bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Audio Visual System for Large Scale People Authentication and Recognition over Internet Protocol (IP)
Authors: Ch'ng Sue Inn , Seng Kah Phooi , Ang Li-Minn , Ong Fong Tien
Published: April 2013

Biometrics is a promising and viable solution to enhance information security systems compared to passwords. However, there are still several issues regarding large-scale deployment of biometrics in real-world situations that need to be resolved before biometrics can be incorporated together. One of these issues is the occurrence of high training time while enrolling a large amount of people into the system. Hence, in this chapter, the authors present the training architecture for an audio visual system for large scale people recognition over internet protocol. In the proposed architecture, a selection criteria divider unit is used to decompose the large scale people or population into smaller groups whereby each group is trained subsequently. As the input dimensions of each group is reduced compared to the original data size, the proposed structure greatly reduces the overall training time required. To combine the scores from all groups, a two-level fusion based on weighted sum rule and max rule is also proposed in this chapter. The implementation results of the proposed system show a great reduction in training time compared to a similar system trained by conventional means without any compromise on the performance of the system. In addition to the proposal of a scalable training architecture for large-scale people recognition based on audio visual data, a literature review of available audio visual speaker recognition systems and large-scale population training architectures are also presented in this chapter.
Firewall
Authors: Yang Biwu
Published: April 2013

Firewall is a critical technology in protecting enterprise network systems and individual hosts. Firewalls can be implemented through a specific software application or as a dedicated appliance. Depending on the security policies in an organization, several firewall implementation architectures are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, a thorough understanding of firewall technology, its features and limitations, and implementation considerations is very important in the design and implementation of effective firewall architecture in an organization. This chapter covers the life cycle of firewall design, selection, and implementation.
Regulatory and Policy Compliance with Regard to Identity Theft Prevention, Detection, and Response
Authors: Francia Guillermo , Hutchinson Frances Shannon
Published: April 2013

The proliferation of the Internet has intensified the identity theft crisis. Recent surveys indicate staggering losses amounting to almost $50 billion incurred due to almost 9 million cases of identity theft losses. These startling and apparently persistent statistics have prompted the United States and other foreign governments to initiate strategic plans and to enact several regulations in order to curb the crisis. This chapter surveys national and international laws pertaining to identity theft. Further, it discusses regulatory and policy compliance in the field of information security as it relates to identity theft prevention, detection, and response policies or procedures. In order to comply with recently enacted security-focused legislations and to protect the private information of customers or other third-party members, it is important that institutions of all types establish appropriate policies and procedures for dealing with sensitive information.
A rights-based analysis of disaster risk reduction framework in Zimbabwe and its implications for policy and practice
Authors: Bongo Pathias P. , Chipangura Paul , Sithole Mkhokheli , Moyo Funa
Published: April 2013

This paper examines closely the institutional arrangements for disaster risk reduction from a rights-based perspective. In Zimbabwe, the disaster risk reduction framework and the ensuing practice have not yet accommodated some of the most vulnerable and excluded groups, especially the terminally ill, people with disabilities and the very poor. Top-down approaches to disaster management have largely been blamed for lack of resilience and poor preparedness on the part of sections of society that are hard hit by disasters. Often, disaster risk reduction has also been modeled along the needs and priorities of able-bodied people, whilst largely excluding those with various forms of impairments. Against this background, this paper is based on field research on people’s disaster risk experiences in four districts of Zimbabwe, with a special emphasis on the disaster risk reduction framework. It provides a critical analysis of the disaster risk reduction framework in Zimbabwe, focusing on the various forms of disadvantages to different categories of people that the current framework has tended to generate. The paper thus examines the current disaster risk reduction framework as largely informed by the Civil Protection Act and the Disaster Risk Management Policy Draft as revised in 2011. Crucial at this stage is the need to interrogate the disaster risk reduction framework, right from formulation processes with regard to participation and stakeholders, particularly the grassroots people who bear the greatest brunt of vulnerability, shocks, stresses and trends. In conclusion, the paper stresses the potential benefits of adopting an inclusive, rights-based thrust to disaster risk reduction in Zimbabwe.
Choroid plexus tumors: A clinico-pathological and neuro-radiological study of 23 cases
Authors: Jaiswal Sushila , Vij Mukul , Mehrotra Anant , Kumar Brijesh , Nair Anup , Jaiswal Awadhesh , Behari Sanjay , Jain Vijendra
Published: April 2013

Background: Choroid plexus tumors are intraventricular tumors derived from choroid plexus epithelium. Aim: To study the choroid plexus tumors with reference to their clinical, radiological, and pathological features. Materials and Methods: The study was performed by the retrospectively reviewing the clinical, radiological, and pathological records of patients of choroid plexus tumors. Results: A total of 23 cases (11 males, 13 females) of choroid plexus tumor were diagnosed from 1997 to 2009. Fourteen patients were below 15 years of age. Raised intracranial pressure was the main presenting feature in all the cases. Tumor was located in lateral ventricle (n = 14; in 3 cases tumor was going into third ventricle), fourth ventricle (n = 7), and cerebellopontine angle (n = 2). Total tumor excision was achieved in 21 cases. The histopathology was suggestive of choroid plexus papilloma (n = 19), atypical choroid plexus papilloma (n = 1), and choroid plexus carcinoma (n = 2). Clears cell areas were noted in three cases. Other histopathological features observed were foci of calcification (n = 5), Psammoma bodies (n = 2), hemorrhage (n = 5), hyalinization (n = 2), and oncocytic changes (n = 1). Conclusions: Choroid plexus tumors are intraventricular tumors arising from choroid plexus epithelium. The predominant clinical presentation is raised intracranial pressure. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment; histopathologically, they include choroid plexus papilloma, atypical choroid plexus papilloma, and choroid plexus carcinoma.
Migration of intraventricular neurocysticercus after ventriculostomy
Authors: Kotha Vamshi
Published: April 2013

Intraventricular neurocysticerci are an uncommon occurrence and are often difficult to diagnose. They are often a cause of obstructive hydrocephalus and inflammatory reactions, which can be life threatening. Intraventricular neurocysticerci are most common in the fourth ventricle and surgical decompression of obstructive hydrocephalus is an important step in their management. However, these cysticerci are also known to migrate within the ventricular system and may cause confusion during surgery. It thus becomes very important for radiologists and neurosurgeons to be aware of this phenomenon.
Alexandroff Manifolds and Homogeneous Continua
Authors: Karassev A. , Todorov V. , Valov V.
Published: April 2013

We prove the following result announced by the second and third authors: Any homogeneous, metric ANR-continuum is a -continuum provided dimGX = n ≥ 1 and , where G is a principal ideal domain. This implies that any homogeneous n-dimensional metric ANR-continuum is a Vn-continuum in the sense of Alexandroff. We also prove that any finite-dimensional cyclic in dimension n homogeneous metric continuum X, satisfying for some group G and n ≥ 1, cannot be separated by a compactum K with and dimGK ≤ n – 1. This provides a partial answer to a question of Kallipoliti–Papasoglu as to whether a two-dimensional homogeneous Peano continuum can be separated by arcs.
Existence of Mild Solutions for Semilinear Nonlocal Cauchy Problems in Separable Banach Spaces
Authors: Olszowy Leszek
Published: April 2013

In the paper we study the existence of mild solutions of a semilinear evolution equation with nonlocal initial conditions under the assumptions of the Hausdorff measure of noncompactness in separable Banach space.
Quantifying the role of fire in the Earth system – Part 1: Improved global fire modeling in the Community Earth System Model (CESM1)
Authors: Li F. , Levis S. , Ward D. S.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Modeling fire as an integral part of an Earth system model (ESM) is vital for quantifying and understanding fire–climate–vegetation interactions on a global scale and from an Earth system perspective. In this study, we introduce to the Community Earth System Model (CESM) the new global fire parameterization proposed by Li et al. (2012a, b), now with a more realistic representation of the anthropogenic impacts on fires, with a parameterization of peat fires, and with other minor modifications. The improved representation of the anthropogenic dimension includes the first attempt to parameterize agricultural fires, the economic influence on fire occurrence, and the socioeconomic influence on fire spread in a global fire model – also an alternative scheme for deforestation fires. The global fire parameterization has been tested in CESM1's land component model CLM4 in a 1850–2004 transient simulation, and evaluated against the satellite-based Global Fire Emission Database version 3 (GFED3) for 1997–2004. The simulated 1997–2004 average global totals for the burned area and fire carbon emissions in the new fire scheme are 338 Mha yr−1 and 2.1 Pg C yr−1. Its simulations on multi-year average burned area, fire seasonality, fire interannual variability, and fire carbon emissions are reasonable, and show better agreement with GFED3 than the current fire scheme in CESM1 and modified CTEM-FIRE. Moreover, the new fire scheme also estimates the contributions of global fire carbon emissions from different sources. During 1997–2004, the contributions are 8% from agricultural biomass burning, 24% from tropical deforestation and degradation fires, 6% from global peat fires (3.8% from tropical peat fires), and 62% from other fires, which are close to previous assessments based on satellite data, government statistics, or other information sources. In addition, we investigate the importance of direct anthropogenic influence (anthropogenic ignitions and fire suppression) on global fire regimes during 1850–2004, using CESM1 with the new fire scheme. Results show that the direct anthropogenic impact is the main driver for the long-term trend of global burned area, but hardly contributes to the long-term trend of the global total of fire carbon emissions.
Different methanotrophic potentials in stratified polar fjord waters (Storfjorden, Spitsbergen) identified by using a combination of methane oxidation techniques
Authors: Mau S. , Blees J. , Helmke E. , Niemann H. , Damm E.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The bacterially mediated aerobic methane oxidation (MOx) is a key mechanism in controlling methane (CH4) emissions from the world's oceans to the atmosphere. In this study, we investigated MOx in the Arctic fjord Storfjorden (Spitsbergen) by applying a combination of radio-tracer based incubation assays (3H-CH4 and 14H-CH4), stable C-CH4 isotope measurements, and molecular tools (16S rRNA DGGE-fingerprinting, pmoA- and mxaF gene analyses). Strofjorden is stratified in the summertime with melt water (MW) in the upper 60 m of the water column, Arctic water (ArW) between 60–100 m and brine-enriched shelf water (BSW) down to 140 m. CH4 concentrations were supersaturated with respect to the atmospheric equilibrium (∼3 nM) throughout the water column, increasing from ∼20 nM at the surface to a maximum of 72 nM at 60 m and decreasing below. MOx rate measurements at near in situ CH4 concentrations (here measured with 3H-CH4 raising the ambient CH4 pool by <2 nM) showed a similar trend: low rates at the sea surface increasing to a maximum of ∼2.3 nM d−1 at 60 m followed by a decrease in the deeper ArW/BSW. In contrast, rate measurements with 14H-CH4 at elevated CH4 concentrations (incubations were spiked with ∼450 nM of 14H-CH4, providing an estimate of the CH4 oxidation potential) showed comparably low turnover rates (<1 nMd−1) at 60 m, but peaked in ArW/BSW at ∼100 m water depth, concomitant with increasing 14C-values in the residual CH4 pool. Our results indicate that the MOx community in the surface MW is adapted to relatively low CH4 concentrations. In contrast, the activity of the deep water MOx community is relatively low at the ambient, summertime CH4 concentrations but has the potential to increase rapidly in response to CH4 availability. A similar distinction between surface and deep water MOx is also suggested by our molecular analyses. Although, we found pmoA and maxF gene sequences throughout the water column attesting the ubiquitous presence of MOx communities in Storfjorden, deep water amplicons of pmoA and maxF were unusually long. Also a DGGE band related to the known Type I MOx Mehtylosphera was observed in deep BWS, but absent in surface MW. Apparently, different MOx communities have developed in the stratified water masses in Storfjorden, which is possibly related to the spatiotemporal variability in CH4 supply to the distinct water masses.
The role of microorganisms on the formation of a stalactite in Botovskaya Cave, Siberia – palaeoenvironmental implications
Authors: Pacton M. , Breitenbach S. F. M. , Lechleitner F. A. , Vaks A. , Rollion-Bard C. , Gutareva O. S. , Osinzev A. V. , Vasconcelos C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Calcitic speleothems in caves can form through abiogenic, biogenic, or a combination of both processes. Many issues conspire to make the assessment of biogenicity difficult, especially when focusing on old speleothem deposits. This study reports a multiproxy analysis of a Siberian stalactite, combining high-resolution microscopy, isotope geochemistry and microbially enhanced mineral precipitation laboratory experiments. The contact between growth layers in a stalactite exhibits a biogenic isotopic signature; coupled with morphological evidence this supports a microbial origin of calcite crystals. SIMS δ13C data suggest that microbially mediated speleothem formation occurred repeatedly for short intervals before abiotic precipitation took over. The studied stalactite also contains iron and manganese oxides that have been mediated by microbial activity through extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-influenced organomineralization processes. The latter reflect palaeoenvironmental changes that occurred more than 500 000 yr ago, possibly related to the presence of a peat bog above the cave at that time. Microbial activity can initiate calcite deposition in the aphotic zone of caves before inorganic precipitation of speleothem carbonates. This study highlights the importance of microbially induced fractionation that can result in large negative δ13C excursions. The micro-scale biogeochemical processes imply that microbial activity has only negligible effects on the bulk δ13C signature in speleothems, which is more strongly affected by CO2 degassing and the hostrock signature.
Stable isotopic evidence of El Niño-like atmospheric circulation in the Pliocene western United States
Authors: Winnick M. J. , Welker J. M. , Chamberlain C. P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Understanding how the hydrologic cycle has responded to warmer global temperatures in the past is especially important today as concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere continue to increase due to human activities. The Pliocene offers an ideal window into a climate system that has equilibrated with current atmospheric pCO2. During the Pliocene the western United States was wetter than modern, an observation at odds with our current understanding of future warming scenarios, which involve the expansion and poleward migration of the subtropical dry zone. Here we compare Pliocene oxygen isotope profiles of pedogenic carbonates across the western US to modern isotopic anomalies in precipitation between phases of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). We find that when accounting for seasonality of carbonate formation, isotopic changes through the late Pliocene match modern precipitation isotopic anomalies in El Niño years. Furthermore, isotopic shifts through the late Pliocene mirror changes through the early Pleistocene, which likely represents the southward migration of the westerly storm track caused by growth of the Laurentide ice sheet. We propose that the westerly storm track migrated northward through the late Pliocene with the development of the modern cold tongue in the east equatorial Pacific, then returned southward with widespread glaciation in the Northern Hemisphere – a scenario supported by terrestrial climate proxies across the US. Together these data support the proposed existence of background El Niño-like conditions in western North America during the warm Pliocene. If the earth behaves similarly with future warming, this observation has important implications with regard to the amount and distribution of precipitation in western North America.
The last 7 millennia of vegetation and climate changes at Lago di Pergusa (central Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Sadori L. , Ortu E. , Peyron O. , Zanchetta G. , Vannière B. , Desmet M. , Magny M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The aim of this study is to investigate climate changes and human activities under the lens of palynology. Based on a new high-resolution pollen sequence (PG2) from Lago di Pergusa (667 m a.s.l., central Sicily, Italy) covering the last 6700 yr, we propose a reconstruction of climate and landscape changes over the recent past in central Sicily. Compared to former studies from Lago di Pergusa (Sadori and Narcisi, 2001), this work provides a reconstruction of the evolution of vegetation and climate over the last millennia in central Sicily, indeed completing previous results with new data which is particularly detailed on the last 3000 yr. Joint actions of increasing dryness, climate oscillations, and human impact shaped the landscape of this privileged site. Lago di Pergusa, in fact, besides being the main inland lake of Sicily, is very sensitive to climate change and its territory was inhabited and exploited continuously since the prehistory. The lake sediments turned out to be a good observatory for the natural phenomena occurred in the last thousands of years. Results of the pollen-based study are integrated with changes in magnetic susceptibility and a tephra layer characterization. The tephra layer was shown to be related to the Sicanians' event, radiocarbon dated at 3055 ± 75 yr BP (Sadori and Narcisi, 2001). We performed palaeoclimate reconstructions by MAT and WA-PLS. Palaeoclimate reconstructions based on the core show important climate fluctuations throughout the Holocene. Climate reconstruction points out four phases of cooling and enhanced wetness in the last three millennia (2600–2000, 1650–1100, 850–550, 400–200 cal BP). This appears to be the evidence of local responses to global climate oscillations during the recent past.
A method for low-flow estimation at ungauged sites: a case study in Wallonia (Belgium)
Authors: Grandry M. , Gailliez S. , Sohier C. , Verstraete A. , Degré A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Well-integrated water management can notably require estimating low flows at any point of a river. Depending on the management practice, it can be needed for various return periods. This is seldom addressed in the literature. This paper shows the development of a full analysis chain including quality analysis of gauging stations, low-flow frequency analysis, and building of a global model to assess low-flow indices on the basis of catchment physical parameters. The most common distributions that fit low-flow data in Wallonia were two-parameter lognormal and gamma. The recession coefficient and percolation were the most explanatory variables, regardless of the return period. The determination coefficients of the models ranged from 0.51 to 0.67 for calibration and from 0.61 to 0.80 for validation. The regression coefficients were found to be linked to the return period. This was used to design a complete equation that gives the low-flow index based on physical parameters and the desired return period (in a 5 to 50 yr range). The interest of regionalisation and the development of regional models are also discussed. Four homogeneous regions are identified, but to date the global model remains more robust due to the limited number of 20-yr-long gauging stations. This should be reconsidered in the future when enough data will be available.
A vital link: water and vegetation in the Anthropocene
Authors: Gerten D.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. This paper argues that the interplay of water, carbon and vegetation dynamics is fundamental to some global trends in the current and conceivable future Anthropocene. Supported by simulations with a process-based biosphere model and a literature review, it demonstrates that the connectivity of freshwater and vegetation dynamics is vital for water security, food security and (terrestrial) ecosystem integrity alike. The water limitation of net primary production of both natural and agricultural plants – already pronounced in many regions – is shown to increase in many places under projected climate change, though this development is partially offset by water-saving direct CO2 effects. Natural vegetation can to some degree adapt dynamically to higher water limitation, but agricultural crops require some form of active management to overcome it – among them irrigation, soil conservation and expansion into still uncultivated areas. While crucial to secure food production for a growing world population, such human interventions in water–vegetation systems have, as also shown, repercussions to the water cycle. Indeed, land use changes have been shown to be the second-most important influence on the terrestrial water balance in recent times. Furthermore, climate change regionally increases irrigation demand and decreases freshwater availability, impeding on rainfed and irrigated food production (if not CO2 effects counterbalance this impact – which is unlikely at least in poorly managed systems). Drawing from these exemplary investigations, some research perspectives on how to further improve our quantitative knowledge of human-water-vegetation interactions in the Anthropocene are outlined.
Representation of water abstraction from a karst conduit with numerical discrete-continuum models
Authors: Reimann T. , Giese M. , Geyer T. , Liedl R. , Maréchal J. C. , Shoemaker W. B.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Karst aquifers are characterized by highly conductive conduit flow paths embedded in a less conductive fissured and fractured matrix resulting in strong permeability contrasts with structured heterogeneity and anisotropy. Groundwater storage occurs predominantly in the fissured matrix. Hence, most karst models assume quasi steady-state flow in conduits neglecting conduit associated drainable storage (CADS). The concept of CADS considers storage volumes, where karst water is not part of the active flow system but rather hydraulically connected to conduits (for example karstic voids and large fractures). The disregard of conduit storage can be inappropriate when direct water abstraction from karst conduits occurs, e.g. large scale pumping. In such cases, CADS may be relevant. Furthermore, the typical fixed head boundary condition at the karst outlet can be inadequate for water abstraction scenarios because unhampered water inflow is possible. The objective of this paper is to analyze the significance of CADS and flow-limited boundary conditions on the hydraulic behavior of karst aquifers in water abstraction scenarios. To this end, the numerical hybrid model MODFLOW-2005 Conduit Flow Process Mode 1 (CFPM1) is enhanced to account for CADS. Additionally, a fixed-head limited-flow (FHLQ) boundary condition is added that limits inflow from constant head boundaries to a user-defined threshold. The affect and proper functioning of these modifications is demonstrated by simplified model studies. Both enhancements, CAD storage and the FHLQ boundary, are shown to be useful for water abstraction scenarios within karst aquifers. An idealized representation of a large-scale pumping test in a karst conduit is used to demonstrate that the enhanced CFPM1 is potentially able to adequately represent water abstraction processes in both the conduits and the matrix of real karst systems.
Tidally-induced lateral dispersion of the Storfjorden overflow plume
Authors: Wobus F. , Shapiro G. I. , Huthnance J. M. , Maqueda M. A. M. , Aksenov Y.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We investigate the flow of brine-enriched shelf water from Storfjorden (Svalbard) into Fram Strait and onto the Western Svalbard Shelf using a regional setup of NEMO-SHELF, a 3-D numerical ocean circulation model. The model is set up with realistic bathymetry, atmospheric forcing, open boundary conditions and tides. The model has 3 km horizontal resolution and 50 vertical levels in the sh-coordinate system which is specially designed to resolve bottom boundary layer processes. In a series of modelling experiments we focus on the influence of tides on the propagation of the dense water plume by comparing results from tidal and non-tidal model runs. Comparisons of non-tidal to tidal simulations reveal a hotspot of tidally-induced horizontal diffusion leading to the lateral dispersion of the plume at the southernmost headland of Spitsbergen which is in close proximity to the plume path. As a result the lighter fractions in the diluted upper layer of the plume are drawn into the shallow coastal current that carries Storfjorden water onto the Western Svalbard Shelf, while the dense bottom layer continues to sink down the slope. This bifurcation of the plume into a diluted shelf branch and a dense downslope branch is enhanced by tidally-induced shear dispersion at the headland. Tidal effects at the headland are shown to cause a net reduction in the downslope flux of Storfjorden water into deep Fram Strait. This finding contrasts previous results from observations of a dense plume on a different shelf without abrupt topography.
DR. STRANGETAX OR: WHY PENNSYLVANIA SHOULD LEARN TO STOP WORRYING AND JUST END THE FILM TAX CREDIT
Authors: Kettering John W.
Published: April 2013

N/A
In This Issue: The Depth and Breadth of the Emerging Food Systems Literature
Authors: Hilchey Duncan
Published: April 2013

First paragraph: Beef origin traceability, cultural sustainability, rural food deserts, climate variability and adaptations, food safety regulations, urban agriculture, and food waste — the topics offered by authors of this open call edition of the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development (also called JAFSCD or the Food Systems Journal) reflect the enormous diversity of the nascent field of food systems. We hold in high esteem the researchers across a broad range of disciplines working in collaboration with practitioners in the field to produce the papers contained herein. Anthropologists, economists, animal scientists, sociologists, educators, and even lawyers, are working with food policy council members, planners, and staffers from community-based organizations with increasing frequency. It is rewarding to see the transdisciplinary literature on food systems grow, and the Food Systems Journal community is very proud to be contributing to it. This issue is a testament to the remarkable depth and breadth of the emerging food systems literature.
Animals and Moral Motivation: A Response to Clement
Authors: Rowlands Mark
Published: April 2013

In her article "Animals and Moral Agency: The Recent Debate and Its Implications," Grace Clement (2013) provides a lucid overview of the debate concerning the possibility of moral action in animals and a suggestive proposal for how to advance this debate. This article takes up certain themes from Clement’s article, themes that, it is argued, are either problematic or insufficiently developed.
Size Matters: Animal Size, Contributory Causation, and Ethical Vegetarianism
Authors: MacClellan Joel
Published: April 2013

Animal size is a relevant and unappreciated consideration in moral evaluations of killing animals for food, especially for utilitarians, who must weigh the gustatory satisfaction of eating meat-the quantity of which varies greatly throughout the animal kingdom-against animal suffering in utilitarian calculations. I argue that animal size can drastically alter not only the extent but even the valence of such calculations. Then I show how the business ethics literature on vegetarianism is deficient for not taking animal size into account. Last, I argue that market conditions are also relevant in moral assessments of vegetarianism.
An Opportune Quest: The Development of Animal Law Courses in the United States
Authors: Townsend Akisha
Published: April 2013

In recent years, the study of animal law has grown exceptionally in the U.S., along with an increased recognition and interest in this burgeoning field. A growing eagerness among students to study animal law, as well as strong academic and financial support are all important contributors to successful animal law programs. This article explores the development of animal law scholarship in U.S. law schools and provides an overview of the types of courses offered as well as various academic, professional, and financial resources available to the next generation of animal law practitioners.
Attempt to accurate the palaeophytosociological method in peat deposit investigations
Authors: Pałczyński Adam
Published: April 2013

Productivity of fruits and seeds of some more important plant associations of lowland mires in the valley of Biebrza river has been investigated. The results obtained were compared with results of stratigraphic analyses. These investigations aimed into accuration of the palaeophytosociological method of reconstruction of the subfossil plant association. The productivity of fruits and seeds of some species is in accordance with quantities occurring in peat-samples. Some other species do not exhibit such an accordance. Reasons are diversified. Of great importance is that the modern quantitetive data explain reasons why seeds of given species dominate in peat-samples and clearly show that the subfossil plant communities can be reconstructed, especially if accompanying species represented by seeds and vegetative remnants are also considered. Data on productivity of seeds and fruits of all peat-forming with regard to the particular plant association should be elaborated. This would make interpretation of results of stratigraphic analyses easier and the reconstruction of subfossil plant associations more reliable.
The configuration of events and cell growth activity in the storeyed cambium of the linden (Tilia cordata Mill.)
Authors: Włoch Wiesław , Wawrzyniak Stanisław
Published: April 2013

A sample of wood from the trunk of the studied linden showed a periodic change in the orientation of the grain, occurring in an approximately two-year cycle. These changes in the grain were accompanied by cyclic changes in the configuration of events in the rays, that is, in the splitting and uniting of rays in the cambium. Intrusive growth on the lateral, radial edges near the ends of fusiform cells caused the translocation of cells on the storey borders, resulting in the splitting and uniting of rays. The growth activity of fusiform cells was determined on the basis of analysis of events in the rays through comparison of successive layers of the terminal parenchyma of the wood. Grouping of the ends of intrusively growing cells occurred here. The distribution of growth activity on the surface of the cambium was not uniform. It was possible to identify areas of cambium significantly differing from each other in respect to the duration of their growth activity. This period did not coincide with the duration of the cycle of changes in the configuration of events.
Influence of various sources of nitrogen on the growth of Scots pine seedlings and the IAA content in needles
Authors: Kieliszewska-Rokicka Barbara , Rudawska Maria
Published: April 2013

One year old pine seedlings transferred from the nursery and potted in a greenhouse were watered with nitrogen solutions of different form and concentration (urea 0.36 mM and 0.90 mM, ammonium tartrate 0.36 mM and 1.79 mM, calcium nitrate 0.36 mM, 1.79 mM and 3.58 mM). After 10 months the growth and IAA content in needles were compared. Nitrogen fertilization affected shoot growth considerably, but its effects on root growth were less pronounced. The highest shoot weight was obtained after application of ammonium tartrate in 1.79 mM concentration. The lowest concentration of urea (0.36 mM) caused the same effect, as did the most concentrated calcium nitrate solution (3.58 mM). Auxine content increased in the needles after nitrogen fertilization as compared with control. The highest accumulation of IAA was found in seedlings treated with low concentrations of urea.
Sesquiterpene lactones from Crepis setosa Hal.
Authors: Kisiel Wanda , Kohlmünzer Stanisław
Published: April 2013

The roots of Crepis setosa Hall. afforded four sesquiterpene lactones, among them three glycosides, all derived from 11β,13-dihydrozaluzanin C and not previously reported from this species.
The morphology of hairs in Verbascwn L. species
Authors: Grabias Barbara , Świątek Lucjan , Świętosławski Jacek
Published: April 2013

The hairs on the flowers and perifloral leaves of 25 representatives of the genus Verbascum L. were examined. Thirteen morphological types of hairs were identified. The calyx and perifloral leaves possess the most morphologically diversified hairs while the stamens usually " have only one type of hairs. Clavate and headed hairs are typical of the studied species. It has been found that the structure of hairs can serve to distinguish taxa of various ranks among the genus Verbascum. The structure of the hairs of V. roripifolium and V. capitis-viridis suggests that both of these species be set apart from the genus Verbascum.
Effect of GA3, IAA and their mixtures on the formation and development of cell systems in the vegetative and generative thallus of Chara vulgaris L.
Authors: Kwiatkowska Maria , Gosek Aleksandra , Godlewski Mirosław
Published: April 2013

In concentrations ranging from 10-7 to 10-5 M IAA strongly stimulates the growth of the main axis and pleuridia internodal cells, while it does not affect the number of lateral branches and generative organs. In the higher concentrations it reduces the number of spermatozoids in the antheridium. In the same concentration range, GA3, inhibits the growth of the main axis and pleuridia internodal cells, does not affect the number of lateral branches, increases the number of antheridia and increases the number of forming spermatozoids. Incubation in mixture of both regulators has shown that: a) IAA eliminates the inhibitory effect of GA3 on the growth of internodal cells of the main axis and its stimulatory action is slightly weakened by GA3, b) IAA in a concentration of 10-5 M along with a low concentration of GA3, (10-7) increases the number of main axis lateral branches. The conclusion is drawn that the growth of the vegetative part of the thallus is more intense when auxin predominates, but generative development requires a high level of gibberellin.
Pteridophyta collected in the Kivu Zone of Zaire
Authors: Kornaś Jan , Nowak Kazimierz A.
Published: April 2013

A list is given of 50 taxa of pteridophytes collected in 1983 in the Kivu Zone of Zaire by K. A. Nowak and identified in KRA by J. Kornaś. Twenty six of these taxa have not been indicated for the Kivu Zone in the recent revision of the pteridophytes of this area by Pichi Sermolli (1983, 1985).
Endogenous oscillations of electric potential difference in the cambial region of the pine stem. II. Possible involvement of the oscillations in xylogenesis
Authors: Kurek Wojciech
Published: April 2013

Direct and indirect interrelations between xylogenic processes and the endogenous electric potential difference (PD) oscillations generated in the cambial region of isolated tissue blocks from pine trunks were investigated. The frequency of transient PD changes varied during the season and displayed three minima which were concurrent with periods of initiation and termination of cambial activity and with the time of transition from early- to late-wood production. The oscillations were damped by TIBA - an inhibitor of polar auxin transport and stimulated by IAA, but only when the hormone was supplied to the apical end of the tissue block. This suggests that the polar transport of auxin may be involved in generation of the transient PD changes. Results of 2-channel recordings in one tissue block suggest that a part of the recorded oscillations (10-25 %) exhibit coordination in space and time: a wave-like pattern along the trunk axis is created by PD changes. The pattern might be a physical carrier of information coordinating processes of growth and differentiation in distant parts of the tree.
Transformation of the domain pattern in the development of Fagus silvatica L. cambium
Authors: Włoch Wiesław , Popiel Piotr , Rusin Marek , Słowioczek Anna
Published: April 2013

The domain pattern of cambium during the first year of its function in Fagus silvatica L. resembles a checkerboard. The longitudinal line along the leaf trace, its corresponding line on the opposite side of the internode and nodes comprise the domain borders. Starting from the formation of the first annual ring, this checkerboard pattern begins to undergo gradual transformation. A transitional domain pattern appears during the first few years; in each internode, due to the alternate disappearance of Z and S domains, a fragmentary domain of one type and an expanded domain of the opposite type occur in pairs. After further transformations, a regular pattern of transverse bands of domains moving along the stem appear on older stems (over ten years-old). This pattern is commonly found in other studied species of trees.
In vitro cultures of Blackstonia perfoliata (L.) Hudson and an assay of the secoiridoid content
Authors: Skrzypczak Lutosława , Wesołowska Maria , Krupińska Anna , Thiem Barbara
Published: April 2013

In vitro cultures of Blackstonia perfoliata (L.) Hudson, a popular medicinal plant, were initiated. Regenerated plants and callus tissue were obtained and then analysed for secoiridoids.
Metabolism of aged seeds. Changes in rye embryo polyribosomes during seed aging
Authors: Zalewski Kazimierz
Published: April 2013

Germination, total dehydrogenase activity, ribosomal proteins and ribonucleic acids of embryos obtained from winter rye harvested in different years and of distinctly differing viability were studied. Diminishing viability was accompanied by declines in the amount of ribosome-bound mRNA and a drop in the intensity of its synthesis during germination. Electrophoretic analysis of control embryo (fully viable) ribosome proteins revealed 55 different bands: 10 acidic and 45 basic. The embryos of aged seeds had 43 different bands of which 8 were acidic, 35 basic and almost all of which had an altered electrophoretic mobility as compared with the control sample. As aging progressed, the percentages of lysine, histidine and arginine increased while those of tyrosine, methionine, proline and serine decreased.
Chloroplasts in tissues of some herbaceous stems
Authors: Maksymowych Roman , Dollahon Norman , Di Cola Louise P. , Orkwiszewski Joseph A.J.
Published: April 2013

Serial sections of mature stems of ten species of herbaceous dicotyledonous plants were examined by light microscopy and the number of chloroplasts per cell was estimated in epidermis, collenchyma and cortex. Chloroplast identification was made by both light and transmission electron microscopy. Chloroplasts were present in epidermis, collenchyma and cortex tissues of all stems examined. The smallest number of chloroplasts was observed in the epidermis. Collenchyma cells had the largest number of plastids in four of the genera and cortex cells had the largest number in the remaining six genera. The stem epidermis of all genera contained stomates as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and aceto-orcein stained epidermal peels.
Evaluation of Blue Value in different plant materials as a tool for rapid starch determination
Authors: Samotus Bogusław , Tuz Joanna , Doerre Elżbieta
Published: April 2013

In order to determine the concentration of starch in plant materials from the intensity of the blue iodine complex, it is necessary to know the Blue Value (B.V.), which is defined in this paper as the absorbancy of 100 mg of a starch-iodine complex in 100 ml of aqueous solution. An adequate amount of plant material is treated with a hot CaCl2 solution for 1/2 hour and the solute is diluted to 25 ml with CaCl2. This basic solution serves to measure absorbancy, as well as for starch determination. The first measurement is done by the dilution of a proper amount of basic solution with water and after adding a diluted iodine-iodide solution the reading of B.V. is taken off. The second measurement is done by the precipitation of a starch iodine complex from a proper amount of the basic solution, which is then purified, destroyed by Na2SO3 solution, and starch is determined by the anthrone method. These two readings serve for the establishing of B.V. for the starch. Once established, B.V. can be used for starch determination in the proper plant material. A high degree of variation of the B.V. was found. The highest B.V. was obtained for wrinkled pea seeds (17.4); walnut, potato, smooth pea and pear gave values from 12.6 to 11.0, common bean and broad bean - 10.3 and 9.7, Triticale, carrot, rye, wheat and garden parsley from 8.7 to 8.0 and maize, oat, normal rice from 7.6 to 6.2. The B.V. for amylose was 25.3, for potato starch 12.4, soluble starch 11.9, wheat starch 8.8 and for Triticale and rye starches, 8.7.
DNA endoreplication level in endosperm during seed development in three monocotyledonous species
Authors: Marciniak Kazimierz
Published: April 2013

The DNA content after the Feulgen reaction in the endosperm of three monocotyledonous plant species (Asparagus officinalis, Muscari comosom, Haemanthus kurharinae) differing in their 2C DNA content, was cytophotometrically measured. During endosperm development 1-6 endoreplication cycles take place, depending on the species. Differences in nuclear DNA endoreplication dynamics in the tested species are similar to those occurring in root parenchyma, but the endoreplication level in the endosperm is higher.
Inhibition of phloem loading by sulfite affects sugar distribution in pea leaves
Authors: Lorenc-Plucińska Gabriela , Ziegler Hubert
Published: April 2013

Under the influence of sulfite, changes in the rate of 14CO2 fixation, 14C-sucrose uptake and sugar content of the apoplastic and intracellular spaces of pea leaves varied according to the time of treatment and the anion concentration used. The greatest decrease of the rate of 14CO2 and 14C-sucrose uptake in the presence of sulfite at concentrations from 0.1 to 5.0 mM was detected immediately (i.e. 5 min.) after supplying sulfite to the medium. Two hours later, a significant inhibition of photosynthesis and sucrose uptake was observed only with 5.0 and 2.5 and 5.0 mM concentrations of sulfite, respectively. The effect of sulfite (0.1-5.0 mM) on the apoplastic and intracellular sugar content for the first 30 min of treatment was negligible. However, after longer periods under sulfite treatment at concentrations ≥ 1.0 mM, significant increases in the apoplastic sucrose content were observed. An increase in the accumulation of starch was also noted. In light of our observations it suggested that the inhibition of phloem loading by sulfite induces disturbances in sugar distribution.
Photometric starch-iodine determination in plant materials as influenced by ascorbic acid. Critical remarks
Authors: Samotus Bogusław , Doerre Elżbieta , Świderski Adam , Ścigalski Andrzej
Published: April 2013

Following the work of Sharma et al. (1990) on the interference of ascorbic acid (AA) with starch-iodine reaction, the present authors repeated it, giving a proper explanation of the influence of AA in this reaction. AA oxidizes iodine-iodide (I-KI) reagent which makes impossible to form the blue complex with starch. Three measures are suggested to overcome the interference of AA: 1) to titrate starch solution with I-KI reagent and thus work out an I-KI amount for development of blue coloration, 2) to remove from plant material AA (and other reducing soluble substances) by washing the material with cold water or ethanol, and 3) starch solution could be treated with alkali (pH about 9), which destroys AA in 15 minutes. After acidifying the solution and adding I-KI reagent the blue complex can be determined.
Plant growth regulators in poplar clones differing in resistance to the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata Ell. et Haist
Authors: Stopińska Jadwiga
Published: April 2013

In poplar clones with different resistance to the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata growth of shoots, intensity of transpiration and the level of endogenous growth regulators were determined. More resistant clones, Populus 'Robusta' and P. 'PK-136-2' (P. nigra 'Italica': x P. laurifolia) had more intensive growth of shoots, higher water content in leaves and a lower intensity of transpiration than the more susceptible clone, - P. 'NE-42' (P. maximowiczi x P. trichocarpa). The leaves of the more resistant clones contained more auxins (IAA) and cytokinins, especially zeatin, and less growth inhibitors (ABA) than those of the susceptible one. The level of plant growth regulators and/or the relations betweeen them may be responsible for the different poplar resistance to C. fimbriata.
Estimation of oak stand pollution with heavy metals on the Krotoszyn Plateau
Authors: Opydo Jadwiga
Published: April 2013

The content of heavy metals - Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu - in oak wood of Quercus robur L. and in the soil was investigated. The studies were carried out in five areas: on the Krotoszyn Plateau, in two areas of the Copper Basin, in the area of Zawiercie and in the control area in Kórnik. The results showed an elevated content of copper in the wood of oaks from the Krotoszyn Plateau as compared with oaks from the other investigated areas. The copper content in the examined oaks was 0.6 µg/g in Kórnik, 1.1 µg/g in Zawiercie, 3.9-15.8 µg/g in the Copper Basin, whereas in the oaks of the Krotoszyn Plateau it amounted to 7.0-26.5 µg/g. It was also noticed that there is a correlation between the copper content in the wood and sanitary condition of the trees. The content of other toxic metals in the oak stands of the Krotoszyn Plateau was on the level of non-polluted areas ranging between 0.08-0.21 µg/g for Cd, 0.12-0.45 µg/g for Pb and 9.1-14.7 µg/g for Zn.