bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry
Authors: Adamson RB , Van Swam LFP
Published: December 2008

Description

Forty papers deal with properties of Zircaloy and to a lesser extent, Zr-2.5-Nb. The majority covers fabrication and physical properties, general corrosion and hydriding, fracture and fatigue, and stress corrosion cracking. Special consideration is given to irradiation growth, Zircaloy cladding behavior under conditions expected in a loss-of-coolant accident, and nodular corrosion.
The Design, Sample Handling, and Applications of Infrared Microscopes
Authors: Roush PB
Published: December 2008

Description

In the spring of 1985, when this symposium was first planned, the use of a microscope as an accessory in a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer was still somewhat a new concept. The symposium was planned as a means of introducing many people to this new technique. The day long symposium, which was part of the 1985 Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies (FACSS) meeting, consisted of papers which covered design considerations, sample handling, and applications to such areas as fibers and polymers.
Uniformity of Cement Strength
Authors: Klieger P
Published: December 2008

Description

Papers provide data on strength uniformity of cements – the major component in concrete. Several consider the impact of ASTM C917, Method for Evaluation Cement Strength Uniformity From a Single Source, and suggest that it is a "suitable yardstick to assess whether quality control procedures exercised are effective."
Pesticide Formulations and Application Systems: Seventh Volume
Authors: Beestman GB , Vander Hooven DIB
Published: December 2008

Description

Papers provide technical information on closed mixing and handling transfer systems, formulations, application research, application methods, granules, and registration.
Adipocytokine and ghrelin levels in relation to bone mineral density in physically active older women: longitudinal associations
Authors: Jürimäe Jaak , Kums Tatjana , Jürimäe Toivo
Published: December 2008

Purpose

We investigated the relationship between the decrease in bone mineral mass (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) values with baseline adipocytokine and ghrelin concentrations in physically active postmenopausal women.

Methods

Leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, BMC, BMD and different body composition values were measured in 35 women (age: 69.7±6.0 years) before and after a 12-month prospective study period.

Results

Significant (P<0.05) decreases in fat-free mass (FFM) (by 2.56%) and BMC (by 1.63%) and increases in adiponectin (by 14.8%) were seen in older females as a result of the study period. The independent variables that were associated with decreases in total BMC were baseline fat mass (FM) and adiponectin explaining 30.6% (R2×100) of the total variance. In another model, baseline FFM and leptin were the independent variables that explained 20.6% (P<0.05) of the total variance in the decreases in total BMD value. The variables that were associated with decreases in femoral neck BMD were FM and leptin (R2=0.102;P<0.05), while the independent variables were baseline trunk fat:leg fat ratio and adiponectin in the model with decreases in lumbar spine BMD as the dependent variable, and accounted for 13.1% (P<0.05) of the decreases in BMD variance.

Conclusions

Initial adiponectin concentration together with specific body composition characteristics predicted loss in BMC and lumbar spine BMD values, while initial leptin concentration together with specific body composition parameters determined the loss in total and femoral neck BMD values in physically active older women.
Population Structure of Deep‐Sea and Oceanic Phenotypes of Deepwater Redfish in the Irminger Sea and Icelandic Continental Slope: Are They Cryptic Species?
Authors: Daníelsdóttir Anna Kristín , Gíslason Davíd , Kristinsson Kristján , Stefánsson Magnúsörn , Johansen Torild , Pampoulie Christophe
Published: December 2008

The deepwater redfish Sebastes mentella has a wide distribution in the North Atlantic Ocean. In the Irminger Sea, there is evidence for two phenotypes (deep‐sea and oceanic) of deepwater redfish. The two phenotypes have overlapping geographic distributions but differ in depth preferences. There are two hypotheses on deepwater redfish stock structure in the Irminger Sea. One suggests that mature individuals of a single stock segregate according to size and age and therefore that the phenotypes represent different life stages of the same stock. The other hypothesis suggests that there are two different stocks and that these stocks segregate mainly according to depth. Additionally, it is not clear whether the fish of the deep‐sea phenotype in the Irminger Sea and those on the Icelandic continental shelf represent one stock. Analysis of genetic variability at eight allozyme markers in 1,763 deepwater redfish from 26 samples collected at different depths in the Irminger Sea and the Icelandic continental slope showed a significant difference between deep‐sea and oceanic samples, suggesting the presence of two distinguishable stocks. This is supported by (1) significant heterozygote deficiency at most loci in pooled samples, (2) extensive allele frequency differences between samples classified as belonging to deep‐sea and oceanic phenotypes, and (3) clustering of deepwater redfish samples of the same phenotype in a neighbor‐joining dendrogram and in Bayesian analyses (STRUCTURE and the ΔK procedure for determining the number of clusters). The results indicate that deepwater redfish stock structure should be taken into account for sustainable fisheries management in the Irminger Sea and adjacent waters.
A Method for Improving the Estimation of Natal Chemical Signatures in Otoliths
Authors: Macdonald Jed I. , Shelley J. Michael G. , Crook David A.
Published: December 2008

Laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been widely used in studies aimed at identifying the natal sites of fish through analysis of the otolith core region. It is critical, then, that measurements of chemistry at the core accurately represent the natal chemical environment, rather than reflecting potential physiological and ontogenetic influences on elemental incorporation during the embryonic and early larval phases. We analyzed sagittal otoliths from 840 age‐0 and age‐1 Australian smelt Retropinna semoni using a 193‐nm Ar‐F excimer laser system with a fast response two‐volume sample cell to demonstrate a rapid depth‐profiling method that enables more accurate estimations of the natal chemistry by sampling a target region of the otolith that excludes the primordium. The method involves (1) examination of validated daily growth increments to identify the target region; (2) measurement of the amount of otolith material removed by each laser pulse; and (3) use of elevated 55Mn concentrations at the primordium to provide a marker to facilitate data selection. The target region in this study was material accreted onto the otolith 2‐10 d posthatch. We sampled this region by excluding data between the maximum value of the Mn peak and the otolith material representing the first 2 d of life. The laser pulses in the acquisition sequence that represented the target were then retained and all other data excluded. This method illustrates the advantages of the uniform energy distribution produced by 193‐nm excimer laser systems for depth profile analysis of otoliths and may provide the basis for a standardized approach to sampling at the otolith core that more accurately reflects the natal chemical environment.
Endotoxin Levels Are Associated With High‐Density Lipoprotein, Triglycerides, and Troponin in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Angina: Possible Contributions From Periodontal Sources
Authors: Goteiner David , Craig Ronald G. , Ashmen Robert , Janal Malvin N. , Eskin Barnet , Lehrman Neal
Published: December 2008

Background: Recent studies have reported an association between poor dental health and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The purpose of this study was to correlate the presence of periodontitis with serum endotoxin/lipopolysaccharides (LPS), lipid profiles, troponin, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody to Porphyromonas gingivalis in control patients or patients with ACS or angina at the time of hospital admission.

Methods: Blood samples from 194 subjects presenting with ACS, angina, or non‐cardiac chest pain were analyzed for endotoxin/LPS (Limulus amebocyte lysate assay), lipid profile, troponin, and IgG antibody to P. gingivalis. Data were collected from hospital charts and dental records, and health questionnaire responses.

Results: Subjects with ACS or angina were more likely to have poor oral care, fewer remaining teeth, and increased alveolar radiographic bone loss compared to subjects with chest pain. In all subjects, endotoxin/LPS and IgG antibody to P. gingivalis tended to increase in association with increased radiographic bone loss. Endotoxin/LPS increased directly with triglyceride and troponin levels (P = 0.04 and P = 0.006, respectively) and inversely with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (P = 0.002). IgG antibody to P. gingivalis levels was directly correlated with very low–density lipoprotein (P = 0.03) and triglycerides (P = 0.06) and inversely with low‐density lipoprotein (P = 0.01).

Conclusions: Results showed more alveolar bone loss in patients with cardiac disease than in patients without cardiac disease, but there was no difference between the groups in the serum levels of endotoxin/LPS or IgG antibody to P. gingivalis. However, there were associations between endotoxin/LPS and levels of serum triglycerides, troponin, and HDL.
Similarities in the Subgingival Microbiota Assessed by a Curet Sampling Method at Sites With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Persson G. Rutger , Weibel Marianne , Hirschi Regula , Katsoulis Joannis
Published: December 2008

Background: The goal of this study was to determine whether site‐specific differences in the subgingival microbiota could be detected by the checkerboard method in subjects with periodontitis.

Methods: Subjects with at least six periodontal pockets with a probing depth (PD) between 5 and 7 mm were enrolled in the study. Subgingival plaque samples were collected with sterile curets by a single‐stroke procedure at six selected periodontal sites from 161 subjects (966 subgingival sites). Subgingival bacterial samples were assayed with the checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization method identifying 37 species.

Results: Probing depths of 5, 6, and 7 mm were found at 50% (n = 483), 34% (n = 328), and 16% (n = 155) of sites, respectively. Statistical analysis failed to demonstrate differences in the sum of bacterial counts by tooth type (P = 0.18) or specific location of the sample (P = 0.78). With the exceptions of Campylobacter gracilis (P <0.001) and Actinomyces naeslundii (P <0.001), analysis by general linear model multivariate regression failed to identify subject or sample location factors as explanatory to microbiologic results. A trend of difference in bacterial load by tooth type was found for Prevotella nigrescens (P <0.01). At a cutoff level of ≥1.0 × 105, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis) were present at 48.0% to 56.3% and 46.0% to 51.2% of sampled sites, respectively.

Conclusions: Given the similarities in the clinical evidence of periodontitis, the presence and levels of 37 species commonly studied in periodontitis are similar, with no differences between molar, premolar, and incisor/cuspid subgingival sites. This may facilitate microbiologic sampling strategies in subjects during periodontal therapy.
Nikolsky's Sign on the Gingival Mucosa: A Clinical Tool for Oral Health Practitioners
Authors: Mignogna Michele D. , Fortuna Giulio , Leuci Stefania , Ruoppo Elvira , Marasca Flavio , Matarasso Sergio
Published: December 2008

Background: Nikolsky's sign is a clinical sign which is elicited by a horizontal, tangential pressure to the mucosa and/or skin resulting in blisters extending and separating or peeling away. Few data are currently available in the literature about its usefulness, specificity, and sensitivity in the diagnosis of either oropharyngeal or cutaneous bullous diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the gingival Nikolsky's sign in the identification of an autoimmune blistering disease.

Methods: Over a period of 13 years, we recruited 566 patients with autoimmune oral bullous and non‐bullous diseases who possessed either maxillary or mandibular gingival mucosal lesions. All patients were subjected to a test causing a gingival Nikolsky's sign at their first visit during the diagnostic algorithm and in the active disease phase before commencing treatment.

Results: A total of 566 patients (184 with and 382 without bullous lesions) had at least gingival involvement. A positive gingival Nikolsky's sign resulted in 100 (17.7%) of 566 patients: 86 patients with bullous lesions (53 with pemphigus vulgaris, eight with mucous membrane pemphigoid, 22 with bullous/mixed lichenoid lesions, and three with erythema multiforme) and 14 with non‐bullous lesions (12 with non‐bullous lichenoid lesions and two with systemic lupus erythematous/mixed connective tissue disease). Thus, the specificity of Nikolsky's sign was higher (96.3%) than the sensitivity (46.7%).

Conclusion: The results of this study support the use of Nikolsky's sign of the gingival mucosa as a viable test to establish the presence of oral bullous diseases.
Clinical Evaluation of Demineralized Freeze‐Dried Bone Allograft With and Without Enamel Matrix Derivative for the Treatment of Periodontal Osseous Defects in Humans
Authors: Hoidal Matt J. , Grimard Brently A. , Mills Michael P. , Schoolfield John D. , Mellonig James T. , Mealey Brian L.
Published: December 2008

Background: Beneficial clinical effects have been demonstrated with the addition of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) to demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft (DFDBA) compared to EMD alone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of DFDBA combined with EMD compared to DFDBA alone in the treatment of intraosseous defects of chronic periodontitis.

Methods: Thirty‐two patients with 41 intrabony defects ≥3 mm were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Intrabony defects were treated with DFDBA alone or in combination with EMD. Soft tissue measurements included probing depth (PD), gingival recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL). Hard tissue measurements included height of the alveolar crest, defect depth, and defect morphology. Following 6 months of healing, all measurements were repeated with the use of a surgical reentry procedure on 29 patients. Data were analyzed to determine PD reduction, CAL gain, change in recession, crestal resorption, defect fill, defect resolution, percentage of defect fill, and percentage of defect resolution.

Results: Analysis of soft and hard tissue measurements demonstrated a statistically significant difference from baseline within each group (P <0.001); however, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion: Both treatments were shown to be safe and effective therapy for periodontal defects; however, the addition of EMD to DFDBA provided no statistically significant improvement to the soft and hard tissue parameters measured.
Stochastic Models of Solute Transport in Highly Heterogeneous Geologic Media
Authors: Goloviznin V. M. , Korotkin I. A. , Pruess K. , Semenov V. N. , Sorokovikova O. S.
Published: December 2008

A stochastic model of anomalous diffusion was developed in which transport occurs by random motion of Brownian particles, described by distribution functions of random displacements with heavy (power‐law) tails. One variant of an effective algorithm for random function generation with a power‐law asymptotic and arbitrary factor of asymmetry is proposed that is based on the Gnedenko–Levy limit theorem and makes it possible to reproduce all known Levy α‐stable fractal processes. A two‐dimensional stochastic random walk algorithm has been developed that approximates anomalous diffusion with streamline‐dependent and space‐dependent parameters. The motivation for introducing such a type of dispersion model is the observed fact that tracers in natural aquifers spread at different super‐Fickian rates in different directions. For this and other important cases, stochastic random walk models are the only known way to solve the so‐called multiscaling fractional order diffusion equation with space‐dependent parameters. Some comparisons of model results and field experiments are presented.
Modeling Colloid‐Enhanced Contaminant Transport in Stormwater Infiltration Basin Best Management Practices
Authors: Massoudieh Arash , Ginn Timothy R.
Published: December 2008

Rainfall runoff from stormwater often contains significant quantities of organic chemicals and metal elements. These constituents can adversely affect surface water and groundwater resources. Infiltration basins are best management practices (BMPs) that are designed for passive treatment and are increasingly used to control runoff and reduce stormwater contaminants in surface waters. The large amount of percolation in such BMPs over an extended duration may adversely affect groundwater quality, however, by eventual delivery of stormwater contaminants to the water table. Moreover, the existence of naturally occurring colloids and the deposition of air‐borne colloids in stormwater can enhance the transport of highly sorbing constituents to the groundwater. Due to the large surface area of fine colloids, contaminants with high affinity to the solid phase can bind to colloidal particles and therefore the colloids can act as a vehicle for transport of contaminants in the porous media. In this research, a previously developed colloid‐facilitated transport model was used to predict the effect of such colloids on the fate and transport of multiple metal contaminants in infiltration basins. The model was used to predict the transport of several metals in an infiltration basin in Fresno, CA, and a sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the effect of various parameters on the fate and transport of metals. It was found that colloid‐facilitated transport can explain the fast movement of highly sorbing metals in a porous medium while the two‐phase model was not able to produce the observed movement in the soil.
Hydrogeophysical Approach for Identification of Layered Structures of the Vadose Zone from Electrical Resistivity Data
Authors: Tartakovsky Alexandre M. , Bolster Diogo , Tartakovsky Daniel M.
Published: December 2008

The electric resistivity survey and borehole collection of resistivity data are one of the oldest geophysical tools for characterization of the vadose zone. A current trend is to conduct such surveys in a tomographic manner, which requires significant computational resources. We present a simple, semianalytical approach to delineate multiple layers in partially saturated soils from resistivity and saturation measurements taken at several depths along a borehole. The number of layers and their hydraulic properties are assumed to be known. The proposed inversion algorithm is computationally efficient and can serve either as a stand‐alone tool for layer delineation or as an autonomous module in a more comprehensive geophysical survey. It is most robust when each layer is sampled at least once. When one or more layers have not been sampled, the algorithm's robustness (convergence) depends on the accuracy of an initial guess (e.g., expert knowledge and other hard or soft data). We provide a detailed analysis of the algorithm's convergence and identify potential pitfalls.
Chemical Modeling of Arsenic(III, V) and Selenium(IV, VI) Adsorption by Soils Surrounding Ash Disposal Facilities
Authors: Goldberg Sabine , Hyun Seunghun , Lee Linda S.
Published: December 2008

Leachate derived from coal ash disposal facilities is a potential anthropogenic source of As and Se to the environment. To establish a practical framework for predicting attenuation and transport of As and Se in ash leachates, the adsorption of As(III), As(V), Se(IV), and Se(VI) had been characterized in prior studies for 18 soils obtained downgradient from ash landfill sites and representing a wide range of soil properties. The constant capacitance model was applied for the first time to describe As(III), As(V), Se(IV), and Se(VI) adsorption on soils as a function of equilibrium solution As(III), As(V), Se(IV), and Se(VI) concentrations. Prior applications of the model had been restricted to describing Se(IV) and As(V) adsorption by soils as a function of solution pH. The constant capacitance model was applied for the first time to describe As(III) and Se(VI) adsorption by soils. The model was able to describe adsorption of these ions on all soils as a function of solution ion concentration by optimizing only one adjustable parameter, the anion surface complexation constant. This chemical model represents an advancement over adsorption isotherm equation approaches that contain two empirical adjustable parameters. Incorporation of these anion surface complexation constants obtained with the constant capacitance model into chemical speciation transport models will allow simulation of soil solution anion concentrations under diverse environmental and agricultural conditions.
A Gas Diffusivity Model Based on Air‐, Solid‐, and Water‐Phase Resistance in Variably Saturated Soil
Authors: Thorbjørn Anne , Moldrup Per , Blendstrup Helle , Komatsu Toshiko , Rolston Dennis E.
Published: December 2008

Gas diffusion in soil is governed by the gas diffusion coefficient (Dp) and its variation with air‐filled porosity (ε). Accurate or an upper‐limit (risk assessment standpoint) prediction of Dp(ε) is essential when carrying out gas transport and fate calculations. We developed a Dp(ε) model for relatively unstructured soil separating the individual resistance of soil air, solids, and moisture to Dp Assuming the total soil resistance to gas diffusion can be described by three power‐law terms representing air‐content reduction, solids‐induced tortuosity, and water‐induced disconnectivity yields the so‐called Soil Air Phase Individual Resistances (SAPHIR) model. The SAPHIR model predicts Dp as a function of the actual ε, a particle shape factor (p), the volumetric soil water content (θ), and a water‐blockage factor (w). The Dp(ε) was measured at different θ on repacked and undisturbed soil samples. The new Dp data combined with literature data implied values of p in the interval 0 to 1 and w in the interval 1 to 7, depending on particle diameter, fine‐particle content, and compaction. Tested against 810 measurements of Dp on undisturbed soils, SAPHIR with average values of p = 0.6 and w = 3 performed equally well or better than traditional models; however, the test implied a need for different parameter values for more sandy soils (lower p and higher w), as well as for more compacted soils (lower p).
Adiposity-Related Heterogeneity in Patterns of Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility Observed in Genome-Wide Association Data
Authors: Timpson Nicholas J. , Lindgren Cecilia M. , Weedon Michael N. , Randall Joshua , Ouwehand Willem H. , Strachan David P. , Rayner N. William , Walker Mark , Hitman Graham A. , Doney Alex S.F. , Palmer Colin N.A. , Morris Andrew D. , Hattersley Andrew T. , Zeggini Eleftheria , Frayling Timothy M. , McCarthy Mark I.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—This study examined how differences in the BMI distribution of type 2 diabetic case subjects affected genome-wide patterns of type 2 diabetes association and considered the implications for the etiological heterogeneity of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We reanalyzed data from the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium genome-wide association scan (1,924 case subjects, 2,938 control subjects: 393,453 single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) after stratifying case subjects (into “obese” and “nonobese”) according to median BMI (30.2 kg/m2). Replication of signals in which alternative case-ascertainment strategies generated marked effect size heterogeneity in type 2 diabetes association signal was sought in additional samples.

RESULTS—In the “obese-type 2 diabetes” scan, FTO variants had the strongest type 2 diabetes effect (rs8050136: relative risk [RR] 1.49 [95% CI 1.34–1.66], P = 1.3 × 10−13), with only weak evidence for TCF7L2 (rs7901695 RR 1.21 [1.09–1.35], P = 0.001). This situation was reversed in the “nonobese” scan, with FTO association undetectable (RR 1.07 [0.97–1.19], P = 0.19) and TCF7L2 predominant (RR 1.53 [1.37–1.71], P = 1.3 × 10−14). These patterns, confirmed by replication, generated strong combined evidence for between-stratum effect size heterogeneity (FTO: PDIFF = 1.4 × 10−7; TCF7L2: PDIFF = 4.0 × 10−6). Other signals displaying evidence of effect size heterogeneity in the genome-wide analyses (on chromosomes 3, 12, 15, and 18) did not replicate. Analysis of the current list of type 2 diabetes susceptibility variants revealed nominal evidence for effect size heterogeneity for the SLC30A8 locus alone (RRobese 1.08 [1.01–1.15]; RRnonobese 1.18 [1.10–1.27]: PDIFF = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS—This study demonstrates the impact of differences in case ascertainment on the power to detect and replicate genetic associations in genome-wide association studies. These data reinforce the notion that there is substantial etiological heterogeneity within type 2 diabetes.
Assessment of Technical Efficiency of Potato Producers in Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MA , Hasan MK , Naher Q
Published: December 2008

A study was carried out in three potato growing areas viz. Munshiganj, Bogra and Jessore covering 75 potato growers to measure technical efficiency and economic performance of potato production. Farmers obtained average tuber yield of 24.90 t/ha which was higher than the average yield of Bangladesh (14.90 t/ha) but close to potential yield (25-30 t/ha) of diamant and cardinal varieties. The estimated results showed that gross margin and BCR for potato cultivation were Tk. 174319/ha and 2.40, respectively. The average level of technical efficiency among the sample farmers was 75%. This implies that given the existing technology and level of inputs the output could be increased by 25%. Training on the potato production, extension linkage and quality seed played a significant role in the technical efficiency of the potato production.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jard.v6i1.1665J Agric Rural Dev 6(1&2), 113-118, June 2008
Nutritional Status of the Members of the Factory Worker-Headed Households of Four Villages of Gazipur District
Authors: Dipti SS , Tuazon MAG , Kabir KA
Published: December 2008

The study was undertaken to determine the nutritional status of factory worker-headed households in four semi-urban villages (i.e. Board Bazar, Signboard, Bhogra and Zogitola under Gazipur district) during June 2005. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected factory workers who are head of the households in the study area covering a total of 457 people and their 86 pre-school children. Prevalence rates of malnutrition were determined by using weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height classification. A total of 73.3% pre-school children were underweight, 72.1% had stunted growth and 27.9% were wasted. Prevalence of underweight for age was also found in 71.5% of school children. Body mass index (BMI) was used to assess either under-nutrition (chronic energy malnutrition) or over-nutrition in adults (20 years and over). Prevalence of chronic energy malnutrition among adult members was found 57.7% for male and 56.5% for female.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jard.v6i1.1666J Agric Rural Dev 6(1&2), 119-124, June 2008
Rice-Fish Culture and its Potential in Rural Development: A Lesson from Apatani Farmers, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Saikia SK , Das DN
Published: December 2008

Rice-based fish farming, though, inevitable as a mean of double crop production from the unit land, is often proves as cost-effective practice for marginal and poor farmers. The lack of adequate knowledge and support to farmers keep them away from the benefits of rice-based fish farming. The novel technique adopted by Apatani farmers in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, India reduces the knowledge gap to achieve optimum benefit from such farming practice. The farmers enjoy a fish production of 500 kg per hactor per year without providing any supplementary feed to the fish stocked in their rice-fields. The economic return of the farmers was estimated up to 65.8% per annum from their rice-fish integrated fields. The system of rice-based fish farming by Apatani farmers has, therefore, bears immense potentiality to be recognized as low cost and sustainable farming practice and could be a significant breakthrough for poor and marginal farmers of the rest of the World.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jard.v6i1.1667J Agric Rural Dev 6(1&2), 125-131, June 2008
Agro-Economic Performance of Jackfruit-Pineapple Agroforestry System in Madhupur Tract
Authors: Hasan MK , Ahmed MM , Miah MG
Published: December 2008

A survey was carried out in two villages of Durgapur union under Kapasia upazila of Gazipur district during January to March, 2005 to investigate profitability, problems and management system of practicing jackfruit-pineapple agroforestry practice. Result revealed that the existing jackfruit-pineapple agroforesty system is profitable and has a great contribution to the meet up of nutritional demand. There is a scope of adopting improved management practices and it may increase the total production. Among the various problems, jackfruit trunk borer is the major. Measures against insects, bat, hedgehog, squirrel etc., use of popular cultivar and training on improved management practices for development of jackfruit-pineapple agroforestry system were suggested to overcome these problems. Key words: Agro-economic performance, jackfruit-pineapple agroforestry system. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jard.v6i1.1672 J Agric Rural Dev 6(1&2), 147-156, June 2008
A Novel Re-keying Function Protocol (NRFP) For Wireless Sensor Network Security
Authors: Abdullah Maan Younis , Hua Gui Wei , Alsharabi Naif
Published: December 2008

This paper describes a novel re-keying function protocol (NRFP) for wireless sensor network security. A re-keying process management system for sensor networks is designed to support in-network processing. The design of the protocol is motivated by decentralization key management for wireless sensor networks (WSNs), covering key deployment, key refreshment, and key establishment. NRFP supports the establishment of novel administrative functions for sensor nodes that derive/re-derive a session key for each communication session. The protocol proposes direct connection, in-direct connection and hybrid connection. NRFP also includes an efficient protocol for local broadcast authentication based on the use of one-way key chains. A salient feature of the authentication protocol is that it supports source authentication without precluding in-network processing. Security and performance analysis shows that it is very efficient in computation, communication and storage and, that NRFP is also effective in defending against many sophisticated attacks.
Problems Encountered in Fluctuating Flame Temperature Measurements by Thermocouple
Authors: Yilmaz Nadir , Gill Walt , Donaldson A. Burl , Lucero Ralph E.
Published: December 2008

Some thermocouple experiments were carried out in order to obtain sensitivity of thermocouple readings to fluctuations in flames and to determine if the average thermocouple reading was representative of the local volume temperature for fluctuating flames. The thermocouples considered were an exposed junction thermocouple and a fully sheathed thermocouple with comparable time constants. Either the voltage signal or indicated temperature for each test was recorded at sampling rates between 300-4,096 Hz. The trace was then plotted with respect to time or sample number so that time variation in voltage or temperature could be visualized and the average indicated temperature could be determined. For experiments where high sampling rates were used, the signal was analyzed using Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) to determine the frequencies present in the thermocouple signal. This provided a basic observable as to whether or not the probe was able to follow flame oscillations. To enhance oscillations, for some experiments, the flame was forced. An analysis based on thermocouple time constant, coupled with the transfer function for a sinusoidal input was tested against the experimental results.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Common Bean: Their Discovery and Genotyping Using a Multiplex Detection System
Authors: Gaitán‐Solís E. , Choi I.‐Y. , Quigley C. , Cregan P. , Tohme J.
Published: December 2008

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are by far the most common form of DNA polymorphism in a genome. The objectives of this study were to discover SNPs in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by comparing sequences from coding and noncoding regions obtained from the GenBank and genomic DNA and to compare sequencing results with those obtained using single base extension (SBE) assays on the Luminex‐100 system for use in high‐throughput germplasm evaluation. We assessed the frequency of SNPs in 47 fragments of common bean DNA, using SBE as the evaluation methodology. We conducted a sequence analysis of 10 genotypes of cultivated and wild beans belonging to the Mesoamerican and Andean genetic pools of P. vulgaris. For the 10 genotypes evaluated, a total of 20,964 bp of sequence were analyzed in each genotype and compared, resulting in the discovery of 239 SNPs and 133 InDels, giving an average SNP frequency of one per 88 bp and an InDel frequency of one per 157 bp. This is the equivalent of a nucleotide diversity (θ) of 6.27 × 10−3. Comparisons with the SNP genotypes previously obtained by direct sequencing showed that the SBE assays on the Luminex‐100 were accurate, with 2.5% being miscalled and 1% showing no signal. These results indicate that the Luminex‐100 provides a high‐throughput system that can be used to analyze SNPs in large samples of genotypes both for purposes of assessing diversity and also for mapping studies.
Association of a Soybean Raffinose Synthase Gene with Low Raffinose and Stachyose Seed Phenotype
Authors: Dierking Emily C. , Bilyeu Kristin D.
Published: December 2008

Oligosaccharides are an important component of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] meal in terms of metabolizable energy for monogastric animals. Sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose are the three main oligosaccharides present in soybean meal. Of the three, only sucrose is nutritionally useful. When raffinose and stachyose are fermented by microbes present in the gut, the results are flatulence and discomfort, which ultimately lead to poor weight gain. The long term objective of this research is ultimately to increase the nutritional value of soybean meal by elevating the metabolizable energy at the expense of raffinose and stachyose through the manipulation of soybean raffinose synthase, the key enzyme for raffinose and stachyose biosynthesis. The objectives of this work were to develop molecular genetic information about soybean raffinose synthases and to evaluate the candidate raffinose synthase genes in a soybean germplasm accession (PI 200508) that contains low levels of raffinose and stachyose. Our results indicate the soybean genome contains at least two expressed genes similar to other characterized raffinose synthases. A novel allele of one of these putative soybean raffinose synthase genes was discovered from the PI 200508 that completely associates with the low raffinose and stachyose phenotype. Molecular marker assays specific for the PI 200508 allele were developed to allow direct selection for the low raffinose and low stachyose phenotype.
Comparative Genomics in Switchgrass Using 61,585 High‐Quality Expressed Sequence Tags
Authors: Tobias Christian M. , Sarath Gautam , Twigg Paul , Lindquist Erika , Pangilinan Jasmyn , Penning Bryan W. , Barry Kerry , McCann Maureen C. , Carpita Nicholas C. , Lazo Gerard R.
Published: December 2008

The development of genomic resources for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a perennial NAD+‐malic enzyme type C4 grass, is required to enable molecular breeding and biotechnological approaches for improving its value as a forage and bioenergy crop. Expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing is one method that can quickly sample gene inventories and produce data suitable for marker development or analysis of tissue‐specific patterns of expression. Toward this goal, three cDNA libraries from callus, crown, and seedling tissues of ‘Kanlow’ switchgrass were end‐sequenced to generate a total of 61,585 high‐quality ESTs from 36,565 separate clones. Seventy‐three percent of the assembled consensus sequences could be aligned with the sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genome at a E‐value of <1 × 10−20, indicating a high degree of similarity. Sixty‐five percent of the ESTs matched with gene ontology molecular terms, and 3.3% of the sequences were matched with genes that play potential roles in cell‐wall biogenesis. The representation in the three libraries of gene families known to be associated with C4 photosynthesis, cellulose and β‐glucan synthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and peroxidase activity indicated likely roles for individual family members. Pairwise comparisons of synonymous codon substitutions were used to assess genome sequence diversity and indicated an overall similarity between the two genome copies present in the tetraploid. Identification of EST–simple sequence repeat markers and amplification on two individual parents of a mapping population yielded an average of 2.18 amplicons per individual, and 35% of the markers produced fragment length polymorphisms.
Rice Genome Research: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Han Bin , Zhang Qifa
Published: December 2008

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the leading genomics system among the crop plants. The sequence of the rice genome, the first cereal plant genome, was published in 2005. This review summarizes progress made in rice genome annotations, comparative genomics, and functional genomics researches. It also maps out the status of rice genomics globally and provides a vision of future research directions and resource building.
Medical student retention of embryonic development: Impact of the dimensions added by multimedia tutorials
Authors: Marsh Karen R. , Giffin Bruce F. , Lowrie Donald J.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this project was to develop Web‐based learning modules that combine (1) animated 3D graphics; (2) 3D models that a student can manipulate independently; (3) passage of time in embryonic development; and (4) animated 2D graphics, including 2D cross‐sections that represent different “slices” of the embryo, and animate in parallel. These elements were presented in two tutorials, one depicting embryonic folding and the other showing development of the nervous system after neural tube formation. The goal was to enhance the traditional teaching format—lecture combined with printed diagrams, text, and existing computer animations—with customized, guided, Web‐based learning modules that surpassed existing resources. To assess module effectiveness, we compared quiz performance of control groups who attended lecture and did not use a supporting module, with study groups who used a module in addition to attending lecture. We also assessed our students' long‐term retention of the material, comparing classes who had used the module with students from a previous year that had not seen the module. Our data analysis suggests that students who used a module performed better than those given only traditional resources if they used the module after they were already somewhat familiar with the material. The findings suggest that our modules—and possibly computer‐assisted‐instruction modules in general—are more useful if used toward the later stages of learning, rather than as an initial resource. Furthermore, our data suggest that the animation aids in long‐term retention. Both medical students at the University of Cincinnati and medical faculty from across the country commented favorably on their experiences with the embryonic development modules. Anat Sci Ed 1:252–257, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
Diffusion of innovations: Smartphones and wireless anatomy learning resources
Authors: Trelease Robert B.
Published: December 2008

The author has previously reported on principles of diffusion of innovations, the processes by which new technologies become popularly adopted, specifically in relation to anatomy and education. In presentations on adopting handheld computers [personal digital assistants (PDAs)] and personal media players for health sciences education, particular attention has been directed to the anticipated integration of PDA functions into popular cellular telephones. However, limited distribution of early “smartphones” (e.g., Palm Treo and Blackberry) has provided few potential users for anatomical learning resources. In contrast, iPod media players have been self‐adopted by millions of students, and “podcasting” has become a popular medium for distributing educational media content. The recently introduced Apple iPhone has combined smartphone and higher resolution media player capabilities. The author successfully tested the iPhone and the “work alike” iPod touch wireless media player with text‐based “flashcard” resources, existing PDF educational documents, 3D clinical imaging data, lecture “podcasts,” and clinical procedure video. These touch‐interfaced, mobile computing devices represent just the first of a new generation providing practical, scalable wireless Web access with enhanced multimedia capabilities. With widespread student self‐adoption of such new personal technology, educators can look forward to increasing portability of well‐designed, multiplatform “learn anywhere” resources. Anat Sci Ed 1:233–239, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
Validierung zerstörungsfreier Prüfverfahren im Bauwesen
Authors: Taffe Alexander , Wiggenhauser Herbert , Raupach Michael
Published: December 2008

Die Validierung dient bereits in vielen Bereichen der Technik zum Nachweis, ob mit einem Verfahren Kundenanforderungen erfüllt werden können. Da gerade die im Bauwesen verwendeten zerstörungsfreien Prüfverfahren bis auf den Rückprallhammer nicht in einer deutschen Norm geregelt sind, kann die Validierung zur verbesserten Anwendungssicherheit nicht genormter Verfahren beitragen. Die Leistungsfähigkeit des Verfahrens wird für den Kunden transparent, so dass er die Güte der Messergebnisse einschätzen kann. Das ist besonders dann von Bedeutung, wenn aus dem Messergebnis eine belastbare Aussage abgeleitet werden soll und hohe Anforderungen bezüglich der Messgenauigkeit bestehen. So entsteht z. B. die Frage, welche Bauteildicke nach zerstörungsfreien Untersuchungen für eine statische Nachrechnung auf einem bestimmten Vertrauensniveau angesetzt werden kann oder mit welcher Sicherheit Pfahlgründungen, deren Länge ebenfalls zerstörungsfrei bestimmt wurde, in eine tragende Schicht einbinden. In dem Beitrag werden die Grundzüge der Durchführung einer Validierung beschrieben und am Beispiel der Dickenmessung an Fundamenten erläutert. Die beschriebene Vorgehensweise kann prinzipiell auf eine Vielzahl im Bauwesen auftretender Prüfaufgaben angewandt werden. Sind die Anforderungen an die Prüfaufgabe bezüglich der Genauigkeit nicht so hoch, können vereinfachte Abschätzungen der Messunsicherheit vorgenommen werden.
Hintergrundinformationen zum Positionspapier des DAfStb zur Umsetzung des Konzepts von leistungsbezogenen Entwurfsverfahren unter Berücksichtigung von DIN EN 206‐1, Anhang J, für dauerhaftigkeitsrelevante Problemstellungen
Authors: Gehlen Christoph , Schießl Peter , Schießl‐Pecka Angelika
Published: December 2008

Mit der Einführung des fib Model Code for Service Life Design werden dem bemessenden Ingenieur anerkannte und bewährte Vorhersagemodelle zur Verfügung gestellt, mit denen die Bestimmung der zeitabhängigen Carbonatisierungstiefe bzw. Chlorideindringtiefe bis zur Depassivierung des Betonstahls möglich ist. Unter Einbezug statistischer Kennwerte (z. B. Verteilungstyp, Mittelwert, Standardabweichung) lässt sich eine vollprobabilistische Dauerhaftigkeitsberechnung durchführen, mit der im Rahmen des leistungsbezogenen Entwurfsverfahren nach DIN EN 206‐1, Anhang J, die zeitabhängige Zuverlässigkeit gegenüber Carbonatisierung bzw. Chlorideindringen bestimmbar ist. Rechnerische Untersuchungen zeigen jedoch, dass die vom Bindemittel abhängige, rechnerische Bandbreite der Zuverlässigkeit für jede Expositionsklasse variiert. Der DAfStb empfiehlt nun in einem in diesem Heft ebenfalls abgedruckten Positionspapier expositionsabhängige Mindestzuverlässigkeiten, die bei einer Anwendung von leistungsbezogenen Entwurfsverfahren nach DIN EN 206‐1, Anhang J, nachzuweisen sind. In diesem Beitrag werden die wichtigsten Hintergrundinformationen zu verwendeten Modellen, Daten und Nachweiskonzepten geliefert.
In situ characterization of the adsorbed Concanavalin a on germanium surface at various pH
Authors: Dong Jie , Mielczarski Jerzy A. , Mielczarski Ela , Xu Zhenghe
Published: December 2008

The adsorption of Concanavalin A (Con A) through pH cycle (pH 4.8–7.4–4.8) on germanium substrate was studied in situ by attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR‐IR) spectroscopy. The qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the adsorbed protein layers was performed by the comparison of experimental spectra with simulated spectra of hypothetical surface layers using assumed parameters, such as composition, thickness, and structure of adsorbed layers. The results show that Con A readily adsorbs from phosphate‐buffered saline, forming close to monolayer coverage on the surface of germanium covered with native oxide after short‐time contact. Further adsorption was found to be pH dependent, and it is irreversible to pH changes. It was identified that the adsorption process is not solely electrostatically controlled. Protein–protein interaction by hydrogen bonding or hydrophobic interaction may dominate the adsorption process. The hydration of absorbed Con A layer at different pH was evaluated. The washing experiments with water and various electrolyte solutions confirmed physisorption of Con A on germanium surface. The experimental methodology using spectral simulation was proven to provide a deeper insight into the structure, composition, and hydration level of the produced protein coatings.
Tuning Glutamine Binding Modes in Gd‐DOTA‐Based Probes for an Improved MRI Visualization of Tumor Cells
Authors: Stefania Rachele , Tei Lorenzo , Barge Alessandro , Geninatti Crich Simonetta , Szabo Ibolya , Cabella Claudia , Cravotto Giancarlo , Aime Silvio
Published: December 2008

Three new magnetic resonance imaging probes that target glutamine transporters have been synthesized. They consist of a Gd‐DOTA‐monoamide moiety (DOTA=1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid) linked through a six carbon atom chain to a vector represented by a glutamine residue bound through α‐carboxylic, γ‐carboxamidic, or α‐amino functionalities. Their uptake by HTC (rat hepatocarcinoma) and healthy rat hepatocytes has shown that the system containing the glutamine vector bound through the α‐carboxylic group displays a markedly higher affinity for tumor cells. The observed behavior is rationalized in terms of the exploitation of an additional glutamine transporter active in hepatic tumor cells.