bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling conservation management options for a southern range‐margin population of Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria vulnerable to climate change
Authors: PEARCE‐HIGGINS JAMES W.
Published: March 2011

There is considerable interest in understanding how management may help species and populations cope with climate change (climate change adaptation). I used a population model describing the demography of a southern range‐margin European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria population vulnerable to climate change to assess the potential benefits associated with site‐based adaptation management. Two forms of management were simulated: (1) counteracting management to reduce the severity of the negative climate change impacts, simulated by increasing tipulid (cranefly) abundance, and (2) compensatory management to increase populations through an alternative mechanism, simulated by manipulating nest and chick predation rates. A 1 °C rise was estimated to require a doubling of cranefly abundance, or a 35% increase in nest and chick survival rates, to maintain a stable population. For a 2 °C rise, a four‐fold increase in craneflies or an 80% increase in survival rates would be required for population stability. A model based on likely realistic estimates of the magnitude of benefit associated with both adaptation management options showed that combined, they may significantly reduce the severity of population decline and risk of extinction associated with a relatively large increase in temperature of 5.8 °C above 1960–90 levels. Site‐based adaptation management may therefore increase the resistance of Golden Plovers to some degree of future climate change. This model framework for informing climate change adaptation decisions should be developed for other species and habitats.
Investigator disturbance reduces reproductive success in Short‐tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris
Authors: CAREY MARK J.
Published: March 2011

Research procedures can have a detrimental effect on the reproductive success of the study species. In this study, the frequency of investigator disturbance on Short‐tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris was examined experimentally throughout the incubation period to assess whether disturbance influences hatching success, pre‐fledging chick survival and chick body size. Handling of incubating birds every day, every 3 days and once a week reduced hatching success by 100, 61 and 39%, respectively, compared with pairs that were not disturbed. Most failures resulted from egg abandonment by the parents, particularly during the early stage of incubation. Chick survival did not differ between treatment groups, but control chicks were significantly heavier and had larger bill depths and longer wings. The difference in chick body mass and size observed between the control and disturbed chicks might be due to physiological or behavioural mechanisms in adults or carry‐over effects from the incubation stage to the next life‐history stage. Reduced offspring quality has the potential to affect post‐fledging survival and recruitment. These findings are significant in broader terms because any investigator disturbance that reduces reproductive success, survival and offspring fitness could interfere with the accurate assessment of demographic parameters and exacerbate population declines.
Male‐skewed adult sex ratio, survival, mating opportunity and annual productivity in the Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Authors: STENZEL LYNNE E. , PAGE GARY W. , WARRINER JANE C. , WARRINER JOHN S. , NEUMAN KRISTINA K. , GEORGE DOUGLAS E. , EYSTER CARLETON R. , BIDSTRUP FRANCES C.
Published: March 2011

Sex differences in adult mortality may be responsible for male‐skewed adult sex ratios and male‐skewed parental care in some birds. Because a surplus of breeding males has been reported in serially polyandrous populations of Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus, we examined sex ratio, early‐season nesting opportunities, adult survival and annual reproductive success of a Snowy Plover population at Monterey Bay, California. We tested the hypotheses that male adult survival was greater than female survival and that a sex difference in adult survival led to a skewed adult sex ratio, different mating opportunities and different annual productivity between the sexes. Virtually all females left chicks from their first broods to the care of the male and re‐nested with a new mate. As a result, females had time to parent three successful nesting attempts during the lengthy breeding season, whereas males had time for only two successful attempts. Among years, the median population of nesting Plovers was 96 males and 84 females (median difference = 9), resulting in one extra male per eight pairs. The number of potential breeders without mates during the early nesting period each year was higher in males than in females. Adult male survival (0.734 ± 0.028 se) was higher than female survival (0.693 ± 0.030 se) in top‐ranked models. Annually, females parented more successful clutches and fledged more chicks than their first mates of the season. Our results suggest that in C. alexandrinus a sex difference in adult survival results in a male‐skewed sex ratio, which creates more nesting opportunities and greater annual productivity for females than for males.
Acquisition of the 3D boundary of the Triglav glacier from archived non‐metric panoramic images
Authors: Triglav‐čekada Mihaela , Radovan Dalibor , Gabrovec Matej , Kosmatin‐Fras Mojca
Published: March 2011

A panoramic, non‐metric, Horizont camera has been used for regular, monthly, close‐range photography of the rapidly retreating Triglav glacier in Slovenia since 1976. The unfavourable geometry of the convergent images taken from the two camera stations has made any direct stereoscopic observation and recording impossible. The aim of this research was to define the most useful method for acquiring 3D data from these panoramic, convergent images. The Horizont camera was calibrated and three methods were then tested: the generation of pseudo‐orthophotographs, the application of 2D clinometry and the interactive orientation of a detailed digital elevation model (DEM) on the images. The third turned out to be the only method suitable for determining the boundary of the Triglav glacier.

The interactive orientation of a detailed DEM on the Horizont images is described in detail. The 3D glacier boundary can be acquired from individual Horizont images (camera stations A and B) enabling the computation of the glacier’s area and theoretical volume. By repeating the glacier boundary acquisition for different orientation parameters, the standard deviations of the glacier area and theoretical volume were computed. Because of the more precise average area and volume measurements achieved with the camera station B images, only these were chosen for the glacier disappearance study. Every third year between 1976 and 2005 the Horizont images were used to compute the changes in the area and volume of the glacier. The glacier area was found to have reduced to 8% of its earlier size, from 15 ha in 1976 to 1·2 ha in 2000. However, owing to harsher than average winters since then the decline in the glacier area was found to have slowed in the past decade (2000 to 2009). The glacier’s theoretical volume decreased roughly exponentially from 1976 to 2005.
The collinearity equations as a helpful tool in the design and construction of sundials
Authors: Juliá José E.
Published: March 2011

In the past, designing sundials implied graphical procedures which, though ingenious, were in general cumbersome and time‐consuming. Difficulties increased even more if, instead of solar time, civil time was required. For positions of the dial plate other than the classical horizontal and vertical, these procedures became extremely complicated. By applying the collinearity equations familiar in photogrammetry, this problem is greatly simplified and computer programs can be readily written for any position of the dial plate. Some examples of sundials telling the official time of a country are shown.
Public Engagement for Informing Science and Technology Policy: What Do We Know, What Do We Need to Know, and How Will We Get There?
Authors: PytlikZillig Lisa M. , Tomkins Alan J.
Published: March 2011

This article examines social science relevant to public engagements and identifies the challenges to the goal of meaningful public input into science and technology policy. Specifically, when considering “which forms, features, and conditions of public engagement are optimal for what purposes, and why?” we find social science has not clarified matters. We offer a model to guide systematic research that defines and empirically connects variations in features and types of public engagement activities to specifically defined variations in effective processes and outcomes. The specification of models, as we have done, will guide policy makers, practitioners, and the public in determining what kinds of engagement techniques are optimal for what kinds of purposes. Our model is presented to start conversations and inspire research that in the future should help to ensure meaningful public participation that meets the promise of contributing thoughtful societal values and perspectives into governmental policies impacting science and technology research.
Gendered Elements of the Alternative Agriculture Paradigm
Authors: Chiappe Marta B. , Butler Flora Comelia
Published: March 2011

Abstract The alternative agriculture paradigm has been a useful device to both define and direct a social movement toward a more sustainable agriculture. But because that paradigm was defined by male movement leaders, it reflects their gendered perspective and may be lacking elements that make it more useful for both women and men. In‐depth interviews of women involved in sustainable farming organizations and on family farms experimenting with new practices validated the elements of the Beus and Dunlap paradigm: independence, decentralization, community, harmony with nature, diversity, and restraint, but also suggested the addition of two other elements that the women identified as part of an alternative agriculture vision: quality family life and spirituality. The highly gendered nature of agriculture in the V.S. and Canada, where male identity is highly conflated with the role of farmer in the conventional paradigm, may make it more difficult for men who have just joined the' movement to articulate the aspects of quality family life and spirituality which the women saw as critical.
Lifestyle Options and Economic Strategies: Subsistence Activities in the Mississippi Delta1
Authors: Brown Ralph B. , Xu Xia , Toth Jr. John F.
Published: March 2011

Abstract "Subsistence" and "informal economy" are contrasted in their utility as sociological concepts and their ability to explain a variety of activities in two rural Mississippi Delta communities. Literature on subsistence stresses that the desired outcome of participation is not an increase in income but the social rewards of participation itself. Two underlying dimensions of participation in these activities are documented through the literature and through a confirmatory factor analysis of empirical data: life‐style choice and economic strategy. These were constructed into indexes and examined individually and in combination as dependent variables using regressors at the community, household, and individual levels. Community ties were weakly associated with participation in such activities. Whites and those with higher incomes participated more in lifestyle choice oriented activities. Participation in general was statistically related to households needing less weekly income and being of larger size. Potential connections with persistent rural poverty are discussed.
Synthesis of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 by Self‐Assembled Colloidal Aggregates
Authors: Trefalt Gregor , Malic̆ Barbara , Kušc̆er Danjela , Holc Janez , Kosec Marija
Published: March 2011

We developed a new, simple method to prepare pure perovskite Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMN) from an aqueous suspension in a single annealing step. In this synthesis it is crucial to suppress the reaction between PbO and Nb2O5, which leads to secondary pyrochlore PbxNbyOz phases. Our method is based on the designed arrangement of particles of the starting compounds. The self‐assembly of the colloidal aggregates was governed by particle surface charge, which was adjusted by the suspension pH. At pH below 11.8 particle–particle interactions lead to close contacts between lead oxide and niobium oxide particles in the suspension as well as in the dried powders, whereas at pH above 11.8 close contacts between lead and niobium oxide particles are avoided. The suspensions of the starting powders were prepared at pH 10.0, 11.4, 12.5, and in acetone. After heating of the dried suspension with the pH set at 12.5 at 900°C, a pure perovskite PMN powder was obtained. On the contrary, the powders prepared from the pH 11.4, 10.0, and acetone suspensions still contained the detrimental pyrochlore phase after heating at 900°C. The properties of the ceramics prepared from the pH 12.5 suspension are superior in comparison with the other samples.
Optimization of Thermal Protection Systems Utilizing Sandwich Structures with Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Lattice Hot Faces
Authors: Steeves Craig A. , Evans Anthony G.
Published: March 2011

Atmospheric cruise hypersonic vehicles are subject to high viscous heating over large surface areas. Acreage thermal protection systems (TPSs) must be stiff, strong, and light while withstanding large thermal gradients and protecting the cool interior of the vehicle. It is a challenge to design thermal protection to minimize the thermal stresses caused by thermal expansion mismatch. This paper uses a recent concept for low‐thermal‐expansion periodic lattices to propose a sandwich configuration for acreage TPSs. A key aspect of these concepts is that they can be attached to coll structures without inducing thermal stresses during heating. Sandwich TPSs are analyzed and optimized for minimum mass for required performance characteristics, and compared with an optimized baseline system. For performance requirements relevant to atmospheric hypersonic flight, the sandwich TPSs using low‐thermal‐expansion periodic lattices are superior to the baseline system for a large range of operating conditions.
Chemical and Mechanical Consequences of Environmental Barrier Coating Exposure to Calcium–Magnesium–Aluminosilicate
Authors: Harder Bryan J. , Ramìrez‐Rico Joaquin , Almer Jonathan D. , Lee Kang N. , Faber Katherine T.
Published: March 2011

The success of Si‐based ceramics as high‐temperature structural materials for gas turbine applications relies on the use of environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) with low silica activity, such as Ba1−xSrxAl2Si2O8 (BSAS), which protect the underlying components from oxidation and corrosion in combustion environments containing water vapor. One of the current challenges concerning EBC lifetime is the effect of sandy deposits of calcium–magnesium–aluminosilicate (CMAS) glass that melt during engine operation and react with the EBC, changing both its composition and stress state. In this work, we study the effect of CMAS exposure at 1300°C on the residual stress state and composition in BSAS–mullite–Si–SiC multilayers. Residual stresses were measured in BSAS multilayers exposed to CMAS for different times using high‐energy X‐ray diffraction. Their microstructure was studied using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Our results show that CMAS dissolves the BSAS topcoat preferentially through the grain boundaries, dislodging the grains and changing the residual stress state in the topcoat to a nonuniform and increasingly compressive stress state with increasing exposure time. The presence of CMAS accelerates the hexacelsian‐to‐celsian phase transformation kinetics in BSAS, which reacts with the glass by a solution–reprecipitation mechanism. Precipitates have crystallographic structures consistent with Ca‐doped celsian and Ba‐doped anorthite.
The globalization of nurse migration: Policy issues and responses
Authors: YEATES Nicola
Published: March 2011

Many countries are involved in the “production” and overseas recruitment of care workers in a major international response to the “care crisis” affecting advanced industrialized economies. But the distribution of gains and losses from care‐labour migration is becoming increasingly unequal, and the pressure to develop alternative policies is intensifying. The author assesses the relevance of different policy approaches to nurse migration in promoting sustainability, social equity, the “care commons” and social development. She argues for sustained international cooperation and coordination to address the major global challenges that nurse migration currently poses for public health, social reproduction and social development.
Propagule pressure hypothesis not supported by an 80‐year experiment on woody species invasion
Authors: Nuñez Martin A. , Moretti Adolfo , Simberloff Daniel
Published: March 2011

Ecological filters and availability of propagules play key roles structuring natural communities. Propagule pressure has recently been suggested to be a fundamental factor explaining the success or failure of biological introductions. We tested this hypothesis with a remarkable data set on trees introduced to Isla Victoria, Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina. More than 130 species of woody plants, many known to be highly invasive elsewhere, were introduced to this island early in the 20th century, as part of an experiment to test their suitability as commercial forestry trees for this region. We obtained detailed data on three estimates of propagule pressure (number of introduced individuals, number of areas where introduced, and number of years during which the species was planted) for 18 exotic woody species. We matched these data with a survey of the species and number of individuals currently invading the island. None of the three estimates of propagule pressure predicted the current pattern of invasion. We suggest that other factors, such as biotic resistance, may be operating to determine the observed pattern of invasion, and that propagule pressure may play a relatively minor role in explaining at least some observed patterns of invasion success and failure.
Influences of hyaluronic acid on the anticandidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system
Authors: Kang J‐H , Kim Y‐Y , Chang J‐Y , Kho H‐S
Published: March 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 577–583

Objective:  To investigate the fungistatic and fungicidal activity of hyaluronic acid (HA) and the influences of HA on the anticandidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system.

Materials and Methods:  HA, hen egg‐white lysozyme, and the bovine lactoperoxidase system were used. Candida albicans ATCC 10231, 18804, and 11006 strains were used in the experiments. The fungistatic activity of HA was determined by measuring the optical densities of the cultures. The candidacidal activity of HA and the influences of HA on the candidacidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system were determined by comparing the numbers of colony‐forming units.

Results:  Hyaluronic acid displayed inhibitory effects on the growth of C. albicans, and the inhibitory effects were proportional to HA concentration. HA did not have any measurable candidacidal activity. HA showed inhibitory effects on the candidacidal activities of lysozyme, and the peroxidase system that was proportional to HA concentration. HA at 1.0–2.0 mg ml−1 almost completely inhibited the candidacidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system.

Conclusions:  Hyaluronic acid possesses fungistatic activity but no candidacidal activity. HA showed inhibitory effects on the candidacidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system.
Morbidity and mortality in Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY)
Authors: Bojesen Anders , Gravholt Claus H
Published: March 2011

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) is the most common sex chromosome disorder in man and is a relatively common cause of male infertility and hypogonadism. The syndrome has been known since 1942, and many reports of different diseases associated with KS have been reported since that, but a more systematic knowledge about the long‐term outcome was not described until the last decade, where nation‐wide epidemiological studies were reported from Britain and Denmark. We here review the epidemiological data from two cohorts of patients with KS in Denmark and Britain, showing a significant increase in both mortality and morbidity from a variety of different causes. Mortality was increased by 50% (SMR 1.5 or HR 1.4) corresponding to a median loss of approximately 2 years. The risk of being admitted to hospital with any diagnosis was increased by 70%. The underlying reason for the poorer health in KS may be caused by interaction of genetic, hormonal and socio‐economic factors.

Conclusion:  Both morbidity and mortality are significantly increased in Klinefelter syndrome with a 50% increase in mortality risk and a 70% increase in risk of being admitted to hospital.
A Comparison of Fit of CNC‐Milled Titanium and Zirconia Frameworks to Implants
Authors: Abduo Jaafar , Lyons Karl , Waddell Neil , Bennani Vincent , Swain Michael
Published: March 2011

Background: Computer numeric controlled (CNC) milling was proven to be predictable method to fabricate accurately fitting implant titanium frameworks. However, no data are available regarding the fit of CNC‐milled implant zirconia frameworks.

Purpose: To compare the precision of fit of implant frameworks milled from titanium and zirconia and relate it to peri‐implant strain development after framework fixation.

Materials and Methods: A partially edentulous epoxy resin models received two Branemark implants in the areas of the lower left second premolar and second molar. From this model, 10 identical frameworks were fabricated by mean of CNC milling. Half of them were made from titanium and the other half from zirconia. Strain gauges were mounted close to the implants to qualitatively and quantitatively assess strain development as a result of framework fitting. In addition, the fit of the framework implant interface was measured using an optical microscope, when only one screw was tightened (passive fit) and when all screws were tightened (vertical fit). The data was statistically analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test.

Results: All frameworks produced measurable amounts of peri‐implant strain. The zirconia frameworks produced significantly less strain than titanium. Combining the qualitative and quantitative information indicates that the implants were under vertical displacement rather than horizontal. The vertical fit was similar for zirconia (3.7 µm) and titanium (3.6 µm) frameworks; however, the zirconia frameworks exhibited a significantly finer passive fit (5.5 µm) than titanium frameworks (13.6 µm).

Conclusions: CNC milling produced zirconia and titanium frameworks with high accuracy. The difference between the two materials in terms of fit is expected to be of minimal clinical significance. The strain developed around the implants was more related to the framework fit rather than framework material.
APPLICATION OF THE RESPONSE SURFACE ANALYSIS METHOD TO THE STUDY OF SALT AND WATER PROFILES IN GOAT'S CHEESE SALTED IN LAYERS
Authors: SANTAPAOLA J. , ANDRÉS A. , MALDONADO S. , FERNÁNDEZ M.
Published: March 2011

With the purpose of determining sodium chloride and water distribution profiles, a series of analyses were carried out on goat's cheese that had been salted by a traditional method from the province of Jujuy (Argentina). This process consists of distributing layers of dry salt between layers of curd of a constant height during the moulding operation. The sodium chloride and water concentration profiles were analyzed in relation to the height and distance of the cheese samples from the center. The response surface analysis methodology was used to interpret the results. The highest water concentration was obtained in the lower external zone, this being connected to the gravitational effect of syneresis and its contact with the cheese inside the container. In the sodium chloride profile, it was observed that the upper zone of the cheese presented the concentration furthest from the average value. This indicates that salt and water distribution can be improved by increasing the frequency of turning the cheeses after salting.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A fundamental variable in the formulation and control over the cheese manufacturing process is the salt concentration and its profile within the product. In the case of the goat cheese, which is traditionally manufactured in the province of Jujuy, the salting is mostly made by dry salt distribution. The product have a variable salt content and heterogeneous flavor. A detailed understanding of the factors that influence in the salt distribution must allow producers to optimize the salting stage and thus improve the quality of the final product. An analysis of the salt and moisture concentration profiles developed throughout the mass transfer process is a good method to clarify the reach of the mechanisms involved in it.
Exploring the Responses of Underrepresented Students in Science to an Elementary Classroom Outreach Program
Authors: Shanahan Marie‐Claire , Pedretti Erminia , DeCoito Isha , Baker Lindsay
Published: March 2011

This paper describes a subset of results from a large‐scale two‐year independent evaluation study conducted with the Scientists in School (SiS) outreach program and two large school boards in Ontario, Canada. Specifically, it explores the responses of elementary students (n= 811) from typically underrepresented groups in science (English language learners [ELL], girls, and students at low‐achieving schools) to the SiS outreach program. It explores responses related to enjoyment, interest, perceptions of role modeling, and future career choice in science. Compared to other students, findings suggest that girls and students from low‐achieving schools found the program more enjoyable and reported that it provided positive science role models. Students at schools with high ELL populations also reported higher levels of enjoyment and reported that the program helped get them excited about science.
Gender‐Related Beliefs and Mathematics Performance of Preservice Primary Teachers
Authors: Duru Adem
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to examine whether there are gender differences in mathematics achievement and in beliefs about mathematics of preservice teachers over a period of four years. Data were collected from preservice teachers (156 males and 155 females) from the Adıyaman University Faculty of Education in Turkey. The Mathematics as a Gendered Domain instrument was used to investigate preservice teachers' beliefs about the gender differences in mathematics. The results indicated that gender had no effect on mathematics performances of the preservice primary teachers. Findings of this research show that most of the male and female preservice primary teachers do not gender‐stereotype mathematics and believe that mathematics is gender neutral, although there are gender differences on some types of items of instrument.
Systolic blood pressure in Peromyscus species: considerations for the murine hypertension model
Authors: Turney T. H. , Lockwood J. A.
Published: March 2011

Hypertension, in the form of chronic elevations of systolic blood pressure, has been investigated in laboratory‐reared Mus musculus as a potential animal model of the human condition. However, these laboratory studies have never been related to murine biology in naturally‐occurring populations of mice. The present study improves the murine hypertension model and broadens its implications by describing systolic blood pressure values for both sexes in five species of Peromyscus. Comparisons are made to three strains of laboratory M. musculus. An indirect plethysmographic technique was used for determination of systolic pressure. Habituation to the novel environment of the laboratory was assessed by obtaining blood pressure measurements at three and 20 weeks after capture, and in the F1, generation. Genetic differences, as are found between strains and sexes of M. musculus, were found between species and sexes of Peromyscus. The F1, generation was hypertensive relative to their captured parents. Our findings demonstrate the validity of murine laboratory models of hypertension.
Theoretical Study of Static and Dynamic Characteristics for Eccentric Cylinders Lubricated With Ferrofluid
Authors: Zakaria Kadry , Sirwah Magdy A. , Fakharany M.
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study is to explore the static and dynamic performance characteristics of finite journal bearings lubricated with a non-Newtonian ferrofluid in the presence of an external magnetic field using the spectral method technique. The modified Reynolds equation governing the film pressure, coming out from the combination of the momentum and continuity equations, is derived. We use the pressure distribution function to study the static and dynamic characteristics and the stability of the given system. Numerical applications are achieved in order to investigate the influence of the various parameters on the stability behavior of the system. For instance, it is observed that the journal loci get stable as the magnetic force increases. The non-Newtonian, the distance ratio, and the magnetic parameters play an important role in administrating the stability behavior. The non-Newtonian parameter is found to stabilize the system, while the magnetic force coefficient destabilizes it. Furthermore, for law eccentricity ratios, the stability of this system is significant.
A Modification of the Switch Function in the Elrod Cavitation Algorithm
Authors: Fesanghary M. , Khonsari M. M.
Published: March 2011

The implementation of the mass-conservative cavitation algorithm, as derived by Elrod, requires an automatic setting of a binary switch function that delineates the full-film and cavitation zones. Abrupt changes associated with this function often causes convergence and instability issues. A method is that which improves numerical instability and overcomes the convergence issues caused by the conventional binary switch function. Two test cases are presented, which show that by using the new switching algorithm together with a successive over-relaxation solver, the Elrod cavitation algorithm converges up to 61% faster while it is less prone to numerical instabilities.
Experimental Philosophy and the Problem of Free Will
Authors: Nichols Shaun
Published: March 2011

Many philosophical problems are rooted in everyday thought, and experimental philosophy uses social scientific techniques to study the psychological underpinnings of such problems. In the case of free will, research suggests that people in a diverse range of cultures reject determinism, but people give conflicting responses on whether determinism would undermine moral responsibility. When presented with abstract questions, people tend to maintain that determinism would undermine responsibility, but when presented with concrete cases of wrongdoing, people tend to say that determinism is consistent with moral responsibility. It remains unclear why people reject determinism and what drives people’s conflicted attitudes about responsibility. Experimental philosophy aims to address these issues and thereby illuminate the philosophical problem of free will.
Comment on “Does the Hydrated Electron Occupy a Cavity?”
Authors: Jacobson Leif D. , Herbert John M.
Published: March 2011

Larsen
et al
. (Reports, 2 July 2010, p. 65) suggest that, contrary to the established paradigm, the aqueous electron does not carve out and occupy a cavity in liquid water. Closer examination of their theoretical model, however, reveals that many of its predictions differ substantively from established benchmarks and that its behavior differs qualitatively from Hartree-Fock theory, upon which the model is based.
Second-Order Selection for Evolvability in a Large
Escherichia coli
Population
Authors: Woods Robert J. , Barrick Jeffrey E. , Cooper Tim F. , Shrestha Utpala , Kauth Mark R. , Lenski Richard E.
Published: March 2011

Descendants of bacterial lineages that retained adaptation potential outcompeted competitors of higher fitness.
Leon Knopoff (1925–2011)
Authors: Davis Paul M. , Jackson David D.
Published: March 2011

Interests in earthquake dynamics and music were driven by a seismologist's passion for understanding the physics behind pattern recognition.
Anti-Borrelia burgdorferi Antibody Profile in Post-Lyme Disease Syndrome
Authors: Chandra Abhishek , Wormser Gary P. , Marques Adriana R. , Latov Norman , Alaedini Armin
Published: March 2011

Patients with post-Lyme disease syndrome (PLDS) report persistent symptoms of pain, fatigue, and/or concentration and memory disturbances despite antibiotic treatment for Lyme borreliosis. The etiopathogenesis of these symptoms remains unknown and no effective therapies have been identified. We sought to examine the antiborrelia antibody profile in affected patients with the aim of finding clues to the mechanism of the syndrome and its relationship to the original spirochetal infection. Serum specimens from 54 borrelia-seropositive PLDS patients were examined for antibodies toBorrelia burgdorferiproteins p18, p25, p28, p30, p31, p34, p39, p41, p45, p58, p66, p93, and VlsE by automated immunoblotting and software-assisted band analysis. The presence of serum antibodies to the 31-kDa band was further investigated by examination of reactivity against purified recombinant OspA protein. Control specimens included sera from 14 borrelia-seropositive individuals with a history of early localized or disseminated Lyme disease who were symptom free (post-Lyme healthy group), as well as 20 healthy individuals without serologic evidence or history of Lyme disease. In comparison to the post-Lyme healthy group, higher frequencies of antibodies to p28 (P< 0.05), p30 (P< 0.05), p31 (P< 0.0001), and p34 (P< 0.05) proteins were found in the PLDS group. Assessment of antibody reactivity to recombinant OspA confirmed the presence of elevated levels in PLDS patients (P< 0.005). The described antiborrelia antibody profile in PLDS offers clues about the course of the antecedent infection in affected patients, which may be useful for understanding the pathogenic mechanism of the disease.
Successful Memory Response following a Booster Dose with a Virosome-Formulated Hepatitis A Vaccine Delayed Up to 11 Years
Authors: Hatz Christoph , van der Ploeg Robert , Beck Bernhard R. , Frösner Gert , Hunt Marjory , Herzog Christian
Published: March 2011

Boosting adult travelers with the virosome-formulated, aluminum-free hepatitis A vaccine Epaxal up to 128 months after a single primary dose confers full protection against hepatitis A, even in travelers aged 50 years and above. Delaying the booster dose did not influence the immune memory response to Epaxal.
Reference Values of Lymphocyte Subsets in Healthy, HIV-Negative Children in Cameroon
Authors: Sagnia Bertrand , Ateba Ndongo Francis , Ndiang Moyo Tetang Suzie , Ndongo Torimiro Judith , Cairo Cristiana , Domkam Irenée , Agbor Geraldine , Mve Emmanuel , Tocke Olive , Fouda Emilien , Ouwe Missi Oukem-Boyer Odile , Colizzi Vittorio
Published: March 2011

Lymphocyte subset reference values used to monitor infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, or other immunological disorders in healthy children in Cameroon, are lacking. Values for Caucasian cohorts are already being utilized for clinical decisions but could be inappropriate for African populations. We report here the immunological profile for children aged from birth through 6 years in Cameroon and also compare our values to data from other African and Caucasian populations. In a cohort of 352 healthy children, aged 0 to 6 years, the relative and absolute numbers of T-cell subsets, B cells, and NK lymphocytes were determined from peripheral blood collected in EDTA tubes. Samples were stained with BD Multitest reagents in Trucount tubes and analyzed by using CellQuest-Pro and FlowJo software. We evaluated about 23 different lymphocyte subsets in which the absolute number and percentage values differed significantly (P< 0.05) with age and peaked between 6 and 12 months. B-cell values were higher compared to reported values from developed countries. Differences in activated and differentiated T cells were observed in subjects between 1 and 6 years of age. The absolute CD8+T-cell count and the CD4+/CD8+ratio seem to depend on gender. Normal lymphocyte subsets values among children from Cameroon differ from reported values in Caucasian and some African populations. The differences observed could be due to genetic and environmental factors coupled with the methodology used. These values could be used as initial national reference guidelines as more data are assembled.
Comparison of Etest Method with Reference Broth Microdilution Method for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Yersinia pestis
Authors: Lonsway David R. , Urich Sandra K. , Heine Henry S. , McAllister Sigrid K. , Banerjee Shailen N. , Schriefer Martin E. , Patel Jean B.
Published: March 2011

The utility of Etest for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of
Yersinia pestis
was evaluated in comparison with broth microdilution and disk diffusion for eight agents. Four laboratories tested 26 diverse strains and found Etest to be reliable for testing antimicrobial agents used to treat
Y. pestis
, except for chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Disk diffusion testing is not recommended.
Characterization of Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection from Blood Donors in China
Authors: Zheng Xin , Ye Xianlin , Zhang Ling , Wang Wenjing , Shuai Lifang , Wang Anqi , Zeng Jinfeng , Candotti Daniel , Allain Jean-Pierre , Li Chengyao
Published: March 2011

Prevalence and characteristics of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) of genotypes B and C prevalent in China have not been extensively explored. Characterization of OBI strains obtained from Chinese blood donors was based on clinical and serological analyses, follow-up testing, and sequence analyses. Twenty-eight samples from 165,371 HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative plasmas were confirmed HBsAg negative and DNA positive(HBsAg−/DNA+), of which 22 were classified as OBIs and 6 as window period infections. The OBI incidence was 1:7,517 in blood donors, whose ages ranged between 20 and 45 years (median, 28 years). OBI donors had normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and low viral loads ranging between unquantifiable amounts and 178 IU/ml (median, 14 IU/ml). Sequences from 21 basic core promoter/precore (BCP/PC) regions, five whole genomes, and two additional pre-S/S regions from OBI strains were compared to genotypes B and C HBsAg+reference strains. Eighty-six percent (6/7) of OBI strains were genotype C. Deletions, insertions, stop codons, and substitutions were detected in 15/21 (71%) core regulatory elements of OBI strains. Critical mutations were found in the core proteins of 5/5 OBI strains in parallel with random substitutions in pre-S/S proteins from 6/7 (86%) OBI strains. Critical mutations in core regulatory elements and core proteins might affect OBI genotype B and C strain replication. That there were few S protein substitutions suggests a minor role of the host immune defenses in OBI occurrence.
Evaluation of Four Different Diagnostic Tests To Detect Clostridium difficile in Piglets
Authors: Keessen E. C. , Hopman N. E. M. , van Leengoed L. A. M. G. , van Asten A. J. A. M. , Hermanus C. , Kuijper E. J. , Lipman L. J. A.
Published: March 2011

Clostridium difficile
is emerging as pathogen in both humans and animals. In 2000 it was described as one of the causes of neonatal enteritis in piglets, and it is now the most common cause of neonatal diarrhea in the United States. In Europe,
C. difficile
infection (CDI) in both neonatal piglets and adult sows has also been reported. Diagnosis of this infection is based on detection of the bacterium
C. difficile
or its toxins A and B. Most detection methods, however, are only validated for diagnosing human infections. In this study three commercially available enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) and a commercial real-time-PCR (Becton, Dickinson, and Company) were evaluated by testing 172 pig fecal specimens (139 diarrheic and 33 nondiarrheic piglets). The results of each test were compared to those of cytotoxicity assays (CTAs) and toxigenic culture as the “gold standards.” Compared to CTAs, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were, respectively, as follows: for real-time PCR, 91.6, 37.1, 57.6, and 82.5%; for Premier Toxins A&B (Meridian), 83.1, 31.5, 53.1, and 66.7%; for ImmunoCard Toxins A&B kit (ICTAB; Meridian), 86.6, 56.8, 66.9, and 80.7%; and for VIDAS (bioMérieux), 54.8, 92.6, 85.0, and 72.8%. Compared to toxigenic culture, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were, respectively, as follows: for real-time PCR, 93.0, 34.7, 50.0, and 87.5%; for Premier Toxins A&B, 80.3, 27.7, 43.8, and 66.7%; and for ICTAB, 80.0, 46.2, 52.8, and 75.4%; and for VIDAS, 56.4, 89.8, 77.5, and 76.7%. We conclude that all tests had an unacceptably low performance as a single test for the detection of
C. difficile
in pig herds and that a two-step algorithm is necessary, similar to that in cases of human CDI. Of all of the assays, the real-time PCR had the highest NPV compared to both reference methods and is therefore the most appropriate test to screen for the absence of
C. difficile
in pigs as a first step in the algorithm. The second step would be a confirmation of the positive results by toxigenic culture.
Evaluation of TBc Identification Immunochromatographic Assay for Rapid Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Samples from Broth Cultures
Authors: Said Halima M. , Ismail Nazir , Osman Ayman , Velsman Chrisna , Hoosen A. A.
Published: March 2011

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of major public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries. In addition, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has increased the incidence of infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Rapid, accurate, and simple methods for differentiation of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) isolates from NTM is greatly needed for successful control of the TB epidemic. This study was done to evaluate the clinical performance of the BD MGIT TBc identification test (TBc ID) for rapid identification of MTBC in samples from broth cultures. A total of 229 Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain-positive MGIT cultures were tested using the TBc ID test, and the results were compared with those of the AccuProbe MTBC identification test (GenProbe, San Diego, CA). The agreement between the TBc ID test and the AccuProbe assay was 96% (kappa = 0.92; confidence interval [CI] = 0.869 to 0.971). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of the TBc ID test compared to the AccuProbe assay were 100%, 92.4%, 100%, and 92.2%, respectively. After additional molecular testing, the agreement between the two methods increased to 97.8% (kappa = 0.96; CI = 0.917 to 0.994), and the specificity and positive predictive value increased to 95.6% and 95.7%, respectively. The TBc ID test is a simple, sensitive, and specific test for identification of MTBC in samples from acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear-positive cultures. The TBc ID test could be a good alternative to the AccuProbe test in TB diagnostic laboratories.
Evaluation of the Vitek 2 ANC Card for Identification of Clinical Isolates of Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Lee E. H. L. , Degener J. E. , Welling G. W. , Veloo A. C. M.
Published: March 2011

An evaluation of the Vitek 2 ANC card (bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) was performed with 301 anaerobic isolates. Each strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which is considered to be the reference method. The Vitek 2 ANC card correctly identified 239 (79.4%) of the 301 clinical isolates to the genus level, including 100 species that were not represented in the database. Correct species identification was obtained for 60.1% (181/301) of the clinical isolates. For the isolates not identified to the species level, a correct genus identification was obtained for 47.0% of them (47/100), and 16 were accurately designated not identified. Although the Vitek 2 ANC card allows the rapid and acceptable identification of the most common clinically important anaerobic bacteria within 6 h, improvement is required for the identification of members of the genera
Fusobacterium
,
Prevotella
, and
Actinomyces
and certain Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC).
Isolation of Mycobacterium ulcerans from Swab and Fine-Needle-Aspiration Specimens
Authors: Yeboah-Manu Dorothy , Danso Emelia , Ampah Kobina , Asante-Poku Adwoa , Nakobu Zuliehatu , Pluschke Gerd
Published: March 2011

For cultivation of
Mycobacterium ulcerans
from clinical specimens, we optimized the release of bacteria from swabs, as well as decontamination and cultivation on supplemented medium. Nevertheless, the proportions of positive cultures, 41.7% (5/12) for fine-needle-aspiration (FNA) samples and 43.8% (49/112) for swab samples, were lower than those we have previously observed for excised tissue specimens.
Genotype of Varicella-Zoster Virus Isolates in South Korea
Authors: Kim Kye-Hyung , Choi Young Ju , Song Kyoung-Ho , Park Wan Beom , Jeon Jae-Hyun , Park Sang-Won , Kim Hong Bin , Kim Nam Joong , Oh Myoung-don
Published: March 2011

Information about the genotype of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is useful to monitor outbreaks of vaccine strains. However, in South Korea, where varicella vaccine was introduced in 1988, there are limited data about the genotype of VZV. VZV was isolated from vesicular lesions of patients with herpes zoster or varicella in South Korea between January 2007 and June 2009. DNAs were purified from single-passage isolates. The genotype was determined by sequence analysis of open reading frame (ORF) 22. The PstI restriction enzyme site in ORF 38 and the BglI restriction enzyme site in ORF 54 were evaluated by restriction enzyme analysis. Forty-four patients with herpes zoster and nine patients with varicella were enrolled. The median age of patients with herpes zoster was 59.5 (range, 10 to 77) years, and the median age of patients with varicella was 8 (range, 6 to 9) years. In sequence analysis of ORF 22, all isolates were genotype J, irrespective of the age group. In restriction enzyme analysis, 51 of 54 (94.3%) isolates contained a PstI site in ORF 38, and all isolates contained a BglI site in ORF 54. Our data suggest that genotype J has been circulating since the 1940s in South Korea.