bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in vivo magnetic resonance imaging technique for measurement of rat lumbar vertebral body blood perfusion
Authors: Wang Yi-Xiang J , Zhou Hua , Griffith James F , Zhang Ya-Feng , Yeung David K W , Ahuja Anil T
Published: April 2009

The technical feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement of rat vertebral blood perfusion using a 1.5 T clinical scanner and a small surface coil was investigated in this study. Nine male 7-month-old Wistar-Kyoto rats were used. Computed tomographic assessment of lumbar vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) and MRI assessment of lumbar vertebral blood perfusion were performed twice with 8 weeks' interval. A 4.7 cm surface coil was used for receiving radiofrequency signal. Gadolinium-DOTA (0.3 mmol/kg) was injected through the tail vein of the rat as a quick bolus and dynamic MRI scan was carried out on the central sagittal plane of the lumbar spine for 8 min with a temporal resolution of 0.6 s. Blood perfusion parameters of wash-in rate, maximum enhancement and wash-out rate were derived from the dynamic MR images. No vertebral body size and vertebral BMD difference was detected between the two time points ( P = 0.222 and 0.123, respectively). Wash-in rate was 0.105 (±0.016)% and 0.111 (±0.018)%, maximum enhancement 126.5 (±10.6)% and 129.2 (±13.4)%, and wash-out rate 0.788 (±0.182)% and 0.792 (±0.182)% for the two time points. With these parameters, no difference was found between the two time points with a P value of 0.575, 0.889 and 0.754, respectively. We conclude that dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI measurement of rat vertebral blood perfusion using a 1.5 T clinical scanner and a small surface coil is feasible and reliable. This technique offers a non-invasive means to probe vertebral blood perfusion changes associated with rat disease models.
Clostridial typhlitis associated with topical antibiotic therapy in a Syrian hamster
Authors: Alworth L , Simmons J , Franklin C , Fish R
Published: April 2009

A Syrian hamster that had been treated with topical antibiotic ointment for 10 days following injuries sustained during fighting was presented moribund. Postmortem and microscopic examinations revealed lesions consistent with clostridial typhlitis and enteritis. Anaerobic culture of caecal contents resulted in the isolation of two Clostridium species, and caecal contents contained Clostridium difficile enterotoxins. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of acute C. difficile enterotoxaemia was made. This report discusses the pathogenesis of C. difficile enterotoxaemia and the potential role of topical antibiotic ointment therapy in initiating the disease.
Accuracy modulating mutations of the ribosomal protein S4-S5 interface do not necessarily destabilize the rps4-rps5 protein–protein interaction
Authors: Vallabhaneni Haritha , Farabaugh Philip J.
Published: April 2009

During the process of translation, an aminoacyl tRNA is selected in the A site of the decoding center of the small subunit based on the correct codon–anticodon base pairing. Though selection is usually accurate, mutations in the ribosomal RNA and proteins and the presence of some antibiotics like streptomycin alter translational accuracy. Recent crystallographic structures of the ribosome suggest that cognate tRNAs induce a “closed conformation” of the small subunit that stabilizes the codon–anticodon interactions at the A site. During formation of the closed conformation, the protein interface between rpS4 and rpS5 is broken while new contacts form with rpS12. Mutations in rpS12 confer streptomycin resistance or dependence and show a hyperaccurate phenotype. Mutations reversing streptomycin dependence affect rpS4 and rpS5. The canonical rpS4 and rpS5 streptomycin independent mutations increase translational errors and were called ribosomal ambiguity mutations (ram). The mutations in these proteins are proposed to affect formation of the closed complex by breaking the rpS4-rpS5 interface, which reduces the cost of domain closure and thus increases translational errors. We used a yeast two-hybrid system to study the interactions between the small subunit ribosomal proteins rpS4 and rpS5 and to test the effect of ram mutations on the stability of the interface. We found no correlation between ram phenotype and disruption of the interface.
Impact of Presentation Format and Self-Reported Risk Aversion on Revealed Skewness Preferences
Authors: Vrecko Dennis , Klos Alexander , Langer Thomas
Published: April 2009

This paper reports the results of an experiment on the revealed preference for skewness in a comparison of continuous return distributions. We find that revealed preferences are highly sensitive to the way asset risks are communicated. Whereas probability density functions lead to a pronounced preference for left-skewed distributions, the opposite is true for cumulative distribution functions. Systematic misperceptions of the variance cannot explain the sensitivity of preferences to the presentation format. Part of the preference for positive skewness when risks are communicated through probability density functions is due to a systematic misestimation of the expected return. We also find that self-reported risk aversion, a measure of risk attitude commonly used in practice, is a valuable predictor of skewness preferences. Individuals that judge themselves as more risk averse show a stronger preference for right skewness.
OR Process Skills Transform an Out-of-Control Call Center into a Strategic Asset
Authors: Mehrotra Vijay , Grossman Thomas A.
Published: April 2009

A large consumer-software company was struggling to manage a seemingly unmanageable, high-cost technical-support call center. The company used “OR process skills” to transform the call center into a strategic asset. By focusing on executive priorities, personally observing business processes, engaging with frontline workers, and directly examining the sources of important data, we discovered the central problem amidst a contentious, disorganized situation. We used a pilot program to test simple analytical tools, such as Pareto charts and sampling, to bring actionable information to the right parts of the organization. Following the processes we developed, the company analyzed customer feedback to improve the product and customer self-support mechanisms, thereby reducing both current and future call volumes. By empowering client staff and leading process change across functional boundaries, the company reduced its call-center costs and achieved higher product quality. In addition, we demonstrate that OR process skills can be an essential element in sustaining long-term consultant-client relationships.
Overbooking Increases Patient Access at East Carolina University's Student Health Services Clinic
Authors: Kros John , Dellana Scott , West David
Published: April 2009

The health-care clinic presented in this study experienced significant numbers of patients who failed to arrive for their scheduled appointments (no-shows). The cost of reducing patient access at this clinic because of no-shows is estimated to exceed $400,000 annually. An interdisciplinary quality-improvement team developed a novel health-care overbooking model that includes the effects of employee burnout. This model estimates the nonlinear nature of the costs associated with medical-provider burnout caused by overbooked appointments that exceed clinic capacity. Several key East Carolina University clinical staff members had been skeptical about the value of overbooking. The model was instrumental in convincing them that implementing an overbooking process would benefit patients and the organization. The clinic, which subsequently implemented such a process, attributes a savings of $95,000 per semester to the initiative.
Primer vena cava inferior leiomyosarcoma (VCI-LMS) sebészi kezeléser
Authors: Biró Zoltán József , Kalmár Nagy Károly , Fehér Eszter , Gömöri Éva , Horváth Örs Péter
Published: April 2009

Absztrakt

Esetismertetés: Ismertetjük egy fiatal nőbeteg rendkívül ritka retroperitonealis daganatának, a vena cava inferior primer leiomyosarcomájának (VCI-LMS) tünettanát, diagnosztikáját, valamint sebészi kezelését. Műtét során derült fény a VCI középső szegmensének falából kiinduló, jelentős méretű malignitásra, amelyet cavaresectióval és szintetikusgraft-pótlással lehetett rekonstruálni. 8 évvel később recidíva miatt újabb műtétre került sor, azonban a bal v. renalis érintettsége komoly műtéttechnikai problémákat vetett fel. Újabb cavaresectio és graftpótlásos v. renalis reimplantáció történt. A beteg szövődménymentesen távozott otthonába. Megbeszélés: A VCI-LMS egy rendkívül ritka sebész-patológiai entitás, mely a vénafal mediájából kiindulva terjedhet intraluminalisan, extraluminalisan vagy mindkét irányba egyaránt. Lokalizációjától függően, amennyiben az 1. szegmensben (vv. hepaticae fölött), a 2. szegmensben (vv. renales és vv. hepaticae között) vagy a 3. szegmensben (vv. renales és v. iliaca között) található, kapcsolatban lehet a máj, illetve a vese venáival, azokat infiltrálva. Tünettanilag a felső szegmens tumora a Budd–Chiari-tünetegyüttes (hepatomegalia, hasi fájdalom, sárgaság, ascites) mellett rendkívül rossz prognózisú, míg a középső lokalizációjú jobb felhasi fájdalom mellett epeúti megbetegedés képét utánozza, és jelentősen jobb hosszú távú kimenetellel bír. A tapasztalat azt mutatja, hogy a radio-kemoterápia ezen daganat kezelésében nem járható út. A radikális ‘en bloc’-resectio tumormentes szélek biztosításával, majd az érintett szakasz rekonstrukciója jelenti az egyetlen adekvát kezelési módot.
Spatial variability of leaf wetness duration in cotton, coffee and banana crop canopies
Authors: Santos Eduardo Alvarez , Sentelhas Paulo Cesar , Pezzopane José Eduardo Macedo , Angelocci Luiz Roberto , Monteiro José Eduardo Boffino Almeida
Published: April 2009

Despite the importance of leaf wetness duration for plant disease epidemiology, there has been little attention paid to research on how its variability relates to different cropping situations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability of leaf wetness duration (LWD) in three crops, comparing these measurements with turfgrass LWD, obtained in a standard weather station. LWD was measured by electronic sensors in three crops with different canopy structures and leaf area: cotton, coffee and banana. For the cotton crop, cylindrical sensors were deployed at the lower third and on the top of the canopy, facing southwest. For the coffee crop, flat plate sensors were installed in the lower third of the canopy facing northeast and southwest; in the middle third facing northeast and southwest; and inside and on the top of the canopy. For the banana canopy, cylindrical sensors were used to measure LWD in the lower third of the canopy and in the upper third of the plant. Turfgrass LWD was simultaneously measured in a nearby standard weather station. The LWD showed different patterns of variation in the three crop canopies. For coffee plants, the longest LWD was found in the lower portions of the canopy; for the banana crop, the upper third of the canopy showed the longest LWD; whereas for the cotton crop no difference was observed between the top and lower third of the canopy. Turfgrass LWD presented a good relationship with LWD measured on the top or in the upper third of the crops. Thus, the estimate of crop LWD can be perfomed based on turfgrass LWD, this being a useful tool for plant disease management purposes for crops in which the longer LWD occurs at the upper canopy portion.
Mary Ann Fuchs: Perspectives on Resources from a Chief Nurse Officer
Authors: Ann Fuchs Mary
Published: April 2009

Dori Taylor Sullivan talks with Mary Ann Fuchs, who is responsible for nursing and patient care services at the 965-bed Duke University Hospital as well as system-level leadership oversight across the Duke University Health System, which includes three hospitals and numerous other care delivery sites.
The Interaction of Resources in Time
Authors: Sullivan Dori Taylor
Published: April 2009

Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can't afford to lose. (Thomas Edison)

Your greatest resource is your time. (Brian Tracy)

It's not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about? (Henry David Thoreau)

Whether a glass is half full or half empty depends upon the attitude of the person looking at it. (Unknown)
A Brief Compendium of Curious and Peculiar Aspects of Nursing Resource Management
Authors: Manthey Marie
Published: April 2009

The compendium of extraordinary operational skills required, the lack of recognition about the exact nature of nursing work, and deeply imbedded negative mind-sets result in staff nurses experiencing guilt and anger rather than the satisfaction of knowing they made a difference in someone's life because of the nursing care they gave. A change of mind-set from entitlement thinking to entrepreneurial thinking, with an emphasis on maximizing available resources, will empower nurses to understand that they have the right and the responsibility to decide what to do and what not to do when there is more work to do than time available.
Finding Abundance in a World of Scarcity
Authors: Steffen Lori
Published: April 2009

We can choose to approach life with an attitude of abundance instead of an attitude of scarcity. Abundance is a conscious choice that can promote happiness and lead to more positive outcomes.
Recruit, Respect, and Retain: The Impact of Baby Boomer Nurses on Hospital Workforce Strategy—A Case Study
Authors: Klug Susan H.
Published: April 2009

Hospitals are increasingly concerned about shortages of registered nurses due to the impending retirement of Baby Boomer nurses. A hospital case study of older nurse retention investigated the concerns of Boomer nurses to understand how workforce strategies can effectively retain older nurses. Using interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder approaches and tools, the study went beyond the broad recommendations in the literature to help an organization identify targeted and effective strategies for retention, identified barriers, and assessed organizational readiness to implement changes with older nurses in mind. The methodology and findings establish the foundation to initiate the development of a strategic plan for retention that is research-based and specific.
Creating a Culture of Regard: An Antidote for Workplace Bullying
Authors: Olender-Russo Lynda
Published: April 2009

As we seek new and effective ways to enhance the work environment for nurses, we contemplate what has been accomplished so far and reaffirm our commitment to eradicate what exit surveys still tell us: A major reason why nurses are leaving the point of care is because of unhealthy relationships among colleagues. These unhealthy relationships extend beyond random incivility and in fact are reported to be purposeful, targeted, and meant to harm—characteristics of the phenomenon of workplace bullying.
Bricolage: Making Do With What Is at Hand
Authors: Aagard Magdeline
Published: April 2009

While researching and writing her dissertation, the author discovers the concept of bricolage. She describes its application in Tanzania and in a long-term acute care hospital in the Midwestern United States.
PERL of Wisdom: A Tool to Help Bedside Nurses Remember Available Evidence-Based Resources
Authors: Pagani Claudia , Jacalan-Baras Jackie
Published: April 2009

Despite the increasing importance of evidence-based practice for the nursing profession, some nurses remain unable to use scientific evidence in their clinical practice to support their critical thinking and nursing skills. PERL (Print, Electronic, Resource Persons, and Location) is an acronym that nurses can use to categorize available resources to practice evidence-based nursing, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
Humanitarian Aid May be the Hardest Job You'll Ever Love
Authors: Patterson Dori
Published: April 2009

By doing humanitarian work, we improve the human race. This article describes one nurse's humanitarian aid adventure in Guatemala and provides information about volunteering while encouraging nurses to consider doing the same. It tells how and where to volunteer and describes the benefits humanitarian aid bestows.
The Personal and Professional Impact of Advanced Certification
Authors: Young Elaine
Published: April 2009

Editor's note: The following is adapted from a speech given by Elaine Young on May 12, 2008, on the occasion of a Nurses Week dinner honoring nurses at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa who had attained specialty certification.
EMDR in the Treatment of Chronic Pain
Authors: Mazzola Alexandra , Calcagno Marìa Lujàn , Goicochea Marìa Teresa , Pueyrredòn Honorio , Leston Jorge , Salvat Fernando
Published: April 2009

Chronic pain can significantly diminish life quality, causing depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, and may lead to neuroplastic processes that influence pain modulation. The current study investigated eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of 38 patients suffering from chronic pain with 12 weekly 90-minute sessions. A battery of self-reported questionnaires assessing quality of life, pain intensity, and depression level were administered pre- and posttreatment for objective outcome evaluation. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM was administered at pretreatment to identify participants’ personality traits that may influence pain perception. Patients showed statistically significant improvement relative to baseline after 12 weeks of EMDR treatment. Our findings suggest that EMDR is an effective tool in the psychological treatment of chronic pain, resulting in decrease pain sensations, pain-related negative affect, and anxiety and depression levels. We examine possible theories about the mechanisms by which EMDR achieves these effects. Results were consistent with the underlying EMDR premise that posits the important effect of emotions on pain perception.
EMDR in the Addiction Continuing Care Process Case Study of a Cross-Addicted Female’s Treatment and Recovery
Authors: Marich Jamie
Published: April 2009

There have been suggestions in the literature since 1994 that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may serve as an effective adjunct to the addiction treatment process; however, follow-up research in this area has been limited. This case study of a cross-addicted female includes a case review illustrating how EMDR was used in the continuing care process and a semistructured phenomenological interview conducted at 6-month follow-up. Prior to this course of treatment, the participant was treated 12 times with traditional approaches but was unable to achieve more than 4 months of sobriety at any given time. Following EMDR, the participant reported 18 months of sobriety and important changes in functional life domains. The phenomenological interview revealed six critical themes about the addiction and recovery process that can offer insight to clinicians treating co-occurring addiction and trauma.
Understanding the genetic consequences of environmental toxicant exposure: Chernobyl as a model system
Authors: Meeks Heather N. , Chesser Ronald K. , Rodgers Brenda E. , Gaschak Sergey , Baker Robert J.
Published: April 2009

We sampled vole populations in Ukraine with the dual goal of characterizing population diversity and of providing a biogeographic perspective to evaluate experimental designs used for previous studies. Our data indicate that genetic diversity in bank vole populations is widely variable across regions and that diversity estimates in contaminated sites are unremarkable compared to those in uncontaminated areas. Furthermore, the relative frequencies of haplotypes have remained statistically identical throughout multiple sampling periods. Thus, the genetic data from bank vole populations in Ukraine fail to support the hypothesis that mutational changes in contaminated regions are the product of exposure to Chernobyl radiation. Our results suggest that genetic diversity in radioactive regions of Ukraine is probably a function of natural geographic variation rather than increased mutational pressure from radiation exposure and underscore the importance of adequate geographic sampling in studies designed to elucidate the effects of toxicant exposure.
Influence of nanotube preparation in Aquatic Bioassays
Authors: Kennedy Alan J. , Gunter Jonas C. , Chappell Mark A. , Goss Jennifer D. , Hull Matthew S. , Kirgan Robert A. , Steevens Jeffery A.
Published: April 2009

Knowledge gaps in nanomaterial fate and toxicity currently limit the ability of risk assessments to characterize the environmental implications of nanomaterials. This problem is further complicated by the lack of standardized characterization and preparation methodologies for researchers to gain the needed information to assist risk assessors. In the present study, data were generated to determine if multiwalled nanotube (MWNT) fate and toxicity are altered by engineered surface modifications or by different dispersal methods. While dissolved organic matter was a good dispersing agent of MWNTs in water, the humic acid fraction was a more effective dispersant than the fulvic acid fraction. When stabilized in organic matter, the functional group attached to the MWNT controlled its toxicity. Underivatized MWNTs induced relatively moderate toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia after 96 h (25 ± 19% survival at 26 mg/L), while hydrophilic groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl) reduced this toxicity (93 ± 12% survival at 48 mg/L). However, other functional groups (alkyl, amine) increased toxicity (0 ± 0% survival at <15 mg/L). In dispersal method studies, sonication of MWNTs increased fragmentation relative to magnetic stirring. The sonication treatment of MWNTs also slightly reduced the mortality of C. dubia in the water column but increased toxicity in the sediment to Leptocheirus plumulosus and Hyalella azteca. Findings in the present study indicate that nanotubes engineered for specific applications need to be managed independently and that laboratory methods to disperse and test nanotubes in bioassays need to be standardized to obtain repeatable results for comparison of materials.
The Effect of Sound on Diamond Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Ihsanul Karim Syed Md. , Chowdhury Mohammad Asaduzzaman , Helali Md. Maksud
Published: April 2009

This paper presents how vapor deposited coating of carbon (partially diamond) on stainless steel 304 substrate was affected by temperature, pressure and duration of deposition in conjunction with sound vibration. To do so a hot filament chemical vapor deposition apparatus was designed and fabricated. The experiments were carried out under different frequency of vibration (ranging from sonic and ultra sonic). Results show that deposition rate varies with temperature, pressure and duration under vibrating and non-vibrating conditions. It was found that the deposition rate was higher for vibrating condition than that of non-vibrating condition. In this study, the higher the temperature, pressure and duration, the higher the effectiveness of frequency of vibration on the deposition rate was obtained. During thermal CVD process, activation of reactive species was enhanced by chemical activity with the increase of temperature and pressure. By adding extra energy of sound, kinetic energy was increased more due to increase of the adsorption and diffusion rate, which causes the increase of deposition rate.A coating of carbon (partially diamond) has been deposited on the substrate, and the characterization of the coating has been done by SEM including EDX and XRD. The coating of carbon was identified by EDX, and the allotropic forms of graphite and diamond peaks of carbon are found by XRD analysis. SEM analysis shown that the microstructures of deposited coatings were more compact and smoother under higher temperature and pressure than that of lower temperature and pressure.The experimental results are compared with those available in the literature and physical explanations are provided.
Induction and Repression Kinetics of Fungal Beta-Fructofuranosidase in Submerged Culture
Authors: Robledo-Olivo Armando , Contreras-Esquivel Juan C , Herrera Raul Rodriguez , Aguilar Cristobal N
Published: April 2009

Invertase production by Aspergillus niger in submerged culture was evaluated under different concentrations of sucrose and glucose. When the initial concentration of sucrose was increased from 6.25 to 50 gL-1, a higher biomass production (6.1 gL-1) was observed. The biomass production was increased 4 times more when a glucose-sucrose combination was used as substrate (26.31 gL-1). The strain A. niger produced extracellular beta-fructofuranosidase activity at all test concentrations of the substrate and the highest enzymatic activity (3873 UL-1) was obtained when sucrose was used at 12.5 gL-1. However, with a glucose-sucrose concentration of 25 gL-1 the beta-fructofuranosidase activity was of 23706 UL-1. The maximum rate of invertase enzyme production in presence of sucrose by Aspergillus niger in submerged culture was 3.67 UL-1h-1 at 12.5 gL-1 concentration, while in the case of glucose-sucrose mixture, it was 13.95 UL-1h-1 at a concentration of 25 gL-1. It was observed that the enzyme yield (YE/X) was 1.25 times more in presence of sucrose than with glucose-sucrose combination. In addition, the results suggested that an addition of lower concentration of glucose is a viable option to increase the enzyme secretion by the fungi.
Comparative studies on conventional and microwave-assisted synthesis of a series of 2,4-di and 2,3,4-trisubstituted benzimidazo[1,2-a] pyrimidines and their antimicrobial activities
Authors: Algul Oztekin , Meric Asiye , Polat Serpil , Didem Yuksek N. , Serin Mehmet
Published: April 2009

Comparative studies were performed on a series of 2,4-di and 2,3,4-trisubstituted benzimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines, which were synthesized with conventional and microwave heating methods. In microwave irradiation method, approximately, 95–97.5% of the reaction time was increased and 1–45% yield increase was obtained. All compounds were able to inhibit the growth of the screened microorganisms in vitro with MIC values between 3.9–250 μg mL−1. The highest activity was expressed by compound IIId (2,4-diphenyl-benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a] pyrimidine), which has the MIC value of 3.9 μg mL−1 and 31.2 μg mL-1 for Penicillium natatum ATCC 24791 and E. faecalis ATCC 29212, respectively.
Quick bioanalytical method of quantification and validation of sulbactam in plasma using high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Abu-Shandi Khalid
Published: April 2009

A quick method of quantitative determination of sulbactam in human plasma, using liquid chromatography-UV spectroscopy, has been developed and validated. After derivatization with imidazole, plasma samples were treated by direct deproteinization with acetonitrile as an extraction solvent. After ultracentrifugation, sulbactam extract was directly injected onto the LC column. Chromatographic separation was performed on TSK Gel Super ODS (50 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 2 μm) using methanol and phosphate buffer with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide solution as a mobile phase. Gradient elution was employed. The method was fully validated according to the United States Food and Drug Administration requirements (linearity, precision, trueness, quantification limit, detection limit, recovery, specificity and stability). The calibration curves were linear within the concentration range of 0.05–4.0 μg mL−1. Good method/system precision and accuracy of the method were demonstrated.
Structural, electronic and elastic properties of Ti2TlC, Zr2TlC and Hf2TlC
Authors: Bouhemadou Abdelmadjid
Published: April 2009

Using First-principle calculations, we have studied the structural, electronic and elastic properties of M2TlC, with M = Ti, Zr and Hf. Geometrical optimization of the unit cell is in good agreement with the available experimental data. The effect of high pressures, up to 20 GPa, on the lattice constants shows that the contractions are higher along the c-axis than along the a axis. We have observed a quadratic dependence of the lattice parameters versus the applied pressure. The band structures show that all three materials are electrical conductors. The analysis of the site and momentum projected densities shows that bonding is due to M d-C p and M d-Tl p hybridizations. The M d-C p bonds are lower in energy and stiffer than M d-Tl p bonds. The elastic constants are calculated using the static finite strain technique. We derived the bulk and shear moduli, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio for ideal polycrystalline M2TlC aggregates. We estimated the Debye temperature of M2TlC from the average sound velocity. This is the first quantitative theoretical prediction of the elastic properties of Ti2TlC, Zr2TlC, and Hf2TlC compounds that requires experimental confirmation.
q-Gaussian approximants mimic non-extensive statistical-mechanical expectation for many-body probabilistic model with long-range correlations
Authors: Thistleton William , Marsh John , Nelson Kenric , Tsallis Constantino
Published: April 2009

We study a strictly scale-invariant probabilistic N-body model with symmetric, uniform, identically distributed random variables. Correlations are induced through a transformation of a multivariate Gaussian distribution with covariance matrix decaying out from the unit diagonal, as ρ/r
α for r =1, 2, ..., N-1, where r indicates displacement from the diagonal and where 0 ⩽ ρ ⩽ 1 and α ⩾ 0. We show numerically that the sum of the N dependent random variables is well modeled by a compact support q-Gaussian distribution. In the particular case of α = 0 we obtain q = (1-5/3 ρ) / (1- ρ), a result validated analytically in a recent paper by Hilhorst and Schehr. Our present results with these q-Gaussian approximants precisely mimic the behavior expected in the frame of non-extensive statistical mechanics. The fact that the N → ∞ limiting distributions are not exactly, but only approximately, q-Gaussians suggests that the present system is not exactly, but only approximately, q-independent in the sense of the q-generalized central limit theorem of Umarov, Steinberg and Tsallis. Short range interaction (α > 1) and long range interactions (α < 1) are discussed. Fitted parameters are obtained via a Method of Moments approach. Simple mechanisms which lead to the production of q-Gaussians, such as mixing, are discussed.
Food Niche ofPuma concolorin Central Mexico
Authors: Monroy‐Vilchis Octavio , Gómez Yuriana , Janczur Mariusz , Urios Vicente
Published: April 2009

Optimal foraging theory predicts that predators choose the most energetically profitable prey. At the northern limit of its distribution the pumaPuma concolortends to prey on large mammals, whereas at the southern limit its prey comprises medium‐sized and small mammals. We analysed the puma's food habits in Central Mexico, and concluded that the nine‐banded armadilloDasypus novemcinctusis the main prey, followed by the white‐nosed coatiNasua naricaand white‐tailed deerOdocoileus virginianus.The puma's standardised niche breadth (B') was 0.21 and was in accordance with the expected in the exponential model. We compared this with niche breadths recorded in other studies carried out in the Americas. After a forest fire, puma changed their feeding habits and began to hunt prey > 6.1 kg more frequently. Food preferences of puma in Central Mexico resemble those recorded for puma in South America rather than the preferences recorded for puma in other North American populations.
Cause of Death in Willow Ptarmigan Lagopus l. lagopus Chicks and the Effect of Intensive, Local Predator Control on Chick Production
Authors: Steen Johan B. , Haugvold Odd A.
Published: April 2009

Population dynamics of willow ptarmigan Lagopus l. lagopus are dominated by varying numbers of successful recruits to the population. One important component that determines this number is the survival of chicks from hatching to fledging at about two weeks of age. We studied the causes of death of chicks and the effects of intensive, local predator control on chick production in two areas of south‐central Norway from 1997–2004. During 1997–2000, 253 chicks were captured and radio‐tagged in a 2,000 ha area in Dalsbygda, Norway. Average survival for all years from hatching to two weeks of age was 33%. Predation accounted potentially for up to 73% of all deaths. Research‐related deaths accounted for 17% of deaths, while 10% died of other natural causes than predation. In no case did disease or lack of food appear to be the ultimate cause of death. The localisation of broods could not be predicted from brood position the previous day and there was no correlation between brood behaviour and chick death.

Intensive local predator control was conducted in a 2,000 ha area in Numedal, Norway during 1998–2004. Red fox Vulpes vulpes, marten Martes martes, mink Mustela erminea, raven Corvus c. corax and hooded crow Corvus c. cornix were trapped or shot. Chick production was calculated based on pigmentation of wing feathers from all birds harvested in September. Mean chick production for all years was 3.1 chicks per two adults in the treatment area and 2.4 in an adjacent area without predator control, but the differences were not significant. In our study, therefore, predator control had no measurable effect on chick production or survival.
Factors Influencing the Survival of Neonate Sharp‐Tailed GrouseTympanuchus phasianellus
Authors: Goddard Alicia D. , Dawson Russell D.
Published: April 2009

Offspring survival after leaving the nest is a critical element of population viability and in the management of game species. We estimated brood survival to 35 days and examined the factors thought to influence individual chick survival during the first two weeks post‐hatching in a population of sharp‐tailed grouseTympanuchus phasianellusnear Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, during 2004–2005. Using program MARK and an informationtheoretic approach, we assessed the importance of female attributes, date of hatching, distance moved from the nest and weather conditions experienced prior to hatching and during brood‐rearing for survival of offspring. During 2004–2005, 67% of broods had at least one chick that survived to 35 days of age, but within these broods only 34% of the chicks survived. Later hatching dates were positively related to survival during the 0–14 day age interval, whereas the distance moved from the nest by a brood and inclement weather conditions during the first seven days post‐hatching significantly reduced the survival rate of chicks to 14 days of age. Further, inclement weather prior to hatching was positively related to the survival of offspring to 14 days, perhaps because wet weather created favourable foraging environments and habitat characteristics during brood rearing. Cohesive management of nesting and brood‐rearing habitats is required to reduce offspring mortality associated with increased travel between suitable habitats, and may minimize mortality during periods when weather is unfavourable.
Foraging Behaviour and Flight Characteristics of Eurasian Griffons Gyps fulvus in the Island of Crete, Greece
Authors: Xirouchakis Stavros M. , Andreou Giorgos
Published: April 2009

We studied the foraging behaviour of Eurasian griffons Gyps fulvus on the island of Crete during 1997–2005 by direct observations in four colonies and by monitoring the movements of seven radio‐equipped individuals. The estimated foraging range of griffon colonies, based on direct observations, ranged from 206–851 km2 by using the Minimum Convex Polygon method, and 195–527 km2 by using the Adaptive Kernel method, with corresponding means of 472 and 380 km2, respectively. Meanwhile, radio‐tracking showed that foraging vultures covered an area ranging from 390–1300 km2. The mean foraging radius was calculated at ca 15 km and the mean maximum one at 29.9 km. On windless days, griffons' mean cross‐country speed was 5.1 m/second (maximum = 13.3 m/second), with a mean climbing rate of 0.6 m/second and a mean inter‐thermal gliding speed of 18.8 m/second. Any livestock carrion located up to 9 km from a colony was exploited by its members with minimum competition from individuals of adjacent areas. In total, we recorded 23 feeding incidences which took place at a mean distance of 8.4 km from the colonies. The food types identified were sheep carcasses located near stock‐farms and offal disposed in waste dumps in the vicinity of the colonies. On average, the griffons allocated 7.6 hour/day to food searching. This varied significantly between months and seasons. The shortest foraging time was recorded in December (6.4 hour/day) and the longest in June (9.3 hour/day). A significant difference of one hour after sunrise was detected in the departure time from the colony between seasons revealing that griffons departed earlier during winter trying to maintain their foraging budget within the available daytime limits.
The Use of an Orthotic Casting Foam as a Track‐Plate Medium for Wildlife Research and Monitoring
Authors: Hooper Justin , Rea Roy V.
Published: April 2009

Track plates are an inexpensive, non‐intrusive and widely used wildlife monitoring tool. Almost all track‐plate media are not suited for use during rainy conditions, because rain or heavy dews can distort tracks or render the medium ineffective for registering further animal visitations. Furthermore, available track‐plate media may also produce tracks of varying quality and hard‐surfaced media produce inaccurate two‐dimensional imprints. We experimented with the utility of using Biofoam™, a phenolic foam used in orthotics, as a track‐plate medium. Domestic animals were utilized to produce track imprints on track plates constructed of casting foam, coarse sand, fine sand, very fine sand and sooted aluminum. Resulting tracks were photographed and images were used in a questionnaire which was completed by expert wildlife trackers who rated the quality of the tracks. Tracks in the casting foam are three‐dimensional, register claws, clearly depict all pads, accurately record shape and size, and convey very fine anatomical details. Track imprints on the casting foam were rated consistently better by experts than track imprints left on the other media. Field trials demonstrated that the casting foam and tracks in the casting foam can endure lengthy periods of inclement weather conditions in the field without being damaged or distorted. In summary, where three‐dimensional, high‐quality prints need to be recorded in variable field conditions, we recommend the use and further experimentation with track plates made of casting foam.
Magnetic Particle-Based Hybrid Platforms for Bioanalytical Sensors
Authors: Stanciu Lia , Won Yu-Ho , Ganesana Mallikarjunarao , Andreescu Silvana
Published: April 2009

Biomagnetic nano and microparticles platforms have attracted considerable interest in the field of biological sensors due to their interesting physico-chemical properties, high specific surface area, good mechanical stability and opportunities for generating magneto-switchable devices. This review discusses recent advances in the development and characterization of active biomagnetic nanoassemblies, their interaction with biological molecules and their use in bioanalytical sensors.
Panorama de la digitalización de la ciencia y la cultura en la red
Authors: Gherab Martín Karim
Published: April 2009

Este artículo muestra, mediante una aproximación crítica, una panorámica general de diversas iniciativas culturales y científicas existentes en Internet: su historia, los proyectos actuales, sus polémicas, así como sus posibles desarrollos futuros. La limitada extensión disponible no permite analizar casos particulares, pero sí mencionar las ideas de los principales debates. Este texto se refiere principalmente a la digitalización de libros y artículos, si bien muchos de los comentarios son igualmente válidos para otros sectores culturales.
El papel de Internet en las cambiantes ecologías del conocimiento
Authors: Cope Bill , Kalantzis Mary
Published: April 2009

Más allá de lo que suele admitirse, el moderno sistema de conocimiento científico y universitario es una creación de la sociedad de la imprenta. Antes de llegar el siglo XXI, la imprenta era el canal de comunicación académica. Entonces, de manera bastante repentina con el cambio de siglo, los textos digitales empezaron a sustituir a la imprenta como el medio principal por el que los académicos acceden al conocimiento. Este artículo analiza algunas de las consecuencias de este cambio. ¿Hasta qué punto las tecnologías digitales de representación y comunicación reproducen los sistemas de conocimiento utilizados en el último medio milenio de historia de la moderna universidad? ¿O quizás la interrumpen y la transforman? Para responder a esta pregunta, este artículo explora aspectos clave de las transformaciones contemporáneas, no sólo en la forma textual de las representaciones digitales, sino también la emergencia de formas sociales que la digitalización refleja, permite y apoya. A esto llamamos la “web social”, una expresión que utilizamos para describir el tipo de relaciones con el conocimiento y la cultura que está emergiendo en esta era dominada por la interconexión computacional. ¿Cuáles son entonces los impactos y el potencial de estos cambios sobre los procesos de formación de nuevo conocimiento?
Acceso abierto: posibilidades y retos epistemológicos para las publicaciones científicas en la red
Authors: Feltrero Roberto
Published: April 2009

Las propuestas de acceso abierto a las publicaciones científicas en Internet presentan innegables ventajas para las labores de comunicación, publicación, difusión y contrastación de los resultados científicos. Sin embargo, ni estas ventajas prácticas, ni las razones económicas y morales que habitualmente se esgrimen para justificar la propuesta del acceso abierto, parecen ser suficientes para afianzar y extender este sistema a toda la comunidad científica. Dichas razones pueden complementarse, desde la filosofía, con una revisión de las posibilidades epistemológicas del acceso abierto y sus propuestas sobre los sistemas abiertos de revisión de los artículos científicos. Este estudio servirá para comprender las posibilidades que el movimiento del acceso abierto puede explorar y explotar para unificar sus propuestas y sus metodologías de forma que pueda constituirse en una alternativa epistemológicamente más valiosa que el actual sistema de publicación comercial de acceso restringido.
Making the Familiar Strange: How a Culture Audit Can Boost your Advising Impact
Authors: Ahren Chad , Ryan Helen-Grace , Niskodé-Dossett Amanda Suniti
Published: April 2009

Chad Ahren, Helen-Grace Ryan, and Amanda Suniti Niskodé-Dossett introduce an assessment tool to help advisors better understand their student organizations.
Titelbild: Total Synthesis and Absolute Configuration of the Bisanthraquinone Antibiotic BE‐43472B (Angew. Chem. 19/2009)
Authors: Nicolaou K. C. , Lim Yee Hwee , Becker Jochen
Published: April 2009

Eine Reaktionskaskade aus einer Diels‐Alder‐Reaktion, einer Lactolisierung und einer SN(Ar)‐Substitution liefert das Kerngerüst von BE‐43472B. K. C. Nicolaou et al. beschreiben die erste Totalsynthese dieses Bisanthrachinon‐Antibiotikums in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 3496 ff. Als Hintergrund des Titelbilds dient ein Foto von Ecteinascidia turbinata (von John Easley Photography), der marinen Quelle des Streptomyces‐Stamms, der das Antibiotikum produziert.

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Innentitelbild:Thallium(I) as a Coordination Site Protection Agent: Preparation of an Isolable Zero‐Valent Nickel Tris‐Isocyanide (Angew. Chem. 19/2009)
Authors: Fox Brian J. , Millard Matthew D. , DiPasquale Antonio G. , Rheingold Arnold L. , Figueroa Joshua S.
Published: April 2009

Die Bindung von Thallium(I) durch niedervalentes Nickel ist ein Beispiel für die Verwendung von Hauptgruppenionen zum Schutz von Koordinationsstellen von Übergangsmetallzentren. Wie J. S. Figueroa et al. in der Zuschrift auf S. 3525 ff. schildern, eröffnet die Koordination von Thallium(I) einen Zugang zu einem koordinativ ungesättigten Nickel‐Tris(isocyanid)‐Komplex. Thallium wirkt als Schutzgruppe gegen Lewis‐Basen und kann durch Zugabe von Halogenidionen leicht entfernt werden.

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Functional Molecular Flasks: New Properties and Reactions within Discrete, Self‐Assembled Hosts
Authors: Yoshizawa Michito , Klosterman Jeremy K. , Fujita Makoto
Published: April 2009

Insider dealing: Self‐assembled hosts applied as “molecular flasks” can alter and control the reactivity and properties of molecules encapsulated within their well‐defined, confined spaces. A variety of functional hosts of differing sizes, shapes, and utility have been prepared by using the facile and modular concepts of self‐assembly.

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The application of self‐assembled hosts as “molecular flasks” has precipitated a surge of interest in the reactivity and properties of molecules within well‐defined confined spaces. The facile and modular synthesis of self‐assembled hosts has enabled a variety of hosts of differing sizes, shapes, and properties to be prepared. This Review briefly highlights the various molecular flasks synthesized before focusing on their use as functional molecular containers—specifically for the encapsulation of guest molecules to either engender unusual reactions or unique chemical phenomena. Such self‐assembled cavities now constitute a new phase of chemistry, which cannot be achieved in the conventional solid, liquid, and gas phases.
Jurors' perceptions of juvenile defendants: the influence of intellectual disability, abuse history, and confession evidence
Authors: Najdowski Cynthia J. , Bottoms Bette L. , Vargas Maria C.
Published: April 2009

Understanding jurors' perceptions of juvenile defendants has become increasingly important as more and more juvenile cases are being tried in adult criminal court rather than family or juvenile court. Intellectual disability and child maltreatment are overrepresented among juvenile delinquents, and juveniles (particularly disabled juveniles) are at heightened risk for falsely confessing to crimes. In two mock trial experiments, we examined the effects of disability, abuse history, and confession evidence on jurors' perceptions of a juvenile defendant across several different crime scenarios. Abused juveniles were treated more leniently than nonabused juveniles only when the juvenile's crime was motivated by self‐defense against the abuser. Jurors used disability as a mitigating factor, making more lenient judgments for a disabled than a nondisabled juvenile. Jurors also completely discounted a coerced confession for a disabled juvenile, but not for a nondisabled juvenile. In fact, compared with when it was portrayed as voluntary, jurors generally discounted a juvenile's coerced confession. Implications for public policy and directions for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.