bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inaccessible Drilling Targets and Completions Operation Made Possible by the Alleviation of Excessive Torque and Drag
Authors: Long Tim Parker , McCormick John Edward , Frilot Melissa Anne
Published: October 2009

This paper describes the factors contributing to excessive torque and drag that necessitated the use of sub-based mechanical friction-reduction tools in one land and two offshore wells. The software modeling of torque and drag is presented with the predicted and actual results. The paper also describes how the friction-reduction tools were run and how they work.

Applications related to this paper include any well with torque or drag challenges limiting the reach of a well or the options available for completions operations, extended-reach wells (ERWs), and any drilling, fishing, or other operation restricted by torque or drag challenges.

Effective planning and running of specialized tools are required for success. All three wells discussed had higher than expected torque and drag forces. The first and second wells experienced excessive torque, which threatened to halt drilling before reaching total depth (TD). In both cases the torque was reduced significantly, enabling drilling to continue to the target depths. In the third well, drag was reduced sufficiently to take advantage of an otherwise unavailable well-completion method, resulting in increased production and earlier financial recovery of drilling and completion costs.

This paper helps familiarize the reader with the technology and function of sub-based, rolling mechanical, friction-reduction tools, techniques, and information required to run a torque and drag model, as well as the benefits of using roller tools in drilling and completions operations.
""PHPA" as a Frictional Pressure Loss Reducer and its Pressure Loss Estimation"
Authors: Ercan C. , Ozbayoglu M. E.
Published: October 2009

Significant circulating system pressure losses occur between mud and extreme long drill pipes during deep or ultra deep offshore drilling operations with the available fluid circulation technology. Therefore high pump horsepower is required to circulate the mud. Addition of a small amount of frictional drag reducer can decrease these circulating system pressure losses significantly. As a result, pipe flow capacity can be increased with lower horsepower requirements. Frictional drag reducing polymers are often composed of high molecular weight linear molecules and can be used with water or hydrocarbon based solvents.

The performance of a liquid polymer emulsion which contains partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide/polyacrylate (PHPA) copolymer was studied in this paper. Straight cylindrical pipe flow experiments were performed at different concentrations of solutions for measuring frictional pressure losses. Measured and theoretical frictional pressure loss values shows that as the "PHPA" concentration increases, considerable drag reduction (as high as 60 %) can be obtained. The optimum concentration for drag reduction purposes was estimated as 0.0020 (v/v). A new friction factor is proposed as a function of "PHPA" concentration and Reynolds number, and the results showed that the pressure losses can be estimated with an error less than 15 % by using the developed friction factor.
Assessing Ecoregional‐Scale Habitat Suitability Index Models for Priority Landbirds
Authors: TIRPAK JOHN M. , JONES‐FARRAND D. TODD , THOMPSON FRANK R. , TWEDT DANIEL J. , BAXTER CHARLES K. , FITZGERALD JANE A. , UIHLEIN WILLIAM B.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  Emerging methods in habitat and wildlife population modeling promise new horizons in conservation but only if these methods provide robust population‐habitat linkages. We used Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data to verify and validate newly developed habitat suitability index (HSI) models for 40 priority landbird species in the Central Hardwoods and West Gulf Coastal Plain/Ouachitas Bird Conservation Regions. We considered a species’ HSI model verified if there was a significant rank correlation between mean predicted HSI score and mean observed BBS abundance across the 88 ecological subsections within these Bird Conservation Regions. When we included all subsections, correlations verified 37 models. Models for 3 species were unverified. Rank correlations for an additional 5 species were not significant when analyses included only subsections with BBS abundance >0. To validate models, we developed generalized linear models with mean observed BBS abundance as the response variable and mean HSI score and Bird Conservation Region as predictor variables. We considered verified models validated if the overall model was an improvement over an intercept‐only null model and the coefficient on the HSI variable in the model was >0. Validation provided a more rigorous assessment of model performance than verification, and models for 12 species that we verified failed validation. Species whose models failed validation were either poorly sampled by BBS protocols or associated with woodland and shrubland habitats embedded within predominantly open landscapes. We validated models for 25 species. Habitat specialists and species reaching their highest densities in predominantly forested landscapes were more likely to have validated models. In their current form, validated models are useful for conservation planning of priority landbirds and offer both insight into limiting factors at ecoregional scales and a framework for monitoring priority landbird populations from readily available national data sets.
Spatial Variation in Lesser Prairie‐Chicken Demography: A Sensitivity Analysis of Population Dynamics and Management Alternatives
Authors: HAGEN CHRISTIAN A. , SANDERCOCK BRETT K. , PITMAN JAMES C. , ROBEL ROBERT J. , APPLEGATE ROGER D.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  The lesser prairie‐chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is currently considered a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act. To identify potential limiting factors for lesser prairie‐chicken populations, we developed an age‐based matrix model of lesser prairie‐chicken population dynamics to compare the relative importance of components of reproduction and survival, and determine if various management alternatives stabilize or increase rates of population change. We based our analyses on an intensive 6‐year population study from which demographic rates were estimated for each age class in Kansas. We used deterministic models and elasticity values to identify parameters predicted to have the greatest effect on the rate of population change (λ) at 2 study sites. Last, we used life‐stage simulation analysis to simulate various management alternatives. Lambda was <1 for both populations (site 1: λ = 0.54, site 2: λ = 0.74). However, we found differences in sensitivity to nest success and chick survival between populations. The results of the simulated management scenarios complemented the lower‐level elasticity analysis and indicated the relative importance of female survival during the breeding season compared with winter. If management practices are only capable of targeting a single demographic rate, changes to either nest success or chick survival had the greatest impact on λ at site 1 and 2, respectively. Management that simultaneously manipulated both nest success and chick survival was predicted to have a greater effect on λ than changes in survival of adult females. In practice, our demographic analyses indicate that effective management should be based on habitat conservation measures to increase components of fecundity.
Economics of Northern Bobwhite and Timber Management in the Southeastern United States
Authors: HUANG CHING‐HSUN
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  Populations of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) have declined significantly over the past 50 years, and the primary factor contributing to this decline has been the loss of habitat. Forest landowners who are concerned with providing bobwhite habitat as well as generating revenue from timber should balance the silvicultural requirements of timber production with the biological needs of the bobwhite. The goal of this study was to determine the economic tradeoffs between bobwhite and timber management and how to minimize loss or maximize profit when managing for bobwhite and timber simultaneously. I performed discounted cash flow analyses, calculated land expectation value, and determined the financially optimal rotation age and optimal timing and intensity of thinnings for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations under specific management objectives. My results show that the annual per‐hectare economic gains of managing for both bobwhite and timber ranged from US$19.27 to $41.37 on site index 50 land, and ranged from $32.63 to $50.02 on site index 90 land. My analysis indicates that bobwhite management provides an investment opportunity to landowners whose low‐productivity sites would be unprofitable if timber is the only product. My study provides an example of integrating multiple uses of goods and services in a way that maximizes economic returns and aids land managers in producing better habitat for bobwhite.
Landscape‐Genetic Analysis of Population Structure in the Texas Gray Fox Oral Rabies Vaccination Zone
Authors: DEYOUNG RANDY W. , ZAMORANO ANGELINE , MESENBRINK BRIAN T. , CAMPBELL TYLER A. , LELAND BRUCE R. , MOORE GUY M. , HONEYCUTT RODNEY L. , ROOT J. JEFFREY
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  In west‐central Texas, USA, abatement efforts for the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) rabies epizootic illustrate the difficulties inherent in large‐scale management of wildlife disease. The rabies epizootic has been managed through a cooperative oral rabies vaccination program (ORV) since 1996. Millions of edible baits containing a rabies vaccine have been distributed annually in a 16‐km to 24‐km zone around the perimeter of the epizootic, which encompasses a geographic area >4 × 105 km2. The ORV program successfully halted expansion of the epizootic into metropolitan areas but has not achieved the ultimate goal of eradication. Rabies activity in gray fox continues to occur periodically outside the ORV zone, preventing ORV zone contraction and dissipation of the epizootic. We employed a landscape‐genetic approach to assess gray fox population structure and dispersal in the affected area, with the aim of assisting rabies management efforts. No unique genetic clusters or population boundaries were detected. Instead, foxes were weakly structured over the entire region in an isolation by distance pattern. Local subpopulations appeared to be genetically non‐independent over distances >30 km, implying that long‐distance movements or dispersal may have been common in the region. We concluded that gray foxes in west‐central Texas have a high potential for long‐distance rabies virus trafficking. Thus, a 16‐km to 24‐km ORV zone may be too narrow to contain the fox rabies epizootic. Continued expansion of the ORV zone, although costly, may be critical to the long‐term goal of eliminating the Texas fox rabies virus variant from the United States.
Ecological Factors Influencing Nest Survival of Greater Sage‐Grouse in Mono County, California
Authors: KOLADA ERIC J. , CASAZZA MICHAEL L. , SEDINGER JAMES S.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT We studied nest survival of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in 5 subareas of Mono County, California, USA, from 2003 to 2005 to 1) evaluate the importance of key vegetation variables for nest success, and 2) to compare nest success in this population with other greater sage‐grouse populations. We captured and radiotracked females (n= 72) to identify nest sites and monitor nest survival. We measured vegetation at nest sites and within a 10‐m radius around each nest to evaluate possible vegetation factors influencing nest survival. We estimated daily nest survival and the effect of explanatory variables on daily nest survival using nest‐survival models in Program MARK. We assessed effects on daily nest survival of total, sagebrush (Artemisiaspp.), and nonsagebrush live shrub‐cover, Robel visual obstruction, the mean of grass residual height and grass residual cover measurements within 10 m of the nest shrub, and area of the shrub, shrub height, and shrub type at the nest site itself. Assuming a 38‐day exposure period, we estimated nest survival at 43.4%, with percent cover of shrubs other than sagebrush as the variable most related to nest survival. Nest survival increased with increasing cover of shrubs other than sagebrush. Also, daily nest survival decreased with nest age, and there was considerable variation in nest survival among the 5 subareas. Our results indicate that greater shrub cover and a diversity of shrub species within sagebrush habitats may be more important to sage‐grouse nest success in Mono County than has been reported elsewhere.
Mass Media Effect on the Operating Environment of a Wildlife‐Related Risk‐Communication Campaign
Authors: GORE MEREDITH L. , KNUTH BARBARA A.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  Managers and other stakeholders may rely on wildlife‐related risk communication campaigns to prevent or reduce risks associated with human‐wildlife conflict. The operating environment or the sphere of activity within which a campaign functions can influence a campaign's ability to achieve outcomes. Between 1 May 2005 and 30 October 2005, we studied human‐black bear conflict in southeastern New York and the wildlife‐related risk communication campaign, the New York NeighBEARhood Watch (NYNW). Based on the social amplification of risk framework, our goal was to determine whether mass media affected the operating environment of the campaign, and if so, identify the magnitude and direction of the effect. We used a self‐administered mail survey (N = 2,800) in 4 southeastern New York, USA, towns to collect data about residents’ perceived black bear‐related risks, bear‐related behavior, and exposure to the NYNW. We also conducted a content analysis of mass media coverage about black bears. Exposure to the NYNW from newspapers was positively correlated (R = 0.39, P < 0.01) with respondents’ decreased acceptance of black bear‐related risks. Our results showed a small social amplification of risk associated with black bears from exposure to mass media, specifically newspapers. Mass media can influence the operating environment of a wildlife‐related risk communication campaign, including through amplification of risk perception. Characterizing the operating environment of campaigns is key to HWC‐intervention planning, evaluation, and policy. Wildlife practitioners can consider media effects, as well as other biological and social factors, as potential influences on a campaign's operating environment and be aware that interaction effects may occur.
Blood Biochemistry of Sea Turtles Captured in Gillnets in the Lower Cape Fear River, North Carolina, USA
Authors: SNODDY JESSICA E. , LANDON MARIAN , BLANVILLAIN GAËLLE , SOUTHWOOD AMANDA
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  Mortality due to fisheries interactions has been implicated as a contributor to population decline for several species of sea turtle. The incidental capture of sea turtles in the coastal gillnet fisheries of North Carolina, USA, has received much attention in recent years, and mitigation measures to reduce sea turtle mortality due to gillnet entanglement are a high priority for managers and conservationists. Efforts to evaluate effects of gillnet entanglement on sea turtle populations are complicated by the lack of information on health status of turtles released alive from nets and postrelease mortality. We obtained blood samples from green (Chelonia mydas) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles captured in gillnets for 20–240 minutes to assess the impacts of gillnet entanglement on blood biochemistry and physiological status. We measured concentrations of lactate, corticosterone, ions (Na+, K+, Cl‐, P, Ca2+), enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], creatine phosphokinase [CPK], aspartate aminotransferase [AST]), protein, and glucose in the blood and also performed physical examinations of turtles to document external indicators of health status (injuries, lethargy, muted reflexes). We evaluated the effects of entanglement time on blood biochemistry and to look for correlations between blood biochemistry and results of the physical examinations. We observed a significant increase in blood lactate, LDH, CPK, phosphorus, and glucose with increased entanglement time. Alterations in blood biochemistry were generally associated with a decline in health status as indicated by results of the physical examination. Although entanglement time plays an important role in determining the health status of sea turtles upon release from a gillnet, our results suggest that factors such as the depth and severity of entanglement may also have an effect on health status of turtles and the probability of postrelease survival. We were unable to set a maximum unattended gillnet soak time to minimize impacts on captured sea turtles, and therefore recommend that fisheries managers continue to enforce the net attendance regulations currently in place in the lower Cape Fear River, North Carolina, during the summer months.
An Improved Field Method to Obtain DNA for Individual Identification From Wolf Scat
Authors: RUTLEDGE LINDA Y. , HOLLOWAY JOSHUA J. , PATTERSON BRENT R. , WHITE BRADLEY N.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  Sampling of feces for genetic studies of wild populations can be problematic because of the low quality and quantity of template DNA obtained. We used cotton swabs in the field to isolate the mucous layer on the surface of fresh wolf (Canis lupus, C. lycaon, and their hybrids) scats followed by immediate preservation, and compared microsatellite genotyping of DNA from these fresh field swabs (FS) to that of previously frozen laboratory swabs (LS). In single polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) of 2 multiplexes, amplification at 8 loci was higher in the FS samples (FS = 50%, LS = 15%; P = 0.02) because proportion, quantity, and quality of large fragment wolf nuclear DNA from these samples was greater (2.5–25%, 6.25–62.5 ng/swab, 35% amplified at 1,000 base pairs [bp]) than from the LS samples (1.9%–10%, 4.7–25 ng/swab, 10% amplified at 1,000 bp). Paired blood and fresh field‐swabbed samples had identical genotypes. In 84 multiplex PCRs we found no evidence of allelic dropout associated with low template quality or quantity. We conclude that field swabbing of fresh wolf scat facilitates field storage and reduces the need for multiple amplifications at single microsatellite loci, thereby reducing the genotyping costs for wildlife projects that use noninvasive samples.
Long‐Distance Dispersal of a Rescued Wolf From the Northern Apennines to the Western Alps
Authors: CIUCCI PAOLO , REGGIONI WILLY , MAIORANO LUIGI , BOITANI LUIGI
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  By using Global Positioning System technology, we documented the long‐distance dispersal of a wolf (Canis lupus) from the northern Apennines in Italy to the western Alps in France. This is the first report of long‐distance dispersal of wolves in the human‐dominated landscapes of southern Europe, providing conclusive evidence that the expanding wolf population in the Alps originates from the Apennine source population through natural recolonization. By crossing 4 major 4‐lane highways, agricultural areas, and several regional and provincial jurisdictions, the dispersal trajectory of wolf M15 revealed a single, narrow linkage connecting the Apennine and the Alpine wolf populations. This connectivity should be ensured to allow a moderate gene flow between the 2 populations and counteract potential bottleneck effects and reduced genetic variability of the Alpine wolf population. The case we report provides an example of how hard data can be effective in mitigating public controversies originating from the natural expansion and recolonization processes of large carnivore populations. In addition, by highlighting the connectivity between these 2 transboundary wolf populations, we suggest that documenting long‐distance dispersal is particularly critical to support population‐based, transboundary management programs.
Validating Aerial Photographic Mark‐Recapture for Naturally Marked Feral Horses
Authors: LUBOW BRUCE C. , RANSOM JASON I.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  Accurately estimating large mammal populations is a difficult challenge because species of interest often occupy vast areas and exhibit low and heterogeneous visibility. Population estimation techniques using aerial surveys and statistical design and analysis methods provide a means for meeting this challenge, yet they have only rarely been validated because wild populations of known size suitable for field tests are rare. Our study presents field validations of a photographic aerial mark‐recapture technique that takes advantage of the recognizable natural markings on free‐roaming feral horses (Equus caballus) to accurately identify individual animals and groups of animals sighted on multiple occasions. The 3 small populations of feral horses (<400 animals each) in the western United States used in the study were all closely monitored on a weekly basis by local researchers, thus providing test populations of known size. We were able to accurately estimate these population sizes with aerial surveys, despite rugged terrain and dense vegetation that created substantial heterogeneity of sighting probability among horse groups. Our best estimates at the 3 sites were within −6.7%, 2.6%, and −8.6% of known truth (‐4.2% mean error, 6.0% mean absolute error). In contrast, we found undercount bias as large as 32% before any statistical corrections. The necessary corrections varied both temporally and spatially, in response to previous sighting history (behavioral response), and by the number of horses in a group. Despite modeling some of the differences in horse‐group visibility with sighting covariates, we found substantial residual unmodeled heterogeneity that contributed to underestimation of the true population by as much as 22.7% when we used models that did not fully account for these unmeasured sources. We also found that the cost of the accurate and validated methods presented here is comparable to that of raw count (so called, census) methods commonly employed across feral horse ranges in 10 western states. We believe this technique can assist managers in accurately estimating many feral horse populations and could be applied to other species with sufficiently diverse and distinguishable visible markings.
Comparison of Injuries to Coyote From 3 Types of Cable Foot‐Restraints
Authors: DARROW PATRICK A. , SKIRPSTUNAS RAMONA T. , CARLSON S. WADE , SHIVIK JOHN A.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  We compared injury rates among captured coyotes (Canis latrans) to determine if modifications to cable foot‐restraints would decrease resulting injuries. Mean International Standardization Organization's injury scores of coyotes caught in 3 types of cable foot‐restraints were 22.2, 37.9, and 60.4 (F2,41 = 4.63, P = 0.015) for a chain‐loop, standard cable, and sleeved cable, respectively. These results may be important for trappers and researchers to consider when using a cable foot‐restraint device to capture wildlife.
Demographics of an Experimentally Released Population of Elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authors: MURROW JENNIFER L. , CLARK JOSEPH D. , DELOZIER E. KIM
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT  We assessed the potential for reestablishing elk (Cervus elaphus) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), USA, by estimating vital rates of experimentally released animals from 2001 to 2006. Annual survival rates for calves ranged from 0.333 to 1.0 and averaged 0.592. Annual survival for subadult and adult elk (i.e., ≥ 1 yr of age) ranged from 0.690 to 0.933, depending on age and sex. We used those and other vital rates to model projected population growth and viability using a stochastic individual‐based model. The annual growth rate (λ) of the modeled population over a 25‐year period averaged 0.996 and declined from 1.059 the first year to 0.990 at year 25. The modeled population failed to attain a positive 25‐year mean growth rate in 46.0% of the projections. Poor calf recruitment was an important determinant of low population growth. Predation by black bears (Ursus americanus) was the dominant calf mortality factor. Most of the variance of growth projections was due to demographic variation resulting from the small population size (n = 61). Management actions such as predator control may help increase calf recruitment, but our projections suggest that the GSMNP elk population may be at risk for some time because of high demographic variation.
Strategic Bidding and Risk Assessment Using Genetic Algorithm in Electricity Markets
Authors: Jain Arvind Kumar , Srivastava S.C.
Published: October 2009

In an electricity market, suppliers are more concerned with maximizing their profit and minimizing the financial risk, which can be achieved through strategic bidding. In this paper, Equal Incremental Cost Criteria (EICC) has been used for developing the optimal bidding strategy. The rival's bidding behavior has been formulated using a stochastic optimization model. Genetic Algorithm (GA), along with ac sensitivity factors, has been used to decide the optimal bidding strategy including congestion management to maximize the profit of the suppliers, considering single sided as well as double sided bidding. Both pure as well as probabilistic strategies have been simulated. Results with Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP), a classical optimization method, and dc sensitivity factors have also been obtained to compare and establish the effectiveness of proposed method. Value at Risk (VaR) has been calculated as a measure of financial risk.
The Private Equity Myth
Authors: Platt Harlan D
Published: October 2009

Private equity has become a huge force in American business, but how is it creating value. The paper shows that private equity firms in recent years have paid high prices for acquired companies, leveraging them up, and then hoping to sell them to someone else. Doubts are raised as to whether this is a good strategy for investors or the nation.
Un Mundo Donde Quepan Muchos Mundos: A Postcolonial Legal Perspective Inspired by the Zapatistas
Authors: Schacherreiter Judith
Published: October 2009

On January 1, 1994, the day when NAFTA entered into force, a group of indigenous appeared from the Lacandon jungle in Chiapas, occupied the city hall of San Cristóbal de las Casas, presented themselves as the Zapatista Army and announced: "We are the product of 500 years of fighting. [] But today we say: It is enough." This was the beginning of a rebellion which attracted international attention and is still going on today. Taking the announcement seriously, this article traces the history of 500 years from a legal perspective. By considering also the international dimension of this history, it shall be revealed that the reasons for the Zapatista revolt range from the Lacandon jungle through Chiapas, Mexico, Latin America, to the world and its global order. The article will focus on their demand for "land and freedom" which leads to the so-called agrarian question and the long history of bloody disputes about land, means of existence, natural resources, autonomy, sovereignty, power, dominance, oppression, life and death.The history of Mexican land law (sometimes as a legal reflection, sometimes as a result and sometimes as an origin of these disputes) shows with outstanding clarity international structures of hegemony. Foreign influence and legal transfer in accordance with European and U.S. economic interest have been shaping this area of law since colonization. On the other hand, history also gave birth to strong counter-hegemonic movements: the Mexican Revolution at the beginning of the 20th century and today the Zapatista rebellion.The objective of the article is the following: By putting the Zapatista struggle for land in the historical and global context, their “anti-systemic" or “postcolonial" quality shall be revealed. Against this background, the legal analysis of their rebellion shall be used to develop cornerstones of a postcolonial legal perspective. Hence, independent from the chronological order, the theoretical starting point is January 1, 1994. History will be approached as a memory that flashes on this day in the moment of uprising.
Inhibition of Premixed Methane-Air Flames with CF3I
Authors: Luo Caimao , Dlugogorski Bogdan , Kennedy Eric , Moghtaderi Behdad
Published: October 2009

This paper presents a systematic computational study of the inhibition of premixed flames of short chain hydrocarbons with CF3I, focusing on sensitivity analysis of the (normalized) burning velocity and reaction pathway analysis using the "iodine-flux" approach. A comprehensive kinetic mechanism was obtained by combining the GRI, hydrofluorocarbon and CF3I sub-mechanisms, and updating the rates of some of the elementary reactions. Calculations were performed using the PREMIX computer code in the CHEMKIN suite of computer codes. The updated mechanism yielded estimates of the normalized laminar burning velocities which concurs closely with published measurements. The sensitivity analysis resulted in a positive coefficient for CF3I + M ? CF3 + I + M, confirming the promoting effect of CF3I on the laminar flame velocity and is consistent with previous studies. Reaction pathways were drawn for stoichiometric, fuel-lean and fuel-rich flames doped with 1 and 2% of CF3I at atmospheric pressure. The reaction pathway analysis served to identify four major inhibition cycles, denoted as HI ? I ? HI, HI ? I ? I2 ? HI, HI ? I ? CH3I ? HI and HI ? I ? C2H5I ? HI. Furthermore, the paper developed a linear expression linking the normalized rate of heat release with the ratio of laminar burning velocities of mitigated and non-mitigated flames, and verified the efficacy of this expression for flames inhibited with CF3I.
Inflammation-Induced Preterm Birth in a Murine Model is Associated with Increases in Fetal Macrophages and Circulating Erythroid Precursors
Authors: Ernst Linda M. , Gonzalez Juan , Ofori Ella , Elovitz Michal
Published: October 2009

The presence of intrauterine inflammation has been associated with adverse neurologic outcomes in preterm infants, but the precise mechanisms of fetal brain injury remain unclear. We sought to evaluate inflammatory cell trafficking, fetal organ damage, and molecular regulation in the fetoplacental unit using an established mouse model of preterm birth associated with intrauterine inflammation. Gestational sacs were harvested 6 hours after intrauterine infusion of saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular investigations were performed to identify target organ damage and the cellular phenotype of inflammatory cells and to quantify circulating inflammatory and hematopoietic mediators within the placental and fetal tissue. There was widespread increase in fetal macrophages in LPS-exposed pups, including within the leptomeninges of the brain, associated with significantly higher of interleukin 6 levels in LPS-exposed pups. Although no specific central nervous system injury (necrosis or apoptosis) was documented, liver hematomas were seen significantly more frequently in LPS-exposed pups. Circulating nucleated fetal erythrocytes were also present more frequently with LPS exposure without significantly higher erythropoietin levels than saline-exposed mice. The presence of increased macrophages, increased circulating interleukin 6 levels, and increased circulating erythroid precursors in LPS-exposed pups suggests that these are significant factors associated with potential target organ damage, such as liver hematomas, associated with intrauterine inflammation and preterm birth. The role of macrophages within the fetal leptomeninges is unclear, but they may play an important role in inflammatory-mediated brain damage, and further investigation of their significance and potential as therapeutic targets is warranted.
The Anatomy of a Novel Malformation of the Cardinal Vein System
Authors: Castro Eumenia C.C. , Devine William , Galambos Csaba
Published: October 2009

Anomalies of the cardinal vein system (CVS) are uncommon but if unidentified can lead to life-threatening complications. We report a case with a novel malformation of the CVS. Autopsy with in situ dissection of heart and large vessels in a 25-day-old infant was performed. The infant was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, and systemic venous malformations were suspected by imaging. Correlation between premortem imaging and postmortem anatomy was performed. The superior and inferior left venous systems developed abnormally. A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) drained into the right atrium via the coronary sinus. A persistent left inferior vena cava (PLIVC) continued with the hemiazygos vein (HV), which drained into the PLSVC. The innominate vein was absent. The left renal vein was connected to the HV. Two common iliac veins were identified. The left drained into the PLIVC and the right into the right inferior vena cava (IVC). Perinatal echocardiography identified only the dilated HV draining to an LSVC and a small IVC. Congenital heart disease included hypoplastic left ventricle with hypoplastic aortic arch and subaortic stenosis, which were diagnosed by fetal ultrasound. Remodeling of components of CVS takes place during development, and unknown mechanisms guide this process. Defects of this process can lead to variable malformations, as demonstrated by this case. To our knowledge, the combination of complex malformations of both superior and IVC systems that extends to the common iliac veins has not been reported. We recommend identifying vascular anomalies in situ during autopsy before anatomic relationships are altered.
Cushing's Syndrome in an Infant Secondary to Malignant Adrenocortical Tumors with Somatic Mutation of Beta-Catenin
Authors: Pusantisampan Theerawut , Sangkhathat Surasak , Kayasut Kanita , Kanngurn Samornmas , Jaruratanasirikul Somchit , Chotsampancharoen Teerachit , Kritsaneepaiboon Supika
Published: October 2009

A role of beta-catenin ( CTNNB1) in the molecular pathogenesis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) has been suspected in adult ACC and pediatric pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease, but it has never been reported in pediatric ACC. We present the case of a 4-month-old Thai infant who had Cushing's syndrome secondary to bilateral adrenal tumors with hepatic metastasis. The child was successfully treated with a bilateral adrenalectomy and wedge resection of the liver nodule. Histopathology revealed bilateral adrenocortical tumors with different histologic grades; the right tumor had a higher score, according to modified Weiss criteria. On molecular study, a deletion mutation of beta-catenin involving codons 44 to 45 was detected in the right adrenal tumor. The same mutation was found in peripheral blood before treatment; this mutation disappeared after tumor removal. The left tumor harbored wild-type beta-catenin. Immunohistochemistry showed nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin on the right adrenal tumor and the metastatic nodule. In summary, we present evidence that supports the role of the Wnt-signaling pathway in the carcinogenesis of pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma.
Toxicity and Genotoxicity Testing of Roundup
Authors: Raipulis Jēkabs , Toma Malda , Balode Maija
Published: October 2009

Toxicity and Genotoxicity Testing of Roundup

Glyphosate, in the commercial formulation named Roundup, is a broad spectrum herbicide that is one of the most frequently applied pesticides in the world. However, there has been little evidence of Roundup toxicity or genotoxicity. Genotoxicity of glyphosate was carried out using the Escherichia coli SOS chromotest. The glyphosate-induced dose response in the SOS chromotest suggests that glyphosate possesses genotoxic properties. Glyphosate at a 0.2 g/l concentration in toxicity bioassay caused 50% mortality of Daphnia magna (LD50 after 24 h — 0.22 g/l; after 48 h — 0.19 g/l), but 0.25 — 0.5 g/l — 100% death of organisms (LD100 after 24 h — 0.5 g/l; after 48 h — 0.25 g/l). Our results (E. coli SOS chromotest and daphnia test system) together with recent animal studies and epidemiological reports suggest that glyphosate, especially, Roundup possesses both toxic and genotoxic properties.
Response of Lithuanian Winter Wheat Advanced Lines to Common Bunt (Tilletia tritici (BJERK.) WINT)
Authors: Ruzgas Vytautas , Liatukas Žilvinas
Published: October 2009

Response of Lithuanian Winter Wheat Advanced Lines to Common Bunt (Tilletia tritici(BJERK.) WINT)

The study was carried out at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture in an artificially inoculated nursery during 2006-2007. Resistance to common bunt in 2006 was tested for 71, in 2007 for 118 breeding lines of Lithuanian winter wheat from the competitive trial nursery. Additionally, 148 promising lines were selected and tested from the check nursery, which possessed some resistance in their pedigree ancestors. The average disease incidence in 2006 and 2007 was 80.9 and 63.5%, respectively. The very high infection level highlighted the genotypes with the most effective resistance under conditions highly favourable for common bunt. There were no lines without infected ears. Among the 29 breeding lines tested in the two years, two lines Bill/Aspirant and Dream/Lut.9329 were infected the least, 17.2% and 1.9% in 2006 and 18.5% and 7.8% in 2007, respectively. Most of the breeding lines were highly susceptible. Lines with disease incidence over 50% accounted for over 90% in 2006 and 80% in 2007 of the total lines tested. The most resistant lines had in their pedigrees the following resistance sources: genotypes Bill, Lut.9329, Strumok, Lut.9313, Lut.9358, Tommi as well as Dream, Haldor, 91002G2.1, 96/101, Bezenchiukskaya380.
Eye Refraction Anomalies in Down Syndrome Families
Authors: Sriubienė Margarita , Andriuškevičiūtė Irena , Sinkus Algimantas
Published: October 2009

Eye Refraction Anomalies in Down Syndrome Families

The extra chromosomal material in Down syndrome patients causes a generalised disruption in the genetic balance. From this viewpoint, the non-specific developmental instability following aneuploidy might be also responsible for ocular anomalies in patients with Down syndrome. The aim of this study was to identify the eye refraction anomalies in families having individuals with Down syndrome. A total of 199 Down syndrome patients (average age 17.0 years), 85 their siblings (17.0 years) and 229 their parents (average age 48.9 years) underwent eye refraction examination. In Down syndrome patients ocular refractive findings as spherical equivalent were: emetropia 4.2±1.0%, hypermetropia 70.0±2.3%, and myopia 25.8±2.2%. Astigmatism was diagnosed in 42.8±1.5% of patients. Refraction could not be identified in 3.8±1.0% of patients. In the control group of siblings refractive findings as spherical equivalent were: emmetropia 51.2±3.8%, hypermetropia 39.4±3.7%, and myopia 9.4±2.2%. Astigmatism was diagnosed in 7.6±2.0% of siblings. In parents refractive findings as spherical equivalent were: emmetropia 42.8±2.3%, hypermetropia 40.2±2.3%, and myopia 17±1.8%. Astigmatism was diagnosed in 7.9±1.3% of parents. Refraction could not be identified in 1.1±0.5% of parents. Astigmatism, which is phylogenetically more recent, was found in Down syndrome patients 5.6 times more often than control siblings and 5.4 times more than in the parents group.
Genetic Variability Associated with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Gene Polymorphism in Sportsmen Pursuing Different Sports
Authors: Paulauskas Algimantas , Danileviciutė Asta , Povilaitis Tadas , Poderis Jonas
Published: October 2009

Genetic Variability Associated with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Gene Polymorphism in Sportsmen Pursuing Different Sports

The purpose of the study was to determine angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms in sportsmen and sedentary individuals and to evaluate the differences in frequencies of ACE genotype and allele distribution among sportsmen who are involved in different sports. In this study 255 participants were analysed: 116 sedentary individuals and 139 sportsmen. Sportsmen were differentiated into separate groups according to various sports: endurance, strength requiring, cyclic and acyclic sports. DNA was purified from peripheral blood with a DNA purification kit "Fermentas". ACE gene polymorphic region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA electrophoresis was used to separate DNA fragments by size. Bands were visualised under ultra violet (UV) light. The frequency of D allele was higher than I allele in sedentary individuals; the sportsmen had higher frequency of I allele. The X2 test showed allele selection in sedentary individuals. Frequency of the I allele among the individuals who belong to endurance requiring sports was higher than was the D allele, while among the individuals who belong to sports requiring strength, the D and I allele frequences were equal. Differences in the individuals who belong to acyclic sports group were not significant — the frequency of I allele was much higher than D in the cyclic sports group. D allele frequency was twice higher than I allele among wrestlers.
Tolerance to Pre-Harvest Sprouting in Lithuanian Winter Wheat Advanced Lines
Authors: Liatukas Žilvinas , Ruzgas Vytautas
Published: October 2009

Tolerance to Pre-Harvest Sprouting in Lithuanian Winter Wheat Advanced Lines

Tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting of winter wheat advanced breeding lines was evaluated at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture in 2005 and 2006. The tests were conducted with intact ears germinated in plastic boxes on wet filter paper in a plant growth chamber. A total of 131 breeding lines were tested during the experimental period. The experiment revealed that sprouting cumulative index (SCI) characterises resistance of lines to pre-harvest sprouting more precisely than sprouting final score (SFS). The SFS ranged from 4.3 to 9.0 in 2005 and from 5.4 to 9.0 in 2006. The SCI value was 0.14-1.0 in both years. Lines in 2005 were more susceptible to pre-harvest sprouting than those in 2006. The most resistant were found to be the lines Flair/Asketis, Torfrida/Beaver//Tarso, Širvinta1/LIA3480, while the most susceptible ones were Elena/Flair, Mermaid/Alidos, Flair/Lut.96-3 in 2005. In 2006, the most resistant lines were Pegassos/Dream, Belisar/Briz, Lars/Lut.96-3 and the most susceptible were Rostovchanka/Lut.96-3, Rector/Briz, Rostovchanka/Flair. The SFS of resistant lines was up to score 6 and the SCI value reached 0.3 in both years. The SFS of susceptible lines was 9.0 and the SCI value more than 0.9 in both years.
Productivity and Root-Crop Quality of Lithuanian Carrot (Daucus Sativus Röhl.) Breeder Lines
Authors: Karklelienė Rasa , Radzevičius Audrius , Bobinas Česlovas
Published: October 2009

Productivity and Root-Crop Quality of Lithuanian Carrot (Daucus Sativus Röhl.) Breeder Lines

The investigation was carried out at the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture in 2004-2006. Nine promising Lithuanian breeder lines of carrots: 2030, 2046, 2049, 2056, 2065, 2075, 2084, 2091, 2095, and hybrid Svalia F1were included in our experiment. The following sets of parameters were estimated: plant phenology, morphology (length, diameter and mass of root), yield and biochemical composition (carotene, dry soluble matter, total sugar, nitrates). Carrots were cultivated in sandy or sandy-loam Calc (ar)i - Epihypogleyc Luvisols (LVg-p-w-cc), on a profiled surface in four replications. Multiyear results show that carrot root-crop quality depends not only on genotype but also on soil type and growing conditions. In Lithuania the most popular hybrid root-crops have the same shape, about 18-25 cm length and 3.6-3.9 cm diameter. Thus, for our experiment we chose breeder lines meeting to these popular standards. Breeder lines 2030 and 2075 had the best root shape: root length 18.0-21.0 cm and diameter 3.7-3.9 cm. During three years of observation, we found that breeder line 2056 carrots were large (root mass 172.7 g). Yield analysis showed that the highest total and marketable yield was achieved by breeder line 2030 and Svalia' F1. Carrot breeds 2030, 2091 and Svalia' F1had the best biochemical composition.
Genetic Structure of Isolated Vaccinium oxycoccus Populations in Lithuania
Authors: Žukauskienė Judita , Paulauskas Algimantas , Česonienė Laima , Daubaras Remigijus
Published: October 2009

Genetic Structure of Isolated Vaccinium oxycoccus Populations in Lithuania

The genetic population structure of the wild Cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccus was studied using RAPDs (random amplified polymorphic DNA). During the last century, intensive peat bogs drainage, regulation of water levels, and intensive cranberry picking has caused a risk for survival of wild cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccus populations in Lithuania. Genetic variation among and within isolated V. oxycoccus populations was investigated with RAPD profiles. Fifty-six clones were sampled in four populations at the Čepkeliai, Žuvintas, Kamanos Reserves and Aukštaitijos National Park. RAPD analyses of nine primers showed 213 polymorphic loci in the samples. The polymorphism level in the Čepkeliai rezerve population was 56.34%, in Žuvintas 49.77%, in Kamanos 46.95% and in Aukštatija 43.19%. Polymorphism among populations was 100%. For the total sample group, Shannon's Information Index was 0.2 and Nei's gene diversity 0.12. The estimated total proportion of diversity among populations (GST) and gene flow (Nm) were 0.14 and 3.1, respectively. The UPGMA analyses have revealed that populations of V. oxycoccus are clearly separated into four lineages and only one Čepkeliai lineage had a homogenous haplotype. Others Žuvintas, Kamanos and Aukštatijos lineages differed from each other. One clone sampled from Aukštatija National Park (a8) had a unique haplotype.
Pre-clinical Pharmacology Training in a Student-Centered Veterinary Curriculum
Authors: Buur Jennifer L.
Published: October 2009

The appropriate use of therapeutics is important to both human and animal health. The field of pharmacology is rapidly progressing such that it is impossible to convey to students every possible piece of information they will need to know throughout their veterinary careers. Instead, it is more important to train students for lifelong and self-directed learning so that they will be able to adapt to the ever-changing pharmaceutical landscape. Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine teaches pharmacology using a student-centered and problem-based curriculum designed to teach students not only the basics of pharmacology and clinical pharmacology, but also the personal skills needed to continue to learn beyond their formal education. The aim of this manuscript is to document the pharmacology curriculum during phase I of the veterinary curriculum. Review of the graduating class of 2010’s exposure to pharmacology learning issues reveals broad-based coverage of major functional and mechanistic drug classes as well as peripheral topics, including pharmacokinetics, legal and ethical issues, and dosing regimen calculations. Previous classes have scored well on external examinations leading to a belief that this pharmacology curriculum provides adequate training for graduate veterinarians.
Validity, Reliability, and Defensibility of Assessments in Veterinary Education
Authors: Hecker Kent , Violato Claudio
Published: October 2009

In this article, we provide an introduction to and overview of issues of validity, reliability, and defensibility related to measurement of student performance in veterinary medical education. Validity has to do with the extent to which the instrument measures whatever it is supposed to measure, reliability has to do with the consistency of measurement, and defensibility deals with the appropriate standards of the assessment procedure. An explanation of the methods that can be used to determine reliability and validity are given and examples of how they have been used in recent research findings are provided. Veterinary educators should have an understanding of each of these concepts because evaluation of veterinary students and performance measures provides evidence of utility of assessment tools, informs teaching practices, and can guide curriculum development and revision.