bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing hepatitis A IgG prevalence rate in men who have sex with men attending a sexual health clinic in London: implications for immunization policy
Authors: O'Riordan Mary , Goh Leslie , Lamba Harpal
Published: October 2007

The aims of this study were to audit an immunization policy to vaccinate men who have sex with men (MSM) attending a large London sexual health clinic, and to undertake an approximate cost analysis of different strategies, using the estimated prevalence rate of anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) immunoglobulin G (IgG). A retrospective study of the seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG among MSM was conducted for a 12-month period, involving 395 homosexual or bisexual men attending the genitourinary medicine clinic at St Mary's Hospital, London, for the first time. Overall seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG in the 2004 population surveyed was 46.6% (140/300); 75.1% (300/395) were offered screening on their first visit and 49.9% (197/395) were offered vaccination. We concluded that anti-HAV IgG screening prior to vaccination of MSM in an area of relatively low prevalence of HAV is still the most cost-effective approach. The audit data also showed that in 2004 the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV targets for hepatitis A screening and vaccination were not reached. If a one-dose policy is seen to establish long-term immunity, then the cost of hepatitis A prevention will be drastically reduced.
European guideline for the management of pelvic inflammatory disease
Authors: Ross Jonathan , Judlin Philippe , Nilas Lisbeth
Published: October 2007

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) remains one of the most important consequences of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) resulting in severe morbidity and acting as the economic justification for STI screening programmes. Early and appropriate therapy has the potential to significantly reduce the long-term complications of PID, and these evidence-based guidelines provide advice on the management of pelvic infection including the use of appropriate antimicrobial regimens.
Within Acceptable Limits: health care provider perspectives on community health councils in the reformed British National Health Service
Authors: Moon Graham , Lupton Carol
Published: October 2007

Community health councils (CHCs) were intended to provide an independent voice for consumers of the British National Health Service (NHS). Their role has been challenged by recent reforms of the NHS which have given consumer involvement a much higher profile and have claimed to make the health care consumer a central actor in the plans and actions of both purchasers and providers of health care. This article focuses on the perspectives of health care providers regarding the emerging role of CHCs in the post-reform era. It draws on detailed case-study research to provide an assessment of the impact of the reforms on CHC–provider relations and an examination of the pattern and nature of current, post-reform provider activity with reference to CHCs. Distinctions are made between different types of provider and conclusions drawn which suggest that, while general patterns of activity have changed little, there have been specific developments in the area of CHC involvement in quality assurance activity, and emerging difficulties concerning the CHC role in acute trusts.
The Significance Of ‘Sectors’ In Calls For Urban Public Health Intersectoralism: an Australian perspective
Authors: Degeling Pieter
Published: October 2007

Calls for intersectoral approaches in The New Public Health are characterised by their hortatory character, their inattention to root causes and their apparent faith in approaches that lie in administrative rather than political domains. What is missing is serious consideration of the modes of sectoring which intersectoralism is meant to overcome. Advancing the agenda changes envisaged by The New Public Health requires erosion of the structural underpinnings of existing sectors. The Australian experience, however, suggests that effective advocacy of these changes will require forms of political action which are outside the confines of existing modes of sectoring and hence are able to challenge them.
Models of Local Decision-Making Networks in Britain and France
Authors: John Peter , Cole Alistair
Published: October 2007

The greater complexity of decision making produced by local governance presents researchers with the challenge of explaining how policy is made in local networks of key actors. This process is even more complex when examined cross-nationally between Britain and France. Policy network theory is a useful tool for describing these relationships, but is less able to explain them. A more fruitful approach is to use the tools of network analysis to indicate the structure of networks and apply models of how power is exercised in them. The advantage of this method is that it can analyse the nature of networks comparatively, taking into account the different traditions and institutions of British and French sub-national politics. Six models can explain how new networked relationships in localities operate: pluralism, neo-pluralism, policy advocacy coalition theory, new institutionalism, the bureaucratic politics model and the local effect. To reflect the variety of practices between policy sectors and countries, a multitheoretic framework is offered. Though the article sees networks as largely epiphenomenal, networks can affect policy outcomes through the emergence of trust through personal contacts and the intersection of political and social networks.
Unfinished Business: the remaking of London government, 1985–1995
Authors: Hebbert Michael
Published: October 2007

This article describes the abolition and dismemberment of London’s metropolitan authority, the Greater London Council (GLC). It explains how the functions of the GLC were partitioned between successors, with particular reference to the role of the London Residuary Body. The article highlights the contribution of GLC officers and management structures to the residuary process, and the paradoxical part played by County Hall, the one undisposed relic of the GLC empire. The GLC also left behind it a second, less tangible legacy — its territorial footprint. The article contrasts the successful administrative dismemberment of the GLC with the rising sense of political identity within its boundaries. It suggests that a paradoxical effect of abolition has been to lay for the first time the basis of political community within the single physical metropolis of London.
The Promise of Social Citizenship
Authors: Rees A. M.
Published: October 2007

Much of the recent upsurge in writing about citizenship in Britain has been prompted by concerns about state welfare. It is often maintained that social rights are the weakest link in T. H. Marshall’s trilogy of civil, political and social citizenship. This article considers arguments from different standpoints which claim to establish this position, and finds them wanting. However, there are problems with citizenship in any of its varieties: it is less inclusive a concept, even in theory, than many have thought, and needs to be buttressed by something external to it, namely sentiments of benevolence towards non-citizens and those whose citizenship is incomplete. The article looks at various ways of providing such buttressing, both from inside and outside the discourse on citizenship, and concludes that none of them are really satisfactory, given present and future challenges facing the welfare state.
Between Public and Private: Accountability in Voluntary Organisations
Authors: Taylor Marilyn
Published: October 2007

Voluntary and community organisations have been at the forefront of recent attempts to make welfare services more effective and appropriate. It is often assumed that voluntary sector organisations bring greater levels of democracy and accountability to welfare regimes. This article considers the capacity of voluntary sector organisations to introduce greater accountability through an analysis of notions of trust, the multiplicity of interests, the distinction between process and task and between diversity and equity. It concludes by urging voluntary sector organisations to develop more rigorous and sophisticated conceptions of accountability in order to remain at the forefront of democratic innovation.
Democracy and Accountability in Public Bodies: New Agendas in British Governance
Authors: Burton Paul , Duncan Sue
Published: October 2007

The establishment of various commissions concerned with local governance as well as the Nolan Committee’s examination of standards in public life all point to growing public concern with the effectiveness of traditional mechanisms for holding politicians and policy makers to account. This article introduces the special issue on the democratisation of public bodies in the UK through three strands. First, it discusses theoretical conceptions of democracy and the related processes of democratisation. Second, it considers a number of recent political initiatives concerned with strengthening democratic decision making, especially at the local level. Finally, it offers a critical review of the subsequent articles in the special issue.
Downloading Democracy? Information and Communication Technologies in Local Politics
Authors: Percy-Smith Janie
Published: October 2007

This article considers recent developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs), including the creation of a so-called ‘information superhighway’, and examines their relevance to the enhancement of democratic politics. The article begins with a brief overview of what is meant by the ‘information superhighway’ and what is distinctive about the technologies that comprise it. It then considers the characteristics of democracy and the ways in which information and communication technologies can contribute to their enhancement. It concludes by arguing that ICTs can contribute to democratic processes provided that a number of issues are addressed and barriers overcome.
Rediscovering Democratic Purpose in British Local Government
Authors: Cairns David
Published: October 2007

This article examines the weak condition of local democracy in Britain against the background of successive reorganisations which have vitiated public support for local government by subordinating democratic purpose to perceived functional requirements. If the new structures are not to reinforce this vicious circle, local government must advance beyond the orthodox, top-down, view of the problem as ‘centralism’ and address its own failure to build sufficient bottom-up support for local government as a democratic institution. There is a particularly strong case for devolving real power to localities and establishing a more active and inclusive democratic relationship between government and the governed through appropriate forms of direct democracy.
Innovation in Democratic Practice in Local Government
Authors: Stewart John
Published: October 2007

In recent years there have been significant changes in the management processes of local government, but no equivalent developments in its democratic processes. The need for innovation in democratic practice is, however, as great, as local government strives to retain its position as a major planner and provider of public services locally. This article considers a range of innovative democratic practices from Britain, the USA and the rest of Europe in order to point to ways forward for British local government.
The Danubian Biobank Initiative: synchronizing the biobanking activities of the Danube universities
Authors: Győrffy Balázs , Rosivall László , Prohászka Zoltán , Falus András , Füst György , Munkácsy Gyöngyi , Tulassay Tivadar
Published: October 2007

Az öregedő lakosság ellátása egyre nagyobb kihívást jelent Európában. Az eredményesebb gyógyítás és megelőzés érdekében javítani kell a rendelkezésre álló technológiai eszközök felhasználását, hogy felgyorsuljon a betegségasszociált rizikófaktorok és gének azonosítása. E feladat megvalósításának azonban előfeltétele egy ellenőrzött minőségű, jól osztályozott és elegendően nagy betegminta-gyűjtemény/bank létrehozása, amelyben a DNS/szérum/plazma/sejtek/szövetek/RNS/fehérje fizikai tárolása egy információ alapú infrastruktúrával kombinálva garantálja a kutatók számára a minták és adatok széles körű hozzáférését. A Danubian Biobank egy olyan kezdeményezés, mely egyetemeket, oktató kórházakat és rehabilitációs klinikákat kapcsol össze a Duna mentén lévő, illetve az ezzel szomszédos államokban. A tudományos program fő célja a vascularis betegségek (pl. myocardialis infarktus, stroke, szívelégtelenség, artériás trombózis, veseelégtelenség), a metabolikus betegségek (pl. obesitas, diabétesz, metabolikus szindróma) és a neurodegeneratív betegségek (pl. demenciaszindrómák, Parkinson-kór) vizsgálata. A biobankprojekt egyes részfeladatainak megoldására munkacsoportok jöttek létre, hogy segítsék a betegek bevonásának, minták és adatok kezelésének, népegészségügyi, epidemiológiai, genetikai technológiai alkalmazásoknak és a kutatási stratégiáknak az összehangolását. A folyamatosság, illetve belső fejlesztés, optimalizálása érdekében a konzorcium, illetve az egyes munkacsoportok önmagukban is rendszeresen konferenciákat szerveznek, valamint az együttműködést finanszírozó pályázatokat készítenek.
Cyclic behaviour of beam–column connections in steel portals
Authors: Yang C.-M. , Kim Y.-M.
Published: October 2007

This paper presents an experimental study on the cyclic behaviour of bolted and welded beam-to-column connections in a steel portal frame. The test focuses on: (a) an experimental analysis for investigation of the behaviour of beam-to-column connections under cyclic loading, (b) the failure modes of each connection under cyclic loading; and (c) the capacity of the high-strength bolted angle connections compared with the fully welded counterpart. The behaviour of the high-strength bolted frame under cyclic lateral loading is studied, and it is compared with that of the welded frame subjected to the same loading. The results obtained from six tests on steel portal frames showed that the initial connection stiffness of the specimen composed of top-seat angle and double web angle (TSD) was developed for about 48% of the specimen with welded connection (FW), and the specimen composed of double web angle (DWA) was about 15%. Based on these tests, conclusions are presented.
Long-term response of concrete-encased composite columns
Authors: Chacón R. , Mirambell E. , Marí A.
Published: October 2007

During the last few decades, owing to their several advantages, composite columns have gained acceptance for high-rise buildings as an alternative to steel or reinforced concrete columns. When a composite column is subjected to an eccentrically applied sustained axial load, its structural response must undergo both a short-term and long-term analysis. The study presented in the current paper aims to evaluate the short- and long-term response of concrete-encased composite columns. A numerical model previously developed and experimentally verified is systematically used within this work. This model is capable of developing non-linear and time-dependent analyses on reinforced concrete frame structures. In order to verify the obtained numerical results for this particular case, a series of experimental results on concrete-encased composite columns are compared with those derived numerically. Once verified, the model is used as a simulation tool to analyse in depth the structural short- and long-term response of composite columns. Finally, based on the present study, conclusions about design criteria for concrete-encased composite columns are drawn.
Wind-generated interaction between tall buildings
Authors: Kim Y.-M. , You K.-P. , Ko N.-H.
Published: October 2007

To investigate the effect of aerodynamic interference that could increase the dynamic responses of tall buildings to wind loads, a wind tunnel experiment using high-frequency force-balance was conducted to estimate acceleration responses. Root mean square (r.m.s.) acceleration responses of along-wind, across-wind and torsional wind directions and peak resultant accelerations were estimated with and without consideration of the effect of aerodynamic interference, and were then compared with each other. When the effect of aerodynamic interference was included, r.m.s. torsional acceleration response was increased by 82%. For peak resultant acceleration response, the maximum increase was 69%. It was found that dynamic responses could be increased when considering the effect of aerodynamic interference.
A molecular inclusion complex of atenolol with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: The production and characterization thereof
Authors: Nikolic Vesna , Nikolic Ljubisa , Stankovic Mihajlo , Kapor Agnes , Popsavin Mirjana , Cvetkovic Dragan
Published: October 2007

The molecular inclusion complex of atenolol with 2-hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin was synthesized using the coprecipitation method. The complex obtained was characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR spectroscopy, as well as by DSC and X-ray diffraction analysis. The DSC analysis confirmed the existence of the complex with the endothermic atenolol melting peak at about 155?C disappearing. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the complex and 2-hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin were very similar, thus confirming the complete inclusion of the atenolol molecule within the cavity of the 2-hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin. The peaks originating from atenolol were completely absent in the diffractogram of the complex. 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra showed certain changes in the chemical shifts of protons and C atoms from atenolol and 2-hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin, indicating that a complex had been formed and also which protons participated in the hydrogen bonds which formed the complex. The atenolol solubility in water was improved (254 mg complex cm-3, i.e., 37.5 mg atenolol cm-3), and in pH 3 HCl solution (251 mg complex cm-3, i.e., 37 mg atenolol cm-3) when compared to pure atenolol, and even when compared to the atenolol complex with ?-cyclodextrin. The increased solubility ensures greater bioavailability of the active component and, due to the low solubility, significantly corrects for the lack of the basic active substance and, simultaneously, increases its overall therapeutic effect, combined with reduced side effects. .
Effect of fermentation conditions on lipase production by Candida utilis
Authors: Grbavcic Sanja , Dimitrijevic-Brankovic Suzana , Bezbradica Dejan , Siler-Marinkovic Slavica , Knezevic Zorica
Published: October 2007

A wild yeast strain isolated from spoiled soybean oil and identified as Candida utilis initially presented rather low lipase activity (approximately 4 IU dm-3) in submerged culture in a universal yeast medium containing 2 % malt extract. Studies were undertaken to improve the lipase production. The best yields of lipase were obtained with a medium supplemented with caprylic and oleic acids as inducers, but higher concentrations of the former (> 0.5 %) had a negative effect on the lipase production and cell growth. The type of nitrogen source seemed also to be very important. The highest lipolytic activity of 284 IU dm-3 was achieved after 5 days of fermentation in a medium containing oleic acid and hydrolyzed casein as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, and supplemented with Tween 80?. It was shown that optimization of the fermentation conditions can lead to a significant improvement in the lipase production (more than 70-fold higher compared to the initial value obtained in the non-optimized medium). .
Disorder of lattice solvent molecules in the structure of hexaaqua(μ2-1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylato)-bis(2,2’-dipyridylamine)dinickel(II) hexahydrate DMSO solvate
Authors: Poleti Dejan , Karanovic Ljiljana , Kremenovic Aleksandar , Rogan Jelena
Published: October 2007

The crystal structure of the complex [Ni2(btc)(dipya)2(H2O)6]?6H2O?DMSO (btc = tetra-anion of 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid, dipya = 2,2?-dipyridylamine) was refined in the triclinic system, space group P1, using low temperature (170 K) X-ray diffraction data. The compound consists of binuclear complex entities and lattice solvent molecules making pseudo-layers parallel to the 101 plane and channels parallel to the b-axis. The observed structural features were compared with the previously reported results and formula [Ni2(btc)(dipya)2(H2O)6]?4H2O based on room temperature X-ray diffraction data. A possible arrangement of the disordered lattice solvent molecules located in the structural channels is described and discussed. It is concluded that the layout of these molecules is non-centrosymmetric, although the remaining and main part of the structure is centrosymmetric. .
Characterization of a surface modified carbon cryogel and a carbon supported pt catalyst
Authors: Babic Biljana , Kaludjerovic Branka , Vracar Ljiljana , Radmilovic Velimir , Krstajic Nedeljko
Published: October 2007

A carbon cryogel, synthesized by carbonization of a resorcinol/formaldehyde cryogel and oxidized in nitric acid, was used as catalyst support for Pt nanoparticles. The Pt/C catalyst was prepared by a modified polyol synthesis method in an ethylene glycol (EG) solution. Characterization by nitrogen adsorption showed that the carbon cryogel support and the Pt/C catalyst were mesoporous materials with high specific surface areas (Sbet>400 m2 g-1) and large mesoporous volumes. X-Ray diffraction of the catalyst demonstrated the successful reduction of the Pt precursor to metallic form. TEM Images of the Pt/C catalyst and Pt particle size distribution showed that the mean Pt particle size was about 3.3 nm. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments at various scan rates (from 2 to 200 mV s-1) were performed in 0.5 mol dm-3 HClO4 solution. The large capacitance of the oxidized carbon cryogel electrode, which arises from a combination of the double-layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance, associated with the participation of surface redox-type reactions was demonstrated. For the oxidized carbon cryogel, the total specific capacitance determined by 1/C vs. v0.5 extrapolation method was found to be 386 F g-1. The hydrogen oxidation reaction at the investigated Pt/C catalyst proceeded as an electrochemically reversible, two-electron direct discharge reaction. .
The effects of a magnetic field on the morphologies of nickel and copper deposits: The concept of "effective overpotential"
Authors: Nikolic Nebojsa
Published: October 2007

The morphologies of nickel and copper deposits obtained without applied magnetic fields, and with both parallel and perpendicular applied magnetic fields were examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. Changes in the morphologies of the metals caused by the effect of the magnetic fields are explained by the concept of "effective overpotential". The morphologies of the nickel and copper deposits obtained under parallel oriented magnetic fields were similar to those obtained at some lower cathodic potentials without an applied magnetic field. The magnetic field with a perpendicular orientation to the electrode surface increased the dispersity of the nickel and copper deposits. Nickel and copper deposits obtained under this orientation of the magnetic field were similar to those obtained at some higher cathodic potentials without an applied magnetic field. .
Spectrophotometric investigation of the uranyl-phenylephrine system
Authors: Pavun Leposava , Malesev Dusan , Veselinovic Dragan
Published: October 2007

Using spectrophotometric methods and pH-metric measurements, it was found that the uranyl ion and phenylephrine form a 1:2 complex in the pH region 2.50-4.25 with two absorption maxima at 314.2 nm and 340.6 nm. The thermodynamic stability constant at I = 0 and T=298 K (room temperature) of the UO2(II)-phenylephrine complex, UO2(C9H12O2N)2, is log 0 ? 2= 14.0 and ?G2= -79.6 kJ mol-1. A linear dependence of the absorbance at 340.6 nm on the concentration of phenylephrine was obtained in the range from 0.0025 mol dm-3 to 0.0245 mol dm-3 using a solution of 0.025 mol dm-3 UO2(NO3)2 at pH = 3.90 and I = 0.075 mol dm-3. The measurement error was 2.1%. .
Derivative spectrophotometric determination of the herbicides picloram and triclopyr in mixtures
Authors: Abramovic Biljana , Anderluh Vesna , Gaál Ferenc , Sojic Daniela
Published: October 2007

A derivative spectrophotometric method for the determination of the herbicides picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) and triclopyr (3,5,6-trichloro- 2-pyridyloxyacetic acid) in mixtures was developed in this work. Derivative spectrophotometric determination of the selected herbicides was preceded by investigations concerning the influence of pH, in the pH interval from 1 to 9. At pH 3.2, picloram and triclopyr solutions are stable under daylight for nine months. This pH was used for all subsequent determinations. It was also found that the use of the first derivative of the spectra at 232 nm was optimal for the determination of picloram, while use of the second derivative of the spectra at 211 nm was best suited for the determination of triclopyr. The calibration curves are linear in the concentration range 0.8 - 13 ?g cm-3 with correlation coefficients -0.9998 for picloram and 0.9996 for triclopyr. The limit of detection of the developed method is 0.08 ?g cm-3 for picloram and 0.03 ?g cm-3 for triclopyr. Derivative spectrophotometry was shown to be an appropriate method for the determination of picloram and triclopyr in mixtures and in pesticide formulations, unlike the deconvolution method. .
Thermodynamics and phase diagram calculation of some sections in the Ag-Bi-Sn system
Authors: Zivkovic Dragana , Katayama Iwao , Manasijevic Dragan , Yamashita Hiromi , Strbac Nada
Published: October 2007

The thermodynamic properties and characteristic phase diagrams of some sections in the Ag-Bi-Sn system were calculated. The thermodynamic functions, such as Gibbs excess energy, activity and enthalpy of formation, were calculated using the RKM model and compared with experimental data reported in the literature. Iso-activity diagrams for all three components at 900 K have been constructed. The calculated phase diagrams of the vertical sections Sn-AgBi, Ag-BiSn and Bi-AgSn, obtained using the ThermoCalc program, were compared and confirmed with the results of DTA measurements from the present work. .
Influence of grain size on chalcopyrite ore leaching in acidic medium
Authors: Antonijevic M.M. , Bogdanovic G.D. , Serbula S.M. , Milic S.M.
Published: October 2007

This work presents an investigation of column leaching of a chalcopyrite ore using sulphuric acid where dissolved oxygen and iron(III) ions play the role of oxidants. The investigations were carried out in PVC columns, diameter 110 mm and height 1000 mm, by percolation of the leaching solution through the ore layer. The influence of ore grain size on the degree of leaching and acid consumption was examined. The formation of gypsum on limestone results in the comminution of the initial raw material during leaching. The grain size of chalcopyrite was found to have no important influence on the leaching rate of copper. A higher consumption of sulphuric acid was found for the fractions (-3+1) mm, (?5+0) mm and (?5+3) mm than for the fractions (?10+5) mm, (?20+10) mm and (?20+0) mm. .
A simple in situ visual and tristimulus colorimetric method for the determination of diphosgene in air
Authors: Pitschmann Vladimír , Kobliha Zbyněk , Halámek Emil , Tusarová Ivana
Published: October 2007

A simple visual and tristimulus colorimetric method (three-dimensional system CIE-L*a*b*) for the determination of trace amounts of diphosgene in air has been developed. The method is based on the suction of diphosgene vapors through a modified cotton fabric filter fixed in a special adapter. Prior to analysis, the filter is saturated with a chromogenic reagent based on 4-(p- nitrobenzyl)pyridine. The optimal composition of the reagent is 2 g of 4-(p-nitrobenzyl)pyridine and 4 g of N-phenylbenzylamine in 100 ml of a 50:50 ethanol-glycerol mixture. The intensity of the formed red coloration of the filter is evaluated visually or by a tristimulus colorimeter (LMG 173, Lange, Germany). The detection limit is 0.01 mg m-3. Acetyl chloride and benzoyl chloride react in 150 and 50 times higher concentrations, respectively. The method is suitable for mobile field analysis. .
Investigation of metal-flavonoid chelates and the determination of flavonoids via metal-flavonoid complexing reactions
Authors: Malesev Dusan , Kuntic Vesna
Published: October 2007

Flavonoids constitute a large group of polyphenolic phytochemicals with antioxidant properties which are overwhelmingly exerted through direct free radical scavenging. Flavonoids also exhibit antioxidant properties through chelating with transition metals, primarily Fe(II), Fe(III) and Cu(II), which participate in reactions generating free radicals. Metal-flavonoid chelates are considerably more potent free radical scavengers than the parent flavonoids and play a prominent role in protecting from oxidative stress. To unravel the origin of their potent biological action extensive physico-chemical studies were undertaken to reveal the chemical structure, chelation sites, assess the impact of the metal/ligand ratio on the structure of the complexes and the capacity of flavonoids to bind metal ions. In spite of such extensive efforts, data on the composition, structure and complex-formation properties are incomplete and sometimes even contradictory. The aim of this paper is to give a personal account on the development of the field through a retrospective evaluation of our own research which covers approximately 40 complexes of flavonoids from different flavonoids subclasses (rutin, quercetin, 3-hydroxyflavone, morin and hesperidin) with several metal ions or groups and suggest directions for future research. Special emphasis will be given to the site of the central ion, the composition of the complexes, the role of pH in complex formation, the stability of metal-flavonoid complexes and their potential application for analytical purposes. .
A mild and effective method for the conversion of alkenes into alcohols in subcritical water
Authors: Ozen Recep , Kus Nermin
Published: October 2007

Alkenes were oxidized to alcohols in subcritical water. A number of alkenes were oxidized directly to their alcohols in excellent yields. The syntheses were performed in 215 cm3 stainless steel high pressure reactor at 120?C in 150cm3 water. The yields of alcohols increased with the nitrogen pressure. .
Do altered activities of superoxide dismutases and the level of Nf-κB modulate the effects of gamma radiation in HeLaS3 cells?
Authors: Niciforovic Ana , Adzic Miroslav , Spasic Snezana , Radojcic Marija
Published: October 2007

Most experimental models, including cell culture studies, have demonstrated that over-expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in cells bearing a carcinoma phenotype has anti-proliferative and tumour suppression characteristics. In contrast, when cervical carcinoma biopsies express MnSOD, there is a poor prognosis and resistance to radiation therapy. The results herein indicate that human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLaS3) cells have increased MnSOD activity (up to 50 % of the total SOD activity) due to low expression of its repressor p53 and a high level of oxidative stress arising from the cell culture conditions. High MnSOD activity may be related to HeLaS3 cell radioresistance, illustrated by a high IC50 of 3.4 Gy and by a relatively high level of cell viability after gamma irradiation. In contrast to MnSOD activity, cytosolic CuZnSOD activity decreased after ionising radiation. The catalase (Cat) activity was unchanged. IR also increased the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. Such conditions lead to increased concentrations of the superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide and NO?, which together may be responsible for the decreased expression of NF-?B and unaltered Cat activity. Therefore, the disturbed redox balance within HeLaS3 cells may be responsible for the cytotoxicity observed at higher irradiation doses. It could be concluded that inhibition of the CuZnSOD activity may be an important target for the selective killing of radioresistant cancer cells.
Essential oil analysis of two endemic Eryngium species from Serbia
Authors: Capetanos Chrysostomos , Saroglou Vasiliki , Marin Petar , Simic Ana , Skaltsa Helen
Published: October 2007

The volatile composition of two Eryngium species was studied. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation in a modified Clevenger-type apparatus, and their analyses were performed by GC and GC-MS. A total of 58 different compounds were identified. Their main constituents were as follows: E. serbicum: germacrene D (19.7 %), ?-elemene (10.0 %) and spathulenol (6.9 %); E. palmatum: sesquicineole (21.3 %), caryophyllene oxide (16.0 %), spathulenol (16.0 %) and sabinene (5.5 %). The main portion in both studied taxa consisted of sesquiterpenes. .
DNA cleavage, structural elucidation and anti-microbial studies of three novel mixed ligand Schiff base complexes of copper(II)
Authors: Raman N. , Raja Johnson
Published: October 2007

Three new copper complexes of mixed ligands derived from Schiff bases (condensation of p-aminoacetanilide and substituted benzaldehydes) with 1,10-phenanthroline have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, magnetic moments, conductivity and electrochemical measurements. The spectral techniques suggest that all the copper complexes exhibit octahedral geometry. The low electrical conductance of the complexes supports their neutral nature. The monomeric nature of the complexes was assessed from their magnetic susceptibility values. The in vitro biological screening effects of the investigated compounds were tested against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi and the fungi Rhizopus stolonifer and Candida albicans by the serial dilution method. A comparative study of the MIC values of the Schiff bases and their copper complexes indicates that the metal complexes exhibited higher antibacterial activity than the free ligands. The DNA cleavage ability of the complexes was monitored by the gel electrophoresis technique. It was found that electron withdrawing group substituted copper complex had higher DNA cleavage activity than the other copper complexes. .
Preparation and characterization of carbon paste electrode modified with tin and hexacyanoferrate ions
Authors: Sabzi Reza , Hasanzadeh All , Ghasemlu Khosrow , Heravi Parvaneh
Published: October 2007

A carbon paste electrode was modified chemically using Sn(II) or Sn(IV) chlorides and hexacyanoferrate(II) or hexacyanoferrate(III). The electrochemical behavior of such SnHCF carbon paste electrodes was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The study revealed that Sn(IV) and hexacyanoferrate(II) yield the best results. This electrode showed one pair of peaks: the anodic and cathodic peak at the potentials of 0.195 and 0.154 V vs. SCE, respectively, at a scan rate of 20 mV s-1 in a 0.5 M phosphate buffer as the supporting electrolyte. The SnHCF modified electrodes were very stable under potential scanning. The effects of pH and alkali metal cations of the supporting electrolyte on the electrochemical characteristics of the modified electrode were studied. The results showed that cations have a considerable effect on the electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode. The diffusion coefficients of hydrated K+ and Na+ in the film, the transfer coefficient and the electron transfer rate constant were determined.
Analysis of the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Popovic Branka , Jekic Biljana , Novakovic Ivana , Milasin Jelena
Published: October 2007

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and determine its potential role in the development and progression of this type of tumor. Materials and methods: The expression of bcl-2 was determined in 28 paraffin blocks of oral squamous cell carcinoma using the immunohistochemical method. The percentage of the immuno-reactive cells in positively stained tumor regions was determined using the microscopic analysis and Ozaria software. Results: Positive immunohistochemical test was observed in 19 out of 28 samples (68%) as follows: in 11 samples there was a low (+), in four a moderate (++) and in the last four a high percentage (+++) of stained cells. In the group of patients at the low stage of the disease (T2), 50% of tumor samples showed bcl-2 protein expression whereas in the higher stages (T3 and T4) of positively stained samples, this percentage was 67%. There was a trend of an increasing number of cells with positive bcl-2 staining in the tumors of higher clinical stages but not the level of bcl-2 protein expression. Conclusion: Both parameters, the presence of bcl-2 staining and the percentage of cells with bcl-2 immunoexpression, may act as additional prognostic parameters that indicate an increased proliferative tumor potential.
The impact of different irrigants on the quality of root canal walls
Authors: Stojilkovic Goran , Gasic Jovanka , Dakovic Jelena
Published: October 2007

Introduction: Root canal irrigation plays an important part in the endodontic therapy. Inadequate irrigation or instrumentation without irrigation increase the accumulation of debris on the cutting surfaces of instruments as well as debris and smear layer on root canal walls. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate smear layer removal after irrigation with saline, 5% NaOCl, 15% EDTA and the combination of 15% EDTA and 5% NaOCl. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Clinic for Dentistry and Institute for biomedical research of the School of Medicine in Nis. Twenty five premolars, extracted from orthodontic reasons, were allocated to 5 groups (A-E) of 5 teeth. Root canals of all teeth were instrumented using hand K files. Samples from Group A were instrumented without irrigation (control group). In Group B, the irrigation was done using saline, in Group C 5% NaOCl, in Group D 15% EDTA and in Group E the combination of 15% EDTA and 5% NaOCl. After the treatment, all samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Central parts of root canals were examined and photomicrographs were taken at different magnification. The amount of debris and smear layer was quantified and the data were statistically analyzed. Results: All four treatment modalities (B, C, D, E) induced changes in the appearance of dentinal walls and the amount of debris and the smear layer compared to the control group (A). The difference between the control group and Group B was statistically significant (p<0.01) and highly significant between the control group and Groups C, D and E (p<0.0001). The combined use of 15% EDTA and 5% NaOCl for irrigation and 1 min final rinse resulted in a complete elimination of the smear layer; the use of saline, 5% NaOCl or 15% EDTA alone failed to remove the debris and smear layer completely. Conclusion: The use of singular solutions for root canal irrigation significantly reduces the amount of debris and the smear layer whereas the combined use of NaOCl and EDTA results in the complete elimination of the smear layer from root canal walls.
Evaluation of the artificial tooth and polymer-base bond in removable dentures
Authors: Pavlin Martin , Jerolimov Vjekoslav , Rudolf Rebeka , Stamenkovic Dragoslav , Anzel Ivan
Published: October 2007

Introduction: The most commonly used materials for prosthetic denture base are acrylic resins - polymethyl methacrylate, which has all the important physical and chemical properties. The bond between a denture base and an acrylic tooth has a significant functional value. Aim: To evaluate the influence of various procedures on bonding quality between the denture base and the artificial tooth, the measurement of gaps when connecting the tooth and the denture base using an optical or electron microscope, and evaluating the mechanical properties by compressive testing. Materials and methods: Forty eight acrylic models with bonds between acrylic teeth and prosthetic denturebases, and 12 models for compressive testing were created as the materials in this in vitro study. The acrylic models were allocated to four groups (with 12 samples) for microscopy, and three groups for compressive testing. The samples for microscopy contained denture bases with fixed, unprocessed acrylic teeth, mechanically processed acrylic teeth, chemically processed acrylic teeth, and mechanically and chemically processed acrylic teeth, respectively. The acrylic models had the same dimensions, and the surface of each model was prepared using a slow speed saw, abrasive diamond paste, and special paper grinders. A special metal cast was created for compressive testing with internal dimensions of 20 x 9 mm. The size of a gap was measured on the light inverse microscope (Nikon Epiphot 300) and pressure testing was performed on a Zwick/Roell Z010 pressure machine. Results: The average value of the gap on mechanically and chemically treated samples was 68.250 ?m, which was significantly lower than the gap on the untreated samples with the average value of 103.75 ?m. The compressive strength was 3200 N/mm2 on untreated samples and above 6000 N/mm2 on the mechanically and chemically treated ones. Conclusions: It can be concluded that surfaces which come into contact must be mechanically and chemically processed. Although in practice prostheses are made using mechanical tooth-base retention, larger gaps occur when compared to mechanically and chemically processed surfaces.
In vitro evaluation of coronal microleakage associated with two root obturation techniques
Authors: Zivkovic Slavoljub , David-Burlica Borislava , Stanisic Jelena , Stojcic Sonja , Medojevic-Jovanovic Milica , Dacic Dragoslav
Published: October 2007

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the smear layer on the coronal microleakage in root canals obturated with laterally condensed cold gutta-percha or Thermafil and two root canal sealers. Materials and methods: Sixty extracted single-rooted human teeth with straight root canals were allocated to two experimental groups. The root canals were instrumented using the STEP-BACK technique, K reamers and K files and irrigated with 2.5 % NaOCl. The teeth in the first group were treated with 17% EDTA and 2.5 % NaOCl to remove the smear layer. The teeth in both groups were obturated either with laterally condensed cold guttapercha (28 teeth) or Thermafil gutta-percha with plastic cores (28 teeth) and RSA or AH-PLUS sealers. The specimens were evaluated for coronal microleakage using silver nitrate solution. The linear penetration of the dye was assessed using a binocular magnifying glass (x25), with an inserted micrometer scale. Results: The results showed low coronal microleakage in the group where the smear layer was removed in both the lateral compaction technique (RSA - 1.71mm and AHPLUS - 1.61mm) and the Thermafil groups - RSA (1.65mm) and AH-PLUS (1.66mm). In the group with the intact smear layer, greater microleakage was noticed in both groups, lateral compaction technique -RSA (3.06 mm) and AH-PLUS (2.83mm) and Thermafil technique -RSA (2.99mm) and AH-PLUS ( 2.83mm). The difference was statistically significant between the groups with and without the smear layer for both RSA (p< 0.001) and AH-PLUS sealers ( p<0.001). Conclusion: The present results suggest that the removal of the smear layer significantly improves the tightness of the coronal seal and reduces the coronal microleakage.
Complex odontoma associated with an impacted molar
Authors: Stojanovic Dragana , Stajcic Aleksandar , Colic Snjezana
Published: October 2007

Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumors. They are usually asymptomatic and could be detected accidentally after an X-ray examination of the jaw. The most frequent location of odontomas is maxillary front. The case reported here is a complex odontoma found in the left mandible, associated with an impacted third molar of a 14-year-old girl. Under local anesthesia, both the impacted third molar and odontoma were surgically extracted. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of complex odontoma.
On Source Terms and Boundary Conditions Using Arbitrary High Order Discontinuous Galerkin Schemes
Authors: Dumbser Michael , Munz Claus-Dieter
Published: October 2007

On Source Terms and Boundary Conditions Using Arbitrary High Order Discontinuous Galerkin Schemes

This article is devoted to the discretization of source terms and boundary conditions using discontinuous Galerkin schemes with an arbitrary high order of accuracy in space and time for the solution of hyperbolic conservation laws on unstructured triangular meshes. The building block of the method is a particular numerical flux function at the element interfaces based on the solution of Generalized Riemann Problems (GRPs) with piecewise polynomial initial data. The solution of the generalized Riemann problem, originally introduced by Toro and Titarev in a finite volume context, provides simultaneously a numerical flux function as well as a time integration method. The resulting scheme is extremely local since it integrates the PDE from one time step to the successive one in a single step using only information from the direct side neighbors. Since source terms are directly incorporated into the numerical flux via the solution of the GRP, our very high order accurate method is also able to maintain very well smooth steady-state solutions of PDEs with source terms, similar to the so-called well-balanced schemes which are usually specially designed for this purpose. Boundary conditions are imposed solving inverse generalized Riemann problems. Furthermore, we show numerical evidence proving that by using very high order schemes together with high order polynomial representations of curved boundaries, high quality solutions can be obtained on very coarse meshes.
A Hermite-Type Adaptive Semi-Lagrangian Scheme
Authors: Mehrenberger Michel , Violard Eric
Published: October 2007

A Hermite-Type Adaptive Semi-Lagrangian Scheme

We study a new Hermite-type interpolating operator arising in a semi-Lagrangian scheme for solving the Vlasov equation in the 2D phase space. Numerical results on uniform and adaptive grids are shown and compared with the biquadratic Lagrange interpolation introduced in (Campos Pinto and Mehrenberger, 2004) in the case of a rotating Gaussian.
Hermite Spline Interpolation on Patches for Parallelly Solving the Vlasov-Poisson Equation
Authors: Crouseilles Nicolas , Latu Guillaume , Sonnendrücker Eric
Published: October 2007

Hermite Spline Interpolation on Patches for Parallelly Solving the Vlasov-Poisson Equation

This work is devoted to the numerical simulation of the Vlasov equation using a phase space grid. In contrast to Particle-In-Cell (PIC) methods, which are known to be noisy, we propose a semi-Lagrangian-type method to discretize the Vlasov equation in the two-dimensional phase space. As this kind of method requires a huge computational effort, one has to carry out the simulations on parallel machines. For this purpose, we present a method using patches decomposing the phase domain, each patch being devoted to a processor. Some Hermite boundary conditions allow for the reconstruction of a good approximation of the global solution. Several numerical results demonstrate the accuracy and the good scalability of the method with up to 64 processors. This work is a part of the CALVI project.