bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expressive Meaning and Historical Grounding in the Film Music of Fumio Hayasaka and Toru Takemitsu
Authors: Koozin Timothy
Published: December 2010

As an introduction to the volume of the Journal of Film Music devoted to the film scores of Fumio Hayasaka and Toru Takemitsu, this article explores Hayasaka’s artistic legacy in establishing practices that Takemitsu would personalize and extend in his film music. Hayasaka’s contributions during the interwar and postwar years would help to establish modern artistic traditions in Japanese music and film that explore boundaries between reality and dream, provide social commentary on the present through references to the past, and express individuality through the active negotiation of Japanese traditions and global ways of framing knowledge. Takemitsu’s film and concert works display an originality grounded in multiple layers of tradition that directly relates to Hayasaka’s innovations. The article offers a critical perspective on the role of music in films by Akira Kurosawa, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Philip Kaufman.
Parody and Ironic Juxtaposition in Toru Takemitsu’s Music for the Film, Rising Sun (1993)
Authors: Koozin Timothy
Published: December 2010

Toru Takemitsu created music for more than a hundred films, but only one was for a major Hollywood studio, Rising Sun (1993) with Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes. In his music for Rising Sun, Toru Takemitsu contrasts and juxtaposes exotic, popular, and modernist musical elements to depict the cinematic drama in ways that are analogous to procedures that have been noted in dramatic music by Debussy, Stravinsky, and Messiaen, composers Takemitsu is known to have admired. At the same time, Takemitsu references traditional Japanese music, American jazz, and musical genres of the crime drama and film noir to construct a musical narrative of evocative color, irony, and dark humor. Rising Sun is based on a Michael Crichton novel that was criticized as a reactionary statement against Japanese economic aggression. This study shows how Takemitsu’s compelling music ironically projects the themes of economic warfare and cultural division in the film while also providing resistance through a subtle projection of his own humanistic worldview. The considerable changes that director and screen co-writer, Philip Kaufman made in adapting the novel dramatically alter the underlying social/political implications in the story. The analysis examines how this transformation from the original story is communicated through cultural codes embodied in preexisting music layered in the soundtrack along with Takemitsu’s originally composed textures, by artists including Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Latino rappers Cypress Hill, and the seventies New Wave band, the B-52s.
Jeff Rona, The Reel World: Scoring for Pictures San Francisco: Miller Freeman Books, Richard Bellis and The Emerging Film Composer: An Introduction to the People, Problems, and Psychology of the Film Music Business Los Angeles: Richard Bellis
Authors: Wood Patrick
Published: December 2010

Jeff Rona, The Reel World: Scoring for Pictures San Francisco: Miller Freeman Books, 2000. [xi, 272 pp. ISBN: 0879305916. $24.95 (trade paper)] Illustrations, music examples, tables, figures, appendices, list of resources, index.1 Richard Bellis, The Emerging Film Composer: An Introduction to the People, Problems, and Psychology of the Film Music Business Los Angeles: Richard Bellis, 2006. [xix, 158 pp. ISBN: 0615136230. $24.95 (trade paper)] Illustrations, tables, appendix (list of selected resources).
Examining Marijuana User and Non-User Prototypes in Formative Research for Prevention Campaigns
Authors: Comello Maria Leonora G. , Slater Michael D.
Published: December 2010

We report on research—both quantitative and qualitative—conducted to explore perceptions of prototypes of marijuana users, as well as the extent to which self-prototype congruence predicted marijuana use intention. Results of a survey of undergraduates ( N = 139) showed that prototypes of users and non-users differed in terms of key attributes, and that a greater match between one's self and user prototype would be associated with greater intention to use marijuana. In addition, exploratory analysis showed that males had higher ratings of user prototype social attractiveness compared to females overall, with the most pronounced differences between non-White males and non-White females. To probe these findings, two focus groups consisting of African-American males and females ( N = 12) were conducted. Results indicated that social attractiveness of users was a common theme among males but not females. Implications for prevention programs and future research are discussed.
The Use of Protective Behavioral Strategies is Related to Reduced Risk in Heavy Drinking College Students with Poorer Mental and Physical Health
Authors: Labrie Joseph W. , Kenney Shannon R. , Lac Andrew
Published: December 2010

The present study examined the moderating role of health status (physical, mental, and social health) and the relationships between protective behavioral strategies utilized to reduce high-risk drinking (e.g., avoiding drinking games, setting consumption limits, or having a designated driver) and alcohol use and negative consequences in a sample of heavy drinking college students ( N = 1,820). In this high risk sample, multiple regression analyses showed that stronger social health was related to increased drinking, while poorer physical, mental, and social health were related to increased alcohol negative consequences. Further, moderation effects revealed that increasing the use of protective behaviors was associated with significantly less drinking in those with stronger social health, as well as significantly lower numbers of negative consequences among participants with poorer physical and mental health. Implications for college counselors and medical personnel are discussed.
Robust stability of positive continuous-time linear systems with delays
Authors: Busłowicz Mikołaj
Published: December 2010

Robust stability of positive continuous-time linear systems with delays

The paper is devoted to the problem of robust stability of positive continuous-time linear systems with delays with structured perturbations of state matrices. Simple necessary and sufficient conditions for robust stability in the general case and in the case of systems with a linear uncertainty structure in two sub-cases: (i) a unity rank uncertainty structure and (ii) nonnegative perturbation matrices are established. The problems are illustrated with numerical examples.
Derivative-free nonlinear optimization filter simplex
Authors: Correia Aldina , Matias João , Mestre Pedro , Serodio Carlos
Published: December 2010

Derivative-free nonlinear optimization filter simplex

The filter method is a technique for solving nonlinear programming problems. The filter algorithm has two phases in each iteration. The first one reduces a measure of infeasibility, while in the second the objective function value is reduced. In real optimization problems, usually the objective function is not differentiable or its derivatives are unknown. In these cases it becomes essential to use optimization methods where the calculation of the derivatives or the verification of their existence is not necessary: direct search methods or derivative-free methods are examples of such techniques. In this work we present a new direct search method, based on simplex methods, for general constrained optimization that combines the features of simplex and filter methods. This method neither computes nor approximates derivatives, penalty constants or Lagrange multipliers.
Approach to the design of robust networked control systems
Authors: Morawski Michał , Zajączkowski Antoni
Published: December 2010

Approach to the design of robust networked control systems

The paper describes the application of the traffic engineering framework together with application layer procedures as mechanisms for the reduction of network latency lags. These mechanisms allow using standard and inexpensive hardware and software technologies typically applied for office networking as a means of realising networked control systems (NCSs) with high dynamic control plants, where a high dynamic control plant is the one that requires the sampling period several times shorter than communication lags induced by a network. The general discussion is illustrated by experimental results obtained in a laboratory NCS with the magnetic levitation system (MLS), which is an example of a structurally unstable plant of high dynamics.
Integrated region-based segmentation using color components and texture features with prior shape knowledge
Authors: Emambakhsh Mehryar , Ebrahimnezhad Hossein , Sedaaghi Mohammad
Published: December 2010

Integrated region-based segmentation using color components and texture features with prior shape knowledge

Segmentation is the art of partitioning an image into different regions where each one has some degree of uniformity in its feature space. A number of methods have been proposed and blind segmentation is one of them. It uses intrinsic image features, such as pixel intensity, color components and texture. However, some virtues, like poor contrast, noise and occlusion, can weaken the procedure. To overcome them, prior knowledge of the object of interest has to be incorporated in a top-down procedure for segmentation. Consequently, in this work, a novel integrated algorithm is proposed combining bottom-up (blind) and top-down (including shape prior) techniques. First, a color space transformation is performed. Then, an energy function (based on nonlinear diffusion of color components and directional derivatives) is defined. Next, signeddistance functions are generated from different shapes of the object of interest. Finally, a variational framework (based on the level set) is employed to minimize the energy function. The experimental results demonstrate a good performance of the proposed method compared with others and show its robustness in the presence of noise and occlusion. The proposed algorithm is applicable in outdoor and medical image segmentation and also in optical character recognition (OCR).
Control flow graphs and code coverage
Authors: Gold Robert
Published: December 2010

Control flow graphs and code coverage

The control flow of programs can be represented by directed graphs. In this paper we provide a uniform and detailed formal basis for control flow graphs combining known definitions and results with new aspects. Two graph reductions are defined using only syntactical information about the graphs, but no semantical information about the represented programs. We prove some properties of reduced graphs and also about the paths in reduced graphs. Based on graphs, we define statement coverage and branch coverage such that coverage notions correspond to node coverage, and edge coverage, respectively.
Markov chain model of phytoplankton dynamics
Authors: Wieczorek Radosław
Published: December 2010

Markov chain model of phytoplankton dynamics

A discrete-time stochastic spatial model of plankton dynamics is given. We focus on aggregative behaviour of plankton cells. Our aim is to show the convergence of a microscopic, stochastic model to a macroscopic one, given by an evolution equation. Some numerical simulations are also presented.
Planning identification experiments for cell signaling pathways: An NFκB case study
Authors: Fujarewicz Krzysztof
Published: December 2010

Planning identification experiments for cell signaling pathways: An NFκB case study

Mathematical modeling of cell signaling pathways has become a very important and challenging problem in recent years. The importance comes from possible applications of obtained models. It may help us to understand phenomena appearing in single cells and cell populations on a molecular level. Furthermore, it may help us with the discovery of new drug therapies. Mathematical models of cell signaling pathways take different forms. The most popular way of mathematical modeling is to use a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). It is very difficult to obtain a proper model. There are many hypotheses about the structure of the model (sets of variables and phenomena) that should be verified. The next step, fitting the parameters of the model, is also very complicated because of the nature of measurements. The blotting technique usually gives only semi-quantitative observations, which are very noisy and collected only at a limited number of time moments. The accuracy of parameter estimation may be significantly improved by a proper experiment design. Recently, we have proposed a gradient-based algorithm for the optimization of a sampling schedule. In this paper we use the algorithm in order to optimize a sampling schedule for the identification of the mathematical model of the NFκB regulatory module, known from the literature. We propose a two-stage optimization approach: a gradient-based procedure to find all stationary points and then pair-wise replacement for finding optimal numbers of replicates of measurements. Convergence properties of the presented algorithm are examined.
Coupled analytical and numerical approach to uncovering new regulatory mechanisms of intracellular processes
Authors: Śmieja Jarosław
Published: December 2010

Coupled analytical and numerical approach to uncovering new regulatory mechanisms of intracellular processes

The paper deals with the analysis of signaling pathways aimed at uncovering new regulatory processes regulating cell responses. First, general issues of comparing simulation and experimental data are discussed, and various aspects of data normalization are covered. Then, a model of a particular signaling pathway, induced by Interferon-β, is briefly introduced. It serves as an example illustrating how mathematical modeling can be used for inferring the structure of a regulatory system governing the dynamics of intracellular processes. In this pathway, experimental results suggest that a hitherto unknown process is responsible for a decrease in the levels of one of the important molecules used in the pathway. Then, equilibrium points of the model are analyzed, allowing the rejection of all but one explanation of the phenomena observed experimentally. Numerical simulations confirm that the model can mimic the dynamics of the processes in the pathway under consideration. Finally, some remarks about the applicability of the method based on an analysis of equilibrium points are made.
The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC): A New Tool Facilitating Cross-Border Cooperation and Governance
Authors: Zapletal Jirka
Published: December 2010

The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC): A New Tool Facilitating Cross-Border Cooperation and Governance

The European Union is becoming one undivided continent where territories are faced with borderless economic, social and environmental challenges while still being governed within traditional institutional boundaries. Integration raises the question of cohesion among different territories, and territorial cohesion is a new objective for the Union according to the Lisbon Treaty. Cooperation between territories, beyond frontiers and across different institutional layers, is becoming crucial for providing multi-level governance to new functional regions. The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), a new legal and governance tool established by Regulation 1082/2006, was conceived as a substantial upgrade for this multi-level governance and beyond-the-border cooperation. Four years after its adoption, a number of EGTCs have been set up, and new ones are in the pipeline. Recently the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions have launched a consultation with the aim to review the existing legislation since 2007 on the EGTC and adjust it if necessary. The results are to be presented this year in Brussels during the 8th edition of the Open Days.

The article first highlights the EGTC framework in support of integration at a regional level and shows the background of the regulation. It then focuses on the legal issues involved, such as legal personality, potential members, tasks, organisation, state control, and liability of an EGTC. After showing the implementation status of a national EGTC, the article closes with further steps to be taken.
The European Green Belt: Generating Environmental Governance - Reshaping Border Areas
Authors: Kortelainen Jarmo
Published: December 2010

The European Green Belt: Generating Environmental Governance - Reshaping Border Areas

The article focuses on the European Green Belt (EGB), which refers to efforts to create a network of conservation areas along the borderline that used to divide Europe into the socialist and capitalist blocks. The EGB initiative attempts to link ecologically valuable areas as continuous ecological networks that cross the entire continent. The EGB is divided into three sub-regions: the Fennoscandian and Baltic Green Belt in the North and along the coastline of the Baltic Sea, the Central European Green Belt, and the South-Eastern European Green Belt. The EGB network is studied as a form of environmental governance, and its formation and furtherance are linked with the environmental governance discussion. In addition, the article aims to show that EGB governance is changing the meaning of the former Iron Curtain borders. The borders have been transnationalised since they have become parts of international networks seeking to develop borderless ecological zones. However, the EGB process maintains and reproduces the borders, as the process itself depends on the availability of suitable border areas.
New Borders and New Spaces: The Case of Theasylum Seeker in Strasbourg, France
Authors: Zander Patricia
Published: December 2010

New Borders and New Spaces: The Case of Theasylum Seeker in Strasbourg, France

The need for borders seems an old-fashioned notion, especially when we consider the border in its most basic sense: as a barrier and a filter. Within the European Union, the idea of the disappearing border is underlined when we see its physical signs such as buildings and checkpoints fall out of use or disappear. We submit here that due to the complex interplay between supra-national, national and local structures today, the notion of the border has instead evolved and become less visible, but very present, and very complex.

When we examine the particular case of the asylum seeker in Strasbourg, France, we see that even in this ‘borderless’ city administrative mechanisms keep him ‘out’, even when he is physically in our midst, by creating ‘non-spaces’, or by manipulating his use of time and everyday spaces so that he cannot anchor himself.
The Role of the Integrating Factor in the Shaping of Transborder Co-Operation: The Case of Poland
Authors: Dołzbłasz Sylwia , Raczyk Andrzej
Published: December 2010

The Role of the Integrating Factor in the Shaping of Transborder Co-Operation: The Case of Poland

Transborder co-operation is shaped by many factors and thus takes various forms on particular bor-ders. Within the same formal-legal arrangements under Interreg Programmes, the greatest role in the diver-sification of co-operation was played by non-system-related conditions specific to particular border regions. To identify what specifically drives co-operation, the nature of Polish-German and Polish-Czech transborder co-operation was compared. On the basis of the research conducted, it can be said that the existence of similar conditions on both sides of the border may define specific directions of co-operation and hence be called an inte-grating factor. Coupled with relatively weak barriers, this integrating factor may exert a powerful influence on the development and character of transborder co-operation. Thus, in the process of shaping co-operation policy it is crucial to identify the existing integrating factor (or to define the possibilities of creating it) and to limit the impact of co-operation barriers.
Problems of Cross-Border Cooperation Between Poland and the Kaliningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation
Authors: Palmowski Tadeusz
Published: December 2010

Problems of Cross-Border Cooperation Between Poland and the Kaliningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation

Thanks to the opening of Europe to Kaliningrad and Kaliningrad to Europe, this region has been given an opportunity to gradually break the isolation which was the primary reason for its peripheral position. The enlargement of the Schengen Area complicated its relations and weakened cross-border cooperation with Poland. Further cross-border cooperation trends, though facing various barriers, may lead to improving the state of the natural environment in the Polish-Russian transborder region, joint planning of its development, growing mutual contacts, and making the populations living on both sides of the border more familiar with each other.

Kaliningrad's future also requires sustainable economic, ecological, social and political development. The working out of new principles of model cooperation between the EU and Russia may significantly stimulate the economy in the Polish-Russian cross-border areas. The mainstream options for opening Kaliningrad to regional cooperation can be an important step towards full integration of Baltic Europe.
Re-Dimensioning the Polish-German Border Area: Poznań as a City in a Transnational Cooperation Space
Authors: Tölle Alexander
Published: December 2010

Re-Dimensioning the Polish-German Border Area: Poznań as a City in a Transnational Cooperation Space

The declining importance of national policies and the economic level as a result of globalisation as well as European integration processes compels cities to become actors on the international stage and to define their own ‘foreign policies’, which may include the establishment of transnational alliances, networks, and cooperation territories. This will be discussed using Poznań as a case study. After the fall of the Iron Curtain the city had to integrate into traditional forms of international cooperation as well as new forms of transnational networking. Concerning the latter, the biggest challenge is the integration of Poznań into the strategic network of the Oder Partnership, which aims at creating a Polish-German cooperation space able to compete with other European regions.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Along the Korean Demilitarised Zone: A Feasible Pathway Towards An Accessible North Korea?
Authors: Köppen Bernhard
Published: December 2010

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Along the Korean Demilitarised Zone: A Feasible Pathway Towards An Accessible North Korea?

The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is judged to be the last border of the Cold War. Although no peace treaty has been signed after the Korean War, astounding changes in the South-North relations could be observed between the late 1990s and 2010. Although severe provocations of the North finally led to a new stop of a further rapprochement, the unexpected reconciliation process started in 2000 by South Korea not only led to a temporary detente, but also showed spatially manifested results. Two Special Economic Zones, one dedicated to tourism and the other to industrial production, had been established in the DPRK near the DMZ. What is the appropriate interpretation of those diffident cross-border activities which lasted for almost a decade? Were these SEZs really first successful attempts at feasible Korean cross-border cooperation? Summing up all knowledge on North-Korean SEZ policy and the general state doctrine, it seems that real cross-border cooperation could not be an option for the DPRK's current leadership, either before or after South-Korea's adoption of Sunshine Policy.
Fatigue Life Assessment of Selected Structural Elements of MI-24 Helicopter
Authors: Baraniecki Robert , Kaniewska Małgorzata , Leski Andrzej
Published: December 2010

Fatigue Life Assessment of Selected Structural Elements of MI-24 Helicopter

In order to ensure the integrity of the structure, it is important to determine the actual loads that act on individual elements and their influence on fatigue life. The article demonstrates how to determine the fatigue life of selected elements of the Mi-24 helicopter. In addition, the work indicates the potential location of damage. In calculations, the actual levels of loads acting on the elements during the flight were used. The entire test was performed using the numerical analysis, which greatly helped reduce the time of the project. Fatigue life was determined using the MSC. FATIGUE program with the Palmgren - Miner linear damage accumulation rule.
Life Cycle Assessment in the Energy Generation Process - Variant Analysis in Metallurgical Industry
Authors: Bieda B. , Henclik A. , Kulczycka J.
Published: December 2010

Life Cycle Assessment in the Energy Generation Process - Variant Analysis in Metallurgical Industry

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the environmental management techniques, which aims to assess potential hazards to the environment of products, processes or entire systems. The role of LCA has been increasing as it was proposed in many EU and Polish official documents. The present paper aims to analyse the environmental impact of the process of energy generation in a boiler station (hereinafter referred to as the power plant), incorporated in the integrated mill operating in the Polish ferrous metal industry. Obtained results show that the most harmful potential for the environment presents the emission of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides - this affects the respiratory system. The following impact factors potentially affecting the production of energy in the power plant are the climate change category, carcinogenic factors and fossil fuels. Moreover, comparative study for four variants of annual operation of the power plant was performed, whereby the variants differed only by the proportion in dosage of two types of fuel: hard coal and blast furnace gas (other fuels such as natural and coke gas were left at the current levels - they are used as "starting" fuel). Using the blast furnace gas will always be less harmful alternative for the environment, as it is a waste fuel, a side product, which requires no material and energy cost to produce. The only drawback of this fuel is high carbon emission index while combusting the blast furnace gas.
Retention, Recovery and Recycling of Metal Values from High Alloyed Steel Slags
Authors: Teng L. , Seetharaman S. , Nzotta M. , Dong P. , Ge H. , Wang L. , Wang H. , Chychko A.
Published: December 2010

Retention, Recovery and Recycling of Metal Values from High Alloyed Steel Slags

The work was carried out in four parallel directions. The thermodynamic activities of oxides of Cr in steel slags were determined by slag-gas equilibration technique. The ratio of Cr2+/Cr3+in CaO-MgO(-FeO)-AlO3-SiO2-CrO×system slags was measured by X-ray absorption near edge spectra (XANES). High-temperature mass spectrometry method was also used to obtain the distribution of chromium oxides. A mathematical correlation was established for estimating the ratio of Cr2+/Cr3+as a function of temperature, partial pressure of oxygen and slag basicity. Laboratory investigations of the decarburization of high alloy steels under controlled oxygen potentials have been carried out to retain Cr in the steel phase. A mathematical model has been developed for the decarburization process with controlled oxygen partial pressure. Experimental and theoretical investigations have been carried out in optimizing the Mo-additions to steel in the EAF practice in Uddeholm Tooling AB. Substantial saving of Mo as well as less emissions of Mo-bearing dust are indicated in the study. A salt extraction process was developed to extract the metal values from steel slags. Successful extractions, followed by electrolysis indicate that this could be a viable route towards recovery of metals from metallurgical slags.
An Adaptive Synthesis Calibration Method for Time-Interleaved Sampling Systems
Authors: Pan Huiqing , Tian Shulin , Ye Peng
Published: December 2010

An Adaptive Synthesis Calibration Method for Time-Interleaved Sampling Systems

In a parallel time-interleaved data sampling system, timing and amplitude mismatches of this structure degrade the performance of the whole ADC system. In this paper, an adaptive blind synthesis calibration algorithm is proposed, which could estimate the timing, gain and offset errors simultaneously, and calibrate automatically. With no need of an extra calibration signal and redesign, it could efficiently and dynamically track the changes of mismatches due to aging or temperature variation. A fractional delay filter is developed to adjust the timing mismatch, which simplifies the design and decreases the cost. Computer simulations are also included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Simultaneous occurrence of selected food-borne bacterial pathogens on bovine hides, carcasses and beef meat
Authors: Wieczorek K. , Osek J.
Published: December 2010

Simultaneous occurrence of selected food-borne bacterial pathogens on bovine hides, carcasses and beef meat

The aim of this study was to determine the simultaneous occurence of Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes, verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), and Campylobacter spp. in slaughtered cattle and in beef meat subjected for human consumption. A total of 406 bovine hides and 406 corresponding carcasses were used to collect the samples with a swab method after exsanguination and evisceration of animals, respectively. Furthermore, 362 beef meat samples were purchased in local retail shops over the same period of time as for the bovine samples. Food-borne bacterial pathogens were identified with standard ISO methods with some modification by the use of PCR for VTEC. The isolated bacteria were then molecularly speciated (Campylobacter), serotyped (L. monocytogenes) and characterized for the presence of several virulence marker genes (VTEC and Campylobacter). It was found that 49 hide (12.1%) and 3 (0.7%) carcass samples were contaminated with more than one bacterial pathogen tested. Most of the hides were positive for Campylobacter spp. and VTEC (27 samples) and Campylobacter spp. together with L. monocytogenes (12 samples). Eight bovine hides contained L. monocytogenes and VTEC while L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were detected in one sample. Furthermore, 3 pathogens (Campylobacter spp., L. monocytogenes and VTEC) were simultaneously identified in one bovine hide tested. In case of bovine carcasses 2 samples contained Campylobacter spp. and VTEC whereas one carcass was positive for L. monocytogenes and VTEC. On the other hand, 10 out of 362 (2.8%) minced beef samples were contaminated with at least two pathogens tested. The majority of these samples were contaminated with L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. (6 samples). It was noticed that equal number of C. jejuni and C. coli were found, irrespective of the origin of the samples. Most of the strains possessed more than one pathogenic factor as identified by PCR. Molecular serotyping of L. monocytogenes revealed that the majority of the isolates (27 out of 31; 87.1%) belonged to 1/2a serogroup. It was found that most of the VTEC isolates possessed the Shiga toxin stx2 gene (12 strains) whereas only 2 strains were stx1-positive. The eneterohemolysin and intimin markers were identified only in 7 and 2 isolates, respectively. PCR analysis revealed that 4 VTEC belonged to O91 serogroup, 2 strains were O145 and 1 isolate was identified as O113. None of the VTEC detected in the study was O157 serogroup.
Parascaris and cyathostome nematodes in foals: parasite in transit or real infection?
Authors: Kornaś S. , Cabaret J. , Nowosad B.
Published: December 2010

Parascaris and cyathostome nematodes in foals: parasite in transit or real infection?

Faecal egg counts were performed in 187 foals of a large Polish stud farm between February and September 2007. Eggs of Parascaris equorum were present in faeces of 7% and those of cyathostomins in 13% of the foals aged less than 194 days. Information dealing with age of foals and/or efficiency of ivermectin treatment as well as the nematode parasite prepatent periods, it can be conducted that most of the infections recorded on the basis of faecal egg counts were false-infections in animals up to the age of six months, probably due to the ingestion of infected faeces of their dam or some other horses.
Survival of BPV and Aujeszky's disease viruses in meat wastes subjected to different sanitization processes
Authors: Paluszak Z. , Lipowski A. , Ligocka A.
Published: December 2010

Survival of BPV and Aujeszky's disease viruses in meat wastes subjected to different sanitization processes

The effect of composting and anaerobic fermentations under meso- and thermophylic conditions (37° and 55°C) on the survival of bovine parvovirus (BPV) and Aujeszky's disease viruse (ADV) in meat wastes has been examined in this study. Viruses were adsorbed on filters and introduced into carriers which were made of meat fragments of different sizes and bones or in the form of suspension they were introduced into the biomass in the course of processes of waste treatment. Carriers were removed at appropriate time intervals and virus titres were determined. The thermoresistant parvovirus survived for the longest time during mesophylic fermentation (almost 70 days), slightly shorter during composting (7-9.5 days depending on the type of carrier) and for the shortest time - at 55°C (46-76 hours). Its inactivation rate was the fastest in a suspension, slower in meat and bone carriers. ADV inactivation proceeded considerably faster, as compared with BPV. Its active particles were not detected as early as in the 30thminute of thermophylic fermentation, the 6thhour of mesophylic fermentation and at the first sampling time during composting (at the 72ndhour). Total survival time ranged from 50 min to 13 hours. All the tested technologies enabled the effective elimination of ADV and on average twofold decrease in BPV titre. From the study conducted it follows that of both viruses, the BPV should be applied for validation processes of methods used in meat waste processing, particularly if this refers to methods where higher temperature is the factor inactivating pathogens.
Response of pregnant and lactating sows to reduced protein content in complete compound feed
Authors: Gajewczyk P. , Korniewicz D. , Kołacz R. , Dobrzański Z. , Korniewicz A.
Published: December 2010

Response of pregnant and lactating sows to reduced protein content in complete compound feed

The experimental material consisted of 42 sows divided into 3 feeding groups, each containing 14 sows fed complete compound feed varying in protein content. Protein and amino acid content of the feed fed to the control group was in compliance with Polish standards. Protein content in the experimental groups was reduced by 10% and 20%, respectively. At the same time, lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophane content was supplemented to the level of the control group. All pregnant and lactating sows were fed individually. The condition of the sows was determined by measuring the thickness of backfat at the P2 position on days 30 and 105 of pregnancy and on day 25 of lactation. The data analyzed in the study included: the total number of piglets born, their body weight gain, milk composition, weaning-to-estrus interval and the farrowing rate. Protein content of the compound feed did not have a significant impact on the increment in backfat during pregnancy and losses during lactation. The sows fed compound feed with reduced protein content gave birth to 0.7 and 0.6 less piglets per litter than the control animals. However, due to lower losses, they bred 0.3 and 0.4 more piglets than the control sows. Average body weight of a piglet on day 21 was 0.5 kg lower in the experimental than in the control group. Dry matter, protein, fat and lactose content of the sow's milk did not depend on protein content of the feed. The weaning-to-estrus interval in the experimental groups was one day longer than in the control group. The reproductive rate accounted for 86% and was comparable in all the groups.
Serological evidence of lack of contact with caprine herpesvirus type 1 and bluetongue virus in goat population in Poland
Authors: Czopowicz M. , Kaba J. , Szaluś-Jordanow O. , Nowicki M. , Witkowski L. , Frymus T.
Published: December 2010

Serological evidence of lack of contact with caprine herpesvirus type 1 and bluetongue virus in goat population in Poland

Investigation into herd-level seroprevalence of caprine herpesvirus type 1 (CpHV-1) and bluetongue virus (BTV) was conducted in 2007 in Poland. It involved the entire population of goats covered by a milk recording program in 2007, which included 49 goat herds. The number of goats examined in each herd was determined statistically in order to detect the presence of at least one seropositive animal in a herd with a 95% probability and simple random method of sampling was applied. No antibodies to CpHV-1 or BTV were detected. Further calculations were carried out to determine the herd-level true seroprevalence, taking into account sensitivity and specificity of the test as well as several other factors. It can be concluded that till the middle of 2007 population of Polish goats covered by the milk recording program remained negative with respect to CpHV-1 and BTV.
Molecular characterization of Polish Prototheca zopfii mastitis isolates and first isolation of Prototheca blaschkeae in Poland
Authors: Jagielski T. , Lassa H. , Ahrholdt J. , Roesler U. , Malinowski E.
Published: December 2010

Molecular characterization of Polish Prototheca zopfii mastitis isolates and first isolation of Prototheca blaschkeae in Poland

Bovine mastitits caused by the colorless, yeast-like alga Prototheca zopfii is a serious and complex condition that results in heavy economic losses in the dairy industry, both through a substantial reduction in milk production and culling of infected animals. Based on the 18S rDNA sequence analysis, genotype-specific PCR assays have recently been developed to differentiate within the species P. zopfii three distinct P. zopfii genotypes (1-3), of which P. zopfii genotype 3 has been considered a new species P. blaschkeae sp. nov. The purpose of this study was to employ the newly-devised molecular approach for the detection of the two P. zopfii genotypes and P. blaschkeae sp. nov. among bovine mastitis isolates from Poland. This study is the first to provide molecular characterization of Polish P. zopfii mastitis isolates. It also gives the first description of bovine mammary protothecosis due to P. blaschkeae in Poland, as evidenced by genotypical, microbiological, and electron microscopy findings.
Influence of gastrointestinal trichostrongylidosis on ram fertility
Authors: Gaglio G. , Poglayen G. , Capelli G. , Gruner L. , Mara L. , Giannetto S. , Scala A.
Published: December 2010

Influence of gastrointestinal trichostrongylidosis on ram fertility

A study on the influence of gastrointestinal trichostrongyles on ram fertility was performed. Two groups of semen donor rams (Sarda breed) were utilized; one was experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta and the other was used as a control group. In all animals, coprological, haematological and reproductive parameters were studied. The results suggest that the parasites had a limited effect with some changes in phosphorus, cholesterol and chlorine levels. In our experience the parasitic burden produced no significant change on ram fertility.
Let Me Tell You a Story: English-Canadian Newspapers and Sexual Assault Myths
Authors: Sampert Shannon
Published: December 2010

En 1983, le Parlement a adopté des modifications importantes aux dispositions du Code criminel en matière de viol afin d'augmenter le taux de dénonciation des agressions sexuelles et d'accroître la confiance des victimes par rapport au système judiciaire. Certains groupes féministes ont perçu ces changements comme significatifs, mais l'optimisme initial quant à l'impact des réformes sur la possibilité pour les femmes d'obtenir justice s'est avéré prématuré puisque les taux de dénonciation demeurent-hélas!-très bas. Le présent article examine la façon dont les médias font rapport des agressions sexuelles et qui peut constituer une raison potentielle pour laquelle les femmes ne dénoncent pas leur victimisation sexuelle. En utilisant l'analyse de contenu et de discours critique, l'article examine la fréquence et la persistance des mythes concernant les agressions sexuelles dans six journaux anglophones au Canada. L'auteure pose comme postulat que les modifications législatives ne peuvent réussir si les croyances sociétales fondamentales continuent d'alimenter les mythes et les stéréotypes au sujet de la violence sexuelle. Les médias reflètent la réalité sociale. Pour comprendre comment la société perçoit l'agression sexuelle, il importe de comprendre le discours des médias au sujet de la violence sexuelle.
The Sexual Assault of Intoxicated Women
Authors: Benedet Janine
Published: December 2010

Le présent article traite du droit pénal au Canada dans le contexte d'agressions sexuelles de femmes en état d'ivresse. Il traite en particulier des circonstances dans lesquelles les théories de l'incapacité de donner un consentement et du comportement involontaire ont été appliquées lorsque la plaignante était enivrée ou droguée. Certains hommes continuent d'utiliser l'alcool comme moyen d'accéder sexuellement aux femmes et des jeunes femmes sont encouragées à s'enivrer tout en se divertissant. Une recension de la jurisprudence au Canada révèle que le seuil pour établir l'incapacité de donner un consentement est beaucoup plus élevé dans les cas où l'enivrement est volontaire, même si le Code criminel ne fait aucune distinction de ce genre. Cette toile de fond suggère que les décisions prises par les femmes de boire ou de prendre des drogues sont implicitement comprises comme une sorte de consentement partiel à une activité sexuelle ultérieure. Dans les cas où la capacité n'est pas contestée par la Couronne, la preuve du non-consentement peut devenir plus difficile en raison des pertes de mémoire de la plaignante. Là où la plaignante ne peut donner un compte rendu de ce qui s'est passé, il est également plus facile pour la défense de faire valoir une croyance de bonne foi au consentement. L'article analyse aussi brièvement le rôle que jouent la race, l'âge et la pornographie dans ces agressions sexuelles.
The Québec Crime Victims Compensation Act: When the Clock Is Ticking against Victims of Intra-Familial Sexual Abuse
Authors: Langevin Louise
Published: December 2010

La Loi sur l'indemnisation des victimes d'actes criminels du Québec indemnise à l'heure actuelle les femmes et les enfants qui sont victimes d'agression sexuelle au sein de la famille. Lorsque la loi a été adoptée en 1972, le législateur québécois ne visait pas ce genre de victime ni ce genre de violence. En analysant la jurisprudence québécoise en ce domaine, l'auteure cherche à mettre en lumière un problème touchant l'application de cette loi, problème découlant de la nature des infractions commises ainsi que des caractéristiques particulières des victimes. Après une courte description du champ d'application de la loi, l'auteure examine les délais de prescription pour réclamer une indemnisation. Il est bien connu que les victimes d'abus sexuels au sein de la famille ne sont pas toujours capables de respecter ce délai de prescription en raison de la nature de la violence impliquée. Pour mieux répondre aux besoins des victimes, l'auteure propose de nouvelles voies d'interprétation et de réforme législatives. L'analyse de l'auteure se fonde sur une approche équitable qui favorise l'accès à la justice pour les victimes d'abus sexuels au sein de la famille tout en assurant la protection de leurs droits fondamentaux.
Gas Hydrate Stability and Sampling: The Future as Related to the Phase Diagram
Authors: Sloan E. Dendy , Koh Carolyn A. , Sum Amadeu K.
Published: December 2010

The phase diagram for methane + water is explained, in relation to hydrate applications, such as in flow assurance and in nature. For natural applications, the phase diagram determines the regions for hydrate formation for two- and three-phase conditions. Impacts are presented for sample preparation and recovery. We discuss an international study for “Round Robin” hydrate sample preparation protocols and testing.
First-Order Estimation of In-Place Gas Resources at the Nyegga Gas Hydrate Prospect, Norwegian Sea
Authors: Senger Kim , Bünz Stefan , Mienert Jürgen
Published: December 2010

Gas hydrates have lately received increased attention as a potential future energy source, which is not surprising given their global and widespread occurrence. This article presents an integrated study of the Nyegga site offshore mid-Norway, where a gas hydrate prospect is defined on the basis of a multitude of geophysical models and one shallow geotechnical borehole. This prospect appears to hold around 625GSm3 (GSm3 = 109 standard cubic metres) of gas. The uncertainty related to the input parameters is dealt with through a stochastic calculation, giving a spread of in-place volumes of 183GSm3 (P90) to 1431GSm3 (P10). The resource density for Nyegga is found to be comparable to published resource assessments of other global hydrate provinces.
Cellular and Mitochondrial Effects of Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Manzo-Avalos Salvador , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo
Published: December 2010

Alcohol dependence is correlated with a wide spectrum of medical, psychological, behavioral, and social problems. Acute alcohol abuse causes damage to and functional impairment of several organs affecting protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism. Mitochondria participate with the conversion of acetaldehyde into acetate and the generation of increased amounts of NADH. Prenatal exposure to ethanol during fetal development induces a wide spectrum of adverse effects in offspring, such as neurologic abnormalities and pre- and post-natal growth retardation. Antioxidant effects have been described due to that alcoholic beverages contain different compounds, such as polyphenols as well as resveratrol. This review analyzes diverse topics on the alcohol consumption effects in several human organs and demonstrates the direct participation of mitochondria as potential target of compounds that can be used to prevent therapies for alcohol abusers.
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins in a Physics-Based World
Authors: Click Timothy H. , Ganguly Debabani , Chen Jianhan
Published: December 2010

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are a newly recognized class of functional proteins that rely on a lack of stable structure for function. They are highly prevalent in biology, play fundamental roles, and are extensively involved in human diseases. For signaling and regulation, IDPs often fold into stable structures upon binding to specific targets. The mechanisms of these coupled binding and folding processes are of significant importance because they underlie the organization of regulatory networks that dictate various aspects of cellular decision-making. This review first discusses the challenge in detailed experimental characterization of these heterogeneous and dynamics proteins and the unique and exciting opportunity for physics-based modeling to make crucial contributions, and then summarizes key lessons from recent de novo simulations of the structure and interactions of several regulatory IDPs.