bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hierarchical Analysis of Habitat Selection by Raccoons in Northern Indiana
Authors: BEASLEY JAMES C. , DEVAULT TRAVIS L. , RETAMOSA MONICA I. , RHODES OLIN E.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Although numerous studies have examined habitat use by raccoons (Procyon lotor), information regarding seasonal habitat selection related to resource availability in agricultural landscapes is lacking for this species. Additionally, few studies using radiotelemetry have investigated habitat selection at multiple spatial scales or core‐use areas by raccoons. We examined seasonal habitat selection of 55 (31 M, 24 F) adult raccoons at 3 hierarchical orders defined by the movement behavior of this species (second‐order home range, second‐order core‐use area, and third‐order home range) in northern Indiana, USA, from May 2003 to June 2005. Using compositional analysis, we assessed whether habitat selection differed from random and ranked habitat types in order of selection during the crop growing period (season 1) and corn maturation period (season 2), which represented substantial shifts in resource availability to raccoons. Habitat rankings differed across hierarchical orders, between seasons within hierarchical orders, and between sexes within seasons; however, seasonal and intersexual patterns of habitat selection were not consistent across hierarchical orders of spatial scale. When nonrandom utilization was detected, both sexes consistently selected forest cover over other available habitats. Seasonal differences in habitat selection were most evident at the core‐area scale, where raccoon selection of agricultural lands was highest during the maturation season when corn was available as a direct food source. Habitat use did not differ from availability for either sex in either season at the third‐order scale. The selection of forest cover across both seasons and all spatial orders suggested that raccoon distribution and abundance in fragmented landscapes is likely dependent on the availability and distribution of forest cover, or habitats associated with forest (i.e., water), within the landscape. The lack of consistency in habitat selection across hierarchical scales further exemplifies the need to examine multiple biological scales in habitat‐selection studies.
Bait Uptake and Caching by Red Foxes and Nontarget Species in Urban Reserves
Authors: JACKSON JENNIFER , MORO DORIAN , MAWSON PETER , LUND MARK , MELLICAN AMANDA
Published: June 2007

Abstract: The management of biodiversity in urban areas provides a challenge for conservation managers who are interested in the recovery of native species by controlling exotic species. Exotic‐animal control programs using poisons can be contentious in terms of the health and safety of nontarget species, including people. Managing exotic predators in urban areas must be effective at 2 levels: controlling the target species and minimizing impacts to nontarget species. We investigated the feasibility of instigating a poison‐baiting program to control nonindigenous European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in city conservation reserves (Perth, Australia). We selected 3 reserves to assess the safety and efficacy of baiting for foxes by maximizing bait uptake by the target species, and minimizing uptake by nontarget species. We tested 2 types of meat bait using 4 bait presentation methods (untethered, uncovered; untethered, covered; tethered, uncovered; tethered, covered). Bait uptake by foxes was highest in urban reserves compared to that in a peri‐urban reserve. Bait type and presentation method equally explained bait uptake by foxes. Untethered and uncovered baits were removed 10% more often by foxes, and untethered baits had been cached more often than tethered baits. Baits cached by foxes for up to 1 week were not removed by species other than foxes. Domestic dogs and native birds were common nontarget species to remove baits. Dogs showed no aversion to removing any bait type, nor did bait presentation method influence bait removal. Birds removed fewer baits that had been tethered and covered. We provide an evidence base to demonstrate that bait uptake by nontarget species can be minimized, although we suggest that a fox control program is likely to be more of an organizational challenge to change public attitudes toward responsible dog ownership rather than a technical challenge to poison foxes.
Testing Global Positioning System Performance for Wildlife Monitoring Using Mobile Collars and Known Reference Points
Authors: CARGNELUTTI BRUNO , COULON AURÉLIE , HEWISON A.J. MARK , GOULARD MICHEL , ANGIBAULT JEAN‐MARC , MORELLET NICOLAS
Published: June 2007

Abstract: To determine the spatial resolution of Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver data, rigorous testing is essential. We tested performance of the Lotek 3300 GPS collar for medium‐sized mammals (Lotek Engineering, Inc., Newmarket, ON, Canada). To mimic real wildlife monitoring situations, we performed both static (stationary receiver) and mobile tests, placing the receiver collar on a dog. We compared fix locations of the mobile receiver with the actual trajectory described by a portable Trimble high‐precision GPS. We determined performance in relation to habitat type and leaf cover. Location error was habitat‐dependent, with the best results in open habitat and much poorer ones in forest, particularly coniferous‐dominated forest. For both static and mobile tests, location accuracy was higher when the number of satellites contacted was high and when the residual positional dilution of precision (PDOP) value was low. However, location error was highly variable, even for a given PDOP value and a given number of satellites contacted. Finally, mobile collars performed less well than their static counterparts, presumably because of frequent changes of GPS position and orientation.
Success of Grizzly Bear Population Augmentation in Northwest Montana
Authors: KASWORM WAYNE F. , PROCTOR MICHAEL F. , SERVHEEN CHRISTOPHER , PAETKAU DAVID
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Augmentation of large carnivore populations can be a valuable management and recovery tool, but success of many programs has not been well documented. The Cabinet—Yaak grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) population was located in northwestern Montana and northern Idaho, USA, and was estimated at 30–40 individuals. The Cabinet Mountains portion of this area may be isolated from the remainder of the zone and was the site of a test of grizzly bear population augmentation. Experimental objectives included evaluating site fidelity, reproduction, and long‐term survival of the translocated bears. Four subadult females (2–6 yr old) were translocated from southeastern British Columbia, Canada, from 1990 to 1994. Three of 4 transplanted bears remained in the target area for ≥1 year and satisfied the short‐term goal for site fidelity. Recent genetic evidence gathered through hair‐snagging efforts has determined that at least one of the original transplanted animals has reproduced, thereby providing evidence of success for the long‐term goals of survival and reproduction.
Habitat Use of Fox Squirrels in an Urban Environment
Authors: MCCLEERY ROBERT A. , LOPEZ ROEL R. , SILVY NOVA J. , KAHLICK SARAH N.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Tree squirrels are one of the most familiar mammals found in urban areas and are considered both desirable around homes and, conversely, a pest. We examined fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) habitat use in inner city and suburban areas using radiotelemetry. We estimated habitat selection ratios at differing scales by season and fox squirrel activity. Telemetry data suggests that during periods of inactivity radiocollared fox squirrels (n = 82) selected 1) areas with greater tree canopy, 2) live oaks (Quercus fusiromis and Q. virginiana), and 3) trees with larger diameters and canopies. When inactive during the winter and spring, fox squirrels also preferred, within their core areas, to use the inside of buildings, and during periods of activity in the autumn and spring, fox squirrels preferred grassy areas. During periods of activity, fox squirrels avoided using pavement but did not exclude it from their core‐area movements. Fox squirrels' ability to use buildings and to tolerate pavement in core‐area movements make vast areas of the urban environment available to fox squirrels. In evaluating habitat variables that increased fox squirrel activity in urban areas, we found the number of large and medium trees, amount of pavement and grassy areas, canopy cover, number of oaks, and the area covered by buildings were all important factors in predicting fox squirrel activity in an urban environment. Our data suggests urban planners, animal damage control officials, wildlife managers, and landscapers who want to control urban fox squirrel populations through habitat manipulation should consider the reduction of oaks trees, a reduction of the canopy cover, and restricting the access of fox squirrels to buildings. Alternatively, home owners and squirrel enthusiasts hoping to bolster fox squirrel populations in urban areas should consider increasing the number of large mast—bearing trees and canopy cover and providing nest boxes.
Using Scent‐Matching Dogs to Identify Individual Amur Tigers from Scats
Authors: KERLEY LINDA L. , SALKINA GALINA P.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Scent‐matching dogs have previously been used to identify caged individual Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) by fecal material (scat), but this technique has not been tested in the wild. We tested the hypothesis that trained dogs can identify individual tigers by unique characteristics present in scat. To conduct this work, we used 5 dogs and 58 scats from 25 known individual tigers in independent trials. Dogs correctly selected matched test scats at an average rate of 87% (SE ± 1.4%,n= 521 trials). The average accuracy rates for 4 dogs increased to 98% (SE ± 1.6%,n= 86 sets of repeated‐trials) using repeated‐trial tests. Each of 5 dogs made correct choices better than expected by chance (dog 1 χ21= 507.9,P≤ 0.001; dog 2 χ21= 882.1,P≤ 0.001; dog 3 χ21= 374.1,P≤ 0.001; dog 4 χ21= 379.2,P≤ 0.001; and dog 5 χ21= 103.9,P≤ 0.001). Four dogs were able to match 11 scats deposited over a 4‐year period from one tiger with an accuracy of 100% (n= 40 trails). This method may be a useful alternative to genetic analyses that are used in conjunction with scat‐sampling schemes in studies for which DNA genotyping is impractical or ineffective. Used with mark—recapture surveys to estimate species abundance, scent‐matching dogs have the potential of being important tools in the study of wild Amur tigers, as well as other wildlife species.
Resident Nongame Waterbird Use Following Biomanipulation of a Shallow Lake
Authors: ALLEN JOSEPH , NUECHTERLEIN GARY , BUITRON DEBORAH
Published: June 2007

Abstract: We examined the use of Lake Christina, Minnesota, USA, by nongame waterbirds following an autumn 2003 application of rotenone to eliminate its fish base and enhance migrating canvasback (Aythya valisineria) habitat. The only nongame waterbirds observed attempting to nest in 2004 were black terns (Chlidonias niger), but they failed to hatch any young. We recorded 246 Western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) on Lake Christina in the spring of 2004, but by mid‐June most had left the lake. During this period, few fish were available, and we suggest that although the emergent vegetation was suitable for nesting, the lack of food prevented colony formation. In spring 2005, small fish were again available on the lake, and numbers of all nongame species were greater than in 2004. We located 315 western grebe nests, of which 198 hatched ≥1 young (63% of all attempts). Landscape‐level manipulation may enhance habitat for some species but also has the potential to exclude trophic levels from future use and should be considered when manipulating large‐scale systems.
Fix Success and Accuracy of Global Positioning System Collars in Old‐Growth Temperate Coniferous Forests
Authors: SAGER‐FRADKIN KIMBERLY A. , JENKINS KURT J. , HOFFMAN ROGER A. , HAPPE PATRICIA J. , BEECHAM JOHN J. , WRIGHT R. GERALD
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry is used extensively to study animal distribution and resource selection patterns but is susceptible to biases resulting from data omission and spatial inaccuracies. These data errors may cause misinterpretation of wildlife habitat selection or spatial use patterns. We used both stationary test collars and collared free‐ranging American black bears (Ursus americanus) to quantify systemic data loss and location error of GPS telemetry in mountainous, old‐growth temperate forests of Olympic National Park, Washington, USA. We developed predictive models of environmental factors that influence the probability of obtaining GPS locations and evaluated the ability of weighting factors derived from these models to mitigate data omission biases from collared bears. We also examined the effects of microhabitat on collar fix success rate and examined collar accuracy as related to elevation changes between successive fixes. The probability of collars successfully obtaining location fixes was positively associated with elevation and unobstructed satellite view and was negatively affected by the interaction of overstory canopy and satellite view. Test collars were 33% more successful at acquiring fixes than those on bears. Fix success rates of collared bears varied seasonally and diurnally. Application of weighting factors to individual collared bear fixes recouped only 6% of lost data and failed to reduce seasonal or diurnal variation in fix success, suggesting that variables not included in our model contributed to data loss. Test collars placed to mimic bear bedding sites received 16% fewer fixes than randomly placed collars, indicating that microhabitat selection may contribute to data loss for wildlife equipped with GPS collars. Horizontal collar errors of >800 m occurred when elevation changes between successive fixes were >400 m. We conclude that significant limitations remain in accounting for data loss and error inherent in using GPS telemetry in coniferous forest ecosystems and that, at present, resource selection patterns of large mammals derived from GPS telemetry should be interpreted cautiously.
Methodologies for Surveying Herpetofauna Mortality on Rural Highways
Authors: LANGEN TOM A. , MACHNIAK ANGELA , CROWE ERIN K. , MANGAN CHARLES , MARKER DANIEL F. , LIDDLE NEAL , RODEN BRIAN
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Road mortality can contribute to local and regional declines in amphibian and reptile populations. Thus, there is a need to accurately and efficiently identify hotspots of road‐mortality for hazard assessment and mitigation. In 2002, we conducted walking and driving surveys throughout an extensive rural highway network in northern New York, USA, to evaluate survey methods and to quantify spatial and temporal patterns of herpetofauna road‐mortality. In 2004, we repeated the surveys at a subset of locations to quantify interannual repeatability. Reptile and amphibian species had different peak periods of road‐mortality because they differed in the causes of movements that resulted in crossings. Spatial locations of herpetofauna road‐mortality were concentrated at a limited number of hotspots. Hotspots overlapped across species and were located at consistent locations across years. Results of walking and driving surveys were highly repeatable among survey teams, but driving surveys underestimated the density of road‐mortality because many animals were missed. Detection failure was higher in some taxa (e.g., frogs) than others (e.g., turtles). Our results indicate that it is possible to design a valid, efficient methodology for locating hotspots of reptile and amphibian road‐mortality along a road network and, thus, pinpoint priority sites for mitigation.
Reproductive Advantages for Common Loons Using Rafts
Authors: DESORBO CHRISTOPHER R. , TAYLOR KATE M. , KRAMAR DAVID E. , FAIR JEFF , COOLEY JOHN H. , EVERS DAVID C. , HANSON WILLIAM , VOGEL HARRY S. , ATWOOD JONATHAN L.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Artificial nesting islands, or rafts, are often deployed in common loon (Gavia immer) breeding territories to decrease negative impacts of mammalian predation and water‐level fluctuations on nesting success. The management value of rafts has been demonstrated in other studies; however, no published studies have quantified the use or associated reproductive benefits of rafts on lakes exhibiting water‐level fluctuations. These lakes constitute a major portion of loon nesting habitat in New England and the Midwest. We used long‐term data sets from loon survey and raft management efforts on lakes with stable (SWL) and fluctuating water levels (FWL) in New Hampshire and Maine, USA, to compare raft‐use patterns on both types of lakes. We then modeled the influence of percentage of nesting attempts on rafts, lake fluctuation type, and human development index on nesting success as a function of the number of nesting attempts. Loons used 76% of all rafts for nesting, and initial use patterns were similar between SWL and FWL lakes. Half (51%) of rafts used for nesting were first used during the initial year of deployment and 90% of those used were used by the third year. Based on our model, we would expect to see an 8.6% increase in nesting success associated with each successive categorical increase in raft use (0–33%, 33–60%, 60–100%). Nesting success varied with lake fluctuation type, increasing by 21.4% from FWL to SWL types. Our model estimated a 12.8% decrease in nesting success associated with an increasing human development index. Naturally nesting loons on FWL lakes are likely to display mean nesting success levels lower than those needed to sustain populations. We suggest that natural nesting habitat on lakes with fluctuating water levels during the loon nesting season may constitute an ecological trap warranting consideration of raft management. Findings in this study are germane for managing breeding loon populations, particularly those on reservoirs requiring permits from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Survival of Female Harlequin Ducks During Wing Molt
Authors: IVERSON SAMUEL A. , ESLER DANIEL
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Survival rates of waterfowl during wing molt have rarely been described, leading to uncertainty about the importance of this annual cycle stage for management. We quantified survival probability of 247 radiomarked female harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) during wing molt in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA. The daily survival rate (DSR) was extremely high (DSR = 0.999; 95% CI: 0.994‐1.000) during the 37‐day interval over which remiges were replaced and individuals were rendered flightless. Our DSR estimate corresponded to a cumulative survival probability of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.81‐1.00) for the 20 August—15 October postbreeding period as a whole, which is appreciably higher than estimates that have been derived for breeding or overwintering stages. We conclude that wing molt is a comparatively safe stage of the annual cycle for harlequin ducks that does not constrain population growth rate, with the implication for wildlife managers being that, in the absence of anthropogenic influences, management prescriptions may be most effective when focused on other stages of the annual cycle.
Early Childhood Teachers and Regulation: Complicating Power Relations Using a Foucauldian Lens
Authors: Fenech Marianne , Sumsion Jennifer
Published: June 2007

This article both supports and complicates the positioning of reconceptualists who frame the regulation of early childhood services as repressive. Drawing on Foucault's construction of power and, in particular, his notion of an ‘analytics of power’, the authors analyse findings from an Australian study investigating university-qualified early childhood teachers' perceptions of regulation. The authors contend that whilst most participants in this study experienced regulation as constraining, they resisted perceived threats to themselves and quality practices in ways that problematize a reconceptualist repressive construction of regulation. The authors show, firstly, that teachers strategically positioned regulation as an ally so as to resist perceived threats to themselves and to children; and secondly, that they strategically positioned themselves to resist perceived adversarial aspects of regulation. Exercising agency in these ways meant that regulation was experienced as enabling and its constraining potential somewhat mitigated. After highlighting the role critical thinking plays in early childhood teachers' exercising of agency through resistance, the authors conclude by urging early childhood teachers to contest not only the elements of regulation they perceive to be constraining, but also the contextual factors that can influence how early childhood teachers view regulation.
Playing the Ruins: The Philosophy of Care in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Gibbons Andrew
Published: June 2007

A recent ‘strategic initiative’ literature review developed for the Aotearoa/New Zealand Ministry of Education advised that care and education are no longer distinct. This article explores this suggestion in terms of the politics and the philosophy of early childhood education. It argues that the synthesis of care and education reflects an economy of ‘expert’ knowledge in which care is increasingly subject to an educational regulatory gaze. While the influence of a sociocultural perspective in early childhood education research and practice engenders a sense of acknowledging the margins, this article argues that the margins have very little say with regards to what constitutes caring and educating practices. The synthesis of care and education legitimates increased state regulation of early education, and reflects a contemporary will to iron out social seams (engendering the seamless society). This article argues that the conflation of education and care troubles truth regimes that have, in Aotearoa/New Zealand and elsewhere, governed practices of caring for the child during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Hence, care is a concept in ruins.
‘Minding’, ‘Working’, ‘Teaching’: Childcare in Aotearoa/New Zealand, 1940s—2000s
Authors: May Helen
Published: June 2007

Over a sixty-year period, staff working in childcare have been transformed from childminders into teachers on a path towards pay parity with teachers in the kindergarten, primary and secondary school sectors. Similarly, childcare provision has shifted from being deemed potentially harmful for children, and unnecessary except in exceptional situations, to become the major provider of early childhood education in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Sixty years ago, childcare centres were excluded from government interest in terms of policy and funding. In the 2000s, childcare is a major plank of government policy interest. This article documents the political ‘gazes' that have framed three ‘windows' or points in time when significant government reports became blueprints for policy shifts. Advocacy was a key driver in shifting government opinion and policy.
Countering the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Epidemic: A Question of Ethics?
Authors: Graham Linda J.
Published: June 2007

Recently in Australia, another media skirmish erupted over the problem currently called ‘Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’. This particular event was precipitated by the comments of a respected District Court judge. His claim that doctors are creating a generation of violent juvenile offenders by prescribing Ritalin to young children created a great deal of excitement, attracting the attention of election-conscious politicians who appear blissfully unaware of the role played by educational policy in creating and maintaining the problem. Given the short (election-driven) attention span of government policy makers, the author bypasses government to question what those at the front line can do to circumvent the questionable practice of diagnosing and medicating young children for difficulties they experience in schools and with learning.
Doing and Unpacking De/Colonising Methodologies: Who is at Risk?
Authors: Otterstad Ann Merete
Published: June 2007

Contemporary research processes might be identified as having neither a beginning nor an end. This article is written as an interruption in the ending of the author's doctoral processes. The project is to critically reflect and examine complexities involving who is at risk when methodology and theory argue for displacements that unpack taken-for-granted norms. These are unequal sociological binaries such as white/black, privileged/non-privileged, the researcher/the researched. By working within the epistemology of differences the author has been inspired by multiple methodologies involving stories, voices and metaphors. From theories of the critical social sciences, feminisms and post-structuralisms, knowledge is reconfigured from static, fixed disciplines towards dynamic fluidity and complexity.
Purification and partial characterization of canine neutrophil elastase and the development of an immunoassay for the measurement of canine neutrophil elastase in serum obtained from dogs
Authors: Stoll Anja , Suchodolski Jan S. , Ruaux Craig G. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To purify neutrophil elastase (NE) from dog blood and develop and validate an ELISA for the measurement of canine NE (cNE) in canine serum as a marker for gastrointestinal tract inflammation.

Sample Population—Neutrophils from 6 dogs immediately after they were euthanatized and serum from 54 healthy dogs.

Procedures—cNE was purified from blood by use of dextran sedimentation, repeated cycles of freezing-thawing and sonication, cation-exchange chromatography, and continuous elution electrophoresis. Antibodies against cNE were generated in rabbits, and an ELISA was developed and validated by determination of sensitivity, dilutional parallelism, spiking recovery, intra-assay variability, and interassay variability. A reference range was established by assaying serum samples from the 54 healthy dogs and by use of the lower 97.5th percentile.

Results—cNE was successfully purified from blood, and antibodies were successfully generated in rabbits. An ELISA was developed with a sensitivity of 1,100 μg/L. The reference range was established as < 2,239 μg/L. Ratios of observed-to-expected results for dilutional parallelism for 4 serum samples ranged from 85.4% to 123.1%. Accuracy, as determined by spiking recovery, ranged from 27.1% to 114.0%. Coefficient of variation for 4 serum samples was 14.2%, 16.0%, 16.8%, and 13.4%, respectively, for intra-assay variability and 15.4%, 15.0%, 10.5%, and 14.6%, respectively, for interassay variability.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The purification protocol used here resulted in rapid and reproducible purification of cNE with a high yield. The novel ELISA yielded linear results and was accurate and precise. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of this assay.
Role of the MAPKERK pathway in regulation of cytokine expression by Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis–exposed bovine monocytes
Authors: Souza Cleverson D. , Evanson Oral A. , Weiss Douglas J.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To evaluate the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPKERK) pathway in the interaction between Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) organisms and bovine monocytes.

Sample Population—Monocytes obtained from healthy adult Holstein dairy cows that were not infected with MAP organisms.

Procedures—Monocytes and MAP organisms were incubated together with or without a specific inhibitor of the MAPKERK pathway (PD98059), and the capacity of monocytes to express tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10 and -12, produce nitric oxide, acidify phagosomes, kill MAP organisms, and undergo apoptosis was evaluated.

Results—The MAPKERK pathway was activated within 10 minutes after addition of MAP organisms to monocytes. Addition of PD98059 to monocyte-MAP mixtures decreased monocyte TNF-α and IL-12 mRNA expression but had no effect on IL-10 mRNA expression. Treatment with PD98059 failed to induce significant alterations in phagosome acidification, organism killing, nitric oxide production, or apoptosis of MAP-exposed monocytes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that the MAPKERK pathway was activated during the interaction of MAP organisms with monocytes, which initiated TNF-α and IL-12 mRNA expression but failed to initiate antimicrobial activity. The MAPKERK pathway may be involved in initiating proinflammatory and proimmune responses in MAP infection in cattle.
Development and psychometric testing of an instrument designed to measure chronic pain in dogs with osteoarthritis
Authors: Brown Dorothy Cimino , Boston Raymond C. , Coyne James C. , Farrar John T.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To develop and psychometrically test an owner self-administered questionnaire designed to assess severity and impact of chronic pain in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Sample Population—70 owners of dogs with osteoarthritis and 50 owners of clinically normal dogs.

Procedures—Standard methods for the stepwise development and testing of instruments designed to assess subjective states were used. Items were generated through focus groups and an expert panel. Items were tested for readability and ambiguity, and poorly performing items were removed. The reduced set of items was subjected to factor analysis, reliability testing, and validity testing.

Results—Severity of pain and interference with function were 2 factors identified and named on the basis of the items contained in them. Cronbach's α was 0.93 and 0.89, respectively, suggesting that the items in each factor could be assessed as a group to compute factor scores (ie, severity score and interference score). The test-retest analysis revealed κ values of 0.75 for the severity score and 0.81 for the interference score. Scores correlated moderately well (r = 0.51 and 0.50, respectively) with the overall quality-of-life (QOL) question, such that as severity and interference scores increased, QOL decreased. Clinically normal dogs had significantly lower severity and interference scores than dogs with osteoarthritis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A psychometrically sound instrument was developed. Responsiveness testing must be conducted to determine whether the questionnaire will be useful in reliably obtaining quantifiable assessments from owners regarding the severity and impact of chronic pain and its treatment on dogs with osteoarthritis.
In vitro fluoroquinolone susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from dogs with ulcerative keratitis
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , Hendricks Linda M. , Riis Ronald C. , Scarlett Janet M.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To determine the in vitro fluoroquinolone susceptibility profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from dogs with ulcerative keratitis.

Animals—27 dogs with P aeruginosa–associated ulcerative keratitis.

Procedures—P aeruginosa isolates from dogs with ulcerative keratitis were collected during a 3-year period. Isolates were tested by use of the disk diffusion method for their susceptibility to 7 fluoroquinolones that are available as commercial ophthalmic preparations. The antimicrobials included second- (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and lomefloxacin), third- (levofloxacin), and fourth-generation (gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin) fluoroquinolones. Isolates were designated as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant to the various antimicro-bials. The percentage of susceptible isolates was compared among individual fluoroquinolones and among fluoroquinolone generations.

Results—None of the dogs had received topical or systemic fluoroquinolone treatment prior to referral. Twenty-seven P aeruginosa isolates were collected during the study period. In vitro, bacterial resistance to the tested fluoroquinolones was infrequently identified (24/ 27 isolates were susceptible to all fluoroquinolones evaluated); susceptibility percentages ranged from 88.9% to 100% for individual antimicrobials. There were no significant differ-ences among isolate susceptibilities to the individual antimicrobials or among generations of fluoroquinolones.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—On the basis of these in vitro data, none of the 7 evaluated fluoroquinolones (individually or collectively by generation) appeared to offer a clinically important advantage in the treatment of P aeruginosa–associated ulcerative keratitis in dogs. Among the P aeruginosa isolates collected from dogs with ulcerative keratitis in this study, the likelihood of susceptibility to the fluoroquinolones evaluated was high.
Respiratory mechanics in sedated and nonsedated adult llamas
Authors: Lascola Kara M. , Hoffman Andrew M. , Mazan Melissa R. , Bedenice Daniela
Published: June 2007

Objective—To validate the use of noninvasive pulmonary function testing in sedated and nonsedated llamas and establish reference range parameters of respiratory mechanical function.

Animals—10 healthy adult llamas.

Procedures—Pulmonary function testing in llamas included the following: measurement of functional residual capacity (FRC) via helium dilution, respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) to assess breathing pattern and flow limitations, esophageal-balloon pneumotachography, and a monofrequency forced oscillatory technique (FOT; 1 to 7 Hz) before and after IM administration of xylazine (0.2 mg/kg).

Results—The following mean ± SD measurements of respiratory function were obtained in nonsedated llamas: FRC (5.60 ± 1.24 L), tidal volume (1.03 ± 0.3 L), dynamic compliance (0.83 ± 0.4 L/cm H2O), pulmonary resistance (RL; 1.42 ± 0.54 cm H2O/L/s), and respiratory system resistance (2.4 ± 0.9, 2.3 ± 0.7, 2.2 ± 0.6, 2.7 ± 0.7, and 2.5 ± 0.5 cm H2O/L/s at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 Hz, respectively) by use of FOT. Measurements of flow limitations via RIP were comparable to other species. Sedation with xylazine induced significant increases in RL and maximum change in transpulmonary pressure. Following sedation, a mean 127% increase in RL and mean 116% increase in respiratory system resistance were observed across 1 to 7 Hz. The magnitude of change in respiratory system resistance increased with decreasing impulse frequency, suggesting bronchoconstriction.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Noninvasive pulmonary function testing is well tolerated in untrained unsedated llamas. These techniques have clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract disease, although testing should not be performed after sedation with xylazine.
Septic osteitis of the distal phalanx in foals: 22 cases (1995–2002)
Authors: Neil Kirsten M. , Axon Jane E. , Todhunter Paddy G. , Adams Paul L. , Caron John P. , Adkins Angus R.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To determine the clinical characteristics and outcome of foals with septic osteitis of the distal phalanx.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—22 foals.

Procedures—Information obtained from medical records included signalment; clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings; treatment method; and outcome. Foals included in the study had lameness referable to the foot, radiographic evidence of localized lysis or focal loss of bone density of the distal phalanx, and suppurative discharge or necrosis of the affected bone evident at surgery. Foals with a history or evidence of penetrating wounds or subsolar abscessation were excluded.

Results—Mean age of foals at initial evaluation was 40.8 days (range, 3 to 122 days). Twenty-one (95%) foals had lameness as the primary complaint. Lesions consistent with septic osteitis of the distal phalanx localized to specific areas of the bone on the basis of radiographic and surgical findings were located on the solar margin or toe (14/22 [64%]), extensor process (5/22 [23%]), and palmar or plantar process (3/22 [13%]). Hind limbs (18/26 [69%] affected limbs) were more frequently affected. Two foals had > 1 affected limb, 2 had additional sites of osteomyelitis, and 4 had concurrent septic arthritis. Surgical debridement and regional antimicrobial perfusion were performed during general anesthesia. Extensor process lesions were not debrided. Nineteen of 22 (86%) foals survived to be discharged from hospital, and 16 horses reached racing age. Eleven of 16 had race starts, of which 8 had official race starts and 3 had unofficial race starts.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Septic osteitis of the distal phalanx should be considered as a source of lameness in foals with signs referable to the foot and does not necessarily preclude a career in racing. Although infection may occur secondary to bacterial penetration of the hoof or sole, the distal phalanx should also be considered as a potential site for hematogenous septic arthritis or osteomyelitis in foals.
Mean spin direction and spin squeezing in superpositions of spin coherent states
Authors: Yan Dong , Wang Xiaoguang , Song Lijun , Zong Zhanguo
Published: June 2007

We consider the mean spin direction (MSD) of superpositions of two spin coherent states (SCS) | ± μ〉, and superpositions of | μ〉 and | μ*〉 with a relative phase. We find that the azimuthal angle exhibits a π transition for both states when we vary the relative phase. The spin squeezing of the states, and the bosonic counterpart of the mean spin direction are also discussed.
Inside Front Cover: Environmental Optical Sensitivity of Gold Nanodecahedra (Adv. Funct. Mater. 9/2007)
Authors: Pastoriza–Santos I. , Sánchez–Iglesias A. , García de Abajo F. J. , Liz–Marzán L. M.
Published: June 2007

As reported on p. 1443 by Isabel Pastoriza‐Santos and Luis M. Liz‐Marzán, the high sensitivity of localized surface plasmon resonances towards changes in the refractive index of the surrounding medium for regular gold nanodecahedra render them strong candidates for (bio)sensing applications. Whereas a monolayer of decahedra deposited on a glass slide looks pink in air, it turns blue when immersed in isopropanol.

The sensitivity of localized surface plasmon resonances with respect to changes in the refractive index of the surrounding medium is measured for small (< 60 nm side length) and large (ca. 150 nm side length) regular gold nanodecahedra (pentagonal bipyramids), and compared to rigorous solutions of Maxwell's equations for bicones based upon the boundary element method (BEM). Small particles are prepared through ultrasound‐induced reduction of HAuCl4 by N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) on presynthesized penta‐twinned Au seeds, whereas large decahedra are grown using smaller ones as seeds. Excellent agreement between experimental and calculated spectra is found for dispersions and monolayers of particles in different solvents, as well as for the effect of uniform silica layers of various thicknesses grown on them. These results are expected to be useful for the development of novel biosensors.
Wetting topology in trickle bed reactors
Authors: Baussaron Loïc , Julcour‐Lebigue Carine , Wilhelm Anne‐Marie , Delmas Henri , Boyer Christophe
Published: June 2007

Local and average partial wetting efficiencies in trickle‐beds have been directly measured by image processing and PIV analysis. Two different setups have been implemented: a vertical monolayer of pellets where the wetting structure and stability and also local velocity gradient are characterized by PIV, and a fixed bed to analyze (by photography) the axial evolution of wetting over bed cross section after a transient injection of dye. Porous alumina spheres and different liquids have been used to examine the effect of liquid–solid affinity; two liquid distributors, and bed prewetting were investigated at low liquid superficial velocities (0.5 × 10−3–10−2 m/s). Contrary to usual techniques (excepting MRI), not only average wetting efficiencies are derived from the colorimetric tracing, but also local features: axial evolution of wetting, size, and locations of dry zones, distributions of wetting efficiency at a particle scale. All those local data are important to improve reactor models assuming uniform pellet wetting. The effect of liquid–solid affinity is predominant in the case of the monolayer of beads, and, contrary to usual assumption, is still significant for the real trickle bed in the low range of wetting efficiency, corresponding to liquid superficial velocity lower than 2 × 10−3 m/s. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
A probability distribution estimation based method for dynamic optimization
Authors: Xiao Jie , Huang Yinlun , Lou Helen H.
Published: June 2007

Engineering optimization of a highly nonlinear complex system is always a challenge methodologically and computationally. This is especially true when multistage dynamic optimization is involved. While significant progress has been made in rigorous deterministic algorithms for dynamic optimization, meta‐heuristic‐based optimization may offer an attractive alternative. This paper introduces a general mathematical framework, called the Population‐based Probability Distribution Estimation (PPDE) method, for tackling constrained multistage complex process dynamic optimization problems. Solution identification is accomplished through probability distribution estimation based search in a continuous space, where special solution migration and penalty assignment techniques are integrated. Besides an optimal parameter estimation problem for a reactor system, an automotive coating curing optimization problem is also investigated, where the PPDE successfully minimizes oven energy consumption under various process/product constraints. Optimization results demonstrate superiorities of the method over the Ant Colony System (ACS) based dynamic optimization method. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Drying of two‐phase media: Simulation with liquid pressure as driven force
Authors: Couture Frédéric , Laurent Stéphane , Roques Michel A.
Published: June 2007

In previous works, a model based on volume averaging theory to describe heat and mass transports in two‐phase media has been proposed. The main novelty was to consider both mass and volume conservation of the solid phase in order to avoid the introduction of an arbitrarily law binding the pressure to the volume fraction of the liquid phase. Indeed, this law leads to an equivalent transport coefficient that must be identified numerically by matching experimental and predicted data in such a way that process and internal model become unjustly dependant. Here, the mathematical description is solved. The forecasting of damages and cracks during drying of fully saturated media incites us to simulate transport phenomena which occur in gel (gelatin) during this process. Although the one‐dimensional configuration which is considered leads us to reduce the elastic behavior to an ideal shrinkage, the numerical results and the qualitative comparison to experimental measures provide some confidence in the proposed model. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Granular acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Pitman Sean D. , Huang Qin
Published: June 2007

Authors report a rare case of granular acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a 45‐year‐old woman with a history of multiple myeloma. The patient's lymphoblasts contained large numbers of distinctive cytoplasmic granules closely mimicking heavily granulated myeloblasts in acute myeloid leukemia. These blasts were completely negative for myeloperoxidase but positive for acid phosphatase and Periodic Acid‐Schiff reaction by cytochemical staining. Immunophenotype analysis by immunohistochemistry clearly demonstrated precursor B‐cell phenotype. Granular ALL occurs ∼2 to 7% in childhood populations but is extremely rare in adults. Such cases may cause problematic distinction from myeloid differentiation and lead to misdiagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Ten cases of adult granular acute lymphoblastic leukemia described to date in the literature were also reviewed. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bexarotene blunts malignant T‐cell chemotaxis in Sezary syndrome: Reduction of chemokine receptor 4‐positive lymphocytes and decreased chemotaxis to thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine
Authors: Richardson Stephen K. , Newton Sarah B. , Bach Tami L. , Budgin Jeanne B. , Benoit Bernice M. , Lin Julie H. , Yoon Jessica S. , Wysocka Maria , Abrams Charles S. , Rook Alain H.
Published: June 2007

The malignant cells in Sezary syndrome express the skin trafficking molecules' cutaneous lymphocyte associated antigen (CLA) and chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4). High levels of the CCR4 ligand, thymus, and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), have been reported in the blood and skin of patients. The rexinoid X‐receptor specific retinoid, bexarotene, has contributed to the resolution of cutaneous disease among patients. To evaluate the effects of bexarotene on skin trafficking molecule expression and chemotaxis, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Sezary syndrome patients and healthy controls were treated with bexarotene in vitro. CCR4 and CLA expression levels and chemotaxis in response to TARC (6.25 ng/ml) were evaluated among lymphocytes before and after treament with bexarotene (10 μM). Flow cytometric analysis was performed to evaluate CD4, CD26, CLA, and CCR4 cell surface expression. Transwell migration assays were performed to evaluate chemotaxis to TARC. Prior to treatment, malignant cells exhibited higher CCR4 expression (45–90%) and greater than four times more chemotaxis to TARC compared with healthy controls. After treatment with bexarotene for 36–96 hr, a 28% reduction in CCR4 expression was noted (P < 0.05) among the malignant population with an associated 9% decrease in chemotaxis to TARC (P < 0.05). Our results show that bexarotene may inhibit malignant cell trafficking to the skin through an ability to suppress CCR4 expression among Sezary syndrome lymphocytes. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictive value of alkaline phosphatase for response and time to progression in bortezomib‐treated multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Zangari Maurizio , Esseltine Dixie , Cavallo Federica , Neuwirth Rachel , Elice Francesca , Burns Michael J. , Yaccoby Shmuel , Richardson Paul , Sonneveld Pieter , Tricot Guido
Published: June 2007

Myeloma bone disease is characterized by osteolytic destruction associated with suppressed osteoblastic activity. Using data from the APEX (Richardson et al., N Engl J Med 2005;352:2487–2498) study, we have assessed the relationship of changes in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels during bortezomib therapy with response and time to progression on this therapy. The percentage of ALP increments in responders (complete and partial response) and nonresponders was analyzed at different thresholds and time points. For all bortezomib‐treated patients enrolled in the trial (N = 333), at least a 25% increase in ALP from the baseline at 6 week was the most powerful predictor of treatment response (P < 0.0001) and time to progression (206 vs. 169 days) relative to patients with less than a 25% increase in ALP (P = 0.01). Markers of osteoblastic activation may predict quality and duration of response in multiple myeloma. In addition, our data suggest that bone anabolism could inhibit myeloma growth. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.