bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detailed assessment of isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy and isotope ratio mass spectrometry for the stable isotope analysis of plant and soil waters
Authors: Zhao Liangju , Xiao Honglang , Zhou Jian , Wang Lixin , Cheng Guodong , Zhou Maoxian , Yin Li , McCabe Matthew F.
Published: September 2011

As an alternative to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), the isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS) approach has the advantage of low cost, continuous measurement and the capacity for field‐based application for the analysis of the stable isotopes of water. Recent studies have indicated that there are potential issues of organic contamination of the spectral signal in the IRIS method, resulting in incorrect results for leaf samples. To gain a more thorough understanding of the effects of sample type (e.g., leaf, root, stem and soil), sample species, sampling time and climatic condition (dry vs. wet) on water isotope estimates using IRIS, we collected soil samples and plant components from a number of major species at a fine temporal resolution (every 2 h for 24–48 h) across three locations with different climatic conditions in the Heihe River Basin, China. The hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of the extracted water from these samples were measured using both an IRMS and an IRIS instrument. The results show that the mean discrepancies between the IRMS and IRIS approaches for δ18O and δD, respectively, were: –5.6‰ and −75.7‰ for leaf water; –4.0‰ and −23.3‰ for stem water; –3.4‰ and −28.2‰ for root water; −0.5‰ and –6.7‰ for xylem water; –0.06‰ and −0.3‰ for xylem flow; and −0.1‰ and 0.3‰ for soil water. The order of the discrepancy was: leaf > stem ≈ root > xylem > xylem flow ≈ soil. In general, species of the same functional types (e.g., woody vs. herbaceous) within similar habitats showed similar deviations. For different functional types, the differences were large. Sampling at nighttime did not remove the observed deviations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast screening of highly glycosylated plant sphingolipids by tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Buré Corinne , Cacas Jean‐Luc , Wang Fen , Gaudin Karen , Domergue Frédéric , Mongrand Sébastien , Schmitter Jean‐Marie
Published: September 2011

The structural characterization of Glycosyl‐Inositol‐Phospho‐Ceramides (GIPCs), which are the main sphingolipids of plant tissues, is a critical step towards the understanding of their physiological function. After optimization of their extraction, numerous plant GIPCs have been characterized by mass spectrometry. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) full scan analysis of negative ions provides a quick overview of GIPC distribution. Clear differences were observed for the two plant models studied: six GIPC series bearing from two to seven saccharide units were detected in tobacco BY‐2 cell extracts, whereas GIPCs extracted from A. thaliana cell cultures and leaves were less diverse, with a dominance of species containing only two saccharide units. The number of GIPC species was around 50 in A. thaliana and 120 in tobacco BY‐2 cells. MALDI‐MS/MS spectra gave access to detailed structural information relative to the ceramide moiety, the polar head, as well as the number and types of saccharide units. Once released from GIPCs, fatty acid chains and long‐chain bases were analyzed by GC/MS to verify that all GIPC series were taken into account by the MALDI‐MS/MS approach. ESI‐MS/MS provided complementary information for the identification of isobaric species and fatty acid chains. Such a methodology, mostly relying on MALDI‐MS/MS, should open new avenues to determine structure‐function relationships between glycosphingolipids and membrane organization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry stable isotope analysis of dissolved organic carbon in stream and soil waters
Authors: Albéric Patrick
Published: September 2011

A commercial interface coupling liquid chromatography (LC) to a continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF‐IRMS) instrument was used to determine the δ13C of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in natural waters. Stream and soil waters from a farmland plot in a hedgerow landscape were studied. Based on wet chemical oxidation of dissolved organics the LC/IRMS interface allows the on‐line injection of small volumes of water samples, an oxidation reaction to produce CO2 and gas transfer to the isotope ratio mass spectrometer. In flow injection analysis (FIA) mode, bulk DOC δ13C analysis was performed on aqueous samples of up to 100 μL in volume in the range of DOC concentration in fresh waters (1–10 mg C.L–1). Mapping the DOC δ13C spatial distribution at the plot scale was made possible by this fairly quick method (10 min for triplicate analyses) with little sample manipulation. The relative contributions of different plot sectors to the DOC pool in the stream draining the plot were tentatively inferred on the basis of δ13C differences between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic components. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TOOL FOR AQUATIC RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN THE RED AND SABINE RIVER WATERSHEDS OF THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES
Authors: Jenkins J. A. , Hartley S. B. , Carter J. , Johnson D. J. , Alford J. B.
Published: September 2011

Our goal was to build a geographic information system (GIS) tool to enhance modeling and hypothesis testing relevant to watersheds and fish fauna of the Red and Sabine Rivers in the southeastern United States. Species of concern were identified from wildlife action plans and Web sites. Spatial distributions of fish species and mercury in fillets were delineated using data from states. Public georeferenced data were obtained on land cover, soil type, forest canopy, impervious surfaces, wastewater facilities and 303(d) impaired waters. Overlay maps highlighted patterns across 8‐digit hydrologic unit codes (HUCs). Bossier City, Louisiana and Beaumont, Texas areas displayed impervious surfaces over 10% and 303(d) waters per HUC were 20% and 8%, respectively. Because bowfin (Amia calva) (n = 299) and bass (Micropterus spp.) (n = 1493) occurred in up to 44% of HUCs and fillets contained elemental mercury concentrations across ranges monitored, they were appropriate indicators of bioavailable mercury. Of the total fish number showing >0.5 ppm, 81% of records were derived from bowfin and bass, and stepwise multiple linear regressions indicated fish with mercury at these concentrations correlated with environmental variables. Detrended correspondence analysis showed total species occurrence and environmental relationships significant, where 81.6% of the variability in fish occurrence was explained by impervious surface, land cover other than canopy or impervious surface (such as wetlands and agricultural area) and canopy (forest type). Two‐way indicator species analysis delineated species co‐occurrence in HUCs (14 groups) and similarity of species composition (nine groups). Results identified three HUC groupings as potential targets for managerial interest. Quality control concerns for GIS development included site name data and priority rankings of critical fish species. This tool can be used to support modeling and trend analyses for several purposes, such as those relevant for developing and reporting on water quality standards and critical habitat assessments. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endogenous growth through knowledge spillovers in entrepreneurship: an empirical test
Authors: Delmar Frédéric , Wennberg Karl , Hellerstedt Karin
Published: September 2011

Endogenous growth theory suggests that technological knowledge stimulates growth, yet the micro‐foundations of this process remain obscure. Knowledge spillover theory posits that growth is contingent on the technology dependence of industries, forming the landscape for entrepreneurs to launch and grow ventures. We investigate these theoretical contingencies with two research questions using comprehensive employee‐employer data documenting the science and technology labor force in Sweden. First, do industries with a greater need for new technology‐based entrepreneurship grow disproportionately faster than other industries? Second, are the knowledge spillover effects fostering the growth of new technology‐based firms contingent on certain industry structures? Copyright © 2011 Strategic Management Society.
The impact of misclassification due to survey response fatigue on estimation and identifiability of treatment effects
Authors: Egleston Brian L. , Miller Suzanne M. , Meropol Neal J.
Published: September 2011

Response fatigue can cause measurement error and misclassification problems in survey research. Questions asked later in a long survey are often prone to more measurement error or misclassification. The response given is a function of both the true response and participant response fatigue. We investigate the identifiability of survey order effects and their impact on estimators of treatment effects. The focus is on fatigue that affects a given answer to a question rather than fatigue that causes non‐response and missing data. We consider linear, Gamma, and logistic models of response that incorporate both the true underlying response and the effect of question order. For continuous data, survey order effects have no impact on study power under a Gamma model. However, under a linear model that allows for convergence of responses to a common mean, the impact of fatigue on power will depend on how fatigue affects both the rate of mean convergence and the variance of responses. For binary data and for less than a 50% chance of a positive response, order effects cause study power to increase under a linear probability (risk difference) model but decrease under a logistic model. The results suggest that measures designed to reduce survey order effects might have unintended consequences. We present a data example that demonstrates the problem of survey order effects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competing risks and the clinical community: irrelevance or ignorance?
Authors: Koller Michael T. , Raatz Heike , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Wolbers Marcel
Published: September 2011

Life expectancy has dramatically increased in industrialized nations over the last 200 hundred years. The aging of populations carries over to clinical research and leads to an increasing representation of elderly and multimorbid individuals in study populations. Clinical research in these populations is complicated by the fact that individuals are likely to experience several potential disease endpoints that prevent some disease‐specific endpoint of interest from occurrence. Large developments in competing risks methodology have been achieved over the last decades, but we assume that recognition of competing risks in the clinical community is still marginal. It is the aim of this article to address translational aspects of competing risks to the clinical community. We describe clinical populations where competing risks issues may arise. We then discuss the importance of agreement between the competing risks methodology and the study aim, in particular the distinction between etiologic and prognostic research questions. In a review of 50 clinical studies performed in individuals susceptible to competing risks published in high‐impact clinical journals, we found competing risks issues in 70% of all articles. Better recognition of issues related to competing risks and of statistical methods that deal with competing risks in accordance with the aim of the study is needed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust analogizing and the outside view: two empirical tests of case‐based decision making
Authors: Lovallo Dan , Clarke Carmina , Camerer Colin
Published: September 2011

Executives use analogies to improve strategic decisions. However, existing research provides little guidance on the types and number of analogies that produce the best decisions. We examine models of analogy and present findings from two empirical tests. The first test, a study of private‐equity investment decisions, finds that an ‘outside view’—forming a reference class of analogies—performs better than a few analogies familiar to the decision maker. The second test, a study of film revenue forecasts, compares a new model we call similarity‐based forecasting (SBF) with existing methods. The study finds that SBF, which combines elements of reference class forecasting and case‐based decision making, produces better forecasts than regression models. We discuss the consequences of our findings for research and practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orthogonal Protein Decoration of DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Meyer Rebecca , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: September 2011

The development of robust DNA–protein coupling techniques is mandatory for applications of DNA nanostructures in biomedical diagnostics, fundamental biochemistry, and other fields in biomolecular nanosciences. The use of self‐labeling fusion proteins, which are orthogonal to biotin–streptavidin and antibody–antigen interactions, is described for the site‐selective protein decoration of two exemplary DNA nanostructures: a four‐way junction X‐tile motif and a 3D DNA tetrahedron. Multifunctional DNA superstructures bearing up to four different proteins are generated and characterized by electrophoresis and microplate‐based functionality assays. Steric and electrostatic interactions are identified as critical parameters controlling the efficiency of DNA–protein ligation. The results indicate that this method is versatile and broadly applicable, not only for the functionalization of DNA architectures but also for the site‐specific decoration of other molecular materials and devices containing several different proteins.
The RNA-Binding Protein Unr Prevents Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiation Toward the Primitive Endoderm Lineage
Authors: Elatmani Habiba , Dormoy-Raclet Virginie , Dubus Pierre , Dautry François , Chazaud Claire , Jacquemin-Sablon Hélène
Published: September 2011

The maintenance of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) pluripotency depends on key transcription factors, chromatin remodeling proteins, and microRNAs. The roles of RNA-binding proteins are however poorly understood. We report that the cytoplasmic RNA-binding protein Unr prevents the differentiation of ESCs into primitive endoderm (PrE). We show that unr knockout (unr−/−) ESCs spontaneously differentiate into PrE, and that Unr re-expression in unr−/− ESCs reverses this phenotype. Nevertheless, unr−/− ESCs retain pluripotency, producing differentiated teratomas, and the differentiated unr−/− ESCs coexpress the PrE inducer Gata6 and the pluripotency factors Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2. Interestingly, in the differentiated unr−/− ESCs, Nanog and Sox2 exhibit a dual nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. This situation, that has never been reported, likely reflects an early differentiation state toward PrE. Finally, we show that Unr destabilizes Gata6 mRNAs and we propose that the post-transcriptional repression of Gata6 expression by Unr contributes to the stabilization of the ESCs pluripotent state.
The study of welded semi‐rigid connections in fire
Authors: Yahyai Mahmood , Daryan Amir Saedi
Published: September 2011

Considering the deterioration of steel properties by temperature increase and the importance of the influence of connection behavior on the behavior of steel structures, we find that the exact understanding of the behavior of a specific steel connection in fire as well as the information about the effect of fire on the principal constitutive characteristics of the connection is necessary for safe design against fire. Thus, in this paper, the behavior of welded angle connections is studied at elevated temperatures using the abaqus finite element software. Steel members and connection components are considered to behave nonlinearly; the degradation of steel properties with increasing temperature is considered according to EC3, BS5950 recommendations. The results of finite element and experimental tests conducted on welded angle connections are compared, and the obtained failure modes and moment–rotation–temperature characteristics are in good agreement with those associated with the experimental tests. In the following, since the knowledge about moment–temperature–rotation behavior of a specific connection is needed for a fire‐resistant design, these properties are accurately determined, and finally, the effect of some parameters such as the moment applied on beam, change of column axial force and change of beam shear force on the stiffness of these connections at elevated temperatures is determined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initial rotor position estimation of a SRM drive installed in an electric vehicle
Authors: Tungpimolrut Kanokvate , Jitkreeyarn Prapon , Kachapornkul Seubsuang , Somsiri Pakasit , Chiba Akira
Published: September 2011

In this paper an estimation method of the initial rotor position at a stand still condition for switched reluctance motor (SRM) drives is proposed. In the SRM, a rotor shaft is connected to an incremental encoder, thus, only an initial position should be detected to realize smooth start up operation. The proposed method is injecting voltage pulses to all windings and detecting the current and estimating the position based on a simple relation between inductance profile and phase current. With an accurate estimated rotor position, the motor can start smoothly under heavy load. The proposed method is implemented in a 6‐stator‐pole and 4‐rotor‐pole, 1.5 kW switched reluctance motor installed in an electric vehicle. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A novel sensor for measurement of liquid level and low concentration of electrolytic solution
Authors: Lu Gui‐Rong , Zhu Zheng‐Wei , He Qi‐Wei
Published: September 2011

A novel approach proposed for measurement of the liquid level and the low concentration of the electrolytic solution using a single sensor at the same time is presented. For achieving this proposed sensing, a multifunctional sensor with a novel structure is designed. Two sensing functions namely the capacitance and inductance sensing functions can be realized by this sensor. From this sensing, unknown liquid levels and concentrations of the electrolytic solution in a single tank are estimated, respectively. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The cloud chamber and CTR Wilson's legacy to atmospheric science
Authors: Harrison Giles
Published: September 2011

Charles Thomas Rees (‘CTR’) Wilson (1869–1959) received the 1927 Nobel Prize for the cloud chamber, first described in a paper published a century ago. The cloud chamber makes high energy particles visible. Wilson's principal work was in atmospheric electricity at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, and his scientific legacy is both to particle physics and atmospheric science. In atmospheric electricity Wilson provided the ‘global circuit’ concept with which to understand the current flow between disturbed weather and fair weather regions elsewhere. The cloud chamber remains actively used in physics education and the global circuit is central in atmospheric electricity research. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
The Great Storm of 1–2 October 1697 revisited
Authors: van der Schrier Gerard , Groenland Rob
Published: September 2011

John Kington (1998) commemorated the great storm of 1–2 October 1697 in Weather. The exceptionally high water levels in the German Bight on those days, due to an unlucky combination of a spring tide and a storm surge, were the highest recorded in the seventeenth century in that area. New data have surfaced since John Kington's study and in this contribution we hope to add to the existing knowledge by adding a few details and presenting tentative synoptic analyses of the situations preceding the storm and during the storm itself. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Functionalized radioactive gold nanoparticles in tumor therapy
Authors: Kannan Raghuraman , Zambre Ajit , Chanda Nripen , Kulkarni Rajesh , Shukla Ravi , Katti Kavita , Upendran Anandhi , Cutler Cathy , Boote Evan , Katti Kattesh V.
Published: September 2011

The development of new treatment modalities that offer clinicians the ability to reduce sizes of tumor prior to surgical resection or to achieve complete ablation without surgery would be a significant medical breakthrough in the overall care and treatment of prostate cancer patients. The goal of our investigation is aimed at validating the hypothesis that Gum Arabic‐functionalized radioactive gold nanoparticles (GA‐198AuNP) have high affinity toward tumor vasculature. We hypothesized further that intratumoral delivery of the GA‐198AuNP agent within prostate tumor will allow optimal therapeutic payload that will significantly or completely ablate tumor without side effects, in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer. In order to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of this new nanoceutical, GA‐198AuNP was produced by stabilization of radioactive gold nanoparticles (198Au) with the FDA‐approved glycoprotein, GA. This review will describe basic and clinical translation studies toward realization of the therapeutic potential and myriad of clinical applications of GA‐198AuNP agent in treating prostate and various solid tumors in human cancer patients. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2012, 4:42–51. doi: 10.1002/wnan.161

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Health effects of GnRH immunocontraception of wild white‐tailed deer in New Jersey
Authors: Gionfriddo James P. , Denicola Anthony J. , Miller Lowell A. , Fagerstone Kathleen A.
Published: September 2011

We evaluated the health effects of GonaCon™ Immunocontraceptive Vaccine in individual white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on a fully fenced corporate office campus in suburban New Jersey, USA. We captured and vaccinated adult females, fawns of both sexes, and yearling and adult males, and evaluated their health status through field and necropsy observations, assessment of blood chemistry, and histopathological examination of selected tissues. One 1.0‐mL intramuscular injection of vaccine was delivered by hand to the hind limb of each GonaCon‐treated deer. Control deer received sham injections (ad F) or no injections (yearling and ad M). Mean body‐condition scores of GonaCon‐treated adult females and males were greater than those of corresponding control groups. No evidence of limping or impaired mobility was noted in study deer during the 2‐year study. No adverse effects of vaccination were detected in major organs, organ systems, body condition, fat deposits, or blood chemistry. Injection‐site lesions (granulomatous nodules and sterile abscesses) occurred in the deep hind‐limb musculature of >85% of GonaCon‐treated and sham‐injected deer but were not detectable externally. Reactions at injection sites and in lymph nodes were typical responses to injection of vaccines formulated as water‐in‐oil emulsions, especially those, like GonaCon, that contain mycobacteria. The formation of injection‐site lesions may be a necessary component of the immune response that causes infertility in treated animals. Natural resource managers who use GonaCon to manage deer in settings such as developed areas and public parks will ultimately determine its value and applicability. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Biological consequences of winter‐feeding of mule deer in developed landscapes in Northern Utah
Authors: Peterson Chris , Messmer Terry A.
Published: September 2011

Winter‐feeding of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in developed landscapes is often advocated by stakeholders to compensate for lost or fragmented winter range. However the reported benefits of winter‐feeding mule deer to increase survival and productivity in altered landscapes are mixed. Few studies have examined the long‐term effects of winter‐feeding on mule deer productivity. We studied the effects of a winter‐feeding program conducted in a developed landscape in northern Utah, USA from 2001 to 2006 on the productivity, survival, and mortality of 92 adult female deer (does) that were captured and radiocollared on 4 feed and 4 nonfeed sites. We also evaluated the potential for feeding programs to impact winter‐range habitat quality through increased browse utilization. Fawn production (P = 0.36), and survival (P = 0.12) did not differ for fed and nonfed does. Deer–vehicle collisions were the primary cause of mortality for radiocollared deer in both populations (P = 0.97). Utilization of desired browse species was higher on sites where deer were fed (P ≤ 0.001), although deer numbers were similar at feed and nonfeed sites. When developing big game winter‐feeding policies for developed landscapes, managers must consider the full range of long‐term potential population and habitat impacts to include increased anthropogenic‐related mortality and increased potential for habitat degradation prior to policy implementation. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
CPR for Urban deer management objectives: Clarity, practicality, and relevance
Authors: Rudolph Brent A. , Etter Dwayne R. , Schaefer Sara M.
Published: September 2011

Effective management of formerly scarce and now abundant game species has been identified as a considerable challenge facing the North American model of wildlife conservation. White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) management efforts in developed landscapes are often contentious and face numerous obstacles to implement. We drew upon our experiences conducting, overseeing, and assessing deer management in urban–suburban–exurban settings, and summarized a variety of literature to identify both biological and social complexities encountered. We concluded that many challenges may be addressed by developing clear fundamental and enabling program objectives, related to practical limitations, and measured through metrics relevant to fundamental desires of stakeholders. Although managers often seek to implement programs to address fundamental objectives related to condition of deer populations or impacts on plant communities, the greatest public concerns often relate to threats to public safety (e.g., risk of being involved in a deer–vehicle collision or contracting Lyme disease) and property (e.g., costs from deer–vehicle collisions or damaged landscaping). Establishing practical expectations requires considering the biological complexities of deer management regarding the potential of 1) density‐dependent reproductive responses, 2) time lags between population response to management and changes in condition indices and vegetation response, and 3) nonlinear relationships between deer densities and several key fundamental objectives. Relevance to public expectations for some objectives requires developing appropriate metrics of success and potentially pursuing an alternative to the typical enabling objective of reducing the deer population. Paying attention to CPR—clarity, practicality, and relevance of management programs—can resuscitate the public's trust in managers' abilities to effectively manage public trust resources. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Changing landscapes for white‐tailed deer management in the 21st century: Parcelization of land ownership and evolving stakeholder values in Michigan
Authors: Campa Henry , Riley Shawn J. , Winterstein Scott R. , Hiller Tim L. , Lischka Stacy A. , Burroughs Jordan P.
Published: September 2011

White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) create positive and negative effects incurred by stakeholders throughout the midwestern United States. Knowledge of deer ecology and stakeholder values for deer are needed to match the level of acceptable impacts with the capabilities of management. To address this challenge, we 1) quantified how landscape characteristics in southwestern and south‐central Michigan, USA affect the distribution and population characteristics of deer throughout agro‐forested landscapes, 2) quantified factors affecting stakeholder acceptance capacity for deer, and 3) present a deer management framework based on desired levels of impacts in relation to existing conditions. We investigated ecological components by radiocollaring deer during 2001–2006 and analyzed their movements, survival, and mortality factors in landscapes with diverse land‐ownerships. Sociological components were investigated through interviews and questionnaires sent to 3,520 households. Southern Michigan residents identified a visible deer herd (a perceptual cue to the naturalness of the area) as a positive impact. Concerns about deer, especially deer–vehicle collisions, were weighed against positive impacts in determining acceptable levels of deer–human interactions. Nonhunting, nonfarming rural residents, a stakeholder of increasing size and influence, perceived impacts distinct from those perceived by hunters and farmers. Small annual home ranges of yearlings–adults (77–202 ha) and fawns (60–116 ha) and high survival rates (yearling–adult = 0.40–0.94, fawns = 0.51–0.76) may be attributed to the parcelization of land, habitat quality, and positive values stakeholders hold for deer. Knowledge of the impacts perceived and the effect of impacts on acceptance capacity for deer may enable managers to develop management actions that complement existing programs and address stakeholder values. Knowledge of deer ecology, landscape characteristics, and responses of stakeholders to deer are critical for managing the impacts of white‐tailed deer. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
M0.5C11H12N2O2 (M = Zn, Co, Ni): A Two‐dimensional Layered Hybrid Compound Derived from L‐Tryptophan Containing Helical Chains
Authors: Shen Si , Zhao Lang
Published: September 2011

A series of two‐dimensional (2D) layered transition metal coordination polymers, M0.5C11H12N2O2 [M = Zn (1), Co (2), Ni (3)], were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions with biological amino acid D,L‐tryptophan molecules as ligands. The crystal structures of all compounds were isomorphous. Compounds 1–3 were characterized by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and fluorescence spectroscopy, as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Only the structure of compound 1 is discussed in detail. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c (No.14), a = 19.778(4) Å, b = 5.3988 Å, c = 9.2837 Å, β = 97.13(3)°, V = 983.6(3) Å3, and Z = 4. In its structure, each zinc atom is octahedrally coordinated to four tryptophan ligands that are bonded to the zinc atom in a tridentate fashion through one Zn–N(‐NH2) and two Zn–O(COO–) bonds. Furthermore, compound 1 exhibits solid state fluorescence emission maxima at 340 and 420 nm, compound 2 at 340, 422, 485 nm, and compound 3 at 337, 424, 488 nm upon excitation at 295 nm.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Thermal Decomposition, and Sensitive Properties of Two Novel Energetic Cadmium(II) Complexes Based on 4‐Amino‐1,2,4‐triazole
Authors: Wang Shi‐Wei , Yang Li , Feng Jin‐Ling , Wu Bi‐Dong , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Zhang Tong‐Lai , Zhou Zun‐Ning
Published: September 2011

Two new energetic complexes [Cd(4‐ATZ)2(Ac)2(H2O)](Ac = acetate) and [Cd(4‐ATZ)2(H2O)4](PA)2 (PA = picrate) were synthesized by using 4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (4‐ATZ) as ligand and characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the two compounds crystallize in monoclinic C2/c and triclinic P$\bar{1}$ space groups, respectively. The central cadmium(II) ion is seven‐coordinate in [Cd(4‐ATZ)2(Ac)2(H2O)] and six‐coordinate in [Cd(4‐ATZ)2(H2O)4](PA)2. The coordination sites of the 4‐ATZ ligand in both compounds are the N1 atoms of the triazole rings, which is in agreement with the computational results. Thermal decomposition mechanisms were determined based on DSC and TG‐DTG analysis, and kinetic parameters of decomposition were studied by using Kissinger's and Ozawa‐Doyle's methods. In the next step, measurements of heat of combustion and sensitivities to mechanical and thermal stimulus were performed. The energies of combustion of the two compounds were determined to be 10.75 MJ·kg–1 and 11.35 MJ·kg–1, respectively. Sensitivity tests showed that [Cd(4‐ATZ)2(Ac)2(H2O)] was insensitive to external stimulus and [Cd(4‐ATZ)2(H2O)4](PA)2 had high impact sensitivity and low friction and flame sensitivities.
Noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical function in captive jaguars (Panthera onca)
Authors: Conforti Valéria A. , Morato Ronaldo G. , Augusto Anderson M. , de Oliveira e Sousa Lúcio , de Avila David M. , Brown Janine L. , Reeves Jerry J.
Published: September 2011

Jaguars are threatened with extinction throughout their range. A sustainable captive population can serve as a hedge against extinction, but only if they are healthy and reproduce. Understanding how jaguars respond to stressors may help improve the captive environment and enhance their wellbeing. Thus, our objectives were to: (1) conduct an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) challenge to validate a cortisol radioimmunoassay (RIA) for noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical function in jaguars; (2) investigate the relationship between fecal corticoid (FCM) and androgen metabolite (FAM) concentrations in males during the ACTH challenge; and (3) establish a range of physiological concentrations of FCMs for the proposed protocol. Seven jaguars (3 M, 4 F) received 500 IU/animal of ACTH. Pre‐ and post‐ACTH fecal samples were assayed for corticoid (M and F) and androgen metabolites (M) by RIA. Concentrations of FCMs increased (P80.01) after ACTH injection (pre‐ACTH: 0.90 ± 0.12 µg/g dry feces; post‐ACTH: 2.55 ± 0.25 µg/g). Considering pre‐ and post‐ACTH samples, FCM concentrations were higher (P80.01) in males (2.15 ± 0.20 µg/g) than in females (1.30 ± 0.20 µg/g), but the magnitude of the response to ACTH was comparable (P>0.05) between genders. After ACTH injection, FAMs increased in two (of 3) males; in one male, FCMs and FAMs were positively correlated (0.60; P80.01). Excretion of FCMs was assessed in 16 jaguars (7 M, 9 F) and found to be highly variable (range, 80.11–1.56 µg/g). In conclusion, this study presents a cortisol RIA for monitoring adrenocortical function in jaguars noninvasively. Zoo Biol 31:426–441, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response of the sexes of the subdioecious plant Honckenya peploides to nutrients under different salt spray conditions
Authors: Sánchez‐Vilas Julia , Retuerto Rubén
Published: September 2011

Sex dimorphic plants often show sex‐specific differences in growth and biomass allocation. These differences have been explained as a consequence of the different reproductive functions performed by the sexes. Such differences may determine the performance of each sex in different habitats and therefore might explain the spatial segregation of the sexes described in many dimorphic plants. We examined the growth, reproductive and physiological responses of the sexes of the subdioecious plant Honckenya peploides to two levels each of salt spray and nutrients, which are assumed to be important selective forces in coastal environments. We found sex‐related differences in H. peploides. In particular, females allocated proportionally more dry mass to reproduction and grew less and more slowly than males regardless of salt spray and nutrient conditions, which is interpreted as a trade‐off between reproductive and vegetative growth. Regarding physiological response, nutrients significantly increased values of photochemical reflectance index (PRI) in females but not in males, suggesting that photochemical efficiency is more limited by nutrients in females than in males. PRI values also suggest intersexual differences in protection requirements against photoinhibition. The study did not find sex‐differential responses to salt spray, which caused a decrease in reproductive effort in both sexes. The sex‐related differences in relative growth rates, reproductive allocation and photosynthetic features found here may contribute to explaining habitat‐related between‐sex differences in performance and, therefore, the spatial segregation of the sexes observed in H. peploides.
The granular column collapse as a continuum: validity of a two-dimensional Navier–Stokes model with a μ(I)-rheology
Authors: Lagrée P.-Y. , Staron L. , Popinet S.
Published: September 2011

There is a large amount of experimental and numerical work dealing with dry granular flows (such as sand, glass beads, etc.) that supports the so-called $\ensuremath{\mu} (I)$-rheology. The reliability of the $\ensuremath{\mu} (I)$-rheology in the case of complex transient flows is not fully ascertained, however. From this perspective, the granular column collapse experiment provides an interesting benchmark. In this paper we implement the $\ensuremath{\mu} (I)$-rheology in a Navier–Stokes solver (Gerris) and compare the resulting solutions with both analytical solutions and two-dimensional contact dynamics discrete simulations. In a first series of simulations, we check the numerical model in the case of a steady infinite two-dimensional granular layer avalanching on an inclined plane. A second layer of Newtonian fluid is then added over the granular layer in order to recover a close approximation of a free-surface condition. Comparisons with analytical and semi-analytical solutions provide conclusive validation of the numerical implementation of the $\ensuremath{\mu} (I)$-rheology. In a second part, we simulate the unsteady two-dimensional collapse of granular columns over a wide range of aspect ratios. Systematic comparisons with discrete two-dimensional contact dynamics simulations show good agreement between the two methods for the inner deformations and the time evolution of the shape during most of the flow, while a systematic underestimation of the final run-out is observed. The experimental scalings of spreading of the column as a function of the aspect ratio available from the literature are also recovered. A discussion follows on the performances of other rheologies, and on the sensitivity of the simulations to the parameters of the $\ensuremath{\mu} (I)$-rheology.
A non-inflammatory form of immune competence prevails in acute pre-pubescent malnutrition: new evidence based on critical mRNA transcripts in the mouse
Authors: Monk Jennifer M. , Richard Cynthia L. , Woodward Bill
Published: September 2011

The declining inflammatory immune competence of acute (i.e. wasting) pre-pubescent protein–energy malnutrition has been regarded as reflecting an unregulated immunological disintegration. Recent evidence, however, suggests that malnutrition stimulates a regulated immunological reconfiguration to achieve a non-inflammatory form of competence, perhaps offering protection against autoimmune reactions – the ‘Tolerance Model’. Our objective was to determine the influence of acute pre-pubescent malnutrition on the expression of genes critical to tolerogenic regulation. Male and female C57BL/6J mice, initially 19 d old, consumed a complete purified diet either ad libitum (age-matched controls) or in restricted daily quantities (mimicking marasmus), or consumed an isoenergetic low-protein diet ad libitum (mimicking incipient kwashiorkor) for 14 d (six animals per dietary group). Gene expression in the spleen, typically an inflammatory organ, and in the small intestine, a site designed for non-inflammatory defence, was assessed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and normalised to β-actin. In the spleen of the malnourished groups, both IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β1 mRNA expression increased compared with controls (P < 0·05), whereas mRNA expression of IL-12p40 decreased (P < 0·05). Conversely, malnutrition exerted no influence on the expression of mRNA for these cytokines in the small intestine (P>0·05). Moreover, forkhead box P3 mRNA expression, indicative of cell-based tolerogenic potential, was sustained in both the spleen and intestine of the malnourished groups (P>0·05). Thus, despite limited supplies of energy and substrates, the spleen shifted towards a non-inflammatory character and the intestine was sustained in this mode in advanced pre-pubescent weight loss. These findings provide the first support for the Tolerance Model at the level of mRNA transcript expression.
Variable effects of dipteran parasitoids and management treatment on grasshopper fecundity in a tallgrass prairie
Authors: Laws A.N. , Joern A.
Published: September 2011

Grasshoppers host a number of parasitoids, but little is known about their impact on grasshopper life history attributes or how those impacts may vary with land use. Here, we report on a three-year survey of nine grasshopper species in a tallgrass prairie managed with fire and bison grazing treatments. We measured parasitoid prevalence and the impact of parasitoid infection on grasshopper fecundity to determine if grasshopper-parasitoid interactions varied with management treatment. Adult female grasshoppers were collected every three weeks from eight watersheds managed with different prescribed burning and grazing treatments. Grasshopper fecundity with and without parasitoids was estimated through dissections of reproductive tracts. Dipteran parasitoids from two families (Nemestrinidae and Tachinidae) were observed infecting grasshoppers. We found significant effects of grazing treatment, but not burn interval, on grasshopper-parasitoid interactions. Parasitoids were three times more abundant in watersheds with bison grazing than in ungrazed watersheds, and the relative abundance of nemestrinid and tachinid flies varied with grazing treatment. Parasitoid prevalence varied among grasshopper species from <0.01% infected (Mermiria bivittata) to 17% infected (Hypochlora alba). Parasitoid infection reduced individual grasshopper fecundity, with stronger effects on current reproduction than on past reproduction. Furthermore, current fecundity in parasitized grasshoppers was lower in grazed watersheds compared to ungrazed watersheds. Nemestrinid parasitoids generally had stronger impacts on grasshopper fecundity than tachinid parasitoids, the effects of which were more variable.
Mating disruption by a synthetic sex pheromone in the white grub beetle Dasylepida ishigakiensis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the laboratory and sugarcane fields
Authors: Yasui H. , Wakamura S. , Fujiwara-Tsujii N. , Arakaki N. , Nagayama A. , Hokama Y. , Mochizuki F. , Fukumoto T. , Oroku H. , Harano K. , Tanaka S.
Published: September 2011

A serious sugarcane pest, Dasylepida ishigakiensis, remains in the soil during most of its life cycle except for a short period for mating. Mating disruption by an artificial release of the sex pheromone (R)-2-butanol (R2B), therefore, may be a feasible method to control this pest. We examined the effects of artificial release of R2B and its related compounds, (S)-2-butanol (S2B) and the racemic 2-butanol (rac-2B), on the mating success of this beetle both in the laboratory and in the field. In flight tunnel experiments, almost all males orientated towards a R2B-releasing source and 40% of them landed on the source. When the atmosphere was permeated with R2B, the frequency of males landing on the model was significantly reduced. Both rac-2B and S2B were less effective, but substantial reduction in landing success by males was achieved at higher rac-2B concentrations. R2B released from polyethylene dispensers in sugarcane plots greatly reduced not only the proportion of females mated with males but also the number of males caught by R2B-baited traps, indicating that male mate-searching behaviour was strongly affected by the released R2B. Similar inhibitory effects on male behaviour were also observed when tube- or rope-type dispensers released high rac-2B concentrations in the field. These results indicate that it would be highly possible to control D. ishigakiensis through the disruption of the sexual communication by releasing either synthetic R2B or rac-2B.
Effects of shoot tipping on development and yield of the tuber crop Plectranthus edulis
Authors: TAYE M. , LOMMEN W. J. M. , STRUIK P. C.
Published: September 2011

Plectranthus edulis (Vatke) Agnew is one of the tuber crops of the genus Plectranthus that is widely cultivated in Africa and Asia. P. edulis produces below-ground tubers on stolons originating from the stems, comparable to the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Farmers apply several laborious cultural practices to enhance shoot growth and yield, among which shoot tipping is very common. Tipping (pinching) is the removal of the shoot apex with one or two pairs of leaves from the main stems and branches. The rationale of this practice, especially when repeated more than once during one cropping season, is not fully understood. One similar experiment with two cultivars was carried out at two locations (Awassa and Wondogenet) in Ethiopia to assess and analyse the effects of shoot tipping and its frequency on crop development and tuber production. Tipping treatments included zero tipping, tipping once, tipping twice and tipping thrice, with the first tipping taking place 68 days after planting (DAP), a stage at which most of the stems reached a height of about 0·15 m, and the remainder following at intervals of 44–46 days. Tipping stimulated stem branching; it significantly increased the number of primary, secondary and tertiary stems in both experiments. Soil cover increased with an increase in the frequency of the tipping in Awassa, because of the tipping effects on the different canopy development variables. Tipping also enhanced the soil cover in Wondogenet, but the crop did not gain any extra benefit from a third tipping. Tipping enhanced early stolon formation, but did not consistently affect the number of stolons per hole later in the growing season. The number of tubers increased with an increase in the frequency of tipping in both cultivars in Wondogenet and in one cultivar in Awassa. Tuber dry matter yield increased with an increase in the frequency of tipping at both sites. Fresh tuber yield in the final harvest at 208 DAP was c. 1·9 kg/m2. Tipping on average increased fresh tuber yield by 17% in Wondogenet, whereas the difference was not detectable in Awassa. Because senescence was delayed slightly by tipping, yield effects of tipping might be larger when harvesting later. In general, there was a positive effect of tipping on canopy development and tuber yield.
Combining risk assessment and epidemiological risk factors to elucidate the sources of humanE. coliO157 infection
Authors: ROTARIU O. , OGDEN I. D. , MacRITCHIE L. , FORBES K. J. , WILLIAMS A. P. , CROSS P. , HUNTER C. J. , TEUNIS P. F. M. , STRACHAN N. J. C.
Published: September 2011

E. coliO157 can be transmitted to humans by three primary (foodborne, environmental, waterborne) and one secondary (person-to-person transmission) pathways. A regression model and quantitative microbiological risk assessments (QMRAs) were applied to determine the relative importance of the primary transmission pathways in NE Scotland. Both approaches indicated that waterborne infection was the least important but it was unclear whether food or the environment was the main source of infection. The QMRAs over-predicted the number of cases by a factor of 30 and this could be because allE. coliO157 strains may not be equally infective and/or the level of infectivity in the dose–response model was too high. The efficacy of potential risk mitigation strategies to reduce human exposure toE. coliO157 using QMRAs was simulated. Risk mitigation strategies focusing on food and environment are likely to have the biggest impact on infection figures.