bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastric Mucus Alterations Associated With Murine Helicobacter Infection
Authors: Schmitz Julia M. , Durham Carolyn G. , Ho Samuel B. , Lorenz Robin G.
Published: January 2009

The C57BL/6 mouse has been shown to develop gastric adenocarcinoma after Helicobacter felis infection. This model was used to determine whether mucin and trefoil factor (TFF) expression after infection was altered in a similar fashion to the changes seen in the protective gastric mucus layer of the human stomach after H. pylori infection. Our results indicate that this mouse model mimics many of the changes seen after human H. pylori infection, including increased expression of muc4 and muc5b and loss of muc5ac. These alterations in mucin expression occurred as early as 4 weeks postinfection, before the development of significant mucous metaplasia or gastric dysplasia. The decrease in muc5ac expression occurred only in the body of the stomach and was not secondary to the adaptive immune response to infection, because a similar decrease in expression was seen after infection of B6.Rag-1−/− mice, which lack B and T cells. Intriguingly, the increased expression of Muc4 and Muc5b in infected C57BL/6 mice was not seen in the infected B6.Rag-1−/− mice. Because B6.Rag-1−/− mice do not develop gastric pathology after H. felis infection, these findings point to the potential role of Muc4 and Muc5b in disease progression. This manuscript contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org . Please visit this article online to view these materials. (J Histochem Cytochem 57:457–467, 2009)
The Influence of Surface Temperature on Rewetting Behavior During Immersion Quenching of Hollow and Solid Cylinders
Authors: Frerichs F. , Luebben Th.
Published: January 2009

Due to the Leidenfrost phenomenon, immersion quenching is a more or less uncontrolled task, because prediction of the appropriate rewetting process is difficult. During the rewetting process the highest heat transfer coefficient occurs. Knowledge of the rewetting behavior is therefore one of the most important points for prediction of the distribution of heat transfer coefficients during immersion cooling. Up to now, it has been assumed that for a given set of experimental parameters, the rewetting process occurs when the surface temperature decreases below a given temperature. In the literature this temperature is called the Leidenfrost temperature. In this contribution, this assumption will be investigated by means of different kind of hollow and non-hollow cylinders. Those workpieces offer the possibility to investigate different distributions of surface temperatures and cooling rates. The observation of the rewetting process was done by means of high resolution video cameras. The investigations show clearly that for a given set of experimental parameters the rewetting process is not only a function of temperature. The progressive motion of the rewetting front is more a self-adjusting process which starts mostly on edges or surface failures of the workpiece.
Analysis of the Segerberg Hardening Power Equation
Authors: Chun-huai Chen , Jing-en Zhou
Published: January 2009

Cooling curves of ten different quenching oils were obtained and the hardness of test specimens quenched in these oils was determined. It was shown that the hardening power calculated from the Segerberg equation provided better agreement with test results than the transition temperature from vapor stage (full-film boiling) to the nucleate boiling stage and the maximum cooling rate. The hardening power equation also provided better agreement with respect to hardness for carbon steel than for alloy steel. The development of revised hardening power equations for carbon and alloy steels showed that there is an alloy-dependent optimal quenching temperature range, and it was concluded that the newly developed equations reported here are superior to the single equation previously published by Segerberg to quantify the quench severity provided by a quenching oil. A methodology to assess data set correlation is proposed and illustrated.
Structures of aluminium-based light weight hydrides
Authors: Hauback Björn C.
Published: January 2009

Light weight hydrides based on aluminium are among the most promising materials for hydrogen storage applications since the hydrogen content is up to 11 wt%. The crystal structures of many promising aluminium-based compounds have been determined and refined during the last years. This review gives an overview of structures of tetra-alanates (with AlH4 tetrahedra), hexa-alanates (with AlH6 octahedra) and different modifications of AlH3. The structure determinations are based on powder diffraction with X-rays, synchrotron X-rays and neutrons. In most structural work neutron diffraction has been used in order to determine accurate hydrogen/deuterium positions. In addition, density functional theory has been used both to predict new structures among these compounds and in combination with experimental work.
Crystal chemistry and metal-hydrogen bonding in anisotropic and interstitial hydrides of intermetallics of rare earth (R) and transition metals (T), RT3 and R2T7
Authors: Yartys Volodymyr A. , Vajeeston Ponniah , Riabov Alexander B. , Ravindran Ponniah , Denys Roman V. , Maehlen Jan Petter , Delaplane Robert G. , Fjellvåg Helmer
Published: January 2009

Hydrides of the i
3- and R2Ni7-based (R = light rare earth element) intermetallics exhibit novel structural features. Structures of these hydrides, including CeNi3D2.8, La2Ni7D6.5, LaNi3D2.8, and Ce2Ni7D4.7, are formed via a huge volume expansion occurring along a single crystallographic direction. Unique structural features during the formation of the hydrides include: (a) The lattice expansion proceeds exclusively within the RNi2 slabs leaving the RNi5 slabs unmodified. Such expansion, about 60% along [001] for the Laves layers, is associated with occupation by D atoms of these slabs; (b) New types of interstitial sites occupied by D are formed; (c) An ordered hydrogen sublattice is observed. In the present work we give (a) a review of the crystal chemistry of the conventional, interstitial type hydrides formed by RT3 and R2T7 intermetallic compounds (R = rare earths; T = Fe, Co, Ni) as compared to the unusual features of the crystal chemistry of anisotropic hydrides formed by the RNi3 and R2Ni7 intermetallics and (b) studies of the interrelation between structure and bonding in anisotropic hydrides by performing density functional calculations for CeNi3 and Ce2Ni7 intermetallic alloys and their corresponding hydrides. These studies allowed obtaining an understanding of the bonding mechanism in the hydrogenated compounds which causes a complete anisotropic rebuilding of their structures. From DOS analysis, both initial intermetallics and their related hydrides were found to be metallic. Bader topological analysis for the non-hydrogenated intermetallics showed that Ce atoms donate in average of almost 1.2 electrons to the Ni sites. Hydrogenation increases electron transfer from Ce; its atoms donate 1.2–1.6 electrons to Ni and H. Charge Density Distribution and Electron Localization Function for Ce2Ni7D4.7 phase clearly confirm that the interaction between the Ce and Ni does not have any significant covalent bonding. Ni is bonded with H via forming spatial frameworks –H–Ni–H–Ni– where H atoms accumulate an excess electron density of about 0.5e–. Thus, the tetrahedral or open saddle-type NiH4 coordination observed in the structures of the hydrides is not associated with the formation of [Ni0H4
1–]4– complexes containing a hydrido-ion H–1. In the structural frameworks there are terminal bonds Ni–H, bridges Ni–H–Ni, and the bonds where one H is bound to three different Ni. These spatial ordered frameworks stand as the principal reason for the anisotropic changes in the structural parameters on hydrogenation. Another unique feature of anisotropic hydrides is the donation of electrons from nonhydrogenated RNi5 parts to hydrogen in RNi2 slabs stabilising these fragments.
Effects of oviductal fluid on the development, quality, and gene expression of porcine blastocysts produced in vitro
Authors: Lloyd Rhiannon E , Romar Raquel , Matás Carmen , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso , Holt William V , Coy Pilar
Published: January 2009

In mammals, fertilization and early pre-implantation development occur in the oviduct. Previous results obtained in our laboratory have identified specific molecules in the oviduct that affect porcine sperm–egg interactions. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the contact between oocytes and oviductal fluid also affect embryo development, quality, and gene expression.In vitromatured porcine oocytes were exposed to bovine oviductal fluid (bOF) for 30 min prior to fertilization. Cleavage and blastocyst development rates were significantly higher from bOF-treated oocytes than from untreated oocytes. Blastocysts obtained from bOF-treated oocytes had significantly greater total cell numbers than those obtained from untreated oocytes. Using real-time PCR, grade 1 (very good morphological quality) and grade 2 (good morphological quality) blastocysts were analyzed for gene transcripts related to apoptosis (BAX,BCL2L1), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transcription/replication (POLG,POLG2, andTFAM), blastomere connection and morula compaction (GJA1), and blastocyst formation and pluripotency (POU5F1). We found that the entire set of genes analyzed was differentially expressed between grade 1 and 2 blastocysts. Furthermore, bOF treatment reduced the ratio ofBAXtoBCL2L1transcripts and enhanced the abundance ofTFAMtranscripts in grade 2 blastocysts. Not only do these findings demonstrate that factors within the bOF act on porcine oocytes both quickly and positively, but they also suggest that such factors could promote embryo development and quality by protecting them against adverse impacts on mtDNA transcription/replication and apoptosis induced by the culture environment.
Historical Divergence and Gene Flow in the Genus Zea
Authors: Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey , Tenaillon Maud , Gaut Brandon S
Published: January 2009

Gene flow plays a fundamental role in plant evolutionary history, yet its role in population divergence—and ultimately speciation—remains poorly understood. We investigated gene flow and the modalities of divergence in the domesticate Zea mays ssp. mays and three wild Zea taxa using sequence polymorphism data from 26 nuclear loci. We described diversity across loci and assessed evidence for adaptive and purifying selection at nonsynonymous sites. For each of three divergence events in the history of these taxa, we used approximate Bayesian simulation to estimate population sizes and divergence times and explicitly compare among alternative models of divergence. Our estimates of divergence times are surprisingly consistent with previous data from other markers and suggest rapid diversification of lineages within Zea in the last ∼150,000 years. We found widespread evidence of historical gene flow, including evidence for divergence in the face of gene flow. We speculate that cultivated maize may serve as a bridge for gene flow among otherwise allopatric wild taxa.
Medications as Risk Factors of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Children: A Pooled Analysis
Authors: Levi Natacha , Bastuji-Garin Sylvie , Mockenhaupt Maja , Roujeau Jean-Claude , Flahault Antoine , Kelly Judith P. , Martin Elvira , Kaufman David W. , Maison Patrick
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to determine the relation of medications to the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in children <15 years of age.

METHODS. We conducted a pooled analysis by using data from 2 multicenter international case-control studies: the severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR) study and the multinational severe cutaneous adverse reaction (EuroSCAR) study conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, and Israel. We selected case subjects aged <15 years, hospitalized for Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis-overlap, or toxic epidermal necrolysis, and age-, gender-, and country-matched hospital controls. Pooled crude odds ratios were estimated and adjusted for confounding by multivariate methods when numbers permitted.

RESULTS. Our study included 80 cases and 216 matched controls. Antiinfective sulfonamides, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine were strongly associated with the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Significant associations were highlighted in univariate analysis for valproic acid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs as a group and for acetaminophen (paracetamol) in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS. We confirmed 4 previously highly suspected drug risk factors for Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in children: antiinfective sulfonamides, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. Among more unexpected risk factors, we suspect that acetaminophen (paracetamol) use increases the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Influence of construction loading on deflections in reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Vollum R.L. , Afshar N.
Published: January 2009

This paper describes and analyses a series of tests on one-way spanning slabs, which were carried out at Imperial College London to investigate the influence of peak construction loads on long-term tension stiffening and slab deflections. The work was carried out to investigate the validity of conclusions drawn from the first author's back analysis of deflection data in the Cardington in situ concrete building, which suggested that long-term deflections in slabs could be governed by short-term construction and in-service loads. An improved method is proposed for taking account of the effect of peak construction loads on long-term slab deflections. The method is shown to be more accurate than the rigorous method in Concrete Society Report TR58 which is based on the first authors' analysis of slab deflections at Cardington.
Upgrading of the anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge by combining temperature-phased anaerobic digestion and intermediate ozonation
Authors: Kobayashi T. , Li Y. Y. , Harada H. , Yasui H. , Noike T.
Published: January 2009

Upgrading of the anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS) by the combination of temperature-phased two-stage digestion and intermediate ozonation was investigated by a continuous experiment with two processes, TM and TOM. The TM process is a temperature-phased two-stage system, which consists of a thermophilic digester and a mesophilic digester in series. The TOM process is a temperature-phased two-stage process with the intermediate ozonation. Two processes were operated at hydraulic retention times of 30 days for over 123 days. Waste activated sludge taken from wastewater treatment plant was fed as a substrate. Microbial community structure in each digester was analysed with molecular tools. Despite of less amount of ozone dose in TOM than ozone pre-treatment process, better effect of ozonation on performance improvement was obtained in TOM. TOM had the highest methane yield and CODCr reduction among comparative processes. Furthermore, flocculation efficiency of TOM followed that of mesophilic digestion. Quality of dewatered supernatant is comparable to mesophilic digestion.
Net flux of pollutants at a reduced spatial scale - an index of catchment vulnerability
Authors: Yillia P. T. , Kreuzinger N.
Published: January 2009

Emissions and riverine loads of pollutants were estimated for five sub-catchments in the Njoro River Catchment, Kenya to isolate specific areas for interim pollution management. The most vulnerable sub-catchments were the densely settled and heavily farmed areas around Egerton University and Njoro Township with the restricted area between them demonstrating a remarkable potential to retain/remove most of the pollution emitted in the Egerton University area. The least vulnerable sub-catchment was the predominantly forested Upper Njoro River Catchment whereas the recently settled and increasingly farmed Lower Little Shuru was moderately vulnerability. The method provided a scientific framework for the rapid assessment of catchment vulnerability to prioritize areas for remediation.
Development of DNA microarray for the evaluation of environmental functions
Authors: Sei K. , Inaba M. , Upadhye R. , Inoue D. , Ike M.
Published: January 2009

DNA microarray mounted 85 functional gene sequences related to carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles, chemical degradation, metal metabolisms, and energy flows was developed to evaluate the function and status of the environment. Total of 24 river water samples from 6 sampling stations in 2 rivers in 4 seasons were analyzed using constructed DNA microarray. The numbers and constitution of the functional genes were much affected by the seasonal change. Some of the functional genes related to methane oxidation, nitrite reduction, nitrogen fixation, aromatic compounds degradation (catechol 2,3-dioxygenase), alkane degradation (group I and III) and iron reduction were detected in most of all the samples, suggesting that these could be the general functions of the river environment. Some other functional genes related to ammonium oxidation, aromatic compounds degradation (catechol 1,2-dioxygenase) and alkane degradation (group II) can be a certain indicator for the evaluation of the environmental condition.
Temperature modelling and prediction for activated sludge systems
Authors: Lippi S. , Rosso D. , Lubello C. , Canziani R. , Stenstrom M. K.
Published: January 2009

Temperature is an important factor affecting biomass activity, which is critical to maintain efficient biological wastewater treatment, and also physiochemical properties of mixed liquor as dissolved oxygen saturation and settling velocity. Controlling temperature is not normally possible for treatment systems but incorporating factors impacting temperature in the design process, such as aeration system, surface to volume ratio, and tank geometry can reduce the range of temperature extremes and improve the overall process performance. Determining how much these design or up-grade options affect the tank temperature requires a temperature model that can be used with existing design methodologies. This paper presents a new steady state temperature model developed by incorporating the best aspects of previously published models, introducing new functions for selected heat exchange paths and improving the method for predicting the effects of covering aeration tanks. Numerical improvements with embedded reference data provide simpler formulation, faster execution, easier sensitivity analyses, using an ordinary spreadsheet. The paper presents several cases to validate the model.
A comparative analysis of different approaches for integrated WWTP modelling
Authors: Grau P. , Copp J. , Vanrolleghem P. A. , Takács I. , Ayesa E.
Published: January 2009

In this paper a comparative analysis of the most important approaches for integrated WWTP modelling is presented. After an introductory presentation of the most important drawbacks and challenges for plant wide modelling, the fundamentals of three different approaches to construct integrated models are presented: “Interfaces” “Standard Supermodel” and “Tailored Supermodel”. Afterwards, a comparative analysis of these approaches from different points of view (difficulties for the model end user, characterization of the process in the plant, flexibility or adaptability for each case of study, simulation platform requirements and computational costs) is carried out. From this comparison, some important conclusions about the suitability of each alternative depending on the simulation case study are extracted.
Modelling the degradation of micropollutants in wastewater: parameter estimation and application to pilot (laboratory-scale) MBR data in the case of 2,6-NDSA and BTSA
Authors: Schönerklee M. , Peev M. , De Wever H. , Reemtsma T. , Weiss S.
Published: January 2009

The paper summarises the definition of an extended biokinetic model dedicated to micropollutant degradation in wastewater treatment and the parameter estimation methodology for this model. Additionally it describes results on experimental parameter estimation for two target micropollutants, naphthalene disulfonate (2,6-NDSA) and benzothiazole sulfonic acid (BTSA). Subsequently the parameterised model is applied to real operational data from two laboratory-scale (MBR) installations. The work presents the full chain of theoretical model development, model analysis and practical application to case study data for micropollutants.
Generation of endocrine disruptor compounds during ozone treatment of tannery wastewater confirmed by biological effect analysis and substance specific analysis
Authors: Schrank S. G. , Bieling U. , José H. J. , Moreira R. F. P. M. , Schröder H. Fr.
Published: January 2009

Ozone (O3) with its high oxidation potential was used to degrade or eliminate pollutants contained in tannery wastewater when applying different pHs and quantities of O3. Our objective was a chemical degradation by O3 to achieve an enhancement of biodegradability, with a parallel decrease in toxicity. Conventional analyses and bioassays beside substance specific analyses were performed to clear-up the behaviour of wastewater content from tanning process. The results demonstrate that the dominant organic pollutants were chemically degraded by oxidation as the chemical and biochemical oxygen demand (COD and BOD) prove, while changes in carbon content monitored by total or dissolved organic carbon content (TOC or DOC) were only marginal. Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna toxicity testing performed in parallel proved a decrease in toxicity after O3-treatment, while the estrogenic activity determined by enzyme-linked receptor assay (ELRA), however, proved an increase of endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC). Results could be explained by substance-specific analyses using gas chromatography (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS). From GC-MS analysis the elimination of non-polar compounds could be recognized, whereas the oxidative conversion led to an increase of EDC compounds, which qualitatively could be identified by LC-MS as nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEO) degradation products: short chain NPEOs, nonylphenol carboxylates (NPECs) and nonylphenol (NP).
Development of a common priority list of pharmaceuticals relevant for the water cycle
Authors: de Voogt P. , Janex-Habibi M.-L. , Sacher F. , Puijker L. , Mons M.
Published: January 2009

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, drugs used in hospitals and veterinary drugs, have been found throughout the water cycle. A desk study was initiated by the Global Water Research Coalition to consolidate a uniform selection of such compounds in order to judge risks of PhACs for the water cycle. By identifying major existing prioritization efforts and evaluating the criteria they use, this study yields a representative and qualitative profile (‘umbrella view’) of priority pharmaceuticals based on an extensive set of criteria. This can then be used for further studies on analytical methods, occurrence, treatability and potential risks associated with exposure to PhACs in water supply, identifying compounds most likely to be encountered and that may have significant impact on human health. For practical reasons, the present study excludes veterinary drugs. The pragmatic approach adopted provides an efficient tool to manage risks related to pharmaceuticals and provides assistance for selecting compounds for future studies.
Modelling raw water quality: development of a drinking water management tool
Authors: Kübeck Ch. , van Berk W. , Bergmann A.
Published: January 2009

Ensuring future drinking water supply requires a tough management of groundwater resources. However, recent practices of economic resource control often does not involve aspects of the hydrogeochemical and geohydraulical groundwater system. In respect of analysing the available quantity and quality of future raw water, an effective resource management requires a full understanding of the hydrogeochemical and geohydraulical processes within the aquifer. For example, the knowledge of raw water quality development within the time helps to work out strategies of water treatment as well as planning finance resources. On the other hand, the effectiveness of planed measurements reducing the infiltration of harmful substances such as nitrate can be checked and optimized by using hydrogeochemical modelling. Thus, within the framework of the InnoNet program funded by Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, a network of research institutes and water suppliers work in close cooperation developing a planning and management tool particularly oriented on water management problems. The tool involves an innovative material flux model that calculates the hydrogeochemical processes under consideration of the dynamics in agricultural land use. The program integrated graphical data evaluation is aligned on the needs of water suppliers.
Added value of online satellite data transmission for flood forecasting: warning systems in medium-size catchments
Authors: Ruch C. , Stadler H.
Published: January 2009

The present paper deals with the implementation of online data transferred via LEO satellite communication in a flood forecasting system. Although the project is ongoing, it is already recognised that the information chain: “measurement—transmission—forecast—alert” can be shortened, i.e., the flood danger can be more rapidly communicated to the population at risk. This gain is particularly valuable for medium size catchments where the concentration time (basin time of response to rainfall) is short.
Impacts of piscivorous birds on salmonid populations and game fisheries in Scotland: a review
Authors: Harris Catriona M. , Calladine John R. , Wernham Chris V. , Park Kirsty J.
Published: January 2009

The Scottish populations of salmonids are important both ecologically and economically. Game fisheries for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, sea trout Salmo trutta trutta and brown trout Salmo trutta fari are all highly acclaimed and generate substantial levels of income for Scotland, but many populations are in decline and efforts are being made to ensure the future sustainability of these species. These declines have led to a focus on the impact of piscivorous bird predation on fish populations. The purpose of our review was to assess the evidence for population‐level impacts on salmonid populations, and/or economic impacts on Scottish game fisheries of predation by the four primary UK freshwater piscivorous bird species: cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, goosander Mergus merganser, red‐breasted merganser Mergus serrator and grey heron Ardea cinerea. There is evidence that these birds can, in some situations, remove large numbers of fish from stocked and natural fisheries. However, a lack of information on fish population levels, the numbers and species composition of feeding birds, and robust calculations of fish consumption has hampered the conversion of the results of the existing studies into useful quantitative measures of impact. As a consequence, few studies have demonstrated any reductions in numbers of breeding fish or fish productivity due to predation by piscivorous birds, or direct economic loss to fisheries in Scotland. We support a previous recommendation for a reiterative procedure of modelling, experimentation and remodelling to assess the impacts of piscivorous birds on fisheries. Wide‐scale studies of the movements of piscivorous birds, their feeding locations in relation to river characteristics, and the factors that make fish particularly vulnerable to predation are seen as important areas for future research.
The Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area in Mongolia ‐ refuge or sink for wolves Canis lupus in the Gobi
Authors: Kaczensky Petra , Enkhsaikhan Namtar , Ganbaatar Oyunsaikhan , Walzer Chris
Published: January 2009

The Mongolian hunting law does not mention the wolf Canis lupus, which is generally interpreted in the way that wolves can be hunted anytime and anywhere, including in protected areas. We investigated whether the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area (SPA), a strict nature reserve in southwestern Mongolia, acts as a refuge or a sink for wolves in the Gobi. Our expectations were that wolves in the Gobi 1) have large ranges similar to those in other equally unproductive habitats, 2) experience a high hunting pressure, and 3) have recently become an important export item for cross‐border trade to China. We combined GPS positions of two adult wolves, wolf harvest data and a market survey on wildlife products to address the above questions. Range use of the two collared wolves was huge, but varied widely between the two animals (6,670 km2 for an adult female and 26,619 km2 for an adult male) and over time. Reproductive status and residency status were only known during the initial 8‐months monitoring period of the female. During this ‘resident’ period her range size was 1,275 km2. Both wolves showed a clear preference of mountainous terrain over flat steppe, suggesting that only 21% of the SPA constitute preferred wolf habitat. Annual harvest in the park and its vicinity averaged 1 wolf/265 km2 in 2002/03, 1 wolf/120 km2 in 2003/04 and 1 wolf/310 km2 in 2004/05. However, hunting pressure was unequally distributed and particularly high in the northeastern corner of the park. During the active monitoring period of wolf F1, 35 wolves were killed within her ‘resident’ range, suggesting a high hunting pressure. Most wolves were shot from motorised vehicles, possibly explaining the preference of wolves for mountainous terrain which is inaccessible for vehicles. The market surveys revealed products from ∼2,000 wolves on the two border markets, a huge discrepancy to only 150 CITES permits officially issued annually. Although our data are insufficient to allow a truly quantitative assessment of the impact of human induced mortality on wolf conservation status in the Great Gobi B SPA, it points towards a potentially severe conservation problem requiring further attention.
Conversion factors in carnivore scat analysis: sources of bias
Authors: Rühe Ferdinand , Ksinsik Michael , Kiffner Christian
Published: January 2009

Scat analyses are commonly applied to study feeding ecology of carnivores. Factors developed in feeding trials are often used to convert dry matter mass of scat remainders to fresh matter mass of killed or scavenged prey. In our study, we aimed at: 1) presenting conversion factors (CFs) of roe deer Capreolus capreolus, European hare Lepus europaeus and house mice Mus musculus digested by wolf Canis lupus, Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx and red fox Vulpes vulpes, 2) comparing CFs derived from fox exposed to different feeding levels (fasted vs non‐fasted before each feeding trial), 3) comparing effects of using different mesh sizes in the lab procedure on CFs, 4) comparing effects of applying CFs derived from wolf, lynx and fox to wolf scats, and 5) quantifying biases caused by inappropriate procedures in scat analyses. Feeding level, use of different mesh sizes, and application of predator‐specific CFs affected the estimated number of killed prey individuals. The greatest deviations were found for the feeding level in regard to roe deer and European hare, and for the application of lynx CFs of roe deer and European hare to wolf scats. The strong relationship between prey use and CFs in our study may be used to estimate prey numbers from scats more precisely: in cases of low prey use, we suggest applying CFs derived from non‐fasted carnivores, and in cases of high prey use CFs from fasted conspecifics are more appropriate. We recommend applying predator‐prey specific CFs and using the same mesh size on which these CFs are based. The presented CFs allow recalculation of prey masses and prey numbers from scat analyses, which had been gained by using inappropriate CFs.
‘The Great Hansen’: An Introduction to the Work of Joseph Hansen, a Forgotten European Choreographer of the Late Nineteenth Century, with a Chronology of His Ballets
Authors: PRITCHARD JANE
Published: January 2009

This feature on the choreographer, Joseph Hansen (1842–1907), falls into four parts. The choreochronicle of works which outlines the ballets he created; an essay which contextualises his work; a list of roles he performed after having officially forsaken the stage; discussion of the content of the Hansen Archive at the Bibliothèque-Musée de l'Opéra, Paris followed by information on material relating to Hansen's ballets for the Alhambra, London, held in the Theatre Collections, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Discourses of Subversion: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Capoeira and Parkour
Authors: FUGGLE SOPHIE
Published: January 2009

This article will examine the notion of subversive discourse found in both the Brazilian dance-martial art known as capoeira and the recent urban phenomenon called parkour, looking in detail at the origins and influences of the two disciplines. With reference to capoeira, I will argue that the linguistic structure which underpins the game provides the space for each capoeirista to develop his or her own creative expression or ‘personality’ within the framework of the discipline. When looking at parkour, I will consider the ways in which it embodies both the notion of flesh in Merleau-Ponty's later writings and how through such an understanding of their bodies and the space around them, practitioners of parkour, known as traceurs, are able to engage in what Foucault refers to as ‘technologies of the self’.
From Quietism to Quiet Politics: Inheriting Emerson's Antislavery Testimony
Authors: GOLDBERG SHARI
Published: January 2009

While Ralph Waldo Emerson has been increasingly acknowledged as an American thinker influential in the evolution of nineteenth-century philosophy, his essays have largely failed to escape the charges of quietism and political apathy bestowed upon them in his lifetime. Yet if Emerson insisted on the importance of silence to the antislavery movement, it was perhaps due to his theory that one's deepest obligations become involuntarily part of the self and thus refuse to withstand representation in direct speech. My article reads Emerson's writing in this light, suggesting more broadly that the common notion that silence and politics are antithetical be reconsidered with regard to the possibility that what constitutes political speech need not be explicit — or even vocal.
Analogue Apollo: Cybernetics and the Space Age
Authors: JOHNSON CHRISTOPHER
Published: January 2009

This article re-examines some of the principal concepts of cybernetics — control, communication, feedback — and its preoccupation with the ‘coupling’ of human and machine in an increasingly automated world. Historically, the rise of cybernetics coincides with the so-called Space Age, where the kind of computerized control systems theorized in cybernetics were essential to the guidance and operation of the complex machinery required to place humans and machines in space. Taking the Apollo programme as a paradigmatic case of accelerated technological evolution, the article looks at aspects of the human-machine relationship in Apollo and more specifically at the modes of interface — ‘analogue’ and ‘digital’ — which mediated that relationship. Despite a certain humanism of control which posits the human agent as the ultimate instance of perception, decision and action, it is argued that the evolutionary tendency detectable in the Apollo programme is towards the progressive marginalization, or ‘redundancy’, of the human agent.
The Materialization of Prose: Poiesis versus Dianoia in the work of Godzich & Kittay, Shklovsky, Silliman and Agamben
Authors: Watkin William
Published: January 2009

This article presents a critical theory of the medium of ‘normative’ prose. Relying on the work of critics of poet's prose and the philosophy of Badiou and Nancy, it commences by defining prose ostensibly as the immaterial and thus invisible dianoia or discursive other to the radically material poeisis. The essay then attempts to trace a brief history of critical attention paid to prose to uphold and further develop this thesis. Using the poeticized prose of Ron Silliman's Tjanting as an exemplary, contemporary text the remainder of the article delineates the three elements of prosaic immateriality. The first is the predominance of the role of deixis in prose as the very act of referring to reference itself devoid of actual referents in the world, the moment of the predominance of prose as normative according to Godzich and Kittay. The second is the attempt by automatized prose discourse to occlude its alterity and the role of poetic alienation in revealing this automatization as a political/ideological construct. This is traced back to the formalism of Shklovsky and then reconsidered in the Language poetics of Ron Silliman's own theorization of the New Sentence as that which resists automatized syllogistic cohesion. Thirdly, the paper looks at the significant incursions in the field by one of the key contemporary thinkers, Giorgio Agamben. Analysing Agamben's theory of prose as the collapse of poetic semiotic singularity into semantic generality, I finish with a consideration of how Silliman's work resists this very gesture in an attempt to create a permanently materialized prose that resists being relegated to dianoia or the prose of generalized connections.
Ethyl Carbamate in Alcoholic Beverages from Mexico (Tequila, Mezcal, Bacanora, Sotol) and Guatemala (Cuxa): Market Survey and Risk Assessment
Authors: Lachenmeier Dirk  W. , Kanteres Fotis , Kuballa Thomas , López Mercedes G. , Rehm Jürgen
Published: January 2009

Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a recognized genotoxic carcinogen, with widespread occurrence in fermented foods and beverages. No data on its occurrence in alcoholic beverages from Mexico or Central America is available. Samples of agave spirits including tequila, mezcal, bacanora and sotol (n=110), and of the sugarcane spirit cuxa (n=16) were purchased in Mexico and Guatemala, respectively, and analyzed for EC. The incidence of EC contamination was higher in Mexico than in Guatemala, however, concentrations were below international guideline levels (
Total Antioxidant Capacity of Some Commercial Fruit Juices: Electrochemical and Spectrophotometrical Approaches
Authors: Pisoschi Aurelia Magdalena , Cheregi Mihaela Carmen , Danet Andrei Florin
Published: January 2009

The aim of this paper was to assess the total antioxidant capacity of some commercial fruit juices (namely citrus), spectrophotometrically and by the biamperometric method, using the redox couple DPPH· (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)/DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine). Trolox® was chosen as a standard antioxidant. In the case of the spectrophometric method, the absorbance decrease of the DPPH· solution was followed. For the biamperometric method, the influence of some parameters like the potential diference, ΔE, DPPH· concentration, and Trolox® concentration was investigated. The calibration graph obtained for Trolox® presents linearity between 5 and 30 µM, (y = 0.059 x + 0.0564, where y represents the value of current intensity, expressed as μA and x the value of Trolox® concentration, expressed as μM; r2 = 0.9944). The R.S.D. value for the biamperometric method was 1.29% (n = 10, c = 15 μM Trolox®). In the case of the spectrophotometric method, the calibration graph obtained for Trolox® presents linearity between 0.01 and 0.125 mM (y = -9.5789 x+1.4533, where y represents the value of absorbance and x, the value of Trolox® concentration, expressed as mM; r2 = 0.9963). The R.S.D. value for the spectrophotometric method was 2.05%. Both methods were applied to total antioxidant activity determination in real samples (natural juices and soft drinks) and the results were in good agreement.
THE SPECIFICITY OF THE NATIONAL IDENTITY IN THE EPOCH OF GLOBALIZATION
Authors: Liahchylin Anatol , Astrouskaya Tatsiana
Published: January 2009

This article is devoted to the analysis of the national identity in the epoch of globalization. With the impact of globalization things and relations have changed rapidly. The authors try to show that the same situation happened to the national identity, the borders of which are becoming more and more flexible and movable. This situation can be used for the purpose of the renaissance of the national identity. However, it is possible only in the way of the combination of support from the state with realization by every nation of its own specificity and singularity.
EUROPE, IDEA OF A CONTINENT: THE QUEST FOR THE EUROPEAN IDENTITY
Authors: Wal Koo van der
Published: January 2009

Against a widespread scepticism with regard to the existence of a European identity, the article maintains both that there is such a thing as European culture and mentality or European “story”, and that there has to be one, if European economy, law and politics are to be successful in the longer run. The article attempts to show ideal‐typically that there is quite a series of interconnected common features (institutions, practices, convictions and guiding ideas) on the European continent. This can also be made visible in the contrast with non‐western cultures, and within the western cultural area with the American society and mentality as well. It is not denied that the European “story” is often distorted by a stubborn reality (power relations, conflicts of interests, etc.). Nevertheless, it is constantly working on all levels of the European society and offers guidance to the processes at work there.
THE POLITICAL FRONTIERS OF EUROPE AS A CIVIL SOCIETY: J. HABERMAS’ REJECTION OF A EUROPEAN VOLK AND M. FOUCAULT'S BALANCE OF POWER AS PROTECTIONS AGAINST EUROPEAN NATION‐STATE
Authors: Karskens Machiel
Published: January 2009

With the help of J. Habermas and M. Foucault, it is argued that the idea of Europe is, first of all, the ideal of an unlimited civil society. Human rights, the rule of law and the legal European institutions are its political backbone. The European Union itself is somehow the realization of this ideal conception of a borderless, unlimited society. It is argued that the European Union in this respect is a heterotopia within the bordered and sovereign member states themselves. Seen from the outside, however, and in the world of geopolitics, Europe is a political power with closed borders and excluding frontiers. In this respect the European Union is a continuation of the old European Balance of Power.
GLOBALIZATION AND NATIONAL IDENTITY: THE ASPECTS OF POLITICAL ETHICS
Authors: Pruskus Valdas
Published: January 2009

The article shows that globalization makes the largest influence on three significant guarantees of national identity (and freedom) preservation: language, economic and political independence. The possibilities to preserve and to consolidate freedom are discussed as well. The first theme analyzed is the worship and promotion of language, cultural and national values which mean not only safety but also openness and accessibility for other cultures (interchange). The second is the renunciation of servant position in relation with the European Union, the self‐spread and defence of economic interests. The third is more active defend of political interests in the European Union in search for the partners whose interests seceded to coincide with ours. The fourth is the implementation of the political self‐government principle, which should be grounded on the striving to preserve the national identity and culture which supply civil society. This way the gap between authorities and inhabitants decreases, it diminishes the distrust of citizens in authorities and it increases responsibility and accountability of authorities to the people who elected them. It is hoped that everything above mentioned would form more favourable environment for national self‐awareness and freedom to spread and grow strong as well.
HISTORICAL MEMORY, EMBODIED IN THE SOCIAL SPACE OF MINSK, AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE FORMATION OF NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN IDENTITY OF BELARUSIANS
Authors: Titarenko Larissa
Published: January 2009

Historical memory embodied in a social space of Minsk represents “cultural signs” of several different epochs. In fact, the historical past of Minsk up to the beginning of the XIX century can be considered as the process of construction of its European identity. In this aspect, the XIX century demonstrated a shift to Russian euro‐asianism, while the soviet history was a unique attempt to construct the universal Soviet identity with only a few features of the national culture. The contemporary epoch gives Minsk a unique chance to simultaneously increase both European and national identity of Belarusians.
THE PROCESS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NATIONAL IDENTITIES ON THE POLISH‐LITHUANIAN‐BELARUSIAN BORDERLAND
Authors: Sadowski Andrzej
Published: January 2009

In this article I will at least try to outline the necessary methodological assumptions for the future researches on the national identities of the inhabitants of the Polish ‐ Belarusian ‐ Lithuanian borderland. Then, using the results of the studies of the identities on the Polish ‐ Belarusian borderland, I will attempt to prove the thesis, that in present conditions, the national identity should not be treated as only subjective reflection of someone's national membership, described with the use of a given set of features on the different levels of objectification, but should be understood broader: declaration of the national identity also means taking of the certain position, defining of someone's place and duties within the dynamic and changeable national structure. We can distinguish four types of the collective actors, which shape the national identities on the studied borderland: (1) ethnic minorities (with which certain categories of the citizens identify), (2) national majorities backed by the power of the state in which the representatives of the minorities live, (3) the “foreigner fatherlands” (R. Brubaker) and (4) international organizations which create certain legal regulations and who monitor (control) their realization. In the studies of the national identity of the Polish‐Belarusian‐Lithuanian borderlands some theoretical approaches can be distinguished. There is a need to define, at least for the use in the studies, the concepts of national minority and ethnic minority, and to create a new theoretical category ‐ “the cultural nation”. The national (ethnic) minority can be distinguished in the specific minority situation, most frequently in the context of the other, dominant majority, as the community, which is less significant, subordinated and often discriminated. The notion of national‐ethnic self‐identification should be associated with the resourcefulness of the representatives of a given minority in certain environments.