bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory effect of Mycoplasma bovis in experimentally infected calves
Authors: Dudek Katarzyna , Bednarek Dariusz , Ayling Roger D. , Szacawa Ewelina
Published: January 2014

The effect of three different field isolates of Mycoplasma bovis on selected immunological parameters in experimentally infected calves was studied. Calves were kept separately in 4 experimental groups, and animals of 3 groups were infected intratracheally with one of the three selected isolates of M. bovis. The control group was inoculated intra-tracheally with sterile physiological saline. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected just before the calf inoculation, then daily for seven days, and then weekly for another three weeks. The presence of M. bovis antigen, M. bovis antibodies, total protein, gamma globulins, IgA, IgM, IgG, acute phase proteins (haptoglobulin and serum amyloid A), as well as interferon-γ and interleukin-4 concentrations were determined. M. bovis was detected intermittently during the study in the infected groups from day 1, whilst the control group remained free of the pathogen. M. bovis antibodies were detected in some of infected animals in the second, third, and fourth week after infection. The stimulation and/or immunological suppression varied between the M. bovis isolates used for the inoculation. All M. bovis isolates induced a rise of APP and gamma globulin concentrations in infected calves. However, in this study the mucosal immune response appeared to be down-regulated, which was expressed with a general lack of IgA stimulation.
Occurrence of saxitoxine (PSP marine biotoxine) in live molluscs available on Polish market
Authors: Michalski Mirosław M. , Grądziel-Krukowska Katarzyna , Osek Jacek
Published: January 2014

The study was carried out on live bivalve molluscs available on Polish market. Samples of the molluscs (n = 124) were collected from warehouses and markets. Six different species of molluscs (mussels, oysters, vongole, scallops, Japanese clams, and razor clams) were used for the determination of saxitoxine (responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning, PSP) by ELISA. The maximum concentration of PSP toxins (756.69 μg/kg of meat) was found in scallops. The majority of tested mussels were free from the PSP toxins or contained biotoxins bellow the permitted level (800 μg/kg). The analysis of toxicological status of raw bivalve molluscs available on Polish market indicated that they are safe for consumers.
Mechatronic Approaches for Functional Structural Synthesis of Mechanical Systems of Industrial Robots
Authors: Galabov Vitan , Slavkov Vencislav , Slavov Gocho , Savchev Svetoslav
Published: January 2014

The necessity of new approaches for structural synthesis of mechanical systems, which directly identify a limited number of structures that carry a potential for solving the technical problems and meet the specific requirements for the design of mechanical systems, mainly for specialised robots, is specified. The identified five types of kinematic chains (primary, parallel, secondary, additional and subsidiary), with different functionality, allow the synthesis of manipulators structures according to the defined goal tasks and specific functional requirements for hybrid systems, in particular specialised industrial robots. Two mechatronic approaches for functional structural synthesis of mechanical systems of industrial robots, where the main manipulation mechanism is a path generator, were introduced. A limited number of structures that meets the set of objectives and technical requirements to design mechanisms, is directly determined. Emphasis is placed on the tasks of passive (mechanical) control of manipulation systems associated with specialized robotics. Two mechatronic approaches for functional structural synthesis of mechanical systems of industrial robots, where the main manipulation mechanism is a motion generator, are introduced. A limited number of structures is directly defined that meets the set of technical objectives and requirements for the designed mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on the tasks of passive control of the manipulation systems associated with the specialized robotics.
A Mobile Agent-Based System for Server Resource Monitoring
Authors: Tie Zhixin
Published: January 2014

Mobile agent technology has become an important approach for the design and development of distributed systems. Currently, there is little research regarding the efficiency of mobile agent-based monitoring of the server resource. Based on the Mobile-C library, a mobile agent-based system called Mobile Agent- Based Server Resource Monitoring System (MABSRMS) is presented. In MABSRMS mobile agents can call low level functions in binary dynamic or static libraries, and thus can monitor server resource conveniently and efficiently. The experiment was conducted in a university computer center with hundreds of computer workstations and 15 server machines. The experiment uses the MABSRMS to detect system resources, such as available hard disk space, CPU usage and main memory usage. The experiment shows that the mobile agent-based monitoring system is a practical way to monitor server resources in large scale distributed computer centers.
Integrated water resource management for mega city: a case study of Dhaka city, Bangladesh / Zintegrowane zarządzanie zasobami wodnymi dużych miast: przykład miasta Dakka w Bangladeszu
Authors: Hossain Nasir , Bahauddin Khalid Md.
Published: January 2014

Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh is facing a serious water scarcity problem due to the big gap between demand and supply of water system. When accelerating water scarcities and pollution in and around urban centers are superimposed on issues like continuing urbanization, lack of investment funds for constructing and maintaining water infrastructures, high public debts, inefficient resources allocation processes, inadequate management capacities, poor governance, inappropriate institutional frameworks and inadequate legal and regulatory regimes, water management in the megacities poses a daunting task in the future. To overcome these water related problems, water can be a designing element for structuring future development with the combination of sustainable approaches for social and physical transformation, open up opportunities for water management system. Therefore an integrated approach like integrated water resource management (IWRM) system is required that responds to problems that are all interrelated. Alternate supply and demand management tools such as ground water recharge, rainwater harvesting, effective water pricing, reclaimed water use are suggested to meet the deficit of current supply system through the efficient use of the scarce resources available. Institutional reform and improved water planning are required to facilitate economic growth and social development. Finally, human resource development is identified as key factor for the sustainable effective management of this valuable resource.
The spatial variation of oxygen condition in carp pond located in nature reserve „Stawy Milickie” / Przestrzenne zróżnicowanie warunków tlenowych w stawie karpiowym położonym w rezerwacie przyrody „Stawy Milickie”
Authors: Jawecki Bartosz , Jaroszewicz-Smyk Tomasz , Drabiński Andrzej
Published: January 2014

The paper presents the results of research on the spatial variation of oxygen condition in a carp pond. The analysis of dissolved oxygen was carried out in the summer in 29 measuring points. In the analysed months the differences were determined between dissolved oxygen concentration in the strip of rushes and the part of the pond free from macrophytes. In the strip of rushes, the average concentration of dissolved oxygen was between 4.69-6.49 mg O2·dm-3. In the part of pond located near the strip of rushes the oxygen concentration was between 6.23-7.91 mg O2·dm-3 and in open water concentration of dissolved oxygen was in range 7.60-9.09 mg O2·dm-3. It was found that the biggest differences in oxygen concentration occur between the strip of rushes and the open water column: 40% in June, 26% in July, 28% in August, 38% in September, respectively. In the south-western part of the pond, covered with macrophytes and shaded by trees, the worst oxygen conditions were observed - below the optimum level for carps, sometimes reaching lethal values. The best oxygen conditions, noted in July and August, were in the central and northern part of the pond including the fishery and feeding point. In order to improve the oxygen conditions in macrophytes zone it is recommended to remove the rushes periodically and to remember to leave the part of emergent plants that are necessary for breeding and living avifauna. The scope and timing of the removal of plants has to be consulted and co-ordinated with the Regional Conservator of Nature.
Determination of anthropogenic impact on the Siret River and its tributaries by the analysis of attached algae / Określenie antropogenicznych oddziaływań na rzekę Siret i jej dopływy poprzez analizę osiadłych glonów
Authors: Karavan Julia , Solovej Tatiana , Yuschenko Yuriy
Published: January 2014

The article is devoted to the determination of anthropogenic impact on the Siret River and its tributaries (the Sukhyj, the Mikhidra and the Malyj Siret Rivers). The taxons of attached algae were determined in this case. Then they were distributed in the saprobity groups and the correlation of each group was found. It was necessary to identify the stage of ecological regress on each site of the researched basin. The data about the ecological regress can be used as primary information on the aquatic ecosystem state for conducting the further researches. The next step of the investigations was counting of the saprobity index by Pantle and Bukk in Sladechek modification for classification of quality status of water in the researched basin.
Monitoring the diversity of psammophilous grassland communities in the Kózki Nature Reserve under grazing and non-grazing conditions / Monitoring zróżnicowania zbiorowisk roślinnych muraw napiaskowych w rezerwacie przyrody Kózki w warunkach prowadzenia i zaniechania wypasu
Authors: Kulik Mariusz , Warda Marianna , Leśniewska Paulina
Published: January 2014

The objective of the study was to assess the changes in vegetation and turf cover of psammophilous grasslands in the Kózki Nature Reserve under grazing and non-grazing conditions. The investigations were conducted in the years 2010-2013 in southern part of the Kózki Nature Reserve, in the Podlaski Przełom Bugu (the Podlasie Bug Gorge) Landscape Park where sheep of the native breed Świniarka graze as part of the agrienvironmental project “Preservation of endangered genetic animal resources in agriculture”. The pasture area is a mosaic of sandy grasslands of the Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis class and meadow communities of the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class. The turf cover of the study areas varied depending on the type of phytocoenoses and on grazing the sward by sheep or the cessation of its use. Significantly greatest turf cover was determined for communities with species ChAll. Vicio lathyroidis-Potentillion argenteae involving species ChCl. Molinio-Arrhenatheretea and dominated by species ChCl. Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis involving species ChCl. Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, community with Calamagrostis epigejos and with Poa pratensis. Significantly smallest turf cover was observed for the Spergulo-Corynephoretum association where grazing by the Świniarka sheep led to successive reduction of the vegetation cover in the study period. Monitoring of the number of trees and shrubs indicated that all species of this group of plants, up to the height of 100 cm, were nibbled or damaged by sheep during the grazing. Therefore, sheep of the Świniarka breed can be used in the protection of psammophilous grasslands because they hinder the secondary succession of tree and shrub vegetation.
STUDY ON RELATION BETWEEN INELASTIC AND ELASTIC DISPLACEMENT FOR VRANCEA EARTHQUAKES
Authors: Gutunoi Adrian , Zamfirescu Dan
Published: January 2014

At present, Romanian code for seismic design P100 is in a process of assimilation of the requirements from the equivalent European code, EN-1998-1. However, the unique characteristics of the Vrancea earthquakes require additional adjustment for some relations. One of these relations regards the simplified calculation of inelastic displacements and represents the main objective of this article. The paper uses dynamic nonlinear analysis performed on single degree of freedom systems as the main investigation tool. For all the analyses, two hysteretic models are used: Takeda and kinematic hardening. In the beginning, the paper presents the influence of overstrength on inelastic displacements for several behaviour factors. Next, the overstrength-period diagram is proposed based on a case study. Finally, the spectrum of c, the ratio between inelastic and elastic displacement is calculated. The main result of the study is the simplified equations proposed for c factor, relations that can be successfully used in current design.
The Unpredictable Errors of Micro Tactile Metrology – Factors Affecting Stylus tip Contamination
Authors: Kinnell P. , Habeb R.
Published: January 2014

In 3D tactile micro-metrology the contamination of probing devices is a major problem that affects the accuracy and repeatability of measured dimensions. Despite a large body of research in the field of micro CMM and micro probe design there is limited research which has been done so far to explain and tackle this problem. In this work, experimental probing on a range of materials using a micro coordinate measuring machine was conducted to investigate the mechanism of stylus tip contamination. In addition the effects of surface finish on the build-up of stylus tip contamination were also studied. The results provide practitioners with guidelines which allow for the likely build-up of stylus tip contamination to be minimized based on sample material type and surface finish.
3D Optical Measuring Systems and Laser Technologies for Scientific and Industrial Applications
Authors: Chugui Yu. , Verkhoglyad A. , Poleshchuk A. , Korolkov V. , Sysoev E. , Zavyalov P.
Published: January 2014

Modern industry and science require novel 3D optical measuring systems and laser technologies with micro/nanometer resolution for solving actual problems. Such systems, including the 3D dimensional inspection of ceramic parts for electrotechnical industry, laser inspection of wheel pair diagnostic for running trains and 3D superresolution low-coherent micro- /nanoprofilometers are presented. The newest results in the field of laser technologies for high-precision synthesis of microstructures by updated image generator using the semiconductor laser are given. The measuring systems and the laser image generator developed and produced by TDI SIE and IAE SB RAS have been tested by customers and used in different branches of industry and science.
The Yard and Korean Shakespeare
Authors: Lee Hyon-u
Published: January 2014

Since the New Globe Theatre opened in 1996, they have used the yard as an acting area or entrances. Even though the authenticity of using the yard is disputable, nobody denies that the yard must be a very effective tool for performing Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre. The yard is an essential part of traditional Korean theatre, called “talchum (mask dance)” or “talnori (mask play).” The yard is its stage as well as the auditorium. Therefore, the players are surrounded by the audience, and the players can, and often do interact with the audience, speaking to the audience, or treating them as players, or acting as if they were some of the audience. The theatrical style of using the yard has much influenced the modern theatre of Korea. And many Korean directors including Oh Tae-suk, Yang Jung-ung, Sohn Jin-chaek, Park Sung-hwan, and myself, have applied the yard techniques to their Shakespearean productions. Korean Shakespearean productions, which use the yard actively, can be more evidence that the yard must be an effective tool for Shakespeare, not only at the Globe Theatre but also at any kind of theatres of today. No one knows whether Shakespeare actually used the yard or not. But the fact that many Shakespearean productions have used the yard successfully, implies that Shakespeare's texts themselves have enough room for the yard.
BEHAVIOR OF SOME ROMANIAN TRITICALE VARIETIES IN THE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF THE CENTER OF MOLDAVIA, ROMANIA / Comportarea unor soiuri romaneşti de triticale în condiţiile pedoclimatice din centrul Moldovei, Romania.
Authors: Pochişcanu Simona-Florina , Buburuz Alexandra , Pomohaci Tr. , Leonte Alexandra , Naie Margareta
Published: January 2014

Knowledge of the particularities of the new varieties response to environmental conditions is important for the best possible territorial zoning and site stating that they need to occupy in varieties structure for each area. This paper presents research results of environmental testing of six Romanian triticale varieties at the Agricultural Research-Development Station (A.R.D.S.) Secuieni, Neamţ county, Romania, during 2007-2012 and followed the zoning of the most adapted and performing genotypes, increasing their biodiversity, so as to diminish the genetic and environmental vulnerability of agroecosystems. On average for the five years of experimentation, triticale yields achieved ranged from 6984 kg/ha (Cascador) and 8439 kg/ha (Haiduc). Of the five years of experimentation, the crop years 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 were normal in terms of rainfall, the yields achieved in these years being the highest. Depending on the average yield achieved in the five years of experimenting, the top three varieties were ranked Haiduc (8439 kg/ha), Stil (8320 kg/ha) and Plai (7961 kg/ha), the first two varieties having a very low coefficient of variability (<10). During the experiment, Romanian triticale varieties showed good resistance to winter, lodging and diseases.
EFFECT OF ROW SPACING ON THE YIELD OF COTTON CULTIVARS
Authors: Jahedi M.B. , Vazin F. , Ramezani M.R.
Published: January 2014

Modern cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars with herbicide resistance have rejuvenated an interest in narrow row cotton production, primarily because of the reduction of weed control problems encountered in the past with narrow row systems. While the primary goal of narrow row cotton is to reduce production costs, an agronomic and physiological evaluation of this cropping system is also needed. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of using modern cotton cultivars in narrow rows (30 cm) for cotton production in the Gonabad and to assess the effect of these various systems on cotton growth, lint yield, and fiber quality. Plant height, sympodia and total bolls per plant were reduced in cotton grown in narrow row spacing. In most cases, cotton grown in narrow rows had lint yields equal to or higher than those attained in the 70 cm spacing. modern cultivars in narrow row cotton production did not improve lint yield. No conclusions could be made regarding the impact of plant stature on lint yield. Row spacing had little impact on fiber quality narrow row cotton appeared to be a viable agronomic cotton production practice for the Gonabad compared with conventionally - grown cotton based upon lint yield and fiber quality.
New approaches to achieve sustainable regional development
Authors: Káposzta József
Published: January 2014

We are facing a transnational future. Globalization is getting more and more important in economic development, processes are becoming global, and the allocation of goods, capital and resources is carried out on the global market. In such transnational system, the role of large business centers of resource concentration is getting more significant and the ability of nations to balance the allocation of resources is getting poorer. Consequently, the micro-regions, counties and settlements need to face direct global challenges and the self-generated competition as well. Micro-regions, which are not able to adapt to the global resource market and competition, fall out of this allocation space and surely lag behind. Their future greatly depends on how they can represent their interests and how they can improve their positions.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THEMATIC VILLAGES IN POLAND
Authors: Kłoczko-Gajewska Anna
Published: January 2014

In recent years, rural areas in Poland have undergone significant changes. Agricultural production is getting more and more specialized. Consequently, bonds between farmers within the same village weaken, while farmers get to socialize more with those with the same specialization, no matter the distance. As a result, social life in some of the villages declines. Simultaneously, small- and medium-scale farmers, who cannot compete with large farms, have been looking for additional, off-farm sources of income. One of the ways to revive feeling of a common goal and cooperation and at the same time to get additional income is creating a thematic village, whose development is focused on a certain topic (local food, craft, history, or some other ideas). It seems that this idea gives a chance for strengthening the social activeness and self-confidence of the villagers, and in some cases also for getting additional income.
2D and 3D Stereoscopic Videos Used as Pre-Anatomy Lab Tools Improve Students' Examination Performance in a Veterinary Gross Anatomy Course
Authors: Al-Khalili Sereen M. , Coppoc Gordon L.
Published: January 2014

The hypothesis for the research described in this article was that viewing an interactive two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic pre-laboratory video would improve efficiency and learning in the laboratory. A first-year DVM class was divided into 21 dissection teams of four students each. Primary variables were method of preparation (2D, 3D, or laboratory manual) and dissection region (thorax, abdomen, or pelvis). Teams were randomly assigned to a group (A, B, or C) in a crossover design experiment so that all students experienced each of the modes of preparation, but with different regions of the canine anatomy. All students were instructed to study normal course materials and the laboratory manual, the Guide, before coming to the laboratory session and to use them during the actual dissection as usual. Video groups were given a DVD with an interactive 10–12 minute video to view for the first 30 minutes of the laboratory session, while non-video groups were instructed to review the Guide. All groups were allowed 45 minutes to dissect the assigned section and find a list of assigned structures, after which all groups took a post-dissection quiz and attitudinal survey. The 2D groups performed better than the Guide groups (p=.028) on the post-dissection quiz, despite the fact that only a minority of the 2D-group students studied the Guide as instructed. There was no significant difference (p>.05) between 2D and 3D groups on the post-dissection quiz. Students preferred videos over the Guide.
Occupational Stress in Veterinary Support Staff
Authors: Foster Sandra Morales , Maples Elizabeth H.
Published: January 2014

A mixed-method study was used to characterize the occupational stress, health status, and coping strategies of 104 members of the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association. A Web-based survey was used to administer three validated and reliable instruments to gather the quantitative data, and interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data. Quantitative and qualitative data validated each other in all aspects of mental health, indicating that veterinary support staff's mental health status was low. Participants' mental health scores were lower than the US norm of 50, and a correlation between health status and occupational stressors indicated that those with higher perceived stress had lower mental and physical health. Interviews supported this finding. The results suggest that workload, death and dying, and conflict with veterinarians were prominent sources of stress and that veterinary support staff experience high stress that affects their health. Coping strategies were found to be related to mental health status, and those used by this workforce have been linked to negative outcomes. This study's findings indicate that staff health may have negative economic implications for practice owners and staff members.
A theory of redressive justice
Authors: Gold Andrew S
Published: January 2014

This article proposes a new category of justice between individuals, in light of recent developments in corrective justice theory and civil recourse theory. This category – redressive justice – governs the enforcement of rights by a wronged party against the party who committed the wrong. More precisely, it governs the undoing of a transaction between two parties, either by a right holder, or by a party acting on a right holder’s behalf. As the article indicates, redressive justice is importantly distinct from leading conceptions of corrective, distributive, retributive, and preventive justice. In addition, redressive justice can help explain diverse legal fields, ranging from tort to contract to unjust enrichment.
When tribalism meets liberalism: Human rights and Indigenous boundary problems in Canada
Authors: Gover Kirsty
Published: January 2014

This article draws on debates about the ‘boundary problem’ in democratic theory to consider the normative challenges raised by descent-based Aboriginal membership rules in Canada. The boundary paradox is one of the most intractable puzzles of democratic theory. If a demos is necessarily bounded, so that some people are excluded, what normative principle could justify these exclusions? Liberal theory tends to insist on the primacy of consent as the basis of political society and so fails to explain the reliance of liberal democracies on birthright membership, especially the distribution of citizenship to foreign-born descendants of citizens. Applied to expressly kinship-based polities like Aboriginal communities, liberal approaches prioritize non-discrimination, potentially denying to those communities the capacity to distribute membership by reference to characteristics listed as ‘prohibited grounds’ in human rights law, including, most problematically, race and ethnicity. The article outlines the parallels between Canadian citizenship law, the Indian Act regime, and First Nations’ membership codes, and examines the distinctive role to be played by section 35 of Canada’s Constitution Act 1982 in tempering non-discrimination logics. It concludes that existing justificatory tests (the ‘valid legislative object’ test, and the section 1 ‘reasonable limits’ test) are unlikely to provide a way forward, but that a promising methodology can be discerned in Canadian law and policy, in which the ‘reasonableness’ of Aboriginal descent–based exclusions is assessed relative to the characteristics of a free and democratic Aboriginal community. I suggest that this adaptation of liberal non-discrimination norms is an expression of the continuing importance of kinship and descent boundaries in settler-state constitutionalism. Although many questions remain to be resolved, Canadian human rights laws and methodologies could assist in the primary challenge posed to settler-state political theory: the reconciliation of tribal and liberal forms of political organization.
On the Use of Piecewise Standard Polynomials in the Numerical Solutions of Fourth Order Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Islam Md. Shafiqul , Hossain Md. Bellal
Published: January 2014

This paper is devoted to find the numerical solutions of the fourth order linear and nonlinear differential equations using piecewise continuous and differentiable polynomials, such as Bernstein, Bernoulli and Legendre polynomials with specified boundary conditions. We derive rigorous matrix formulations for solving linear and non-linear fourth order BVP and special care is taken about how the polynomials satisfy the given boundary conditions. The linear combinations of each polynomial are exploited in the Galerkin weighted residual approximation. The derived formulation is illustrated through various numerical examples. Our approximate solutions are compared with the exact solutions, and also with the solutions of the existing methods. The approximate solutions converge to the exact solutions monotonically even with desired large significant digits. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 53-64 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17659
Generalization of Titchmarshs Theorem for the Fourier Transform in the Space L2(R)
Authors: Daher R , Hamma M El
Published: January 2014

Using the Steklov function, we obtain a generalization of Titchmarshs Theorem for the Fourier tranform for functions satisfying the Fourier-Lipschitz condition in the space L2(?). GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 77-82 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17661
A Note on Numerical Solution of a Linear Black-Scholes Model
Authors: Uddin Md. Kazi Salah , Ahmed Mostak , Bhowmilk Samir Kumar
Published: January 2014

Black-Scholes equation is a well known partial differential equation in financial mathematics. In this article we discuss about some solution methods for the Black Scholes model with the European options (Call and Put) analytically as well as numerically. We study a weighted average method using different weights for numerical approximations. In fact, we approximate the model using a finite difference scheme in space first followed by a weighted average scheme for the time integration. Then we present the numerical results for the European Call and Put options. Finally, we investigate some linear algebra solvers to compare the superiority of the solvers. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. Vol. 33 (2013) 103-115 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v33i0.17664
Proton Radiotherapy for Pediatric Sarcoma
Authors: Ladra Matthew , Yock Torunn
Published: January 2014

Pediatric sarcomas represent a distinct group of pathologies, with approximately 900 new cases per year in the United States alone. Radiotherapy plays an integral role in the local control of these tumors, which often arise adjacent to critical structures and growing organs. The physical properties of proton beam radiotherapy provide a distinct advantage over standard photon radiation by eliminating excess dose deposited beyond the target volume, thereby reducing both the dose of radiation delivered to non-target structures as well as the total radiation dose delivered to a patient. Dosimetric studies comparing proton plans to IMRT and 3D conformal radiation have demonstrated the superiority of protons in numerous pediatric malignancies and data on long-term clinical outcomes and toxicity is emerging. In this article, we review the existing clinical and dosimetric data regarding the use of proton beam radiation in malignant bone and soft tissue sarcomas.
Composition and Elevation of Spruce Forests Affect Susceptibility to Bark Beetle Attacks: Implications for Forest Management
Authors: Faccoli Massimo , Bernardinelli Iris
Published: January 2014

The spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), is one of the most destructive insects infesting spruce forests in Europe. Data concerning infestations of I. typographus occurring over the last 19 years (1994–2012) on the Southern Alps were analyzed in seven spruce forest types: (1) pure spruce plantations; (2) pure spruce reforestations; (3) pure spruce mountain forests; (4) pure spruce alpine forests; (5) spruce-conifer mixed forests; (6) spruce-broadleaf mixed forests; and (7) spruce-conifer-broadleaf mixed forests. The collected data included the amount of I. typographus damage and the location and composition of the infested forests. The results indicate that different forest types are differently susceptible to I. typographus. Plantations, reforestations and mountain spruce forests show mean damage and mean number of infestations higher than other forest types. Within pure spruce forests, alpine forests growing at high elevations (>1300 m) suffer low damage. Furthermore, the mean number of infestation spots recorded annually in the different spruce forest types is negatively correlated with a Naturality Index value. The results suggest that forest composition and elevation are the main factors driving the risk of I. typographus damage. A new management strategy for some spruce forest types is needed, with a progressive reduction of pure spruce forests at low altitude and an increase of broadleaf composition.
Established and Emerging Biomarkers in Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Verykiou Stamatina , Ellis Robert , Lovat Penny
Published: January 2014

In an era of personalized medicine, disease specific biomarkers play an increasing role in the stratification of high-risk patient groups. Cutaneous malignant melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer with an ever-increasing global incidence, especially in patients under 35-years of age. Despite the excellent prognosis for patients diagnosed with early stage disease, metastatic disease still carries significant overall mortality. Biomarkers aim not only to identify high-risk patients, but also to provide potential therapeutic targets for differing patient subgroups. Furthermore, accessibility to tissue samples from a range of disease stages in malignant melanoma, unlike most other solid tissue tumours, provides the unique opportunity to explore the biology of tumour progression that may be relevant in the biology of cancer as a whole. Over the past decade, there have been major advances in targeted therapies, providing new avenues and hope to patients with this devastating disease. This review will focus on most up to date histological, serological and molecular biomarkers in malignant melanoma.
An Evaluation of Healthcare Information on the Internet: The Case of Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Authors: Chen Chia-Ching , Yamada Tetsuji , Smith John
Published: January 2014

Health information, provided through the Internet, has recently received attention from consumers and healthcare providers as an efficient method of motivating people to get screened for colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, the primary purpose was to investigate the extent to which consumers were better educated about CRC screening information because of the information available on the Internet. Another purpose was to identify how better-informed consumers, with reliable and trustworthy health information, were enabled to make sound decisions regarding CRC screening. The data used in this study was taken from the 2003 Health Information National Trends Survey. People aged 55 and older were classified based on their compliance with recommended CRC screening. The study applied the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to evaluate the effects of health information taken from the Internet regarding CRC screening. The credibility and reliance of cancer related information on the Internet was significantly associated with patient compliance to be screened for CRC. Experience and knowledge of Internet use had a significant impact on the utilization of CRC screening. This analysis suggests that the design and publishing websites concerning CRC should emphasize credibility and reliance. Websites providing information about CRC must also contain the most current information so that people are able to make educated decisions about CRC screening.
Lactoferrin Directly Scavenges Hydroxyl Radicals and Undergoes Oxidative Self-Degradation: A Possible Role in Protection against Oxidative DNA Damage
Authors: Ogasawara Yuki , Imase Megumi , Oda Hirotsugu , Wakabayashi Hiroyuki , Ishii Kazuyuki
Published: January 2014

In this study, we examined the protective effect of lactoferrin against DNA damage induced by various hydroxyl radical generation systems. Lactoferrin (LF) was examined with regard to its potential role as a scavenger against radical oxygen species using bovine milk LF. Native LF, iron-saturated LF (holo-LF), and apolactoferrin (apo-LF) effectively suppressed strand breaks in plasmid DNA due to hydroxyl radicals produced by the Fenton reaction. In addition, both native LF and holo-LF clearly protected calf thymus DNA from fragmentation due to ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of H2O2. We also demonstrated a protective effect of all three LF molecules against 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) formation in calf thymus DNA following ultraviolet (UV) irradiation with H2O2. Our results clearly indicate that native LF has reactive oxygen species-scavenging ability, independent of its nature as a masking component for transient metals. We also demonstrated that the protective effect of LF against oxidative DNA damage is due to degradation of LF itself, which is more susceptible to degradation than other bovine milk proteins.
The Aegean Dispute in the Context of Contemporary Judicial Decisions on Maritime Delimitation
Authors: Siousiouras Petros , Chrysochou Georgios
Published: January 2014

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the principal international law document, which regulates the establishment of the maritime economic zones, namely the Continental Shelf (CS) and the Exclusive Economic Zone (ΕΕΖ) as well as any issues that may come up during their delimitation. Maritime delimitation issues are settled either through state agreements or through legal redress before the respective international tribunals. In this context, the aim of this paper is to elaborate on the delimitation prospect concerning a Greek CS/EEZ based on contemporary conventional and customary international law of the sea, in addition to contemporary judicial decisions. More specifically, the analysis focuses on dispute issues in the region of the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, between Greece and its neighboring country Turkey, concerning the CS/EEZ delimitation. An attempt is made to critically compare this case to the outcome of recent relevant international judicial decisions by highlighting not only the common points but also any differences and complexities. The main purpose is to render the reader aware of the special treatment needed for the case in question, with the expectation for a fair future delimitation of the Greek maritime economic zones.
Genetic Diversity of Tick-Borne Rickettsial Pathogens; Insights Gained from Distant Strains
Authors: Pierlé Sebastián , Imaz-Rosshandler Ivan , Kerudin Ammielle , Sambono Jacqueline , Lew-Tabor Ala , Rolls Peter , Rangel-Escareño Claudia , Brayton Kelly
Published: January 2014

The ability to capture genetic variation with unprecedented resolution improves our understanding of bacterial populations and their ability to cause disease. The goal of the pathogenomics era is to define genetic diversity that results in disease. Despite the economic losses caused by vector-borne bacteria in the Order Rickettsiales, little is known about the genetic variants responsible for observed phenotypes. The tick-transmitted rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma marginale infects cattle in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Australia. Genomic analysis of North American A. marginale strains reveals a closed core genome defined by high levels of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Here we report the first genome sequences and comparative analysis for Australian strains that differ in virulence and transmissibility. A list of genetic differences that segregate with phenotype was evaluated for the ability to distinguish the attenuated strain from virulent field strains. Phylogenetic analyses of the Australian strains revealed a marked evolutionary distance from all previously sequenced strains. SNP analysis showed a strikingly reduced genetic diversity between these strains, with the smallest number of SNPs detected between any two A. marginale strains. The low diversity between these phenotypically distinct bacteria presents a unique opportunity to identify the genetic determinants of virulence and transmission.
A Preliminary Kinematic Gait Analysis of a Strongman Event: The Farmers Walk
Authors: Keogh Justin , Kattan Anthony , Logan Scott , Bensley James , Muller Che , Powell Linda
Published: January 2014

This study sought to obtain some preliminary sagittal plane kinematic data on a common strongman event (and conditioning exercise) ‘the farmers walk’ and gain some insight into its kinematic determinants. Five experienced resistance trained males performed three, 20 m farmers walks at maximal speed while carrying 90.5 kg in each hand. Farmers walk average velocity was significantly greater in the middle (8.5–11.5 m) and latter (17–20 m) than initial stage (0–3 m), with this also associated with significant increases in stride length and stride rate and reductions in ground contact time. Comparisons between each subject’s fastest and slowest trials revealed virtually no significant differences. In contrast, the fastest three trials (irrespective of subject) had significantly greater stride length, stride rate and reduced ground contact time than the slowest three trials. Based on the impulse-momentum relationship, the production of high anterior-posterior and vertical impulses over short ground contact times may be crucial for farmers walk performance. Future studies should utilise larger samples and investigate the ground reaction and joint kinetics of the farmers walk and compare these values to other forms of bipedal gait and resistance training exercises to get a more complete understanding of the biomechanics of this exercise.
Postmodernism in the eighteenth century? Enlightenment intellectual contexts and the roots of 21st century concerns in Tristram Shandy
Authors: Gurr Jens Martin
Published: January 2014

This essay argues the case for a reconciliation of two traditions of reading Tristram Shandy : interpretations of Sterne as a postmodernist avant la lettre do justice to his undeniable modernity but ahistorically wrest him from his eighteenth-century contexts, while purely historicizing interpretations which adequately read him in his historical contexts

frequently neglect Sterne’s distinctly •modern” appeal. These two traditions,

however, can be reconciled if what seems so postmodern about Tristram Shandy is traced to Sterne’s 18th-century intellectual contexts. By locating their origins in 18th-century debates and concerns, the essay explores four areas in which Sterne appears to anticipate 20th-and 21st-century concerns or literary techniques : (1) the critique of science and progress, (2) metafictional narrative techniques and strategies, which can be shown to grow out of a reflection on the limits of tolerance, (3) post-modern narrative games with time, and (4) the problematization of history and historiography.
Tristram Shandy’s mirroring images: refracting pictorial models and staging melancholy
Authors: Friant-Kessler Brigitte
Published: January 2014

Cette étude aborde la question de l’emprunt chez Sterne et chez les illustrateurs, plus précisément l’articulation entre la reprise de modèles

iconographiques et la représentation de la mélancolie telle qu’elle est véhiculée au travers de Walter Shandy et Maria. Depuis l’ouvrage

Illustrations of Sterne de John Ferriar consacré aux emprunts littéraires et

philosophiques de Sterne, les critiques n’ont cessé de s’attacher à répertorier

ces sources. Les illustrations de Tristram Shandy portent également les

traces d’une esthétique de l’emprunt qui inscrit ce dernier dans une modalité de l’absorption. Le va-et-vient entre le texte et les images vise à montrer que la reprise des mots et la réfraction des images constituent l’un

des nombreux rouages de la machine narrative dans Tristram Shandy.
Éducation du corps et institution de la personne
Authors: Lurbe Pierre
Published: January 2014

Although the purpose of education according to Locke is to produce gentlemen fit to serve their country, its end is different, and can best be described in terms of a transformation of the child into a person. For Locke, a person is simultaneously characterized by selfawareness, and by a capacity for law and happiness. But in everyday life, men can hardly go beyond the immediate feelings of pleasure and pain that originate in their bodies. In order for a child to become a person properly speaking, it is therefore essential that the body should first be hardened and disciplined. Yet the ascetic life that Locke advocates is more than a means to an end : it is truly good in itself.
La Philosophie épistolaire de Locke : la vérité à l’épreuve de l’amitié
Authors: Baillon Jean-François
Published: January 2014

Some Thoughts Concerning Education trouve son origine dans la correspondance de Locke avec des amis. Ce constat ne devrait pas être sans

conséquences sur notre lecture de cet ouvrage, voire du reste de l’oeuvre du

philosophe. Sa théorie sous-jacente comme sa pratique constante de la correspondance amicale suggèrent en effet un rapport essentiel entre vérité,

amitié et correspondance où l’écriture philosophique prend toujours la forme d’un contrat implicite que le lecteur est appelé à contresigner en engageant sa responsabilité dans la réponse. Locke serait-il l’inventeur de la

philosophie par lettres ? C’est l’hypothèse qui est développée dans le présent article.
Espace, populations et Providence dans les écrits des « Pères Pèlerins » (1620-1622)
Authors: Henneton Lauric
Published: January 2014

Cet article retrace l’évolution de la perception des populations

amérindiennes par les fondateurs de Plymouth, en Nouvelle-Angleterre, avant et peu après la migration de 1620, à travers une relecture des récits des premiers colons : l’Histoire de la Colonie de Plymouth de William Bradford, principalement, mais aussi Mourt’s Relation, attribué à Bradford et Edward Winslow (1622), où figure une longue lettre de Robert Cushman, et Good Newes from New England de Winslow (1624). L'auteur souligne l’indissociabilité des différents groupes de populations et de l’espace, véritable échiquier sur lequel les Anglais ont finalement su s’intégrer, en analysant le prisme providentiel inhérent aux auteurs calvinistes ainsi que les dimensions diplomatique et le

discours visant à légitimer l’installation des Anglais sur des terres déjà

occupées.
« Christ’s Bloody Sweat » : la représentation de la scène de la retraite à Gethsémani dans la poésie de dévotion anglaise
Authors: Curelly Laurent
Published: January 2014

Fortement christocentrique, la poésie de dévotion anglaise du premier XVIIe siècle regorge de références à cet événement majeur du christianisme qu’est la Passion du Christ. Débutant le récit scripturaire du sacrifice christique et préfigurant la Crucifixion, l’épisode de la retraite de Jésus à Gethsémani suscita l’intérêt de nombreux poètes de dévotion, parmi lesquels le catholique Southwell et les anglicans Herbert et Vaughan. On s’efforcera de comprendre pourquoi, indépendamment de leur foi, ces poètes intègrent volontiers à leurs vers cet épisode biblique, s’en remettant principalement au récit de Luc ; en corollaire, on tentera de mesurer le degré de fidélité aux sources scripturaires lisible dans leurs poèmes. En effet, entre emprunt et réécriture, leur écriture poétique paraît agir comme un filtre par lequel se manifeste l’influence d’autres sources. Ce constat pose en effet la question de l’énergie créatrice que recèle une poésie fortement conditionnée par ses sources.
William Blake. Lectures de la Bible
Authors: Menneteau Patrick
Published: January 2014

Étant donné ce que Blake dit lui-même de la Bible, et des

relectures qu’il en fait, il est clair que la faculté visée par le poète-prophète à travers son écriture est celle de «la sensation spirituelle», tant comme

source d’inspiration que comme fondement d’une lecture de sa poésie. delà les structures de mots et d’images d’un langage qui appartient au monde déchu, c’est l’esprit de consolation du Christ qui est invoqué. Une lecture jungienne de ce phénomène peut en rendre compte en termes de rencontre de

l’Autre, en mettant l’accent, comme dans la tradition gnostique, l’expérience individuelle de l’efficacité symbolique. Ainsi la poésie de

William Blake vise-t-elle à renouer avec l’universel à travers le subjectif, la

base affective de Jacob Boehme.