in our country.
Mycopopulation of spices
Authors: Dimic Gordana , Kocic-Tanackov Suncica , Tepic Aleksandra , Vujicic Biserka , Sumic Zdravko
Published: December 2008

The presence of fungi in cinnamon, marjoram, caraway and clove was investigated. Total fungal counts determined on SMA nutritive medium ranged from 8.0 (clove) to 3.3 ? 104 per g (caraway) and from 6.0 to 5.2 ? 104 per g on MY50G medium for the same spices. The most frequent contaminants of spice samples were the genera: Eurotium (90%), Aspergillus (80%), Penicillium (75%), Cladosporium (45%), Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis and Syncephalastrum (25%). Producers of sterigmatocystin (80%) were dominant. Producers of aflatoxin (60%) and ochratoxin A (30%) were isolated from the samples.
Electric double layer and electrokinetic potential of pectic macromolecules in sugar beet
Authors: Kuljanin Tatjana , Levic Ljubinko , Misljenovic Nevena , Koprivica Gordana
Published: December 2008

Electrokinetic potential is an important property of colloidal particles and, regarding the fact that it is a well defined and easily measurable property, it is considered to be a permanent characteristic of a particular colloidal system. In fact, it is a measure of electrokinetic charge that surrounds the colloidal particle in a solution and is in direct proportion with the mobility of particles in an electric field. Gouy-Chapman-Stern-Graham's model of electric double layer was adopted and it was proven experimentally that the addition of Cu++ ions to sugar beet pectin caused a reduction in the negative electrokinetic potential proportional to the increase of Cu++ concentration. Higher Cu++ concentrations increased the proportion of cation specific adsorption (Cu++ and H+) with regard to electrostatic Coulombic forces. Consequently, there is a shift in the shear plane between the fixed and diffuse layers directed towards the diffuse layer, i.e. towards its compression and decrease in the electrokinetic potential or even charge inversion of pectin macromolecules.
Quality control of full-fat soybean using urease activity: Critical assessment of the method
Authors: Palic Dragan , Levic Jovanka , Sredanovic Slavica , Djuragic Olivera
Published: December 2008

A critical assessment of the method for determination of urease activity, as an indicator of the degree of full-fat soybean (FFSB) processing, has been undertaken. FFSB was processed by dry extrusion at five temperatures, ranging from 115?C to 165?C, and analyzed for urease activity by two laboratories and by two analysts at each laboratory, using the pH-difference procedure. The in vivo trial with chickens fed the processed FFSB has also been conducted. While the results of two analysts at each laboratory did not differ significantly (P>0.05), there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in urease activity results between the two laboratories. The overall conclusion of this study is that the urease activity determined by pH-difference method can not be recommended as a reliable indicator for FFSB quality control.
Color changes of blackberry as affected by freezing rate
Authors: Randjelovic Dobrila , Vracar Ljubo , Tepic Aleksandra
Published: December 2008

Fast frozen blackberry partially change its surface color from characteristic black to copper-redish color. This change decreases the market value, especially when the product is intended for export. For these reasons classic tunnels for slow freezing are being more widely used nowadays. In order to clarify mentioned phenomena, a detailed monitoring of preparation process and freezing, as well as changes of frozen blackberry fruits in industrial conditions was carried out. Along with sensory evaluation of surface color changes, chemical analysis of reference parameters of fresh and frozen fruits were performed. The results of sensory evaluation confirmed evident color change of fruits frozen by slow (and fast) treatment; the chemical analysis confirmed unchanged total solids and anthocyanin content, as well as changes in pH value and vitamin C, in comparison to fresh blackberry fruits.
Chemical characteristics of cultivated elderberry fruit
Authors: Vulic Jelena , Vracar Ljubo , Sumic Zdravko
Published: December 2008

This work is consered with the processing value of Elderberry fruit (berries) from domestic plantation selection (Horgos region). Chemical analyses of reference parameters (dry matter, acidity, pectin, pectic acid, protopectin, Capectat, ash, cellulose, total and reducing sugars, mineral substances, proteins and aminoacids, surface color, anthocyanins and vitamin C) confirmed high nutritional and physiological value of samples and full validity of work on this selection and production in plantation conditions.
The influence of molecular weight of polyethylene glycol on separation and purification of pectinases from Penicillium cyclopium in aqueous two-phase system
Authors: Prodanovic Jelena , Antov Mirjana
Published: December 2008

In this study the possibility of the partitioning and purification of pectinases from Penicillium cyclopium by their partitioning in polymer/polymer and polymer/salt aqueous two-phase systems was investigated. In the system with 10% (w/w) polyethylene glycol 1500/5% (w/w) dextran 500 000/85% (w/w) crude enzyme, the highest values for partitioning parameters were achieved - the partition coefficient was 2.11, followed by the top phase yield of 85.68% and purification factor 1.28 for the endo-pectinase activity. The partition coefficient, yield in the top phase and purification factor for the exo-pectinase activity in the same system were 1.89, 84.28% and 3.82, respectively. In the system with 10% (w/w) polyethylene glycol 6000/15% (w/w) (NH4)2SO4/75% (w/w) crude enzyme purification factor 37.85 for exo-pectinase, and 19.52 for endo-pectinase in the bottom phase were obtained.
Antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of Granny Smith apple pomace
Authors: Savatovic Sladjana , Cetkovic Gordana , Djilas Sonja , Tumbas Vesna , Canadanovic-Brunet Jasna , Cetojevic-Simin Dragana , Mandic Anamarija
Published: December 2008

Granny Smith apple pomace was subjected to evaluation as valuable source of antioxidant and anticancer phytochemicals on the basis of its content in phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. The total cotent of phenolics, flavonoids and flavan-3-ols in apple pomace determined spectrophotometrically, was 7.02 mg/g, 0.51 mg/g and 8.80 mg/g. Major phenolics (phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonoids and dihydrochalcons) in apple pomace were identified and quantified by HPLC. The antioxidant activity of apple pomace on stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reactive hydroxyl radicals, was investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The IC50 DPPH and IC50 OH values of Granny Smith apple pomace were 9.51 mg/ml and 29.17 mg/ml, respectively. The antiproliferative activities of apple pomace on cervix epitheloid carcinoma (HeLa), colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) cell lines were determined according to the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay. The IC50 HeLa , IC50 HT-29 and IC50 MCF7 values of Granny Smith apple pomace were 26.40 mg/ml, 22.47 mg/ml and 21.26 mg/ml, respectively. The significant correlations between antioxidant activities and antiproliferative activities were established (p<0.05).
Finite difference method application in design of foundation girder of variable cross-section loaded on ends
Authors: Prolovic Verka , Bonic Zoran
Published: December 2008

Deflection of foundation girder supported by the deformable base has been defined by the system of differential equations, where the differential equation of the elastic line of the girder is of the fourth order. The most convenient solution of the problem is application of numerical procedures, in this case it is the finite difference method. In the paper, the mentioned method is applied in the special case of foundation girder of variable cross section loaded by arbitrary load on its ends.
Space in the function of psychological stability of a child
Authors: Stankovic Danica
Published: December 2008

The problem researched in this paper concerns establishing specific relations in child-space relationship. The concepts of child-space relation are here presented and defined in architectural context as: concept of 'awareness' of a specific place, concept of child's bonding to some place in space, identification with and a feeling of belonging to a certain place, and then the phenomenon of a favorite place.
The inner shell ionization of the atom by electrons
Authors: Tancic A.R. , Nikolic M. , Rakocevic Z.
Published: December 2008

In this paper, the resonant processes of inner-shell ionization of some atoms, followed by the Auger decay of the created vacancy was considered. The analytical expression for the line profiles in the Auger-electron spectra was analyzed. The line shift in the Auger spectra of the rare gas atom inner-shells was also considered.
Resonant excitation of molecules by low-energy electrons
Authors: Poparic Goran
Published: December 2008

Low-energy electron impact vibrational and electronic excitation cross sections of the CO, N2 and CO2 molecules are measured by use of a high resolution crossed-beams double trochoidal electron spectrometer. The spectrometer is designed to work in standard and time-of-flight regimes. The energy dependences of the resonant vibrational excitation of the first several vibrational levels of the N2, CO, and CO2 molecules, have been measured. Characteristic substructures in energy excitation spectra in the cases of N2 and CO have been obtained and discussed for some vibrational channels for the first time. The ratio of forward-to-backward scattered electrons from the 2? resonance in CO is found to be equal to 1, and thus the angular distribution of scattered electrons to be symmetric relative to 90?. This conclusion supports the fact that the contribution of the p? partial wave is dominant in the energy region of the 2? resonance in CO. The energy dependences of the near threshold resonant excitation of the valence and Rydberg states of the N2 and CO molecules have been measured. The cross sections of the near threshold resonant excitation of the C 3?u valence state, and the E 3?+ g and a'' 1?+ g Rydberg states of the N2 molecule have been measured. In the case of the CO molecule, the cross sections of the near threshold resonant excitation of the a 3? valence state, and the b 3?+ and B 1?+ Rydberg states have been measured. Resonant structures in excitation functions of all measured electronic states are observed and their locations are compared with resonances obtained in different decay channels.
Volume correction factor in electron-Indium atom scattering experiments
Authors: Rabasovic M.S. , Tosic S.D. , Pejcev V. , Sevic D. , Filipovic D.M. , Marinkovic B.P.
Published: December 2008

In crossed electron beam - Indium atom beam scattering experiments the measured signal arises from a spatial region (the 'interaction volume') defined by the overlap of the electron and target atom beam and the view cone of the detector. The exchange of the interaction volume with the scattering angle, named a volume correction factor is discussed. The approach of R. T. Brinkmann and S. Trajmar (J. Phys. E 14, 245-254 (1981)) is adopted for our experimental conditions to determine the volume correction factor and accordingly to transfer angular distributions of scattered electrons to relative differential cross sections.
Quantum-chemical calculations of the products and energies of electron induced ionization of 2-Furanmethanol, Tetrahydro-and 3-Furanol
Authors: Papp P. , Mach P. , Urban J. , Matejcík S.
Published: December 2008

A theoretical treatment is used to perform conformational studies of title compounds, which was previously successfully used within our group for characterization of fragmentation patterns of some bio-molecules. Now we present studies of electron impact ionization of 2 Furanmethanol, Tetrahydro (C5H10O2) and 3-Furanol, Tetrahydro (C4H8O2), both as important models for more complicated compounds like nucleic acids. In this paper geometry of the neutral and cationic conformers of these two molecules was optimized on the DFT level with B3LYP functional, and ionization energies were estimated. DFT calculated results are supplemented with G3MP2 calculations, and a set of higher-level ab initio methods were empirically corrected to obtain more reliable results.
Late Triassic radiolarians from the Ovcar-Kablar gorge (SW Serbia)
Authors: Djeric Nevenka , Gerzina Natasa
Published: December 2008

Detailed micropalaeontological research of Triassic siliceous rocks was carried out at a locality in the Ovcar-Kablar gorge, NE of Ovcar Banja. According to the determined radiolarian associations, the investigated chert and radiolarite are of Late Carnian-Early Norian age.
Temporalchanges in relative frequencies of third chromosome inversions of Drosophila pseudoobscura in Mexican populations
Authors: Salceda Victor , Guzmán Judith , Olvera Olga , de la
Published: December 2008

Variations in relative frequencies of third chromosome inversions during 1974-2000 in three populations of D. pseudoobscura from Mexico were analyzed. The general constitution of these populations is formed from ten up to 15 different inversions, been prevalent, as data shows, the gene arrangements CU, TL, SC, OA, EP, and OL as main components of the studied populations. In Amecameca and Tulancingo we observed that they were constituted by a dominant pair in both cases represented by such partners as CU-TL inside each pair, in Amecameca the superior partner was CU and in Tulancingo TL. In Zirahu?n two dominant pairs form the constitution they are SC-OA and CU-TL been the former superior. In all cases sporadic increases of some of inversions were observed. No directional changes were observed. The cyclic pattern is show within periods of 4-5 years.
Phenotypic characterization and relatedness of maize inbred lines
Authors: Babic Vojka , Babic Milosav , Filipovic Milomir , Delic Nenad , Andjelkovic Violeta
Published: December 2008

Clear description of maze is useful in planning crosses for hybrids, in classifying inbreds to heterotic groups, and in the plant variety protection. The objection to visual assessment of morphological traits is its subjectivity. But it can be very useful for plant breeders especially when they work with a material of unknown genetic origin. The phenotypic characterization (30 traits) of 45 inbred lines according to the UPOV Descriptor, with a known pedigree, is used with the main goal to investigate a possibility of exploiting such a kind of information for the classification of inbred lines in homogenous groups according to their relatedness. Ward's method of cluster analysis had the best concordance with pedigree data. This method divided 45 inbreds into two large clusters, each of them containing two subclusters. Quality of the cluster analysis with four groups was tested by the discrimination analysis. All of the tree discrimination functions were significant and enclosed 64%, 20% and 16% of variance, respectively. In plant breeding such information can be useful for a more precise description of existing heterotic groups, as well as, for grouping lines of unknown genetic origin. On the basis of obtained grouping, the decision on their crossing can be made. Hence they either should be crossed to related (F2 populations for a new selection) or unrelated materials (testing of combining abilities).
Education and training as prerequisites for overcoming the difficulties in the implementation of ethical and legal norms concerning gender equality in a social environment
Authors: Gavrilovic Danijela
Published: December 2008

In this paper, the author advances the thesis that in today's Serbia there is no social consensus concerning the unequal treatment of men and women, and that 'patriarchal syndrome', stereotypes and prejudices are still widely present and are greatly influencing the functioning of social mechanisms and the achievement of gender equality. In Serbia the process of achieving the equal treatment of women de jure is still in progress. With the absence of consensus, which is a prerequisite for 'transmitting' social values encompassed by gender equality, the chances are little that equality will be attained de facto. This paper is meant as a warning that not all types of women's inequality are easily noticeable, as well as that on the social scene there are many different and intertwined social actors which influence dealing with the problem of inequality, implementation of international and domestic legal acts, ethical standards, and taking steps to introduce mechanisms for achieving women's equality in society. One of the prerequisites for overcoming these difficulties is a system of education and educational resources, which promote the idea of gender equality.
Fungal diseases of some vegetables grown in greenhouse and garden
Authors: Halasi Tibor , Halasi Ruza , Pajkert Aleksandar , Sokolova-Djokic Ljiljana
Published: December 2008

Aim of this paper was to give an overview of fungal diseases prevailing on the most common vegetables grown in Novi Sad area. For investigation, lettuce and spinach grown in a greenhouse and in open garden were chosen. In greenhouse, optimal conditions for growing lettuce and spinach were maintained, which at the same time favor the development of fungal diseases. The vegetables grown in a protected suburban open garden were more problematic considering fungal diseases. In this paper, the prevention of fungal diseases was emphasized to avoid drastic chemical treatment or minimize its application. The adequate prevention in greenhouse is a good ecological measure.
Efficiency of anther culture technique in the production of wheat double haploids
Authors: Kondic-Spika Ankica , Kobiljski Borislav , Hristov Nikola
Published: December 2008

The objective of the study was to investigate efficiency of anther culture in the production of spontaneous double haploids from randomly selected heterozygous genotypes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Anthers of 20 F1 wheat combinations were grown in vitro on a modified Potato-2 medium. All of the examined genotypes have shown the ability to produce pollen calluses as well as to regenerate green plants. On average for the whole experiment material, 47.2 calluses were produced per 100 cultured anthers. The green plant regeneration ranged from 0.8 to 13.4 green plants per spike, with an overall mean of 5.8. From the total of 582 regenerated green plants, 47.9% (279) were spontaneous double haploids. The final average yield from the study was 2.8 double haploids per spike.
Resistance of some wheat genotypes to Puccinia triticina
Authors: Putnik-Delic Marina
Published: December 2008

Thirty-four wheat genotypes were tested for resistance characteristics to Puccinia triticina at different growth stages. At seedling stage in a greenhouse, latency period, infection frequency and reaction type were determined. In the field, time of spike appearance, and infection intensity were followed. Weak (r = 0.322) to strong (r = 0.660) correlation was found between resistance characteristics at seedling stage (LPxIFxRT, in the greenhouse) and in adult plants (infection intensity and AUDPC, in the field). The values of AUDPC (area under the disease progress curve) were also strongly related to resistance characteristics of seedlings (r = 0.598). As pseudoresistant in the field (especially equal to adult plant resistance) according to other stresses reactions were considered genotypes which were the most sensitive at seedling stage (20?C) and at adult stage they did not express maximal infection intensity, particullar Evropa 90 and Suvaca. Adult plant resistance as the sum of specific and pseudoresistance was observed on genotypes Tiha, Zlatka and Eva.
Influence of ethereal oils extracted from Lamiaceae family plants on some pathogen microorganisms
Authors: Klaus Anita , Beatovic Damir , Niksic Miomir , Jelacic Slavica , Nedovic Viktor , Petrovic Tanja
Published: December 2008

As pathogen microorganisms can be found in different kinds of food, using of natural antimicrobial compounds, like ethereal oils, could be important in the preservation of different groceries. To evaluate antimicrobial activity of ethereal oils extracted from Lamiaceae family plants - Rosmarinus officinalis L., Thymus vulgaris L., Majorana hortensis M o e n c h, and Salvia officinalis L screening of their effects against food borne bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and yeasts Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were applied. All investigated concentrations and pure Majorana hortensis and Thymus vulgaris ethereal oils showed microbicidal effect on majority of tested microorganisms.
Statin Therapy Is Associated With Lower Total but Not Bioavailable or Free Testosterone in Men With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Stanworth Roger D. , Kapoor Dheeraj , Channer Kevin S. , Jones T. Hugh
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

There is a high prevalence of hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes. This will lead to an increase in assessments of hypogonadism. Statins could potentially decrease testosterone levels by reducing the availability of cholesterol for androgen synthesis. We compared testosterone levels and hypogonadal symptoms with statin use in a cross-sectional study of 355 men with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Total testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), and estradiol were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bioavailable testosterone was measured by the modified ammonium sulfate precipitation method. Free testosterone was calculated using Vermeulen's formula. Symptoms of hypogonadism were assessed using the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male questionnaire.

RESULTS

Statins were associated with lower total testosterone (11.9 vs. 13.4 nmol/l, P = 0.006) and a trend toward lower SHBG (29.4 vs. 35.3 nmol/l, P = 0.034) compared with no treatment. Bioavailable testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, and hypogonadal symptoms were not affected. Subanalysis showed that atorvastatin was associated with reduced total testosterone (11.4 vs. 13.4 nmol/l, P = 0.006) and a trend toward reduced SHBG (27.6 vs. 35.3 nmol/l, P = 0.022) compared with no treatment, and there was an apparent dose-response effect with the lowest levels of total testosterone seen in men treated with ≥20 mg atorvastatin (9.6 nmol/l, P = 0.017). Simvastatin use was not associated with significant reductions in testosterone or SHBG levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessing androgen status using total testosterone in men with type 2 diabetes treated with statins, particularly atorvastatin, may potentially lead to diagnostic error. Levels of bioavailable testosterone or free testosterone are recommended for the assessment of hypogonadism in this group if total testosterone levels are borderline.
Association Among Serum Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals, Glucose Homeostasis, and Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Lin Chien-Yu , Chen Pau-Chung , Lin Yu-Chuan , Lin Lian-Yu
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

Perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) have been used worldwide in a variety of consumer products. The effect of PFCs on glucose homeostasis is not known.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined 474 adolescents and 969 adults with reliable serum measures of metabolic syndrome profile from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2000 and 2003–2004.

RESULTS

In adolescents, increased serum perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) concentrations were associated with hyperglycemia (odds ratio [OR] 3.16 [95% CI 1.39–7.16], P < 0.05). Increased serum PFNA concentrations also have favorable associations with serum HDL cholesterol (0.67 [0.45–0.99], P < 0.05). Overall, increased serum PFNA concentrations were inversely correlated with the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (0.37 [0.21–0.64], P < 0.005). In adults, increased serum perfluorooctanoic acid concentrations were significantly associated with increased β-cell function (β coefficient 0.07 ± 0.03, P < 0.05). Increased serum perfluorooctane sulfate (PFOS) concentrations were associated with increased blood insulin (0.14 ± 0.05, P < 0.01), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (0.14 ± 0.05, P < 0.01), and β-cell function (0.15 ± 0.05, P < 0.01). Serum PFOS concentrations were also unfavorably correlated with serum HDL cholesterol (OR 1.61 [95% CI 1.15–2.26], P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum PFCs were associated with glucose homeostasis and indicators of metabolic syndrome. Further clinical and animal studies are warranted to clarify putative causal relationships.
Cattle Breeding, Complexity and Mobility in a Structurally Unpredictable Environment: The Wodaabe Herders of Niger
Authors: Krätli Saverio
Published: December 2008

This paper explores the production strategy of a group of full-time mobile pastoralists from the perspective of their cattle-breeding system. The system is geared towards high reliability of good performance rather than towards maximizing peak productivity. At the core of the system is the organization of the cattle population along matriarchal lineages, for structuring animal diversity and ensuring the transmission of economically crucial functionality. The paper argues for a more sophisticated notion of pastoral mobility, capable of reflecting the herders' understanding of mobility and its role in enhancing the standard productivity of the bush, transforming unpredictable variability into a key resource.
The Economic Contribution of Pastoralism: Case Studies from the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa
Authors: Behnke Roy H.
Published: December 2008

This paper reviews the literature on the economic contribution of pastoralism to the national economies of seven countries, two in the Horn of Africa and five in southern Africa. For all the countries covered here, it is difficult to disaggregate at the national level the economic outputs of pastoral livestock from livestock more generally. Research studies have nonetheless identified the distinctive contributions of pastoralism and occasionally quantified these contributions for selected localities and regions. This work demonstrates that the economic role of pastoralism can be quite different even for national economies in the same region. There also exist broad regional differences between the Horn, where pastoralists are heavily involved in producing live animals for export, and southern Africa, where smaller herds are kept primarily for purposes other than commercial sales. At least three methodological shortcomings limit our ability to quantify the contributions made by pastoralists to national economies: aggregated national statistics, the selective recording of data on pastoral production, and analytical confusion about how to impute realistic cash values to the products that herders obtain from their own herds for their own consumption.
Mobility Patterns of Livestock Keepers in Semi-Arid Communal Rangelands of Namaqualand, South Africa
Authors: Samuels M. Igshaan , Allsopp Nicky , Hoffman Timm
Published: December 2008

In arid and semi-arid environments, pastoralists use herd mobility to manage resource variability. We investigated temporal mobility patterns of livestock keepers on the spatially confined commons of Namaqualand, South Africa, between 1997 and 2006. We conducted semi-structured interviews with about 300 livestock keepers from ten villages in the Leliefontein communal area. Herd mobility varies significantly amongst the herds in the different villages. Mobility in Leliefontein is complex and is influenced by environmental, agricultural, social and personal factors. We conclude that even with a high degree of variability in herd movements, the mobility patterns of livestock keepers over the last ten years have remained relatively stable.
The Choice of Anatomical Site for Islet Transplantation
Authors: Van Der Windt Dirk J. , Echeverri Gabriel J. , Ijzermans Jan N. M. , Cooper David K. C.
Published: December 2008

Islet transplantation into the portal vein is the current clinical practice. However, it has now been recognized that this implantation site has several characteristics that can hamper islet engraftment and survival, such as low oxygen tension, an active innate immune system, and the provocation of an inflammatory response (IBMIR). These factors result in the loss of many transplanted islets, mainly during the first hours or days after transplantation, which could in part explain the necessity for the transplantation of islets from multiple pancreas donors to cure type 1 diabetes. This increases the burden on the limited pool of donor organs. Therefore, an alternative anatomical site for islet transplantation that offers maximum engraftment, efficacious use of produced insulin, and maximum patient safety is urgently needed. In this review, the experience with alternative sites for islet implantation in clinical and experimental models is discussed. Subcutaneous transplantation guarantees maximum patient safety and has become clinically applicable. Future improvements could be achieved with innovative designs for devices to induce neovascularization and protect the islets from cellular rejection. However, other sites, such as the omentum, offer drainage of produced insulin into the portal vein for direct utilization in the liver. The use of pigs would not only overcome the shortage of transplantable islets, but genetic modification could result in the expression of human genes, such as complement regulatory or “anticoagulation” genes in the islets to overcome some site-specific disadvantages. Eventually, the liver will most likely be replaced by a site that allows long-term survival of islets from a single donor to reverse type 1 diabetes.
Variation in the Incidence of Teratomas after the Transplantation of Nonhuman Primate ES Cells into Immunodeficient Mice
Authors: Kishi Yukiko , Tanaka Yujiro , Shibata Hiroaki , Nakamura Shinichiro , Takeuchi Koichi , Masuda Shigeo , Ikeda Tamako , Muramatsu Shin-Ichi , Hanazono Yutaka
Published: December 2008

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have the ability to generate teratomas when transplanted into immunodeficient mice, but conditions affecting the generation remain to be elucidated. Nonhuman primate cynomolgus ES cells were transplanted into immunodeficient mice under different conditions; the number of transplanted cells, physical state (clumps or single dissociated cells), transplant site, differentiation state, and immunological state of recipient mice were all varied. The tumorigenicity was then evaluated. When cynomolgus ES cells were transplanted as clumps into the lower limb muscle in either nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) or NOD/SCID/?cnull (NOG) mice, teratomas developed in all the animals transplanted with 1 × 105 or more cells, but were not observed in any mouse transplanted with 1 × 103 cells. However, when the cells were transplanted as dissociated cells, the number of cells necessary for teratomas to form in all mice increased to 5 × 105. When the clump cells were injected subcutaneously (instead of intramuscularly), the number also increased to 5 × 105. When cynomolgus ES cell-derived progenitor cells (1 × 106), which included residual pluripotent cells, were transplanted into the lower limb muscle of NOG or NOD/SCID mice, the incidence of teratomas differed between the strains; teratomas developed in five of five NOG mice but in only two of five NOD/SCID mice. The incidence of teratomas varied substantially depending on the transplanted cells and recipient mice. Thus, considerable care must be taken as to tumorigenicity.