bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tech Art: the effects of code and network systems on music and art
Authors: Cahen Joel
Published: October 2008

The paper describes a thread that binds past beliefs and practices with current technology and how that might be used to interpret current artistic progress. This requires an examination of Gnostic ideas, and an account of scientific and metaphysic research into the idea of networked systems and connectivity. The implementations and development of different codes as tools for sound composing is discussed. Two apparently contradictory contemporary trends are identified: (a) the growing homogenization of consumer culture that can be seen as digital reincarnation of the common elements of ancient folk music and (b) the distribution and fragmentation of musical sources and outlets from which new structures and perceptions can emerge. I will present these trends and their foundations and tie them with current artistic development.
Enhancement and Local Regulation of Metal Quenching Using Atomized Sprays
Authors: Alam Umair , Krol Jacek , Specht Eckehard , Schmidt Jürgen
Published: October 2008

In atomized spray quenching, the spraying water is atomized into fine droplets of the size of about 20 μm by compressed air and sprayed onto a hot surface. Only single droplets touch the surface, become deformed, and transfer heat. The drops partially evaporate and then move away from the superposed airflow. Thus, the vapor film is avoided as it is the case for other quenching techniques. It is demonstrated that the unintended collapses of the vapor film (Leidenfrost problem) at edges, corners, roughness peaks, etc., is eliminated by this technique. In this way, mass lumped regions of work pieces can be cooled more intensively than the edges. Consequently, a uniform temperature distribution with reduced thermal stresses can be obtained. The heat transfer was measured by infrared thermography. One side of the metallic sheet of 3 mm thickness was quenched by atomized spray and the surface temperature was measured on other side by an IR camera. The heat transfer coefficient is mainly determined by the impingement density. Heat transfer coefficient of 10,000 W/m2/K can be achieved within film boiling regime. This value is about three times higher than that of conventional spray quenching.
Determination of Surface Heat Transfer Coefficients of Cr12MoV Steel Cylinder during High-Speed Gas Quenching at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Heming Cheng , Jianyun Li , Ziliang Li , Lijun Hou , Jie Hou
Published: October 2008

In the numerical simulation of quenching processes, establishment of the boundary conditions for the temperature field and stress field are very important. However, determination of the boundary conditions of the temperature field is very complicated. In order to simulate the thermal strain, thermal stress, residual stress, and microstructure of the steel during high-speed gas quenching at atmospheric pressure using a numerical method, it is necessary to obtain an accurate boundary condition of temperature field. The surface heat transfer coefficient is a key parameter. The explicit finite difference method, nonlinear estimate method, and the experimental relationship between temperature and time during quenching have been used to solve the inverse problem of heat conduction during gas quenching. The relationships between surface temperature and surface heat transfer coefficient of a solid cylinder are provided here. In addition, it is shown that this technique can determine the effective surface heat transfer coefficients during high-speed gas quenching.
The Polymorphism Frequency Spectrum of Finitely Many Sites Under Selection
Authors: Desai Michael M , Plotkin Joshua B
Published: October 2008

The distribution of genetic polymorphisms in a population contains information about evolutionary processes. The Poisson random field (PRF) model uses the polymorphism frequency spectrum to infer the mutation rate and the strength of directional selection. The PRF model relies on an infinite-sites approximation that is reasonable for most eukaryotic populations, but that becomes problematic when θ is large (θ ≳ 0.05). Here, we show that at large mutation rates characteristic of microbes and viruses the infinite-sites approximation of the PRF model induces systematic biases that lead it to underestimate negative selection pressures and mutation rates and erroneously infer positive selection. We introduce two new methods that extend our ability to infer selection pressures and mutation rates at large θ: a finite-site modification of the PRF model and a new technique based on diffusion theory. Our methods can be used to infer not only a “weighted average” of selection pressures acting on a gene sequence, but also the distribution of selection pressures across sites. We evaluate the accuracy of our methods, as well that of the original PRF approach, by comparison with Wright–Fisher simulations.
Endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Palmer Julia E , Perunovic Branko , Tidy John A
Published: October 2008

The most common presenting symptom of endometrial hyperplasia is abnormal uterine bleeding.

In the UK, hysteroscopy remains the gold standard of investigations for abnormal uterine bleeding.

The clinical importance of endometrial hyperplasia largely relates to the risk of progression to endometrial carcinoma.

Progestin therapy is appropriate for most women with endometrial hyperplasia without atypia.

The risk of endometrial carcinoma in the presence of cytological atypia deems hysterectomy an appropriate management.

Learning objectives:

To learn about the aetiology and pathology of endometrial hyperplasia.

To be able to select appropriate investigations and treatment.

Ethical issues:

When is it appropriate to perform hysterectomy for the treatment of endometrial hyperplasias?

Please cite this article as: Palmer JE, Perunovic B, Tidy JA. Endometrial hyperplasia. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:211–216.
Helping the helpers: debriefing following an adverse incident
Authors: Vaithilingam Nirmala , Jain Smita , Davies David
Published: October 2008

A significant proportion of healthcare workers will experience some degree of critical incident stress following adverse events.

Individuals’ responses range from common, uncomplicated stress‐related reactions to the more complex post‐traumatic stress disorder.

Under‐reporting of clinical incidents results mainly from fear of litigation and disciplinary action.

Debriefing should be an essential component of critical incident stress management.

Learning objectives:

To be aware of how healthcare staff can be supported effectively following an adverse incident.

To learn about the seven phases of the Mitchell debriefing model.

Ethical issues:

Disclosure of adverse events all too often results in disciplinary action: this ‘blame culture’ is to the detriment of patients and staff.

Please cite this article as: Vaithilingam N, Jain S, Davies D. Helping the helpers: debriefing following an adverse incident. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:251–256.
The Effect of Habitat Exposure and Ontogeny on the Survival Skills of Hatchery Red Drum
Authors: Beck Jessica L , Rooker Jay R
Published: October 2008

We examined the influence of prerelease exposure to natural vegetation on the survival skills of a marine finfish, the red drum Sciaenops ocellatus. Red drum larvae at 18 d posthatch (10–12 mm standard length [SL]) were collected from a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hatchery and reared with and without smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora, for either 10 or 20 d. High-speed video was then used to quantify a suite of prey capture and antipredator performance variables at days 28 (∼23 mm SL) and 38 (∼32 mm SL). Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated that the timing and distance of key variables (e.g., maximum gape, time to maximum gape, gape cycle duration) increased significantly in older fish, while reaction distance and time to maximum velocity decreased with age. The time to reach maximum velocity was less for individuals reared in vegetation, yet these fish also had a shorter reaction distance to predatory stimuli and took longer to capture prey. Additionally, interindividual variability (as measured by the coefficient of variation) ranged from 0.0% to 101.3% and from 3.4% to 110.1% for the prey capture and antipredator variables, respectively, indicating that performance varied substantially among individuals. Our results indicate that while prerelease exposure to smooth cordgrass habitat does not afford any obvious survival benefits to red drum, ontogeny appears to have a direct effect on the development of key survival skills in this species.
Length Variation in Age-0 Westslope Cutthroat Trout at Multiple Spatial Scales
Authors: McGrath Kathleen E. , Scott J. Michael , Rieman Bruce E.
Published: October 2008

Phenotypic diversity provides ecological and evolutionary functions, stabilizing populations in variable environments. Although benefits of larger body size in juvenile fishes are well documented, size variation may have value as well. We explored the distribution of length and length variation in age-0 westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi at three spatial scales: area (102 km2), stream (101 km2), and site (100 km2). In addition, we examined relationships between length variables (mean length and interquartile range of length) and instream (temperature and conductivity) and landscape (aspect, elevation, headwater distance, and valley width) variables that were expected to be associated with fish size. Conductivity was included as a surrogate for productivity. Most variation in mean length and interquartile range of fish length was found among areas (62.2% and 62.6%, respectively). Mean length also varied among streams and sites (21.9% and 15.8%, respectively). Similarly, interquartile range of fish length varied among streams and sites (19.1% and 18.3%, respectively). Both length variables were associated with temperature and elevation. Mean fish length was also associated with conductivity, but the association between interquartile length range and conductivity was weak. We conclude that the conservation of variation in phenotypic attributes, such as length, in westslope cutthroat trout may require conservation of viable populations across broad areas and across environmental gradients that are associated with growth.
Postrelease Survival of Sailfish Caught by Commercial Pelagic Longline Gear in the Southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Kerstetter D. W. , Graves J. E.
Published: October 2008

The biomass levels of several target species of the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery, including various tunas of the genus Thunnus and swordfish Xiphias gladius, are estimated to be close to those required to support the maximum sustainable yield. In contrast, several species captured incidentally are severely depleted. Live release of incidental catch is one means of reducing the fishing mortality of these species without sacrificing the target catch, but the efficacy of such a measure is predicated on the assumption that postrelease survival is relatively high. Prior work has evaluated postrelease survival from pelagic longline gear for the larger istiophorid billfishes, such as blue marlin Makaira nigricans and white marlin Kajikia albida, but survival rates are unknown for sailfish Istiophorus platypterus. To estimate the postrelease survival of sailfish caught on pelagic longline gear in the southern Gulf of Mexico, short-duration pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) were deployed on captured sailfish for 10-d periods. Of the 29 sailfish captured, 20 (68.9%) were alive at the time of longline haulback, and the first 17 encountered alive were tagged. All tags transmitted at the preprogrammed times, and data from 15 of the 17 PSATs (88.2%) were consistent with the survival of the tagged sailfish for the 10-d tag deployment. Our results clearly demonstrate that sailfish can survive the trauma from interaction with pelagic longline gear and that management measures promoting the release of live individuals from this fishery can significantly reduce sailfish mortality without reducing the catches of target species.
Innovations in Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Update of Recent Clinical Trials
Authors: O'Neil Bert H. , Goldberg Richard M.
Published: October 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Use the evolving treatment strategies in metastatic colorectal cancer, including key data from recent clinical trials.Prescribe biologic agents in combination with chemotherapy.Exploit strategies, such as “stop and go” dosing, that may help patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receive optimal therapy in terms of efficacy, with minimal toxicity.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

It has been estimated that cancer of the colon and rectum (CRC) would be diagnosed in 153,760 men and women in the U.S. alone in 2007. Approximately one in five patients has metastatic CRC (mCRC) at diagnosis, which, at best, is associated with a 5-year survival rate of just 10.3%. Oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based combination regimens are standard first-line therapies for mCRC. Recent studies suggest that survival outcomes can possibly be further improved by adding biologic agents to chemotherapy. Novel treatment strategies are being investigated to optimize the opportunity for patients to receive and benefit from the increasing number of available active agents and to further improve the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of multiagent therapy. These include switching therapy before progression, maintenance therapy, and chemotherapy-free intervals. Recent innovations in chemotherapy for mCRC are reviewed, with a focus on emerging data that may significantly improve both survival and quality of life for patients with CRC in the future.
Drought risk management in mediterranean river basins
Authors: Iglesias Ana , Garrote Luis , Martín-Carrasco Francisco
Published: October 2008

The Mediterranean region has an extensive hydraulic infrastructure and complex socioeconomic interactions among water users. In this region, competition for water among urban, agricultural, industrial, and environmental demands is strongest in times of water scarcity. Allocation of scarce water in the face of multiple demands is a challenging task that requires careful analysis. Precipitation decreases may likely be translated into drought periods in most cases. Nevertheless water scarcity (the shortage of water resources to serve water demands) not only depends on drought or precipitation deficits but also on water management. Adaptation options depend on the strategic contingency planning and management decisions that affect water resources systems. The risk management of water scarcity and drought depends on the level of water scarcity. Therefore, an adequate diagnosis of the water scarcity level is essential to anticipate the possible solutions. This study proposes a methodology for drought risk management based on the evaluation of 4 indicators of water scarcity to be used to define the thresholds of risk management actions. Based on the definition of thresholds, the study proposes the implementation of risk management actions that may be used for responding to each water scarcity situation.
Trust in the Health Care System and the Use of Preventive Health Services by Older Black and White Adults
Authors: Musa Donald , Schulz Richard , Harris Roderick , Silverman Myrna , Thomas Stephen B.
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We sought to find racial differences in the effects of trust in the health care system on preventive health service use among older adults.

Methods. We conducted a telephone survey with 1681 Black and White older adults. Survey questions explored respondents' trust in physicians, medical research, and health information sources. We used logistic regression and controlled for covariates to assess effects of race and trust on the use of preventive health services.

Results. We identified 4 types of trust through factor analysis: trust in one's own personal physician, trust in the competence of physicians' care, and trust in formal and informal health information sources. Blacks had significantly less trust in their own physicians and greater trust in informal health information sources than did Whites. Greater trust in one's own physician was associated with utilization of routine checkups, prostate-specific antigen tests, and mammograms, but not with flu shots. Greater trust in informal information sources was associated with utilization of mammograms.

Conclusions. Trust in one's own personal physician is associated with utilization of preventive health services. Blacks' relatively high distrust of their physicians likely contributes to health disparities by causing reduced utilization of preventive services. Health information disseminated to Blacks through informal means is likely to increase Blacks' utilization of preventive health services.
Strengthening Health Systems in Poor Countries: A Code of Conduct for Nongovernmental Organizations
Authors: Pfeiffer James , Johnson Wendy , Fort Meredith , Shakow Aaron , Hagopian Amy , Gloyd Steve , Gimbel-Sherr Kenneth
Published: October 2008

The challenges facing efforts in Africa to increase access to antiretroviral HIV treatment underscore the urgent need to strengthen national health systems across the continent. However, donor aid to developing countries continues to be disproportionately channeled to international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) rather than to ministries of health. The rapid proliferation of NGOs has provoked “brain drain” from the public sector by luring workers away with higher salaries, fragmentation of services, and increased management burdens for local authorities in many countries. Projects by NGOs sometimes can undermine the strengthening of public primary health care systems. We argue for a return to a public focus for donor aid, and for NGOs to adopt a code of conduct that establishes standards and best practices for NGO relationships with public sector health systems.
Road Casualties and Changes in Risky Driving Behavior in France Between 2001 and 2004 Among Participants in the GAZEL Cohort
Authors: Constant Aymery , Salmi Louis Rachid , Lafont Sylviane , Chiron Mireille , Lagarde Emmanuel
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We investigated behavioral changes in a large cohort of drivers to identify underlying causes of the decline in road casualties in France.

Methods. In 2001 and 2004, 11 240 participants used self-administered questionnaires to report attitudes toward road safety and driving behaviors. Injury road traffic collisions were recorded from 2001 to 2005 through the cohort's annual questionnaire.

Results. Between 2001 and 2004, speeding and cell phone use decreased concomitantly with a decrease in injury road traffic collision rates among participants. Reported driving while sleepy remained unchanged and driving while alcohol intoxicated was reported by a higher proportion in 2004 than in 2001. Decreases in speeding between 2001 and 2004 were strongly linked with positive attitudes toward road safety in 2001.

Conclusions. In this cohort, speeding and using a cell phone while driving decreased over the 2001 to 2004 period concomitantly with increases in traffic law enforcement and a dramatic decline in road mortality in France. However, the deterrent effect of traffic enforcement policies may have been reduced by negative attitudes toward traffic safety and having had a history of traffic penalty cancellations.
Ethnic Disparities in Access to Care in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Kon Zeida R. , Lackan Nuha
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We investigated ethnic disparities in obtaining medical care among the 4 major ethnic groups (Blacks, Whites, Coloreds [i.e., those of mixed race], and Asians) in post-apartheid South Africa.

Methods. Data for the study came from the 2002 Afrobarometer: Round II Survey of South Africa. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine differences across racial and ethnic groups in how often respondents went without medical care.

Results. A total of 40.8% of Blacks and 22.9% of Coloreds reported going without medical care at some point in the past year, compared with 10.9% of Whites and 6.9% of Asians. Disparities were found not only in health but in education, income, and basic public health infrastructures. Sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions regarding democracy, markets, and civil society were similar for Blacks and Coloreds and for Whites and Asians.

Conclusions. Fourteen years after the end of apartheid, Blacks and Coloreds in South Africa are still underserved and disadvantaged compared with their White and Asian counterparts, especially regarding health care.
Socioeconomic Status and Improvements in Lifestyle, Coronary Risk Factors, and Quality of Life: The Multisite Cardiac Lifestyle Intervention Program
Authors: Govil Sarah R. , Weidner Gerdi , Merritt-Worden Terri , Ornish Dean
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We sought to clarify whether patients of low socioeconomic status (SES) can make lifestyle changes and show improved outcomes in coronary heart disease (CHD), similar to patients with higher SES.

Methods. We examined lifestyle, risk factors, and quality of life over 3 months, by SES and gender, in 869 predominantly White, nonsmoking CHD patients (34% female) in the insurance-sponsored Multisite Cardiac Lifestyle Intervention Program. SES was defined primarily by education.

Results. At baseline, less-educated participants were more likely to be disadvantaged (e.g., past smoking, sedentary lifestyle, high fat diet, overweight, depression) than were higher-SES participants. By 3 months, participants at all SES levels reported consuming 10% or less dietary fat, exercising 3.5 hours per week or more, and practicing stress management 5.5 hours per week or more. These self-reports were substantiated by improvements in risk factors (e.g., 5-kg weight loss, and improved blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and exercise capacity; P < .001), and accompanied by improvements in well-being (e.g., depression, hostility, quality of life; P < .001).

Conclusions. The observed benefits for CHD patients with low SES indicate that broadening accessibility of lifestyle programs through health insurance should be strongly encouraged.
The Generic LNG FPSO—A Quick & Cost-Effective Way to Monetize Stranded Gas Fields
Authors: Wijngaarden W. van , Meek H. J. , Schier M.
Published: October 2008

SBM and Linde have jointly developed a generic LNG Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit (LNG FPSO). The design uses only proven components and can handle a wide range of gas compositions. The flexibility of the concept is achieved by designing the layout and weight requirements for the most conservative scenario in the design envelope. The generic design can subsequently quickly be tailored for a specific field application. The overall topsides layout will not be changed in that process so the results of the safety studies done under the generic development will still be applicable. However, the equipment count will generally be reduced.

The generic development approach, already successfully implemented for oil FPSO's, will allow potential clients to benefit from SBM/Linde's best practices in execution and operations, as those are incorporated in the design, and from a more rapidly first gas date, as a lot of project development work has already been completed.

The LNG FPSO can be used to unlock stand-alone stranded gas fields, handle associated gas from producing oil fields or can be used in a phased development for larger gas fields by installing 2 FPSO's.

Having finalized the FEED phase of the generic LNG FPSO concept by the end of June 2008 (encompassing more than 150,000 manhours and 900+ deliverables) and the associated +/− 10% CAPEX estimate by the end of July 2008,, SBM/Linde believe that a LNG FPSO is a technically and economically feasible concept that can unlock value of gas reserves that are currently considered stranded.

Although the LNG FPSO comprises of proven components, the concept itself is novel and technically quite complex. To make such a project a success SBM and Linde operate as one fully integrated team during the complete project development, which allows to leverage each other's complementary skills, expertise and capabilities to the most. Contrary to an onshore LNG plant, space is very limited on the LNG FPSO and utmost care and creativity was required to arrive at a safe, operable and maintainable topside configuration. Further, SBM/Linde have made some creative innovative concept choices (e.g. in the area of power generation) to strike a good balance between efficiency and simplicity, and to safeguard the reliability of the facility.
Teaching Intercultural Communication in a Basic Technical Writing Course: A Survey of Our Current Practices and Methods
Authors: Matveeva Natalia
Published: October 2008

This research article reports the results of an online survey distributed among technical writing instructors in 2006. The survey aimed to examine how we teach intercultural communication in basic technical writing courses: our current practices and methods. The article discusses three major challenges that instructors may face when teaching about intercultural communication. These challenges concern teacher preparation, time and proposed goals and objectives, and teaching materials and methods. This article provides some suggestions for addressing the challenges and enriching a technical writing curriculum.
Numerical Simulation of Charge Transfer in Shocked Silicon at low Pressure
Authors: Martuzans B. , Skryl Yu.
Published: October 2008

Numerical Simulation of Charge Transfer in Shocked Silicon at low Pressure

A numerical method for simulation of electron and hole diffusion in silicon in the temperature gradient created by the shock load is developed. To analyze the transfer process, a complete system of electro-thermo-diffusion equations for charge carriers was solved based on the Poisson equation. The numerical solution was obtained using the difference methods developed for semiconductor devices. The comparison of the experimental results with the numerical calculation shows a good correlation, which means that the thermo-diffusion of charge carriers in the shock wave front is the main factor responsible for polarization in the shocked silicon.
Occurrence of common blood parasites of cattle in Sirajgonj sadar area of Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury S , Hossain MA , Barua SR , Islam S
Published: October 2008

Â An epidemiological investigation was carried out on common blood parasites (protozoa and rickettsia) in clinically suspected (febrile, anorectic, non responsive to antibiotics therapy) cattle attended at District veterinary hospital of Sirajgong. Total 60 cattle were examined for blood parasite (protozoa and rickettsia) infection. Giemsa's stained were used on peripheral blood smears of suspected cattle. These slides were examined microscopically during September to October, 2004, of which 42 cattle (70 % of the total examined cattle) had Anaplasma infection (either Anaplasma marginale or Anaplasma centrale or both) and 2 cattle (3.3% of the total cattle) had Babesia infection but negative for other blood protozoal infection. Key words: Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, cattle, occurrence DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1300 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 143-145
Pathology of trachea and lungs of buffaloes
Authors: Akbor M , Haider MG , Ahmedullah F , Khan MAHNA , Hossain MI , Hossain MM
Published: October 2008

Pathological conditions of trachea and lungs of slaughtered buffaloes were investigated in the present study. A total of 80 slaughtered buffaloes were examined individually and trachea (80) and lungs (80) were collected for histopathology from the slaughterhouses of Barisal sadar, Barisal, Bangladesh, during the period from July 2006 to March 2007. Among them 9 trachea and 30 lungs were found to be apparently abnormal in naked eye. Grossly, tracheal and lungs lesions were 11.25% and 37.5% in buffaloes, respectively. The gross tracheal lesions were petechial haemorrhages on the mucosa of trachea and lungs lesions were haemorrhage and congestion in lungs (16.25%), hard nodule formation (7.5%), cyst in lungs (6.25%), emphysematous lung (5%) and thickened pleura (2.5%). In histopathology, congestion (5%) and mild tracheitis (8.75%) were recorded as tracheal lesions. Histopathological examination of lungs noticed a number of conditions or lesions such as chronic interstitial pneumonia (3.75%), edema fluid (3.75%), broncho-pneumonia (3.75%), bronchitis (2.5%), bronchiolitis (2.5%), pneumonia-congested stage (8.75%), hydatid cyst (6.25%), fibrinous pneumonia (3.75%), healed nodule (7.5%), purulent broncho-pneumonia (1.25%), fibrino-purulent pneumonia (1.25%), subacute fibrinous pneumonia (1.25%), pulmonary adenomatosis (1.25%), pleuritis (2.5%) and hemosiderosis (3.75%). For morphological descriptions, the lesions were categorized into various types; however a single section showed intermixed of various lesions. Keywords: Pathology, trachea, lungs, buffaloes DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v5i1.1322 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2007). 5 (1 & 2): 87-91
Antidiabetic effects of Catharanthus roseus, Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum and glimepride in experimentally diabetic induced rat
Authors: Mostofa M , Choudhury ME , Hossain MA , Islam MZ , Islam MS , Sumon MH
Published: October 2008

Catharanthus roseus (Nyantara), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Allium sativum (Garlic) are medicinal plants, used in Ayurveda for treating various diseases, one of which is diabetes mellitus. In the present study of 12 months period from January to December 2007, aqueous extract of this plants were prepared and blood glucose lowering effect and improvement of body weight gain in Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg bwt i.p.) induced diabetic rats were measured and compared with that of a patent drug glimepride in the Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Rats were administered Catharanthus roseus, Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum extracts at the dose rate of 1g/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1g/kg bwt orally for 14 days, respectively. Blood glucose level and body weight was measured by Glucotrend kit and Electronic balance and that compared with a patent drug Glimepride at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg bwt. The data were compared statistically by using student's unpaired t-test. The herbal preparations of these plants significantly increased body weight gain and decreased blood glucose as compared with the patent drug. The present study clearly indicated the significant antidiabetic activity of Catharanthus Roseus, Azadirachta indica and Allium sativum and supports the traditional usage of the herbal preparations by Ayurvedic physicians for the therapy of diabetics. Key words: Catharanthus roseus, Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum, Glimepride, Streptozotocin, diabetic rat DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v5i1.1324 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2007). 5 (1 & 2): 99-102
Effects of edible fats and oils on the body weight gain and on weights of some selected organs in rats removing the impact of unequal feed intake
Authors: Ahmad N , Majumder S , Miah MA , Uddin MJ
Published: October 2008

An investigation on Long Evans male rats fed with different edible fats and oils was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during a period of 7 weeks (1st April to 19th May, 2005) to determine and to compare the effect of feeds on body weight gain and on weights of some selected organs (heart, liver and kidney) removing the impact of unequal feed intake. A total of 20, six-week old male rats were randomly divided into A, B, C and D groups. Each group consisted of 5 rats. Rats were fed rat pellets purchased from ICDDR,B, Dhaka supplemented with beef fat in group A, fish fat in group B and soybean oil in group C while group D was considered as control and fed only with rat pellets. The concentration of fats and oils were 7% of normal diet and fed for 7 weeks. The highest weekly mean body weight gain (19.90g) adjusted for unequal feed intake was achieved by the rats of beef fat supplemented group A, followed by the rats of soybean oil supplemented group C (19.76g) and fish fat supplemented group B (15.67g). But none of the adjusted means of weekly body weight gain differed significantly (p > 0.05) from the control. Insignificant increases in heart weight were recorded in all treated rats and the maximum weight was in fish oil treated ones. Not much differences were recorded in the kidney weights rather beef oil treated rats' kidney had the lowest mean weight. A significantly (p < 0.01) higher liver weight was recorded in group B & C compared to control (group D), though the differences between A & D were insignificant. It could be concluded that fats and oils are harmful for the rat's body especially on liver and heart. Key words: Edible fats and oils, rat, body weight, organ weight, analysis of variance, covariance DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v5i1.1326 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2007). 5 (1 & 2): 107-110
Isolation, identification, toxin profile and antibiogram of Escherichia coli isolated from broilers and layers in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MT , Siddique MP , Hossain FMA , Zinnah MA , Hossain MM , Alam MK , Rahman MT , Choudury KA
Published: October 2008

The study was conducted to isolate and identify E. coli from apparently healthy broilers and layers from different poultry farms adjacent to the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, during the period of January to May 2006 and characterize their ability to produce enterotoxin and also the antibiogram of the isolates. A total of 110 fecal samples were collected from broiler (n=55) and layer (n=55) chickens. E. coli were isolated and identified by cultural, biochemical, motility test and the heat-stable toxins were determined by Infant Mouse Assay (IMA). In case of broilers, 35 (63.6%) samples were found positive while 31 (56.4%) from layers. The overall prevalence of E. coli was 60%. Among the isolates of E. coli, 22.86% isolates from broiler and 38.71% isolates from layer were found positive for their ability to produce enterotoxin based on mice inoculation test. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern showed that the isolates were highly sensitive to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, kenamycin and cephalexin and an increasing trend of resistance was recorded in both broiler and layer isolates. It may be concluded from the results of this study that the high resistance of E. coli to antibiotics constitutes a threat to poultry industry in Bangladesh.Â  Key words: E. coli, toxin, antibiogram DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v6i1.1330 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (1): 01-05
Haemoprotozoan infection in ducks: prevalence and pathology
Authors: Dey AR , Begum N , Anisuzzaman A , Khan MAHNA , Mondal MMH
Published: October 2008

The prevalence of haemoprotozoa in duck and pathological changes produced by these parasites were studied in different areas of Mymensingh district during July, 2007 to December, 2007. In this study 60% ducks were found to be infected with haemoprotozoa. Two species of haemoprotozoa were identified such as Leucocytozoon caulleryi and Leucocytozoon simondi. Prevalence of L. caulleryi (54.67%) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of L. simondi (5.33%) in ducks. The calculated odds ratio implied that ducks were 19.67 times more susceptible to L. caulleryi infection than L. simondi infection. Prevalence of haemoprotozoa was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in male (78.94%) than female ducks (53.57%). Pathological lesions were observed in case of Leucocytozoon sp. infections. Grossly lungs were congested but other suspected organs such as liver, lungs, kidney and heart were apparently normal. Microscopically, comma shaped organisms were found in the hepatocyte of liver and alveolar epithelial cell of lungs accompanied with eosinophilic infiltration. Schizonts were also observed in the hepatocyte of liver and alveolar epithelial cell of lungs. The lungs alveoli were distended and ruptured in advanced stages. According to the result, it may be concluded that haemoprotozoan infection in duck is highly prevalent in Bangladesh and produces clinicopathological lesions in duck. So proper control measures should taken to reduce the prevalence of haemoprotozoa of duck in Bangladesh. Key words: Haemoprotozoa, ducks, prevalence, pathology DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v6i1.1339 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (1): 53-58
Advances of Modern Chromatographic and Electrophoretic Methods in Separation and Analysis of Flavonoids
Authors: Liu E-Hu , Qi Lian-Wen , Cao Jun , Li Ping , Li Chang-Yin , Peng Yong-Bo
Published: October 2008

Flavonoids, one of the largest groups of secondary metabolites, are widespread in vegetable crops such as herbs, fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds and derived foods such as juices, wines, oils, etc. They receive considerable attention due to their biological and physiological importance. Hundreds of publications on the analysis of flavonoids have appeared over the past decade. Traditional and more advanced techniques have come to prominence for sample preparation, separation, detection, and identification. This review intends to provide an updated, concise overview on the recent development and trends of separation, identification and quantification for flavonoids by modern chromatographic and spectrophotometric analytical techniques, including gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), and capillary electrophoresis (CE). The sample preparation before analysis is also briefly summarized.
Monnaies et civilisations : De l'or du Soudan à l'argent d'Amerique
Authors: Braudel Fernand
Published: October 2008

Au problème de l'or, tel qu'il se pose au moyen àge devant, nos sociétés européennes, Marc Bloch a consacré ici même un de ses plus puissants articles. Il nous a semblé que nous ne saurions mieux honorer sa mémoire qu'en donnant aux Annales la primeur d'une étude sur un problème de grande circulation monétaire, l'une des plus’ vastes, sans doute, et des plus considérables par leurs conséquences, de tous ceux qui se sont posés devant l'Europe moderne. Un problème : c'est le langage de la recherche. Un drame, c'est celui de la vie.
Un conflit de civilisations : La grandeur et le bonheur
Authors: Maldor Claude
Published: October 2008

La grandeur de l'homme et son bonheur sont-ils inconciliables ? Cette question résume en quelques mots le conflit de deux civilisations. C'est la seule qui aille véritablement au fond des choses. On peut dire qu'au delà des incidents quotidiens de la politique et même de la guerre, le conflit entre deux conceptions de l'homme est le drame prodigieux qui divise la Jerre. La revendication fondamentale de tous les malheureux, de tous les déshérités, de tous les prolétaires, c'est le bonheur pour l'homme, pour tous les hommes. Dépourvus de tout, ce bonheur se présente à eux sous la forme plus ou moins vague d'une terre promise, où les besoins essentiels seront enfin satisfaits.
Une capitale de la laine: Leyde
Authors: Coornaert E.
Published: October 2008

L'industrie textile de Leyde : la plus importante des industries qui formèrent l'une des bases de la puissance hollandaise au XVIIe siècle . Dans la seconde moitié du XVIe, la ville voyait décliner sa draperie, qui s'était développée à partir du XIVe et avait eu son apogée à la fin du XVe et dans le premier tiers du XVIe . Après le siège de 1573, pour stimuler des techniques nouvelles à peine représentées jusque-là .dans ses murs, elle s'appliqua, suivant une pratique liabituelle à l'époque, à attirer des travailleurs du dehors.

Elle réussit d'une façon exceptionnelle. Des régions voisines désolées par la guerre et surtout par les luttes religieuses, les immigrants affluèrent.
A quoi servent nos études : Structure agraire et remembrement
Authors: Meynier André
Published: October 2008

Les études qui, depuis vingt ans, ont renouvelé complètement l'histoire et la géographie des structures agraires commenceraient-elles à avoir une influence pratique ? Pour l'équipe des Annales, qui a toujours combattu contre l'isolement intellectuel et les cloisons étanches, c'est une satisfaction profonde de constater que certains des urbanistes, architectes, géomètres, qui ont à rebâtir les provinces dévastées, font reposer leur travail sur une analyse sérieuse et inspirée des méthodes modernes, du dessin cadastral et des types d'habitations. C'est à ce titre que nous nous devons de signaler les travaux de M. Paul Dufournet sur le village picard et ses applications au remembrement des communes sinistrées.
Comment et pourquoi finit l'esclavage antique
Authors: Bloch Marc
Published: October 2008

Arrivés à ce moment de l'évolution1, il importe tout d'abord de prévenir une équivoque ; les sources ne s'y prêtent que trop bien.

Feuilletons les chartes du xie et du xne siècle. Fréquemment nous y verrons apparaître, désignant une classe d'hommes, ce vieux mot de servus, que les dictionnaires, à juste titre lorsqu'il s'agit de textes antiques, nous ont habitués à traduire par « esclave ». Les langues vulgaires, de leur côté, nous parlent, le français de « serf », l'italien de servo, et leur accord avec le latin des actes nous assure que, toujours suspects d'excès de purisme, les notaires, cette fois du moins, en continuant d'appliquer à une réalité de leur temps un terme classique, ne faisaient «que se conformer à l'usage vivant.
L'U. N. E. S. C. O. et les sciences morales
Authors: Morazé Charles
Published: October 2008

Je suis persuadé que beaucoup de nos lecteurs se demandent ce qu'est l'U.N.E.S.C.O. Et peut-être trouveront-ils bienvenu d'abord un petit précis de cette institution.

U.N.E.S.C.O. est l'abréviation de la formule anglaise signifiant : Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'Éducation, la Science et la Culture. L'U.N.E.S.C.O., pourtant, n'est pas rattachée à l'O.N.U. Organisme indépendant, elle a son budget propre voté par des délégués des Etats membres. L'U.R.S.S., qui appartient à l'O.N.U., n'est pas entrée encore à l'U.N.E.S.C.O.

L'élément permanent de l'U.N.E.S.C.O. est constitué par un secrétariat général installé à Paris, à l'hôtel Majestic. Jusqu'en octobre 1946, ce secrétariat, qui n'avait alors qu'un caractère provisoire, était installé à Londres. Ainsi s'explique l'abondance du personnel anglais actuellement en fonction dans beaucoup de postes intermédiaires de ce secrétariat général. Les emplois plus modestes sont assez largement occupés par des Français. Les postes, supérieurs font l'objet des principales délibérations internationales sur la répartition des influences.
Amérique et culture. Le comité d'études sociales de l'université de Chicago
Authors: Béra Marc-André
Published: October 2008

Il n'y a pas qu'en France qu'on parle de réforme. L'Université de Chicago nous envoie, elle aussi, un beau projet dont elle espère une amélioration appréciable du sort de l'humanité, non pas sur le plan américain du bonheur matériel et de la santé, du Health and Wealth pragmatiste, maïs sur le plan éternel des idées générales. Ce n'est pas parce que les difficultés actuelles de la France nous rendent peut-être un peu trop matérialistes, au sens américain du mot, que nous devons négliger d'écouter cette vaix, qui nous revient, comme un écho, d'Extrême-Occident. Nous souhaitons bonne chance aux initiateurs de la réforme, et en particulier à John U. Nef, ami de la France, qui n'est pas un inconnu pour les gens de cette maison.
La crise d'une société : Seigneurs et paysans du Bordelais pendant la guerre de Cent Ans
Authors: Boutruche Robert
Published: October 2008

Entre les dernières années du XIIIe siècle et le milieu du XVe, le Pordelais représente un enjeu de marque dans l'interminable conflit qui oppose les Plantagenets puis les Lancastres aux Valois. Secteur vital de la Guyenne anglaise, il voit déferler à neuf reprises les troupes françaises sur une partie de son territoire et subit, à côté des épreuves apportées par la guerre, « maints autres grands tourments ». Sous la pression brutale des événements, sous l'influence aussi d'une évolution économique bien antérieure au XIVe siècle, de profondes transformations s'accomplissent dans le monde des possesseurs fonciers, qui, vivant essentiellement des droits sur la terre ou de la culture du sol, ont pour cadre principal la seigneurie. Ces transformations se retrouvent alors, avec des nuances multiples, dans toute la France.
Un siècle d'Archéologie mésopotamienne
Authors: Aymard André
Published: October 2008

Le Ier mai 1847, la première salle assyrienne, remplie des sculptures découvertes à Khorsabad par le consul de France à Mossoul, Paul-Émile Botta, était inaugurée au Louvre. A la même date, Layard commençait l'envoi vers Londres de ses trouvailles de Nimroud. Une civilisation inconnue était ainsi révélée à l'Europe et l'on a célébré plus d'un centenaire qui n'avait pas l'importance de celui-là, demeuré inaperçu, pourtant, malgré l'occasion propice qu'eussent pu offrir la réouverture et la nouvelle organisation des salles orientales du Louvre. Mais, depuis un siècle, dans le seul domaine mésopotamien, combien d'autres révélations, dont certaines ont même dépassé en intérêt celles de l'art assyrien ! L'histoire de ce» découvertes, de leur progressive extension, géographique et chronologique, des Parthes de Doura-Europos à la préhistoire de Suse et d'Our, est passionnante à suivre dans le livre que lui consacre André Parrot, fouilleur bien connu de Tello, Lagash et Mari.
De la doctrine à la politique démographique
Authors: Jarry Robert A.
Published: October 2008

La Revue Population a fait paraître à ce jour plusieurs livraisons riches en substance. Dans chaque numéro, huit pu neuf articles de fond précèdent une chronique très documentée, une bibliographie critique et une revue de législation. La collection de ce périodique constitue dès maintenant un document de travail auquel il est commode à chacun de se référer pour préparer les- bases de décisions d'importance. Il paraît donc permis, et peut-être nécessaire, de dégager les grandes lignes de travail de cette revue, dont l'animateur hautement qualifié est M. Alfred Sauvy, directeur de l'Institut National d'Études Démographiques.
Bedrich Mendl 28 août 1892 - 28 septembre 1940
Authors: Coornaert É.
Published: October 2008

Parmi les trop nombreuses victimes de la tragédie qui a dévasté le monde et décimé les rangs des travailleurs intellectuels, leurs collègues et leurs amis doivent un hommage particulier à ces laborieux qui défrir chent un champ d'histoire, y dégagent des faits et des plans du passé, en tirent des explications de caractère général, et préparent pour d'autres des points de départ pour de nouvelles recherches, l'ouverture d'horizons toujours plus larges.

Bedrich Mendl était de ceux-là. Il était directeur de l'Institut historique de Prague, professeur d'histoire économique et sociale à l'Université Charles IV, membre de la Commission des grands voyages et des grandes découvertes du Comité international des sciences historiques. Il a laissé plus de vingt articles et mémoires, quelques-uns consacrés à l'histoire politique, presque tous à l'histoire des finances, des métiers, de la constitution des villes. Sa curiosité de plus en plus étendue l'a conduit à étudier, longuement et solidement, un chapitre d'histoire de l'Empire romain ainsi que certains aspects du monde contemporain, mais son domaine propre était la Bohême et les provinces qui l'avoisinent, depuis le XIVe jusqu'au XVIIe siècle.
Bulletin d'histoire de l'économie textile
Authors: Espinas Georges
Published: October 2008

A M. Zangger, de Zurich, on doit une Contribution à la terminologie de la draperie en ancien français, attesté dans des textes français, provençaux, italiens, espagnols, allemands et latins. Étude, du point de vue philologique, de l'expansion de la draperie des Pays-Bas dans l'Europe occidentale et germanique jusqu'à la fin du XIVe siècle. La documentation utilisée est d'ordre purement économique et technique; elle exclut les sources littéraires, trop imprécises, pour statuer sur les ordonnances, les tarifs de douanes, les livres de comptes et les inventaires, — disons donc sur les documents législatifs, commerciaux et financiers.