bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of genetic provenience on metabolic blood profile of dairy cows
Authors: Spasic Z. , Milosevic B. , Ilic Z. , Andjusic Lj. , Ciric S. , Lalic N.
Published: November 2011

Availability of easily accessible methods and apparatus for establishing the
essential parameters that indicate physiological status of animals at
different stages of productive life may have greater application in daily
controls on smaller farms in order to remove, in time, the causes and
consequences of disturbances in the reproductive and productive cycle of
cows. Two groups were formed, Domestic spotted cattle and Red Holstein, and
in the blood serum from tested animals following parameters were determined:
glucose, urea, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate
dehydrogenase (GLDH), and inorganic phosphorus. Determined glucose
concentration of 2,97 mmol/L in redholstein cows is within physiological
range, while in domestic spotted cows it is in hypoglycemia (1,14 mmol/L).
Statistical significance also demonstrate derived concentrations in different
genotypes of blood urea (3,42 : 4,90 mmol/L) and GLDH (12,19 : 5,76
IU/L).Differences in concentrations of certain parameters of the examined
blood serum, and variations amplitude that occur between groups, as well as
statistical analysis of results and the test of significance, just confirm
the hypothesis that for each animal breed, reference values related to narrow
distribution area of growing should be established.
Improved mini-silo for studying fermentation of silage in laboratory conditions
Authors: Palic D. , Vukmirovic Dj. , Colovic R. , Ivanov D. , Kokic B. , Spasevski N. , Jeremic D.
Published: November 2011

As an alternative system to glass jars, mini-silo consisting of polypropylene
(PP) container for laboratory studies of fermentation dynamics in silage was
proposed in our previous study. However, suitability of this mini-silo was
questioned, as there was a slight probability of air penetration into
container, which would lead to silage deterioration. In this study, an
improvement of the original mini-silo system for ensiling was undertaken. A
non-transparent PP container was replaced with a see-through container made
of co-polymer polypropylene (PP), which had a lid with layer of silicon on
its edge, which made this mini-silo practically air-proof. The lid was
equipped with a special water valve, for releasing of gas products of the
fermentation from the silage. Moreover, the seethrough container made a
provision for monitoring of micro-organisms growth and thus better
explanation of the obtained results on silage microbiological status. The
improved silage system was tested in an experiment in which alfalfa was
compacted into transparent containers with addition of two bacterial
inoculants. On day 50, percentage of silage surface covered with moulds was
visually estimated and samples were taken for determination of total number
of moulds and volatile fatty acids. Improved mini-silo system for silage
laboratory studies proposed in this paper is simple, economical, practical
and capable of preventing air penetration into the silage.
Effect of acid stress on germination and early seedling growth of red clover
Authors: Mandic V. , Tomic Z. , Krnjaja V. , Bijelic Z. , Zujovic M. , Simic A. , Prodanovic S.
Published: November 2011

The aim of this investigation was to estimate the effect of four pH levels of
germination media (4, 5, 6 and 7) on seed germination energy (GE),
germination (G), percentage of dead or infected seeds (DIS), percentage of
hard seed (HS), normal (NS) and abnormal seedlings (AS), root length (RL),
shoot length (ShL), seedling length (SeL), fresh weight (FW) and dry weight
(DW) of seedling, and seedling vigor index (SVI) in two red clover genotypes
(cv. K-17 and cv. Kolubara). The experiment was conducted in the laboratory
conditions of the Institute for Animal Husbandry in Belgrade in January 2011.
The pH levels of germination media had significant effect on the NS (P<0.01),
AS (P<0.01), RL (P<0.05), ShL (P<0.01), SeL (P<0.01), FW (P<0.01) and SVI
(P<0.05). The lowest GE, G, NS, ShL, SeL, FW and SVI were found at pH 4.
Also, the highest DIS, HS and AS were found at pH 4. The genotype had
significant effect on HS (P<0.01), RL (P<0.01), ShL (P<0.01), SeL (P<0.01),
FW (P<0.01) and SVI (P<0.01). Genotype and pH levels of germination media did
not affect on GE, G, DIS and DW significantly.
Opportunities for the improvement of the reproductive performances in female animals
Authors: Abadjieva D. , Shumkov K. , Kistanova E. , Kacheva D. , Georgiev B.
Published: November 2011

The paper analyzes the scientific data included the author's own results
about the opportunities to increase the reproductive potential of female
animals by application of the natural no hormonal substances and the supposed
mechanisms of their action on the reproductive system. Also the new
scientific data related to the discovering of the "metabolic" hormones
(leptin, ghrelin) and kisspeptin/GPR54 system as well as their relationship
with metabolism and reproductive function in animals is discussed.
Integration of centralized biogas plant in cold-snowy region in Japan
Authors: Umetsu K. , Ying C. , Kikuchi S. , Iwasaki M. , Takeuchi Y. , Oi M. , Shiroishi K. , Uematsu T. , Yasui S.
Published: November 2011

A centralized biogas plant was built in Shikaoi town, Hokkaido, Japan to
treat manure from 1320 cattle heads. The biogas plant was designed to operate
at a feeding amount of 85.8 t/day, a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 37
days and at a digester temperature of 38 ?C. In this study, the operational
performance of biogas plant, utilization of digested slurry and economic
balance were investigated. Since the working conditions of the plant became
stable, the biogas production was 2,687 m3/day, 92% of produced biogas was
consumed in power generation. Average methane concentration in produced
biogas was 57.7%. The hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration was decreased to
below 140 ppm as a result of bio-desulfurization and dry-desulfurization. The
average power generation was 3,737 kwh/day and from that 54% of produced
biogas was consumed in the facility operation, while 46% was sold to Power
Company. About 20,260 t of digested slurry were applied onto 602 ha grassland
and agricultural fields. From the results of the operational performance of
the plant and the economic balance evidence, it is evident that the
centralized biogas plant has a positive effect on the local economy.
Changes of egg quality properties with the age of layer hens in traditional and conventional production
Authors: Skrbic Z. , Pavlovski Z. , Lukic M. , Vitorovic D. , Petricevi V. , Stojanovic Lj.
Published: November 2011

The upcoming ban on cage rearing system, ecological aspects of production,
perception of better quality and biological safety of products from less
intensive systems are reasons in favour of alternative (non-conventional)
systems of production of table eggs. Considering only few studies have dealt
with quality properties of eggs obtained from autochthonous breeds and
changes during production cycle, objective of this study was to define these
changes and determine the degree of correlation between the age of layer hens
of Banat Naked-Neck breed and quality of eggs in traditional production in
relation to conventional, traditional production of light line hybrid of
layers in cage system. Results of the study showed poorer quality of eggs
from traditional production but certain properties (egg mass, egg shell
mass), thanks to strong positive correlation to age of layer hens, were
significantly improved, i.e. no decrease with the age of layers was
determined, contrary to eggs from conventional production.
The resistency of Salmonella serovar. enteritidis/infantins isolated in poultry against nalidixic acid
Authors: Stojanov I. , Kapetanov M. , Prodanov-Radulovic J. , Pusic I. , Petrovic J. , Balos-Zivkov M.
Published: November 2011

Modern livestock production method involves the use of antimicrobial agents
as an effective way to fight against various infections. The effectiveness of
drugs depends on their proper and controlled use. A particular problem is
bacteria, such as Salmonella, which are important for human and veterinary
medicine. The mechanism of resistance developed in bacteria depends on the
activity of antibacterial preparations. Target molecules for the group
chinolone antibiotics are enzymes involved in DNA replication of cells.
Quinolone bactericidal activity disrupts the function of bacterial gyrase
thereby blocking DNA synthesis and causes cell death. Nalidixic acid is a
prototype of quinolone, and along with several other compounds, forms the
group of first and second generation of this type of antimicrobial agents.
The subject of our work is to monitor the sensitivity of Salmonella
enteritidis and Salmonella infantis to nalidixic acid as a method of
indicating the presence of bacterial resistance to quinolones. The aim is to
determine whether the resistance to mentioned nalidixic acid in Salmonella
serovarety is present, are there differences in resistance between them and
what the possible cause of these differences are. The examination was carried
out on strains isolated from poultry samples. The most presented strans in
both examined years were S. enteritidis and S. infantis (more than 90%).
Monitoring the sensitivity of these serotypes toward nalidixic acid it was
found that in 2009 S. enteritidis showed sensitivity with 88.46% and in 2010
year 81.25%. S. infantis strains showed quite a different sensitivity, i.e.
the resistance to nalidixic acid. The presence of 75% resistant strains in
2009 and 68.18% resistant strains in 2010 were determined.The difference of
sensitivity of isolated serovariety indicate the need to use molecular
methods and try to detect not only the mechanisms of resistance but also
epizootiological, epidemiological and perhaps reasons, but also the origin
and circulation of strains, and determine phenotype characteristics.
Variability and correlation between basic quality parameters of raw cow milk
Authors: Memisi N. , Bogdanovic V. , Tomic Z. , Kasalica A. , Zujovic M. , Stanisic N. , Delic N.
Published: November 2011

In this paper the results of the analysis of the milk somatic cell count are
presented, as well as correlation between the somatic cell count and content
of certain chemical parameters in milk (milk proteins, fat, lactose and dry
matter without fat) determined in collective samples of milk obtained from
cows reared in intensive rearing system, during two production years. The
research was carried out by control of collective milk samples from cows
reared on family holdings. Somatic cell count, as well as the chemical
quality of milk, were controlled daily in the laboratory for raw milk in
dairy plant AD ?Mlekara? - Subotica using the apparatus CombiFoss 6200 FC. In
this investigation, statistically significant correlation (P<0,001) between
all observed milk parameters was determined. Positive, weak and statistically
highly significant correlation between the content of milk fat and proteins
in milk and somatic cell count was established. It was also established that
the variability of chemical parameters of milk and somatic cell count is also
under the influence of different factors, such as: month of control, year of
the research and farm.
Plato, Machiavelli and machiavellism
Authors: Zivanovic Igor
Published: November 2011

Throughout this paper the author questions Machiavelli?s Machiavellism, i.e.
the position that Machiavelli?s political theory takes stance of immoralism.
The first part of the paper compares Plato?s and Machiavelli?s political
philosophy, analyzing differences as well as similarities between these two
philosophers. Author finds Plato?s views on politics and political community
more malignant than Machiavelli?s. Machiavelli?s views on politics, state,
laws and liberty are in fact closer to the basic principles of liberalism
then to the tenets of tyranny or totalitarianism. The second part of the
paper deals with the concept of the autonomy of politics and the use of
cruelties and evils as the instruments of rule in Machiavelli?s work. In this
part of the paper, author denies that Machiavelli was the philosopher of evil
or the proponent of political gangsterism.
Synthesis and properties of new biotin compounds containing hexyltriethylene glycol chain
Authors: Matijoška Algirdas , Charkova Tatjana , Kuodis Zenonas , Voiciuk Vladislava , Eicher-Lorka Olegas
Published: November 2011

The synthesis of a new halogenide containing hexyltriethylene glycol chain functionalized with biotin is reported. The general possibility of this linker to use as the building block for biotinylated compounds syntheses is demonstrated. Two biotinylated esters with different properties for useful surface modification and as fluorescence probes for proteins marking were synthesized. The properties of mentioned compounds were investigated by using surface plazmon resonance ellypsometry and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Coordination properties of N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC). Synthesis and equilibrium studies of some metal ion complexes. Ternary complexes involving Cu(II) with (NOCC) and some biorelevant ligand
Authors: Shoukry Azza , Hosny Wafaa
Published: November 2011

In the present study, the acid-base equilibria of N,O-carboxymethy chitosan abbreviated as (NOCC), is investigated. The complex formation equilibria with the metal ions Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II), and Zn(II) are investigated potentiometrically. The stability constant values of the binary and ternary complexes formed in solution were determined and the binding centers of the ligands were assigned. The relationships between the properties of the studied central metal ions as ionic radius, electronegativity, atomic number, and ionization potential, and the stability constants of the formed complexes were investigated in an effort to give information about the nature of chemical bonding in complexes and make possible the calculation of unknown stability constants. Cu(II), Ni(II), and U(VI) complexes with NOCC are isolated as solid complexes and characterized by conventional chemical and physical methods. The structures of the isolated solid complexes are proposed on the basis of the spectral and magnetic studies. The ternary copper(II) complexes involving NOCC and various biologically relevant ligands containing different functional groups, as amino acids and DNA constituents are investigated. The stability constants of the complexes are determined and the concentration distribution diagrams of the complexes are evaluated.
Mukaiyama-Michael vinylogous additions to nitroalkenes under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Scettri Arrigo , Villano Rosaria , Manzo Patrizia , Acocella Maria
Published: November 2011

The first Mukaiyama-Michael vinylogous reaction of a dioxinone-derived silyl ether to nitroalkenes is reported. The conjugate addition is performed in absence of any catalyst under solvent-free conditions, proceeding with satisfactory efficiency with variously substituted nitroalkenes.

Moreover, the first organocatalyzed Mukaiyama-Michael vinylogous reaction of trimethylsilyloxyfuran to nitroalkenes is described.The reaction is promoted by Brønsted acids under solvent-free conditions, taking place in moderate to good yield with variously substituted nitroalkenes..
Fuzzy modeling applied to optical and surface properties of a ferrocenylsiloxane polyamide solution
Authors: Pislaru Marius , Curteanu Silvia , Cazacu Maria
Published: November 2011

A fuzzy model was designed to predict changes in surface tension and maximum absorbance due to self-assembly in a DMF solution of poly{1,1′-ferrocene-diamide-[1,3-bis(propylene) tetramethyl-disiloxane} as a function of temperature and concentration. The building of fuzzy rule-based inference systems appears as a grey-box because it allows interpretation of the knowledge contained in the model as well as its improvement with a-priori knowledge. The method provides accurate results and increases the efficiency of utilizing the available information in the model. Small mean squared errors (0.0064 for absorbance and 0.79 for surface tension) and strong correlations between experiment and simulated results (0.93 and 0.97, respectively) were found during model validation. The results showed that it is feasible to apply a Mamdani fuzzy inference system to the estimation of optical and surface properties of a ferrocenylsiloxane polyamide solution.
Oxidative addition of methyl iodide to [Rh(PhCOCHCOPh)(CO)(P(OCH2)3CCH3)]: an experimental and computational study
Authors: Erasmus Johannes , Conradie Jeanet
Published: November 2011

The reaction rate of the oxidative addition and CO insertion steps of methyl iodide with [Rh(PhCOCHCOPh)(CO)(P(OCH2)3CCH3)] are presented. Large negative experimental values for the activation entropy and results from a density functional theory computational chemistry study indicated trans addition of the CH3I to [Rh(PhCOCHCOPh)(CO)(P(OCH2)3CCH3)]. A study of the molecular orbitals gives insight into the flow of electrons during the oxidative addition reaction. CO insertion leads to a square pyramidal [Rh(PhCOCHCOPh)(P(OCH2)3CCH3)(COCH3)(I)] acyl product with the COCH3 moiety in the apical position. The strong electron donation of the P(OCH2)3CCH3 ligand accelerates the oxidation addition step of methyl iodide to [Rh(PhCOCHCOPh)(CO)(P(OCH2)3CCH3)] by ca. 265 times faster (at 35°C) than that of the Monsanto catalyst, but inhibits the CO insertion step.
Differentially Expressed Proteins between Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adjacent Normal Esophageal Tissue
Authors: Xiong Gang , Huang Zhi-yong , Cai Kai-chan , Cai Ruijing , Zhang Jun , Wang Wu-jun
Published: November 2011

Differentially Expressed Proteins between Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adjacent Normal Esophageal Tissue

Proteomics was employed to identify the differentially expressed proteins between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adjacent normal esophageal tissues. ESCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 10 patients with ESCC and the proteins were extracted and subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The differentially expressed proteins were identified after image analysis, and matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was used to confirm these proteins. Immunohistochemistry was then performed to detect the expressions of HSP27 and ANX1 in ESCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. A total of 6 differentially expressed proteins were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting, among which SCCA1, KRT4 and ANX1 were down-regulated and TIM1, MnSOD and HSP27 up-regulated in the ESCC. Immunohistochemistry showed HSP27 was highly expressed in the ESCC which, however, had a low expression of ANX1. These findings were consistent with those in proteomics. There were differentially expressed proteins between ESCC and adjacent normal tissues. The investigation of differentially expressed proteins between ESCC and normal esophageal tissue may provide evidence for the molecular pathogenesis of ESCC.
First Brazilian Real Time Network DGPS through the Internet: Development, Application and Availability Analyses
Authors: Alves D. , Dalbelo L. , Monico J. , Shimabukuro M.
Published: November 2011

First Brazilian Real Time Network DGPS through the Internet: Development, Application and Availability Analyses

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is widely used by the civil community. Differential GPS (DGPS) was developed to provide better accuracy than autonomous GPS. The DGPS concept is based on the high correlation of errors due to atmospheric effects, satellite clocks and orbits. However, as the baseline grows, its efficiency decreases because the error correlation is reduced. This limitation can be handled by using a reference station network and applying the network DGPS concept (called NDGPS). In this paper, the goal is to present aspects related to the development and application of NDGPS in real time at the São Paulo state network in Brazil. The NDGPS corrections were computed from data received via the Internet using NTRIP (Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol). Our implementation was based on BNC (BKG Ntrip Client) software. NDGPS provided RMS improvements of up to 59% in horizontal components and 31% in vertical components when compared to DGPS. The availability of the system, the first of this nature in Brazil, was also analyzed within the context of the SP State GNSS Network, located in the southeastern region of Brazil. The results also serve as an indication of the quality of local internet infrastructure for using in geodetic positioning.
Polish-Russian Economic Relations Under the Conditions of System Transformation
Authors: Bożyk Paweł
Published: November 2011

The rapid economic transformation in Central and Eastern Europe, modelled on Western economies and based, in some aspects, on neoliberal principles, Has found the region’s countries to a bigger (Eastern European countries) or lesser (Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary) degree unprepared. The resulting economic recession, especially in Russia, has had an adverse effect on mutual trade between Poland and Russia. In order to improve economic relations with Russia and increase the trade volume, Poland, remaining within the bounds of EU standards and regulations, needs to adapt the commodity structure of Polish exports to the needs of the Russian market.
Twenty Years of Poland's Euro-Atlantic Foreign Policy
Authors: Zięba Ryszard
Published: November 2011

During the years 1989-1991, after a deep transformation of the internal system and the international order in Europe, Poland pursued a sovereign foreign policy. The new policy had the following general goals: 1) to develop a new international security system which would guarantee Poland’s national security; 2) to gain diplomatic support for the reforms conducted in Poland, including primarily the transformation of the economy and its adaption to free market mechanisms, which were designed to result in economic growth; and 3) to maintain and increase the international prestige of Poland and the Poles, who had been the first to commence the struggle to create a democratic civil society in the Eastern bloc. Implementing this new concept of foreign policy, Poland entered the Council of Europe in November 1991. The following year, Warsaw started to strive for membership of NATO, which was achieved in March 1999. A few years later, Polish leaders pursued policies in which Poland played the role of a “Trojan horse” for the USA. This was manifested most clearly during the Iraqi crisis of 2003, and in the following years, particularly in 2005-2007. From spring 1990 Poland aspired to integration with the European Community; in December of the following year it signed an association agreement, which fully entered into force in February 1994. In the period 1998-2002 Poland negotiated successfully with the European Union and finally entered this Union in May 2004. In subsequent years Poland adopted an Eurosceptic and sometimes anti-EU position. The new Polish government, established after the parliamentary election of autumn 2007, moved away from an Eurosceptic policy and pursued a policy of engagement with European integration.
Russian-Estonian Relations After 2007: Current Status and Development Prospects
Authors: Włodarska Agata
Published: November 2011

The article highlights the major points that have influenced relations between Russia and Estonia after 2007. These relations were rather poor during the post- Soviet period. The number of Russian people who lived in Estonia after gaining independence in 1991 exceeded 30%, which resulted in the very keen interest of Russia In Estonian politics. April 2007 created a new reality for relations between the countries. The decision to move the statues of Second World War Soviet soldiers from main squares to cemeteries provoked negative reactions from Russians living in Estonia, but also infuriated leaders of the Russian government. As a consequence there were harsh verbal attacks from Moscow, the Estonian ambassador to Moscow was harassed, cyberspace attacks took place and traffic over the bridge in Narva, which is a key highway from Russia, was blocked. The Estonian authorities know there is no point in maintaining conflict with Russia. The President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, has stressed that Estonia’s relationship with its biggest neighbour, Russia, can only get better. Russia play an incredibly important role in the Estonian economy and tourist industry, according to Andrus Ansip, the Prime Minister of Estonia.
Bias and No Free Lunch in Formal Measures of Intelligence
Authors: Hibbard Bill
Published: November 2011

Bias and No Free Lunch in Formal Measures of Intelligence

This paper shows that a constraint on universal Turing machines is necessary for Legg's and Hutter's formal measure of intelligence to be unbiased. Their measure, defined in terms of Turing machines, is adapted to finite state machines. A No Free Lunch result is proved for the finite version of the measure.
Michèle Le Doeuff's "Primal Scene": Prohibition and Confidence in the Education of a Woman
Authors: Anderson Pamela Sue
Published: November 2011

My essay begins with Michèle Le Doeuff's singular account of the "primal scene" in her own education as a woman, illustrating a universally significant point about the way(s) in which education can differ for men and women: gender difference both shapes and is shaped by the imaginary of a culture as manifest in how texts matter for Le Doeuff. Her primal scene is the first moment she remembers when, while aspiring to think for herself, a prohibition is placed in her reading of literature. Her philosophy teacher—at a boys' school—told the young Michèle that Kant's Critique of Pure Reason was "too difficult" for her to read. In recalling this scene, the older (and wiser) Michèle—now, a woman philosopher—directs her readers to this text by Kant, in order to demonstrate how knowledge has been constrained by the narrative and imagery in the text of a philosopher; similarly, in the texts of others. She finds the central imagery of Kant's text for setting the limits to human knowledge in his account of "the island of understanding," or "land of truth," surrounded by "a stormy sea" of uncertainty; the latter image also retains a seductive appeal, threatening to destroy the confidence of any knower who ventures out beyond the well-marked out island. Moreover, women have (too) often been associated with the dangers at sea beyond the safety of the island, where falsehood and worse reign. I propose that "text matters" here not only for gender issues, but for the postcolonial theory which Le Doeuff's reading of island imagery enhances in western literature and culture. The suggestion is that women in the history of ideas have been more susceptible than men to prohibitions (to reading texts): women's negative education is against going beyond certain boundaries which have been fixed by a generally colonialist culture on the grounds of gender-hierarchies. I stress the significance of confidence in the production of knowledge. A lack or an inhibition of confidence in one's own ability to think critically risks the damaging exclusions of, for example, colonialism and sexism. My aim is to unearth the political biases evident in textual imagery, while also pointing to new epistemic locations, with island-and-sea imagery that transgresses patriarchal prohibition, liberating subjects for confident reading and writing of texts today.
"Initium ut esset, creatus est homo": Iris Murdoch on Authority and Creativity
Authors: Altorf Marije
Published: November 2011

In 1970 the British novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch published both her thirteenth novel, A Fairly Honourable Defeat, and her best known work of philosophy, The Sovereignty of Good. Given the proximity of these publication dates, it does not surprise that there are many points of comparison between these two works. The novel features, for instance, a character writing a work of moral philosophy not unlike Murdoch's own The Sovereignty of Good, while another character exemplifies her moral philosophy in his life.

This article proposes a reading of the novel as a critical commentary on the philosophical work, focusing on the tension between creation and authority. While Murdoch considers humans to be first and foremost creative, she is at the same time wary of the misleading nature of any act of creation. For Murdoch, any creator and any creation—a beautiful picture as well as a watertight theory—may transmit a certain authority, and that authority may get in the way of acknowledging reality. It thus hinders the moral life, which for Murdoch should be thought of as a life of attention—to reality and ultimately to the Good—rather than a series of wilful creations and actions.

A Fairly Honourable Defeat queries the possibility and danger of creation, through different characters as well as through images of cleanliness and messiness. Thus, the character whose book of moral philosophy is challenged and who is found wanting when putting his ideas to practice, likes ‘to get things clear’ (176). Another character, whose interferences create the novel's drama, has a self-confessed ‘passion for cleanliness and order’ (426). The saint of the story, in contrast, does not interfere unless by necessity, and resides in one of the filthiest kitchens in the history of literature. Yet, none of the main characters exemplifies a solution to the tension between creation and authority found in Murdoch's philosophy. An indication of a solution is found in a minor character, and in his creations of outrageous bunches of flowers, unusual meals, and absurd interiors. Yet, its location in a subplot suggests that this solution is not in any way final. It is concluded that any final solution should not be expected, not in the least because of the pervasive nature of the tension between creation and authority, which goes well beyond Murdoch's own authorship.
Memoir and the Re-reading of Fiction: Rudy Wiebe’s of this earth and Peace Shall Destroy Many
Authors: Tiessen Paul
Published: November 2011

Canadian novelist Rudy Wiebe's award-winning memoir, of this earth: A Mennonite Boyhood in the Boreal Forest (2006), invites readers into a warm subjective realm in which a meditative Wiebe (b. 1934) recounts his growing-up years from birth to age thirteen. As self-reflexive "rememberer," Wiebe explores the sensate freshness of a boy's ways of seeing, touching, and, not least, hearing the world. The young Wiebe lives with his parents and siblings and neighbours in an emotionally warm Christian community of 1920s immigrants to Canada who have fled from the Soviet Union in the wake of the 1917 Revolution and who struggle for economic survival in a remote corner of rural Saskatchewan during the 1930s and 1940s. But Wiebe's memoir of childhood is not only autobiography and social history; it is also a linguistic text that subtly invites readers to look beyond its textual boundaries to his earlier work. In particular, it has the effect of carrying alert readers back to the setting—at least physically and geographically if not altogether socially and culturally—of Wiebe's first novel, Peace Shall Destroy Many (1962). That early novel was a caustic work notoriously controversial especially among Mennonite readers in Canada when it appeared almost a half-century ago. The 2006 memoir—with intertextual allusion—invites readers to recall especially one layer of that early novel barely noticed by readers, a layer eclipsed and partially hidden by the dominant narrative. Specifically, it invites readers to see the virtually sinless and prelapsarian world of the idealistic young Hal Wiens whose idyllic life in the fictional spaces of Peace Shall Destroy Many goes unnoticed because it is so very much in the shadow of the doubts and tensions that inform the much larger world of his spiritually troubled older brother, nineteen-year old Thom Wiens. The memoir pushes readers into re-thinking the reception of that novel, and into finding anew beneath its severe and satiric treatment of the austere adult world the linguistic and spiritual joy of life given shape in the playful perceptions of the young Hal. The memoir becomes a stimulus for a transformational re-reading of the novel. This essay explores the two works in light of each other and of conventions that govern the two respective genres. It attempts, also, to account for the reading strategies that Wiebe's 2006 memoir proposes to readers of his first novel, and for key influences informing the two respective works.
Reviews and Interviews / Contributors
Authors: Salska Agnieszka , Profozich Richard , Kość Grzegorz , Podemska-Abt Teresa , Thomas Jared , Jasper Alison , Anderson Pamela
Published: November 2011

Tributes to Professor Andrzej Kopcewicz - Agnieszka Salska

New Media Effects on Traditional News Sources: A Review of the State of American Newspapers - Richard Profozich

Review of The Body, ed. by Ilona Dobosiewicz and Jacek Gutorow - Grzegorz Kość

“Taste good iny?”: Images of and from Australian Indigenous Literature - Jared Thomas Speaks with Teresa Podemska-Abt

Engaging the “Forbidden Texts” of Philosophy - Pamela Sue Anderson Talks to Alison Jasper
Transcription Inhibition as a Therapeutic Target for Cancer
Authors: Stellrecht Christine M. , Chen Lisa S.
Published: November 2011

During tumorigenesis the transformed cells lose their normal growth control mechanisms and become dependent on oncogenes’ products and pathways for survival. Treatments tailored to block the expression or function of transforming genes have shown efficacy in eliminating neoplastic cells. The mRNAs of many oncogenes, as well as regulators of other key processes such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, typically have shorter half-lives. Agents that impede mRNA synthesis are expected to selectively hinder the expression of these genes and, therefore, be detrimental to neoplastic cells that are physiologically dependent on them. In addition to exploiting the tumor cells’ dependency on short-lived transcripts, RNA-directed agents also take advantage of the differential sensitivity between transformed and non-transformed cells, as the cytotoxic effects of inhibiting RNA synthesis have not been seen in non-transformed cells. The abrogation of the formation of oncotranscripts provides a new concept in cancer therapeutics and numerous agents have been developed which are able to target transcription. The focus of this review is to give an overview of transcription and the different inhibitory strategies that target various aspects of the transcriptional process.
Energy-Saving Potential of Building Envelope Designs in Residential Houses in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Chi-Ming , Wang Yao-Hong
Published: November 2011

The key factors in the energy-saving design of a building’s exterior in Taiwan are the thermal performance of the roof and window glazing. This study used the eQUEST software to investigate how different types of roof construction, window glasses and sunshield types affect the energy consumption in residential buildings under common scenarios. The simulation results showed that the use of an appropriate window glass significantly reduced the annual energy consumption, followed by the shading device, whereas the roof construction produced less of an energy-efficiency benefit. By using a low-E glass and a 1.5 × 1.5 m box shading (e.g., balcony), this could save approximately 15.1 and 13.6% of the annual electricity consumption of air conditioners, respectively. Therefore, having control over the dominant factors in the building envelope is indeed an important step in the path to achieving energy savings and carbon reduction in residential houses.
Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology in Retinopathy
Authors: Jo Dong Hyun , Lee Tae Geol , Kim Jeong Hun
Published: November 2011

Nanoparticles are nanometer-scaled particles, and can be utilized in the form of nanocapsules, nanoconjugates, or nanoparticles themselves for the treatment of retinopathy, including angiogensis-related blindness, retinal degeneration, and uveitis. They are thought to improve the bioavailability in the retina and the permeability of therapeutic molecules across the barriers of the eye, such as the cornea, conjunctiva, and especially, blood-retinal barriers (BRBs). However, consisting of multiple neuronal cells, the retina can be the target of neuronal toxicity of nanoparticles, in common with the central and peripheral nervous system. Furthermore, the ability of nanoparticles to pass through the BRBs might increase the possibility of toxicity, simultaneously promoting distribution in the retinal layers. In this regard, we discussed nanotechnology and nanotoxicology in the treatment of retinopathy.
A Journey Under the Sea: The Quest for Marine Anti-Cancer Alkaloids
Authors: Tohme Rita , Darwiche Nadine , Gali-Muhtasib Hala
Published: November 2011

The alarming increase in the global cancer death toll has fueled the quest for new effective anti-tumor drugs thorough biological screening of both terrestrial and marine organisms. Several plant-derived alkaloids are leading drugs in the treatment of different types of cancer and many are now being tested in various phases of clinical trials. Recently, marine-derived alkaloids, isolated from aquatic fungi, cyanobacteria, sponges, algae, and tunicates, have been found to also exhibit various anti-cancer activities including anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferative, inhibition of topoisomerase activities and tubulin polymerization, and induction of apoptosis and cytotoxicity. Two tunicate-derived alkaloids, aplidin and trabectedin, offer promising drug profiles, and are currently in phase II clinical trials against several solid and hematologic tumors. This review sheds light on the rich array of anti-cancer alkaloids in the marine ecosystem and introduces the most investigated compounds and their mechanisms of action.
Selective Change Driven Imaging: A Biomimetic Visual Sensing Strategy
Authors: Boluda Jose A. , Zuccarello Pedro , Pardo Fernando , Vegara Francisco
Published: November 2011

Selective Change Driven (SCD) Vision is a biologically inspired strategy for acquiring, transmitting and processing images that significantly speeds up image sensing. SCD vision is based on a new CMOS image sensor which delivers, ordered by the absolute magnitude of its change, the pixels that have changed after the last time they were read out. Moreover, the traditional full frame processing hardware and programming methodology has to be changed, as a part of this biomimetic approach, to a new processing paradigm based on pixel processing in a data flow manner, instead of full frame image processing.
Deux destins séparés ?
Authors: Dollé-Monglond Brigitte
Published: November 2011

Cette perspective thématique engage une pluralité de directions de pensée qu’il convient tout d’abord d’identifier : les Mères, au pluriel, se déclinent en majuscule où transparaît la toute-puissance archaïque. Tel est ici mon propos d’introduire certains axes : je distinguerai cette coexistence éminemment sous tension du être mère et être femme , cette problématique inscrite au sein d’une transmission reposant sur des éléments de nature hétérogène (fantasmatique et mythique, individuel et collectif), l’hypothèse d’une dualité à l’œuvre qui renvoie à une ambivalence originaire ou à un au-delà de l’ambivalence qui signe sa défaite et interroge sur la pulsion de destruction.
La preuve par la comparaison : méthode des panels et droit de la non-discrimination
Authors: Chappe Vincent-Arnaud
Published: November 2011

L’article porte sur le développement d’une méthode de preuve de la discrimination salariale au cours de la carrière – la méthode des panels. Il s’attache à expliquer la trajectoire de cette technique de preuve, de sa création dans le cadre de procès pour discrimination syndicale à son exportation à d’autres types de discriminations et d’acteurs. Il pose également la question des potentialités de recomposition des épreuves du capitalisme portées par cette méthode de preuve comparative.
Complete Health: Prevalence and Predictors among U.S. Adults in 1995
Authors: Keyes Corey L. M. , Grzywacz Joseph G.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To operationalize, estimate the prevalence, and ascertain the epidemiology of complete health.

Design.

Cross-sectional analyses of self-reported survey data collected via a telephone interview and a self-administered questionnaire.

Setting.

Households in the 48 contiguous states in the United States in 1995.

Subjects.

Random-digit dialing sample of 3032 adults between the ages of 25 and 74, with a response rate of 61%.

Measures.

Physical illness and health were measured with a total of 37 items—a checklist of 29 chronic health conditions, a six-item scale of limitations of daily living, and a single item for perceived current health and for perceived 5-year change in energy. Mental illness and health were measured with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form diagnostic scale of major depression, panic, and generalized anxiety disorders and three established multi-item scales of subjective well-being (emotional, psychological, and social well-being). Completely healthy adults have high levels of physical and mental health and low levels of physical and mental illnesses; completely unhealthy adults have high levels of physical and mental illnesses and low levels of physical and mental health. Incompletely healthy adults consisted of two groups: one group is physically healthy (high physical health and low physical illness) and mentally unhealthy, and the second group is mentally healthy (high mental health and low mental illness) and physically unhealthy.

Results.

Nineteen percent of adults were completely healthy, 18.8% were completely unhealthy, and 62.2% had a version of incomplete health. Compared with completely unhealthy adults, completely healthy adults are likely to be young (25–34 years of age) or old (55–64 and 65–74 years), are married, are male, are college educated, and have higher household incomes.

Conclusions.

Operationalizing complete health highlights objectives for increasing the prevalence of complete health, and reducing the prevalence of complete ill-health and incomplete health.
Tobacco Use Patterns and Attitudes among Teens Being Seen for Routine Primary Care
Authors: Hollis Jack F. , Polen Michael R. , Lichtenstein Edward , Whitlock Evelyn P.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To describe the tobacco-related attitudes, behaviors, and needs of smoking and nonsmoking teens being seen for routine pediatric care and to identify predictors of tobacco use.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey of adolescent primary care patients who completed self-administered questionnaires in medical office waiting rooms while waiting for routine care visits.

Setting.

A group-practice HMO in the Pacific Northwest.

Subjects.

A sample of 2526 teenagers, ages 14 to 17, who consented to receive health promotion interventions as a part of a randomized trial in seven pediatric and family practice offices.

Measures.

A 38-item questionnaire assessed tobacco use history, attitudes, quit attempts, and stage of acquisition or cessation along with gender, age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, educational plans, frequency of exercise, attempts to lose weight, and depressed mood.

Results.

Sixty-seven percent of teens approached (2526 of 3747) consented to complete a questionnaire and receive tobacco- or diet-related interventions as a part of their medical visit. About 23% of teen patients reported smoking at least one cigarette in the last month, although only 14% described themselves as current “smokers.” Most current smokers (84%) smoked at least 20 days in the last month. Logistic regression predictors of smoking included older age, Native American ethnicity, lower educational aspirations, lower body mass index, smoking among half or more friends, smokers at home, and a positive depression screen. Among ever-regular smokers, most were in the action (28%), preparation (21%), or contemplation (22%) readiness to quit smoking stages, and 77% of current smokers had made one or more serious quit attempts in the last year.

Conclusions.

Most teens in these medical facilities consented to receive tobacco and diet interventions, and most self-described current smokers were contemplating or preparing to quit. Medical visits provide attractive opportunities for tobacco intervention, but messages should be tailored based on the patient's tobacco status and stage of acquisition or cessation.
Depression, Functional Status, Treatment for Psychiatric Problems, and the Health-Related Practices of Elderly HMO Members
Authors: Green Carla A. , Polen Michael R. , Brody Kathleen K.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To study relationships between depression, functional limitations, psychiatric treatment, and the health-related practices of elderly individuals.

Design.

Cross-sectional, observational study based on survey data (response rate = 90%) analyzed using multiple linear and logistic regression models.

Setting.

Kaiser Permanente Northwest, a large nonprofit HMO.

Subjects.

Medicare members (4615) aged 65–103 years who responded to a health status survey.

Measures.

Depression, health and functional status, frequency of alcohol consumption, smoking status, advance medical directive completion, influenza or pneumonia vaccinations, mammograms, recent psychiatric treatment, and attempts to lose weight or increase exercise.

Results.

Self-reported depression was related to a greater risk of smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54). Health-related functional limitations were related to fewer attempts to change health behaviors and less preventive service use (significant ORs ranged from 0.84 to 0.94). Minority group membership and Supplemental Security Income were negatively associated with better health practices and with completing advance medical directives (ORs 0.41 and 0.79, respectively). Falls in the prior year, more prescription medications, and psychiatric treatment were positively associated with better health practices (significant ORs ranged from 1.12 to 1.88).

Conclusions.

Depression and smoking are associated among elderly individuals, as are psychiatric treatment and attempts to lose weight. Those with functional limitations, minority status, or Supplemental Security Income use fewer preventive services; the latter two groups are less likely to complete advance medical directives. Older adults with these characteristics might need assistance in improving health-related practices.
Increasing the Report of Alcohol Use among Low-Income Pregnant Women
Authors: Whaley Shannon E. , O'Connor Mary J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To increase the report of prenatal alcohol use in a community setting.

Methods.

A self-administered alcohol screening tool was developed and introduced at 12 randomly selected sites that administer the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). A matched sample of 12 WIC sites continued to use the existing verbal standard of care for assessing alcohol use.

Results.

Rates of reported prenatal alcohol consumption at the 12 WIC intervention sites were compared with rates at 12 control WIC sites using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent-samples t-tests. Within 8 months of study commencement, rates of reported prenatal alcohol consumption were significantly higher at the intervention sites than at the control sites.

Discussion.

Use of a brief, self-administered screening tool in the WIC setting significantly increased reports of prenatal alcohol use, a key first step in the reduction of prenatal alcohol use. The WIC setting represents an excellent place to address the significant public health issue of prenatal alcohol exposure.