bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Securing Alternative Funding for Wildlife Management: Insights from Agency Leaders
Authors: JACOBSON CYNTHIA A. , DECKER DANIEL J. , CARPENTER LEN
Published: August 2007

Abstract: State wildlife management is in a period of change unlike any other in its history. The growing human population in most states is having unprecedented impacts on the natural environment. At the same time, society's interests and expectations regarding wildlife and wildlife management, respectively, are changing. Increasing demands on state wildlife management agencies and subsequent costs, as well as the declining relative numbers of hunters, the traditional funding source for state wildlife management, have caused the state wildlife management institution to acknowledge and address the need to find and secure nontraditional funding sources. We interviewed administrators from 24 state wildlife agencies to understand these leaders' perspectives on how their agencies have responded to pressure to develop alternative funding mechanisms. Specifically, we wanted to know if agency behavior was generally consistent with a typology of strategic organizational response, ranging from passive conformity to active resistance. We found evidence that state wildlife agencies exhibited strategic behavior consistent with this typology and, in some cases, were innovative in their efforts to secure alternative funding. In other cases, agency behavior was limited by real or perceived external constraints, particularly political factors. We provide a modified typology of organizational response reflecting the context of state wildlife management. Not all responses are appropriate or feasible for all agencies, so agencies must evaluate their environments to determine which strategies offer the greatest potential benefits and least potential costs. Agencies unable to behave strategically due to political or other constraints would benefit from establishing broad‐based partnerships, including traditional and nontraditional stakeholders, with the purpose of building support for alternative funding of state wildlife management.
Using Digital Photographs to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Plover Egg Crypsis
Authors: NGUYEN LINH P. , NOL ERICA , ABRAHAM KENNETH F.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:The focus of digital photography has moved from documentation to quantitative analysis. To illustrate the potential application of this diagnostic tool to quantify color and shape, we photographed both artificial and natural semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) nests to determine what benefits, if any, were derived from egg crypsis (i.e., eggshell color and egg marking shape). This simple and cost‐effective method provides precise and repeatable quantification of color and shape that discriminated subtle differences in egg crypsis of artificial and natural nests that were not visible to us. The advantages of digital photography and image‐editing software outweigh any shortcomings, as long as standard protocols are followed for capturing and analyzing images. Used with due care, digital photography is useful in studies that need to quickly assign biological traits, such as age and sex, to individuals, and to document temporal change that may occur as a response to management or disturbance.
Variation in Brood Sex Ratios of Texas Rio Grande Wild Turkeys
Authors: COLLIER BRET A. , MELTON KYLE B. , DREIBELBIS JUSTIN Z. , KUVLESKY WILLIAM P. , PROUDFOOT GLENN A. , AGUIRRE RAY , HEWITT DAVID G. , SCHWERTNER T. W. , DEMASO STEPHEN J. , SILVY NOVA J. , PETERSON MARKUS J.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: We evaluated brood sex ratio (BSR) variation in Rio Grande wild turkeys (RGWT; Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) in the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains of Texas, USA, during 2005‐2006. Offspring sex was determined from DNA extracted from tissue biopsies of embryos from unhatched eggs or vascular tissue from eggshells of hatched and depredated eggs. Sex ratio across all eggs was 56.3% male (135/240; X21 = 3.75, P = 0.053). We found that mean population growth rate based on a population simulation with BSR at unity averaged 1.02 (range = 0.924‐1.058), whereas it declined to 0.978 (range = 0.816‐1.037) using BSR estimates from our study. Although our statistical analyses did not detect BSRs different from unity in BSR, our simulation modeling demonstrated that BSR variation caused biologically significant differences in mean population growth rates. Even though the biological mechanism controlling primary sex ratio remains unknown, our estimates of BSR should allow managers to more reliably predict population dynamics insuring viable RGWT populations across Texas.
Field‐Assessed Injury to Wolves Captured in Rubber‐Padded Traps
Authors: FRAME PAUL F. , MEIER THOMAS J.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Minimizing and understanding the causes of capture‐related injury should be a goal of every project that catches animals. We investigated the influence of age, weight, and sex on the field‐assessed foot injury of 96 wolves (Canis lupus) captured in rubber‐padded foothold traps. We then compared our results with those of 6 other types of wolf traps as reported in the literature. Injury from rubber‐padded traps was lower than that of other traps, and age, weight, or sex did not influence foot damage. Rubber‐padded foothold traps appear to be humane, and managers should consider their use for live capture of wolves.
Integrative focus on dynamic motor patterns and age hierarchy in the expression of aggression
Authors: Nathaniel Thomas , Aremu Mufutau , Olajuyigbe Femi , Chima Christopher
Published: August 2007

In this study, we analyzed the dynamic motor patterns of attack or defense and age hierarchy to investigate aggression in African mole-rats Cryptomys foxi and the house mouse Mus musculus. The objective is to verify if the social order of dominance is associated with age hierarchy within the social group. Using the resident-intruder experimental model, we created a series of dyadic encounters that comprised of a standard adult mouse or rat paired with groups of aggressive and hierarchically age-ranked small animals in a territorial aggression test. Our results indicate that though the adult animals displayed the highest level of aggression, indicating their dominant status, there was no age-related hierarchical formation in the expression of aggression. In the non-territorial aggression test in which rats or mice were grouped together, animals displayed low levels of aggression compared to the territorial test and no hierarchical age-related order. These results indicate that the magnitude of aggression expressed by animals in the social group, based on their motor patterns of attack and defense, seem to depend on individual competitive strategies in reaction to various environmental challenges and not necessarily on age hierarchy.
Reliability and Validity of the Tinetti Mobility Test for Individuals With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Kegelmeyer Deb A , Kloos Anne D , Thomas Karen M , Kostyk Sandra K
Published: August 2007

Background and Purpose

This study examined the interrater and intrarater reliability, concurrent validity, and criterion validity of the Tinetti Mobility Test (TMT) as a fall risk screening tool in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD).

Subjects

Thirty individuals with PD voluntarily participated in the study, and data from a retrospective review of 126 patient records were included.

Methods

Physical therapists and physical therapist students rated live and videotaped performances of the TMT. Tinetti Mobility Test scores were correlated with Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores and comfortable gait speed. The ability of the TMT to accurately assess fall risk was determined.

Results

Interrater and intrarater reliability was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient of >.80). Tinetti Mobility Test scores correlated with UPDRS motor scores (rs=−.45) and gait speed (rs=.53). The sensitivity and specificity of the TMT to identify fallers were 76% and 66%, respectively.

Discussion and Conclusion

The TMT is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the mobility status of and fall risk for individuals with PD.
Threshold strength and residual stress analysis of zirconia–alumina laminates
Authors: Moon Haksung , Bahk Je-Hyeong , Lange Fred F.
Published: August 2007

We dedicate this work to Wolfgang Pompe, a very good friend and a good friend of the Materials Faculty at UCSB where he and his wife, Gisela, shared their lives and fellowship.

Three different zirconia – alumina laminates, AZ50, AZ80, and AZ95, were fabricated via tape-casting thick Zr(3Y)O2 layers, dip-coating the zirconia tapes in a slurry containing a mixture of zirconia and alumina, stacking and bonding the coated zirconia tapes, followed by densification. Each composite had a different compressive stress by using different mixtures of alumina and zirconia (the number associated with each composite system refers to the volume fraction of alumina in the thin, compressive layers). After densification, the Zr(3Y)O2 layers were ∼ 425 μm thick, and the thin alumina/zirconia layers were 60 ∼ 65 μm thick. The threshold strengths, below which the probability of failure is zero, were determined to be 255 ± 8 MPa, 311 ± 7 MPa, and 421 ± 12 MPa for AZ50, AZ80, and AZ95 laminates, respectively. These values are about 60 ∼ 70 % of those calculated from a previously reported function. The surface and interior stresses were determined using a finite element analysis. The compressive stresses of the outer alumina/zirconia layers were determined using a piezospectroscopy method. The surface stresses for the thick zirconia layers were estimated using an indentation – crack length relation. The piezospectroscopy, analytical and finite element analysis results for the outer compressive layer were in good agreement. But, the finite element analysis showed that the compressive stress component on the surface of the compressive layers was approximately half the value of the biaxial compressive stresses deep within the thin, compressive layers. It appears that the much smaller compressive stresses on the surface of the compressive layers is one important factor that resulted in the lower threshold strength than predicted by the previously developed function used to estimate the threshold strength.
Crack formation in surface layers with strain gradients
Authors: Romanov Alexei E. , Beltz Glenn E. , Speck James S.
Published: August 2007

The problem of crack formation in surface layers where a linear profile of elastic strain prevails through the thickness of a layer is investigated. Such strain gradients can be generated, for example, in graded alloy semiconductor layers or due to specific stress relaxation mechanisms in lattice mismatched layers or previously unanticipated dislocation-related strain gradients. The operation of the relaxation mechanisms related to threading dislocation inclination and leading to the strain gradients in nominally compressed Al
x
Ga1 – x
N layers grown on buffer layers with smaller lattice constants is discussed. A fracture mechanics model is developed for the calculation of the stress intensity factor of mode I cracks initiated at the surface of the layer exhibiting a linear strain dependence. The critical layer thickness for crack formation in such a gradient elastic field has been found in the framework of this fracture mechanics model. Results of the modeling are compared with experimental observations of crack onset in nominally compressed layers of Al
x
Ga1−x
N semiconductors. Good agreement between the model predictions and the experimental data is found.
Threshold strength prediction for laminar ceramics from bifurcated crack path simulation
Authors: Bahr Hans-Achim , Pham Van Bac , Weiss Hans-Jürgen , Bahr Ute , Streubig Matthias , Balke Herbert , Ulbricht Volker
Published: August 2007

Thin compressive layers sandwiched between thicker tensile layers in laminar ceramics can stop unstable cracks. As shown by Lange and co-workers, the arrested crack propagates stably through the compressive layer under increasing load until a critical load or threshold strength is reached. In 4-point flexural loading tests, cracks can bifurcate after entering into the compressive layer. This paper presents finite element simulations of bifurcated crack paths and threshold strength prediction in two-dimensional approximation. In rather good agreement with experiments the calculated threshold strength increases with compression and is higher with bifurcated cracks than with straight cracks, and higher with loading axis parallel to the laminar plane than normal to it.
In-situ measurement of local strain partitioning in a commercial dual-phase steel
Authors: Ososkov Yuriy , Wilkinson David S. , Jain Mukesh , Simpson Todd
Published: August 2007

This paper presents the results of an in-situ Scanning Electron Microscopy study of the local strain partitioning between ferrite- and martensite-rich regions in a commercial dual-phase steel. A Scanning Electron Microscopy tensile micro-stage, coupled with strain measurement methodologies based on gold micro-grids and digital image correlation, has been used to measure inhomogeneous strain fields at the micron scale. It has been found that when martensite is distributed non-uniformly, local strain partitioning depends significantly on the local spatial phase distribution and morphology. Strain distribution maps can be developed which provide valuable information about local strain paths for both phases. The results suggest that a rather detailed description of the two-phase microstructure of such materials is needed in order to fully understand their mechanical behaviour.
Chemical Amplification of a Triphenylene Molecular Electron Beam Resist
Authors: Zaid H. M. , Robinson A. P. G. , Palmer R. E. , Manickam M. , Preece J. A.
Published: August 2007

Molecular resists, such as triphenylene derivatives, are small carbon rich molecules, and thus give the potential for higher lithographic resolution and etch durability, and lower line width roughness than traditional polymeric compounds. Their main limitation to date has been poor sensitivity. A new triphenylene derivative molecular resist, with pendant epoxy groups to aid chemically amplified crosslinking, was synthesized and characterized. The sensitivity of the negative tone, pure triphenylene derivative when exposed to an electron beam with energy 20 keV was ∼ 6 × 10–4 C cm–2, which increased substantially to ∼ 1.5 × 10–5 C cm–2 after chemical amplification (CA) using a cationic photoinitiator. This was further improved, by the addition of a second triphenylene derivative, to ∼ 7 × 10–6 C cm–2. The chemically amplified resist demonstrated a high etch durability comparable with the novolac resist SAL 601. Patterns with a minimum feature size of ∼ 40 nm were realized in the resist with a 30 keV electron beam.
Novel Percolation Mechanism in PMMA Matrix Composites Containing Segregated ITO Nanowire Networks
Authors: Capozzi C. J. , Gerhardt R. A.
Published: August 2007

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/indium tin oxide (ITO) nanocomposites were prepared by mechanical mixing and compression molding in order to study the properties and microstructure of the composites. The composites were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, and UV‐VIS spectrophotometry. It was observed that upon compaction of the powders above the glass‐transition temperature of the matrix, the PMMA transforms from spherical to polyhedral‐shaped, and develops sharp edges and flat faces. The ITO nanoparticles do not penetrate the polymer particles, resulting in a novel segregated network microstructure. Excellent correlation between the electrical, optical, and microscopy data also provide good insight about the behavior of the filler as the content is increased in the nanocomposites. There is strong evidence that the ITO nanoparticles are extensively displaced during compaction as the PMMA powders become polyhedral‐shaped. Our results indicate that percolation occurs due to the ITO forming a continuous network along the edges of the faceted PMMA particles. The ITO nanoparticles do not appear on the faces of the PMMA particles until after a percolation path has formed and a marked increase in electrical conductivity has occurred. This behavior significantly diverges from previous models for segregated network microstructures which proposed that percolation occurred as the result of limited displacement of the filler during compaction of the mixed powders.
Palladium Nanowire from Precursor Nanowire: Crystal‐to‐Crystal Transformation via In Situ Reduction by Polymer Matrix
Authors: Porel S. , Hebalkar N. , Sreedhar B. , Radhakrishnan T. P.
Published: August 2007

Precursor nanowires of potassium palladium(II) chloride crystallized inside a poly(vinyl alcohol) film are reduced to palladium nanowires by the polymer itself under mild thermal annealing. The chemical reaction occurring in situ inside the polymer film, including byproduct formation, is investigated through electronic absorption and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy together with atomic force and electron microscopy. The overall process can be described as a novel case of crystal‐to‐crystal transformation at the nanoscopic level. Optical limiting characteristics of the nanowire‐embedded polymer film are explored. The fabrication procedure developed, involving chemistry inside a polymer matrix mediated by the polymer, opens up a convenient route to the fabrication of free‐standing metal nanowire‐embedded thin films.
Synthesis and physicochemical studies of ferrocene‐containing materials
Authors: Iqbal Naseer , Khan Muhammad Saif ullah , Adnan Saeed M. , Akhter Zareen
Published: August 2007

Low‐temperature solution‐phase polycondensation of 1,1′‐ferrocenedicarboxylic acid chloride with newly synthesized aromatic diamines was carried out in tetrahydrofuran in the presence of triethylamine to form several new organometallic aromatic polyamides containing ferrocene units. The organometallic aromatic polyamides derived were in good yields ranging from 75 to 80%, amorphous with melting temperatures of > 350 °C. The monomers and the resulting polymers were characterized by their physical properties, elemental analysis,1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric studies of the resulting aramids were also carried out. All the polymers were insoluble in common organic solvents. However, all dissolved in concentrated H2SO4 forming reddish brown solutions. Their glass transition temperatures were quite high, which is characteristic of aramids. They were also stable up to 450 °C with 10% mass losses (14–23%) recorded in the range 400–470 °C. The activation energies for decomposition of each aramid were also calculated using the Horowitz and Metzger method. All polymers showed reduced solution viscosities in concentrated sulphuric acid, which may be attributed to non‐Newtonian behavior. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(isoprene‐b‐carbonate)s derived from hydroxytelechelic polyisoprenes
Authors: Derouet Daniel , Nguyen Tran Minh Giao , Brosse Jean‐Claude
Published: August 2007

The purpose was to develop a procedure to synthesize copolymer incorporating flexible polyisoprene blocks and rigid polycarbonate blocks, to obtain thermoplastic elastomer characteristics. The choice was directed towards poly(isoprene‐b‐carbonate) structures by using a condensation mechanism consisting to create carbonate functions by reaction between an organic dihalide and a diol carried out in presence of potassium carbonate, and by using hydroxytelechelic polyisoprenes as reagents. Polycarbonates of various structures were synthesized, followed by that of the required poly(isoprene‐b‐carbonate)s. The synthetic procedure thus developed has the advantage to allow a control of the structure and the composition of the copolymer according to the nature and the proportions of the reagents involved. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
New segment in new theory of polymer
Authors: Matsushita Yahachiro
Published: August 2007

Melting temperature (Tm) can be divided in two steps of (Tm–Tg) and Tg in the glass transition temperature. There are respective segments in both steps. The difference of elongation, which causes a separation between two arrays in segment, is of two kinds: mechanical and thermal. Tg is given as disappearance of the segment, which would not be so if the kind of elongation were the same. A prefix of micro at Brown on Tg is meaningless, because the segment can be explained from a different point view the phenomena shown as a sign of melting at Tg. Tg between polymer and components of CC bond in repeat unit is given as Tg = Σ[1/n(1%)/ai] = Σ[(1/n)Tgi], where α is the linear coefficient of thermal expansion, n is the total number of components, Tgi, αi is the value of component i. A magnitude of elongation of component Ci is given as αi with the result, which the side chains have functioned like a weighting function. Strength of linear polymer is connected with the total number of segments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Long‐Chain Polyamines (LCPAs) from Marine Sponge: Possible Implication in Spicule Formation
Authors: Matsunaga Satoko , Sakai Ryuichi , Jimbo Mitsuru , Kamiya Hisao
Published: August 2007

Two distinct marine organisms, diatoms and sponges, deposit dissolved silicates to construct highly architectural and species‐specific body supports. Several factors such as proteins, long‐chain polyamines (LCPAs), or polypeptides modified with LCPAs are known to be involved in this process. The LCPAs contained in the silica walls of diatoms are thought to play pivotal roles in the silica deposition. In sponges, however, a protein called silicatein and several other proteins have been reported to be the factors involved in the silica deposition. However, no other factors involved in this process have been reported. We have identified the LCPAs from the marine sponge Axinyssa aculeata and present here some evidence that sponge‐derived LCPAs can deposit silica and that the LCPA derivatives are associated with spicules. The results indicate a common chemistry between sponges and diatoms, the two major players in the biological circulation of silicon in the marine environment. A wide variety of organisms are known to utilize silica in their biological processes. Polyamines or other functional molecules might be involved, in combination with proteins, in their biosilicification process.
Open, reconfigurable cytometric acquisition system: ORCAS
Authors: Naivar Mark A. , Parson Jimmie D. , Wilder Mark E. , Habbersett Robert C. , Edwards Bruce S. , Sklar Larry , Nolan John P. , Graves Steven W. , Martin John C. , Jett James H. , Freyer James P.
Published: August 2007

A digital signal processing (DSP)‐based digital data acquisition system has been developed to support novel flow cytometry efforts. The system flexibility includes how it detects, captures, and processes event data. Custom data capture boards utilizing analog to digital converters (ADCs) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) detect events and capture correlated event data. A commercial DSP board processes the captured data and sends the results over the IEEE 1394 bus to the host computer that provides a user interface for acquisition, display, analysis, and storage. The system collects list mode data, correlated pulse shapes, or streaming data from a variety of detector types using Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows host computers. It extracts pulse features not found on commercial systems with excellent sensitivity and linearity over a wide dynamic range. List mode data are saved in FCS 3.0 formatted files while streaming or correlated waveform data are saved in custom format files for postprocessing. Open, reconfigurable cytometric acquisition system is compact, scaleable, flexible, and modular. Programmable feature extraction algorithms have exciting possibilities for both new and existing applications. The recent availability of a commercial data capture board will enable general availability of similar systems. © Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Test meal intake in obese binge eaters in relation to impulsivity and compulsivity
Authors: Galanti Kochavi , Gluck Marci E. , Geliebter Allan
Published: August 2007

Objective:

Studies have linked increased impulsivity and compulsivity with bulimia nervosa (BN). Less is known about this relationship in binge eating disorder (BED).

Method:

Seventy‐nine overweight participants (28 male, 65 females) were classified as BED (n = 22), BE (Subthreshold BED, not meeting full criteria for BED) (n = 21), and non‐BED (n = 36). Following an 8‐hr fast, participants completed psychological scales to assess impulsivity, compulsivity, and depression. They then consumed a liquid test meal until extremely full.

Results:

Test meal intake (TMI) was significantly greater for both BED and BE than non‐BED participants. Impulsivity and depression scores were significantly higher in BED and BE than in non‐BED participants. Men had significantly higher compulsivity scores than women. Impulsivity correlated significantly with TMI, accounting for 16% of the variance.

Conclusion:

There was greater impulsivity in BED and BE, compared with non‐BED. Moreover, impulsivity was the best predictor of TMI, and may play a larger role in BE than previously realized. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
A New Approach to Novel Cluster Compounds of Lead(II) Phosphonates
Authors: Du Zi‐Yi , Xu Hai‐Bing , Li Xiu‐Ling , Mao Jiang‐Gao
Published: August 2007

Five new lead(II) sulfonate‐phosphonates, namely [Pb3(L)2(H2O)2]·4H2O (1), [Pb(HL)(phen)]·H2O (2), [Pb6(L)4(phen)8]·3H2O (3), [Pb6(L)4(phen)10]·2H2O (4), and [Pb6(L)4(4,4′‐bipy)(H2O)2]·2H2O (5; H3L = m‐HO3S‐C6H4‐PO3H2, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline, 4,4′‐bipy = 4,4′‐bipyridine) have been prepared and structurally characterized. Compound 1 features a novel 3D framework in which 1D chains of Pb3O4 cluster units are further bridged by sulfonate‐phosphonate ligands, whereas compound 2 features a layer structure in which 1D chains of Pb2O4 clusters are further bridged by sulfonate‐phosphonate ligands. Compounds 3 and 4 represent the first zero‐dimensional lead(II) phosphonates and feature novel isolated hexanuclear lead(II) clusters in which six PbII ions are bridged by two tetradentate and two pentadentate phosphonate groups. Compound 5 features a 3D framework that is similar to that in compound 1 despite the different coordination modes for some sulfonate groups of the ligands. The main difference is that an aqua ligand in compound 1 is replaced by a nitrogen atom of the 4,4′‐bipy ligand, which results in the splitting of the large cavities in compound 1 into two small apertures in compound 5. Compounds 1 and 5 exhibit strong broad blue fluorescent emission bands at 398 and 420 nm, respectively.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Effect of Deprotonation of a Benzimidazolyl Ligand on the Redox Potential and the Structures of Mononuclear Ruthenium(II) Complexes
Authors: Sun Hongfei , Wang Mei , Jin Kun , Ma Chengbing , Zhang Rong , Sun Licheng
Published: August 2007

A monoruthenium(II) complex of the benzimidazolyl ligand and its deprotonated counterpart were prepared and structurally characterized. The reversible protonation/deprotonation process of the ancillary ligand switches the redox potential of the ruthenium(II) core from 0.69 to 0.26 V vs. Ag/AgNO3. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Asymmetric Induction by a Remote Chiral Substituent – Computationally Determined Stereodifferentiation in Michael Additions of α‐Lithiated Allyl Sulfones
Authors: Belostotskii Anatoly M. , Albeck Amnon , Hassner Alfred
Published: August 2007

The mechanism of stereoselectivity has been elucidated for the formation of two stereogenic centers in the products of Michael addition to ethyl crotonate by lithiated α‐anions of allylic sulfones bearing a remote chiral N‐substituent. In order to single out reactive carbanion structures, their conformational analysis was performed by ab initio calculations, finally at the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) level. Low‐energy reactant structures were aligned taking intermolecular steric contacts into account. It appeared that only two cyclic conformers of the sulfone nucleophile in which the Li cation is chelated by the anionic carbon, as well as the S=O and NH moieties, are sterically accessible to the crotonate approach. Chiral discrimination of one of these conformers is due to an additional Li–π interaction provided by the remote Ph group of the N‐substituent. The enantioselectivity for the formation of the second stereocenter is due to a different asymmetry of the molecular electrostatic potential (calculated ab initio) in nucleophile–electrophile interactions. Thus, the observed diastereoselectivity is the result of a Ph–Li+ interaction, as well as a combination of steric and electrostatic factors. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A Short and Efficient Synthetic Strategy for the Total Syntheses of (S)‐(+)‐ and (R)‐(–)‐Plakolide A
Authors: Mohapatra Debendra K. , Pramanik Chinmoy , Chorghade Mukund S. , Gurjar Mukund K.
Published: August 2007

Concise and efficient total syntheses of anticancer agents (S)‐(+)‐Plakolide A and (R)‐(–)‐Plakolide A were accomplished in eight steps and an overall yield of 39 % starting from geraniol. The key steps in our strategy are Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation, double elimination, and Stille coupling reactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A Domino Knoevenagel/1,6‐Heteroelectrocyclization Sequence to Access Phosphono‐2H‐thiopyrans
Authors: Riu Antonella , Harrison‐Marchand Anne , Maddaluno Jacques , Gulea Mihaela , Albadri Hashim , Masson Serge
Published: August 2007

Knoevenagel‐type condensation reactions between phosphonodithioacetate 1 and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes 2 directly afford 5‐phosphono‐substituted 2H‐thiopyrans 4. Use of heteroaromatic aldehydes allows the consecutive heteroelectrocyclization of the triene intermediate 3, provided that the aromatic character of the C5–C6 double bond is sufficiently decreased, which is the case for electron‐deficient indolenuclei. This Knoevenagel/1,6‐heteroelectrocyclization sequence represents a new domino process.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Photoacoustic detection of dissolved gases in transformer oil
Authors: Yun Yuxin , Chen Weigen , Wang Youyuan , Pan Chong
Published: August 2007

This paper investigates the applications of photoacoustic spectrometry (PAS) to analyze dissolved gases in transformer oil. An inexpensive experimental device with an electric pulse infrared light and six filters has been developed to detect six main fault gases in transformer oil, namely, CH4, C2H6, C2H4, C2H2, CO, and CO2. The method of choosing the characteristic wavelengths for the above six fault gases is discussed in detail. A weighted least‐square error method is proposed to analyze the measured data and to determine the component concentrations of dissolved gas in oil. Two sample sets of gas mixtures are analyzed by the experimental device for the purpose of verification. The PAS measurements are compared with the true values and the values measured by a conventional gas chromatograph (GC) method. The comparison results show that PAS is an effective way of analyzing dissolved gases in transformer oil, which exhibits some advantages in the gas detection such as consuming no gas, separating no gas, high accuracy, high stability, and rapid measurements. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the properties of discrete adjoints of numerical methods for the advection equation
Authors: Liu Zheng , Sandu Adrian
Published: August 2007

This paper discusses several aspects related to the consistency of the discrete adjoints of upwind numerical schemes. Both linear (finite differences, finite volumes) and nonlinear (slope and flux‐limited) discretizations of the one‐dimensional advection equation are considered. The analysis is focused on uniform meshes and on explicit numerical schemes. We show that the discrete adjoints may lose consistency near the points where upwinding changes, near inflow boundaries where another numerical scheme is employed, and near the locations where the slope/flux limiter is active in the forward simulation. Numerical results are presented to support the theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extension of efficient, swept‐integration‐based conservative remapping method for meshes with changing connectivity
Authors: Kucharik M. , Shashkov M.
Published: August 2007

Remapping is one of the essential parts of most arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian methods. Here, we extend the idea of swept integration introduced in (J. Comput. Phys. 2003; 184(1):266–298) to meshes with connectivity changing in Voronoi‐like manner. To demonstrate properties of the developed method, we present several numerical examples. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Colposcopy is not necessary to assess the risk to the cervix in HIV‐positive women: An international cohort study of cervical pathology in HIV‐1 positive women
Authors: Kitchener Henry , Nelson Linsey , Adams Joanna , Mesher David , Sasieni Peter , Cubie Heather , Moore Catherine , Heard Isabelle , Agarossi Alberto , Casolati Elena , Denny Lynette , Bradbeer Caroline , Lyons Fiona , Beattie Gerry , Niemiec Tomasz
Published: August 2007

The objectives of this prospective multicentre international cohort study are to describe the characteristics of a cohort of HIV‐1 positive women and determine the best management system by comparing cervical pathology according to results of cytology, colposcopy and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing at baseline and throughout follow‐up. A. Cohorts of known HIV‐positive women were recruited from 6 hospital‐based European centres and a community‐based South African centre. Following registration, women were reviewed every 6 months to undergo cervical surveillance including cytology, colposcopy, histopathology and HPV testing, using the HPV hybrid capture assay. Independent risk factors for the incidence of cytological abnormality and acquisition/clearance of HPV infection during follow up were identified. A total of 1,534 women were recruited, 400 of which were from South Africa. At baseline, among European women, 66% had normal cytology and half were HPV negative and among South African women, 45% had normal cytology and one third (32%) were HPV negative. The sensitivity of cytology (≥ASCUS) matched with that of colposcopy to detect CIN2+. Rate of detection of high grade CIN at 2 years was similar in European and South African women (11 and 9.3%, respectively). Cytology and HPV testing alone were each sufficiently sensitive as a screening test at 2 yearly intervals. Our data confirm the high prevalence of low‐grade cytological abnormalities and high‐risk HPV infection. Cytology appears to be sufficient for cervical surveillance, with HPV testing being less specific with poor positive predictive value. There appears to be no additional benefit from routine colposcopy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of chemically reduced pyrrolobenzodiazepine SJG‐136 in human plasma by HPLC‐MS/MS: application to an anticancer phase I dose escalation study
Authors: Wade Calcutt M. , Lee Wooin , Puzanov Igor , Rothenberg Mace L. , Hachey David L.
Published: August 2007

SJG‐136 1,1′‐[[(propane‐1,3‐diyl)dioxy]bis[(11aS)‐7‐methoxy‐2‐methylidene‐1,2,3,11a‐tetrahydro‐5H‐pyr‐ rolo[2,1‐c][1,4]benzodiazepin‐5‐one]] (NSC 694501), is a bifunctional pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer that forms selective, irreversible, interstrand DNA cross‐links via exocyclic N2 atoms of two guanine bases, with a preference for 5′PuGATCPy binding sites. SJG‐136 is highly cytotoxic in human tumor cells in vitro and in human tumor xenograft models in vivo at subnanomolar concentrations and is currently in anticancer phase I clinical trials in the United Kingdom and United States. To support correlative pharmacokinetics studies, a highly sensitive HPLC‐MS/MS assay was developed and validated for the reliable quantitation of SJG‐136 in human plasma, using the structurally similar PBD dimer DSB‐120 as an internal standard. Chemical reduction of SJG‐136 to its corresponding amine (SJG‐136‐H4, [M + H]+m/z 561) improved HPLC peak resolution and sensitivity by minimizing complications that arose from the reactivity of the labile imine moieties. Plasma samples were processed by protein precipitation and centrifugal membrane dialysis; components were separated by HPLC using an Agilent Rapid Resolution HT 1.8 mm (2.1 mm × 50 mm) analytical column. The total analysis time from injection to injection was 11 min. Electrospray MS/MS detection of SJG‐136‐H4 was based on the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transition [M + H]+m/z 561 → 301. The analytical response ratio was linearly proportional to the plasma concentration of SJG‐136 over the nominal concentration range of 25 pg/ml to 250 ng/ml, with a coefficient of determination of r ≥ 0.999. The intrarun absolute %RE was ≤19.6, 14.2, and 14.0% at 0.056, 2.83, and 56.3 ng/ml, respectively. The corresponding %RSD was ≤14.9%, 9.01, and 4.59%. The interday %RSD was ≤2.72, 3.46, and 5.20%. The lower and upper limits of quantitation were 0.056 and 56 ng/ml, respectively; recovery of SJG‐136 from plasma was ≥ 62% across the validated concentration range. The sensitivity of the validated assay was sufficient to detect SJG‐136 in human subjects for up to 6 h after intravenous administration of 6 µg/m2, the starting dose of an NCI‐sponsored dose escalation study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network requirements for sensor accuracy and precision: a case study to assess atmospheric variability in simple terrain
Authors: Melvin Melissa J. , Zygielbaum Arthur I. , Gutzmer Denise , Rentschler Scott , Bower Jeremy , Hubbard Kenneth G.
Published: August 2007

This simulation‐based study is an effort to develop design requirements for a hypothetical network of instruments to measure average atmospheric variability over a relatively simple terrain. A dataset of air and soil temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and soil moisture from the vicinity of Lincoln, Nebraska, was used to simulate atmospheric daily measurements (max and min temperature as well as infra‐red surface temperature (grass cover), relative humidity, wind speed and soil moisture) at various distances from the site. An analysis was performed to determine the instrumentation requirements needed to distinguish natural atmospheric variability from input instrumental error at the 0.05 significance level. Both accuracy and precision requirements were examined to determine the affect of systematic and random errors, respectively. It was found that sensor accuracy (small systematic bias relates to high accuracy) does not affect the ability to determine the atmospheric spatial variability. However, sensor precision (small random error equates to high precision) was found to affect the ability to determine the spatial variability of the atmospheric variable in question; commercial sensors are currently available that meet or exceed the precision requirements for all except one of the variables examined. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
An empirical model for the seasonal prediction of southwest monsoon rainfall over Kerala, a meteorological subdivision of India
Authors: Nayagam Lorna R. , Janardanan Rajesh , Mohan H. S. Ram
Published: August 2007

There are several studies showing a skillful empirical prediction of the All India Summer Monsoon Rainfall (AISMR) based on various combination of parameters as the predictors. However, the southwest monsoon rainfall over Kerala, a meteorological subdivision of India, bears a considerably low correlation coefficient with the AISMR. This implies that the existing predictors in the long‐range forecast models of the AISMR do not have much influence on the Kerala Summer Monsoon Rainfall (KSMR). This study attempts to examine the relationship of some ocean and atmospheric parameters with the rainfall and to formulate a linear multiple regression model for the long‐range forecast over a small area like the Kerala. Parameters having significant correlation (significant at 1% level) with the KSMR were identified for the period 1961–1994. The consistency of the relationship between these parameters and the KSMR was checked by doing a 21‐year sliding window correlation (significant at 5% level). Using a stepwise regression method, seven predictors, explaining a significant amount of variance in the KSMR were selected and a linear multiple regression model was developed. The parameters that explain the high inter‐annual variability of the KSMR are specific humidity, sensible heat net flux, relative humidity, zonal wind at 70 and 10 hPa, meridional wind and geopotential height. The characteristics of the forecast and its reliability were studied by various statistical techniques such as, Durbin Watson statistics and variance inflation factor. The model has a multiple correlation of 0.943 and coefficient of determination of 88.8%. The root mean square error (RMSE) was 6.60% (15.80%), bias (BIAS) was − 0.26% (6.20%), absolute error (ABSE) was 5.33% (13.15%) of mean rainfall for the training (test) period respectively. Climatological predictions were also made and the RMSE was (17.90%), BIAS (−5.40%) and ABSE (15.16%) of mean rainfall. The selected parameters were at least 2 months prior to the monsoon season and hence have predictive value. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Air temperature variation with time and thermally evaluated atmospheric conditions correlated with land use change in urban areas of Japan
Authors: Aikawa Masahide , Hiraki Takatoshi , Eiho Jiro , Miyazaki Hiroshi
Published: August 2007

The trends and variations in air temperature from 1987 to 2004 correlated with land use patterns in urban areas of Japan were studied in terms of urban heat islands. The air temperatures seemed to show an increasing trend; however, the differences were statistically insignificant due to the large variation and short survey period. The large increase rate of the air temperature was observed in the spring. The increasing rate of the air temperature at nighttime was larger than that during the daytime. The land use pattern was analysed using land use data prepared by the National Land Agency of Japan, and changes in land use were numerically explained by applying the thermal property parameter (c−1ρ−1κ−1/2). The relationship between the air temperature variation after sunset and the thermal property parameter was examined, and the air temperature variation after sunset was accounted for by the thermal property parameter. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Surface air temperature trends in Southern Brazil for 1960–2002
Authors: Marengo Jose A. , Camargo Claudia C.
Published: August 2007

Trends in minimum and maximum air temperature and in the diurnal thermal range (DTR), and derived indices of extreme temperatures since the 1960's are assessed for southern Brazil. Most meteorological stations show steep increases in the night‐time temperatures (depicted by the minimum temperature) as compared to slight increases in the daytime temperature (depicted by the maximum temperature), both year round and at the seasonal level. The warming trends are stronger during winter as compared to summer. Consequently, the observed annual and seasonal negative DTR trends in southern Brazil during the last 40 years are largely due to the greater increase in nighttime temperatures rather than daytime temperatures. At decadal timescales, the presence of more intense and frequent El Niño events during the last 20 years also contributes to warming and explains the steep increase in the air temperature extremes trends during this period, as compared to the relatively colder 1960–1980 period, especially for winter.

Indices of temperature extremes defined using fixed limits for maximum and minimum temperatures for colder or warmer days were compared with percentile‐based indices defined in the recent literature. The comparison shows that the frequency of warmer days increased during both summer and winter, especially during the last two decades. The observed positive tendencies in minimum temperatures and warmer days during winter occur even though extreme cold events and freezing conditions occurred in 1975, 1994 and 2000. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Simultaneous determination of formic acid and lower carbonyls in air samples by DNPH derivatization
Authors: Possanzini Massimiliano , Tagliacozzo Giorgio , Cecinato Angelo
Published: August 2007

The classical derivatization method of carbonyls based on 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)‐coated silica cartridges was tested to concurrently measure lower carbonyls and carboxylic acids in air samples. The performance of these cartridges with respect to formic and acetic acids was evaluated in a number of laboratory measurements on collection and reaction efficiencies. The results showed that HCOOH appeared to have been efficiently collected and derivatized (at 80°C for 8 h) up to air‐flow rates of 350 mL/min, while CH3COOH was almost completely lost from the cartridge above 100 mL/min. Also due to the high LOD of HCOOH (0.8 μg/m3) for 120 L of air sampled during 8 h, the DNPH method might be used only in indoor environments polluted by formic acid as well as carbonyls.
Rapid HPLC analysis of the antiepileptic lamotrigine and its metabolites in human plasma
Authors: Saracino Maria Addolorata , Bugamelli Francesca , Conti Matteo , Amore Mario , Raggi Maria Augusta
Published: August 2007

A liquid chromatographic method with diode array detection (DAD) has been developed for the analysis of the antiepileptic agent lamotrigine (LTG) and its metabolites, lamotrigine 2‐N‐glucuronide and 2‐N‐methylated in plasma samples. The analytes were separated on a C8 RP column, using a mobile phase composed of methanol and a 0.45 mM, pH 3.5 phosphate buffer containing 0.17% triethylamine (24:76 v/v). Melatonin was used as the internal standard (IS). The DAD detector was set at 220 nm for the detection of all the analytes. A simple protein precipitation with methanol guaranteed high extraction yield values (>90%) and good purification from matrix interference. Good linearity was obtained in the 0.1–15.0 μg/mL range for LTG and lamotrigine 2‐N‐glucuronide and in the 0.1–2.0 μg/mL range for lamotrigine 2‐N‐methylated. The analytical method was validated in terms of precision, extraction yield, and accuracy. These assays gave RSD% values for precision always lower than 4.3% and mean accuracy higher than 80%. The method seems to be suitable for the analysis of plasma samples from patients treated with Lamictal.
Multiresidue HPLC analysis of ten quinolones in milk after solid phase extraction: Validation according to the European Union Decision 2002/657/EC
Authors: Christodoulou Eleni A. , Samanidou Victoria F.
Published: August 2007

A rapid and sensitive analytical method was developed for the residue analysis of ten quinolones (enoxacin (ENO), ofloxacin (OFL), norfloxacin (NOR), ciprofloxacin (CIP), danofloxacin (DAN), enrofloxacin (ENR), sarafloxacin (SAR), oxolinic acid (OXO), nalidixic acid (NAL), and flumequine (FLU)) in cow's milk. The analytes were extracted from milk by a deproteinization step followed by a simple SPE cleanup procedure using LiChrolut RP‐18 Merck cartridges. Recoveries varied between 75 and 92%. HPLC separation was performed at 25°C using an ODS‐3 PerfectSil® Target (250×4 mm2) 5 μm analytical column (MZ‐Analysentechnik, Germany). The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of TFA 0.1%–CH3CN–CH3OH, delivered by a gradient program at the flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. Elution of the ten analytes and the internal standard (caffeine, 7.5 ng/μL) was completed within 27 min. Column effluent was monitored using a photodiode array detector, set at 275 and 255 nm. The developed method was validated according to the criteria of Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The LODs of the specific method of quinolones' determination in milk varied between 1.5 and 6.8 ng/μL.