bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pamela and the Anglican Crisis of the 1730s
Authors: STEWART CAROL
Published: August 2008

The publication of Samuel Richardson's novel Pamela: Or, Virtue Rewarded in 1739 is read as a response to the contemporary crisis of authority in the Anglican Church. Anglican clergy were commonly perceived as corrupt, weak or remote. The Church's moral authority was threatened by its subordination to Whig interests, and its power and influence in the state were endangered by anticlerical legislation put before Parliament in the 1730s. In 1739 the Methodist George Whitefield attacked the Anglican reconciliation of virtue with worldly interest. Richardson deployed fiction to defend the Anglican ethos in Pamela by emphatically rewarding his heroine's ‘virtue’.
Calibrating conservation: new tools for measuring success
Authors: Kapos Valerie , Balmford Andrew , Aveling Rosalind , Bubb Philip , Carey Peter , Entwistle Abigail , Hopkins John , Mulliken Teresa , Safford Roger , Stattersfield Alison , Walpole Matt , Manica Andrea
Published: August 2008

Conservation practitioners, policy makers, and donors agree that there is an urgent need to identify which conservation approaches are most likely to succeed in order to use more effectively the limited resources available for conservation. While recently developed standards of good practice in conservation are helpful, a framework for evaluation is needed that supports systematic analysis of conservation effectiveness. A conceptual framework and scorecard developed by the Cambridge Conservation Forum help to address common constraints to evaluating conservation success: unclear objectives, ineffective information management, the long time frames of conservation outcomes, scarcity of resources for evaluation, and lack of incentives for such evaluation. For seven major categories of conservation activity, the CCF tools help clarify conservation objectives and provide a standardized framework that is a useful basis for managing information about project outcomes and existing conservation experience. By identifying key outcomes that can predict conservation success and can be assessed in relatively short time frames, they help to make more efficient use of scarce monitoring and evaluation resources. With wide application, the CCF framework and evaluation tool can provide a powerful platform for drawing on the experience of past and ongoing conservation projects to identify quantitatively factors that contribute to conservation success.
A NEW HAEMODIALYSIS CATHETER‐LOCKING AGENT REDUCES INFECTIONS IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS
Authors: Taylor Caroline , Cahill John , Gerrish Martin , Little Jane
Published: August 2008

Background: Intravenous catheters for haemodialysis increase the risk of sepsis. This study investigates the use of a taurolidine/citrate catheter‐locking agent for patients receiving hospital‐based haemodialysis, auditing the number and cost of infections before and after its introduction.

Methods: The incidence and cost of treatment of catheter sepsis occurring in all patients receiving haemodialysis via a line were investigated over 6‐month periods before and after introducing the taurolidine/citrate line‐locking agent.

Results: A reduction of 4.62 infections per 1000 catheter days, or 88.5%, was shown after the introduction of the new line‐locking agent.

The total costs of line infections in the first 6 months were €52 500, (£41 000); after the introduction of the taurolidine/citrate locks, these reduced to €33 300, (£26 000), a reduction of €19 200 (£15 000).

Conclusions: The use of a taurolidine/citrate haemodialysis catheter‐locking agent in our haemodialysis population has significantly reduced the line sepsis rate, with a positive impact on morbidity, mortality and cost.
PREVALENCE OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN PATIENTS ATTENDING PRE‐DIALYSIS CLINIC
Authors: Nulsen Rebekah S. , Yaqoob M. Magdi , Mahon Althea , Stoby‐Fields Meagan , Kelly Mike , Varagunam Mira
Published: August 2008

Approximately 20–30% of patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) have cognitive impairment. Less is known about the prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with advanced kidney disease awaiting the initiation of dialysis. Routine cognitive assessment was implemented in the pre‐dialysis clinic, which enabled the Nephrologist and Pre‐dialysis Nurse to identify those patients with impaired cognitive function and utilise this information to assess the suitability for self‐care treatments, such as peritoneal dialysis, as well as to adapt information to meet their needs. Subsequently, a cross‐sectional single‐centre audit was undertaken to identify the prevalence of cognitive impairment in 132 consecutive new referrals to the pre‐dialysis clinic using the Mini‐mental State Examination (MMSE). Twenty percent (95% CI = 0.13, 0.27) were classified as cognitively impaired. Those with cognitive impairment were significantly older, and had lower eGFR and higher serum creatinine. It can be concluded that approximately 1 in 5 patients attending the pre‐dialysis clinic has cognitive impairment, which may not be apparent on a routine clinical history. Cognitive function assessment is recommended for all, but particularly to the older patient, before advising on choice of dialysis modality or opting for conservative treatment.
FACILITATING DIETARY CHANGE IN RENAL DISEASE: INVESTIGATING PATIENTS’ PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Hollingdale Rachel , Sutton Debbie , Hart Kathryn
Published: August 2008

Background: Renal diets are arguably the most restrictive for any patient group, and many of the restrictions contradict current recommendations for healthy eating.

Objectives. This study aims to explore the knowledge and beliefs of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients about the role of diet in their disease presentation and management.

Methods: Focus groups (FG) with nephrology and dialysis patients informed the development of a questionnaire. Patient experiences and knowledge of diet‐disease links and their education needs were explored.

Results: Renal diets were not always perceived as compatible with other dietary advice, and often difficult to integrate with family and social occasions. Eighty percent respondents said they would like to receive dietary advice as soon as they know they have renal damage. Renal dietitians were identified as the most reliable and trustworthy source of dietary information, followed by renal specialist doctors.

Conclusion: Early dietetic intervention would be welcomed by patients, with group work and ‘expert patient’ assistance offering one means of delivering this service in a patient‐centred way.
Scattering of Low-Energy (5-12 eV) C2D4•+ Ions from Room-Temperature Carbon Surfaces
Authors: Pysanenko Andriy , Žabka Ján , Herman Zdeněk
Published: August 2008

The scattering of the hydrocarbon radical cation C2D4•+ from room-temperature carbon (highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, HOPG) surface was investigated at low incident energies of 6-12 eV. Mass spectra, angular and translational energy distributions of product ions were measured. From these data, information on processes at surfaces, absolute ion survival probability, and kinematics of the collision was obtained. The projectile ion showed both inelastic, dissociative and reactive scattering, namely the occurrence of H-atom transfer reaction with hydrocarbons present on the room-temperature carbon surface. The absolute survival probability of the ions for the incident angle of 30° (with respect to the surface) decreased from about 1.0% (16 eV) towards zero at incident energies below 10 eV. Estimation of the effective surface mass involved in the collision process led to m(S)eff of about 57 a.m.u. for inelastic non-dissociative collisions of C2D4•+ and of about 115 a.m.u. for fragment ions (C2D3+, C2D2•+) and ions formed in reactive surface collisions (C2D4H+, C2D2H+, contributions to C2D3+ and C2D2•+). This suggested a rather complex interaction between the projectile ion and the hydrocarbon-covered surface during the collision.
Are tumefactive lesions classified as sclerosing mesenteritis a subset of IgG4-related sclerosing disorders?
Authors: Chen T S , Montgomery E A
Published: August 2008

Background:

The relationship between tumefactive lesions classified as sclerosing mesenteritis and IgG4-related sclerosing disorders (eg, lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis/autoimmune pancreatitis) remains uncertain.

Aims:

To review lesions coded as “sclerosing mesenteritis” for findings in keeping with IgG4-related sclerosing disorders.

Methods:

Inclusion in the study required available paraffin blocks for IgG4 staining and documentation of a mass lesion.

Results:

A total of nine mesenteric lesions (3–14 cm) were identified in 6 male and 3 female patients. On H&E-stained sections, all were characterised as loosely marginated fibroinflammatory processes with variable amounts of fat necrosis. Lymphocytic venulitis/phlebitis was identified in 8 of 9 cases. IgG and IgG4 expression in lesional plasma cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry. IgG4-positive plasma cells were counted in the areas of greatest density in ⩾3 high power fields (HPFs). The highest number per HPF was recorded and a score assigned based on the following scale: <5/HPF, none/minimal; 5–10/HPF, mild; 11–30/HPF, moderate; >30/HPF, marked. The relative proportion of IgG4-reactive plasma cells to total IgG-positive plasma cells was assessed. IgG4-reactive plasma cells ranged from 0 to >100 in the most dense zones (3 cases, none/minimal; 4 cases, moderate; 2 cases, marked).

Conclusions:

Although this study is limited by small numbers, findings suggest that some tumefactive lesions regarded as sclerosing mesenteritis may be a subset of IgG4-related sclerosing disorders.
Hereditary breast cancer: from molecular pathology to tailored therapies
Authors: Tan D S P , Marchiò C , Reis-Filho J S
Published: August 2008

Hereditary breast cancer accounts for up to 5–10% of all breast carcinomas. Recent studies have demonstrated that mutations in two high-penetrance genes, namelyBRCA1andBRCA2, are responsible for about 16% of the familial risk of breast cancer. Even though subsequent studies have failed to find another high-penetrance breast cancer susceptibility gene, several genes that confer a moderate to low risk of breast cancer development have been identified; moreover, hereditary breast cancer can be part of multiple cancer syndromes. In this review we will focus on the hereditary breast carcinomas caused by mutations inBRCA1, BRCA2, Fanconi anaemia (FANC) genes,CHK2andATMtumour suppressor genes. We describe the hallmark histological features of these carcinomas compared with non-hereditary breast cancers and show how an accurate histopathological diagnosis may help improve the identification of patients to be screened for mutations. Finally, novel therapeutic approaches to treat patients withBRCA1andBRCA2germ line mutations, including cross-linking agents and PARP inhibitors, are discussed.
Hepatic giant cells in hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infection and HCV/HIV co-infection
Authors: Micchelli S T L , Thomas D , Boitnott J K , Torbenson M
Published: August 2008

Background:

The clinical and biological significance of syncytial giant cell change of hepatocytes in hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection is poorly understood.

Aim:

To investigate the clinical and histological correlates of giant cell transformation in the setting of HCV mono-infection and co-infection with HCV and HIV.

Methods:

The prevalence of hepatocyte giant cell transformation was determined and serological, biochemical and histological findings examined.

Results:

Among 856 liver biopsy specimens, 22 cases (2.6%) showed giant cell transformation, representing 18 individuals. The median serum ALT was 37 IU/l, AST 49 IU/l, and alkaline phosphatase 97 IU/l. Eleven cases had HCV RNA loads available, with a median HCV RNA of 5.52 log IU/ml. Twelve of 17 individuals with available test results were also HIV positive (71%), compared to 46% of controls (p = 0.08). Giant cell transformation was found exclusively in zone 3 hepatocytes; the accompanying histological findings were otherwise typical of chronic HCV. The hepatic giant cells typically had a cytoplasmic appearance that resembled smooth endoplasmic reticulum proliferation. Most cases had only mild inflammation and fibrosis, with a median modified hepatic activity index (MHAI) grade of 3/18 and a median MHAI stage of 1/6. Three individuals had follow-up biopsies; all continued to have giant cell change.

Conclusion:

Giant cell transformation occurs most commonly in the setting of HCV/HIV co-infection, but can also be seen in chronic HCV infection alone. Histologically, giant cells were located in zone 3 hepatocytes, were persistent over time, and do not appear to be a marker of aggressive hepatitis.
Mechanism of action of an inhibitor from Proteus vulgaris on cell-free protein synthesis by Escherichia coli B
Authors: McEvoy J. J. , Inniss W. E.
Published: August 2008

An inhibitory substance(s) has been found in S-30 fractions from Proteus vulgaris which prevented an Escherichia coli B cell-free system from incorporating a mixture of 14C-amino acids, L-phenylalanine-14C, or L-lysine-14C into protein, as directed by natural messenger ribonucleic acid, polyuridylic acid, or polyadenylic acid respectively. Similar results were obtained when the inhibitor was isolated from S-100 fractions by using dialysis, concentration of the dialysate by flash evaporation, hydrolysis, evaporation to dryness, dissolution to the original volume in distilled water, and neutralization. The effect of the inhibitor on the various individual reactions involved in protein synthesis was examined. No effect was found on the activation of amino acids as determined by the formation of L-phenylalanine-14C hydroxamate isolated chromatographically or by adenosine triphosphate – pyrophosphate exchange. Also no inhibition of L-phenylalanine-14C attachment to transfer ribonucleic acid occurred. However, ribosome-dependent reactions were markedly inhibited. The mechanism of action of the inhibitor appeared to be the prevention of binding of phenylalanyl-transfer ribonucleic acid to the ribosomes.
Toxicity and environmental requirements of a strain of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (L.) Ralfs
Authors: Gentile John H. , Maloney Thomas E.
Published: August 2008

A toxic strain of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae was isolated and cultured in a defined medium (ASM-1). This strain fixes nitrogen, has a pH optimum of 7.5, and has maximum growth rates at 5000 lux and 26 °C. Phosphorus levels of 1.0 μM readily supported populations of 1 × 105 cells/ml with stimulation of growth evident at a concentration of 0.1 μM P. Tris is inhibitory to growth of this alga at concentrations above 2.5 mM.Toxin production is related to age of culture, temperature, and light intensity but not nitrogen source.Intraperitoneal injection of toxic extracts into Fundulus heteroclitus, Cyprinodon variegatus, and white mice gave a LD100 of 0.5 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 8 mg/kg, respectively. Assays with Notemigonus crysoleucas and Bosmina longirostris indicate that the toxin from naturally occurring bloom populations (1 × 106 cells/ml), if released all at once, would be capable of killing certain species of fish and microcrustaceans. Daphnia catawba, however, was much more resistant to toxin (LD100 = 1.0 mg/ml) while cyclopoid copepods, ostracods, and chydorid cladocerans were completely unaffected by toxin concentrations of 2.0 mg/ml. The possible ecological significance of this toxic alga in relation to fish kills is also discussed.
The effect of streptomycin on cell size of a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bernheim Frederick
Published: August 2008

Washed cells of a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa rapidly decrease in size when they are put in salt solutions and then upon incubation increase in size. In the presence of streptomycin (10 μg/ml) this increase is followed by a decrease but only if ammonia has been assimilated by the cells in the presence of an oxidizable substrate. The extent of the decrease caused by streptomycin is proportional to the amount of ammonia assimilated and also the concentration of the salt solution. Chlortetracycline (0.02 μg/ml), chloramphenicol (1.0 μg/ml), and cycloserine (10 μg/ml) completely inhibit the streptomycin effect when added before or after ammonia assimilation is complete.
Tolerance of yeasts to zinc: distinction between cell growth and cell longevity
Authors: Steenbergen J. Frank , Steenbergen Sue M. , Weinberg Eugene D.
Published: August 2008

Torulopsis homii and several other yeasts grew well in a synthetic medium containing 1.0 μmolar zinc. Additional zinc increased neither the growth rate nor total growth. In concentrations up to 10 μmolar, essentially 100% of the zinc added to a culture of T. homii was accumulated during growth by the cells; soon after reaching the stationary phase, most of the metal was eliminated into the medium in the ionic state. The release of zinc was correlated with the lowering of the pH of the medium by the fermentation products.In contrast to the lack of effect on growth, the concentration of zinc markedly influenced the viability of yeast cultures. The presence of 10 to 100 μmolar zinc at the time of inoculation greatly increased the death rate of stationary phase cultures. Likewise, subfungistatic concentrations of cadmium or copper, but not iron or manganese, decreased culture longevity. This action of zinc, cadmium, and copper is attributed to the ability of these metals to suppress fungal secondary metabolism.
Cell wall-associated inorganic substances from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Eagon R. G.
Published: August 2008

Cell walls of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were digested by a wet-ashing technique and analyzed for 12 different cations. The results indicated that these cell wall-associated inorganic substances can be classed broadly into major, minor, and trace elements. Phosphorus, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ were considered major elements since they are present in relatively high concentrations; Na+ and Fe3+ were considered minor elements; and, Zn2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Sr2+ were considered trace elements.
The in vitro product of poliovirus polymerase
Authors: Tershak Daniel R.
Published: August 2008

Two types of ribonucleic acids (RNA) were synthesized between 2 and 4 h after infection of HeLa cells with the Mahoney strain of type 1 poliovirus. One type of RNA eluted from methylated albumin (MAK) columns with 0.8 M NaCl and was partially resistant to ribonuclease (RNase). The second species of RNA eluted from MAK columns with 0.9 M NaCl and was sensitive to RNase. The in vitro product of poliovirus polymerase was a mixture of single- and double-stranded RNA.
Compatible and counteracting solutes and the evolution of ion and osmoregulation in fishes
Authors: Ballantyne James S. , Moyes Christopher D. , Moon Thomas W.
Published: August 2008

The evolution of ion and osmoregulation in fishes can be divided into three physiological stages. The first stage is a strategy employed by extant hagfish and involved a reduction of inorganic ion levels intracellularly through the use of compatible organic solutes. During osmotic stress, the concentration of organic solutes changes to aid in cell volume regulation, but both intracellular and plasma inorganic ion levels may fluctuate. The next step involved substitution of a permeable and rapidly diffusing, nonmetabolizable organic solute (urea) for some of the other compatible organic solutes. This strategy is utilized by extant chondrichthians and the coelacanth. Specific levels of methylamines are maintained in the cells and extracellular fluids of these organisms to counteract adverse physicochemical effects of urea. Species using this strategy possess greater control of intracellular ion levels during osmotic stress. Reduced and relatively constant intracellular concentrations of inorganic ions minimize disruptive effects of osmotic stress on cell and mitochondrial membrane potentials. The final step in the evolution of control of the intracellular milieu during osmotic stress is the most energetically expensive. In actinopterygians, extracellular inorganic ion levels are controlled by special tissues (kidneys and gills) that also maintain tissue osmolarity relatively constant in environments of variable osmolarity. It is suggested that atmospheric oxygen levels at various times during the evolution of the fishes had a role in determining the osmotic strategy employed by different groups of fishes.
Rhigonematid (Rhigonematida; Nematoda) parasites of Scaphiostreptus seychellarum (Spirostreptida; Diplopoda) in the Seychelles with comments on ovejector structure in Rhigonema Cobb, 1898
Authors: Adamson Martin L.
Published: August 2008

Two new species of Rhigonematida are described from the posterior intestine of Scaphiostreptus seychellarum from the Seychelles. Brumptaemilius seychellarum n.sp. (Ransomnematoidea; Carnoyidae) resembles B. gabonensis, B. venardi, B. oschei, and B. monsarratae in that the caudal end of the male is not abruptly truncate and supports an appendage longer than but not twice as long as the gubernaculum. The new species differs from the first two species in that it bears two longitudinal sub-ventral preanal rows of cuticular bosses. It is distinguished from B. oschei on the basis of details in the structure of the area rugosa in the male and from B. monsarratae by its longer spicules. Rhigonema seychellarum n.sp. (Rhigonematoidea; Rhigonematidae) resembles other Rhigonema spp. from Africa and India in having three postanal papillae pairs which are sublateral to subdorsal in position. It is most similar to R. madecassum but is distinguished by the shape of the caudal extremity in both sexes. Variation in the structure of the ovejector in Rhigonema spp. is reviewed.
Characteristics of the testosterone-sensitive period in development of a unisexual lizard, Cnemidophorus uniparens (Teiidae)
Authors: Billy Allen J.
Published: August 2008

Cnemidophorus uniparens is a parthenogenetic unisexual lizard species in which each individual develops as a female. Male C. uniparens are unknown, but slightly masculinized animals were produced by administering consecutive pre- and post-hatching testosterone treatments. The present study sought to delineate and characterize the testosterone-sensitive period in C. uniparens development. In one experiment, multiple pre-hatching testosterone treatments influenced oviducal and femoral gland development whereas a single pre-hatching treatment did not, indicating that testosterone sensitivity exists in embryonic life. In a second experiment, 30- or 90-day testosterone treatments administered to juvenile animals produced no effects on morphological development, indicating that testosterone sensitivity is lost by the juvenile stage of development. The testosterone-sensitive period in C. uniparens development begins during the pre-hatching period, extends through at least the 1st month after hatching, and ends by the juvenile stage.
The effect of prey morphology and size on handling time in a piscivore, the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Hoyle James A. , Keast Allen
Published: August 2008

Handling time for prey of different sizes and morphological types was studied in the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Prey ranged in size from about 1/10 to 2/3 the length of the bass. Handling time increased rapidly with prey of increasing size. For prey of equivalent length, crayfish were the most time-consuming morphological type to handle and swallow, followed by bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans), bluntnose minnow (Pimephales notatus), and finally bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana). The ratio of prey length to bass length that minimized handling time per unit weight of prey consumed, for prey types common in the diet of largemouth bass, was 0.22 for tadpoles, 0.24 for yellow perch and crayfish, and 0.29 for bluegill. Comparison of the experimentally derived optimum prey size based on handling time with that consumed by three natural populations showed that bass commonly chose prey of similar or smaller size than the optimal predicted. The reasons for this are discussed.
Inter sexuality in Ephemeroptera: description of four specimens and comments on its occurrence in a parthenogenetic species
Authors: Grant Peter M. , Masteller Edwin C.
Published: August 2008

Intersexes of Ameletus lineatus Traver, Baetis tricaudatus Dodds, and Paraleptophlebia moerens (McDunnough) are described. All specimens are masculinized females. The B. tricaudatus and P. moerens specimens have typical female features with male-like eyes. The A. lineatus intersex has a relatively large number of male-like characters and a greater degree of maleness of these characters. The latter species is also parthenogenetic.
The defensive function of auditory enhancers in the neotropical moth Antaea lichyi (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)
Authors: Fullard James H.
Published: August 2008

The neotropical moth Antaea lichyi Franclemont (Notodontidae) has pinna-like structures that increase its auditory sensitivity to sounds above 70 kHz. The functional adaptiveness of these structures was tested by examining the response of the moth's single auditory receptor neuron, with its cups in normal and altered positions, to prerecorded echolation signals of three sympatric, insectivorous bats. The results indicate that these auditory adaptations enhance detection of the short, high frequency calls emitted by certain insectivorous species in the family Phyllostomidae (New World leaf-nosed bats). I suggest that these bats, although not the primary chiropteran predators of moths, exert enough selection pressure to warrant the evolution of auditory adaptations in sympatric moths.
Freeze tolerance and the dynamics of ice formation in wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) from southern Ohio
Authors: Layne Jr. Jack R. , Lee Jr. Richard E.
Published: August 2008

Freeze tolerance and ice formation were examined in a population of Rana sylvatica from southern Ohio following their emergence in February. Frogs were tolerant of freezing at −2.5 °C but did not survive freezing at −5.5 °C. The level of glucose in the blood of frogs frozen for 48 h at −2.5 °C was fivefold higher than in unfrozen frogs. Both interpopulational and seasonal factors appeared to modify freeze tolerance and ice accumulation in Rana sylvatica when compared with previous studies. The directly determined time course of ice formation roughly paralleled the duration of the exotherm in this species. Ice content of frogs was determined using calorimetry and integrated to the specific heat of wet and dry masses. The equilibrium ice content represented nearly two-thirds of the total water content of these frogs. Freezing beyond this level proved lethal to frogs.
Responses of bison on their calving grounds to predation by wolves in Wood Buffalo National Park
Authors: Carbyn L. N. , Trottier T.
Published: August 2008

Bison-wolf interactions were observed from a tower located in the centre of a meadow in Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta, Canada, from 10 May to 9 September 1980. Special attention was directed to the relationship between bison cow-calf interactions, calf pod formations, and wolf predation attempts. Pod formation began in May and peaked in June. During 102 days in the field, 166 encounters between wolves and bison were observed, of which 51 involved a single wolf interacting with bison. In the main, single wolves watched bison (23% of observations), trailed without follow-up (14%), trailed with follow-up (27%), or harassed them without making physical contact (34%). Only rarely (2% of the observations) did they attack. The remaining 115 encounters involved a pack of wolves (two or more individuals). The majority of them involved trailing with follow-up (26%) or harassment (48%), and rushing with physical contact (13%). Wolves, especially those in packs, preferentially attacked bison herds with calves over herds without calves. Single wolves were more likely than wolves in packs to attack herds of bulls only (34 vs. 5% of such encounters). Strategies used by bison in defence of their calves were recorded along with the hunting strategies employed by wolves.
Heart rate as an indicator of oxygen consumption in the pine marten (Martes americana)
Authors: Fisher Rochelle , Gilbert Frederick F. , Robinette Jack D.
Published: August 2008

Telemetered heart rate was examined as an indicator of oxygen consumption in eight adult pine marten (Martes americana). Martens were exercised on a treadmill in a metabolic chamber at three speeds while heart rate and oxygen consumption were monitored. High correlation coefficients were exhibited for individual experimental sessions. The overall correlaton coefficient between oxygen consumption and heart rate for all 51 experiments was 0.75. We observed a linear regression of oxygen consumption on heart rate for all marten. Regression lines for individual martens were tested for similarity to each other by analysis of covariance and were found to be significantly different. Daily variation within a particular marten was examined by using analysis of covariance. Three martens had daily regression lines similar in slope. All intercepts differed. The variability of regression lines and the appropriateness of using heart rate to predict oxygen consumption in the marten are discussed.
Role of light and temperature in the regulation of reproduction in the red-sided garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis
Authors: Whittier Joan M. , Mason Robert T. , Crews David , Licht Paul
Published: August 2008

The influence of photoperiodic manipulation on sexual behavior and ovarian recrudescence of male and female red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) was examined over a 4-year period. Snakes were exposed to photoperiodic manipulations before, during, and after a 17-week cold temperature dormancy; sexual behavior of males and females and ovarian recrudescence were observed after emergence from cold temperature dormancy. In the 1st year (1982), males were exposed to two conditions representing minimum and maximum exposure to daylight: (i) 6 weeks of a short-day prehibernation period (10L:14D, 28:18 °C), followed by 17 weeks of hibernation in complete darkness (0L:24D, 4 °C) and emergence into warm dark conditions (0L:24D, 28:18 °C); and (ii) 6 weeks of a long-day prehibernation period (14L:10D, 28:18 °C), followed by 17 weeks of hibernation with exposure to light (12L:12D, 4 °C) and emergence into warm, long days (14L:10D, 28:18 °C). Males in both conditions exhibited intense courtship behavior on emergence from hibernation. Females in 1982 were significantly influenced only by long-day prehibernation conditions (14L:10D, 28:18 °C); under these conditions, ovarian recrudescence on emergence was inhibited. Long prehibernation photoperiod did not significantly influence female receptive behavior on emergence, indicating that neuroendocrine control of ovarian activation and sexual behavior may be separate in this species. In three subsequent years (1983, 1984, 1985) none of the photoperiodic conditions significantly influenced male or female sexual behavior or ovarian recrudescence. Slight differences in experimental protocol in these subsequent years that may account for differences in results from 1982 are discussed. Finally, ovarian development was found to be clearly tied to the duration of cold temperature dormancy in this species. Females receiving 7 or 17 weeks of exposure to cold (4 °C) underwent vitellogenesis at similar frequencies. Most females receiving 0 or only 4 weeks of exposure to cold (4 °C) did not become vitellogenic. Mating on emergence was not a requirement for the initiation of vitellogenesis in this study.
Comparative study of retinal oil droplets in grebes and coots
Authors: Begin Marc T. , Handford Paul
Published: August 2008

A study of the relative proportions of coloured retinal oil droplets in the five Canadian grebe species and the American Coot was undertaken to evaluate the possibility of an ecological rationale to the pattern of variation in these proportions among the species. Statistical analysis suggests that there may be significant differences in these proportions among the six species studied, and that some species show significant heterogeneity among the nine sectors into which the retinas were divided. There was no significant association of oil droplet proportions in either Western or Red-necked grebes with two different lake types. Significantly greater mean total droplet densities were found in the Pied-billed Grebe and the American Coot than the other four grebes; the lowest droplet densities were shown by Western and Eared grebes. The finding of significant within-retina (among-sector) variation, and high levels of individual variation in some species throws into question reported values for other species where single samples have been taken from one or a few individuals.
The effect of weather conditions on the behavior of ospreys in northwestern Washington
Authors: Stinson Christopher H. , Lauthner Janet , Ray Russell T.
Published: August 2008

In northwestern Washington, weather conditions have little or no effect on the behavior of breeding ospreys (Pandion haliaetus). When young are unfledged, the duration of hunting trips increases with increasingly gusty winds, but this accounts for only 8% of the variation in lengths of hunting trips. No weather conditions affect hunting trip length for adults with fledged young. Neither the rate of prey delivery by adults to offspring nor the size of prey is correlated with any weather variable measured in this study. Furthermore, both male and female ospreys spend large parts of each day perched at or near their nest throughout all stages of the nesting cycle, but weather has almost no effect on this behavior. These results are nearly identical with those from a Virginia study in which weather conditions were significantly different. Consequently, in contrast to other birds, neither the rate of food delivery nor, ultimately, osprey brood size appears to be limited by weather-mediated foraging success.
EXACT GENERATION OF MINIMAL ACYCLIC DETERMINISTIC FINITE AUTOMATA
Authors: ALMEIDA MARCO , MOREIRA NELMA , REIS ROGÉRIO
Published: August 2008

We give a canonical representation for minimal acyclic deterministic finite automata (MADFA) with n states over an alphabet of k symbols. Using this normal form, we present a method for the exact generation of MADFAs. This method avoids a rejection phase that would be needed if a generation algorithm for a larger class of objects that contains the MADFAs were used. We give upper and lower bounds for MADFAs enumeration and some exact formulas for small values of n.
COMPLEXITY, INFORMATION, ENERGY
Authors: JÜRGENSEN H.
Published: August 2008

We explore the connection between the concepts of complexity, information and energy. Several open questions are formulated.
OPTIMAL SIMULATIONS OF WEAK RESTARTING AUTOMATA
Authors: KUTRIB MARTIN , REIMANN JENS
Published: August 2008

The simulation of weak restarting automata, i.e., classical restarting automata accepting exactly the regular languages, by finite automata is studied. Some of the trade-offs in the number of states when changing the representation are known. Here we continue the investigation in order to draw an almost complete picture of the descriptional power gained in the additional structural resources of weak restarting automata. In particular, for det-RR(1)-simulations of nondeterministic finite automata we obtain the same tight bounds as for simulations of R(1)-automata, though in some cases the latter class is much more efficient than the former. Moreover, the DFA-simulation of det-RR(1)-automata is considered. The shown bounds are of factorial order and are tight. The constructions are via alternating finite automata to DFAs. So, in addition, an upper bound for the AFA-simulation is obtained.
WIRELESS MOBILE COMPUTING AND ITS LINKS TO DESCRIPTIVE COMPLEXITY
Authors: WIEDERMANN JIŘÍ , PARDUBSKÁ DANA
Published: August 2008

The Wireless Parallel Turing Machine (WPTM) is a new computational model recently introduced and studied by the authors. Its design captures important features of wireless mobile computing. In this paper we survey some results related to the descriptive complexity aspects of the new model. In particular, we show a tight relationship about (a) wireless parallel computing, (b) alternating, and (c) synchronized alternating Turing machines. This relationship opens, e.g., the road to circuit complexity by offering an elegant WPTM characterization of bounded-fan-in uniform circuit families, such as NC and NCi. The structural properties of computational graphs of WPTM computations inspire definitions of new complexity measures capturing important aspects of wireless computations: energy consumption and the number of broadcasting channels used during computation. These measures do not seem to have direct counterparts in alternating computations. We mention results related to these new structural measures, e.g., a polynomial time–bounded complexity hierarchy based on channel complexity, lying between P and PSPACE which seems to be incomparable to the standard polynomial–time alternating hierarchy.
AN ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION IN SYMBOLIC REACHABILITY ANALYSIS OF SECOND ORDER PUSHDOWN SYSTEMS
Authors: SETH ANIL
Published: August 2008

Recently, it has been shown that for any higher order pushdown system [Formula: see text] and for any regular set [Formula: see text] of configurations, the set [Formula: see text], is regular. In this paper, we give an alternative proof of this result for second order automata. Our construction of automaton for recognizing [Formula: see text] is explicit. The termination of saturation procedure used is obvious. It gives EXPTIME bound on size of the automaton recognizing [Formula: see text] if there is no alternation present in [Formula: see text] and in the automaton recognizing [Formula: see text].
DECIDABILITY AND COMPLEXITY ANALYSIS OF FORBIDDEN STATE PROBLEMS FOR DISCRETE EVENT SYSTEMS
Authors: YEN HSU-CHUN
Published: August 2008

The conventional forbidden state problem for discrete event systems is concerned with the issue of synthesizing a maximally permissive control policy to prevent a discrete event system from reaching any forbidden state during the course of its computation. In this paper, we regard the forbidden state problem as a decision problem, and investigate the decidability/complexity issue of the problem under two new types of control policies, namely, non-blocking and fair policies, for finite state systems and Petri nets.
INTRUDER CAPTURING IN MESH AND TORUS NETWORKS
Authors: IMANI N. , SARBAZI-AZAD H. , ZOMAYA A.
Published: August 2008

In this paper, we propose a solution for the problem of capturing an intruder in two popular interconnection topologies namely, the mesh and the torus. A set of agents collaborate to capture a hostile intruder in the network. While the agents can move in the network one hop at a time, the intruder is assumed to be arbitrarily fast i.e. it can traverse any number of nodes contiguously as far as there are no agents in those nodes. Here we consider a new version of the problem where each agent can replicate new agents when needed, i.e. the algorithm starts with a single agent and new agents are created on demand. We define a new class of algorithms for capturing an intruder. In particular, we propose two different algorithms on mesh and torus networks and we will later discuss about the merits of each algorithm based on some performance criteria.
A STATISTICAL MODEL OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: SHORT M. B. , D'ORSOGNA M. R. , PASOUR V. B. , TITA G. E. , BRANTINGHAM P. J. , BERTOZZI A. L. , CHAYES L. B.
Published: August 2008

Motivated by empirical observations of spatio-temporal clusters of crime across a wide variety of urban settings, we present a model to study the emergence, dynamics, and steady-state properties of crime hotspots. We focus on a two-dimensional lattice model for residential burglary, where each site is characterized by a dynamic attractiveness variable, and where each criminal is represented as a random walker. The dynamics of criminals and of the attractiveness field are coupled to each other via specific biasing and feedback mechanisms. Depending on parameter choices, we observe and describe several regimes of aggregation, including hotspots of high criminal activity. On the basis of the discrete system, we also derive a continuum model; the two are in good quantitative agreement for large system sizes. By means of a linear stability analysis we are able to determine the parameter values that will lead to the creation of stable hotspots. We discuss our model and results in the context of established criminological and sociological findings of criminal behavior.
HOME-GROWN AND ABROAD-BRED ENTREPRENEURS IN CHINA: A STUDY OF THE INFLUENCES OF EXTERNAL CONTEXT ON ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES
Authors: MAN THOMAS WING YAN , LAU THERESA , CHAN K. F.
Published: August 2008

As an attempt to explore the influence of external context on entrepreneurial competencies, we conducted a comparative analysis using a sample of 16 home-grown and abroad-bred entrepreneurs in China. Through a content analysis of the critical incidents during their business development, we found that both groups demonstrated a similar set of entrepreneurial competencies, with strategic, relationship, conceptual, organizing and opportunity competencies being the most predominant types. However, the orders of relationship and organizing competencies between the two groups were different due to the different behavioural elements, attributes, skills and knowledge domains constituting them. We concluded that the context is a critical yet complex dimension of entrepreneurial competencies, as the early context from which the entrepreneurs grow up has significant impacts on the formation of some competencies, whereas the current context in which they operate their businesses will determine their uses and will shape the development of other competencies.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE NONLINEAR THINKING STYLE PROFILE STEREOTYPE OF SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS
Authors: GROVES KEVIN S. , VANCE CHARLES M. , CHOI DAVID Y. , MENDEZ JOHN L.
Published: August 2008

This study begins to empirically examine whether successful entrepreneurs possess a high nonlinear (e.g., creative, intuitive) thinking style, as some researchers and popular stereotypes of entrepreneurs would suggest, or whether they possess a more balanced nonlinear and linear (e.g., rational, logical, analytic) thinking style. As predicted, 48 successful entrepreneurs reflected a much greater level of balance in linear/nonlinear thinking style than their professional actor (n = 33) (predominantly nonlinear) and accountant (n = 31) (predominantly linear) counterparts, as measured by a linear/nonlinear thinking style instrument. Implications are discussed for guiding future cognitive research and theory development in entrepreneurship, as well as providing direction to entrepreneurship education and training.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH GROWTH CHANGES IN "GAZELLES"
Authors: ST-JEAN ETIENNE , JULIEN PIERRE-ANDRÉ , AUDET JOSÉE
Published: August 2008

The goal of this paper is to identify the factors that precede and may cause sudden changes in the pace of growth of high-growth SMEs or gazelles. A retrospective longitudinal case study of seven high growth SMEs that had undergone a total of 14 sudden shifts in growth reveals that a number of events caused the changes of pace. Some were triggered by the entrepreneur's decisions while others resulted from events beyond his/her control. Management's motivation for growth was an important element and this motivation changed over time, being influenced by both success and problems associated with actual growth. The success of growth strategies also appears to depend on the firm's proximity to its client base and its ability to obtain the information required for sound decision-making. Lastly, the availability of tangible and intangible resources was found essential in allowing the company to seize growth opportunities and proximity to the business milieu may help accessing these resources.
IMPACT OF THE LACK OF INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE VENTURE CAPITAL INDUSTRY IN THAILAND
Authors: SCHEELA WILLIAM , JITTRAPANUN THAWATCHAI
Published: August 2008

In this paper we analyze the development of venture capital in Thailand. We use institutional theory in order to better understand the context of developing venture capital investment and operations strategies in a developing country, which lacks fully-developed legal and financial institutions. The major challenges for venture capitalists are maintaining a viable presence and exiting their investments through alternatives other than an IPO.
BDNF-TrkB signaling interacts with the GABAergic system to inhibit rhythmic swallowing in the rat
Authors: Bariohay Bruno , Tardivel Catherine , Pio Juliette , Jean André , Félix Bernadette
Published: August 2008

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acts as an anorexigenic factor in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the adult rat brain stem. The DVC contains the premotoneurons controlling swallowing, a motor component of feeding behavior. Although rats with transected midbrain do not seek out food, they are able to swallow and to ingest food. Because BDNF and tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptors are expressed in the DVC, this study hypothesized that BDNF could modify the activity of premotoneurons involved in swallowing. Repetitive electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) induces rhythmic swallowing that can be recorded with electromyographic electrodes inserted in sublingual muscles. We show that a microinjection of BDNF in the swallowing network induced a rapid, transient, and dose-dependant inhibition of rhythmic swallowing. This BDNF effect appeared to be mediated via TrkB activation, since it no longer occurred when TrkB receptors were antagonized by K-252a. Interestingly, swallowing was inhibited when subthreshold doses of BDNF and GABA were coinjected, suggesting a synergistic interaction between these two signaling substances. Moreover, BDNF no longer had an inhibitory effect on swallowing when coinjected with bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist. This blockade of BDNF inhibitory effect on swallowing was reversible, since it reappeared when BDNF was injected 15 min after bicuculline. Finally, we show that stimulation of SLN induced a decrease in BDNF protein within the DVC. Together, our results strongly suggest that BDNF inhibits swallowing via modulation of the GABAergic signaling within the central pattern generator of swallowing.