bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Klimawandel und Regionalplanung
Authors: Overbeck Gerhard , Sommerfeldt Petra , Köhler Stefan , Birkmann Jörn
Published: March 2010

The ARL working group “Climate Change and Spatial Planning” conducted a survey among German regional planning authorities on how they currently treat the issue of climate change in their activities. The survey covered the availability of information on climate change, current possibilities and experiences in the field of mitigation, future challenges regarding adaptation to climate change and subsequent consequences for planning procedures. The results of the survey show that at present, regional planners mostly treat mitigation issues when considering climate change. Few experiences have been made regarding adaptation to climate change. The role of spatial planning in the context of climate change has not been defined clearly so far.
Industrielle Cluster als Ursache regionaler Prosperität?
Authors: Kubis Alexander , Brachert Matthias , Titze Mirko
Published: March 2010

This paper explores the impact of industrial clusters on regional growth at level of Germany’s functionally defined labour market regions (AMR) within a regional convergence model. It focuses especially on the role of the co-location of vertically connected industrial sectors. Based on works of Schnabl (2000) it is possible to identify three different effects of industrial clusters on regional economic performance. Beside the effect of regionally concentrated economic sectors (horizontal clusters) and value adding chains (vertical clusters) on the region itself, we are able to control for regional spillover effects of industrial clusters. Further, the study allows the isolated examination of the impact of industrial cluster while taking regional convergence into consideration.
It is possible to demonstrate positive growth effects of industrial clusters along with an overall process of convergence as same as with a specific eastern one. Therefore industrial cluster present an opportunity to explain deficits within the process of East-West-Convergence. Their relative absence of industrial clusters in Eastern Germany influences the growth potential in a negative way.
Die Identifikation horizontaler und vertikaler industrieller Clusterstrukturen in Deutschland
Authors: Titze Titze , Brachert Matthias , Kubis Alexander
Published: March 2010

If regional development agencies assume the cluster concept to be an adequate framework to promote regional growth and competitiveness, it is necessary to identify industrial clusters in a comprehensive manner. Previous studies used a diversity of methods starting with specific regional case studies, input-output methods and different concentration measures. This article presents a new instrument in empirical cluster research — the Qualitative Input-Output Analysis-, which offers the possibility to identify industrial cluster in conjunction with concentration measures. Especially, this method allows the combination of an identified critical mass of regional firms with the necessity of interaction of these firms within an input-output framework. Applying this method to Germany’s “Arbeitsmarktregionen” we find that 103 “Arbeitsmarkregionen” show first signs of horizontal industrial clusters, while only 28 regions are able to attract vertical industrial clusters. 139 “Arbeitsmarkt-regionen” did not show signs of industrial clusters according to the research design.
Privatisierung der Deutschen Bahn AG
Authors: M. Stielike Jan
Published: March 2010

The railway is a key part of the services of general interest and fulfils important functions for the common welfare. But against the background of the states’ limited financial resources the rail also has to work cost-effectively. This polarity can be solved in the best way by a transition from the “accountability for services” to the “accountability for regulation” of the state. This means that the provision of transport services is put out to tender under predefined conditions and for a limited period of time. From a spatial planning perspective the rail network has to set up high-capacity links between economic centres as well as connections to peripheral spaces.
Germination biology and seedling growth of Clusia hilariana Schltdl., a dominant CAM‐tree of drought‐prone sandy coastal plains
Authors: Cavalcante Aline , Braz Maria Isabel Guedes , de Mattos Eduardo Arcoverde
Published: March 2010

The spatial and temporal fluctuations of water availability can be an obstacle for recruitment of many species in the restinga and might restrict seed germination and seedling growth in specific regeneration safe‐sites. Clusiahilariana is one of the most dominant species of Restinga de Jurubatiba. This species has a high proportion of seedling establishment occurring inside the tanks of soil bromeliads underneath vegetation patches. Given the thin seed coats, the fast germination time and seed dispersal of C. hilariana during the dry season, we hypothesized that their major regeneration niche (the tanks of soil bromeliads) is related to susceptibility of seed germination and also seedling growth to low water availability. To test this hypothesis, seeds were germinated under decreasing water potentials using PEG 6000 solutions and seedlings were grown under varying water regimes. The percentage of seed germination progressively decreased at lower water potentials. After 38 days in −1.0 MPa no seeds germinated. However, approximately 90% of seeds germinated when transferred to Ψ = 0 MPa. The relative growth rates of seedlings of C. hilariana did not differ between water treatments. Thus, the major regeneration niche of C. hilariana is not a consequence of a high sensitivity of seeds and seedlings to water shortage. Nonetheless, C. hilariana showed an array of seed and seedling traits that may help to overcome establishment constraints of the harsh environment of restingas.
Spatial network structure and robustness of detritus‐based communities in a patchy environment
Authors: Bellisario Bruno , Cerfolli Fulvio , Nascetti Giuseppe
Published: March 2010

The mechanisms that regulate the spatial distribution of species are an essential aid to understanding the effects of the environment on the persistence of populations and communities. The effects of spatial structure on the persistence and robustness of ecological communities can, in turn, prove useful in uncovering their functioning, e.g., in the decomposition of leaf detritus. We applied the framework of complex networks to evaluate the effects of spatial structure on the colonization process of leaf detritus in a patchy aquatic environment, with a spatial network of six pools at different salinity. We found three well‐defined modules formed by groups of taxa sharing the same pools, observing an association between modularity and spatial proximity of pools. Modules maximize the number of links within modules, and minimize the number of links among modules, showing the presence of a strong site‐specific association between taxa and pools. The topological characteristics of the network show robustness against random perturbations and a lower tolerance of targeted perturbations. These findings suggest that random events, such as flooding or heavy rains, slightly affect the robustness of the system, while localized perturbations on the most connected nodes could have a negative effect on the connectivity of the whole network. The consequences could lead to a structural and functional homogenization of the system, with potential effects for the entire trophic chain. Here we discuss the topological properties of the network in relation to the spatial distribution of pools, showing how network analysis can yield valuable insight for conservation and management.
MS, exercise, and the potential for older adults
Authors: Horton Sean , MacDonald Dany J. , Erickson Karl
Published: March 2010

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system. The average onset of the disease is 30 years of age, and it afflicts women more often than men (ratio of approximately 2:1). The symptoms of the disease include fatigue, motor weakness, heat sensitivity, reduced mobility, abnormal gait mechanics, and poor balance. These symptoms decrease cognitive and physical functional capacity of an individual and tend to result in sedentary lifestyle behaviors. A sedentary lifestyle among individuals with MS increases the risk of secondary diseases such as coronary heart disease and obesity, particularly as one ages. The effect of exercise in treating symptoms of MS has been under explored, perhaps due to the fact that exercise was thought to magnify MS-related fatigue and other symptoms. Recent research has challenged this notion, advocating exercise as an effective therapy for the management of MS, as well as maintaining overall fitness and improving quality-of-life measures. While the research shows clear benefits, the barriers to exercise participation among MS patients are significant. Recommendations for various forms of exercise are provided, along with strategies for overcoming barriers to participation.
Improvement of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol for Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Koupparis A. , Dunn J. , Gillatt D. , Rowe E.
Published: March 2010

Introduction:

Enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) aim to improve outcome following major abdominal surgery. Our ERP for radical cystectomy focuses on reduced bowel preparation and standardised feeding and analgesic regimens. Although the ERP safely decreased hospital stay, time to return of bowel function has not been affected. The current study aims to assess the addition of chewing gum on return of bowel function as part of an ERP.

Patients and methods:

We examined the addition of chewing gum to our ERP. Data was obtained retrospectively from 112 consecutive patients, 56 before and 56 after implementing chewing gum in to the EPR. The primary outcome measured was return of bowel function signified by first defecation after surgery.

Results:

The demographics of the two groups showed no significant difference in age, gender distribution, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, or type of urinary diversion. A significant reduction in the time to return of bowel function was observed in patients using chewing gum post-operatively (4 versus 6 days, p < 0.0001). The median inpatient stay was 13 days in both groups; however there was a trend to an earlier discharge in those patients receiving chewing gum.

Conclusion:

The introduction of chewing gum to our ERP is associated with a faster return of bowel function and may lead to a reduced inpatient stay.
Incidental Pancreatic Lipomas: Computed Tomography Imaging Findings with Emphasis on Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Temizoz Osman , Genchellac Hakan , Unlu Ercument , Kantarci Fatih , Umit Hasan , Demir Mustafa Kemal
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of pancreatic lipomas of 9 cases, with emphasis to diagnostic challenges.

Methods

Between March 2006 and April 2008, 9 patients with pancreatic lipomas that were diagnosed by CT were reviewed in the present study. Clinical data and CT features of these 9 cases were retrospectively analysed. The patient population included 5 men and 4 women, aged 42–81 years (mean age, 65.8 years). The patients were followed up for at least 2 years with control CTs.

Results

In all 9 cases, a well-bordered nodular fat density lesion was incidentally detected in the pancreas. Four of the lesions had a lobulated contour, and 2 of them had septations. Two of the lipomas were located in the head, 3 in the neck, 3 in the corpus, and 1 in the tail. The CT densitometric values were between −90 and −120 HU, with a mean value of −106 HU. No pancreatic or biliary dilatation or compression to the adjacent structures was seen. All the cases had control CTs, and the lipomas remained unchanged during the follow-up period. Histopathologic confirmation of the diagnosis was not planned for the cases.

Conclusion

Lipomas are rarely encountered in the pancreas. They often are diagnosed coincidentally as small, well-circumscribed, encapsulated, homogeneous, mature adipose masses on imaging studies. Imaging follow-up strategy or histopathologic confirmation is not necessary in asymptomatic patients.
Gentle mechanical skin stimulation inhibits the somatocardiac sympathetic
Authors: Hotta Harumi , Schmidt Robert F. , Uchida Sae , Watanabe Nobuhiro
Published: March 2010

The effects of gentle mechanical skin stimulation on reflex discharges in cardiac sympathetic nerve evoked by somatic afferent stimulation were studied in anesthetized rats. Mass discharges were recorded from cardiac sympathetic efferent nerve while somatocardiac sympathetic A‐ and C‐reflexes were elicited by single electrical stimuli to myelinated A‐ and unmyelinated C‐afferent fibers of the tibial nerve. Continuous touch was applied to inner thigh skin with a force of 0.12 N for 10 min periods by a soft elastomer “brush” (1.1 cm in diameter with 417 microcones). When touch was applied ipsilateral to the stimulated tibial nerve, the C‐reflex was inhibited by up to 40% of its pre‐touch amplitude, whereas the A‐reflex was unaffected. Inhibition of the C‐reflex started during the touch period and lasted for 15 min after cessation of touching. Contralateral touch did not inhibit the C‐reflex. The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone attenuated the C‐reflex inhibition, but did not abolish it. The C‐reflex inhibition was abolished after severing cutaneous nerves innervating inner thigh. We recorded unitary afferent activity from thigh branches of the saphenous nerve and found fibers excited by touch were low‐threshold mechanoreceptive Aβ, Aδ and C fibers that have rapidly or slowly adapting properties. In all units tested, average discharge rates during touch period were less than 4 Hz. The results suggest that touch‐induced excitation of low threshold cutaneous mechanoreceptive fibers inhibits nociceptive transmission conveyed by C‐primary‐afferents, via the release of both opioid and non‐opioid inhibitory mediators.
Evidence for leptin receptor isoforms heteromerization at the cell surface
Authors: Bacart Johan , Leloire Audrey , Levoye Angélique , Froguel Philippe , Jockers Ralf , Couturier Cyril
Published: March 2010

MINT‐7714872: LEPRb (uniprotkb:P48357‐1) physically interacts (MI:0915) with LEPRc (uniprotkb:P48357‐2) by anti tag co‐immunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
Evolution of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐type 1 and 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐type 3
Authors: Baker Michael E.
Published: March 2010

A key regulator of glucocorticoid action is 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐type 1 (11β‐HSD1), which catalyzes the conversion of cortisone to cortisol, the biologically active glucocorticoid. 11β‐HSD1 is a paralog of 11β‐HSD3, whose physiological function remains unclear. As reported here, 11β‐HSD3 has orthologs in sea urchin, amphioxus and Ciona, while 11β‐HSD1 first appears in sharks. Thus, 11β‐HSD3 arose before the evolution of glucocorticoid signaling, suggesting different ancestral function(s) for 11β‐HSD3. Four perplexing findings arise from this evolutionary analysis: (1) 11β‐HSD1 is not present in a ray‐finned fish genome, (2) zebrafish and fathead minnow contain two isoforms of 11β‐HSD3; (3) neither rat nor mouse contain 11β‐HSD3 and (4) amphioxus contains 16 11β‐HSD3 paralogs.
Identification and characterization of glycosyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of soyasaponin I in Glycine max
Authors: Shibuya Masaaki , Nishimura Kazuya , Yasuyama Nao , Ebizuka Yutaka
Published: March 2010

Triterpene saponins are a diverse group of compounds with a structure consisting of a triterpene aglycone and sugars. Identification of the sugar‐transferase involved in triterpene saponin biosynthesis is difficult due to the structural complexity of triterpene saponin. Two glycosyltransferases from Glycine max, designated as GmSGT2 and GmSGT3, were identified and characterized. In vitro analysis revealed that GmSGT2 transfers a galactosyl group from UDP‐galactose to soyasapogenol B monoglucuronide, and that GmSGT3 transfers a rhamnosyl group from UDP‐rhamnose to soyasaponin III. These results suggest that soyasaponin I is biosynthesized from soyasapogenol B by successive sugar transfer reactions.
Beta‐2 adrenergic receptor mediated ERK activation is regulated by interaction with MAGI‐3
Authors: Yang Xiaomei , Zheng Junfang , Xiong Ying , Shen Hui , Sun Licui , Huang Yan , Sun Chaoyuan , Li Yang , He Junqi
Published: March 2010

MINT‐7716320, MINT‐7716422, MINT‐7716502, MINT‐7716450, MINT‐7716470: beta2AR (uniprotkb:P07550) binds (MI:0407) to MAGI‐3 (uniprotkb:Q5TCQ9) by pull down (MI:0096)
p24 family type 1 transmembrane proteins are required for insulin biosynthesis and secretion in pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Zhang Liling , Volchuk Allen
Published: March 2010

The p24 protein family have multiple functions in protein transport in the early secretory pathway. In this study we examined the role of p24 proteins in insulin transport. Several members were detected in insulinoma cell lines and rat islets and expression levels positively correlated with insulin abundance, particularly for p24δ1 and p24β1. Knocking down p24δ1 in insulinoma cell lines, which also resulted in the concomitant knock‐down of other family members, impaired glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion, decreased total cellular insulin content and reduced proinsulin biosynthesis. There was no effect on overall protein biosynthesis or ER stress. These results suggest that p24δ1 and possibly other p24 family proteins are required for normal insulin biosynthesis and subsequent secretion in pancreatic β‐cells.
The effects of technological turbulence and breadth on supply chain technology acceptance and adoption
Authors: Autry Chad W. , Grawe Scott J. , Daugherty Patricia J. , Richey R. Glenn
Published: March 2010

The current empirical study examines the intention to use and subsequent implementation of a supply chain technology. Specifically, the authors extend the technology acceptance model (TAM) to incorporate the state of the technology environment (technological turbulence) and the extent to which other supply chain technologies have already been adopted by the firm (technological breadth). A series of seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) were used to analyze survey data from 195 respondents. The results show that in technologically turbulent environments, the relationships between the firm's perceived usefulness and ease of use and the firm's intention to use a supply chain technology are stronger. The study also finds that the relationship between the firm's intention to use a supply chain technology and the implementation of the technology is weaker in firms with greater technological breadth.
Effect of the nationwide free school fruit scheme in Norway
Authors: Bere Elling , Hilsen Marit , Klepp Knut-Inge
Published: March 2010

In Norway, children and adolescents consume only about half of the national five-a-day recommendation. There are also rather large social inequalities in health, and in eating behaviours. In order to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, a subscription programme was initiated in 1996 and made nationwide in 2003, and a free programme (without parental payment) has been implemented nationwide from 2007. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of these efforts. Pupils in the sixth and seventh grades (age 10–12 years) at twenty-seven schools responded to a questionnaire in 2001 (n 1488, 85 %) and in 2008 (n 1339, 78 %). FV intake was measured by a 24-h recall. In 2001, none of the schools had any organised school fruit programme. In 2008, five schools participated in the free school fruit programme, ten schools participated in the subscription programme and twelve schools did not participate in any official programme. The increases in fruit intake at school were 0·49, 0·29 and 0·18 portions/school day, respectively, for the Free Fruit 08, Subscription 08 and No Programme 08 schools (time × group P < 0·001), and 0·74, 0·39 and 0·16 portions/d for fruit intake all day (time × group P = 0·04). No group effect was observed for vegetable intake. There has been an increase in pupils' fruit intake from 2001 to 2008 in Norway, and the school fruit programmes seem to have been effective. A great challenge remains in increasing vegetable intake.
A randomised study on the clinical progress of high-risk elective major gastrointestinal surgery patients treated with olive oil-based parenteral nutrition with or without a fish oil supplement
Authors: Badía-Tahull María B. , Llop-Talaverón Josep M. , Leiva-Badosa Elisabet , Biondo Sebastiano , Farran-Teixidó Leandre , Ramón-Torrell Josep M. , Jódar-Masanes Ramón
Published: March 2010

n-3 Fatty acids have clinical benefits. The primary aim of the present study was the assessment of infection in patients who underwent major high-risk elective gastrointestinal surgery receiving postoperatively fish oil (FO)-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN), compared with those receiving a standard olive oil (OO) emulsion. The secondary aims were the assessment of anti-inflammatory response and evaluation of tolerance and safety of these emulsions. A prospective, randomised, double-blind study was performed in patients requiring at least 5 d of PN. An isoenergetic and isoproteic formula was administered: group A received OO alone, while group B received OO that was partially replaced with FO (16·6 %, w/w). End points were outcome measures (mortality, sepsis, infection, hospitalisation days and PN duration), inflammatory response (C-reactive protein (CRP), prealbumin and leucocytes) and safety (TAG and glucose metabolism, and liver and kidney function). Statistical analysis was done using Student's t test and Fisher's exact test (P < 0·05). Twenty-seven patients were evaluated, with thirteen patients receiving FO. In this group, a significantly lower incidence of infections was found (23·1 v. 78·6 %, P = 0·007). CRP, prealbumin and leucocytes were not significantly different between the groups. There were no differences in safety parameters. We conclude that high-risk surgical patients receiving FO-supplemented PN for 5 d present a lower incidence of infection. Emulsions were safe and well tolerated.
ROLE OF INDUCED ABORTION IN ATTAINING REPRODUCTIVE GOALS IN KYRGYZSTAN: A STUDY BASED ON KRDHS-1997
Authors: SHEKHAR CHANDER , SEKHER T. V. , SULAIMANOVA ALINA
Published: March 2010

Estimates indicate that about 42 million pregnancies are voluntarily terminated every year at the global level, of which more than 80% occur in developing countries. Abortion has been one of the major reproductive health concerns in post-Soviet nations, especially when it is commonly used as a means of fertility regulation. On average, every woman has had around 1.6 abortions in Kyrgyzstan. This paper attempts to measure the role of abortion in fertility regulation using data from the Kyrgyz Republic Demographic and Health Survey (KRDHS), 1997. The analysis reveals that Kyrgyzstan can attain replacement level fertility in the absence of induced abortion by raising the contraceptive prevalence to 70% at the current level of effectiveness. The study also shows that women's attitude towards becoming pregnant and their partner's perception about abortion are significantly associated with the propensity to opt for an induced abortion. Reproductive health programmes need to address these issues, including the enhancement of male involvement in family planning.
Freezing effects and objects
Authors: LOHNDAL TERJE
Published: March 2010

This paper is an investigation of freezing effects, that is, cases where an element (e.g. an object or a subject, or an element within it) is unable to move from a certain structural position. An account of the most prominent properties of freezing in Norwegian is followed by a comparative study of primarily English and Norwegian indirect objects, with important consequences for the general approach to indirect objects. Although recent analyses capture central properties of indirect objects, they fall short of accounting for freezing properties, seen here in terms of agreement properties, most notably Case agreement. It is shown that both subjects and indirect objects disallow sub-extraction in both English and Norwegian; however, unlike English, Norwegian allows the indirect object to A-bar move. This relates to the question of whether Case is structural or inherent. As such, this paper offers a new argument in favor of Case as a central ingredient in deriving freezing effects.
Environmental factors influencing the establishment, height and fecundity of the annual grass Sorghum intrans in an Australian tropical savanna
Authors: Scott Kenneth A. , Setterfield Samantha A. , Douglas Michael M. , Andersen Alan N.
Published: March 2010

Environmental factors influencing grass establishment and performance in tropical savannas are poorly understood, particularly in relation to disturbance. We describe a seed sowing experiment that examined the effects of fire regime, canopy cover and litter cover on the emergence, establishment, height and fecundity (seed production) of the regionally dominant annual grass Sorghum intrans in northern Australia. Establishment was significantly lower under the woody canopy compared with canopy gaps, and where seeds were sown on a layer of litter compared with bare soil. However, variation in fire regime had no significant effect on establishment or seed production. Additionally, a shade-house experiment was conducted to test the effects of litter on seedling emergence of S. intrans and six other grass species representative of the local flora (Pseudopogonatherum contortum, Sorghum plumosum, Chrysopogon latifolius, Eriachne triseta, Heteropogon triticeus and Alloteropsis semialata). All species showed reduced emergence when sown either above or below litter, compared with bare soil. Our results demonstrate the importance of the overstorey as a determinant of S. intrans abundance and savanna grass composition more generally, through its effect on establishment. The aversion of savanna grasses to litter (and S. intrans to canopy shading) supports the notion of savanna species being highly adapted to disturbance.
Azteca instabilis ants and the defence of a coffee shade tree: an ant–plant association without mutual rewards in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Gonthier David J. , Pardee Gabriella L. , Philpott Stacy M.
Published: March 2010

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are important predators of herbivorous insects on plants (Rosumek et al. 2009). Ant removal or absence may result in negative indirect effects on plants, as herbivore abundance and herbivory increase and plant growth and reproduction decline (Rosumek et al. 2009, Schmitz et al. 2000). Ant presence on plants often results from a mutualistic interaction. For example, strong highly coevolved ant–plant mutualisms are found on myrmecophytic plants that house ants in domatia (specialized nesting sites). Weaker mutualistic associations are found with myrmecophilic plants that only offer extra-floral nectaries (EFNs) or food bodies to attract ants, or on other plants hosting honeydew-producing hemipterans (indirect ant–plant interactions) that mediate ant abundance (Hölldobler & Wilson 1990). However, in most cases, plants and arboreal ants form more passive associations, where ants nest in the natural cavities of branches or bark, or construct carton nests on plant substrates (Hölldobler & Wilson 1990) and the only reward plants offer these ants is the use of their substrates. In these situations the indirect effect of ants on plants is merely by chance, a byproduct of ant presence (byproduct association).
Parasite infestation and predation in Darwin's small ground finch: contrasting two elevational habitats between islands
Authors: O'Connor Jody A. , Dudaniec Rachael Y. , Kleindorfer Sonia
Published: March 2010

Contrasting ecological conditions may affect the distribution, abundance and impact of parasites and predators throughout the ranges of hosts and prey. Such patterns are evident on the archipelagos of Hawaii and the Galapagos, which vary in their distribution and abundance of avian parasites within and across islands. Previous research has documented higher intensity of parasitic fly larvae (Philornis downsi) in nests of Darwin's finches on elevated islands of the Galapagos. Here we examine P. downsi intensity and predation in 71 nests of Darwin's small ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) on Floreana Island. We found significant differences in parasite intensity, nest predation and clutch size between the lowland (0–100 m) and highland (300–400 m) habitats. Lowland finch nests had few P. downsi parasites (mean of 8 per nest), high nest predation (44% of nests) and large clutch size (3.4). Highland finch nests showed the opposite pattern, with many P. downsi parasites (40 per nest), low nest predation (17%) and small clutch size (2.5). This study suggests that the impacts of an introduced parasite are limited by its niche requirements and resource availability within and across islands. Our findings also imply that the vulnerability of bird populations to introduced parasites and predators is linked with variation in life history strategies across habitats.
Do fungal pathogens drive density-dependent mortality in established seedlings of two dominant African rain-forest trees?
Authors: Norghauer Julian M. , Newbery David M. , Tedersoo Leho , Chuyong George B.
Published: March 2010

Where one or a few tree species reach local high abundance, different ecological factors may variously facilitate or hinder their regeneration. Plant pathogens are thought to be one of those possible agents which drive intraspecific density-dependent mortality of tree seedlings in tropical forests. Experimental evidence for this is scarce, however. In an African rain forest at Korup, we manipulated the density of recently established seedlings (~5–8 wk old; low vs. high-density) of two dominant species of contrasting recruitment potential, and altered their exposure to pathogens using a broad-spectrum fungicide. Seedling mortality of the abundantly recruiting subcanopy tree Oubanguia alata was strongly density-dependent after 7 mo, yet fungicide-treated seedlings had slightly higher mortality than controls. By contrast, seedling mortality of the poorly recruiting large canopy-emergent tree Microberlinia bisulcata was unaffected by density or fungicide. Ectomycorrhizal colonization of M. bisulcata was not affected by density or fungicide either. For O. alata, adverse effects of fungicide on its vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizas may have offset any possible benefit of pathogen removal. We tentatively conclude that fungal pathogens are not a likely major cause of density dependence in O. alata, or of early post-establishment mortality in M. bisulcata. They do not explain the latter's currently very low recruitment rate at Korup.
On adjacent complete ideals above a given complete ideal
Authors: Alberich-Carramiñana Maria , Fernández-Sánchez Jesús
Published: March 2010

Given a complete m-primary ideal J in a local regular two-dimensional ring (R,m), we describe every adjacent complete ideal above J as the integral closure of some ideal (f, g) for suitable f, g associated to J. We also provide a geometrical procedure that gives its base points, thus determining its equisingularity class. We decompose the set IJ of these adjacent ideals in terms of the Rees valuations of J. As a consequence, we obtain a geometrical characterization of the finiteness of IJ.
On the Cauchy problems for certain Boussinesq-α equations
Authors: Zhou Yong , Fan Jishan
Published: March 2010

We study the Cauchy problem of certain Boussinesq-α equations in n dimensions with n = 2 or 3. We establish regularity for the solution under ▽u ∈ L1 (0, T; Ḃ0∞,∞(ℝn)). As a corollary, the smooth solution of the Leray-α–Boussinesq system exists globally, when n = 2. For the Lagrangian averaged Boussinesq equations, a regularity criterion ▽θ ∈ L1(0, T;L∞(ℝ2)) is established. Other Boussinesq systems with partial viscosity are also discussed in the paper.
Existence of a positive solution for a singular system
Authors: Montenegro Marcelo , Suárez Antonio
Published: March 2010

We show the existence and non-existence of positive solutions to a system of singular elliptic equations with the Dirichlet boundary condition.
On boundary variational–hemivariational inequalities of elliptic type
Authors: Liu Zhenhai
Published: March 2010

This paper investigates the existence of solutions for boundary variational–hemivariational inequalities of elliptic type at resonance as well as at non-resonance. Using the notion of the generalized gradient of Clarke and the property of the first eigenfunction, we also build a Landesman–Lazer theory in the non-smooth framework of variational–hemivariational inequalities of elliptic type.
Migratory connectivity and conservation of the Amur Falcon Falco amurensis: a stable isotope perspective
Authors: SYMES CRAIG T. , WOODBORNE STEPHAN
Published: March 2010

Stable isotopes (δD, δ13C, δ15N) were measured in adult and juvenile Amur Falcon Falco amurensis feathers to understand the migratory connectivity of this species. Using the OIPC (Online Isotopes in Precipitation Calculator) and a calibration curve for American Kestrels Falco sparverius we predicted the breeding range of South African Amur Falcons in the Palaearctic. δD values for juvenile feathers (mean ± SE = -58.1 ± 2.5‰, range -83.9 to -25.7‰) and predicted Palaearctic annual precipitation values indicated that juvenile Amur Falcons in South Africa originated from across their entire Palaearctic range. This rejects the leapfrog migration hypothesis and suggests the widespread movement of birds south, with a funnelling effect into the subregion where they become concentrated over a narrower distribution range. Adult δDf values were more depleted (-37.4 ± 1.8‰, range = -71.3 to -9.3‰) than predicted annual precipitation values for sites where feathers moulted in South Africa (-20.2 ± 0.9‰) but there was no correlation between δDp and δDf. This, together with significant variation of δ13C among sites and annual fluctuations in roost sizes, suggests that roost site fidelity is low in the overwintering range. Populations not confined to breeding sites in South Africa are able to move widely across the subregion, feeding on a broad range of arthropods that become seasonally abundant during the austral summer. Total population estimates for South Africa are significantly lower than global estimates so a significant proportion of the population may not overwinter in South Africa or global populations are significantly lower than estimated. In South Africa, roosts that number hundreds to thousands of individuals are often in large exotic trees, e.g. Eucalyptus sp. They are often tolerant of disturbance at roosts which may be of little concern for their conservation. Habitat changes in the overwintering range in South Africa though, particularly due to agriculture, afforestation and strip mining, may affect global population numbers. There is also concern over the persecution of birds along their migratory route.
Three-Dimensional Optical Sectioning by Scanning Confocal Electron Microscopy with a Stage-Scanning System
Authors: Hashimoto Ayako , Shimojo Masayuki , Mitsuishi Kazutaka , Takeguchi Masaki
Published: March 2010

We evaluated the depth resolution of annular dark-field (ADF) scanning confocal electron microscopy (SCEM) with a stage-scanning system by observation of nanoparticles. ADF-SCEM is a three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique that we recently proposed. An ADF-SCEM instrument involves a pinhole aperture before a detector for rejecting electrons from the out-of-focal plane in a specimen and an annular aperture under the specimen for collecting only scattered electrons. The stage-scanning system enables us to directly obtain optical slice images perpendicular and parallel to an optical axis at a desired position. In particular, the parallel slices visualize the elongation of nanoparticles along the optical axis, which depends on the depth resolution. ADF-SCEM effectively reduced the elongation length of the nanoparticles sufficiently to demonstrate depth sectioning, in comparison with scanning transmission electron microscopy and bright-field SCEM. The experimentally obtained length was nearly equal to the theoretically estimated one from the probe size considering the experimental conditions. Furthermore, we applied this ADF-SCEM technique to analysis of the 3D position of catalytic nanoparticles on carbon nanostructures.
Organic agriculture and climate change
Authors: Scialabba Nadia El-Hage , Müller-Lindenlauf Maria
Published: March 2010

This article discusses the mitigation and adaptation potential of organic agricultural systems along three main features: farming system design, cropland management and grassland and livestock management. An important potential contribution of organically managed systems to climate change mitigation is identified in the careful management of nutrients and, hence, the reduction of N2O emissions from soils. Another high mitigation potential of organic agriculture lies in carbon sequestration in soils. In a first estimate, the emission reduction potential by abstention from mineral fertilizers is calculated to be about 20% and the compensation potential by carbon sequestration to be about 40–72% of the world's current annual agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but further research is needed to consolidate these numbers. On the adaptation side, organic agriculture systems have a strong potential for building resilient food systems in the face of uncertainties, through farm diversification and building soil fertility with organic matter. Additionally, organic agriculture offers alternatives to energy-intensive production inputs such as synthetic fertilizers which are likely to be further limited for poor rural populations by rising energy prices. In developing countries, organic agricultural systems achieve equal or even higher yields, as compared to the current conventional practices, which translate into a potentially important option for food security and sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor in times of climate change. Certified organic products cater for higher income options for farmers and, therefore, can serve as promoters for climate-friendly farming practices worldwide.
Are biotechnology and sustainable agriculture compatible?
Authors: Ervin David E. , Glenna Leland L. , Jussaume Raymond A.
Published: March 2010

Agricultural biotechnology has been largely opposed by advocates in the sustainable agriculture movement, despite claims by the technology's proponents that it holds the promise to deliver both production (economic) and environmental benefits, two legs of the sustainability stool. We argue in this paper that participants in this polarized debate are talking past each other because assumptions about biotechnology and sustainability remain simplistic and poorly defined. Genetically engineered (GE) herbicide-resistant and insect-resistant crop varieties are the most visible current forms of agricultural biotechnology, and thus the form of biotechnology that many in the sustainability movement react to. However, these crops represent a biotechnology option that has paid insufficient attention to the integrated and systemic requirements of sustainable agriculture. In particular, common definitions of sustainable agriculture reinforce the need to include consideration of socio-economic distributive or equity effects into any assessment of sustainability. However, the frameworks that have been proposed to assess the potential for GE crops to enhance sustainable agriculture generally neglect this essential socio-economic dimension. We present an analysis that augments the sustainability frameworks to include the full suite of environmental, economic and social impacts. A review of the latest science on each impact category reveals that crop biotechnology cannot be fully assessed with respect to fostering a more sustainable agriculture due to key gaps in evidence, especially for socio-economic distributive effects. While the first generation of GE crops generally has made progress in reducing agriculture's environmental footprint and improving adopting farmers' economic well-being, we conclude that these early products fall short of the technology's capacity to promote a more sustainable agriculture because of the failure of those developing and promoting the technology to fully engage all stakeholders and address salient equity issues. To realize the sustainability potential of biotechnology will require fundamental changes in the way public and private research and technology development and commercialization are structured and operated. We identify new approaches in these areas that could make this powerful biological science more compatible with sustainable agriculture.
Earthward electric field in the magnetotail: Cluster observations and theoretical estimates
Authors: Zelenyi L. M. , Artemyev A. V. , Petrukovich A. A.
Published: March 2010

In this paper we present an experimental evidence of the existence of the earthward electric field in the thin current sheet of the Earth magnetotail. This field plays an essential role in the redistribution of observed intensities of cross‐tail proton and electron currents. We consider the statistics of 59 thin current sheet crossings observed by CLUSTER spacecraft. It is shown that the sum of electron diamagnetic and curvature drifts can explain less than a half of the value of electron bulk velocity. The remaining part of electron velocity is thus related to the Ex × Bz cross field drift. The measurements of the typically negative shift of the central part of proton velocity distribution also confirm the existence of positive Ex field. Finally we suggest the mechanism of Ex formation in the thin current sheet of the Earth magnetotail.
Initial results for the north pole of the Moon from Mini‐SAR, Chandrayaan‐1 mission
Authors: Spudis P. D. , Bussey D. B. J. , Baloga S. M. , Butler B. J. , Carl D. , Carter L. M. , Chakraborty M. , Elphic R. C. , Gillis‐Davis J. J. , Goswami J. N. , Heggy E. , Hillyard M. , Jensen R. , Kirk R. L. , LaVallee D. , McKerracher P. , Neish C. D. , Nozette S. , Nylund S. , Palsetia M. , Patterson W. , Robinson M. S. , Raney R. K. , Schulze R. C. , Sequeira H. , Skura J. , Thompson T. W. , Thomson B. J. , Ustinov E. A. , Winters H. L.
Published: March 2010

We present new polarimetric radar data for the surface of the north pole of the Moon acquired with the Mini‐SAR experiment onboard India's Chandrayaan‐1 spacecraft. Between mid‐February and mid‐April, 2009, Mini‐SAR mapped more than 95% of the areas polewards of 80° latitude at a resolution of 150 meters. The north polar region displays backscatter properties typical for the Moon, with circular polarization ratio (CPR) values in the range of 0.1–0.3, increasing to over 1.0 for young primary impact craters. These higher CPR values likely reflect surface roughness associated with these fresh features. In contrast, some craters in this region show elevated CPR in their interiors, but not exterior to their rims. Almost all of these features are in permanent sun shadow and correlate with proposed locations of polar ice modeled on the basis of Lunar Prospector neutron data. These relations are consistent with deposits of water ice in these craters.
On the diffusivity of cosmic ray transport
Authors: Tautz R. C. , Shalchi A.
Published: March 2010

A common assumption in particle transport theory is the assumption of diffusive propagation, corresponding to a linear increase of the mean square displacement of particle orbits with time. In recent years, however, several authors have discovered nondiffusive transport in observations and in test particle simulations. Some analytical theories also predict subdiffusion or superdiffusion of charged particles. In this article, a recently developed test particle code is employed to explore diffusive and nondiffusive transport regimes. For slab, two‐component, and isotropic turbulence the simulations are performed for different particle energies. It is demonstrated that, in most cases, cross‐field transport is indeed subdiffusive. The level of subdiffusivity is sensitively controlled by the turbulence geometry.
Location and size of the global source region of whistler mode chorus
Authors: Hayosh M. , Santolík O. , Parrot M.
Published: March 2010

We use multicomponent measurements of the four Cluster spacecraft and a backward ray tracing simulation to estimate the location and size of the global source of whistler mode chorus emissions in the magnetic equatorial plane. For the first time, analysis is made in a broad range of latitudes in both hemispheres along a single Cluster orbit. Our results show that for different time intervals, the sizes of the observed portions of the global chorus source region in the equatorial plane varied between 0.4 and 1.5 Earth radii. They were found at radial distances between 4.5 and 8.2 Earth radii during 2 h of measurements. Therefore, the superposed minimum width of the global source region of whistler mode chorus in the magnetic equatorial plane is approximately 4 Earth radii.
Wetland methane emissions during the Last Glacial Maximum estimated from PMIP2 simulations: Climate, vegetation, and geographic controls
Authors: Weber S. L. , Drury A. J. , Toonen W. H. J. , van Weele M.
Published: March 2010

It is an open question to what extent wetlands contributed to the interglacial‐glacial decrease in atmospheric methane concentration. Here we estimate methane emissions from glacial wetlands, using newly available PMIP2 simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) climate from coupled atmosphere‐ocean and atmosphere‐ocean‐vegetation models. These simulations apply improved boundary conditions resulting in better agreement with paleoclimatic data than earlier PMIP1 simulations. Emissions are computed from the dominant controls of water table depth, soil temperature, and plant productivity, and we analyze the relative role of each factor in the glacial decline. It is found that latitudinal changes in soil moisture, in combination with ice sheet expansion, cause boreal wetlands to shift southward in all simulations. This southward migration is instrumental in maintaining the boreal wetland source at a significant level. The mean emission temperature over boreal wetlands drops by only a few degrees, despite the strong overall cooling. The temperature effect on the glacial decline in the methane flux is therefore moderate, while reduced plant productivity contributes equally to the total reduction. Model results indicate a relatively small boreal and large tropical source during the LGM, with wetlands on the exposed continental shelves mainly contributing to the tropical source. This distribution in emissions is consistent with the low interpolar difference in glacial methane concentrations derived from ice core data.