FINANCIAL EXPANSIONS, HEGEMONIC TRANSITIONS AND NATIONALISM: A LONGUE DURÉE ANALYSIS OF STATE-SEEKING NATIONALIST MOVEMENTS

This dissertation provides a constructive criticism of theories that predict a decline in state-seeking nationalist movements in the 21st century, including the many theories that claim that the trajectory of nationalist movements is shaped like an inverted U-curve. Through a historical comparative analysis of state-seeking nationalist movements from 1000 AD to 2012, we show that these movements have been characterized by a cyclical pattern in the longue durée. More specifically, the incidence of state-seeking nationalist movements on a world-scale has tended to rise during periods of financial expansion and world-hegemonic crisis and has tended to decline during periods of material expansion and world-hegemonic consolidation. Thus, we expect to see a major resurgence of nationalist movements in the near future, the shape of which is contingent on how the current crisis of US hegemony unfolds. In addition to documenting this cyclical pattern in the prevalence of state-seeking nationalist movements, the study documents the evolution in the forms taken by these movements over time. Class composition and the predominant forms taken by the "nation" have changed from one world hegemony (systemic cycle of accumulation) to the next. The cyclical and evolutionary patterns can in turn be traced to the ways in which state-building strategies fluctuate over time and space between the use of "force" and the use of "consent", on the one hand, and the ways in which state-building strategies themselves have evolved (e.g., from the imposition of religious uniformity to the imposition of linguistic homogenization), on the other hand. The world-historical analysis presented in this study helps us to answer a number of unresolved questions and puzzles in the existing literature on nationalism. Our analysis helps resolve the terminological debate and confusion over what is a "nation" and offers a new explanation for the uneven geographical and temporal patterning of "aggressive" versus "tolerant" forms of nationalism. Finally, the study introduces a major new database (constructed by the author) on nationalist movements - the State-Seeking Nationalist Movements Database - which includes articles reporting on state-seeking nationalist activities throughout the world from 1790 to 2012 using The Guardian and other digital newspaper archives

Radionuclide and heavy metal content in the table olive (Olea europaea L.) from the Mediterranean region of Turkey

This study presents the concentrations of radionuclides and heavy metals in twenty-six table olive (Olea europaea L.) samples, and an assessment of the health risks associated with their consumption. The samples were collected from different towns in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, one of the major olive-producing countries in the world. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in the edible parts of the table olive samples were found as 37.9 ± 4.1, 7.1 ± 0.5, 274.6 ± 14.7, and 7.2 ± 0.7 Bqkg (dw), respectively, by using a gamma ray spectrometer. The effective radiation dose due to the intake of these radionuclides through ingestion of olive samples varied from 3.4 to 22.7 μSv with an average value of 11 ± 1 μSv. The average concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, and Pb in the edible parts of the table olive samples were determined as 2.04, 11.08, 166.60, 0.20, 10.29, 13.81, 14.34, 4.50, and 4.55 μgg–1, respectively, by using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. Based on the measured content of the radionuclides and heavy metals, the results imply that table olives are safe for human consumption

Healing of Oral Lichenoid Lesions following Replacement of Dental Amalgam Restorations with Feldspathic Ceramic Inlay-Onlay Restorations: Clinical Results of a Follow-Up Period Varied from Three Months up to Five Years

Objective. Previous studies have shown the effect of amalgam removal on the healing of oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs); however, no specific replacement materials have been suggested. The present series evaluated long-term results following the complete replacement of amalgam restorations with feldspathic ceramic inlay-onlay restorations for a group of patients with OLLs whose lesions were suspected to be related to amalgam restorations. Materials and Methods. Twenty-four patients who had OLLs suspected to be related to their amalgam restorations were initially recruited. The patients underwent patch tests for a series of dental materials, in addition to clinical and histopathological examination. Sixteen (67%) of the 24 patients had their amalgam replaced with feldspathic ceramic inlay-onlay restorations and were examined within a follow-up period of 3 months to 5 years. Results. After 3 months of clinical follow-up, complete healing (63%) was noted in all patients with OLLs whose lesions were in only close contact with their amalgam restorations. Healing was significantly related to the combination of lesions with close contact with the amalgam restoration and a diagnosis of OLL (x(2) test, P=0.02). Conclusion. Feldspathic ceramic can be safely used as a replacement material for patients with OLLs to diminish adverse reactions to amalgam restorations

Mechanical Properties of Y2Al Crystal

WOS: 000453050300006Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we study the structural parameters and mechanic properties of Y2Al compound. The independent elastic constants of Y2Al compound were calculated and the results show that Y2Al compound is mechanically stable. Some polycrystalline quantities such as the bulk and shear moduli, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio of Y2Al compound were derived from calculated elastic constants. The obtained results were compared with the existing experimental and other theoretical data

Territorial Contradictions of the Rise of China: Geopolitics, Nationalism and Hegemony in Comparative-Historical Perspective

There is debate in the literature regarding whether China can become a new world hegemonic power in the 21st century. Most existing analyses focus on economic aspects of world hegemony-building processes and ignore its macro-political dimensions. This article starts with the premise that reshaping the geopolitical configuration of the inter-state system is an important part of world hegemony-building processes. One of the ways in which previous and current world hegemonic powers established their world hegemonies was through the inclusion of new nations by co-opting, supporting or sometimes selectively leading a section of nationalist movements into independence. Our comparative analysis shows that, as of now, contemporary China has not been following this historical pattern. Compared to Mao-era China, which was perceived as a champion of national liberation—at least when colonial and semi-colonial areas were at stake—today’s People’s Republic of China (PRC) is emerging as a champion of the global geo-political status quo. The current Chinese government is not actively pursuing the transformation of the inter-state system or seeking to create instabilities at different levels. This is because, unlike previous and current world hegemonic powers, during its rise to global preeminence, Chinese territorial integrity has been challenged due to rapid escalation of nationalist/secessionist movements within its own state boundaries. Hence, the PRC's foreign policy has consistently been concerned with creating and preserving macro-political stability at national and international levels

Healing of Oral Lichenoid Lesions following Replacement of Dental Amalgam Restorations with Feldspathic Ceramic Inlay-Onlay Restorations: Clinical Results of a Follow-Up Period Varied from Three Months up to Five Years

Objective. Previous studies have shown the effect of amalgam removal on the healing of oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs); however, no specific replacement materials have been suggested. The present series evaluated long-term results following the complete replacement of amalgam restorations with feldspathic ceramic inlay-onlay restorations for a group of patients with OLLs whose lesions were suspected to be related to amalgam restorations. Materials and Methods. Twenty-four patients who had OLLs suspected to be related to their amalgam restorations were initially recruited. The patients underwent patch tests for a series of dental materials, in addition to clinical and histopathological examination. Sixteen (67%) of the 24 patients had their amalgam replaced with feldspathic ceramic inlay-onlay restorations and were examined within a follow-up period of 3 months to 5 years. Results. After 3 months of clinical follow-up, complete healing (63%) was noted in all patients with OLLs whose lesions were in only close contact with their amalgam restorations. Healing was significantly related to the combination of lesions with close contact with the amalgam restoration and a diagnosis of OLL (x2 test, P=0.02). Conclusion. Feldspathic ceramic can be safely used as a replacement material for patients with OLLs to diminish adverse reactions to amalgam restorations

Gemcitabine, Vinorelbine, and Cisplatin in the Treatment of Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

WOS: 000266733600010PubMed ID: 19433960Objectives: Currently, cisplatin-based doublet combinations are accepted to be the first-line chemotherapy for advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although triplet chemotherapeutics have been shown to be more effective and active than doublets, their toxicity was higher as expected. Therefore, we conducted this phase 11 trial using the combination of gemcitabine-cisplatin-vinorelbine with lower than usual but acceptable doses of gemcitabine and cisplatin to obtain higher response rate than doublet but less toxicity than triplet combinations. Methods: In this trial, stage IIIB and IV chemotherapy naive NSCLC patients with measurable disease and performance status of 0 to 2 were included. Gemcitabine and vinorelbine at the doses of 900 mg/m(2) and 25 mg/m(2), respectively were administered on days I and 8, and cisplatin at a dose of 50 mg/m(2) on day 1, every 21 days. Results: Three of the 39 patients included in the trial were complete responders (7.7%). The overall response rate was 56.4%, median time to the progression was 6 months, median overall survival time was 12 months, and 1-year survival rate was 49.6%. Grade 11 to III neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 24% and 30% of the patients, respectively. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 13.5% of the patients and only these patients received G-CSF. Platelet and erythrocyte transfusions were required in 12 (32.4%) patients. No toxic or early death was observed. Conclusions: This combination of gemcitabine-cisplatin-vinorelbine with lower doses of cisplatin and gemcitabine was effective and active in advanced NSCLC. The overall response rate, I-year survival and median survival time were nearly similar to previous trials in which higher doses of these 3 drugs were used. The toxicities were more acceptable and manageable than the regimes with higher doses; therefore, we may suggest a treatment option for advanced stage NSCLC

Gemcitabine, vinorelbine, and cisplatin in the treatment of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer

PubMedID: 19433960Objectives: Currently, cisplatin-based doublet combinations are accepted to be the first-line chemotherapy for advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although triplet chemotherapeutics have been shown to be more effective and active than doublets, their toxicity was higher as expected. Therefore, we conducted this phase II trial using the combination of gem-citabine-cisplatin- vinorelbine with lower than usual but acceptable doses of gemcitabine and cisplatin to obtain higher response rate than doublet but less toxicity than triplet combinations. Methods: In this trial, stage IIIB and IV chemotherapy naive NSCLC patients with measurable disease and performance status of 0 to 2 were included. Gemcitabine and vinorelbine at the doses of 900 mg/m 2 and 25 mg/m 2, respectively were administered on days 1 and 8, and cisplatin at a dose of 50 mg/m 2 on day 1, every 21 days. Results: Three of the 39 patients included in the trial were complete responders (7.7%). The overall response rate was 56.4%, median time to the progression was 6 months, median overall survival time was 12 months, and 1-year survival rate was 49.6%. Grade II to III neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 24% and 30% of the patients, respectively. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 13.5% of the patients and only these patients received G-CSF. Platelet and erythrocyte transfusions were required in 12 (32.4%) patients. No toxic or early death was observed. Conclusions: This combination of gemcitabine-cisplatin-vinorelbine with lower doses of cisplatin and gemcitabine was effective and active in advanced NSCLC. The overall response rate, 1-year survival and median survival time were nearly similar to previous trials in which higher doses of these 3 drugs were used. The toxicities were more acceptable and manageable than the regimes with higher doses; therefore, we may suggest a treatment option for advanced stage NSCLC. Copyright © 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Plasma homocysteine level and 677C -> T mutation on the MTHFR gene in patients with venous thromboembolism

WOS: 000275575500003PubMed ID: 20429317Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of plasma total homocysteine level and 677C -> T mutation on the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in the development of venous thromboembolism. Methods: Thirty-six (18 male, 18 female and mean+SD; 48.3 +/- 15.5 years) patients with venous thromboembolism and 25 healthy adults (13 male, 12 female and mean SD; 46.8 +/- 9.2 years) were included in the study. Fasting plasma total homocysteine level was determined by a high performance liquid chromatography. 677C -> T mutation on the MTHFR gene in peripheral blood was detected by Real Time-PCR method. Results: The level of plasma total homocysteine (18.5 +/- 10.6 mu mol/L) was significantly higher in patients with venous thromboembolism than in the control group (11.0 +/- 4.7 mu mol/L) (p=0.015). 677C -> T mutation on the MTHFR gene heterozygosity was higher in the patient group than in the control group [13 (36.1%) and 2 (8%) respectively] but this difference was not significant (p=0.07). Conclusion: It is thought that a high plasma total homocysteine may cause venous thromboembolism (Tab. 2, Ref. 21). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk