bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a Recent Henslow's Sparrow Population Increase in Illinois
Authors: HERKERT JAMES R.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: The Henslow's sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) is a species of high conservation concern due to long‐term population declines and a small global population. Habitat loss is considered to be the most likely cause of Henslow's sparrow declines and the recent establishment of large acreages of undisturbed grasslands through the Conservation Reserve Program is considered to have the potential to benefit populations. I used data from Illinois' Spring Bird Count to estimate recent population trends and examine the association that changes in land‐use, especially the establishment of Conservation Reserve Program lands, have had on local Henslow's sparrow population trends. My analysis shows that Henslow's sparrow populations have increased substantially within Illinois, USA over the last 10 years and that this population increase strongly coincides with the establishment of >400,000 ha of grasslands within the state by the Conservation Reserve Program. New rules allowing for managed haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program grasslands have the potential to reduce the suitability of program fields for this species and, thus, Henslow's sparrow use of program fields should be monitored as the new rules are implemented.
An Evaluation of Survey Methods for Estimating Northern Bobwhite Abundance in Southern Texas
Authors: RUSK JOSHUA P. , HERNÁNDEZ FIDEL , ARREDONDO JUAN A. , HERNÁNDEZ FROYLAN , BRYANT FRED C. , HEWITT DAVID G. , REDEKER ERIC J. , BRENNAN LEONARD A. , BINGHAM RALPH L.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Distance sampling has been identified as a reliable and well‐suited method for estimating northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) density. However, distance sampling using walked transects requires intense sampling to obtain precise estimates, thus making the technique impractical for large acreages. Researchers have addressed this limitation by either resorting to the use of indices (e.g., morning covey‐call surveys) or incorporating the use of aerial surveys with distance sampling. Both approaches remain relatively untested. Our objectives were to 1) compare density estimates among morning covey‐call surveys, helicopter transects, and walked transects; 2) test a critical assumption of distance sampling pertinent to helicopter surveys (i.e., all objects on line are detected); and 3) evaluate the underlying premise of morning covey‐call surveys (i.e., that the no. of calling coveys correlates with bobwhite density). Our study was conducted on 3 study sites in Brooks County, Texas, USA, during October to December, 2001 to 2005. Comparisons between walked transects and morning covey‐call surveys involved the entire 5‐year data set, whereas helicopter transects involved only the latter 2 years. Density estimates obtained from helicopter transects were similar to walked transect estimates for both years. We documented a detection probability on the helicopter transect line of 70 ± 10.2% (% ± SE;n= 20 coveys). Morning covey‐call surveys yielded similar density estimates to walked transect estimates during only 2 of 5 years, when walked transect estimates were the least accurate and precise. We detected a positive relationship (R2= 0.51; 95% CI for slope: 29.5–53.1;n= 63 observations) between covey density and number of coveys heard calling. We conclude that helicopter transects appear to be a viable alternative to walked transects for estimating density of bobwhites. Morning covey‐call surveys appear to be a poor method to estimate absolute abundance and to depict general population trajectories.
Synchrony in a Wild Turkey Population and its Relationship to Spring Weather
Authors: FLEMING KATHLEEN K. , PORTER WILLIAM F.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Synchrony is an important component of wildlife population dynamics because it describes spatial pattern in temporal population fluctuations. The strength and spatial extent of synchrony can provide information about the extrinsic and intrinsic forces that shape population structure. Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) populations undergo annual fluctuations, possibly due to variation in weather during the reproductive season. To determine if spring weather plays a role in synchronizing wild turkey populations, we used a modified Mantel‐type spatial autocorrelation procedure to measure the synchrony in fall wild turkey harvest data collected in 443 townships from 1990 to 1995 and compared this to the pattern of synchrony in spring weather variables (May rainfall and temp) over the same period. We measured correlation using Spearman correlation coefficients between the total fall harvests from 1990 to 1995 for each pair of townships, and sorted pairs into 6 50‐km distance intervals. We calculated a mean correlation coefficient for each interval and estimated its P‐value using resampling. We found moderately significant synchrony in the fall harvest (rs = 0.12‐0.34, P < 0.008) among township pairs <150 km apart, but no significant synchrony beyond this distance. In contrast, both May temperature (r = 0.82‐0.90, P < 0.001) and rainfall (r = 0.49‐0.76, P < 0.001) were strongly synchronized across all 6 distance intervals. Visual inspection of time series in the wild turkey fall harvest suggests that populations may be synchronized in some years when weather promotes high reproductive success (i.e., a synchronized growth peak) and asynchronous in other years. Knowledge of the spatial dynamics of wild turkey populations will aid wildlife managers in estimating population change, setting harvest quotas, and managing habitat.
Fall Migration and Habitat Use of American Woodcock in the Central United States
Authors: MYATT NICK A. , KREMENTZ DAVID G.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Little is known about the migration ecology of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor). From 2001 to 2003, we began a 3‐year study to document woodcock fall migration routes, rates, and habitat use from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, USA. Some 586 radiomarked woodcock initiated migration. During 224 hours of aerial telemetry, we located 42 radiomarked woodcock in 6 states. Using locations of radiomarked birds, we speculated woodcock migration routes in the central United States. Stopover duration often exceeded 4 days, with some birds stopping longer than a week. Radiomarked birds were located in upland habitats more frequently than bottomland habitats, and used a higher proportion of mature forest than expected. A Geographic Information System was used to map potential woodcock habitat in the Central Region. Based on our results, we identified possible fall migration routes and priority areas for woodcock management in the Central Region. Our results should be used by land managers to prioritize future land acquisition and management of woodcock habitat.
A Household Perspective for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: PETERSON M. NILS , PETERSON MARKUS J. , PETERSON TARLA RAI , LIU JIANGUO
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Many researchers have implicated human population density in species endangerment, but these correlative studies do not demonstrate causality. We propose that hypotheses implicating human population density in wildlife endangerment at global and national scales owe their public and academic currency as thoroughly to inductive reasoning and repetition as to scientific experimentation. It follows that alternative research hypotheses generated from the same facts should provide equally tenable results. Household density provides such an alternative hypothesis and is growing faster than human population density. We used linear multiple regression models to demonstrate that household density provides a viable alternative statistical hypothesis to human population density for explaining species endangerment (household model,r2= 0.85; population model,r2= 0.84). We then suggest adopting a household perspective for biodiversity conservation because 1) social norms and practices render a household approach to conservation more pragmatic than a human population perspective and 2) shifting the focus toward households could facilitate movement from a human‐versus‐nature ethic to a humans‐situated‐within‐nature ethic (e.g., a land ethic). Wildlife managers and researchers concerned about the negative influence humans have on biodiversity should consider grounding research, theory, and policy decisions in the dynamics of human households as an alternative to human population.
Dynamics of Newly Established Elk Populations
Authors: SARGEANT GLEN A. , OEHLER MICHAEL W.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:The dynamics of newly established elk (Cervus elaphus) populations can provide insights about maximum sustainable rates of reproduction, survival, and increase. However, data used to estimate rates of increase typically have been limited to counts and rarely have included complementary estimates of vital rates. Complexities of population dynamics cannot be understood without considering population processes as well as population states. We estimated pregnancy rates, survival rates, age ratios, and sex ratios for reintroduced elk at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA; combined vital rates in a population projection model; and compared model projections with observed elk numbers and population ratios. Pregnancy rates in January (early in the second trimester of pregnancy) averaged 54.1% (SE = 5.4%) for subadults and 91.0% (SE = 1.7%) for adults, and 91.6% of pregnancies resulted in recruitment at 8 months. Annual survival rates of adult females averaged 0.96 (95% CI = 0.94‐0.98) with hunting included and 0.99 (95% CI = 0.97‐0.99) with hunting excluded from calculations. Our fitted model explained 99.8% of past variation in population estimates and represents a useful new tool for short‐term management planning. Although we found no evidence of temporal variation in vital rates, variation in population composition caused substantial variation in projected rates of increase (Λ = 1.20‐1.36). Restoring documented hunter harvests and removals of elk by the National Park Service led to a potential rate of Λ = 1.26. Greater rates of increase substantiated elsewhere were within the expected range of chance variation, given our model and estimates of vital rates. Rates of increase realized by small elk populations are too variable to support inferences about habitat quality or density dependence.
Woodland Caribou Extirpation and Anthropogenic Landscape Disturbance in Ontario
Authors: VORS LIV S. , SCHAEFER JAMES A. , POND BRUCE A. , RODGERS ARTHUR R. , PATTERSON BRENT R.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:The decline of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) has been attributed to anthropogenic landscape disturbances, but critical distance thresholds and time lags between disturbance and extirpation are unknown. Using a database of caribou presence and extirpation for northern Ontario, Canada, geo‐coded to 10 times 10‐km cells, we constructed logistic regression models to predict caribou extirpation based on distance to the nearest of each of 9 disturbance types: forest cutovers, fires, roads, utility corridors, mines, pits and quarries, lakes, trails, and rail lines. We used Akaike's Information Criterion to select parsimonious models and Receiver‐Operating Characteristic curves to derive optimal thresholds. To deal with the effects of spatial autocorrelation on estimates of model significance, we used subsampling and restricted randomizations. Forest cutovers were the best predictor of caribou occupancy, with a tolerance threshold of 13 km to nearest cutover and a time lag of 2 decades between disturbance by cutting and caribou extirpation. Management of woodland caribou should incorporate buffers around habitat and requires long‐term monitoring of range occupancy.
Wolf Movement Patterns: a Key to Estimation of Kill Rate?
Authors: ZIMMERMANN BARBARA , WABAKKEN PETTER , SAND HÅKAN , PEDERSEN HANS C. , LIBERG OLOF
Published: June 2007

Abstract:To estimate wolf (Canis lupus) kill rates from fine‐scale movement patterns, we followed adult wolves in 3 territories of the Scandinavian wolf population using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) during the winters of 2001–2003. The resulting 6 datasets of 62–84 study days gave a total of 8,747 hourly GPS positions. We visited clusters of positions in the field on average 8.8 days after positioning and found moose (Alces alces) killed by wolves during the study period on 74 (8%) of the 953 clusters. The number of positions and visits to a cluster, their interaction, and the proportion of afternoon positions were significant fixed effects in mixed logistic‐regression models predicting the probability of a cluster containing a wolf‐killed moose. The models, however, displayed a poor goodness‐of‐fit and were not a suitable tool for estimating kill rates from positioning data alone. They might be used to reduce fieldwork by excluding unlikely clusters, although the reduction was not substantial. We discuss proximate factors (i.e., human disturbance and access to prey) as well as ultimate factors (i.e., social organization, intra‐guild dominance, and litter size) as potential causes of the observed high temporal and spatial variation in prey‐handling. For similar future kill‐rate studies, we recommend increasing field efforts and shortening positioning intervals.
Hearing Range of White‐Tailed Deer as Determined by Auditory Brainstem Response
Authors: D'ANGELO GINO J. , DE CHICCHIS ALBERT R. , OSBORN DAVID A. , GALLAGHER GEORGE R. , WARREN ROBERT J. , MILLER KARL V.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Basic knowledge of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) hearing can improve understanding of deer behavior and may assist in the development of effective deterrent strategies. Using auditory brainstem response testing, we determined that white‐tailed deer hear within the range of frequencies we tested, between 0.25–30 kilohertz (kHz), with best sensitivity between 4–8 kHz. The upper limit of human hearing lies at about 20 kHz, whereas we demonstrated that white‐tailed deer detected frequencies to at least 30 kHz. This difference suggests that research on the use of ultrasonic (frequencies >20 kHz) auditory deterrents is justified as a possible means of reducing deer—human conflicts.
A Simple Solar Radiation Index for Wildlife Habitat Studies
Authors: KEATING KIM A. , GOGAN PETER J. P. , VORE JOHN M. , IRBY LYNN R.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Solar radiation is a potentially important covariate in many wildlife habitat studies, but it is typically addressed only indirectly, using problematic surrogates like aspect or hillshade. We devised a simple solar radiation index (SRI) that combines readily available information about aspect, slope, and latitude. Our SRI is proportional to the amount of extraterrestrial solar radiation theoretically striking an arbitrarily oriented surface during the hour surrounding solar noon on the equinox. Because it derives from first geometric principles and is linearly distributed, SRI offers clear advantages over aspect‐based surrogates. The SRI also is superior to hillshade, which we found to be sometimes imprecise and ill‐behaved. To illustrate application of our SRI, we assessed niche separation among 3 ungulate species along a single environmental axis, solar radiation, on the northern Yellowstone winter range. We detected no difference between the niches occupied by bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and elk (Cervus elaphus; P = 0.104), but found that mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) tended to use areas receiving more solar radiation than either of the other species (P < 0.001). Overall, our SRI provides a useful metric that can reduce noise, improve interpretability, and increase parsimony in wildlife habitat models containing a solar radiation component.
Whole Genome Amplification for Sequencing and Applications in Conservation Genetics
Authors: JANEČKA JAN E. , GRASSMAN LON I. , HONEYCUTT RODNEY L. , TEWES MICHAEL E.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: We describe a method for rapidly amplifying whole genomes via a Phi29 DNA polymerase‐mediated strand displacement reaction (SDR). Genomic amplification products derived from the SDR reaction resulted in high quantities of DNA suitable for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of mitochondrial genomes. Control region sequences of DNA derived directly from PCR amplicons of extracted DNA were identical to those derived from PCR amplification of SDR genomic DNA. Effective SDR amplification and subsequent sequencing was successful across tissues sources ranging in age from 1 year to 19 years. Strand replacement reaction genomic amplification offers a means of obtaining large quantities of DNA from small amounts of tissue.
Space Use and Survival of White‐Tailed Deer in an Exurban Landscape
Authors: STORM DANIEL J. , NIELSEN CLAYTON K. , SCHAUBER ERIC M. , WOOLF ALAN
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Exurban development is nonmetropolitan, residential development characterized by a human population density and average property size intermediate between suburban and rural areas. Although growth in exurban areas is outpacing that of urban, suburban, or rural landscapes, studies of deer (Odocoileus spp.) ecology in exurban areas are nonexistent. During 2003–2005, we studied space use (i.e., seasonal home‐range and core‐area size and habitat use relative to human dwellings) and survival of 43 female white‐tailed deer (O. virginianus) in an exurban setting near Carbondale, Illinois. Deer had larger home ranges than most suburban deer populations and generally smaller home ranges than rural deer populations. When we analytically controlled for habitat use, deer exhibited a subtle avoidance of human dwellings, especially during the fawning season. The annual survival rate was among the highest reported in the literature at 0.872 (SE = 0.048). Only 5 deer (cause‐specific mortality rate = 0.091) were harvested by hunters, indicating major obstacles for wildlife managers when attempting to manage deer in exurban areas using traditional hunter harvest.
Simultaneous Collection of Body Temperature and Activity Data in Burrowing Mammals: a New Technique
Authors: LONG RYAN A. , HUT ROELOF A. , BARNES BRIAN M.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Integrating physiological and behavioral observations into ecological field studies of animals can provide novel insights into relationships among animal behavior, physiology, and ecology. We describe and evaluate a new technique for simultaneously collecting body temperature (Tb) and burrow use data for semi‐fossorial mammals by combining light‐sensitive radiotransmitters and implanted temperature‐sensitive dataloggers. We used this approach to collect core Tb and activity data for 9 free‐ranging arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) in northern Alaska, USA, at approximately 5‐minute intervals for 30–90 days each to address questions related to thermoregulation, energetics, foraging, sociality, and timing of activity in natural environments.
Cardiorespiratory effects and efficacy of morphine sulfate in winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)
Authors: Newby Nathalie C. , Gamperl A. Kurt , Stevens E. Don
Published: June 2007

Objective—To assess the cardiorespiratory effects of morphine sulfate and evaluate whether morphine blocks cardiac responses to a noxious stimulus in winter flounder.

Animals—42 winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) that were acclimated at 10°C.

Procedures—Each fish was fitted with a Doppler flow probe around the ventral aorta; cannulae were placed for injection of drug or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution and assessments of respiration. Selected cardiorespiratory variables were measured in morphine-injected (40 mg/kg, IP [n = 18] or 17 mg/kg, IV [2]) or saline solution–injected (1.6 mL [22]) fish at various intervals. Heart rate and cardiac output (CO) were also measured in flounder that were injected with saline solution (n = 19) or morphine (10) and received a noxious or innocuous stimulus (injection of 5% acetic acid or saline solution SC into a cheek) 50 minutes later.

Results—Morphine administration promptly induced marked bradycardia (and a concomitant reduction in CO), followed by prolonged (> 48 hours) increases in CO and heart rate. Morphine injection only transiently affected respiratory rate. Application of a noxious stimulus to control flounder resulted in a significant (10%) but transient (< 5 minutes' duration) increase in CO, which was completely blocked by prior administration of morphine.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although morphine blocked the response to a noxious stimulus in fish, its cardiovascular effects might preclude its use in many research situations. Investigation of the dose dependency of these cardiovascular effects and their interspecific variation is required to determine the applicability of morphine for use in fish.
In vitro comparison of the effects of two forms of hydroxyethyl starch solutions on platelet function in dogs
Authors: Wierenga Janelle R. , Jandrey Karl E. , Haskins Steve C. , Tablin Fern
Published: June 2007

Objective—To evaluate the effect of 2 hydroxyethyl starch (HES) preparations (ie, HES solution with a molecular weight of 600 kd and a degree of substitution of 0.7 [HES 600/0.7] and a calcium-containing polyionic HES solution with a molecular weight of 670 kd and a degree of substitution of 0.75 [HES 670/0.75]) on canine platelet function.

Sample Population—Blood samples from 10 healthy adult dogs.

Procedures—Dilution of citrated whole blood was performed with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, HES 600/0.7, and HES 670/0.75 at ratios of 1:9 (ie, 1 part saline solution or colloid to 9 parts whole blood) and 1:3. Measurements of time to platelet plug formation in a capillary tube (ie, closure time) were made by use of a bench-top platelet function analyzer with collagen and ADP platelet agonists.

Results—Mean baseline closure time was 68.0 ± 15.3 seconds. A 1:3 dilution of whole blood with saline solution, HES 600/0.7, and HES 670/0.75 resulted in mean closure times of 85.8 ± 15.7 seconds, 100.6 ± 18.6 seconds, and 101.6 ± 16.2 seconds, respectively. Closure time following 1:3 dilution of whole blood with saline solution was significantly different from baseline and from 1:9 dilution with saline solution. Closure time following 1:3 dilution of whole blood with HES 670/0.75 was significantly different from baseline, 1:3 and 1:9 dilutions with saline solution, and 1:9 dilutions with HES 600/0.7 or HES 670/0.75.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Saline solution, HES 600/0.7, and HES 670/0.75 affect canine platelet function by prolonging closure times; HES solutions prolonged closure time to a greater extent than saline solution.
Effects of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor meloxicam on recovery of ischemia-injured equine jejunum
Authors: Little Dianne , Brown S. Aubrey , Campbell Nigel B. , Moeser Adam J. , Davis Jennifer L. , Blikslager Anthony T.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To determine the effect of meloxicam and flunixin meglumine on recovery of ischemia-injured equine jejunum.

Animals—18 horses.

Procedures—Horses received butorphanol tartrate; were treated IV with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (SS; 12 mL; n = 6), flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg; 6), or meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg; 6) 1 hour before ischemia was induced for 2 hours in a portion of jejunum; and were allowed to recover for 18 hours. Flunixin and SS treatments were repeated after 12 hours; all 3 treatments were administered immediately prior to euthanasia. Selected clinical variables, postoperative pain scores, and meloxicam pharmacokinetic data were evaluated. After euthanasia, assessment of epithelial barrier function, histologic evaluation, and western blot analysis of ischemia-injured and control jejunal mucosa samples from the 3 groups were performed.

Results—Meloxicam- or flunixin-treated horses had improved postoperative pain scores and clinical variables, compared with SS-treated horses. Recovery of transepithelial barrier function in ischemia-injured jejunum was inhibited by flunixin but permitted similarly by meloxicam and SS treatments. Eighteen hours after cessation of ischemia, numbers of neutrophils in ischemia-injured tissue were higher in horses treated with meloxicam or flu-nixin than SS. Plasma meloxicam concentrations were similar to those reported previously, but clearance was slower. Changes in expression of proteins associated with inflammatory responses to ischemic injury and with different drug treatments occurred, suggesting cy-clooxygenase-independent effects.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although further assessment is needed, these data have suggested that IV administration of meloxicam may be a useful alternative to flunixin meglumine for postoperative treatment of horses with colic.
Prevalence of feline herpesvirus 1, Chlamydophila felis, and Mycoplasma spp DNA in conjunctival cells collected from cats with and without conjunctivitis
Authors: Low Heather C. , Powell Cynthia C. , Veir Julia K. , Hawley Jennifer R. , Lappin Michael R.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To use PCR assays to determine the prevalence of feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), Chlamydophila felis, and Mycoplasma spp DNA in conjunctival cells collected from cats with and without conjunctivitis; to compare results of conventional and real-time fluorogenic PCR assays for amplification of FHV-1 DNA; and to determine whether copy numbers of FHV-1 DNA are correlated with conjunctivitis.

Animals—55 cats with active conjunctivitis, 39 healthy cats that never had conjunctivitis, and 32 cats with a history of conjunctivitis that had been resolved for at least 3 months.

Procedures—Samples were obtained by rolling cotton-tipped applicators on the ventral conjunctiva of awake cats treated topically with proparacaine. The DNA was extracted from the swab specimens and assessed in PCR assays to detect DNA of FHV-1 (fluorogenic PCR assay and conventional PCR assay), Mycoplasma spp (conventional PCR assay), and C felis (conventional PCR assay).

Results—Overall prevalence rates of FHV-1, C felis, and Mycoplasma spp as assessed by the conventional PCR assays were 6.7%, 3.2%, and 9.6%, respectively. Percentage concordance between conventional PCR and fluorogenic PCR assays for FHV-1 was 92.5%. There were no significant differences among the 3 groups of cats for the mean copy number of FHV-1 divided by the copy number of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Mycoplasma spp were the most prevalent organism detected and was associated with conjunctivitis. This study could not confirm that there are increased copy numbers of FHV-1 DNA in cats with conjunctivitis, compared with the copy numbers for cats without conjunctivitis.
Evaluation of activation of protein kinase C during agonist-induced constriction of veins isolated from the laminar dermis of horses
Authors: Robertson Tom P. , Moore James N. , Noschka Erik , Lewis Tristan H. , Lewis Stephen J. , Peroni John F.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To determine the effects of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, Ro-31-8220, on agonist-induced constriction of laminar arteries and veins obtained from horses.

Sample Population—Laminar arteries and veins obtained from 8 adult mixed-breed horses.

Procedures—Laminar arteries and veins were isolated and mounted on small vessel myographs for the measurement of isometric tension. Concentration-response curves were then obtained for the vasoconstrictor agonists phenylephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, prostaglandin F2α, and endothelin-1. All responses were measured with or without the addition of Ro-31-8220 (3μM).

Results—Laminar veins were more sensitive to vasoconstrictor agonists than laminar arteries, and incubation of laminar veins with Ro-31-8220 resulted in significantly smaller agonist-induced contractile responses for all agonists tested. In contrast, Ro-31-8220 had no effect on agonist-induced contractile responses of laminar arteries.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the study were consistent with activation of PKC being confined to agonist-induced contraction of laminar veins isolated from the laminar dermis of horses. Consequently, the possible involvement of PKC in the venoconstriction observed during the development of laminitis is worthy of further investigation.
Evaluation of clinical status, renal function, and hematopoietic variables after unilateral nephrectomy in canine kidney donors
Authors: Urie Bridget K. , Tillson D. Michael , Smith Christopher M. , Brawner William R. , Almond Gregory T. , Beard Debra M. , Lenz Stephen D. , Lothrop Clinton D.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To determine clinical status and renal and hematopoietic function after kidney donation and identify risks associated with kidney donation in dogs.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—14 dogs that underwent unilateral nephrectomy for kidney donation.

Procedures—Records were reviewed retrospectively to collect data regarding prenephrectomy clinicopathologic variables. Dogs were reexamined prospectively at various times after nephrectomy, and pre- and postnephrectomy CBC, serum biochemical analyses, urinalysis, and urine protein-to-urine creatinine ratio were compared. Six dogs had postnephrectomy renal volume determined ultrasonographically, and 4 of those dogs also underwent scintigraphic determination of glomerular filtration rate and renal biopsy.

Results—All dogs were clinically normal at the time of reevaluation. There were no significant differences between prenephrectomy and postnephrectomy values for BUN concentration or urine specific gravity. Mean postnephrectomy serum creatinine concentration was significantly greater than prenephrectomy concentration. Mean serum phosphorus concentration was significantly decreased after nephrectomy, and mean Hct, corpuscular volume, and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly increased after nephrectomy. Postnephrectomy renal volume was greatest in dogs < 12 months old at the time of surgery. Mean postnephrectomy glomerular filtration rate was 2.82 ± 1.12 mL/kg/ min (1.28 ± 0.51 mL/lb/min). Renal biopsy specimens obtained during and after nephrectomy were histologically normal.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Renal and hematopoietic variables were within reference ranges in dogs examined up to 2.5 years after unilateral nephrectomy. Compensatory renal hypertrophy was greatest in dogs < 1 year of age at donation. Donor age, along with histocompatability, may be an important factor in selecting dogs for kidney donation.
Prevalence of serum antibodies against six Leptospira serovars in healthy dogs
Authors: Stokes Jennifer E. , Kaneene John B. , Schall William D. , Kruger John M. , Miller RoseAnn , Kaiser Lana , Bolin Carole A.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To determine the prevalence of antibodies against 6 Leptospira serovars and determine risk factors associated with positive Leptospira titers in healthy client-owned dogs in Michigan.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—1,241 healthy dogs at least 4 months of age.

Procedures—Dogs were examined by veterinarians at private practices. Vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs were enrolled in the study, which occurred prior to the availability of a 4-serovar (Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Pomona) Leptospira vaccine. Sera were tested by use of the microscopic agglutination test to determine antibody titers against Leptospira serovars Bratislava, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Pomona. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic information about each dog to identify risk factors associated with seropositive status.

Results—309 of 1,241 (24.9%) dogs had antibody titers against at least 1 of the 6 Leptospira serovars, which suggested exposure to Leptospira spp. Prevalence of antibodies was highest to serovar Grippotyphosa, followed by Bratislava, Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Pomona. Age, travel outside Michigan, exercise outside fenced yards, and exposure to livestock and wildlife were significant risk factors for positive titers.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Among healthy dogs from the lower peninsula of Michigan, > 20% have antibodies against leptospiral serovars historically considered uncommon but more recently incriminated as causing clinical canine leptospirosis. Wildlife and livestock may be of increasing importance as reservoirs for canine leptospirosis as urbanization continues to occur. Expanded vaccination strategies may partially mitigate these trends.
Use of vacuum-assisted closure for management of a large skin wound in a cat
Authors: Guille April E. , Tseng Laura W. , Orsher Robert J.
Published: June 2007

Case Description—A 9-month-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated after being struck by a car.

Clinical Findings—The cat had a fractured tibia and avulsion of the tail base. Motor and deep pain sensation were absent from the tail. The fractured tibia was repaired 2 days after the trauma. On the third day, the cat developed tachypnea, dyspnea, high serum urea nitrogen and total bilirubin concentrations, epistaxis, persistent hypotension, and oliguria. The cat recovered with supportive care but developed extensive necrosis of the skin on the dorsum by 9 days after the initial trauma.

Treatment and Outcome—The skin was debrided from the caudal portion of the scapula to the anus and down each pelvic limb to the level of the distal portion of the femur. The tail was amputated. Wet-to-dry bandages were applied to the wound for 3 days. Approximately 50% of the wound underwent delayed primary closure, and the remainder was managed with vacuum-assisted closure. A healthy granulation bed was quickly established. Vacuum-assisted closure was also applied after graft application. Graft acceptance was 100%, and use of the vacuum-assisted closure bandage was not associated with the complications associated with the traditional bandage.

Clinical Relevance—Vacuum-assisted closure is a useful, easily applicable technique for open and grafted wounds, even when wounds are in challenging anatomic locations.
Geometric phase for degenerate states of spin-1 and spin-1/2 pair
Authors: Zhu Guo-Qiang
Published: June 2007

The geometric phase of a bi-particle model is discussed. One can drive the system to evolve by applying an external magnetic field, thereby controlling the geometric phase. The model has degenerate lowest-energy eigenvectors. The initial state is assumed to be the linear superposition or mixture of the eigenvectors. The relationship between the geometric phase and the structures of the initial state is considered, and the results are extended to a more general model.
Who Are the Bright Children? The Cultural Context of Being and Acting Intelligent
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: June 2007

In the United States as well as in much of the developed world, many of us tend to take for granted that children who do well on teacher-made and standardized tests are intelligent. But different cultures have different views of intelligence, so which children are considered intelligent may vary from one culture to another. Moreover, the acts that constitute intelligent behavior may vary from one culture to another. Whether teachers take into account the differences in conceptions of who is intelligent and who acts intelligently can also affect how well students learn. This article describes how culture influences what constitutes intelligence, intelligent acts, and intelligent teaching.
Strengthening Structured Abstracts for Education Research: The Need for Claim-Based Structured Abstracts
Authors: Kelly Anthony E. , Yin Robert K.
Published: June 2007

Recent policy recommendations involving the putative primacy of randomized clinical trials in educational settings have reignited research paradigm debates. The authors of this article use the vehicle of strengthening structured journal abstracts to point out the argumentative character of all education research claims. They offer suggestions to authors to help inform academic and policy-oriented consumers of research articles about the various logical and evidentiary limitations that temper research-based claims, whether they emanate from quantitative or qualitative methods.
Interrogating Classroom Relationships and Events: Using Portraiture and Critical Race Theory in Education Research
Authors: Chapman Thandeka K.
Published: June 2007

This article explores the use of the methodology of portraiture and the analytic framework of critical race theory (CRT) to evaluate success and failure in urban classrooms. Portraiture and CRT share a number of features that make the two a viable pair for conducting research in urban schools. In combination, portraiture and CRT allow researchers to evoke the personal, the professional, and the political to illuminate issues of race, class, and gender in education research and to create possibilities for urban school reform as social action.
Self‐tuning run to run optimization of fed‐batch processes using unfold‐PLS
Authors: Camacho José , Picó Jesús , Ferrer Alberto
Published: May 2007

Unfold Partial‐Least Squares (u‐PLS) is a modeling method successfully applied to batch‐process monitoring and end quality prediction. This method is integrated in a self‐tuning optimization algorithm, based on extremum‐seeking control. The optimization is driven by the gradient obtained by means of an adaptive u‐PLS model. Since this is an empirical model, no first‐principles based knowledge of the process is necessary. Heuristic rules are used to constrain the gradient taking into account nonlinearity and unknown causes of variability. Extensions to model the variability in initial conditions, to optimize several performance indices, and to handle inequality constraints are presented. The optimization algorithm is tested on a complex comprehensive simulated‐process model for the fed‐batch cultivation of Sacharomyces cerevisiae. Results show the performance and versatility of the proposed approach, as well as its robustness to process changes. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Prognostic significance of combined analysis of ZAP‐70 and CD38 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: D'Arena Giovanni , Tarnani Michela , Rumi Carlo , Vaisitti Tiziana , Aydin Semra , De Filippi Rosaria , Perrone Francesco , Pinto Antonio , Chiusolo Patrizia , Deaglio Silvia , Malavasi Fabio , Laurenti Luca
Published: May 2007

The clinical heterogeneity that characterizes chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) poses critical questions concerning the identification of high risk patients. Unmutated IgVH genes, CD38 and ZAP‐70 expression have emerged as the most useful tools in identifying aggressive CLL. The simultaneous expression of ZAP‐70 and CD38 in 157 patients with CLL has been evaluated. Fifty‐seven patients (36%) were positive for ZAP‐70 and 46 patients (29%) were positive for CD38. Both molecules were highly correlated and predictive of the clinical course of the disease. According to the simultaneous evaluation of ZAP‐70 and CD38, patients were divided into three groups. In 81 patients (52%), there was a negative concordance of both molecules (ZAP‐70−/CD38−); in 27 patients (17%) there was a positive concordance (ZAP‐70+/CD38+); in 49 patients (31%) there was a discordant expression (ZAP‐70+/CD38− and ZAP‐70−/CD38+). A comparison of the clinical and laboratory data showed in ZAP‐70+/CD38+ patients a significantly higher bone marrow and peripheral blood lymphocytosis, lower hemoglobin levels, more advanced clinical stage, and higher number of unmutated IgVH status with respect to the other two groups. Furthermore, ZAP‐70+/CD38+ patients displayed a much shorter treatment‐free interval (median 12 months vs 42 months in discordant patients and not reached in ZAP‐70−CD38− patients). These results prove that the concomitant evaluation of ZAP‐70 and CD38 expression allows the separation of CLL patients in prognostic subgroups and suggest that their simultaneous assessment should become an integral component of the CLL diagnostic grid. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic thrombopoietin overexpression induces mesangioproliferative glomerulopathy in mice
Authors: Shimoda Haruko K. , Yamamoto Masahiro , Shide Kotaro , Kamezaki Kenjirou , Matsuda Tadashi , Ogawa Katsuhiro , Harada Mine , Shimoda Kazuya
Published: June 2007

We previously reported that mice transgenic (Tg) for thrombopoietin (TPO) developed progressive fibrosis and osteosclerosis of the bone marrow. Here, we show that TPO‐overexpressing mice also exhibited notable histological changes in the kidneys, including an increased number of mesangial cells, expansion of the mesangial matrix in the glomerulus, and atrophy of the renal tubuli. Plasma transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB, which could induce mesangioproliferative responses in glomeruli, were both elevated in TPO Tg mice, even though TPO itself has no effect on mesangial cells due to their lack of c‐Mpl. The mesangial proliferative change in TPO Tg mice was thought to be induced by the elevation of these cytokines. In conclusion, our finding that TPO‐overexpressing mice developed mesangioproliferative glomerulopathy might represent an undesirable effect of chronically elevated TPO in vivo, which should be taken into consideration before new TPO‐like growth factors become available in clinical practice. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sex differences in young adulthood metabolic syndrome and physical activity: The Fels longitudinal study
Authors: Remsberg Karen E. , Rogers Nikki L. , Demerath Ellen W. , Czerwinski Stefan A. , Choh Audrey C. , Lee Miryoung , Chumlea W. C. , Sun Shumei S. , Towne Bradford , Siervogel Roger M.
Published: June 2007

Objective. To evaluate the effects of habitual physical activity (PA) on the metabolic syndrome (MS) in young adult men and women. Research methods and procedures. Cross‐sectional PA data were utilized from 249 women and 237 men, aged 18–40 years in the Fels Longitudinal Study. MS components—abdominal circumference (AC), triglycerides (TG), HDL, blood pressure (BP), and fasting glucose (FG)—were dichotomized according to the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III revised criteria. Leisure, sport, work, and total PA scores were calculated using the Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity. Multiple logistic regression modeling assessed the effects of PA, age, smoking, and BMI on MS status. Results. 26.9% of men and 19.3% of women had MS. For men, MS risk was reduced with increases in both total PA [OR = 0.65 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.90)] and sport PA [OR = 0.40 (95% CI: 0.23, 0.70)]. AC, TG, and HDL values also improved with total and sport PA. Among women, the risk for MS was marginally reduced by total PA [OR = 0.72 (95% CI: 0.50, 1.02)] and HDL levels were increased by both total PA [OR = 0.79 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.98)] and sport PA [OR = 0.54 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.84)]. Discussion. Increased total and sport PA reduces risk for the MS in young men, though not as clearly in young women. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:544–550, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On Egghe's construction of Lorenz curves
Authors: Rousseau Ronald
Published: May 2007

Contrary to Burrell's statements, Egghe's theory of continuous concentration does include the construction of a standard Lorenz curve.
On the robustness of the h‐index
Authors: Vanclay Jerome K.
Published: May 2007

The h‐index (Hirsch, 2005) is robust, remaining relatively unaffected by errors in the long tails of the citations‐rank distribution, such as typographic errors that short‐change frequently cited articles and create bogus additional records. This robustness, and the ease with which h‐indices can be verified, support the use of a Hirsch‐type index over alternatives such as the journal impact factor. These merits of the h‐index apply both to individuals and to journals.
A rational random behaviour model of choice
Authors: Vanhonacker Wilfried R. , Winer Russell S.
Published: May 2007

In this paper, a multinomial‐Dirichlet‐geometric model of consumer brand choice is developed. This individual‐level stochastic choice model is derived as an extension of Theil's theory of rational random behaviour. These behavioural assumptions permit modelling of changes in likelihood of purchase as consumers are confronted with environmental factors whose occurrence and exact nature could not be anticipated at the planning stage of a shopping trip. Moreover, the model allows for uncertainties about future events which might affect actual choice to be built into the choice process alongside a traditional choice model which reflects preferences and/or utilities (and potential uncertainties surrounding them). Empirical results using consumer diary purchase panel data indicate a strong superiority of the model developed compared with previous models which assume stationary preference vectors.
Stochastic models for two‐mode compartmental systems and their asymptotic reduction
Authors: Bruni C. , Koch G.
Published: May 2007

We consider a class of population models, which will be named “two‐mode” and is suitable to represent phenomena characterized by the interaction of two compartment groups. The two groups, both containing the same number of compartments, may exhibit some difference in their behaviour (“mode”), described in terms of transition rates. We conventionally denote them as “active” and “inactive” compartments.

Exchanges between compartments are modelled by a multidimensional jump Markov process. Within both active and inactive subsystems the exchanges of individuals may occur in all possible ways. On the other hand, each active compartment communicates in both directions with just one inactive compartment. Such exchanges have indeed to be considered as transitions of “status” (mode) for the individuals; with this interpretation, a special feature of our model is that they occur much faster than exchanges within each subsystem.

Possible non‐linear interactions among compartments (for instance due to crowding effects) are included in the model by letting the exchange rates depend on the total numbers of individuals in the pair of corresponding active and inactive compartments. Birth/reproduction and death phenomena are also accounted for.

We show that, as the rate of mode transition diverges, an instantaneous relationship (in the mean value sense) links the number of individuals Xakt and Xikt in each pair of active and inactive compartments.

A stronger result is proved to hold for the “pooled variables” Xakt+ Xakt, which converge weakly (in the sense of distributions on the path space) to the solution of a reduced n‐dimensional model.

In the paper, Section 1 is devoted to discussing the peculiar features of the model and to motivate its relevance in a variety of possible applications fields. Section 2 contains a formal presentation of the original and reduced models, along with an intermediate model (equivalent to the original one) which helps in clarifying connections between the above‐mentioned ones. The aim of Section 2 is also to ascertain that these models are well defined. In Section 3 the convergence results are proved.
Interpreting multiple correspondence analysis
Authors: Greenacre Michael J.
Published: May 2007

The practical aspects of interpreting multiple correspondence analysis are reviewed. The geometric concepts associated with simple correspondence analysis are shown to be inadequate for multiple correspondence analysis. An alternative approach, called joint correspondence analysis, is shown to be a more natural generalization of the simple case. The practical interpretation of homogeneity analysis is also discussed and a compromise is proposed between classical multiple correspondence analysis and joint correspondence analysis, preserving the optimal scaling properties of homogeneity analysis. A simple example is used throughout the discussion to illustrate the issues involved.