Time delay in thin slabs with self-focusing Kerr-type nonlinearity

Time delays for an intense transverse electric (TE) wave propagating through a Kerr-type nonlinear slab are investigated. The relation between the bidirectional group delay and the dwell time is derived and it is shown that the difference between them can be separated into three terms. The first one is the familiar self interference time, due to the dispersion of the medium surrounding the slab. The other two terms are caused by the nonlinearity and oblique incidence of the TE wave. It is shown that the electric field distribution along the slab may be expressed in terms of Jacobi elliptic functions while the phase difference introduced by the slab is given in terms of incomplete elliptic integrals. The expressions for the field intensity dependent complex reflection and transmission coefficients are derived and the multivalued oscillatory behavior of the delay times for the case of a thin slab is demonstrated

Disproteinemia and dislipoproteinemia during acute phase response in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis

Najveći broj ispitivanja kod ljudi i životinja ukazuje da tokom odgovora akutne faze dolazi do pada albumina, a povećanja α i β-globulina, dok su rezultati vezani za promenu koncentracije lipida i lipoproteina manje ispitivani. Ipak, poznato je da se kod teških inflamacija najčešće javlja poremećaj reverznog transporta holesterola praćen padom lipoproteina visoke gustine (engl. High density lipoprotein - HDL) i apolipoproteina A-I (engl. Apolipoprotein A-I - ApoA-I) koji predsavlja njegov glavni apoprotein. ApoA-I se zbog toga smatra negativnim proteinom akutne faze. Istovremeno dolazi do porasta seruma amiloida A (engl. Serum amyloid A – SAA) koji takođe ima funkciju apoproteina HDL-a. Detaljno ispitivanje promena pojedinih frakcija proteina i lipoproteina kao i promene u apoproteinima u toku odgovora akutne faze kod pasa, izazvan infekcijom sa B. canis nisu do sada opisane. Ovo istraživanje je izvedeno na višku uzoraka krvi od 30 pasa prirodno inficiranih sa B. canis i 15 zdravih kontrolnih pasa. Određeni su hematološki i biohemijski parametri krvi i seruma, potom je izvedena elektroforeza na agaroznom gelu i analizirane su proteinske i lipoproteinske frakcije seruma. Uz primenu poliakrilamid gradijent gel elektroforeze su dobijeni podaci o dominantnim dijametrima lipoproteina seruma, a upotrebom imunoenzimskog testa (engl. Enizime linked immunosorbent assay – ELISA) i radioimunoeseja (engl. Radioimmunoassay – RIA) testa su određene koncentracije SAA i ApoA-I. Najzastupljenije hematološke promene kod pasa akutno inficiranih sa B. canis su bile trombocitopenija i leukopenija. Koncentracija ukupnih proteina i triglicerida nije bila promenjena dok je koncentracija holesterola bila snižena. Disproteinemija se ogledala u smanjenju koncentracije α1- globulinske frakcije, dok ostale frakcije nisu bile promenjene. Dislipidemija se ogledala u smanjenom relativnom udelu α1- lipoproteinske frakcije u ukupnim α-lipoproteinima. Osim toga pokazano je da se tokom odgovora akutne faze povećava dijametar lipoproteina koji spadaju u HDL. Koncentracija oba proteina akutne faze - SAA i ApoA-I je bila povećana. Navedene promene nisu tipične za odgovor akutne faze te zbog toga smatramo da odgovor akutne faze kod pasa inficiranih sa B. canis predstvlja jedinstven model za ispitivanje promena u metabolizmu lipida i lipoproteina u uslovima kada postoji paralelno povećanje ApoA-1 i SAA.In humans and animals acute phase response (APR) is characterized by decrease in albumines and increase in α i β-globulines. Changes in lipids and lipoproteins are less known. During severe inflammatory events high density lipoproteins (HDL) and it's major apoprotein apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) are significantly decreased. ApoA-I is considered as negative acute phase protein. Serum amyloid A (SAA) which also has apoprotein function is increased. Detail examination of protein and lipoprotein fractions changes during APR in B. canis infection in dogs were not done. Present study was done on surplus material (blood and sera) from 30 dogs naturally infected with B. canis and 15 healthy dogs. Biochemistry and hematology parameters were determined, protein and lipoproteins were separated electrophoreticaly on agarose gels, and ther dominant diameters were determined using polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresys. Concentrations of SAA and ApoA-I were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) tests. Detected hematology changes in sick dogs were thrombocytopenia and leucopenia. Total protein and triglyceride concentration were unchanged in sick dogs, and total cholesterol and phospholipids were decreased. Dysproteinemia was characterized by drop in α1-globuline fraction. Detected dyslipidemia included decrease in relative portion of α1-lipoprotein in relation to total α-lipoproteins. During APR, the dominant diameter of HDL in sick dogs was increased. Concentration of SAA and ApoA-I was increased. Those changes are not typical for APR. Based on this results we consider that APR in dogs infected with B. canis represent unique model for examination of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism when there is increase in both SAA and ApoA-I

Criteria for the classification of the interradicular septum shape in maxillary molars with clinical importance for prosthetic-driven immediate implant placement

Uvod. Kako interradikularni septum predstavlja idealno mesto za imedijatnu ugradnju implanata u regiji maksilarnih molara posmatrano sa protetskog aspekta, cilj studije bio je ispitati morfometrijske karakteristike i definisati kriterijume za klasifikakciju oblika interradikularnog septuma. Materijal i metode. Analizirano je 173 CBCT snimka iz baze snimaka Zavoda za stomatologiju Fakulteta medicinskih nauka. Analiza je obuhvatila ispitivanje koronalnog (širina i visina septuma, interradikularni furkacioni ugao, visina kosti od baze septuma do poda maksilarnog sinusa, visinu kosti od vrha septuma do baze maksilarnog sinusa i definisanje oblika interradikularnog septuma) i aksijalnog preseka (površina interradikularnog septuma i analiza odnosa površine implanta i interradikularnog septuma. Rezultati. Prateći algoritam zasnovan na vizuelnoj identifikaciji oblika iterradikularnog septuma opisani su oblik strele, broda, kapi, palatinalne i bukalne konvergencije. Najučestaliji je oblik strele, dok je oblik kapi najmanje frekventan. Najistaknutija širina za ugradnju implanata primećena je kod oblika palatinalne konvergencije, dok je kriterijume za visinu zadovoljio oblik bukalne konvergencije. Analiza aksijalnih prikaza pokazala je da je površina septuma potrebna za ugradnju implanta bila najistaknutija kod oblika palatinalne konvergencije za prvi i oblik čamca za drugi maksilarni molar. Zaključak. Rezultati ove studije pokazali su značaj CBCT dijagnostike u analizi regiona posteriorne maksile. Klasifikacija oblika interradikularnog septuma može biti vrlo korisna u postizanju bržeg i preciznijeg planiranja intervencija ovog regiona.Introduction. As the interradicular septum represents an ideal place for immediate implant placement in maxillary molars region from the prosthetic view, the aim of this study was to examine morphometric characteristics and to define criteria for the interradicular septum shape classification. Materials and methods. 173 CBCT scans from a radiological database from Department of Dentistry Faculty of medical sciences, were analyzed. Analysis included coronal (septum width and height, interradicular furcation angle, distance between septum base and sinus floor, distance between interradicular furcation and the sinus floor) and axial plane (interradicular septum surface area and the relationship between the implant surface and the interradicular septum). Results. Following the algorithm based on the visual shape identification we described the following shapes: arrow, boat, drop, palatal and buccal convergence. The arrow shape was the most frequent while drop shape was the least frequent. The most prominent width for the implantation was observed in the palatal convergence shape, while the buccal convergence shape showed the highest height for both molars. The analysis of the axial planes showed that the interradicular septum surface required was the most prominent in the palatal convergence shape for the first and boat shape for the second maxillary molar. Conclusion. The results of this study showed the advantages of CBCT diagnostics in the morphometric analysis of the posterior maxilla region. Interradicular septum shape classification may be very useful in achieving faster and more precise planning for interventions in this region

A new method for assessing squash tactics using 15 court areas for ball locations

Tactics in squash have typically been assessed using the frequency of different shot types played at different locations on the court either without reference to other relevant information or on the basis of the preceding shot. This paper presents a new squash specific method for categorising court locations in which the ball was played, a novel techniques for assessing the reliability of this method and presents typical shots responses in these new areas controlled for preceding shot as well as the time between shots and the handedness of the players. Twelve games were viewed using the SAGIT/Squash software and 2907 shots viewed a second time from a video image taken from behind the court with an overall agreement of 88.90% for the court location data and 99.52% for shot type. 3,192 shots from 9 matches from the 2003 World Team Championships were analysed in SAGIT/Squash. In the court areas analysed between 2 and 7 shot responses were predominant suggesting tactical patterns were evident. This was supported by differences evident between shot responses played from the two back corners where the backhand side was characterised by a predominance of straight drives whereas straight and crosscourt drives were played on the forehand side. These results tended to confirm that tactics i.e. consistent shot types, are played although these are only apparent when factors that determine shot selection are accounted for. This paper has controlled for some of these factors but others need to be considered e.g. if individual player profiles are to be ascertaine

Ecologically acceptable usage of derivatives of essential oil of sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, as antifeedants against larvae of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar

Ethanol solutions of five fractions obtained from essential oil of sweet basil Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) (F1-F5) were tested for their antifeedant properties against 2nd instar gypsy moth larvae, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), in laboratory non-choice and feeding-choice experiments. Prior to bioassays, the chemical composition of each fraction was determined by gas chromatography analyses. Significant larval deterrence from feeding was achieved by application of tested solutions to fresh leaves of the host plant. The most effective were F1 (0.5%), F4 (0.05, 0.1, and 0.5%), and F5 (0.1 and 0.5%), which provided an antifeedant index > 80% after five days. A low rate of larval mortality was observed in no-choice bioassay. In situ screening of chlorophyll fluorescence as an indicator of plant stress level (assessed by the induced fluorometry) confirmed that the tested compounds did not cause alternations in the photosynthetic efficiency of treated leaves

Nonparabolicity effects and the spin-split electron dwell time in symmetric III-V double-barrier structures

We start from the fourth order nonparabolic and anisotropic conduction band bulk dispersion relation to obtain an one-band effective Hamiltonian which we apply to an AlGaSb symmetric double-barrier structure with resonant energies significantly (more than 200meV) above the well bottom. The spin-splitting is described by the k3 Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling term modifying only the effective mass of the spin eigenstates in the investigated structure. Apart from the bulk-like resonant energy shift due to the band nonparabolicity, we obtain a substantial shift depending on the choice of boundary conditions for the envelope functions at interfaces between different materials. The shift of resonant energy levels leads to the change of spin-splitting and the magnitude of the dwell times. We attempt to explain the influence of both the nonparabolicity and boundary conditions choice by introducing various effective masses

Utilization of geothermal springs as a renewable energy source: Vranjska Banja case study

Despite the significant natural potential, geothermal energy in Serbia has traditionally been used in balneology and recreation, while its share in the country’s total energy balance is almost negligible (0.05%). The present paper deals with the City Municipality of Vranjska Banja as a pioneer in the territory of Serbia in using geothermal energy for heating. The concept and methodology of the present research are directly related to the utilization of geothermal resources for district heating in the Vranjska Banja area. The presented analysis includes: determining the available amount of energy, identifying the energy needs of selected public facilities, and the estimation of investment necessary for energy utilization. A survey, combined with field research, is focused on four public facilities connected to the heating system relying on geothermal sources, as well as on two facilities that should be connected to the system in the next phases. The results show economic, ecological, and technological advantages of using geothermal heating systems, as well as the acceptable price of equipment maintenance. An economic assessment of the transition of one facility from the existing heating system to a system relying on geothermal energy has also been made. The analysis confirms the cost-effectiveness of using geothermal energy and reveals numerous ecological advantages (safe heating, absence of CO2 emission) over other energy sources

Veterinarski informacioni menadžment sistem (VIMS) u procesu prijavljivanja i menadžmenta zaraznih bolesti

A prerequisite to the development of an efficient animal health, food safety and traceability management system in the animal food production chain is the implementation of an integrated veterinary informational management system (VIMS) capable for the capture, storage, analysis and retrieval of data and providing the opportunity for the cumulative gathering of the knowledge and capability for its competent interpretation. Such a system will enable collecting appropriate data, including quality management and inspection controls, from all establishments and commodities in the 'from farm to fork' food production chain (farms, holdings, slaughterhouses, laboratories, traders etc.) in a structured, predefined format, and facilitate competent analyses and reporting of such data, as well as the improvement of the existing programs and strategies. The role of information system in animal disease diagnosis, surveillance and notification, control of national and international trade of commodities, food safety management, investigation of diseases, predictive microbiology and quantitative risk assessment is of great importance for the quality of veterinary service. Integral part of the VIMS is animal disease notification system designed according to and in compliance with international requirements, standards and recommendation and able to exchange relevant information with similar information systems. The aim of this contribution is to describe national animal disease notification system which is in place in Serbia as a part of VIMS.Preduslov za uspostavljanje efikasnog sistema menadžmenta zdravstvene zaštite životinja, bezbednosti hrane i sledljivosti u lancu proizvodnje hrane je uvođenje integrisanog veterinarskog informacionog menadžment sistema (VIMS) razvijenog na takav način da omogući prikupljanje, čuvanje, analizu i povlačenje podataka i obezbedi kumulativno skupljanje saznanja i njihovu stručnu interpretaciju. Takav sistem će omogućiti prikupljanje podataka, uključujući one iz upravljanja kvalitetom i u okviru inspekcijskih kontrola, od svih objekata u sistemu proizvodnje hrane 'od farme do viljuške' (farme, gazdinstva, klanice, laboratorije, lica koja se bave prometom i dr.) u strukturirano, unapred definisanom obliku, i obezbediti kompetentnu analizu takvih podataka kao i unapređenje postojećih programa i strategija. Uloga informacionih sistema u dijagnostici, nadzoru i prijavljivanju zaraznih bolesti, kontroli unutrašnjeg i međunarodnog prometa, upravljanju bezbednošću hrane, istraživanju žarišta zaraznih bolesti, prediktivnoj mikrobiologiji i kvantitativnoj analizi rizika je od izuzetnog značaja za kvalitet veterinarske službe. Sastavni deo VIMS-a je sistem za prijavljivanje zaraznih bolesti dizajniran prema i u saglasnosti sa međunarodnim zahtevima, standardima i preporukama i osposobljen da vrši razmenu određenih podatka sa sličnim informacionim sistemima. Cilj ovog rada je da se opiše nacionalni sistem za prijavljivanje zaraznih bolesti koji je u Srbiji u primeni kao deo VIMS-a

Quantum Cascade Laser Design for Tunable Output at Characteristic Wavelengths in the Mid-Infrared Spectral Range

We present a method for systematic optimization of quantum cascade laser active region, based on the use of the genetic algorithm. The method aims at obtaining a gain-maximized structure, designed to emit radiation at specified wavelengths suitable for direct absorption by pollutant gasses present in the ambient air. After the initial optimization stage, we introduce a strong external magnetic field to tune the laser output properties and to slightly modify the emission wavelength to match the absorption lines of additional compounds. The magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to the epitaxial layers, thus causing two dimensional continuous energy subbands to split into series of discrete Landau levels. This affects all the relevant relaxation processes in the structure and consequently the lifetime of carriers in the upper laser level. Furthermore, strong effects of band nonparabolicity result in subtle changes of the lasing wavelength at magnetic fields which maximize the gain, thus providing a path for fine tuning of the output radiation properties. Numerical results are presented for GaAs/Al(x)Ga(1-x)As based quantum cascade laser structures designed to emit at particular wavelengths in the mid infrared part of the spectrum.11th Annual Conference of the Materials-Research-Society-of-Serbia (YUCOMAT 2009), Aug 31-Sep 04, 2009, Herceg Novi, Montenegr