bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adopting the Precautionary Principle in Designing and Managing Natura 2000 Areas (Exemplified by the Conservation of the Butterfly Maculinea Nausithous in a Rural Landscape North of Dresden (Saxony))
Authors: Bastian Olaf
Published: August 2012

Adopting the Precautionary Principle in Designing and Managing Natura 2000 Areas (Exemplified by the Conservation of the Butterfly Maculinea Nausithous in a Rural Landscape North of Dresden (Saxony))

The precautionary principle is more and more incorporated into national law and decision-making on natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. In the coherent European network of protected areas Natura 2000, the precautionary principle finds expression in the obligation to provide favourable conditions for the long-term survival of species and habitats, especially of the priority ones listed in the annexes of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. After describing principles, structure, implementation and procedures of this rather new instrument for nature conservation using the example of one of the various Natura 2000 areas in Saxony (Germany), opportunities and problems for biodiversity conservation are outlined with particular regard for the situation in an agricultural landscape. Special attention is given to the following questions: requirements of and actual threats to the target species (the butterfly Maculinea nausithous), legal means and economic incentives for suitable measures, the management plan, and the role of stakeholders. It turns out that Natura 2000 could be an effective tool to advance nature conservation, and with special regard to the precautionary principle. Every effort is necessary to gain more public acceptance of Natura 2000, as well as to improve scientific knowledge concerning species and habitats under protection.
Changes in Fragmentation and the Ecological Stability of Floodplain Forest Geobiocenosis in the River Morava Floodplain Over the Course of the 20th Century
Authors: Machar Ivo
Published: August 2012

Changes in Fragmentation and the Ecological Stability of Floodplain Forest Geobiocenosis in the River Morava Floodplain Over the Course of the 20thCentury

The process of ecosystem fragmentation influences diversity and ecological stability in a significant way. This paper presents the results of analysis of changes in fragmentation and the ecological stability of the floodplain forest geobiocenosis in the Vrapač National Nature Reserve, a model area used for research into optimal forest reserve management methods in the Czech Republic (Simon, 2007). Using GIS methods, it was determined that fragmentation within this floodplain forest area decreased slightly between 1938 and 2006, and that the ecological stability of the landscape remains high. The results speak in favour of those theories advocating anthropogenic conditioning of floodplain forest ecosystems and show that even strongly anthropogenically modified geobiocenoses may show a high level of ecological stability, which is especially characteristic of the geobiocenoses of floodplain forests (Maděra, 2003).
Amenity Migration in the Context of Landscape-Ecology Research
Authors: Bartoš Michael , Kušová Drahomíra , Těšitel Jan , Kopp Jan , Novotná Marie
Published: August 2012

Amenity Migration in the Context of Landscape-Ecology Research

Amenity migration is a specific type of migration that is not economically motivated. Rather it is brought about by a desire to render more valuable the natural or socio-cultural environment of the target territory, and it is often directed from metropolitan to rural areas. This phenomenon has been strongly supported by the spread and growing accessibility of mass information technologies. As with any other kind of migration, it can lead to changes in the spatial distribution of human activities in the target territory. Under specific conditions, it can become one of the driving societal forces determining the socio-economic development of a given rural region. In the European context, amenity migration appears to be in its early stages of development. As such, it has been the subject of theoretical debate rather than being documented by empirical evidence. Amenity migration can be seen as an ambiguous phenomenon. Optimistic hypotheses claim that it could support local development of rural space and thus diminish the disproportionate development of particular regions and that it can maintain or even improve these region's environmental and cultural quality. On the other hand, it can also lead to a massive invasion of urban behavioural patterns into rural areas, making them culturally uniform. Tried and tested GIS methods exist for identifying a landscape's potential for amenity migration. The use of qualitative and quantitative techniques is a useful and progressive approach to landscape ecological research. We can expect further progress in the methods used to study amenity migration and for evaluating rural development within a landscape context following further research on amenity migrants, which will take place over the coming years.
Geoinformation Analysis of Factors Affecting Wind Damage in the Šumava National Park
Authors: Klimánek Martin , Mikita Tomáš , Kolejka Jaromír
Published: August 2012

Geoinformation Analysis of Factors Affecting Wind Damage in the Šumava National Park

This project forms part of the "Remotely Accessed Decision Support System for Transnational Environmental Risk Management" (STRiM) project undertaken within the framework of the European Union's INTERREG IIIB CADSES programme. The test took place in a 70 km2test area within the western part of the Šumava National Park. It is commonly known that windthrow occurs frequently in the Šumava Mountains, and it tends to occur in particular areas. The intensity of windstorms and the amount of damage caused appear to be relatively constant. In the case of Šumava, such meteorological hazards frequently become biotic hazards as they are often followed by bark beetle infestations. We hypothesise that, in particular areas, the incidence of windthrow, the amount of harm done, and the cost of alleviating that damage are in close relationship with natural factors prevalent in the area and with previous human intervention (forestry) in the landscape. Analysis of such factors, and a comparison with actual data on windthrow, showed that a) the most damaged stands were generally found on gently sloping sites of 8-15 degrees; b) the leeward side of elevations were more heavily damaged; c) non-natural forest stands were subject to more damage; d) damage increased with increasing stand density; e) middle-aged stands of around 12 years were at greatest risk; and f) the most damaged portions of the test area were located at sites with normally drained and deep soils. Further, landscape relief and active surface character appeared to play an important role in modifying wind speed and direction, thereby increasing the wind's devastating power.
A Proposed Target State for a Floodplain Forest Ecosystem Within an Ecological Network, with Reference to the Ecological Requirements of an Umbrella Bird Species: The Common Kingfisher
Authors: Machar Ivo
Published: August 2012

A Proposed Target State for a Floodplain Forest Ecosystem Within an Ecological Network, with Reference to the Ecological Requirements of an Umbrella Bird Species: The Common Kingfisher

The present day cultural landscape of Europe is comprised of an ecological network of corridors and core areas (biocentres). This article proposes the use of umbrella species to define the target state of an ecosystem in a floodplain biocentre of the European Ecological Network. The umbrella species used were chosen to represent typical bird species of forested floodplains. Case studies were developed in the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area, a Bird Area in the Czech Republic.
Important Woody Species in Poodří Floodplains (Czech Republic)
Authors: Rychtecká Petra , Dreslerová Jaromíra
Published: August 2012

Important Woody Species in Poodří Floodplains (Czech Republic)

The aim of this paper is to describe the species biodiversity of important woody species in the riparian zone of wide floodplains in the Protected Landscape Area (PLA) Poodří (Central Europe, Czech Republic). The analysis of growth in terms of particular species was carried out to find out their growth potential. Another task was to evaluate the diversity and health condition of all trees and to determine the occurrence frequency of important woody species (IWS) in particular geobiocoene type groups of wide alluvial plains. The tree classification pyramid (veteran-representative-successor-expectant) was built up to provide the sufficient number of diverse IWS in the area. In total, 3,419 IWS were mapped in the whole area of the PLA Poodří (81.5 km2). In wide alluvial plains, the Ulmi-fraxineta carpini sup. geobiocoene type group (GTG) shows the highest diversity. According to the surveys carried out in the area under investigation it is evident that there are a lot of IWS here deserving protection and the proposal of the appropriate management, which should be represented by the pyramid mentioned above. The pyramid would provide protection and care for the registered trees to reach a respectable age and maximum dimensions. It is necessary to preserve the species spectrum of the IWS to maintain the gene pool of initial populations and biodiversity in landscape. Some species exceed growth parameters of the same species at other floodplain sites in the Czech Republic and even in Europe.
Essibility Models for Natural Resource Management
Authors: Mantilla Mauricio , van der Zee Dick
Published: August 2012

Essibility Models for Natural Resource Management

Accessibility is an important aspect in the evaluation of suitability of an area in the context of natural resource management or landscape ecology. In many geographic information software packages a distance function is included, but the creation of adequate accessibility models requires more than simple distance calculation and in practice is not that easy. A theoretical test area is used to demonstrate how different terrain variables will influence the results of the application of the distance function. With the understanding obtained that way, the approach is applied in a real case study area to illustrate its possibilities but also some difficulties and limitations that are still encountered.
Ecosystem and Landscapes - A Critical Comparative Appraisal
Authors: Naveh Zev
Published: August 2012

Ecosystem and Landscapes - A Critical Comparative Appraisal

Ecosystems and landscapes are the two major spatial units for ecological research and practice, but their definitions and meanings are vague and ambiguous. Examining critically the meaning and complexity of both terms from a holistic landscape ecological systems view, the confusing applications of the ecosystem concept could be avoided by conceiving ecosystems as functional interacting systems, characterized for the flow of energy, matter and information between organisms and their abiotic environment. As functional systems they are intangible with vaguely defined borders. On the other hand, landscapes should be recognized as tangible, spatially and temporally well defined ecological systems of closely interwoven natural and cultural entities of the Total Human Ecosystem. Ranging from the smallest discernable landscape cell or ecotope to the global ecosphere, they serve as the spatial and functional matrix and living space for all organisms, including humans, their populations and their ecosystems. Both are medium-numbered complex ecological systems. However, the organized complexity of ecosystems is based solely on the monodimensional complexity of material processes of flow of energy/matter and biophysical information. But the organized complexity of landscapes is multidimensional and multifunctional, dealing not only with the functional dimensions of natural bio-ecological processes and the natural biophysical information, but also with the cognitive mental and perceptual dimensions, transmitted by cultural information and expressed in the closely interwoven natural and cultural landscape.
Assessing the Change in Cover of Non-Indigenous Dwarf-Pine Using Aerial Photographs, a Case Study from the Hrubý Jeseník Mts., the Sudetes
Authors: Treml Václav , Wild Jan , Chuman Tomáš , Potůčková Markéta
Published: August 2012

Assessing the Change in Cover of Non-Indigenous Dwarf-Pine Using Aerial Photographs, a Case Study from the Hrubý Jeseník Mts., the Sudetes

In addition to ongoing climate change, alpine ecosystems are also threatened by the expansion of non-indigenous species. Expansion of dwarf pine (Pinus mugoTurra) in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts. is an excellent example of the interactions between a planted alpine shrub and alpine ecosystems dominated by grassland species. Based on a comparison of aerial photographs taken in two different periods (1971/73 and 2003) we analyzed spatial changes in the dwarf pine cover. We focused on an evaluation of the current proportion of dwarf pine stands above the upper forest limit, as well as on the effects of stand texture and environmental variables on dwarf pine expansion over this 30 year period. During this time, dwarf pine stands increased their extent by 63%. Small forest-free areas above the upper forest limit in the northern part of the Hrubý Jeseník ridge are currently covered by dwarf pine on more than 30% of their surface. Expansion of dwarf pine was fastest in open, fine-grained stands, often situated in lower altitudes and on north- to east-facing slopes. The dwarf pine expansion was more intense than predicted by simple model of vegetative growth, especially within open stands with short polycormon margins in low altitudes. This might be explained by more intensive growth in less extreme environment and/or by higher generative reproduction on these sites. Finally, we suggest that expanding dwarf pine shrubs and recessing grassland patches negatively affects the abundance of heliophilous alpine plants and insects. We believe that the results of this study could be relevant to ongoing discussions on the management of summit forest-free areas in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts.
A Gis-Based Mapping and Estimation the Current Forest Landscape State and Dynamics
Authors: Ryzhkova Vera , Danilova Irina , Korets Mikhail
Published: August 2012

A Gis-Based Mapping and Estimation the Current Forest Landscape State and Dynamics

Classification and inventory of the current diversity of forest communities and their environments (i.e. site conditions) were developed based on Kolesnikov's topogenetic classification approach in Angara region (Central Siberia). This classification considers characteristics of forest regeneration dynamics, such as trends and rates of forest regeneration succession in a range of site conditions; therefore, it is used as a basis of a key for a forest regeneration dynamics map. An algorithm of forest regeneration dynamics mapping based on a spatial analysis of multi-band satellite data, a digital elevation model (DEM), and ground data combined with expert estimates of the resulting land cover classes was applied using geographic information system (GIS) "Forests of Central Siberia". Based on this algorithm, Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite imagery, SRTM-3- DEM, and field data were processed for the Angara test site. The resulting maps include two polygonal vector layers: one is forest regeneration stages (stand types) and the other is forest succession series (forest types) in a range of site conditions.
Sustainable Development and Sustainability: Landscape Approach as a Practical Interpretation of Principles and Implementation Concepts
Authors: Axelsson Robert , Angelstam Per , Elbakidze Marine , Stryamets Nataliya , Johansson Karl-Erik
Published: August 2012

Sustainable Development and Sustainability: Landscape Approach as a Practical Interpretation of Principles and Implementation Concepts

The situation for governors and managers of natural resources has increased in complexity. Previously it was enough to sustain the yields of wood, food and energy. Today, maintenance of ecosystem services, conservation of biodiversity, rural development and human wellbeing are new additional objectives. At the same time there are new risks and uncertainties linked to climate change, economic globalisation, energy security and water supply. Consequently, adaptive and holistic research, governance and management are needed. Landscape is a concept and framework that can be used as an approach to enhance implementation of policies about sustainable development as a societal process and sustainability as outcomes on the ground. For our analysis to define the landscape approach we used a hierarchical framework consisting of principles, concepts and initiatives; and included three principles defining SD and sustainability and five international concepts to analyze its implementation for our analysis to define landscape approach. We propose a practical operationalization that consists of five core attributes, (1) a sufficiently large area that matches management requirements and challenges to deliver desired goods, services and values, (2) multi-level and multi-sector stakeholder collaboration that promotes sustainable development as a social process, (3) commitment to and understanding of sustainability as an aim among stakeholders, (4) integrative knowledge production, and (5) sharing of experience, results and information, to develop local or tacit to general or explicit knowledge. Finally, we discuss the need for integrative research to study landscape approach concepts and what local initiatives using different concepts deliver on the ground.
Blood Money: Gresham's Law, Property, and Race in Faulkner's Go Down, Moses
Authors: Bullen Ross
Published: August 2012

Abstract:

This paper examines the relationship in William Faulkner's Go Down, Moses between the “one-drop rule” and the economic precept known as Gresham's Law. I explore the connection between these two laws of circulation in Faulkner's text, situating the novel's sustained interest in both biological and financial inheritance within a broader history of the relationship between slavery and the monetization of gold.
“It's Almost Like Being There”: Speculative Fiction, Slave Narrative, and the Crisis of Representation in Octavia Butler's Kindred
Authors: Flagel Nadine
Published: August 2012

Abstract:

Octavia Butler's novel Kindred (1979) combines characteristics of two primary genres: slave narratives and speculative fiction. Employing the conceptual framework of métissage, the article examines the interaction of generic attributes. Some generic qualities simply overlap. More frequently, Butler's novel imaginatively defamiliarizes and revitalizes each generic cluster of attributes as a critique of the other. Such a critique often pushes toward the literal: for instance, speculative fiction's latent investment in aliens and the master-slave dialectic is made manifest; slave narratives' reliance on literacy is exposed. The novel's commitment to reinvigorating perceptions of slavery complicates and compromises certain types of representation—particularly literary or discursive representation—thus contributing to a crisis of representation characteristic of black feminist postmodernity.
“A Knowing So Deep It's Like a Secret”: Recent Approaches to Race, Identity, and Transformation in Toni Morrison's Fiction
Authors: Harack Katrina
Published: August 2012

Abstract:

In the burgeoning field of Toni Morrison studies, three scholars have recently made original contributions to the field with their interdisciplinary scholarship, showing a trend in Morrison studies of forging new readings through the use of comparative and cross-cultural techniques. In so doing, Evelyn Jaffe Schreiber, K. Zauditu-Selassie, and Rebecca Hope Ferguson help to elucidate Morrison's complex relationship to the past and to African and American culture as well as the consistent ethical concerns across her body of work. Zauditu-Selassie focuses primarily on Morrison's references to African cosmology, while Ferguson and Schreiber take interdisciplinary approaches to key themes (transition, exchange, and the concept of home) in Morrison's work. While Ferguson and Schreiber tend to problematize Morrison's relationship to an African past, Zauditu-Selassie takes a much more celebratory approach regarding her use of cultural and spiritual references.
Interaction of High-Speed Rail and Aviation
Authors: Clewlow Regina R. L. , Sussman Joseph M. , Balakrishnan Hamsa
Published: August 2012

U.S. airports face significant congestion problems, particularly in major metropolitan areas with continued population and economic growth. In addition to growth in air travel demand, frequent short-haul flights on routes of less than 500 mi contribute to airport congestion. The potential for high-speed rail (HSR) to substitute for aviation on these short-haul routes is well documented; however, there is a need to explore how rail can serve in a complementary mode to relieve congestion at airports by providing short-haul services in support of longer-haul airline services. The primary objective of this research project is to examine the role of cooperation between HSR and aviation to improve the aviation system planning process. This study addresses the following key questions: (a) How have airports, airlines, and rail operators cooperated to enable airport–HSR connectivity? (b) What are the service characteristics of airport–HSR connectivity? (c) What are the unique challenges associated with airport–HSR connectivity? (d) How has the demand for air transportation evolved in the presence of airport–HSR connectivity?
Dynamic Airspace Configuration Using Approximate Dynamic Programming
Authors: Kulkarni Sameer , Ganesan Rajesh , Sherry Lance
Published: August 2012

On the basis of weather and high traffic, the Next Generation Air Transportation System envisions an airspace that is adaptable, flexible, controller friendly, and dynamic. Sector geometries, developed with average traffic patterns, have remained structurally static with occasional changes in geometry due to limited forming of sectors. Dynamic airspace configuration aims at migrating from a rigid to a more flexible airspace structure. Efficient management of airspace capacity is important to ensure safe and systematic operation of the U.S. National Airspace System and maximum benefit to stakeholders. The primary initiative is to strike a balance between airspace capacity and air traffic demand. Imbalances in capacity and demand are resolved by initiatives such as the ground delay program and rerouting, often resulting in systemwide delays. This paper, a proof of concept for the dynamic programming approach to dynamic airspace configuration by static forming of sectors, addresses static forming of sectors by partitioning airspace according to controller workload. The paper applies the dynamic programming technique to generate sectors in the Fort Worth, Texas, Air Route Traffic Control Center; compares it with current sectors; and lays a foundation for future work. Initial results of the dynamic programming methodology are promising in terms of sector shapes and the number of sectors that are comparable to current operations.
Transitioning the U.S. Air Transportation System to Higher Fuel Costs
Authors: Morrison James K. D. , Yutko Brian , Hansman R. John
Published: August 2012

The air transportation system enables economic growth and provides significant social benefits. Future increases and volatility in oil prices, as well as climate change policies, are likely to increase the effective cost of fuel. This paper investigates the expected impacts of higher fuel costs on the U.S. domestic air transportation system and discusses policy options to reduce negative economic and social effects. The 2004 to 2008 fuel price surge is used as a historic case study. A stochastic simulation model is developed with the use of price elasticity-of-demand assumptions and flight leg fuel burn estimates to understand the impacts of higher fuel costs. It was found that a 50% increase in fuel prices was expected to result in a 12% reduction in available seat miles if all cost increases passed through to passengers. System revenues are expected to decrease marginally for fuel price increases up to 50%, but higher increases may result in significant revenue reductions. Small airports are expected to experience relatively larger decreases and greater volatility in traffic. Older aircraft, flying sectors significantly below their optimal fuel efficiency range, are expected to experience the greatest reductions in capacity. An airline case study demonstrates that a regional carrier may be less sensitive to increased fuel prices than other business models. Policy options to maintain small community access, to manage airport traffic volatility, and to improve fleet fuel efficiency are discussed. To transition the U.S. air transportation system to higher fuel costs, stakeholder action will be required.
Airline Frequency Competition in Airport Congestion Pricing
Authors: Vaze Vikrant , Barnhart Cynthia
Published: August 2012

Airport congestion pricing has often been advocated as a way to control demand for airport operations and achieve efficient resource allocation. Competition between airlines affects the extent to which an airline is willing to pay for airport slots. Accurate modeling of competition is critical to determining the effectiveness of a congestion pricing mechanism. This paper develops an equilibrium model of airline frequency competition in the presence of delay costs and congestion prices. A small hypothetical network is used to evaluate the impacts of congestion prices on the various stakeholders and to investigate the dependence of effectiveness of congestion pricing on the characteristics of frequency competition in individual markets. The effectiveness of congestion pricing depends on three parameters of frequency competition. The results show that variation in the number of passengers per flight plays a vital role in determining the degree of attractiveness of congestion pricing to the airlines. A significant part of the impact of congestion pricing cannot be accounted for by using models in the literature, which are based on the assumptions of constant load factors and constant aircraft sizes. It was found that, compared with flat pricing, marginal cost pricing is more effective in reducing congestion without penalizing the airlines with exceedingly high congestion prices.
Measuring surgical outcomes in neurosurgery: implementation, analysis, and auditing a prospective series of more than 5000 procedures
Authors: Theodosopoulos Philip V. , Ringer Andrew J. , McPherson Christopher M. , Warnick Ronald E. , Kuntz Charles , Zuccarello Mario , Tew John M.
Published: August 2012

Object

Health care reform debate includes discussions regarding outcomes of surgical interventions. Yet quality of medical care, when judged as a health outcome, is difficult to define because of impediments affecting accuracy in data collection, analysis, and reporting. In this prospective study, the authors report the outcomes for neurosurgical treatment based on point-of-care interactions recorded in the electronic medical record (EMR).

Methods

The authors' neurosurgery practice collected outcome data for 19 physicians and ancillary personnel using the EMR. Data were analyzed for 5361 consecutive surgical cases, either elective or emergency procedures, performed during 2009 at multiple hospitals, offices, and an ambulatory spine surgery center. Main outcomes included complications, length of stay (LOS), and discharge disposition for all patients and for certain frequently performed procedures. Physicians, nurses, and other medical staff used validated scales to record the hospital LOS, complications, disposition at discharge, and return to work.

Results

Of the 5361 surgical procedures performed, two-thirds were spinal procedures and one-third were cranial procedures. Organization-wide compliance with reporting rates of major complications improved throughout the year, from 80.7% in the first quarter to 90.3% in the fourth quarter. Auditing showed that rates of unreported complications decreased from 11% in the first quarter to 4% in the fourth quarter. Complication data were available for 4593 procedures (85.7%); of these, no complications were reported in 4367 (95.1%). Discharge dispositions reported were home in 86.2%, rehabilitation center in 8.9%, and nursing home in 2.5%. Major complications included culture-proven infection in 0.61%, CSF leak in 0.89%, reoperation within the same hospitalization in 0.38%, and new neurological deficits in 0.77%. For the commonly performed procedures, the median hospital LOS was 3 days for craniotomy for aneurysm or intraaxial tumor and less than 1 day for angiogram, anterior cervical discectomy with fusion, or lumbar discectomy.

Conclusions

With prospectively collected outcome data for more than 5000 surgeries, the authors achieved their primary end point of institution-wide compliance and data accuracy. Components of this process included staged implementation with physician pilot studies and oversight, nurse participation, point-of-service data capture, EMR form modification, data auditing, and confidential surgeon reports.
Computed tomography angiography: improving diagnostic yield and cost effectiveness in the initial evaluation of spontaneous nonsubarachnoid intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Bekelis Kimon , Desai Atman , Zhao Wenyan , Gibson Dan , Gologorsky Daniel , Eskey Clifford , Erkmen Kadir
Published: August 2012

Object

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is increasingly used as a screening tool in the investigation of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, CTA carries additional costs and risks, necessitating its judicious use. The authors hypothesized that subsets of patients with nontraumatic, nonsubarachnoid ICH are unlikely to benefit from CTA as part of the diagnostic workup and that particular patient risk factors may be used to increase the yield of CTA in the detection of vascular sources.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 1376 patients admitted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center with ICH over an 8-year period. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, hemorrhagic conversion of ischemic infarcts, trauma, and known prior malignancy were excluded from the analysis, resulting in 257 patients for final analysis. Records were reviewed for medical risk factors, hemorrhage location, and correlation of CTA findings with final diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the combined effects of baseline variables of interest. Model selection was conducted using the stepwise method with p = 0.10 as the significance level for variable entry and p = 0.05 the significance level for variable retention.

Results

Computed tomography angiography studies detected vascular pathology in 34 patients (13.2%). Patient characteristics that were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of identifying a structural vascular lesion as the source of hemorrhage included patient age younger than 65 years (OR = 16.36, p = 0.0039), female sex (OR = 14.9, p = 0.0126), nonsmokers (OR = 103.8, p = 0.0008), patients with intraventricular hemorrhage (OR = 9.42, p = 0.0379), and patients without hypertension (OR = 515.78, p < 0.0001). Patients who were older than 65 years of age, with a history of hypertension, and hemorrhage located in the cerebellum or basal ganglia were never found to have an identified structural source of hemorrhage on CTA.

Conclusions

Patient characteristics and risk factors are important considerations when ordering diagnostic tests in the workup of nonsubarachnoid, nontraumatic spontaneous ICH. Although CTA is an accurate diagnostic examination, it can usually be omitted in the workup of patients with the described characteristics. The use of this algorithm has the potential to increase the yield, and thus the safety and cost effectiveness, of this diagnostic tool.
Threatened ventriculostomy shunt exposure: augmenting native soft tissue coverage with acellular dermal matrix graft
Authors: Ridder Thomas , Zhang Shuhao , Tye Gary , Rhodes Jennifer L.
Published: August 2012

Avoiding threatened ventriculostomy shunt exposure in the pediatric population remains a difficult problem for the neurosurgeon and reconstructive surgeon. In this case series, the authors present a novel method of augmenting scalp soft tissue with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in patients with a history of ventricular shunt revisions. Soft tissue augmentation with ADM successfully prevented shunt exposure in 3 patients with a history of shunt revision due to impending exposure following conventional techniques.
Comparison of mini-open anterior corpectomy and posterior total en bloc spondylectomy for solitary metastases of the thoracolumbar spine
Authors: Fang Taolin , Dong Jian , Zhou Xiaogang , McGuire Robert A. , Li Xilei
Published: August 2012

Object

The object of this study was to compare the mini-open anterior corpectomy procedure with posterior total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) in treating patients with solitary metastases of the thoracolumbar spine.

Methods

From 2004 to 2010, 41 patients with solitary metastases of the thoracolumbar spine were treated in our hospital using either a mini-open anterior corpectomy or posterior TES. Intraoperative and diagnostic data, including perioperative complications, were collected using retrospective chart review. The surgical outcomes were assessed according to survival status, neurological function, local recurrence, and pain before and after surgery.

Results

Seventeen patients underwent posterior TES and 24 underwent mini-open anterior corpectomy. Mean blood loss (TES, 1721 ± 293 ml; mini-open corpectomy, 1058 ± 263 ml; p < 0.05), and mean operative time (TES, 403 ± 55 minutes; mini-open corpectomy, 175 ± 38 minutes; p < 0.05) were recorded and calculated. Neurological improvement by at least 1 American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade was noted in 35 (97.2%) of the 36 cases with preoperative deficits. After the operation, 68.4% of nonambulatory patients became ambulatory again, including 84.6% after mini-open corpectomy and 33.3% after posterior TES (p > 0.05). The visual analog scale scores of the patients were significantly reduced after both procedures, with no difference between the procedures (p > 0.05). The local tumor recurrence rate of the TES group was significantly lower than that of the mini-open corpectomy group (p < 0.05), while the postoperative survival rates within 2 years after surgery were similar. The complication rate in the mini-open corpectomy group (29.2%) was higher than that in the TES group (11.8%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.185). There was no hardware failure and no loss of the sagittal Cobb angle in either group. Slight subsidence (< 3 mm) of the mesh cage was observed with a successful fusion in 3 (17.6%) of 17 patients in the TES group. No subsidence of polymethylmethacrylate block/autograft was recorded in the mini-open group.

Conclusions

Mini-open anterior corpectomy can be accomplished with less blood loss, fewer fixation instrumentations, and shorter surgical time than that required for TES, but patients who undergo a mini-open corpectomy might have a greater tendency to experience local recurrence. A mini-open anterior corpectomy has a relatively mild learning curve and involves fewer technical difficulties. With smaller incisions, mini-open anterior corpectomy is an option in treating solitary metastases of the thoracolumbar spine.
Humans and Other Animals—Future Friends or Foe?
Authors: Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: August 2012

Since the opening editorial, Animals has got off to an excellent start. Thirty articles were published in 2011, which comprise 446 pages of volume 1, and already 25 articles have been published this year in 360 pages of volume 2. Meanwhile the impact of other MDPI journals continues to grow; mean impact factor of the ten journals that have been in existence long enough to be assessed was 1.9, an increase of 0.3 from the previous year. Open access internet-based journals are proving ever popular and we eagerly await our first impact factor next year. There was a broad spread of topics, which can be roughly classified as follows (and the number of articles): greenhouse gas emissions from animals and climate change (10), animal ethics (9), veterinary medicine (8), animal nutrition (7), animal welfare (7), biodiversity (4) and animals in art and literature (4). Several book reviews have been published and replies by the authors. [...]
Conservation Strategy for Brown Bear and Its Habitat in Nepal
Authors: Aryal Achyut , Raubenheimer David , Sathyakumar Sambandam , Poudel Buddi Sagar , Ji Weihong , Kunwar Kamal Jung , Kok Jose , Kohshima Shiro , Brunton Dianne
Published: August 2012

The Himalaya region of Nepal encompasses significant habitats for several endangered species, among them the brown bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus). However, owing to the remoteness of the region and a dearth of research, knowledge on the conservation status, habitat and population size of this species is lacking. Our aim in this paper is to report a habitat survey designed to assess the distribution and habitat characteristics of the brown bear in the Nepalese Himalaya, and to summarize a conservation action plan for the species devised at a pair of recent workshops held in Nepal. Results of our survey showed that brown bear were potentially distributed between 3800 m and 5500 m in the high mountainous region of Nepal, across an area of 4037 km2 between the eastern border of Shey Phoksundo National Park (SPNP) and the Manasalu Conservation Area (MCA). Of that area, 2066 km2 lie inside the protected area (350 km2 in the MCA; 1716 km2 in the Annapurna Conservation Area) and 48% (1917 km2) lies outside the protected area in the Dolpa district. Furthermore, 37% of brown bear habitat also forms a potential habitat for blue sheep (or bharal, Pseudois nayaur), and 17% of these habitats is used by livestock, suggesting a significant potential for resource competition. Several plant species continue to be uprooted by local people for fuel wood. Based on the results of our field survey combined with consultations with local communities and scientists, we propose that government and non-government organizations should implement a three-stage program of conservation activities for the brown bear. This program should: (a) Detail research activities in and outside the protected area of Nepal; (b) support livelihood and conservation awareness at local and national levels; and (c) strengthen local capacity and reduce human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Improving Production of Bioethanol from Duckweed (Landoltia punctata) by Pectinase Pretreatment
Authors: Chen Qian , Jin Yanling , Zhang Guohua , Fang Yang , Xiao Yao , Zhao Hai
Published: August 2012

Landoltia punctata, a widely distributed duckweed strain with the ability to accumulate starch, was used as a novel feedstock for bioethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To improve ethanol production, pectinase pretreatment was used to release much more glucose from L. punctata mash and the pretreatment conditions (enzyme loading, temperature and pretreatment time) for the duckweed were optimized by using a surface response design. The results showed that maximum glucose yield was 218.64 ± 3.10 mg/g dry matter, which is a 142% increase compared to the untreated mash, with a pectinase dose of 26.54 pectin transeliminase unit/g mash at 45 °C for 300 min. Pectinase pretreatment apparently changed the ultrastructure of L. punctata, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Further fermentation experiments were performed and 30.8 ± 0.8 g/L of ethanol concentration, 90.04% of fermentation efficiency and 2.20 g/L/h of productivity rate were achieved. This is the highest ethanol concentration reported to date using duckweed as the feedstock.
The Effect of Structural Design on Mechanical Properties and Cellular Response of Additive Manufactured Titanium Scaffolds
Authors: Wieding Jan , Jonitz Anika , Bader Rainer
Published: August 2012

Restoration of segmental defects in long bones remains a challenging task in orthopedic surgery. Although autologous bone is still the ‘Gold Standard’ because of its high biocompatibility, it has nevertheless been associated with several disadvantages. Consequently, artificial materials, such as calcium phosphate and titanium, have been considered for the treatment of bone defects. In the present study, the mechanical properties of three different scaffold designs were investigated. The scaffolds were made of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), fabricated by means of an additive manufacturing process with defined pore geometry and porosities of approximately 70%. Two scaffolds exhibited rectangular struts, orientated in the direction of loading. The struts for the third scaffold were orientated diagonal to the load direction, and featured a circular cross-section. Material properties were calculated from stress-strain relationships under axial compression testing. In vitro cell testing was undertaken with human osteoblasts on scaffolds fabricated using the same manufacturing process. Although the scaffolds exhibited different strut geometry, the mechanical properties of ultimate compressive strength were similar (145–164 MPa) and in the range of human cortical bone. Test results for elastic modulus revealed values between 3.7 and 6.7 GPa. In vitro testing demonstrated proliferation and spreading of bone cells on the scaffold surface.
Preparation and Characterization of O-Acylated Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate from Sea Cucumber
Authors: Gao Na , Wu Mingyi , Liu Shao , Lian Wu , Li Zi , Zhao Jinhua
Published: August 2012

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FuCS), a kind of complex glycosaminoglycan from sea cucumber, has potent anticoagulant activity. In order to understand the relationship between structures and activity, the depolymerized FuCS (dFuCS) was chosen to prepare its derivates by selective substitution at OH groups. Its O-acylation was carried out in a homogeneous way using carboxylic acid anhydrides. The structures of O-acylated derivatives were characterized by NMR. The results indicated that the 4-O-sulfated fucose residues may be easier to be acylated than the other ones in the sulfated fucose branches. But the O-acylation was always accompanied by the β-elimination, and the degree of elimination was higher as that of acylation was higher. The results of clotting assay indicated that the effect of partial O-acylation of the dFuCS on their anticoagulant potency was not significant and the O-acylation of 2-OH groups of 4-O-sulfated fucose units did not affect the anticoagulant activity.
Briareolate Esters from the Gorgonian Briareum asbestinum
Authors: Meginley Rian J. , Gupta Prasoon , Schulz Thomas C. , McLean Amanda B. , Robins Allan J. , West Lyndon M.
Published: August 2012

Two new briarane diterpenoids briareolate esters J (1) and K (2) were isolated from the methanolic extract of the octocoral Briareum asbestinum collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. The structures of briaranes 1 and 2 were elucidated by interpretation of spectroscopic data. Briareolate ester K (2) showed weak growth inhibition activity against human embryonic stem cells (BG02).
Glycosides from Marine Sponges (Porifera, Demospongiae): Structures, Taxonomical Distribution, Biological Activities and Biological Roles
Authors: Kalinin Vladimir I. , Ivanchina Natalia V. , Krasokhin Vladimir B. , Makarieva Tatyana N. , Stonik Valentin A.
Published: August 2012

Literature data about glycosides from sponges (Porifera, Demospongiae) are reviewed. Structural diversity, biological activities, taxonomic distribution and biological functions of these natural products are discussed.
In Vitro and in Vivo Antitumor Effect of Trachylobane-360, a Diterpene from Xylopia langsdorffiana
Authors: Pita João Carlos Lima Rodrigues , Xavier Aline Lira , Sousa Tatyanna Kelvia Gomes de , Mangueira Vivianne Mendes , Tavares Josean Fechine , Júnior Robson José de Oliveira , Veras Robson Cavalcante , Pessoa Hilzeth de Luna Freire , Silva Marcelo Sobral da , Morelli Sandra , Ávila Veridiana de Melo Rodrigues , Silva Teresinha Gonçalves da , Diniz Margareth de Fátima Formiga Melo , Castello-Branco Marianna Vieira Sobral
Published: August 2012

Trachylobane-360 (ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid) was isolated from Xylopia langsdorffiana. Studies have shown that it has weak cytotoxic activity against tumor and non-tumor cells. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of trachylobane-360, as well as its cytotoxicity in mouse erythrocytes. In order to evaluate the in vivo toxicological aspects related to trachylobane-360 administration, hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses of the treated animals were performed. The compound exhibited a concentration-dependent effect in inducing hemolysis with HC50 of 273.6 µM, and a moderate in vitro concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of sarcoma 180 cells with IC50 values of 150.8 µM and 150.4 µM, evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion test and MTT reduction assay, respectively. The in vivo inhibition rates of sarcoma 180 tumor development were 45.60, 71.99 and 80.06% at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg of trachylobane-360 and 25 mg/kg of 5-FU, respectively. Biochemical parameters were not altered. Leukopenia was observed after 5-FU treatment, but this effect was not seen with trachylobane-360 treatment. The histopathological analysis of liver and kidney showed that both organs were mildly affected by trachylobane-360 treatment. Trachylobane-360 showed no immunosuppressive effect. In conclusion, these data reinforce the anticancer potential of this natural diterpene.
Design and Synthesis of a Novel Ganglioside Ligand for Influenza A Viruses †
Authors: Nohara Tomohiro , Imamura Akihiro , Yamaguchi Maho , Hidari Kazuya I. P. J. , Suzuki Takashi , Komori Tatsuya , Ando Hiromune , Ishida Hideharu , Kiso Makoto
Published: August 2012

A novel ganglioside bearing Neua2-3Gal and Neua2-6Gal structures as distal sequences was designed as a ligand for influenza A viruses. The efficient synthesis of the designed ganglioside was accomplished by employing the cassette coupling approach as a key reaction, which was executed between the non-reducing end of the oligosaccharide and the cyclic glucosylceramide moiety. Examination of its binding activity to influenza A viruses revealed that the new ligand is recognized by Neua2-3 and 2-6 type viruses.
Involvement of Multiple Transporters-mediated Transports in Mizoribine and Methotrexate Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Murakami Teruo , Mori Nobuhiro
Published: August 2012

Mizoribine is administered orally and excreted into urine without being metabolized. Many research groups have reported a linear relationship between the dose and peak serum concentration, between the dose and AUC, and between AUC and cumulative urinary excretion of mizoribine. In contrast, a significant interindividual variability, with a small intraindividual variability, in oral bioavailability of mizoribine is also reported. The interindividual variability is mostly considered to be due to the polymophisms of transporter genes. Methotrexate (MTX) is administered orally and/or by parenteral routes, depending on the dose. Metabolic enzymes and multiple transporters are involved in the pharmacokinetics of MTX. The oral bioavailability of MTX exhibits a marked interindividual variability and saturation with increase in the dose of MTX, with a small intraindividual variability, where the contribution of gene polymophisms of transporters and enzymes is suggested. Therapeutic drug monitoring of both mizoribine and MTX is expected to improve their clinical efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.