ISSN 1334-854X design skala

Ruđer Bošković Institute Annual Report 2007

Ruđer Bošković Institute

Annual Report 2007

Zagreb, 2008. Editorial Board: Editor: Nela Pivac

Members: Stjepko Fazinić Kata Majerski Bogomil Obelić Karolj Skala David Smith Jadranka Stojanovski Mladen Žinić

Technical Support: Photographer: Josip Uhrl Graphic Design and Technical Processing: Faculty of Graphic Arts, University of Zagreb Printing: Kratis d.o.o. Print run of 700 copies

Web edition: http://www.irb.hr/en/geninfo/reports/

Address: Ruđer Bošković Institute Bijenička cesta 54, P.O.Box 180 HR-10002 Zagreb,

Contact: URL: http://www.irb.hr e-mail: [email protected] tel: +385 1 45 61 111 fax: +385 1 46 80 084

Copyright © 2008 by RBI ISSN 1334-854X Contents

Introduction...... 1

Theoretical Physics Division...... 11

Division of Experimental Physics...... 15

Division of Materials Physics...... 23

Division of Laser and Atomic Research and Development...... 29

Division of Electronics...... 31

Division of Physical Chemistry...... 35

Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry...... 41

Division of Materials Chemistry...... 47

Division of Molecular Biology...... 53

Division of Molecular Medicine...... 61

Division of Marine and Environmental Research...... 69

Center for Marine Research...... 77

Center for Informatics and Computing...... 83

Center for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance...... 89

Library...... 93

Ruđer Innovations Ltd...... 97 Dear reader,

Welcome to the 2007 Annual Report of the Ruđer Bošković While a strong involvement in domestic affairs is an impor- Institute. The report has been conceived to provide a succinct tant part of our function, it is clear that the current academic cli- overview of the most important activities and achievements of mate also calls for an increased external focus. Our scientists Institute's Laboratories and Divisions during the past year. Due are acutely aware of this and have an impressive rate of success to our position as the largest public research institute in natural in terms of gaining international projects. Naturally, becoming an sciences, biomedicine, marine research and environmental sci- integral part of the European Research Area is one of our key ences in the country, funded to a large extent by the Croatian strategic goals, and our ability to realize it is reflected by our in- Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, our mission is depen- creasing involvement in the 6th and 7th Framework Programmes dent upon the particular needs of our society. Specifically, this in- during 2007. Apart from this, our scientists have also enjoyed volves exemplary performance on three principle fronts: the pro- noteworthy successes by obtaining projects from other external duction of high-quality fundamental research, strong involvement sources such as IAEA, NATO, COST, as well as numerous bilat- in higher education, and the provision of a leading contribution eral projects with foreign scientific institutions. to the growth of the national economy through production of new technologies based on our intellectual property and expertise. In To conclude these opening remarks, I take great pleasure 2007, we continued to achieve visible results on all three fronts, in thanking all of the Institute’s employees, both scientific and with a well-balanced mixture of short- and long-term initiatives. administrative, for their diligent and sustained efforts throughout 2007. The success we enjoy as an Institute stems from the hard The beginning of the year saw the signing of contracts for work of the individuals that comprise it. I am honoured to be in a new basic research projects with the Ministry of Science, Educa- position to offer my sincere congratulations to those who enjoyed tion and Sport. The research agreed to in these contracts is now notable successes this year, but also to everyone for a job well underway and the most significant results achieved in 2007 can done. Finally, to you the readers of this Annual Report, I would be found in the pages of this report. In addition to the substan- like to thank you on behalf of all of us here for your interest in our tial ongoing provision of undergraduate and graduate courses activities. I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you by our scientists at Higher Education Institutions all across the that we warmly welcome your opinions and suggestions, even country, 2007 saw us sign additional agreements of coopera- the critical ones, and are always open to incorporating new ideas tion with Universities in Pula and Rijeka. These agreements are and collaborative partners into our activities here at the Ruđer designed to further strengthen our contribution to education in Bošković Institute. Croatia, particularly in regional centres. We also made several advancements towards the establishment of a sustainable infra- structure designed to fully utilize the Institute’s intellectual prop- erty in 2007. Much progress was achieved through the ongoing expansion of Ruđer Innovations Ltd., a company established and wholly owned by the Institute, which has been charged with han- Prof. Dr. Mladen Žinić dling the protection of intellectual property and some commercial Director General aspects of the Institute’s work. Introduction

In 2007, the scientific and administrative The participation of RBI scientists in Eu- staff of the Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) ropean scientific networks remained one actively participated in the extension of the of the Institute’s top priorities in 2007. RBI Institute’s international collaboration and the continued active collaborations in different intensification of various domestic activities, COST actions and succeeded to contract with efforts on both fronts aimed at increas- an additional 5 FP6 projects reaching a to- ing the RBI’s contribution to the general de- tal number of 19 FP6 projects contracted up velopment of the society. to the end of 2007. By the end of the year, several FP7 projects were also being evalu- During 2007, the RBI was visited by in ated or negotiated. RBI scientists also took excess of 100 foreign scientists originating an active role in Management Committees of from countries all over the world. As well as COST actions. Krešimir Pavelić, head of the delivering well-received lectures, the visitors RBI’s Division of Molecular Medicine was typically engaged in initiation or continuation re-elected as a vice president of EMBO and of scientific collaboration. We were honoured Tarzan Legović, head of the Division of Ma- to be able to host four members of our In- rine and Environmental Research was again ternational Scientific Board (ISB) in October appointed Secretary General of the Interna- this year. Namely, Professor Bogdan Povh, tional Society for Ecological Modelling. from Heidelberg, enlightened us on the im- portance of nuclear and elementary phys- The RBI signed several Memoranda of ics in the modern day research in October. Understanding in 2007. On the industrial Professor Fernando Azorin, from Barcelona, side, agreements were signed with firms explained the epigenetic regulation of cen- such as Shimadzu, Chiyoda Technol Corpo- tromere identity and function, while Profes- ration (CTC), and Alkaloid Skopje, as well as sor Bernd Kaina, from Mainz, educated us a general understanding of cooperation with on the O6-alkylguanine response, including the scientific research consortium Joanneum mechanisms and clinical implications. In ear- Research in Graz and the Jožef Štefan Insti- ly February, the RBI was honoured to host tute in Ljubljana. In the area of higher edu- Professor Julius Wess, an esteemed physi- cation, agreements were reached with the cist from LMU, München. University Jurja Dobrile in Pula and, closer R B I to home, with the University of Zagreb.

We were also very pleased to be able to A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . receive His Excellency Kapil Sibal, the Min- An ongoing collaboration between the ister for Science and Technology of the Re- Division of Materials Physics and the Lipik- public of India and his delegation in Febru- Glass company was significantly strength- ary. Our scientific collaboration with India is ened in 2007 by the signing of a three year developing well through active participation project co-financed by Lipik-Glas and the of RBI researchers, based on the bilateral National Foundation for Science, Higher Ed- agreement on cooperation in science and ucation and Technological Development of technology, signed last year. the Republic of Croatia. Similarly, a research and development project focusing on the re- liability of programmable logic devices in in-

1 dustrial embedded systems and financed by presented three projects from the company the Končar Institute for Electrical Engineer- Initium Futuri Ltd., three innovative ICT proj- ing, was signed with the Division of Electron- ects, a software package based on the Robin ics. This project is mediated through Ruđer Hood method (developed by RBI scientists), Innovations Ltd., the company established and Ruđer-Medikol Diagnostics Ltd. by the RBI last year to assist with commer- cial affairs and intellectual property protec- tion. Within the framework of the TEST pro- gram of the Croatian Institute of Technology OVERVIEW (HIT), an additional contract was signed in the Division of Experimental Physics for The RBI is the largest Croatian research a project concerning the development of a centre for basic sciences, participating also photon detector for applications in security, in science applications and higher educa- diagnostics, and analytical methods. tion. The multidisciplinary character of the Institute is reflected through the different Building on the success of its first year of research fields in physics, chemistry, ocean- appearance in 2006, when founded by RBI ography (including marine and environmen- and VIDI magazine, the E-novation Award tal research and geosciences), biology, bio- attracted more than 30 applications from medicine, computer science and electronics/ companies, academic institutions and indi- engineering. With an academic staff of 581, viduals in 2007. An important aspect of the including 362 researchers, 219 Ph.D. stu- E-novation Award, proven for a number of dents, the RBI collaborates worldwide with last year’s Award-winners and participants, many research institutions and universities. was that most of them obtained a significant boost in terms of visibility and credibility of The RBI consists of twelve divisions, their invention, which resulted in real eco- three centres, a library, as well as sections nomic benefits. for maintenance, technical services and ad- ministration. The main bodies of the Institute The Institute’s own scientists were also are the Board of Governors and the Scientific quite inventive this year. As an example, Council, with an important role played by the Ruđer Innovations Ltd. showed a strong International Scientific Board. Their organi- presence at the 5th international ARCA ex- zational integration with the remainder of the position of inventions, new ideas, products Institute is displayed below (Figure 1). and technology in September. There they

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . R B I

2 Figure 1. The organizational structure of the RBI R B I A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 .

3 ORGANIZATION OF THE nati Medical Center, OH, USA INSTITUTE • Rudolf Zechner, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Graz, Austria Director: Mladen Žinić • Farooq Azam, University of California, Head of the Scientific Council: Maja Osmak San Diego CA, USA (until March); Neven Bilić • Walter Giger, Swiss Federal Institute Chairman of the Board of Governors: Slavko for Aquatic Sciences and Technology, Krajcar Dübendorf/Zürich, Switzerland • Thomas C. Malone, OceanUS Office for International Scientific Board. Integrated and Sustained Ocean Obser- vations, Arlington, VA, USA • Jean-Marie Lehn, Laboratoire de Chimie • Werner E.G. Müller, Johannes Guten- Supramoléculaire, ISIS/ULP, France berg Universität, Mainz, Germany • Harold Kroto, University of Sussex, UK • Nadia Pinardi, University of Bologna, • Egon Matijević, Clarkson University, NY, Ravenna, Italy USA • Helmut Schwarz, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany ACTIVITIES • Fritz Vögtle, Universität Bonn, Germany • Robert Blinc, Jožef Štefan Institute, Lju- Fundamental research bljana, Slovenia • Jonathan R. Ellis, CERN, Switzerland • Anthony R. Peaker, University of Man- The total number of research articles pub- chester, UK lished in 2007 was 450. Among these, 395 • Bogdan Povh, MPI für Kernphysik, were published in journals cited by Current Heidelberg, Germany Contents. With less than 6% of the total num- • Roberto D. Peccei, UCLA, Los Angeles, ber of scientists in the country working at the CA, USA Institute, it is worthy of note that 22% of all • Fernando Azorin, Institute of Molecular Croatian articles in Current Contents jour- Biology of Barcelona, Spain nals originated from the RBI. A considerable • Bernd Kaina, Institut für Toxikologie, proportion of these articles were published in Mainz, Germany high ranking journals. In 2007 the scientists • Werner E. G. Müller, Johannes Guten- from RBI edited a handbook about the meth- berg Universität, Mainz, Germany ods in molecular biology, four monographs, • Miroslav Radman, Université René Des- and 8 book chapters. cartes-Paris V, France • Jürgen Soll, Ludwig-Maximilians-Univer- Many important discoveries were made sität München, Germany by RBI scientists in 2007. Far too many, in • Vito Turk, Jožef Štefan Institute, Ljublja- fact, to list here and the reader is referred to na, Slovenia the subsequent sections of this report for a • Joseph Schlessinger, Yale University more detailed presentation. One study that School of Medicine, CT, USA typifies the type of interdisciplinary research • Hans Joachim Seitz, Universität Ham- at the Institute involved contributions from burg, Germany scientists working in the Divisions of Molec- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . • Davor Solter, MPI für Immunbiologie, ular Medicine, Organic Chemistry and Bio-

R B I Freiburg, Germany chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Electron- • Peter J. Stambrook, University of Cincin- ics. This team of researchers investigated the potential anti-tumour ability (including

4 cell cycle and cell death studies) and struc- Organization of international ture-activity relationships of various crown conferences ethers and their derivatives. Their findings were published in the Journal of Medicinal As in previous years, the RBI continued Chemistry, a very respectable and high im- to support the organization of numerous in- pact periodical in that field. Another discov- ternational and domestic conferences. For ery that captured a broad public interest in example, 2007 saw the 22nd staging of the 2007 was the development, in the Division of Dubrovnik International Course and Confer- Molecular Biology, of an innovative approach ence on the Interfaces among Mathematics to understanding the origins of evolutionary and Computer Sciences, otherwise known novelties in the animal kingdom. This tech- as MATH-CHEM-COMP, from June 11-16. nique, known as genomic phylostratigraphy, The 4th International Summer School and involves the analysis of genome sequences European School on Solid State NMR: Sol- to uncover the footprints of important adap- id State NMR for Liquid State NMR Spec- tive events in evolution and was presented troscopists, was held in the same city from in Trends in Genetics. The results from this September 16-21. Further north, in Optaija, work were also favourably evaluated in the a group of motivated young scientists at the Faculty of 1000 Biology, which is a service Institute received support from both the Eu- designed to systematically highlight and re- ropean Commission and the Alexander von view the most interesting papers published Humboldt Foundation to hold the 2nd Opatija in the biological sciences. On the other end Meeting on Computational Solutions in the of the spectrum, another collaborative effort, Life Sciences from September 4-9. The 6th involving the Division of Theoretical Physics European Ecological Modelling Conference and the Division of Organic Chemistry and was organized by the head of our Division Biochemistry, resulted in a publication in for Marine and Environmental Research Physical Review Letters, one of the most re- and held in Trieste, Italy, from the Novem- spected and widely read journals in Physics. ber 27-30. In Rovinj, a conference entitled This study involved the theoretical modelling Long Time-Series Observations in Coastal of the electronic structure and transport prop- Ecosystems: Comparative Analyses of Phy- erties of the polymer polyyne, revealing that toplankton Dynamics on Regional to Global compounds of this type are virtually perfect Scales, organized by the American Geo- molecular wires and represent good candi- physical Union, as a Chapman Conference, dates for applications in nanotechnology. and the Center for Marine Research, was held from October 8-12. Several other equal- Projects ly noteworthy conferences were organized by scientists from the RBI and further infor-

The RBI has 129 projects in basic re- mation concerning them can be found in the R B I search, which are funded by the Ministry of individual reports of the Divisions involved.

Science, Education and Sport (MZOŠ). In In addition to their organizational efforts, RBI A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . addition, the Institute is involved with 56 in- scientists also participated in many scientific ternational projects (including: 18 bilateral, meetings over the year and a notable RBI 19 FP6, 12 IAEA, 5 COST, 1 UKF, 1 NIH, 1 presence was apparent at both the Croatian- NATO, 1 INTERREG and 1 PHARE), as well Austrian scientific days in Graz (November as 15 applied and technological projects in 18-19) and the 2nd Congress of Croatian Sci- cooperation with BICRO and HIT. Also, 32 entists, held from May 7-10 in Trogir. commercial contracts were signed in Croatia as well as 6 contracts with companies from foreign countries.

5 Education

Despite the fact that the RBI is primar- ily a research institution, our participation in educational activities during 2007 was very strong. Scientists from the Institute contrib- uted 83 courses at the undergraduate level as well as 217 postgraduate courses. Last, but not least, more than 25 young scientists from RBI contributed to seminars and practi- Figure 2. Distribution of the RBI held undergraduate cal exercises at various undergraduate stud- courses among the universities (83) ies. The respective distribution amongst the universities at which they were conducted, as well as by the divisions and centres that contributed the graduate course, are shown in Figures 2‑4. In 2007, 22 B.Sc., 32 M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses were completed under the supervision of the Institute’s academic staff.

To strengthen the collaboration with re- Figure 3. Distribution of the RBI held graduate courses gional Universities and increase the contri- among the universities (217) bution in higher education in natural science, the RBI signed agreements of cooperation with the University Juraj Dobrila University in Pula. Shortly after, the preparations for the organization of joint graduate and post- graduate studies in Medicinal Chemistry in collaboration with the University of Rijeka and GlaxoSmithKline Research Centre Za- greb, were begun. A novel PhD study pro- gram „Biology of Cancer“ was launched in Figure 4. Distribution of the RBI held graduate courses at 2007 jointly by the RBI and the Universities domicile universities among Divisions and Centres (217) of Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar. It is the first national PhD study program with internation- Intellectual Property al evaluation and full ECTS accreditation, with Neven Žarković from Division of Mo- Apart from fundamental research and ed-

lecular Medicine elected for the Vice-chair of ucation, the activities of the RBI also result in the Study Council. In May, the University of various forms of intellectual creations. One Zagreb and the RBI signed agreements of important mission of the RBI (also appointed cooperation concerning collaboration in edu- in the Statute) is the protection of intellectual cation, scientific research and partnership property and its commercialization. In this in international projects, as well as the com- context, various specific activities have been mercialization of knowledge and the acquisi- initiated and realized in this vein over the last tion of valuable new equipment. few years. For example, the Institute’s Com- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . mission for intellectual property has been established. The book of regulations on in- R B I tellectual property was drafted and accepted by both the Board of Governors and the Sci-

6 entific Council. We have also established a new interdisciplinary research in the field company under the name Ruđer Innovations of (bio)materials and life science. Also, the Ltd. This company, which is wholly owned by XRPD RIGAKU HRMP diffractometer arrived the RBI, engages in activities related to pro- to the Centre for Marine Research in Rovinj. tection and commercialization of knowledge arising from the RBI, other academic orga- In 2007, the Laboratory for the Synthesis nizations, companies, and private persons. of New Materials, in the Division of Material The establishment of this climate has result- Chemistry, received an Atomic absorption ed in heightened interest from the Institute’s spectrophotometer Aanalyst-200 (Perkin-El- scientists to protect and commercialize the mer) as well as an Ion Chromatography Sys- results of their investigations. As such, many tem, ICS-1000, Dionex Corporation. These proposals of innovations were received by acquisitions will greatly facilitate the rapid the Institute’s Commission for Intellectual characterization of new materials. Property over the last few years, the majority of which were submitted in 2007. Present- With the help of an IAEA funded project, ly, the portfolio of the Institute’s intellectual a new quadrupole lens was added to the property contains 33 innovations in differ- existing quadrupole doublet and a newly de- ent fields (chemistry, physics, biomedicine, signed scattering chamber was installed at informatics, instrumentation etc.). In accor- the ion microprobe. In such a way, the up- dance with the Master agreement between graded quadrupole triplet system provided a the RBI and Ruđer Innovations Ltd., the in- significantly better focusing capability of the novations accepted by the Institute’s Com- facility (0.3 x 1 μm). By the installation of ad- mission for Intellectual Property are licensed ditional two quadrupole lenses planned for to the Ruđer Innovations Ltd., which carries 2008 under an EU-FP6 project, our quintu- out the appropriate procedures for protection plet system will be able to focus ions of up to and commercialization. Presently, 32 inno- 25 MeV (ME/Q2) rigidity. vations have been licensed to Ruđer Inno- vations Ltd., 21 of them are in various steps A Iatroscan MK-6, which is thin layer of protection, while the remainder are being chromatograph measuring samples by prepared to be protected. means of a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) and a Flame Photometric Detector (FPD), New equipment was installed in the Laboratory for Physico- Chemical Separations, in the Division of Marine and Environmental Research. The The Laboratory of Chemical and Biologi- instrument will greatly enhance the analysis cal Crystallography in the Division of Physi- of lipids and the separation of lipid classes cal Chemistry was the proud recipient of a

from nonpolar lipids such as hydrocarbons R B I new X-ray diffractometer this year. The dif- and polar phospholipids. fractometer (Xcalibur Nova R), from Oxford A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Diffraction, which was financially supported A novel Laboratory for Molecular Biosci- by the Ministry of Science, Education and ences was established in Dubrovnik as a Sports, is an X-ray system designed for pro- joint research facility of the RBI, University tein crystallography and applications where of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik General a high brilliance copper X-ray source is re- Hospital, to provide research facilities for the quired. This is the first X-ray equipment in joint PhD studies. The Laboratory will further Croatian academic community suitable for support networking within the B35 Action of a single crystal diffraction of biological mac- COST and affiliated research networks. romolecules and this acquisition will enable

7 Building upon the experience of the CRO- a gradual increase with the larger steps for GRID poly-project, the CRO NG (Croatian 2005/2006 and 2006/2007. Together with the National Grid Infrastructure) was established support for a 39% increase in the employ- during 2007. As part of the important and ment of the PhD students, this clearly shows constant contribution of RBI/CIR to CRO the strategic orientation of the Ministry toward NGI, a new 96-processor computer cluster the development of a knowledge-based soci- was installed at RBI for the purpose of fur- ety. It should be also noted that the revenues thering scientific research. originating from international, industrial and service contracts increased in 2007 by an Revenue and employees impressive 59% as the result of enhanced efforts in applications to various international In 2007, the major share of the financial and national calls and a systematic approach support for the RBI was provided by the toward commercialization of knowledge and Ministry of Science, Education and Sports. skills of the RBI scientists through licensing Compared to 2006, this support increased and research contracts with domestic and by 15%. The comparison of the finances foreign industries. over the period 2004-2007 (Table 1) shows

2007/2006 2004 2005 2006 2007 (%)

Contracts Contracts with Ministry of 16.106.768 17.293.472 20.072.940 23.090.639 115 Science Education and Sports (€)

Other contracts (international and industry 2.505.920 1.890592 2.311.744 3.671.788 159 projects, services etc.) and donations (€)

total 18.612.688 19.184.064 22.384.684 26.762.427 119

Employees

Scientific staff 310 325 317 320 101

post-doctoral students 31 30 40 42 105

PhD students 153 159 158 219 139

technicians 113 127 134 85 63 administration and 170 174 176 174 99 maintenance A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . total 777 815 825 840 102 R B I

Table 1. Comparison of RBI Revenues (€) and employment during 2004-2007.

8 Publication results of fundamental research projects at RBI

Table 2 shows the projects led by RBI March 3rd, 2008. Also included in the Table scientists that were ranked among the top is the number of CC articles, associated 10 in the country, according to the National with each project, that were published dur- Bibliography database (web address: http:// ing 2007. Some limitations of the table are bib.irb.hr/statistika?sto=p&period=2007). that it does not include aspects such as an The rank corresponds to the position of a average journal impact factor, the number of particular project, among the projects that researchers/students working on the project, began in 2007, as determined by the num- and the amount of financial support received ber of research articles published in journals by the various projects. indexed in Current Contents (CC) up until

Rank of the Project in Number of Field of Science - Principal the CROSBI CC Articles Number of National Project Title Investigator Bibliography Published in Projects in the Field on March 3rd, 2007 2008 Cell response to cytotoxic agents and BIOLOGY - 61 Maja Osmak 3. 6 resistance development Branka Molecular regulation of plant Salopek- 4. 3 development Sondi Genes and genomes: structure, Helena 8. 4 function and evolution Ćetković Nuclear structure and reactions: Suzana PHYSICS - 73 1. 16 experimental approach Szilner Physic and application of Krešimir 3. 12 nanostructures and bulk matter Furić Fundamental interactions in Branko elementary particle physics and 5. 12 Guberina cosmology Thin films of novel amorphous or Nikola Radić 5. 11 nanostructured materials Basic properties of nanostructures and defects in semiconductors and Branko Pivac 7. 9 dielectrics

Synergy of nanophases and Aleksandra R B I 9. 9 nanocomposites Turković

Massive neutrinos and astroparticles: A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Ante Ljubičić 10. 9 from particle physics to cosmology Nature of organic matter, interaction Zlatica GEOSCIENCES - 59 with traces and surfaces in 3. 8 Kozarac environment Radionuclides and trace elements in Delko Barišić 4. 7 environmental systems Interactions of trace metal species in Ivanka 9. 3 an aquatic environment Pižeta Synthesis and microstructure of metal Svetozar CHEMISTRY - 66 1. 14 oxides and oxide glasses Musić

9 Broensted and Lewis acids and Zvonimir 3. 12 bases in chemistry and biochemistry Maksić Self-Assembly in gels and synthesis Mladen Žinić 5. 8 of functional hybrid materials Molecular structure and dynamics in systems containing paramagnetic Boris Rakvin 6. 8 particles Electroanalytical research on microcrystals and traces of dissolved Milivoj Lovrić 8. 5 substances Protein-ligand interactions at atomic Marija Luić 10. 7 level BIOMEDICAL Pharmacogenomics and Dorotea SCIENCES – proteomics of serotonergic and 1. 10 Mück-Šeler Neuroscience- 58 catecholaminergic system Molecular basis and treatment of psychiatric and stress related Nela Pivac 2. 8 disorders Serotonergic neurotransmission: Branimir 6. 3 genes, proteins and behavior Jernej Stress, GABA-A receptors Danka and mechanisms of action of 8. 3 Peričić neuropsychoactive drugs Serotonergic mechanisms in Lipa Čičin- 9. 1 alcoholism Šain BIOMEDICAL The role of different cell death SCIENCES – Marijeta Kralj 1. 10 responses to DNA-damage treatment Oncology - 67 Aberrant DNA methylation in HPV Magdalena 2. 6 associated lesions Grce Molecular characteristic of Krešimir myofibroblasts derived from 3. 5 Pavelić Dupuytren’s contracture Gene therapy of tumors by Jasminka modulating the molecules of immune 4. 5 Pavelić system Molecular genetics and Sanja pharmacogenetics of gastrointestinal 5. 2 Kapitanović tumors BIOMEDICAL Obtaining the structures like SCIENCES - Mirko Langerhans islets from mouse stem 4. 1 Research of chronic Hadžija cells diseases - 73 BIOTECHNICAL Subcellular biochemical and Rozelinda SCIENCES - phylogenetic diversity of aquatic Čož- 4. 3 Agronomy - 132 organisms Rakovac TECHNICAL SCIENCES - Multispectral data analysis Ivica Kopriva 9. 1 Electrical engineering Branka Real-life data measurement and

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Medved- 10. 2 characterization Rogina R B I TABLE 2: Publication results of RBI fundamental research projects ranked among the top 10 Croatian projects in their respective field.

10 DIVISION OVERVIEW OFTHE Ph. D.theses. and Sc. M. Sc., B. their completed students of number a and Zagreb of University the at Division continued to the be involved in lecturing of members the 2007, In biomedicine. in methods statistical nonlinear of plication ap- the of and science life in modeling medical nature the is Division the in activity cial physics. condensed-matter Ain spe - activity ogy. In addition, there is substantial research cosmol- and physics astroparticle physics, mathematical and general physics, particle as such physics, high-energy of vestigation in- theoretical the with concerned mainly is consists ofthefollowinglaboratories: (ZTF) Division Physics Theoretical The Head: BrankoGuberina ORGANIZATION DIVISIONAL Theoretical PhysicsDivision h rsac promd n h Division the in performed research The a a a a

Dynamics, Mladen Martinis Dynamics, Group forLinearandNonlinear Meljanac Physics Group,Stjepan Theoretical andMathematical Group, NevenBilić Particle PhysicsandCosmology Brako Radovan Solid StatePhysicsGroup, TOP ACHIEVEMENTS rated form(Guberinaetal., 2007). to be favoured over the widely accepted satu- choicemoreconsistentissuchawhy to and lographic DE. Arguments have been given as of the Hubble scale and the nonsaturated ho- is always obtained for the IR cutoff in the form strated that a transition between the two eras demon- been has It investigated. been have for a large portion of the history of the universe the holographic bound for DE is not saturated energy of the universe. Some models in which (DE)constitutes seriousa candidate fordark Energy Dark Holographic multaneously reproduced(Bilićetal.,2007). si- be can fluctuations density primordial the of index spectral observed the and state of model parameters, the dark energy equation the of values certain For theory. underlying conformal the of parameters the of terms in obtained been has and densities energy dark matter dark the of dependence scale the for prediction identity,a Bianchi eralized gen- the imposing By gravity. of theory tive effec- infrared an of context the in studied Gravitational Trace Anomaly h cnet f oorpi dr energy dark holographic of concept The been has anomaly trace quantum The

http//thphys.irb.hr

. 7 0 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n n A I B

11 R ZTF Strings and Nonlocality Conduction at the nanoscale

The T-duality of string theory suggests The advances in miniaturization of elec- nonlocality manifested as the shortest pos- tronic devices to the nanoscale, utilizing a ZTF sible distance. A nonlocal formulation of string single molecule as the active region, has re- theory has been suggested as an alternative cently generated considerable interest both that breaks the T-duality at the fundamental for the fundamental physics involved and for level and does not require the shortest pos- its potential applications. In a search for a sible distance. Instead, the string has an ob- molecule with good molecular wire proper- jective shape in spacetime at all length scales ties we have considered the polyyne, linear and different parts of the string interact in a chain of carbon atom pairs with alternating nonlocal Bohmian manner (Nikolić, 2007). single and triple bonds. Based on a non- equilibrium Green functions technique and Waves and solitons in the two- density functional theory a quantum model- family Calogero model ling of the electronic structure and transport under applied bias voltages was carried out. Soliton solutions in the two-family Caloge- The conductance obtained, which is virtually ro model have been analyzed. There are two independent of the length of the molecular types of solutions, a one-soliton-antisoliton chain and an order of magnitude higher than solution and a wave solution. It was shown the conductance of other known molecules, that there is no finite number of solitons at put polyynes as almost perfect molecular finite distances in the limit when the period of wires (Crljen and Baranović, 2007). wave solutions tends to infinity (Bardek and Meljanac, 2007).

Collective field formulation of the multi-species Calogero model and its duality symmetries

We have studied the collective field for- mulation of a restricted form of the multispe- cies Calogero model, in which the three-body interactions are set to zero. We have shown that the resulting collective field theory is in- variant under certain duality transformations, Figure 1: The diyne molecule in contact with gold electrodes which interchange, among other things, par- and the highest occupied orbital of the molecular projected

ticles and antiparticles, and thus generalize Hamiltonian at 0.6 V bias voltage. Background colours reflect voltage drop along the structure. the well-known strong-weak coupling duality symmetry of the ordinary Calogero model. We have identified all these dualities, which The Robin Hood method: From form an Abelian group, and study their con- theory to applications sequences. We also studied the ground state and small fluctuations around it in de- The Robin Hood method for the numerical tail, starting with the two-species model, and solution of boundary problems in electrostat- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . then generalizing to an arbitrary number of ics has seen exciting new developments. The

R B I species (Bardek et al., 2007). team consisting of three young researchers

12 has further elaborated the practical aspects 4. Fundamental interactions in elementary parti- of the application to real problems, and an cle physics and cosmology, Branko Guberina article will be published in the journal Engi- 5. Noncommutative spaces in high energy neering Analysis with Boundary Elements. physics, Josip Trampetić Their application to the project “From Re- 6. Matrix models, duality and field theory, Ivan ZTF Andrić search to Enterprise” of the Central Europe- 7. Quantum field theory, noncommutative spac- an Initiative has won a 15.000 Euro award, es and symmetries, Stjepan Meljanac of which 10.000 Euro was dedicated to the fi- nancing of the feasibility study. The resulting Programs supported by the Min- ‘Feasibility Study on commercialization for istry of Science, Education and the "Robin Hood" electrostatic field calcula- Sports and led by members of the tion method’ by Professor Günter Koch and Division co-workers from Vienna, Austria, has shown the potential of the method for commercial 1. Surfaces and nanostructures: Theoretical applications, and has proposed a commer- approaches and numerical calculations, cialization strategy. Radovan Brako

Education Research, developmental and inter- national projects In 2007, the members of the Division con- tinued to be involved in lecturing undergrad- 1. Fundamental questions of non-abelian quan- uate and graduate courses at the University tum gauge theories and cosmology, Anđelka of Zagreb, mostly at the Faculty of Science. Andraši (collaboration between the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Theoretical Physics Divi- A number of students completed their B. Sc., sion and Eötvös Loránd University, Buda- M. Sc. and Ph. D. theses. pest, Hungary) 2. Investigations on the Nature of Dark Matter Awards and Dark Energy (DMDE), Neven Bilić (Sci- entific Joint Project between the Particle Hrvoje Štefančić (on behalf of the Robin Physics and Cosmology Group, Theoreti- Hood development team consisting of Pre- cal Physics Division of the Ruđer Bošković drag Lazić, Hrvoje Abraham and Hrvoje Institute and the Astrophysics Sector of the Štefančić) was awarded “From Research to International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy) Enterprise” award by the Central European 3. Hard-hadron physics in the standard model Initiative. and beyond, Branko Guberina (collaboration between the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Theo- retical Physics Division and the Jozef Štefan

PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia) R B I 4. QCD sum rules for exclusive decays of heavy Projects supported by the Ministry hadrons, Blaženka Melić (International Re- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . search Project promoted by the Alexander of Science, Education and Sports von Humboldt Foundation) 5. Aspects of Calogero models, noncommuta- 1. Surfaces and nanostructures: Theoretical tive geometry and quantum physics, Stjepan approaches and numerical calculations, Ra- Meljanac (Indo-Croatian Programme of Co- dovan Brako operation in Science and Technology for col- 2. Electronic properties of hybrid nanostruc- laboration between the Ruđer Bošković Insti- tures, Željko Crljen tute, Theoretical Physics Division and Saha 3. Electromagnetic field fluctuations: the van der Institute of Nuclear Physics, Calcutta, and Waals-Casimir forces, Marin-Slobodan Tomaš

13 Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, 6. Škoda Z. Categorified actions and equivari- India) ance, International Symposium on Recent 6. Nonabelian Cohomology and Applications in Advances in Mathematics and its Applica- Geometry, Algebra and Physics, Zoran Škoda tions (ISRAMA 2007), Calcutta Mathemati-

ZTF (collaboration between the Ruđer Bošković cal Society, Kolkata, India, December 16-18, Institute, Theoretical Physics Division and 2007. Universität Hamburg, LMU München and Universität Göttingen, Germany) SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

SELECTED ORGANIZED 1. Bardek V, Feinberg J, Meljanac S. Collelctive CONFERENCES field formulation of the multi-species Caloge- ro model and its duality symmetries. Nuclear 1. 2nd Croatian-Hungarian Meeting – Funda- Phys B 2007: 767: 295. mental Questions of Non-Abelian Quantum 2. Bardek V, Meljanac S. Waves and solitons in Gauge Theories and Cosmology, Rab, Croa- the two-family Calogero model. Phys Rev D tia, August 30 – September 3, 2007, orga- 2007: 75: 127701. nized by I Dadić 3. Bilić N, Guberina B, Horvat R, Nikolić H, 2. Categories in Geometry and in Mathemati- Štefančić H. On cosmological implications of cal Physics, Split, Croatia, September 24-28, gravitational trace anomaly. Phys Letters B 2007, organized by I Baković and Z Škoda 2007: 657: 232. 3. Croatian-German Bilateral Symposium, DFG 4. Das T K, Bilić N, Dasgupta S. Black-hole ac- & NZZ (NSF) Workshop and Collaboration, cretion disc as an analogue gravity model. Zagreb, Croatia, November 9-11, 2007, or- JCAP 2007: 06: 0091. ganized by J Trampetić. 5. Guberina B, Horvat R, Nikolić H. Nonsatu- rated Holographic dark energy. JCAP 2007: 0701: 012. 6. Crljen Ž, Baranović G. Unusual conductance SELECTED INVITED LECTURES of polyyne-based molecular wires. Phys Rev Lett 2007: 98: 116901. 1. Baković I. Bigroupoid principal 2-bundles, 7. Lazić P, Brako R, Gumhalter B. Structure and Workshop on Higher categories and their ap- dynamics of Xe monolayers adsorbed on plications, Toronto, Canada, January 9-13, Cu(111) and Pt(111) surfaces studied in the 2007. density functional approach. Journal of Phys- 2. Trampetić J. Renormalizability of thera-ex- ics-Condensed Matter 2007: 19: 305004. panded noncommutative gauge field theo- 8. Nikolić H. Strings, T-duality breaking, and ries, Conference on Noncommutative Spa- nonlocality without the shortest distance. Eur cetime Geometries, Alessandria, Italy, March Phys J C 2007: 50: 431. 26-21, 2007. 9. Kumerički K, Müller D, Passek-Kumerički K, th 3. Passek-Kumerički K. The 12 International Schäfer A. Deeply virtual Compton scatter- Conference on Elastic and Diffractive Scat- ing beyond next-to-leading order: The flavor tering: Forward Physics and QCD, Hamburg, singlet case. Phys Letters B 2007: 648: 186. DESY, Germany, May 21-25, 2007. 10. Sambale A, Buhmann S Y, Welsch D-G, 4. Nikolić H. Classical mechanics as nonlinear Tomaš M-S. Local-field correction to one- quantum mechanics, The conference Quan- and two-atom van der Waals interactions. tum Theory: Reconsideration of Foundations Phys Rev A 2007: 75: 042109. 4, Vaxjo, Sweden, June 11-16, 2007. 5. Bilić N. Thermodynamics of Dark Energy, III A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Southeastern European Workshop BW 2007 on Challenges Beyond the Standard Model, R B I Kladovo, Serbia, September 2-9, 2007.

14 Division O n apid hsc hs en thoroughly been has physics applied and basic for financing for sources non-MZOS other,diverse use to possibility The grams. pro - FP7 EU into integration full the ploiting ed to finding new sources of financing by ex- Division the 2007. throughout Adevot- effortwas in special maintained was research verview ofthe laboratories: Physics Experimental (ZEF) consistsofthefollowing of Division The Head: Alfred Švarc ORGANIZATION DIVISIONAL Division ofExperimentalPhysics h eclec i bsc n applied and basic in excellence The a a a a a a a Vladivoj Valković the useofanalyticalmethods, and Group forthedevelopment physics, KrešoKadija for high energy Laboratory Obelić Bogomil activities, low-level for measurement of Laboratory Milko Jakšić interactions, for ion beam Laboratory Raul Horvat interactions, and weak for electromagnetic Laboratory Roman Čaplar for heavy ionphysics, Laboratory Đuro Miljanić reactions, for nuclear Laboratory (Alt etal.,2007). collisions of heavy nuclei already at the SPS strong collective behavior of the matter produced in suggest dependence mass its flow and elliptic significant of observation The collisions. Pb+Pb semi-central in measured served (Altetal.,2007). ob- was collisions the of centrality creasing in- with distribution Balance-Function the of width the of the decrease a region, mid-rapidity In collisions. A+A in method Function Balance the with studied was correlations detector attheCERN-SPS(Altetal.,2007). was studied with the NA49 large acceptance GeV A158 at collisions nuclear in particles charged of fluctuations multiplicity of dence physics Experimental highenergy TOP ACHIEVEMENTS and laboratoryspacehasstarted. of offices number new of construction a major the years quite After approved. been ful, and a number of additional projects have success- been has effort The investigated. The elliptic flow of Λ hyperons has been has hyperons of Λ flow elliptic The The energy dependence of electric charge depen size system and centrality The http://www.irb.hr/en/str/zef

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. 7 0 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n n A I B

15 R ZEF The CMS potential for the observation was studied for the equal mass systems 0 0 0 and study of the pp→Z Z and pp→WZ re- of 44Ru+44Ru and 40Zr+40Zr, with the FOPI actions was investigated using fully simulat- detector at GSI-Darmstadt. The measured + 0 + 0 ed signal and background samples. Multiple double ratio (K /K )Ru/(K /K )Zr was com- ZEF gauge-boson production in pp collisions at pared to the predictions of a thermal model LHC energies can be observed in the early and a relativistic mean-field transport model, phase of the experiment, with an integrated using two different collision scenarios and luminosity of 1 fb-1 or less was observed under different assumptions of the stiffness (Brigljević et al., 2007). of the symmetry energy. Good agreement was found with the thermal model prediction Nucleon-nucleon correlations under the assumption of soft symmetry ener- gy for infinite nuclear matter, while more re- Multinucleon transfer reactions in alistic transport simulations of the collisions 40Ca+96Zr and 90Zr+208Pb at energies close show a similar agreement with the data but to the Coulomb barrier at the new large also exhibit reduced sensitivity to the sym- solid angle spectrometers coupled with metry term (Lopez et al., 2007). gamma arrays were studied, such as the PRISMA+CLARA installed at Laboratori Na- zionali di Legnaro, Italy. It has been shown that multinucleon transfer reaction mecha- nism strongly populates the states that belong to the particle(s)-phonon coupling scheme (Szilner et al., 2007).

+ 0 + 0 Figure 2: Experimental ratio (K /K )Ru/(K /K )Zr (star) and theoretical predictions of the thermal model (cross) and

the transport model with three different assumptions on the symmetry energy: NL (circles), NLρ (squares), and NLρδ Figure 1: Example of two-dimensional Range - Total (triangles), for two sets of calculations: open (full) symbols Energy matrix obtained in the reaction 40Ca+96Zr. The most stands for infinite nuclear matter (heavy-ion collisions). Inset: intense band corresponds to Z=20, i.e. isotopes of Ca. Invariant mass spectra of π−π+ pairs.

Isospin and strange mesons near Search for solar axions production threshold The axion, a hypothetical elementary A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . As a possible probe of isospin effects in particle postulated by the Peccei-Quinn the- + 0 R B I high-density nuclear matter the K and K ory in 1977 to resolve the strong CP prob- strange meson production at 1.528A GeV lem in quantum chromo dynamics, could

16 also explain the mystery of dark matter in system of the OPERA detector, which is the Universe. At CERN, scientists from our placed at the underground Gran Sasso Lab- Laboratory for Electromagnetic and Weak oratory, 732 km away from the CERN neutri- Interactions are involved in the CAST experi- no source. During 2007, our scientists have ment, designed to search for solar axions. become members of the Slow control group ZEF CAST has recently reported an improved and contributed in building the OPERA slow limit on the axion-to-photon coupling of control system. 8.8x10-11 GeV-1. For the first time, this is bet- ter than constraints from the energy balance Dark energy models in helium-burning stars (Andriamonje et al., 2007). Two most popular and viable dark en- ergy models, based on vacuum decaying laws, appear to be largely compromised by transfer energy flux destabilization, suggest- ing that either a thermal equilibrium between vacuum and radiation never occurred, or that the dark energy models considered are in need of revision (Horvat and Pavon, 2007).

An observational hint of quantum Figure 3: The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) ex- gravity periment at CERN, which is looking for axions from the Sun.

OPERA neutrino oscillations experiment

Figure 5: The MAGIC gamma-ray telescope on La Palma in the Canary Islands. R B I Figure 4: Topology of tau neutrino events in OPERA. The MAGIC gamma-ray telescope team

These events would indicate oscillation between muon and studied two gamma-ray flares (observed on A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . tau neutrino flavours. July 9, 2005) from the black hole at the heart of the galaxy Markarian 501 (over a half-bil- Scientists from our Laboratory for Electro- lion-year away from Earth). They compared magnetic and Weak Interactions are involved gammas in two energy ranges: from 1.2 to 10 in the OPERA long-baseline experiment de- TeV and from 0.25 to 0.6 TeV and found that signed to investigate neutrino oscillations. higher-energy gamma rays arrived on Earth Our group works on the development and four minutes later than lower-energy ones. testing of the GRPC detector for the veto If the high-energy gammas really propagate

17 slower, it could be a way to constrain string system provided a significantly better focus- theory or loop quantum gravity (Albert et al., ing capability of the facility (0.3 x 1 μm). By 2007). the installation of additional two quadrupole lenses planned for 2008 under the EU-FP6 ZEF project, our quintuplet system will be able to Natural isotopes in environmental focus ions of up to 25 MeV (ME/Q2) rigidity. studies and radiocarbon dating

Carbon exchange processes in atmo- sphere, water and lake sediments were studied and anthropogenic and/or natural influence to global and local level contami- nation has been determined by the mea- surement of 14C and stable isotopes (13C, 18O, 14N). Anthropogenic influence on water resources in and Dalmatia has been assessed by using isotopic and chemical methods. Monitoring of 3H activity in month- ly precipitation in Croatia and Slovenia has been continued. A slight increase of 14C ac- Figure 6: New scattering chamber installed at ion micro- tivity in biological samples and atmospheric probe facility with quadrupole triplet configuration. CO2 in the immediate vicinity of the Nuclear Power Plant Krško during the exchange of fuel elements was observed. In the study of 14C dating by AMS the two Starčevo culture sites near Slavon- ski Brod, the first absolute 14C dates of the The new system for graphite preparation beginning of neolithization in Croatia were of micro-sized samples for 14C measurement obtained (6070–4960 cal BC). The several by AMS technique was constructed within periods of construction and repairs to the fa- the IAEA CRO/8/006 and EU FP6 AMS-14C mous Mostar Bridge, spanning from the 12th projects. to 18th century, were established (Obelic et al., 2007). Data on elastic scattering of elec- trons and positrons were critically reviewed in ICRU report 77 and will be used in dosim- etry, radiotherapy and construction of spec- trometers and radiation detectors.

New equipment

Upgrade of ion microprobe

With the help of an IAEA funded project, a new quadrupole lens was added to the A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . existing quadrupole doublet and a newly de- 14 R B I signed scattering chamber was installed. In Figure 7: Vacuum line for preparation of graphite for C such a way, the upgraded quadrupole triplet AMS measurement technique.

18 Quantum Information Group tion system, which is a conventional method for ship containers. The neutron inspection The Quantum Information Group has system enables fast chemical analysis of been formed in 2007. The activities include suspicious volumes inside the container af- the building of a system for stochastic calcu- ter being determined by x-ray scanning. The ZEF lations and simulations utilizing the Quantum successfully performed tests at the Experi- Random Number Generator (QRBG), built in mental Physics Neutron Laboratory of the 2005 by members of the group (http://ran- Rudjer Boskovic Institute precede the field dom.irb.hr). A prototype of the Single Photon installation of the EURITRACK system. On Detector was successfully tested at LMU Mu- the 31 May 2007, the EURITRACK system nich within the DAAD project “Experiments won the first price of Technological Innovation in quantum communication and quantum in- at the French Trophy of the Civil Defence of formation”. Our paper on QRBG, Rev. Sci. 2007 organized by High French Committee Instrum. 2007: 78: 045104:1-7, was chosen for the Civil Defence “to protect the future”. for reprint in Virtual Journal of Quantum In- formation.

Figure 8: The Quantum Random Number Generator Figure 9: EURITRACK detection system at work implement- (QRNG). ed at the harbour Rijeka.

Development of the tagged neutron Education inspection system for a cargo container inspection In 2007 the members of the Division have been involved in lecturing undergraduate A new tagged neutron system for the in- courses at the University of Zagreb (mostly R B I spection of ship containers has been devel- at the Faculty of Science) and University of oped in the framework of the EURITRACK A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Rijeka, and graduate courses at the Fac- FP6 project. In the year 2007 the EURI- ulty of Science of University of Zagreb, and TRACK system has been installed and oper- at joint studies organized by RBI in coopera- ated at the “Brajdica” container terminal of tion with the Universities of Osijek and Du- the Rijeka harbour. The neutron system is brovnik. developed as an addition to the x-ray inspec-

19 PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS Basrak (EC FP6 program, Contract 506065) 4. TRAINMONHER - Valorization of Monu- Projects supported by the Ministry mental Heritage through Higher Education of Science, Education and Sports and Professional Training. Socioeconomic

ZEF study and analysis of National Policies on EU-MED-DEV countries and EC Directives, 1. Experimental research of the nucleus: nucle- Bogomil Obelić (EC FP6 program INCO- ar structures and reactions, Suzana Szilner CT-2006-518697) 2. Ion beam interactions and nanostructures, 5. EURITRACK, European illicit trafficking Milko Jakšić countermeasures kit, Vladivoj Valković (EC 3. Hadronic physics and QCD, Ivan Supek FP6 Specific Targeted Research or Innova- 4. Heavy-ion physics, Zoran Basrak tion Project No. 511471) 5. Massive neutrinos and astro-particles: from 6. Control of illicit trafficking in threat materials particle physics to cosmology, Ante Ljubičić and humans, Vladivoj Valković (NATO proj- 6. Experimental physics at LHC energies, Krešo ect No. SfP 980526) Kadija 7. Nuclear techniques for the analysis and pres- 7. Experiments in quantum communication and ervation of national heritage objects, Milko quantum information, Mario Stipčević Jakšić (IAEA Technical Co-operation project, 8. Photon-atom interactions and correlations, CRO/1/005) Tihomir Surić 8. Nuclear Techniques for the Protection of Cul- 9. Natural radioisotopes in investigation of karst tural Heritage Artifacts in the Mediterranean ecosystem and dating, Bogomil Obelić Region, Stjepko Fazinić (National Coordina- 10. Prehistorical identity of first agricultural tor, IAEA regional project RER/1/006) populations in continental Croatia, Kornelija 9. Application of isotope techniques in investiga- Minichreiter tion of water resources and water protection in 11. Development and application of nuclear ana- the Karst area of Croatia, Nada Horvatinčić,. lytical methods, Đuro Miljanić (IAEA Technical co-operation program 12. Development of methods for control of illicit CRO/8/006, co-operation with the University of threat material trafficking, Dario Matika Rijeka, Dept. of Physics, Faculty of Medicine) 10. Using Isotope Tracers as a Tool for Ground- Programs supported by the Min- water Vulnerability Assessment in the Coun- istry of Science, Education and ty of Split, Dalmatia, Nada Horvatinčić (IAEA Sports and led by members of the Technical co-operation program CRO/8/007) Division 11. Isotope methods for management of drink- ing water resources, Nada Horvatinčić (IAEA 1. High Energy Experimental Physics within and regional project RER/8/012) beyond the Standard Model, Krešo Kadija 12. Measurements of differential cross sections 2. Water in Karst - dynamics, geochemistry and for elastic scattering of 1H and 4He ions from isotopic processes, Bogomil Obelić selected light elements, Ivančica Bogdanović Radović (IAEA Research Contract 13269)

Research, developmental and 13. Heavy ion acceleration in 1.0 and 6.0 MV international projects electrostatic accelerators, Milko Jakšić (IAEA Research Conract 13127) 1. Preparation of carbon samples for 14C dat- 14. Upgrade of PIXE and STIM imaging capabili- ing by the AMS technique – AMS-14C, Ines ties at Zagreb nuclear microprobe, Mladen Krajcar Bronić (EC FP6 program INCO- Bogovac (IAEA Research Contract 13258) CT-2006-043584) 15. Characterization of inorganic pigments used 2. Upgrade of the RBI Tandem Accelerator Fa- by selected painter(s) by nuclear microprobe, A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . cility – RBI-AF, Stjepko Fazinić (EC FP6 pro- Stjepko Fazinić (IAEA Research Contract gram INCO Contract 043630) 13050) R B I 3. EUROpean Nuclear Structure Integrated 16. Modification of electronic properties in - Infrastructure Initiative – EURONS, Zoran sulators using nuclear microprobe, Marko

20 Karlušić (IAEA Research Contract 12925) Technical Meeting: Enhancing nuclear sci- 17. Improvements of ERDA technique using ence education and training using accelera- TOF spectrometer, Zdravko Siketić (IAEA tors, Accra, Ghana, September 11-14, 2007. Research Contract 14580) 7. Lakić B. Axions and Large Extra Dimensions, rd

18. Study of advantages and limitations of Si pin 3 Joint ILIAS-CERN-DESY Axion-WIMPs ZEF diodes as radiation detectors by ion beam training-workshop, Patras, Greece, June methods, Milko Jakšić (bilateral project with 19-25, 2007. Hungary) 8. Milin M. Clustering in light nuclei studied with 19. Heavy ion physics, Roman Čaplar (Inter- 6He beam, CLUSTERS' 2007, Stratford upon national collaboration project RBI-KFKI Avon, England, September 3-7, 2007. Research Institute for Particle and Nuclear 9. Sudac D. Discrimination of the explosives Physics, Budapest via Croatian (HAZU) and from other materials by using the tagged Hungarian Academy of Science) neutron beam, NATO Advanced Research 20. Heavy-ion reaction dynamics studies, Zoran Workshop on ‘’Detection of Liquid Explosives Basrak (bilateral research project Croatia- and Flammable Agents in Connection with India) Terrorist Actions’’, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, 21. OPERA collaboration, Ante Ljubičić (Interna- October 17-19, 2007. tional collaboration between RBI, CERN, Gene- 10. Švarc A. On Ambiguities and Uncertainties va, Switzerland and LNGS , Gran Sasso, Italy) in PWA, 11th International Conference on 22. Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) experiment, Meson-Nucleon Physics and the Structure Milica Krčmar (International collaboration be- of the Nucleon (MENU2007), September tween RBI and CERN, Geneva, Switzerland 10-14, 2007, IKP, Forschungzentrum Juelich, on CERN) Germany.

SELECTED INVITED LECTURES Selected publications

1. Antičić T. Search for a quark-gluon plasma, 5th 1. Summers NC, Pain SD, Orr NA, Catford Scientific Meeting of Croatian Physical Soci- WN, Angelique JC, Ashwood NI, Bouchat ety, Primošten, Croatia, October 5 - 8, 2007. V, Clarke NM, Curtis N, Freer M, Fulton BR, 2. Antičić T. Determining the best phenomeno- Hanappe F, Labiche M, Lecouey JL, Lem- logical model for hadron interactions using mon RC, Mahboub D, Ninane A, Normand the anti-Omega to Omega ratio in proton- G, Nunes FN, Soić N, Stuttge L, Timis CN, proton collisions, Astroparticle Physics: Cur- Thompson IJ, Winfield JS, Ziman V. B(E1) rent Issues (APCI07), Budapest, Hungary, strengths from Coulomb excitation of 11Be. July 21-23, 2007. Phys Lett B 2007: 650:124. 3. Basrak Z. Fusion of atomic nuclei, nuclear- 2. Horvat R, Pavon D. Constraining interacting session key talk at the 5th Scientific Meet- dark energy models with flux destabilization, ing of Croatian Physical Society, Primošten, Phys. Lett. B 2007: 653: 373 Croatia, October 5 - 8, 2007. 3. Alt C et al. (NA49 Collaboration-IRB: Antičić R B I 4. Bogdanović Radović I. Ion Beam Analysis - T, Kadija K, Nikolić V, Šuša T): Elliptic flow methodology and forensic applications, Joint

of Lambda hyperons in Pb+Pb collisions at A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . IAEA ICTP Workshop: X-Ray Emission Tech- 158AGeV. Phys Rev C 2007: 75: 044901. niques for Forensic Applications, Trieste, Ita- 4. Szilner S,.. Soić N. et al. (PRISMA+CLARA- ly, May 28 – June 1, 2007. RBI collaboration): Multinucleon transfer re- 5. Fazinić S. Ion Beam Techniques for Analysis actions in closed-shell nuclei. Phys Rev C of Cultural Heritage Objects, VII International 2007: 76: 024604. Conference on Science, Arts and Culture, 5. Lopez X, et al. (FOPI Collaboration-IRB: Bas- Science for Cultural Heritage, Lošinj, Croa- rak Z, Čaplar R, Gašparić I, Kiš M Korolija tia, August 28-31, 2007. M). Isospin dependence of relative yields of 6. Jakšić M. Remote accelerator experiments K+ and K0 mesons at 1.528A GeV. Phys Rev and education using accelerators, IAEA C 2007: 75: 011901(R).

21 6. Andriamonje S et al. (RBI-CAST collabora- 10. Jakšić M, Medunić Z, Skukan N, Bogovac M, tion: K. Jakovčić, M. Krčmar, B. Lakić, A. Wegrzynek D. Fabrication of a Si photodiode Ljubičić): An improved limit on the axion- for position sensitive radiation detection. photon coupling from the CAST experiment, IEEE Trans Nucl Sci 2007: 54:280.

ZEF JCAP 2007: 04: 010. 11. Obelić B, Krajcar Bronić I, Barešić J, Peković 7. Brigljević V, Ferenček D, Morović, S et al. Ž, Milošević A. Dating of the Old Bridge in Study of di-boson production with the CMS Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Radiocar- detector at LHC. J Physics G 2007: 34: 269. bon 2007: 49: 617. 8. Kaliman Z, Pisk K, Surić T. Perturbative cal- 12. Albert J, Hrupec D, et al. Variable very high culation of the cross section in double ion- energy gamma-ray emission from Markarian ization by high-energy Compton scattering , 501, Astrophys. J: 2007: 669: 862. European Phys JD: 2007:42: 369. 9. Sudac D, et al. Identification of materials hid- den inside a sea-going cargo container filled with an organic cargo by using the tagged neutron inspection system. Nucl Instr Meth B 2007: 261: 321.

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . R B I

22 O respective findings. Fundamental research Fundamental findings. respective the with correlated were measured properties physical the and etc., AFM microscopy, spectroscopy, including electron Raman SAXS, XRD, methods, different by examined been has materials these of structure The treatments. subsequent and implantation) namic processing (magnetron sputtering, ion been produced by non-equilibrium thermody- Various kinds of nanophased materials have technology. in developments and research scientific fundamental both of direction tive ac- most the been has nanotechnology and Nanoscience molecules. and matter densed soscopic and macroscopic properties of con- me- microscopic, the connect and describe that processes and parameters physical of studies applied and fundamental on cused verview oftheDivision consists ofthefollowinglaboratories: (ZFM) Physics Materials of Division The Head: NikolaRadić Division Division ofMaterialsPhysics h Dvso o Mtras hsc i fo- is Physics Materials of Division The a a a Physics, KrešimirFurić for Molecular Laboratory Nikola Radić for Laboratory Thin Films, Branko Pivac for Semiconductors, Laboratory AL organization iourdefectsof EFGinmaterial suggests that behav- complex (DLTS)The copy technique. spectros- transient level deep the by were studied method float-zone and (EFG) growth film-fed edge-defined the by grown crystals silicon carbon rich p-typepolycrystalline Dislocation-related deeplevels in TOP ACHIEVEMENTS an averageimpactfactorperpaperof1.91. tions to journals listed in current contents, with contribu- 35 in published were Division the in 2007,the results ofinvestigations carried out During research. intensive of subjects be to continue systems condensed in ganization self-or- induced and spontaneous the and interaction, laser-matter in effects nonlinear strongly the Finally, other. the on samples one side, on to molecular crystals and biological ceramics and semiconductors, metals, tion vary in their origin and composition from investiga spectroscopy.under systems The vibrational on emphasis special placed ics in the field of molecular and solid state phys- Dislocation-related defects in p-type silicon http://www.irb.hr/en/str/zfm

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. 7 0 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n n A I B

23 R ZFM dislocations are either decorated with clouds of carbon-related or metallic defects, or the close spacing produces overlap of space- charge regions, therefore affecting the electri-

ZFM cal activity (Capan et al., 2007).

Figure 2: 2D GISAXS patterns obtained from nanocrystalline- amorphous Si thin films deposited on different substrates (a,d,g), and from samples deposited under conditions that favours “transport limited growth” (b,e, f, h) or “strong plas- ma surface interactions“ (c, i)).

Thermal expansion of Cr-doped mullites derived from single-phase Figure 1: DLTS spectra of dislocated float-zone (FZ) and carbon-rich polycrystalline edge-defined film-fed grown precursors (EFG) silicon samples.

Amorphous-nanocrystalline silicon thin films

The nano-structure of thin Si films was examined by Raman spectroscopy and GISAXS analysis as a function of deposi- tion conditions in the RF PECVD reactor. The GISAXS scattering patterns indicate the presence of ‘particles’ in the ‘bulk’ of thin films, with gyration radii in the range of 2 to 5 nm that could be attributed to nano-crys- tals embedded in amorphous matrix (Figure 2). Samples which had been deposited with higher discharge power and lower silane Figure 3: Results of the WPPF procedure in precise deter- fraction had larger particles and increased mination of unit-cell parameters for selected Cr-doped mul- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . surface roughness (Gracin et al., 2007). lites, with Si powder as internal standard at RT. R B I

24 Nanocrystalline powders of mullite con- A new method for the taining 0, 2.30, 4.74, 6.97 and 9.17 wt% of determination of the phase- Cr2O3 were derived from single-phase pre- transition pressure in crystals cursors, and their thermal expansion be- tween 480 and 940 ºC was studied by in-situ A new method for determination of the ZFM XRD. Unit-cell parameters were precisely phase-transition pressure in crystals, with a determined using the whole-powder-pattern small volume change, was presented. Lat- fitting (WPPF) method. Both undoped and tice dynamics calculations, within the frame- Cr-doped mullites displayed the strongest work of perturbation density functional theory thermal expansion along the b-axis, followed (PDFT) were performed. By monitoring the by c and then a. Coefficients of thermal ex- phonon frequencies as a function of pressure pansion along the a, b and c axes displayed it is possible to determine the pressure of the minima for mullite doped with 6.97 wt% phase transition. It is the pressure at which Cr2O3 (Gržeta et al., 2007). a particular phonon frequency goes to zero, i.e., the lattice become unstable. The meth- od was applied to locate the phase-transition Catalytic activity of pressure in the crystals of ZnS, ZnSe, CdS, nanocrystalline nickel thin films and CdSe. The calculated transition pres- sures were in much better agreement with The grain-size of Ni-particles in sputter- experiments than previous calculations (Ki- deposited thin films (400 nm) was controlled rin et al., 2007). by the substrate temperature. It was found that nc-Ni catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction correlates well with the ratio between the nanocrystalline (d) and non-homogeneus disordered (RG) fraction of the nc-Ni film as determined by the XRD and GISAXS analyses. The catalytic activity of nanocrystalline nickel was markedly greater at larger fraction of the isotropic inhomoge- nities inside the film (Metikoš-Huković et al., 2007; Radić et al., 2007).

Figure 5: Pressure dependence of the soft-mode frequency

for selected materials. R B I

New features of acetylacetone A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . captured by solid-state Raman spectroscopy

Low temperature Raman spectra of acetylacetone, an organic molecule with an intramolecular hydrogen bond, revealed Figure 4: The exchange current density (j0) for hydrogen evolution reaction and ratio R /d versus substrate tempera- unusually strong broad bands whose in- G tensities change with temperature and the ture, TS, dependence for sputter deposited nc-Ni films.

25 wavelength of the exciting line. These broad structures on an inclined plate. Juxtaposition bands corresponded to transitions from a of experimentally generated structures with mixed triplet-singlet electronic state lying ap- those simulated numerically, on the basis of proximately 20000 cm-1 (2.5 eV) above the the equation derived by A.L.Frenkel, showed

ZFM ground state. In the free molecule, there was a very good qualitative agreement. The ex- only a pure triplet state at this energy, and it periments confirmed the dependence of the could not be reached by photon excitation. structure evolution on the laser power profile In solid acetylacetone, this state, whose life- and on the irradiation angle. These results time is extended by freezing, had a mixed were judged by the referees to constitute ”an singlet/triplet character. These characteris- important paper” (Lugomer et al., 2007). tics enabled the observation of transitions to various conformers in the ground state (Mohaček Grošev et al., 2007).

Figure 6: Low temperature Raman spectra of acetylacetone reveal unusually strong broad bands, which correspond to

transitions from an excited mixed triplet-singlet electronic state into the ground states of various conformers.

Flow instability of fluid-metal layer generated by laser pulse on an in- clined metal surface Figure 7: Comparative view of the optical micrographs of It was found that nanosecond laser– surface flow structures in various regions of the spot on very A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . matter interaction with metal surfaces under pure Ti, irradiated under θ=20° and of numerical simulation based on the Frenkel model.

R B I an angle causes the formation of nonlinear micron-scale waves and localized structures resembling the gravitationally caused flow

26 Polymer electrolyte for Zn recharge- the Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Electri- able nanostructured galvanic cells. cal Engineering and Computing, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology in The effects of adding nanosized TiO2 Zagreb and elsewhere. grains to (PEO)8ZnCl2 polymer electrolytes, ZFM as well as the influence of γ-radiation, were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering AWARDS (SAXS), simultaneously recorded with dif- ferential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These Ivana Capan, senior assistant with the Di- treatments largely enhanced the conductiv- vision of Materials Physics, received the An- ity of the polymer electrolyte. A room-tem- nual National Award for young scientist for perature conductivity increase of up to two 2007 for her research in the field of defects orders of magnitude was achieved. Addition in semiconductors - the most prestigious sci- of nanograins increased conductivity more entific recognition for young scientist avail- than can be ascribed to crystallinity, possi- able in Croatia. bly because of interactions of the anion with nanograins (Turković et al., 2007). PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

Projects supported by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport

1. Synergy of nanophases and nanocompos- ites, Aleksandra Turković 2. Basic properties of nanostructures and de- fects in semiconductors and dielectrics, Branko Pivac 3. Doped optoelectronic and ceramic nanoma- terials, Biserka Gržeta 4. The thin film silicon alloys on the amorphous to crystalline transition, Davor Gracin 5. Thin Films of Novel Amorphous or Nano- structured Materials, Nikola Radić 6. Semiconductor materials for optoelectronics and nonotechnology, Branko Šantić 7. Physics and application of nanostructures and bulk matter, Krešimir Furić 8. Organizational processes and optical inter- actions in condensed molecular systems, Stjepan Lugomer R B I

Figure 8: DSC (top panel) and SAXS (lower panels - heating A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . and cooling cycles) of (PEO)8ZnCl2 irradiated with γ-rays Program supported by the Ministry of 309 Kgy. of Science, Education and Sports

Education 1. Advanced materials and applications for en- ergy conversion and storage, Branko Pivac Members of the Department of Materials Physics teach 7 graduate and 7 postgradu- ate courses of physics and related topics at

27 Research, developmental and inter- SELECTED PUBLICATIONS national projects 1. Lugomer S, Maksimović A, Peto G, Karacs A. 1. Study of nanocomposite polymer electrolytes, Flow instability of fluid-metal layer generated

ZFM Aleksandra Turković, (Croatia-Slovenia). by laser pulse on an inclined metal surface: 2. Study of disordered materials, nano-optical Experiments and simulation. Appl Phys Lett layers, Mile Ivanda, (Croatia-Slovenia). 2007: 90: 091917 3. Research of defects in Si and Ge induced by 2. Metikoš-Huković M, Grubač Z, Radić N, fast neutrons, Branko Pivac (Croatia-Slove- Dubček P, Djerdj I. The influence of local struc- nia). ture of nanocrystalline Ni films on the catalytic 4. Quantum effects in vibrational states of nano- activity. Electrochem Comm 2007: 9: 299 crystalline silicon, Davor Gracin (Croatia-Slo- 3. Kirin D, Lukačević I. Stability of high-pressure venia). phases in II-VI semiconductors by a density 5. Thin ZnO layer optimization in amorphous functional lattice dynamics approach. Phys silicon PV cells, Davor Gracin, (Croatia- Rev B 2007: 75: 172103 Macedonia). 4. Mohaček-Grošev V, Furić K, Ivanković H. Lu- 6. Laser-induced surface self-organization: for- minescence and Raman spectra of acetylac- mation of surfaces with special properties, etone at low temperatures. J Phys Chem A. Stjepan Lugomer (Croatia-Hungary). 2007: 111: 5820 7. Ion beam modifications of SiC for elelctron- 5. Gašparović B, Risović D, Ćosović B, Nelson ic and optoelectronic applications, Branko A. The Influence of Frequency on Fractal Di- Šantić (Croatia-Hungary). mension of Adsorbed Layers. Electrochim 8 Research on silicon and germanium nano- Acta 2007: 52: 2527 structures, Branko Pivac, (COGITO - Bilat- 6. Radić N, Dubček P, Bernstorff S, Djerdj I, eral collaboration with France). Tonejc AM. Structural study of nanocrystalline 9. LPMAS, Davor Gracin (EU- FW6 -INCO- nickel thin films. J Appl Cryst 2007: 40: 377 Project No FP6-509178). 7. Gracin D, Bernstorff S, Dubček P, Gajović A, 10. RISE, Uroš V. Desnica (EU-FW6-INCO-Proj- Juraić K. Study of mixture amorphous-nano- ect No FP6-509161). crstalline thin silicon films by GISAX spec- 11. Hybrid photovoltaic module, Davor Gracin troscopy. J Appl Crys 2007: 40: 373 (Ministry of Science, Education and Sport- 8. Lugomer S, Fukumoto Y, Farkas B, Szorenyi HITRA-STIRP Project TP-02/0098-35). T, Toth A. Super-complex wave-vortex multi- 12. The origin of structural defects and their ef- scale phenomena induced in laser-matter in- fects upon the properties if silicate glass, Da- teractions. Phys Rev E. 2007: 76: 1 vor Gracin, (National Science Foundation of 9. Turković A, Pavlović M, Dubček P, Lučić- Croatia). Lavčević M, Etlinger B, Bernstorff S. SAXS/ DSC study of polymer electrolyte for Zn re- chargeable nanostructured galvanic cells. J SELECTED INVITED LECTURES Electrochem Soc 2007: 154: 554

10. Capan I, Borjanović V, Pivac B. Dislocation- related deep levels in carbon rich p-type 1. Armellini C, Biljanović P, Chiappini A, Chi- polycrystalline silicon. Sol Energy Mater Sol asera A, Ferrari M, Ivanda M (lecturer); Jestin Cells 2007: 91: 931 Y, Mattarelli M, Minati L, Montagna M, Moser 11. Lučić Lavčević M, Dubček P, Turković A, E, Nunzi Conti G, Pelli S, Righini CG, Sper- Crnjak-Orel Z, Bernstorff S. Nanostructural anza G, Tosello C. Nanocomposite Photonic depth-profile of vanadium/cerium oxide film Glasses and Confined Structures Tailoring as a host for lithium ions. Sol Energy Mater Er3+ Spectroscopic Properties, MIPRO 2007 Sol Cells 2007: 91: 616 A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . 30th International Convention, Opatija, Croa- 12. Turković A, Orel B, Lučić-Lavčević M, Dubček tia, May 25, 2007. P, Crnjak-Orel Z, Bernstorff S. GISAXS study R B I 2. Turković A. SAXS Characterization of Mes- of temperature evolution in nanostructured oporous Thin Films: A Brief Review. E-MRS CeVO films. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2007 Fall meeting, Warszaw, Poland, Sep- 4 2007: 91: 1299 tember 17-21, 2007.

28 O eim hois Tee hois r often are theories These theories. medium modelling of thin film mixtures using effective coatings were initially addressed towards the Optical thinfilms TOP ACHIEVEMENTS and therapyofmalignantskindiseases. diagnosis photodynamic for strumentation in- new particularly field, medical the in use have will systems and devices These apy. new MediLED device for photodynamic ther- of development and systems optical ponent multicom- of development devices; dynamic eral strategic projects: development of photo- fields ofmedicineandnationalsecurity. the in disciplines basic these the of application to directed are activities this, Besides films. thin optical of fundamentals the and photonics optics, non-imaging and imaging of field the in knowledge the strengthen and h Dvso o Lsr n Aoi R&D consists ofthefollowinglaboratories: Atomic and Laser of Division The Head: HrvojeZorc DIVISIONAL organization verview oftheDivision Research andDevelopment Division ofLaserand Atomic The research tasks in the field of optical of field the in tasks research The sev- developing currently is Division The expand to is Division the of mission The a a

Eduard Švegel workshops, Multipurpose Films, MladenPavlović for Optics and Laboratory Thin separation; and compressive sampling with sampling compressive and separation; source with blind underdetermined in application analysis component sparse volution; model-free single-sensor blind signal decon as: such areas on focused were processing Blind signalprocessing novel designsofopticalcoatingsinfuture. enable may structures multilayer dielectric into incorporated films these of performance face plasmon resonance, the peculiar optical sur- the to Due studied. and produced been have films island metal 2007, of months last the during addition, In profile. index fractive re- the of characterization for ellipsometry of The results demonstrated the high sensitivity data. ellipsometric and spectrophotometric using performed been has filters, rugate i.e. of linearly varying and constant composition, films of combinations of consisting coatings on the results, a characterization of complex Based composition. the of variation in-depth context, we have studied various films with this an In composition. material the with ficient describe the variation of the absorption coef- mixtures has shown that such theories fail niobia-silica to of data spectrophotometric of tive index of a mixture. However, the analysis refrac- the for account to used successfully eerh ciiis n h ae o signal of area the in activities Research http://www.irb.hr/en/str/lair

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29 R LAIR application in unsupervised segmentation of puter Science, Institute of Energy and Auto- low-dimensional multispectral images. mation Technology, Electronic and Medical Signal Processing Group, Berlin, Germany, Photodynamic diagnosis and October 11, 2007. 2. Kopriva I. Blind separation of statistically de- LAIR therapy pendent sources, The George Washington University, School of Engineering and Ap- In 2007, the development and testing of plied Science, Department of Electrical and an advanced apparatus for photodynamic Computer Engineering, Washington D.C., diagnosis and therapy (PDT and PDD) of USA, September 21, 2007. malignant skin diseases under the brand name - MediLED-7® continued. The device SELECTED PUBLICATIONS was completed with new software. The de- velopment of a new device MediLED-8® has 1. Janicki V, Sancho-Parramon J, Stenzel O, started. Lappschies M, Görtz B, Rickers C, Polenzky C, Richter U. Optical characterization of hy- Patents brid antireflective coatings using spectropho- tometric and ellipsometric measurements. App Optics 2007:46: 6084. A patent application, entitled “Intelligent 2. Kopriva I, Seršić D. Wavelet packets approach sequential illuminating device for photody- to blind separation of statistically dependent namic therapy“, was filed on 19 April 2007. sources, Neurocomputing 2007:10:106. The application received a positive written 3. Wasylkiwskyj W, Kopriva I, Doroslovački M. opinion as well as the publication number Image frequency suppression in frequen- WO/2007/119084. cy-scanned direction-of-arrival estimation systems. IET Proc Radar Sonar Navigation New equipment 2007:1:191. 4. Kopriva I. Approach to blind image deconvo- lution by multiscale subband decomposition 1. Digital Lock-in amplifier Signal Recovery - and independent component analysis, JOSA EG&G 7265. A 2007:24:973. 5. Wasylkiwskyj W, Kopriva I, Doroslovački M, PROJECTS Zaghluol A. A new root–based direction find- ing algorithm. Radio Sci 2007: 42: RS2S90. Projects supported by the Ministry 6. Kopriva I, Peršin A, Zorc H, Lipozenčić J, of Science, Education and Sports Pašić A, Kostović K, Lončarić M. Visualization of basal cell carcinoma by fluorescence diag- 1. Analysis of multispectral data, Ivica Kopriva nosis and independent component analysis, Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2007:4:190. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES 7. Turković A, Pavlović M, Dubček P, Lučić- Lavčević M, Etlinger B, Bernstorff S. SAXS/ DSC study of polymer electrolyte for Zn re- Members of the Division teach courses on chargeable nanostructured galvanic cells. J Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University Electrochem Soc 2007:154: A554. of Osijek, and in Polytehnic Velika Gorica, Velika Gorica, Croatia. Chapter in Book

SELECTED INVITED LECTURES A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . 1. Zorc H. Croatia and European Research Area, Contemporary Croatian Topics, Croa-

R B I 1. Kopriva I. Blind separation of statistically de- tian System Society (in Croatian) Zagreb pendent sources, Technical University Berlin, 2007, ISSN-1846-6451. Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Com-

30 O tutions oftheUniversity of Zagreb. differentinsti- from academic researchers of number a including Division, the them within from of three projects, research related 5 involves program research The Sports. and Education Science, of Ministry Croatian the cations (PI Dragan Gamberger), financed by tional knowledge discovery in scientific appli “Computa entitled program research term tion recordindifferent fields. publica impressive an with year this firmed strong multi-disciplinary orientation was con- The techniques. measurement advanced of development the on as well bio- as informatics, and biology computational medicine, bio- in application their and analy techniques signal sis and data intelligent novel of development and research the on work to verview oftheDIVISION following laboratories: The Division of Electronics consists of the Head: Tomislav Šmuc DIVISIONAL ORGANIZATION Division ofElectronics In 2007, the Division was granted a long- a granted was Division the 2007, In continues electronics of Division The a a

Ivan Michieli research, and processes for stochastic signals Laboratory Dragan Gamberger Laboratory forinformationsystems, - - - - of posttraumaticstressdisorder. study clinical the under collected data the of has also been applied for intelligent analysis methodology mining data Advanced 2007). al., et (Gamberger ischemia brain from ing suffer- patients of analysis data for applied and developed been has discovery, group and applications Knowledge discovery methodology T otrdae ore a te nvriy of Zagreb. University the at courses postgraduate and undergraduate both providing by cation in industrialembeddedsystems. devicesprogrammablelogic reliabilityof the KončarInstitute Electricalfor Engineering on processescollaborationstartedthe andwith projects. The laboratory for stochastic signals lateral (FP6 project HEARTFAID) and bilateral sion works on a number of international multi- op achiEvements nw ehiu, ald trtv sub- iterative called technique, new A Our researchers contribute to higher edu- Divi- the projects, scientific these Besides

http://www.irb.hr/en/str/zel

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31 R ZEL A complex knowledge discovery proce- Within the activities related to the HEART- dure, including a sequence of data process- FAID project (EUFP6 ICT-STREP) focused ing and filtering algorithms together with sup- on the research and development of a port vector regression model development, knowledge-enabled platform for the support ZEL has been designed and successfully applied of healthcare for elderly patients suffering to the estimation of anti-tumour activity in tu- from heart failure syndrome. The labora- mour cell lines (IC50 values, in-vitro testing) tory for information systems is leading work for a series of crown ether compounds. package 4 – Knowledge representation, dis- covery and management. During the sec- Meta-modelling of complex real-world ond year, our focus was on the definition of processes using machine learning algo- knowledge representation and formulation of rithms and data mining tools is a relatively ontology for the heart failure domain. Within unexplored field. An application to the prob- this activity, a new ontology reasoner-inter- lem of so called dose-rate buildup factors in preter called CWI, based on the OWL lan- radiation protection has proved the potential guage (Ontology Web Language) has been and advantages of the machine learning par- built for testing the new heart failure disease adigm in formulating accurate and reliable ontology, and as a prototype for the decision approximate models of complex processes support services of the HEARTFAID platform (Trontl et al., 2007). (see Fig. 1).

Knowledge representation and Advanced measurement systems reasoning for healthcare and signal processing techniques

A numerical procedure for the computa- tion of natural gas molar heat capacity, the isentropic exponent, and the Joule-Thomson coefficient has been derived using fundamen- tal thermodynamic equations, DIPPR AIChE generic ideal heat capacity equations, and AGA-8 extended virial-type equation of state. The procedure enables precise calculation of natural gas properties and can be efficiently applied to flow-rate measurements (Marić I, 2007). Focus was also given to the devel- opment of new methods for fractal-feature extraction from time series based on data embedding in pseudo phase space, where trajectory vector projection on principal axes reveals scale-invariant statistics. The method is illustrated on a human heartbeat time se- ries (interbeat interval). An ongoing research activity in the signal processing field is the development of an integrated approach for Figure 1. WEB-prototype of the OWL based reasoner – CWI, the quantification of recurrences in short se- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . a plug-in component for the Protege ontology editor, operat- quences. Coupling of the so called Recur- ing on heart failure ontology and patient records captured

R B I rence Quantification Analysis technique, with from local clinic patient records. machine learning algorithms, into a new soft-

32 3. 2. 1. Science,Education andSport of bytheMinistry supported Projects PROJECTS ANDPROGRAMS Education heart rate variability analysis, etc.). sequences,protein as (suchproblem cation annotation/classifi- particular the to respect with transform RQA the of optimization ous to a few hundred points), involving simultane- shortsequencesof signals or(fromtens few automatedanalysisenable will system ware Computing (UniversityofZagreb). and Engineering Electrical of Faculty the of Program Graduate the at courses two tured lec- also They Zagreb). of (University puting Com- and Engineering Electrical of Faculty and Zagreb) the other one at the PhD Program of the of (University School Medical the of Program PhD the at course one lectured Engineering. the R&D collaboration with the Končar Institute for Electrical of scope the within obtained were Results flip-flop. stable meta- a of delay) propagation (or response Time 2. Figure n 07 h mmbr o te Division the of memebers the 2007 In ization, BrankaMedvedRogina Character and Measurement Data Life Real surement Systems,IvanMarić Mea- in Methods Intelligence Computational cation, DraganGamberger Machine Learning Algorithms and their Appli - - 4. 3. 2. 1. projects international Research, developmental and 1. Division the of andledbymembers Sports Science,Education and of Ministry bythe supported Programs 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. selected publications

Institute forElectricalEngineering) Branka systems, Medved Rogina (R&D embedded project with the Končar industrial devices in logic programmable of Reliability bilateral project) teomics, Tomislav Šmuc (Croatian-Slovenian Pro- and Genomics for Databases Inductive (Croatian-Slovenian bilateralproject) Intelligent Data Analysis, Dragan Gamberger (EUFP6, ICT-STREP Gamberger project) Dragan population, elderly within failure heart medical-clinical of management supporting for services of platform based knowledge A– HEARTFAID entific applications,DraganGamberger sci- in discovery knowledge Computational of Ionophores.JMedChem 2007:50:1007. Series Distur- a of Studies Death Cell Cycle and bances, Cell Relationships, Activitiy Structure- Ethers: Crown of Potential tumor Anti- Lj. Tušek-Božić T, Šmuc I, Piantanida L, F,Frkanec Supek M, Kralj M, Marjanović efficient. FlowMeasInstrum2007:18:18. isen- co- Joule-Thomson the and exponent, tropic the capacity, heat molar gas natural Marić I. A procedure for the calculation of the strum 2007:78:45104. In- Sci Rev semiconductors. in emission nic photo- on based generator Quantum number random B. Rogina Medved M, Stipčević Nucl En2007:34:939. Ann shields. multi-layer for factors buildup -ray γ of estimation the for model regression vector Support D. Pevec T, Šmuc K, Trontl mia dataanalysis. Appl Intell2007:27:205. ischae- brain in Experiments discovery: group G. Clinical data analysis based on iterative sub- KrstačićKrstačićLavračGambergerN,A, D,

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33 R ZEL 34 RBI Annual Report 2007. OVERVIEW OFTHEDIVISION Review B. A large fraction of those contribu B. those Review of Afraction large Society for Mass Spectrometry, and Physical of Journal Physics, Chemistry,Physical the of Journal American Chemical of Journal Proteins, Materials, Advanced Chemistry, Medicinal Current Chemistry, Medicinal of the highest ranking journals such as: Journal in published sciences. was A part significant structural and chemical analyses, and in bio- processes, chemical and physical of elling mod - the chemistry, structural theoretical chemistry, kinetics, chemical chemistry, ic atmospher in contributions 50 nearly lished Head: Aleksandar Sabljić DIVISIONAL ORGANIZATION Division ofPhysicalChemistry n 07 mmes f h Dvso pub- Division the of members 2007, In a a a a a a

Ivan Habuš Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry, Boris Rakvin Laboratory for Magnetic Resonances, Marija Luić Crystallography,Biological and ofChemical Laboratory Tomislav Živković Theoretical ChemistryGroup, Nada Filipović-Vinceković ofRadiochemistry,Laboratory Dunja Srzić and Atmospheric Chemistry, forChemicalKinetics Laboratory - - tional SolutionsintheLifeSciences. n te 2 the and the excitation of the CO-vibration promote or does i.e. state, excited CO-stretching metric asym- the and state ground vibrational the in splittings tunnelling of assignment the ing concern controversy a was there However, has been measured in 2002 for the first time. tems. The time constant of its proton sys- transfer bonded hydrogen double studying for mic aciddimer transferintheforDouble proton - TOP ACHIVEMENTS as the traditional 22 traditional the as such workshops, and conferences national inter- well-attended several organized have members division the year, every case the is Finally,as Croatia. in education graduate tensively (30 courses) to undergraduate and ex- contribute also members Research Division Area. European the in Division the of presence strong the demonstrates orations high proportion of fruitful international collab The collaborations. (45%) international and tions were carried out within domestic (50%) The formic acid dimer (FAD) is a prototype nd ptj Meig n Computa- on Meeting Opatija nd http://www.irb.hr/en/str/zfk MATH/CHEM/COMP

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35 R ZFK hinder tunnelling. We have addressed this is- effector or help to increase selectivity of Ras sue by solving the five-dimensional reaction toward a particular effector. space Hamiltonian and have obtained a tun-

ZFK nelling splitting 2.4 times larger in the ground state than in the CO-stretching excited state (Matanović et al., 2007). Thus, it was dem- onstrated that vibrational excitation does not always promote tunneling. The most recent experiments supported our conclusion.

Figure 2. The most favourable protein-protein interactions responsible for formation of the Ras-Raf complex

Cholic acid - a host for the long lin- Figure 1. 3D crossection of the five dimensional potential ear molecules energy surface of the formic acid dimer. The isosurfaces -1 correspond to energies at 800, 2000, 4000 and 6000 cm . Co-crystals of cholic acid (CA) with n-al- kylammonia (n=10, 12, 14, 16) are the first Interactions of Ras proteins with examples of CA's co-crystals with molecules their effectors of comparable size (Tomašić and Štefanić 2007). In one case a completely new type of Knowledge about interactions between bilayer arrangement was found. The host– Ras proteins (Ras, Rap…) and their effec- guest ratio in crystals was 1:1 in three cases tors is important from both the biological and and 2:1 in one case. In 1:1 complexes CA medicinal points of view. Ras belongs to the molecules are assembled in bilayers and n- superfamily of small GTP binding proteins. alkylammonia guests are included in the hy- Due to its ability to fluctuate between ac- drophobic zones between those layers in a tive (GTP bound) and inactive (GDP bound) sandwich-type structure. In the 2:1 complex states, it acts as a switch in many cellular the CA bilayers form one-dimensional hydro- pathways. Certain mutations block this func- phobic channels into which guest molecules tion leading to a disease. We have found are included. In the case of 1:1 co-crystals that the interactions between Ras and its the bilayers of CA are separated much more effectors Raf and RalGDS are electrostati- than previously reported in order to accom- cally driven (Tomić et al., 2007). 3D QSAR modate large n-alkylammonia molecules. In A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . models were derived for predicting binding spite of the different bilayer arrangements,

R B I affinities of mutant proteins and the potential the characteristic spacing in the plane of CA binding sites were determined for small mol- bilayers is remarkably similar to the majority ecules that can either prevent binding of an of other known CA crystals.

36 PATENTS

U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. (2007) No. 11/672,789, Emmet M R, Kazazić S, Mar- shall A G, Greig M J: Analytical method for ZFK protein mapping using hydrogen/deuterium exchange.

NEW EQUIPMENT

The Divisional infrastructure was signifi- cantly improved by the acquisition of an X-ray diffractometer (Xcalibur Nova R), from Ox- ford Diffraction, financially supported by the Figure 3: Bilayer arrangements of cholic acids in the crystal Ministry of Science, Education and Sports. structures 1-4. The hydrophilic sides of cholic acids are shown The new Xcalibur Nova R is an X-ray system in red, the NH3+ groups of alkylammonia in blue and hydropho- designed for protein crystallography and ap- bic regions in grey. plications where a high brilliance copper X- ray source is required. This is the first X-ray Coupled dipole-proton model on equipment in Croatian academic community hydrogen-bonded ferroelectrics suitable for a single crystal diffraction of bio- logical macromolecules and this acquisition Adiabatic approximations of a coupled will enable new interdisciplinary research in dipole-proton model for hydrogen-bonded the field of (bio)materials and life science. ferroelectrics show that models of interact- ing tunnelling protons and interacting dipoles which are employed for description of hydro- gen-bonded ferroelectrics follow from the coupled dipole-proton model under the op- posite adiabatic approximations and that the model of interacting dipoles seems to cor- respond better with the experiments (Mer- unaka and Rakvin 2007). R B I A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 .

Figure 4: Structure of KH2PO4 and the coupled dipole-proton model. A double-well potential acts on the proton in O-H-O hy- drogen bond. The dipole moment induced by deformation of neighbouring PO4 group affects the hydrogen-bond potential due to dipole-proton coupling. Figure 5: X-ray diffractometer Xcalibur Nova R from Oxford Dif- fraction.

37 Educational activities 13. Amino-beta-lactams-synthrons for biologi- cally interesting compounds, Ivan Habuš The Division provides 15 undergraduate and 15 graduate courses at Universities in Programs supported by the Min- ZFK Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek and Dubrovnik istry of Science, Education and annually. Sports and led by members of the Division

AWARDS 1. Molecular structure, dynamics and reactivity, Boris Rakvin 2. Spectroscopy and modelling of bioactive Leo Klasinc, Life Achievement Award for molecules, Ante Graovac outstanding contributions in Natural Scienc- es awarded by the Croatian Parliament Selected bilateral projects

1. Chemical applications of advanced ESR- PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS techniques, Boris Rakvin (Bilateral project with Austria) Projects supported by the Ministry 2. Combined experimental and theoretical of Science, Education and Sport study of structure and dynamics of hydrogen bonded systems, Nađa Došlić (Bilateral proj- 1. Molecular structure and dynamics of systems ect with France, Program «COGITO») with paramagnetic particles, Boris Rakvin 3. Ozone Pollution Index and National Air Qual- 2. Surfactants, processes in solutions and at in- ity Standard, Leo Klasinc (Bilateral project terfaces, Nada Filipović-Vinceković with China) 3. Measurement and effect of atmospheric oxi- 4. Applications of advanced Pulsed EPR tech- dants, Leo Klasinc niques in the research of new fullerene-based 4. Advanced studies on chemical reactivity, materials: Structural properties of Li4C60, Bo- Aleksandar Sabljić ris Rakvin (Bilateral project with Slovenia) 5. Developing methods for modelling properties 5. Enzyme catalysis-model systems: Proton of bioactive molecules and proteins, Nenad transfer in low barrier hydrogen bonds, Biser- Trinajstić ka Kojić-Prodić (Bilateral project with Slove- 6. Design, synthesis and properties of organic nia) ligands and their metal complexes, Ljerka 6. Computer simulations of structure and dy- Tušek-Božić namics of proteins, Sanja Tomić, (Bilateral 7. Protein-ligand interactions at atomic level, project with Slovenia) Marija Luić 7. Novel bioflavonoids: (bio)chemical charac- 8. Spectroscopy, chemical properties and reac- terisation, structure/activity correlation and biotechnological application, Biserka Kojić-

tions of biologically active molecules, Branka Kovač Prodić (Bilateral project with India) 9. Control of atomic and molecular dynamics by shaped electromagnetic fields, Nađa Došlić Selected collaborative projects 10. Modeling molecules and materials by the mathematical and computational chemistry 1. Investigations of calcium phosphate based methods, Ante Graovac biomaterials, FP6 Specific Support Action, 11. Computational study of bio-macromolecules Creating international cooperation teams of and development of new algorithms, Sanja excellence in the field of emerging biomate- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Tomić rial surface research, Maja Dutour Sikirić 12. Development of mathematical methods for 2. COST chemistry D-27 action Origin of Life R B I the description of molecular structure, dy- and Early Evolution, Vesna Noethig-Laslo namics and reactivity, Tomislav Živković 3. COST physics P-15 action Advanced Para-

38 magnetic Resonance Methods in Molecular A. (Eds). Springer Heidelberg-Berlin, 2007. Biophysics, Boris Rakvin pp 149-198.

Review articles SELECTED INVITED LECTURES ZFK 1. Amić D, Davidović-Amić D, Bešlo D, Rastija 1. Kazazić S. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange V, Lučić B, Trinajstić N. SAR and QSAR of reaction monitored by mass spectrometry: the antioxidant activity of flavonoids. Curr Probing higher order protein structure in 2nd Med Chem 2007: 14: 827. Summer Course on Mass Spectrometry in Biotechnology and Medicine, Dubrovnik, Additional publications Croatia, 7-15 July 2007. 2. Klasinc L. Oxygen, ozone, oxygen radicals 1. Wenseleers W, Cambré S, Čulin J, Bouwen - and life on Earth, Iowa State University, A, Goovaerts E. Effect of water filling on the Ames, Iowa, USA, 05 March 2007. electronic and vibrational resonances of car- 3. Graovac A. Some novel results on topologi- bon nanotubes: Characterizing tube opening cal indices. CHEMMOD 2007, The Babes- by Raman spectroscopy. Adv Mater 2007: Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 19: 2274. 23-26 October 2007. 2. Marjanović M, Kralj M, Supek F, Frkanec L, Piantanida I, Šmuc T, Tušek-Božić Lj. Antitu- mor potential of crown ethers: structure activ- SELECTED ORGANIZED ity relationships, cell cycle disturbances and CONFERENCES cell death studies of a series of ionophores. J Med Chem 2007: 50: 1007. 3. Tomić S, Bertoša B, Wang T, Wade C. R. 1. Final Evaluation Workshop of COST D 27 Ac- COMBINE analysis of the specificity of bind- tion, Dubrovnik, 11-13 May 2007, organized ing of Ras proteins to their effectors. Proteins by V Noethig-Laslo. 2007: 67: 435. 2. 22nd MATH/CHEM/COMP, Dubrovnik, 11-16 4. Tomasic A, Bertosa B, Tomic S, Soskic M, June 2007, organized jointly by A Grao- Magnus V. Binding behaviour of amino acid vac (ZFK) and D Plavšić, D Vikić-Topić, N conjugates of indole-3-acetic acid to immobi- Štambuk, P Konjevoda (NMR). lized human serum albumin. J Chromatogr A 3. 2nd Opatija Meeting on Computational Solu- 2007: 1154: 240. tions in the Life Sciences, Opatija, 4-9 Sep- 5. Tomašić V, Štefanić Z. Cholic acid as host for tember 2007, organized jointly by S Tomić, long linear molecules: a series of co-crystals D Babić, and N Došlić (ZFK) and D Smith with n-alkylammonia. CrystEngComm 2007: (ZOKB). 9: 1124. 4. MMC 2007: Mathematical Methods in Chem- 6. Rožman M. Aspartic acid side chain effect istry. Split, 22-24 September 2007, organized - experimental and theoretical insight. J Am by A Graovac.

Soc Mass Spectrom 2007: 18: 121. R B I 7. Merunaka D, Rakvin B. Adiabatic approxi-

mations of coupled dipole-proton model for A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Selected publications hydrogen-bonded ferroelectrics. Phys Rev B 2007: 76: 140101. Chapters in books 8. Matanović I, Došlić N, Kühn O. Ground and asymmetric CO-stretch excited state tunnel- 1. Merunka D, Rakvin B. Anharmonic and quan- ing splittings in the formic acid dimer. J Chem tum effects in KDP-type ferroelectrics: Modi- Phys 2007: 127: 014309. fied strong dipole-proton coupling model. In: 9. Ljubic I, Sabljic A. Theoretical study of struc- Ferro- and antiferroelectricity: Order/disorder ture, vibrational frequencies, and electronic cersus displacive. Dalal N, Bussmann-Holder spectra of dibenzofuran and its polychlorinated derivatives. J Phys Chem A 2007: 111: 1339.

39 10. Došlić N, Kovačević G, Ljubić I. Signature 12. Novak I, Harrison LJ, Li W, Kovač B. Molecu- of the conformational preferences of small lar and electronic structure of 1,8-peribridged peptides: A theoretical investigation. J Phys naphthalenes. J Phys Chem A. 2007: 111: Chem A. 2007: 111: 8650. 2619. 11. Matasović B, Bonifačić M. Reductive halogen elimination from phenols by organic radicals in aqueous solutions. Chain reaction induced by proton-coupled electron transfer. J Phys Chem A. 2007: 111: 8622.

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . R B I

40 OVERVIEW OFTHEDIVISION iognc hmsr. h wr i organic in work The chemistry. bioorganic on basic research in the fields of organic and working are groups research the of majority The Division. the of members the by led are which of two Sport, and Education Science, of Ministry by supported programs research from the Division have been engaged in four following laboratories: and Biochemistry (ZOKB)consistsofthe Chemistry Organic of Division The Head: MirjanaEckert-Maksić DIVISIONAL ORGANIZATION and Biochemistry Division ofOrganicChemistry rm h bgnig f 07 scientists 2007, of beginning the From a a a a a a a a

chemistry, BorislavKovačević Group for quantum organic copy, GoranBaranović for molecular spectros Laboratory chemistry, MirjanaEckert-Maksić for physical organic Laboratory Marija Abramić Laboratory forcellularbiochemistry, Štefica Horvat chemistry,tide andglycopeptide for carbohydrate, pep Laboratory chemistry,nucleoside MladenŽinić for supramolecular and Laboratory chemistry, KataMajerski for synthetic organic Laboratory Zdenko Hameršak catalysis andbiocatalysis, for stereoselective Laboratory plications werealsosubmitted. journals. ap- scientific patent renowned Two in appeared which of most papers, scientific 57 in published were Division the in plished accom- work and the of results The biocatalysis. bionanosystems on program a within research its conducts enzymology, lecular nally, one research group, specialized in mo- Fi- wires. molecular of design computational and crystals liquid chemistry, pramolecular su- and gel on emphasis with materials new of development to related projects passes encom- Division in research of direction tant with DNA, RNA and proteins. Another impor- cussed on the interaction of small molecules toward medicinal chemistry, is a program fo- oriented more but related, Closely cesses. pro- biological important of understanding mechanistic the improving of context the in compounds natural different of studies tivity chemical transformations and structure-reac- on focused mainly is biochemistry in search Re- industry. pharmaceutical the and istry chem- host-guest catalysis, for compounds novel of preparation the to application their and methods synthetic innovative of opment devel the as well as mechanisms, reaction and properties molecular of studies tational compu - and experimental covers chemistry http://www.irb.hr/en/str/zokb

-

. 7 0 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n n A I B

41 R ZOKB As evidenced by the significant number Unusual self-organization in liquid of joint papers, the Division fosters intra- and crystalline dimers extramural collaboration with most of the Cro- atian Universities and a number of research The study of symmetric dimers comprising centres abroad. Members of the Division α,ω-diiminoalkylene flexible spacers revealed

ZOKB have made significant contributions to higher that the imino-linkage group plays a signifi- education by providing 12 courses at the un- cant role in the generation of dipolar interac- der- and postgraduate levels and by super- tions favouring intercalated structures and, in vising B. Sc. (4) and Ph.D (6) theses. They conjunction with the spacer parity, strongly af- are also active in national and international fects not only the geometry of the dimer but societies and bodies and are involved in the also the molecular arrangement within the editorial process of several international sci- smectic phase (Šepelj et al., 2007). entific journals, as editors, board members and referees. Last but not least, the Division participated in several projects with industrial companies from Croatia and from abroad.

TOP ACHIEVEMENTS Figure 2. Texture of Nx phase. Reversible luminescent gels containing metal complexes New building blocks for molecular channels

2+ Figure 1. Luminescent gel formed by 1 and Ru(bpy)2(dppz) . Figure 3. The crystal packing of 3∙EtOAc with the two-di- Evidence for the formation of luminescent mensional hydrogen bonding network. Double layers paral- gels in the presence of certain luminescent lel to (001) with solvent-filled channels running parallel to metal complexes was reported. Particularly the direction [100] (Basarić et al., 2007). interesting behaviour was exhibited by the 2+ Novel adamantane-oxalamide derivatives Ru(bpy)2(dppz) complex, which was found to be nonluminescent in the water/EtOH sol of were prepared and structurally characterized. gelator 1 (see Figure 1), while emitting when Interstingly, adamantane retropeptide, N,N'- bis(3-aminoadamantane-1-carboxylic acid)-

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . incorporated in the gel. This finding could constitute a basis for the luminescent probes oxalamide, showed a two-dimensional network

R B I in the monitoring of bond forming and break- with channels that can accommodate EtOAc ing in soft materials (De Paoli et al., 2007). molecules. This is the first example of such packing of oxalamides (Basarić et al., 2007).

42 Generation of chirality in solid state Supramolecular superbases

A new example of the rare phenomenon It was shown that the supramolecule aza- of spontaneous generation of chirality was calix[3](2,6)pyridine is a hyperstrong neu- found for the conformationally chiral N-sul- tral organic superbase, as evidenced by its -1 fonylpyrimidine derivatives. This compound proton affinity of 314.6 kcal mol in the gas ZOKB forms two chiral conformations of M- and P- phase, and its associated pKa value of 37.3 helicities and, upon crystallization, gives a in acetonitrile. The reason behind this re- conglomerate of enantiomorphous crystals, markable basicity was shown to be a very which showed mirror image solid-state CD strong bifurcated hydrogen bond, reinforced spectra (Višnjevac et al., 2007). by the cationic resonance effect (Despotović et al., 2007). Simulation of the photodeactiva- tion of formamide in the nO-π* and DNA and RNA studies π-π* states In vitro testing of novel styryl-2-benzimi- dazoles and benzimidazo [1,2-a]quinolines synthesized at the Faculty of Chemical En- gineering and Technology, Zagreb, revealed pronounced antiprofilerative effects toward various human tumour cells and selectiv- ity against certain tumours (Hranjec et al., 2007).

Understanding enzymatic reactivity with a computational approach

Figure 4 The fraction of trajectories for each state as a func- Glutamate mutase is a coenzyme B -de- tion of time and composition of photodeactivation paths, 12 pendent enzyme important in the metabolism after excitation to the S (π-π*) state. 2 of (S)-glutamate as well as in the biosynthet- The short-time photodynamics (1ps) of ic pathways of various peptidyl antibiotics. formamide in its low lying singlet excited Computational examinations shed light on nO-π* and π-π* states was investigated by its unusual inactivation in the presence of the direct trajectory surface-hopping method. 2-thiolglutarate. In particular, an active-site Simulations showed that, in both states, the glutamate was predicted to be responsible primary deactivation process is C-N bond for the deprotonation of the thiol group and

dissociation. In addition to the C-N dissocia- the subsequent generation of an extremely R B I tion pathway, C-O bond fission is found to stable thioglycolyl radical (Sandala et al., be an additional primary deactivation path 2007). A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . in the π-π* dynamics. The paper describing this work (Antol et al., 2007) was selected Human dipeptidyl peptidase III acts for publication in the virtual Journals Series, as a post-proline-cleaving enzyme which covers important results obtained by on endomorphins frontier research in cutting-edge fields. Based on the determination of affinity and hydrolytic activity towards several newly discovered opioid peptides, using capillary electrophoresis, it was found that dipeptidyl

43 peptidase III (DPPIII) accepts Pro (proline) atian Chemical Society. Ina Nemet received a at the P1 position of its substrate. This find- Postdoctoral Fellowship Award from the Ju- ing is in contrast to the accepted notion that venile Diabetes Research Foundation. proline imposes a restriction on the hydroly- sis of the peptide bond that is catalysed by PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

ZOKB this type of enzyme (Baršun et al., 2007). Projects supported by the Ministry Patent applications of Science, Education and Sports

1. Molecular enzymology and protein interac- Patent number P20070225A, Džolić Z, tions of hydrolases, Marija Abramić Žinić M, Cametti, M, Dalla Cort A, Mandolini L. 2. Macrocyclic ligands, structures in solu- Colorimetric sensors for detection of fluoride tions and molecular spectroscopies, Goran anion in solutions and gels. Patent number Baranović P20070111A, Basarić N, Renić M, Mlinarić- 3. Organic and bioorganic processes in ground Majerski K. Adamantane-dipyrromethane and excited states, Mirjana Eckert-Maksić compounds, method of preparation and ap- 4. Chiral building blocks for biologically active plications in anion sensing. Both patents have molecules. Synthesis and reactivity, Zdenko been entered in the Patent Application Reg- Hameršak 5. Chemical transformations of natural com- ister, Patent Department, State Intellectual pounds, Štefica Horvat Property Office of the Republic of Croatia. 6. Cage compounds: Building blocks for mo- lecular architecture, Kata Majerski New equipment 7. Brønsted and Lewis acids and bases in chem- istry and biochemistry, Zvonimir Maksić As part of a project funded within the Sixth 8. Policyclic structures with silicon, germanium and tin (valid until April 30), Davor Margetić Framework Programme and coordinated by 9. Study of interactions of novel compounds David Smith, a new and powerful 56-proces- with biomacromolecules, Ivo Piantanida sor computer cluster was purchased, assem- 10. Computational studies of protein structure bled and installed in the Group for Quantum and function, David Smith Organic Chemistry. 11. Chiral organic materials - synthetic, structural and functional research, Vladimir Vinković Education 12. Synthesis of novel biologically active nucle- obase and nucleotide derivatives, Biserka Žinić The Division continued its involvement in 13. Supramolecular chemistry of gels. Self-as- educational activities in 2007 with 10 gradu- sembly approach to functional hybrid materi- ate courses and 2 undergraduate courses als, Mladen Žinić

at the University of Zagreb. One graduate course was also held as part of the interdisci- Programs supported by the Min- plinary Ph.D. study “Molecular Biosciences”, istry of Science, Education and which is a joint initiative of the University J. J. Sports and led by members of the Strossmayer in Osijek, the University of Du- Division brovnik, and the Ruđer Bošković Institute. 1. Design, synthesis and reactivity of (bio)organ-

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . ic molecular systems, Mirjana Eckert-Maksić AWARDS 2. New small molecules targeting macromole-

R B I cules of tumour and inflammatory processes, Robert Vianello was awarded the Leopold Ivo Piantanida Ružička award for young scientists of the Cro-

44 Research, developmental and Bonds, Zvonimir Maksić (Bilateral Croatian- international projects Slovenian Project) 14. Intrinsic Properties of New Molecular Ma- 1. Reinforcement of the Centre for Computa- terials, project within COST D26 action; tional Solutions in the Life Sciences, David 2003-April 2007, Mirjana Eckert-Maksić Smith (6th Framework Programme, EU-FP6- 15. Thermally processed foods: possible health 043749-ReCompSoLS) implication, Štefica Horvat and Andreja Ja- ZOKB 2. Structure-function studies on metallopepti- kas (COST 927, WG1 and WG5) dases involved in metabolism of biologically 16. Transcription of bioinspired and designed active peptides, Marija Abramić (Bilateral functional modules into nanostructured smart Croatian-Austrian Project) gels, Mladen Žinić (COST D31, WG 20) 3. Modelling of Organic and Bioorganic Com- 17. Synthesis of fluorescently-labelled macrolide pounds and Processes in Ground and Ex- probes, GlaxoSmithKline research centre cited States, Mirjana Eckert-Maksić (Bilateral Zagreb d.o.o., Zagreb, Kata Majerski Croatian-Austrian Project) 18. Synthesis and spectral analysis of new ste- 4. Protein engineering of halohydrin dehaloge- roidal-haptens, TECNA s.r.l. Area di Ricerca, nases for the production of fine chemicals Padriciano, Trieste, Italy, Kata Majerski and pharmaceutical intermediates, Maja Majerić Elenkov (Croatian-Chinese bilateral SELECTED ORGANIZED project, 2007-2009) CONFERENCES 5. Microheterogeneity in Aqueous Mixtures: An Investigation by Molecular Spectroscopy and 1. The 2nd Opatija Meeting on Computational Theoretical Methods, Goran Baranović (Cro- Solutions in the Life Sciences, Hotel Opatija, atian-French program "Cogito") Opatija, Croatia, September 4-9, 2007, orga- 6. New functional dendritic materials: synthesis nized jointly by D Smith (ZOKB) and S Tomić, and self-organization, Andreja Lesac (Croa- D Babić, and N Došlić (ZFK). tian-French program "Cogito") 2. WG Meeting COST D31-0020-05 Transcrip- 7. Photochemical transformation of adamantane tion of Bioinspired and Designed Functional derivatives activated by phthalimides, Nikola Modules into Nanostructured Smart Gels, Basarić (Bilateral project Croatia-Germany) September 30 to October 2 2007, organized 8. Experimental and Computational Study of Pro- by Z Džolić and M Žinić. tonated Organic Molecules, Mirjana Eckert- 3. Computational modelling of properties and Maksić (Bilateral project Croatia-Germany) reactivity of molecules in the ground state 9. Computer-assisted Design of Strong and Ultra- and the excited states, Austrian-Croatian strong Bases and their Applications, Zvonimir workshop, Institute “Ruđer Bošković”, Za- Maksić (Bilateral Croatian-German Project) greb, Croatia, November 6, 2007, organized 10. Metal-binding ability of Leu-enkephalin, re- by I Antol and M Eckert-Maksić. lated glycoconjugates and peptidomimetics: comparative CD and FTIR spectroscopic studies, Andreja Jakas (Bilateral Croatian- Hungarian project) SELECTED INVITED LECTURES R B I 11. Pores and Channels by Assembly of Cyclic Peptides: Design, Molecular Modelling and 1. Žinić M. Supramolecular chemistry and ste- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Synthesis, Kata Majerski (Bilataral project reochemistry of gel assemblies, University of Croatia-India) Perugia, CEMIN, National Centre of Excel- 12. Theoretical Study of Bioactive Molecules lence for Innovative Nanostructural Materials with Property of Releasing Nitrogen Mon- for Chemical and Biochemical Applications, oxide (NO): N-nitrosohydroxylamine and its January 26, 2007. N- and O- alkyl Derivatives, Mirjana Eckert- 2. Basarić N. Adamantane amino acd hydroxyl Maksić (Bilateral Croatia-Slovenian project) acids: incorporation into cyclic peptides and 13. Theoretical and Experimental Investigations depsipeptides for the formation of new lipo- of the Intra- and Intermolecular Hydrogen philic tubular materials, Central Salt and Ma-

45 rine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavna- 2. Crljen Ž, Baranović G. Unusual conductance gar (Gujarat), India, May 9, 2007. of polyyne-based molecular wires. Phys Rev 3. Basarić N. Pyrrole: the building block for Lett 2007: 98: 116901. chemical sensors, Central Salt and Marine 3. De Paoli G, Džolić Z, Rizzo F, DeCola L, Vögtle Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar F, Müller W.M., Richardt G, Žinić M. Reversible (Gujarat), India, May 10, 2007. luminiscent gels containing metal complexes. ZOKB 4. Smith D. Theoretical studies of coenzyme Adv Funct Mater, 2007: 17: 821. 4. Hranjec M, Kralj M, Piantanida I, Sedić M, B12-dependent reactions: what can small models tell us, The Gordon Research Con- Šuman L, Pavelić K, Karminski-Zamola G. Nov- ference on Vitamin B12 and Corphins, Uni- el cyano- and amidino-substituted derivatives of styryl-2-benzimidazoles and benzimidazo[1,2-a] versity of New England, Biddeford, Maine, quinolines. Synthesis, photochemical synthesis, USA, July 1-6, 2007. DNA binding and antitumor evaluation, part 3. J 5. Margetić D, Warrener RN, Officer D, Butler Med Chem 2007: 50: 5696. DN, Dong Z, Merican Z, Hesheng T, Gunt- 5. Despotović I, Kovačević B, Maksić, Z. Hyper- er MJ. Design and complexations of bis- strong neutral organic bases: Phosphazeno aza- porphyrin system aimed for light-harvesting calix[3](2, 6)pyridines. Org Lett 2007: 9: 4709. devices, Novel Pi-systems, Novel Proper- 6. Džolić Z, Cametti M, Dalla Cort A, Mandolini th ties, Pre-symposium of the 12 International L, Žinić M. Fluoride-responsive organogelator Symposium on Novel Aromatic Compounds based on oxalamide-derived anthraquinone. (ISNA-12) Tokyo, Japan, July 21, 2007. Chem Commun 2007: 3535. 6. Margetić D, Butler DN, Warrener RN, Dong, 7. Šepelj M, Lesac A, Baumeister U, Diele S, Z, Merican Z, Officer D, Hesheng T, Gunter Nguyen HL, Bruce DW. Intercalated liquid- MJ. Molecular design, synthesis and compl- crystalline phases formed by symmetric dimers exation study of bis-porphyrin system aimed with an α,ω-diiminoalkylene spacer. J Mater for light-harvesting devices, Functional Aro- Chem 2007: 17: 1154. matic Compounds, Post-symposium of the 8. Antol I, Eckert-Maksić M, Barbatti M, Lischka 12th International Symposium on Novel Aro- H. Simulation of the photodeactivation of for- matic Compounds (ISNA-12), Harima, Japan mamide in the nO-π* and π-π* states: an ab ini- July 30-31, 2007. tio on-the-fly surface-hopping dynamics study. 7. Vianello R, Maksić Z. Interpretation of the J Chem Phys 2007: 127: 234303. intrinsic molecular reactivity using triadic for- 9. Dai Z, Nemet I, Shen W, Monnier VM. Isolation, mula, The 2nd Opatija Meeting on Computa- purification and characterization of histidino- tional Solutions in the Life Sciences, Opatija, threosidine, a novel Maillard reaction protein Croatia, September 4-9, 2007. crosslink from threose, lysine and histidine. Arch Biochem Biophys 2007: 463: 78. 8. Maksić Z. MRCI calculations in organic 10. Višnjevac A, Žinić M, Luić M, Žiher D, Kajfež chemistry, COST D37. GRIDCHEM Meeting, Novak T, Žinić B. Conformational chirality and Rome, Italy, October 29-30, 2007. chiral crystallization of N-sulfonylpyrimidine 9. Smith D. Theoretical studies of coenzyme derivatives. Tetrahedron, 2007: 63: 86. B -dependent reactions: recent develop- 12 11. Basarić N, Molčanov K, Matković M, Kojić- st ments, The 1 Split Meeting on Develop- Prodić B, Mlinarić-Majerski K. Adamantane- ment and Applications of Novel Methods and retropeptides, new building blocks for molecu- Models in Computational Biophysics and lar channels. Tetrahedron 2007: 63: 7985. Structural Bioinformatics, Split, Croatia, De- 12. Margetić D, Warrener RN, Sun G, Butler DN. cember 19-21. The preparation of 7-substituted norborna- diene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydrides and an ex- SELECTED PUBLICATIONS perimental and theoretical study of their reac- tivity. Tetrahedron 2007: 63: 4338. A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . 1. Sandala G, Smith D, Marsh E, Radom L. To- 13. Baršun M, Jajčanin N, Vukelić B, Špoljarić J, Abramić M. Human dipeptidyl peptidase III R B I ward an improved understanding of the glu- acts as a post-proline-cleaving enzyme on en- tamate mutase system. J Am Chem Soc domorphins. Biol Chem 2007: 388: 343. 2007: 129: 1623.

46 O hsc-hmcl fet o inzn radia ionizing of effects physico-chemical the of aspects all handles which Croatia in unit existing only the is division the at ratory labo dosimetry and chemistry radiation The intermetallic compounds and metal hydrides. polymers, organic compounds, cluster lites, zeo- glass-ceramics, oxides, metal of areas the in are interests primary Our properties. physical and microstructural, chemical, their of investigation the and materials various synthesis of the on focused strongly are science. We materials in excellence of centre verview oftheDivision consists ofthefollowinglaboratories: The Division of Materials Chemistry (ZKM) Head: SvetozarMusić DIVISIONAL ORGANISATION Division ofMaterialsChemistry The Division of Materials Chemistry is a is Chemistry Materials of Division The a a a a a a

Rozelindra Čož-Rakovac Rozelindra materials, biological – Group forichtiopathology chemistry, PavicaPlaninić Laboratory forcomplexcompounds Želimir Blažina Laboratory forsolidstatechemistry, and dosimetry, DušanRažem chemistry for radiation Laboratory Damir Kralj processes, for precipitation Laboratory Boris Subotić materials, for synthesis ofnew Laboratory - - hmcl niomns o te Fe the for environments chemical non-uniform to due presumably tributions, dis- hyperfine-field showed K 12 and 78 at recorded spectra Mössbauer K, 493 to drite ferrihy- of heating Upon field. magnetic nal exter- an in as well as K, 4.2 to temperature antiferromagnetic and weakly ferromagnetic weakly and antiferromagnetic of coexistence the indicated which rameters pa- Mössbauer had sextet outer The K. 78 at sextets two of superposition a showed K 518 to heated Ferrihydrite he- clusters. of matite distributions size and shape the to a snhszd n caatrzd with characterized 57 and synthesized was hematite inthesolidstate to ferrihydrite Transformation of TOP ACHIEVEMENTS faculties. and institutions state hospitals, industries, sundry with co-operation in out carried ties activi- numerous also are Sports. There and Education Science, of Ministry the by sored main research activities are financially spon- Our countries. other in produced dosimeters were developed and compared with different systems dosimetry chemical high-dose and low-dose The applications. their and tions e ösae setocp fo room from spectroscopy Mössbauer Fe Low crystalline ferrihydrite (2-XRD lines) (2-XRD ferrihydrite crystalline Low http://www.irb.hr/en/str/zkm 3+

and/or

. 7 0 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n n A I B

47 R ZKM spin states in hematite. The much broader been prepared. In the crystal packing of both magnetic component was assigned to ferri- structures one-dimensional motifs dominate, hydrite. Upon heating of ferrihydrite to 598 generated by several types of ligand stack- K a well-crystallized hematite was produced ing interactions. The observed ferromagnet-

ZKM (Ristić et al., 2007). ic interaction [with J = +5.9 cm–1 and +7.9 –1 cm for 1 and 2, respectively, (using HINT = New oxalate-bridged ferromagneti- –JS1·S2)] is the consequence of the suitable cally coupled CuIICuII systems topology of the magnetic orbitals located on the copper(II) ions (Jurić et al., 2007).

Electronic structure of LaFe12 B6, DyCo5 and TbCo5 intermetallics

The electronic structure of the intermetal- lic hydrogen-storage compounds LaFe12B6, DyCo5 and TbCo5 was studied with the aim of obtaining more information about their physical and chemical properties. The stan- dard calculation methods within DFT (den- sity functional theory) were used, whereby the corresponding approximations LSDA and LSDA+U (local spin density approxima- tion) were employed. It was found that the Figure 1. One-dimensional structural motif in 1 generated by the phenanthroline stacking interaction. calculated magnetic moments of DyCo5 and TbCo5 are in good agreement with experi- mental data (Miletić and Blažina, 2007). For In the rational approaches to the design the intermetallic compound LaFe12 B6, low- and synthesis of novel magnetic materials, moment and high-moment magnetic states the oxalate anion has often been used as a were located, in agreement with experimen- bridging ligand, since its rich binding facili- tal data. It was also found that the stability of ties and abilities of mediating magnetic ex- the magnetic moment of Fe atoms depends change interaction between metal centres on the kind of atoms surrounding Fe atoms could result in the formation of species with within the unit cell. The stability of magnetic attractive new architectures and interesting moment of Fe atoms at the 18(h) crystallo- magnetic properties. graphic site was found to be much more sen- sitive to its environment than the stability of The tris(oxalato)oxoniobate(V) an- magnetic moment of Fe atoms at 18(g) site. 3– ion, [NbO(C2O4)3] , has been used for the first time as the initial building block in Study of critical processes at zeo- the construction of polynuclear oxalate- lite crystallization bridged species. Two new compounds of the composition: [{Cu(phen)2}2(µ-C2O4)] A population-balance analysis of the criti- [Cu(phen)2(µ-C2O4)NbO(C2O4)2]2·8H2O (1) cal processes (nucleation, crystal growth) and [{Cu(bpy)2}2(µ-C2O4)][Cu(bpy)2(µ-C2O4) during the crystallization of zeolite A from a A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . NbO(C2O4)2]2·0.5bpy·7H2O (2) (phen = freshly prepared hydrogel and from the same

R B I 1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2’-bipyridine), freeze-dried hydrogel was performed. The with ferromagnetic exchange interaction analysis showed that the drastic treatment within their dinuclear CuIICuII units, have of hydrogel does not substantially change

48 either the distribution of nuclei in the matrix importance. It was successfully demonstrat- of the amorphous aluminosilicate precursor ed that calcite crystals with different mor- (gel), established during its precipitation, or phology characteristics can be produced in the crystal size distribution of the crystalline a chemical reactor, fully controlled by means end products (gel “memory effect”) (Antonić of custom built electronics and software, by ZKM Jelić et al., 2007). An equation of the gel varying only process parameters, like tem- “memory effect”, which shows that crystal perature, supersaturation, gas mixture flow size distribution of the crystalline end prod- rate, stirring rate and mass concentration of uct (zeolite) does not depend on either the reactants, rather than by additive addition hydrogel modification or crystallization con- (Ukrainczyk et al., 2007). ditions (for a constant number and distribu- tion of nuclei in the gel matrix), was devel- Improvement of polypropylene oped. composites as engineering plastics with elastomers The applicability of positron lifetime (LT) spectroscopy to the study of the progress in The effectiveness of different elastomers the formation of secondary building units in as impact modifiers and compatibilizers for aluminosilicate gel precursors yielding FAU polypropylene composites with different wol- and LTA type zeolites was investigated. Co- lastonite fillers was studied by a comparison existence of the annihilation mode with long of structure-property relationships of poly- LT components was shown. A correlation propylene/wollastonite/elastomer compos- between nucleation and type of exchanged ites and corresponding binary composites ions was also indicated. and blends. The composites modified with the poly(styrene-b-ethylene-co-butylene-b- Preparation of solid phases with styrene)-g-maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) desirable morphological properties elastomer exhibited superior mechanical properties due to the excellent encapsula- A new method has been developed as a tion ability of the polar SEBS-g-MA copoly- result of systematic investigations of the pro- mer leading to more expressive core-shell duction of crystalline solid phases with the morphology (Švab et al., 2007). desirable physical-chemical properties. Cal- cium carbonate was chosen as an appropri- Advanced dosimetry methods ate model system for such investigations be- ing, at the same time, of great technological The response of the radiation accident personal chemical dosimetry system devel- oped in the RCDL was systematically evalu-

ated in different neutron fields. The response R B I to neutrons was also calculated based on

the LET (Linear Energy Transfer) distribu- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . tions of monoenergetic neutrons. Very good agreement between the calculation and ex- periment was obtained, indicating to the pre- dictive power of the calculation (Miljanić and Ražem, 2007).

The spectrum of dosimetry methods in use in the Radiation Chemistry and Do- Figure 2. Calcite particles of high specific surface area.

49 simetry Laboratory was extended to in- diagnostic and specialized health surveys of clude phototransfered thermoluminescence fish, crustaceans and shellfish, through per- (PTTL). The method was applied to dosim- manent education according to the EU de- etry of 137Cs gamma rays and neutrons of mands and novel scientific information.

ZKM 14.5 MeV. The method allows for a separate determination of gamma and neutron com- ponent of the dose in mixed radiation fields New Equipment (Miljanić et al., 2007). In 2007, the Laboratory for the synthesis Presence of unexpected phyloge- of new materials received an Atomic absorp- netic lineages of brown trout (Sal- tion spectrophotometer Aanalyst-200 (Per- mo trutta L) in Gacka River, Croatia kin-Elmer). In addition, an Ion Chromatogra- phy System, ICS-1000, Dionex Corporation was acquired.

Education

Scientists from the Division contributed to 9 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in 2007 as part of the involvement in the edu- cational programs of Universities in Zagreb, Osijek and Dubrovnik. In addition, two PhD theses were successfully defended.

Figure 3. Brown trout sampling for molecular and bio- PATENTS chemical analyses. Patent number P20070240A. Kosanović The study provided the first analyses of C, Subotić B. Preparation for chemical treat- mtDNA control-region variation of brown ment of sand-treated glass surfaces and hy- trout in order to assess their phylogenetic drophobization of other glass, ceramic and lineage affiliation and address the question rock surfaces. of the origin of phylogenetic hyplotypes in the Gacka River. The prevalence of Danu- bian haplotype and no finding of Adriatic hy- plotype imply an autochthonous status of the PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS Danubian haplotype in Gacka River (Jadan Projects supported by the Ministry et al., 2007). of Science, Education and Sport

The mission of the Ichtiopathology group is 1. Synthesis and microstructure of metal oxides to become a well-recognized centre through and oxide glasses, Svetozar Musić scientific research in the ichthyohaematol- 2. Polynucelar metal systems – synthesis and ogy, molecular ichthyology, and ichthyopa- properties, Pavica Planinić A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . thology fields, as well as establishing the 3. Metal hydrides in clean energy systems,

R B I Authorized Diagnostic Centre for Aquatic Or- Želimir Blažina ganisms Diseases (ADD), which will perform 4. Study of influence of aluminosilicate precur- sors on their transformations, Boris Subotić

50 5. Precipitation mechanism of inorganic biocom- 7. PHARE project: “Trout and Tourists”, Ro- patible and related materials, Damir Kralj zelindra Čož-Rakovac (department for Fi- 6. Structure-property relationships of modified nancing EU Assistance Programmes and polymer materials, Ivan Šmit Projects, Central Finance and Contracting 7. Physico-chemical effects of ionizing radia- Unit, 2005-0808-010101). ZKM tions in materials, Dušan Ražem 8. VIP project: “Model of revitalization and breed- 8. Subcellular biochemical and phylogenetic ing of brown trout”, Rozelindra Čož-Rakovac diversity of aquatic organisms, Rozelindra (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Čož-Rakovac Management MAFWM, VI-1-10/05). 9. “Determination of genetic structure and resto- Programs supported by the Min- ration of autochthonous population of brown istry of Science, Education and trout int he National Park Plitvice Lakes”, Sports and led by members of the Rozelindra Čož-Rakovac (National Park Division Plitvice Lakes/Ministry of Environmental Pro- tection, Physical Planning and Construction 1. New functional materials, Svetozar Musić 21320/06). 10. Scientific/professional management of a project: “Breeding and Selection in Aquacul- Other projects ture”, Fishery 1961, Mato Hacmanjek (MA- FWM, 324-01/06-01/202) 1. Free Radicals in Chemical Biology (CHEM- 11. Scientific/professional management of a BIORADICAL), Branka Mihaljević, Project project: “Breeding and Selection in Aqua- number: COST Action CM0603 culture”, Fishery Vrnjika, Rozelindra Čož- 2. Solid state dosimetry systems for various Rakovac (MAFWM, 324-01/06-01/215) dosimetry fields, Maria Ranogajec-Komor, 12. Aquatic animal health monitoring – contracts Bilateral scientific and technical co-operation with 8 international and national companies, between Croatian Academy of Sciences and Rozelindra Čož-Rakovac, Mato Hacmanjek. Arts and Hungarian Academy of Science 13. Atomic force microscopy study of the crys- (2007 – 2009). tallization of zeolite A, zeolite X and silical- 3. Characterization, intercomparison and ap- ite from amorphous (alumino)silicate, Cleo plication of radiophotoluminescence (RPL) Kosanović (Croatian-Hungarian Intergovern- dosimetry system according to international mental S and T Cooperation Programme for standards and protocols, Maria Ranogajec- 2007-2008). Komor, Scientific co-operation between Ruđer 14. Optimization of the synthesis process of zeo- Bošković Institute and Chiyoda Technol Cor- lite A with special emphasis on the control of poration, Japan; Signed 18 July, 2007. particulate properties (size and shape of zeo- 4. Radiation protection dosimetry in medicine, lite A crystals), Boris Subotić (Bartex-Bartol Maria Ranogajec-Komor and Saveta Miljanić, and Ruđer Bošković Institute co-operation on EURADOS Working Group 9 within Coor- scientific research). dinated Network for Radiation Dosimetry th 15. Development of an adaptable technologi-

(CONRAD) Project of the 6 Framework Pro- R B I cal procedure for the production of precipi- gramme of the EC; EURADOS coordinated tated calcium carbonate, Damir Kralj (HITRA

project. (01.01.2005 – 31.12.2007). A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . TP-01/0098-30) 5. Quality control methods and procedures for 16. The magnetic field influence on the calcium radiation technology, Dušan Ražem Interna- carbonate precipitation, Damir Kralj, bilateral tional Atomic Energy Agency Regional Tech- Croatian-Slovenian cooperation. nical Co-operation Project; Project number: 17. Basic investigations of the mechanisms and RER 8/010 kinetics of calcium carbonate polymorphs 6. Nuclear techniques for the protection of the precipitation in artificial karst water, Damir cultural heritage in the Mediterranean Region, Kralj (Hrvatske vode 325-01/07-02/63). Branka Katušin- Ražem; International Atomic Energy Agency Regional Technical Co-opera- tion Project; Project number: RER 1/006

51 INVITED LECTURES SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

1. Miljanić S: TL and RPL detectors in mixed 1. Ristić M, De Grave E, Musić S, Popović S, field dosimetry. Third International Workshop Orehovec Z. Transformation of low crystal- on Individual Monitoring, Oarai, Japan, De- line ferrihydrite to α-Fe O in the solid state. ZKM 2 3 cember 3– 4, 2007. J Mol Struct 2007: 834-836: 454. 2. Ranogajec-Komor M: Solid state dosimeters 2. Jurić M, Perić B, Brničević N, Planinić P, Pajić in environmental monitoring.Third Interna- D, Zadro K, Giester G. Structure, stacking tional Workshop on Individual Monitoring, interactions and magnetism of compounds Oarai, Japan, December 3– 4, 2007. with oxalate-bridged dinuclear CuIICuII and 3. Vekić B: Overview of EURADOS activities CuIINbV units. Polyhedron 2007: 26: 659. for individual monitoring.Third International 3. Miletić G, Blažina Ž. Magnetic properties of Workshop on Individual Monitoring, Oarai, DyCo5 and TbCo5 intermetallics from the Japan, December 3– 4, 2007. electronic structure calculations, J Solid 4. Katušin-Ražem B: Current status of food ir- State Chem, 2007: 180: 604. radiation. Sixth Annual Meeting of Japanese 4. Antonić Jelić T, Bronić J, Hadžija M, Subotić Society of Radiation Safety Management, B, Marić I. Influence of the freeze-drying of hy- Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan, Decem- drogel on the critical processes occurring dur- ber 5 – 7, 2007. ing crystallization of zeolite A - A new evidence 5. Čož-Rakovac R: Presentation of Ichthyopa- of the gel „memory” effect. Microporous and thology Group-Biological Materials and Rud- Mesoporous Materials 2007: 105: 65. jer Boskovic Institute, 4th scientific-profes- 5. Ukrainczyk M, Kontrec J, Babić-Ivančić V, sional conference on autochthonous karstic Brečević Lj, Kralj D. Experimental design ap- species, Otočac, Croatia, June 18, 2007. proach to calcium carbonate precipitation in 6. Jadan M: Brown Trout in Neighbouring Coun- a semicontinuous process. Powder Technol- tries, 4th scientific-professional conference ogy 2007: 171: 192. on autochthonous karstic species, Otočac, 6. Švab I, Musil V, Šmit I, Makarovič M. Me- Croatia, June 18, 2007. chanical properties of wollastonite-rein- 7. Hacmanjek M: Grayling in Croatia again? 4th forced polypropylene composites modified scientific-professional conference on auto- with SEBS and SEBS-g-MA elastomers. chthonous karstic species, Otočac, Croatia, Polym Eng Sci 2007: 47: 1873. and Švab June 18, 2007. I, Musil V, Jurkin T, Šmit I. Phase structure 8. Strunjak-Perović I: Preservation measures and morphology of wollastonite-reinforced for brown trout, 4th scientific-professional polypropylene composites modified with conference on autochthonous karstic spe- SEBS and SEBS-g-MA elastomers. Polym cies, Otočac, Croatia, June 18, 2007. Eng Sci 2007: 47: 2145. 9. Topić Popović N: Water Quality of Gacka 7. Miljanić S, Krpan K, Blagus S. TL and PTTL River, 4th scientific-professional conference of TLD-100 and TLD-700 after irradiation on autochthonous karstic species, Otočac, with 14.5 MeV neutrons. Nuclear Instru- Croatia, June 18, 2007. ments and Methods in Physics Research A,

2007: 574: 510. 8. Jadan M, Čož-Rakovac R, Topić Popović N, ORGANIZED CONFERENCES Strunjak-Perović I. Presence of unexpected phylogenetic lineages of brown trout Salmo EURADOS CONRAD WG9 Meeting, Zagreb, trutta L. in Gacka River, Croatia. Aquac Res 15 - 16 October 2007 (organized by S. Miljanić 2007: 38,15: 1682. and M. Ranogajec-Komor). 14 scientists from 11 European countries were present. A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . R B I

52 consists ofthefollowinglaboratories: (ZMB) Biology Molecular of Division The Head: IgorWeber DIVISIONAL ORGANISATION Division ofMolecularBiology a a a a a a a a a a a a

Mariastefania Antica Immunology,Molecular and forCellular Laboratory Andrija ŽeljkoLovrić Investigations, forBiocenotic Laboratory Volker Magnus forChemicalBiology,Laboratory Hrvoje Fulgosi for Electron Microscopy,Laboratory Branimir Jernej Neurobiology,Molecular for Neurochemistry and Laboratory Maja Osmak for Genotoxic Laboratory Agents, Cancerology, IvicaRubelj for Experimental Laboratory Mary Sopta Laboratory,Gene Regulation of Eukaryotes,MiroslavPlohl for Molecular Genetics Laboratory Vera Gamulin for Molecular Genetics, Laboratory Microbiology, MirjanaPetranović for Molecular Laboratory Brčić-Kostić Krunoslav for Microbial Genetics, Laboratory processes in the cytoskeleton; and evolution dynamical fungi; of ecology and geography bio- taxonomy, including hormones; biodiversity fungal plant of biology structural and biochemistry physiology, photosynthesis; of mechanisms regulatory neurotransmission; of mechanisms regulatory and background genetic antibiotics; and cytostatics to tance resis- and agents toxic to responses cellular sion, growth, differentiation and divi- senescence; cell of regulation molecular in duction trans- signal translation); and (transcription quences; expression of genomic information genome organization and repetitive DNA se- repair); and (DNArecombination replication, variation genome of regulation and integrity genome of maintenance study: of fields ing follow the comprise broadly Division our in projects The cells. mammalian and invertebrates, plants several moulds, slime cel- lular fungi, other and yeast bacteria, clude in- studies these in used organisms Model bioinformatics. and biophotonics genetics, biology,molecular biochemistry, biology,cell modern of methods the on based is biology thedivision of Overview The research in the Division of molecular of Division the in research The http://www.irb.hr/en/str/zmb

-

. 7 0 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n n A I B 53 R ZMB of genes and genomes. The primary pur- tor of all multicellular animals. We have in- pose of these research projects is a general spected ~13000 partial cDNA sequences broadening of our knowledge of biological (ESTs) from the marine sponge Suberites processes at the molecular level and the un- domuncula and have identified full or partial

ZMB derlying principles of life, as well as the train- cDNA sequences coding for ~50 different ing of young scientists for professional work Ras-like small GTPases. Small GTPases in the field of molecular biosciences, includ- from sponge display a higher degree of se- ing biomedicine and biotechnology. quence conservation with orthologues from vertebrates (53%–93% identity) than with In 2007, members of the Division of mo- those from either Caenorhabditis elegans lecular biology participated in the teaching of or Drosophila melanogaster. Our results more than 30 undergraduate and postgradu- show that duplications and diversifications ate courses at Croatian universities. During of genes encoding Ras-like small GTPases, that year they also supervised more than 20 especially the Rab subfamily of small GT- diploma, MSc, and PhD theses. A series of Pases, happened very early in the evolution practical courses in biology and medicine of Metazoa (Četković et al., 2007). was organized in our Division by Andreja Ambriović Ristov (http://www.tecajevi-irb. com).

TOP ACHEIVEMENTS

Genomic phylostratigraphy

Macroevolutionary trends are traditionally studied by fossil analysis, comparative mor- phology or evo-devo approaches. With the availability of genome sequences and as- Figure 1. Marine sponge sociated data from an increasing diversity of Suberites domuncula in symbiosis taxa, it is now possible to add an additional with hermit crab. level of analysis: genomic phylostratigraphy. This is an innovative approach to under- Altered cell-cell adhesion standing the origins of evolutionary novel- in cisplatin-resistant human ties in the animal kingdom. As an example carcinoma cells for this approach, a phylogenetic framework and embryo expression data from Drosophi- The development of cisplatin resistance la was used to show that grouping genes by in human laryngeal carcinoma cells was as- their phylogenetic origin can uncover foot- sociated with an increase in β-catenin and prints of important adaptive events in evolu- a decrease in plakoglobin levels at cell-cell tion (Domazet-Lošo et al., 2007). junctions. The observed alterations were an outcome of a slowly generating process, Small GTPases from the marine which was presumably a secondary event of sponge Suberites domuncula the vital cellular response triggered by cis- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . platin toxicity (Čimbora-Zovko et al., 2007).

R B I Sponges (Porifera) are the simplest and the most ancient metazoan animals, which branched off first from the common ances-

54 New fungal species Protein-tyrosine phosphorylation and DNA replication in Bacillus subtilis

The Bacillus subtilis protein-tyrosine ZMB phosphorylation system PtkA/PtpZ is known to regulate the phosphorylation state of UDP-glucose dehydrogenases and single- stranded DNA binding proteins. Possible physiological effects of ptkA and ptpZ gene inactivation with respect to uronic acid con- tent, competence, survival of gamma radi- ation-induced DNA lesions and DNA repli- cation were investigated. The most striking Figure 2. Basidiocarps of Conocybe thermophila, phenotype observed was that of the ∆ptkA a new fungal species. It has been found on strain which exhibited an impaired cell cycle the island of Hvar and lives as a saprotroph of resulting in large cells with extra chromo- manured soil. somes that could be related to a defect in DNA replication (Petranović et al., 2007). During research of Croatian fungal biodi- versity, we found 466 fungal species of which A new model for filopod protrusion 42 species and 4 genera were recorded as new to Croatian mycobiota, 1 species as Cryo-electron tomography has been used new to European mycobiota, and 3 species to reconstruct, from filopodia of Dictyoste- were discovered as new to science. After lium cells, the 3-dimensional organization of Scutellinia tuberculata in 2000, Gloiocephala actin filaments in connection with the plasma cerkezii and Conocybe thermophila are two membrane. A special arrangement of short fungal species discovered recently in our di- filaments converging toward the filopod’s vision (Hausknecht et al., 2007). tip was discovered and termed a “terminal cone”. Based on this finding a new model for filopod protrusion was proposed (Medalia et al., 2007). R B I A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 .

Figure 4. Model of actin organization in growing Figure 3. Basidiocarps of Gloiocephala cerkezii, filopodia. This diagram illustrates the arrange- a new fungal species. It has been found on ment of actin filaments as revealed by cryo- two localities in the neighborhood of the city electron tomography, in particular the conical of Zagreb and lives as a saprotroph on plant arrangement of short filaments at the tip of remnants. filopodia in Dictyostelium cells.

55 56 RBI Annual Report 2007. ZMB AWARDS for spectral separationoffluorescencesignals. elements acoustic-optical uses it rors, mir- dichroic and filters of Instead detectors. laser excitation lines and four photomultiplier eight with equipped is AOBS SP2 TCS ica microscope Confocal laserscanning centre using ABI-Prism 3100Sequencer. DNA the at year this in performed were ses analy sequence 2500 than More users. nal a microsatellite genotyping method for exter- offersalso DNAit sides analyses, sequence Be- 2007. during services provide to tinued of the Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, con- der the supervision of Helena Ćetković as part forCentre DNA sequencing AND EQUIPMENT MODERN FACILITIES, METHODS e Sae n Mrsa Rda, o their for Radman, Miroslav and Slade Dea with together Division, our from Petranović Mirjana and Zahradka Ksenija to awarded was sciences natural in discovery scientific brane isshowninblue. actin isshowninred,andcellplasmamem structions fromcryo-electrontomographydata filopodia in the arrangementofactinfilamentsattips Figure 5.Threeexamplesoftheterminalcone, Confocal laser scanning microscope Le- microscope scanning laser Confocal The DNA centre for DNA sequencing, un- The esteemed National Science Award for Dictyostelium cells.Intheserecon- - - Education by recombinationunderextremeconditions. restoration and repair genome on research Osijek and Dubrovnik Zagreb, in Universities the at biomedicine and biology, biophysics in biochemistry, courses postgraduate 20 and over undergraduate 10 over teach biology by invitroorganogenesis plant hormone(auxin)treatment orregenerated corymbosum Figure 7.Americanblueberryplants ( Croatia. (photobyI.Čukušić) raneus Figure 6.Cave-obligatesponge ebr o te iiin f molecular of Division the of Members . foundincavesnearthetownofOgulin, L.)developedfromcuttings upon (inset). Eunapius subter Vaccinium - 17. 16. 15. 14. 13. 12. 11. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Science,Education andSport of bytheMinistry supported Projects projects andPrograms Miroslav Plohl. 1. Molecular fundaments of biological processes, Science,Education andSports of bytheMinistry supported Program cell motilityandcytokinesis,IgorWeber in dynamics cytoskeleton the of Regulation entiation, Mariastefania Antica differ- lymphocyte in interactions Molecular and evolutions,HelenaĆetković functions structures, genomes: and Genes Branka Salopek-Sondi development, plant of regulation Molecular and differentiation ofplastids,HrvojeFulgosi photosynthesis of mechanisms Regulatory Orešković fluid, cerebrospinal of Hydrodynamics alcoholism, Lipa Čičin-Šain in mechanisms Serotonergic and behavior, BranimirJernej proteins genes, transmission: Serotonergic Ambriović Ristov Andreja effi- cytostatics, to resistance transduction and cacy adenovirus of Increase ance development,MajaOsmak resist- and agents cytotoxic to response Cell cellular aging,IvicaRubelj and imortalization of mechanisms Molecular eukaryotes, in Mary Sopta regulation Transcriptional Plohl Miroslav sequences, DNA satellite of tions interac- functional and properties Evolution, of eukaryoticgenome,ĐurđicaUgarković Evolution and function of fast evolving portion myces biology, DušicaVujaklija Strepto- of studies molecular Fundamental tion andrepair, DavorZahradka recombina DNA of mechanisms Molecular genome evolution,KrunoslavBrčić-Kostić DNAand in repair recombination of role The Darko - Other projects 1. 3. 2. 11. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. Structural and functional analysis of noncod of analysis functional and Structural castaneum insect in DNA heterochromatic ing Engineering of GDSL-hydrolases and appli and GDSL-hydrolases of Engineering Agreement 9/07) Grant 1A (UKF Weber Igor proteins, GT Pase small by dynamics cytoskeleton actin the of regulation to approach Biophotonics EW 07-032) ESF- Plohl grant, Foundation Science Miroslav (European epigenetics, to sequences DNA repetitive from function: and structure heterochromatin on workshop Exploratory MTKD-CT-2006-042248) project Knowledge of Transfer Curie Marie rahs Bak SlpkSni (MZOŠ, bilateral projectwithSlovenia) Salopek-Sondi Branka proaches, ap- molecular and biochemical using stress biotic and development in hormones Plant edonia, 910-08/06-01/00268) Mac- with project bilateral (MZOŠ, Osmak Maja cells, tumor in genes target the lencing si- by drugs anti-cancer of effect Increased eral projectwithGermany, 911-02/05-04/11) cal complex, Igor Weber (MZOŠ, DAAD bilat- corti- a into recruitment protein of Dynamics Osmak ny, 911-02/05-04/09) Maja Germa- with project bilateral DAAD cells, (MZOŠ, tumor of resistance drug- mediated adhesion and GTPases Rho with project France, 910-08/04-01/0094) bilateral Cogito (MZOŠ, gosi Ful- Hrvoje Alps, Dinaric the along irises of Genetic diversity and evolutionary processes 910-08/06-01/00098). France, with project bilateral Cogito (MZOŠ, Ristov Ambriović Andreja fibrosis, cystic of therapy gene in application potential and N aminopeptidase to retargeting Adenovirus 911-02/05-06/20) Austria, with project bilateral (MZOŠ, Antica Mariastefania cells, leukemic human in ber ulation of Helios, an Ikaros gene family mem- reg- transcriptional the of analysis Molecular Austria, 911-02/05-06/35) Dušica Vujaklija (MZOŠ, bilateral project with of cation Streptomyces . Đurđica Ugarković, Ugarković, Đurđica . xrsin system, expression

E FP6 (EC Tribolium

- - -

. 7 0 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n n A I B

57 R ZMB 58 RBI Annual Report 2007. ZMB 4. 3. 12. 1. SELECTED INVITEDLECTURES 16. 15. 14. 13. 18. 17. 2. in extreme conditions: genome restoration by man M: Survival of Rad- A, Lindner M, Petranović D, Averbeck S, Bailone Sommer D, A, Slade K, Zahradka Croatia, November5-6,2007. Manage Zagreb, Research (ReMaT). Workshop Training ment A: Ristov Ambriović 2007. 11-13, October Greece, Hersonissos, cine. Medi- International SymposiumonMolecular Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10 rochromatin. 16 rochromatin. hete- of centromeric in events dynamics recombinational beetle high indicates of DNAs pattern satellite Organizational S: Žinić Durajlija- Đ, Ugarković B, Mravinac M, Plohl a lrnel acnm cls 12 cells. carcinoma laryngeal hu- man in resistance cisplatin overcomes tatin Lovas- M: Osmak T,Čimbora-Zovko G, Fritz August 25-29,2007. Netherlands, The Amsterdam, Conference. Les plantes emblematiques commes indica commes emblematiques plantes Les 910-08/05-01/00159) Slovenia, with project Os- bilateral (MZOŠ, mak Maja family, diazene from potential cytostatics new of evaluation and Synthesis Propagation of the American highbush blue highbush the American of Propagation TRA–TEST, 381-01/06-02/00032). the HI- of (MZOŠ, Ristov Ambriović Andreja knee, cartilage articular of Regeneration Fulgosi (HITRA-TEST, E34/2006) and analysis of plant cellular components, Hrvoje isolation for methods of Development Piljac Jasenka Žegarac (HITRA-TEST, E38-2005) products, food in oxidants ofanti- the analysis for laboratory Certified Bosnia andHercegovina) NET 2007, trialateral project with France and (ECO- Fulgosi Hrvoje occidentaux, Balkans les dans microevolutifs processus des teurs county, appliedcollaborativeproject) altitudes,Primorsko-goranskahigh atculture agri- for (Center Salopek-Sondi Branka L.), ( aronia of Propagation ap- plied collaborativeproject) county, Primorsko-goranska altitudes, Salopek-Sondi (Center for agriculture at high corymbosum (Vaccinium berry th International Chromosome International Deinococcus Deinococcus radiodurans rna melanocarpa Aronia ., Branka L.), th World th - - -

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 1. Research articles SELECTED PUBLICATIONS CONFERENCES SELECted ORGANIZED 2. 1. . 2 cells. eukaryotic of otaxis I: Weber Macedonia, May 3,2007. Skopje, research. Skopje. of serotonin University for model rat experi- mental original of Development B: Jernej (Neuroscienze). Roma,Italy, April 20,2007. sanita di superiore Istituto ge- behavior, to from nes synapse: Serotonergic B: Jernej Transitions Meeting. London,England,July28-31,2007. State expression. gene nuclear on Implications flow. electron linear of lation regu- in protein TROL of role The H: Fulgosi 14, 2007. November Kingdom, United Genomic Leicester, the Era. in DNA Repetitive Meaning: evolution. centromere and DNA Satellite Đ: Ugarković shop. Split,Croatia,July29-August4,2007. work- approach Surviving interdisciplinary an – 2007: death School Summer MedILS diodurans in repair DNA K: Zahradka 19-22, 2007. September Croatia, Zadar, Ecology. Mi- crobial and Microbiology Industrial on posium Sym- European Central – Environment and recombination. Power of Microbes in Industry f rtis n h mrn sponge marine the in proteins of family large a form GTPases small Ras-like V.Gamulin WE, Müller Mikoč A, H, Ćetković 2007. 4-9, September Croatia, Opatija, Life Sciences. the in Solutions Computational on ing Summer school in applied molecular microbi 2007, JernejB. Croatia, Zagreb, participation), international (with Congress Neuroscience Croatian Third 2007, Vujaklija D. 1, July – 23 June Croatia, Split, 2007. ology Models and sensory limits in chem- in limits sensory and Models : surviving extreme life conditions. life extreme surviving : iig and Mining Workshop Bio-Math

nd Deinococcus ra- Deinococcus Opatija Meet- Opatija Suberites -

11. 10. 9. 8. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Invited review articles 7. Biol 2007:17:79. Curr filopodia. intact in networks actin of tion Organiza G. Gerisch W, Baumeister R, jahr Neu- I, Weber M, Ecke M, Beck O, Medalia logica 2007:92:260. Haemato patients. leukemia from lym- phocytes in domain phosphorylation Aiolos the of mutation a for D. Aquest Batinić B, Labar M Antica Genetics 2007: 23:533. in Trends lineages. adaptations metazoan major uncover in of history to genomic the approach A phylostratigraphy D. Tautz J, Brajković T, Domazet-Lošo replication. MolMicrobiol2007:63:1797. DNA impaired exhibits PtkA kinase tyrosine subtilis cillus C, Petranović M, Jensen PR, Mijaković I. Petranović D, Michelsen O, Zahradka K, Pilzkunde 2007:16:281. für Zeitschrift Österreichische Croatia. from ibr-ok T AbivćRso A, Ambriović-Ristov Lončarek T, Čimbora-Zovko Pharmacol 2007:73:298. Biochem cells. tumor of sensitvity cisplatin for efflux and uptake drug of Relevance U. Jaehde M, Osmak MU, Kassack K, konda S,LeyersDevara Zisowsky J,Koegel madens. TriboliumGene 2007:394:45. beetle the in elements repetitive new of origin potential the identify Mravinac B., Plohl M. Satellite DNA junctions of ahead print]. [Epub 2007: Chem Biol III. dase pepti- dipeptidyl human of center active the in residue tyrosine Functional M. N, Abramić J, Špoljarić B, Jajćanin J, VujaklijaMakarević Š, D, Šimaga Vukelić B, Salopek-Sondi 2007: 282:9469. in multiple DNA repair pathways. J Biol Chem Rass U, Ahel I, West SC. Actions of aprataxin domuncula Brozović M. mitogen- Osmak of A, Activation markable species of re- Two Z. Tkalčec A, Mešić A, Hausknecht macol 2007:558:27. Phar- J Eur resistance. cisplatin and ratio in beta-catenin/plakoglob between cells: Alink carcinoma human cisplatin-resistant in sion ,

J, OsmakM. adhe Altered cell-cell urvi K Wbr , ai LJ, Rajić I, Weber K, Dubravčić . JMolEvol2007:64:332. strain deficient for the protein- the for deficient strain Bolbitiaceae ( Agaricales

Silva Ba- - - ) - - - book “Methodsinmolecular biology”. Figure 8.Editorialboardofthemulti-authored 4. 3. 2. Books tion amongresearchgroupsinCroatia. collabora promote to going hopefully is thereby ular experimental techniques are concerned, and partic- as far as Croatia in who-is-who about tion designed for bench use. It also includes informa- specifically protocols step-by-step provides book This Croatia. in institutions several from authors 119 gathered Vujaklija Dušica and Slade Neda Mihaljević, Snježana Radan, Meštrović Nevenka Hećimović, Katušić Silva Hranilović, Dubravka Bosnar, Herak Maja Ćetković, Helena Mađarić, Bruvo Branka Brozović, Anamaria editors with together Ristov Ambriović Andreja Edi- tor-in-Chief The techniques. also specific but many biology,describes molecular of methods basic all introduces It language. Croatian in kind this of manual first the is 2007 November in lished

The book “Methods in molecular biology” pub- tion. 2007:40:462. Prolifera Cell end. an to means the namics: dy- Telomere I. Rubelj M, Sopta M, Matulić Cell Adhesion &Migration.2007:1:145. tomography cryo-electron using approach An dynamic membrane-anchored actin networks: I. Weber G, Gerisch Biology. Developmental 2007: 1:151. Plant of Journal International rose. Christmas the in studies V.Magnus Developmental B, Salopek-Sondi 2007: 251:1. and Lett Cancer cisplatin-resistance. in cisplatin role their by kinases protein activated Toward the structure of structureToward the

- - .

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59 R ZMB 60 RBI Annual Report 2007. consists ofthefollowinglaboratories: The Division of Molecular Medicine (ZMM) Head: KrešimirPavelić divisional organization Division ofMolecularMedicine a a a a a a a a a a

Ranko Stojković Animal Quarters, and Bacteriology, MagdalenaGrce Virology ofMolecular Laboratory Marijeta Kralj ofFunctionalGenomics, Laboratory Neuropharmacology, DankaPeričić ofMolecular Laboratory Neven Žarković for Oxidative Stress, Laboratory Mirko Hadžija and Endocrinology Transplantation, ofMolecular Laboratory Modifiers, Tatjana Marotti Response ofBiological Laboratory Jelka Gabrilovac and Oncology, Hematology, Immunology Laboratory of Experimental Gall-TrošeljKoraljka Pathology, ofMolecular Laboratory Pavelić Jasminka Oncology, ofMolecular Laboratory O to thestudyofdisease. approaches molecular in research for lence, the Division is emerging as a centre of excel- tools based on -omics approaches. As such, and disease, of basis molecular the phering diagnostic tools and research aimed at deci- new diseases, viral and cancer against use for therapy targeted molecular of velopment eral strategic projects. These include the de- and students. methodology, and the education of scientists scientific of improvement the organisms, ing biochemical liv- and cells on the drugs of effects cellular and of exploration the drugs, tors, the development and evaluation of new disease prevention, the reduction of risk fac- in factors genetic of impact the of evaluation the through realized are goals These ease. dis- of prevention and treatment diagnosis, the for strategies new improve and develop to and diseases of nature the of the knowledge strengthen and expand to is Medicine verview oftheDivision The Division is currently developing sev- developing currently is Division The Molecular of Division the of mission The

http://www.irb.hr/en/str/zmm

. 7 0 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n n A I B

61 R ZMM TOP ACHIEVEMENTS IN BASIC Platelet serotonin in psychotic RESEARCH mania

Relevance of the granulocyte Patients with bipolar affective disorder in ZMM oxidative burst in host defence a manic phase were found to have a higher against cancer platelet serotonin concentration than bipolar non-psychotic patients. This result suggests The intensive oxidative burst of periph- a biological distinction between the subtypes eral blood neutrophils of mice that were of bipolar affective disorder (Šagud et al., intramuscularly injected with melanoma B1 2007). 6-F10 and/or subcutaneously with Sepha- dex G-200 was described for the first time p53 mutations in urothelial cancers to be important in host defence against can- from endemic nephropathy patients cer. Namely, the neutrophils from papula, developed at the site of Sephadex injection, were cytotoxic for the B16-F10 cells in vitro. However, the survival rate of Sephadex in- jected tumour-bearing mice was lower than that of the control animals bearing B16-F10, while their tumours grew faster and were less necrotic. Thus, it is likely that injection of Sephadex distracted the neutrophils from the tumour allowing faster progression of the tumour, indicating that neutrophils may have an important role in the host defence against malignant cells in the early stage of tumour development (Živković et al., 2007).

TOP ACHIEVEMENTS IN BASIC Figure 1. p53 mutational spectra in transitional RESEARCH cell carcinomas. (A) Transitional cell carcinomas from patients with EN. (B) Transitional cell car- Monoamine oxidase and dopamine cinomas in kidney, renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, beta-hydroxylase activity and poly- and unspecified urinary organs (data from the IARC p53 database). morphisms

Increased platelet monoamine oxidase Urothelial cancer tissues from upper (MAO-B) activity with no effect of the MAO- urothelial tract of endemic nephropathy (EN) B intron 13 polymorphism on platelet MAO- patients in Croatia were screened for p53 B activity (Pivac et al., 2007) was found in mutations. The immunohistochemically pos- veterans with combat-related posttraumatic itively evaluated tumours were sequenced stress disorder. The same patients displayed using Amplichip p53 Test (microarray as- decreased plasma dopamine beta-hydroxy- say) by Roche. Mutations of A:T pairs ac- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . lase (DBH) activity and a similar frequency of counted for 89% of all mutations, with 78% the DBH genotypes (Mustapić et al., 2007).

R B I being A:T→T:A transversions, the charac- teristic fingerprint observed in aristolochic-

62 acid-treated cells and animals. These data, together with characteristic DNA adducts lead to the conclusion that dietary exposure to aristolochic acid is a significant risk factor for EN (Grollman et al., 2007). ZMM

Functional analysis of human S-ad- enosylhomocysteine hydrolase

S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AdoHcyase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of AdoHcy to adenosine and homocysteine. Increased levels of AdoHcy may play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseas- es. Polymorphic isoforms named SAHH-1 to 4 exist in human and we have identified the genetic background of isoforms SAHH-1, Figure 2. A heatmap visualization of the SVM re- SAHH-2 and SAHH-3 (Fumić et al., 2007). gression model. Axes on the plot correspond to the first two principal components. Background colour illustrates the activity (as log IC50), with more active in blue and less active in orange, TOP ACHIEVEMENTS IN AP- predicted by the model. Radius of the disks is PLIED RESEARCH proportional to experimentally measured activity (as log IC50) of each compound. Novel potential anticancer com- pounds A novel therapeutic indication in psychotic PTSD During 2007 over a hundred newly syn- thesized compounds were screened in vit- Treatment resistant psychotic PTSD, ro for potential anti-tumour activity and the which is often complicated with suicidal at- possible mechanisms of action were ascer- tempts and lifetime functional impairment, tained for the most effective ones. Of special was found to respond well to monotherapy significance is the study that presents, for with the atypical antipsychotic drug, quetiap- the first time, a systematic and interdisciplin- ine (Kozarić-Kovačić and Pivac, 2007). ary study on the potential anti-tumour abil- ity (including cell cycle and cell death stud- Patents ies) and structure-activity relationships of 14 conventional crown ethers and their deriva- Biodiesel fuel/fuel additive Oxidized Plant R B I tives in vitro. We also computationally mod- Oil Ethyl-ester Mixtures OPOEM - Na- elled the relationship of molecular structure tional patent pending, submitted by „Ruđer A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . to the biological activity of the tested crown Bošković“ Institute, Franz Tatzber, Neven ethers and evaluated the impact of various Žarković, Business and Administration Col- molecular descriptors on anti-proliferative lage "Baltazar Adam Krečelić" and Milan Er- ability of these compounds, shown in Fig. 2 macora. (Marjanović et al, 2007).

63 Education AWARDS

A novel PhD study program, entitled „Biol- National Award for the scientific ogy of Cancer“, was jointly launched in 2007 achievements in the field of bio- by the Rudjer Boskovic Institute and the Uni- medicine ZMM versities of Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar. It is the first national PhD study programme with Award to Neven Žarković: The Croatian international evaluation and full ECTS ac- State Reward, the most prestigious scientific creditation. The first generation consists of recognition available in Croatia, was given to 20 students, 16 of which originate from the Neven Žarković, senior scientist at the Divi- Dubrovnik General Hospital. Neven Žarković sion of Molecular Medicine, for the research was elected to act as the Vice- chair of the in field of oxidative stress and oncology. Study Council. National Award for the Best Busi- MODERN FACILITIES, METHODS ness Project AND EQUIPMENT At the 10th National Economy and Entre- Novel Laboratory for Molecular Biosci- preneurship Forum in Šibenik, the project de- ences was established in Dubrovnik as joint noted "OxyLab", describing the development research facility of the “Rudjer Boskovic” In- of the HNE-ELISA as a genuine analytical stitute, University of Dubrovnik and the Du- tool for oxidative stress, was presented by a brovnik General Hospital. This is the first re- team of students of the Project Management search laboratory in Dubrovnik that provides studies, joint studies of the Rudjer Boskovic research facilities for the joint PhD studies, Institute and the Business and Administra- and will support networking within the B35 tion College "Baltazar Adam Krečelić". The Action of COST and affiliated research net- project was recognized as the Best Business works. Project. The City of Zaprešić subsequently awarded the project team with the highest annual award for promotion of science.

INTERNATIONAL FUNCTIONS

European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC) re-elected Krešimir Pavelić as a vice-president for the fourth time. Krešimir

Pavelić is also a delegate of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in the Eu- ropean Science Foundation, a member of the Strategic Working Party of the EMBC, a member of the Standing Committee of the European Medical Research Council, a Figure 3. A novel Laboratory for Molecular Bio- member of the Council of the European Mo-

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . sciences in Dubrovnik. lecular Biology Laboratory, and a president of the National Scientific Council of Croatia. R B I

64 projects and Programs Programs supported by the Min- istry of Science, Education and Projects supported by the Ministry Sports and led by members of the of Science, Education and Sports Division ZMM 1. Integrative genomics and proteomics in can- 1. Pharmacogenomics and proteomics of se- cer research. Krešimir Pavelić rotonergic and catecholaminergic system, 2. Pharmacogenomics, proteomics and psy- Dorotea Muck-Šeler chophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, 2. Molecular basis and treatment of psychiatric Dorotea Muck-Šeler and stress related disorders, Nela Pivac 3. Signal transduction in tumours: Hh-Gli inter- Research, developmental and inter- actions and therapeutic potential, Sonja Le- national projects vanat 4. Molecular characterisation of S-adenosyl- 1. Integrating and Strengthening Genomic Re- homocysteine deficiency in humans, Oliver search in South East Europe (INTEGERS) Vugrek FP7-REGPOT-2007-1 (Fran Borovečki, 5. New approaches in the treatment of malig- members of Coordination Committee: Dor- nant diseases, Marko Radačić otea Muck-Šeler, Nela Pivac) 6. Stress, GABA-A receptors and mechanisms 2. Frontotemporal dementias and motor neu- of action of neuropsychoactive drugs, Danka ron disease (Rajka Liščić, Bilateral Coopera- Peričić tion with Slovenia; co-investigators: Dorotea 7. Obtaining the structures like Langerhans is- Muck-Šeler, Nela Pivac) lets from mouse stem cells, Mirko Hadžija 3. Developing method for detection of inherited 8. Gene therapy of tumours by modulating the predisposition to breast cancer in Croatia. molecules of immune system, Jasminka (Technological project 2005-2007, Minis- Pavelić try of Science and Technology, Republic of 9. Role of membrane peptidases on tumour Croatia, Sonja Levanat) and normal cells, Jelka Gabrilovac 4. Toxicological in vivo studies of Lectranal 10. The mechanism(s) of cholesterol ac- (MILSING Corp, Mirko Hadžija) tion in Alzheimer’s disease, Silva Katušić 5. Hereditary Breast Cancer predisposition in Hećimović Croatia and Hungary’, (Croatian Hungar- 11. Molecular genetics and pharmacogenetics of ian Intergovernmental S&T Cooperation gastrointestinal tumours, Sanja Kapitanović Programme 2007-2008, Sonja Levanat - 12. Aberrant DNA methylation in HPV associ- Croatia, Edith Olah – Hungary) ated lesions, Magdalena Grce 6. The role of cholesterol in Alzheimer’s dis- 13. The role of different cell death responses to ease (Alison Goate, NIH - Fogarty Interna- DNA-damage treatment, Marijeta Kralj tional Research Collaboration Award, USA, 14. Epigenetic and Immunomodulatory Changes co-investigator: Silva Katušić Hećimović) in Malignant Head and Neck Tumors, Koralj-

7. The mechanism(s) of cholesterol ac- R B I ka Gall Trošelj tion in Alzheimer’s disease (Silva Katušić 15. The role of nm23 genes in oral squamous cell Hećimović, Bilateral project with USA, co- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . carcinoma, Maja Herak Bosnar investigator: Alison Goate) 16. The role of p53/p73 protein network in soft 8. Cellular sites of dual y-secretase cleavage tissue sarcoma, Neda Slade (Silva Katušić Hećimović, Bilateral project 17. Immunopathogenesis of human recur- with Germany, co-investigators: Harald rent herpes simplex virus infection, Zorica Steiner, Sven Lammich) Mikloška 9. p53/p73 network in chemoresistance. The 18. Lipids, free radicals and their second mes- relevance of dominant-negative p73 isofor- sengers in integrative oncology, Neven ms for chemosensitivity (Bilateral collabora- Žarković tion with Austria, Neda Slade)

65 10. The role of p73 in cell cycle control (Bilat- tion, organizer of the symposium Neurobio- eral collaboration with France, Cogito, Neda logical basis and treatment of posttraumatic Slade) stress disorders, Osijek, Croatia, September 11. Development of vaccine agains herpes gen- 19-22, 2007. italis (Croatian Fond for development and 3. Grce M. The International Workshop on Hu- ZMM employment, Zorka Mikloška) man Papillomaviruses (HPV) and Consen- 12. COST (European Cooperation in the field sus Recommendations for Cervical Cancer of Scientific and Technical Research) Ac- Prevention & Colposcopy Training, Cavtat, tion B35 “Lipid Peroxidation Associated Croatia, April 18 - 20, 2007. Disorders” in the Domain Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences, Action Chair Neven Žarković Selected lectures 13. Effects of the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal on primary hepatocytes, 1. Pivac N, Kozarić-Kovačić D, Grubišić-Ilić M, (Croatian-Austrian Science Technology Co- Mück-Šeler D. Neurobiology of psychotic operation Program, Neven Žarković) PTSD. Cambridge/Luton International Con- 14. Support of human bone growth in vitro by bi- ference on Mental Health 2007, Churchill Col- oactive glass and 4-hydroxynonenal, (Austri- lege, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, an National Bank Jubileums Fond Research United Kingdom, October 11-13, 2007. Grant, Renate Wildburger (LKH Graz) and 2. Pivac N. Biological markers in Croatian vet- Neven Žarković) erans with increased suicidality. NATO ad- 15. Novel, genuine assays for lipid peroxidation vanced research workshop. Wounds of war: analyses in experimental oncology, (Bilater- lowering suicide risk in returning troops. Ho- al project on scientific and technological re- tel Amerika-Holzer, Klopeiner See, St Kan- search collaboration with France – COGITO, tian, Austria, October 16-17, 2007. Neven Žarković) 3. Žarković N. 4-Hydroxynonenal – second 16. Modifying drug resistance by oxidative messenger of free radicals. The Annual In- stress and antioxidants (Bilateral Hungarian ternational Conference of the Romanian So- – Croatian Scientific and Technological Col- ciety of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, laboration project, Neven Žarković) Timişoara, Romania, September 6-8, 2007 17. Genetic testing of monogenetic diseases: 4. Žarković N. Potential Relevance of 4-Hy- cystic fibrosis, non-sindromic deafness, Rett droxynonenal and Related “Second Toxic syndrome, (Clinical Hospital Split, Children’s Messengers of Free Radicals” for Biomedi- Hospital Zagreb, Jasminka Pavelić) cal Effects of Some Nutraceuticals. Fourth 18. Therapeutic effects of mushroom extracts, International Conference on Mechanisms of (HITRA, Mislav Jurin) Action of Nutraceuticals (ICMAN 4) The Sci- 19. Development of drugs for treatment of Du- ence behind Nutraceuticals: Medical and Di- puytren disease (Croatian Fond for develop- etary Opportunities, Tel Aviv, Israel, October ment and employment. Krešimir Pavelić). 21-24, 2007

5. Pavelić J. Animal rights versus animal wel- fare. In: 3. Sudosteuropaisches Bioethik-Fo- SELECTED ORGANIZED rum, Mali Lošinj, Croatia, September 20-22. CONFERENCES 2007. 6. Herak Bosnar M, de Gunzburg J, Bago R, 1. Pivac N, Muck-Šeler D. Second Croatian Brečević Lj, Weber I, Pavelić J. NM23/NDPK Subunits in Head and Neck Tumour Cells: Congress on the Stress Related Disorders: th diagnostic procedures of the stress related Where do they go? 12 World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th Inter- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . disorders, Rabac, Croatia, May 3-5, 2007 2. Pivac N. 5th Croatian Congress of Pharma- national Symposium of Molecular Medicine and Cancer Chemoprevention Symposium, R B I cology and 2nd Congress of Croatian Physi- ological Society with international participa- Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 11-13, 2007.

66 7. Herak Bosnar M, de Gunzburg J, Bago R, We- in combat-related posttraumatic stress disor- ber I, Pavelić J, Perina D, Mikoč A, Ćetković der. Am J Med Genetics Part B Neuropsy- H. Subcellular localization of NDPKs: How chiatry Genetics 2007: 144B: 1087. far is a sponge from a human? 7th Interna- 4. Šagud M, Mihaljević-Peleš A, Pivac N, tional Congress of the NDP Kinase/NM23/ Jakovljević M, Mück-Šeler D. Platelet sero- Awd Family, Dundee, United Kingdom, Sep- tonin and serum lipids in psychotic mania. J ZMM tember 2-6, 2007. Affect Disord 2007: 97: 247. 8. Grce M. Introduction to the Cervical Cancer 5. Marjanović M, Kralj M, Supek F, Frkanec L, Prevention. ECCA symposium. Cervical Can- Piantanida I, Šmuc T, Tušek-Božić Lj. Antitu- cer Prevention - The Role of Patient Groups mor potential of crown ethers: structure activ- and Non-Governmental Organizations. Mon- ity relationships, cell cycle disturbances and te Carlo, Monaco, 3.10.2007. cell death studies of a series of ionophores. J 9. Matovina M, Sabol I, Milutin Gašperov N, Grce Med Chem 2007: 50: 1007. M. HPV 16 DNA integration in precancerous 6. Gazivoda T, Šokčević M, Kralj M, Šuman L, cervical lesions. The 12th World Congress on Pavelić K, De Clercq E, Andrei G, Snoeck R, Advances in Oncology, and 10th International Balzarini J, Mintas M, Raić-Malić S. Synthe- Symposium on Molecular Medicine. Herson- sis and Antiviral and Cytostatic Evaluations isos, Crete, Greece, 11-13.10.2007. of the New C-5 Substituted Pyrimidine and 10. Pavelic K. Recent highlights in molecular Furo[2, 3-d]pyrimidine 4’, 5’-Didehydro-L- medicine. Joanneum Research Meeting. ascorbic Acid Derivatives. J Med Chem 2007: Graz, Austria, February 28, 2007. 50: 4105. 11. Pavelić K. Casting Lights on Molecular Events 7. Prekupec S, Makuc D, Plavec J, Šuman L, Underlying Tumour Invasion and Metastasis: Kralj M, Pavelić K, Balzarini J, De Clercq E, What can be Seen from the “Omics” point of Mintas M, Raić-Malić S. Novel C-6 Fluori- View? Plenary lecture, 7th Slovenian Meeting nated Acyclic Side Chain Pyrimidine Deriva- of the Slovenian Biochemical Society with In- tives: Synthesis, H-1 and C-13 NMR Confor- ternational Participation. Maribor, Slovenia, mational Studies, and Antiviral and Cytostatic September 26-29, 2007. Evaluations. J Med Chem 2007: 50: 3037 12. Pavelic K. New achievements in molecular 8. Hranjec M, Kralj M, Piantanida I, Sedić M, medicine. Rega Institute for Medical Re- Šuman L, Pavelić K, Karminski-Zamola G. search. Brussels, Belgium, June 1, 2007. Novel Cyano- and Amidino-Substituted Deriva- tives of Styryl-2-Benzimidazoles and Benzimi- dazo[1, 2-a]quinolines. Synthesis, Photochem- ical Synthesis, DNA binding and Antitumor Selected publications Evaluation. J Med Chem 2007: 50: 5696. 9. Grollman AP, Shibutani S, Moriya M, Miller 1. Pivac N, Knežević J, Kozarić-Kovačić D, F, Wu L, Moll U, Suzuki N, Fernandes A, Deželjin M, Mustapić M, Rak D, Matijević T, Rosenquist T, Medverec Z, Jakovina K, Brd- Pavelić J, Muck-Šeler D. Monoamine oxidase ar B, Slade N, Turesky RJ, Goodenough AK, (MAO) intron 13 polymorphism and platelet Rieger R, Vukelić M, Jelaković B. Aristolo-

MAO-B activity in combat related posttrau- chic acid and the etiology of endemic (Bal- R B I matic stress disorder, J Affect Disord 2007: kan) nephropathy. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 103: 131. 2007: 104: 12129. A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . 2. Kozaric-Kovacic D, Pivac N. Quetiapine 10. Živković M, Poljak-Blaži M, Žarković K, Mi- treatment in an open trial in combat related haljevic D, Joerg Schaur D, Žarković N. Oxi- posttraumatic stress disorder with psychotic dative burst of neutrophils against melanoma features, Int J Neuropsychopharmacology B16-F10. Cancer Letters 2007: 246: 100. 2007: 10: 253. 11. Fumić K, Belužić R, Čuk M, Pavkov T, Kloor 3. Mustapić M, Pivac N, Kozarić-Kovačić D, Barić I, Mijić I, Vugrek O. Functional anal- D, Deželjin M, Cubells JF, Mück-Šeler D. ysis of human S-adenosylhomocysteine hy- Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity drolase isoforms SAHH-2 and SAHH-3. Eur and -1021C/T polymorphism of DBH gene J Hum Gen 2007: 15: 347.

67 Review articles NATO Security through Science series E: Human and Societal Dynamics – (S. Begec, 1. Pavelić J, Matijević T, Knežević J. Biological ed), vol 15. IOS Press Amsterdam 2007: pp and physiological aspects of action of insulin- 41-62. like growth factor peptide family. Ind J Med 3. Pivac N, Kozarić-Kovačić D, Mustapić M, ZMM Res 2007: 125: 511. Deželjin M, Nenadić-Šviglin K, Muck-Šeler D. New research on alcohol abuse and alcoholi- sm (Peripheral biological markers in alcoho- Chapters in books lism) Chapter I. In: Drug and Alcohol abuse Research Focus. (Walcott, Terry A, ed). New 1. Kozaric-Kovacic D, Pivac N. Novel ap- York 2007, Nova Publishers, pp 1-62 proaches to the diagnosis and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. In: The Inte- Books gration and Menagement of Traumatized people after Terrorist Attack. NATO Security Methods in molecular biology /Metode u through Science series E: Human and Soci- molekularnoj biologiji (Ambriović Ristov A, etal Dynamics – (S. Begec, ed), vol 15 . IOS Brozović A, Bruvo Mađarić B, Ćetković H, Herak Press Amsterdam 2007. pp 13-40. Bosnar M., Hranilović D, Katušić Hećimović S, 2. Pivac N, Kozarić-Kovačić D, Deželjin M, Meštrović Radan N, Mihaljević S, Slade N, Vu- Mustapić M, Jovanović T, Mück-Šeler D. jaklija D, eds). Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb Neurobiology of Posttraumatic Stress Dis- 2007. order. In: The Integration and Menagement of Traumatized people after Terrorist Attack.

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68 laboratories andgroups: Research (ZIMO) consists of the following The Division of Marine and Environmental Head: Tarzan Legović DIVISIONAL ORGANIZATION Environmental Research Division ofMarineand a a a a a a a a a a a

Tarzan Legović Laboratory for ecological modelling, pathology, Emin Teskeredžić andfish foraquaculture Laboratory metals, BiserkaRaspor effects forbiological Laboratory of Marijan organic compounds, Ahel of forbiogeochemistry Laboratory ecotoxicology, Tvrtko Smital for molecular Laboratory surface chemistry, DunjaČukman for electrochemistry and Laboratory metals, GoranKniewald for chemistry oftrace Laboratory Stipe Lulić for radioecology,Laboratory Zlatica Kozarac separations, for physico-chemical Laboratory information systems,IvicaRužić Group formodellingand Milivoj Kuzmić Group forsatelliteoceanography, OVERVIEW OFTHEDIVISION lectures were held and 9 conferences were conferences 9 and held were lectures invited 17 published, were books three filed, was patent one addition, In Contents. rent Cur- by indexed journals in papers scientific and, indeed,thewholeworld. ment and hence to the benefit of our country for the optimum management of the environ needed base knowledge the in increase an toward directed is control. research and The states processes, their systems, ronmental envi- of research applied and fundamental in excellence for strive to is which division, the of mission overall the to contributed ect ography down to nanotechnology. Each proj- mental science, ranging from satellite ocean a wide range of topics in marine and environ spanned clients. projects outside These and the Ministry of Science, Sport and Education more than 60 research projects contracted by The research results were published in 49 During 2007, division scientists worked on http://www.irb.hr/en/str/zimo

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69 R ZIMO organized. Also 4 graduate school studies dependent model was constructed. It was were coordinated, and 2 B.Sc, 1 M.Sc. and found that the anchovy population is be- 2 Ph.D theses were defended, under the low the optimum level, i.e. overfished since mentorship of Division scientists. Finally, 12 1982. Evidence of overfishing was found in undergraduate and 53 post-graduate cours- 1982, 1985, 1986 and 1988 (Klanjšček and ZIMO es were given at universities in Croatia and Legović, 2007). abroad. New three-dimensional particle tracking model for prediction of TOP ACHIEVEMENTS benthic carbon loading beneath fish farms Modelling the northern Adriatic double-gyre response to intense A model is based on stochastic differen- bora wind: A revisit tial equations for particle transport consis- tent with the well-known semi-empirical ad- A combination of recent intensive obser- vection-diffusion equation. The model was vations and simulations with two numerical applied to predict benthic carbon loading be- models was used to address the issue of neath fish farms. It requires only input data the northern Adriatic response to strong bora that is easily obtainable, in the form of mea- episodes. New observed and simulated data sured current record, source and a specifica- reinforced the view that an episode of strong tion of local bathymetry. The model account- bora wind provoked a double-gyre response ed for advection by long-term residual and north of the Po Delta - Pula line (Kuzmić et tidal currents, turbulent diffusion, realistic al., 2007). bathymetry and variations in daily (monthly, yearly) emissions from fish farms (Jusup et Overfishing of anchovy (Engraulis al., 2007). encrasicolus, L.) in the Detection and functional character- ization of efflux transporters in fish hepatoma cell line

The fish PLHC-1 hepatoma cells derived from topminnow (Poeciliopsis lucida), the most frequently used fish cell line in aquatic toxicology, expressed toxicologically relevant ABC efflux transporters involved in detoxifi- cation and excretion of xenobiotics (phase III). Moreover, the fact that the PLHC-1 cells possed all three critical elements of cellular detoxification machinery (phase I, II and III) additionally affirmed this cell line as a reli- able and useful in vitro model in (eco)toxico- Figure 1. Stock of anchovy in the Adriatic Sea logical research (Žaja et al., 2007). A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Based on the analysis of published data R B I series of anchovy stock size estimates for the period from 1975 to 1996, the stage

70 Chronic accumulation of cadmium in Pollution of electrochemical fish liver cytosol (Mullus barbatus) laboratory by gaseous mercury

Cytosolic metal concentrations in the liv- A concentration of total gaseous mercury er, kidney and intestine decrease as follows: was measured in the atmosphere of an elec- ZIMO Fe≈Zn>Cu>Mn>Cd. In the liver cytosol asso- trochemical laboratory using the CV AAS tech- ciation of MT and metals that induce MT syn- nique. By permanent aeration of laboratories thesis was evident for Zn and Cu, but not for the concentration of total gaseous mercury can Cd. Cadmium concentration in the liver cyto- be decreased almost ten times. In the open air sol was an excellent marker of chronic accu- of the electrochemical laboratory in Šibenik, the mulation of Cd with fish age (r=0.69, p<0.01) concentrations of total gaseous mercury during (Filipović Marijić and Raspor, 2007). a long duration of the Bura wind are as low as the concentrations in the polar region i.e. be- Seasonal dependence of metal con- tween 0.6 and 1.8 ng/m3 (Kwokal et al., 2007). centrations in the chub gill cytosol Barium in the river The correlation between the cytosolic metal and protein levels in the gills of chub, Using a combination of geochemical and caught in the River over two seasons, medical methods, an investigation was start- was examined. In specimens caught in the ed on the possible impact of waste disposal autumn, a positive correlation was obtained on human health in Lokve, where about 18% between the gill mass and the total cytosolic of the total inhabitants have serious medical protein, Mn, Zn and Fe concentrations. In the problems (Frančišković-Bilinski et al., 2007). spring, negative or low correlation of these parameters with the chub gill mass was ob- Metal sulfide nanoparticles in served (Dragun et al., 2007). model solutions and natural waters

New methods for determination Growing evidence suggests that metal of xenobiotic chemicals and their sulfide nanoparticles of natural origin exist in application in field and laboratory aquatic environments, even in the presence experiments of dissolved oxygen. It was shown that met- al sulfide nanoparticles readily adsorb and Highly specific methods based on high- concentrate at a mercury electrode surface. performance liquid chromatography coupled Nanoparticles in two meromictic lakes were to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) measured and an experimental procedure to and gas chromatography-mass spectrom- clarify the nature of particles was proposed

etry (GC/MS) were developed for the deter- (Bura-Nakić et al., 2007). R B I mination of several groups of environmental contaminants, including 3 major classes of Organic matter in Arctic and A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . antimicrobials, several persistent intermedi- Barents Sea ates from vitamin C production, and poly- cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their hy- Characterization of hydrophobic/hydro- droxylated metabolites (Grung et al., 2007). philic properties of the organic matter in the The methods were applied to the determina- northern Barents Sea shelf region and east- tion of these contaminants in different envi- ern Arctic Ocean revealed the dominance of ronmental matrices (wastewater, river water, more hydrophobic substances in the upper ground water, fish). mixed layer and highly hydrophilic substanc- es in deep waters (Gašparović et al., 2007).

71 Characterization of surface active New equipment substances in rainwater The Iatroscan MK-6 is thin layer chro- Surface active substances as organic con- matograph measuring samples by means stituents of bulk precipitation were studied of a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) and a ZIMO by the AC voltammetric method. The adsorp- Flame Photometric Detector (FPD). The in- tion characteristics at the mercury electrode strument is used for analysis and separation of real rainwater samples were compared of lipid classes from nonpolar lipids such with those of aqueous solutions of a number as hydrocarbons and polar phospholipids of model substances, which have been sug- (Gašparović B.) gested to be representative of water soluble organic compounds in atmospheric aerosols and droplets (Ćosović et al., 2007). EDUCATION

Four graduate school studies were coordi- nated by the Division members. This includes studies on Biophysics with the University of Split, on Environmental Management and Oceanography with the University of Zagreb, and Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation with the University J.J. Stross- mayer in Osijek. Twelve undergraduate and fifty three post-graduate courses were given at universities in Croatia and abroad.

Figure 2. Spatial distribution pattern of δ15N values HONOURS and AWARDS in marine sponge Aplysina aerophoba during May 2005 around fish farms in Pirovac Bay and the Legović T. Secretary General, Internation- Murter Sea (Central Adriatic), Kniewald G. al Society for Ecological Modelling (ISEM), 2007. Geochemical map of δ15N values in organic matter and organisms in Lulić S. Acknowledgment for the excep- coastal waters tional contribution to nuclear safety. State de- partment for nuclear safety, Zagreb, 2007. The effect of fish-farm- and sewage-de-

rived particulate nitrogen in the Murter Sea and semi-enclosed Pirovac Bay (Central Adri- projects AND PROGRAMS atic, Croatia) was assessed using the stable 15 nitrogen isotopic composition (δ N) in partic- Projects supported by the Ministry ulate organic matter (POM) and benthic ses- of Science, Education and Sports sile invertebrates (Dolenec et al., 2007). 1. Organic compounds as molecular markers PATENT of anthropogenic impact to the environment, A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . Marijan Ahel 2. Radionuclides and trace elements in envi- R B I WO 2007/0966681 A1. Hršak D, Havriluk M. Mixed bacterial culture for atrazine deg- ronmental systems, Delko Barišić 3. Electroactive films for ecologicaly acceptable radation.

72 conversion and energy storage, Višnja Hor- vat- Radošević 4. Biogeochemistry of metals in sedimentary systems and soils in Croatia, Goran Knie- wald

5. Nature of organic matter, interactions with ZIMO microconstituents and surfaces in the envi- ronment, Zlatica Kozarac 6. Mathematical modelling of circulation and re- mote sensing of boundary processes, Milivoj Kuzmić 7. Ecological modelling for sustainable man- agement of resources, Tarzan Legović 8. Elektroanalitical research of microcrystals and traces in dissolved subtances, Milivoj Lovrić 9. Interactions of trace metal species in aquatic environment, Ivanka Pižeta 10. Metal-induced cellular changes in aquatic or- Figure 3. Marine Coccolithophor possibly Emiliania ganisms, Biserka Raspor huxley from Adriatic seawater sample imaged by 11. Information systems on environmental qual- AFM. 3D image size 6 µm x 6 µm x 550 nm. (Mišić ity and risk, Ivica Ružić T., Svetličić V. and Hozić Zimmermann A.) 12. Multixenobiotic resistence mechanism as a biomarker of environmental quality, Tvrtko Smital Selected international projects 13. Nanoparticles in biogeochemical processes in the environment, Ivan Sondi 1. Sava River Basin: Sustainable use, manage- 14. Surface forces on atomic scale applied in ment and protection of resources, Biserka marine science and nanotechnology, Vesna Raspor (EU FP6) Svetličić 2. Reduction of environmental risks, posed by 15. Pathology of aquatic organisms in relation to emerging contaminants, through advanced pollution and aquaculture, Emin Teskeredžić treatment of municipal and industrial wastes, 16. Networked Economy, Z. Skočir and Jadranka Marijan Ahel (EU-FP6) Pečar-Ilić 3. Ecosystem Approach for Sustainable Aquac- ulture, Tarzan Legović (EU-FP6) 4. Assessment of hazardous chemical contami- Program supported by the Ministry nation in the Sava River basin, Marijan Ahel of Science, Education and Sports and Tvrtko Smital (NATO Science for Piece) 5. Mechanism of mucilage formation in the 1. Biogeochemical processes and Northern Adriatic Sea, Vera Žutić (Bilateral environmental risk, Marijan Ahel Cooperation with NSF, USA, Scripps Institu- R B I tion of Oceanography) A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . 6. Novel physical chemical techniques to char- acterize the sea surface microlayer, Zlatica Kozarac (UK Royal Society) 7. Marine science and coastal management in the Adriatic Western Balkan, An education and research network, Božena Ćosović (Nor- wegian cooperation programme on research and higher education)

73 8. Electrochemical characterization of marine 16-22 October 2007, V Žutić polysaccharides, Marta Plavšić (Deutsche 5. 10th Reunion of the Laboratories accredited Forschungsgemeinschaft) for water analysis, Poreč, Croatia, October 9. Evaluation of contamination of stream sedi- 23-26, 2007. B Raspor ments in lithologically different drainage 6. 4th Croatian Conference on water with inter- basins, using advanced geomathematical national participation: “Croatian water and ZIMO methods, Stanislav Frančišković-Bilinski European Union-chalenges and possibilities”, (Austrian-Croatian bilateral cooperation) Opatija, Croatia, 17-19.05.2007, Z Kozarac. 10. Multidisciplinary investigations of stream wa- ter sediments, soil and model compounds, that point to the clean and polluted environ- SELECTED INVITED LECTURES ment, Halka Bilinski (Hungarian-Croatian bi- lateral cooperation) 1. Ahel M., Terzić S. Persistent intermediates 11. Characterization of river sediment contami- from vitamin C production: Analysis, behav- nation from humid tropical Hugli River, India ior and possible environmental implications , and temperate rivers of Croatia in terms of ge- ACS meeting, Symposium honouring Walter ochemical and mineralogical data based on Giger, Boston, USA, August 2007. weathering, Halka Bilinski (Indian-Croatian 2. Barišić D. Research of locations with in- bilateral cooperation) creased content of naturally occurring ra- 12. AFM study of the crystallization of synthe- dioactive materials: Examples from Croatia. sized zeolites, Vesna Svetličić (Bilateral Co- Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials operation project with Eötvös Loránd Univer- (NORM): Harmonization of Environmental sity, Budapest, Hungary) Monitoring Methodologies, Sarajevo, Bosnia 13. Biogeochemical processes in anoxic envi- and Herzegovina, June 18-22. 2007. ronments: electrochemistry as an alterna- 3. Jusup M, Klanjšček J, and Legović T. Mod- tive tool for trace metals and sulfur deter- elling deposition of particulate organic waste mination, Irena Ciglenečki-Jušić (Bilateral underneath aquaculture facilities: Validation collaboration with Eötvös Loránd University, of KK3D model, The sixth European ecologi- Budapest, Hungary) cal modelling conference, Trieste, Italy, 27-30 14. Impact of fish farms on marine ecosystems of November 2007. the Adriatic Sea, Goran Kniewald (Croatian- 4. Klanjšček T, Nisbet R M, Neubert G, and Slovenian bilateral cooperation) Caswell H. When things are tough, they get 15. Radiological monitoring around Nuclear even worse: the negative synergy of mater- Power Plant Krško, Slovenia, Stipe Lulić. nal transfer, bioaccumulation, exposure and low food availability. 17th Biennial Conf. On Biology of Marine Mammals, Cape Town, S. SELECTED ORGANIZED CON- Africa, 29 Nov.- 3 Dec., 2007. FERENCES 5. Kniewald G. Evidence of mantle source vol- canism in the Adriatic region. International

1. 6th European ecological modelling confer- Conference on Evolution, Transfer and Re- ence, Trieste, Italy, 27-30 November 2007, T lease of Magmas and Volcanic Gases, Tai- Legović pei, Republic of China, 22-27 April 2007. 2. Regional Biophysics Conference, Bala- 6. Kniewald G. Geochemical alteration of tonfüred, Hungary, 21- 25 August, 2007, V gastropod shells from cretaceous carbonates Svetličić impacted by lateritization – Donje Orešje, th 3. Goldschmidt Conference on Geochemis- Croatia, 18 International Symposium on try, 19-24 August, Köln, Germany, 2007, I Environmental Biogeochemistry, Taupo, New Ciglenečki-Jušić Zealand, 11-17 November 2007. A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . 4. Workshop and International mezocosmos ex- 7. Legović T. Future of marine resource man- agement, The sixth European ecological

R B I periment ”Phosphorus Limited Carbon Fixa- tion, Cycling and Persistence and Role of Ag- modelling conference, Trieste, Italy, 27-30 gregation in the Processes”, Piran, Slovenia, November 2007.

74 8. Mihelčić G. Medical geology. Croatian Acad- Selected publications emy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, October, 2007. Books 9. Smital T. Ecotoxicological Relevance of the ABC Transport Proteins in Aquatic Organ- 1. Komorsky-Lovrić Š, Lovrić M. Voltammetry.

isms - from multidrug (MDR) to multixeno- RBI, 2007 (in Croatian). ZIMO biotic (MXR) resistance and back. CIIMAR, 2. Legović T, van der Wel K, van Breusegen W. University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, June Guidelines for strategic environmental assess- 26-27, 2007. ment. Ministry for Environmental Protection 10. Raspor B. Interpretation of natural fluctua- Physical Planning and Construction, Zagreb, tions of metallothioneins and metal levels in 2007. th the aquatic organisms. 35 Congress of the 3. Mirceski V, Komorsky-Lovrić S, Lovrić M. International Society for Oncodevelopmental Square-Wave Voltammetry, Springer, 2007. Biology and Medicine, Prague, Czech Re- public, September 16-19, 2007. Scientific papers

1. Bura-Nakić E, Krznarić D, Jurašin D, Helz, G. R, Ciglenečki, I. Voltammetric characteriza- tion of metal sulfide particles and nanopar- ticles in model solutions and natural waters. Anal Chim Acta 2007: 594: 44. 2. Ćosović B, Orlović Leko P, Kozarac Z. Rain- water dissolved organic carbon: Characteri- zation of surface active substances by elec- trochemical method, Electroanalysis 2007: 19: 2077. 3. Dolenec T, Lojen, S, Kniewald G, Dolenec M, Rogan N. Nitrogen stable isotope composi- tion as a tracer of fish farming in invertebrates Aplysina aerophoba, Balanus perforatus and Anemonia sulcata in central Adriatic, Aquac- ulture 2007: 262: 237 4. Dragun Z, Raspor B, Podrug M. The influ- ence of the season and the biotic factors on the cytosolic metal concentrations in the gills of the European chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.). Chemosphere 2007: 69: 911 5. Frančišković-Bilinski S, Bilinski H, Grbac R, Žunić J, Nečemer M, Hanžel D. Multidis- ciplinary work on barium contamination of the karstic upper Kupa River drainage basin R B I (Croatia and Slovenia); calling for watershed A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . management. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 2007: 29: 69. 6. Filipović Marijić V, Raspor B. Metallothionein in intestine of red mullet, Mullus barbatus as a biomarker of copper exposure in the coastal marine areas. Mar Poll Bull 2007: 54: 935. 7. Gašparović B, Plavšić M, Bošković N, Ćosović B, Reigstad M. Organic matter characteriza- Figure 4. Front page of Square-Wave Voltametry by tion in Barents Sea and eastern Arctic Ocean Mirčeski, Komorsky-Lovrić and Lovrić, 2007. during summer. Mar Chem 2007: 105: 151. 8. Grung M, Lichtenthaler R, Ahel M, Tollefsen

75 K-E, Langford, K, Thomas K V. Effects-direct- 14. Lovrić M, Komorsky-Lovrić Š, Kahlert H, ed analyses of organic toxicants in wastewa- Scholz F. A model of mass transport near the ter effluent from Zagreb, Croatia. Chemos- tube wall in a flow-injection manifold, Anal phere 2007: 67: 108. Chim Acta 2007: 602: 75. 9. Jusup M, Geček S, Legović T. Impact of aqua- 15. Žaja R, Klobučar RS, Smital T. Detection and cultures on the marine ecosystem: modelling functional characterization of Pgp1 (ABCB1) benthic carbon loading over variable depth. and MRP3 (ABCC3) efflux transporters in the Ecological Modelling 2007: 200: 459. PLHC-1 fish hepatoma cell line. Aquatic Toxi- 10. Klanjšček J, Legović T. Is anchovy (Engrau- col 2007: 81: 365. lis encrasicolus, L.) overfished in the Adriatic Sea? Ecological Modelling 2007: 201: 312. Chapters in books 11. Klanjšček T, Roger M, Nisbet R M, Caswell H, Neubert M G. A model for energetics and 1. Komorsky-Lovrić Š, Lovrić M. Theory and bioaccumulation in marine mammals with ap- application of square-wave voltammetry, In plications to the right whale. Ecological Ap- New research on electrochemistry, Elizabeth plications 2007: 17: 2233. P. Vargus (ed.), Hauppauge, New York, USA : 12. Kuzmić M, Janeković I, Book J W, Martin P Nova Science Publishers, 2007. pp 1-44. J, Doyle JD. Modeling the northern Adriatic 2. Svetličić V, Žutić V, Mišić T. Atomic force mi- double-gyre response to intense bora wind: A croscopy. In Methods in Molecular Biology, revisit. J. Geophys Res 2007: 111: C03S13. Abramović Ristov A. (ed.) RBI, Zagreb, 13. Kwokal Ž, Komorsky-Lovrić Š, Lovrić M. Pol- 2007. lution of electrochemical laboratory by gase- ous mercury. Fresenious Environmental Bul- letin 2007: 16: 1238.

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . R B I

76 TOP ACHIEVEMENTs O hre big xrml lw priual in particularly low, extremely dis- being charge, River Po the of reduction a to related mainly was Northern ecosystem the Adriatic Adriatic ecosystem changes inthenorthern Long-term the marineenvironment. of protection international concerning (Interreg) projects several leads and government for purposes Sea Adriatic the of toring basic Besides research, the Center is involved in the moni- columns. water and nities commu- benthic in especially scale, gional re- the to subcellular the from environment marine the in processes study to is search verview oftheDivision of thefollowinglaboratories: consists Research Marine for Centre The Head: NenadSmodlaka DIVISIONAL ORGANISATION Centre forMarineResearch A decrease of phosphorous availability in availability phosphorous Aof decrease The mission of the Center for marine re- marine for Center the of mission The a a a

toxicology, RenatoBatel Danilo Degobbis marine ecosystem, for processes inthe Laboratory Laboratory formarinemolecular systematic, Ana Travizu Laboratory forecologyand amn (e bass, (sea farming Limski Channel on sedimentandmeiofauna inthe marinefish farming Low impactof tem relatedtoeutrophication. ecosys- the in changes indicating onwards), – Po Delta profile) and temporally (from 1990 Rovinj the of part western the to eastern the (from spatially declines predation gellates’ erotrophic bacteria by heterotrophic nanofla het- of control “top-down” the of importance The bacteria. heterotrophic in pronounced most population, analyzed of on dynamics the impact significant its showed Delta Po – Rovinj gradient eutrophication the along nanoflagellates and bacteria of abundances along thegradients activity heterotrophic Microbial frequency ofsucheventswasnoted. increased decade last the Over years. able favour- in formation aggregate mucilaginous in resulting ecosystem the in events of ries se- a trigger can phosphorus of availability spring, in almost all years since 2003. Lower and sea bream, A field study of the impact offish-cage the impact of study field A The analysis of long-term variations in the Sparus aurata) on sediment http://www.irb.hr/en/str/cim ietacu labrax Dicentrarchus

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77 R CIM and meiofauna was performed in the Limski Channel (northern Adriatic, Croatia). In the aquaculture area, sediment was character- ized by markedly increased organic carbon, CIM polyunsaturated fatty acid, and lipid concen- trations with respect to the reference area. As a consequence, the total meiofauna abundance was lower in the fish-cage area, due to reduced contributions of copepods and other taxa, although the contribution of 1a 1b nematodes was higher than in the reference area. Figure 1a. LM epifluorescence. Epithecal view of O. cfr. ovata. These results suggest that a localized ef- Figure 1b. LM epifluorescence. 'Hypothecal view fect of fish farming waste occurred, with no of O. cfr. ovata. serious oxygen disturbances, confined to the area directly underneath the cages. Al- Short term impact of planctonic though the sedimentological characteristics mucilage aggregates on of the Limski Channel favour accumulation macrobenthos and have pronounced memory for highly degradable organic matter, the impact of A short term effect of planctonic mucilage the fish farming turned out to be negligible. aggregates on selected macrobenthic spe- These results suggest that sea bass and sea cies (Arca noae, Cystoseira species and bream farming in the investigated system is Verongia aerophoba) along the Istrian rocky eco-sustainable, not significantly altering the coast was studied. The mucilage impact was semi-enclosed marine ecosystem (Najdek et species dependent. It was lethal for 5-45% al., 2007). specimens of the mollusc Arca noae, sub- lethal for the sponge Verongia aerophoba (partial necrosis for 7-56% of the colony sur- First record of Ostreopsis cfr. ova- face) and apparently inoffensive for Cysto- ta in the northern Adriatic Sea seira species, which were able to withstand the mucilage impact, since the necrosis was Ostreopsis cfr. ovata is an epiphytic po- restricted to deciduous branches, while pe- tentially toxic dinoflagellate species belong- rennial parts of the thalli were not affected ing to the genus Ostreopsis whose blooms (Devescovi et al., 2007). have been related to human health prob-

lems, such as breathing and skin irritation. Deoxyribonuclease in the mussel The first record of Ostreopsis cfr. ovata in the Mytilus galloprovincialis northern Adriatic Sea was reported from the Gulf of Trieste and the Rovinj coastal area, The presence of neutral DNase activity in where the species was isolated from macro bivalves was reported for the first time. The algae (Monti et al., 2007). enzyme activity in four tissues of the mus- sel Mytilus galloprovincialis was analyzed by three different methods (i) specific denatur- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . ating SDS - PAGE zymogram, (ii) sensitive

R B I single radial enzyme diffusion (SRED) assay, and (iii) rapid and sensitive fluorimetric deter-

78 mination of DNase activity with PicoGreen. the control of its efficiency. Analyses of tem- The fluorimetric assay was rapid and sensi- poral changes during a seven year period tive enough for determination of hydrolytic (1999-2005) showed a decrease of potential activity of dsDNA in mussel hepatopancreas, toxicity (EC50) at 3 sampling sites and an in- adductor, gills, and mantle. Maximal activity crease at 2 sampling sites. Multivariate anal- CIM in all mussel tissue extracts was obtained yses (cluster, MDS) of the toxicity data set, in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ at pH 7.0 using frequencies of different water quality with dsDNA as substrate. The neutral DNase as variables, were introduced. These analy- activity in mussel tissue decreases in order ses allowed discrimination of the sampling hepatopancreas, mantle > gills > adductor. sites according to the distribution of toxicity The enzyme activity displays inter-individual with toxic load at each sampling site, related variability in particular tissue as well as vari- to the type of human activity in the area. This ability among tissues within one specimen. study also identified one hot spot, four po- In the hepatopancreas, one to three distinct tential hot spots and two sampling sites as proteins expressing neutral, Ca2+, Mg2+-de- unstressed control locations. Their spatial pendent, DNase activity were detected by distribution revealed that the region of Split, denaturating SDS-PAGE zymogram. This Kaštela Bay is the area with the heaviest heterogeneity of neutral nucleases involved load of toxic agents (Fafanđel et al., 2007). in DNA hydrolysis in hepatopancreas could reflect inter-individual variability in mussel food utilization and nutrient requirement (Bi- hari et al., 2007a; 2007b).

Figure 3. Spatial distribution of the toxicity data along Adriatic coast. A – fair water quality, B1 – medium water quality with higher frequency Figure 2. Heterogeneity of deoxyribonuclease of fair water quality, B2 – medium water quality isozymes in the mussel hepatopancreas. with lower frequency of fair water quality, B3 – R B I low water quality. Seawater toxicity along Adriatic A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . coast – a long-term study Tracking of early biomineral growth in embryos The objective of this study was the as- sessment of coastal seawater toxicity of 24 X-ray diffraction has been used to probe sampling sites along the Adriatic coast, Cro- the growth processes of the first biominerals atia, by the use of Microtox® bioassay. The in early embryonal development. The latest database created in this study could serve data indicate that as soon as 12 hours after to properly direct remedial activity and for

79 fertilization, in the late multicellular embryo- of the internal nacreous layer of the valve nal development stage, well-formed crystal- due to stress. This includes cases where el- line material may be already detected, and evated concentrations of nutrients (nitrates, that 24 hours after fertilization the first ara- nitrites, phosphates) in the northern Adriatic CIM gonitic prodissoconch I shell is formed. Sig- reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen (an- nificant quantities of a new crystalline phase oxia) during intensive phytoplankton blooms, were also detected and whose pending iden- causing both changes in the biomineraliza- tification is expected to provide new insight tion process and morphological changes in into the crystal growth pathways and phase the shell nacre (Fig.4, inset b). transitions in the biomineralization process.

Monitoring of larval development projects and Programs

Continued growth of embryos into the Projects supported by the Ministry veliger larva stage has been monitored by of Science, Education and Sport following formation of the prodisoconch II 1. Impact of pollution on programmed biosyn- shell over several days with scanning elec- thesis in marine invertebrates, Renato Batel tron microscopy (SEM). The prodissoconch 2. Ecotoxic effects of contamination on marine I/II boundary, marking the moment when organisms, Nevenka Bihari the valves first completely enclose the lar- 3. Biomineralization processes in marine or- val body and close against one another, has ganisms, Davorin Medaković been clearly determined (Fig.4, inset a). 4. Structure and physiology of microbial com- munities in northern Adriatic fronts, Mirjana Determination of the effects of en- Najdek vironmental stress 5. Mechanism of long-term changes in the northern Adriatic ecosystem, Robert Precali 6. Biodiversity of benthic communities in the Adriatic: natural and human impacts, Ana Travizi

Programs supported by the Minis- try of Science, Education and Sport and led by members of the Division

1. Natural and anthropogenic impacts on the Adriatic Sea ecosystem, Renato Batel 2. Croatian national monitoring programme Systematic research of the Adriatic Sea as a base for sustainable development of the Re- Figure 4. Powder diffraction data for Chione can- public of Croatia (Project “Adriatic”), Nenad cellata embryos. Inset - (a) SEM picture of the Smodlaka veliger larvae of Mytilus galloprovincialis (scale bar = 50 µm) and (b) SEM picture of valve inter- Research, developmental and inter- nal surface morphology (scale bar = 30 μm). national projects A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . The impact of changes in abiotic factors in 1. Schwaemme aus Rovinj (Kroatien)-Extract- R B I the marine environment has been detected bereitstellung und Marikultur, Project: Mole- kulare Biotechnologie und Wirkstoffe mariner by the observation of uneven crystallization Schwaemme sowie Schwamm-assoziierter

80 Mikroorganismen, Renato Batel, Werner E.G. This Conference compared phytoplankton dy- Müller (Croatian German scientific project) namics in coastal marine ecosystems where per- 2. Biocapital, Marie Curie Research Training turbations from terrestrial, atmospheric, oceanic Network, Renato Batel, Werner E.G. Müller sources and human activities converge to cause

(EU-FP6, 2005-2008) changes that ramify across local and global CIM 3. Sponges, Renato Batel, Werner E.G. Müller scales. The objective was to assemble and syn- (EU-FP6, 2005-2007) thesize multi-decade observations toward quan- 4. Biosensor methods for the assessment of titative and descriptive depictions of phytoplank- the effects of pollution, Renato Batel, Wern- ton variability as an indicator of environmental er E.G. Müller (Croatian German scientific change across the full diversity of coastal eco- project) system types. The visions were a global phenol- 5. Realization of an integrated monitoring sys- ogy of phytoplankton at the land-sea margin and tem of the quality of the Adriatic Sea, with a conceptual model from which coastal ocean particular regard to eutrophication and mu- observing systems can be built. The Conference cilage phenomena (REQUISITE), Danilo was attended by 80 scientists from 24 countries Degobbis (EU INTERREG IIIA, 2004-2006, around the globe. extension 2007-2008) 6. Integrated system for monitoring and fore- casting of meteorological and water condi- tions parameters in the Adriatic Sea (ADRI- Selected INVITED lectures AMET), Danilo Degobbis (EU INTERREG IIIA, 2004-2008) 7. Anossie attuali nel nord Adriatico, registrazio- 1. Hamer B. The marine research station – ne nei sedimenti in epoca storica, influenza Rovinj, School of Conservation Biology of the sulle risorse di pesca e bentoniche. Model- Croatian Biological Society -1885. Rovinj, lizzazione e previsione (ANOCSIA), Robert Croatia, June 21-29, 2007. Precali (Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Univer- 2. Hamer B, Jaklin A, Batel R, Mueller WEG. sità e della Ricerca della Repubblica Italiana Sustainable use of marine organisms - 2004-2008) Project SPONGES, School of Conservation 8. Monitoring of the marine coastal current of Biology of the Croatian Biological Society - the North Adriatic (NASCUM), Nenad Smod- 1885. Rovinj, Croatia, June 21-29, 2007. laka (2007-2008) 3. Hamer B, Medaković D, Kanduč T, Mueller WEG, Batel R. Calcification on molluscs: Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as an indica- tor of marine environmental stress - A field SELECTED ORGANIZED study Project Adriatic“, German-Egyptian Year of Science and Technology -Bioactive CONFERENCES Natural Products: Current Status and Future Scenarios / Esmat Abdel Ghaffaar (ed.). Cai- In Rovinj, from 08-12 October 2007, a scien- ro, Egypt, September 16-17, 2007. tific conference entitled Long Time-Series Ob- 4. Smodlaka N, Đakovac T. Climate Changes R B I servations in Coastal Ecosystems: Comparative and the Adriatic, Climate Changes – New

Analyses of Phytoplankton Dynamics on Region- Challenges through Regional Perspective, A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . al to Global Scales was held. It was organized Jožef Štefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenija, by the American Geophysical Union, as a Chap- December 4, 2007. man Conference, and the Center for Marine Re- search.

81 SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

1. Najdek M, Travizi A, Bogner D, Blažina M. 4. Bihari N, Fafanđel M, Perić L. Tissue distri- Low impact of marine fish farming on sedi- bution of neutral deoxyribonuclease (DNase) ment and meiofauna in Limski channel (north- activity in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. ern Adriatic, Croatia). Fresenius Environ Bull Comp Biochem Physiol B 2007a: 147: 550. 2007: 16: 784. 5. Bihari N, Fafanđel M, Piškur V. Polycyclic 2. Monti M, Minocci M, Beran A, Iveša Lj. First aromatic hydrocarbons and ecotoxicological record of Ostreopsis cfr. ovata on macroalgae characterisation of seawater, sediment and in the Northern Adriatic Sea. Marine Poll Bull mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Gulf 2007: 54: 598. of Rijeka, the Adriatic Sea, Croatia. Arch En- 3. Devescovi D, Iveša Lj. Short term impact of viron Contam Toxicol 2007b: 52: 379. planctonic mucilage aggregates on macrob- 6. Fafanđel M, Bihari N. Temporal and spatial enthos along the Istraian rocky coast (North- variations of seawater toxicity along Adriatic ern Adriatic, Croatia). Marine Poll Bull 2007: coast, Croatia: A long-term study. Fresenius 54: 887. Environ Bull 2007: 16: 1457.

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . R B I

82 OVERVIEW OFTHECENTRE of contracted collaborative work based on an and Bulgaria, CIR was involved in the sharing with collaborations scientists in Switzerland, Slovenia, Hungary, ongoing to addition in Specifically, mission. aforementioned the of advancement our for evidence provides tion collabora international extensive as well as program, and project research national a of realization The science. based putationally com- support to infrastructure knowledge of science technologies, as the next generation e- developing by this do to aim we cifically, Spe- work. scientific in computers of usage the advance to programme, research and ic ments: depart- following the of consists (CIC) ing Comput- and Informatics for Centre The Head: KaroljSkala CENTRE ORGANISATION OFTHE and Computing Centre forInformatics The mission of CIR is, through its scientif- a a a a Đuro Kuzumilović Service andmaintenance, Neven Kmetić Information systems, Nikola Pavković ICST researchanddevelopment, Visualisation, KaroljSkala for Optoelectronics and Laboratory - ing evaluated. We plan to use the resources the Weuse evaluated. to ing plan other two project proposals are currently be- is on the reserve list for negotiation, while the tion phase. The project proposal COMANDS these have successfully entered the negotia of Four Calls. ICT for proposals project FP7 EU seven prepared CIR below), (see ects proj- FP6 four with involvement successful Framework Programmes (FP). Following European the the upon focus particular a with sources, external from funding sustainable of procurement the towards 2007 in Centre initiativesProject TOP ACHIVEMENTS port measures. sup- and services various of provision and infrastructure ICT RBI’s the of maintenance ues to remain active in the development and contin- CIR time, same Services. the and At Software on TechnologyPlatform European the of part as out caried and Initiative Services Software European Networked the – NESSI of member a also is CIR institutions. 118with programme framework EU FP6 EU Significant effort was expended inthe expended was effort Significant http://www.irb.hr/en/str/cir

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83 R CIR obtained in this way to continue to expand based on the National Grid Initiative poly- the e-Science program and strive towards project CRO-GRID, which was very success- establishing a project chain along the lines of fully finished. Based on the experience of e-Infrastructure, distributed computing, par- the CRO-GRID poly-project, during 2007 the CIR allel applications and scientific visualisation CRO NGI (Croatian National Grid Infrastruc- technologies. ture) was established, with important and constant contribution of CIR continued fur- FP6 Project successes ther development of the Grid Portal, through which scientists are able to access the grid In the EU FP6 SEE-GRID-2 project, as computing resources and submit complex the leader of the Work Package (WP) 4, CIR compute-intensive jobs. In particular, a new actively worked on the collection and sys- 96 processor HP blade cluster was installed tematisation of gained knowledge on Appli- as an extension to CRO-NGI. cations Gridification, acting as the editor of a Deliverable to the EC. The CRO-GRID JRU (Joint Research Unit), initiated during 2006, continued the CIR, together with the Faculty of Graphi- work of the EU FP6 EGEE-II project through- cal Arts, a university institution which is per- out 2007. As part of the JRU, CIR continued ceived as very important in the general direc- as the leader of NA2 (dissemination) and tion of CIR towards Scientific Visualisation, NA4 (applications). Specific attention was is working on a Grid Application called VE- given to the promotion of the NA4 activity of PPAR (Visual Parallel Processing and Ren- “Grid Service Library Applications” develop- dering). The first version of this Application ment, which focuses upon algorithmic sys- was already used in educational activities. tems applications.

In second quarter of year we started to realise an EU-FP6 project with the aim of es- tablishing a Centre of Excellence for Scien- tific Visualisation. The CenVis is envisaged to be a prime point for the development of Scientific Visualisation, specifically in view of the modern developments towards 3D, ste- reoscopic presentation, in the Grid environ- ment. Recently, we have been working on launching the project web-site and providing the work package tasks. The end of year saw the beginning of the adaptation investment to provide work space for Centre of Scientific Visualisation and a server point for hosting eInfrastructure and eScience support equip- ments.

eScience Development Activities A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . During 2007 CIR continued the eScience

R B I programme based on ICST (Information Communication Science Technology) on Figure 1. New 96 processor blade cluster Grid platforms. This programme was initially in CRO NGI

84 Introduction of the Quantum tific applications, it went public during July Random Bit Generator Service. 2007, soon establishing itself as a free and unlimited general-purpose resource of high- quality random numbers online (http://ran- dom.irb.hr). CIR

Monthly activity is depicted in Figure 2, showing that the amount of downloaded ran- dom data per month varies from 1.7 GiB to over 50 GiB, and the number of requests per month varies from 20 thousand to around 160 thousand. A breakdown of registered us- ers by countries is given in Figure 3, showing that majority of users come from the United States. The majority of most active users originate from academia and research insti- Figure 2. Monthly traffic at http://random.irb.hr in tutions. During the last half of 2007, 5645 2007. registered users downloaded 86.56 GiB of The Quantum Random Bit Generator Ser- random data. Throughout the same period, vice (QRBGS), is a network service intended the web page of the service had 2.5 million for people that require truly random number hits, 150 thousand visits, and web upload sequences. It has been designed and devel- traffic of 20.1 GiB. oped trying to maximize data randomness, speed, accessibility, and robustness. Trans- The Virtue system parent access to the service is available from several major programming environments During 2007, the Virtue system was pre- (C, C++, Java, Python, Perl, MATLAB), and sented to the scientific community. Virtue is for all major platforms (Windows, Linux and a new computer language and its auto paral- MacOS). Stand-alone clients and limited lelising implementation is specifically geared web access are also available. towards effective execution of complex algo- rithms written in a relatively simple way on distributed computing resources. Virtue is part of an effort towards the Grid Service Li- brary Applications approach, as its main Grid purpose is to serve as a simple, yet power- ful mathematical processing service, http://

grgur.irb.hr/Virtue. R B I

Information Systems development A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . and service usage

The Information Systems Department continued their efforts to integrate the AAI@ Figure 3. Countries of origin for users registered at EDU.HR LDAP database with ActiveDirec- http://random.irb.hr (5645 registered users in 2007). tory database from the Institute’s headquar- ters, aiming to create a unified Single Sign Although the QRBGS was conceived pri- On infrastructure that ensures the basic Ser- marily for stochastic simulations and scien- vices at RBI.

85 Services usage statistics Both egee.irb.hr and grid1.irb.hr are GRID-enabled clusters, situated at the RBI. They are connected to the pan-european

CIR GRID project EGEE. As such, both clus- ters provide computational power to local but also foreign users coming from univer- sities across Europe. The usage statistics shows reasonable load distributed among all months of the year.

Hardware/network infrastructure Figure 4. Web server statistics [www.irb.hr]. A number of active network devices were The main web-server (www.irb.hr), which acquired with aim of extending the existing provides information to the general public, network capacity of the RBI core network. is also maintained by CIR. The CMS-driven These include Cisco network-switches and a core engine enables users to develop ex- Cisco Supervisor module for the core router. tended functionality web applications such as time-schedule applications etc. In 2007, Service and maintenance the web server statistics showed a minimal department decrease in number of visits, comparing to the previous year. Our helpdesk is continuing its usage of OTRS Ticketing System, which has proven GRID enabled clusters egee.irb.hr itself to be an indispensable tool for our ev- and grid1.irb.hr eryday operations. Printing and TCR servic- es continue to function without any interrup- egee.irb.hr 100 tions. The IRB webpage is showing a steady 90 increase in unique visitors. The web site 80

70 is being monitored by our own local open- 60 source AWStats system and Google Analyt- 50 % u sa g e

40 ics. Overall it’s business as usual in Services 30 and Maintenance department. 20

10 0 Software products 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

grid1.irb.hr In 2007, two new software products were 75 70 developed. These were: Virtue v0.2 (men- 65 60 tioned above) and BarcaBase – A web appli- 55 50 cation that allows entry of data on exons, 45 and on individual analyses (including their 40 % usage 35 melting profiles). 30 25 20 15 A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . 10 5 EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES 0 R B I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 CIR provides 5 undergraduate and 3 graduate courses at the Faculty of Electri- Figure 5. Web server statistics [www.irb.hr].

86 cal Engineering and Computing and the cations on the Grid (http://www.irb.hr/hr/cir/ Faculty of Graphical Arts at the University of education/courses/gd), GBlast – Bioinforma- Zagreb. In addition to these activities, 2007 tics – Deploying BLAST on the Grid (http:// saw the organization of several specialized www.irb.hr/hr/cir/education/courses/gblast), educational events. These were: GI – Grid and P3G2 – Parallel Programming in Cluster CIR Infrastructure (http://www.irb.hr/hr/cir/edu- and Grid Environment (inside the frame of cation/courses/gi), GA – Grid Applications MIPRO Opatija, http://www.irb.hr/en/cir/edu- (http://www.irb.hr/hr/cir/education/courses/ cation/courses/gd). ga), GD – Development and Porting Appli-

22500 ORGANISATION OF 20000 CONFERENCES AND SPORTING 17500 EVENTS 15000 2004 12500 2005 CIR organized the annual Conference 2006 10000 2007 Hypermedia and Grid Systems as part of the 7500 International Convention MIPRO in Opati- 5000 ja (http://www.mipro.hr/ehgs.htm). Under 2500 the sponsorships of European Universities 0 Sport association, CIR supported the first 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 European Universities Sailing Cup with ad- 16000 15000 vance GPS tracking technology based on 14000 13000 the Google Earth interface (www.sailing.hr). 12000 11000 10000

9000 2004 8000 2005 7000 2006 6000 2007 PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS 5000 4000 3000 2000 Projects supported by Ministry of 1000 0 Science, Education and Sport 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

1. Scientific Visualisation Methods, Karolj Skala Figure 6. Total number of A4 printouts (2004-2007), and the number of printed posters (in cm 2004-2007. R B I A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 .

Figure 7. CIR eScience workshop 18.12.2007.

87 Programs supported by the Ministry 2. Stevanović R, Topić G, Skala K, Stipčević of Science, Education and Sports M, Medved Rogina B. Quantum random bit and led by members of the Division generator service for Monte Carlo and other stochastic simulations. Lecture notes in

CIR 1. Scientific program: Distributed Computing computer science. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, and Visualisation (2007-2012), Karolj Skala 2008. pp. 287-292.

International EU FP6 projects

1. Grid enabled Infrastructure Development, SEE GRID, EU F6, Con. No. 002356, Karolj Skala

2. Enabling Grids for E-science-II (EGEE-II), 40 EU F6, Con. No. 031688 , Karolj Skala 35 Participants 3. South Eastern European GRid-enabled eIn- 30 25

frastructure Development 2 (SEE GRID 2) 20 EU FP6, Con. No. 031775, Karolj Skala 15 4. Centre for Scientific Visualisation (CenVis), 10 EU FP6, Con. No. 043947, Karolj Skala 5 0 Total IRB SRCE FER PMF FGA Other GI - Grid Infrastructure GA - Grid Applications GD - Development and Porting Applications on the Grid SELECTED PUBLICATIONS GBlast - Bioinformatics - Deploying BLAST on the Grid

1. Kolari D, Skala K, Dubravi A. Integrated system for forest fire early detection and Figure 8. Statistical data on the educational activi- management. Period Biol 2007: 110: 6. ties GI, GA, GD and GBlast.

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . R B I

88 OVERVIEW OFTHECENTER itcnlg. hoeia cluain of calculations Theoretical biotechnology. and chemistry pharmaceutical bioorganic, inorganic, organic, in topics different cludes institutions andpharmaceuticalindustry. governmental from researchers for support professional and educational provides also Zagreb, Rijeka, Split and Osijek. The Center of Universities the from and (RBI) Institute Bošković Ruđer the from researchers and entific research and service for the scientists sci- performs Center The Institute. Bošković Ruđer the of unit independent an as 2003 November in established was Croatia, in ity facil- NMR academic only the (NMR), nance following groups: The CenterforNMRconsistsofthe Dražen Vikić-Topić) Head: DejanPlavšić(replacementfor Centre Organization ofthe Magnetic Resonance Centre forNuclear a eerh ok t h NR etr in- Center NMR the at work Research Reso- Magnetic Nuclear for Center The a a Nikola Štambuk Immunochemistry group Andrea Moguš-Milanković Glass group, Dražen Vikić-Topić) Dejan Plavšić (replacement for NMR group, ot h eprmna measurements. experimental the port spectral sup- to order NMR in out carried are parameters and structures molecular h rsac as icue te application the includes also research The Republic. Czech the and Russia, Brazil, nia, the USA, Turkey, from Austria, Slovenia, Macedo groups research with maintained are collaborations Active Dubrovnik. and Osijek ate studies at Universities of Zagreb, Rijeka, gradu and undergraduate the at teaching in peptides-paratopes. complementary related with epitopes (PSA) antigen specific Prostate and melanotropin alpha- relevant defining response, immune viral on research procedures, modelling the for algorithms and methods statistical of ing An- test- the includes Center the of activity other (TSC). Current Stimulated Thermally and (IS) Spectroscopy Impedance including been investigated using different techniques, have materials of micro-structured and types nano- Various ceramics. and ceramics glass- glasses, as such materials various of properties macroscopic and microscopic of research the in involved also is Center The products. photochemistry natural and on compounds focused is investigation the of The scientists from the Center participate Center the from scientists The http://www.irb.hr/en/nmr

Part

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89 R NMR of the following equipment at RBI: Bruker well as 1H-1H spin connectivity maps from Avance 300 and 600 MHz NMR spectrome- the two-dimensional frequency domain het- ters. The subsidiary of NMR Center, located eronuclear long-range correlation data ma- at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemis- trix (Schoefberger et al., 2007).

NMR try of the University of Zagreb, uses Varian Gemini 300 MHz NMR spectrometer.

Figure 2. For convenience and data storage econo- my, the correlation spectra can be compressed into connectivity maps like these of compound 1: (a) 13C‑1H connectivity, (b) 13C‑13C connectivity, 1 1 Figure 1. The instrumental room with a 14T mag- (c) H‑ H connectivity, 1 ‑ one bond H‑C correla- net (600 MHz frequency for 1H NMR). tion, a ‑ auto‑correlation, ● ‑ strong correlation, ○ ‑ weak correlation.

TOP ACHIEVEMENTS Synthesis and structural charac- Covariance processing of HMBC terization of polymeric mercury(II) experiments to obtain homonuclear complexes long-range correlation spectra Novel mercury(II) compounds of 3-hy- A new application of covariance nuclear droxypicolinic acid (HpicOH) were synthe- magnetic resonance processing was pre- sized and characterized. HgCl(picOH) and 1 13 sented based on H, C-HMBC experiments HgBr2(HpicOH) were obtained as reaction which provides an effective way for establish- products from the reaction of the correspond- ing indirect 1H-1H and 13C-13C nuclear spin ing mercury(II) halide with HpicOH, irrespec- connectivity at natural isotope abundance. tive of the molar ratio of the reactants. From The method, which identifies correlated spin the reaction of HpicOH and mercury(II) ac- 1 13 networks in terms of covariance between etate, Hg(picOH)2 was obtained. H and C A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . one-dimensional traces from a single decou- NMR spectroscopic data were analyzed for 13 13 R B I pled HMBC experiment, derives C- C as all three complexes (Popović et al., 2007).

90 Melting temperature effects on the structure of phosphate glasses

The physical and chemical properties of

phosphate glasses can be optimized by con- NMR trolling the melting conditions and chemical composition. The effects of melting tempera- ture on the structure and iron redox equilibri- um of zinc iron phosphate glasses have been reported. The average iron valence and the configuration of the phosphate network were modified by varying the melt temperatures and investigated using Mössbauer, Raman and impedance spectroscopies.

The Fe2+/(Fe2+ + Fe3+) ratio increased from 0.18 to 0.38 as the melting temperature increased from 1100 to 1300°C. The mea- Figure 3.The dependence of the dc conductiv- sured isomer shifts showed that both Fe2+ ity, σ , at 30ºC and activation energy for dc 3+ dc and Fe ions are in octahedral coordina- 2+ 2+ 3+ conductivity, Edc, upon the Fe /[Fe +Fe ] tion. It was shown that the dc conductivity ratio in the zinc iron phosphate glasses. Inset: 2+ 2+ 3+ strongly depended on Fe /(Fe +Fe ) ra- dc conductivity, σdc, at 30ºC as a function of tio in glasses. The dc conductivity increases melting temperature. Lines are drawn connect- with the increasing Fe2+ ion content in these ing data symbols of each kind. glasses. The conductivity arises from the increase of polaron hopping from Fe2+ and PROJECTS Fe3+ ions (Reis et al., 2007). Projects supported by the Ministry Monte Carlo approach to the of Science, Education and Sports Estrada index 1. NMR Spectroscopy and Modelling of Bioac- The Estrada index is a recently introduced tive Molecules, Dejan Plavšić molecular-structure descriptor. Using a Mon- 2. Influence of structure on electrical proper- te Carlo approach and treating the (molecu- ties of (bioactive) glasses and ceramic, And- lar) graph eigenvalues as random variables, rea Moguš-Milanković an approximate expression of very high ac- 3. Modelling of bioactive molecules and test- ing of their properties and activity, Nikola curacy was deduced for the Estrada index in Štambuk R B I terms of the number of vertices and number of edges (Gutman et al., 2007). Research, developmental and inter- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . national projects Education 1. NMR Methods for Structural Analysis of Scientists from the Division contributed to Peptidoconjugates, Vilko Smrečki (Dražen 9 undergraduate and postgraduate courses Vikić-Topić), (MSES, bilateral collaboration in 2007 as part of the involvement in the edu- with Austria, WTZ 16/06) cational programs of Universities in Zagreb, 2. NMR Study and Modelling of Pharmaco- Osijek, Rijeka and Dubrovnik. logically Applicable Peptides, Željko Marinić (Dražen Vikić-Topić), (MSES, bilateral collab-

91 oration with Slovenia, 910-08/05-01/00165) SELECTED ORGANIZED 3. The origin of structural defects and their in- CONFERENCES AND COURSES fluence on macroscopic properties of solar silica glass, Davor Gracin (Andrea Moguš- 1. The 22nd Dubrovnik International Course & Milanković), (NZZ, Ruđer Bošković Institute-

NMR Conference on the Interfaces among Math- Lipik Glas, doo) ematics, Chemistry and Computer Sciences, Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 11-16, 2007, or- ganized jointly by D Plavšić, D Vikić-Topić, N Contracts with industry Štambuk, P Konjevoda (NMR) and A Grao- vac (ZFK). 1. Collaboration Contract with PLIVA d. d. Phar- 2. 4th International Summer School and Eu- maceutical Industry ropean School on Solid State NMR: Solid 2. Collaboration Contract with BELUPO d. d. State NMR for Liquid State NMR Spectro- Pharmaceutical Industry scopists, Dubrovnik, Croatia, September 3. Collaboration Contract with the Croatian In- 16-21, 2007, organized by V Smrečki and D stitute of Viticulture and Enology Vikić-Topić. 4. Collaboration with Lipik glas doo, Glass In- dustry SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

SELECTED INVITED LECTURES 1. Gutman I, Radenković S, Graovac A, Plavšić D. Monte Carlo approach to Estrada index. 1. Smrečki V, CSA Tensor Calculation of Pep- Chem Phys Lett 2007: 446: 233. tide Backbone Atoms: Dependence on Con- 2. Popović Z, Matković-Čalogović D, Popović formation and Hydrogen Bonding, Mayo J, Vicković I, Vinković M, Vikić-Topić D. Co- Clinic and Foundation, NMR Facility, Ro- ordination modes of 3-hydroxypicolinic acid: chester, MN, USA, March 06, 2007. Synthesis and structural characterization of 2. Šantić A. Structure and electrical properties polymeric mercury(II) complexes. Polyhe- of phosphate glasses, Croatian Microscopic dron 2007: 26: 1045. Society, March 07, 2007. 3. Schoefberger W, Smrečki V, Vikić-Topić D, 3. Konjevoda P, Štambuk N, Pokrić B. Sta- Müller N. Homonuclear long-range corre- tistical analysis of DNA microarray data: lation spectra from HMBC experiments by Limitations and perspectives in The 22nd covariance processing. Magn Reson Chem International Course & Conference on the 2007: 45: 583. Interfaces among Mathematics, Chemistry 4. Škorić I, Marinić Ž, Molčanov K, Kojić-Prodić & Computer Sciences, Dubrovnik, Croatia, B, Šindler-Kulyk M. Complete 1H and 13C June 11-16, 2007. NMR assignment of trans,trans-2,3-divinyl- 4. Štambuk N, Konjevoda P, Vikić-Topić D, furan derivatives. Magn Reson Chem 2007: Pokrić B. Modelling of Epitope-Paratope 45: 680. Interaction Using Molecular Recognition 5. Reis ST, Moguš-Milanković A, Ličina V, Yang Theory in The 22nd International Course & J, Karabulut M, Day DE, Brow RK. Iron re- Conference on the Interfaces among Math- dox equilibrium, structure and properties of ematics, Chemistry & Computer Sciences, zinc iron phosphate glasses. J Non-Cryst Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 11-16, 2007. Solids 2007: 353: 151. 6. Šantić A, Moguš-Milanković A, Furić K, Ber- manec V, Kim CW, Day DE. Structural prop- erties of Cr2O3-Fe2O3-P2O5 glasses, Part I.

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . J Non-Cryst Solids 2007: 353: 1070. R B I

92 ACTIVITIES O RBI’s excellenceinresearchandteaching. the to daily contribute will that information of closely to select and manage different forms plan to collaborate with our colleagues more tual contributions of RBI employees. Also we tivities that capture and preserve the intellec ac- on take to preparing is Library the port, sup- enhanced With community. scientific the inside flows that publications of stream the to significantly contributes also RBI The research. successful of backbone a as tion on the availability of such organized informa- heavily relies Institute The information. of er scholars of generations future and current of benefit the for take, may they form whatever in tion, to Library RBI acquire, organize, and maintain the this informa- of mission the is papers It etc. conference reports, books, dissertations, journals, of form the in community scientific the across shared and organized, institutions such as RBI has traditionally been reviewed, from emerges that knowledge new of The knowledge. world and concepts, a ideas, in function Institute, Bošković verview ofLIBRARY Library The RBI is both a consumer and a produc . Ruđer the as such institutes, Research Head ofLibrary:JadrankaStojanovski - - GOALS ANDOBJECTIVES portunities inelectronicpublishing. es in scholarly communication, based on op- involves anticipation and response to chang the new Library Management System, which of implementation the on working also are We users. for support and services useful provide to as so resources and services as the reviewing of trends in technology as well repository, institutional an of plementation im- the for plan strategic a of development of print and electronic resources. formation and materials through a wide range pursuit of this mission, the Library provides in- research and meet their information needs. In promote that services offering to committed biomedicine.isLibrary sciencesandThe ral natu- of fields the in scholarship advancing of objectiveRBI’s the to importantmost are that services and instruction, resources, to h mi ojcie ae oue o the on focused are objectives main The The Library’s mission is to provide access http://library.irb.hr

-

. 7 0 0 2 t r o p e R l a u n n A I B

93 R LIB MEMBERSHIPS As a part of its involvement in EURASLIC activities, the RBI Library participated in a The RBI Library is an active member of training course within the framework of the EURASLIC (European Association of Aquatic ODINECET project. The Training was spon- LIB Sciences Libraries and Information Centres). sored and hosted by the UNESCO/IOC Proj- This year, a member of the Library staff par- ect Office for IODE in Oostende, Belgium, ticipated in the biennial EURASLIC confer- from November 19-23, 2007. The Course ence, which was held in Karadag (Krimea, was attended by 13 participants from 7 coun- Ukraine) under the working title “From Trea- tries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Po- sures of the Seas - to Treasures of the Librar- land, Russia and Ukraine). The main topics ies”. A fruitful international collaboration with were devoted to the theoretical and practical library-members of EURASLIC is continuing. steps involved in the creation of an electronic Within EURASLIC, the RBI Library partici- document repository. Other advanced topics pates in several activities and projects: on marine information/data partnering, cur- rent integrated library systems, and histori- - ODINECET (Ocean Data and Information cal ecology/data mining and graphics were Network for European Countries in Economic also presented. The RBI Library has already Transition) participated in the first level of this course or- ganized in 2006. - MedSIG - Mediterranean Special Interest Group (network of aquatic libraries and infor- mation centres in the Mediterranean region) COLLECTIONS - IAMSLIC Z39.50 Distributed Library (joint Digital collection online catalogue of International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and In 2007, the journal acquisition model Information Centres) continued to be realized through “big deals” - Extensive international interlibrary loan with the world’s main publishers, such as El- network. sevier, Springer, Wiley, Blackwell etc. This involves subscription on the national consor- tia level, directly by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports. Besides the 20.000 e-journals available for the Croatian aca- demic community, we experienced a discon- tinuity in subscription for some very impor- tant titles published by “smaller” publishers. The access to the e-journal collection, as to the relevant bibliographic and full-text data- bases, was realised through the Centre for online databases (http://www.online-baze. hr) and the newly developed Library portal to e-journals Pero (http://knjiznica.irb.hr/pero), which is heavily used across the Croatian academic community. RBI researchers can access over 60 bibliographic and full text A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . databases, and over 20.000 peer-reviewed

R B I e-journals and 42 e-books online. Figure 1. EURASLIC conference participants.

94 Printed collection The Library is working systematically on While the electronic resources account for an extension of the network services made most of our time and attention, print publica- available to users. There were numerous oth- LIB tions, even with their reduced numbers, still er efforts to give our patrons better tools for remain an important part of our collection and accessing information and using the library, will continue to do so well into the future. In requiring less effort from them and allowing 2007, we subscribed only 72 printed journals much of the basic staff assistance to be giv- (in addition to the electronic version). The en indirectly. This assistance included: book collection amounts to 21.682 volumes, 461 of which were newly acquired in 2007. • SEND - Interlibrary Loan service (http://send.irb.hr) Interlibrary loan • CROSBI – Croatian Scientific Bibliography (http://bib.irb.hr or The RBI Library collection, besides being http://crosbi.szi.hr) a tool that facilitates research and scholar- ship at the RBI, serves a larger purpose. • Who’s Who in Croatian Science Library collections represent accumulated (http://tkojetko.irb.hr) knowledge, which is important for research • Centre for online databases (http:// at the RBI, but also serve a global scholarly www.online-baze.hr) community. The RBI Library has a well-estab- lished interlibrary loan service with Croatian • Portal for Croatian scientific journals and foreign libraries. In 2007 it fulfilled 762 - HRČAK. requests for documents made by RBI staff, and over 270 requests from other libraries. Interlibrary loan requests have been handled NEW LIBRARY MANAGEMENT through an online application that was de- SYSTEM veloped in-house. Through cooperation with numerous libraries we can offer an extensive In 2007, the new Library Management shared collection of greater depth than any System, which was evaluated and selected of the libraries could manage alone. by Croatian National and University Library for all Croatian higher education and re- search libraries, was still not implemented. The Voyager system was chosen to support SERVICES library functions such as acquisition, cata- loguing, and interlibrary loans. Implementa- The RBI Library web-site is the place where tion of Voyager, which was expected early in R B I we present and incorporate our digital collec- 2007, would have permitted the RBI Library tions and services. It is also the main access to utilize state-of-the art technology for de- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . point to the online catalogue and networked livering services. At the end of 2007, it was resources. In 2007, the Library web-site re- decided to undertake the migration to the ceived over 90,000 visits in an average month. integrated library system KOHA, which is The virtual library serves the same diverse an open source software available to every population as the physical library, so we orga- library and supporting all modules. As part nize it to accommodate the multiple levels of of this migration, we converted the data to researcher’s demands. The Library web-site is be compatible with the new software and maintained and enhanced by Library staff for performed the conversion of standards from the benefit of the entire research community. UNIMARC to MARC21.

95 EDUCATION

During 2007 the Library staff members

LIB were involved in teaching graduate courses at University J. J. Strossmayer in Osijek. Regular trainings for scientists were held at University of Zagreb and other Croatian uni- versities on database retrieval and optimal use of bibliographic and full text databases. In addition, in the process of helping library users formulate research strategies, identify information sources, and discuss methods of accessing resources, librarians educated Figure 2. Librarian’s 2007 conference with user those they assist (KEKS training). services as a main topic.

IT PROJECTS

1. Croatian Scientific portal, including • Croatian Scientific Bibliography CROSBI, Jadranka Stojanovski • Who’s Who in Science in Croatia, Jadranka Stojanovski • Portal for Croatian scientific journals HRČAK, Jadranka StojanovskiCentre for online databases, Jadranka Stojanovski.

SELECTED ORGANIZED Figure 3. Conference at the glance. CONFERENCES held in Dubrovnik and Mljet, Croatia, May 1. The Croatian academic and special libraries 28-June 02, 2007. conference “Dial U for user: Libraries and their users”, held at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of SELECTED PUBLICATIONS Zagreb, Zagreb, from March 2-3, 2007, and Articles organized by the RBI Library, Croatian Aca- demic and Research Network CARNet and 1. Konjević S. E-journals today (in Croatian). Faculty of Philosophy, University of Zagreb. Automatika 2007: 48: 183. 2. Macan B. Scopus – new generation data base SELECTED LECTURES (in Croatian). Kemija u industriji 2007: 52: 64. 3. Pikić A. Vodopijevec A. PERO – Data base of available e-journals with full texts (in Croa- 1. Stojanovski J. Should the system of scien- tian). Kemija u industriji 2007: 56: 354. tific publishing be changed? (in Croatian) CUC2007, 9th CARNet User’s Conference, Rijeka, November 19-21, 2007. Books A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . 2. Stojanovski J. Researchers, reachers and students as interactive creators of a new 1. Stojanovski J. Online data bases - handbook. R B I generation of digital libraries and librarian’s CARNet, Zagreb 2007 (in Croatian). role. LIDA 2007: Libraries in the digital age

96 Ruđer Innovations Ltd.

http://www.r-i.hr

COMPANY ORGANIZATION

Head of Management Board, CEO: Domagoj Oreb Member of Management Board, CFO: Paško Anić-Antić Member of Management Board: Božidar Etlinger Business Development Manager: Davorka Moslavac Forjan lishing spin-off companies, joint ventures). Business Development Manager: The company provides consultancy services Davor Aničić for technology transfer and business agree- Project Analyst: Matea Novosel ments, as well as financial support for inno- vations and projects. We aim to help Croa- tian innovators and scientists and to make their knowledge more competitive on world markets.

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY ACHEIVEMENTS IN 2007 Ruđer Innovations Ltd. (R-I) is a com- pany owned by the Ruđer Bošković Institute Establishment of spin-off (RBI), specializing in the commercialization companies of innovations and transfer of technology. The company links science and technology During 2007, R-I established 3 spin-off with economy and industry. We are open to companies. Ruđer-Medikol Cyclotron Ltd. R B I the scientific community, including research- was set up to produce and develop radio-

ers and innovators, whom we help to com- active nuclei for medical purposes. Ruđer- A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . mercialize their innovations and scientific Medikol Diagnostics Ltd. deals in genetic research results. We are also open to enter- testing for hereditary breast cancer, by us- prises wishing to apply the know-how of the ing a sophisticated method developed in scientific community in their businesses. RBI laboratories, to be followed by other mo- The activities of R-I include: discovery and lecular genetic testing in the future. Initium evaluation of intellectual property, protection Futuri Ltd. was founded in August 2007 by of intellectual property rights, and assistance four young innovators and R-I with the goal in selecting and implementing an appropriate to offer ICT solutions based on the latest de- commercialization model (licensing, estab- velopment platforms.

97 Portfolio Expansion

The R-I portfolio currently contains 40 in- Ruđer Innovations began its existence novations and scientific projects with com- in 2006 with a single employee, 1 project, 1 mercial potential, primarily from the fields patent application, and 1 licence. By the end of chemistry, medicine, biology, physics and of 2007, it had expanded significantly to the informatics. Several of these have already point where now it has 6 employees, 35 proj- been implemented in business and industry, ects, 17 patent applications, 4 licences, and while others are awaiting commercialisation. 3 spin-off companies. It is planned to contin- Licensing of innovations and know-how from ue this expansion into 2008 through the es- our portfolio is but one method of commer- tablishment of additional spin-off companies, cialization of intellectual property engaged the addition of dozens of new innovations in by R-I. The database of innovations, proj- to the portfolio, and the intensification of the ects, and spin-off companies is always avail- connection between Croatian science and able on the R-I web page (www.r-i.hr). industry. By doing so, the aim is to establish R-I as a regional leader in the area of com- mercialization of science and technology.

A n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 7 . R B I

98 RBI Annual Report 2007. 99 Notes

The Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) is the largest Croatian research centre in sciences and science applications. In the multi-disciplinary environment of the Institute more than 500 academic staff and gradu- ate students work on problems in experimental and theoretical phys- ics, chemistry and physics of materials, organic and physical chem- istry, biochemistry, molecular biology and medicine, environmental and marine research, electronics, informatics and computer science. Within Croatia, the RBI is a national institution dedicated to research, higher education and provision of support to the academic commu- nity, to state and local governments and to technology-based industry. Within the European Union, the RBI forms a part of the European Research Area. Worldwide, the RBI collaborates with many research institutions and universities upholding the same values and vision.