Genetic characterization of the yugoslavian shepherd dog-sharplanina, a livestock guard dog from the western balkans

Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog-Sharplanina (YSD) is a livestock guard dog from the Western Balkans present in this region over a long time, but recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as a distinct breed as late as 1957. However, the information regarding the origin and the size of the breed's foundation stock is still lacking. In order to contribute towards better understanding of the genetic make-up of the YSD and its foundation stock, we re-analyzed previously generated genetic profiles of 94 registered YSD dogs assessed with nine nuclear microsatellites. Studied individuals comprised 90 unrelated dogs and two pairs of full-sibs, sampled at four sampling sites: Three dog shows and at a military training centre for dogs in Serbia. We supported earlier findings on high levels of genetic diversity in YSD (HE=0.728±0.027) and lack of inbreeding, and revealed substructure of the breed because we found two distinct gene pools in the Bayesian clustering analysis, indicated also by the excess of homozygotes (i.e., Wahlund effect) and outcomes of other analyses: Linkage disequilibrium tests, Neighbour-Joining tree, principal coordinates and two-dimensional scaling analyses. The two gene pools were almost equally represented at each sampling site. One gene pool was composed of individuals with high genetic integrity, while the other gene pool was characterized with admixed ancestry, developed possibly via hybridization with native breeding stock outside the registry system, other breeds, such as the Caucasian Shepherd, and/or individuals admixed with wolves. Thus, we demonstrate rather complex and diverse ancestry implying a genetically heterogeneous foundation stock of the YSD.Jugoslovenski ovčarski pas – šarplaninac (JOP) je pastirski pas sa prostora Zapadnog Balkana na kojem je prisutan od davnina, iako je kao zasebna rasa prepoznat od strane Međunarodne kinološke federacije (FCI) tek 1957. godine. Međutim, podaci o veličini i poreklu osnivačke populacije JOP još uvek su nepoznati. U cilju doprinosa boljem razumevanju genetičke strukture i osnivačke populacije ove rase, izvršili smo dodatnu analizu prethodno objavljenih genetičkih profila 94 jedinke pasa rase JOP (90 pasa koji nisu u srodstvu i dva para punih srodnika uzorkovanih na tri izložbe pasa i u vojnom centru za obuku pasa) utvrđenih na osnovu varijabilnosti devet jedarnih mikrosatelita. Rezultati našeg istraživanja su potvrdili prethodne navode koji se odnose na visok stepen genetičkog diverziteta u ispitivanoj populaciji JOP (HE=0.728±0.027) i nizak stepen ukrštanja u srodstvu, ali i pokazali moguću genetičku strukturu ove rase. Naime, primenom Bajesove metode grupisanja, kao i na osnovu grupisanja po metodi najbližih suseda, nalaza o suvišku homozigota (tzv. Valundov efekat), testova neravnoteže vezanosti gena, analize glavnih komponenti i dvodimenzionalnog skaliranja, ustanovili smo postojanje dve različite genetičke grupe. Jedinke iz obe genetičke grupe bile su približno jednako zastupljene na svim mestima uzorkovanja. Jedna grupa obuhvatala je jedinke sa visokim genetičkim integritetom, dok su drugu grupu činile jedinke hibridnih genetičkih profila, koji su mogli nastali ukrštanjem sa neregistovanim psima koji su u tipu JOP ili sa drugim rasama, kao što je kavkaski ovčar, i/ili sa hibridima nastalih ukrštanjem sa vukovima. Sumirano, ovim istraživanjem ustanovljeno je veoma složeno i raznoliko poreklo JOP, što ukazuje na genetički heterogen karakter osnivačke populacije ove rase

Mathematical modelling of thermal behaviour of cylindrical roller bearing for towed railway vehicles

U radu je prikazan matematički model za predviđanje toplinskog ponašanja valjnog ležaja s valjčićima za uležištenje vučenih željezničkih vozila. Matematički model omogućava izračunavanje generirane topline uslijed podmazivanja, radijalnog i aksijalnog opterećenja za različite brzine gibanja vlaka. U radu je također prikazan način izračunavanja koeficijenata provođenja i prevođenja topline u ležaju. Uporabom programskog sustava opće namjene na bazi metode konačnih elemenata analizirano je toplinsko ponašanje valjnog ležaja s valjčićima za vučena željeznička vozila. Metodom konačnih elemenata određene su vrijednosti temperature ležaja u ovisnosti o brzini gibanja vlaka (v = 20 km/h, v = 40 km/h, v = 60 km/h, v = 80 km/h i v = 100 km/h), polumjera zakrivljenosti zavoja (R = 500 m), ambijentalne temperature od 20 °C i visine nadvišenja pruge u krivini (h = 110 mm, h = 140 mm, h = 180 mm).This paper presents a mathematical model for the prediction of the thermal behaviour of a cylindrical roller bearing for axle assembly of the wheel set of the towed railway vehicles. The mathematical model allows for the heat generated due to lubrication, radial and axial loads at different speeds of the train to be calculated. The method of calculating of the heat conducting and converting coefficients in the bearing is also shown. By using the general purpose software system based on the finite elements method, the thermal behaviour of the above mentioned cylindrical roller bearings was analysed. Temperature values of the bearings are determined by the finite elements method values depending on the speed of the train movement on a straight-line section and the curve (v = 20 km/h, v = 40 km/h, v = 60 km/h, v = 80 km/h and v = 100 km/h), the curve radius (R = 500 m), the ambient temperature of 20 °C and the cant height (h = 110 mm, h = 140 mm, h = 180 mm)

Biocompatible nanoemulsions as a tool for preclinical testing of CW-02-79, a pyrazoloquinolinone modulator of sigma-2 receptors: preformulation and formulation studies

INTRODUCTION Recently, the modulation of sigma-2 receptors localized in the brain is proposed to be linked with regulation of mood, anxiety, and cognition [1]. Hence, we hypothesized that novel patent-protected ligand of the pyrazoloquinolinone chemotype (CW-02-79) with a substantial binding affinity for sigma-2 receptors may have a distinct pharmacological profile useful for the treatment of mood, anxiety, and/or cognitive symptoms that usually accompany numerous psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Having in mind that the neuroimmune mechanisms play an important role in pathogenesis of various emotional and cognitive impairments, we aim to test whether modulation of sigma-2 receptors with CW-02-79 results in substantial improvements in neuroimmune and/or behavioral outputs in in vitro cell platforms consisting of human induced pluripotent stem cells and in vivo animal models made to mimic a compromised neuroimmune status. However, very low water solubility of CW-02-79 hinders its administration and reliable efficacy and safety in vitro/in vivo evaluation. In order to avoid usage of non-physiological solvents/vehicles such as dimethyl sulfoxide and consequently, vehicle-related safety issues, nanoemulsions based on biocompatible excipients could be a promising tool for effective preclinical testing of the selected drug candidate. Therefore, firstly, this study aimed to develop biocompatible nanoemulsions (NEs), as carrier for CW-02-79, tailored for the described preclinical studies, using high pressure homogenization (HPH) method. As a first step, preformulation studies were performed to obtain insight into the key properties of CW-02-79 required for further stages of formulation development. Afterward, during NE preparation, the influence of formulation and process parameters on particle size was investigated to obtain NEs with small and uniform particle size suitable for parenteral administration. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS Materials For the preparation of NEs the following ingredients were used: CW-02-79 (synthesized at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, WI, USA), medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) (Fagron GmbH & KG, Germany), castor oil, polysorbate 80, butylhydroxytoluene, glycerol (Sigma-Aldrich GmbH, Germany), soybean lecithin (Lipoid S75; Lipoid GmbH, Germany) and ultrapure water. Preformulation Studies The solubility of CW-02-79 in different oils and oil mixtures, distilled water, 0.1 M hydrochloride acid, phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), commonly used organic solvents (isopropanol, methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide) at 25 °C was investigated by the shake flask method. CW-02-79 concentration in the obtained supernatants was measured by LC-MS/MS. To gain certain insight into the physical state of CW-02-79, polarization microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC 1, Mettler–Toledo AG, Switzerland) were used. Preparation and Characterization of NEs Blank and CW-02-79-loaded NEs were prepared by varying the content of the oil phase (20%/30%, w/w) and process parameters (number of homogenization cycles), using hot HPH (EmulsiFlex-C3, Avestin Inc., Canada) at 800 bar and 50°C. The oil to surfactant ratio was kept constant (5:1, w/w) in all tested formulations. Droplet size (Z-ave), polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP) of corresponding NEs, after proper dilution, were determined using Zetasizer Nano ZS90 (Malvern Instruments Ltd., UK). Conductivity and pH value were measured by the conductometer (CDM230 Radiometer, Denmark) and pH meter (HI 9321, Hanna Instruments Inc, USA), respectively. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Substance CW-02-79 appeared as a yellow powder, with broad particle size distribution. Results of the solubility study showed that, among the tested oils, the highest solubility of CW-02-79 was achieved in MCT-castor oil mixture (1:1, w/w) which was chosen as the oil phase for NE development. Elevated temperature (50°C) and presence of soybean lecithin as a solubilizer contributed to the loading of the target 2 mg/ml concentration, without precipitation during the storage. After the oil phase selection, blank and CW-02-79-loaded NEs were prepared by varying the content of oil phase, 20% and 30%, w/w (increasing the oil content would reduce the volume to be injected). Polysorbate 80 was added as an additional stabilizer and functional excipient due to its tendency to enhance brain uptake of drugs by acting as P-glycoprotein inhibitor, stealth agent or promoter of receptor-mediated endocytosis [2]. Simultaneously, the impact of the number of homogenization cycles on critical quality attributes of NEs (Z-ave and PDI) was tested. The observed increase in droplet size distribution (Figure 1) with increasing the number of homogenization cycles (> 8 cycles) could be attributed to over-processing (probably caused by increased droplet collision and re-coalescence rates or by insufficient emulsifier concentration in relation to the increasing interfacial area). Interestingly, although larger oil volume fractions generally lead to increased droplet collisions and hence larger droplet size [3], no statistically significant difference regarding droplet size was observed between formulations prepared with 20 and 30% of the oil phase (at 7 HPH cycles, 800 bar, 50°C). Likewise, a relatively narrow particle size distribution (PDI < 0.15) was observed, suggesting that the developed NEs were suitable for parenteral application. Moreover, satisfactory values were observed for all other tested physicochemical parameters (Table 2). Absolute ZP values were above 30 mV, indicating good stability of the system. Furthermore, the incorporation of CW-02-79 did not exert any influence on NE physicochemical properties, irrespective of the oil content. In conclusion, although the formulation prepared with 30% of the oil phase had satisfying physicochemical properties, its relatively high viscosity can restrict syringeability and injectability. On the other hand, owing to satisfying solubilization capacity for CW-02-79 as well as small and uniform droplet size and low viscosity, NE prepared with 20% of the oil phase represents a promising carrier worth exploring further to support the preclinical progress of CW-02-79

Numerical simulation of dynamic loads at the steam pipe line of the thermal power plant 'Nikola Tesla B”

Određivanje dinamičkih sila kojima nestacionarna struja fluida deluje na cevovod je neophodno u cilju sagledavanja maksimalnih naprezanja koja deluju na strukturu, spojeve i oslonce, odnosno u cilju dobijanja podloga za projektovanje ovih elemenata na maksimalna dinamička naprezanja. U radu su prikazani metodologija i rezultati računarske simulacije nestacionarnih gasodinamičkih sila koje deluju na parovod tople međupregrejane pare termoelektrane „Nikola Tesla B”. Nestacionarne gasodinamičke sile nastaju usled nestacionarnog strujanja radnog fluida pri delovanju sigurnosno-zaštitnih sistema. Zatvaranje pregradnih ventila ispred tur bine srednjeg pritiska zaustavlja protok pare i dovodi do porasta pritiska ispred pregradnih ventila, i prostiranja i superponiranja talasa pritiska duž parovoda, što izaziva dopunska dinamička opterećenja parovoda. Određivanje dinamičkih fluidnih sila se vrši zajedno sa simulacijom nestacionarnog strujanja pare. Simulacija strujanja i određivanje fluidnih dinamičkih sila su sprovedeni pomoću računarskog programa TEA razvijenog na Mašinskom fakultetu u Beogradu. Dobijeni rezultati su korišćeni u okviru revizije inostranog projekta rekonstrukcije (zamene) parovoda međupregrejane pare na termoelektrani „Nikola Tesla B”. Rezultati proračuna dobijeni programom TEA su upoređeni sa rezultatima inostranog računarskog programa SHOCK i dobijeno je prihvatljivo slaganje.Prediction of the transient fluid dynamic forces that act on the pipe line structure, junctions and supports are important in order to predict the maximum design loads. The paper presents the methodology and results of the fluid dynamic forces prediction for the reheated steam pipe line at the Thermal Power Plant ”Nikola Tesla B”. The dynamic forces are induced by fluid transient flow caused by the action of the plant safety system. Closure of the isolation valves in front of the intermediate pressure turbine stops the steam flow and leads to the in crease of pres sure in front of the isolation valves, pressure waves propagation and super position along the pipe line, which cause additional dynamic loading of the pipe line structure. Prediction of the fluid dynamic forces is performed simultaneously with the simulation of the transient fluid flow. Transient simulation of fluid flow and calculation of fluid-dynamic forces are performed with the computer code TEA (Transient Evaluation Analyses), which is developed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade. Obtained results are used for the review of a foreign project on the reconstruction (replacement) of steam pipeline in Thermal Power Plant ”Nikola Tesla B”. Results obtained with the computer code TEA are compared with results of foreign computer code SHOCK. Acceptably agreement is achieved

Numerical simulation of dynamic loads at the steam pipe line of the thermal power plant 'Nikola Tesla B”

Određivanje dinamičkih sila kojima nestacionarna struja fluida deluje na cevovod je neophodno u cilju sagledavanja maksimalnih naprezanja koja deluju na strukturu, spojeve i oslonce, odnosno u cilju dobijanja podloga za projektovanje ovih elemenata na maksimalna dinamička naprezanja. U radu su prikazani metodologija i rezultati računarske simulacije nestacionarnih gasodinamičkih sila koje deluju na parovod tople međupregrejane pare termoelektrane „Nikola Tesla B”. Nestacionarne gasodinamičke sile nastaju usled nestacionarnog strujanja radnog fluida pri delovanju sigurnosno-zaštitnih sistema. Zatvaranje pregradnih ventila ispred tur bine srednjeg pritiska zaustavlja protok pare i dovodi do porasta pritiska ispred pregradnih ventila, i prostiranja i superponiranja talasa pritiska duž parovoda, što izaziva dopunska dinamička opterećenja parovoda. Određivanje dinamičkih fluidnih sila se vrši zajedno sa simulacijom nestacionarnog strujanja pare. Simulacija strujanja i određivanje fluidnih dinamičkih sila su sprovedeni pomoću računarskog programa TEA razvijenog na Mašinskom fakultetu u Beogradu. Dobijeni rezultati su korišćeni u okviru revizije inostranog projekta rekonstrukcije (zamene) parovoda međupregrejane pare na termoelektrani „Nikola Tesla B”. Rezultati proračuna dobijeni programom TEA su upoređeni sa rezultatima inostranog računarskog programa SHOCK i dobijeno je prihvatljivo slaganje.Prediction of the transient fluid dynamic forces that act on the pipe line structure, junctions and supports are important in order to predict the maximum design loads. The paper presents the methodology and results of the fluid dynamic forces prediction for the reheated steam pipe line at the Thermal Power Plant ”Nikola Tesla B”. The dynamic forces are induced by fluid transient flow caused by the action of the plant safety system. Closure of the isolation valves in front of the intermediate pressure turbine stops the steam flow and leads to the in crease of pres sure in front of the isolation valves, pressure waves propagation and super position along the pipe line, which cause additional dynamic loading of the pipe line structure. Prediction of the fluid dynamic forces is performed simultaneously with the simulation of the transient fluid flow. Transient simulation of fluid flow and calculation of fluid-dynamic forces are performed with the computer code TEA (Transient Evaluation Analyses), which is developed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade. Obtained results are used for the review of a foreign project on the reconstruction (replacement) of steam pipeline in Thermal Power Plant ”Nikola Tesla B”. Results obtained with the computer code TEA are compared with results of foreign computer code SHOCK. Acceptably agreement is achieved

Far infrared properties of iron doped single crystal PbTe

Far infrared reflectivity spectra of single crystal PbTe samples doped with 0.2 at% Fe were measured in the temperature range between 10 K and 300 K. These spectra show very sharp and narrow dips below 120 cm-1. The experimental data were numerically analyzed using a fitting procedure based on the plasmon-phonon interaction model. Two local modes were observed. The first one was noted between 130 cm-1 and 170 cm-1 depending on the temperature and the second more frequency stable one was noted at about 230 cm-1

Supplementary data for the article: Jovanovic, P.; Jeremic, S.; Djokic, L.; Savic, V.; Radivojevic, J.; Maslak, V.; Ivkovic, B.; Vasiljevic, B.; Nikodinovic-Runic, J. Chemoselective Biocatalytic Reduction of Conjugated Nitroalkenes: New Application for an Escherichia Coli BL21(DE3) Expression Strain. Enzyme Microb. Technol. 2014, 60, 16–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enzmictec.2014.03.010

Supplementary material for: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enzmictec.2014.03.010]Related to published version: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1786

Outdoor human thermal comfort in local climate zones of Novi Sad (Serbia) during heat wave period

Urban climate monitoring system (UCMS) was established in Novi Sad (Serbia) in 2014 based on the Local Climate Zones (LCZs) classification system, GIS model calculations and field work. Seven built and two land cover LCZ types were delineated and 27 stations equipped with air temperature and relative humidity sensors were distributed across all LCZs. Suitability of the developed monitoring system for human outdoor thermal comfort research in different LCZs of the city and its surroundings was investigated during a heat wave period using Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) index. During the daytime (night-time) the highest thermal loads are present in open midrise (compact midrise) LCZ, while the most comfortable is LCZ A (dense trees) during the whole day. In general, the highest thermal loads are obtained in midrise, followed by low-rise, sparsely built, low plants and dense trees LCZs. All LCZs (except LCZ A - dense trees) had higher PET when compared to LCZ D (LCZ D - low plants) during evening and nocturnal hours with maximum difference of 7.1 °C (00 UTC) between LCZ 2 (compact midrise) and LCZ D (low plants). Contrary to this, LCZ D (low plants) had higher PET compared to the majority of LCZs during the daytime with maximum difference of 8.5 °C (9 UTC) when compared to LCZ A (dense trees). Furthermore, the smallest thermal comfort differences during heat wave occurred between LCZs with similar structure (i.e. open low-rise and large low-rise, compact midrise and compact low-rise) and cover (i.e. sparsely built and low plants)

Clinical Benefits of n-3 PUFA and ɤ-Linolenic Acid in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

(1) Background: Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and (sic)-linolenic acid (GLA) are well-known anti-inflammatory agents that may help in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Their effects were examined in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; (2) Methods: Sixty patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were involved in a prospective, randomized trial of a 12 week supplementation with fish oil (group I), fish oil with primrose evening oil (group II), or with no supplementation (group III). Clinical and laboratory evaluations were done at the beginning and at the end of the study; (3) Results: The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28 score), number of tender joints and visual analogue scale (VAS) score decreased notably after supplementation in groups I and II (p lt 0.001). In plasma phospholipids the n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio declined from 15.47 +/- 5.51 to 10.62 +/- 5.07 (p = 0.005), and from 18.15 +/- 5.04 to 13.50 +/- 4.81 (p = 0.005) in groups I and II respectively. The combination of n-3 PUFA and GLA (group II) increased.-linolenic acid (0.00 +/- 0.00 to 0.13 +/- 0.11, p lt 0.001), which was undetectable in all groups before the treatments; (4) Conclusion: Daily supplementation with n-3 fatty acids alone or in combination with GLA exerted significant clinical benefits and certain changes in disease activity

Supplementary data for article: Narančić, T.; Kadivojevic, J.; Jovanovic, P.; Francuski, D.; Bigović, M.; Maslak, V.; Savić, V.; Vasiljević, B.; O’Connor, K. E.; Nikodinović-Runić, J. Highly Efficient Michael-Type Addition of Acetaldehyde to Beta-Nitrostyrenes by Whole Resting Cells of Escherichia Coli Expressing 4-Oxalocrotonate Tautomerase. Bioresource Technology 2013, 142, 462–468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2013.05.074

Supplementary material for: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2013.05.074]Related to published version: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1377