bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luminescence imaging for inline characterisation in silicon photovoltaics
Authors: Trupke Thorsten , Nyhus Jørgen , Haunschild Jonas
Published: February 2011

Luminescence imaging is a very rapid technique for the characterisation of silicon samples. Megapixel luminescence images on silicon bricks, unprocessed wafers, partially processed wafers and fully processed cells can be captured with acquisition times of typically a few seconds or less than one second. A number of specific luminescence imaging applications have been developed over the last three years, allowing quantitative spatial information to be gained about a variety of crucial material and device parameters. This paper reviews some of the intriguing possibilities for inline monitoring in PV production at an early stage of production that result from the above mentioned short measurement times. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantum confinement in germanium nanocrystal thin films
Authors: Holman Zachary C. , Kortshagen Uwe R.
Published: February 2011

Thin films of semiconductor nanocrystals with tunable optical properties are promising materials for new device applications, but progress has been slow for group IV materials. We report absorption measurements near the absorption edge of thin films of germanium nanocrystals synthesized in a plasma and impacted onto substrates. Band gaps extracted from the absorption data vary from the near‐bulk value of 0.73 eV for 9.0 nm nanocrystals to over 1.0 eV for 4.7 nm nanocrystals. These values are comparable to those reported for isolated, non‐interacting germanium nanocrystals, indicating minimal loss of quantum confinement upon dense film formation. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Power of tests for comparing trend curves with application to national immunization survey (NIS)
Authors: Zhao Zhen
Published: February 2011

To develop statistical tests for comparing trend curves of study outcomes between two socio‐demographic strata across consecutive time points, and compare statistical power of the proposed tests under different trend curves data, three statistical tests were proposed. For large sample size with independent normal assumption among strata and across consecutive time points, the Z and Chi‐square test statistics were developed, which are functions of outcome estimates and the standard errors at each of the study time points for the two strata. For small sample size with independent normal assumption, the F‐test statistic was generated, which is a function of sample size of the two strata and estimated parameters across study period. If two trend curves are approximately parallel, the power of Z‐test is consistently higher than that of both Chi‐square and F‐test. If two trend curves cross at low interaction, the power of Z‐test is higher than or equal to the power of both Chi‐square and F‐test; however, at high interaction, the powers of Chi‐square and F‐test are higher than that of Z‐test. The measurement of interaction of two trend curves was defined. These tests were applied to the comparison of trend curves of vaccination coverage estimates of standard vaccine series with National Immunization Survey (NIS) 2000–2007 data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrafast Large‐Area Micropattern Generation in Nonabsorbing Polymer Thin Films by Pulsed Laser Diffraction
Authors: Verma Ankur , Sharma Ashutosh , Kulkarni Giridhar U.
Published: February 2011

An ultrafast, parallel, and beyond‐the‐master micropatterning technique for ultrathin (30−400 nm) nonabsorbing polymer films by diffraction of laser light through a 2D periodic aperture is reported. The redistribution of laser energy absorbed by the substrate causes self‐organization of polymer thin films in the form of wrinklelike surface relief structures caused by localized melting and freezing of the thin film. Unlike conventional laser ablation and laser writing processes, low laser fluence is employed to only passively swell the polymer as a pre‐ablative process without loss of material, and without absorption/reaction with incident radiation. Self‐organization in the thin polymer film, aided by the diffraction pattern, produces microstructures made up of thin raised lines. These regular microstructures have far more complex morphologies than the mask geometry and very narrow line widths that can be an order of magnitude smaller than the openings in the mask. The microstructure morphology is easily modulated by changing the film thickness, aperture size, and geometry, and by changing the diffraction pattern.
Location of Biomarkers and Reagents within Agarose Beads of a Programmable Bio‐nano‐chip
Authors: Jokerst Jesse V. , Chou Jie , Camp James P. , Wong Jorge , Lennart Alexis , Pollard Amanda A. , Floriano Pierre N. , Christodoulides Nicolaos , Simmons Glennon W. , Zhou Yanjie , Ali Mehnaaz F. , McDevitt John T.
Published: February 2011

The slow development of cost‐effective medical microdevices with strong analytical performance characteristics is due to a lack of selective and efficient analyte capture and signaling. The recently developed programmable bio‐nano‐chip (PBNC) is a flexible detection device with analytical behavior rivaling established macroscopic methods. The PBNC system employs ≈300 μm‐diameter bead sensors composed of agarose “nanonets” that populate a microelectromechanical support structure with integrated microfluidic elements. The beads are an efficient and selective protein‐capture medium suitable for the analysis of complex fluid samples. Microscopy and computational studies probe the 3D interior of the beads. The relative contributions that the capture and detection of moieties, analyte size, and bead porosity make to signal distribution and intensity are reported. Agarose pore sizes ranging from 45 to 620 nm are examined and those near 140 nm provide optimal transport characteristics for rapid (<15 min) tests. The system exhibits efficient (99.5%) detection of bead‐bound analyte along with low (≈2%) nonspecific immobilization of the detection probe for carcinoembryonic antigen assay. Furthermore, the role analyte dimensions play in signal distribution is explored, and enhanced methods for assay building that consider the unique features of biomarker size are offered.
Enhancement of Cellulolytic Enzyme Activity by Clustering Cellulose Binding Domains on Nanoscaffolds
Authors: Kim Do‐Myoung , Umetsu Mitsuo , Takai Kyo , Matsuyama Takashi , Ishida Nobuhiro , Takahashi Haruo , Asano Ryutaro , Kumagai Izumi
Published: February 2011

Cellulose, one of the most abundant carbon resources, is degraded by cellulolytic enzymes called cellulases. Cellulases are generally modular proteins with independent catalytic and cellulose‐binding domain (CBD) modules and, in some bacteria, catalytic modules are noncovalently assembled on a scaffold protein with CBD to form a giant protein complex called a cellulosome, which efficiently degrades water‐insoluble hard materials. In this study, a catalytic module and CBD are independently prepared by recombinant means, and are heterogeneously clustered on streptavidin and on inorganic nanoparticles for the construction of artificial cellulosomes. Heteroclustering of the catalytic module with CBD results in significant improvements in the enzyme’s degradation activity for water‐insoluble substrates. In particular, the increase of CBD valency in the cluster structure critically enhances the catalytic activity by improving the affinity for substrates, and clustering with multiple CBDs on CdSe nanoparticles generates a 7.2‐fold increase in the production of reducing sugars relative to that of the native free enzyme. The multivalent design of substrate‐binding domain on clustered cellulases is important for the construction of the artificial cellulosome, and the nanoparticles are an effective scaffold for increasing the valence of CBD in clustered cellulases. A new design is proposed for artificial cellulosomes with multiple CBDs on noncellulosome‐derived scaffold structures.
Knowledge as cheating: A metaphorical analysis of the concept of ‘best practice’
Authors: Falconer James
Published: February 2011

Well entrenched after many years, and perhaps just as well obfuscated, the flawed concept of ‘best practice’ remains a guiding precept of management. Best practice is flawed because it acts as a placeholder for proper management practice, displacing accountability for effectiveness and fit. Best practice is flawed, further, because it supplants strategy, adopting solutions out of convenience or copying them reactively, and supplants innovation, allowing ‘the best we know about’, ‘the best we've come across’, or even ‘the best we've done before’ to be adequate. Best practice considers the world predictable, and discounts the emergence of better, novel ideas. In organizations that rely on best practice, knowledge management tactics focus on building repositories to house best practice artefacts. This fosters the ready harvesting of old ideas and reusing them in new applications. Over time, this leads to fewer and fewer new ideas, little improvement through reuse, and eventually diminishing marginal returns across the whole corpus. This, and a limited value (generation) proposition based on what is effectively ‘used’ knowledge, means that best practice represents a relatively poor investment from an intellectual capital perspective. Using metaphorical analysis to unpack the best practice orientation toward knowledge holistically reveals a cogent underpinning metaphor, knowledge as cheating, which is then analysed. The metaphor knowledge as exploration is then offered as a foil, with all the foregoing in mind, and subjected to similar, and comparative, analysis. It is found superior in both an absolute and a relative sense. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Science, decision‐making and development: managing the risks of climate variation in less‐industrialized countries
Authors: Kandlikar Milind , Zerriffi Hisham , Ho Lem Claudia
Published: February 2011

This article addresses the role of scientific knowledge in decision‐making with respect to climate variability and change in the developing world, with a focus on scientific capacity. We propose a ‘systemic’ view of scientific capacity for studying the relationship between science and decision‐making vis‐à‐vis climate variation, one that encompasses knowledge production, as well as its translation for and use in decision‐making. We analyze the challenges faced by developing countries in building capacity on each of these elements. Case studies on the production and use of scientific information for societal decision‐making at three distinct timescales—the weekly scale (Hurricanes in the North Indian Ocean), the seasonal scale (Climate Variability in the Sahel), and the decadal/century scale (Climate Change Impacts on Small Island States) are used to elucidate the scale and complexity of capacity building challenges. We argue that capacity building for coping with the impacts of climate change is interwoven with the capacity needed for meeting the challenges of development, particularly those related to short‐term climate and weather variation. Any serious attempt to build scientific capacity for decision‐making vis‐à‐vis climate change will need to embrace a ‘developmentalist’ position. WIREs Clim Change 2011 2 201–219 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.98

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Knowledge and Action in Development

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making
Channel capacity of OFDM systems employing diversity in fading environments
Authors: Le Khoa N. , Dabke Kishor P.
Published: February 2011

This paper derives capacity of a fading channel with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission employing diversity techniques and adaptive policies involving (i) power and rate, (ii) optimal rate and (iii) channel inversion with fixed rate. Two major diversity techniques are considered (i) maximal ratio combining (MRC) and (ii) selective combining (SC). Closed‐form expressions and/or bounds on various channel capacity with OFDM transmission under different scenarios are derived. Simulation results are given. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive channel preemption model for small‐cell embedded large‐cellular networks
Authors: Sheu Tsang‐Ling , Lin Chia‐Nan
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we present an analytical model of adaptive channel preemption (ACP) for small‐cell embedded large‐cellular (SCELC) networks. An SCELC network consists of a fixed base station (FBS) with large coverage and many embedded base stations (EBS) with relatively small coverage. Channel capacity in an FBS cell may become insufficient when traffic is unexpectedly increased particularly in some special occasion. This paper considers two aspects of dynamically allocating channels for an SCELC network. First, by increasing one or more EBS cells within an FBS cell, the proposed ACP can reduce blocking probability of new calls. Second, to reduce dropping probability of handoff calls, the proposed ACP allows a handoff call to preempt an on‐going call, when the latter is located in an EBS cell or in the overlapping area of two adjacent FBS cells. For the purpose of performance evaluation, we build an analytical model with 4‐tuple Markov chains. Numerical results reveal that embedding one or more EBS cells inside an FBS cell needs to be done carefully since it results in a tradeoff between the reduction of new‐call blocking probability and the increase of handoff‐call dropping probability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving quality of service in WiMAX communication at vehicular speeds: a new call admission control solution
Authors: Ahmad Iftekhar , Habibi Daryoush
Published: February 2011

Call admission control (CAC) scheme serves as a useful tool for the WiMAX technology, which ensures that resources are not overcommitted and thereby, all existing connections enjoy guaranteed quality of service (QoS). CAC schemes largely rely on readily available information like currently available resources and bandwidth demand of the new call while making an acceptance or rejection decision once a new request arrives. Since wireless channels are not as reliable as wired communication, CAC scheme in WiMAX communication faces a serious challenge of making a right estimate of the usable channel capacity (i.e., effective throughput capacity) while computing the available resources in various communication scenarios. Existing CAC schemes do not consider the impact of mobility at vehicular speeds when computing the usable link capacity and available resources. The main limitation of such CAC scheme is that when a mobile node moves at a slower speed and makes a connection request to the base station (BS), the BS evaluates the situation based on the currently available information. The BS in such cases, is short‐sighted and often overestimates the available resources as it completely ignores the scenario when the SS reaches its top speed within a very short time after a CAC decision is made, causing a significant drop in usable throughput. In this paper, we address this limitation of existing WiMAX CAC schemes and propose a new CAC scheme that estimates the usable link capacity for WiMAX communication at vehicular speeds and uses this information while making a CAC decision. We also present a CAC scheme that takes the speed distribution model of a mobile node into account during the CAC decision making process. Simulation results confirm that the proposed scheme achieves lower dropping rate and improved QoS compared to existing schemes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Language production and working memory in classic galactosemia from a cognitive neuroscience perspective: future research directions
Authors: Timmers Inge , den van Hurk Job , Di Salle Francesco , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. Estela , Jansma Bernadette M.
Published: February 2011

Most humans are social beings and we express our thoughts and feelings through language. In contrast to the ease with which we speak, the underlying cognitive and neural processes of language production are fairly complex and still little understood. In the hereditary metabolic disease classic galactosemia, failures in language production processes are among the most reported difficulties. It is unclear, however, what the underlying neural cause of this cognitive problem is. Modern brain imaging techniques allow us to look into the brain of a thinking patient online ‐ while she or he is performing a task, such as speaking. We can measure indirectly neural activity related to the output side of a process (e.g. articulation). But most importantly, we can look into the planning phase prior to an overt response, hence tapping into subcomponents of speech planning. These components include verbal memory, intention to speak, and the planning of meaning, syntax, and phonology. This paper briefly introduces cognitive theories on language production and methods used in cognitive neuroscience. It reviews the possibilities of applying them in experimental paradigms to investigate language production and verbal memory in galactosemia.
Features and outcome of galactokinase deficiency in children diagnosed by newborn screening
Authors: Hennermann Julia B. , Schadewaldt Peter , Vetter Barbara , Shin Yoon S. , Mönch Eberhard , Klein Jeannette
Published: February 2011

Galactokinase deficiency (GALK‐D), an autosomal recessive disorder in the Leloir pathway, results in accumulation of galactose, galactitol, and galactonate and leads to early onset of juvenile bilateral cataract. Highest incidence of GALK‐D is found in Romani populations. The migration wave due to the Yugoslavian civil war has changed the spectrum of inborn errors of metabolism within Europe. Hence, newborn screening (NBS) in the Berlin region, performed from 1991 until 2010 in 683,675 neonates, revealed an increased incidence of GALK‐D of 1:40,000, comparable to that of galactose‐1‐phosphate‐uridyltransferase deficiency. A total of 44% of GALK‐D patients were of Romani origin. All patients of Bosnian or Serbian origin were homozygous for the Romani founder mutation p.P28T. Detection of GALK‐D by NBS and early start of galactose‐restricted diet resulted in regression or prevention of cataracts. Slight cataracts without visual impairment occurred in 50% of the patients, 56% of whom were noncompliant. Further clinical symptoms, e.g., hypoglycemia, mental retardation, microcephaly, and failure to thrive, were associated with noncompliance. With treatment, galactose in blood decreased from 8,892 ± 5,243 to 36.5 ± 49.3 μmol/l, galactose in urine from 31,820 ± 32,103 to 30.0 ± 36.1 μmol/mmol creatinine, galactitol in RBC from 1,584 ± 584 to 12.3 ± 9.4 μmol/l, and galactitol in urine from 11,724 ± 4,496 to 236 ± 116 μmol/mmol creatinine. This is the first presentation of outcome and clinical features in GALK‐D patients diagnosed by NBS. As our data suggest, GALK‐D should be considered for inclusion in NBS in populations expected to have substantial numbers of GALK‐D carriers, e.g., Yugoslavian immigrants.
Influence of Soft Cocoa Butter Equivalents on Color and Other Physical Attributes of Chocolate
Authors: Torbica Aleksandra , Pajin Biljana , Omorjan Radovan
Published: February 2011

The physical characteristics and color of chocolate depend on the physical properties and crystallization behavior of the fat phase. In this study, the fat phase of chocolate samples contains cocoa butter from Ghana and soft cocoa butter equivalent (CBE). The laboratory‐made chocolate samples were tempered at three different precrystallization temperatures (25, 27 and 29 °C), using three different concentrations of CBE (3, 5 and 7%), calculated as percentage of the chocolate. Physical characteristics of chocolate, namely thermoreographic parameters and solid fat content (SFC), were measured. The color of the chocolate was determined instrumentally, before and after thermo‐cycle testing at 32/20 °C. It was found that CBE changed the melting properties of chocolate produced with cocoa butter from Ghana, which is of moderate hardness. It was determined that the optimum precrystallization temperature for chocolate mass with addition of CBE in the given conditions of measurement was 27 °C, the temperature that resulted in the best fat bloom resistance.
Ethnic Differences in Leaving Home: Timing and Pathways
Authors: Zorlu Aslan , Mulder Clara H.
Published: February 2011

The dynamics of leaving home for youth from migrant families in the Netherlands are examined using individual administrative data on the 1977 and 1983 birth cohorts for the period 1999–2004. A competing-risks approach is applied to distinguish leaving home for union formation, to live independently, and to share with others. Migrant youth, and particularly Turkish and Moroccan youth, leave home at a significantly younger age than Dutch youth, given the relevant background variables. This is remarkable, given the older ages at which young people in the origin countries leave the parental home. The result may be seen as evidence of how the potential effects of cultural norms are counter-affected by other factors, such as the facilities of the welfare state and the awkward position of migrant youth between two cultures. Considering the pathways out of home, the analysis largely confirms the expected pattern: Turkish and Moroccan youth leave home more often for union formation and particularly marriage, while this pathway is of minor importance for Dutch youth at early ages.
Surviving OR Computerization
Authors: Beach Myra Jo , Sions Jacqueline A.
Published: February 2011

In 2007, a steering committee at West Virginia University Hospitals, Morgantown, began a three‐year, accelerated design, computer implementation project to institute an automated perioperative record. The process included budgeting, selecting a vendor, designing and building the system, educating perioperative staff members, implementing the system, and re‐evaluating the system for upgrades. Important steps in designing and building the system included mapping patient care and documentation processes, assessing software and hardware needs, and creating a new preference card system and surgical scheduling system. Staff members were educated to use the new computer applications via contests, inservice programs, hands‐on learning modules, and a preimplementation rehearsal. Role‐based security ensures that staff members are granted access to the computer applications they need to perform the work defined by their scope of practice. Planning ensures that the computer system will be maintained and enhanced over time.
Perioperative Pharmacology: Pharmacotherapeutics, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics
Authors: Hernandez Johnanna , Goeckner BradLee , Wanzer Linda
Published: February 2011

Results of current research into perioperative medication errors have revealed that more than half of medication errors occur during the administration phase of the medication‐use process. The administration phase is the point at which the medication and the patient intersect and the medication imposes its pharmacological effect. During this phase, the only safety net between the patient and the medication is the health care provider's attention and care when administering the medication. To help mitigate these errors, perioperative nurses must understand pharmacotherapeutics: the use of medications to prevent, treat, cure, or alleviate symptoms of disease. Pharmacotherapeutics incorporates pharmacokinetics (ie, what the body does to a medication after it enters the system) and pharmacodynamics (ie, how a medication acts on the body to achieve a desired therapeutic effect).
Applying Lean in Healthcare
Authors: Moffatt Elizabeth K.
Published: February 2011

Applying Lean in Healthcare Joe Aherne and John Whelton 2010, Productivity Press 247 pages, $49.95 hardcover
Comprehensive Healthcare for the U.S.: An Idealized Model
Authors: Ford Yvonne
Published: February 2011

Comprehensive Healthcare for the U.S.: An Idealized Model William F. Roth 2010, CRC Press 174 pages, $49.95 hardcover
Revision of the criteria for Alzheimer's disease: A symposium
Authors: DeKosky Steven T. , Carrillo Maria C. , Phelps Creighton , Knopman David , Petersen Ronald C. , Frank Richard , Schenk Dale , Masterman Donna , Siemers Eric R. , Cedarbaum Jesse M. , Gold Michael , Miller David S. , Morimoto Bruce H. , Khachaturian Ara S. , Mohs Richard C.
Published: February 2011

The current criteria for classification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have deficiencies that limit drug development, research, and practice. The current standard for the clinical diagnosis of AD, the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke (now known as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (now known as the Alzheimer's Association) criteria, are nearly 25 years old and have not been revised to incorporate advances in the epidemiology and genetics of AD, studies of clinicopathologic correlations and recent studies of potential diagnostic biomarkers. In a very real sense our ability to diagnose AD with a very high level of certainty has outpaced our current diagnostic criteria. The Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable convened a meeting in April 2009 to discuss new data and technologies that could, with further development, enable improvements in the clinical diagnosis of AD, especially in its earliest and mildest stages. This meeting reviewed the current standards for detecting and defining the clinical presentation of AD and discussed areas that could contribute to earlier and more accurate definitive clinical diagnosis. These included clinical, neuropsychological, and other performance‐based assessments, genetic contributions, and biochemical and neuroimaging biomarkers that could reflect AD pathology and lead to better ascertainment of AD, mild cognitive impairment, and presymptomatic AD.
Cone beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint alterations in cats
Authors: Roza Marcello R. , Silva Luiz Antonio F. , Januario Alessandro L. , Fioravanti Maria Clorinda S. , Barriviera Mauricio
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to describe the use of cone beam computed tomography as an auxiliary method to diagnose changes to the temporomandibular joints in cats. We used five cats of various ages, breeds and genders that showed clinical signs consistent with changes in the temporomandibular joint. Cone beam computed tomography enables a complete and thorough examination of the temporomandibular joints by allowing the evaluation of selected images as a whole. It also enables the identification of all anatomical structures and any changes that may be present. The results showed that this method is effective in confirming or ruling out changes in the temporomandibular joint in cats, such as disjunctions of the palatine raphe; fractures of the mandibular symphisis, zygomatic bone and condylar; and dental resorption.
Tritrichomonas foetus infection in purebred cats in Germany: Prevalence of clinical signs and the role of co-infection with other enteroparasites
Authors: Kuehner Kirsten A. , Marks Stanley L. , Kass Philip H. , Sauter-Louis Carola , Grahn Robert A. , Barutzki Dieter , Hartmann Katrin
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection and associated clinical signs in purebred cats in Germany, to investigate the role of co-infection, and identify determinants of infection. Faecal specimens accompanied by epidemiological questionnaires were scored and collected from 230 purebred cats. Faeces were examined for trichomonads and other enteroparasites. The prevalence of T foetus was 15.7% among cats and 18.5% among catteries. An abnormal faecal score and history of diarrhoea were observed in 64% and 61% of T foetus-positive cats, respectively, and correlated significantly with infection. Co-infection, observed in 36% of T foetus-infected cats, was not associated with diarrhoea. Norwegian Forest cats were infected significantly more often than other breeds. No association was found with any environmental factors. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of symptomatic T foetus infections in purebred cats in Germany. Co-infection with other enteroparasites did not worsen clinical signs of trichomonosis.
Normal Doppler velocimetry of renal vasculature in Persian cats
Authors: Carvalho Cibele F. , Chammas Maria C.
Published: February 2011

Renal diseases are common in older cats. Decreased renal blood flow may be the first sign of dysfunction and can be evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. But previous studies suggest that the resistive index (RI) has a low sensitivity for detecting renal disease. Doppler waveforms of renal and intrarenal arteries demonstrate decreased blood flow before there are any changes in the RI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal Doppler flowmetrics parameters of renal arteries (RAs), interlobar arteries (IAs) and abdominal aorta (AO) in adult healthy, Persian cats. Twenty-five Persian cats (13 females and 12 males with mean age of 30 months and an age range 12–60 months) with normal clinical examinations and biochemical tests and normal systemic blood pressure were given B-mode ultrasonographies in order to exclude all nephropathies, including polycystic kidney disease. All measurements were performed on both kidneys. Both kidneys ( n=50) were examined by color mapping of the renal vasculature. Pulsed Doppler was used to examine both RAs, the IAs at cranial, middle and caudal sites, and the AO. The RI was calculated for all of the vessels. Early systolic acceleration (ESA) of RA and IA was obtained with Doppler spectral analysis. Furthermore, the ratio indices between RA/AO, and IA/RA velocities were calculated. The mean values of peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the diameter for AO were 53.17±13.46 cm/s and 0.38±0.08 cm, respectively. The mean RA diameter for all 50 kidneys was 0.15±0.02 cm. Considering the velocimetric values in both RAs, the mean PSV and RI that were obtained were 41.17±9.40 cm/s and 0.54±0.07. The RA had a mean ESA of 1.12±1.14 m/s2 and the calculated upper limit of the reference value was 3.40 m/s2. The mean renal-aortic ratio was 0.828±0.296. The IA showed PSV and RI values of 32.16±9.33 cm/s and 0.52±0.06, respectively. The mean ESA of all IAs was 0.73±0.61 m/s2. The calculated upper limit of the reference value was 2.0 m/s2. The mean renal-interlobar artery ratio was 1.45±0.57. The RI values obtained in this study were similar to values reported in the literature. Some conditions that lead to a decrease in compliance and to an increase in vascular resistance can affect the Doppler spectral waveforms without changes in RI. To our knowledge, there are no studies that were directed toward to the normal ESA values of the renal vasculature in Persian cats. This study introduced a new ratio between the PSV of the RA and the IA. This index was developed based on the well-known effects of Doppler on the detection of stenosis, regardless of the cause. Further studies are necessary to verify the hemodynamic behavior of this index under pathological conditions in cats as well as the effect of aging, nephropathies and systemic pressure on Doppler velocimetric parameters.
Clinical proteomics: Current status, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Chiou Shyh‐Horng , Wu Chi‐Yue
Published: February 2011

This account will give an overview and evaluation of the current advances in mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomics platforms and technology. A general review of some background information concerning the application of these methods in the characterization of molecular sizes and related protein expression profiles associated with different types of cells under varied experimental conditions will be presented. It is intended to provide a concise and succinct overview to those clinical researchers first exposed to this foremost powerful methodology in modern life sciences of postgenomic era. Proteomic characterization using highly sophisticated and expensive instrumentation of MS has been used to characterize biological samples of complex protein mixtures with vastly different protein structure and composition. These systems are then used to highlight the versatility and potential of the MS‐based proteomic strategies for facilitating protein expression analysis of various disease‐related organisms or tissues of interest. Major MS‐based strategies reviewed herein include (1) matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐MS and electron‐spray ionization proteomics; (2) one‐dimensional or two‐dimensional gel‐based proteomics; (3) gel‐free shotgun proteomics in conjunction with liquid chromatography/tandem MS; (4) Multiple reaction monitoring coupled tandem MS quantitative proteomics and; (5) Phosphoproteomics based on immobilized metal affinity chromatography and liquid chromatography‐MS/MS.
By design: James Clerk Maxwell and the evangelical unification of science
Authors: STANLEY MATTHEW
Published: February 2011

James Clerk Maxwell's electromagnetic theory famously unified many of the Victorian laws of physics. This essay argues that Maxwell saw a deep theological significance in the unification of physical laws. He postulated a variation on the design argument that focused on the unity of phenomena rather than Paley's emphasis on complexity. This argument of Maxwell's is shown to be connected to his particular evangelical religious views. His evangelical perspective provided encouragement for him to pursue a unified physics that supplemented his other philosophical, technical and social influences. Maxwell's version of the argument from design is also contrasted with modern ‘intelligent-design’ theory.
Prey sex pheromone as kairomone for a new group of predators (Coleoptera: Dasytidae,Aplocnemusspp.) of pine bast scales
Authors: Branco M. , van Halder I. , Franco J.C. , Constantin R. , Jactel H.
Published: February 2011

During the last decades, an increasing number of predators were found to use specific prey pheromones as chemical cues. Beyond its ecological relevance, this knowledge has practical applications on insect conservation and pest control. In this study, we present first evidence that two species of the family Dasytidae (Coleoptera)Aplocnemus brevisRosenhauer andA. raymondiSainte-Claire Deville use the sex pheromone of the pine bast scaleMatsucoccus feytaudiDucasse (Hemiptera: Matsucoccidae) as kairomone to locate this prey. The feeding habits and biology ofAplocnemusspecies are practically unknown. In the laboratory, the adults ofAplocnemussp. acceptedM. feytaudiegg masses as food source as well as other diets. Females represented more than 90% ofAplocnemussp. attracted to the pheromone lures. We believe that females use this olfactory cue to locate suitable places for oviposition and that larvae are the predators ofMatsucoccus. This study further demonstrates that the response to the kairomone elicited short prey searching times, about 23% of the individuals appeared less than 12 min after lure exposure, being consistent with the hypothesis of prey specialization. Habitat and geographical distribution predict an ancestral association ofA. breviswithM. feytaudiand ofA. raymondiwithM. pini. Nevertheless, a recent prey shift ofA. raymondito the invasiveM. feytaudiin Corsica is in progress.
Application of the law of diminishing returns for partitioning metabolizable energy and crude protein intake between maintenance and growth in growing male and female broiler breeder pullets
Authors: KUHI H. DARMANI , REZAEE F. , FARIDI A. , FRANCE J. , MOTTAGHITALAB M. , KEBREAB E.
Published: February 2011

The suitability of diminishing return functions such as the monomolecular and rectangular hyperbola equations, specifically re-parameterized for analysing energy balance data, has been investigated in ruminants, pigs, broilers and turkeys. In the current study, these equations were applied to a total of six time course profiles with male and female broiler breeder pullets (Ross 308 between 1 and 21 weeks of age, n=63 for each sex) in order to provide estimates for energy and protein requirements for maintenance and growth. Non-linear regression was used to estimate parameters and combine them to determine other biological indicators. All statistical computations were implemented in SAS (SAS 2000) by means of the NLMIXED procedure. The best-performing model was identified based on model behaviour when fitting the data, biologically meaningful parameter estimates and statistical performance. In spite of similarity between the biological indicators calculated for each sex using parameter estimates of the two models, quantitative examination of their predictive ability by error measurement indices showed the monomolecular model was superior. The metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) requirements for maintenance ranged from 365 to 432 kJ/kg live weight (LW)/d and from 4·3 to 4·9 g/kg LW/d, respectively. The average ME and CP utilization ranged from 11·30 to 12·10 kJ/g body weight (BW) gain and from 0·61 to 0·64 g/g CP intake, respectively. The results obtained using the models were within the range reported by different researchers. Utilization of ME and CP for gain was more efficient at low levels of energy and protein intake, and gradually decreased as the level of energy and protein intakes increased. In conclusion, the models described herein were considered advantageous because they could predict the magnitude and direction of the responses of growing broiler breeder pullets to dietary ME and CP intake, which can be used in choosing and developing special feeding programs to decrease production costs.
Rumen-protected choline supplementation in periparturient dairy goats: effects on liver and mammary gland
Authors: BALDI A. , BRUCKMAIER R. , D'AMBROSIO F. , CAMPAGNOLI A. , PECORINI C. , REBUCCI R. , PINOTTI L.
Published: February 2011

The current study investigated the effects of supplementing rumen-protected choline (RPC) on metabolic profile, selected liver constituents and transcript levels of selected enzymes, transcription factors and nuclear receptors involved in mammary lipid metabolism in dairy goats. Eight healthy lactating goats were studied: four received no choline supplementation (CTR group) and four received 4 g RPC chloride/day (RPC group). The treatment was administered individually starting 4 weeks before expected kidding and continuing for 4 weeks after parturition. In the first month of lactation, milk yield and composition were measured weekly. On days 7, 14, 21 and 27 of lactation, blood samples were collected and analysed for glucose,β-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and cholesterol. On day 28 of lactation, samples of liver and mammary gland tissue were obtained. Liver tissue was analysed for total lipid and DNA content; mammary tissue was analysed for transcripts of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS), sterol regulatory binding proteins 1 and 2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγand liver X receptorα. Milk yield was very similar in the two groups, but RPC goats had lower (P<0·05) plasmaβ-hydroxybutyrate. The total lipid content of liver was unaffected (P=0·890), but the total lipid/DNA ratio was lower (bothP<0·05) in RPC than CTR animals. Choline had no effect on the expression of the mammary gland transcripts involved in lipid metabolism. The current plasma and liver data indicate that choline has a positive effect on liver lipid metabolism, whereas it appears to have little effect on transcript levels in mammary gland of various proteins involved in lipid metabolism. Nevertheless, the current results were obtained from a limited number of animals, and choline requirement and function in lactating dairy ruminants deserve further investigation.
Ecological and financial impacts of illegal bushmeat trade in Zimbabwe
Authors: Lindsey P.A. , Romañach S.S. , Tambling C.J. , Chartier K. , Groom R.
Published: February 2011

Under conditions of political instability and economic decline illegal bushmeat hunting has emerged as a serious conservation threat in Zimbabwe. Following settlement of game ranches by subsistence farming communities, wildlife populations have been eradicated over large areas. In several areas still being managed as game ranches illegal hunting is causing further declines of wildlife populations (including threatened species such as the wild dog Lycaon pictus and black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis), threatening the viability of wildlife-based land uses. From August 2001 to July 2009 in Savé Valley Conservancy 10,520 illegal hunting incidents were recorded, 84,396 wire snares removed, 4,148 hunters caught, 2,126 hunting dogs eliminated and at least 6,454 wild animals killed. Estimated future financial losses from illegal hunting in the Conservancy exceed USD 1.1 million year-1. Illegal hunters’ earnings account for 0.31–0.52% of the financial losses that they impose and the bushmeat trade is an inefficient use of wildlife resources. Illegal hunting peaks during the late dry season and is more frequent close to the boundary, near areas resettled during land reform and close to water. Illegal hunting with dogs peaks during moonlight periods. Our study highlights several management and land-use planning steps required to maximize the efficacy of anti-poaching and to reduce the likelihood of high impacts of illegal hunting. Anti-poaching efforts should be aligned with the regular temporal and spatial patterns of illegal hunting. Leases for hunting and tourism concessions should ensure minimum adequate investment by operators in anti-poaching. Reserve designers should minimize the surface area to volume ratio of parks. Fences should not be constructed using wire that can be made into snares. Land reform involving game ranches should integrate communities in wildlife-based land uses and ensure spatial separation between land for wildlife and human settlement. Means are required to create stake-holdings for communities in wildlife and disincentives for illegal hunting.
The impact of civil war on forest wildlife in West Africa: mammals in Gola Forest, Sierra Leone
Authors: Lindsell Jeremy A. , Klop Erik , Siaka Alhaji M.
Published: February 2011

Human conflicts may sometimes benefit wildlife by depopulating wilderness areas but there is evidence from Africa that the impacts tend to be negative. The forested states of West Africa have experienced much recent human conflict but there have been no assessments of impacts on the wildlife. We conducted surveys of mammals in the 710-km2Gola Forest reserves to assess the impact of the 1991–2001 civil war in Sierra Leone. Gola is the most important remaining tract of lowland forest in the country and a key site for the conservation of the highly threatened forests of the Upper Guinea region. We found that Gola has survived well despite being in the heart of the area occupied by the rebels. We recorded 44 species of larger mammal, including 18 threatened, near-threatened and endemic species, accounting for all species recorded in pre-war surveys and adding several more (African buffaloSyncerus caffer nanusand water chevrotainHyemoschus aquaticus). Populations of primates were healthy with little evidence of decline. Duiker detection rates were low and further work is required to confirm their numbers as they include five species endemic (or near endemic) to the Upper Guinea region, three of which are threatened. However, the population of African forest elephantsLoxodonta cyclotishas collapsed, with only a few individuals remaining from c. 110 in the mid 1980s. We conclude that peacetime pressures from the bushmeat trade, clearance for agriculture, logging and mining are likely to be far greater for Gola than the pressures from the civil war.
Monitoring ungulates in Central Asia: current constraints and future potential
Authors: Singh Navinder J. , Milner-Gulland E.J.
Published: February 2011

Asia’s rangelands and mountains are strongholds for several endemic ungulate species. Little is known about the ecology of these species because of the region’s remoteness and the lack of robust scientific studies. Hunting, habitat modification, increased livestock grazing, disease and development are the major threats to the species. There is an urgent need for better monitoring to identify the size, distribution and dynamics of the populations of these species, and the threats to them, for effective conservation. The feasibility of standard scientific monitoring is greatly influenced by the remoteness of the region, the pre-existing scientific ideology, lack of expertise in the latest monitoring methods and awareness of biases and errors, and low capacity and logistical and financial constraints. We review the existing methods used for monitoring ungulates, identify the practical and institutional challenges to effective monitoring in Central Asia and categorize the methods based on various criteria so that researchers can plan better monitoring studies suited to particular species. We illustrate these issues using examples from several contrasting ungulate species. We recommend that scientific surveys should be complemented by increases in participatory monitoring, involving local people. The future of ungulate monitoring in Central Asia lies in a better recognition of the existing errors and biases in monitoring programmes and methods, allocation of more monitoring effort in terms of manpower, finances and logistics, understanding of robust scientific methods and sampling theory, and changing the scientific culture, as well as a commitment to ensuring that we monitor the things that matter.
Population trend and distribution of the Vulnerable common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius in the Mara Region of Kenya
Authors: Kanga Erustus M. , Ogutu Joseph O. , Olff Han , Santema Peter
Published: February 2011

The common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius can significantly influence the dynamics of ecosystems and engender serious conflicts with people but, in Kenya, one of the species strongholds, it has been little studied or monitored. We surveyed the hippopotamus population in the Masai Mara National Reserve and the adjoining pastoral ranches in 2006 using foot counts along 155.3 km of the main rivers. We counted 4,170 hippopotamuses in 171 schools. Comparisons with earlier surveys suggest that this population increased by 169.6% between 1971 and 1980 within the reserve and, although it did not increase within the reserve during 1980–2006, it increased by 359.4% outside the reserve during this period against a background of deteriorating habitat conditions. The overall density in 2006 was 26.9 hippopotamuses km-1 of river, equivalent to a biomass of 26,677 kg km-1 of river. The ratio of calves to 100 adults was 9:100 inside the reserve, 10:100 outside the reserve and 6:100 along tributaries of the Mara River, implying that the population is either increasing or that its spatial distribution is being compressed because of range contraction. The apparent increase in the hippopotamus population contrasts with marked contemporaneous declines in the populations of most other large mammalian herbivore species in the Reserve. We discuss possible reasons underlying the increase in the hippopotamus population.