bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Male and Female Pathways Through Four-Year Colleges
Authors: Ewert Stephanie
Published: June 2010

Pathways through college vary by sex in ways that may contribute to the contemporary male-female gap in college graduation that favors women. Although past research has documented sex differences in college pathways, little research has investigated the underlying causes of this variation. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study, this study empirically tests leading hypotheses for why men are more likely than women to progress through college discontinuously and part-time. This study finds that high school academic performance, which indicates preparation for college, accounts for part of the male-female gap in college pathways. Poorer academic performance at the beginning of college further increases the likelihood that men, relative to women, will disrupt their college experience.
A Century of Veterinary Education in Cuba (1907–2007)
Authors: Chamizo Pestana Elpidio Gonzalo , Aparicio Medina José Manuel , López Padrón Alexander , Romero Francisco Lam , Schoenfeld-Tacher Regina
Published: June 2010

The development of veterinary education in Cuba has closely mirrored the political changes the nation has undergone. Veterinary studies in Cuba began in 1907, with an emphasis on clinical (individual-animal) medicine. Over time, the professional curriculum has evolved to meet the needs of the nation. Preventive medicine topics were added to the curriculum in 1959. Food-animal production was taught by a separate college until 1990. In 1991, these topics were incorporated into the professional veterinary medical curriculum, and they continue to be an area of emphasis. All veterinary colleges in Cuba follow a centrally organized, student-centered curriculum. A substantial portion of instruction is delivered at educational units, housed on livestock operations, where students participate in extensive field experiences while receiving didactic instruction. The amount of instructional time devoted to hands-on activities increases as students progress through the five-year curriculum.
Development and Evaluation of a New Educational Resource for Farm-Health Planning
Authors: Kerr Annie J. , Main David C.J.
Published: June 2010

Simple Templates for Everyday Planning and Support (STEPS) was created to illustrate the dynamic process of farm-health planning. Farm-health planning, also known as herd health or flock health planning, is a holistic, proactive management approach to animal health and welfare. This resource was used in a teaching seminar held for two groups of fourth-year veterinary students over a two-year period. Students answered a questionnaire before and after the teaching seminar that revealed that most participants believed the new resource had increased their knowledge of and ability to undertake farm-health planning. Students also completed one of four species-specific case examples that were evaluated by the first author. Most students (90.7%) included at least half of the essential farm-health planning factors in their case example submission. Twenty-six of these essential health planning factors were included by at least 80% of study participants. Six essential health planning factors received less than 20% of the student response rate. The traditional veterinary skills, which involve the management of individual animals, such as an assessment of the severity of lesions, were well represented in all of the case examples. However, the monitoring step of farm-health planning, such as the use of intervention levels, was the least well answered by the student population. In conclusion, the research study found that the STEPS seminar was successful in introducing many of the main principles of farm-health planning to two groups of fourth-year veterinary students.
Preparing Veterinary Students for Extramural Clinical Placement Training: Issues Identified and a Possible Solution
Authors: Bell Catriona , Baillie Sarah , Kinnison Tierney , Cavers Andrew
Published: June 2010

Extramural clinical placement training is an important part of many veterinary degree programs and provides students with valuable learning experiences in private practice, often focusing on the management of typical first-opinion cases. In the United Kingdom, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has a mandatory requirement that students take 26 weeks of clinical placement or extramural studies (EMS) before graduation. However, if students are to maximize their learning opportunities during these placements, it is important that they be adequately prepared. In response to recent topical issues surrounding EMS in the United Kingdom, the current project undertook an iterative consultation process with key stakeholders, including students and placement providers, to identify key issues associated with students attending placements. These findings then informed the development and content of a computer-aided learning (CAL) package titled “The EMS Driving Licence” that aimed to improve the preparation of students for placements. The CAL package included sections covering the main identified areas of concern: Preparation (including what to take), Working With People (staff and clients), Professionalism (including confidentiality), Frequently Asked Questions (from students), and Top Tips (from practitioners). The CAL package was evaluated by students, and feedback was gathered by means of a questionnaire. Students recognized that the content addressed many of their concerns, and all reported that they would recommend the package to others. The CAL package has been made available to all UK veterinary schools and has received backing from the RCVS as part of their current recommendations on EMS to the UK veterinary profession.
Fulbright Scholar International Teaching and Research Opportunities for Veterinary Faculty
Authors: Memon Mushtaq A. , Garrison Gary , Mashima Ted Y. , Chaddock Mike
Published: June 2010

The Fulbright program was established by the US Congress to “enable the government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” The Core Fulbright Scholar Program sends more than 800 US faculty and administrators to 125 countries to lecture or conduct research around the world each year. Unfortunately, only 28 faculty members from the US veterinary colleges have used Fulbright Scholar opportunities in the last 20 years (1989–2009). Considering recent worldwide events, such as the global dispersion of the Asian strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza and pandemic H1N1 2009 affecting human and animal species, the importance of awareness and education of veterinarians to such global issues is obviously urgent. Therefore, Fulbright scholarships represent an important opportunity to gain experience and bring this time-critical information back to fellow faculty and students. Veterinarians who wish to contribute to internationalization of the curricula and their campuses should consider applying for Fulbright Scholar support to launch their career in this pivotal direction. For details about the Fulbright Scholar Program, eligibility, and application procedures, please visit < http://www.cies.org/us_scholars/ >.
Review: Using magnesium hydroxide as the alkali source for peroxide bleaching of mechanical pulps - process chemistry and industrial implementation
Authors: Ni Yonghao , He Zhibin
Published: June 2010

Magnesium hydroxide, which is a weak alkali, can be used as the alkali source for peroxide bleaching of mechanical pulps. This magnesium hydroxide-based peroxide bleaching process has been commercialized in the paper industry. In this paper, we review the literature results regarding the process chemistry of the Mg(OH)2-based peroxide bleaching process, including the kinetics, peroxide decomposition, anionic trash/COD/oxalate formation, the effect on pulp properties. The benefits associated with the Mg(OH)2- based peroxide bleaching process are discussed. We also discuss the mill implementation of the Mg(OH)2- based peroxide bleaching process in the pulp and paper industry. A case is presented where magnesium hydroxide completely replaces sodium hydroxide as the alkali source. A partial magnesium substitution for sodium hydroxide can also be an option.
Comparison between specific surface complexation and Donnan ion-exchange models for describing the adsorption of cations on kraft fibres – literature evidence and EXAFS study of Cu(II) binding
Authors: Sundman Ola , Persson Per , Öhman Lars-Olof
Published: June 2010

A compilation of the applied experimental conditions when studying metal ion adsorption onto kraft fibres, and the resulting conclusion, revealed that the ionic strength conditions used during the experiments were an important dividing factor. At low ionic strengths, the conclusion has regularly been that the Donnan ion-exchange model could correctly predict the adsorption while, at higher ionic strengths, it has often been concluded that the formation of specific metal-ion fibre complexes must be assumed. To study this apparent influence from the presence of monovalent sodium ions, Cu K-edge EXAFS spectra of Cu2+ ions adsorbed to kraft fibres were collected in media of “0” to 100 mM NaCl. Combined with previous data, these measurements confirmed that at very low ionic strength, the importance of specific interactions between the chemically modified cellulose fibres and the Cu(II) ions significantly decreased. For a detailed description of the adsorption phenomenon, both types of interactions must be considered simultaneously. For most technical and engineering applications, however, the Donnan model can be used at low ionic strength conditions, i.e. I ≲ 10 mM. At higher ionic strengths, though, the inclusion of specific complexes in the model is necessary for correctly describing the adsorption of di- and trivalent cations with strong complex forming properties.
Effects of integrating a bioethanol production process to a kraft pulp mill
Authors: Kautto Jesse , Henricson Kaj , Sixta Herbert , Trogen Mikaela , Alén Raimo
Published: June 2010

The integration of an ethanol production process based on prehydrolysis of softwood chips to a kraft pulp mill is discussed. A simulation model of this biorefinery has been created with WinGEMS simulation software to calculate the mass and energy balances of the biorefinery and to examine the effects of the integration on the operation of the pulp mill. Integrating the prehydrolysis process to the modeled pulp mill producing 1000 Adt/day of pine pulp would increase the wood consumption by 16%. With the increased wood consumption, 40 t/day of ethanol could be produced, and the excess power production could be increased by 460 MWh/day. The integration of the ethanol production process to a pulp mill would have considerable effects on the operation of the pulp mill. The coupling of hydrolyzate evaporation with black liquor evaporation would require major modifications in the evaporation plant. Due to the burning of organic residue from the ethanol process and to the increase in the heating value of black liquor, the load on the recovery boiler would increase by 31%.
The In vivo Effects of Caffeine on the Hypoglycemic Activity of Gliclazide and Metformin in Healthy Rats
Authors: Mohiuddin Mohammad , Amran Md Shah , Hossain Md Amjad
Published: June 2010

An in vivo study has been conducted to observe the effects of caffeine on the hypoglycemic activity ofgliclazide and metformin HCI in rats. For this, healthy rats weighing about 250±25 g were used and the blood sugarlevels were measured after administration of a drug alone and in combination. Diabetes was induced in rats byadministration of alloxan at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight. Drugs were administered in rats and were observed forfour weeks. The blood sugar levels were estimated in two stages; firstly, after two week and secondly, after four weekof administration of drug. It was found that the hypoglycemic activities of both gliclazide and metformin HCl werepotentiated by concurrent application of caffeine and either of the drugs, but the extent of potentiation was more incase of metformin HCI as evident from the blood sugar level of rats.Key words: Caffeine; Gliclazide; Metformin; Diabetes; Alloxan; Blood sugar; Rats.DOI: 10.3329/dujps.v8i1.5335Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 8(1): 47-51, 2009 (June)
Comparison of Gastro Retention Time and in vitro Release Profile studies of Ciprofloxacin HCl from Co-matrix Tablets of Hydrophilic Polymers
Authors: Islam Muhammad Shahidul , Azam Kazi Rashidul , Chowdury Jakir Ahmed , Reza Md Selim
Published: June 2010

Controlled release co-matrix tablets of Ciprofloxacin HCl were prepared with different types of bioadhesivepolymers e.g. Methocel K4M, Methocel K 15M CR and Methocel K 100LV, Povidone K-30, and Xanthangum. Tablets prepared by direct compression method were subjected to in-vitro drug dissolution study for 8 hours ina simulated gastric fluid media using USP dissolution apparatus II with 50 rpm at 37±0.5ºC. The bio-adhesiveproperty was investigated in terms of retention time following in-vitro wash-off method. The concentrations ofpolymers were varied to investigate whether these variations can cause any change in release of Ciprofloxacin HClmolecule and bio-adhesion property or not. In most of the cases it is found that Methocel K4M and MethocelK100LV based co-matrix tablets release greater percentage of active drug than Methocel K15M CR based co-matrixtablets. Bio-adhesive strength of Methocel K15M CR and Xanthan gum based co-matrix tablets was proved to bemaximum followed by Methocel K4M and Xanthan gum based co-matrices. Whereas Methocel K100LV andXanthan gum based co-matrices showed little or poor muco-adhesion. Methocel K4M, K15M CR and Xanthan gumbased formulations showed nearly zero-order release, on the other hand Methocel K100LV and Xanthan gum basedformulation showed a burst release within one hour of dissolution. Finally it was revealed that Xanthan gum providedoptimum bio-adhesion functioning as a synergist in co-matrices and comply the USP specification as a most suitablecontrolled release polymer.Key words: Gastro retention time; Direct Compression; Ciprofloxacin HCl; Methocel K4M; Methocel K15M CR;Methocel K100LV; Xanthan gum.DOI: 10.3329/dujps.v8i1.5338Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 8(1): 67-73, 2009 (June)
Entropy and Energy in Characterizing the Organization of Concept Maps in Learning Science
Authors: Koponen Ismo T. , Pehkonen Maija
Published: June 2010

Knowledge structures are often represented in the form of networks or maps of concepts. The coherence and connectivity of such knowledge representations is known to be closely related to knowledge production, acquisition and processing. In this study we use network theory in making the clustering and cohesion of concept maps measurable, and show how the distribution of these properties can be interpreted through the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) method. This approach allows to introduce new concepts of the “energy of cognitive load” and the “entropy of knowledge organization” to describe the organization of knowledge in the concept maps.
Can Justice and Fairness Enlarge International Environmental Agreements?
Authors: Grüning Christine , Peters Wolfgang
Published: June 2010

The literature on International Environmental Agreements (IEAs) predicts a rather low number of signatories to an IEA. This is in sharp contrast to empirical evidence. As experimental economics provides some evidence for more complex human behavior, extending the theory of IEAs to a broader class of preferences is clearly promising. The present paper shows that where countries’ preferences incorporate justice and fairness there will be a strong incentive for them to choose similar abatement policies within and outside an IEA. Consequently, free-riding at the expense of the signatory states diminishes and participation in an IEA becomes a more successful strategy, so that the size of stable IEAs increases.
Natural Carotenoids as Nanomaterial Precursors for Molecular Photovoltaics: A Computational DFT Study
Authors: Ruiz-Anchondo Teresita , Flores-Holguín Norma , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: June 2010

In this work several natural carotenoids were studied as potential nanomaterial precursors for molecular photovoltaics. M05-2X/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory calculations were used to obtain their molecular structures, as well as to predict the infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV-Vis) spectra, the dipole moment and polarizability, the pKa, and the chemical reactivity parameters (electronegativity, hardness, electrophilicity and Fukui functions) that arise from Conceptual DFT. The calculated values were compared with the available experimental data for these molecules and discussed in terms of their usefulness in describing photovoltaic properties.
Palladium/Zirconium Oxide Nanocomposite as a Highly Recyclable Catalyst for C-C Coupling Reactions in Water
Authors: Monopoli Antonio , Nacci Angelo , Calò Vincenzo , Ciminale Francesco , Cotugno Pietro , Mangone Annarosa , Giannossa Lorena Carla , Azzone Pietro , Cioffi Nicola
Published: June 2010

Palladium nanoparticles have been electrochemically supported on zirconium oxide nanostructured powders and all the nanomaterials have been characterized by several analytical techniques. The Pd/ZrO2 nanocatalyst is demonstrated to be a very efficient catalyst in Heck, Ullmann, and Suzuki reactions of aryl halides in water. The catalyst efficiency is attributed to the stabilization of Pd nanophases provided by tetra(alkyl)- ammonium hydroxide, which behaves both as base and PTC (phase transfer catalyst) agent.
High Throughput Extraction of Plant, Marine and Fungal Specimens for Preservation of Biologically Active Molecules
Authors: McCloud Thomas G.
Published: June 2010

The Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP) of the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI), at its NCI-Frederick facility, has built perhaps the largest and most diverse natural products screening library in the world for drug discovery. Composed of plant, marine organism and microbial extracts, it currently contains in excess of 230,000 unique materials. From the inception of this program to identify new anticancer chemotherapeutics from natural products sources in 1987, two extracts have been sequentially prepared from each specimen: one produced by organic solvent extraction, which yields a complex material that contains non- to moderately polar small molecules, and a water-soluble extract, a milieu largely unexplored for useful drugs in earlier years, which contains polar small to medium-sized molecules. Plant specimens and microbial ferments are extracted by modified traditional methods, while the method developed to produce extracts from marine organisms is unique and very different from that used by marine natural products chemists previously, but again yields both an organic solvent soluble and a water soluble material for inclusion into the screening library. Details of high throughput extract production for preservation of biologically active molecules are presented.
Anti-Oxidative Activity of An Aqueous Suspension of Commercial Preparation of The Mushroom Coprinus comatus
Authors: Popović Mira , Vukmirović Saša , Stilinović Nebojša , Čapo Ivan , Jakovljević Vida
Published: June 2010

In this study the effects of an aqueous suspension of a commercial preparation of the mushroom Coprinus comatus on oxidative stress induced in rats by alloxane and carbon tetrachloride was examined. The effects were estimated from changes in the biochemical parameters (xanthine oxidase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity, reduced glutathione content, and extent of lipid peroxidation) of liver homogenate as well as histological changes in the liver of the rats treated with alloxane and carbon tetrachloride. Two screening doses of alloxane sufficient to induce diabetes in rats did not have any significant effect on the examined biochemical parameters of liver homogenate or on the cytoarchitectonics of liver cross-sections. Treatment with carbon tetrachloride resulted in a significant increase in the intensity of lipid peroxidation and peroxydasis activity, as well as with decrease in catalase activity. Certain changes in liver cross sections were detected, such is lymphocyte infiltration of dilated sinusoid capillaries. Administration of Coprinus comatus suspension thus showed antioxidative potential, evidenced by an increase of antioxidative status of liver homogenate and prevention of histological changes in liver cross sections.
Alkaloids from Fissistigma latifolium (Dunal) Merr.
Authors: Alias Asmah , Hazni Hazrina , Mohd Jaafar Faridahanim , Awang Khalijah , Hadiani Ismail Nor
Published: June 2010

A phytochemical study of the bark of Fissistigma latifolium (Annonaceae) yielded a new aporphine alkaloid, (-)-N-methylguattescidine (1), and eight known alkaloids: liriodenine (2), oxoxylopine (3), (-)-asimilobine (4), dimethyltryptamine (5), (-)-remerine (6), (-)-anonaine (7), columbamine (8) and lysicamine (9). The compounds were isolated using various chromatographic methods and structural elucidation was accomplished by means of spectroscopic methods, notably 1D-NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT), 2D-NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC), UV, IR and MS.
Health Benefits of Nut Consumption
Authors: Ros Emilio
Published: June 2010

Nuts (tree nuts and peanuts) are nutrient dense foods with complex matrices rich in unsaturated fatty and other bioactive compounds: high-quality vegetable protein, fiber, minerals, tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds. By virtue of their unique composition, nuts are likely to beneficially impact health outcomes. Epidemiologic studies have associated nut consumption with a reduced incidence of coronary heart disease and gallstones in both genders and diabetes in women. Limited evidence also suggests beneficial effects on hypertension, cancer, and inflammation. Interventional studies consistently show that nut intake has a cholesterol-lowering effect, even in the context of healthy diets, and there is emerging evidence of beneficial effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular reactivity. Blood pressure, visceral adiposity and the metabolic syndrome also appear to be positively influenced by nut consumption. Thus it is clear that nuts have a beneficial impact on many cardiovascular risk factors. Contrary to expectations, epidemiologic studies and clinical trials suggest that regular nut consumption is unlikely to contribute to obesity and may even help in weight loss. Safety concerns are limited to the infrequent occurrence of nut allergy in children. In conclusion, nuts are nutrient rich foods with wide-ranging cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, which can be readily incorporated into healthy diets.
Global Patterns of Cropland Use Intensity
Authors: Siebert Stefan , Portmann Felix T. , Döll Petra
Published: June 2010

This study presents a global scale analysis of cropping intensity, crop duration and fallow land extent computed by using the global dataset on monthly irrigated and rainfed crop areas MIRCA2000. MIRCA2000 was mainly derived from census data and crop calendars from literature. Global cropland extent was 16 million km2 around the year 2000 of which 4.4 million km2 (28%) was fallow, resulting in an average cropping intensity of 0.82 for total cropland extent and of 1.13 when excluding fallow land. The lowest cropping intensities related to total cropland extent were found for Southern Africa (0.45), Central America (0.49) and Middle Africa (0.54), while highest cropping intensities were computed for Eastern Asia (1.04) and Southern Asia (1.0). In remote or arid regions where shifting cultivation is practiced, fallow periods last 3–10 years or even longer. In contrast, crops are harvested two or more times per year in highly populated, often irrigated tropical or subtropical lowlands where multi-cropping systems are common. This indicates that intensification of agricultural land use is a strategy that may be able to significantly improve global food security. There exist large uncertainties regarding extent of cropland, harvested crop area and therefore cropping intensity at larger scales. Satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques provide opportunities for decreasing these uncertainties and to improve the MIRCA2000 inventory.
Normalizing and Converting Image DC Data Using Scatter Plot Matching
Authors: Maas Stephan J. , Rajan Nithya
Published: June 2010

Remote sensing image data from sources such as Landsat or airborne multispectral digital cameras are typically in the form of digital count (DC) values. To compare images acquired by the same sensor system on different dates, or images acquired by different sensor systems, it is necessary to correct for differences in the DC values due to sensor characteristics (gain and offset), illumination of the surface (a function of sun angle), and atmospheric clarity. A method is described for normalizing one image to another, or converting image DC values to surface reflectance. This method is based on the identification of pseudo-invariant features (bare soil line and full canopy point) in the scatter plot of red and near-infrared image pixel values. The method, called “scatter plot matching” (SPM), is demonstrated by normalizing a Landsat-7 ETM+ image to a Landsat-5 TM image, and by converting the pixel DC values in a Landsat-5 TM image to values of surface reflectance. While SPM has some limitations, it represents a simple, straight-forward method for calibrating remote sensing image data.
Loss of Temporal Homogeneity and Symmetry in Statistical Systems: Deterministic Versus Stochastic Dynamics
Authors: Gujrati Purushottam D.
Published: June 2010

A detailed analysis of deterministic (one-to-one) and stochastic (one-to-many) dynamics establishes that dS/dt > 0 is only consistent with the latter, which contains violation of temporal symmetry and homogeneity. We observe that the former only supports dS/dt = 0 and cannot give rise to Boltzmann’s molecular chaos assumption. The ensemble average is more meaningful than the temporal average, especially in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics of systems confined to disjoint phase space components, which commonly occurs at low temperatures. We propose that the stochasticity arises from extra degrees of freedom, which are not part of the system. We provide a simple resolution of the recurrence and irreversibility paradoxes.
Altered Effector CD4+ T Cell Function in IL-21R−/− CD4+ T Cell-Mediated Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Oh Iekuni , Ozaki Katsutoshi , Meguro Akiko , Hatanaka Keiko , Kadowaki Masanori , Matsu Haruko , Tatara Raine , Sato Kazuya , Iwakura Yoichiro , Nakae Susumu , Sudo Katsuko , Teshima Takanori , Leonard Warren J. , Ozawa Keiya
Published: June 2010

We previously showed that transplantation with IL-21R gene-deficient splenocytes resulted in less severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) than was observed with wild type splenocytes. In this study, we sought to find mechanism(s) explaining this observation. Recipients of donor CD4+ T cells lacking IL-21R exhibited diminished GVHD symptoms, with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration into the liver and intestine, leading to prolonged survival. After transplantation, CD4+ T cell numbers in the spleen were reduced, and MLR and cytokine production by CD4+ T cells were impaired. These results suggest that IL-21 might promote GVHD through enhanced production of effector CD4+ T cells. Moreover, we found that CD25 depletion altered neither the impaired MLR in vitro nor the ameliorated GVHD symptoms in vivo. Thus, the attenuated GVHD might be caused by an impairment of effector T cell differentiation itself, rather than by an increase in regulatory T cells and suppression of effector T cells.
Prise en compte du rapport aux savoirs pour mieux comprendre un système didactique. Un exemple en SVT à l'école élémentaire
Authors: Pautal Éliane , Venturini Patrice , Dugal Jean-Paul
Published: June 2010

Cet article présente une analyse des liens entre pratiques d’enseignement-apprentissage de la biologie et rapport aux savoirs biologiques des différents acteurs au cours d’une séance consacrée à la circulation sanguine au grade 5. Les analyses ont été fondées sur la théorie de l’action didactique conjointe du professeur et de l’élève et sur l’approche socio-anthropologique du rapport au savoir. Elles ont été réalisées à partir de la vidéo de la séance et d’entretiens, entièrement retranscrits. Ces analyses ont permis de montrer que certains épisodes de l’action didactique pouvaient être interprétés à la lumière du rapport aux savoirs de l’enseignant et des élèves.
Improved measurement of carbonaceous aerosol in Beijing, China: intercomparison of sampling and thermal-optical analysis methods
Authors: Cheng Y. , He K. B. , Duan F. K. , Zheng M. , Ma Y. L. , Tan J. H. , Du Z. Y.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The sampling artifacts (both positive and negative) and the influence of thermal-optical methods (both charring correction method and the peak inert mode temperature) on the split of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) were evaluated in Beijing. The positive sampling artifact constituted 10% and 23% of OC concentration determined by the bare quartz filter during winter and summer, respectively. For summer samples, the adsorbed gaseous organics were found to continuously evolve off the filter during the whole inert mode when analyzed by the IMPROVE-A temperature protocol. This may be due to the oxidation of the adsorbed organics during sampling (reaction artifact) which would increase their thermal stability. The backup quartz approach was evaluated by a denuder-based method for assessing the positive artifact. The quartz-quartz (QBQ) in series method was demonstrated to be reliable, since all of the OC collected by QBQ was from originally gaseous organics. Negative artifact that could be adsorbed by quartz filter was negligible. When the activated carbon impregnated glass fiber (CIG) filter was used as the denuded backup filter, the denuder efficiency for removing gaseous organics that could be adsorbed by the CIG filter was only about 30%. EC values were found to differ by a factor of about two depending on the charring correction method. Influence of the peak inert mode temperature was evaluated based on the summer samples. The EC value was found to continuously decrease with the peak inert mode temperature. Premature evolution of light absorbing carbon began when the peak inert mode temperature was increased from 580 to 650 °C; when further increased to 800 °C, the OC and EC split frequently occurred in the He mode, and the last OC peak was characterized by the overlapping of two separate peaks. The discrepancy between EC values defined by different temperature protocols was larger for Beijing carbonaceous aerosol compared with North America and Europe, perhaps due to the higher concentration of brown carbon in Beijing aerosol.
The long-term effects of space weather on satellite operations
Authors: Welling D. T.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Integrated lifetime radiation damage may cause spacecraft to become more susceptible to operational anomalies by changing material characteristics of electronic components. This study demonstrates and quantifies the impact of these effects by examining the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) satellite anomaly database. Energetic particle data from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) is used to construct the total lifetime particle exposure a satellite has received at the epoch of an anomaly. These values are compared to the satellite's chronological age and the average exposure per year (calculated over two solar cycles.) The results show that many anomalies occur on satellites that have received a total lifetime high-energy particle exposure that is disproportionate to their age. In particular, 10.8% of all events occurred on satellites that received over two times more 20 to 40 MeV proton lifetime particle exposure than predicted using an average annual mean. This number inflates to 35.2% for 40 to 80 MeV protons and 33.7% for ≥2 MeV electrons. Overall, 73.5% of all anomalies occurred on a spacecraft that had experienced greater than two times the expected particle exposure for one of the eight particle populations used in this study. Simplistically, this means that the long term radiation background exposure matters, and that if the background radiation is elevated during the satellite's lifetime, the satellite is likely to experience more anomalies than satellites that have not been exposed to the elevated environment.
Runoff generating processes in adjacent tussock grassland and pine plantation catchments as indicated by mean transit time estimation using tritium
Authors: Stewart M. K. , Fahey B. D.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The east Otago uplands of New Zealand's South Island have long been studied because of the environmental consequences of converting native tussock grasslands to other land covers, notably forestry and pasture for stock grazing. Early studies showed that afforestation substantially reduced annual water yield, stream peak flows, and 7-day low flows, mainly as a consequence of increased interception. Tritium measurements have indicated that surprisingly old water is present in catchments GH1 and GH2, and the small headwater wetland and catchment (GH5), and contributes strongly to baseflow. The data have been simulated assuming the presence of two types of water in the baseflow, young water from shallow aquifers connecting hillside regolith with the stream, and old water from deep bedrock aquifers, respectively. The mean transit time of the young water is approximately one month, while that of the old water is 25–26 years as revealed by the presence of tritium originating from the bomb-peak in NZ rainfall in late 1960s and early 1970s. Such a long transit time indicates slow release from groundwater reservoirs within the bedrock, which constitute by far the larger of the water stores. Comparison of the results from catchments GH1 (tussock) and GH2 (pine forest) suggests that about equal quantities of water (85 mm/a) are contributed from the deep aquifers in the two catchments, although runoff from the shallow aquifers has been strongly reduced by afforestation in GH2. This study has revealed the presence of a long transit time component of water in runoff in a catchment with crystalline metamorphic bedrock.
Bi-criteria evaluation of the MIKE SHE model for a forested watershed on the South Carolina coastal plain
Authors: Dai Z. , Li C. , Trettin C. , Sun G. , Amatya D. , Li H.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Hydrological models are important tools for effective management, conservation and restoration of forested wetlands. The objective of this study was to test a distributed hydrological model, MIKE SHE, by using bi-criteria (i.e., two measurable variables, streamflow and water table depth) to describe the hydrological processes in a forested watershed that is characteristic of the lower Atlantic Coastal Plain. Simulations were compared against observations of both streamflow and water table depth measured on a first-order watershed (WS80) on the Santee Experimental Forest in South Carolina, USA. Model performance was evaluated using coefficient of determination (R2) and Nash-Sutcliffe's model efficiency (E). The E and root mean squared error (RMSE) were chosen as objective functions for sensitivity analysis of parameters. The model calibration and validation results demonstrated that the streamflow and water table depth were sensitive to most of the model input parameters, especially to surface detention storage, drainage depth, soil hydraulic properties, plant rooting depth, and surface roughness. Furthermore, the bi-criteria approach used for distributed model calibration and validation was shown to be better than the single-criterion in obtaining optimum model input parameters, especially for those parameters that were only sensitive to some specific conditions. Model calibration using the bi-criteria approach should be advantageous for constructing the uncertainty bounds of model inputs to simulate the hydrology for this type of forested watersheds. R2 varied from 0.60–0.99 for daily and monthly streamflow, and from 0.52–0.91 for daily water table depth. E changed from 0.53–0.96 for calibration and 0.51–0.98 for validation of daily and monthly streamflow, while E varied from 0.50–0.90 for calibration and 0.66–0.80 for validation of daily water table depth. This study showed that MIKE SHE could be a good candidate for simulating streamflow and water table depth in coastal plain watersheds.
Probabilistic modelling of rainfall induced landslide hazard assessment
Authors: Kawagoe S. , Kazama S. , Sarukkalige P. R.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. To evaluate the frequency and distribution of landslides hazards over Japan, this study uses a probabilistic model based on multiple logistic regression analysis. Study particular concerns several important physical parameters such as hydraulic parameters, geographical parameters and the geological parameters which are considered to be influential in the occurrence of landslides. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that hydrological parameter (hydraulic gradient) is the most influential factor in the occurrence of landslides. Therefore, the hydraulic gradient is used as the main hydraulic parameter; dynamic factor which includes the effect of heavy rainfall and their return period. Using the constructed spatial data-sets, a multiple logistic regression model is applied and landslide hazard probability maps are produced showing the spatial-temporal distribution of landslide hazard probability over Japan. To represent the landslide hazard in different temporal scales, extreme precipitation in 5 years, 30 years, and 100 years return periods are used for the evaluation. The results show that the highest landslide hazard probability exists in the mountain ranges on the western side of Japan (Japan Sea side), including the Hida and Kiso, Iide and the Asahi mountainous range, the south side of Chugoku mountainous range, the south side of Kyusu mountainous and the Dewa mountainous range and the Hokuriku region. The developed landslide hazard probability maps in this study will assist authorities, policy makers and decision makers, who are responsible for infrastructural planning and development, as they can identify landslide-susceptible areas and thus decrease landslide damage through proper preparation.
Tailoring seasonal climate forecasts for hydropower operations in Ethiopia's upper Blue Nile basin
Authors: Block P.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Explicit integration of seasonal precipitation forecasts into water resources operations and planning is practically nonexistent, even in regions of scarcity. This is often attributable to water manager's tendency to act in a risk averse manner, preferring to avoid consequences of poor forecasts, at the expense of unrealized benefits. Convincing demonstrations of forecast value are therefore desirable to support assimilation into practice. A dynamic coupled system, including forecast, rainfall-runoff, and hydropower models, is applied to the upper Blue Nile basin in Ethiopia to compare benefits and reliability generated by actual forecasts against a climatology-based approach, commonly practiced in most water resources systems. Processing one hundred decadal sequences demonstrates superior forecast-based benefits in 68 cases, a respectable advancement, however benefits in a few forecast-based sequences are noticeably low, likely to dissuade manager's adoption. A hydropower sensitivity test reveals a propensity toward poor-decision making when forecasts over-predict wet conditions. Tailoring the precipitation forecast to highlight critical dry predictions minimizes this inclination, resulting in 97% of the sequences favoring the forecast-based approach. Considering managerial risk preferences for the system, even risk-averse actions, if coupled with forecasts, exhibits superior benefits and reliability compared with risk-taking tendencies relying on climatology.
Visualization of Kinase Activity with FRET‐Based Activity Biosensors
Authors: Depry Charlene , Zhang Jin
Published: June 2010

Genetically encodable FRET‐based kinase activity reporters (KARs) enable real‐time monitoring of kinase activity dynamics in living cells with high spatiotemporal resolution. This unit describes a general protocol for utilizing KARs to visualize kinase activity in living mammalian cells with fluorescence microscopy. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 91:18.15.1‐18.15.9. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fluorescent Peptide Assays for Protein Kinases
Authors: Devkota Ashwini K. , Kaoud Tamer S. , Warthaka Mangalika , Dalby Kevin N.
Published: June 2010

Protein kinases are enzymes that regulate many cellular events in eukaryotic cells, such as cell‐cycle progression, transcription, metabolism, and apoptosis. Protein kinases each have a conserved ATP‐binding site, as well as one or more substrate‐binding site(s) that exhibit recognition features for a protein substrate. Thus, by bringing ATP and a substrate into close proximity, each protein kinase can modify its substrate by transferring the γ phosphate of the ATP molecule to a serine, threonine, or tyrosine residue on the substrate. In such a way, signaling pathways downstream from the substrate can be regulated, dependent on the phosphorylated versus dephosphorylated forms of the substrate. This unit describes an assay employing a fluorescent peptide substrate to measure the incorporation of non‐radiolabeled phosphate. The assay is based on the principle that the phosphorylation of the peptide substrate leads to an increase in the fluorescence emission intensity of an appended fluorophore. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 91:18.17.1‐18.17.7. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Informed Consent for Genetic Research
Authors: Botkin Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2010

Genetic research often utilizes or generates information that is potentially sensitive to individuals, families, or communities. For these reasons, genetic research may warrant additional scrutiny from investigators and governmental regulators, compared to other types of biomedical research. The informed consent process should address the range of social and psychological issues that may arise in genetic research. This paper addresses a number of these issues, including recruitment of participants, disclosure of results, psychological impact of results, insurance and employment discrimination, community engagement, consent for tissue banking, and intellectual property issues. Points of consideration are offered to assist in the development of protocols and consent processes in light of contemporary debates on a number of these issues. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 66:1.16.1‐1.16.13 © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Application of Computer‐Based Tools in Obtaining the Genetic Family History
Authors: Giovanni Monica A. , Murray Michael F.
Published: June 2010

Family health history is both an adjunct to and a focus of current genetic research, having long been known to be a powerful predictor of individual disease risk. As such, it has been primarily used as a proxy for genetic information. Over the past decade, new roles for family history have emerged, perhaps most importantly as a primary tool for guiding decision‐making on the use of expensive genetic testing. The collection of family history information is an important but time‐consuming process. Efforts to engage the patient or research subject in preliminary data collection have the potential to improve data accuracy and allow clinicians and researchers more time for analytic tasks. The U.S. Surgeon General, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others have developed tools for electronic family history collection. This unit describes the utility of the Web‐based My Family Health Portrait (https://familyhistory.hhs.gov) as the prototype for patient‐entered family history. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 66:9.21.1‐9.21.9 © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Targeted Enrichment of Specific Regions in the Human Genome by Array Hybridization
Authors: Igartua Catherine , Turner Emily H. , Ng Sarah B. , Hodges Emily , Hannon Gregory J. , Bhattacharjee Arindam , Rieder Mark J. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Shendure Jay
Published: June 2010

While whole‐genome resequencing remains expensive, genomic partitioning provides an affordable means of targeting sequence efforts towards regions of high interest. There are several competitive methods for targeted capture; these include molecular inversion probes, microdroplet‐segregated multiplex PCR, and on‐array or in‐solution capture‐by‐hybridization. Enrichment of the human exome by array hybridization has been successfully applied to pinpoint the causative allele of Mendelian disorders. This protocol focuses on the application of Agilent 1 M arrays for capture‐by‐hybridization and sequencing on the Illumina platform, although the library preparation method may be adaptable to other vendors' array platforms and sequencing technologies. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 66:18.3.1‐18.3.14 © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assessment of possible protective roles of selenium, zinc, and cis‐Stilbene oxide against acute T‐2 toxin poisoning: A preliminary report
Authors: Yazdanpanah Hassan , Roshanzamir Farshad , Shafaghi Bijan , Faizi Mehrdad , Elhami Mehrdad , Rasekh Hamid R.
Published: June 2010

The efficacy of two free radical scavengers, selenium and zinc, and a microsomal epoxide hydrolase–inducing agent, cis‐stilbene oxide on the acute toxicity of T‐2 toxin, a potent cytotoxic trichothecene, was investigated. Mice were pretreated daily for 3 consecutive days with either zinc sulfate (4.4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]), sodium selenite (1, 2, and 3 mg/kg i.p.) or cis‐stilbene oxide (50 mg/kg i.p.). A full 24‐hr after the final dosing with these agents, mice were given T‐2 toxin (2, 2.5, or 3 mg/kg i.p.). The acute lethal toxicity of T‐2 toxin (2.5 mg/kg) was reduced by administration of only sodium selenite (3 mg/kg) and cis‐stilbene oxide (50 mg/kg). No significant effect on weight gain was observed. Nat. Toxins 5:133–135, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pacific Ciguatoxin‐1 associated with a large common‐source outbreak of Ciguatera in East Arnhem Land, Australia
Authors: Lucas Richard E. , Lewis Richard J. , Taylor Jennifer M.
Published: June 2010

We report a retrospective study of the clinical signs and symptoms associated with a point‐source outbreak of fish poisoning that occurred with a fish captured from the Arafura Sea, northern Australia. Twenty cases (16 Aboriginal and 4 non‐Aboriginal) characteristic of ciguatera, including 4 inpatients and 16 outpatients from the Gove Hospital, were identified based on the pattern of clinical symptoms and signs after ingestion of a large coral cod from a known ciguatera‐prone coral reef. In the absence of a serologic test for the victim, laboratory analysis of a 230‐g sample of the coral cod (Cephalopolis miniatus), using both mouse bioassay and HPLC/mass spectrometry, showed that Pacific ciguatoxin‐1 was the principal toxin involved. Intravenous mannitol was administered to one patient without clear benefit. Risk factors for ciguatera poisoning are ingestion of larger portions of reef fish from ciguatera‐prone areas. Despite apparent local awareness of the distribution and etiology of the disease, large common‐source outbreaks of ciguatera still occur. Nat. Toxins 5:136–140, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.