bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Component of the Disulfide-Reducing Pathway Required for Cytochrome c Assembly in Plastids
Authors: Gabilly Stéphane T , Kropat Janette , Karamoko Mohamed , Page M Dudley , Nakamoto Stacie S , Merchant Sabeeha S , Hamel Patrice P
Published: January 2011

In plastids, the conversion of energy in the form of light to ATP requires key electron shuttles, the c-type cytochromes, which are defined by the covalent attachment of heme to a CXXCH motif. Plastid c-type cytochrome biogenesis occurs in the thylakoid lumen and requires a system for transmembrane transfer of reductants. Previously, CCDA and CCS5/HCF164, found in all plastid-containing organisms, have been proposed as two components of the disulfide-reducing pathway. In this work, we identify a small novel protein, CCS4, as a third component in this pathway. CCS4 was genetically identified in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii on the basis of the rescue of the ccs4 mutant, which is blocked in the synthesis of holoforms of plastid c-type cytochromes, namely cytochromes f and c6. Although CCS4 does not display sequence motifs suggestive of redox or heme-binding function, biochemical and genetic complementation experiments suggest a role in the disulfide-reducing pathway required for heme attachment to apoforms of cytochromes c. Exogenous thiols partially rescue the growth phenotype of the ccs4 mutant concomitant with recovery of holocytochrome f accumulation, as does expression of an ectopic copy of the CCDA gene, encoding a trans-thylakoid transporter of reducing equivalents. We suggest that CCS4 might function to stabilize CCDA or regulate its activity.
Metronidazole Population Pharmacokinetics in Preterm Neonates Using Dried Blood-Spot Sampling
Authors: Suyagh Maysa , Collier Paul S. , Millership Jeffrey S. , Iheagwaram Godwill , Millar Muriel , Halliday Henry L. , McElnay James C.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVES:

To characterize the population pharmacokinetics of metronidazole in preterm neonates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Data were collected prospectively from 32 preterm neonates who received intravenous metronidazole for the treatment of or prophylaxis against necrotizing enterocolitis. Dried blood spots (n = 203) on filter paper were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the data were subjected to pharmacokinetic analysis performed by using nonlinear mixed-effect modeling.

RESULTS:

A 1-compartment model best described the data. Significant covariates were weight (WT) and postmenstrual age (PMA). The final population models for metronidazole clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (V) were: CL = 0.0247 × (WT/1.00)0.75 × (1 + 0.107 × [PMA − 30]) and V = 0.726 × WT, where CL is in liters per hour, WT is in kilograms, PMA is in weeks, and V is in liters. This model predicts that the half-life of metronidazole decreases rapidly from ∼40 hours at 25 weeks' PMA to 19 hours at 32 weeks' PMA, after which it starts to plateau. This decrease in half-life is the result of a 5-fold increase in CL compared with only a 2.5-fold increase in V during the same period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Currently, there are no specific dose recommendations for metronidazole in preterm neonates. However, a dosing scheme for preterm neonates that takes into consideration both the weight and PMA has been suggested and should avoid administration of doses that are excessive or more frequent than necessary.
Neurologic cytomegalovirus complications in patients with AIDS: retrospective review of 13 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Silva Camila Almeida , Oliveira Augusto C. Penalva de , Vilas-Boas Lucy , Fink Maria Cristina D.S. , Pannuti Cláudio S. , Vidal José E.
Published: January 2011

Neurological disorders caused by Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are rarely reported in the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) period. The objective of this study was to describe the main clinical and laboratory features of patients with CMV-related neurological complications in HIV-infected patients admitted to a referral center in São Paulo, Brazil. CMV disease requires the identification of the virus in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Thirteen cases were identified between January, 2004 and December, 2008. The median age of patients was 38 years and nine (69%) were men. At admission all patients were aware of their HIV status and only four (31%) patients were on HAART. Patients who were not on antiretroviral therapy before admission received HAART while inpatients. CMV disease was the first AIDS-defining illness in eight (62%) patients. The neurologic syndromes identified were diffuse encephalitis (n = 7; 62%), polyradiculopathy (n = 7; 54%), focal encephalitis (rhombencephalitis) (n = 1; 8%), and ventriculo-encephalitis (n = 1; 8%). Seven (54%) patients presented extra-neural CMV disease and four (31%) had retinitis. The median of CD4+ T-cell count was 13 cells/µL (range: 1-124 cells/µL). Overall in-hospital mortality was 38%. Eight patients used ganciclovir or foscarnet (in-hospital mortality: 50%) and five patients used ganciclovir and foscarnet (in-hospital mortality: 20%). None of the patients fulfilled the diagnosis criteria of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Four patients were lost to follow-up, and three patients presented immune recovery and discontinued secondary prophylaxis. Although infrequent, distinct neurological syndromes caused by CMV continue to cause high mortality among AIDS patients. Survival depends upon the use of effective antiviral therapy against CMV and the early introduction of HAART.
Structural equation modeling in epidemiology
Authors: Amorim Leila Denise Alves Ferreira , Fiaccone Rosemeire L. , Santos Carlos Antônio S. T. , Santos Tereza Nadya dos , Moraes Lia Terezinha L. P. de , Oliveira Nelson F. , Barbosa Silvano O. , Santos Darci Neves dos , Santos Letícia Marques dos , Matos Sheila M. A. , Barreto Maurício L.
Published: January 2011

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is an important statistical tool for evaluating complex relations in several research areas. In epidemiology, the use and discussion of SEM have been limited thus far. This article presents basic principles and concepts in SEM, including an application using epidemiological data analysis from a study on the determinants of cognitive development in young children, considering constructs related to organization of the child's home environment, parenting style, and the child's health status. The relations between the constructs and cognitive development were measured. The results showed a positive association between psychosocial stimulus at home and cognitive development in young children. The article presents the contributions by SEM to epidemiology, highlighting the need for an a priori theoretical model for improving the study of epidemiological questions from a new perspective.
Práticas dos trabalhadores de saúde na comunidade nos modelos de atenção básica do Sul e Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Martins Alexandra da Rosa , Silveira Denise Silva da , Siqueira Fernando Vinholes , Facchini Luiz Augusto , Piccini Roberto Xavier , Tomasi Elaine , Thumé Elaine , Soares Marilu Correa
Published: January 2011

Com o objetivo de verificar a prevalência de participação em práticas de saúde na comunidade, foi realizado um estudo transversal com 3.743 trabalhadores da atenção básica à saúde de 41 municípios com mais de 100 mil habitantes das regiões Sul e Nordeste do Brasil. A prevalência de participação foi de 62,7%, sendo significativamente maior no Nordeste e no Programa Saúde da Família (PSF). A prática mais realizada foi educação em saúde em datas festivas, palestras e grupos. Verificou-se associação positiva do desfecho com sexo (feminino), capacitação no manejo de doenças crônicas, utilização de protocolos, satisfação com reuniões comunitárias e unidade de saúde com ensino. As diferenças da prevalência do desfecho por região e modelo reafirmam as expectativas inerentes ao contexto histórico da reorganização da atenção básica à saúde. Os resultados indicam que é necessário ampliar a participação dos trabalhadores de saúde junto à comunidade, considerando que a atenção básica à saúde é o nível de atenção que oferece a possibilidade de construção de práticas equânimes em saúde.
The Impact of Smoking Status on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Malondialdehyde Levels in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Tonguç Mine Öztürk , Öztürk Önder , Sütçü Recep , Ceyhan Betül Mermi , Kılınç Gizem , Sönmez Yonca , Yetkin Ay Zuhal , Şahin Ünal , Baltacıoğlu Esra , Kırzıoğlu F.Yeşim
Published: January 2011

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of smoking status on the systemic and local superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Sixty‐five CP patients (23 smokers [CP‐S], 23 former smokers [CP‐FS], and 19 non‐smokers [CP‐NS]) and 20 periodontally healthy non‐smoker controls (PH‐NS) were included in the study. After the clinical measurements, serum and gingival tissue samples were collected. SOD, GSH‐Px, and CAT activities and MDA levels in hemolysates and gingival tissue samples were spectrophotometrically assayed.

Results: Blood MDA levels in all the periodontitis groups were higher than in the PH‐NS group but only the difference between CP‐FS and PH‐NS groups was significant (P <0.01). Gingival tissue MDA levels in the periodontitis groups were significantly higher than that in the control group (P <0.01). However, the control group had the highest gingival SOD, GSH‐Px, and CAT activities compared with all the periodontitis groups (P <0.01). The CP‐S group had the highest gingival MDA levels and SOD, GSH‐Px, and CAT activities among the periodontitis groups, whereas the lowest values were observed in the CP‐NS group (P <0.01). The blood and gingival MDA levels in the CP‐FS group were similar in the CP‐NS group, whereas they were lower than in the CP‐S group.

Conclusions: Systemic and local MDA levels are increased by smoking in addition to the impact of periodontitis. The decreased local SOD, GSH‐Px, and CAT activities observed in periodontitis patients may increase with smoking.
Modeling Permeability Distributions in a Sandstone Core for History Matching Coreflood Experiments
Authors: Krause M.. , Perrin J.-C.. -C. , Benson S.M.. M.
Published: January 2011

Saline-aquifer storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) has become recognized as an important strategy for climate-change mitigation. Saline aquifers have very large estimated storage capacities, are distributed broadly across the globe, and have the potential for geologic-scale retention times. Many of these storage sites are not well characterized, and it is critical to conduct detailed experiments and analysis to understand how features such as heterogeneity can influence the theoretical storage capacity, spatial extent of plume migration, and secondary trapping processes. Coreflooding experiments are used routinely by the oil and gas industry for such analysis and provide a very useful tool for studying saline-aquifer formations also. Numerical simulations of these coreflooding experiments can provide insight beyond the experimental measurements themselves, such as numerically studying how properties such as relative permeability and capillary pressure affect CO2 distribution in these systems under various flow conditions. However, accurate subcore-scale simulations of these experiments have remained a challenge, and the issue of how to represent subcorescale permeability has not been resolved previously.

Laboratory coreflooding experiments injecting CO2 into a saline-water-saturated Berea sandstone core have been conducted at reservoir conditions. Computed-tomography (CT) scans of the core show large spatial variations of CO2 saturation, even within a relatively homogeneous core. Numerical simulations of the experiment have been conducted to study the effect of subcorescale heterogeneity and the role of permeability in determining the subcore-scale CO2 distribution in the core to explain these very large spatial variations in CO2 saturation.

Numerical simulations of the experiment consistently showed that use of traditional methods for estimating subcore-scale permeability, typically based solely on porosity distributions, results in subcore-scale saturation distributions that do not match experimental measurements. In this paper, we develop a new method for calculating subcore-scale permeability distributions on the basis of capillary pressure measurements and porosity distributions as an alternative to the traditional porosity-only-based models. Using experimentally measured saturation and porosity distributions and capillary pressure data to calculate permeability, simulations based on this new method show a substantial improvement both in the absolute value and in the spatial distribution of predicted CO2-saturation values. With this technique for accurately calculating permeability distributions, it is possible to study subcore-scale multiphase flow of brine and CO2 to understand how small-scale heterogeneities influence the spatial distribution of CO2 saturation and to improve our ability to predict the fate of stored CO2.
Surface water ponding on clayey soils managed by conventional and conservation tillage in boreal conditions
Authors: ALAKUKKU L. , RISTOLAINEN A. , SARIKKA I.
Published: January 2011

Surface water ponding and crop hampering due to soil wetness was monitored in order to evaluate the effects of conservation tillage practices and perennial grass cover on soil infiltrability for five years in situ in gently sloping clayey fields. Thirteen experimental areas, each having three experimental fields, were established in southern Finland. The fields belonged to: autumn mouldboard ploughing (AP), conservation tillage (CT) and perennial grass in the crop rotation (PG). In the third year, direct drilled (DD) fields were established in five areas. Excluding PG, mainly spring cereals were grown in the fields. Location and surface area of ponded water (in the spring and autumn) as well as hampered crop growth (during June-July) were determined in each field by using GPS devices and GIS programs. Surface water ponding or crop hampering occurred when the amount of rainfall was clearly greater than the long-term average. The mean of the relative area of the ponded surface water, indicating the risk of surface runoff, and hampered crop growth was larger in the CT fields than in the AP fields. The differences between means were, however, not statistically significant. Complementary soil physical measurements are required to investigate the reasons for the repeated surface water ponding.;
On Ecological Studies: A Short Communication
Authors: Hart John
Published: January 2011

The typical objective of research is to try and identify cause-and-effect relationships. As with any research design, there are strengths and weaknesses involved in trying to achieve this objective. Some study designs are stronger than others in attempting to establish cause-and-effect associations. The task of establishing cause-and-effect relationships is challenging ( Hill, 1965 ) and any study that does not include experimentation, that is by manipulating a variable's exposure, is inhibited from drawing causal inferences ( Heath, 1995 ). Similarly, statistical significance is also based on probability rather than certainty. This article focuses on a particular research design, namely, the ecological study, and attempts to serve as a reminder that the design has its place in the realm of various research designs.
Art and the critique of the enlightenment
Authors: Novakovic Marko
Published: January 2011

Summary The aim of this paper is to provide an examination of the concept of
aesthetic rationality in the philosophy of art of Theodor W. Adorno, related
to his celebrated critique of the enlightenment in The Dialectic of the
Enlightenment written with Max Horkheimer. Our main purpose is to show how
Adorno?s conception of art responds to a problem posed in the former study,
namely that of a dialectical self-enchantment and alienation of subjective
reason. In the first two sections is shown how self-preservation of
subjective reason leads to its fall into the realm of myth. This turn was
dialectically exposed in Adorno?s interpretation of Odysseus? voyage as
prahistory of subjectivity. The next four chapters expose a necessity and
mode of critical approach and possibility of a transcendence of this mythical
reality of reification in the structure of works of art, especially their
form, with its ultimate goal to free individuals from social injustice and
unconscious enslavement. Adorno?s account of the dialectics of aesthetic
semblance, artistic truth content and immanent law of its form which embodies
the consciousness of non-identity provides an ex?planation how modern art
mimetically manages to transcend conditions of empirical reality and at the
same time offers a plausible model of a ?transitive? rationality, which
serves to discover its better possibilities.
Social science as the idea: Peter Winch and Wittgenstein’s heritage
Authors: Sládecek Michal
Published: January 2011

The text presented a short overview of Winch?s account of the social sciences
as inseparable from philosophical, that is, conceptual investigations and
Witt?genstein?s influence this argument. The author points to several
critical remarks regarding Winch?s subjectivism and relativism caused by the
insufficient elaboration and over generalizations which can be found in
Winch?s early texts, and which were the object of his own self-criticism
later on. Alongside the received view of the importance of Wittgenstein?s
concepts of language-games, forms of life and rule-following, when it comes
to social theory, the text emphasizes the relevance of less considered
concepts of perspicuous representation and aspect-seeing regarding Winch?s
understanding of the possibilities of understanding of different cultures.
Tomato (L. esculentum Mill.) Genotypes variability of fruit traits
Authors: Glogovac Svetlana , Takac Adam , Gvozdanovic-Varga Jelica
Published: January 2011

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) is vegetable which could be produced
and consumed in a many different ways, due to its variability, made by
breeding programs. Variability of analyzed genotypes was determinated for
further fruit traits: average mass, fruit shape, locules number and dry
matter content. Variability source structure was determinated using principal
components analysis (PCA). Three main components, which explain 94,2 % of
total variability, were chosen for further analysis. The biggest part of the
first main component has fruit shape and locule number. The second component
is determinated by dry matter content, and the third by the fruit mass. For
more precisely perception of homology and divergence between analyzed
genotypes, nonhierarchical grouping analysis (k-means) was performed, and
genotypes were divided into three groups. Divergency was determinated for
fruit mass and locule number, while for index shape and dry matter contetent
analyzed genotypes are homologous. The aim of this study is to examine tomato
genotypes variability for fruit traits.
Variability of nutritive macroelements in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) leaves in Serbia
Authors: Batos Branislava , Miletic Zoran , Orlovic Sasa , Miljkovic Danijela
Published: January 2011

Nowadays, the territory of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in Serbia is
less widespread than in the past, primarily as the consequence of excessive
exploitation and aggravated regeneration caused by the changed groundwater
regime. The researches in this paper were aimed at the analysis of the
variability of the content of macroelements in leaves, as well as of the soil
characteristics in the pedunculate oak populations on the different sites,
according to which the sites with the best conditions for the nutrition of
pedunculate oak would be singled out. The analyzed populations are of natural
or artificial origin, and they occurred during the process of restitution.
They are situated in the zone ranging from continental to moderate
continental climate, at five different localities and five different types of
soil. Foliar analyses of 150 individual - trees of pedunculate oak at five
sites in Serbia and the respective soil analysis show that individual
variability in macroelements among trees was not statistically significant,
while the site effect was highly significant. Concentrations of elements, at
all sites, in the decrease sequence were: N>Ca>K>Mg>P>Na. The highest
individual variability was exhibited by Na, followed by Mg, Ca and K, and P
as well as N had the lowest variability. The obtained results point to the
conclusion that the variability of the content of macroelements in leaves is
mainly the result of the environmental influence. Statistically significant
intra-individual variability, as an indicator of the existence of genetic
differences between trees within populations, was detected only for Ca
concentration in leaves.
Estimates of genetic variability and association studies in quantitative plant traits of Eruca spp. landraces
Authors: Bozokalfa Kadri , İlbi Eşiyokhülya , Aşçioğul Kaygisiz
Published: January 2011

Despite the increasing of economical importance of rocket plant limited
information is available on genetic variability for the agronomic traits
among Eruca spp. Hence, heritability and association studies of plant
properties are necessities for a successful further rocket breeding
programme. The objective of this study was to examine phenotypic and
genotypic variability, broad sense heritability, genetic advance, genotypic
and phenotypic correlation and mean for agronomic traits of rocket plant. The
magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation values for all the traits
were higher than the corresponding values and broad sense heritability
estimates exceeded 65% for all traits. Phenotypic coefficients of variability
(PCV) ranged from 7.60 to 34.34% and genotypic coefficients of variability
(GCV) ranged between 5.58% for petiole thickness and 34.30% for plant weight.
The results stated that plant weight, siliqua width, seed per siliqua and
seed weight could be useful character for improved Eruca spp. breeding
programme.
Inheritance of yield components in tomato
Authors: Djordjevic Radisa , Zecevic Bogoljub , Zdravkovic Jasmina , Zivanovic Tomislav , Todorovic Goran
Published: January 2011

The aim of the present study was to estimate, on the basis of diallel
crossing, superior-parent heterosis, components of genetic variability and
trait heritability for three yield components in tomato, and to perform the
VrWr regression analysis. Six different tomato inbred lines originating from
local and introduced breeding material were selected for the study. The
hybrids expressed greater mean values for the majority of the traits than the
inbred lines. The value of additive component of variance (D) was higher than
the value of the dominant variance (H1 and H2) for the number of fruits per
plant and the average fruit weight, while the value of the dominant component
of variance was higher for the fruit weight per plant. Positive values of
additive x dominant genetic effect interaction (F) for the observed traits
point to a greater participation of dominant alleles in the inheritance of
these traits, which was confirmed by the coefficients H2/4H1 (0.208-0.228)
and by the ratio KD/KR being greater than unity (1.129-1.536). The values of
the average degree of dominance H / D 1 , lower than unity for the number of
fruits per plant and the average fruit weight, indicate that these traits
were inherited by partial dominance. Furthermore, values of the degree of
dominance greater than unity for the fruit weight indicate that this trait
was inherited by dominance or superdominance. These conclusions were also
confirmed by high values of the broad- and narrow-sense heritability that
varied from 98.88% to 99.44%, i.e., from 45.06 to 87.51%, respectively, as
well as, by the VrWr regression for the observed traits in the F1 generation.
Quantification of genistein and daidzein in two endemic Genista species and their antioxidant activity
Authors: Orhan Erdogan , Tosun Fatma , Tamer Ugur , Duran Ahmet , Alan Burcu , Kök Fuat
Published: January 2011

In the current research, the total and free genistein and daidzein contents
were determined in two endemic Genista species (G. sandrasica and G. vuralii)
by an HPLC method. The highest amount of total genistein and total daidzein
was found in G. sandrasica, 0.582 % and 0.113 %, respectively, whereas only
the free daidzein content of G. sandrasica was higher than that of G.
vuralii. The antioxidant activity of the crude methanol and hydrolyzed
extracts of these species was evaluated by three in vitro methods; namely
DPPH free radical scavenging, ferrous ionchelating and ferric-reducing
antioxidant power (FRAP) tests at 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 mg ml. The hydrolyzed
extracts of both species displayed greater antioxidant activity than the
crude methanol extracts in all tests. Total phenol and flavonoid contents in
the extracts were determined via the Folin-Ciocalteau and AlCl3 reagents,
respectively. G. vuralii was richer in terms of total phenol and flavonoid
contents compared to G. sandrasica.
Optimisation of production machine scheduling using a two level mixed optimisation method
Authors: Anil Rana , Verma Ajit , Srividya A.S.
Published: January 2011

This paper presents an application of a two level mixed optimization method
on a machine scheduling problem of a government owned machine shop. Where
evolutionary algorithm methods are suitable for solving complex, discrete
space, and non-linear, discontinuous optimization problems; classical
direct-search optimization methods are suitable and efficient in handling
simple unimodal problems requiring less computation. Both methods are used at
two levels, the first level decides which machines to be used for the
machining operations and how much overtime (at extra cost) to be allotted to
each work order, the second level decides for which operation and on which
day the overtime should be allotted so as to attain its maximum benefit. A
sample problem has been solved by using the above methods and a range of
non-dominated solutions have been presented in a tabular form to enable the
production manager to choose his options based on the given criticality of
the work order.
Multi-objective geometric programming problem and its applications
Authors: Islam Sahidul
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we have discussed constrained posynomial Multi-Objective
Geometric Programming Problem. Here we shall describe the fuzzy optimization
technique (through Geometric Programming technique) In order to solve the
above multiobjective problem. The solution procedure of the fuzzy technique
is illustrated by a numerical example and real life applications.
Annual preventive maintenance scheduling for thermal units in an electric power system
Authors: Tonic Rodoljub , Rakic Milan
Published: January 2011

The system approach to the problem of preventive maintenance scheduling for
thermal units in a large scale electric power system is considered in this
paper. The maintenance scheduling program determines a set of thermal units
maintenance switch off for a time period of one year. This paper considers
the application of dynamic programming and successive approximations method
in determination of annual thermal unit maintenance schedules. The objective
function is multiple component and consists of system operation costs and
system reliability indices (loss-of-load-probability and expected unserved
energy). The evaluation of these costs is performed through a simulation
method which uses a cumulant load model. The software package, developed in
FORTRAN and integrated with an ORACLE data base, produces many useful
outputs.
Mapping of mechanical properties of the surface by utilization of torsional oscillation of the cantilever in atomic force microscopy
Authors: Sikora Andrzej , Bednarz Lukasz
Published: January 2011

The measurement of the surface topography in dynamic mode (intermittent contact mode) is one of the most popular ways of imaging surfaces at nanoscale with atomic force microscopy. It also allows obtaining so called phase images which reveal the viscous-elastic non-homogeneities of the surface, therefore can be used for detecting the presence of different materials. It is, however, very difficult to interpret the phase map due to the origin of phenomena, method of signal detection and processing. Therefore one cannot determine whether the observed feature is caused by increase or decrease of any of specific mechanical properties of the surface. In this article we present the modified setup of commercially available AFM, where detection of torsional oscillation of the cantilever is used for the determination of mechanical properties such as: elasticity, adhesion, peak force and energy dissipation. By advanced signal processing, the reconstruction of the force spectroscopy curve and the calculation of mentioned parameters are performed. All the operations are done in real time regime. The developed method allows one to obtain much more complex information about measured surface. Test measurement results are also presented.
Topography and nanomechanical properties of Pd-C films
Authors: Rymarczyk Joanna , Czerwosz Elzbieta , Richter Asta
Published: January 2011

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographical studies and results of nanoindentation experiment for several palladium-carbon films (Pd-C film) deposited on various substrates and with varying palladium content are presented. Pd-C films were prepared by a physical vapor decomposition (PVD) process and next were modified by a chemical vapor decomposition (CVD) method to obtain carbonaceous porous structure with dispersed palladium nanograins and a variation in roughness.

The dependence of film topography on the kind of substrate such as Al2O3, Mo polycrystalline foil and fused silica was studied by AFM. Nanomechanical properties such as hardness and the reduced indentation modulus were determined by nanoindentation. A comparison of these values for films with different Pd content deposited on various substrates is presented.
Molecular dynamics of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(phenylene sulfide) nanocomposites with barium titanate
Authors: Konieczna Monika , Woźniak-Braszak Aneta , Hołderna-Natkaniec Krystyna , Jurga Jan
Published: January 2011

The relaxation processes and the properties of polymer/ceramic nanocomposites have been studied by the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance methods. Nanocomposites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) PET and poly(phenylene sulfide) PPS with 0.25, 2.5 and 5% wt. barium titanate BT were prepared using a twin screw extruder and injection moulding machine. The spin-lattice relaxation time T1, second moment M2 and the motional parameters as e.g. the activation energies in the nanocomposites were investigated.
Numerical analysis of space charge effects in electron bunches at laser-driven plasma accelerators
Authors: Ashmore Anthony , Bartolini Riccardo , Delerue Nicolas
Published: January 2011

Laser-driven Plasma Accelerators (LPA) have successfully generated high energy, high charge electron bunches which can reach many kA peak current, over short distances. Space charge issues, even in transport lines as simple as a drift section, have to be carefully taken into account since they can degrade the beam quality, preventing any further application of such electron beams. We analyse the space charge effects within an electron bunch with numerical simulations in order to assess their effect on the beam. We use LPA beam parameters published in previous experimental studies. These studies can give an indication of the working point where space charge can dominate the beam dynamics and has to be taken into account in the application of such beams.
A Comparative Study Between Efficacy Of Esmolol And Lignocaine For Attenuating Haemodynamics Response Due To Laryngoscopy And Endotracheal Intubation
Authors: Begum M , Akter P , Hossain MM , Alim SMA , Khatun UHS , Islam SMK , Sanjowal L
Published: January 2011

Haemodynamic stability is an integral and essential goal of any anaesthetic management plan. Laryngoscopy and intubation can cause striking changes in haemodynamics. Increase in blood pressure and heart rate occurs most commonly from reflex sympathetic and vagal discharge in response to laryngotracheal stimulation, which in turn leads to increased plasma norepinephrine concentration. This study was designed to compare efficacy of esmolol and lignocaine for attenuating haemodynamics response due to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Esmolol with that of Lignocaine to attenuate the detrimental rise in heart rate and blood pressure during laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. One hundred and twenty adult patients randomized into group-L and group-E, were received lignocaine 1.5 mg/kg and Esmolol 1.5 mg/kg I.V. respectively. Heart rate and blood pressure in each minutes for the 10 minutes after intubation was recorded. Time span around intubation up to 4 minutes has been looked specifically to isolate the effect of the study drugs at the time of intubation. For statistical analysis Student's 't' test was used for comparing means of quantitative data and chi-square test was used for qualitative data. Difference was considered statistically significant if p<0.05. The mean heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure, and rate-pressure product before starting anesthesia were similar in group-L (Lignocaine group) and in group-E (Esmolol group) (p>0.05). The mean values of heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure, and rate-pressure product at 2, 3 and 4 minutes after intubation were significantly lower in group-E than group-L (p<0.05). In conclusion, esmolol 1.5 mg/kg is superior to lignocaine (1.5 mg/kg) for attenuation of haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Key words: Haemodynamics; heart rate; intubation; esmolol; lignocaine DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v5i1.6810Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2010;5(1):25-28
Comparative Antioxidant Potential of Different Extracts of Celastrus paniculatus Willd. Seed
Authors: Zohera Fatema Tuz , Habib Md Razibul , Imam Mohammad Zafar , Mazumder Md Ehsanul Hoque , Rana Md Sohel
Published: January 2011

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the comparative antioxidant potential of methanol, ethyl acetate, pet ether and water extracts of Celastrus paniculatus seed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using total phenol and flavonoid content determination assays, total antioxidant capacity, 1,1-diphenyl-2- picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) free radical assay, Reducing power assessment, Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay and Cupric ion reducing capacity assay (CUPRAC method). The extracts showed moderate antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. The extracts were found to contain phenolics and flavonoid compounds. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, ethyl acetate extract had the lowest IC50 value (585.58μg/ml) compared to ascorbic acid. In nitric oxide scavenging assay IC50 value was found to be 122.99μg/ml, 320.54μg/ml, 601.81μg/ml and 206.37μg/ml respectively for the Water, Methanol, Ethyl Acetate and Pet Ether extracts compared to 6.83μg/ml which was the IC50 value for the reference ascorbic acid. The extracts also showed good reducing power. The results of the present study indicate that the extracts possesses significant antioxidant potential of which ethyl acetate extract is the most promising one and possess highest antioxidant potential. Key Words: Celastrus paniculatus; antioxidant; DPPH; NO scavenging; CUPRAC; ROS. DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v3i1.6802S. J. Pharm. Sci. 3(1): 68-74
Le « monde disparu » et la « société naissante » : représentations savantes de la sortie du communisme en Roumanie.
Authors: Cirstocea Ioana
Published: January 2011

The "lost world" and the "emerging society":

Intellectual conceptions of the Romanian transition out of Communism

For readers not familiar with studies by Romanian scholars, most of which are not available in the languages used for international communication, a few themes related to Communism in Romania and the transition out of it are proposed. Focus shifts back and forth between the institutional poles of production and the explanatory categories used to talk about a "lost world" (Communism) and an "emerging society" (post-Communist). By bringing to light what is said and what is left unsaid in the social sciences (in particular history and sociology), this reconstitution of the "native" intellectual perspective on contemporary Romania sheds light both on the way this society is managing its relation to the past and on the place reserved for the past in efforts to activate a sense of identity.
Les « individus demeurés en territoire occupé » : aspects singuliers de l'épuration en Russie soviétique, 1942-1949
Authors: Voisin Vanessa
Published: January 2011

Comme plusieurs pays européens, l'URSS a subi l'occupation nazie sur une grande partie de son territoire et procédé à une épuration des collaborateurs après la Libération. Ce sujet demeure peu étudié à ce jour, de même que la création par le régime stalinien d'une nouvelle catégorie de marginaux : les « individus demeurés en territoire occupé ». L'article explore la genèse et l'évolution de cette notion au cours de la guerre et des années suivantes.
Équilibres institutionnels et performances économiques : le cas de l'Ukraine
Authors: Duchêne Gérard
Published: January 2011

Depuis l'indépendance en 1991, l'économie ukrainienne a connu une phase de profonde dépression, suivie par une croissance spectaculaire depuis 1999 : après avoir baissé de moitié, la production industrielle a retrouvé en 2006 son niveau maximal de 1990. Ce brusque retournement s'est opéré sans changement institutionnel majeur, au sens où l'État de droit reste aussi peu respecté au cours des deux périodes. En revanche, ce sont des réformes économiques classiques inspirées du « consensus de Washington » qui ont, après de longues hésitations, ouvert la voie au redémarrage de la croissance. L'expérience ukrainienne montre que la croissance peut s'accommoder d'un « mauvais équilibre institutionnel ».
Le crépuscule des ethnies. Le recensement russe de 2002 en République de Bachkortostan
Authors: LeTorrivellec Xavier
Published: January 2011

Prolongeant l'idée d'un éclatement de l'URSS sous l'effet de forces centrifuges, le fait national est devenu central dans les interrogations sur l'avenir de la Fédération de Russie, tant sur le plan de son évolution politique que sur celui de l'équilibre institutionnel de ses territoires. La diversité ethnique de sa population sert à expliquer les tensions et les conflits qui parcourent une société incertaine de son identité. Vu sous cet angle, le recensement d'octobre 2002 n'a fait qu'accentuer des antagonismes déjà anciens : rivalités entre l'État central, les nationalités non russes et des groupes ethniques en quête de reconnaissance. Mais plutôt que de revenir sur le poids du passé impérial et soviétique, il importe de mieux comprendre les conditions dans lesquelles s'effectue la réappropriation rétrospective d'une tradition. Or le recensement est un moment privilégié de dévoilement de la société à elle-même : par-delà les rivalités ethniques et la recherche de majorités statistiques, l'avancée du processus de libéralisation et d'individualisation a desserré les nœuds contraignants de l'appartenance ethnique. En plus de l'état des rapports de force, le recensement des identités choisies a montré la force du rapport à l'État. Après avoir resitué le débat dans l'histoire de la région Volga-Oural, cet article s'attache, en partant de l'expérience du Bachkortostan, à éclairer, derrière les instru- mentalisations politiques et scientifiques de l'ethnicité, la réalité subjectiviste du rapport des individus à leur identité.
Frontières et transports, frontières de transports
Authors: Kunth Antoine , Thorez Pierre
Published: January 2011

Cet article examine les évolutions des transports terrestres et maritimes entre l'Est et l'Ouest de l'Europe depuis l'implosion du « bloc de l'Est ». Fondé sur l'étude des dessertes ferroviaires et des lignes maritimes, il met en valeur la structuration des réseaux et des systèmes par les frontières nationales ou internationales : les systèmes de transport des pays de la CEI et des PECO se disjoignent au cours de la période considérée. Le mode ferroviaire se montre dépendant des frontières nationales quand le mode maritime s'en affranchit.
Pauvreté et solidarité familiale en Russie à l'heure de la transformation
Authors: Ovtcharova Lilia , Prokofieva Lidia
Published: January 2011

Les auteurs souhaitent apporter des éléments de réponse à trois grandes queslions qui se posent face au développement de la pauvreté en Russie depuis le début de la période de transition : qu'est-ce que la pauvreté en Russie aujourd'hui ? jusqu'où va la capacité d'adaptation des ménages russes aux nouvelles conditions économiques et sociales (chômage, accroissement des écarts de revenu, développement du secteur économique privé, etc.) en fonction de leur structure démographique ? quelle est la place des réseaux d'entraide familiaux dans les moyens de survie des familles russes ? Lilia Ovtcharova et Lidia Prokof eva s'appuient dans leur démarche sur deux types d'enquêtes dont elles confrontent les méthodes et les résultats : les enquêtes annuelles sur les budgets des ménages du Comité d'État à la statistiques de la Fédération de Russie, qui couvrent à présent près de 50 000 ménages, et l'enquête sur la pauvreté de la population urbaine, réalisée en 1997 par l'équipe de chercheurs russes à laquelle elles appartiennent, qui a tenté d'affiner encore l'évaluation de la pauvreté en appliquant, entre autres, certaines méthodes des recherches occidentales sur cette question.
Sur les cendres des révolutions de couleur. Drogues et démocratisation en Asie centrale postsoviétique
Authors: Atlani-Duault Laëtitia
Published: January 2011

L'Asie centrale connaît, depuis le milieu des années 1990, une véritable explosion de la toxicomanie. Dans ce contexte, deux stratégies d'assistance aux toxicomanes sont déployées dans les pays de la région : l'une est directement héritée de la période soviétique, l'autre est portée par certaines organisations internationales d'aide humanitaire et de développement telle que la Fondation Soros. Bien qu'elles relèvent partiellement de la santé publique, nous montrerons que ce sont avant tout deux visions politiques qui s'affrontent.
Le droit de propriété en Russie : l'évolution d'une catégorie juridique au gré des bouleversements politiques et économiques
Authors: Chaigneau Aurore
Published: January 2011

Property rights in Russia: The evolution of a legal category in response to political and economic turbulence

The system and function of property rights have been transformed in the switch from pre-Revolutionary to contemporary law. A historical view of this institution reveals how the law has served various purposes over time: for the marketplace or for economic planning and the distribution of goods. Remnants of the Communist past have gradually undergone an original sort of "sedimentation" in contemporary law, which is now trying to assimilate the legacy of European law. To understand this process, the category of property is analyzed as well as the reform of civil law and the definition of its scope. Changes in property rights are reviewed in the light of recent privatizations. Given the complexity of these trends, the difficulty of creating a real estate market makes thoroughgoing institutional reforms a necessity.
Abus de position publique et privatisation de masse dans les économies de l'Est en transition. Approche théorique et empirique
Authors: Labaronne Daniel , Ben Abdelkader Fahmi
Published: January 2011

Nous présentons les arguments théoriques qui, au début de la transition à l'Est, ont justifié le recours à la privatisation de masse comme méthode de privatisation à privilégier afin d'éviter l'abus d'une position publique à des fins privées lors du transfert des actifs publics. Nous estimons une fonction de corruption pour la période 1995-2001, appliquée aux économies de l'Est en transition. Nos résultats montrent que l'abus d'une position publique se développe dans un contexte marqué par des conditions économiques et politiques initiales défavorables, l'éloignement par rapport à l'Union européenne, le recours privilégié à la méthode de privatisation de masse. S'agissant de l'impact de cette méthode, nos résultats ne sont pas conformes aux attentes théoriques. Nous tentons de les interpréter en soulignant que les modalités concrètes de mise en œuvre de la privatisation de masse ont été assez éloignées de celles que prévoyait le modèle théorique initial. En particulier, elles semblent avoir offert de larges plages discrétionnaires aux acteurs publics qui ont pu instrumentaliser cette méthode de privatisation au service de leur fonction d'utilité. Ce comportement serait, selon nous, à l'origine des liens observés entre la méthode de privatisation de masse et une partie de l'évolution de la corruption dans les EET.
Débats et enjeux autour du développement local dans les nouveaux Lânder : la question des conditions de vie en milieu rural
Authors: Martin Born Karl
Published: January 2011

Questions and issues about local development in the new Lander: Living conditions in rural areas

How to ensure basic services in rural areas where the population is ageing and decreasing? What effects do new population patterns and socioeconomic changes have on peripheral areas in the new German states? What political issues are at stake? The theory of "central places", which has been used to analyze and manage access to services, is unsatisfactory. A case study of the small Prignitz area draws attention to the flexibility and inventiveness of local initiatives for coping with the drawbacks of isolation and distance. It is necessary to pay more attention to local actors' ability to react. Demographic ageing and the requisite services provide an opportunity for studying this problem from a geographical dimension. Depending on the type of "space", the question of services for the elderly arises in radically different terms; and political issues change. To find solutions, close attention must be paid to the territorial, social and behavioral dimensions of these differences.
The Usefulness of Visitor Expectations Type Scales (VETS) for Tourist Segmentation: The Case of Cathedral Visitors
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Mansfield Simon , Williams Emyr , Village Andrew
Published: January 2011

This study applies Jungian psychological type theory to assess and to interpret the expectations of cathedral visitors. The Visitor Expectations Type Scales (VETS) were developed among 35 individuals trained and qualified as type practitioners and then tested among a sample of 157 visitors
who also completed the Francis Psychological Type Scales. The data demonstrated: the coherence and internal consistency reliability of the VETS; the particular emphases placed by cathedral visitors on introverted expectations, feeling expectations, and perceiving expectations; and the complex
relationship between visitor expectations (conceptualized in psychological type categories) and their personal psychological type profile. The VETS are commended as providing a more valid assessment of the psychographic segmentation of cathedral visitors than could be provided simply by the
administration of a recognized measure of psychological type. Such assessment has implications for the marketing and management of cathedrals within the tourism industry.