bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of major dry mergers at M* > 2 × 1011M⊙ from curvature in early-type galaxy scaling relations?
Authors: Bernardi Mariangela , Roche Nathan , Shankar Francesco , Sheth Ravi K.
Published: December 2010

For early-type galaxies, the correlations between stellar mass and size, velocity dispersion, surface brightness, colour, axial ratio and colour gradient all indicate that two mass scales, M*= 3 × 1010 and 2 × 1011 M⊙, are special. The smaller scale could mark the transition between wet and dry mergers, or it could be related to the interplay between supernovae (SNe) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs) feedback, although quantitative measures of this transition may be affected by morphological contamination. At the more massive scale, mean axial ratios and colour gradients are maximal, and above it, the colours are redder, the sizes larger and the velocity dispersions smaller than expected based on the scaling at lower M*. In contrast, the colour–σ relation, and indeed, most scaling relations with σ, are not curved: they are well described by a single power law, or in some cases, are almost completely flat. When major dry mergers change masses, sizes, axial ratios and colour gradients, they are expected to change the colours or velocity dispersions much less. Therefore, the fact that scaling relations at σ > 150 km s −1 show no features, whereas the size–M*, b/a–M*, colour–M* and colour gradient–M* relations do, suggests that M*= 2 × 1011 M⊙ is the scale above which major mergers dominate the assembly histories of early-type galaxies.
Connotative Meanings of Student Performance Labels Used in Standard Setting
Authors: Burt Winona M. , Stapleton Laura M.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the connotation of performance labels used in standard setting. For example, do the performance labelsbasic, proficient,andadvancedhold different connotations thanlimited knowledge, satisfactory,anddistinguished?If these terms hold different connotations, such differences may play a role in the standard‐setting process. A nationally representative sample of participants (n = 167) provided connotation ratings to an online instrument containing an experimental manipulation. Results suggested that the selected terms themselves do hold different connotations. After definitions were provided with the terms, the differences in the evaluative nature of the labels were mitigated. However, some differences remained; the termlimited knowledgewas persistently perceived as less favorable thanbasicandapprentice,andsatisfactorywas persistently perceived as less favorable thanproficient.
Demetalation Kinetics of Chlorophyll Derivatives Possessing Different Substituents at the 7‐Position Under Acidic Conditions
Authors: Hirai Yuki , Kashimura Shigenori , Saga Yoshitaka
Published: December 2010

Conversion of the formyl group at the 7‐position in chlorophyll (Chl) b to the methyl group via the hydroxymethyl group is biologically important in Chl b degradation. To clarify the effects of the 7‐substituents on demetalation properties of chlorophyllous pigments in the early process of Chl b degradation, we report demetalation kinetics of the zinc Chl derivative possessing a 7‐hydroxymethyl group, which is a good model compound of the intermediate molecule in the early process of Chl b degradation, under acidic conditions, and compare its properties with those of zinc Chl derivatives possessing a methyl and a formyl group, which are model compounds of Chls a and b, respectively. Demetalation rate constants of 7‐hydroxymethyl zinc chlorin were much larger than those of 7‐formyl zinc chlorin, but were slightly smaller than those of 7‐methyl zinc chlorin. The activation energy for demetalation reaction of 7‐formyl zinc chlorin was larger than those of other derivatives. Demetalation rate constants of 7‐deformyl‐7‐hydroxymethyl Chl b were also larger than those of Chl b, and were similar to those of Chl a. These indicate that the 7‐hydroxymethyl group in the chlorin macrocycle has a smaller effect on demetalation compared with the 7‐formyl group.
Combination Therapy in Hypertension
Authors: Gradman Alan H. , Basile Jan N. , Carter Barry L. , Bakris George L. ,   on behalf of the American Society of Hypertension Writing Group
Published: December 2010

Editor’s Note: The American Society of Hypertension is publishing a series of Position Papers in their official journals throughout the 2008–2011 years. The following Position Paper originally appeared: JASH. 2010;4:42–50.

The goal of antihypertensive therapy is to abolish the risks associated with blood pressure (BP) elevation without adversely affecting quality of life. Drug selection is based on efficacy in lowering BP and in reducing cardiovascular (CV) end points, including stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Although the choice of initial drug therapy exerts some effect on long‐term outcomes, it is evident that BP reduction per se is the primary determinant of CV risk reduction. Available data suggest that at least 75% of patients will require combination therapy to achieve contemporary BP targets, and increasing emphasis is being placed on the practical tasks involved in consistently achieving and maintaining goal BP in clinical practice. It is within this context that the American Society of Hypertension presents this Position Paper on Combination Therapy for Hypertension. It will address the scientific basis of combination therapy, present the pharmacologic rationale for choosing specific drug combinations, and review patient selection criteria for initial and secondary use. The advantages and disadvantages of single‐pill (fixed) drug combinations and the implications of recent clinical trials involving specific combination strategies will also be discussed. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:146–154. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Not All Is Well in My Ancestors' Home: An Indigenous Theology of Internal Critique
Authors: Longkumer Atola
Published: December 2010

Indigenous communities are not of themselves holistic, and are not necessarily free from abuse of power. They are equally in need of internal reforms and emancipation from external forces of dominance and marginalization exist. Indigenous communities need an internal critique of people's experiences, particularly minorities and women. This thesis is set in the context of the Ao Naga Indigenous people of Northeast India.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRICES IN A SUBMARKET OF SOUTH AFRICA: SEPARATING REAL RETURNS FROM ATTRIBUTE GROWTH
Authors: Els Michael , Von Fintel Dieter
Published: December 2010

The South African residential housing market experienced high growth in the previous decade, in line with international trends. Traditional methods of documenting this trajectory use the average prices of only properties that are sold in given periods and regions. A critical assumption of these approaches is that houses remain homogenous across time and space. This paper constructs a micro‐level hedonic price index to account for changing attributes of heterogenous houses. It illustrates that returns may have been overstated, and that much of the growth recorded in this market is driven by attribute inflation, particularly in the high price segment.
TESTING FOR STATIONARITY OF INFLATION RATES WITH COVARIATES
Authors: Tsong Ching‐chuan , Lee Cheng‐feng
Published: December 2010

This paper distinguishes between the stationarity and nonstationarity of inflation in 18 OECD countries through several unit root tests with covariates. These covariate tests are more powerful than the conventional ones through correlated covariates. Both unit root and stationarity null hypotheses are tested in this study. Our empirical results indicate that the efficient univariate unit root tests fail to reject the unit‐root hypothesis for 15 countries, whereas the covariate tests provide strong evidence in support of mean reversion in inflation for almost all countries. Overall, the findings unveil new evidence in favor of stationarity in international inflation. Policy implications on the empirical results are provided as well.
PATTERNS OF CO‐MOVEMENT BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND GERMANY: EVIDENCE FROM THE PERIOD 1985 TO 2006
Authors: Kabundi Alain , Loots Elsabé
Published: December 2010

This paper examines the co‐movement between Germany and South Africa by applying a dynamic factor model. Because these two countries have a long history of predominant trade ties, they deemed to be suitable proxies to analyse the channels of transmission of positive supply and demand shocks in a developed economy and the effects of these on an emerging market economy. In contrast to general expectations, the paper concludes that a German supply shock has more of a demand‐shock effect on the South African economy, while a German demand shock is transmitted through price in South Africa. This implies that the policy response in South Africa should not necessarily be the same as in Germany.
ZONE‐TARGETING MONETARY POLICY PREFERENCES AND FINANCIAL MARKET CONDITIONS: A FLEXIBLE NON‐LINEAR POLICY REACTION FUNCTION OF THE SARB MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Naraidoo Ruthira , Raputsoane Leroi
Published: December 2010

We estimate a flexible model of the monetary policy reaction function of the South African Reserve Bank based on a representation of the policymaker's preferences that capture asymmetries and zone‐targeting behaviours. We augment the analysis to allow for responses to financial market conditions over and above inflation and output stabilisation to address the current debate on the importance of financial asset prices in monetary policy decision making. The empirical results show that the monetary authorities' response to inflation is zone symmetric. Secondly, the monetary authorities' response to output is asymmetric with increased reaction during business cycle downturns relative to upturns. Thirdly, the monetary authorities pay close attention to the financial conditions index by placing an equal weight on financial market booms and recessions.
Progressive Damage Analysis of Random Chopped Fiber Composite Using Finite Elements
Authors: Pan Yi , Pelegri Assimina A.
Published: December 2010

The mechanical properties of random chopped fiber composites are analyzed using micromechanical principles. A progressive damage model is adopted to investigate the damage and failure of the material. A representative volume element is generated numerically based on microscopic observations that capture the complex mesostructure of the random chopped fiber composite specimens. Sequentially, the mechanical properties are obtained using a micromechanics approach, particularly, the homogenization method. The underlying hypothesis insinuates that damage mechanisms such as matrix cracking, fiber damage, and interfacial debonding are responsible for the damaged behavior of the composite. Matrix cracking and fiber damage are modeled by progressive degradation of their respective stiffnesses. The interfacial debonding is modeled with a cohesive zone model. The prediction of uniaxial tensile response is compared with experimental data.
Rotational Movement of the Formin mDia1 Along the Double Helical Strand of an Actin Filament
Authors: Mizuno Hiroaki , Higashida Chiharu , Yuan Yunfeng , Ishizaki Toshimasa , Narumiya Shuh , Watanabe Naoki
Published: December 2010

Visualization of formin protein rotating along an actin filament gives insight into how it promotes actin assembly.
Two BTB proteins function redundantly as negative regulators of defense against pathogens in Arabidopsis
Authors: Qu Na , Gan Wenjian , Bi Dongling , Xia Shitou , Li Xin , Zhang Yuelin
Published: December 2010

The BTB domain is a protein–protein interaction motif found throughout eukaryotes. Here we report the identification of two closely related BTB domain-containing proteins, POZ/BTB CONTAINING-PROTEIN 1 (POB1) and POB2, as negative regulators of defense against pathogens. In yeast two-hybrid assays, POB1 and POB2 dimerize through their BTB domains. The pob1–1 pob2–1 double mutant plants exhibited enhanced resistance against the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea and the oomycete pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis Noco2. Double knockout, but not single mutants of pob1–1 and pob2–1, displayed enhanced sensitivity to growth inhibition by jasmonic acid (JA). In addition, expression of the JA-responsive defensin gene PDF1.2 is enhanced in the pob1–1 pob2–1 double mutant. Our data suggest that POB1 and POB2 function redundantly as negative regulators of JA-mediated pathogen resistance responses.
Blasisaurus canudoigen. et sp. nov., a new lambeosaurine dinosaur (Hadrosauridae) from the Latest Cretaceous of Arén (Huesca, Spain)
Authors: Cruzado-Caballero Penelope , Pereda-Suberbiola Xabier , Ruiz-Omeñaca J. Ignacio
Published: December 2010

Blasisaurus canudoi gen. et sp. nov. is described on the basis of disarticulated skull and lower jaw remains found in the Blasi 1 locality of Arén (Huesca, south-central Pyrenees of Spain), located in the upper part of the Arén Formation, late Maastrichtian in age. This new lambeosaurine hadrosaurid is characterized by a jugal combining a hook-like dorsal edge of the posterior process and a narrow, D-shaped infratemporal fenestra. Blasisaurus differs from Arenysaurus from the Blasi 3 site of Arén mainly by the absence of secondary ridges in the dentary teeth, and from Koutalisaurus (probably a junior synonym of Pararhabdodon ) from the Isona region of Lleida by the anteriormost portion of the dentary that is modestly deflected ventrally. A phylogenetic analysis places Blasisaurus as closely related to Arenysaurus in a clade of basal lambeosaurines more derived than Tsintaosaurus and Jaxartosaurus ; this clade forms part of a polytomy with Amurosaurus and with more derived lambeosaurines. Palaeobiogeographically, the presence of Blasisaurus and other hadrosaurids in the Maastrichtian European archipelago suggests one or, more probably, a series of dispersal events from Asia across intermittent land bridges during the second half of the Late Cretaceous.
Larval entrainment in cooling water intakes: spatially explicit models reveal effects on benthic metapopulations and shortcomings of traditional assessments
Authors: White J. Wilson , Nickols Kerry J. , Clarke Linden , Largier John L.
Published: December 2010

Spatial management of marine populations typically requires consideration of larval dispersal pathways. When a power plant with a cooling water intake system (CWIS) is present, managers must also account for reductions in larval supply to natural habitats due to larval entrainment in the CWIS. To evaluate the consequences of CWIS entrainment for benthic populations, we coupled a transport model for an idealized coastline to a spatially explicit metapopulation model. CWIS entrainment reduced the probability of dispersal to and from sites near the CWIS. However, the reductions in larval supply due to entrainment generally produced only minor, localized effects on adult population density because of postsettlement density-dependent mortality. Only when population densities were already reduced by other forms of adult or larval mortality did entrainment threaten population persistence. Our simulations suggest that subpopulations several kilometres upstream of CWIS make the greatest contribution to metapopulation persistence by countering the effects of CWIS entrainment, and these locations should be the focus of conservation efforts to enhance larval sources. Finally, we show that traditional statistics used to estimate the demographic effects of CWIS entrainment are generally inaccurate and unreliable because they ignore nonlinearities in population dynamics.
Spawning phenology and habitat use in a Great Plains, USA, stream fish assemblage: an occupancy estimation approach
Authors: Falke Jeffrey A. , Fausch Kurt D. , Bestgen Kevin R. , Bailey Larissa L.
Published: December 2010

Knowledge of basic life-history attributes, paired with unbiased estimates of species distribution, is critical for the effective conservation of sensitive fish species. We quantified the spawning phenology, habitat use, and detectability for larvae of an assemblage of threatened Great Plains, USA, stream fishes using new occupancy estimation methods. Spawning by six Great Plains fish species occurred from April through July, and was likely initiated by changes in water temperature and photoperiod. Habitat size and type were important factors influencing the occupancy of larvae in spawning habitats. Detectability of larvae differed among species and over time, and was influenced by habitat depth and fish size. Our models indicated that multiple samples from individual habitats within a season are needed to adequately detect and predict occupancy by stream fish larvae. Conservation efforts for imperiled Great Plains fish assemblages should focus on sustaining flows that maintain a sufficient density and size of habitats needed for successful spawning and recruitment. The occupancy estimation and modeling methods employed here will be useful in developing comprehensive, unbiased programs to monitor the reproductive success of Great Plains stream fishes.
Direct versus indirect pathways of salmon-derived nutrient incorporation in experimental lotic food webs
Authors: Kiernan Joseph D. , Harvey Brett N. , Johnson Michael L.
Published: December 2010

The objective of our study was to examine how salmon carcass subsidization through alternative trophic pathways affected stream food web productivity. Three salmon carcass treatments (dissolved carcass nutrients only, dissolved carcass nutrients + carcass material, and a carcass-free control) were replicated five times in artificial stream channels. We quantified changes in water chemistry and the production of periphyton, macroinvertebrates, and age 0+ steelhead trout (i.e., sea-run rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss ) over 65 days. Dissolved ammonium and periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations increased for an approximate 2-week period in both carcass-augmented treatments. However, there was no commensurate effect on periphyton ash-free dry mass. Total macroinvertebrate biomass was significantly greater in the presence of nutrients + material after 65 days, but no such increase was observed in response to the addition of dissolved nutrients only. Despite modest and inconsistent effects at lower trophic levels, both the nutrients only and nutrients + material treatments increased the growth and condition of age 0+ steelhead trout, with significantly greater gains occurring in the presence of nutrients + material. These data suggest that while salmon carcasses can enhance the short-term growth of juvenile salmonids via bottom-up pathways, the availability and direct consumption of carcass biomass may promote a substantial amount of additional production.
Comment on “Egg consumption in mature Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.)”Appears in Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 66(9): 1546–1553.
Authors: Armstrong Jonathan B.
Published: December 2010

In their recent article, “Egg consumption in mature Pacific salmon ( Oncorhynchus spp.)” (Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 66(9): 1546–1553), Garner et al. observed salmon eggs in the stomach contents of mature Chinook, coho, and chum salmon. Through experimentation and simulation of salmon energetics, the authors conclude that the observed feeding represents an important gain in energy, challenging the accepted paradigm that assumes salmon energy budgets contain no gains once adults return to freshwater. Here, I argue that Garner et al. have overestimated the energetic consequence of egg consumption and that the observed consumption rates do not represent biologically significant gains in energy.
Organosulfur oxoacids. Part 2. A novel dimethylthiourea metabolite — Synthesis and characterization of the surprisingly stable and inert dimethylaminoiminomethane sulfonic acid
Authors: Petersen Jeffrey L. , Otoikhian Adenike A. , Morakinyo Moshood K. , Simoyi Reuben H.
Published: December 2010

A new metabolite of the biologically active thiocarbamide dimethylthiourea (DMTU) has been synthesized and characterized. DMTU’s metabolic activation in the physiological environment is expected to be dominated by S-oxygenation, which produces, successively, the sulfenic, sulfinic, and sulfonic acids before forming sulfate and dimethylurea. Only the sulfinic and sulfonic acids are stable enough to be isolated. This manuscript reports on the first synthesis, isolation, and characterization of the sulfonic acid: dimethylaminoiminomethanesulfonic acid (DMAIMSOA). It crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pbca space group and exists as a zwitterion in its solid crystal form. The negative charge is delocalized over the sulfonic acid oxygens and the positive charge is concentrated over the planar N–C–N framework rather than strictly on the sp2-hybridized cationic carbon center. As opposed to its sulfinic acid analogue, DMAIMSOA is extremely inert in acidic environments and can maintain its titer for weeks at pH 6 and below. It is, however, reasonably reactive at physiological pH conditions and can be oxidized to dimethylurea and sulfate by mild oxidants such as aqueous iodine.
Synthesis and reactivity of bis-alkynyl appended metallocenes of Ti, Fe, and Co
Authors: Chadha Preeti , Dutton Jason L. , Ragogna Paul J.
Published: December 2010

(Dimethyl)(phenylethynyl)silyl-substituted cyclopentadiene C5H5SiMe2C2Ph (1) was synthesized by the reaction of in situ generated C5H5SiMe2Cl with LiC2Ph. Metallation of 1 with nBuLi or KN(SiMe3)2 gave the corresponding Li (2) and K (3) salts. Transmetallation of 2 with transition metal halides MCl2 (M = TiCl2, Fe, and Co) generated the corresponding early and late transition metal metallocenes (4, 5, and 6) with pendant alkynyl substituents. Compounds 4 and 6 are the first examples of bis alkyne appended Ti and Co metallocenes. Complexes 5 and 6 undergo alkyne dimerization in the presence of CpCo(CO)2 generating metallocenophanes 7 and 8 incorporating two metal atoms. Compounds 3, 4Cl2, 6, and [8][OTf] have been characterized by single crystal X-ray structure analysis.
Interactions between gemini and nonionic pharmaceutical surfactants
Authors: Akbar Javed R. , Deubry Rubena , Marangoni D. Gerrard , Wettig Shawn D.
Published: December 2010

The nature and strength of the interactions between the 1,3-bis(dimethylhexadecyl)propanediammonium dibromide (16-3-16) gemini surfactant and a homologous series of nonionic polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan ester surfactants having laurate (Tween 20), stearate (Tween 60), or oleate (Tween 80) alkyl tails has been investigated. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) values of the mixed gemini–tween systems were determined using the du Noüy ring surface tension method, and the results have been analyzed using Clint’s, Rubingh’s, Motomura’s, and Maeda’s theories for mixed micellar systems. The results demonstrate a synergistic mixing behaviour between the Tween surfactants and the 16-3-16 gemini surfactant, where the strength of interaction is dependent upon the chain length and saturation of the Tween alkyl tail.
Microwave-assisted Diels–Alder reaction of 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-vinyl-1-cyclohexene with chromones — An expeditious approach to analogues of the puupehenone group of marine diterpenoids and kampanols
Authors: Kamble Rajesh M. , Ramana M. M.V.
Published: December 2010

A rapid assembly of the tetracyclic core of marine diterpenoids related to puupehenone and kampanols by a Diels–Alder reaction of 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-vinyl-1-cyclohexene with chromones under microwave irradiation with or without TiCl4 is described.
Predicting branch to bole volume scaling relationships from varying centroids of tree bole volume
Authors: MacFarlane David W.
Published: December 2010

A novel “varying-centroid” method is presented for predicting whole-tree, aboveground stem volume (i.e., bole plus branch volume) to bole volume ratios from changes in the centroid of tree bole volume associated with branching of the bole. The method was derived from a simple fractal-like tree model based on a conceptualization of tree branching architecture by Leonardo da Vinci. The method recognizes that the centroid of bole volume (the point at which one half of bole volume is above and one half is below) is always lower than the centroid of whole-tree volume and that shifts in the centroid of bole volume should be predictably related to the size of a tree’s crown. The method assumes that branch-displaced bole volume profiles can be compared with reference bole profiles that are not significantly influenced by branching, at the centroid of bole volume, and that the magnitude of bole centroid displacement predicts the branch volume necessary to cause it. When the method was applied to hardwood trees representing diverse species, sizes, and stand conditions across Michigan, the centroid of bole volume was found to vary predictably with measurable tree crown attributes and bole plus branch wood to bole wood volume ratios were generally predicted within 10% of the true value using the new method.
Comparison of decay classification, knife test, and two penetrometers for estimating wood density of coarse woody debris
Authors: Larjavaara Markku , Muller-Landau Helene C.
Published: December 2010

Inventories of the necromass of coarse woody debris typically involve measurements of density (e.g., kilograms per cubic metre) on a sample of logs, with densities of other logs estimated based on assignment to decay classes. Here, we compare two new devices for assessing density of woody debris, a spring penetrometer and a dynamic penetrometer, with the traditional decay classification and knife test in terms of the strength of the relationship with measured density and the consistency in measurements by four different people. Our evaluation was conducted in a diverse tropical forest and involved only a brief training period in each method. Classifications or scores from all four methods were only weakly correlated with measured density, and consistency among technicians in the measurement–density relationship was highest for the dynamic penetrometer. Therefore, we conclude that when training time is limited and the sampled logs can reasonably be assumed to be representative of all of the logs (e.g., an inventory of one site at one time), it is best to simply assume that the average density of the sampled logs is representative of nonsampled logs. For inventories involving multiple people, limited training, and cases where the sample average is likely to be unrepresentative, we recommend the dynamic penetrometer.
Long-term responses of mammalian herbivores to stand thinning and fertilization in young lodgepole pine (Pinus contortavar.latifolia) forest
Authors: Sullivan Thomas P. , Sullivan Druscilla S. , Lindgren Pontus M.F. , Ransome Douglas B.
Published: December 2010

Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Exrleben, 1777), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)), and moose (Alces alces (L., 1758)) commonly occur in young coniferous forests. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that large-scale pre-commercial thinning (PCT) and repeated fertilization 15–20 years after the onset of treatments in young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Wats.) stands would enhance relative habitat use by hares, deer, and moose compared with unmanaged stands. Study areas were located in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Habitat use was measured by fecal pellet and pellet-group counts. Understory vegetation and coniferous stand structure were measured in all stands. Habitat use by deer and moose was highest in heavily thinned stands, probably due to the higher levels of forage and cover provided by understory shrubs and conifers in thinned stands. Habitat use by snowshoe hares was highest in high-density stands, but also in lower-density (≤1000 stems·ha–1) stands where an increase in understory conifers provided essential cover for hares. Managers should consider the long-term nature of understory development in young stands managed for timber production. Heavy thinning (≤1000 stems·ha–1) will generate suitable understory habitat for these herbivores sooner than conventional PCT at higher stand densities.
Talking about fire: Pikangikum First Nation elders guiding fire management
Authors: Miller Andrew M. , Davidson-Hunt Iain J. , Peters Paddy
Published: December 2010

In this paper, we present how elders of Pikangikum First Nation in northwestern Ontario have drawn upon their knowledge and values associated with fire to engage in fire management planning for 1.3 million hectares of their traditional boreal forest territory. Over a period of 18 months, we engaged in collaborative research strategies that included interviews, visits to historic fire sites, and community meetings with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) to document the elders’ understandings of fire behaviour, forest disturbance and renewal cycles, traditional controlled burning practices, and perspectives on current fire management policies. The elders demonstrated the relevance of their knowledge of fire to contemporary planning efforts affecting woodland caribou habitat and fire management at site and landscape scales within their territory. We identified three themes and six recommendations that elders confirmed as priorities for future fire management planning. The three themes include (i) the need for continuing dialogue for fire management planning with OMNR, (ii) extending traditional teachings of fire safety to community youth, and (iii) the desire to re-engage in fire management using traditional processes.
Calibration and validation of a simplified process-based model for the prediction of the carbon balance of Scottish Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) plantations
Authors: Minunno Francesco , Xenakis Georgios , Perks Michael P. , Mencuccini Maurizio
Published: December 2010

There is increasing recognition that forestry provides a low cost and robust means of climate change abatement through carbon sequestration and substitution. However, current understanding of forest ecosystem carbon exchange and forest–atmosphere interactions are often inadequately characterized by existing empirical growth models with resulting poor representation for regional extrapolations. In this paper, we describe the parameterisation and independent validation, against both eddy covariance and forest growth experimental data, of a process-oriented model 3PGN to provide assessments of carbon sequestration of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière) plantations across Scotland. In comparison with eddy covariance measurements, the model predicted all of the major annual carbon fluxes, i.e., gross primary production (PG), net ecosystem production (PE), and ecosystem respiration (RE), with biases lower than 10%. At a monthly time step, only PG and PE were accurately estimated, whereas RE was not. At longer time scales (i.e., several decades), the model reliably represented the major patterns of the carbon balance. Soil type was identified as the important factor influencing site productivity; fertilization practices did not alter long-term site nutritional status. The analyses also highlighted the potential impact of carbon loss from carbon-rich soils, which can result in differences between optimal rotation length for carbon sequestration and for timber production.
Inoptimality losses in forest management decisions caused by errors in an inventory based on airborne laser scanning and aerial photographs
Authors: Islam Md. Nurul , Kurttila Mikko , Mehtätalo Lauri , Pukkala Timo
Published: December 2010

Errors in inventory data may lead to inoptimal decisions that ultimately result in financial losses for forest owners. We estimated the expected monetary losses resulting from data errors that are similar to errors in laser-based forest inventory. The mean loss was estimated for 67 stands by simulating 100 realizations of inventory data for each stand with errors that mimic those in airborne laser scanning (ALS) based inventory. These realizations were used as input data in stand management optimization, which maximized the present value of all future net incomes (NPV). The inoptimality loss was calculated as the difference between the NPV of the optimal solution and the true NPV of the solution obtained with erroneous input data. The results showed that the mean loss exceeded €300·ha–1 (US$425·ha–1) in 84% of the stands. On average, the losses increased with decreasing stand age and mean diameter. Furthermore, increasing errors in the basal area weighted mean diameter and basal area of spruce were found to significantly increase the loss. It has been discussed that improvements in the accuracy of ALS-based inventory could be financially justified.
Modeling the longitudinal variation in wood specific gravity of planted loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) in the United States
Authors: Antony F. , Schimleck L. R. , Daniels R. F. , Clark A. , Hall D. B.
Published: December 2010

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) is a major plantation species grown in the southern United States, producing wood having a multitude of uses including pulp and lumber production. Specific gravity (SG) is an important property used to measure the quality of wood produced, and it varies regionally and within the tree with height and radius. SG at different height levels was measured from 407 trees representing 135 plantations across the natural range of loblolly pine. A three-segment quadratic model and a semiparametric model were proposed to explain the vertical and regional variations in SG. Both models were in agreement that a stem can be divided into three segments based on the vertical variation in SG. Based on the fitted models, the mean trend in SG of trees from the southern Atlantic Coastal Plain and Gulf Coastal Plain was observed to be higher than in other physiographical regions (Upper Coastal Plain, Hilly Coastal Plain, northern Atlantic Coastal Plain, and Piedmont). Maps showing the regional variation in disk SG at a specified height were also developed. Maps indicated that the stands in the southern Atlantic Coastal Plain and Gulf Coastal Plain have the highest SG at a given height level.
QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION BY CONSTRUCTING NONORTHOGONAL STATES WITH BELL STATES
Authors: GAO FEI , GUO FEN-ZHUO , WEN QIAO-YAN , ZHU FU-CHEN
Published: December 2010

A quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol based on constructed nonorthogonal states is proposed. By transmitting the photons from Bell states in random order the sender constructs nonorthogonal states, which can prevent an eavesdropper from extracting the key information. At the destination, the receiver performs Bell measurements and then obtains secure key. Different from previous nonorthogonal-states-based QKD protocols, our protocol exhibits a new feature, that is, the users can also obtain some key bits even when they choose different "bases"! Thus it can reach a higher efficiency in theory. Besides, we present a trade-off between the information that an eavesdropper can elicit and the corresponding error rate he/she would introduce, which shows that our protocol is secure.
SELF-AVOIDING CHIRAL WALKS
Authors: DUTTA SUMANA , STEINBOCK OLIVER
Published: December 2010

We describe a simple, discrete model of deterministic chiral motion on a square lattice. The model is based on rotating walkers with trailing tails spanning L lattice bonds. These tail segments cannot overlap and their leading A segments cannot be crossed. As prescribed by their chirality, walkers must turn if possible, or go straight, or else correct earlier steps recursively. The resulting motion traces unbound trajectories and complex periodic orbits with various symmetries. Periods tend to decrease with increasing L and vary between L and L2. Interacting walkers can form intricate pair states. Some orbits match pinned spiral tip trajectories observed experimentally in excitable systems.
FREE VIBRATION AND BUCKLING OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED SHELL PANELS IN THERMAL ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: PRADYUMNA S. , BANDYOPADHYAY J. N.
Published: December 2010

This paper investigates the free vibration and buckling behavior of singly and doubly curved shell panels made of functionally graded materials (FGMs). A higher-order shear deformation theory is used for the analysis of five shell panels, namely, cylindrical (CYL), spherical (SPH), hyperbolic paraboloid (HPR), hypar (HYP), and conoid (CON). The shell panels are subjected to a temperature field and in the case of buckling analysis, the shell panels are also subjected to a uniaxial compressive load. The properties of FGMs are considered to be temperature dependent and graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The accuracy of the formulation is validated by comparing the results with those available in the literature. The effects of geometric properties, material composition, and boundary conditions on the free vibration and buckling are studied.
VIBRATION AND STABILITY OF A HEAVY AND HEATED VERTICAL CIRCULAR PLATE
Authors: MARETIC R. , GLAVARDANOV V. , MILOSEVIC-MITIC V.
Published: December 2010

This paper is concerned with the vibration and stability of a standing, heavy, and circular plate when heated. This investigation also deals with the plate being exposed to inertial forces due to uniform acceleration. The plate edge is clamped. Natural frequencies of transverse vibrations depending on the plate weight and temperature were determined using the Galerkin's method. Mode shapes are given for some frequencies including the influence of weight parameter on changes in mode shapes. It is shown that frequencies split for the asymmetric mode shapes, so that there are two different frequencies in those cases. Critical weight parameter values where plate stability ceases were determined. Critical values of the weight parameter depending on Poisson's ratio are also presented herein.
AN APPROXIMATION METHOD FOR COMPUTING THE DYNAMIC RESPONSES AND EQUIVALENT STATIC WIND LOADS OF LARGE-SPAN ROOF STRUCTURES
Authors: ZHOU XUANYI , GU MING
Published: December 2010

Due to their sensitivity to wind, the design of large-span roofs is generally governed by wind loads. For some flexible large-span roofs with low damping and concentrated modes, the effect of multi-mode coupling should be taken into account in computing the resonant buffeting response and equivalent static wind loads. Such an effect is considered by the modified SRSS method in this paper via the modal coupling factor. Based on the same SRSS method, the equivalent static wind loads combining the mean, background, and resonant components, are computed. Particularly, the background and resonant components are computed by the LRC method and the equivalent inertia force method considering the modal coupling effects by the modified SRSS method, respectively. The method is then applied to the computation of wind-induced vibration responses and equivalent static wind load distributions of a real large-span roof. The results show that the modal coupling effect on the resonant component can be identified by the present method with high accuracy.
INFLUENCE OF ROOM HUMIDITY ON THE FORMATION OF NANOSCALE SILICON OXIDE PATTERNED BY AFM LITHOGRAPHY
Authors: ABDULLAH A. MAKARIMI , HUTAGALUNG SABAR D. , LOCKMAN ZAINOVIA
Published: December 2010

Nanometer-scale silicon oxide mask was patterned by atomic force microscope (AFM) lithography for fabrication of nanoelectronic devices. The oxide growth mechanism is similar to a well-known local anodic oxidation, which a negative voltage applied to conductive AFM tip in order to grow oxide patterns on silicon layer surface. The surrounding environment is one of the very important parameter on the formation of nanoscale silicon oxide patterns via AFM lithography. Therefore, in this work, the effect of relative humidity (RH) has been studied systematically in the range of 55–72%. Meanwhile, the applied tip voltage, exposure time, and scanning speed were kept constant during lithography process. From AFM topographic analysis on the fabricated nanopatterns found that the oxide width and thickness are significantly depending on the room humidity. These results proved that the room humidity is playing an important role on the fabrication of nanometer-scale oxide patterns by using AFM nanolithography.
SILICON NANOWIRE TRANSISTOR FABRICATED BY AFM NANOLITHOGRAPHY FOLLOWED BY WET CHEMICAL ETCHING PROCESS
Authors: LEW K. C. , HUTAGALUNG SABAR D.
Published: December 2010

Atomic force microscope (AFM) nanolithography was performed to create nanowire transistor pattern via local anodic oxidation process on surface of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. This nanoscale oxide pattern is used as a mask system for chemical etching to produce silicon nanowire transistor. The device with component structures of a silicon nanowire (SiNW) as channel with source, drain, and gate pads had been drawn at 9 V tip voltage, 6 μm/s writing speed with humidity 55.8–68.9%RH. The designed device was etched with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) to remove uncovered silicon layer but oxide pattern remains. In order to obtain SiNW transistor, sample was etched using hydrogen fluoride (HF) to remove oxide layer. From the AFM and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) observation found that the SiNW transistor with wire size of 92.65 nm in wire thickness, 90.83 nm wire width and 10.30 μm in length with contact pads size of about 5 μ m × 5 μ m has been successfully fabricated.
THE INFLUENCE OF PULSE PARAMETERS ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF IRON ELECTRODEPOSITS
Authors: AFSHARI VAHID , DEHGHANIAN CHANGIZ
Published: December 2010

Square-wave cathodic current modulation was used to electrodeposit fine-grained iron from citric acid bath. The effect of pulse on-time, off-time, peak current density, and total plating time on the grain size, surface morphology, and crystal orientation was determined. X-ray diffraction analysis and modified Williamson–Hall relation were used to determine the average grains size of the coatings. The experimental results showed that an increase in peak current density resulted in considerable refinement in crystal size of the deposits. An increase in the pulse off-time at constant on-time and peak current density resulted in a progressive increase in crystal size. However, the crystal orientation remained unaffected with increasing off-time. The design of the pulse deposition parameters is described in terms of the transport limitations through the diffusion layer and electrochemical interface stability.
Calcium-induced permeability transition in rat brain mitochondria is promoted by carbenoxolone through targeting connexin43
Authors: Azarashvili Tamara , Baburina Yulia , Grachev Dmitry , Krestinina Olga , Evtodienko Yuri , Stricker Rolf , Reiser Georg
Published: December 2010

Carbenoxolone (Cbx), a substance from medicinal licorice, is used for antiinflammatory treatments. We investigated the mechanism of action of Cbx on Ca2+-induced permeability transition pore (PTP) opening in synaptic and nonsynaptic rat brain mitochondria (RBM), as well as in rat liver mitochondria (RLM), in an attempt to identify the molecular target of Cbx in mitochondria. Exposure to threshold Ca2+ load induced PTP opening, as seen by sudden Ca2+ efflux from the mitochondrial matrix and membrane potential collapse. In synaptic RBM, Cbx (1 μM) facilitated the Ca2+-induced, cyclosporine A-sensitive PTP opening, while in nonsynaptic mitochondria the Cbx threshold concentration was higher. A well-known molecular target of Cbx is the connexin (Cx) family, gap junction proteins. Moreover, Cx43 was previously found in heart mitochondria and attributed to the preconditioning mechanism of protection. Thus, we hypothesized that Cx43 might be a target for Cbx in brain mitochondria. For the first time, we detected Cx43 by Western blot in RBM, but Cx43 was absent in RLM. Interestingly, two anti-Cx43 antibodies, directed against amino acids 252 to 270 of rat Cx43, abolished the Cbx-induced enhancement of PTP opening in total RBM and in synaptic mitochondria, but not in RLM. In total RBM and in synaptic mitochondria, PTP caused dephosphorylation of Cx43 at serine 368. The phosphorylation level of serine 368 was decreased at threshold calcium concentration and additionally in the combined presence of Cbx in synaptic mitochondria. In conclusion, active mitochondrial Cx43 appears to counteract the Ca2+-induced PTP opening and thus might inhibit the PTP-ensuing mitochondrial demise and cell death. Consequently, we suggest that activity of Cx43 in brain mitochondria represents a novel molecular target for protection.
Regulation and function of Cav3.1 T-type calcium channels in IGF-I-stimulated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Pluteanu Florentina , Cribbs Leanne L.
Published: December 2010

Arterial smooth muscle cells enter the cell cycle and proliferate in conditions of disease and injury, leading to adverse vessel remodeling. In the pulmonary vasculature, diverse stimuli cause proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), pulmonary artery remodeling, and the clinical condition of pulmonary hypertension associated with significant health consequences. PASMC proliferation requires extracellular Ca2+ influx that is intimately linked with intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Among the primary sources of Ca2+ influx in PASMCs is the low-voltage-activated family of T-type Ca2+ channels; however, up to now, mechanisms for the action of T-type channels in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation have not been addressed. The Cav3.1 T-type Ca2+ channel mRNA is upregulated in cultured PASMCs stimulated to proliferate with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and this upregulation depends on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling. Multiple stimuli that trigger an acute rise in intracellular Ca2+ in PASMCs, including IGF-I, also require the expression of Cav3.1 Ca2+ channels for their action. IGF-I also led to cell cycle initiation and proliferation of PASMCs, and, when expression of the Cav3.1 Ca2+ channel was knocked down by RNA interference, so were the expression and activation of cyclin D, which are necessary steps for cell cycle progression. These results confirm the importance of T-type Ca2+ channels in proper progression of the cell cycle in PASMCs stimulated to proliferate by IGF-I and suggest that Ca2+ entry through Cav3.1 T-type channels in particular interacts with Ca2+-dependent steps of the mitogenic signaling cascade as a central component of vascular remodeling in disease.
Reduced TIMP-2 in hypoxia enhances angiogenesis
Authors: Lahat Nitza , Bitterman Haim , Engelmayer-Goren Miri , Rosenzweig Doron , Weiss-Cerem Lea , Rahat Michal A.
Published: December 2010

Hypoxia, which characterizes ischemia, trauma, inflammation, and solid tumors, recruits monocytes, immobilizes them, and alters their function, leading to an anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic phenotype. Monocyte extravasation from the circulation and their migration in tissues are partially mediated by the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). The mechanisms evoked by hypoxia that regulate monocyte migration and activation are not entirely clear. Specifically, the effect of hypoxia on TIMPs in these cells has hardly been investigated. We show that hypoxia reduces TIMP-2 secretion from human primary monocytes and from the monocyte-like cell lines U937 and THP-1 by three- to fourfold ( P < 0.01), by inhibiting TIMP-2 transcription through mechanisms that involve the transcription factor SP-1. Hypoxia also lowers TIMP-2 protein secretion from human endothelial cells (by 2-fold, P < 0.05). TIMP-2 levels do not influence the reduced migration of THP-1 cells in hypoxia; however, low TIMP-2 levels enhance endothelial cell migration/proliferation, their ability to form tubelike structures in vitro, and the appearance of mature blood vessels in a Matrigel plug assay in vivo. Thus we conclude that reduced TIMP-2 levels secreted from both hypoxic monocytes and endothelial cells are proangiogenic.