bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of concern: declining seagrasses and threatened dependent species
Authors: Hughes A Randall , Williams Susan L , Duarte Carlos M , Heck Kenneth L , Waycott Michelle
Published: October 2008

Seagrasses are important marine foundation species that are reported to be declining worldwide, with almost 15% of species considered threatened. Seagrasses are highly productive plants that reconfigure water flow and influence nutrient cycling, as well as provide critical habitat for a wide array of fish and invertebrate species. Yet, many of these seagrass‐dependent species, including economically important fishes and invertebrates, are themselves in danger of overexploitation or extinction. In fact, there is on average more than one threatened associated species for every seagrass species across the globe. Links between threatened seagrasses and their dependent communities illustrate the importance of an ecosystem‐based management approach that incorporates interdependencies and facilitation among species.
The myth of the toad‐eating frog
Authors: Shine Richard , Greenlees Matthew , Crossland Michael , Nelson David
Published: October 2008

In 2005, news media widely reported the discovery that a native Australian frog species, Litoria dahlii, could consume the normally toxic tadpoles of invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) without ill effects, and might therefore be helpful in controlling these troublesome pests. Our experimental studies show that, contrary to the story, L dahlii is just as vulnerable to toad toxins as are other native frog species. So, why did the story spread so widely, and what does this tell us about the power of myth in public debates about conservation issues?
Stage-dependent teratogenic and lethal effects exerted by ultraviolet B radiation on Rhinella (Bufo) arenarum embryos
Authors: Castañaga Luis A. , Asorey Cynthia M. , Sandoval María T. , Pérez-Coll Cristina S. , Argibay Teresa I. , Herkovits Jorge
Published: October 2008

The adverse effects of ultraviolet B radiation from 547.2 to 30,096 J/m2 on morphogenesis, cell differentiation, and lethality of amphibian embryos at six developmental stages were evaluated from 24 up to 168 h postexposure. The ultraviolet B radiation lethal dose 10, 50, and 90 values were obtained for all developmental stages evaluated. The lethal dose 50 values, considered as the dose causing lethality in the 50% of the organisms exposed, in J/m2 at 168 h postexposure, ranged from 2,307 to 18,930; gill circulation and blastula were the most susceptible and resistant stages, respectively. Ultraviolet B radiation caused malformations in all developmental stages but was significantly more teratogenic at the gill circulation and complete operculum stages. Moreover, at the gill circulation stage, even the lowest dose (547.2 J/m2) resulted in malformations to 100% of embryos. The most common malformations were persistent yolk plug, bifid spine, reduced body size, delayed development, asymmetry, microcephaly and anencephaly, tail and body flexures toward the irradiated side, agenesia or partial gill development, abnormal pigment distribution, and hypermotility. The stage-dependent susceptibility to ultraviolet B radiation during amphibian embryo-genesis could be explained in the framework of evoecotoxicology, considering ontogenic features as biomarkers of environmental signatures of living forms ancestors during the evolutionary process. The stage-dependent susceptibility to ultraviolet B radiation on Rhinella (Bufo) arenarum embryos for both lethal and teratogenic effects could contribute to a better understanding of the role of the increased ultraviolet B radiation on worldwide amphibian populations decline.
Municipal waste sludge digestion in an autothermal aerobic sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Zupanèiè Gregor D. , Grilc Viktor , Roš Milenko , Uranjek-Ževart Nataša
Published: October 2008

An autothermal aerobic sequencing batch process for sludge digestion and “class A” biosolids production was developed. The process was tested in laboratory and pilot scale size up to 150 PE, which can be considered a full scale size in some cases. In this process the maximum temperatures of 61.2°C and 60.2°C were achieved in laboratory scale in pilot scale equipment, respectively. The degradation efficiency of total chemical oxygen demand of sludge was between 50 and 70%. Similar results were achieved using pure oxygen in laboratory scale and oxygen/air mixture 1:1 by volume. The reactor scale greatly affects the achievement of thermophilic temperature. In smaller sizes the convective heat losses are the prevailing heat sink and the process is unable to produce enough heat to reach thermophilic temperature. Larger systems produce excess heat and can be installed with less intense aeration systems. The limit of air aeration system is at the size of about 500 PE.
Submerged membrane bioreactor using fly ash filters: trials with distillery wastewater
Authors: Gupta R. , Satyawali Y. , Batra V. S. , Balakrishnan M.
Published: October 2008

This work presents preliminary results for distillery wastewater treatment in a MBR equipped with filters prepared from waste fly ash. The system was fabricated locally and employed submerged membranes in the 2–8 μm pore-size range. Distillery wastewater, after anaerobic digestion, was used as the feed and the bioreactor was inoculated with sludge obtained from a local distillery unit. The MBR was operated for around 250 days. The wastewater quality was monitored in terms of COD (chemical oxygen demand), colour, phenol, and MLSS (mixed liquor suspended solids) concentration. An average COD and phenol removal of 36% and 60% respectively was obtained. The maximum suspended solids retention by the ash filter was as high as 98%. The results were encouraging and further trials are currently underway to improve the performance.
Microbial effects on phosphorus release in aquatic sediments
Authors: Huang Ting-Lin , Ma Xiao-Chun , Cong Hai-bing , Chai Bei-Bei
Published: October 2008

Microbial effects on phosphorus release were studied for the sediments of Tianjin source water by controlling DO and pH. The results show that: (1) In sterilised water, phosphorus began to release when pH = 9.1 and the stable release rate was 9.51 mg/(d·m2). It indicates that microorganisms may utilise anaerobic iron respiration to release Fe-P. (2) With unsterilised water, phosphorus release rate is 2.14 mg/(d·m2) when pH = 6.5, 8.60 mg/(d·m2) when pH is uncontrolled, and gets to 8.51 mg/(d·m2) when pH = 9.1. This indicates that microorganisms can dissolve insoluble phosphates to accelerate the ion exchange of OH− and PO43−, which are derived from iron-bound ortho-P and aluminium-bound ortho-P.
The impact of alum coagulation on the character, biodegradability and disinfection by-product formation potential of reservoir natural organic matter (NOM) fractions
Authors: Chong Soh Yeow , Roddick Felicity , van Leeuwen John
Published: October 2008

Natural Organic Matter (NOM) from Myponga Reservoir, South Australia, was separated into four organic fractions based on their hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties using a sequence of non-ionic and ionic resins. NOM fractions were isolated for the purpose of determining the impact of alum coagulation on removal of these fractions in conventional water treatment, and their potential as precursors in the formation of disinfection by-products (DBP) and in supporting microbial growth. The NOM comprised VHA (very hydrophobic acids), SHA (slightly hydrophobic acids), CHA (charged hydrophilics) and NEU (neutral hydrophilics) fractions. These fractions were then jar tested with alum using low (50 mg/L), operational (100 mg/L) and very high (200 mg/L) doses to assess the removal capacities for these fractions in a conventional treatment plant. High-performance size exclusion chromatography-UV-DOC (HPSEC-UV-DOC) revealed that alum removed more of the hydrophobic and higher molecular weight components of NOM, but less of the NEU fraction and lower molecular weight components of NOM. Determination of biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) indicated that the NEU fraction had the highest biodegradability, followed by the CHA, SHA and VHA fractions. The VHA fraction had the highest total-trihalomethane formation potential (t-THMFP), followed by NEU, SHA and CHA. The NOM not removed by alum coagulation had the potential to support microbial growth (NEU fraction), and disinfection by-product (DBP) formation (VHA and NEU fractions). To obtain treated water with lower overall residual NOM, other treatment methods would need to be applied in addition to alum coagulation in order to reduce the concentration of the neutral fraction.
Heavy metal (Zn and Cu) complexation and molecular size distribution in wastewater treatment plant effluent
Authors: Chaminda G. G. T. , Nakajima F. , Furumai H.
Published: October 2008

The size distributions of zinc and copper species in the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant were determined by a combination of ultrafiltration and chelating disk cartridge fractionation. The results showed that 75–87% of total Zn and 84–86% of total Cu were strongly complexed or particle-bound in the final effluents. It was also found that the major part of Cu was bound to ligands in the <500 Da fraction while the trend for Zn was not so clear and exhibited significant seasonal variability. Labile Cu and Zn were detected not only in the smallest fraction (<500 Da) but also in the larger fractions. It meant that the labile species in the effluent were not equivalent to free metal ions. Conditional stability constants and ligand concentrations were also determined from the measured metal concentrations by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Existence of two types of ligand for each metal was inferred from the experimental data. Conditional stability constant obtained for the stronger type Ligand of Zn was higher than that of Cu, although the estimated Ligand concentrations were almost similar.
Modelling nitrite in wastewater treatment systems: a discussion of different modelling concepts
Authors: Sin Gürkan , Kaelin David , Kampschreur Marlies J. , Takács Imre , Wett Bernhard , Gernaey Krist V. , Rieger Leiv , Siegrist Hansruedi , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M.
Published: October 2008

Originally presented at the 1st IWA/WEF Wastewater Treatment Modelling Seminar (WWTmod 2008), this contribution has been updated to also include the valuable feedback that was received during the Modelling Seminar. This paper addresses a number of basic issues concerning the modelling of nitrite in key processes involved in biological wastewater water treatment. To this end, we review different model concepts (together with model structures and corresponding parameter sets) proposed for processes such as two-step nitrification/denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation and phosphorus uptake processes. After critically discussing these models with respect to their assumptions and parameter sets, common points of agreement as well as disagreement were elucidated. From this discussion a general picture of the state-of-the-art in the modelling of nitrite is provided. Taking this into account, a number of recommendations are provided to focus further research and development on nitrite modelling in biological wastewater treatment.
A measure for provisional-and-urgent sanitary improvement in developing countries: septic-tank performance improvement
Authors: Harada H. , Dong N. T. , Matsui S.
Published: October 2008

Although many cities have planed to develop sewerages in developing countries, sewerage establishment still requires huge investment and engineering efforts. Improvement of existing sanitation facilities may contribute the betterment of urban sanitation before sewerage establishment. The purpose of this study is to propose a measure to improve urban sanitation in areas where a sewerage development plan is proposed but has not been yet established, based on a case study in Hanoi, Vietnam. We found that 90.5% of human excreta flowed into septic tanks. However, 89.6% of septic tanks have never been desludged in the past and their performance was observed to be at a low level. The study also showed that if they introduce regular desludging with a frequency of once a year, they can eliminate 72.8% of COD loads from septic tanks. It was indicated that the performance can be dramatically recovered by regular desludging, which could contribute urban sanitation improvement in Hanoi. In conclusion, the performance recovery of septic tanks by regular desludging was proposed as a provisional-and-urgent measure for urban sanitation improvement, together with the septage treatment in sewage sludge treatment facilities, which should be established earlier than other facilities of sewage treatment systems.
Performance evaluation of a simple wastewater treatment system comprised by UASB reactor, shallow polishing ponds and coarse rock filter
Authors: von Sperling Marcos , Oliveira Carolina Moreira , Andrada Juliana G. B. , Godinho Valéria M. , Assunção Fernando A. L. , Junior Wilson R. Melo
Published: October 2008

The work investigates a small full-scale wastewater treatment system comprised by the following units in series: UASB reactor, three polishing ponds and one coarse rock filter. The overall performance of the system is analyzed based on three years of monitoring using physical-chemical and biological parameters. Good organic matter, suspended solids and ammonia removal is achieved, together with excellent coliform removal (5.70 log units). Mean effluent concentrations of the main parameters are: BOD: 39 mg/L; COD: 109 mg/L; SS = 41 mg/L; ammonia: 10 mg/L; E. coli: 540 MPN/100 mL, indicating compliance with many regulations for effluent discharge and reuse. Main algal classes found in the ponds and final effluent were chlorophyta and euglenophyta. The system is completely unmechanized and has a relatively small total hydraulic retention time (less than 13 days), compared with most natural treatment processes. No sludge removal from the ponds and filter has been necessary so far.
Is it PAO-GAO competition or metabolic shift in EBPR system? Evidence from an experimental study
Authors: Erdal Ufuk G. , Erdal Zeynep K. , Daigger Glen T. , Randall Clifford W.
Published: October 2008

Reduced EBPR performance in full and bench-scale EBPR studies was linked to the proliferation of GAOs but often time with the lack of any evidence. In this study, a detailed enzymatic study was coupled with batch tests and electron microscopy results for a realistic explanation. The results eliminated the possibility of population shift from PAO to GAO or other non-PAO due to the short batch test period provided which would not allow a population shift and further justified with the electron microscopy results. The results indicate that glycogen serves not only as source of reducing power for PHA production but also serves as an alternative energy source when the poly-P pool of the PAOs is depleted. Slow generation of ATP via glycolytic pathway at 5°C cannot satisfy energy requirements of EBPR cells to complete several cell functions including acetate uptake and PHA storage. However, the glycolytic pathway is efficiently operable at warm temperatures (>20°C). The reduced performance of enhanced EBPR facilities operated at warm temperature may not be a result of GAO proliferation; instead it may be related the efficient use of the glycolytic pathway by PAOs which results in more glycogen storage and less P uptake, thereby reducing the EBPR performance.
Anammox process for synthetic and practical wastewater treatment using a novel kind of biomass carriers
Authors: Qiao Sen , Kawakubo Yuki , Cheng Yingjun , Nishiyama Takashi , Fujii Takao , Furukawa Kenji
Published: October 2008

The anammox process, as an alternative to conventional nitrogen removal technologies, has abstracted much attention in recent years. In this study, one column-type reactor using a novel support material—net type acrylic fiber (Biofix)—was used for anammox treatment. The Biofix reactor was operated at 25°C (peak summer temperature, 31.5°C). Over 330 days of operation for synthetic wastewater treatment, the nitrogen loading rates of the reactor were increased to 3.6 kg-N/m3/d and T-N removal efficiencies reached to 81.3%. For the practical anaerobic sludge digester liquor treatment, the average TN removal efficiency of 72% was obtained. A protein substance was shown to be the most abundant extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the granular sludge with almost two times more in the attached sludge of the Biofix reactor. Considering the EPS levels and observation by scanning electron microscopy, the anammox granules in the Biofix reactor were showing dense state. Results of DNA analyses indicated that the KSU-1 strain might prefer relatively low nutrient levels, while the KU2 strain might be better suited for the high media concentration. Other kinds of bacteria were also identified with the potentials for consuming the dissolved oxygen in the influent and facilitating anammox bacteria surviving under aerobic conditions.
Comment on "Searching for Voters along the Liberal-Conservative Continuum"
Authors: Barton Allen H
Published: October 2008

The RePass article (The Forum, Vol. 6, Issue 2, 2008), continues the tradition of writers using the National Election Survey data of defining "ideology" as the answer to the liberal-conservative self-labeling question, and fails to consider the structure of substantive public policy attitudes and values as a necessary indicator of ideology.
Evaluating Majority Party Leaders in Congress
Authors: Palazzolo Daniel
Published: October 2008

Evaluations of majority party leaders come from three main sources: political scientists, media analysts, and members of Congress. Political scientists are the theoreticians. They have defined concepts and developed theories for evaluating leadership style, strategy, and strength. Journalists are the watchdogs. They regularly evaluate leader performance in response to contemporary events. Members of Congress then serve as the judges and juries. They occasionally advise leaders on tactics and strategies, and they ultimately have the ability to sanction or reward leaders.
Senate Republican Leadership in Tough Times
Authors: Rae Nicol
Published: October 2008

The US Senate is a diffuse and individualistic body that is notoriously hard to lead. Somewhat ironically, the job of the Senate Minority Leader on Capitol Hill today is probably easier than that of his majority counterpart, since the Minority Leader is largely absolved of the expectation that a party policy agenda can actually be passed through a chamber where it is far easier for the minority party to obstruct legislation. During the 110th Congress Mitch McConnell proved quite a successful Minority Leader in terms of unifying his party, command of Senate procedures and using those procedures for party advantage. Despite his successes in frustrating the Senate Democrats, McConnell was unable to overcome the deep unpopularity of his fellow Republican, President George W. Bush, and of the Republican Party in general. As a result the Senate GOP appears certain to suffer further losses in the 2008 elections, thereby demonstrating the disconnect between effective leadership inside the Senate chamber and electoral success.
Orchestrators of Unorthodox Lawmaking: Pelosi and McConnell in the 110th Congress
Authors: Sinclair Barbara
Published: October 2008

In evaluating leaders, the leader's own criteria or the evaluator's can set the mark and the two may well lead to quite different judgments. If our primary aim is to understand leadership strategy and behavior, we need to focus on the first; but if we also want to say something about how the institution performs, we often need to tackle the second as well. In this essay, I contend that the procedures and practices of unorthodox lawmaking, especially the most actively used ones, are now mostly tools of party leaders--of the majority leadership in the House and, to a considerable extent, of the minority leadership in the Senate. I focus here on how the Pelosi leadership team in the House and the McConnell team in the Senate are employing what used to be unorthodox practices and procedures as central elements of their leadership strategies, and the consequences thereof for Congress as an institution.
The Politics of Constraint: House Republicans in Retrospect and Prospect
Authors: Connelly William F , Pitney John J.
Published: October 2008

One must grade House Republicans on a curve. As co-partisans of President Bush, they were the party of government. As the minority in the House, they were also the party of opposition. This combination severely limited their power and political choices. Nevertheless, they did manage to win some defensive victories and score some public-relations points.
The American Public's View of Congress
Authors: Hibbing John R , Larimer Christopher W
Published: October 2008

Congress has long been unpopular with the American public, with approval numbers above fifty percent serving as the exception rather than the norm. In this essay we argue that such disapproval stems not from calculated reaction to policy outcomes or partisan attachments. Rather, people tend to disapprove of Congress for exactly the thing it was designed to be: an open and deliberative lawmaking body. The more Congress does its job, the more the public tends to disapprove.
East European 'Model' to Cuban Freedom
Authors: Horowitz Irving Louis
Published: October 2008

The termination of communist systems of political rule in Eastern Europe between 1989-91 gave rise to the widespread belief in anti-Castro circles that such endings and new beginnings were feasible in Cuba. This `model' based on `scenario building' has turned out not to be the case in the course of the past several decades. The purpose of this paper is to explain why the East European models (because there are a variety of systems in that area) did not materialize in Cuba. The limits of analogy in international affairs are revealed in the unique as well as universal characteristics of communist types of regimes.
Indirect Method of Measuring Dispersion Coefficients for Granular Flow in a Column of Dihedrons
Authors: Hacina Abchiche , Kamel Daoud
Published: October 2008

In the chemical, pharmaceutical and food-processing industries, the drying operation is a major intermediate step in the production of finished or semi-finished products. There are a great many drying processes and types of equipment, such as dryers with immersed channels; the main advantage of this type of dryer is the homogeneous distribution of the drying air, made possible by dihedrons, a special device for introducing the air. The basis tool for dimension, a drier with immersed channels, is the control of the dehydration of the product, and the distribution function residence time of the particles inside the column. In the present study, a model and thus an indirect measurement of dispersion coefficients of solids were proposed in contrast with previous studies where the variation of dispersion coefficient has often been disregarded in the granular flow models. The comparison of calculations with measurements gave an indirect measurement of the longitudinal and transversal variable coefficients as a function of the position in the column. It is concluded that it is necessary to account for the variation of dispersion coefficients during the granular flow in the column to obtain a correct description of their flow. It is worth noting that this indirect measurement proves that the transversal dispersion coefficient varied much more than the longitudinal one.
Rheological Properties of Tomato Concentrate
Authors: Dak Manish , Verma Radha Charan , Jaaffrey S N A
Published: October 2008

Rheological properties of tomato concentrate were evaluated using a wide-gap rotational viscometer (Brookfield Engineering Laboratories: Model LVDV-II) at different temperatures of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60oC, at concentration of 18, 12.18 and 8.04 % total solids, and at appropriate shear rate(1-100 RPM). The power law model was fitted to the experimental results. The values of flow behaviour index (n) were found less than unity (0.23 to 0.82) at all the temperature and the concentration indicating shear-thinning (pseudoplasticity) behaviour of the concentrate. The correlation between the observed consistency coefficient ranging from 0.09 to 65.87 Pa.sn and the inverse absolute temperature has been exhibited by Arrhenius model. Consistency coefficient increased exponentially with increase in the concentration. Statistical model was used for prediction of the consistency coefficient as a function of temperature and concentration which showed a good agreement (r2=0.99) between experimental and theoretical values. The magnitude of activation energy were found to be in the range of 8.6 to 14.08 kJ/mol.K.
Relations between Varshni and Morse potential energy parameters
Authors: Lim Teik-Cheng , Udyavara Rajendra
Published: October 2008

A set of relationships between the Morse and Varshni potential functions for describing covalent bondstretching energy has been developed by imposing equal force constant and equal energy integral. In view of the extensive adoption of Morse function in molecular force fields, this paper suggests two sets of parameter conversions from Varshni to Morse. The parameter conversion based on equal force constant is applicable for small change in bond length, while the parameter conversion based on equal energy integral is more applicable for significant bond-stretching. Plotted results reveal that the Varshni potential function is more suitable for describing hard bonds rather than soft bonds.
Giant iliac artery aneurysm
Authors: Ugurlucan Murat , Erdim Filiz , Alpagut Ufuk , Tireli Emin , Dayioglu Enver
Published: October 2008

Isolated iliac artery aneuryms are very rare vascular malformations. They can remain unnoticed for long periods of time because of their deep location in the pelvic region. Most of the patients present to the clinic with rupture of the aneurysm, and thus the condition has a very high mortality rate. We report here the case of an 84-year-old man with giant iliac artery aneuryms who was treated successfully by aneurysmectomy and aortoiliac bypass.
The effects of parenteral glutamine on intestinal adaptation in a rat model of short bowel syndrome
Authors: Ucar Ahmet , Kocdor Hilal , Canda Aras , Unlu Sadiye , Cehreli Ruksan , Kocdor Mehmet
Published: October 2008

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is characterized by the malabsorption of nutrients and fluids that occurs after major intestinal resection, resulting from an adaptation process that begins immediately to increase the mucosal surface area and absorption. Certain nutrients and trophic factors are widely used to increase intestinal adaptation following massive intestinal resection. The efficacy and benefits of glutamine on the intestinal adaptation process is still controversial. This study was conducted to determine the effects of parenteral glutamine administration on intestinal adaptation in a rat model of SBS. Fourteen male Wistar rats were divided into two groups; all 14 underwent 75% small bowel resection. Within each group, rats were assigned to 14 days of treatment with subcutaneous glutamine (0.3 g/kg/day) or isotonic saline daily. Weight changes and histological intestinal adaptation parameters (mucosal thickness, villus height, and crypt depth) were measured. Non-mucosal intestinal changes were evaluated by intestinal fractioned collagen analysis. All rats initially lost weight and began to gain weight postoperatively; however, they did not reach their preoperative weights during the experiment and there was no significant difference between the groups. Histological adaptation parameters were significantly increased after 75% intestinal resection in both groups compared to paired native samples (P<0.01); although the percent of increase was slightly higher in Gln group, no significant difference was detected between the two groups. Fractioned-collagen amounts were found to be similar between groups. The results indicated that parenteral glutamine administration alone does not improve the intestinal adaptation process after massive intestinal resection in rats.
Community acquired infections in elderly population
Authors: Kucukardali Yasar , Oncul Oral , Kunter Erdogan , Turhan Vedat , Solmazgul Emrullah , Terekeci Hakan , Sayan Ozkan , Oktenli Cagatay
Published: October 2008

In geriatric practice, data regarding infections including the epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency, location, microbiological and laboratory characteristics of infectious diseases in elderly population admitted to a training hospital. The patients were included total of 330 patients, aged over 65 with infection, seen between January 1, 2005 and January 1, 2006. In the result, of patients 136 (41%) had respiratory system infection, 90 (27%) urinary system infection, 39 (12%) gastrointestinal system infection, 34 (10%) bloodstream infections, 17 (5%) soft tissue infection, 8 (2%) central nervous system infections, and 6 (2%) others. Average length of hospitalization was 8.6±7.7 days. Mortality rate from all causes was 57 (17%). The most common infections in elderly patients were respiratory tract and urinary system infections, and there were no fever, leukocytes and high CRP levels in approximately 1/3 of cases. Infectious diseases may occur even in the absence of such infection indicators as fever, raised WBC count and high CRP level in the elderly population.
Galectin-1 expression in innervated and denervated skeletal muscle
Authors: Svensson Anna , Tågerud Sven
Published: October 2008

Galectin-1 is a soluble carbohydrate-binding protein with a particularly high expression in skeletal muscle. Galectin-1 has been implicated in skeletal muscle development and in adult muscle regeneration, but also in the degeneration of neuronal processes and/or in peripheral nerve regeneration. Exogenously supplied oxidized galectin-1, which lacks carbohydrate-binding properties, has been shown to promote neurite outgrowth after sciatic nerve sectioning. In this study, we compared the expression of galectin-1 mRNA and immunoreactivity in innervated and denervated mouse and rat hind-limb and hemidiaphragm muscles. The results show that galectin-1 mRNA expression and immunoreactivity are up-regulated following denervation. The galectin-1 mRNA is expressed in the extrasynaptic and perisynaptic regions of the muscle, and its immunoreactivity can be detected in both regions by Western blot analysis. The results are compatible with a role for galectin-1 in facilitating reinnervation of denervated skeletal muscle.
Carbon and nitrogen and their elemental and isotopic ratios in the bottom sediment of the Solina-Myczkowce complex of reservoirs
Authors: Koszelnik Piotr , Tomaszek Janusz , Gruca-Rokosz Renata
Published: October 2008

The studies concerned the ecosystem of the Solina-Myczkowce cascade of reservoirs. While the elemental C:N ratio was higher in the Solina Reservoir branches and in the Myczkowce Reservoir (>10), the values for stations located near the Solina Dam were low (<10). Markedly, the lowest values for δ13C were noted in the Myczkowce Reservoir (-28.5‰), and these contrasted with the higher values found in the Solina Reservoir (ca. -27‰). δ15N varied from 2‰ in the upper Solina to above 3.5-4‰ downstream. While the data obtained indicate the autochthonous origin of sedimentary matter, primary production influences the properties of the bottom sediments in the lower part of the Solina reservoirs.
MR&CT analysis of the qualitative and quantitative structure of macrozoobenthos in selected oxbow lakes of Northern Poland
Authors: Obolewski Krystian , Strzelczak Agnieszka
Published: October 2008

Macrozoobenthos inhabiting six oxbow lakes in the basins of the Słupia, Łyna, and Vistula rivers was investigated during spring, summer, and fall 2002-2006. The researched reservoirs - re-opened, dredged, with a sluice, natural open, natural semi-open, and natural closed - differed in degree of succession and type of connection with the relevant river. In order to determine the dependency of macrozoobenthos structure on type of oxbow lake and season, multivariate regression and classification tree method (MR&CT), and indicator species analysis were applied.

The tree obtained revealed that the natural, semi-open oxbow lake differed distinctly from the others and was a favorable habitat for Diptera (mainly - Chironomidae larvae), Bivalvia, and Gastropoda. The latter taxon turned out to be an indicator for summer, while Insecta and Bivalvia dominated in spring and fall. Meliorated oxbow lakes (re-opened, dredged, with a sluice) were characterized by balanced density of all the macrozoobenthos organisms and the lack of indicator taxa. In turn, high trophy was indicated by Oligochaeta abundant in natural open and natural closed oxbow lakes, and in a reservoir with a sluice.
Application of artificial neural nerworks in oxidation kinetic analysis of nanocomposites
Authors: Straszko Jerzy , Biedunkiewicz Anna , Strzelczak Agnieszka
Published: October 2008

Application of artificial neural nerworks in oxidation kinetic analysis of nanocomposites

This study concerns the application of artificial neural networks in oxidation kinetic analysis of ceramic nanocomposites. The oxidation of the Ti-Si-C ceramic nanocomposite in dry air was studied. The size of the nanoparticles was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gaseous oxidation products were analysed by mass spectroscopy (MS) while the solid oxidation products by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The kinetic analysis of the oxidation was based on the Coats-Redfern equation. The kinetic models were identified for the consecutive stages and then the A and E parameters of the Arrhenius equations were evaluated. Artificial neural networks were used at each step of the kinetic calculations.
Fluctuations of the non-Newtonian fluid flow in a Kenics static mixer: An experimental study
Authors: Peryt-Stawiarska Sylwia , Jaworski Zdzisław
Published: October 2008

Fluctuations of the non-Newtonian fluid flow in a Kenics static mixer: An experimental study

The measurements for a Kenics static mixer were carried out using Laser Doppler Anemometer (LDA). The test fluid was non-Newtonian solution of CMC, Blanose type 9H4. The velocity data inside the 5th Kenics insert were collected for the axial components at five levels of Reynolds number, Re = 20 ÷ 120. Velocity fluctuations were also analyzed in the frequency domain, after processing them with the help of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) procedure. The spectra of fluctuations provided information about level of the fluctuations in the observed range of Reynolds number. The obtained data were then also used to plot the velocity profiles for the fifth insert of the Kenics mixer. It was concluded that in the investigated range of Reynolds numbers (Re = 20 ÷ 120) a strong dependence of the velocity profiles and the flow fluctuations on Reynolds number was observed.
Monitoring of the groundwater environment within a landfill site
Authors: Złotoszewska-Niedziałek Hanna
Published: October 2008

Monitoring of the groundwater environment within a landfill site

The paper presents the hydrogeological conditions and results of monitoring carried out within the "Otwock-Świerk" municipal landfill site. The object is located within the Garwolin Plain - a denuded moraine plateau composed of deposits representing Middle-Polish Glaciations. Wastes are isolated from the surrounding soil-water environment by a 1-ply complex mineral-synthetic diaphragm. The periodical increase of chlorides, total organic carbon (TOC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrites indicate the presence of pollutants of anthropogenic origin.
The Natures of Maps: Cartographic Constructions of the Natural World
Authors: Wood Denis , Fels John
Published: October 2008

Editor's Note

We are pleased to introduce a new section in Cartographica devoted to a series of invited critiques and commentary on a target article. For the inaugural contribution, we have chosen to examine chapter 1 of a new book by Denis Wood and John Fels, The Natures of Maps (University of Chicago Press, 2008). Responses to this piece have been provided by Chris Perkins (University of Manchester, UK), Gwilym Eades (McGill University, Montreal, Canada), and Rob Kitchin (National University of Ireland, Maynooth). Wood and Fels then offer a short reply. Note that, for reasons of space and of clarity, some notes have been modified in the version provided here, and the colour figures that appear in the book have been omitted. Except in quoted material, US spellings have been replaced by Canadian spellings. (Jeremy W. Crampton)
Personnes âgées et perception des risques en matière de conduite automobile: les conducteurs âgés manifestent-ils encore de l'optimisme comparatif?
Authors: Spitzenstetter Florence , Moessinger Michelle
Published: October 2008

People frequently expresscomparative optimism; that is, they believe they are less likely than average to experience negative events. The aim of the present study is, first, to observe whether people of more than 65 years are still optimists when they evaluate driving-related risks; and second, to test the assumption that older drivers show less optimism when they compare themselves with average-age drivers than when they compare themselves with same-age drivers. Our results reveal that drivers of more than 65 years do, indeed, express comparative optimism, but, contrary to our expectation, only in a limited number of cases does the age of the comparison target appear to have an effect. These results are particularly discussed in terms of self-image enhancement.
Développement d’une version canadienne-française du Montgomery Borgatta Caregiver Burden Scale
Authors: Farley Nathalie , Demers Louise , Swaine Bonnie R.
Published: October 2008

Assessing the burden linked to caring for the frail elderly is becoming an important issue in rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to translate/validate the Montgomery Borgatta Caregiver Burden Scale into French for use in Canada. This easy-to-use questionnaire evaluates aspects of burden such as objective, subjective stress and subjective demand burden. The instrument underwent: 1) parallel translation/back-translation; 2) expert's committee review leading to an experimental version; 3) pre-test to ensure wording clarity; and 4) study of psychometric properties with bilingual subjects (n = 27) and French-speaking subjects (n = 18). Results suggest that convergence between the original and the French versions is satisfactory for two of the three sub-scales of the MBCBS (ICC 0.83 et 0.96). The test-retest stability coefficients are also very good (ICC of 0.92 et 0.91), as is internal consistency (0.90, 0.66). The objective burden sub-scale correlates moderately with a measure of functional autonomy (SMAF). Results for the subjective burden scale linked to demand are, however, inadequate. All in all, two of the three sub-scales of the French-Canadian version of the Montgomery Borgatta Caregiver Burden Scale demonstrate adequate psychometric properties, thereby favouring its use in geriatric rehabilitation.
Des services à domicile culturellement sensibles : perspective des intervenants et des proches-aidantes originaires d’Haïti en tant que cas traceur
Authors: Ducharme Francine , Paquet Mario , Vissandjée Bilkis , Carpentier Normand , Lévesque Louise , Trudeau Denise
Published: October 2008

In Canada, the care provided by families occurs in an increasingly multiethnic context. Against this backdrop, the present qualitative study aims to explore the needs/expectations and solutions not only of (female) natural caregivers of an elderly relative hailing from Haiti (presented in terms of tracking cases) but also of remunerated home care providers - all with a view to developing a culturally sensitive service offering. As such, this study works from a conceptual framework centring on the negotiation of a common area of agreement between the stakeholders involved (i.e., natural caregivers and home care providers). To this end, focus groups and individual interviews were conducted among 15 caregivers and 37 home care providers. The three recurrent themes emerging from the data analysis concern, in context, the needs/expectations and solutions surrounding the experience of service use, barriers to use, and the relationships between natural caregivers and home care providers. The statements of both groups evidenced a consistency of views and have thus provided a basis for developing some recommendations acceptable to all stakeholders from the perspective of making culturally-based adjustments to the service offering.
Seniors at Risk: The Association between the Six-Month Use of Publicly Funded Home Support Services and Quality of Life and Use of Health Services for Older People
Authors: Markle-Reid M. , Browne G. , Weir R. , Gafni A. , Roberts J. , Henderson S.
Published: October 2008

La présente étude évalue les caractéristiques de base et les changements dans l'état de santé et le coût des services de soins de santé utilisés en association avec les services de soutien à domicile subventionnés par l'État. l'analyse comprend 122 personnes de ≥75ans admissibles aux services de soutien à domicile. Au cours d’une période de six mois, un tiers des personnes faisant partie de l'échantillon ont utilisé des services de soutien à domicile pendant ≥1 heure par semaine. Le taux de dépression et de déficience cognitive, le degré réduit de fonctionnement physique et émotionnel, et une capacité d’adaptation moins efficace étaient plus élevés chez ces aînés que chez ceux qui utilisaient moins de services. La déficience cognitive a expliqué 17 pour cent de la variation dans l'utilisation des services de soutien à domicile. Pour la période de six mois, l'utilisation de services de soutien à domicile pendant ≥1 heure par semaine par des aînés ayant des besoins plus importants était associée à un coût plus faible d’utilisation pour les services de soins de santé et à un niveau d’amélioration plus faible de l'état de santé. Ces résultats suggèrent qu’il faut accélérer la recherche visant à déterminer des méthodes plus efficaces pour la prestation des services de soutien à domicile à ces personnes afin d’améliorer leur état de santé à l'aide des ressources disponibles.
Glocalized Theatrum Mundi: The Case of Comédie des comédiens
Authors: Ben-Shaul Daphna
Published: October 2008

The article addresses the possibility of undermining the globality of the theatrum mundi metaphor and examines that globality in relation to the structure and ideological implications of the comédie des comédiens. The metaphor of the world as a stage has been around since ancient times, as has its globalizing thrust – turning the world into a theatrical community and blurring cultural differences. The metaphor's hierarchic value, its being a paradigm of power relations, and its oscillation between depicting the world as governed by logos and describing it as illusory are inherent characteristics. In its sociological manifestations, the metaphor's hierarchic impulse is supplanted by analyses of social interaction, blurring cultural pluralism in support of a perspective that views some social structures as universal. A duplication in which the theatre is a micro-cosmos that doubles the larger cosmos, theatre-within-theatre reflects a global outlook. However, this metatheatrical strategy, in a contemporary form of comédies des comédiens, can be used for intentional intercultural junctions. This is most evident when directors supplement productions of canonic foreign plays with local, contemporary variations, in an attempt to touch on current events. The article presents two Israeli cases of such supplementing: L’Avare, directed by Michael Gurevitch at the Jerusalem Khan Theater (2003) and Back to the Tempest, directed by Igal Ezraty at the Arab–Hebrew Theater in Jaffa, Tel Aviv (2005). It shows how, in both productions, the supplement that turns the play into a contemporary version of comédies des comédiens serves cultural appropriation as it points to local power relations, while at the same time the metaphor's global residue persists and ideological, local, and temporal differences are denied. This results in a liminal, local–global – glocalized – theatrical space.
Narratives of Success, Narratives of Failure: The Creation and Collapse of Sistren's “Aesthetic Space”
Authors: Smith Karina
Published: October 2008

This essay looks at the way Jamaican Sistren Theatre Collective's work and public image were shaped during the 1970s and 1980s to meet the needs of political and development agency agendas. During the Democratic Socialist Manley government's eight years in office (1972–80), community groups such as Sistren were encouraged by the government to establish “aesthetic spaces,” to quote Augusto Boal, in which the oppression experienced by disadvantaged Jamaicans could be discussed and theatricalized. With the change of government in 1980, support for community-development projects waned and pressure was placed on Sistren to find external avenues of funding, invariably from development agencies. Under the weight of development-agency demands, among them the establishing of a business enterprise to achieve “self-sufficiency,” Sistren's “aesthetic space” collapsed. Sistren Theatre Collective, then, can be read as both a narrative of success and one of failure.
“How Will They Ever Heal …?” Bearing Witness to Abuse and the Importance of Female Community in Sarah Daniels'sBeside Herself,Head-Rot Holiday, andThe Madness of Esme and Shaz
Authors: Debling Heather
Published: October 2008

In her three women-and-madness plays, Beside Herself, Head-Rot Holiday, and The Madness of Esme and Shaz, Sarah Daniels presents conflicting views of female madness. While she is critical of a society that labels women's anger or refusal to conform as madness, she goes beyond the simplistic view of women's madness as misogyny to show the severe psychological pain suffered by women who have been the victims of verbal, physical, and particularly, sexual abuse. Healing from this type of abuse, Daniels suggests, is only possible through homosocial bonds with other women. Moments where women remain silenced and even complicit in the patriarchal systems and cycles of abuse that oppress, harm, and stifle all women are contrasted in these plays with those moments in which there is potential for change through speech and through women's support of one another, and it is through this contrast, through both the presence and the absence or subversion of testimony and community in these plays, that Daniels appeals to her audience and stresses that the only way forward for women who have endured such trauma is the establishment of an attentive and supportive female community.