bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Analysis of Hierarchical Effects
Authors: Chandukala Sandeep R. , Dotson Jeffrey P. , Brazell Jeff D. , Allenby Greg M.
Published: November 2010

The idea of hierarchical, sequential, or intermediate effects has long been posited in textbooks and academic literature. Hierarchical effects occur when relationships among variables are mediated through other variables. Challenges in studying hierarchical effects in marketing include the large number of items present in most commercial studies and the presence of heterogeneous relationships among the variables. Existing approaches have dealt with the large number of variables by employing a factor structure representation of the data and have used standard mixture distributions for representing different response segments. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian model for the analysis of hierarchical data using the actual response items and incorporating heterogeneity that better reflects consumer stages in a decision process. Cross-sectional data from a national brand-tracking study are used to illustrate our model, where we find empirical support for a hierarchical relationship among media recall, brand beliefs, and intended actions. We find these effects to be insignificant when measured with standard models and aggregate analyses. The proposed model is useful for understanding the influence of variables that lead to intermediate as opposed to direct effects on brand choice.
Preview Provision Under Competition
Authors: Xiang Yi , Soberman David A.
Published: November 2010

In certain categories, an important element of competition is the use of previews to signal information to potential consumers about product attributes. For example, the front page of a newspaper provides a preview to potential newspaper buyers before they purchase the product. In this context, a news provider can provide previews that are highly informative about the content of the news product. Conversely, a news provider can utilize a preview that is relatively uninformative. We examine the incentives that firms have to adopt different preview strategies in a context where they do not have complete control of product positioning. Our analysis shows that preview strategy can be a useful source of differentiation. However, when a firm adopts a strategy of providing informative previews, it confers a positive externality on a competitor that utilizes uninformative previews. This reinforces the incentive of the competitor to use uninformative previews and explains why the market landscape in news provision is often characterized by asymmetric competition.
Rating Performance or Contesting Status: Evidence Against the Homophily Explanation for Supervisor Demographic Skew in Performance Ratings
Authors: Pearce Jone L. , Xu Qiumei Jane
Published: November 2010

We propose and test an argument in which the well-documented skew in supervisory performance appraisal ratings toward those with the same demography as themselves is better explained by the status contests than the reigning theory of homophily. We conduct the test in a field study of 358 supervisor–subordinate dyads in 10 organizations, using hierarchical linear modeling with various controls. We find that supervisors' ratings of subordinates' contextual and task performance only skew toward similar subordinates when supervisors' status is contested by a higher demographic status subordinate, as predicted by social dominance and status characteristics theories. None of the general homophily preference hypotheses is supported. This study provides a richer theory more consistent with the accumulating evidence about demography effects in organizations and demonstrates the value of head-to-head strong inference tests and status explanations for the field of organizational behavior.
On the Iteration of a Function Related to Euler's φ-Function
Authors: Harrington Joshua , Jones Lenny
Published: November 2010

A unit
On Ternary Inclusion-Exclusion Polynomials
Authors: Bachman Gennady
Published: November 2010

Taking a combinatorial point of view on cyclotomic polynomials leads to a larger class of polynomials we shall call the inclusion-exclusion polynomials. This gives a more appropriate setting for certain types of questions about the coefficients of these polynomials. After establishing some basic properties of inclusion-exclusion polynomials we turn to a detailed study of the structure of ternary inclusion-exclusion polynomials. The latter subclass is exemplified by cyclotomic polynomials Φ
Associations between vitamin D receptor genotypes and mortality in a cohort of older Dutch individuals
Authors: de Jongh Renate T , Lips Paul , Rijs Kelly J , van Schoor Natasja M , Kramer Mark H H , Vandenbroucke Jan P , Dekkers Olaf M
Published: November 2010

Context

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with a variety of diseases, which may translate into an effect on mortality.

Objective

To investigate the associations betweenVDRgene variants and mortality among older people.

Design

The analyses were conducted in a population-based, prospective cohort of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Adequate DNA analysis was performed in 923 men and women (≥65 years). We aimed to assess the associations between mortality and the VDR polymorphismFokI, three haplotypes of theCdx2andGATApolymorphisms, and three haplotypes of theBsmI,ApaI, andTaqIpolymorphisms.

Results

During the median follow-up of 10.7 years, 480 participants deceased (51%). Homozygosity for theCdx2–GATAhaplotype 1 allele was associated with a 30% higher mortality risk compared to the absence of alleles (hazard ratios (HR) 1.30, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.01–1.68). Adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels did not affect this HR. The number of copies of theCdx2–GATAhaplotype 1 allele was associated, although not significantly, with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures (0 copies=reference, HR, 95% CI: 1 copy 2.01, 0.99–4.07 and 2 copies 1.81, 0.87–4.18). After adjustment for osteoporotic fractures, homozygosity for theCdx2–GATAhaplotype 1 allele was no longer associated with higher mortality risk (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.83–1.41).

Conclusions

TheCdx2–GATAhaplotype 1 allele was related to increased mortality risk, which may be partly explained by osteoporotic fractures. As the biological mechanism is uncertain and this study size is limited, our results should be interpreted as hypothesis generating.
A Novel Surgical Procedure for Coronally Repositioning of the Buccal Implant Mucosa Using Acellular Dermal Matrix: A Case Report
Authors: Mareque‐Bueno Santiago
Published: November 2010

Background: This case report describes a surgical procedure for coronally advancing the peri‐implant mucosa to treat a soft tissue dehiscence in a single‐tooth implant‐supported restoration in combination with an acellular dermal matrix graft.

Methods: The patient was a 41‐year‐old systemically healthy, non‐smoking female. Her chief complaint pertained to the unesthetic appearance of her right lateral upper incisor, caused by recession of the mucosal margin. On examination, a 3‐mm recession could be observed. The periodontium was classified as thin. A 2‐mm band of keratinized peri‐implant mucosa was present. Keratinized gingiva was approximately 6 mm at adjacent areas. The surgical technique included a novel incision design to coronally position the flap over an acellular dermal matrix graft.

Results: Partial coverage of the recession was achieved. After a 6‐month period, tissues appeared thicker than preoperatively, with no bleeding on probing and no probing depth >2 mm. The patient was satisfied with the overall treatment result.

Conclusions: This case report shows the possibility of achieving partial soft tissue coverage over an implant‐supported restoration with the combined use of an acellular dermal matrix and a coronally positioned flap. A novel technique is presented that allowed advancing the flap over the graft in a single‐tooth restoration where enough keratinized tissue was present preoperatively.
Interactions of Human Endothelial and Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cocultures
Authors: Ern Christina , Krump-Konvalinkova Vera , Docheva Denitsa , Schindler Stefanie , Rossmann Oliver , Böcker Wolfgang , Mutschler Wolf , Schieker Matthias
Published: November 2010

Current strategies for tissue engineering of bone rely on the implantation of scaffolds, colonized with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), into a recipient. A major limitation is the lack of blood vessels. One approach to enhance the scaffold vascularisation is to supply the scaffolds with endothelial cells (EC).

The main goal of this study was to establish a coculture system of hMSC and EC for the purposes of bone tissue engineering. Therefore, the cell behaviour, proliferation and differentiation capacity in various cell culture media as well as cell interactions in the cocultures were evaluated.

The differentiation capacity of hMSC along osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineage was impaired in EC medium while in a mixed EC and hMSC media, hMSC maintained osteogenic differentiation. In order to identify and trace EC in the cocultures, EC were transduced with eGFP. Using time-lapse imaging, we observed that hMSC and EC actively migrated towards cells of their own type and formed separate clusters in long term cocultures. The scarcity of hMSC and EC contacts in the cocultures suggest the influence of growth factor-mediated cell interactions and points to the necessity of further optimization of the coculture conditions.
Smart Sensors and Virtual Physiology Human Approach as a Basis of Personalized Therapies in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Fernández Peruchena Carlos M , Prado-Velasco Manuel
Published: November 2010

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has a growing incidence and prevalence in modern societies, pushed by the aging and change of life styles. Despite the huge resources dedicated to improve their quality of life, mortality and morbidity rates, these are still very poor. In this work, DM pathology is revised from clinical and metabolic points of view, as well as mathematical models related to DM, with the aim of justifying an evolution of DM therapies towards the correction of the physiological metabolic loops involved. We analyze the reliability of mathematical models, under the perspective of virtual physiological human (VPH) initiatives, for generating and integrating customized knowledge about patients, which is needed for that evolution. Wearable smart sensors play a key role in this frame, as they provide patient’s information to the models.

A telehealthcare computational architecture based on distributed smart sensors (first processing layer) and personalized physiological mathematical models integrated in Human Physiological Images (HPI) computational components (second processing layer), is presented. This technology was designed for a renal disease telehealthcare in earlier works and promotes crossroads between smart sensors and the VPH initiative. We suggest that it is able to support a truly personalized, preventive, and predictive healthcare model for the delivery of evolved DM therapies.
Expanded Network of Inflammatory Markers of Atherogenesis: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Abbasi Seyed Hesameddin , Boroumand Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2010

Inflammatory biomarkers play a pivotal role in atherosclerotic lesions. The plasma levels of these markers are predictive of adverse outcomes such as myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. The immune system is involved at all stages of atherogenesisviaactivation of monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes.Circulating proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines produced by these cells interact with specific receptors on various cells and activate specific signaling pathways, leading to inflammation-induced atherosclerotic lesions. Recent studies have focused on predictive value of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. These biomarkers were shown to be associated with poor quality of life and predictive of adverse events in coronary atherosclerosis and left ventricular dysfunction. Vascular predictive value of other numerous inflammatory markers is being investigated. We herein analyze the role of several mediators of inflammation, affecting vascular functions and leading toward atherosclerotic lesions.
Behçet’s Disease as a Model of Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Regina Micaela La , Gasparyan Armen Yuri , Orlandini Francesco , Prisco Domenico
Published: November 2010

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology characterized by recurrent oral, genital aphthous ulcerations, uveitis, skin lesions and other multisystem affections associated with vasculitis. Different types of vessels, predominantly veins, can be affected in BD. The frequency of vascular lesions in BD, such as superficial and deep venous thromboses, arterial aneurysms and occlusions, ranges between 7-29%.

In this review, various factors of thrombogenesis in BD, particularly pro- and antithrombotic endothelial and non-endothelial factors, factors of coagulation, platelet activation and rheological changes are presented and discussed from positions of Virchow’s triad of venous thrombosis.

Despite advances in understanding of thrombogenesis in BD, still many issues of diagnosis and targeted preventive and therapeutic measures remain unresolved. Further studies are needed to clarify the pathobiology of BD-related thrombosis and to provide the clinicians with recommendations over the utility, safety and effectiveness of the antithrombotic therapy in BD.
Arterial Distensibility in Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Disorders
Authors: Yildiz Mustafa
Published: November 2010

The pulse wave velocity (PWV), as an indicator of arterial distensibility, may play an important role in the stratification of patients based on the cardiovascular risk. PWV inversely correlates with arterial distensibility and relative arterial compliance. Decreased arterial distensibility alters arterial blood pressure and flow dynamics, and disturbes coronary perfusion. Systemic immune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, predominantly due to adverse cardiovascular events. Systemic inflammation in these disorders may alter arterial compliance and arterial distensibility and, through this effect, lead to accelerated atherosclerosis. We have demonstrated an increase in the carotid-femoral (aortic) PWV that is a technique in which large artery elasticity is assessed from analysis of the peripheral arterial waveform, in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions such as RA, SLE, familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG), sarcoidosis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis except Behçet’s disease (BD). In this review, the issue of arterial stiffness in RA, SLE, as well as WG, psoriasis, FMF, BD, sarcoidosis, systemic sclerosis (SS) and Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is overviewed.
The Translation Evidence Mechanism. The Compact between Researcher and Clinician
Authors: Bauer Janet G , Chiappelli Francesco
Published: November 2010

Currently, best evidence is a concentrated effort by researchers. Researchers produce information and expect that clinicians will implement their advances in improving patient care. However, difficulties exist in maximizing cooperation and coordination between the producers, facilitators, and users (patients) of best evidence outcomes. The Translational Evidence Mechanism is introduced to overcome these difficulties by forming a compact between researcher, clinician and patient. With this compact, best evidence may become an integral part of private practice when uncertainties arise in patient health status, treatments, and therapies. The mechanism is composed of an organization, central database, and decision algorithm. Communication between the translational evidence organization, clinicians and patients is through the electronic chart. Through the chart, clinical inquiries are made, patient data from provider assessments and practice cost schedules are collected and encrypted (HIPAA standards), then inputted into the central database. Outputs are made within a timeframe suitable to private practice and patient flow. The output consists of a clinical practice guideline that responds to the clinical inquiry with decision, utility and cost data (based on the “average patient”) for shared decision-making within informed consent. This shared decision-making allows for patients to “game” treatment scenarios using personal choice inputs. Accompanying the clinical practice guideline is a decision analysis that explains the optimized clinical decision. The resultant clinical decision is returned to the central database using the clinical practice guideline. The result is subsequently used to update current best evidence, indicate the need for new evidence, and analyze the changes made in best evidence implementation. When updates in knowledge occur, these are transmitted to the provider as alerts or flags through patient charts and other communication modalities.
Promising Clinical Results of the Universal Total Wrist Prosthesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: van Winterswijk P.J.T.S. , Bakx P.A.G.M.
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the Universal Total Wrist prosthesis.

Seventeen wrist arthroplasties were performed in 15 patients using the Universal Total Wrist prosthesis. The 11 women and 4 men in the study group ranged in age from 45 to 86 years. Fourteen patients had rheumatoid arthritis and one had osteoarthritis. Follow up ranged from 20 to 74 months. Patients were evaluated for range of motion, with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) survey and radiographically.

All range of motion values improved after surgery. Average postoperative motion was 29° dorsiflexion, 38° volar flexion, 7° radial deviation and 17° ulnar deviation. The DASH scores improved with 29 %. Pain score improved in all 15 patients. One prosthesis had to be removed due to component loosening of the carpal plate. The other cases showed no radiographic signs of loosening. One patient had an early prosthetic dislocation and was treated conservatively with success.

The Universal Total Wrist prosthesis provides a promising outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Dislocation of the Elbow: A Retrospective Multicentre Study of 86 Patients
Authors: de Haan Jeroen , Schep Niels W.L , Zengerink Imme , van Buijtenen Jesse , Tuinebreijer Wim E , den Hartog Dennis
Published: November 2010

The objective of this retrospective multicentre cohort study was to prospectively assess the long-term functional outcomes of simple and complex elbow dislocations.

We analysed the hospital and outpatient records of 86 patients between 01.03.1999 and 25.02.2009 with an elbow dislocation. After a mean follow-up of 3.3 years, all patients were re-examined at the outpatient clinic for measurement of different outcomes.

The mean range of motion was ROM 135.5°. The Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) scored an average of 91.9 (87.5% of the patients were rated excellent or good). The average Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Quick- DASH) score was 9.7, the sports/music score 11.5 and work score 6.1. The Oxford function score was 75.7, Oxford pain score 75.2 and Oxford social-psychological score 73.9.

Elbow dislocation is a mild disease and generally, the outcome is excellent. Functional results might improve with early active movements.
Results of Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation in the Knee
Authors: Muller Sandra , Breederveld Roelf S , Tuinebreijer Wim E
Published: November 2010

Repair of full thickness defects of articular cartilage in the knee is difficult but important to prevent progression to osteoarthritis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical results of Osteochondral Autograft Transplant System (OATS) treatment for articular defects of the knee.

Between 1999 and 2005, 15 knees (14 patients) were treated by the OATS technique. Age ranged from 27 to 52 years. Cartilage defects were up to 3.75 cm2. The mean follow-up was 42 months. Knee function was assessed by the Lysholmscore and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form. Six patients scored good or excellent. No patient had knee instability. Twelve of 13 patients returned to sports at an intermediate or high level. The subjective assessment score (0-10) changed from 4.7 before operation to 7.2 afterward (P=0.007). The OATS-technique resulted in a decrease in symptoms in patients with localized articular cartilage defects. We consider the OATS technique to be an appropriate treatment for cartilage defects to prevent progression of symptoms.
Activated Sludge and Other Aerobic Suspended Culture Processes
Authors: Schmit Christopher G. , Jahan Kauser , Schmit Kathryn H. , Aydinol F. Ilter , Debik Eyyüp , Pattarkine Vikram
Published: November 2010

This is a literature review for the year 2009 and contains information specifically related to suspended growth processes including activated sludge and sequencing batch reactors. This review is a subsection of the Treatment Systems section of the annual literature review. The review encompasses modeling, nutrient removal, system design and operation, oxygen transfer and solids separation. Two topics that have seen an increase in activity compared to historical reviews are membrane bioreactors and fate and occurrence of hormones and pharmaceuticals, which are referred to as m icroconstituents following current WEF terminology. Microconstituents as they relate to suspended growth reactors are covered in this review, while membrane bioreactors are reviewed in another section in this journal. Other subsections from the Treatment Systems section that might also be related to this section include: Wastewater Collection Systems; Biological Fixed Film Systems; and Modeling, Instrumentation, Automation, and Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Facilities. Many of the subsections in the Industrial Wastes, Hazardous Wastes, and Fate and Effects of Pollutants sections could also have some overlap with this section.
Decentralized Systems
Authors: Norton John W.
Published: November 2010

A review of the literature published in 2009 on topics relating to decentralized water systems. Decentralized systems are designed with less than fully centralized collection and treatment for various benefits. Although these systems serve diverse needs, they have common characteristics, such as remote monitoring, control, and quality verification, such that study of these systems might provide benefit in their future evaluation, design, and implementation.
Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Yang Xuejiao , Ikehata Keisuke , Lerner Robert , Hu Yue , Josyula Kartik , Chang Scott X. , Liu Yang
Published: November 2010

This review summarizes the literature related to agricultural wastes published during 2009. The review is divided into the following sections: waste characterization, waste management and pollution minimization, waste treatment, and waste recycle and reuse.
Chemicals and Allied Products
Authors: Hung Yung‐Tse , Butler Erick , Kuo Chin Y. , Yeh Ruth Yu‐Li
Published: November 2010

A review of the literature published in 2009 on topics related to chemicals and allied products is presented. The review consider several sections such as waste management, physicochemical treatment, aerobic treatment, anaerobic treatment, air emissions, soils and groundwater, and reuse.
Power Production Waste
Authors: Baawain Mahad , Al‐Jabri Mohsin
Published: November 2010

This is a review on literature published in 2009 that covered issues related to power production waste that resulted from fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. The review included methods and techniques used for the characterization of the produced waste. This review also included literature investigating the use and disposal of the produced waste.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Authors: Buchanan Ian , Liang H.C. , Liu Zengkai , Razaviarani Vahid , Rahman Md. Ziaur
Published: November 2010

This is a review of literature published in 2009 that covered issues related to the presence of pesticides and herbicides in the environment. The review is divided into nine sections, including analytical methods, toxicology, monitoring, ecology, fate and transport, modeling, risk assessment, management and minimization, and treatment strategies.
Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Biksey Thomas M. , Schultz Amy Couch , Bernhardt Aaron M. , Marion Brett , Peterson Chrissy
Published: November 2010

This literature review covers the risk assessment process and addresses both ecological and human receptors. The review covers the risk assessment literature including methodology, analysis, interpretation, management, uncertainty, policy, and regulatory guidance. The review is divided into ecological and human health sections. The focus of the review is on the risk assessment process as it is applied to ecological systems and human health, site investigation and remediation, and natural resources. The objective is to provide an overview of the scope of the literature published in 2009.
A Multiscale Assessment of Den Selection by Black Bears in Louisiana
Authors: Crook Annelie C. , Chamberlain Michael J.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT Understanding den selection for the federally threatened Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus) will assist managers in effectively managing bear populations and the landscapes they inhabit. We assessed den selection of 72 female Louisiana black bears at multiple spatial scales in northern and central Louisiana, USA. We used 230 den‐years to examine den type preference, microhabitat characteristics of dens, and effects of landscape characteristics on den selection. We also evaluated reuse of tree dens and their availability across several study areas. Bears selected tree dens more frequently (65%) than ground dens. Most (55%) ground dens were associated with standing or downed trees, and most tree dens were in baldcypress (Taxodium distichum; 86%) or surrounded by water (80%). Selection of ground dens was positively associated with landscape metrics related to presence of water, whereas selection of tree dens was positively associated with proximity to edge and greater proportions of swamp and areas containing water. Reuse of tree dens averaged 15% (range = 0–20%) across study areas and our estimates of tree‐den availability indicated that tree dens were not a limiting resource for Louisiana black bears in the northern or central portions of Louisiana. Although Louisiana black bears demonstrated plasticity in den selection, we recommend managers use forest management practices that conserve appropriate tree dens and create ground‐denning opportunities, because both would promote the recovery of Louisiana black bear populations.
Coarse‐Scale Distribution Surveys and Occurrence Probability Modeling for Wolverine in Interior Alaska
Authors: Gardner Craig L. , Lawler James P. , Hoef Jay M. Ver , Magoun Audrey J. , Kellie Kalin A.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT We determined wolverine (Gulo gulo) distribution and occurrence probabilities using aerial surveys and hierarchical spatial modeling in a 180,000‐km2 portion of Interior Alaska, USA. During 8 February‐12 March 2006, we surveyed 149 of 180 1,000‐km2 sample units for wolverine tracks. We observed wolverine tracks in 99 (66.4%) sample units. Wolverine detection probability was ≥69% throughout the survey period. Posterior occurrence probabilities of whether a wolverine track occurred in a sample unit was dependent on survey timing, number of transects flown, number of neighboring sample units with detected tracks, percentage of the sample unit with elevation ≤305 m, and human influences. Our model indicated strong evidence of occurrence (>0.80) in 72% of the 180 survey units, strong evidence of absence (<0.20) in 12%, and weak evidence of occurrence or absence (0.20–0.80) in 16%. Wolverine area of occupancy made up 83% of the study area. Simulations illustrated that 2–4 survey routes were necessary for the survey technique to provide strong evidence of wolverine presence or absence in Interior Alaska if a track was not identified along the first route. The necessary number of survey routes depends on the occurrence probability in a sample unit. We provided managers with a map of wolverine distribution in Interior Alaska and an efficient and lower‐cost method to detect coarse‐scale changes in wolverine distribution. Our technique was effective in both Interior Alaska and Ontario, Canada, suggesting it would be effective throughout most of the boreal forest range of wolverines where tracks can be readily observed from the air. The technique requires a certain skill level in recognizing tracks; it is essential that tracks are identified correctly and training may be necessary depending on surveyor experience.
Land Use and Small Mammal Predation Effects on Shortgrass Prairie Birds
Authors: STANLEY THOMAS R.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT Grassland birds endemic to the central shortgrass prairie ecoregion of the United States have experienced steep and widespread declines over the last 3 decades, and factors influencing reproductive success have been implicated. Nest predation is the major cause of nest failure in passerines, and nesting success for some shortgrass prairie birds is exceptionally low. The 3 primary land uses in the central shortgrass prairie ecoregion are native shortgrass prairie rangeland (62%), irrigated and nonirrigated cropland (29%), and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP, 8%). Because shortgrass–cropland edges and CRP may alter the community of small mammal predators of grassland bird nests, I sampled multiple sites on and near the Pawnee National Grasslands in northeast Colorado, USA, to evaluate 1) whether small mammal species richness and densities were greater in CRP fields and shortgrass prairie–cropland edges compared to shortgrass prairie habitats, and 2) whether daily survival probabilities of ground‐nesting grassland bird nests were negatively correlated with densities of small mammals. Small mammal species richness and densities, estimated using trapping webs, were generally greater along edges and on CRP sites compared to shortgrass sites. Vegetation did not differ among edges and shortgrass sites but did differ among CRP and shortgrass sites. Daily survival probabilities of artificial nests at edge and CRP sites and natural nests at edge sites did not differ from shortgrass sites, and for natural nests small mammal densities did not affect nest survival. However, estimated daily survival probability of artificial nests was inversely proportional to thirteen‐lined ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) densities. In conclusion, these data suggest that although land‐use patterns on the shortgrass prairie area in my study have substantial effects on the small mammal community, insufficient data existed to determine whether land‐use patterns or small mammal density were affecting grassland bird nest survival. These findings will be useful to managers for predicting the effects of land‐use changes in the shortgrass prairie on small mammal communities and avian nest success.
Application of Quantitative Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Noninvasive Genetic Monitoring
Authors: Hausknecht Roland , Bayerl Helmut , Gula Roman , Kuehn Ralph
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTNoninvasive genetic monitoring of animal populations has become a widely used method in animal conservation and wildlife management due to its known advantages in sample availability of endangered or elusive species. A variety of methods have been suggested to overcome the difficulties of collecting reliable genetic data despite poor DNA quality and quantity of samples. We used quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify DNA contents and preselect extracts suitable for microsatellite genotyping of noninvasive samples from 2 carnivore species, wolf (Canis lupus) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). We tested 2 concentration thresholds for DNA extracts containing either 5 pg/μL or 25 pg/μL at minimum and evaluated the effect of excluding samples from genotyping falling below either of these DNA concentrations. Depending on species and threshold concentration applied, we reduced the genotyping effort by 21% to 47% and genotyping errors by 7% to 45%, yet we could still detect 82% to 99% of available genotypes. Thus, qPCR may potentially reduce genotyping effort and enhance data reliability in noninvasive genetic studies. Genetic laboratories working on noninvasive population genetic studies could transfer this approach to other species, streamline genetic analyses and, thus, more efficiently provide wildlife managers with reliable genetic data of wild populations.
Effects of Prescribed Fire on Vegetation and Passerine Birds in Northern Mixed‐Grass Prairie
Authors: Grant Todd A. , Madden Elizabeth M. , Shaffer Terry L. , Dockens Johnida S.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTPrescribed fire is used widely to manage grasslands on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands in the northern Great Plains, but its effects on habitat use or production of wildlife in the region are poorly understood. During 1998–2003, we used point counts to examine effects of prescribed fire on vegetation and passerines in a mixed‐grass prairie complex in north‐central North Dakota, USA (n= 7 units, each 40–70 ha). Vegetation structure and, to a lesser extent, plant community composition varied with year of study (likely related to changes in annual precipitation) and with number of growing seasons since fire. Fire altered plant structure, especially the amount of residual vegetation, which in turn influenced bird species richness and abundance. The number of indicated pairs for sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis), clay‐colored sparrow (Spizella pallida), Le Conte's sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii), Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), and bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) were lowest during the first postfire growing season but generally increased and stabilized within 2–3 postfire growing seasons. Our results support the premise that grassland passerines are well‐adapted to frequent, periodic fires, generally corresponding to those occurring prior to Euro‐American settlement of the region. Prescribed fire is important for reducing tree and shrub invasion, restoring biological integrity of plant communities, and maintaining or enhancing populations of grassland‐dependent bird species. Managers in the northern mixed‐grass prairie region should not be overly concerned about reductions in bird abundances that are limited mostly to the first growing season after fire.
Can We Accurately Characterize Wildlife Resource Use When Telemetry Data Are Imprecise?
Authors: Montgomery Robert A. , Roloff Gary J. , Hoef Jay M. Ver , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT Telemetry data have been widely used to quantify wildlife habitat relationships despite the fact that these data are inherently imprecise. All telemetry data have positional error, and failure to account for that error can lead to incorrect predictions of wildlife resource use. Several techniques have been used to account for positional error in wildlife studies. These techniques have been described in the literature, but their ability to accurately characterize wildlife resource use has never been tested. We evaluated the performance of techniques commonly used for incorporating telemetry error into studies of wildlife resource use. Our evaluation was based on imprecise telemetry data (mean telemetry error = 174 m, SD = 130 m) typical of field‐based studies. We tested 5 techniques in 10 virtual environments and in one real‐world environment for categorical (i.e., habitat types) and continuous (i.e., distances or elevations) rasters. Technique accuracy varied by patch size for the categorical rasters, with higher accuracy as patch size increased. At the smallest patch size (1 ha), the technique that ignores error performed best on categorical data (0.31 and 0.30 accuracy for virtual and real data, respectively); however, as patch size increased the bivariate‐weighted technique performed better (0.56 accuracy at patch sizes >31 ha) and achieved complete accuracy (i.e., 1.00 accuracy) at smaller patch sizes (472 ha and 1,522 ha for virtual and real data, respectively) than any other technique. We quantified the accuracy of the continuous covariates using the mean absolute difference (MAD) in covariate value between true and estimated locations. We found that average MAD varied between 104 m (ignore telemetry error) and 140 m (rescale the covariate data) for our continuous covariate surfaces across virtual and real data sets. Techniques that rescale continuous covariate data or use a zonal mean on values within a telemetry error polygon were significantly less accurate than other techniques. Although the technique that ignored telemetry error performed best on categorical rasters with smaller average patch sizes (i.e., ≤31 ha) and on continuous rasters in our study, accuracy was so low that the utility of using point‐based approaches for quantifying resource use is questionable when telemetry data are imprecise, particularly for small‐patch habitat relationships.
Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing on Lycopene Isomers
Authors: Varma Supriya , Karwe Mukund V , Lee Tung-Ching
Published: November 2010

Lycopene is known for its preventive mechanism of action against various types of cancers and chronic diseases. It is an acyclic C40 non-polar carotenoid that is found in tomatoes in various geometrical isomeric forms. In nature, the predominant form is the all-trans isomeric form (80-97%) in tomato and tomato related products. However research indicates that >50% of the lycopene in human body is found in the cis isomeric form, thereby leading to the hypothesis that the cis form is the more bioavailable /bioactive form in the human body.Todays consumers seek processed products that are minimally processed and have retained their overall quality. This has lead scientists to explore nonthermal processing technologies like High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) processing technology. Our hypothesis that energy input can cause isomerization lead us to study the increase in cis isomer content on using HHP processing technology. Semi preparative scale HPLC method was used to purify the isomers. Lycopene isomers in tributyrin (model systems) and tomato homogenate (real food systems) were used. The HHP equipment was manufactured by Elmhurst Research, Inc. It is a 10L tilt vessel assembly with horizontal loading and vertical operation. The pressure treatment varied from 320Mpa-620Mpa for 3 minutes at ambient conditions. Treatment of both the systems showed an increase in the cis isomer content compared to the control. The all-trans content reduced by ~70% in model systems and the cis content increased by ~44% in model systems. The all-trans content increased by ~50% in food systems and the cis content also increased by ~35% in food systems. The results indicate that pressure causes conformational change from the all-trans to cis isomer form; thereby indicating that high-pressure application can induce cis isomerization.
Why Does Intermarriage Increase Immigrant Employment? The Role of Networks
Authors: Furtado Delia , Theodoropoulos Nikolaos
Published: November 2010

Social networks are commonly understood to play a large role in the labor market success of immigrants. Using 2000 U.S. Census data, this paper examines whether access to native networks, as measured by marriage to a native, increases the probability of immigrant employment. We start by confirming that in both least squares and instrumental variables frameworks, marriage to a native indeed increases immigrant employment rates. Next, we show that the returns to marrying a native are not likely to arise solely from legal status acquired through marriage or characteristics of native spouses. We then present several pieces of evidence suggesting that networks obtained through marriage play an important part in explaining the relationship between marriage decisions and employment.
Urinary Cystatin C as a Potential Risk Marker for Cardiovascular Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Satoh-Asahara Noriko , Suganami Takayoshi , Majima Takafumi , Kotani Kazuhiko , Kato Yasuhisa , Araki Rika , Koyama Kazunori , Okajima Taiichiro , Tanabe Makito , Oishi Mariko , Himeno Akihiro , Kono Shigeo , Sugawara Akira , Hattori Masakazu , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Shimatsu Akira
Published: November 2010

Background and Objectives

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and all-cause mortality. Serum cystatin C (S-CysC), a marker of GFR, has been shown to be associated with CVD and CKD. This study was designed to elucidate the association of urinary CysC (U-CysC), a marker of renal tubular dysfunction, with CVD and CKD risk factors in patients with obesity and MS.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The U-CysC-creatinine ratio (UCCR) was examined in 343 Japanese obese outpatients enrolled in the multi-centered Japan Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Study.

Results

UCCR was positively correlated with urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) and S-CysC and negatively correlated with estimated GFR (eGFR). Among obese patients, UCCR was significantly higher in MS patients than in non-MS patients. UCCR had significant correlations with the number of components of MS and arterial stiffness, all of which are CVD predictors, similarly to UACR (P < 0.05). Interestingly, diet- and exercise-induced weight reduction for 3 months significantly decreased only UCCR among all of the renal markers examined (P < 0.01), in parallel with the decrease in BMI, HbA1c, and arterial stiffness, suggesting the beneficial effect of weight reduction on renal tubular dysfunction.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that UCCR is significantly associated with renal dysfunction, the severity of MS, arterial stiffness, and weight change in obese patients. The data of this study suggest that U-CysC could serve as a CVD and CKD risk factor in patients with obesity and MS.
Equal among Firsts: Reviewing Quality in Psychology
Authors: Larrington Carolyne , Lindsay Roger
Published: November 2010

Following a QAA review of Psychology at Oxford Brookes University in 1999, the Psychology Department attempted to respond to the reviewer's comment that insufficient first class degrees were being awarded. In attempting to locate the source of the problem, intake profile, the assessment scheme, teaching and learning methods, and resources were systematically examined. None of these things appeared to explain why rates of first class award should be unusually low. Finally the Department decided to reconsider the validity of the reviewer's complaint. Statistical comparison with rates of first class awards in other Departments at Oxford Brookes, and with UK Psychology Departments as a whole, showed that first rates in the Psychology Department did not differ from either reference group. An analysis of published QAA reports of UK Psychology Departments showed that nine departments were criticised for an excessively low first rate. Some uncriticised departments had lower first rates than others amongst the rebuked, and some rebuked departments awarded more firsts than those passing unremarked. It is concluded that QAA review of award frequency in Psychology was inconsistent and vulnerable to bias. Suggestions are made for improvement including the use of statistical methods to justify quantitative conclusions, and training reviewers to take into account known sources of bias.
Factors Affecting Students' Usage of Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Ashby Rachel , Broughan Christine
Published: November 2010

This report considers the factors that affect students' usage of virtual learning environments (VLE). In particular it explores students' reluctance to engage in the interactive components of the VLE that are essential elements to the learning process. A study at Coventry University found that many students felt embarrassed to use the on-line facilities. In order for students to use the VLE to its fullest potential, it is suggested that students should not simply be expected to embrace this new form of learning without suitable support and guidance from tutors.
Integrative Thinking: Building Personal, Working Models of Psychology That Support Problem-Solving
Authors: Dixon Roz
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to explore the way in which experienced psychologists approach the problem of integrating theory, and to identify commonly used principles and heuristics that students might employ to support their own integration of theory. Eighteen experienced applied psychologists were interviewed, and data were analysed using a phenomenological approach. It was concluded that integrating theory may be understood as a series of problems to be solved, although much of the decision-making may be implicit rather than explicit. Despite the huge variation between participants, it was possible to clarify the various components of integration, to identify some common principles and heuristics, and to sketch the process by which each psychologist develops an idiosyncratic personal body of psychological knowledge.
Teaching Introductory Psychology through Flexible Delivery: A Case Study
Authors: Little Emma , Francis Andrew
Published: November 2010

The issue of how to engage students early in the higher educational area of psychology is a pertinent one for educators. With the development of information technologies, the use of traditional educational approaches may now be supplemented by web and computer based material that provides flexibility in student learning. An innovative approach to the teaching of psychology has been trialled and now implemented throughout undergraduate psychology at RMIT University, Australia. This paper will provide a description of this approach, as well as evaluation from students and staff, and suggestions for the implementation of the approach at other universities.

Introductory psychology at RMIT is taught through a combination of flexible delivery strategies and traditional lecture and tutorials. A fully interactive, online educational program has been developed by lecturers in psychology and provides a student-directed approach to the learning of traditional areas in introductory psychology. In addition, students attend a one-hour weekly lecture that is used as an opportunity for critical analysis of the material, clarification of difficult concepts, and student questions. Students are then involved in a two-hour practical and applied tutorial that give them direct experience and exposure to concepts in psychology.

The response from students and staff to this approach has been extremely positive and data will be presented to demonstrate this. Comparison of student feedback and results from pre and post implementation will be provided. The implications for a flexible delivery approach to student learning will be examined in this paper.