bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Complementary Indigenous Malay Therapies: Perspectives from Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Lua Pei Lin
Published: April 2011

Although the popularity of complementary indigenous Malay therapies (CIMT) in general healthcare is undeniable in the Malaysian context today, their usage within the palliative care scenarios remains unexplored. Our study was specifically embarked to determine CIMTs usage pattern, reasons, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) differences (users vs. non-users) in a sample of hospice-based palliative patients in Selangor, Malaysia. From the 39 consenting patients (mean age = 56 years; female = 56.4 percent; Malay = 53.8 percent), 38.5 percent were users of CIMT. Dried medicinal roots, herbs and sea cucumber products were the most preferred types of CIMT (53.3 percent). The most common reason cited for usage was because these were easier and simpler to be administered (46.7 percent). Although users attitudes, beliefs and perceptions were more favourable than the non-users, between 30.0-73.3 percent of users remained unsure or had no knowledge regarding CIMT. They also exhibited significantly poorer Physical Symptoms than the non-users (p=0.006), a probable motive for seeking CIMT in the first place. Despite the small sample size, the findings provided some insight into the role of CIMT especially with regard to usage trends and overall well-being among the terminally-ill, of which healthcare professionals should constantly be vigilant of amidst their routine care responsibilities.
The political economy of the rise and decline of developmental states
Authors: Medeiros de
Published: April 2011

Based on a classical political economy, on Latin American structuralism, and
on Gramscian perspective about the state this paper argues that national
economic strategies are formed by particular interactions between
institutions and economic structures and evolve according to social conflicts
in a non neutral international environment. This idea is explored to
interpret the rise of the developmental state in some national development
strategies experienced by peripheral countries during the highest convergence
period of the Golden Age and its crisis and redefinitions during the greatest
divergence phase and neoliberal reforms of the last two decades of the 20th
century.
R&D and economic growth in Slovenia: A dynamic general equilibrium approach with endogenous growth
Authors: Verbic Miroslav , Majcen Boris , Ivanova Olga , Cok Mitja
Published: April 2011

In the article, we model R&D as a major endogenous growth element in a small
open economy general equilibrium framework and consider several R&D policy
scenarios for Slovenia. Increase of the share of sectoral investment in R&D
that is deductible from the corporate income tax and increase of government
spending on R&D turned out to be the most effective suggested policy
measures. While the former policy measure is still followed in part by an
undesired transfer of the tax relief to dividends, a moderate increase of
government spending on R&D boosts long-run productivity in the economy, thus
increasing the future value of firms, which is reflected in a desired
dividend increase. The households that would gain more utility from such
policy scenarios are those with more skilled and highly skilled labour, but
not the very top earners in the economy.
Citizenship and Empowering Processes: A Study of Youth Experiences of Participation in Leisure Activities
Authors: Lindström Lisbeth
Published: April 2011

The current study seeks to enrich our understanding of citizenship behaviour in the setting of meeting places for youth such as youth clubs, by identifying the main factors that may enhance this behaviour among youth leaders. Of special interest is whether youth leaders' or similar staffers' empowerment can serve as a mediator between young people's expectations about influence and participation and the development of their citizenship. Of interest are both empowering processes as well as empowered outcomes. The method used was a questionnaire sent out to young people visiting youth clubs and similar meeting places for the young, followed up with interviews. In the study, it was found that in youth clubs and similar meeting places for youth, empowering processes take place and, furthermore, that the young people have the chance to develop their citizenship there. On one hand, the study indicates that youth clubs and similar meeting places can be environments for shared possibilities for citizens. On the other hand, it is possible to be critical of the positive responses from the youth in taking part in the study, because if they felt negative they would not come back, which indicates the necessity of further research. To conclude, citizenship and empowerment embrace aspects of youth transition and outcomes of youth development concurrently.
How an Advocacy NGO Can Contribute to Political Socialization: A Case Study in Hong Kong
Authors: Yuen Timothy Wai Wa , Leung Yan Wing
Published: April 2011

This article is based on a case study done on a Hong Kong advocacy non-government organization (NGO) that has worked as a civic educator. Civic education programmes of the NGO were observed. In-depth interviews were carried out with the personnel of the NGO. The participants in the programmes were also interviewed and questionnaires were conducted to study the impact of the programmes. This article discusses the changing nature of political socialization and explores, with the help of the case study in Hong Kong, how an advocacy NGO may contribute to political socialization by serving as a civic educator. It is hoped that this work can contribute to the literature about the possible role of advocacy NGOs in political socialization, particularly in augmenting other social institutions that are also active in this realm, such as schools and churches.
Oral health–related quality of life in Dutch children with cleft lip and/or palate
Authors: Bos Annemieke , Prahl Charlotte
Published: April 2011

Objective:

To investigate the oral health–related quality of life (OH-RQoL) of Dutch cleft lip and palate patients. It was hypothesized that (1) there is no difference between cleft patients' and their parents' reports of patients' OH-RQoL; (2) there are no gender differences; (3) there are no differences in OH-RQoL between cleft patients with regard to their symptoms; and (4) there is no difference between patients above and below 12 years of age.

Materials and Methods:

The sample consisted of 122 patients with clefts (age range, 8–15 years) and their parents. Respondents were recruited from the cleft palate team of Amsterdam. They completed the Child Oral Health–Related Quality of Life questionnaire (COHIP). Items were divided into five different subscales, and scores on all subscales were compared between and within groups.

Results:

Patients' and parents' perceptions differed significantly on three of the five subscales. Girls and boys did not differ significantly with regard to their perception of reported OH-RQoL. The cleft lip and cleft lip and alveolus [CL(A)] subgroup scored significantly higher on the functional well-being subscale. The cleft patients aged 12 years and older scored significantly lower on the emotional well-being and oral symptoms subscales when compared with their younger peers.

Conclusions:

Only the second hypothesis was not rejected in this study. This means that parents are not interchangeable with regard to reporting on their children's perceptions related to OH-RQoL, that OH-RQoL changes with age, and that it is important that subgroups are respected when investigating OH-RQoL in cleft patients.
Trunk Versus Extremity Adiposity and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in White and African American Adults
Authors: Hu Gang , Bouchard Claude , Bray George A. , Greenway Frank L. , Johnson William D. , Newton Robert L. , Ravussin Eric , Ryan Donna H. , Katzmarzyk Peter T.
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

To determine contributions of trunk and extremity adiposity to cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) among white and African American adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The sample consisted of 1,129 white women, 779 African American women, 1,012 white men, and 300 African American men.

RESULTS

Higher trunk adiposity was significantly associated with an increased risk of having two or more cardiometabolic risk factors among African American and white men and women. After adjustment for trunk and arm adiposity, higher leg adiposity was significantly associated with a decreased risk of having two or more cardiometabolic risk factors among white men and women and African American women.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast with adverse risk with high trunk adiposity, high leg adiposity is associated with a decreased risk of having two or more cardiometabolic risk factors in both African American and white adults.
Increasing Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Korea
Authors: Lim Soo , Shin Hayley , Song Jung Han , Kwak Soo Heon , Kang Seon Mee , Won Yoon Ji , Choi Sung Hee , Cho Sung Il , Park Kyong Soo , Lee Hong Kyu , Jang Hak Chul , Koh Kwang Kon
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

The number of people with metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide, and changes in socioenvironmental factors contribute to this increase. Therefore, investigation of changes in metabolic syndrome and its components in South Korea, where rapid socioenvironmental changes have occurred in recent years, would be foundational in setting up an effective strategy for reducing this increasing trend.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We compared the prevalence and pattern of metabolic syndrome among participants in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys for 1998, 2001, 2005, and 2007. In each survey, stratified, multistage, probability–sampling designs and weighting adjustments were conducted to represent the entire Korean population. The revised National Cholesterol Education Program criteria were used as the definition of metabolic syndrome. All biochemical parameters were measured in a central laboratory.

RESULTS

A total of 6,907 (mean ± SE age 45.0 ± 0.2 years), 4,536 (45.5 ± 0.2), 5,373 (47.1 ± 0.2), and 2,890 (49.9 ± 0.3) Koreans over 20 years of age have participated in the studies in 1998, 2001, 2005, and 2007, respectively. The age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased significantly from 24.9% in 1998, 29.2% in 2001, and 30.4% in 2005 to 31.3% in 2007. Among the five components, the level of low HDL cholesterol increased the most, by 13.8% over the 10 years. Abdominal obesity and hypertriglyceridemia followed, with 8.7 and 4.9% increases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Because dyslipidemia and abdominal obesity were major factors in increasing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Koreans for the past 10 years, lifestyle interventions should be conducted at the national level to reduce the burden and consequences of metabolic syndrome.
Association Between Diagnosed Diabetes and Self-Reported Cancer Among U.S. Adults
Authors: Li Chaoyang , Balluz Lina S. , Ford Earl S. , Okoro Catherine A. , Tsai James , Zhao Guixiang
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between diagnosed diabetes and self-reported cancer among U.S. adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed data for 397,783 adults who participated in the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and had valid data on diabetes and cancer.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounders, diabetic men had higher adjusted prevalence ratios for cancers of the prostate (1.1 [95% CI 1.0–1.3]), colon (1.3 [1.0–1.7]), pancreas (4.6 [1.8–11.7]), rectum (2.2 [1.0–4.7]), urinary bladder (1.7 [1.2–2.2]), and kidney (1.9 [1.2–3.0]) than nondiabetic men (all P < 0.05). Diabetic women had higher adjusted prevalence ratios for cancers of the breast (1.1 [1.0–1.3]) and endometrium (1.6 [1.2–2.0]), and leukemia (2.3 [1.3–4.2]) than nondiabetic women (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that diabetic adults have higher prevalences of certain cancers than nondiabetic adults.
Variable-rate colour image quantization based on quadtree segmentation
Authors: Hu Y. , Li C. , Chuang J. , Lo C.
Published: April 2011

A novel variable-sized block encoding with threshold control for colour image quantization (CIQ) is presented in this paper. In CIQ, the colour palette used has a great influence on the reconstructed image quality. Typically, a higher image quality and a larger storage cost are obtained when a larger-sized palette is used in CIQ. To cut down the storage cost while preserving quality of the reconstructed images, the threshold control policy for quadtree segmentation is used in this paper. Experimental results show that the proposed method adaptively provides desired bit rates while having better image qualities comparing to CIQ with the usage of multiple palettes of different sizes.
Diallel analysis of seven quantitative traits in deshi jute (Corchorus capsularis L.)
Authors: Khatun Rahima , Sarker RH , Sobhan MA
Published: April 2011

Genetic constitution of yield and its associated traits of Corchorus capsularis L. was investigated using a 10 × 10 full diallel cross experiment. Additive gene action system with partial dominance was predominat for plant height, technical height, base diameter and number of nodes in F1. Non-allellic interaction was involved in the inheritance of bark weight and stick weight in F2. The Vr - Wr graph for bark weight and fibre weight of F1 and F2 showed an additive genetic system with dominance effect. The parents Acc. 4087 and var. A-38 possessed maximum number of dominant alleles for most of the characters. Acc.1833 possessed an excess of recessive genes for all the characters. Key words: Diallel analysis; Inheritance; Dominance effect; Corchorus capsularisDOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i2.7299 Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(2): 137-141, 2010 (December)
Phytoplankton standing crop and its diversity in the Buragauranga River estuary in relation to chemical environment
Authors: Ahmed Ashfaque , Hoque Sirajul , Ohlson Mikael , Akanda Md Abdus Salam , Moula Md Golam
Published: April 2011

Chemical and biological features of Buragauranga river estuary stretching about eight kilometers beside Rangabali of Galachipa Upozilla, Patuakhali district, Bangladesh showed that the water of the estuary was moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 - 8.21). Conductivity had moderate to very strong and perfect significant correlations (at 5% level) with the chemical variables. Magnesium was found to have very strong relationship with different fractions of hardness whereas Ca had moderate correlation. The phytoplankton community was represented by 10 genera belonging to Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Bacilariophyceae. Bacillariophyceae was the dominant algal class (8 genera, 80%). Trachelomonas sp. of Euglenophyceae was present in all the 12 sampling units of 3 locations indicating its dominancy and capacity to tolerate habitat fluctuations. Location 2 showed higher generic diversity than the other two locations. Principal component analysis showed that Trachelomonas sp. has negative significant correlation with principal component one i.e. Mg, K, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand and salinity have negative effect on the distribution of Trachelomonas sp. whereas these variables have positive effects on Coscinodiscus sp. Key words: Phytoplankton standing crop; Diversity; Estuary; Chemical environment; Bangladesh DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i2.7300 Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(2): 143-151, 2010 (December)
Limnology of Lake Bogakain, Bandarban, Bangladesh
Authors: Khondker Moniruzzaman , Alfasane Md Almujaddade , Islam Md Shafiqul , Bhuiyan M Azmal Hossain , Gani Md Ataul
Published: April 2011

Bogakain, a natural high altitude (372 m) lake of Bangladesh has been limnologically investigated for the first time. At mid-point, the depth of the lake was measured 46.54 m and the Secchi visibility was 2.37 m. Water temperature from 1-10 m depth gradient showed slight stratification in the lake which varied from 27.0 - 22.4° C at 1.00 pm. pH at the different depths ranged from 7.8 - 9.1, conductivity from 75 - 80 μS/cm and TDS from 39 - 42 mg/l. Alkalinity ranged from 0.8 - 1.24 meq/l and DO from 0.61 - 11.39 mg/l. A total of 40 species of phytoplank-ton were recorded from the lake of which 21 belonged to Chlorophyceae followed by Cynaophyceae (5), Bacillariophyceae (4), Cryptophyceae (4), Euglenophyceae (3), Dinophyceae (2) and Chrysophyceae (1). Bloom by Synnechocystis salina Wisl was observed at 10 m depth. Water temperature correlated negatively and significantly with depth. Phytoplankton biomass as chl a correlated positively with phytoplankton density and water depth. The former variable showed negative correlation with pH and water temperature. Lake Bogakain is the deepest natural lake of Bangladesh and many of the previous concepts regarding the lake i.e., fishless, highly turbid water and it has got a thermal spring at the bottom was found invalid. Key words: Bogakain; Limnology; Macrophyte; Phytoplankton; Bangladesh DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i2.7301 Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(2): 153-159, 2010 (December)
Localization of 5S rDNA and 18S-5.8S-25S rDNA probes in Crinum latifolium L. genome
Authors: Alam Sheikh Shamimul , Zaman Md Yahia , Rahman Md Shahidur
Published: April 2011

Two conserved repeats viz. 5S rDNA and 18S-5.8S-25S rDNA were used as probes for physical mapping in the genome of Crinum latifolium L. (2n = 3X = 33). Nine out of 11 5S rDNA signals were found in three chromosomes of group VI at metaphase. The 5S rDNA gene array were not AT-rich. Four 18S-5.8S- 25S rDNA signals at interphase, prophase and metaphase showed their stable nature. The contraction and expansion of these signal regions proved the euchromatic nature of 18S-5.8S-25S rDNA. The 5S rDNA and the 18S-5.8S-25S rDNA signals provided useful cytogenetic markers for C. latifolium genome. Patterns of 5S rDNA signals suggested the possible structural aberration in the genome. Although the 5S rDNA sites suggested C. latifolium as autotriploid, 18S-5.8S-25S rDNA sites did not conclude anything about the nature of genome. Unequivocal determination of the nature of genome in C. latifolium remained unanswered. Key words: rDNA FISH; Crinum latifolium DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i2.7481 Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(2): 199-205, 2010 (December)
Notes on the Rubiaceae. 3. Five new records for Bangladesh
Authors: Das SC , Rahman Mohammad Atiqur
Published: April 2011

Critical examinations of some unnamed specimens of the family Rubiaceae collected from Sylhet, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Rangamati districts confirmed the identification of five species which have not been previously recorded from Bangladesh. These species are: Argostemma sarmentosum Wall., Mussaenda incana Wall. ex Roxb., Mycetia mukerjiana Deb & Dutta, Oxyceros rugulosus (Thwaites) Tirveng. and Tarenna helferi (Kurz) N.P. Balakr. The genus Argostemma Wall. is also a new record for Bangladesh. These species are described and illustrated along with ecology, geographical distribution and occurrence. Key words: New records; Rubiaceae; Bangladesh DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i2.7482 Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(2): 215-222, 2010 (December)
Effects of Fosetyl-Al, a fungicide on meiosis of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.
Authors: Çali Ilkay Özturk , Kesercioglu Teoman
Published: April 2011

Effects of Fosetyl-Al (80% Aliette WG 800), widely applied on tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown in greenhouse against Phytophthora infestans revealed that at recommended dosage (200 g/100 l water) and the double dosage (400 g/100 l water), the fungicide causes various anomalies in pollen meiosis. Key words: Fosetyl-A;, Fungicide; Lycopersicon esculentum; Meiosis; Pollens DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i2.7486 Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(2): 237-240, 2010 (December)
Performance of mesophytic species planted in the coast of Char Kashem, Pataukhali, Bangladesh
Authors: Moula Md Golam
Published: April 2011

Mesophytic species such as Acacia nilotica, Albizia labeck, Albizia procera, Casuarina equisetifolia, Pithocellobium dulche, Samanea saman and Thespesia populnea were raised in the western coast of Char Kashem under Patuakhali district of Bangladesh. After seven years of planting highest survivability was found in A. labeck followed by P. dulche, C. equisetifolia, S. saman, A. procera, A. nilotica and T. populnea. The mean maximum diameter at breast height was found in S. saman followed by C. equisetifolia, A. procera, A. labeck, P. dulche, A. nilotica and T. populnea. The maximum plant height was found in C. equisetifolia followed by S. saman, A. procera, T. populnea, A. nilotica, A. labeck and P. dulche indicating suitability of all the seven species for plantation at Char Kashem. Key words: Mesophytes; Coastal afforestation; Growth performance; Bangladesh DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i2.7488 Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(2): 245-247, 2010 (December)
Turbidities in the Upper Bhuban Member of the Sitakund anticline, Chittagong, Southestern Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Mrinal Kanti , Moniruzzaman M , Alam AKM Badrul , Kabir MR , Chaudhuri Sibendu , Mahmud Sultan , Roy Partha Jit
Published: April 2011

The Upper Bhuban Member in the Sitakund anticline, Chittagong, Southeastern Bangladesh is constituted by the light gray, light yellow and greenish gray sandstone and siltstone with dark gray, bluish black and black finely laminated silty shale to shale. The lithofacies of massive sandstone(Sm), turbidite sandstone (ST), flat bedded sandstone-siltstone (Sh), ripple cross laminated sandstone-siltstone (Sr), laminated sandstone-siltstone (Sl), lenticular laminated sandstone-siltstone-shale (Sll), wavy laminated silty shale to shale (Fw), laminated shale (Fl) with sub-facies black shale (Flbk) and blue shale (Flb) and mudstone (Fm) have been delineated in this member. Based on genetic aspects the facies are grouped into (1) turbidity generated - and (2) deep marine basin plain facies association. The medium to fine grained facies Sm and ST with or without Sh, Sr, Sl Sll Fw and Fm facies constitutes the turbidity generated facie association. The deep marine basin plain facies association is characterized by the monotonous hemi-pelagic bluish black shale (subfacies Flb) and pelagic black shale (subfacies Flbk) with rare to scare silty stringers of facies Sh, Sr, Sl, Sll and Fw. The facies Sm is turbidity channel in the inner part of medial fan and the complete ST sequence indicates channelized forms, while incomplete ones have been identified as channel or interchannel deposits in medial to distal fan. The facies Flb and Flbk denote deep marine environments above and below the carbonate compensation depth, where the lithofacies facies Sh, Sr, Sl, Sll and Fw were deposited as distal turbidites. The facies sequence of medial to distal fan and deep marine basin plain were repeated and randomly juxtaposed one upon other due to instability of basin probably by faulting along Dauki and adjoining area accompanied by sea level change. The paleoflow pattern indicates that the dominant source of detrius was the Shillong plateau along with minor contribution from the Himalayas and Arakan Yoma Folded Belt. Keywords: Turbidites; Upper Bhuban Member; Sitakund anticline; SE Bangladesh. DOI: 10.3329/jles.v2i2.7491 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 2(2) 1-16, 2007
Growth analysis in relation to sowing dates in four varieties of wheat: a functional approach
Authors: Haider SA
Published: April 2011

Effect of three different sowing dates on growth of four varieties of wheat was analyzed using functional techniques. Crop growth rate (CGR), relative leaf growth rate (RLGR) and specific leaf area (SLA) were higher in the early sown plants compared to late sown plants. Net assimilation rate (NAR) in all the varieties increased slowly at the early stages of growth while it increased sharply at the later stages with fluctuations in most cases. The declining tendency was found in SLA at the middle stage of growth except variety C 306. Higher values of CGR were found in the early sown Protiva, leaf weight ratio (LWR) in the late sown C 306 and early sown Opata, RLGR in the early sown Opata and C 306, SLA in the late sown Opata and Protiva and NAR in all the four varieties when they were sown late. Key words: Wheat; sowing date; growth; functional technique DOI: 10.3329/jles.v2i2.7492 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 2(2) 17-25, 2007
Histopathology of some diseased fishes
Authors: Hossain M Kabil , Hossain M Delwar , Rahman M Habibur
Published: April 2011

A study on the histopathology of some diseased fishes was carried out during the period from July 2005 to June 2006 in the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi. Symptoms of diseases of different fish species showed variation among the species and its distribution. The parasites were first found to settled on the body surface and tip of the gills of fishes and attach themselves on the surface by their powerful sucking devices. From the histopathological observations it appeared that gills and body surface were the main infested areas and gill filaments were damaged by the parasites. The histochemical studies showed that the disease caused extensive damages to the blood elements by rupturing blood capillaries, causing necrosis, coagulation and haemorrhage. Key words: Histopathology; symptoms; diseased fish DOI: 10.3329/jles.v2i2.7497 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 2(2) 47-50, 2007
Variations in depressive affects due to differences in gender and residence
Authors: Huq Sultana Zakiya
Published: April 2011

The study explores the phenomenon of depression as a function of gender and residence. A total of 40 respondents constituted the sample. The age of the respondents ranged from 40-65 years. A 2×2 factorial design representing two levels of gender (Male/Female) and two levels of residential background (Urban/Rural) was used. Two hypotheses were formulated. The first hypothesis states that female would exhibit more depressive symptoms than the males. The second hypothesis states that respondents with rural residential background would exhibit more depressive symptoms than the respondents with urban residential background. The statistical technique of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the analysis of data. The results provided empirical support to the second hypothesis. It was found that respondents with rural residential background expressed significantly more depressive symptoms than the respondents with urban residential background. Key words: Depressive affect; self-esteem; adolescence; brain chemistry; mental health. DOI: 10.3329/jles.v2i2.7498 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 2(2) 51-55, 2007
Numerical modelling technique for predicting the seismic fault zone (SFZ) in the earthquakes affected area, NW Himalayas with its neotectonic implication
Authors: Howladar M Farhad , Afroz Sharmin , Islam Shofiqul
Published: April 2011

Finite elements analysis is a powerful tool, often used for analyzing problems on stress, that can be successfully employed to analyze the finite deformation of geological structures in a mathematical form on a digital computer. Over the last century, great earthquakes with magnitudes of 7->8 have struck in the NW Himalaya; the 1905 Kangra earthquake is one of them. This study performed a plane strain analysis of failure stress and faults in these earthquakes potential region based on the seismic geologic cross profile employing the two-dimensional finite element method under elastic material state with Mohr Coulomb failure criterion. The results show that the normal fault initiates at deeper level, whereas with increasing convergent displacement the thrust fault appears in the shallower region. The results of the simulation are compared with the available seismic and earthquakes focal mechanism solution data of the area which shows the close similarities between the distribution of simulated fault and microseismicity in the deeper region of Chamba Nappe (CN) and along the upper part of the Mid Crustal Ramp (MCR) which might be the Seismic Fault Zone (SFZ) of the region. Moreover, the intense localization of faults along the frontal part of the model indicates that this part is active in nature at present, which is responsible for the neotectonics in the Himalayas. Keywords: NW Himalaya; numerical technique; seismic fault zone; neotectonics DOI: 10.3329/jles.v2i2.7499 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 2(2) 57-65, 2007
The response of Aster amellus (Asteraceae) to mycorrhiza depends on the origins of both the soil and the fungi
Authors: Pánková Hana , Münzbergová Zuzana , Rydlová Jana , Vosátka Miroslav
Published: April 2011

• Premise of study: Previous studies testing pairwise interactions between plants, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soil have shown that the effectiveness of such interactions depends on the origins of the plants, soil, and AMF. Surprisingly, no study has yet looked at the three‐way interaction between plants, soil, and AMF originating from the same and from different sites. Such knowledge could elucidate the determinants of local adaptations of plants and thus might help in various revegetation attempts.

• Methods: Six populations of the obligately mycorrhizal plant species Aster amellus from two isolated regions were combined with the soil and the AMF ecotype from their sites and plant growth were monitored over 16 months.

• Key results: For each combination of soil and native AMF, plants grown with their native AMF in their native soil had higher aboveground biomass, invested more to aboveground biomass and had higher numbers of flower heads than the other plants. The specificity of the relationship among plant populations, AMF, and soil was also observed for percentage of root colonization.

• Conclusions: The study extends our knowledge of the specific interaction between plants and AMF by demonstrating that the positive effect of native AMF occurs only when the plants are also grown in their native soil. Thus, when attempting to facilitate plant growth, we need to consider the origin of the plants, the soil, and the AMF, because all three components are adapted to each other.
Endosymbiosis and population differentiation in wild and cultivated Lolium perenne (Poaceae)
Authors: Cheplick Gregory P.
Published: April 2011

• Premise of the study: Endophytic fungi are common inhabitants of cool‐season grasses that can affect host growth and reproduction. One prerequisite for the expected coevolution between symbionts is that there exist variable effects of the endosymbiont on its host in different environments. Here, the impact of endophytes (Neotyphodium lolii) on survival, growth, and reproduction of wild populations of Lolium perenne from its native range (Italy, Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia) and two United States cultivars was explored.

• Methods: Two unmanaged, common gardens 30 m apart in New Jersey, USA, were planted with endophyte‐infected and uninfected plants of the six populations in August 2008. Plants were scored for tiller number and lengths, and survival in October and December 2008 and May and September 2009; flowering tillers (spikes) were counted in spring 2009. A greenhouse experiment was designed to assess tiller production and growth of four populations.

• Key results: There were significant effects of population and garden on tiller number and lengths but no detectable effects of endophytes. Populations from Italy and Morocco and the two US cultivars grew well in one garden, but Tunisian plants grew the least in either garden. Overwinter survival and postflowering survival were unaffected by endophytes. Spike production was strongly influenced by population. Although populations varied, there were no differences in growth between infected and uninfected plants in the greenhouse.

• Conclusions: Due to the absence of unambiguous endophyte‐mediated effects on growth and reproduction of these differentiated populations, putative coevolutionary relations between the endosymbiont and its native host species remain obscure in this grass–endophyte system.
Sorting of droplets by migration on structured surfaces
Authors: Konrad Wilfried , Roth-Nebelsick Anita
Published: April 2011

Background: Controlled transport of microdroplets is a topic of interest for various applications. It is well known that liquid droplets move towards areas of minimum contact angle if placed on a flat solid surface exhibiting a gradient of contact angle. This effect can be utilised for droplet manipulation. In this contribution we describe how controlled droplet movement can be achieved by a surface pattern consisting of cones and funnels whose length scales are comparable to the droplet diameter.

Results: The surface energy of a droplet attached to a cone in a symmetry-preserving way can be smaller than the surface energy of a freely floating droplet. If the value of the contact angle is fixed and lies within a certain interval, then droplets sitting initially on a cone can gain energy by moving to adjacent cones.

Conclusion: Surfaces covered with cone-shaped protrusions or cavities may be devised for constructing “band-conveyors” for droplets. In our approach, it is essentially the surface structure which is varied, not the contact angle. It may be speculated that suitably patterned surfaces are also utilised in biological surfaces where a large variety of ornamentations and surface structuring are often observed.
Histoires de famille
Authors: Rey Jean-Michel
Published: April 2011

Le Comte de Monte-Cristo d’Alexandre Dumas et Les Buddenbrook de Thomas Mann ont en commun d’aborder les problèmes relatifs au crédit dans l’optique d’une simple histoire de famille. Dans les deux cas, une part essentielle de l’intrigue est le mouvement d’une chute qui a pour raison d’être la duplicité d’un individu à l’endroit du cercle de famille, la chose étant longtemps dissimulée. La réussite sociale et financière d’un personnage se double d’une défaillance spectaculaire. La famille apparaît ici comme un condensé de la société entière ; et le mouvement de déclin affecte aussi bien les valeurs financières que les valeurs morales. Les avatars de l’argent sont multiples, imprévisibles, ce qu’on sait depuis la Banqueroute de Law en 1720. L’analyse proposée par les romans est à chaque fois d’une grande précision, à la hauteur de ce que disent les traités d’économie du moment, le jeune Marx par exemple. On y trouve notamment une réflexion importante sur la nécessité de la garantie dans la perspective du crédit, et sur sa fragilité constitutive, sa quasi-impossibilité. On formule à la fin l’hypothèse suivante : les romans dans lesquels le crédit intervient sous un angle familial, ou simplement intime, s’accompagnent, sur un mode direct ou non, d’une théorie du roman, le plus souvent esquissée. L’exemple par excellence étant The Confidence-Man de Melville. L’espace du roman est sans aucun doute celui qui est le plus accueillant pour comprendre cette chose nouvelle au XIX e siècle que sont les principales opérations du crédit.
Mots à crédit : L'Argent, de Zola, ou la presse au cœur du marché de la confiance
Authors: Wrona Adeline
Published: April 2011

Cet article analyse les formes de convergence liant, au XIX e siècle, la presse et le monde de la Bourse. En s’attachant particulièrement au roman de Zola, L’Argent , il montre comment le régime périodique s’impose au monde du crédit, en même temps que la banque opère une mainmise complète sur la direction des principaux titres de presse. La réflexion propose dans un second temps de voir dans le roman zolien une représentation à double détente de cette consanguinité du texte périodique et du crédit – deux univers qui ont en commun leur matérialité (le papier), leur publicité (qui donne sens aux transactions), et leur périodicité (la bourse est en soi périodique). Publié en feuilleton dans un journal fameux pour ses chroniques boursières, L’Argent joue à double titre de la confusion des rôles existant entre le financier, « poète du million », et le romancier, qui fidélise les lecteurs pour le compte des banques.
Les Foules de Lourdes ou le dernier dialogue
Authors: El Kettani Soundouss
Published: April 2011

Le titre choisi par Huysmans pour le dernier récit publié de son vivant, Les Foules de Lourdes, est en décalage par rapport à l’œuvre et s’avère comme une anomalie qui ne trouve sa résolution que dans une ultime et nécessaire évocation de Zola. Ce premier lien établi, une lecture comparative des Foules de Lourdes et de Lourdes montre que le texte de Huysmans a pour référence première celui de Zola à la fois dans la description de la ville mariale, dans la narration des multiples récits qui y pullulent et dans la réaction aux spectacles d’horreur auxquels elle confronte ses visiteurs. Cet ultime dialogue permet à Huysmans non seulement de liquider son ancienne « obsession » envers le maître décédé mais également et surtout de proposer un au-delà du naturalisme qui anticipe, plus que ne l’aura fait le naturalisme spiritualiste envisagé dans Là-bas , l’écriture du XX e siècle, dans un renversement total de la formule romanesque zolienne où l’individu était sacrifié à la foule.
Point Defects Generation Kinetics in the Si-SiO2 System and its Influence on the Interface Properties
Authors: Kropman Daniel , Kärner Tiit , Dolgov Sergei , Heinmaa Ivo , Londos Charalamos A.
Published: April 2011

It has been shown by means of EPR and NMR technique that at the Si-SiO2 interface at appropriate oxidation temperature (time) local dynamical equilibrium may be achieved. At oxidation temperature 1130oC the dencity of point defects is less than at lower and higher temperature (1100oC and 1200°C) and the content of absorbed impurities (hydrogen, oxygen) diminishes.
Kelvin Probe Force Microscope Measurement Uncertainty
Authors: Ligowski Maciej , Tabe Michiharu , Jabłoński Ryszard
Published: April 2011

Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy is an attractive technique for characterizing the surface potential of various samples. The main advantage of this technique is its high spatial resolution together with high sensitivity. However as in any nanoscale measurements also in case of KFM it is extremly difficult to describe the uncertainty of the measurement. Moreover, a wide variety of measuring conditions, together with the complicated operation principle cause situation, where no standard calibration methods are available. In the paper we propose the model of the KFM microscope and analyze the uncertainty of the KFM measurement.
Influence of Laser Radiation on Optical Properties and Surface Structure of CdZnTe Crystal
Authors: Mychko A. , Medvid' Artur , Barloti Janis , Naseka Yu.
Published: April 2011

The change of surface of Cd0.9Zn0.1Te crystal morphology after irradiation by pulsed Nd:YAG laser has been studied. Thermogradient effect (TGE) has the main role in the interaction process of laser radiation with semiconductors. A change of the irradiated surface relief has been observed by atom force microscope. Self-organizing nano-cones are observed on the irradiated surface of Cd0.9Zn0.1Te crystal at intensity of the laser in the range of 4.0 – 12.0 MW/cm2. A graded band gap structure with optical window was formed at the top of nano-cones.
Surface Functionalization of Graphene Layer-Encapsulated Magnetic Nanoparticles by Inductively Coupled Plasma
Authors: Nagatsu Masaaki , Saraswati Teguh E. , Ogino Akihisa
Published: April 2011

The graphene layer-encapsulated iron nanoparticles were modified by pre-treatment of Ar plasma and post-treatment of NH3 plasma using an inductively coupled RF plasma. Analysis of XPS spectra have been carried out to study the effect of the plasma treatment on the improvement of enrichment of nitrogen-containing groups. The morphology of nanoparticles has been also analyzed by using a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) together with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping to observe the distribution of elements.
Decrease of Point Defect Concentration at a Surface of ZnO/Si Heterostructure by Powerful Laser Radiation
Authors: Onufrijevs Pavels , Medvid' Artur , Dauksta Edvins , Trautnitz Tina
Published: April 2011

It was shown the possibility to improve ZnO crystal lattice by powerful Nd:YAG laser radiation. The measurements of photoluminescence spectra have shown the decrease of the spectra intensity of defect related band with maximum at 2.4 eV after irradiation by laser. The control of photoluminescence spectra intensity of defect related band was achieved by different laser radiation intensity. Topography studies using atomic force microscope showed smoothing of the surface, as well. The formation of nanocavities on ZnO/Si sample surface at higher laser radiation intensity was detected by scanning electron microscope.
Integration of Optical Fibres into Textile Products
Authors: Parkova Inese , Valishevskis Alexander , Ziemele Inese , Vilumsone Ausma
Published: April 2011

There have been developed a children’s smart clothing prototype reacting to microclimate changes by signalling with the help of an optical fibre fabric output interface and a mother’s purse receiving the given data via wireless communication and displaying it on an LCD screen. During the research, the optical fibre fabric was tested in order to determine its reaction to external stimuli and define its layout within clothes. Child jacket’s logic was based on Arduino LilyPad. On the other hand, AVR microcontroller was used in pursue, which yielded a more economical and compact solution, although it was not as developer-friendly as LilyPad.
Dynamic Force Sensor for In Situ Studies of Nanometer Size Contacts with Controllable Gap Potential
Authors: Popļausks Raimonds , Birjukovs Pāvels , Prikulis Juris , Lõhmus Rünno , Erts Donats
Published: April 2011

Nanometer size mechanical devices, which utilize dynamic force interaction, such as friction, may provide basis for new generation of electromechanical applications with superior speed and energy effectiveness compared to conventional semiconductor electronics. Experimental verification of theoretical model systems for friction force on nanoscale is difficult since the interaction is sensitive to exact chemical composition of interacting materials as well as precise definition of the contact geometry. In this work we address the geometrical and electrostatic aspect of dynamic shear force interaction between two nanometer size objects. An atomic force microscope (AFM) tip is attached to a quartz tuning fork (TF) in a way, which minimizes the added mass to the TF prongs and allows accurate control of the contact potential. The nanogap to the mating electrode is established by in-situ piezoelectric manipulator in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The TF oscillation signal recorded at various gap distances shows distinct dependency on applied electrostatic potential.
Relaxation of Resonant Excitons in CdSe Nanocrystals: Simple Variational Calculation
Authors: Pundyk Iryna , Dmitruk Igor , Davydenko M. , Romanyuk V. , Kasuya A.
Published: April 2011

The details of energy relaxation and multiple phonon scattering of a resonantly excited electron-hole pair confined in CdSe nanoparticle are studied at low temperature. Simple variational calculation of Ritz type have been performed to explain relaxation of excitons resonantly excited in CdSe nanoparticles in the case if initial photon absorption and creation of electron-hole pair takes place in the peripheral part of nanoparticle.
Mechanisms of Strong Photoluminescence from Si Nanocrystals
Authors: Puritis Talivaldis , Kaupuzs Jevgenijs , Dauksta Edvins
Published: April 2011

Photoluminescence mechanisms (models) are reviewed and experimental data are analyzed based on our model, related to direct radiative transitions from the second conduction sub-band to the first one.
Comparative Study of Photoluminescence in Silicon and Zinc Oxide Nanowires
Authors: Rudko G.Y. , Klimovskaya A.I.
Published: April 2011

The comparative study of indirect and direct gap (Si and ZnO, respectively) semiconductor nanowires (NWs) is reported. The NWs were grown on silicon substrates by gold-assisted self-assembly technique. SEM study demonstrated high-density of nanowires. HRTEM studies show that both types of NWs (Si and ZnO) are the naturally-grown heterostructures consisting of crystalline core and envelope. The variation of photoluminescence properties of NWs with cross section and/or the material of the samples is analyzed.
Influence of Impurity Band on Seebeck Coefficient in Heavily-Doped Si
Authors: Salleh Faiz , Ikeda Hiroya
Published: April 2011

We calculated the Seebeck coefficient of heavily-doped Si based on theoretical models of impurity-band formation, ionization-energy shift and conduction-band tailing. The impurity band was described by using two kinds of band-width definitions and it was found that the calculated Seebeck coefficient strongly depended on the impurity-band definition. In the high impurity-concentration region, the Seebeck coefficient decreased with increasing impurity concentration, and with a peak around 1×1019 cm-3. This result was qualitatively in good agreement with the experimental result, while there was quantitative disagreement between them.
Preparation and Evaluation of Novel Sugar Dendritic Gd-DTPA Complexes for MRI Contrast Agents and Phospha Sugars for Anti-Tumour Agents
Authors: Kiyofuji Keita , Tsunekawa Kenji , Yamashita Mitsuji , Yamashita Junko , Fujie Michio , Asai Kazuhide , Suyama Takuya , Ito Satoru , Reddy Valluru Krishna , Yamada Manabu , Ogawa Keisuke , Ozaki Nobuhisa , Sugiyama Masaki , Yamaoka Mayumi , Makita Reiko , Nakamura Satoki , Aoki Takashi , Yu Gang , Aoshima Kengo , Kamikage Nao , Takehara Yasuo , Sakahara Harumi , Takayanagi Hisao , Laurent Sophie , Burtea Carmen , Vander Elst Luce , Muller Robert N.
Published: April 2011

Novel Sugar Dendritic Gd(III)-DTPA complexes for MRI Contrast Agents (CAs) were prepared and evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods. The sugar dendritic MRI contrast agents had a good blood vessel pool character and drew blood vessels and liver cancers remarkably clearer and longer time enough than the clinically being used Gd(III)-DTPA complex (Magnevist). Phospha sugar derivatives or phosphorus heterocyclic derivatives provided by functional groups such as epoxide, bromide, etc., were prepared and evaluated by the MTT in vitro method. These phospha sugar derivatives showed excellent anti-proliferative effects of leukemia cell lines, e.g., K562 and U937, as well as solid cancer cells in fashions of (i) higher activity, (ii) wider spectra, and (iii) higher selectivity and specificity than Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), which is one of the most frequently used chemotherapeutical molecular targeting anti-tumour agent.
Setting Properties of Brushite and Hydroxyapatite Compound Cements
Authors: Irbe Zilgma , Vecbiskena Linda , Berzina-Cimdina Liga
Published: April 2011

In this work properties of potential brushite (CaHPO4•2H2O) and hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) compound cements are investigated. Calcium dihydrogenphosphate monohydrate (MCPM) and α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) were the starting materials for investigated cements. Setting time is controlled by adding setting time retarder – citrate ions and initially unreactive filler - monetite (CaHPO4). Some compositions of obtained cements contain both brushite and hydroxyapatite. However a substantial amount of monetite was present even if it is not added as filler. There is a strong evidence of presence of octacalcium phosphate – a precursor phase for hydroxyapatite that lacks long range order.
Recycling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics Using Subcritical Water
Authors: Okajima Idzumi , Hiramatsu Masataka , Sako Takeshi
Published: April 2011

The decomposition of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) was carried out to recover phenolic monomers and carbon fiber (CF) using subcritical water. The total yield of phenolic monomers reached 70.9% at 673K, 20MPa, 45min and 2.5wt% potassium carbonate catalyst. The tensile strength of the recovered CF was about 15% lower than that of a virgin one and it might be acceptable level for industrial use such as filler in polymers. The functional groups on the surface of the recovered CF decreased, comparing with a virgin one. Therefore the oxidation treatment of the recovered CF might be required, when we try to reuse it.