bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between plant life forms and ecological indices in a lacustrine ecosystem
Authors: Nikolić Ljiljana , Čobanović Katarina , Nićin Slobodan
Published: November 2010

This study is the first to analyze the relationship between ecological indices (substrate moisture, nutrient content, substrate dispersion/aeration, substrate pH and humus content) and life forms of the vascular flora in and around Lake Provala; these relationships may serve as reliable indicators of the ecological conditions prevailing in this ecosystem. Since the development of certain life forms, in addition to climatic conditions, depends on plant requirements for several major environmental factors expressed as ecological indices, we established the relationship between the ecological index and life form of vascular plants collected over an eight year period in this system using correspondence analysis. We found a significant correlation between the development of certain life forms and levels of substrate moisture, nutrient content and substrate dispersion/aeration. These relationships help explain the predominance of hemicryptophytes and hydro-helophytes in the riparian zone of the lake, as these forms are perfectly adapted to water-saturated or aquatic environments rich in nutrients and relatively well aerated. There was no significant relationship between life forms and substrate pH or the content of organo-mineral compounds (humus) in the soil.
Congenital herniation through the foramen Morgagni — clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment in pediatric population
Authors: Anđelka Slavković , Zoran Marjanović , Ivona Đorđević , Zorica Jovanović , Ivana Budić
Published: November 2010

Congenital Morgagni hernia is a rare entity, accounting for less than 1,5% of all types of congenital diaphragmatic hernias. The majority of Morgagni hernias are diagnosed late because patients can be asymptomatic or present with non-specific respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and signs. The medical records of all patients diagnosed with CMH and treated in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed for age at diagnosis, sex, site of hernia, clinical symptoms, associated anomalies, operative findings and treatment. Over a 20-year period, 5 cases with CMH diagnoses were hospitalized and operated. The age of diagnosis ranged from nine months to 11 years. Male to female ratio was 3:2. Associated anomalies were seen in 2 patients (40%). Most patients had transabdominal operations. There were no complications in the postoperative period. Morgagni hernia is a rare condition. The rarity is due to the nonspecific presentation of symptoms, which contributes to a delay in diagnosis. We advocate surgical repair even in asymptomatic patients, because of the risk of strangulation. There is a low rate of complications.
Prognostic factors for positive immune thrombocytopenic purpura outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy
Authors: Kiudelis Mindaugas , Mickevicius Antanas , Dambrauskiene Ruta , Gerbutavicius Rolandas , Griniūtė Rasa , Adukauskiene Dalia
Published: November 2010

Laparoscopic splenectomy is considered as a second step treatment for ITP patients. The purpose of this study was to determine efficiency of laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP patients and to identify the independent prognostic factors that may predict the positive outcome. Two hundred and thirty nine patient medical records were analyzed retrospectively. The special questionnaire, which included present platelet count, the steroid usage and its dosage, was sent to all patients. The complete response (CR) was defined, when the platelet count was above 130 × 109 /L. The 239 adult patients with a median age of 51.3 (16–93 years) were included in this cohort. The median follow up period was 75 months. 49 patients, who relapsed after steroid treatment, underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. The short term postoperative CR was 71.4% after laparoscopic splenectomy compared to 38.1% in non-splenectomized patients (p < 0.000). The long term CR was 79.5 % in patients after splenectomy compared to 47.4% in non-splenectomized patients (p < 0.018). After univaried analysis three clinical variables were found to be significantly related to splenectomy outcome: disease duration (p<0.007), preoperative platelet count (p<0.049) and platelet count on the third postoperative day (p<0.000). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated, that only platelet count on the 3rd postoperative day > 129 × 109 /L; RR=53.3 95% (CI, 1.888–1517.98) was significant predictor for long-term positive ITP outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy. Splenectomy is effective treatment for ITP. Platelet count > 129 × 109/L on the third postoperative day is the significant predictor of positive long-term outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy.
Transport phenomena in an agitated vessel with an eccentrically located impeller
Authors: Cudak Magdalena , Karcz Joanna , Kiełbus-Rąpała Anna
Published: November 2010

The paper presents results of an experimental analysis of the transport phenomena at the vicinity of the wall of an unbaffled agitated vessel with an eccentrically located impeller. Distributions of the transport coefficients were experimentally studied using an electrochemical method within the turbulent regime of the Newtonian liquid flow. Measurements were carried out in an agitated vessel with the inner diameter T = 0.3 m. Liquid height in the vessel was equal to the inner diameter, H = T. The agitated vessel was equipped with a Rushton or a Smith turbine or an A 315 impeller. Eccentricity of the impeller shaft was varied from 0 to 0.53. Local values of the dimensionless shear rate, shear stress, dynamic velocity and friction coefficient were integrated numerically for the whole surface area of the cylindrical wall of the vessel. Averaged values of these quantities were correlated with the impeller eccentricity and modified Reynolds number. The proposed Eqs. (5)–(8), with the coefficients given in Table 2, have no equivalent in open literature concerning this subject. Distributions of the shear rate, γ/n, and friction coefficient, f, at the vicinity of the cylindrical wall of the unbaffled vessel equipped with eccentric Rushton or Smith turbine or A 315 impeller are very uneven and they depend significantly on the impeller eccentricity, e/R. Maximum local values of these variables are located on the wall section closest to the impeller blades. From among the tested impellers, the greatest effects of the impeller eccentricity, e/R, and the liquid turbulence (described by the modified Reynolds number Re P,M) on the averaged dimensionless shear rate (γ/n)m and friction coefficient, f m, are found for the radial-flow Rushton turbine located eccentrically in an unbaffled agitated vessel.
Semiquinol and phenol compounds from seven Senecio species
Authors: Mandić Boris , Gođevac Dejan , Vujisić Ljubodrag , Trifunović Snežana , Tesević Vele , Vajs Vlatka , Milosavljević Slobodan
Published: November 2010

In this paper, examination of the aerial parts of seven Senecio species from Serbia and Montenegro is reported. Phytochemical investigation of Senecio erucifolius led to the isolation and characterization of semiquinol butyl 2-(1-hydroxy-4-oxocyclohexa-2,5-dienyl)acetate (I), along with methyl 2-(1-hydroxy-4-oxocyclohexa-2,5-dienyl)acetate (jacaranone, II), and methyl 2-(4-hidroxyphenyl)acetate (III). The structure of I was established based on spectroscopic studies (1H- and 13C-NMR, IR, and CI-MS). Compound II was also isolated from S. carpathicus and S. subalpinus. The presence of jacaranone in the methanol extracts of S. wagneri, S. othonnae, and S. paludosus was confirmed by LC/ESI-TOF MS.
Synthesis and antimicrobial properties of new 2-((4-ethylphenoxy)methyl)benzoylthioureas
Authors: Limban Carmen , Missir Alexandru , Chirita Ileana , Nitulescu George , Caproiu Miron , Chifiriuc Mariana , Israil Anca
Published: November 2010

New acylthiourea derivatives, 2-((4-ethylphenoxy)methyl)-N-(phenylcarbamothioyl)benzamides, were tested by qualitative and quantitative methods on various bacterial and fungal strains and proved to be active at low concentrations against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. These compounds were prepared by the reaction of 2-((4-ethylphenoxy)methyl)benzoyl isothiocyanate with various primary aromatic amines, and were characterised by melting point and solubility. The structures were identified by elemental analysis, 1H and 13C NMR, and IR spectral data. The level of antimicrobial activity of the new 2-((4-ethylphenoxy)methyl)benzoylthiourea derivatives was dependent on the type, number and position of the substituent on the phenyl group attached to thiourea nitrogen. The iodine and nitro substituents favoured the antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative bacterial strains, while the highest inhibitory effect against Gram-positive and fungal strains was exhibited by compounds with electron-donating substituents such as the methyl and ethyl groups.
Synthesis, characterisation, and biological activity of three new amide prodrugs of lamotrigine with reduced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Sinha Saurabh , Shrivastava Prabhat , Shrivastava Sushant
Published: November 2010

Lamotrigine (LTG) is an antiepileptic drug used for the prevention of convulsions. Except several known side effects, hepatic dysfunction is also reported. Hepatotoxic side effects occur due to the dichlorophenyl moiety which develops an abnormally low level of glutathione. Depletion of glutathione causes oxidative stress and hepatic cell damage. The goal of the present study was to test the action and side effects of the three compounds synthesised and compared to LTG. Three amide prodrugs of LTG were synthesised by its reaction with N-acetylamino acids, viz, glycine, glutamic acid, and methionine. Purified synthesised prodrugs were subjected to thin layer chromatography, melting point, solubility and partition coefficients determination and characterised by UV, FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The synthesised prodrugs were subjected to in vitro hydrolysis and to anticonvulsant and hepatotoxic activity studies. Significant reduction in hepatotoxicity and comparable anticonvulsant activities were obtained in all synthesised prodrugs as compared to LTG.
Optical characterisation of organosilane-modified nanocrystalline diamond films
Authors: Kozak Halyna , Remes Zdenek , Kromka Alexander , Ledinsky Martin
Published: November 2010

We report on an optical characterisation of nanocrystalline diamond films photochemically functionalised with the organosilane-coupling agent, N 1-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)hexane-1,6-diamine (alternative names: N-(6-aminohexyl)aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane, (3-(6-aminohexylamino)propyl) trimetoxysilane, AHAPS). The presence and homogeneity of the organosilane layers were detected by fluorescence microscopy and infrared reflectance-absorbance spectroscopy. The results indicated that a homogeneous surface coverage with organosilane layers was achieved on diamond surfaces which were modified either by hydrogen or by oxygen plasma treatment. The functionalised nanocrystalline diamonds present a promising solution in future biosensor applications.
Periodontitis in India and Bangladesh. Need for a population based approach in epidemiological surveys. A Literature review
Authors: Jacob P Shaju
Published: November 2010

Background: Early surveys showed people of India and its neighbors to be highly susceptible to periodontitis. This was based on the early surveys which estimated a higher prevalence. Aim: This paper reviews the prevalence of periodontitis in India and Bangladesh and attempts to find out why the populations of the Indian subcontinent were considered more susceptible to periodontitis. Settings and design: Review of periodontitis prevalence studies on the Indian and Bangladeshi population. Methods and material: After identifying articles from Pub Med, DAOJ and hand searching, the epidemiology of periodontitis is reviewed. Results and conclusion: This review identifies that very few studies have been done on representative population. Yet it can be certainly concluded that there is a high prevalence of periodontitis in the adults and the economically weak population which can be reduced by adopting preventive public health strategies. Conclusions: Standardized population based studies in a representative population with a robust design to identify the true prevalence of periodontitis is needed. Keywords: Periodontitis; India; Bangladesh; epidemiology; prevalence. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i3.6466Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.3 July 2010, pp.124-130
Basic ideas on medical ethics
Authors: Talukder MHK , Nazneen R , Hossain MZ , Chowdhury IJ
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Medical ethics means the moral principles, which should guide the members of the medical profession in the course of their practice of medicine and in relationship with their patients and other members of the profession. Objective: To recapitulate the matter to the medical practitioners so that they can apply them in course of their practice. Methodology: A search focused on the basic terminologies on medical ethics was made in Medline, PubMed and Cochrane database. The search captured citation on history of medical ethics. Both advances in medical ethics and advances in medicine and science with ethical ramifications were included. The topics span clinical medicine (end of life care and medical error), healthcare management (priority setting), science (biotechnology), and education (of medical ethics). Discussion & Conclusion: Core issues in in medical ethics: Autonomy, beneficence, non-malfeasance, justice – dignity, truthfulness and honesty. Different terms in the Field of Medical Ethics: Medical Etiquette, Professional infamous conduct, Professional death sentence, Professional secrecy, A physician should not commit any negligence or mal-practice. Islamic Medical Ethics: A Muslim physician derives his /her conclusion from rules of Islamic laws (Shariah). The goal of medical ethics is to improve the quality of patient care by identifying, analyzing, and attempting to resolve the ethical problems that arise in the practice of clinical medicine. Medical ethics is an important part of the undergraduate medical curriculum. It should not be left to a 'laissez-faire' process of osmosis from teachers to students. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i3.6467Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.3 July 2010, pp.131-135
The effects of educational program on child care knowledge and behaviors of mothers of children under five years with pneumonia
Authors: Parvez MM , Wiroonpanich W , Naphapunsakul M
Published: November 2010

Objectives: This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of the educational program on child care knowledge and behaviors of mothers of children aged under five years. Materials and Methods: The quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design was used to examine the effects of educational program on child care knowledge and behaviors of mothers of children under five years old with pneumonia. Fifty mothers of children under five years hospitalized with pneumonia were purposively assigned following standard procedure into either experimental or control group. Mothers of the study group received educational program together with children’s routine care, where as control group mothers just attended their children receiving treatment. Subsequently mothers’ knowledge, evaluated through structured Knowledge Questionnaire and behavioral information, through Behavioral Checklist Form were evaluated. Data were expressed as number (percent) and mean (SD) as appropriate. Demographic characteristics were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Independent t-test and paired t-test were used to calculate statistical difference between groups as applicable. Results: Findings revealed that, subjects of both groups are homogenous in terms of demographic characteristics, but significant difference was observed regarding their mean (±SD) knowledge (25.04±5.81 vs 34.64±3.86, p<0 .001) and behavior score (6.64±2.23 vs 17.68±1.89; p<0.001) between control and study group respectively. Conclusions: It was concluded that educational program supported that nurses need to involve themselves through helpful method of the educational program to teach the mothers' knowledge about pneumonia and their behavior during caring their sick children. Such program could effectively increase both knowledge and behavior of mothers of children under five with pneumonia. Key words: Pneumonia; knowledge and behavior; education program. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i3.6468Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.3 July 2010, pp.136-142
Study of serum non-HDL cholesterol in cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Parvin S , Hoque MM , Sultana N , Naoshin Z
Published: November 2010

Background: Non-HDL cholesterol is a potential newer risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). Objective: To explore the association of non-HDL cholesterol with cerebrovascular disease. Methods: This case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, BSMMU, Dhaka during the period of January to December 2007 to evaluate the association of non-HDL cholesterol with CVD in Bangladeshi population. A total number of 135 subjects of both sexes were grouped as Group-I (CVD cases) and Group-II (Healthy controls). Group-I include 85 cases of which 59 were ischaemic cerebrovascular diseases (ICVD) and 26 were haemorrhagic cerebrovascular diseases (HCVD). By taking the history and doing clinical examination and laboratory investigations, diabetes mellitus, malignant disease, renal disease, liver disease and diuretic medication were excluded from study subjects. Serum non-HDL cholesterol was measured in all study subjects. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS for windows version 12.0. Mean values of the findings were compared between groups. One way ANOVA test and multiple comparison (Bonferroni‘t’) test were used to see the level of significance. Results: Serum non-HDL cholesterol found significantly increased in CVD, ICVD and HCVD cases in comparison to control subjects. But ICVD and HCVD cases did not differ with respect to serum non-HDLcholesterol. Conclusion: The result shows that elevated non-HDL cholesterol is associated with CVD. Prospective study with large sample size is required to evaluate the elevated Non-HDL cholesterol as a risk factor of CVD. Key words: Non-HDL cholesterol; Cerebrovascular disease; Ischaemic cerebrovascular disease; Haemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i3.6469Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.3 July 2010, pp.143-149
Oral manifestations associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection in 200 Indian patients
Authors: Manne RK , Amirisetty R , Tippireddy S , Yadav S , Nayak P , Nayak S
Published: November 2010

Objective: To determine the pattern and prevalence of oral lesions in HIV infected 200 costal Andhra Pradesh patients. Patients and methods: the study population comprised 200 consecutive HIV seropositive patients presented to regional ART center at Andhra Pradesh, India. The oral lesions were diagnosed based on clinical appearance and were entered in to the database for analysis. Results: 30-39 yrs age group was most commonly affected and 87% of the patients had acquired infection via heterosexual contact. Oral lesions were seen in 66% of the patients. Gingivitis (36.7% males & 33.9% females) was the most common lesion followed by candidiasis (21% males & 26.4% females), periodontitis (6.8% males & 7.5% females), pigmentation (36.7% males & 33.9% females), ulcers (2.7% males & 0% females) and leukoplakia (1.3% males & 0% females). Conclusion: The pattern of oral lesions associated with HIV infection was not markedly different form those reported in the literature, the prevalence of each type of lesion differ slightly. Key words: CD4 lymphocyte count; Female; HIV infections; Male; Humans.DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i3.6470Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.3 July 2010, pp.150-153
A hospital based study of Hereditary Hemolytic Anaemias in Davanagere district of Karnataka, India
Authors: Preethi BP , Monika K , Maitreyee DS , Rashmi K
Published: November 2010

Background: Hereditary hemolytic anaemias constitute important cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries next only to infection and malnutrition.These group of anaemias have various clinical presentations starting from their age of onset of symptoms, failure to thrive, anaemia, prostration, jaundice, splenomegaly, cholelithiasis, cardiomegaly, congestive cardiac failure, severe life threatening infections and chronic disabilities leading to distress in the families. Methodology: An analysis of 40 cases of hereditary hemolytic anaemia in the age group of 2 months to 12 years was done in the present study. On the basis of clinical presentations, physical findings, routine hematological investigations and hemoglobin electrophoresis pattern in hemoglobin defects were carried out to identify the type of hemolytic anaemias. Results: This clinocohematological study of hereditary hemolytic anaemia showed membrane defects- Hereditary spherocytosis in 4 cases (10%). The remaining 36 cases were having diseases affecting hemoglobin molecule which included Sickle cell anaemia-5 cases (12.5%), Sickle cell trait- 1 case (2.5%), Sickle cell/β thalassemia-1 case (2.5%), β thalassemia major- 23 cases (57.5%) and β thalassemia trait 6 cases(15%). Hereditary hemolytic anaemia with enzyme defects were not observed in this study. Majority of these cases presented with progressive pallor and hepatosplenomegaly. Peripheral blood smear examination showed microcytic hypochromic anaemia (87.5%) in majority of the cases. All cases were associated with reticulocytosis. Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusion: Inspite of advanced diagnostic inestigations, the basic hematological investigation remains first panel or step towards the approach to diagnose hereditary hemolytic anaemia and hemoglobin electrophoresis will help in confirming the diagnosis. Keywords: hereditary hemolytic anaemia; clinoco-hematological study; hemoglobin electrophoresis DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i3.6471Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.3 July 2010, pp.154-160
Ethno-medico-botanical Investigation of Jenu Kuruba Ethnic Group of Karnataka State, India
Authors: Nanjunda DC
Published: November 2010

Background: The study of ethnobotany relating to any tribe is in itself a very intricate or convoluted process. This paper documents the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants that are in used by the Jenu kuruba ethnic group of Karnataka state (South India). Methodology & Results: The present study was done through structured questionnaires in consultations with the tribal practitioners, patients and has resulted in the documentation of 20 medicinal plant species belonging to 17 families and 25 genera. For curing diverse form of ailments, the use of aboveground plant parts was higher (66.59%) than the underground plant parts (21.41%). Of the aboveground plant parts, leaf was used in the majority of cases (9%), followed by fruit (4%). Different underground plant forms such as root, tuber, rhizome, bulb and pseudo-bulb were also found to be in use by the Jenu kuruba tribe as a medicine. Altogether, 21 types of ailments have been reported to be cured by using these 20 medicinal plants species. Perceived efficacy have given. Conclusions: The study thus underlines the potentials of the ethnobotanical research and the need for the documentation of traditional ecological knowledge pertaining to the medicinal plant utilization for the greater benefit of mankind. This paper is based on the field exploration conducted in Karnataka (South India). Keywords: Jenu kuruba; Ethnic group; Medicinal plants; Diseases. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i3.6479Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.3 July 2010, pp.161-169
Surgical experience with a huge supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumour in a 3 years old boy
Authors: Islam MJ , Saha SK , Khan AM , Khalil MI
Published: November 2010

The concept of Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET) has been evolving for many years, since its nomenclature has been done. A 3 years old boy presented with unable to stand and walk, vertigo, vomiting and visual disturbances. MRI of brain revealed suggestive of malignant tumour with intratumoral hemorrhage involving the frontotemporo- parietal region. A gross total removal of tumor was achieved through craniotomy. The pathological finding was consistent with PNET. This case is an exclusive one as it was huge size. Supratentorial PNETs are rare tumour and carry poor prognosis. Newer modalities of treatment should be tried to improve survival. Key words: Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumour; Radiotherapy; Chemotherapy. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i3.6482Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.3 July 2010, pp.177-182
Deleuze's Neo-Leibnizianism, Events andThe Logic of Sense's ‘Static Ontological Genesis’
Authors: Bowden Sean
Published: November 2010

In The Logic of Sense, Deleuze effectively argues that two types of relation between events govern their ‘evental’ or ‘ideal play’, and ultimately underlie determined substances, that is, worldly individuals and persons. Leibniz calls these relations ‘compossibility’ and ‘incompossibility’. Deleuze calls them ‘convergence’ and ‘divergence’. This paper explores how Deleuze appropriates and extends a number of Leibnizian concepts in order to ground the idea that events have ontological priority over substances ‘all the way down’.
Reading Orwell Through Deleuze
Authors: Michael Roberts John
Published: November 2010

George Orwell has often been accused of articulating a naive version of empiricism in his writings. Naive empiricism can be said to be based on the belief that an external objective world exists independently of us which can nevertheless be studied and observed by constructing atomistic theories of causality between objects in the world. However, by revisiting some of Orwell's most well-known writings, this paper argues that it makes more sense to place his empiricism within the contours of Deleuze's empiricist philosophy. By recourse to Deleuze's ideas the paper argues that far from being a naive empiricist Orwell in fact engages in a reflexive exploration of his virtual affects through the particular events he writes about. The assemblage that is ‘George Orwell’ is thus comprised by a whole array of affects from this unique middle-class socialist as he crosses through particular events. Orwell subsequently acts as a ‘schizoid nomad’ who transverses the affects of others. As a result Orwell takes flight from his own middle-class surroundings in order to reterritorialise his identity within the affects, habits and sensations of others. By becoming a schizoid nomad Orwell is able to construct a critical and passionate moral standpoint against forces of domination.
Activism, Philosophy and Actuality in Deleuze and Foucault
Authors: Patton Paul
Published: November 2010

Deleuze and Foucault shared a period of political activism and both drew connections between their activism and their respective approaches to philosophy. However, despite their shared political commitments and praise of each other's work, there remained important philosophical differences between them which became more and more apparent over time. This article identifies some of the political issues over which they disagreed and shows how they relate to some of their underlying philosophical differences. It focuses on their respective approaches to the state, to ‘actuality’ and to the analysis of the present.
The Greek Gloom and the December 2008 Uprising
Authors: Mermigka Ioulia
Published: November 2010

This paper employs the notion of apparatus of capture in the context of the historical formation and transformations of the Greek nation state. The aim is to demystify the overcoding poles of political sovereignty as they are expressed in different chronological periods and to sketch an analysis of the appropriations of social living forms, social movements and war machines into regimes of signs. The term war machine is deployed as a key term for grasping the variables of content and the variables of expression that are encountered in the different historical circumstances. The order word modernisation illustrates not only the machinic enslavement but also new social subjections within a society of the spectacle and global capital. The account given here of the December 2008 uprising in Greece offers an insight into the political event and attempts a pragmatic analysis of the December war machine.
Life Resistance: Towards a Different Concept of the Political
Authors: Evans Brad
Published: November 2010

In an attempt to reaffirm Deleuze's Nietzschean affinities, this article argues that it is possible to detect in his thought an alternative concept of the political which gives ontological priority to difference. In order to map this out, a Deleuzian reading of the Zapatista experience will be provided, with particular attention given to the manner in which power is re-conceptualised, resistance strategised, subjectivities recast, and political solidarities formed anew. Once this has been established, the paper will argue that not only does Deleuze provide us with a meaningful basis for political action, he offers us possibilities for creating new forms of political solidarity that no longer take Hegelian inspired dialectical enmity or dangerous Kantian unfulfilment as their point of theoretical departure.
Defining Activism
Authors: Svirsky Marcelo
Published: November 2010

Activism is defined in this paper as involving local instigations of new series of elements intersecting the actual, generating new collective enunciations, experimentations and investigations, which erode good and common sense and cause structures to swing away from their sedimented identities. By appealing to Spinozism, the paper describes the microphysics of the activist encounter with stable structures and the ways in which activism imposes new regimes of succession of ideas and affective variations in the power of action. Rather than understanding activism as supporting or leading social struggles, the definition of activism pursued here conceives it as an open-ended process and stresses the role of investigation in relation to practices within the social situations to which activism addresses itself.
Multilocus Sequence Typing Reveals Relevant Genetic Variation and Different Evolutionary Dynamics among Strains of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis
Authors: Marcelletti Simone , Ferrante Patrizia , Scortichini Marco
Published: November 2010

Forty-five Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj) strains originating from Juglans regia cultivation in different countries were molecularly typed by means of MultiLocus Sequence Typing (MLST), using acnB, gapA, gyrB and rpoD gene fragments. A total of 2.5 kilobases was used to infer the phylogenetic relationship among the strains and possible recombination events. Haplotype diversity, linkage disequilibrium analysis, selection tests, gene flow estimates and codon adaptation index were also assessed. The dendrograms built by maximum likelihood with concatenated nucleotide and amino acid sequences revealed two major and two minor phylotypes. The same haplotype was found in strains originating from different continents, and different haplotypes were found in strains isolated in the same year from the same location. A recombination breakpoint was detected within the rpoD gene fragment. At the pathovar level, the Xaj populations studied here are clonal and under neutral selection. However, four Xaj strains isolated from walnut fruits with apical necrosis are under diversifying selection, suggesting a possible new adaptation. Gene flow estimates do not support the hypothesis of geographic isolation of the strains, even though the genetic diversity between the strains increases as the geographic distance between them increases. A triplet deletion, causing the absence of valine, was found in the rpoD fragment of all 45 Xaj strains when compared with X. axonopodis pv. citri strain 306. The codon adaptation index was high in all four genes studied, indicating a relevant metabolic activity.
Dynamic Modeling and Simulation on a Hybrid Power System for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: He Hong-Wen , Xiong Rui , Chang Yu-Hua
Published: November 2010

Hybrid power systems, formed by combining high-energy-density batteries and high-power-density ultracapacitors in appropriate ways, provide high-performance and high-efficiency power systems for electric vehicle applications. This paper first establishes dynamic models for the ultracapacitor, the battery and a passive hybrid power system, and then based on the dynamic models a comparative simulation between a battery only power system and the proposed hybrid power system was done under the UDDS (Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule). The simulation results showed that the hybrid power system could greatly optimize and improve the efficiency of the batteries and their dynamic current was also decreased due to the participation of the ultracapacitors, which would have a good influence on batteries’ cycle life. Finally, the parameter matching for the passive hybrid power system was studied by simulation and comparisons.
Optimization of Total Flavonoid Compound Extraction from Gynura medica Leaf Using Response Surface Methodology and Chemical Composition Analysis
Authors: Liu Wei , Yu Yanying , Yang Ruzhen , Wan Chunpeng , Xu Binbin , Cao Shuwen
Published: November 2010

Optimization of total flavonoid compound (TFC) extraction from Gynura medica leaf was investigated using response surface methodology (RSM) in this paper. The conditions investigated were 30–60% (v/v) ethanol concentration (X1), 85–95 °C extraction temperature (X2) and 30–50 (v/w) liquid-to-solid ratio (X3). Statistical analysis of the experiments indicated that temperature and liquid-to-solid ratio significantly affected TFC extraction (p < 0.01). The Box-Behnken experiment design showed that polynomial regression models were in good agreement with the experimental results, with the coefficients of determination of 0.9325 for TFC yield. The optimal conditions for maximum TFC yield were 55% ethanol, 92 °C and 50 (v/w) liquid-to-solid ratio with a 30 min extraction time. Extracts from these conditions showed a moderate antioxidant value of 54.78 μmol quercetin/g dry material (DM), 137.3 μmol trolox/g DM for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 108.21 μmol quercetin/g DM, 242.31 μmol trolox/g DM for 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS+), respectively. HPLC-DAD-MS analysis showed that kaempferol-3-O-glucoside was the principal flavonoid compound in Gynura medica leaf.
Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Dispersed in Palm Oil Using Laser Ablation
Authors: Zamiri Reza , Zakaria Azmi , Ahangar Hossein Abbastabar , Sadrolhosseini Amir Reza , Mahdi Mohd Adzir
Published: November 2010

In this study we used a laser ablation technique for preparation of silver nanoparticles. The fabrication process was carried out by ablation of a silver plate immersed in palm oil. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser at a wavelength of 1064 nm was used for ablation of the plate at different times. The palm oil allowed formation of nanoparticles with very small and uniform particle size, which are dispersed very homogeneously within the solution. The obtained particle sizes for 15 and 30 minute ablation times were 2.5 and 2 nm, respectively. Stability study shows that all of the samples remained stable for a reasonable period of time.
Mechanisms of Texture Development in Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics with Perovskite Structure Made by the Templated Grain Growth Process
Authors: Kimura Toshio , Yi Yuan , Sakurai Fumito
Published: November 2010

The mechanisms of texture development were examined for BaTiO3 and a (K,Na,Li)(Nb,Ta)O3 solid solution made by the templated grain growth method, and compared with the mechanism in Bi0.5(Na,K)0.5TiO3. The dominant mechanism was different in each material; grain boundary migration in BaTiO3, solid state spreading in Bi0.5(Na,K)0.5TiO3, and abnormal grain growth in the (K,Na,Li)(Nb,Ta)O3 solid solution. The factor determining the dominant mechanism is the degree of smoothness of surface structure at an atomic level.
Neural Stem Cell Spreading on Lipid Based Artificial Cell Surfaces, Characterized by Combined X-ray and Neutron Reflectometry
Authors: Huth Martin , Hertrich Samira , Mezo Gabor , Madarasz Emilia , Nickel Bert
Published: November 2010

We developed a bioadhesive coating based on a synthetic peptide-conjugate (AK-cyclo[RGDfC]) which contains multiples of the arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) amino acid sequence. Biotinylated AK-cyclo[RGDfC] is bound to a supported lipid bilayer via a streptavidin interlayer. Layering, hydration and packing of the coating is quantified by X-ray and neutron reflectometry experiments. AK-cyclo[RGDfC] binds to the streptavidin interlayer in a stretched-out on edge configuration. The highly packed configuration with only 12% water content maximizes the number of accessible adhesion sites. Enhanced cell spreading of neural stem cells was observed for AK-cyclo[RGDfC] functionalized bilayers. Due to the large variety of surfaces which can be coated by physisorption of lipid bilayers, this approach is of general interest for the fabrication of biocompatible surfaces.
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Influenza Properties of Components from Chaenomeles speciosa
Authors: Zhang Li , Cheng Yong-Xian , Liu Ai-Lin , Wang Hai-Di , Wang Ya-Ling , Du Guan-Hua
Published: November 2010

The fruit of Chaenomeles speciosa is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of dyspepsia and various inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the potential radical scavenging capacity, and activity against nitrous oxide, inflammatory cytokines production and neuramindase (NA) of its isolates. The results showed that 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (1) displayed higher inhibitory activities on DPPH and NA with IC50 values of 1.02 mg/mL and 1.27 mg/mL respectively, and quercetin (2) also showed significant inhibitory action on DPPH and NA, with IC50 values of 3.82 mg/mL and 1.90 mg/mL. Compounds 1, 2 and methyl 3-hydroxybutanedioic ester (3) could inhibit the production of TNF-a by 22.73%, 33.14% and 37.19% at 5 mg/mL (P < 0.05) compared with the control. In addition, compound 2 was found to be active on the release of IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophage cells, with an inhibitory rate of 39.79% (P < 0.05). The anti-inflammatory effect of compound 3 is disclosed for the first time in this study. Avian influenza is usually accompanied by virus invasion followed by the occurrence of oxidative stress and serious inflammation, so the multiple effects of the isolates may play a cocktail-like role in the treatment of avian influenza, and C. speciosa components, especially quercetin, might be a potent source for anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents.
Sustainable Development: Between Moral Injunctions and Natural Constraints
Authors: Figuières Charles , Guyomard Hervé , Rotillon Gilles
Published: November 2010

Sustainable development must satisfy the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Although it looks at the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability, this article focuses specifically on an analysis of the concept in conjunction with the use and protection of natural resources. It shows how taking account of environmental goods, including the finite nature of certain natural resources, can change the way economists deal with the issues of growth, development and equity between generations. In this context, after a brief historical perspective on the concept of development, the paper shows how the potential for substitutability between natural and manufactured capital, for example in production technologies, lead to two paradigms, that of weak sustainability and that of strong sustainability. These two approaches are presented in an effort to explain how their merits can be mutually reinforcing.
Ultrafiltration (UF) Pilot Plant for Municipal Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture: Impact of the Operation Mode on Process Performance
Authors: Falsanisi Dario , Liberti Lorenzo , Notarnicola Michele
Published: November 2010

Following increasing interest in the use of UltraFiltration (UF) membrane processes as an alternative advanced disinfection technique, the performance of a UF pilot plant was investigated under two opposite operating conditions (“stressed operating condition” versus “conventional operating condition”). The results indicate that for both conditions, the reclaimed effluent complied with the Italian regulations for unrestricted wastewater reuse (i.e., Total Suspended Solids (TSS) < 10 mg/L; Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) < 100 mg/L and Escherichia coli < 10 CFU/100 mL). On the other hand, when compared with the Title 22 of the California Wastewater Reclamation Criteria, only the effluent produced under the “conventional operating condition” met the stipulated water quality standards (i.e., TSS and turbidity undetectable and total coliforms < 2.2 CFU/100 mL). It should be noted that, in spite of the nominal cut-off size, total coliforms breakthrough was indeed occasionally observed. A localized membrane pore micro-enlargement mechanism was hypothesized to explain the total coliforms propagation in the ultrafiltered effluent, as monitoring of the membrane permeability and transmembrane pressure highlighted that gel/cake formation had only a minor contribution to the overall membrane fouling mechanism with respect to pore plugging and pore narrowing mechanisms.
Les réformes économiques en Europe de l'Est : dix ans après
Authors: Lavigne Marie
Published: November 2010

Economie Reforms in Eastern Europe: Ten Years Later.

The socialist countries of Europe now have ten years of economic reforms behind them. The general purpose of these reforms has been to combine the execution of plans whith some features of a market economy. The most conspicuous, although somewhat misleading, indication of this trend is the revival of the profit concept. These «new economic mechanisms» raise the question of the equilibrium among three sets of ideas: centralization - decentralization, planning - economic policy, efficiency - profitability.

The first question is: who :will benefit certain decision-making power is transferred from the center to the periphery, or from the top to the bottom? Will it be the individual enterprise or an intermediate level (e.g. industrial associations, vertically grouped enterprises of the «kombinat» type, or major enterprises) ? The reply to this question sheds light not only on the structure of the economic administration but also on the nature of the socialist market. The more concentrated an industry, the nearer it approaches an oligopolistic type of market, with the advantages, but also the dangers inherent in monopolistic power if enterprises' independence is pushed too far.

These risks are more or less important according to the answer given to the second question: what is exactly retained now from the prior compulsory planning system? When there are many plan target indicators which restrain the autonomy of production units, reform is partially halted. An enterprise, which is theoretically concerned with the successful realization of the plan, is not free to organize its resources and do market research. If, on the other hand, the indirect regulators of economic policy are primarily used, in a situation where there is a scarcity of producers' and consumers' goods, there is a risk of open (and not only repressed as in the preceding case) inflation, of either internal or external origin, that must be countered by more vigourous measures, such measures being inevitably interpreted as a set-back of the reform.

The third question concerns the clash between the general interest which calls for efficient management according to criteria to be defined, and the individual interest of the enterprise and its workers which implies a maximization of profits, provided the incentives are strong enough. But efficiency is not necessarily equated with profitability.

A comparative study of the present (1974) state of the reforms in four socialist countries (USSR, East Germany, Hungary and Poland) may provide answers which, suprisingly, are not so different as it would seem.
Réorganisations administratives ou réformes du système
Authors: Zaleski Eugène
Published: November 2010

Economie Reforms versus Reorganization of Centralized Management.

The term «reform» being equivocal, it can signify changes brought about through the use of administrative power or fundamental ones which modify the system itself. The former approach is favored by Marie Lavigne, although she also discusses some of the attemps made to modify the system. The author's preference for improving central planning brings her to a favorable evaluation of the concentration of power in the USSR, Poland and the G.D.R. as a means of revitalizing the Economic Reforms and to criticism of the market techniques employed in Hungary. Eugène Zaleski differs with Marie Lavigne on this point and believes that the "Hungarian experiment proves in itself that firms' activities can be controlled through the use of fiscal and other economic instruments without the intervention of central power.

Marie Lavigne adopts the same reasoning with regard to inflation in the East European countries. The Soviet Union, Poland and the G.D.R. attempt to contain inflation through imperative central planning while Hungary uses market controls. The success with which inflation is checked in these countries is only relative, but Marie Lavigne's use of the official price index as a success indicator is hardly conclusive in the reporter's opinion. On the contrary, Hungary in its attempt to curb inflation through the use of economic mechanisms confirms the viability of market socialism.

In the socialist context, the aim for efficiency should reduce the firm's autonomy and the aim for justice should restrain the profit motivation according to Marie Lavigne. Profit should not, therefore be the dynamic force of a socialist economy. From the administration's point of view, Marie Lavigne has little difficulty pointing out the insufficiencies of profit, but the solution she proposes — management's identification with «socialist ambition» and with society at large — is utopie. Profit has, moreover, been officially recognized in the East as one of the chief success indicators and the limitations placed on it as an indicator in Hungary, in no way refute its utility or that of market socialism.