bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standard vs. Custom Products: Variety, Lead Time, and Price Competition
Authors: Xia Nan , Rajagopalan S.
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we study the standardization and customization decisions of two firms in a competitive setting, along with variety, lead time, and price decisions. We incorporate consumer heterogeneity both in firm preference (or store convenience) and in product attribute preferences. We find that the equilibrium outcome depends on the cost efficiencies of the production technologies as well as the consumer sensitivity to product fit and lead time. We develop an index that signifies the relative attractiveness of the standardization and customization strategies, and the potential outcomes. We identify the strategic roles of product variety and lead time in the competition. In contrast to the previous literature, we find that increasing the variety will not intensify the price competition if there is sufficient firm differentiation. Rather, it relieves the price pressure for the firm as it satisfies consumer needs better and enables higher price premiums. We also analyze the impact of asymmetric variable costs, fixed costs, and brand reputation on the equilibrium decisions.
Implications of Channel Structure for Leasing or Selling Durable Goods
Authors: Bhaskaran Sreekumar R. , Gilbert Stephen M.
Published: January 2009

In spite of the fact that many durable products are sold through dealers, the literature has largely ignored the issue of how product durability affects the interactions between a manufacturer and her dealers. We seek to fill this gap by considering a durable goods manufacturer that uses independent dealers to get her product to consumers. In contrast to much of the literature, we specifically consider the possibility that if the manufacturer sells her product, then the dealers can either sell or lease it to the final consumer. One of our more interesting findings is that, when the level of competition among dealers is high, the manufacturer prefers to use a lease-brokering arrangement in which the dealers earn a margin for brokering leases between the manufacturer and end consumers, instead of selling her product to the dealers. This complements existing results that show that when suppliers of durable goods interact directly with consumers, selling is the dominant strategy for high levels of competitive intensity.
New kinetics and mechanisms of oxygen delignification observed in a continuous stirred tank reactor
Authors: Ji Yun , Vanska Emilia , van Heiningen Adriaan
Published: January 2009

Special oxygen delignification experiments were performed in a differentially operated continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Because the dissolved oxygen and alkali concentrations in the reactor are constant, the rate of lignin removal may be determined from the dissolved lignin content in the outflow stream measured by UV absorption. The delignification kinetics were determined at different temperatures, oxygen pressures and caustic concentrations on softwood kraft pulps of different kappa numbers. The kinetics are first order in residual lignin content [hexenuronic acid (HexA) corrected], and follow a Langmuir-type behavior for adsorption of oxygen on the active aromatic lignin sites. The first order in residual lignin content implies that the active lignin sites are uniformly distributed and have the same reactivity. It is proposed that the active site is the 3 carbon of the aromatic ring, where oxygen reacts to form a hydroperoxide, with a pK
a of almost 2 units higher than that of phenolic lignin. The kinetics of phenolic delignification can be described by assuming that the reaction between adsorbed oxygen and carbon 3 of the aromatic ring is the rate determining step. Alternatively, the decomposition of the hydroperoxide anion is rate determining. Peeling delignification has been proposed as an additional delignification route by peeling of hemicelluloses which have lignin fragments covalently bound to them. It is shown that the impact of peeling delignification is relatively small and limited to the initial delignification phase. Finally, data are presented showing that radicals may provide an essential contribution to delignification by their removal of non-lignin and non-HexA oxidizable structures contributing to the kappa number.
Musical History and Self-Consciousness in Mendelssohn's Octet, Op. 20
Authors: Taylor Benedict
Published: January 2009

The historical past played perhaps a more important role in Mendelssohn's music than in that of any other composer. This article approaches the work traditionally seen as his first major compositional achievement, the Octet in E♭ Major for Strings, op. 20 (1825), from the perspective of the composer's strong historical sense and takes up ideas of musical memory, history, and circular narrative journey as embodied in the cyclical structure of the piece. The Octet enacts a coming to self-consciousness of its own musical history, a process with close parallels in the writings of Goethe and Hegel, both of whom Mendelssohn knew personally. In its cyclical manipulations of musical time, Mendelssohn's Octet sets up a new formal and expressive paradigm for a musical work that would be of major significance for the instrumental music of the later nineteenth century.
Mother Mime: Siegfried, the Fairy Tale, and the Metaphysics of Sexual Difference
Authors: Daub Adrian
Published: January 2009

Richard Wagner's Siegfried constitutes something of an anomaly within the Ring cycle: the epic narrative of the Nibelungs and Valsungs grinds to a virtual halt, while two characters, Mime and Siegfried, reenact the fairy tale of the “youth who went forth to learn what fear is.” The fairy tale's mythic framework nevertheless reasserts itself within the fairytale enclosure in the guise of sexuality, in particular sexual difference: As Siegfried begins asking troubling questions about his paternity, Mime is thrust into the role of unitary origin, culminating in his desperate claim that he is Siegfried's “father and mother.” This article explores how exactly Wagner stages the tug of war between Siegfried and Mime over sexual difference, in particular in act I of Siegfried, allying different ways of conceiving descent, knowledge, and love with either the epic or the anti-epic (which Wagner associates with the fairy tale). This turns the generic struggle at the heart of Siegfried into a struggle between two kinds of families laying claim to Siegfried's paternity: the Gods of Valhalla who reproduce sexually, and the Nibelungs who are capable only of asexual reproduction of the self-same. This article argues that Wagner draws on his own speculations on sexuality, race, and history, in particular his idiosyncratic reading of Schopenhauer, to overlay this opposition not only with moral significations, but racial ones as well.
Effects of an antiandrogenic oral contraceptive pill compared with metformin on blood coagulation tests and endothelial function in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome: influence of obesity and smoking
Authors: Luque-Ramírez Manuel , Mendieta-Azcona Covandonga , del Rey Sánchez José M , Matíes Milagro , Escobar-Morreale Héctor F
Published: January 2009

Objective

To study the blood clotting tests and endothelial function of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and non-hyperandrogenic women, and their changes during PCOS treatment, as a function of the presence of obesity and smoking.

Design

Case-control study followed by a randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Blood clotting and endothelial function were analyzed in 40 PCOS patients and 20 non-hyperandrogenic women. Thirty-four PCOS women were randomized to an oral contraceptive containing 35 μg ethinyl-estradiol plus 2 mg cyproterone acetate (Diane35Diario) or metformin (850 mg twice daily), monitoring the changes on these parameters during 24 weeks of treatment. The influence of obesity and smoking was also analyzed.

Results

Blood clotting and endothelial function tests were similar among PCOS patients and controls with the exception of a higher platelet count in the former. Obesity increased circulating fibrinogen levels, prothrombin activity and platelet counts, and reduced prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. Smoking increased fibrinogen levels, platelet counts, and prothrombin activity, and reduced prothrombin time, in relation to the larger waist circumference of smokers. Irrespective of the treatment received, PCOS patients showed a decrease in prothrombin time and an increase in prothrombin activity, with a parallel increase in homocysteine levels in metformin users. The activated partial thromboplastin time decreased markedly in the patients treated with Diane35Diario. Finally, flow-mediated dilation improved in non-smokers irrespective of the drug received, but worsened in smokers.

Conclusions

Oral contraceptives and metformin may exert deleterious effects on blood clotting tests of PCOS women, yet the effects of metformin appear to be milder. Because smoking potentiates some of these effects and deteriorates endothelial function, smoking cessation should be promoted in PCOS patients.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Allene Oxide Synthase 2 Gene Are Associated With Field Resistance to Late Blight in Populations of Tetraploid Potato Cultivars
Authors: Pajerowska-Mukhtar Karolina , Stich Benjamin , Achenbach Ute , Ballvora Agim , Lübeck Jens , Strahwald Josef , Tacke Eckhard , Hofferbert Hans-Reinhard , Ilarionova Evgeniya , Bellin Diana , Walkemeier Birgit , Basekow Rico , Kersten Birgit , Gebhardt Christiane
Published: January 2009

The oomycete Phytophthora infestans causes late blight, the most relevant disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum) worldwide. Field resistance to late blight is a complex trait. When potatoes are cultivated under long day conditions in temperate climates, this resistance is correlated with late plant maturity, an undesirable characteristic. Identification of natural gene variation underlying late blight resistance not compromised by late maturity will facilitate the selection of resistant cultivars and give new insight in the mechanisms controlling quantitative pathogen resistance. We tested 24 candidate loci for association with field resistance to late blight and plant maturity in a population of 184 tetraploid potato individuals. The individuals were genotyped for 230 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 166 microsatellite alleles. For association analysis we used a mixed model, taking into account population structure, kinship, allele substitution and interaction effects of the marker alleles at a locus with four allele doses. Nine SNPs were associated with maturity corrected resistance (P < 0.001), which collectively explained 50% of the genetic variance of this trait. A major association was found at the StAOS2 locus encoding allene oxide synthase 2, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of jasmonates, plant hormones that function in defense signaling. This finding supports StAOS2 as being one of the factors controlling natural variation of pathogen resistance.
Situational analysis of poverty and violence among children and youth with disabilities in the Americas an agenda proposal
Authors: Cavalcante Fátima Gonçalves , Goldson Edward
Published: January 2009

This article reviews the prevalence of poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean discussing the cycle and culture of poverty, their links to violence and maltreatment among disabled children and youth, from 1990 to 2006. There is a discussion of child maltreatment both of typical and disabled children taking into consideration the disabled child's unique needs, the impact on the family and society and the availability of supports and resources. Finally, an agenda is set forth to address poverty and violence, seeking to diminish the prevalence of maltreatment of all children, but especially children with disabilities. In addition, there is the hope of breaking the cycle of poverty and supporting disabled and marginalized individuals. This agenda speaks to the need for multidisciplinary collaboration as well as collaboration regionally and locally among governmental and non-governmental agencies, advocacy groups and the community at large.
Michel Foucault e a persistência do poder psiquiátrico
Authors: Caponi Sandra
Published: January 2009

O artigo pretende estudar o curso que Michel Foucault ministra no Collège de France nos anos 1973-1974. Esse curso foi publicado em 2003 com o nome de " Le pouvoir psyquiatrique" . O objetivo foi analisar os diversos modos como Michel Foucault analisa a questão da loucura em " Le pouvoir psyquiatrique" e em " A história da loucura na época clássica" (1961), através de um estudo comparativo dos diferentes modos de analisar a loucura nos textos de Michel Foucault no período arqueológico e genealógico. Concluiu-se que a ausência de corpo, o diagnóstico binário, a descrição de superfície dos sintomas, a classificação de doenças mais próxima à classificação botânica que à nosologia patológica, o processo de cura diretamente vinculado à restituição de condutas e valores morais, assim como o sobre-poder exercido pelo psiquiatra, parecem falar da persistência de um antigo modelo de poder, um modelo pré-moderno e pré-capitalista, um resíduo do antigo poder soberano.
Utilização das recomendações de nutrientes para estimar prevalência de consumo insuficiente das vitaminas C e E em gestantes
Authors: Malta Maíra Barreto , Carvalhaes Maria Antonieta de Barros Leite , Parada Cristina Maria Garcia Lima , Corrente José Eduardo
Published: January 2009

Na gestação ocorrem adaptações que conduzem a um aumento da taxa metabólica basal, caracterizando um estado de alto nível de estresse oxidativo, tornando relevante a avaliação do consumo de nutrientes antioxidantes por mulheres grávidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de consumo insuficiente das vitaminas C e E em gestantes assistidas em serviços públicos de saúde. Estudou-se amostra (n=107) representativa das mulheres no segundo trimestre gestacional atendidas durante o pré-natal nas unidades de atenção básica do município de Botucatu/SP. O consumo foi investigado mediante dois inquéritos recordatórios de 24 horas. Para estimar a prevalência de inadequação de consumo na população, foi utilizado o método EAR como ponto de corte. Diferenças de consumo (em tercis) em relação a fatores socioeconômicos, obstétricos e hábitos de vida foram pesquisadas mediante análise estratificada, adotando-se p<0.05 como nível de significância. As prevalências estimadas de consumo insuficiente das vitaminas C e E foram 60% e 91,5%, respectivamente. Houve associação inversa entre o consumo de vitamina E com paridade e o consumo de vitamina C foi menor nas adolescentes em relação às adultas. Estes resultados indicam a necessidade de intervenções individuais e coletivas de promoção e apoio ao consumo de alimentação saudável por mulheres em idade fértil. Conclui-se que a prevalência de inadequação do consumo das vitaminas C e E é elevada e sem contrastes socioeconômicos.
Perfis de mortalidade neonatal precoce: um estudo para uma Maternidade Pública de Belo Horizonte (MG), 2001-2006
Authors: Assis Heloísa Maria de , Machado Carla Jorge , Rodrigues Roberto Nascimento
Published: January 2009

Trata-se de estudo seccional, com base em dados secundários, com o objetivo de traçar o perfil dos óbitos neonatais precoces ocorridos em uma Maternidade Pública de referência no Estado de Minas Gerais (Maternidade Odete Valadares), Belo Horizonte, no período de 2001 a 2006. Foram utilizadas variáveis relacionadas ao recém-nascido (período de ocorrência do óbito, idade ao óbito, sexo, idade gestacional e peso ao nascer), à mãe (tipo de gravidez, tipo de parto, idade, parturição e número de nascidos mortos), bem como causas múltiplas de mortalidade categorizadas. Obtiveram-se três perfis de óbitos neonatais precoces por meio do método Grade of Membership, que possibilitou também encontrar a prevalência destes perfis. O Perfil 1 foi caracterizado por óbitos de difícil redução e teve prevalência de 41,4%; o Perfil 2, pelos óbitos passíveis de redução (prevalência de 28,3%); e o Perfil 3, pelos óbitos redutíveis (prevalência de 30,4%). Estes perfis possibilitaram a compreensão da mortalidade neonatal precoce na Maternidade Odete Valadares e a análise da sua relação com a história reprodutiva e obstétrica materna, bem como com as condições do recém-nascido. Chama a atenção a elevada prevalência de óbitos evitáveis, realidade que deve ser enfrentada pelos profissionais e pela rede pública de saúde.
Developmental Issues of Grandchildren Who Provide Care to Grandparents
Authors: Fruhauf Christine A. , Orel Nancy A.
Published: January 2009

This qualitative research examined the perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of grandchildren caregivers who ranged in age from 7 to 29 years. Thirty-four caregiving grandchildren participated in face to-face semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 35 to 90 minutes. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Analysis of the data revealed that caregiving grandchildren: a) experienced a wide range of emotions as providers of care to their grandparents; and b) developed specific coping strategies to deal with the stress of providing care. The intensity, type, and range of emotions experienced and the coping strategies used were a reflection of the developmental issues of the grandchildren. Although grandchildren caregivers experienced similar responsibilities, their developmental level and the context in which care was provided played a role on how they were best able to cope with caregiving responsibilities. Practitioners must consider grandchildren caregivers when developing programs and services for family caregivers.
Embracing Opposites: Meanings of Growing Old as Narrated by People Aged 85
Authors: Fischer Regina Santamäki , Norberg Astrid , Lundman Berit
Published: January 2009

Many old people suffer from prolonged and multiple bodily ailments, new diseases, and increased risk for disadvantages and losses in life. Aging also means becoming mature and wise. This study illuminates the meaning of the lived experience with respect to changes in late life. Using a phenomenological hermeneutic method, this study analyzes transcribed interviews of 15 85-year-old people. Four themes were formulated: embracing weakness and strength, embracing slowness and swiftness of time, embracing reconciliation and regret, and embracing connectedness and loneliness. From these analyses, growing old was described as —maintaining one's identity in spite of the changes that come with aging and, embracing opposites—being changed and feeling being the same.
A Rational Calculus of Voting Considering Coalition Signals: The 2005 German Bundestag Election as an Example
Authors: Linhart Eric
Published: January 2009

This article extends the calculus of rational voting (Riker & Ordeshook, 1968) by considering the coalition building process and the legislative process (cf. Austen-Smith & Banks, 1988) in multi-party systems. Comparing preferences on coalitions and their resulting legislative outcomes instead of party preferences, I create preference profiles of voters on coalitions and estimate the probability that a coalition forms, given the parties' coalition signals, and an expected electoral result. I illustrate the results of this rational calculus for the German Bundestag elections 2005 as a political map. Furthermore, this calculus allows the identification of coalition signals which raise and reduce a party's vote share.
Reflection, Renewal and Relationship Building: An Ongoing Journey in Early Childhood Arts Education
Authors: Deans Jan , Brown Robert
Published: January 2009

The established place of the arts within early childhood education is rarely questioned. Nevertheless, social, cultural and political shifts in values, beliefs and practices impact on approaches to the arts, as early childhood practitioners grapple with increasingly complex views on how children learn and what factors impact on their learning. This article maps some of these shifts over the past 15 years, at one Early Learning Centre (ELC) in Australia. The centre has created and regularly re-conceptualised its vision for the place of the arts in the lives of young children. Curriculum is informed by a layered and multidimensional theoretical framework, where the arts are integrated into the children's learning, and theories are considered as collections of partial truths. The article documents a number of significant events where the children engaged with the arts as ways of making and communicating meaning, and as a means for inquiry-based learning, for developing their artistry and as a space for relationship building between individuals and communities. Reflections on these events examine the image of the child, symbolic languages, emergent curriculum, the role of artist/ teacher and the impact of socio-cultural values on arts pedagogy and practice.
Identities in Online Communities: A Young Woman's Critique of Cyberculture
Authors: Guzzetti Barbara J.
Published: January 2009

Cyberculture has been more celebrated as establishing sites of possibilities than critiqued as a source of limitations for identity representation. Few researchers have explored through in situ interviews and their own online participation how electronic forums may actually prevent young women's representations of themselves in cyberspace. Hence, this inquiry was conducted to answer the question of how cyberculture might impede a young woman's ability to position herself socially in virtual communities. This query was addressed by a case study of a young woman as she navigated cybersites for identity representation in cybercommunities. Through interviews and examinations of the archives of popular cybersites, this article illustrates how sexists, misogynists and trolls marginalized females' participation in cyberculture through rhetorical strategies and graphic representations. Findings from this study provide insight into the kinds of social interactions in online spaces that may influence females' academic participation in both offline and online spaces, and offer implications for shifting gendered power relations.
A Cooperative Work Framework for E-Learning
Authors: Graham Deryn
Published: January 2009

This article describes the evolution of the development of a framework for e-learning to reconsider e-learning in relation to the cooperative work framework, identifying critical weaknesses in the fundamental nature of e-learning and its consequent propensity for failure.
Unusual Primary Ocular Neoplasm in a Child: Leiomyosarcoma of the Ciliary Body
Authors: Cajaiba Mariana M. , Chojniak Martha M. , Cunha Isabela W.
Published: January 2009

Primary uveal-tract neoplasms are extremely rare in childhood; the most common lesions found are melanocytic. We report here the case of a 7-year-old girl who underwent enucleation of the right eye with clinical suspicion of choroid melanoma as a result of a ciliary body mass that extended to the posterior chamber. Histologically, the neoplasm featured spindle cell morphology, atypia, and mitoses. The tumor expressed smooth muscle α actin, pan-actin HHF-35, and desmin, whereas immunohistochemistry for melanocytic markers, such as S-100, Melan-A, and HMB-45, was negative. Based on these features, the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of the ciliary body was firmly established. Although several leiomyomas have been reported in the literature, there are only 2 previously reported cases of primary leiomyosarcoma of the uveal tract. Immunohistochemical expression of muscle proteins allowed distinction from the most common melanocytic tumors arising in this location.
Postnatal Development of the Urine Cortisol/Creatinine Ratio in the Dog
Authors: Vostatková K. , Štarha P. , Kaláb P. , Blahová J. , Baranyiová E.
Published: January 2009

The objective of this experiment was to study the age changes of cortisol to creatinine ratio in urine of growing puppies between birth and the age of 8 weeks. Beagle puppies (n = 14) of three litters were used. The puppies of litters 1 and 2 were from a research breeding facility and litter 3 from a dog breeder. They were nursed by their dams and obtained extra puppy food from the 4th week of age. The puppies were weighed weekly. Morning urine was sampled at the age of up to 48 h, and 7, 14, 21, 24, 35, and 56 days. Urine cortisol was measured using the RIA method, and creatinine was determined using a diagnostic kit. The urine cortisol to creatinine ratio (UCCR) was calculated. The body mass of puppies increased more than ten times. The UCCR for litters 1 and 2 as against litter 3 showed no significant differences and therefore the results were pooled. Thus no effect of the rearing environment upon this indicator was found. The UCCR values in puppies aged up to 48 h was 44.32 ± 30.47 × 10-6. Its following changes (a decrease to 30.52 ± 12.98 × 10-6 on day 7 and oscillations around these values until day 49) as well as an increase on day 56 were not significant. Characteristic features of the UCCR in puppies were values surpassing those reported for healthy adult animals, and a great inter-individual variability, presumably reflecting the maturation processes such as rapidly increasing body mass and skeletal musculature mass, changes in nutrition, locomotory activity and maturation of their excretory system. The specific features of this period should be considered when evaluating the UCCR in puppies.
Milk Iodine Content in Slovakia
Authors: Paulíková I. , Seidel H. , Nagy O. , Kováč G.
Published: January 2009

The aim of this work was to map actual iodine status and its seasonal differences in raw milk of dairy cows, sheep, and goats in various regions of Slovakia. Iodine concentrations were determined in 457 samples of raw milk from dairy cows, 78 samples of sheep, and 16 samples of goat milk collected in various regions of Slovakia from 2002 to 2007. Among all the 457 samples of bovine milk, iodine content below 50 μg l-1 was recorded in 114 samples (24.94%); 294 samples (64.33%) ranged between 50 and 200 μg l-1; 19 samples (4.16%) from 200 to 500 μg l-1; 17 samples (3.72%) between 500 and 1 000 μg l-1, and 13 samples (2.85%) showed iodine concentrations over 1 000 μg l-1. regional concentrations showed the highest values in the Western, then Middle and Eastern Slovakia, and the lowest values in Northern Slovakia (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). In sheep and goat milk samples, we found iodine concentrations below 80 μg l-1 in 49 sheep (62.8%) and in 6 goats below 60 μg l-1 (37.5%), which are indicative of iodine deficiency. When comparing seasonal differences, sheep and goat milk had higher iodine content during the winter feeding period, however, in dairy cows we recorded the opposite ratio. Except for goat milk (p < 0.01) the seasonal differences were not significant.
Indicators of the Internal Environment of Beef Cattle during Fattening and their Correlation to the Quality of Beef
Authors: Pavlík A. , Filipčík R. , Jelínek P. , Bjelka M. , Havlíček Z. , Šubrt J.
Published: January 2009

The objective of the study was to determine selected indicators of the internal environment in individual cattle categories during the period of fattening to evaluate the relation of the individual blood components to the growth intensity and qualitative indicators of the meat. The trial involved half-siblings - bulls, heifers and steers housed in one stable. The threesome always had a common father. During the trials the live weight was monitored and blood samples were taken on days 310, 403, 448, 479, 512, 554 and 618 of age. The concentrations of total proteins, glucose, total cholesterol, urea and catalytic concentrations of ALP, ALT, AST, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and copper in the blood plasma were assessed. In all cases the levels of indicators of the internal environment were within the range of the physiological values for the respective age category. Compared to bulls and steers, the concentration of total plasma cholesterol of the heifers was significantly higher (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The last samples were taken prior to slaughter of the animals and the individual components were correlated with the nutritional values and meat indicators; the correlation between the amount of glucose and urea in the blood serum and the tenderness of the meat was significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). The correlation between the concentration of proteins in the blood plasma, the level of nitrogen or total protein in the muscles, the water-holding capacity and meat tenderness was positive. The study provides a basis for implementing helpful adjustments in current cattle management practises. Blood indicators presented in this paper can be added to existing knowledge to benefit veterinary research and clinical evaluations.
Effects of Clinical Mastitis on Reproductive Performance in Holstein Cows
Authors: Gunay A. , Gunay U.
Published: January 2009

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of clinical mastitis on reproductive performance in 135 early lactation cows. The animals were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of mastitis as follows: group I (n = 45), clinical mastitis prior to the first artificial insemination breeding; group II (n = 45), clinical mastitis after artificial insemination and being diagnosed pregnant. Forty-five cows without any mastitis served as control group. Calving to first service intervals were significantly longer (P < 0.05) in cows with clinical mastitis before first service (group I; 95.2 ± 5.4 d) than in cows with clinical mastitis after first service (group II; 77.4 ± 8.2 d) and in control cows (75.9 ± 6.3 d). Calving to conception interval with clinical mastitis before first service (119.1 ± 10.6 d) and in cows with clinical mastitis after first service (141.7 ± 14.0 d) was significantly longer (P < 0.05) than in control (94.1 ± 10.3 d) cows. On the other hand, the number of services per conception was larger (P < 0.05) in cows with clinical mastitis after first service (3.4 ± 0.9) than in cows with clinical mastitis before first service (2.1 ± 0.9) and in cows with no clinical mastitis (1.8 ± 0.8). This study indicated that clinical mastitis during early lactation in Holstein cows had a negative impact on their reproductive performance.
The Probiotic BioPlus 2B as an Alternative to Antibiotics in Diets for Broiler Chickens
Authors: Šabatková J. , Kumprecht I. , Zobač P. , Suchý P. , Čermák B.
Published: January 2009

The main aim of this work was to compare the stimulatory effect of the probiotic BioPlus 2B with that of the antibiotic Avilamycin on the growth and feed conversion in broiler chickens. The growth experiment was performed with one-day-old sexed female and male ROSS 308 hybrid chickens (240 females and 240 males) placed in 24 cages. They were fed the starter diet from Day 1 to Day 14, followed by the grower from Day 15 to Day 35 and the finisher in a loose form from Day 36 to Day 42. Diets and water were available ad libitum. The control slaughter of chickens was performed at the end of the experiment (Day 42) to determine the slaughter yield and the content of inner fat in the final product. The supplementation of the diets used in broiler prefattening and fattening with BioPlus 2B resulted in a 4–5% weight gain (P < 0.01) and in a 4–5% improvement (P < 0.01) in feed conversion. Mean slaughter yields were higher (P < 0.01) in chickens fed diets containing probiotic and antibiotic products compared to the group of chickens fed the diet not supplemented with a growth promotor. The weight of inner fat in chickens under study did not differ significantly either between experimental groups or between sexes.
Experimental Application of Sage in Rabbit Husbandry
Authors: Szabóová R. , Lauková A. , Chrastinová Ľ. , Simonová M. , Strompfová V. , Haviarová M. , Plachá I. , Faix Š. , Vasilková Z. , Chrenková M. , Rafay J.
Published: January 2009

Salvia spp. belongs to the Labiatae family and is characterized by antimicrobial and antiinflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to test its in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effect against bacteria as well as to find an alternative possibility to use sage in the rabbit ecosystem examining biochemical, zootechnical and inmunological indicators, compared to the commercial feed mixture Xtract. Using the sage extract in in vitro tests, its inhibitory effect was noted. Under in vivo conditions, in the experimental group with sage (EG1), reduction of Pseudomonas-like sp. (p < 0.01) and E. coli (p < 0.01) was noted after 7 days of sage application compared to the control group CG2 (with Robenidin) as well as after 21 days of sage extract application, when the reduction of coagulase-negative staphylococci (p < 0.01) was detected (in comparison with the experimental group-EG2, Xtract group). In the caecum of rabbits from EG1, higher values of lactic, acetic and butyric acids were noted. The values of propionic acid were not influenced. Biochemical indicators were not influenced; however, the values of GSH Px were lower in EG1 compared to EG2. Higher phagocytic activity (18%) was noted in EG1 than in EG2 (13%) after 21 days of additives application. The reduction of Eimeria sp. oocysts was demonstrated in EG1 (sage group) after 7 days of sage application comparing to CG2 (217 OPG to 566 OPG). The animals in both experimental groups achieved higher feed consumption and weight gain, lower mortality compared to both controls. Neither of the additives had a negative influence on the health status and growth performance of rabbits.
Lipolytic and Hypolipidemic Properties of Newly Synthesized Aryloxypropanolamine Derivatives
Authors: Krčmář J. , Kotolová H. , Karpíšek M. , Veselá L. , Kollár P. , Csöllei J. , Goněc T. , Bartošová L. , Suchý P.
Published: January 2009

In this study, the lipolytic effect of two newly synthesized potential β3-adrenergic agonists A482 and B496 in active acid forms was tested using isolated sliced epididymal adipose tissue of Wistar rats, and compared with Isoprenaline and BRL37344. Furthermore, effects of an eight-week oral administration of the newly synthesized substances on serum cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, adiponectin, resistin and weight gain were studied in C57Bl/6J mice that were fed high energy diet. The newly synthesized substance A482 (4-(2-{[2-hydroxy-3-(4-methyl-carbamoylphenoxy) propyl]amino}ethyl)phenoxy-acetic acid hydrochloride) was able to produce almost full lipolysis at a 1 × 10-7 M concentration, and its effect on the rat epididymal adipose tissue was similar to the specific β3-adrenergic agonist BRL37344. Ethyl ester of this substance significantly lowered plasma total cholesterol (p < 0.001), resistin (p < 0.01), weight gain (p < 0.01), improved total/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p < 0.01) and increased circulating adiponectin (p < 0.001) in C57Bl/6J mice that were fed high energy diet. The second tested substance B496 did not show all activities expected from β3-adrenergic agonists. Our results suggest that the newly synthesised substance A482 may represent a potent β3-adrenergic agonist.
Gastric Ulceration, Appetite and Feeding Practices in Standardbred Racehorses in the Czech Republic
Authors: Bezděková B. , Jahn P. , Vyskočil M.
Published: January 2009

The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of poor appetite and its correlation with the prevalence of gastric ulceration, and to evaluate relation between feeding management (feeding frequency and feeding regularity) and gastric ulceration in a group of 54 Standardbred racehorses in training. Prevalence of gastric ulceration in the group of horses with poor general appetite was 94.8%. Prevalence of gastric ulceration in the group of horses with good general appetite was 48.6%. Significant association between poor general appetite and squamous gastric ulcer presence was observed (p < 0.001). Gastric ulceration was found in 75.0% of horses fed twice daily and in 57.9% horses fed three times a day. Fifty seven point nine per cent of regularly fed horses had gastric ulcers. Irregularly fed horses were ulcer-positive in 75.0%. Thus no significant association between feeding frequency or regularity and the occurrence of gastric ulcers was found.
Mercury and Methylmercury Concentrations in Muscle Tissue of Fish Caught in Major Rivers of the Czech Republic
Authors: Kružíková K. , Randák T. , Kenšová R. , Kroupová H. , Leontovyčová D. , Svobodová Z.
Published: January 2009

The aim of the study was to evaluate mercury contamination at twelve outlet sites of rivers in the Czech Republic (Labe, Ohře, Vltava, Berounka, Sázava, Otava, Lužnice, Svratka, Dyje, Morava and Odra). As an indicator, we used muscle tissue of the chub (Leuciscus cephalus) caught at selected sites in 2007. A total of 96 fish were examined. Total mercury was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry using the AMA 254 analyzer and methylmercury was determined by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. Total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations ranged 0.039–0.384 mg kg-1 fresh weight and 0.033–0.362 mg kg-1 fresh weight, respectively. Mercury bound in methylmercury (HgMe) made up on average about 82.2% of total mercury. The highest mercury concentrations were found in fish from Obříství, a site on Labe (THg 0.263 ± 0.086 mg kg-1; MeHg 0.256 ± 0.084 mg kg-1). Mercury concentrations in fish from rivers that cross the borders of the Czech Republic (Labe, Odra and Morava) were low. The Czech Republic therefore does not contribute significantly to river pollution outside its national borders. Hazard indices of the sites monitored were well below 1, and reached 1.365 only in Obříství on Labe for fisherman’s family members (i.e. in the case of annual consumption of 10 kg fish). This indicates possible hazards involved in eating meat of fish caught in that location. Based on PTWI for methylmercury, the maximum amount of fish meat allowed for consumption per week was calculated. The site with the lowest value was Obříství on Labe (0.44 kg). The results of this study present a partial contribution to health risk assessment on the major rivers in Czech Republic.
Prediction Models for Transverse Cracking of Jointed Concrete Pavements
Authors: Ker Hsiang-Wei , Lee Ying-Haur , Lin Chia-Huei
Published: January 2009

The main objective of this study was to develop improved prediction models for transverse cracking of jointed concrete pavements with the Long-Term Pavement Performance database. The retrieval, preparation, and cleaning of the database were carefully handled with a systematic and automatic approach. The prediction accuracy of the existing prediction models implemented in the recommended Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (NCHRP Project 1-37A) was found to be inadequate. Exploratory data analysis indicated that the normality assumption with random errors and constant variance by using conventional regression techniques might not be appropriate for this study. Therefore, several modern regression techniques, including the generalized linear model and the generalized additive model, along with the assumption of Poisson distribution, were adopted for the modeling process. The resulting mechanistic–empirical model included several variables—such as pavement age, yearly equivalent single-axle loads (ESALs), accumulated ESALs, annual precipitation, freeze–thaw cycle, annual temperature range, stress ratio, and percent steel—for the prediction of transverse cracking. The goodness of fit was further examined through significant testing and various sensitivity analyses of pertinent explanatory parameters. The tentatively proposed predictive models appeared to agree reasonably with the pavement performance data, although their further enhancements are possible and recommended.
Neural Network-Based Approach for Analysis of Rigid Pavement Systems Using Deflection Data
Authors: Bayrak M. Birkan , Ceylan Halil
Published: January 2009

This paper focuses on the development of backcalculation models based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) for predicting the layer moduli of the jointed plain concrete pavements, that is, the elastic modulus of the portland cement concrete (PCC) layer and the coefficient of subgrade reaction for the pavement foundation. The ANN-based models were trained to predict the layer moduli by using the falling-weight deflectometer (FWD) deflection basin data and the thickness of the concrete pavement structure. The ISLAB2000 finite element program, extensively tested and validated for more than 20 years, has been employed as an advanced structural model for solving the responses of the rigid pavement systems and generating a knowledge database. ANN-based backcalculation models trained with the results from the ISLAB2000 solutions have been found to be viable alternatives for rapid assessment (capable of analyzing 100,000 FWD deflection profiles in a single second) of the rigid pavement systems. The trained ANN-based models are capable of predicting the concrete pavement parameters with very low (<0.4%) average absolute error values. The ANN model predictions and closed-form solutions were compared through the use of the FWD deflection data, and the results are summarized in the paper. In addition, a sensitivity study was conducted to verify the significance of the layer thicknesses and the effect of bonding between the PCC and the base layer in the backcalculation procedure. The results of this study demonstrated that the ANN-based models are capable of successfully predicting the rigid pavement layer moduli with high accuracy.
Inclement Weather Impacts on Freeway Traffic Stream Behavior
Authors: Rakha Hesham , Farzaneh Mohamadreza , Arafeh Mazen , Sterzin Emily
Published: January 2009

The research reported in this paper quantifies the impact of inclement weather (precipitation and visibility) on traffic stream behavior and key traffic stream parameters, including free-flow speed, speed at capacity, capacity, and jam density. The analysis is conducted using weather data (precipitation and visibility) and loop detector data (speed, flow, and density) obtained from the Baltimore, Maryland; Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota; and Seattle, Washington, areas in the United States. The precipitation data included intensities up to 1.6 and 0.33 cm/h for rain and water equivalent of snow intensity, respectively. The paper demonstrates that the traffic stream jam density is not affected by weather conditions. Snow results in larger reductions in traffic stream free-flow speed and capacity when compared with rain. Reductions in roadway capacity are not affected by the precipitation intensity except in the case of snow. Reductions in free-flow speed and speed at capacity increase as the rain and snow intensities increase. Finally, the paper also develops free-flow speed, speed-at-capacity, and capacity weather adjustment factors that are multiplied by the base clear-condition variables to compute inclement weather parameters. These adjustment factors vary as a function of the precipitation type, precipitation intensity, and visibility level. It is intended that these adjustment factors be incorporated into the Highway Capacity Manual.
Bacterial Degradation of Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Seo Jong-Su , Keum Young-Soo , Li Qing   X.
Published: January 2009

Aromatic compounds are among the most prevalent and persistent pollutants in the environment. Petroleum-contaminated soil and sediment commonly contain a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatics. Aromatics derived from industrial activities often have functional groups such as alkyls, halogens and nitro groups. Biodegradation is a major mechanism of removal of organic pollutants from a contaminated site. This review focuses on bacterial degradation pathways of selected aromatic compounds. Catabolic pathways of naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene are described in detail. Bacterial catabolism of the heterocycles dibenzofuran, carbazole, dibenzothiophene, and dibenzodioxin is discussed. Bacterial catabolism of alkylated PAHs is summarized, followed by a brief discussion of proteomics and metabolomics as powerful tools for elucidation of biodegradation mechanisms.
Antimicrobial Activity of Some Water Plants from the Northeastern Anatolian Region of Turkey
Authors: Özbay Hanife , Alim Ahmet
Published: January 2009

The antimicrobial activity of methanol and acetone extracts of Butomus umbellatus, Polygonum amphibium, and two species of the genus Sparganium (S. erectum and S. emersum)against three Gram-positive, five Gram-negative bacteria and one fungus was assessed by the disk diffusion method. The microorganisms used were Staphylococcus aureusATCC-29740, Escherichia coli ATCC-25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-15442, Salmonella typhi NCTC-9394, Klebsiella pneumoniae NCTC-5046, Proteus vulgaris ATCC-7829, Bacillus subtilis ATCC-6633, Corynebacterium diphteriae RSHM-633 and Candida albicans ATCC-10231. Methanol extracts of the plants did not exhibit any inhibitory activity against any of the microorganisms, while the acetone extracts of the all tested plants only showed significant activity against Bacillus subtilis, with inhibition zones and minimal inhibitory concentration values in the 7-16 mm and 0.49-12.50 mg/mL ranges, respectively.
Synthesis and Analysis of Resorcinol-Acetone Copolymer
Authors: Kobayashi Ataru , Konishi Gen-ichi
Published: January 2009

Synthesis and characterization of resorcinol-acetone copolymer is described. The polymer was prepared by trifluoroacetic acid-catalyzed polymerization of resorcinol with acetone. According to the 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and MALDI-TOF Mass spectra data, the obtained polymer had three types of repeating units: isopropylidene bridged-resorcinol, chromane ring, and spiro-shaped double chromane ring, indicating that polymerization proceeded via simultaneous addition-condensation and cyclization of resorcinol with acetone. The obtained polymer can be useful not only for the development of plastic materials such as thermosets, adhesives, and coatings but also for the synthesis of biomaterials such as antimicrobial agents, pesticides, and medicines.
CMOS Image Sensors for High Speed Applications
Authors: El-Desouki Munir , Jamal Deen M. , Fang Qiyin , Liu Louis , Tse Frances , Armstrong David
Published: January 2009

Recent advances in deep submicron CMOS technologies and improved pixel designs have enabled CMOS-based imagers to surpass charge-coupled devices (CCD) imaging technology for mainstream applications. The parallel outputs that CMOS imagers can offer, in addition to complete camera-on-a-chip solutions due to being fabricated in standard CMOS technologies, result in compelling advantages in speed and system throughput. Since there is a practical limit on the minimum pixel size (4~5 μm) due to limitations in the optics, CMOS technology scaling can allow for an increased number of transistors to be integrated into the pixel to improve both detection and signal processing. Such smart pixels truly show the potential of CMOS technology for imaging applications allowing CMOS imagers to achieve the image quality and global shuttering performance necessary to meet the demands of ultrahigh-speed applications. In this paper, a review of CMOS-based high-speed imager design is presented and the various implementations that target ultrahigh-speed imaging are described. This work also discusses the design, layout and simulation results of an ultrahigh acquisition rate CMOS active-pixel sensor imager that can take 8 frames at a rate of more than a billion frames per second (fps).
Reduction of arenediazonium salts by tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE): Efficient formation of products derived from aryl radicals
Authors: Mahesh Mohan , Murphy John A , LeStrat Franck , Wessel Hans Peter
Published: January 2009

Tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE 1), has been exploited for the first time as a mild reagent for the reduction of arenediazonium salts to aryl radical intermediates through a single electron transfer (SET) pathway. Cyclization of the aryl radicals produced in this way led, in appropriate substrates, to syntheses of indolines and indoles. Cascade radical cyclizations of aryl radicals derived from arenediazonium salts are also reported. The relative ease of removal of the oxidized by-products of TDAE from the reaction mixture makes the methodology synthetically attractive.