bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic lignocellulose hydrolysis: Improved cellulase productivity by insoluble solids recycling
Authors: Weiss Noah , Börjesson Johan , Pedersen Lars Saaby , Meyer Anne S
Published: January 2013

Background

It is necessary to develop efficient methods to produce renewable fuels from lignocellulosic biomass. One of the main challenges to the industrialization of lignocellulose conversion processes is the large amount of cellulase enzymes used for the hydrolysis of cellulose. One method for decreasing the amount of enzyme used is to recycle the enzymes. In this study, the recycle of enzymes associated with the insoluble solid fraction after the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was investigated for pretreated corn stover under a variety of recycling conditions.

Results

It was found that a significant amount of cellulase activity could be recovered by recycling the insoluble biomass fraction, and the enzyme dosage could be decreased by 30% to achieve the same glucose yields under the most favorable conditions. Enzyme productivity (g glucose produced/g enzyme applied) increased between 30 and 50% by the recycling, depending on the reaction conditions. While increasing the amount of solids recycled increased process performance, the methods applicability was limited by its positive correlation with increasing total solids concentrations, reaction volumes, and lignin content of the insoluble residue. However, increasing amounts of lignin rich residue during the recycle did not negatively impact glucose yields.

Conclusions

To take advantage of this effect, the amount of solids recycled should be maximized, based on a given processes ability to deal with higher solids concentrations and volumes. Recycling of enzymes by recycling the insoluble solids fraction was thus shown to be an effective method to decrease enzyme usage, and research should be continued for its industrial application.
Live cell imaging techniques to study T cell trafficking across the blood-brain barrier in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Coisne Caroline , Lyck Ruth , Engelhardt Britta
Published: January 2013

Background

The central nervous system (CNS) is an immunologically privileged site to which access for circulating immune cells is tightly controlled by the endothelial blood–brain barrier (BBB) located in CNS microvessels. Under physiological conditions immune cell migration across the BBB is low. However, in neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, many immune cells can cross the BBB and cause neurological symptoms. Extravasation of circulating immune cells is a multi-step process that is regulated by the sequential interaction of different adhesion and signaling molecules on the immune cells and on the endothelium. The specialized barrier characteristics of the BBB, therefore, imply the existence of unique mechanisms for immune cell migration across the BBB.

Methods and design

An in vitro mouse BBB model maintaining physiological barrier characteristics in a flow chamber and combined with high magnification live cell imaging, has been established. This model enables the molecular mechanisms involved in the multi-step extravasation of T cells across the in vitro BBB, to be defined with high-throughput analyses. Subsequently these mechanisms have been verified in vivo using a limited number of experimental animals and a spinal cord window surgical technique. The window enables live observation of the dynamic interaction between T cells and spinal cord microvessels under physiological and pathological conditions using real time epifluorescence intravital imaging. These in vitro and in vivo live cell imaging methods have shown that the BBB endothelium possesses unique and specialized mechanisms involved in the multi-step T cell migration across this endothelial barrier under physiological flow. The initial T cell interaction with the endothelium is either mediated by T cell capture or by T cell rolling. Arrest follows, and then T cells polarize and especially CD4+ T cells crawl over long distances against the direction of flow to find the rare sites permissive for diapedesis through the endothelium.

Discussion

The sequential use of in vitro and in vivo live cell imaging of T cells interacting with the BBB allows us to delineate the kinetics and molecular determinants involved in multistep extravasation of encephalitogenic T cells across the BBB.
Phenomenologic analysis of healthcare worker perceptions of intensive care unit diaries
Authors: Perier Antoine , Revah-Levy Anne , Bruel Cédric , Cousin Nathalie , Angeli Stéphanie , Brochon Sandie , Philippart François , Max Adeline , Gregoire Charles , Misset Benoit , Garrouste-Orgeas Maité
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Studies have reported associations between diaries kept for intensive care unit (ICU) patients and long-term quality-of-life and psychological outcomes in patients and their relatives. Little was known about perceptions of healthcare workers reading and writing in the diaries. We investigated healthcare worker perceptions the better to understand their opinions and responses to reading and writing in the diaries.

Methods

We used a phenomenologic approach to conduct a qualitative study of 36 semistructured interviews in a medical-surgical ICU in a 460-bed tertiary hospital.

Results

Two domains of perception were assessed: reading and writing in the diaries. These two domains led to four main themes in the ICU workers' perceptions: suffering of the families; using the diary as a source of information for families but also as generating difficulties in writing bad news; determining the optimal interpersonal distance with the patient and relatives; and using the diary as a tool for constructing a narrative of the patient's ICU stay.

Conclusions

The ICU workers thought that the diary was beneficial in communicating the suffering of families while providing comfort and helping to build the patient's ICU narrative. They reported strong emotions related to the diaries and a perception of intruding into the patients' and families' privacy when reading the diaries. Fear of strong emotional investment may adversely affect the ability of ICU workers to perform their duties optimally. ICU workers are in favor of ICU diaries, but activation by the diaries of emotions among younger ICU workers may require specific support.
Metal nanoparticles for energy conversion
Authors: Toshima Naoki
Published: January 2013

Energy has emerged as a strategic priority not only in research but also in all aspects of human lives. Most worldwide problems could be solved if energy were plentiful. In order to solve the energy problem, the following methods could be applicable: the creation of electricity from renewable energy resources, increase in conversion efficiency from fossil fuels to electricity, recovery of electricity from exhaust heat energy, and reduction of energy consumption. Nanotechnologies have already shown good promise in addressing and offering solutions in these priority areas. Here, we have demonstrated the application of metal nanoparticles (NPs) to electrocatalysts for the polyelectrolyte fuel cell (increase in conversion efficiency) and to additives to form hybrids with organic thermoelectric materials of conducting polymers (recovery of energy from exhaust heat). Thus, Pt monometallic and AuPt bimetallic NPs were used for electrocatalysts with high performance, and Pt and Au NPs were applied to hybrid thermoelectric materials to fabricate hybrid films with increasing thermoelectric performance for conversion of the exhaust heat near room temperature.
Transition-metal-catalyzed multicomponent coupling reactions with imines and carbon monoxide
Authors: Quesnel Jeffrey S. , Arndtsen Bruce A.
Published: January 2013

Multicomponent coupling reactions provide a method to combine several substrates in a single reaction. When coupled with transition-metal catalysis, these reactions can be used to both activate and control the assembly of multiple simple building blocks directly into useful products. This account will describe our work in this area, with a focus on the use of palladium catalysis as a tool to couple imines and CO with other substrates into a range of heterocyclic derivatives in one-step reactions.
The trauma of AIDS then and now: Kushner’s Angels in America on the stage and small screen
Authors: Beadling Laura L.
Published: January 2013

Although Tony Kushner's 2003 HBO miniseries adaptation of Angels in America was largely faithful to the original theatrical production, the miniseries failed to achieve the same power. What makes Kushner's play Angels so important, and what makes it stand out from most of the other
early 1990s works concerning AIDS, is the idea that Angels (particularly the theatrical version) bears witness to the AIDS crisis by deploying disruptive narrative strategies, including the refusal of the typical downward spiral from diagnosis to death, the wildly varying tone even in moments
of death, and various meta-fictional elements, to name a few. This article argues that the miniseries of Angels, on the other hand, even though it is a relatively close adaptation that was, in fact, written by Kushner himself, is not successful in deploying these strategies and thus does not
bear witness to the collective trauma of AIDS to nearly the degree that its source material does; the tone of the miniseries is much more even and consistent and most of the meta-fictional elements have been eliminated. In part, this failure of connection can be attributed to the respective
eras in which each version of Angels was produced; while in the early 1990s AIDS was still actively devastating the American gay community, by 2003, when the HBO version was released, AIDS was largely perceived as no longer an American problem since science had created drugs that made living
with AIDS possible. The traumatic and ongoing reality of the early 1990s had become, by 2003, largely a matter for nostalgia. Thus, while many of the words, scenes and characters are shared between play and miniseries, the dynamic of battling an ongoing crisis vs remembering a trauma of the
past results in very different cultural documents.
Aggressive action, Oedipal inaction and incessant procrastination: The genre conventions of Hamlet
Authors: Knott Stuart
Published: January 2013

This article analyses and compares four screen adaptations of Shakespeare's Hamlet (1960) to Arnold Schwarzenegger's humorous portrayal in Last Action Hero by John McTiernan (1993) and discusses how aspects of the action genre permeate Hamlet adaptations. Focusing on the penultimate
swordfight between Hamlet and Laertes - and the alternative methods used to adapt Shakespeare's play in each film - I relate the conventions and expectations of the action genre utilized in each film, from the casting of Mel Gibson in 1990, to Kenneth Branagh's swashbuckling portrayal. References
to key films in the action genre, such as Die Hard (1988), are used to relate the common themes surrounding an 'Everyday' action figure triumphing over adversity and detailing how Hamlet differs from this by being a man of procrastination rather than decisive action.
‘Barbed Wire and Forget-Me-Not’: The radio adventures of Laura (1944)
Authors: Krutnik Frank
Published: January 2013

This article explores the audio rendition of films within the movie adaptation series that proliferated on US radio from the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s. Focussing on several versions of the 1944 film Laura, the article examines the institutional, ideological and representational negotiations
involved in translating this property from the cinema screen to the airwaves. A celebrated example of film noir, Laura reveals an unusual handling of questions of gender and sexuality as well as highly eccentric storytelling strategies and a distinctive visual style. Drawing on a range of
critical approaches, reviews and trade materials, as well as offering detailed textual analysis of filmic and radio material, the article considers what happens when such a distinctive film is adapted to a medium that communicates exclusively through sound and which operates within more tightly
regulated commercial and institutional imperatives.
Metallothionein-protein interactions
Authors: Atrian Sílvia , Capdevila Mercè
Published: January 2013

Metallothioneins (MTs) are a family of universal, small proteins, sharing a high cysteine content and an optimal capacity for metal ion coordination. They take part in a plethora of metal ion-related events (from detoxification to homeostasis, storage, and delivery), in a wide range of stress responses, and in different pathological processes (tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration, and inflammation). The information on both intracellular and extracellular interactions of MTs with other proteins is here comprehensively reviewed. In mammalian kidney, MT1/MT2 interact with megalin and related receptors, and with the transporter transthyretin. Most of the mammalian MT partners identified concern interactions with central nervous system (mainly brain) proteins, both through physical contact or metal exchange reactions. Physical interactions mainly involve neuronal secretion multimers. Regarding metal swap events, brain MT3 appears to control the metal ion load in peptides whose aggregation leads to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Aβ peptide, α-synuclein, and prion proteins (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and spongiform encephalopathies, respectively). Interaction with ferritin and bovine serum albumin are also documented. The intercourse of MTs with zinc-dependent enzymes and transcription factors is capable to activate/deactivate them, thus conferring MTs the role of metabolic and gene expression regulators. As some of these proteins are involved in cell cycle and proliferation control (p53, nuclear factor κB, and PKCμ), they are considered in the context of oncogenesis and tumor progression. Only one non-mammalian MT interaction, involving Drosophila MtnA and MtnB major isoforms and peroxiredoxins, has been reported. The prospective use for biomedical applications of the MT-interaction information is finally discussed.
Long-term stability of laboratory tests and practical implications for quality management
Authors: Van Houcke Sofie K. , Stepman Hedwig C.M. , Thienpont Linda M. , Fiers Tom , Stove Veronique , Couck Pedro , Anckaert Ellen , Gorus Frans
Published: January 2013

Background: Long-term stability of analytical performance is required for adequate patient management. We investigated the use of patient data to document test stability, and the relevance of observed instabilities on a surrogate medical outcome. We used multiyear patient and internal quality control (IQC) data from two laboratories for tests to monitor chronic kidney and thyroid disease.

Methods: We plotted moving means of the 50th percentiles of stratified patient data and of the daily IQC means. We evaluated observed instabilities based on goals inferred from the analytes’ biological variation and investigated their effect on classification of results against reference intervals.

Results: Patient and IQC data generally matched well, except for analytes, for which other than analytical variation sources prevailed. Analytical instabilities were predominantly due to reagent/calibrator lot changes, however, for immunoassays also to within-lot instabilities, urging frequent recalibrations. The relevance of biased results on medical decisions ranged from negligible to very pronounced, indicating the need for assessment of analytical performance in relation to quality goals inferred from biological variation.

Conclusions: Patient percentiles offer great potential to assess/monitor the medium- to long-term analytical stability of a test within certain constraints. Differences in analytical quality between assays can significantly affect medical outcome.
Strichartz estimates for partially periodic solutions to Schrödinger equations in 4d$4d$ and applications
Authors: Herr Sebastian , Tataru Daniel , Tzvetkov Nikolay
Published: January 2013

We consider the energy critical nonlinear Schrödinger equation on
periodic domains of the form

ℝ
m

×

𝕋

4
-
m

$\mathbb {R}^m\times \mathbb {T}^{4-m}$

with

m
=
0
,
1
,
2
,
3

$m =
0,1,2,3$

. Assuming that a certain L4
Strichartz estimate holds
for solutions to the corresponding linear Schrödinger equation, we
prove that the nonlinear problem is locally well-posed in the energy
space. Then we verify that the L4
estimate holds if

m
=
2
,
3

$m=2,3$

.
Motivational stage of change in young patients undergoing day treatment for eating disorders
Authors: Bustin Lisa A. , Lane-Loney Susan E. , Hollenbeak Christopher S. , Ornstein Rollyn M.
Published: January 2013

Background: The objective was to determine whether motivation to change is significantly altered over the course of partial hospitalization in children and adolescents with eating disorders (EDs).

Method: This study was a retrospective chart review of 30 sets of adolescents and their parents who completed the Motivational Stage of Change for Adolescents Recovering from an Eating Disorder (MSCARED) at both intake and discharge from partial hospitalization. The main outcome variables included change in stage of change (SOC) for patients and their parents. Secondary outcomes included correlations between SOC and other baseline variables, as well as changes in SOC and psychological test scores.

Results: The SOC was significantly higher at discharge than at intake in both the patients and parents, but the two groups were not in agreement at discharge. The change in the SOC was correlated with change in Children’s Eating Attitudes Test scores. Assessment of decisional balance showed correlations with SOC. Age, change in weight, and psychiatric diagnoses did not correlate with initial SOC.

Conclusion: The MSCARED may be a useful tool for monitoring young ED patients’ psychological improvements with day treatment. Initial SOC is not predictive of treatment outcomes.
Seed Persistence in Soil of Five Medic Cultivars in Southeastern Wyoming
Authors: Walsh Michael J. , Groose Robin W. , Obour Augustine K. , Claypool Dave A. , Delaney Ronald H. , Krall James M.
Published: January 2013

The success of annual medic pastures in ley farming systems is largely due to their ability to establish and maintain a viable seed bank from which these pastures can annually regenerate. A medic pod burial study was conducted to evaluate seed bank persistence of a range of commercially available and experimental annual medic lines under field conditions in southeastern Wyoming. The Medicago rigidula (L.) All. (tifton burclover) cultivar Laramie had the highest proportion of hard seed throughout the study period (1997–2001). After 5 yr of pod burial, this cultivar retained 56% of the original seed bank as hard seed within 5 cm of the soil profile depth. In contrast, the best of the Australian‐developed cultivars Santiago (burr medic [Medicago polymorpha L.]) maintained 48% hard seeds within 5 cm soil depth after 3 yr of pod burial. The remaining Australia developed cultivars maintained at least half the seed bank for just 1 yr at either the surface or 5 cm depth. Our results demonstrated that Laramie annual medic has the ability to produce a large and viable seed bank capable of persisting for an extended period in southeastern Wyoming ley farming systems.
Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization Effects on Soybean Seed Quality and Composition
Authors: Krueger Keaton , Goggi A. Susana , Mallarino Antonio P. , Mullen Russell E.
Published: January 2013

The effects of P and K fertilization on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed quality are unclear. Fertilization rates can have a positive effect on yield and composition in some growing locations and years but not in others. As the cost of soybean seed production increases, seed companies are interested in improving seed quality of soybeans possibly through increased soil fertilization. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of different levels of P and K fertilization on soybean seed quality defined as seed viability, vigor, and seed composition. Seed samples were obtained from a long‐term P and K fertilization trial. Phosphorus and K treatments were 0, 28, or 56 kg P ha−1 yr−1 and 0, 66, or 132 kg K ha−1 yr−1. Results indicated that excessive levels of P and K fertility decreased seed quality. Seed composition changed across sites and treatments, but changes were generally inconsistent. Total seed protein and oil were not significantly affected by P and K fertilization in most locations. However, linolenic acid concentrations increased with excessively high P and K fertilization while linoleic acid concentrations decreased only with P. These results indicate that excessively high levels of soil fertility may have negatively impacted seed quality.
Steer Intake, Digestion, and Ingestive Behavior of Switchgrass and Alfalfa Hays
Authors: Burns J. C. , Fisher D. S.
Published: January 2013

Perennial, warm‐season grasses cut for hay frequently have inadequate crude protein (CP) concentrations for acceptable ruminant performance. This study determined the influence of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a CP supplement to steers (Bos taurus) fed switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) hay harvested at the early‐heading stage. Diets of 100% switchgrass (SG) and 100% alfalfa (AL) were included along with 25, 50, and 75% mixtures of the hays making five treatments. Steer dry matter intake (DMI), whole tract dry matter digestibility (DMD), eating behavior, and masticate characteristics were estimated. Steer DMI averaged 1.35 kg 100 kg−1 body weight (BW) for 100% SG and increased linearly (P < 0.01) to 2.93 kg 100 kg−1 BW for 100% AL. Also, DMD increased linearly (P < 0.01) from 484 g kg−1 for 100% SG to 653 g kg−1 for 100% AL. Concentration of CP was 51 g kg−1 for SG and increased quadratically (P < 0.01) to 241 g kg−1 with increasing AL while neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) from 792 g kg−1 for SG to 407 g kg−1 for AL. Masticate in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) increased quadratically (P < 0.01) from 509 g kg−1 for SG to 660 g kg−1 in AL whereas CP increased linearly (P < 0.01) from 60 g kg−1 for SG to 230 g kg−1 in AL. Increasing AL of the as‐fed hay linearly decreased (P < 0.01) chews per gram of dry matter, IVDMD, and CP but increased quadratically (P < 0.01) chews per gram of NDF. Steers readily ate the SG:AL combinations; AL could thus provide a source of CP for SG based diets.
A multidimensional analysis of water poverty at local scale: application of improved water poverty index for Tunisia
Authors: Jemmali Hatem , Matoussi Mohamed Salah
Published: January 2013

Combining the measure of water availability and the socio-economic capacity to access it gives new insights in the fields of water resources management and poverty alleviation. This approach lets researchers think about new multidimensional water scarcity indexes that have contributed to the definition of the water poverty index (WPI). The methodology first used for the calculation of this aggregate index was based on an equally weighted average of its five components (resources, capacity, access, use and environment). The main objective of this paper is to improve this procedure by using an objective weighting scheme. For this purpose we use principal component analysis to give more weight to components with larger variance and to discard components with very small ones. This improved WPI is applied in the case of Tunisia. We have obtained relevant results which could help policy makers to devise better policies to alleviate water poverty in the Inland region which was where the Tunisian revolution began.
Water sector regulation in small island developing states: an application to Cape Verde
Authors: Marques Rui Cunha , Simões Pedro , Berg Sanford
Published: January 2013

Small island developing states (SIDs) present challenges for analysts and policy-makers who attempt to strengthen nationwide infrastructure. This study examines the case of one SID to illustrate how benchmarking can improve the performance of water utilities. The archipelago-nation of Cape Verde is characterized by severe water scarcity and relatively low income. These national characteristics have been considered the main constraints for the development of water supply services and for avoiding the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Analysts find a close relationship between the socioeconomic conditions of a country and the precarious quality of water services, including their level of coverage. Nevertheless, one of the goals for the creation in 2003 of a multi-sector regulator (ARE) was to improve sector performance in meeting citizens' expectations. To achieve significant network expansion and cost containment will require the regulator and operators to draw lessons from countries who have successfully addressed water issues despite comparable socioeconomic/hydrologic features. This study provides the rationale for a regulatory model based on performance indicators (to quantify and evaluate operator performance) and benchmarking/yardstick competition (to incentivize utility managers). It recommends a design for a performance evaluation system and discusses the major issues associated with its implementation.
Implementing an evolving human right through water and sanitation policy
Authors: Meier Benjamin Mason , Kayser Georgia Lyn , Amjad Urooj Quezon , Bartram Jamie
Published: January 2013

With water and sanitation vital to the public's health, there have been growing calls to accept water and sanitation as a human right and establish a rights-based framework for water policy. Through the development of international law, policymakers have increasingly specified water and sanitation as independent human rights. In this political development of human rights for water and sanitation, the authors find that the evolution of rights-based water and sanitation policy reached a milestone in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly's 2010 Resolution on the Human Right to Water and Sanitation. By memorializing international political recognition of these interconnected rights and the corresponding obligations of national governments, states provided a normative framework for expanded efforts to realize human rights through water and sanitation policy. Examining the opportunities created by this UN Resolution, this article analyzes the implementation of the human right to water and sanitation through global water governance, national water policy and water and sanitation outcomes. While obstacles remain in the implementation of this right, the authors conclude that the UN Resolution could have lasting benefits for public health.
An Accurate Method for the Qualitative Detection and Quantification of Mycobacterial Promoter Activity
Authors: Mishra Saurabh , Anand Deepak , Vijayarangan Namperumalsamy , Ajitkumar Parthasarathi
Published: January 2013

The present study was designed to determine the half-life of gfpm2+ mRNA, which encodes mycobacterial codon-optimised highly fluorescent GFPm2+ protein, and to find out whether mycobacterial promoter activity can be quantitated more accurately using the mRNA levels of the reporter gene, gfpm2+, than the fluorescence intensity of the GFPm2+ protein. Quantitative PCR of gfpm2+ mRNA in the pulse-chased samples of the rifampicin-treated Mycobacterium smeg-matis/gfpm2+ transformant showed the half-life of gfpm2+ mRNA to be 4.081 min. The levels of the gfpm2+ mRNA and the fluorescence intensity of the GFPm2+ protein, which were expressed by the promoters of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell division gene, ftsZ (MtftsZ), were determined using quantitative PCR and fluorescence spectrophotometry, respectively. The data revealed that quantification of mycobacterial promoter activity by determining the gfpm2+ mRNA levels is more accurate and statistically significant than the measurement of GFPm2+ fluorescence intensity, especially for weak promoters.
Variability parameters for yield components of different progeny types in an F3 maize population
Authors: Stojkovic Slavisa , Deletic Nebojsa , Aksic Miroljub , Bekovic Dragoljub , Djuric Vladan
Published: January 2013

This paper presents the investigation of F3 population 2002-30, created in
the Department of Maize, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad. At
first, about 150 plants of the studied population were selfed and
simultaneously crossed with the tester 1491x1496, in order to get
complementary S1 and HS progenies. After the harvest, 41 progenies of each
type were selected by the random sample method for the trials carried out in
Aleksinac, Leskovac, and Krusevac, as three studied environments, in RCB
design. Genetic variances were significantly higher in S1 progenies, with the
exception of root and stalk lodged plants percent and grain number per row,
where these differences were not significant. Phenotypic variances followed
the same tendency. The obtained values of broad-sense heritability were
significantly higher in S1 than in HS progenies. Low heritability values were
calculated only for root and stalk lodged plants percent. Cluster analysis
did not show any greater difference between S1 and HS progenies, neither in
distances nor in group definition, although there were significant
differences between them in genetic variances. However, one can see a lower
degree of distances between HS progenies.
Grouping genotypes and test environments by some cluster methods regarding genotype × environment interaction in multi-environment trials
Authors: Sabaghnia Naser , Karimizadeh Rahmatollah , Mohammadi Mohtasham
Published: January 2013

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important source of protein and
carbohydrate food for people of developing countries and is popular in some
developed countries where they are perceived as a healthy component of the
diet. Ten lentil genotypes were tested for grain yield in five different
environmental conditions, over two consecutive years to classify thes
genotypes for yield stability. Seed yield of lentil genotypes ranged from
989.3 to 1.367 kg ha-1 and the linear regression coefficient ranged from 0.75
to 1.18. The combined analysis of variance showed that the effect of
environment (E) and genotype by environment (GE) interaction were highly
significant while the main effect of genotype (G) was significant at 0.05
probability level. Four different cluster procedures were used for grouping
genotypes and environments. According to dendograms of regression methods for
lentil genotypes there were two different genotypic groups based on G plus GE
or GE sources. Also, the dendograms of ANOVA methods indicated 5 groups based
on G and GE sources and 4 groups based on GE sources. According to dendograms
of regression methods for environments there were 5 different groups based on
G plus GE sources while the dendograms of ANOVA methods indicated 9 groups
based on G and GE sources and 3 groups based on GE sources. The mentioned
groups were determined via F-test as an empirical stopping criterion for
clustering. The most responsive genotypes with high mean yield genotypes are
G2 (1145.3 kg ha-1), G8 (1200.2 kg ha-1) and G9 (1267.9 kg ha-1) and could be
recommended as the most favorable genotypes for farmers.
Dehydrogenase isoenzyme polymorphism in genus Prunus, subgenus Cerasus
Authors: Colic Slavica , Rakonjac Vera , Fotiric-Aksic Milica , Nikolic Dragan , Ognjanov Vladislav , Rahovic Dragan
Published: January 2013

Dehydrogenase polymorphism was studied in 36 sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.),
sweet cherry (Prunus avuim L.), mahaleb (Prunus mahaleb L.), ground cherry
(Prunus fruticosa Pall.), duke cherry (Prunus gondounii Redh.), Japanese
flowering cherry (Prunus serrulata Lindl.) and four iterspecific hybrids
(standard cherry rootstocks ?Gisela 5?, ?Gisela 6?, ?Max Ma? and ?Colt?).
Inner bark of one-year-old shoots, in dormant stage, was used for enzyme
extraction. Vertical PAGE was used for isoenzyme analysis: alcohol
dehydrogenase (ADH), formate dehydrogenase (FDH), glutamate dehydrogenase
(GDH), isocitrate dehydrogenaze (IDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH),
phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD), and shikimate dehydrogenase (SDH). All
studied systems were polymorphic at 10 loci: Adh -1 (3 genotypes) and Adh-2
(5 genotypes), Fdh-1 (2 genotypes), Gdh-1 (3 genotypes), Idh-1 (4 genotypes)
i Idh -2 (5 genotypes), Mdh-1 (3 genotypes), Pgd-1 (4 genotypes), Sdh-1 (1
genotype) i Sdh-2 (3 genotypes). Cluster analysis was used to construct
dendrogram on which four groups of similar genotypes were separated. Obtained
results indicate that studied enzyme systems can be used for determination of
genus Prunus, subgenus Cerasus. Among studied enzyme systems ADH, IDH and SDH
were the most polymorphic and most useful to identify genetic variability.
Polymorphism of FDH and GDH in genus Prunus, subgenus Cerasus was described
first time in this work. First results for dehydrogenase variability of
Oblacinska indicate that polymorphism of loci Idh-2 and Sdh-2 can be useful
for discrimination of different clones.
Phenotypic and genetic characterization of Botrytis cinerea isolates from tomato
Authors: Kuzmanovska Biljana , Rusevski Rade , Jankuloski Ljupcho , Jankulovska Mirjana , Ivic Dario , Bandzo Katerina
Published: January 2013

One hundred and twenty-three isolates of Botrytis cinerea were collected from
7 different areas in the Republic of Macedonia, where tomato is mostly grown
in greenhouses and high tunnels. Based on the mycelial formation, intensity
of sporulation and sclerotial production, 9 different phenotypes were
detected: 4 mycelial and 5 sclerotial. One sclerotial morphological type has
not been previously reported. The presence or absence of two transposable
elements, boty and flipper, was detected by PCR. Out of 123 isolates, 20 had
two transposable elements, boty and flipper (transposa genotype), 48 had
neither of these elements (vacuma genotype) and 55 had only the flipper
element (flipper genotype). Isolates that contain only boty element were not
detected. No relationship between the phenotypes, origin of isolates and the
presence/absence of transposable elements, boty and flipper, was found.
The usage of mutant genotypes in tomato selection for specific traits at the institute for vegetable crops
Authors: Zdravkovic Jasmina , Markovic Zivoslav , Zdravkovic Milan , Mijatovic Mirjana , Pavlovic Nenad
Published: January 2013

In order to find a superdominant gene for yield, a collection of 350 samples
with genes mutations and different expression in different phases of growth
and development: fruit size, leaf shape, plant architecture, number of
fruits, etc., has been studied (through multi-year research). Current seed
production at the Institute for Vegetable Crops in Smederevska Palanka
includes 26 hybrids and two in acceptation process, of different purposes and
characteristics. The most common mutation genes in tomato selection at the
Institute are: sp (self-pruning) inbuilt in determinant hybrids (Balkan F1,
Marko F1, Rebus F1) and varieties (Narvik SPF, SP-109, Adonis), u (uniform
ripening) - Lido F1, Atina F1, Danubius F1, rin (ripening inhibitor)- Nada
F1, Sampion F1, Sef F1, Sidra F1, Rebus F1, j (jointless) - Narvik, Adonis,
SP-109, c (potato leaf) - Mi-13, Enigma F1, Rebus F1, Ph -2 (Phytophtora
infestans resistance) - Luna F1, Zlatni jubilej F1, Sef F1. Quality of tomato
fruits is defined by two groups of genes which determinate the organoleptic
traits and nutrition composition. Organoleptic quality includes taste and
smell, colour and texture of fruits established in variety differences,
nutritive regime of plants, maturity phase and yield. Little is known about
gene regulation, responsible for variation of these traits.
The geosystems of complex geographical atlases
Authors: Jovanovic Jasmina
Published: January 2013

Complex geographical atlases represent geosystems of different hierarchical
rank, complexity and diversity, scale and connection. They represent a set of
large number of different pieces of information about geospace. Also, they
contain systematized, correlative and in the apparent form represented pieces
of information about space. The degree of information revealed in the atlas
is precisely explained by its content structure and the form of presentation.
The quality of atlas depends on the method of visualization of data and the
quality of geodata. Cartographic visualization represents cognitive process.
The analysis converts geospatial data into knowledge. A complex geographical
atlas represents information complex of spatial - temporal coordinated
database on geosystems of different complexity and territorial scope. Each
geographical atlas defines a concrete geosystem. Systemic organization
(structural and contextual) determines its complexity and concreteness. In
complex atlases, the attributes of geosystems are modeled and pieces of
information are given in systematized, graphically unique form. The atlas can
be considered as a database. In composing a database, semantic analysis of
data is important. The result of semantic modeling is expressed in
structuring of data information, in emphasizing logic connections between
phenomena and processes and in defining their classes according to the degree
of similarity. Accordingly, the efficiency of research of needed pieces of
information in the process of the database use is enabled. An atlas map has a
special power to integrate sets of geodata and present information contents
in user - friendly and understandable visual and tactile way using its visual
ability. Composing an atlas by systemic cartography requires the pieces of
information on concrete - defined geosystems of different hierarchical level,
the application of scientific methods and making of adequate number of
analytical, synthetic and complex maps. The essence of each database is its
model. The selection of model - the organization of database is very
important.
Serbian heavy clays behavior: Application in rough ceramics
Authors: Arsenovic Milica , Pezo Lato , Radojevic Zagorka , Stankovic Slavka
Published: January 2013

This study is focused on the behavior of five new deposits of heavy clays
from Serbia, with the aim to evaluate their potential suitability as raw
materials in rough ceramic applications. The Pfefferkorn plasticity
coefficient (PC) and drying susceptibility using Bigot?s curve were measured
for each raw sample. Thermodilatometric analysis (TDA) showed the behaviour
of dry products during firing. Samples groups were fired in the range of
850?C - 1000?C. Water absorption capacity (WAC) and compressive strength (CS)
were done in order to characterize clays after firing. Linear regression
models were used to fit the results. Mathematical tools were used to
determine statistical difference of major oxides content, shaping moist and
compressive strength of dry laboratory products, using post-hoc Tukey`s HSD
test. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of samples do not differ
considerably, but their possible application does. All studied clays seem to
be easily adaptable to a correct brick making process.
New 20-cm radio-continuum study of the small Magellanic cloud - part III: Compact Hii regions
Authors: Wong G.F. , Filipovic M.D. , Crawford E.J. , Tothill N.F.H. , de Horta , Galvin T.J.
Published: January 2013

We present and discuss a new catalogue of 48 compact Hii regions in the
Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and a newly created deep 1420 MHz (?=20 cm)
radio-continuum image of the N19 region located in the southwestern part
of the SMC. The new images were created by merging 1420 MHz radiocontinuum
archival data from the Australian Telescope Compact Array. The majority of
these detected radio compact Hii regions have rather flat spectral indices
which indicates, as expected, that the dominant emission mechanism is of
thermal nature.
Morphological characteristics of the developing proximal femur: A biomechanical perspective
Authors: Djuric Marija , Milovanovic Petar , Djonic Danijela , Minic Arsa , Hahn Michael
Published: January 2013

Introduction. In contrast to a plethora of studies on the proximal femur in
adults, its external and internal morphology in growing children has not been
sufficiently analyzed. Objective. We analyzed changes in external and
internal morphology of the proximal femur during growth and development to
interpret the links between them and concepts of the human femoral
biomechanics. Methods. We assessed external geometry, internal trabecular and
cortical arrangement, and bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur in
29 children (age at death from 1 month to 14 years) from archaeological
context by using microscopic and radiographic methods. Results. The results
showed that both the femoral neck width and length increased with age, with
the femoral neck becoming more elongated, while the collo-diaphyseal angle
decreased. A strong relationship between age and adjusted areal BMD was
found, showing continuous increase during childhood. Parallel trabecular
pattern at birth changed to mature three distinct trabecular groups
(longitudinal ? principal compressive, transversal ? tensile and randomly
scattered) starting from the age of 8 months. In older children the superior
and inferior aspects of the femoral neck differently changed with growth,
with medial neck having thicker cortex and trabeculae. Conclusion. In the
light of bone adaptation principle, the observed changes in external and
internal morphology are governed by mechanical forces acting on the
developing femur. Our findings on the development of trabecular pattern and
cortical distribution are compatible with recent views on the femoral
biomechanics which point out the predominance of compressive stresses in the
femoral neck, adaptation to shear stresses, multiaxial loading perspective,
prevalence of muscle effects over body weight, and existence of adaptational
eccentricity.
Aquatic exercise in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Dimitrijevic Lidija , Bjelakovic Bojko , Lazovic Milica , Stankovic Ivona , Colovic Hristina , Kocic Mirjana , Zlatanovic Dragan
Published: January 2013

Introduction. Aquatic exercise is one of the most popular supplementary
treatments for children with neuro-motor impairment, especially for cerebral
palsy (CP). As water reduces gravity force which increases postural
stability, a child with CP exercises more easily in water than on land.
Objective. The aim of the study was to examine aquatic exercise effects on
gross motor functioning, muscle tone and cardiorespiratory endurance in
children with spastic CP. Methods. The study included 19 children of both
sexes, aged 6 to 12 years, with spastic CP. They were included in a 12-week
aquatic exercise program, twice a week. Measurements of GMFM (Gross Motor
Function Measurement), spasticity (MAS ? Modified Ashworth Scale), heart rate
(HR) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were carried out before and
after treatment. The measurement results were compared before and after
treatment. Results. GMFM mean value before therapy was 80.2% and
statistically it was significantly lower in comparison to the same value
after therapy, which was 86.2% (p<0.05). The level of spasticity was
considerably decreased after therapy; the mean value before treatment was
3.21 according to MAS, and after treatment it was 1.95 (p<0.001). After
treatment there was a statistically significant improvement of
cardiorespiratory indurance, i.e., there was a significant decrease in the
mean value of HR and a significant increase of VO2max (p<0.001). Conclusion.
Aquatic exercise program can be useful in improving gross motor functioning,
reducing spasticity and increasing cardiorespiratory endurance in children
with spastic CP.
Seroprevalence study in Vojvodina (Serbia) following 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v
Authors: Petrovic Vladimir , Seguljev Zorica , Nedeljkovic Jasminka , Ristic Mioljub
Published: January 2013

Introduction. The seroprevalence study was performed in Vojvodina during May
and June 2010 in order to asses the effects of the 2009 pandemic influenza
A(H1N1)v epidemic on herd immunity. It was a part of the Serbian Ministry of
Health funded nationwide study. Objective. Prevalence of antibodies against
2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v was determined in a 1% sample of the
population monitored for influenza-like illness and acute respiratory
infections in Vojvodina through sentinel surveillance system. Methods. The
study sample involved a total of 1004 inhabitants of Vojvodina. The control
group consisted of randomly selected and age-adjusted 1054 sera collected in
the pre-pandemic period. Sera were tested by the reaction of hemagglutination
inhibition using influenza A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) antigen in dilution
from 1:8 to 1:256. Antibody titers ?1:32 and ?1:8 were considered protective
and diagnostic, respectively. Results. The differences between control and
study sera in all age groups were significant for both diagnostic ?1/8 and
protective titres ?1/32 of hemagglutination inhibition antibodies (chi square
test, p<0.001). The highest percentage of seropositive subjects was
registered in the age group 15-19 years followed by children aged 5-14 years.
Both diagnostic and protective titres were about twice higher in the
vaccinated as compared to the non-vaccinated group. There were no
statistically significant differences in seroprevalence between seven
districts of Vojvodina. Conclusion. The 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v
epidemic significantly influenced the herd immunity in our population
regardless of low immunization coverage with highest immunity levels in
adolescents aged 15-19 years and with similar herd immunity levels in all the
regions in the province six months after the outbreak.
Family paracentric inversion of the short arm of chromosome X (Xp21.2p11.23) and connection with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Pejovic-Milovancevic Milica , Vesic Marija , Jelisavcic Marko , Niksic Snezana , Radivojevic-Pilic Gordana , Mandic-Maravic Vanja
Published: January 2013

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of complex
pervasive developmental disorders characterized by impairments in
communication, social interaction and behavior. In most cases autism is
caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental risk factors. In
10% to 20% of cases it has been shown that the cause of ASD is genetic. Case
Outline. We are describing a 2-year-old boy who was referred to genetic
counseling because of speech delay and certain autism-like behavior. By
cytogenetic analysis the karyotype 46, inv(X),Y was obtained. The boy was a
carrier of a paracentric inversion of the short arm of the chromosome X.
After cytogenetic analysis of parental blood, it was detected that mother was
a carrier of identical aberration, but had no clinical signs. The method of
fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) yielded the precise breakpoint in
the region (p21.2p11.23). Mother and son were carriers of identical X
chromosome. Conclusion. Breakpoints are located in the regions that have
already been linked to autism, which indicates that the positional effect of
the gene could have been a possible cause of the patient?s genotype. In
addition to positional effects, in order to better understand the etiology of
autism other genetic and environmental factors should be always taken into
consideration.