bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Characterization of Ephedrus persicae Biotypes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) in the Palaearctic
Authors: Žikić Vladimir , Tomanović Željko , Ivanović Ana , Kavallieratos Nickolas G , Starý Petr , Stanisavljević Ljubiša Ž , Rakhshani Ehsan
Published: January 2009

Ephedrus persicae Froggatt (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) represents a biologically complex parasitoid species group that parasitizes >150 aphid species worldwide, including many pests in different agroecosystems. Evidence from the host range indicated some taxonomic problems within this species-complex. Using classical and geometric morphometric approaches, we assessed the morphological differences among various E. persicae biotypes in the Palaearctic reared from 20 aphid hosts. We found that morphological variability of E. persicae biotypes was influenced by the host. Classical morphometric analysis indicated a conservative position of E. persicae biotypes in the Palaearctic. Our analysis showed that E. persicae biotypes reared from nonleaf-curling Aphis and leaf-curling Dysaphis aphid hosts have significant differences, but all other analyzed E. persicae biotypes have an intermediate position, making it impracticable to split the E. persicae group this way. However, geometric morphometrics used to analyze variation of wing shape showed better predictive ability. The high ratio of correctly assigned individuals based on the wing shape of E. persicae/Aphis viticis Ferrari, E. persicae/Brachycaudus klugkisti (Börner), and E. persicae/Tuberocephalus momonis (Matsumura) biotypes indicates that some host-specific adaptations occurred. The E. persicae/ Hyadaphis foeniculi (Passerini) biotype is clearly separated along the CV2 canonical axis, exhibiting shorter and wider wings. On the basis of this result, we describe a new taxon—Ephedrus lonicerae n. sp.
Effect of rice-cooking water to the daily arsenic intake in Bangladesh: results of field surveys and rice-cooking experiments
Authors: Ohno K. , Matsuo Y. , Kimura T. , Yanase T. , Rahman M. H. , Magara Y. , Matsushita T. , Matsui Y.
Published: January 2009

The effect of rice-cooking water to the daily arsenic intake of Bangladeshi people was investigated. At the first field survey, uncooked rice and cooked rice of 29 families were collected. Their arsenic concentrations were 0.22±0.11 and 0.26±0.15 mg/kg dry wt, respectively. In 15 families, arsenic concentration in rice increased after cooking. Good correlation (R2=0.89) was observed between arsenic in rice-cooking water and the difference of arsenic concentration in rice by cooking. In the second survey, we collected one-day duplicated food of 18 families. As a result, we estimated that six of 18 families likely used the arsenic contaminated water for cooking rice even they drank less arsenic-contaminated water for drinking purpose. We also conducted rice-cooking experiments in the laboratory, changing arsenic concentration in rice-cooking water. Clear linear relationships were obtained between the arsenic in rice-cooking water and the difference of arsenic concentration in rice by cooking. Factors that affect arsenic concentration in cooked rice are suggested as follows: (1) arsenic concentration in uncooked rice, (2) that in rice-cooking water, (3) difference in water content of rice before and after cooking, and (4) types of rice, especially, the difference between parboiled and non-parboiled rice.
Microbial ecology and performance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in biological processes treating petrochemical wastewater with high strength of ammonia: effect of Na2CO3 addition
Authors: Whang L. M. , Yang K. H. , Yang Y. F. , Han Y. L. , Chen Y. J. , Cheng S. S.
Published: January 2009

This study evaluated nitrification performance and microbial ecology of AOB in a full-scale biological process, powder activated carbon treatment (PACT), and a pilot-scale biological process, moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), treating wastewater collected from a petrochemical industry park. The petrochemical influent wastewater characteristics showed a relative low carbon to nitrogen ratio around 1 with average COD and ammonia concentrations of 310 mg/L and 325 mg-N/L, respectively. The average nitrification efficiency of the full-scale PACT process was around 11% during this study. For the pilot-scale MBBR, the average nitrification efficiency was 24% during the Run I operation mode, which provided a slightly better performance in nitrification than that of the PACT process. During the Run II operation, the pH control mode was switched from addition of NaOH to Na2CO3, leading to a significant improvement in nitrification efficiency of 51%. In addition to a dramatic change in nitrification performance, the microbial ecology of AOB, monitored with the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) molecular methodology, was found to be different between Runs I and II. The amoA-based TRFLP results indicated that Nitrosomonas europaea lineage was the dominant AOB population during Run I operation, while Nitrosospira—like AOB was dominant during Run II operation. To confirm the effects of Na2CO3 addition on the nitrification performance and AOB microbial ecology observed in the MBBR process, batch experiments were conducted. The results suggest that addition of Na2CO3 as a pH control strategy can improve nitrification performance and also influence AOB microbial ecology as well. Although the exact mechanisms are not clear at this time, the results showing the effects of adding different buffering chemicals such as NaOH or Na2CO3 on AOB populations have never been demonstrated until this study.
Evaluation of extremely shallow vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland for nutrient removal
Authors: Taniguchi T. , Nakano K. , Chiba N. , Nomura M. , Nishimura O.
Published: January 2009

Mesocosm-scale vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SSF, 0.5 m length, 0.3 m width) with different reed-bed thickness, including standard SSF (SD, 0.6 m deep), shallow SSF (S, 0.3 m deep) and extremely shallow SSF (ES, 0.075 m deep) were set up at sewage treatment plant and their nutrient removal efficiencies from the sewage plant effluent were compared under three hydraulic loading rate (HLR) conditions of 0.15, 0.45 and 0.75 m3 m−2 d−1. A very interesting characteristics was found for the extremely shallow SSF, in which a high nitrogen removal efficiency was obtained despite the effective hydraulic retention time was only 1/8 times as long as the standard SSF. The results of kinetic analysis confirmed that the high volumetric nitrogen removal efficiency observed in the extremely shallow SSF did not depend on high response against the water temperature but on much higher basic nitrogen removal activity compared with other SSF. The phosphorus removal depending on the adsorption to sand in the reed-bed filter was, however, the lowest in the extremely shallow SSF although the volumetric removal efficiency was much higher compared with other SSF. Results of morphological analysis of rhizosphere collected from respective reed-bed suggested that the extremely shallow SSF lead to a very high-density rhizosphere, resulting in a high basic nitrogen removal activity and volumetric phosphorus removal efficiency.
Evaluation of appropriate technologies for grey water treatments and reuses
Authors: Li Fangyue , Wichmann Knut , Otterpohl Ralf
Published: January 2009

As water is becoming a rare resource, the onsite reuse and recycling of grey water is practiced in many countries as a sustainable solution to reduce the overall urban water demand. However, the lack of appropriate water quality standards or guidelines has hampered the appropriate grey water reuses. Based on literature review, a non-potable urban grey water treatment and reuse scheme is proposed and the treatment alternatives for grey water reuse are evaluated according to the grey water characteristics, the proposed standards and economical feasibility.
Improved control of multiple-antibiotic-resistance-related microbial risk in swine manure wastes by autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion
Authors: Han Il. , Congeevaram Shankar , Park Joonhong
Published: January 2009

In this study, we microbiologically evaluated antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity in livestock (swine) manure as well as its biologically stabilized products. One of new livestock manure stabilization techniques is ATAD (Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion). Because of its high operation temperature (60–65°C), it has been speculated to have effective microbial risk control in livestock manure. This hypothesis was tested by evaluating microbial risk in ATAD-treated swine manure. Antibiotic resistance, multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR), and pathogenicity were microbiologically examined for swine manure as well as its conventionally stabilized (anaerobically fermented) and ATAD-stabilized products. In the swine manure and its conventionally stabilized product, antibiotic resistant (tetracycline-, kanamycine-, ampicillin-, and rifampicin-resistant) bacteria and the pathogen indicator bacteria were detected. Furthermore, approximately 2–5% of the Staphylococcus and Salmonella colonies from their selective culture media were found to exhibit a MAR-phenotypes, suggesting a serious level of microbe induced health risk. In contrast, after the swine manure was stabilized with a pilot-scale ATAD treatment for 3 days at 60–65°C, antibiotic resistant bacteria, pathogen indicator bacteria, and MAR-exhibiting pathogens were all undetected. These findings support the improved control of microbial risk in livestock wastes by ATAD treatment.
Improving the success of “bottom-up” development work by acknowledging the dynamics among stakeholders: a case study from an Engineers Without Borders water supply project in Tenganan, Indonesia
Authors: Bowen J. , Acciaioli G.
Published: January 2009

This paper presents a model of development action synthesising the development arena framework with collective action theory. It shows how application of this model in the Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) water supply improvement and capacity building project in Tenganan, Indonesia has helped to maximise the extent to which the project practice can reflect the project rhetoric as “bottom-up” or community-inspired. The model posits a broad range of stakeholders actively engaged in development action: each stakeholder is different, with its own interests, missions, procedures, and ways of deploying power in development action. Recognising the multiplicity of subjects of development is especially crucial for improving bottom-up practice. Connections and interactions among stakeholders are inherently problematic, and must be negotiated to accomplish development work, as tensions in the dynamic among stakeholders may operate to restrict the success of these “bottom-up” development projects.
Coagulation–flocculation studies of tannery wastewater using cationic polymers as a replacement of metal salts
Authors: Haydar Sajjad , Aziz Javed Anwar
Published: January 2009

Studies were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of cationic polymers as a suitable replacement of metal salts for the treatment of a local tannery wastewater. Eleven cationic polymers of varying molecular weights (MW) and charge densities (CD) were examined using jar test apparatus. Three cationic polymers: one with MW of 4 million Dalton and CD of 55%; second with MW of 6 million Dalton and CD of 40%; and the third with MW of 8 million Dalton and CD of 40% were found suitable for tannery wastewater treatment at an optimum dose of 20 mg/L for each. Percentage removals with these three cationic polymers for turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) and chromium lied in a range of 91–95%, 69–83%, 25–29% and 96–97%, respectively with respect to plain settled wastewater. The cost of the most suitable cationic polymer C-496 at its optimum dose was $0.09 per cubic metre of wastewater and sludge production was 35 mL/L. The results demonstrated that treatment of tannery wastewater with cationic polymers is a viable and economical option when compared with metal salts.
An implementation framework for wastewater treatment models requiring a minimum programming expertise
Authors: Rodríguez J. , Premier G. C. , Dinsdale R. , Guwy A. J.
Published: January 2009

Mathematical modelling in environmental biotechnology has been a traditionally difficult resource to access for researchers and students without programming expertise. The great degree of flexibility required from model implementation platforms to be suitable for research applications restricts their use to programming expert users. More user friendly software packages however do not normally incorporate the necessary flexibility for most research applications. This work presents a methodology based on Excel and Matlab-Simulink for both flexible and accessible implementation of mathematical models by researchers with and without programming expertise. The models are almost fully defined in an Excel file in which the names and values of the state variables and parameters are easily created. This information is automatically processed in Matlab to create the model structure and almost immediate model simulation, after only a minimum Matlab code definition, is possible. The framework proposed also provides programming expert researchers with a highly flexible and modifiable platform on which to base more complex model implementations. The method takes advantage of structural generalities in most mathematical models of environmental bioprocesses while enabling the integration of advanced elements (e.g. heuristic functions, correlations). The methodology has already been successfully used in a number of research studies.
Economic analysis in the process of the preparation of river basin management plans in Slovenia: the Drava River Basin pilot study
Authors: Dodič J. , Bizjak A.
Published: January 2009

According to the EU Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive, hereinafter called: WFD), several steps have to be worked out on the way towards the good water status. For this goal, some of the main elements of the river basin management plans are the programme of measures. The programme of measures has to include basic and supplementary measures. In addition, it has to check the implementation of European Directives into the national law and has to estimate the effects of these rules on the quality of the water bodies. If these regulations are not sufficient to reach the good status of water, supplementary measures have to be applied. The paper gives an overview of how basic and supplementary measures for wastewater treatment were considered in the Drava River Basin. The main stress is given to the implementation of the EU Directive 91/271/EEC (the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, hereinafter called: UWWTD), as part of the basic measures as defined in Annex VI of WFD and its results in the Drava River Basin.
Phosphorus retention patterns along the Tisza River, Hungary
Authors: Kovács Á. , Kozma Zs. , Istvánovics V. , Honti M.
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study was to assess in-stream retention of suspended solids (SS) and total phosphorus (TP) at low flow condition in a large watercourse, the Tisza River. The analysis was based on a longitudinal water quality profile obtained in July 2006 during a cruise along the Hungarian section of the river (nearly 600 km). Water samples were taken manually for SS and TP every half an hour (ca. 5.5 km). Additionally, concentration of SS was calculated from on-line turbidity records taken every 6 s (ca. 10 m). Velocity field was calculated with a 1D hydrodynamic model calibrated for low flow conditions. To describe the transport, a simple first-order equation was adjusted to the SS profile after estimating the potential maximum of SS that the flow with the given velocity could transport. Specific P content of SS was related to velocity to estimate longitudinal TP profile. Retention of TP amounted to 42% along the Hungarian section of the Tisza River at a flow of 110 m3 s−1. Storage reservoirs significantly influenced the longitudinal retention pattern. Upstream of Dam II (river kilometre 404), net TP retention reached 73%, while the downstream section was a source of TP.
Developing Countries in the 21st Century WTO: New Contours of India's Global Engagement
Authors: Karmakar Suparna
Published: January 2009

As an institution, the WTO (with 153 members) has functioned very differently from the GATT. The old power centers within the multilateral trade regime have been joined by new power centers, especially the emerging economies. Developing and the least-developed members, acting in coalitions, have become more effective players in the Doha Round with significant success in ensuring that WTO agreements are in their favour. However, they have not had similar success in setting the negotiating agendas that meet their expectations and development concerns.This paper examines the changing contours of the engagement of developing countries, with special reference to India, in the 21st century WTO system of trade governance. It argues that emerging developing countries today need to pick up the leadership mantle with determination and play a constructive role in furthering the cause for sustained trade integration. This will be in the larger interest of protecting their international market access as well as much needed domestic reforms. The paper tries to identify the role and responsibilities of emerging powers like India in the steering and governance of the post-Doha WTO.
Assessment of laboratory and biosafety practices associated with bacterial culture in veterinary clinics
Authors: Weese J. Scott , Prescott John F.
Published: January 2009

Objective—To investigate bacterial culture practices in veterinary clinics, with an emphasis on laboratory biosafety and on quality of laboratory practices.

Design—Survey-based prospective study.

Sample Population—166 veterinarians.

Procedures—Veterinarians were recruited through the Veterinary Information Network (an Internet-based network restricted to veterinary personnel). All Network-registered veterinarians were eligible to participate. A standardized questionnaire regarding bacterial culture practices in veterinary clinics was completed electronically by study participants.

Results—720 veterinarians completed the survey; 166 (23%) indicated that bacterial culture was performed in his or her clinic. Clinic practices ranged from preliminary aerobic bacterial culture only with submission of isolates to a diagnostic laboratory for further testing (93/160 [58%]) to bacterial culture, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (19/160 [12%]). Most commonly, urine samples were cultured (151/162 [93%] clinics). Several prob-lematic practices were identified regarding quality and quality control, including inadequate facilities, equipment, supervision, interpretation of data, and culture methods. Biosafety infractions were also common, including inadequate laboratory location, lack of biosafety protocols, and dangerous disposal practices. Ninety-four percent of respondents stated that continuing education regarding culture practices and laboratory safety would be useful.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data confirmed that bacterial culture was commonly performed in clinics, but that major deficiencies in laboratory methods were widespread. These could result in negative effects on testing quality and increased risk of laboratory-acquired infections among clinic personnel. Veterinary practices in which bacterial cultures are performed must ensure that adequate equipment, facilities, personnel, and training are provided to enable accurate and safe sample testing.
Clinical, ultrasonographic, and laboratory findings associated with gallbladder disease and rupture in dogs: 45 cases (1997–2007)
Authors: Crews Laura J. , Feeney Daniel A. , Jessen Carl R. , Rose Nathan D. , Matise Ilze
Published: January 2009

Objective—To identify clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic characteristics associated with gallbladder disease and rupture in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—45 client-owned dogs.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs with histologically confirmed gallbladder disease that had ultrasonographic evaluation were reviewed. Signalment, history, clinical signs, laboratory values, bacteriologic culture of bile, gallbladder status at surgery or necropsy (intact vs ruptured), histopathologic findings, radiographic findings, ultrasonographic findings, and outcome were analyzed.

Results—The most common ultrasonographic findings were echogenic peritoneal fluid, thickened or laminated gallbladder wall, and echogenic reaction in the gallbladder fossa. Eighteen of 45 (40%) dogs had gallbladder rupture. Rupture was associated with histologic evidence of gallbladder necrosis, decreased serosal detail radiographically, and pericholecystic echogenic reaction, pericholecystic echogenic fluid, and generalized echogenic abdominal effusion ultrasonographically. Twenty-one of 45 (47%) dogs had mucocele, and 9 (43%) of those had gallbladder rupture. Eleven of 40 dogs had positive results of bacteriologic culture, and 5 of those had gallbladder rupture. Only 2 dogs had concurrent positive results of bacterial bile culture and gallbladder mucocele. Survival rate was 86% and not significantly related to presurgical bile leakage, positive results of bacterial culture, or mucocele.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ultrasonographic findings of pericholecystic reaction, localized or generalized echogenic peritoneal fluid, or decreased radiographic peritoneal detail should raise the index of suspicion for gallbladder rupture. Mucocele or bacterial gallbladder infection was the most common concurrent finding in dogs with gallbladder rupture.
Temporal changes in characteristics of injection-site sarcomas in cats: 392 cases (1990–2006)
Authors: Shaw Stephen C. , Kent Michael S. , Gordon Ira K. , Collins Cameron J. , Greasby Tamara A. , Beckett Laurel A. , Hammond Genevieve M. , Skorupski Katherine A.
Published: January 2009

Objective—To evaluate changes in characteristics of feline injection-site sarcomas (ISSs) from 1990 through 2006.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—392 cats with a histologic diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, or chondrosarcoma at potential injection sites.

Procedures—Classification and anatomic location of tumors and signalment of affected cats were compared between ISSs diagnosed before and after publication of the Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force vaccination recommendations in 1996.

Results—From before to after publication of the vaccination recommendations, proportions of ISSs significantly decreased in the interscapular (53.4% to 39.5%) and right and left thoracic (10.2% to 3.6% and 9.1% to 1.3%, respectively) regions. On the other hand, proportions of ISSs significantly increased in the right thoracic limb (1.1% to 9.5%) and the combined regions of the right pelvic limb with right lateral aspect of the abdomen (12.5% to 25.0%) and the left pelvic limb with left lateral aspect of the abdomen (11.4% to 13.8%). Patterns of tumor classification and signalment did not change.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Despite publication of the vaccination recommendations, a high proportion of tumors still developed in the interscapular region. There was also an increase in lateral abdominal ISSs, which are more difficult to treat and are likely attributable to aberrant placement of injections intended for the pelvic limbs. Veterinarians are complying with vaccination recommendations to some extent, but they need to focus on administering vaccines as distally as possible on a limb to allow for complete surgical margins if amputation of a limb is required.
Milling-Induced Reset of Thermoluminescence and Deformation of Hydroxyl Species in the Near-Surface Layers of Quartz Grains
Authors: Takeuchi Akihiro , Hashimoto Tetsuo
Published: January 2009

Reset mechanisms of thermoluminescence (TL) signals in the near-surface layers (~500 nm thick) of quartz grains during milling are discussed on the basis of the dependence of TL glow-curves and infrared absorption spectra on grain diameter. TL measurements (heating to 370°C at 1°C/s) indicate that the near-surface layer does not seem to emit TL at ~250-400°C, especially in the blue range, even in TL measurements after re-irradiation. In contrast, the layer seems to emit more TL at ~130°C than the inner original quartz. On the other hand, diffused reflection infrared Fourier transform spectrometry indicates that hydroxyl species (e.g. Al-OH, Li-dependent OH and molecular H2O species) are deformed in the near-surface layer. These two series of data suggest that TL recombination sites in the near-surface layer are deformed or broken during milling and contribute to TL emission unusually strongly.
Comparative analysis of energy potential of three ways of configuration of a condenser power plant thermal cycle
Authors: Chmielniak Tadeusz , Krzyślak Piotr
Published: January 2009

Comparative analysis of energy potential of three ways of configuration of a condenser power plant thermal cycle

A theoretical, comparative analysis of three configuration ways of a condenser power plant thermal cycle is shown in the work. A new regeneration & separation preheater and its application in a thermal cycle is presented. Results obtained allow to compare all three analysed configurations efficiencies.
Problems of the starting and operating of hydraulic units and systems in low ambient temperature (Part I)
Authors: Jasiński Ryszard
Published: January 2009

Problems of the starting and operating of hydraulic units and systems in low ambient temperature (Part I)

Severe winters and sweltering summers which more and more often occur nowadays are the reason why machinery designers face many difficulties when designing devices which will be serviceable in extreme ambient conditions. Hence, defining the principles and conditions of safe operation of hydraulically driven machines and devices is essential for their designers and operators. For this reasons the author did a series of tests of hydraulic component and systems in thermal shock conditions (cooled-down component were supplied with hot working medium). In such conditions, starting parameters of the selected hydraulic component and systems which secured safety of their operation were determined. The experimental tests were carried out in the laboratory of the Chair of Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Gdańsk University of Technology.
Numerical investigations of the engine cooling system in a small power vessel pod propulsion system
Authors: Dymarski Czesław , Leśniewski Wojciech
Published: January 2009

Numerical investigations of the engine cooling system in a small power vessel pod propulsion system

The development of electronics and electrotechnology enabled to put electric motors of the alternating current in the pod and to use them for the main drive of ships. A lot of heat which must be picked up from the system is a problem which is turning up at applying the system of this type. Many big ships lately contended with these problems. Building the small propeller for the boat powered with solar power we decided to check the influence of the chilling middle on the temperature of the work of an engine. In the article we are presenting a built propeller and a way, into which an issue of the exchange of the heat was analysed using the Fluent software.
The effect of heat treatment on the structure and corrosion resistance of Al-Zn-Mg alloys
Authors: Jurczak Wojciech
Published: January 2009

The effect of heat treatment on the structure and corrosion resistance of Al-Zn-Mg alloys

The parameters of heat treatment of Al-Zn-Mg alloys subjected to precipitation hardening have a substantial impact on mechanical and corrosion resistance. The rate of cooling after supersaturation, along with the ageing temperature and time, affect significantly mechanical properties of these alloys. The type of ageing (artificial or natural) after saturation implies corrosion resistance in seawater. Being a modification of the AlZn5Mg1 alloy, denoted as PA47, the AlZn5Mg2CrZr alloy reveals best mechanical properties among all aluminium alloys in shipbuilding [1]. However, the higher level of precipitation hardening, the higher susceptibility to corrosion, in particular to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Describing the structure of Al-Zn-Mg alloys by identifying the precipitation free zone (PFZ) and the Guinier-Preston (G-P) zones provides the information on the corrosion resistance of these alloys.
The multidimensional approach to development strategy of marine industry: Part II. Multifaceted analysis of the development outlook for the polish marine industry
Authors: Semenov Iouri
Published: January 2009

The multidimensional approach to development strategy of marine industry: Part II. Multifaceted analysis of the development outlook for the polish marine industry

Today the Polish marine industry demands multi-step conversion of its companies into future-oriented enterprises. The article presents some results of the multifaceted analysis of this branch of the Polish economy. Main attention is devoted to identification of the critical barriers to its modernization. It is shown that such purpose as increase of competitiveness requires the correct assessment of various obstacles to innovative changes. Moreover, it is recommended the scenarios approach to the risk minimization of quantitative transformations and qualitative changes in the Polish marine industry. Various scenarios forecasting obstacles impacts are presented. Special attention is focused as on the decision-makers willingness to innovative changes, as on eventual techniques for fruitful overcoming the barriers to accelerated development of the Polish marine industry. Proposals are illustrated by numerous results of fulfilled investigation.
Regenerating Drama in Stein'sDoctor Faustus Lights the Lightsand Woolf'sBetween the Acts
Authors: Balkin Sarah
Published: January 2009

Gertrude Stein's play Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights and Virginia Woolf's play-novel Between the Acts use an array of genres to connect with literary history without uncritically reproducing past forms and ideologies in the present. Writing on the brink of World War II, both authors respond to the histories and literary forms they associate with patriarchal violence, through self-renewing dramas that allow for the possibility of change. Through intertextual analysis, not moored to demonstrable mutual influence, but alert to common influences, I posit the pasts Woolf and Stein rejected and rebuilt as the strongest links between them.
Crooked Europe: The Verse Drama of W.H. Auden (and Company)
Authors: Query Patrick
Published: January 2009

In this essay I argue that the trajectory of W.H. Auden's short career in verse drama describes the impossibility of its own objective: the use of ritual to represent a coherent idea of Europe without invoking an objective historical or spiritual tradition. His verse plays, born out of a commitment to drama's ritual origins and potential, offer a useful measure of the difficulty of imagining European cultural cohesion in the inter-war period. Auden's plays employ a host of formal strategies to recreate the conditions of ritual, with some success. Moreover, Auden's plays, especially those written in collaboration with Christopher Isherwood, also wrestle with the problem of European political and cultural atomization. The solutions the plays offer, while often dramatically compelling, ultimately do not move beyond the political limitations and cultural disorders they describe, a shortcoming Auden later came to see in terms of the absence of tradition.
Mobility and Commute Disutility Effects of 511 Deployment in Salt Lake City, Utah
Authors: Vasudevan Meenakshy , Wunderlich Karl E. , Burnier Carolina , Glassco Richard
Published: January 2009

The mobility and disutility-reduction benefits to users of the 511 advisory service currently deployed in Salt Lake City, Utah, were evaluated through a modeling study conducted using the HOWLATE (Heuristic On-Line Web-Linked Arrival Time Estimation) methodology. The benefits of the existing 511 advisory service to seasoned users of the service and the potential additional benefit to providing travel-time estimates via the 511 service were evaluated. Data were provided by the Utah Department of Transportation. Four types of commuters were modeled: (a) a nonuser, who ignored traveler information; (b) a 511 advisory user, who made use of the 511 advisory service currently available to commuters in Salt Lake City; (c) a 511 travel-time user, who made use of a hypothetical 511 service that provided travel-time estimates; and (d) a dynamic message sign (DMS) user, who made use of DMS deployed along 20 mi of I-15. Analysis showed that the existing 511 advisory service resulted in mobility and disutility-reduction benefits to seasoned commuters. Compared with the nonuser, the 511 advisory user was able to reduce peak-period late arrivals by 14%. By supplementing the existing 511 advisory service with DMS, late arrivals for current 511 advisory users can be further reduced by more than 10%. Providing travel times for the entire network over the 511 service can reduce peak-period late arrivals for current 511 advisory users by nearly 30%.
Clustering of metabolic factors among the patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Siddique Md. Abu , Sultan Md. Ashraf Uddin , Haque K.M.H.S. Sirajul , Zaman Mohammad Mostafa , Ahmed Chaudhury Meshkat , Rahim Md. Abdur , Salman Mohammad
Published: January 2009

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was determined in clinicâbased 1,517 hypertensive patients. All traits were present in 1.1% men and 12.8% women. Combination of different three traits were present as follows; hypertension with high triglyceride and low HDL (menÂ Â  29.4% vs. women 51.8%), hypertension with high blood glucose and low HDL (men 13.5% vs. women 29.8%), hypertension with high glucose and high triglyceride (men 18.1% vs. women 18.1%), hypertension with high blood glucose and large waist (men 2.7% vs. women 25.7%), hypertension with high triglyceride and large waist (men 3.4% vs. women 39.3%) and hypertension with low HDL and large waist (men 2.5% vs. women 70.6%). This study shows that the metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among hypertensive patients especially women. Keywords: essential hypertension; metabolic factorOnline 29-1-2009DOI: 10.3329/bmrcb.v34i3.1856Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2008; 34: 71-75
Socio-economic determinants of low birth weight in Bangladesh: A multivariate approach
Authors: Khatun Selina , Rahman Mahmudur
Published: January 2009

Though the health situation of Bangladesh has improved substantially over the years, the low birth weight (LBW) rate is still pretty high. The principal focus of this study was to ascertain the significant determinants for LBW. One hundred and eight LBW babies were compared with 357 normal birth weight babies. Out of 20 possible risk variables analyzed, 9 were found significant when studied separately. Mother's age, education, occupation, yearly income, gravid status, gestational age at first visit, number of antenatal care visit attended, quality of antenatal care received and pre-delivery body mass index had significantly associated with the incidence of LBW. Using the stepwise logistic regression, mother's age (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.02), number of antenatal care visit attended (p < 0.001, OR=29.386) and yearly income (p < 0.001, OR=3.379) created the best model, which predicted 86.1% and 94.4% of the LBW babies and normal birth weight babies respectively. Maternal age, educational level and economic status play an important role in the incidence of low birth weight.Keywords: Bangladesh; low birth weight; socio-economicOnline: 29-1-2009DOI: 10.3329/bmrcb.v34i3.1857Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2008; 34: 81-86
Elders and ‘Frauds’: Commodified Expertise and Politicized Authenticity Among Mijikenda
Authors: McIntosh Janet
Published: January 2009

Among Mijikenda of the Kenya coast, the male Kaya elders (azhere a Kaya) – custodians of sacred spaces and customary knowledge – traditionally undergo years of secretive ritual training and tribulation in order to accrue both expertise and seniority. Over the past few years, however, a series of scandals have fragmented this group, casting them into the national spotlight while fomenting debates about the nature of elders’ expertise. In the ethnically fraught context of Kenyan politics, politicians of Mijikenda and of other ethnic backgrounds have sought out and paid Kaya elders for ritual ‘anointing’ or ‘blessing’ in order to win Mijikenda allegiance in their political campaigns. As public cynicism toward these events has mounted and elders have traded barbed accusations of fraudulence, much discourse has revolved around an idealized and nostalgic model of the kind of expertise considered to be under threat. I discuss the roles of morality, secrecy and ethnic identity in this model, suggesting that these ways of thinking about expertise are not merely reflections of ‘tradition’ but also emergent from presentist struggles for elders’ personal power and for the collective identity of Mijikenda.
Specialist Knowledge Practices of Craftsmen and Clerics in Senegal
Authors: Dilley Roy
Published: January 2009

This article examines the specialized knowledge practices of two sets of culturally recognized ‘experts’ in Senegal: Islamic clerics and craftsmen. Their respective bodies of knowledge are often regarded as being in opposition, and in some respects antithetical, to one another. The aim of this article is to examine this claim by means of an investigation of how knowledge is conceived by each party. The analysis attempts to expose local epistemologies, which are deduced from an investigation of ‘expert’ knowledge practices and indigenous claims to knowledge. The social processes of knowledge acquisition and transmission are also examined with reference to the idea of initiatory learning. It is in these areas that commonalities between the bodies of knowledge and sets of knowledge practices are to be found. Yet, despite parallels between the epistemologies of both bodies of expertise and between their respective modes of knowledge transmission, the social consequences of ‘expertise’ are different in each case. The hierarchical relations of power that inform the articulation of the dominant clerics with marginalized craftsmen groups serve to profile ‘expertise’ in different ways, each one implying its own sense of authority and social range of legitimacy.
Negotiating Licence and Limits: Expertise and Innovation in Djenné's Building Trade
Authors: Marchand Trevor H. J.
Published: January 2009

During a mason's apprenticeship in Djenné, the young man acquires not only technical skills, but also appropriate social knowledge and a bodily comportment. Together, these inform his professional performance as a craftsman. Recognized masters of the trade creatively innovate in a manner that effectively expands the discursive boundaries of tradition and what is popularly accepted as ‘authentic’ Djenné architecture. Based on ethnographic work amongst Djenné’s masons, this article explores the complex construction of ‘expert status’, and the negotiation of licence and limits for innovation in this internationally renowned and protected historic urban context.
Knowledge and Intellectual Practice in A Swahili Context: ‘Wisdom’ and The Social Dimensions of Knowledge
Authors: Kresse Kai
Published: January 2009

This article investigates ‘wisdom’ from an ethnographic perspective that pays attention to the ways in which knowledge is performed, appreciated, negotiated and questioned in everyday life in Mombasa, on the Swahili coast. It discusses thebarazasetting (daily meeting points for male social peers) as a venue for intellectual practice and the appreciation of wisdom. Basic features of communicative interaction identified there can also be found to be in play when looking at case studies of individuals and their performances. The article looks at how two genres (didactictenzipoetry and Ramadhan lectures) are used by Swahili intellectuals who are regarded as exceptional in their field. Verbal, performative and social skills are found to be crucial aspects of wisdom, which also has to do with being able to engage with common social concerns in a manner that leads to further insight and intellectual orientation for others. In this sense, social responsibilities and moral obligations in the use of knowledge play an important role. Overall, the article seeks to contribute to a general discussion of wisdom, based on insights gained on the East African coast.
Identifying Novel Protein‐Protein Interactions Using Co‐Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectroscopy
Authors: Free R. Benjamin , Hazelwood Lisa A. , Sibley David R.
Published: January 2009

Proteomics has evolved from genomic science due to the convergence of advances in protein chemistry, separations, mass spectroscopy, and peptide and protein databases. Where identifying protein‐protein interactions was once limited to yeast two‐hybrid analyses or empirical data, protein‐protein interactions can now be examined in both cells and native tissues by precipitation of the protein complex of interest. Coupling this field to receptor pharmacology has recently allowed for the identification of proteins that differentially and selectively interact with receptors and are integral to their biological effects. It is becoming increasingly apparent that receptors in neurons do not exist as singular independent units, but rather are part of large macromolecular complexes of interacting proteins. It is a primary quest of neuroscience to piece together these interactions and to characterize the regulatory signalplexes of all proteins. This unit presents co‐immunoprecipitation‐coupled mass spectroscopy as one way of identifying signalplex partners. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 46:5.28.1‐5.28.14. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Animal Model of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Sensitive to Antidepressants
Authors: Schneider Tomasz , Popik Piotr
Published: January 2009

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is characterized by the recurrence of a cluster of physical and negative mood symptoms, especially irritability, appearing when estrogen and progesterone levels decrease during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This unit describes a new animal model of PMDD that shows differentiation between female rats expressing and not expressing ovarian cycle–dependent irritability measured by the behavior of burying harmless objects. Burying behavior is enhanced in a subgroup of female rats at metestrus and decreased at the proestrus phase of the estrous cycle. Increased marble burying at metestrus does not habituate and can be reversed by acute treatment with several antidepressants, which mimic the pharmacology of PMDD in humans. This model may be used to study the neuroendocrine mechanisms triggering premenstrual irritability, and the mode of action of antidepressants used for the treatment of PMDD. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 46:9.31.1‐9.31.10. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Staining Proteins in Gels
Authors: Sasse Joachim , Gallagher Sean R.
Published: January 2009

This unit describes protocols for detecting protein in a gel by Coomassie blue, silver, or fluorescent staining. As a general protein stain, Coomassie is easier and more rapid; however, fluorescent and silver staining methods are considerably more sensitive and thus can be used to detect smaller amounts of protein. Fluorescent staining is a popular alternative to traditional staining procedures, mainly because it is more sensitive than Coomassie staining, and often as sensitive as silver staining. Alternate protocols describe rapid Coomassie and silver staining methods, as well as fluorescent stains that are specific for phosphoproteins and glycoproteins. Staining of proteins in SDS‐polyacrylamide gels is described; variations for fluorescent staining of proteins in nondenaturing gels are also included. Support protocols describe photography of stained proteins. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 85:10.6.1‐10.6.27. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
SNP Genotyping Using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX Platform
Authors: Gabriel Stacey , Ziaugra Liuda , Tabbaa Diana
Published: January 2009

The method for SNP genotyping described in this unit is based on the commercially available Sequenom MassARRAY platform. The assay consists of an initial locus‐specific PCR reaction, followed by single base extension using mass‐modified dideoxynucleotide terminators of an oligonucleotide primer which anneals immediately upstream of the polymorphic site of interest. Using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, the distinct mass of the extended primer identifies the SNP allele. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 60:2.12.1‐2.12.18. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preparation and Culture of Products of Conception and Other Solid Tissues for Chromosome Analysis
Authors: Levy Brynn , Jobanputra Vaidehi , Warburton Dorothy
Published: January 2009

In clinical settings, chromosome studies are usually performed on solid tissue other than solid tumors for one of two reasons: the tissue biopsy is the only tissue available from the patient, or tissues other than the standard peripheral blood lymphocytes must be examined because of suspected mosaicism. This unit describes methods for culturing tissue samples to be used for preparation of metaphase chromosomes or for biochemical or DNA analysis. Protocols include an efficient enzymatic cell disruption procedure and a mechanical disruption procedure. In addition, a procedure for processing uncultured cells for analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is provided. Finally, a method is presented that can sometimes be applied to placental tissue involving the use of mitotically active chorionic villus tissue to prepare metaphase chromosome spreads directly, without cell culture. Two support protocols describe methods for collecting tissue samples.Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 60:8.5.1‐8.5.11. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Clinical Validity and Clinical Utility of Genetic Tests
Authors: Burke Wylie
Published: January 2009

In considering the appropriate use of new genetic tests, clinicians and health care policymakers must consider the accuracy with which a test identifies a patient's clinical status (clinical validity) and the risks and benefits resulting from test use (clinical utility). Genetic tests in current use vary in accuracy and potential to improve health outcomes, and these test properties may be influenced by the clinical setting in which the test is used. This unit defines clinical validity and clinical utility, provides examples, and considers the implications of these test properties for clinical practice. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 60:9.15.1‐9.15.7. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Overview of Pharmacogenetics
Authors: Katz David A. , Bhathena Anahita
Published: January 2009

Pharmacogenetics is the study of relationships between genetic variation and inter‐individual differences with respect to drug response. As the field has matured over the past 15 years, a remarkable diversity of pathways, variation types, and mechanisms have been found to be relevant pharmacogenetic factors. Today, pharmacogenetics is becoming more important in pharmacology for target validation, lead optimization, and understanding of idiosyncratic toxicity. This unit provides an overview of the history of pharmacogenetics and current research applications in drug discovery, as well as a discussion of research quality issues relevant for human subjects research in the pharmacogenetics laboratory.Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 60:9.19.1‐9.19.23. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.