bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Requirements of St. Augustinegrass Grown in Sandy Soils
Authors: Liu Min , Sartain J.B. , Trenholm L.E. , Miller G.L.
Published: May 2008

Phosphorus fertilization of St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secondatum (Walt.) Kuntze] is performed on the basis of soil tests designed for agronomic crops. The objectives of this study were to determine the critical minimum P application rate and soil and tissue P concentration of St. Augustinegrass grown in sandy soils. Three studies were conducted in a glasshouse using a Pomona sand, two Tavares sands, and a Pottsburg sand. Established pots of ‘Floratam’ St. Augustinegrass received P at 0, 0.14, 0.27, 0.54, and 1.09 g m−2 every four weeks for 16 weeks for Study 1 and 12 weeks for Studies 2 and 3. Critical minimum tissue P concentration was determined to be 1.8 g kg−1 on dry weight basis. Minimum P application rate was 0.14 g m−2 4‐wk−1 to obtain acceptable turfgrass quality and growth rate. Additional growth was not observed when Mehlich‐1 P level was greater than 7, 8, 9, and 5 mg kg−1 for Pomona sand, Tavares sand (a), Pottsburg sand, and Tavares sand (b), respectively. Phosphorus fertilization would not be recommended if soil Mehlich‐1 P concentration is above 10 mg kg−1 for sandy soils or tissue P level is beyond 1.8 g kg−1 on dry weight basis. Phosphorus application of 0.14 g m−2 4‐wk−1 is recommended when P is required.
Statistical Analysis of Yield Trials by AMMI and GGE: Further Considerations
Authors: Gauch Hugh G. , Piepho Hans‐Peter , Annicchiarico Paolo
Published: May 2008

Recent review articles in this journal have compared the relative merits of two prominent statistical models for analyzing yield‐trial data: Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction (GGE). This review addresses more than 20 issues that require clarification after controversial statements and contrasting conclusions have appeared in those recent reviews. The AMMI2 mega‐environment display incorporates more of the genotype main effect and captures more of the genotype × environment (GE) interaction than does GGE2, thereby displaying the which‐won‐where pattern more accurately for complex datasets. When the GE interaction is captured well by one principal component, the AMMI1 display of genotype nominal yields describes winning genotypes and adaptive responses more simply and clearly than the GGE2 biplot. For genotype evaluation within a single mega‐environment, a simple scatterplot of mean and stability is more straightforward than the mean vs. stability view of a GGE2 biplot. Diagnosing the most predictively accurate member of a model family is vital for either AMMI or GGE, both for gaining accuracy and delineating mega‐environments.
Boron Toxicity Tolerance in Crops: A Viable Alternative to Soil Amelioration
Authors: Yau Sui Kwong , Ryan John
Published: May 2008

Research on the problems of excessive soil B has increased considerably in the past two decades, especially in the dry areas of the world such as the Mediterranean region and parts of Australia. The objectives of this review are to promote awareness of the widespread occurrence and importance of B toxicity (BT) in dry areas, and to review the availability of BT‐tolerant germplasm and progress in breeding cultivars with BT tolerance. The importance of BT was not adequately recognized until the 1980s, when scientists discovered that BT caused significant crop yield reductions in South Australia. We offer several reasons for this belated awareness before describing the areas reported to have high‐B soils in the world and reviewing the occurrence of two contrasting types of BT symptoms. In the field, BT in crops usually is more prominent after drought, indicating that both BT and drought tolerance are needed in crops for dry areas having high levels of subsoil B. The interaction of BT with salinity and the levels of other nutrients such as Zn and N are also discussed. As it is neither practical nor easy to detoxify high‐B soil by agronomic means in most circumstances, selecting or breeding crop cultivars with high BT tolerance is the only practical approach to increase yields on high‐B soils. Extensive surveys of germplasm in different crops have been performed, and a list of some BT‐tolerant lines or cultivars is presented. Finally, we review the progress in breeding for BT tolerance, which has been achieved with varying success in several common crops. We believe that the shift from soil intervention to plant adaptation to solve an intractable crop nutrition constraint represents a new paradigm in the agronomic sciences.
New Fusarium Head Blight‐Resistant Sources from Asian Wheat Germplasm
Authors: Yu Jian‐Bin , Bai Gui‐Hua , Cai Shi‐Bin , Dong Yan‐Hong , Ban Tomohiro
Published: May 2008

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important disease of wheat worldwide. Severe infection can dramatically reduce grain yield and quality. Resistant cultivars have been identified from several countries. However, only a few sources of FHB resistance showed stable FHB resistance across environments and have been used as the major source of resistance in breeding programs. To diversify the wheat FHB‐resistance gene pool, new sources of FHB‐resistance are desired. Ninety‐four selected wheat landraces and cultivars, mainly from China and Japan, have been evaluated for FHB severity and deoxynivalenol (DON) content. Low DON content was correlated with resistance to the FHB symptom spread within an infected spike, but not with the resistance to FHB initial infection. Two‐thirds of the accessions were either resistant or moderately resistant to FHB. Among them, 26 highly resistant accessions mainly originated from China and Japan. Fifteen of them had less than 2 mg kg−1 DON in harvested grain, six of which showed all three types of resistance. Most of these resistant accessions lack known pedigree relations to Sumai 3, suggesting that some of them may carry genes for resistance to FHB and DON accumulation different from those in Sumai 3.
Improving Learning in All-Day Schools: Results of a New Teaching Time Model
Authors: Pfeifer Michael , Holtappels Heinz Günter
Published: May 2008

Following the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment for Germany, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research founded the capital investment program ‘Future Education and Care’ as a federal measure to support the expansion of all-day schooling in Germany. During this process it became obvious that learning and teaching in all-day schools had to take place within new time structures. In this context, the Land of Bremen initiated a new teaching time model, which is, so far, unique in Germany. The results of empirical longitudinal accompanying research on the presence teaching time model indicate that pupils from low socio-economic backgrounds profited most from the new model. Further, teachers' workload decreased and there was an increase in their cooperative behaviour.
Pancreatic Duct Cells in Human Islet Cell Preparations Are a Source of Angiogenic Cytokines Interleukin-8 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Movahedi Babak , Gysemans Conny , Jacobs-Tulleneers-Thevissen Daniel , Mathieu Chantal , Pipeleers Daniel
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—Engraftment and function of human islet cell implants is considered to be dependent on their rapid and adequate revascularization. Studies with rodent islet grafts have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by β-cells can promote this process. The present work examines whether human islet preparations produce VEGF as well as interleukin (IL)-8, another angiogenic protein, and assesses the role of contaminating duct cells in VEGF and IL-8–mediated angiogenesis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Human islet and pancreatic duct cell preparations are compared for their respective expression and production of VEGF and IL-8 during culture as well as following transplantation in nonobese diabetic (NOD)/scid mice. The associated angiogenic effects are measured in an in vitro aortic ring assay and in an in vivo chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay.

RESULTS—Cultured pancreatic duct cells expressed 3- and 10-fold more VEGF and IL-8, respectively, than cultured human islet endocrine cells and released both proteins at angiogenic levels. The angiogenic effect of purified duct cells was higher than that of purified endocrine islet cells and was completely blocked by a combination of IL-8 and VEGF antibodies. Human duct cell implants under the kidney capsule of NOD/scid mice expressed higher levels of IL-8 and VEGF than human islet cell implants and induced circulating IL-8 and VEGF levels during the first day posttransplantation.

CONCLUSIONS—Human duct cell–released IL-8 and VEGF may help revascularization of currently used human islet cell grafts. Further work should examine whether and when this effect can prevail over other inflammatory and immune influences of this cell type.
CD28/CD154 Blockade Prevents Autoimmune Diabetes by Inducing Nondeletional Tolerance After Effector T-Cell Inhibition and Regulatory T-Cell Expansion
Authors: Rigby Mark R. , Trexler Alison M. , Pearson Thomas C. , Larsen Christian P.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—Blocking T-cell signaling is an effective means to prevent autoimmunity and allograft rejection in many animal models, yet the clinical translation of many of these approaches has not resulted in the success witnessed in experimental systems. Improved understanding of these approaches may assist in developing safe and effective means to treat disorders such as autoimmune diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We studied the effect of anti-CD154 and CTLA4-Ig on diabetes development, and the requirements to induce tolerance in nod.scid mice after transfer of transgenic β-cell reactive BDC2.5.NOD T-cells.

RESULTS—Nod.scid recipients of diabetogenic BDC2.5.NOD cells were protected indefinitely from diabetes by a short course of combined costimulation blockade, despite the continued diabetogenic potential of their T-cells. The presence of pathogenic T-cells in the absence of disease indicates peripheral immune tolerance. T-cell maturation occurred in protected recipients, yet costimulation blockade temporarily blunted early T-cell proliferation in draining pancreatic nodes. Tolerance required preexisting regulatory T-cells (Tregs), and protected recipients had greater numbers of Tregs than diabetic recipients. Diabetes protection was successful in the presence of homeostatic expansion and high T-cell precursor frequency, both obstacles to tolerance induction in other models of antigen-specific immunity.

CONCLUSIONS—Immunotherapies that selectively suppress effector T-cells while permitting the development of natural regulatory mechanisms may have a unique role in establishing targeted long-standing immune protection and peripheral tolerance. Understanding the mechanism of these approaches may assist in the design and use of therapies for human conditions, such as type 1 diabetes.
Use of Internet Technology to Support Nutrition and Diabetes Self-Management Care
Authors: Powers Margaret A. , March Susan Burke , Evert Alison
Published: May 2008

In Brief

The Internet can be a powerful support for diabetes nutrition and self-management care. It is prudent for health care professionals to learn how to maximize its use with their patient population. This article provides an overview of on how Internet websites can be used in diabetes care, provides evaluation criteria, and offers a review of selected sites.
Virtual Dialectics and Technological Aesthetics
Authors: Cubitt Sean
Published: May 2008

Technology has in general been seen as opposed to humanity: its object, even its enemy. The Grundrisse suggests, however, that technology can be understood as the actualized form of accumulated social knowledge. This actual form can then be understood from the standpoint of a dialectic in which the actual is capable of action only if it can convert its actuality into virtuality, that is to free itself for a future other than its actual present. Critical to this political project is work at the aesthetic level of media and communications technologies.
The Intellectual Genealogies and Possible Futures of Cultural Studies: An Interview with Tony Bennett
Authors: Jin Huimin
Published: May 2008

Being deeply engaged with and therefore a leading figure of cultural studies, British and Australian, Tony Bennett, by focusing upon its key concepts – (culture as) a whole way of life, hegemony, cultural capital, and governmentality, etc. – shows how cultural studies was shaped and reshaped especially by Williams, Gramsci, Bourdieu, and Foucault. Taking the concept of governmentality, he distinguishes his position sharply from the dualistic tendency of traditional cultural studies. His revisionist project is to bring our attention to the relations between culture and governmental power, by which the resistance, or the hegemony, and the opposition of low culture and high culture, are not simply discarded but integrated at a higher level. As a result of this revision, Tony Bennett has for years maintained his enthusiasm for the analysis of the makeup, organization, and functioning of distinctive kinds of culture/power complexes, from which a new paradigm of cultural studies may be expected to emerge.
(THE War On) Terrorism: Destruction, Collapse, Mixture, Re-Enforcement, Construction
Authors: Ansems De Vries Leonie
Published: May 2008

Thinking back on the globally televised images of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in which two airplanes flew into the World Trade Center, one aircraft hit the Pentagon in Washington, and another one crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, the questions “whose suicide?” and “the collapse of what?” appear unmistakably straightforward. Nineteen Islamic suicide bombers turned their deaths into weapons, causing the collapse of the World Trade Center. However, taking a broader perspective, it is much less clear who committed suicide and what collapsed on September 11, 2001. This article addresses the question of whether the attacks were a sign of strength, or rather a symptom of ultimate despair. The article first engages with and develops a critique of Baudrillard’s contention that the dominant Western order, which is based on the extrapolation of Good and the fostering of life, cannot survive an attack by radicals who utilize death as a weapon and turn Western globalization against itself. Secondly, the idea that the September 11 attacks are, conversely, a desperate attempt to escape structural crisis, signaling the prelude of Islamic neofundamentalist violence, will be assessed. It will be argued that, rather than the self-inflicted death of the global liberal order by means of irrational destructive terrorism, or the imminent collapse of Islamic fundamentalism, the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the subsequent war on terror exhibit the tensions between a global order characterized by “destructive construction” and the “constructive destruction” that mark contemporary terrorist violence. Their mutual complex interrelations, their reciprocal fascination for one another and the intricate interconnections with processes of globalization – that prevent the death of either one – present a conflict that is of, against, within, and eluding the grasp of the dominant order in a continuous play of antagonism, destruction, mixture, tension, translation, and fissure.
Pursuit in Paris
Authors: Armitage John
Published: May 2008

This illustrated article is a brief psychological and geographical narrative of a visit the author and his partner made to the grave of the well-known French cultural theorist Jean Baudrillard in Cimetière du Montparnasse in Paris. However, it is simultaneously an attempt to contemplate, in light of Baudrillard’s death in March 2007, the posthumous meaning of his cultural and theoretical endeavors and his efforts to enhance our understanding and appreciation of visual culture. Attention is paid to the central theme of the sign, both literally and theoretically, and to the importance not only of Baudrillard’s work, but also crucially and in particular to the sign “Jean Baudrillard 1929–2007.” It is not accidental, then, that all the photographs contained in this article are of signs in both senses noted above, and, in deference to Baudrillard’s own photography, include only suggestions of human presence. As the article’s title suggests, the concept of pursuit is dominant. However, it must be emphasized that the article is not a Baudrillardian interpretation of his particular contributions to contemporary cultural theory and visual culture but a phenomenological explanation, which principally employs the writings of the American philosopher Alphonso Lingis. Finally, the concluding paragraphs are reserved for a range of criticisms of Baudrillard’s work and the author’s appraisal of its likely future influence.
What Is Anti-Utopianism? Gray, Jacoby, Jameson
Authors: Skrimshire Stefan
Published: May 2008

The subject of utopianism in contemporary political life has experienced a revival of interest in the last few years. One of the most polemical contributions is John Gray’s Black Mass: Apocalyptic Religion and the Death of Utopia. One of the greatest benefits of this book is to paint for us an accurate picture of what a contemporary anti-utopian looks like. For Gray’s position, it appears, is that utopian beliefs lead to ridicule at best and totalitarian violence at worst. In this essay I shall argue that this position ignores many nuances of utopian thought that operate today in, among other places, nonviolent movements of political resistance. As a means of critiquing Gray’s pessimism, I refer to two recent works that attempt to tease out this complexity within utopian thought itself: Russell Jacoby’s Future Imperfect: Utopian Thought for an Anti-Utopian Age (2005) and Frederic Jameson’s Archaeologies of the Future: Utopia and other Science Fictions (2005).
Large-Animal Handling at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Authors: MacLeay Jennifer M.
Published: May 2008

Colleges of veterinary medicine face many challenges in teaching the handling of large animals. It is imperative that students be taught how to manage large animals, however, not only for their safety but for that of their clients and of the animals themselves. Confident, safe, and efficient handling can improve job satisfaction and may encourage students to enter large-animal practice. There is wide variation in the large-animal-handling components of US veterinary curricula.
Training in Animal Handling for Veterinary Students at Charles Sturt University, Australia
Authors: Austin Heidi E. , Hyams Jennifer H. , Abbott Kym A.
Published: May 2008

Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia, is responding to a national need for veterinarians with the skills and attributes to fulfill roles in rural practice and the large-animal industries. Rural practitioners must competently and confidently handle a range of large animals if they are to build a relationship of mutual trust with clients and deliver effective animal-health services. Training in animal handling begins in the first year of the course with highly structured small-group practical classes involving cattle, horses, sheep, dogs, cats, pigs, poultry, and laboratory animals (rats and mice). Other experiences with animals in the first three years build on basic animal-handling skills while performing other veterinary activities. Students who provide documented evidence of prior animal-handling experiences are admitted, and learning and teaching strategies aim to enhance skills and knowledge. Rigorous examinations use a competency-based approach prior to extramural placements on farms and in veterinary practices. A continuing process of evaluation, review, and refinement will ensure continual improvement and graduate veterinarians with strong skills in animal handling.
Student Training in Large-Animal Handling at the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Australia
Authors: Chapman Helen M. , Taylor Eric G. , Buddle J. Ross , Murphy David J.
Published: May 2008

The ability to handle animals safely, competently, and with confidence is an essential skill for veterinarians. Poor animal-handling skills are likely to compromise credibility, occupational health and safety, and animal welfare. In the five-year veterinary science degree at Murdoch University, animal handling is taught in a prerequisite unit in the second semester of the second year. From 2008, however, this unit will be taught in the first year of the five-year course. Students are taught to handle sheep, cattle, pigs, and horses safely and competently. Each student receives 30 hours of formal practical instruction. Animal-to-student ratios are 2:1, and staff-to-student ratios vary from 1:8 (sheep, cattle, horses) to 1:17 (pigs). Students must pass the practical exam to proceed into third year. Additional experience with animals is gained during third year (14 hours of practical instruction with sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle) and during the 5 weeks and 2 days of vacation farm experience during the second and third years. In the fourth and fifth years, students consolidate their handling experience with sheep (including rams), goats, pigs, cattle (including bulls), horses (including stallions), and alpacas. As a result, students are able to handle and restrain client animals with confidence. There is no formal course in small-animal handling at Murdoch University. Factors that have enhanced the success of the large-animal handling program include purpose-built on-campus facilities. Inadequate resources (time, facilities, and animals) remain the main impediment to effective learning, further compounded by the increasing tendency of university administrators to make decisions based on economic expediency rather than educational benefit.
Teaching Animal Handling to Veterinary Students at Massey University, New Zealand
Authors: Stafford K.J. , Erceg V.H
Published: May 2008

The veterinary program at the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand, is 4.5 years long. Animal handling and restraint are taught to first-year veterinary students via lectures and practical sessions. Students are taught to catch, restrain, and hold the five important domesticated species (horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, and cats) in a series of five practical sessions, each lasting about three hours. Safety is emphasized. Students are taught in groups of 10–12, and generally the tutors demonstrate the various techniques of restraint and then supervise students as they carry them out. Each student's ability to handle and restrain each species is evaluated. Students must be considered proficient with each species before being allowed to handle animals in clinics. Students are taught how to catch and restrain birds, laboratory animals, farm deer, and pigs later in the program.
Development of a Model Animal Welfare Act Curriculum
Authors: VandeWoude Sue
Published: May 2008

Animal-welfare issues are often controversial and frequently have an emotional component. Veterinarians have extensive knowledge, experience, and scientific perspective and are arguably the professionals best suited to advise and develop recommendations on animal welfare. The development of an Animal Welfare Act (AWA) teaching module is a first step toward educating veterinary students about animal welfare. This article presents the current development status of this curriculum project, which is intended to be a valuable addition to the evolving veterinary education on animal welfare.
Admissions Procedures at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
Authors: Künzel Wolfgang , Breit Sabine M.
Published: May 2008

Rationale for this study – The admission procedure implemented in fall 2005 in consequence of new laws passed in summer 2005 is described and evaluated. The general set-up, the underlying considerations, and the changes resulting from the establishment of this procedure are presented.

Methodology – Admission variables and demographic information (sex, age, nationality) for 172 students who entered their first academic year at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (VUW) and their academic performance measured according to their results in the three first-year examinations (successful versus unsuccessful) were assessed. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between predictor and outcome.

Results – Regression analysis indicates that Austrian students were more likely to be unsuccessful than German students (R2= 0.366, p < 0.001). Previous school performance was the best predictor for success in the Austrian cohort (R2= 0.196; p < 0.001), whereas the personal interview scores provided the best predictor in the German cohort (R2= 0.122; p < 0.05).

Conclusion – This study supports our existing selection practices relating to cognitive and non-cognitive skills. The number of strugglers may be reduced on the basis of an admissions procedure, but struggling may not be excluded by the existing selection practices, which do not assess a specific threshold but are related to a score-ranking system and a predefined number of available openings in the program.
Incorporating an Audience Response System into Veterinary Dermatology Lectures: Effect on Student Knowledge Retention and Satisfaction
Authors: Plant Jon D.
Published: May 2008

Veterinary educators are charged with delivering large amounts of information to adult students, who benefit from a more interactive learning environment than is often achieved through didactic lectures. Audience response systems (ARS) with wireless keypad technology facilitate interactive learning and have been used successfully in the education of health professionals. The objectives of this pilot study were to determine the effect of an ARS on the knowledge retention of veterinary dermatology students and to survey student attitudes concerning its use. A cohort-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the potential benefits of ARS for short-term and long-term knowledge retention. Students also participated in four hours of student-directed case simulations using ARS technology. Students were surveyed regarding opinions on the use of the ARS. The mean short-term knowledge-retention test scores of groups A (ARS+) and B (ARS−) were 81% and 78%, respectively. The mean long-term knowledge-retention test scores of groups A and B were 54% and 55%, respectively. The differences between groups were not significant for either time period (p = 0.32, p = 0.77). Although benefits to short-term and long-term knowledge retention were not detected in this pilot study, all students responding to the survey perceived a benefit and supported the use of ARS in the clinical veterinary curriculum. ARS technology provides a tool for lecturers to create an interactive learning environment well suited for teaching veterinary dermatology.
Business Education in Veterinary Schools: The Potential Role of the Veterinary Business Management Association
Authors: Kieves Nina R. , Roark Andrew W. , Sparks Tonya K.
Published: May 2008

Studies have indicated the importance of business education in improving the income level attained by veterinarians and the quality of service they provide. The Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), a national organization of veterinary students, has the potential to augment veterinary curricula by providing additional education to help ensure professional success. Local chapters at 27 of the 28 veterinary colleges in the United States (as of 2007) supplement the curriculum by focusing on business topics. A national governing board oversees the chapters, helping to ensure that high-quality educational programs are conducted and providing a conduit for communication.
Meeting the Expectations of Referring Veterinarians
Authors: Burrows Colin F.
Published: May 2008

Veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) have traditionally obtained most of their patient and client base through the referral process. This worked well until the recent explosive growth of specialty practices, which compete not only for patients but also for faculty and graduating residents. Veterinary schools have had to meet this challenge by increasing both efficiency and the quality of services provided to referring veterinarians. Practitioners refer mainly because of discomfort with a case and the belief that clients will get better treatment at a referral hospital than they themselves can provide. Practitioners choose not to refer because of geography, perceived cost, or lack of confidence in the services offered. Referring veterinarians expect regular communication about services offered, access to receiving clinicians for consultation, convenient scheduling, and efficient communication and follow-up from the receiving veterinarian. They also expect the relationship between them and their clients to be maintained and enhanced. Receiving veterinarians expect a summary letter and copies of all relevant records, including radiographs. They also expect the client to have been informed about the approximate costs of referral. VTHs can develop better relationships with referring veterinarians through education, newsletters, referral guides, practice visits, and Web sites. Inadequate communication and lack of involvement on the part of the referring veterinarian are the major impediments to efficient referrals and practice growth.
Community-Based Clinical Veterinary Education at Western University of Health Sciences
Authors: Fuentealba Carmen , Mason Robert V. , Johnston Shirley D.
Published: May 2008

This article describes a distributed model clinical curriculum developed by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences (CVMWU), and presents outcome data for the 2005/2006 academic year. Extramural clinical education requires close institutional involvement, including planning, formulation of learning objectives, selection of partner sites with numbers compatible with teaching needs, training of clinical preceptors, faculty commitment, administrative support, and ongoing assessment. Extramural delivery of the CVMWU clinical curriculum is facilitated by its geographical location in close proximity to participating sites and by an admissions process designed to select students judged likely to succeed in a student-centered learning environment. Outcome data collected from students and clinical preceptors supports the conclusion that year 3 of the curriculum was successfully delivered.
Satellite Teaching Hospitals and Public–Private Collaborations in Veterinary Medical Clinical Education
Authors: Lloyd James W. , Fingland Roger , Arighi Mimi , Thompson James , de Laforcade Armelle , McManus Joseph
Published: May 2008

Veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) are facing more and greater challenges than at any time in the past. Changes in demand, expanding information, improving technology, an evolving workforce, declining state support, and an increasingly diverse consumer base have combined to render many traditional VTH modes of operation obsolete. In pursuit of continued success in achieving their academic mission, VTHs are exploring new business models, including innovative collaborations with the private sector. This report provides details on existing models for public–private collaboration at several colleges and schools of veterinary medicine, including those at Kansas State University, Purdue University, the University of Florida, and Tufts University. Although each of these institutions’ models is unique, several commonalities exist, related to expansion of the case load available for teaching, the potential positive impact on recruitment and retention of clinical faculty, and the potential for easing financial pressures on the associated VTH. These new models represent innovative approaches that work to meet many of the key emerging challenges facing VTHs today.
Continuing Veterinary Medical Education Needs and Delivery Preferences of Alberta Veterinarians
Authors: Delver Hilary A.
Published: May 2008

The questionnaire component of a continuing-education needs assessment of Alberta veterinarians is described. A questionnaire about work characteristics, topic priorities, and program delivery preferences was mailed to all licensed Alberta veterinarians, 54% of whom responded. Topic-priority data were factor analyzed, and differences in priorities were examined using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Seven learning areas emerged: veterinary medicine, professionalism and practice management, animal welfare, livestock practice and epidemiology, prophylaxis and therapeutics, specialty diagnostics, and theriogenology. Associations between delivery preferences and work characteristics were sought using MANOVA and contingency tables analysis. Significant differences were identified in learning-area priorities and preferred program types and times when respondents were grouped by species focus, and there were significant associations between respondents’ location and their preferred learning locations. There were no significant associations between location or practice size and preferred program type. Group differences support the need for events tailored by species focus. Delivery preferences suggest that workload and distance are barriers to attendance, although face-to-face events were universally preferred.
A phylogenetic delimitation of the “Sphagnum subsecundum complex” (Sphagnaceae, Bryophyta)
Authors: Shaw A. Jonathan , Boles Sandra , Shaw Blanka
Published: May 2008

A seemingly obvious but sometimes overlooked premise of any evolutionary analysis is delineating the group of taxa under study. This is especially problematic in some bryophyte groups because of morphological simplicity and convergence. This research applies information from nucleotide sequences for eight plastid and nuclear loci to delineate a group of northern hemisphere peat moss species, the so‐called Sphagnum subsecundum complex, which includes species known to be gametophytically haploid or diploid (i.e., sporophytically diploid‐tetraploid). Despite the fact that S. subsecundum and several species in the complex have been attributed disjunct ranges that include all major continents, phylogenetic analyses suggest that the group is actually restricted to Europe and eastern North America. Plants from western North America, from California to Alaska, which are morphologically similar to species of the S. subsecundum complex in eastern N. America and Europe, actually belong to a different deep clade within Sphagnum section Subsecunda. One species often considered part of the S. subsecundum complex, S. contortum, likely has a reticulate history involving species in the two deepest clades within section Subsecunda. Nucleotide sequences have a strong geographic structure across the section Subsecunda, but shallow tip clades suggest repeated long‐distance dispersal in the section as well.
Responses of two bunchgrasses to nitrogen addition in tallgrass prairie: the role of bud bank demography
Authors: Dalgleish Harmony J. , Kula Abigail R. , Hartnett David C. , Sandercock Brett K.
Published: May 2008

Growth of tallgrass prairie plants, many of which maintain substantial bud banks, can be limited by nitrogen (N), water, and/or light. We hypothesized that tallgrass prairie plants respond to increases in N through demographic effects on the bud bank. We tested the effects of a pulse of N on (1) bud bank demography, (2) plant reproductive allocation, and (3) ramet size. We parameterized matrix models, considering each genet as a population of plant parts. Nitrogen addition significantly impacted bud bank demography in two subdominant species of bunchgrass:Sporobolus heterolepis(a C4grass) andKoeleria macrantha(a C3grass), but had no effect on the size of individual ramets. Emergence from the bud bank and ramet population growth rates (λ) were significantly higher inS. heterolepisgenets that received supplemental N. Nitrogen addition also affected the bud demography ofK. macrantha, but N addition decreased rather than increased λ. Prospective and retrospective demographic analyses indicated that bud bank dynamics were the most important demographic processes driving plant responses to nutrient availability. Thus, the variation in productivity in these tallgrass prairie species is driven principally by the demography of the bud bank rather than by the physiology and growth of aboveground tillers. Improved understanding of bud bank dynamics may lead to improved predictive models of grassland responses to environmental changes such as altered N deposition and precipitation.
Ontogeny in terminal buds of Abies nordmanniana (Pinaceae) characterized by ubiquitin
Authors: Veierskov Bjarke , Rasmussen Hanne N. , Eriksen Brian
Published: May 2008

Meristematic activity in the bud meristem of Abies nordmanniana was visualized by ubiquitin immunohistochemical localization from before bud break and throughout shoot expansion. Ubiquitin was detected in meristematic cells either in the cytosol or nucleus, or both, depending on tissue type and developmental stage. During winter dormancy, ubiquitin was only observed in the protodermal/hypodermal layers, but at bud break in mid May, the signal expanded to the entire shoot tip. At the end of May, a clear zonation in ubiquitin localization appeared that lasted about one month. Throughout this period, ubiquitin was barely detectable in a central group of cells that might indicate an organizing center with stem cells. At the end of June, coinciding with the transition from scale leaf to needle primordia production, ubiquitin again was more prevalent in the peripheral cell layers. During shoot expansion, a strong ubiquitin signal developed in the axil of all needles. Most of these signals later disappeared, except for those few axils where buds actually developed. A strong ubiquitin signal was also observed in cells lining the young resin ducts. Our data showed that ubiquitin may be used as a marker for metabolic activity associated with seasonal development in the apical meristem.
γ‐Tubulin and microtubule organization during meiosis in the liverwort Ricciocarpus natans (Ricciaceae)
Authors: Brown R. C. , Lemmon B. E.
Published: May 2008

Extant liverworts are “living fossils” considered sister to all other plants and as such provide clues to the evolution of the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) in anastral cells. This report is the first on microtubule arrays and their γ‐tubulin‐nucleating sites during meiosis in a member of the Ricciales, a specialized, species‐rich group of complex thalloid (marchantioid) liverworts. In meiotic prophase, γ‐tubulin becomes concentrated at several sites adjacent to the nuclear envelope. Microtubules organized at these foci give rise to a multipolar prometaphase spindle. By metaphase I, the spindle has matured into a bipolar structure with truncated poles. In both first and second meiosis, γ‐tubulin forms box‐like caps at the spindle poles. γ‐Tubulin moves from spindle poles to the proximal surfaces of telophase chromosomes where interzonal microtubules are nucleated. Although a phragmoplast is organized, no cell plate is deposited, and second division occurs simultaneously in the undivided sporocyte. γ‐Tubulin surrounds each of the tetrad nuclei, and phragmoplasts initiated between both sister and nonsister nuclei direct simultaneous cytokinesis. The overall pattern of meiosis (unlobed polyplastidic sporocytes, nuclear envelope MTOC, multipolar spindle origin, spindles with box‐like poles, and simultaneous cytokinesis) more closely resembles that of Conocephalum than other marchantiod liverworts.
Variation in resource acquisition and utilization traits between native and invasive perennial forbs
Authors: Drenovsky Rebecca E. , Martin Christina E. , Falasco Molly R. , James Jeremy J.
Published: May 2008

Understanding the functional traits that allow invasives to outperform natives is a necessary first step in improving our ability to predict and manage the spread of invaders. In nutrient‐limited systems, plant competitive ability is expected to be closely tied to the ability of a plant to exploit nutrient‐rich microsites and use these captured nutrients efficiently. The broad objective of this work was to compare the ability of native and invasive perennial forbs to acquire and use nutrients from nutrient‐rich microsites. We evaluated morphological and physiological responses among four native and four invasive species exposed to heterogeneous (patch) or homogeneous (control) nutrient distribution. Invasives, on average, allocated more biomass to roots and allocated proportionately more root length to nutrient‐rich microsites than did natives. Invasives also had higher leaf N, photosynthetic rates, and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency than natives, regardless of treatment. While these results suggest multiple traits may contribute to the success of invasive forbs in low‐nutrient environments, we also observed large variation in these traits among native forbs. These observations support the idea that functional trait variation in the plant community may be a better predictor of invasion resistance than the functional group composition of the plant community.
Taxon combinations, parsimony analysis (PAUP*), and the taxonomy of the yellow‐tailed woolly monkey,Lagothrix flavicauda
Authors: Matthews Luke J. , Rosenberger Alfred L.
Published: May 2008

The classifications of primates, in general, and platyrrhine primates, in particular, have been greatly revised subsequent to the rationale for taxonomic decisions shifting from one rooted in the biological species concept to one rooted solely in phylogenetic affiliations. Given the phylogenetic justification provided for revised taxonomies, the scientific validity of taxonomic distinctions can be rightly judged by the robusticity of the phylogenetic results supporting them. In this study, we empirically investigated taxonomic‐sampling effects on a cladogram previously inferred from craniodental data for the woolly monkeys (Lagothrix). We conducted the study primarily through much greater sampling of species‐level taxa (OTUs) after improving some character codings and under a variety of outgroup choices. The results indicate that alternative selections of species subsets from within genera produce various tree topologies. These results stand even after adjusting the character set and considering the potential role of interobserver disagreement. We conclude that specific taxon combinations, in this case, generic or species pairings, of the primary study group has a biasing effect in parsimony analysis, and that the cladistic rationale for resurrecting theOreonaxgeneric distinction for the yellow‐tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda) is based on an artifact of idiosyncratic sampling within the study group below the genus level. Some recommendations to minimize the problem, which is prevalent in all cladistic analyses, are proposed. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study on the interaction between 2‐mercaptoethanol, dimercaprol and CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Dong Fei , Han Heyou , Liang Jiangong , Lu Donglian
Published: May 2008

The interactions between 2‐mercaptoethanol, dimercaprol and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in organic media have been investigated by spectral methods. The results showed that the fluorescence (FL) emission of CdSe QDs gradually decreased, with a slight red‐shift, after adding thiols to CdSe QDs solutions. With the increase of the concentrations of thiols, the resonance light scattering (RLS) signal of CdSe QDs had been strongly enhanced in the wavelength range 300–500 nm, which was confirmed by the formation of larger CdSe QDs particles. The effect of thiols on the FL emission of CdSe QDs could be described by a Stern–Volmer‐type equation with the concentration ranges 1.0 × 10–6–7.5 × 10–4 mol/L for 2‐mercaptoethanol and 1.0 × 10–7–2.5 × 10–5 mol/L for dimercaprol. The possible mechanism of the interaction was proposed according to the results of UV‐vis absorption and micro‐Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that FL quenching was mainly attributable to the exchange of the QDs surface molecules. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning yeast actin cDNA leads to an investigative approach for the molecular biology laboratory
Authors: Black Michael W. , Tuan Alice , Jonasson Erin
Published: May 2008

The emergence of molecular tools in multiple disciplines has elevated the importance of undergraduate laboratory courses that train students in molecular biology techniques. Although it would also be desirable to provide students with opportunities to apply these techniques in an investigative manner, this is generally not possible in the classroom because of the preparation, expense, and logistics involved in independent student projects. The authors have designed a 10‐week lab series that mimics the research environment by tying separate fundamental lab techniques to a common goal: to build a plasmid with yeast actin cDNA cloned in a particular orientation. In the process of completing this goal, a problem arises in that students are unable to obtain the target plasmid and instead only recover the gene cloned in the opposite orientation. To address this problem, students identify four plausible hypotheses and work in teams to address them by designing and executing experiments. This project reinforces the utility and flexibility of techniques covered earlier in the class and serves to develop their skills in experimental design and analysis. As the project is focused on one problem, the diversity of experimental approaches is limited and may be prepared in advance with little additional expense in reagents or technical support.
Tonal interface to MacroMolecules (TIMMol)
Authors: Cordes Timothy J. , Carlson C. Britt , Forest Katrina T.
Published: May 2008

We developed the three‐dimensional visualization software, Tonal Interface to MacroMolecules or TIMMol, for studying atomic coordinates of protein structures. Key features include audio tones indicating x, y, z location, identification of the cursor location in one‐dimensional and three‐dimensional space, textual output that can be easily linked to speech or Braille output, and the ability to scroll along the main chain backbone of a protein structure. This program was initially designed for visually impaired users, and it already has shown its effectiveness in helping a blind researcher study X‐ray crystal structure data. Subsequently, TIMMol has been enhanced with a graphical display to act as a bridge to ease communication between sighted and visually impaired users as well as to serve users with spatial visualization difficulties. We performed a pilot study to assess the efficacy of the program in conveying three‐dimensional information about proteins with and without graphical output to a general scientific audience. Attitudes regarding using TIMMol were assessed using Rasmol, a common visualization package, for comparison. With the use of text and tones exclusively, a majority of users were able to identify specific secondary structure elements, three‐dimensional relationships among atoms, and atoms coordinating a ligand. In addition, a majority of users saw benefits in using TIMMol and would recommend it to those having difficulty with standard tools.