Showing papers by "University of Zagreb published in 2002"

Summary of information on human cyp enzymes: human p450 metabolism data

Abstract: This chapter is an update of the data on substrates, reactions, inducers, and inhibitors of human CYP enzymes published previously by Rendic and DiCarlo (1), now covering selection of the literature through 2001 in the reference section. The data are presented in a tabular form (Table 1) to provide a framework for predicting and interpreting the new P450 metabolic data. The data are formatted in an Excel format as most suitable for off-line searching and management of the Web-database. The data are presented as stated by the author(s) and in the case when several references are cited the data are presented according to the latest published information. The searchable database is available either as an Excel file (for information contact the author), or as a Web-searchable database (Human P450 Metabolism Database, www.gentest.com) enabling the readers easy and quick approach to the latest updates on human CYP metabolic reactions.

Laminar Organization of the Human Fetal Cerebrum Revealed by Histochemical Markers and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract: The developing human cerebrum displays age-specific changes in its patterns of lamination. Among these, the subplate zone is the most prominent transient compartment because growing major afferent systems temporarily reside in this zone, establish synapses and take part in cellular interactions that are crucial for subsequent cortical development. We explored the potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for tracing the developmental history of the most prominent cortical layer (the subplate zone) and other laminar compartments of the fetal cerebral wall between 15 and 36 weeks post-ovulation. We found that changes in the MRI lamination pattern of the human fetal cerebral wall are predominantly caused by changes in the subplate zone. Histochemical staining of the extracellular matrix (ECM) enables selective visualization of the subplate zone and correlation with an increase in MRI signal intensity in the subplate zone and ingrowth and accumulation of thalamocortical and corticocortical afferents and their subsequent relocation to the cortical plate. Thus, dynamic changes in the MRI appearance of the subplate zone and histochemical staining of its ECM can be used as indirect parameters for an assessment of normal versus disturbed unfolding of crucial histogenetic events that are involved in prenatal shaping of the human cerebral cortex.

Kinetics of Formation and Dissolution of Weak Polyelectrolyte Multilayers: Role of Salt and Free Polyions

Abstract: The layer-by-layer deposition method to prepare multilayers of polyelectrolytes of alternating charge has been followed in situ by means of optical reflectometry experiments. It turns out that in solutions containing both polyelectrolyte and appropriate salts up to a certain concentration, the regular build up of multilayers is modified and becomes an adsorption/redissolution process. We explain this by taking into account (i) that during the regular multilayer formation process the macromolecules cannot equilibrate, (ii) that the added salt plasticizes the multilayer to a state where the molecules are sufficiently mobile to enable them to equilibrate between the layer and the surrounding solution, and (iii) that the presence of excess polyelectrolyte brings the system to a one-phase region of the polyelectrolyte complex phase diagram, implying that polyelectrolyte complexes must dissolve under these conditions.

Relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov model with density-dependent meson-nucleon couplings

Abstract: The relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) model is extended to include density-dependent meson-nucleon couplings. The effective Lagrangian is characterized by a phenomenological density dependence of the $\ensuremath{\sigma},$ $\ensuremath{\omega},$ and $\ensuremath{\rho}$ meson-nucleon vertex functions, adjusted to properties of nuclear matter and finite nuclei. Pairing correlations are described by the pairing part of the finite range Gogny interaction. The new density-dependent effective interaction DD-ME1 is tested in the analysis of the equations of state for symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter, and of ground-state properties of the Sn and Pb isotopic chains. Results of self-consistent RHB calculations are compared with experimental data, and with results previously obtained in the RHB model with nonlinear self-interactions, as well as in the density-dependent relativistic hadron field (DDRH) model. Parity-violating elastic electron scattering on Pb and Sn nuclei is calculated using a relativistic optical model with inclusion of Coulomb distortion effects, and the resulting asymmetry parameters are related to the neutron ground-state density distributions.

Correlation between the sequential ingrowth of afferents and transient patterns of cortical lamination in preterm infants

Abstract: Transient patterns of regional, laminar, modular, neuronal, and functional organization are essential features of the developing cerebral cortex in preterm infants. Analysis of cytological, histological, histochemical, functional, and behavioral parameters revealed that transient cerebral patterns develop and change rapidly between 24 weeks post ovulation (W) and birth. The major afferent fibers (thalamocortical, basal forebrain, and corticocortical) grow through the transient "waiting" subplate zone (SP) compartment and accumulate below the cortical plate (CP) between 22 and 26 W. These afferent fibers gradually penetrate the CP after 26 W. The prolonged process of dissolution of the SP can be explained by prolonged growth and maturation of associative connections in the human cerebral cortex. The neurons and circuitry elements of the transient layers are the substrate for transient functional and behavioral patterns. The predominance of deep synapses and deep dendritic maturation underlies the immaturity and different polarity of the cortical electrical response in the preterm infant. The significant changes in the transient SP, together with profound changes in the transient architecture of the neocortical plate, parallel the changes observed in recent MRI studies. The role of the SP in the formation of cortical connections and functions is an important factor in considering the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits after brain lesions in the preterm infant.

Reducing Variability to Improve Performance as a Lean Construction Principle

Abstract: Variability is common on construction projects and must be managed effectively. New management thinking, like that of lean production, has suggested that better labor and cost performance can be achieved by reducing output variability. Efforts to utilize lean thinking in construction, so far, have generated limited evidence to support this claim. This paper investigates the relationship between variability and project performance to test the notion that reducing output variability will result in improved labor performance. Using productivity data from concrete formwork activities on multiple projects, various measures of output variability are tested against construction performance. It is shown that variability in output is inevitable and that there is little correlation between output variability and project performance, but that variability in labor productivity is closely correlated to project performance. It is concluded that lean improvement initiatives should be redirected to adaptable workforce management capabilities to reduce variability in labor productivity instead of output in order to improve project performance.

The Effect of Removable Partial Dentures on Periodontal Health of Abutment and Non-Abutment Teeth

Abstract: Background: A removable partial denture (RPD) is a common treatment available for restoration of partially edentulous ridges. Longitudinal studies indicate that RPDs have been associated with increased gingivitis, periodontitis, and abutment mobility. Methods: A total of 205 patients with RPDs participated in this study. There were 80 males and 125 females aged 38 to 89, with 123 maxillary and 138 mandibular RPDs. Patients were wearing existing RPDs for different periods ranging from 1 to 10 years. A two-part questionnaire was devised for this study. In the first part, patients answered questions on gender; age; smoking habits; denture age; denture wearing habits; mouth odor; and problems with food accumulating under the denture base, on the outside surface of the denture, and on the outside surface of remaining teeth after eating. The Kennedy classification, material, denture support, denture base shape, and number of teeth in contact, number of existing clasps, and occlusal rests were categorized. The q...

Localization of major gangliosides in the PNS: implications for immune neuropathies

Abstract: Summary Antibodies targeting major gangliosides that are broadly distributed in the nervous system are some- times associated with clinical symptoms that imply selective nerve damage. For example, anti-GD1a anti- bodies are associated with acute motor axonal neuropa- thy (AMAN), a form of Guillain-Barresyndrome that selectively affects motor nerves, despite reports that GD1a is present in human axons and myelin and is not expressed differentially in motor versus sensory roots. We used a series of high-affinity monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the major nervous system gangliosides GM1, GD1a, GD1b and GT1b to test whether any of them bind motor or sensory fibres differentially in rodent and human peripheral nerves. The following observations were made. (i) Some of the anti-GD1a antibodies preferentially stained motor fibres, support- ing the association of human anti-GD1a antibodies with predominant motor neuropathies such as AMAN. (ii) A GD1b antibody preferentially stained the large dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones, in keeping with the pro- posed role of human anti-GD1b antibodies in sensory ataxic neuropathies. (iii) Two mAbs with broad struc- tural cross-reactivity bound to both gangliosides and peripheral nerve proteins. (iv) Myelin was poorly stained; all clones stained axons nearly exclusively. Our findings suggest that anti-ganglioside antibody fine specificity as well as differences in ganglioside access- ibility in axons and myelin influence the selectivity of injury to different fibre systems and cell types in human autoimmune neuropathies.

Dependence of nanocrystalline SnO2 particle size on synthesis route

Abstract: Very fine SnO2 powders were produced by (a) slow and (b) forced hydrolysis of aqueous SnCl4 solutions and (c) hydrolysis of tin(IV)-isopropoxide dissolved in isopropanol (sol–gel route) and then characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and laser Raman spectroscopies, TEM and BET. The XRD patterns showed the presence of the cassiterite structure. As found from XRD line broadening the crystallite sizes of all powders were in the nanometric range. TEM results also showed that the sizes of SnO2 particles in all powders are in nanometric range. Very fine SnO2 powders showed different features in the FT-IR spectra, depending on the route of their synthesis. The reference Raman spectrum of SnO2 showed four bands at 773, 630, 472 and 86 (shoulder) cm−1, as predicted by group theory. Very fine SnO2 powders showed additional Raman bands, in dependence on their synthesis. The broad Raman band at 571 cm−1 was ascribed to amorphous tin(IV)-hydrous oxide. The additional Raman bands at 500, 435 and 327 cm−1 were recorded for nanosized SnO2 particles produced by forced hydrolysis of SnCl4 solutions. However, these additional Raman bands were not observed for nanosized SnO2 particles produced by slow hydrolysis of SnCl4 solution or the sol–gel route. The aggregation effects of nanosized particles were considered in the interpretation of the Raman band at 327 cm−1. The method of low frequency Raman scattering was applied for SnO2 particle size determination. On the basis of these measurements it was concluded that the size of SnO2 particles was also in the nanometric range and that, the sol–gel particles heated to 400 °C consisted of several SnO2 crystallites.

Construction of discrete series for classical p-adic groups

Abstract: In this paper the authors complete the classification of irreducible square integrable representations of classical $p$-adic groups, assuming a natural assumption which is expected to hold in general. This classification implies a parameterization of irreducible tempered representations of these groups and it implies a classification of the non-unitary duals of these groups (modulo cuspidal data).

Genetic diversity and relationships in olive ( Olea europaea L.) germplasm collections as determined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA.

Abstract: Genetic diversity studies using the RAPD technique were carried out in a set of 103 olive cultivars from the World Germplasm Bank of the Centro de Investigacion y Formacion Agraria (CIFA) "Alameda del Obispo" in Cordoba (Spain). A total of 126 polymorphisms (6.0 polymorphic markers per primer) out of 135 reproducible products (6.4 fragments per primer) were obtained from the 21 primers used. The number of bands per primer ranged from 4 to 11, whereas the number of polymorphic bands ranged from 3 to 10, corresponding to 83% of the amplification products. The dendrogram based on unweighted pair-group cluster analysis using Jaccard's index includes three major groups according to their origin: (1) cultivars from the Eastern and Central Mediterranean areas, (2) some Italian and Spanish cultivars, and (3) cultivars from the Western Mediterranean zone. The pattern of genetic variation among olive cultivars from three different Mediterranean zones (West, Centre and East) was analysed by means of the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Although most of the genetic diversity was attributable to differences of cultivars within Mediterranean zones (96.86%) significant φ-values among zones (φst = 0.031; p < 0.001) suggested the existence of phenotypic differentiation. Furthermore, the AMOVA analysis was used to partition the phenotypic variation of Spain, Italy (Western region), Greece and Turkey (Eastern region) into four categories: among regions, among countries (within regions), within countries, and among and within countries of each region. Most of the genetic diversity was attributable to differences among genotypes within a country. These results are consistent with the predominantly allogamous nature of Olea europaea L. species. This paper indicates the importance of the study of the amount and distribution of genetic diversity for a better exploration of olive genetic resources and the design of plant breeding programmes.

Investigation of the Neupert effect in solar flares. I. Statistical properties and the evaporation model

Abstract: Based on a sample of 1114 flares observed simultaneously in hard X-rays (HXR) by the BATSE instrument and in soft X-rays (SXR) by GOES, we studied several aspects of the Neupert eect and its interpretation in the frame of the electron- beam-driven evaporation model. In particular, we investigated the time dierences (t) between the maximum of the SXR emission and the end of the HXR emission, which are expected to occur at almost the same time. Furthermore, we performed a detailed analysis of the SXR peak flux - HXR fluence relationship for the complete set of events, as well as separately for subsets of events which are likely compatible/incompatible with the timing expectations of the Neupert eect. The distribution of the time dierences reveals a pronounced peak att = 0. About half of the events show a timing behavior which can be considered to be consistent with the expectations from the Neupert eect. For these events, a high correlation between the SXR peak flux and the HXR fluence is obtained, indicative of electron-beam-driven evaporation. However, there is also a significant fraction of flares (about one fourth), which show strong deviations fromt= 0, with a prolonged increase of the SXR emission distinctly beyond the end of the HXR emission. These results suggest that electron-beam-driven evaporation plays an important role in solar flares. Yet, in a significant fraction of events, there is also clear evidence for the presence of an additional energy transport mechanism other than nonthermal electron beams, where the relative contribution is found to vary with the flare importance.

Color Confirmation of Asteroid Families

Abstract: We discuss optical colors of 10,592 asteroids with known orbits selected from a sample of 58,000 moving objects observed by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. This is more than 10 times larger than any sample that includes both orbital parameters and multiband photometric measurements previously available. We confirm that asteroid dynamical families, defined as clusters in orbital parameter space, also strongly segregate in color space. In particular, we demonstrate that the three major asteroid families (Eos, Koronis, and Themis) together with the Vesta family represent four main asteroid color types. Their distinctive optical colors indicate that the variations in chemical composition within a family are much smaller than the compositional differences between families, and they strongly support earlier suggestions that asteroids belonging to a particular family have a common origin. We estimate that over 90% of asteroids belong to families.

Predictors of IVF outcome by three-dimensional ultrasound

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Our study was designed to evaluate whether ovarian antral follicle number, ovarian volume, stromal area and ovarian stromal blood flow are predictive of ovarian response and IVF outcome. A total of 56 women with normal basal serum FSH concentrations who had no history of ovarian surgery, no ovarian and/or uterine pathology, were non-smokers and undergoing their first IVF cycle using a standard long GnRH agonist protocol were examined. METHODS: Total ovarian antral follicle number, total ovarian volume, total stromal area and mean flow index (FI) of the ovarian stromal blood flow were determined by three-dimensional (3D) and power Doppler ultrasound after pituitary suppression. Pretreatment 3D ultrasound ovarian measurements were compared with subsequent ovulation induction parameters [peak estradiol (E 2 ) on HCG administration day and number of oocytes] and cycle outcome (fertilization and pregnancy rates). RESULTS: The total antral follicle number achieved the best predictive value for favourable IVF outcome, followed by ovarian stromal FI, peak E 2 on HCG administration day, total ovarian volume, total ovarian stromal area and age. Using these six parameters, we were able to predict a favourable IVF outcome in 50% (11/22) of patients and poor outcome in 85% (29/34) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional ultrasound facilitates determination of the antral follicle number, ovarian volume calculation, evaluation of the ovarian stroma and analysis of the intensity of ovarian stromal blood flow in a short time without increasing the patient's discomfort.

Composite conversion and temperature rise using a conventional, plasma arc, and an experimental blue LED curing unit

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and temperature rise in three different composite materials when illuminated by an experimental light source [blue superbright light emitting diodes (LEDs)] and compared with plasma light and traditional photopolymerization unit. The degree of conversion and temperature rise were measured using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and digital multimeter, respectively. The results revealed significantly higher degree of conversion values in case of conventional curing than with other two light sources whereas temperature rise was significantly lower when blue LEDs and plasma light were used. There were great differences in light intensities between blue LEDs of only 9 mW cm-2 compared with plasma light of 1370 mW cm-2 and Elipar II of 560 mW cm-2. Better match of LED spectral distribution peak to camphorquinone absorption distribution peak probably explains much lower intensities used for similar photopolymerization effect like in the case of rapid plasma lamp curing.

Flare waves observed in Helium I 10 830 Å - A link between Hα Moreton and EIT waves

Abstract: Three traveling disturbances recorded in the absorption line of Helium I at 10830 A (HeI), analogous to HαMoreton waves, are analyzed. The morphology and kinematics of the wavefronts are described in detail. The HeI wave appears as an expanding arc of increased absorption roughly corresponding to the Hα disturbance, although not as sharply defined. HeI perturbations consist of a relatively uniform diffuse component and a patchy one that appears as enhanced absorption in HeI mottles. It leads the Hα front by some 20 Mm and can be followed to considerably larger distances than in Hα observations. Behind the front stationary areas of reduced HeI absorption develop, resembling EUV coronal dimming. The observed HeI as well as the Hα disturbances show a deceleration of the order of 100-1000 ms −2 . Moreover, in the event where Hα ,H eI, and EUV wavefronts are observed, all of them follow closely related kinematical curves, indicating that they are a consequence of a common disturbance. The analysis of spatial perturbation profiles indicates that HeI disturbances consist of a forerunner and a main dip,the latterbeing cospatial withthe Hαdisturbance. The properties and behavior of the wavefronts can be comprehended as a consequence of a fast-mode MHD coronal shock whose front is weakly inclined to the solar surface. The Hα disturbance and the main HeI dip are a consequence of the pressure jump in the corona behind the shock front. The HeI forerunner might be caused by thermal conduction from the oblique shock segments ahead of the shock-chromosphere intersection, or by electron beams accelerated in the quasi-perpendicular section of the shock.

Mobile push: delivering content to mobile users

Abstract: The increasing popularity of information services that rely on content delivery in mobile environments motivates the need for a mobile push service - an efficient and flexible content dissemination service that targets mobile users. We analyze the features of a mobile push service by investigating representative usage scenarios and propose an architecture for mobile content delivery systems. The architecture is based on the publish/subscribe (P/S) paradigm which supports many-to-many interaction of loosely-coupled entities. We define the set of services that need to collaborate with the P/S infrastructure to address the dynamics of mobile environments.

Comparison of Positions and Magnitudes of Asteroids Observed in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey with Those Predicted for Known Asteroids

Abstract: We positionally correlate known asteroids with a sample of ~18,000 asteroids detected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We find 2641 unique matches, which represent the largest sample of asteroids with both accurate multicolor photometry and known orbital parameters. The matched objects are predominantly bright and demonstrate that the SDSS photometric pipeline recovers ~90% of the known asteroids in the observed region. For the recovered asteroids, we find a large offset (~0.4 mag) between Johnson V magnitudes derived from SDSS photometry and the predicted magnitudes. This offset varies with the asteroid color, from 0.34 mag for blue asteroids to 0.44 mag for red asteroids, and is probably caused by the use of unfiltered CCD observations in the majority of recent asteroid surveys. This systematic photometric error leads to an overestimate of the number of asteroids brighter than a given absolute magnitude limit by a factor of ~1.7. The distribution of the matched asteroids in orbital parameter space indicates strong color segregation. We confirm that some families are dominated by a single asteroid type (e.g., the Koronis family by red asteroids and the Themis family by blue asteroids), while others appear to be a mixture of blue and red objects (e.g., the Nysa-Polana family). Asteroids with the bluest i*-z* colors, which can be associated with the Vesta family, show particularly striking localization in orbital parameter space.

Prenatal diagnosis: what does four-dimensional ultrasound add?

Abstract: Introduction: The key benefit of 4D ultrasound lies in providing real-time 3D images of embryonic or fetal movements, previously limited by technological advancement. Aim: To classify types of first trimester embryonic and fetal movements in normal pregnancies as seen by 4D sonography. Results: Three types of movements can be visualized in the first trimester: gross body between seven and eight weeks, limb movements after ten weeks and complex limb movements after 11 weeks of gestation. Discussion: An alteration from the given pattern of motoric development should be considered as an indication for further investigation. Conclusion: 4D ultrasound enables visualization of more details of the dynamics of small anatomical structures. Therefore, body and limb movements can be visualized a week earlier than with 2D.

The Proton Affinity of the Superbase 1,8‐Bis(tetramethylguanidino)naphthalene (TMGN) and Some Related Compounds: A Theoretical Study

Abstract: The spatial and electronic structure of the very strong neutral organic bases bis(tetramethylguanidino)naphthalene (TMGN), 4,5-bis(tetramethylguanidino)fluorene (TMGF) and some related compounds are explored by ab initio computational methods. Their affinity towards the proton is scrutinized both in the gas phase and in solution in acetonitrile. The protonation at the most basic center (the imine nitrogen) yields asymmetric and relatively strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IHB). It is found that the angular strain effect and steric repulsion practically vanish in TMGN which implies that its high absolute proton affinity (APA) has its origin in the inherent basicity of the guanidine fragment and a relatively strong IHB in [TMGN]H(+). The nonbonded repulsions in TMGF are higher than in TMGN, which in conjunction with a slightly stronger IHB in the corresponding conjugate acid makes it more basic: APA(TMGF)>APA(TMGN). An interesting new phenomenon is observed in both TMGN and TMGF: the proton triggers the resonance stabilization not only in the directly bonded guanidine moiety, but also in the other guanidine fragment which is more distant from the proton, albeit in a less pronounced manner. The latter feature is termed a partial protonation. This supports the hydrogen bonding and contributes to the IHB stabilization. Convincing evidence is presented that the solvent effect in acetonitrile is determined by two antagonistic factors: 1) the intrinsic (gas phase) proton affinity and 2) the size effect which is given by the ratio between the positive charge in molecular cation (conjugate acid) and the magnitude of the molecular surface. The resulting pK(a) values are given by an interplay of these factors.

Identification and characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces paradoxus strains isolated from Croatian vineyards.

Abstract: The identification, differentiation and characterization of indigenous Saccharomyces sensu stricto strains isolated from Croatian vineyards and the evaluation of their oenological potential. A total of 47 Saccharomyces sensu stricto strains were isolated from Chardonnay grapes and identified by physiological and molecular genetic methods. By using the standard physiological and biochemical tests, six isolates were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 41 as Saccharomyces paradoxus. However, PCR-RFLP analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) region of the 18S ribosomal DNA identified 12 of the isolates as S.cerevisiae and 35 as S. paradoxus. Fermentation trials in a grape juice medium showed that these isolates ferment vigorously at 18 °C and display tolerance to high levels of ethanol. None of these isolates appeared to produce either hydrogen sulphide or killer toxins. Saccharomyces paradoxus, possessing potentially important oenological characteristics, occurs in much higher numbers than S. cerevisiae in the indigenous population of Saccharomyces sensu stricto strains in Croatian vineyards. Significance and Impact of the Study: this study forms an essential step towards the preservation and exploitation of the hidden oenological potential of the untapped wealth of yeast biodiversity in the Croatian grape-growing regions. The results obtained demonstrate the value of using molecular genetic methods, such as PCR-RFLP analyses, in conjunction with the traditional taxonomic methods based on phenotypic characteristics in such ecotaxonomic surveys. The results also shed some light on the ecology and oenological potential of S.paradoxus, which is considered to be the natural parent species of the domesticated species of the Saccharomyces sensu stricto group.