bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating high-molecular-weight adiponectin is upregulated in preeclampsia and is related to insulin sensitivity and renal function
Authors: Fasshauer Mathias , Waldeyer Theresa , Seeger Jeannette , Schrey Susanne , Ebert Thomas , Kratzsch Jürgen , Lössner Ulrike , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Faber Renaldo , Stepan Holger
Published: January 2008

Objective

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious cardiovascular complication in pregnancy which is associated with an increased future metabolic and cardiovascular risk for mother and newborn. Recently, a paradoxical upregulation of the insulin-sensitizing and anti-atherogenic adipokine adiponectin has been shown in PE. Furthermore, high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin has been suggested as the biologically active form of this adipokine.

Design and methods

HMW adiponectin and total adiponectin serum concentrations were quantified by ELISA in PE (n=16) patients and pregnant control women without PE (n=20). Furthermore, HMW adiponectin and total adiponectin were correlated to clinical and biochemical measures of renal function, glucose, and lipid metabolism, as well as inflammation.

Results

Median maternal HMW adiponectin and total adiponectin levels were significantly and independently upregulated almost twofold in PE when compared with controls. HMW adiponectin and total adiponectin correlated positively with creatinine and negatively with fasting insulin in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

We show that maternal HMW adiponectin and total adiponectin serum concentrations are significantly increased in PE and are positively associated with markers of insulin sensitivity and renal dysfunction. Adiponectin might be part of a physiological feedback mechanism improving insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health in PE.
Free triiodothyronine plasma concentrations are positively associated with insulin secretion in euthyroid individuals
Authors: Ortega Emilio , Koska Juraj , Pannacciulli Nicola , Bunt Joy C , Krakoff Jonathan
Published: January 2008

Background

Thyroid hormones (TH) may influence glucose metabolism. Hyperthyroid subjects have higher insulin secretion rates when compared with euthyroid individuals.

Objective

To evaluate the association between TH concentrations and insulin secretion in euthyroid, healthy Pima Indian adults (n=55, 29±7 years, females/males 36/19) with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) admitted to a Clinical Research Unit.

Methods

TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), 3,5,3′-l-tri-iodothyronine (FT3), and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) concentrations were measured in fasting plasma samples, percentage of body fat (%BF) by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), acute insulin response (AIR), and incremental area under the curve (AUC) of insulin in response to a 25 g intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) respectively and insulin action (M) during an euglycemic clamp.

Results

FT3 concentrations were associated with FPI, AIR, and insulin AUC both before (r=0.33, P=0.01; r=0.29, P=0.03; and r=0.35, P=0.008 respectively) and after adjustment for age, sex, %BF, glucose (fasting concentrations or glucose AUC), and M (β=0.09, P=0.01; β=0.16, P=0.03; and β=0.24, P=0.0007 respectively). No associations were found for TSH or FT4.

Conclusion

FT3 was associated with several measurements of insulin secretion in euthyroid individuals with NGT. T3 concentrations may play a role in the regulation of insulin secretion.
Associations of age-dependent IGF-I SDS with cardiovascular diseases and risk conditions: cross-sectional study in 6773 primary care patients
Authors: Jörn Schneider Harald , Klotsche Jens , Saller Bernhard , Böhler Steffen , Sievers Caroline , Pittrow David , Ruf Günther , März Winfried , Erwa Wolfang , Zeiher Andreas M , Silber Sigmund , Lehnert Hendrik , Wittchen Hans-Ullrich , Stalla Günter Karl
Published: January 2008

Objective

We aimed at investigating the association of age-dependent IGF-I SDS with diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and heart diseases, in a large patient sample.

Background

IGF-I has been suggested to be associated with several diseases and a prognostic marker for the development of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors. The findings, though, have been inconsistent possibly due to the methodological factors.

Methods

We studied 6773 consecutive primary care patients, aged 18+ years, in a cross-sectional, epidemiological study in primary care, Diabetes Cardiovascular Risk-Evaluation: Targets and Essential Data for Commitment of Treatment study. All patients underwent a standardized clinical diagnostic and laboratory assessment. IGF-I levels were measured with an automated chemiluminescence assay system. We calculated the odds ratios (OR) for diseases in quintiles of IGF-I, and additionally analyzed the association of age-dependent IGF-I SDS with these conditions.

Results

After multiple adjustments for confounders, we found increased ORs for coronary artery disease in patients with high IGF-I. Women, but not men, with low IGF-I also showed increased ORs for coronary artery disease. Dyslipidemia was positively associated with IGF-I. Type 2 diabetes showed a curvilinear association with IGF-I SDS.

Conclusions

The findings suggest the existence of multiple and complex interactions between IGF-I and several health conditions. The complex nature of disease- and subgroup-specific associations along with the methodological factors can be held responsible for divergent findings in previous studies.
The association of primary hyperparathyroidism and primary ovarian failure: a de novo t(X; 2) (q22p13) reciprocal translocation
Authors: Bano Gul , Mansour Sahar , Nussey Stephen
Published: January 2008

Case: A 40-year-old female presented with primary amenorrhoea at 17 years of age. She was tall at 98th centile for height with eunuchoidal body habitus. Her breast development was Tanner stage 3, pubic and axillary hair Tanner stage 4 with normal external genitalia. Her bone age was 13.4 years at a chronological age of 17.8 years. Gonadotrophins were elevated indicating primary ovarian failure. A diagnostic laparotomy revealed hypoplastic, infantile uterus with bilateral streak gonads. Chromosomal analysis showed a balanced reciprocal translocation 46X, t(X; 2) (q22 p13). She became pregnant by in vitro fertilization with egg donation at the age of 36 years. At 13 weeks of gestation, she presented with intractable vomiting. She had raised corrected serum calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations consistent with the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). She underwent parathyroidectomy at 24 weeks of gestation with removal of a large left inferior parathyroid adenoma which normalized her serum calcium. Multipoint linkage from a genome-wide screen has identified a region of suggestive linkage on chromosome 2p13.3–14 in some cases of familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case of primary amenorrhoea due to reciprocal translocation involving chromosome 2 and the X chromosome associated with PHPT. PHPT in this case is most likely to be as a result of chromosome 2 involvement where a locus for FIHP has been identified. Identification of the gene involved on chromosome 2p13.3–14 will be of considerable interest.
Implication of lipocalin-2 and visfatin levels in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Choi K M , Lee J S , Kim E J , Baik S H , Seo H S , Choi D S , Oh D J , Park C G
Published: January 2008

Objectives

Visfatin and lipocalin-2 are novel adipokines associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity-related metabolic disorders. We compared lipocalin-2 and visfatin concentrations between patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and control subjects and evaluated their association with cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

We examined serum visfatin, lipocalin-2 levels, and cardiovascular risk factors in 91 subjects (49 patients with angiographically confirmed CHD versus 42 age- and gender-matched control participants).

Results

Circulating lipocalin-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with CHD compared with the control subjects (82.6±38.7 ng/ml versus 43.8±27.8 ng/ml; P<0.001). However, visfatin levels were not significantly different between patients with CHD and control subjects. Serum lipocalin-2 levels were positively associated with weight (r=0.26; P=0.036), fasting insulin (r=0.36; P=0.003), and IR (r=0.33; P=0.007), whereas these levels showed a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (r=−0.30; P=0.016) after adjustment for gender and body mass index. However, visfatin levels were not associated with any variables of the metabolic syndrome. The multiple regression analysis showed that lipocalin-2 levels were independently associated with HDL cholesterol and IR (R2=0.199). Furthermore, the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure, IR, and lipocalin-2 levels were independently associated with CHD.

Conclusions

Serum lipocalin-2 levels were significantly elevated in patients with CHD and were independently associated with CHD. The present findings suggest that the measurement of serum lipocalin-2 levels may be useful for assessing CHD risk.
Anti-hypothalamus and anti-pituitary antibodies may contribute to perpetuate the hypopituitarism in patients with Sheehan's syndrome
Authors: De Bellis Annamaria , Kelestimur Fahrettin , Agostino Sinisi Antonio , Ruocco Giuseppe , Tirelli Gilda , Battaglia Marina , Bellastella Giuseppe , Conzo Giovanni , Tanriverdi Fatih , Unluhizarci Kursad , Bizzarro Antonio , Bellastella Antonio
Published: January 2008

Objective

While anti-pituitary antibodies (APAs) were detected in some patients with Sheehan's syndrome (SS) suggesting an autoimmune pituitary involvement in the development of their hypopituitarism, hypothalamic cell anti-hypothalamus antibodies (AHAs) have not been investigated so far.

Design

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of AHA and APA in SS patients to verify whether an autoimmune hypothalamic–pituitary process can contribute to their late hypopituitarism.

Methods

Twenty women with SS with a duration of disease ranging from 3 to 40 years (median 25.5 years) were enrolled into the study. Out of 20 patients, 12 (60%) had panhypopituitarism and the others had partial hypopituitarism well corrected with appropriate replacement therapy. None of them had clinical central diabetes insipidus. AHA and APA were investigated by immunofluorescence method in all patients. In addition, a four-layer immunofluorescence method was used to verify whether AHA immunostained vasopressin-secreting cells (AVP-c) or not.

Results

AHAs were found in 8 out of 20 (40%) and APAs in 7 out of 20 (35%) patients with titers ranging from 1:32 to 1:128 and 1:16 to 1:32 respectively; however, in none of these positive patients AHA immunostained vasopressin cells. None of controls resulted positive for both antibodies.

Conclusions

Patients with SS, even many years after the onset of SS, can show antibodies to pituitary and/or hypothalamic but not AVP-secreting cells. Antibodies to unknown hypothalamic cells (releasing factor-secreting cells) other than APAs suggest that an autoimmune process involving both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland may contribute to late pituitary dysfunction in SS patients.
Progression of medullary thyroid carcinoma: assessment with calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen doubling times
Authors: Laure Giraudet Anne , Al Ghulzan Abir , Aupérin Anne , Leboulleux Sophie , Chehboun Ahmed , Troalen Frédéric , Dromain Clarisse , Lumbroso Jean , Baudin Eric , Schlumberger Martin
Published: January 2008

Objective

The progression of medullary thyroid cancer is difficult to assess with imaging modalities; we studied the interest of calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) doubling times and of Ki-67 labeling and mitotic index (MI).

Patients and methods

Fifty-five consecutive medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) patients with elevated calcitonin levels underwent repeated imaging studies in order to assess tumor burden and progression status. We looked for relationships between tumor burden and levels of calcitonin and CEA and between progression status according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) and calcitonin and CEA doubling times, and Ki-67 labeling and MI.

Results

The calcitonin and CEA levels were correlated with tumor burden. Ten patients with calcitonin levels below 816 pg/ml had no imaged tumor foci. Among the 45 patients with imaged tumor foci, 19 had stable disease and 26 had progressive disease, according to the RECIST. The calcitonin and CEA doubling times were strongly related to disease progression, with very few overlaps: 94% of patients with doubling times shorter than 25 months had progressive disease and 86% of patients with doubling times longer than 24 months had stable disease. Ki-67 labeling and MI were not significantly associated with disease progression.

Conclusion

For MTC patients, the doubling times of both calcitonin and CEA are efficient tools for assessing tumor progression.
Insulin sensitivity and resistin levels in gestational diabetes mellitus and after parturition
Authors: Megia Ana , Vendrell Joan , Gutierrez Cristina , Sabaté Modest , Broch Montse , Fernández-Real José-Manuel , Simón Inmaculada
Published: January 2008

Context

Resistin is expressed and secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. Increased serum resistin levels have been found in the second half of normal pregnancy, but its role in the pathogenesis of the insulin resistance of pregnancy is undetermined.

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between circulating resistin levels and insulin sensitivity in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Design and setting

A case (n=23)–control (n=35) study was performed at the obstetrics and endocrinology clinic of a university hospital.

Patients

In total, 58 Caucasian women with a singleton pregnancy who had been referred for a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test were enrolled between the weeks 26 and 30, and 22 women with GDM were also evaluated after pregnancy.

Main outcome measures

Serum resistin and insulin sensitivity in GDM during and after pregnancy. The relationship of resistin to metabolic abnormalities was evaluated.

Results

Resistin levels were lower in GDM women than in pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (4.32±1.56 vs 9.30±1.32 ng/ml, P<0.001), and experienced a further decrease after parturition (4.24±1.56 vs 3.11±1.63 ng/ml, P=0.003). The association between low serum resistin levels and the diagnosis of GDM was independent of the degree of insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

Lower resistin levels were observed in GDM than in NGT women and decreased after parturition, suggesting a role for resistin in the development of this disease. But we have failed to find an independent relationship between resistin levels and insulin sensitivity during pregnancy.
How Risky Are Social Networking Sites? A Comparison of Places Online Where Youth Sexual Solicitation and Harassment Occurs
Authors: Ybarra Michele L. , Mitchell Kimberly J.
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE. Recently, public attention has focused on the possibility that social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are being widely used to sexually solicit underage youth, consequently increasing their vulnerability to sexual victimization. Beyond anecdotal accounts, however, whether victimization is more commonly reported in social networking sites is unknown.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS. The Growing up With Media Survey is a national cross-sectional online survey of 1588 youth. Participants were 10- to 15-year-old youth who have used the Internet at least once in the last 6 months. The main outcome measures were unwanted sexual solicitation on the Internet, defined as unwanted requests to talk about sex, provide personal sexual information, and do something sexual, and Internet harassment, defined as rude or mean comments, or spreading of rumors.

RESULTS. Fifteen percent of all of the youth reported an unwanted sexual solicitation online in the last year; 4% reported an incident on a social networking site specifically. Thirty-three percent reported an online harassment in the last year; 9% reported an incident on a social networking site specifically. Among targeted youth, solicitations were more commonly reported via instant messaging (43%) and in chat rooms (32%), and harassment was more commonly reported in instant messaging (55%) than through social networking sites (27% and 28%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS. Broad claims of victimization risk, at least defined as unwanted sexual solicitation or harassment, associated with social networking sites do not seem justified. Prevention efforts may have a greater impact if they focus on the psychosocial problems of youth instead of a specific Internet application, including funding for online youth outreach programs, school antibullying programs, and online mental health services.
Bearing capacity of square footing on reinforced pond ash
Authors: Bera A. K. , Ghosh A. , Ghosh A.
Published: January 2008

This paper presents the ultimate bearing capacity of square footing on pond ash reinforced with a single layer of geotextile reinforcement. The effect of different vital bearing-capacity parameters on the ultimate bearing capacity (qru) of square footing on reinforced pond ash has been studied. Parameters considered include depth of the reinforcement layer below the footing (u) and friction ratio (f ▪ ψ/φd)—that is, the ratio of the pond ash reinforcement interface friction angle (ψ) to the direct shear friction angle of pond ash (φd). The value of u/B (B being the width of footing) corresponding to the maximum ultimate bearing capacity is considered as optimum u/B in the current study. In the present investigation the value of optimum u/B ratio was found to increase with increase in friction ratio (f ). With increase in friction ratio (f ), bearing capacity ratio (BCRu= (qru/qu) where qu is the ultimate bearing capacity of square footing, of the same size as that for qru, on unreinforced pond ash) increases. In the present investigation BCRu increases from 1·1180 to 1·4158 with a corresponding increase in friction ratio (f ) of 0·7073 to 0·9230.
Analysis of soil-reinforcement interaction in reinforced soil beds
Authors: Raghavendra H. B.
Published: January 2008

A reinforced soil bed is a composite material composed of stiffer materials called ‘reinforcement’ embedded in the soil bed. Reinforcement inclusion in a soil bed results in a significant improvement in the bearing capacity and in reduced settlement. As a result, soil reinforced with strips, fabrics, sheets, grids and cells has become commonplace. Research is being carried out worldwide to study the effect of reinforcing elements in soil beds. The current paper describes an attempt to understand the soil-reinforcement interaction in soil beds that carry footing. The aim of the present study is to understand the changes brought about by the inclusion of reinforcement inside the soil system in terms of altered stresses and displacements at different increments of loading. The investigation uses the finite-element technique for the analysis and consists of a study of: (a) nodal displacement vectors, (b) deformed meshes and (c) failure initiation and progression. Based on the results of the above analysis, an attempt is made to understand clearly how the stiffer reinforcement enhances the load-carrying capacity, restricting the settlement. Results of the analysis are presented by means of illustrations between unreinforced soil beds and reinforced soil beds.
Vulnerability of Domestic Sheep to Lynx Depredation in Relation to Roe Deer Density
Authors: ODDEN JOHN , HERFINDAL IVAR , LINNELL JOHN D. C. , ANDERSEN REIDAR
Published: January 2008

Abstract The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) causes large loss of free‐ranging domestic sheep in Norway. We tested whether the observed higher kill rates by male lynx than female lynx were related to an association between the availability of the main natural prey, as measured by roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) habitat suitability, presence of sheep, and habitat selection of male and female lynx. We found that lynx selected areas with high roe deer suitability during summer and winter. Moreover, during summer, compared to male lynx, females had greater selection for roe deer areas and a stronger avoidance for sheep grazing areas, which suggests that previously observed differences in kill rates between male and female lynx can be attributed to sex‐specific habitat use during summer. The connection between lynx habitat use and roe deer also was reflected in a positive relationship between the roe deer suitability of a sheep grazing area and the total loss of lambs, which suggests that livestock, rather than being actively selected, are mainly killed by lynx incidentally when encountered during other lynx activities (e.g., searching for natural prey species). Therefore, any management practice that separates lynx and sheep, such as concentrating livestock into small patches or less preferred habitats, may reduce depredation.
A Critical Review of Home Range Studies
Authors: LAVER PETER N. , KELLY MARCELLA J.
Published: January 2008

Abstract No consensus currently exists for the methods of estimation of home range size or for reporting home‐range analysis results. Studies currently employ a variety of disparate methods or provide inadequate information for reproducing their analyses. We reviewed 161 home range studies published in 2004, 2005, and 2006 to assess what methods are currently employed and how results are reported. We found that home range reporting was generally inadequate for reproducing studies; that the methods employed varied considerably; that home range estimates were often reported and analyzed using inappropriate methods; and that many comparisons were made between studies that may produce spurious results. We urge for minimum editorial standards for reporting home range studies and we urge researchers to follow a unified methodology for estimating animal home ranges. We supply recommendations for such reporting and methodology. These recommendations will increase the reproducibility of studies and allow for more robust comparisons between studies.
Low Genotyping Error Rates and Noninvasive Sampling in Bighorn Sheep
Authors: LUIKART GORDON , ZUNDEL STEPHANIE , RIOUX DELPINE , MIQUEL CHRISTIAN , KEATING KIM A. , HOGG JOHN T. , STEELE BRIAN , FORESMAN KERRY , TABERLET PIERRE
Published: January 2008

Abstract Noninvasive DNA sampling allows studies of natural populations without disturbing the target animals. Unfortunately, high genotyping error rates often make noninvasive studies difficult. We report low error rates (0.0–7.5%/locus) when genotyping 18 microsatellite loci in only 4 multiplex polymerase chain reaction amplifications using fecal DNA from bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). The average locus‐specific error rates varied significantly between the 2 populations (0.13% vs. 1.6%; P < 0.001), as did multi‐locus genotype error rates (2.3% vs. 14.1%; P < 0.007). This illustrates the importance of quantifying error rates in each study population (and for each season and sample preservation method) before initiating a noninvasive study. Our error rates are among the lowest reported for fecal samples collected noninvasively in the field. This and other recent studies suggest that noninvasive fecal samples can be used in species with pellet‐form feces for nearly any study (e.g., of population structure, gene flow, dispersal, parentage, and even genome‐wide studies to detect local adaptation) that previously required high‐quality blood or tissue samples.
Diagnostic Genetic Marker That Differentiates Eastern Fox Squirrels From Eastern Gray Squirrels
Authors: MONCRIEF NANCY D. , VAN DEN BUSSCHE RONALD A. , DUESER RAYMOND D. , LOFTIS DUSTIN , COCKETT NOELLE E. , CULVER MELANIE
Published: January 2008

Abstract The Delmarva fox squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus) has been listed as endangered by the United States Department of Interior since 1967. A high‐priority task for the recovery of this taxon is to determine its current geographic distribution. Toward this end, we have identified a microsatellite locus that unambiguously differentiates Delmarva fox squirrels from eastern gray squirrels (S. carolinensis), which frequently co‐occur with Delmarva fox squirrels. Analysis of this marker in noninvasively collected hair samples will allow unequivocal identification of localities occupied by Delmarva fox squirrels with a minimum investment of funds, time, and effort because handling individuals will be unnecessary. This protocol will expedite site review in connection with the Endangered Species Act consultation process.
Population Genetic Assignment of Confiscated Gopher Tortoises
Authors: SCHWARTZ TONIA S. , KARL STEPHEN A.
Published: January 2008

Abstract As gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) increasingly become threatened throughout their range in Florida, USA, the need for management and conservation will intensify. Here we evaluate the forensic applicability of genetic assignment tests based on microsatellite genotypic data to 1) accurately assign individuals in our genetic database to the sample location or population of origin and 2) determine the origin of 6 confiscated tortoises. Overall, we could correctly assign 90% of the individuals in the database to their population of origin, but we were unable to determine the source of the confiscated tortoises. However, these individuals are unlikely to have come from any of our sampled sites and all 6 may have come from the same population. This approach can be used by law enforcement personnel to identify the origin of confiscated tortoises as well as by developers and wildlife managers to determine the genetic appropriateness of potential recipient populations when it is necessary to relocate individuals.
Survival, Movements, and Reproduction of Translocated Greater Sage‐Grouse in Strawberry Valley, Utah
Authors: BAXTER RICK J. , FLINDERS JERRAN T. , MITCHELL DEAN L.
Published: January 2008

Abstract Translocations of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have been attempted in 7 states and one Canadian province with very little success. To recover a small remnant population and test the efficacy of sage‐grouse translocations, we captured and transported 137 adult female sage‐grouse from 2 source populations to a release site in Strawberry Valley, Utah, USA, during March‐April 2003–2005. The resident population of sage‐grouse in Strawberry Valley was approximately 150 breeding birds prior to the release. We radiomarked each female and documented survival, movements, reproductive effort, flocking with resident grouse, and lek attendance. We used Program MARK to calculate annual survival of translocated females in the first year after release, which averaged 0.60 (95% CI = 0.515‐0.681). Movements of translocated females were within current and historic sage‐grouse habitat in Strawberry Valley, and we detected no grouse outside of the study area. Nesting propensity for first (newly translocated) and second (surviving) year females was 39% and 73%, respectively. Observed nest success of all translocated females during the study was 67%. By the end of their first year in Strawberry Valley, 100% of the living translocated sage‐grouse were in flocks with resident sage‐grouse. The translocated grouse attended the same lek as the birds with which they were grouped. In 2006, the peak male count for the only remaining active lek in Strawberry Valley was almost 4 times (135 M) the 6‐year pretranslocation (1998–2003) average peak attendance of 36 males (range 24–50 M). Translocations can be an effective management tool to increase small populations of greater sage‐grouse when conducted during the breeding season and before target populations have been extirpated.
Bird Mortality in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area, California
Authors: SMALLWOOD K. SHAWN , THELANDER CARL
Published: January 2008

Abstract The 165‐km2 Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (APWRA) in west‐central California includes 5,400 wind turbines, each rated to generate between 40 kW and 400 kW of electric power, or 580 MW total. Many birds residing or passing through the area are killed by collisions with these wind turbines. We searched for bird carcasses within 50 m of 4,074 wind turbines for periods ranging from 6 months to 4.5 years. Using mortality estimates adjusted for searcher detection and scavenger removal rates, we estimated the annual wind turbine–caused bird fatalities to number 67 (80% CI = 25–109) golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), 188 (80% CI = 116–259) red‐tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), 348 (80% CI = −49 to 749) American kestrels (Falco sparverius), 440 (80% CI = −133 to 1,013) burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea), 1,127 (80% CI = −23 to 2,277) raptors, and 2,710 (80% CI = −6,100 to 11,520) birds. Adjusted mortality estimates were most sensitive to scavenger removal rate, which relates to the amount of time between fatality searches. New on‐site studies of scavenger removal rates might warrant revising mortality estimates for some small‐bodied bird species, although we cannot predict how the mortality estimates would change. Given the magnitude of our mortality estimates, regulatory agencies and the public should decide whether to enforce laws intended to protect species killed by APWRA wind turbines, and given the imprecision of our estimates, directed research is needed of sources of error and bias for use in studies of bird collisions wherever wind farms are developed. Precision of mortality estimates could be improved by deploying technology to remotely detect collisions and by making wind turbine power output data available to researchers so that the number of fatalities can be related directly to the actual power output of the wind turbine since the last fatality search.
Differentiating Migration and Dispersal Processes for Pond‐Breeding Amphibians
Authors: SEMLITSCH RAYMOND D.
Published: January 2008

Abstract Understanding the movement of animals is critical to many aspects of conservation such as spread of emerging disease, proliferation of invasive species, changes in land‐use patterns, and responses to global climate change. Movement processes are especially important for amphibian management and conservation as species declines and extinctions worldwide become ever more apparent. To better integrate behavioral and ecological data on amphibian movements with our use of spatially explicit demographic models and guide effective conservation solutions, I present 1) a synopsis of the literature regarding behavior, ecology, and evolution of movement in pond‐breeding amphibians possessing biphasic life cycles to distinguish between migration and dispersal processes, 2) a working hypothesis of juvenile‐based dispersal, and 3) a discussion of conservation issues that follow from distinguishing the spatial and temporal movements of amphibians at different scales. I define amphibian migration as intrapopulational, round‐trip movements toward and away from aquatic breeding sites. Population‐level management, in general, can be focused on spatial scales of <1.0 km with attention focused on adult population and juveniles that remain near the natal wetland. I define amphibian dispersal as interpopulational, unidirectional movements from natal sites to other breeding sites. Metapopulation‐ or landscape‐level management can be focused on movements among populations at spatial scales >1.0–10.0 km and on importance of terrestrial connectivity. The ultimate goal of conservation for amphibians should be long‐term regional persistence by addressing management issues at both local and metapopulation scales.
Resource Selection by Translocated Three‐Toed Box Turtles in Missouri
Authors: RITTENHOUSE CHADWICK D. , MILLSPAUGH JOSHUA J. , HUBBARD MICHAEL W. , SHERIFF STEVEN L. , DIJAK WILLIAM D.
Published: January 2008

AbstractResource selection is a multi‐staged process of behavioral responses to various resource cues or stimuli. Previous research suggests some aspects of resource selection may be inherent (i.e., genetic predisposition) or based on early experience and that individuals respond to certain resource cues but not to others. In other words, resource selection may be based on a template that specifies which cues to use in the resource‐selection process and the appropriate response to those cues. We used resource utilization functions (RUFs) to examine the resource‐selection template of translocated three‐toed box turtles (Terrapene carolina triunguis; hereafter turtles) and made comparisons to resident turtles. Translocated turtles, previously residents of a predominantly forested landscape with low edge‐density, used forest openings, forest edges, and southwest‐facing slopes before and after translocation to a fragmented site containing resident turtles. In contrast, resident turtles used forested areas and northeast‐facing slopes within a predominantly open landscape with high edge‐density. Our comparison of resource selection by translocated and resident turtles revealed population‐specific resource selection and consistency in selection following translocation, which reinforces the idea of a resource‐selection template and suggests that in the short‐term box turtles may not adapt their predisposed behavior to local conditions. Thus, translocated animals may evaluate and respond to resource cues as if they were at the original site. Lack of site fidelity may result from individuals seeking additional resources to match their resource‐selection template. Successful translocation of turtles may require an assessment of resource selection prior to translocation and development of management strategies that mitigate turtle response to translocation.
Management and Conservation Article
Authors: CRAIGHEAD DEREK , BEDROSSIAN BRYAN
Published: January 2008

Abstract Despite increased knowledge about environmental toxins and changes in lead use (i.e., the mandated use of nonlead paint, gasoline, and shotgun pellets used for hunting waterfowl on federal lands), lead poisoning continues to occur in terrestrial birds. The degree of exposure and its demographic effect, however, continue to be described, emphasizing the growing concern over lead exposure. We examined 302 blood samples from common ravens (Corvus corax) scavenging on hunter‐killed large ungulates and their offal piles to determine if lead rifle‐bullet residuum was a point source for lead ingestion in ravens. We took blood samples during a 15‐month period spanning 2 hunting seasons. Of the ravens tested during the hunting season, 47% exhibited elevated blood lead levels (≥ 10 μg/dL) whereas 2% tested during the nonhunting season exhibited elevated levels. Females had significantly higher blood lead levels than did males. Our results confirm that ravens are ingesting lead during the hunting season and are likely exposed to lead from rifle‐shot big‐game offal piles.
Hunting Patterns, Ban on Baiting, and Harvest Demographics of Brown Bears in Sweden
Authors: BISCHOF RICHARD , FUJITA RIKAKO , ZEDROSSER ANDREAS , SÖDERBERG ARNE , SWENSON JON E.
Published: January 2008

Abstract We analyzed harvest data to describe hunting patterns and harvest demography of brown bears (Ursus arctos) killed in 3 geographic regions in Sweden during 1981–2004. In addition, we investigated the effects of a ban on baiting, instituted in 2001, and 2 major changes in the quota system: a switch to sex‐specific quotas in 1992 and a return to total quotas in 1999. Brown bears (n=887) were harvested specifically by bear hunters and incidentally by moose (Alces alces) hunters. Both hunter categories harvested bears 1) using dogs (37%), 2) by still hunting (30%), 3) with the use of bait (18%), and 4) by stalking (16%). The proportion of bears killed with different harvest methods varied among regions and between bear‐ and moose‐oriented hunters. We found differences between male (52%) and female bears (48%) with respect to the variables that explained age. Moose‐oriented hunters using still hunting harvested the youngest male bears. Bears harvested during the first management period (1981–1991) were older and had greater odds of being male than during the subsequent period. It appears that hunters harvesting bears in Sweden are less selective than their North American counterparts, possibly due to differences in the hunting system. When comparing the 4 years immediately prior to the ban on baiting with the 4 years following the ban, we found no differences in average age of harvested bears, sex ratio, or proportion of bears killed with stalking, still hunting, and hunting with dogs, suggesting that the ban on baiting in Sweden had no immediate effect on patterns of brown bear harvest demography and remaining hunting methods. As the demographic and evolutionary side effects of selective harvesting receive growing attention, wildlife managers should be aware that differences in harvest systems between jurisdictions may cause qualitative and quantitative differences in harvest biases. (JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 72(1):79–88; 2008)
Patterns of Bat Fatalities at Wind Energy Facilities in North America
Authors: ARNETT EDWARD B. , BROWN W. KENT , ERICKSON WALLACE P. , FIEDLER JENNY K. , HAMILTON BRENDA L. , HENRY TRAVIS H. , JAIN AAFTAB , JOHNSON GREGORY D. , KERNS JESSICA , KOFORD ROLF R. , NICHOLSON CHARLES P. , O'CONNELL TIMOTHY J. , PIORKOWSKI MARTIN D. , TANKERSLEY ROGER D.
Published: January 2008

Abstract Wind has become one of the fastest growing sources of renewable energy worldwide, but widespread and often extensive fatalities of bats have increased concern regarding the impacts of wind energy development on bats and other wildlife. We synthesized available information on patterns of bat fatalities from a review of 21 postconstruction fatality studies conducted at 19 facilities in 5 United States regions and one Canadian province. Dominance of migratory, foliage‐ and tree‐roosting lasiurine species (e.g., hoary bat [Lasiurus cinereus]) killed by turbines was consistent among studies. Bat fatalities, although highly variable and periodic, consistently peaked in late summer and fall, coinciding with migration of lasiurines and other species. A notable exception was documented fatalities of pregnant female Brazilian freetailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) in May and June at a facility in Oklahoma, USA, and female silver‐haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) during spring in Tennessee, USA, and Alberta, Canada. Most studies reported that fatalities were distributed randomly across turbines at a site, although the highest number of fatalities was often found near the end of turbine strings. Two studies conducted simultaneously in the same region documented similar timing of fatalities between sites, which suggests broader patterns of collisions dictated by weather, prey abundance, or other factors. None of the studies found differences in bat fatalities between turbines equipped with lighting required by the Federal Aviation Administration and turbines that were unlit. All studies that addressed relationships between bat fatalities and weather patterns found that most bats were killed on nights with low wind speed (<6 m/sec) and that fatalities increased immediately before and after passage of storm fronts. Weather patterns may be predictors of bat activity and fatality; thus, mitigation efforts that focus on these high‐risk periods could reduce bat fatality substantially. We caution that estimates of bat fatality are conditioned by length of study and search interval and that they are biased in relation to how searcher efficiency, scavenger removal, and habitat differences were or were not accounted for. Our review will assist managers, biologists, and decision‐makers with understanding unifying and unique patterns of bat fatality, biases, and limitations of existing efforts, and it will aid in designing future research needed to develop mitigation strategies for minimizing or eliminating bat fatality at wind facilities.
Mammalian Visitation to Candidate Feral Swine Attractants
Authors: CAMPBELL TYLER A. , LONG DAVID B.
Published: January 2008

Abstract Few data exist regarding suitable feral swine (Sus scrofa) attractants in the United States. We compared species‐specific visitation and contact rates of mammals to 11 candidate feral swine attractants at scent stations using motion‐sensing digital photography to identify promising attractants. We found feral swine had greater visitation rates to apple and strawberry stations than to control stations. We recommend managers consider using strawberry attractants for feral swine‐specific applications. If, however, a general feral swine attractant is needed, then apple, berry, or caramel attractants may perform well.
Analysis of Covariance Models for Data From Observational Field Studies
Authors: RIGGS MICHAEL R. , HAROLDSON KURT J. , HANSON MARK A.
Published: January 2008

Abstract We outline the features of a general class of statistical models (i.e., analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] models) that has proven to be effective for the analysis of data from observational studies. In observational studies, treatments are assigned by Nature in a decidedly nonrandom manner; consequently, many of the crucial assumptions and safeguards of the classic experimental design either fail or are absent. Hence, inferences (causal or associative) are more difficult to justify. Typically, investigators can expect the primary factors of interest, which are usually called environmental exposures rather than treatments, to be involved in complex interactions with each other and with other factors, and these factors will be confounded with still other factors. We provide examples illustrating the application of ANCOVA models to adjust for confounding factors and complex interactions, thereby providing relatively clean estimates of association between exposure and response. We summarize information on available software and supporting literature for implementing ANCOVA models for the analysis of cross‐sectional and longitudinal observational field data. We conclude with a brief discussion of critical model fitting issues, including proper specification of the functional form of continuous covariates and problems associated with overfitted models and misspecified models that lack important covariates.
Earnings Management, Investor Protection, and National Culture
Authors: Nabar Sandeep , Boonlert-U-Thai K. K.
Published: January 2008

This paper examines the impact of investor protection and national culture on earnings management for a sample of 30 countries. The results indicate that earnings management is negatively associated with outside investor rights, consistent with Leuz et al. (2003). We also find that earnings management is relatively high in countries with high uncertainty avoidance scores and relatively low in countries where the primary language is English. Supplementary analysis of earnings management components indicates that uncertainty avoidance and masculinity are associated with earnings discretion but not with earnings smoothing. We conclude that culture is an important determinant of accounting choice and should be considered by standard setters enacting and enforcing international financial reporting rules.
LDL Cholesterol Lowering in Type 2 Diabetes: What Is the Optimum Approach?
Authors: Nesto Richard W.
Published: January 2008

IN BRIEF

Managing the high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients is a challenge for practicing clinicians. Reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in diabetes should begin with assessment and treatment of elevated LDL cholesterol. Statins are the preferred treatment,and intensive statin therapy may be necessary to meet the current goal of <100 mg/dl or the optional goal of < 70 mg/dl recommended for high-risk patients and to address other components of diabetic dyslipidemia. Along with aggressive glucose and blood pressure control, intensive treatment of LDL cholesterol in patients with diabetes can substantially affect long-term health outcomes.
Incidence of colorectal cancer in Lower Silesia (Poland) between 1984 and 2003 — trends and perspectives
Authors: Bębenek Marek , Pudełko Marek , Błaszczyk Jerzy
Published: January 2008

The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the epidemiological characteristics of colorectal cancers (CRCs) diagnosed in Lower Silesia between 1984 and 2003. Data from the Lower Silesian Cancer Registry on the incidence of CRC in the Lower Silesian province were subjected to analysis. The age adjusted incidence of CRC in both genders increased markedly. A higher relative increase of incidence was recorded for colon cancer. The age-specific incidence of either colon or rectal cancer increased markedly with age in both genders. No constant time-trend toward the earlier diagnosis of CRC was noted in the period studied. Although the number of CRC surgeries performed at the Regional Comprehensive Cancer Center in Wroclaw has increased over time, most of the cases that were diagnosed were treated outside that reference center. If an intensive increase in new case numbers, demonstrated in both the locations by 2003, is not moderated, the incidence of colorectal malignancies in Lower Silesia would become one of the highest in Europe.
Statistical Approach to the Transformation of Fly Ash into Zeolites
Authors: Derkowski Arkadiusz , Michalik Marek
Published: January 2008

Statistical Approach to the Transformation of Fly Ash into Zeolites

The experimental conversion of F-class fly ash into zeolites is described. The ash, composed mainly of aluminosilicate glass, mullite and quartz, was collected in the Cracow power plant (southern Poland). The experiments involved the heating of fly ash samples in PTFE vessels. Time, temperature and solution composition were the reaction parameters considered in the experiments and in the subsequent modeling. A series of reactions with 0.5, 3 and 5M NaOH solutions (and some with additional 3M NaCl) were carried out at 70°, 100° and 150°C for 12-48 hours under autogenic pressure (not measured) and at a constant ash-to-solution ratio of 33.3 g/l. The following zeolite phases were synthesized: sodalite (SOD structure), hydroxysodalite (SOD), CAN type phases, Na-X (FAU), and NaP1 (GIS). Statistically calculated relationships based on the mineral- and chemical compositions of the reaction products support the conclusion that the type of zeolite phase that crystallizes depends on the concentration of OH- and Cl- in solution and on the temperature of the reaction. The duration of reaction, if on the order of tens of hours, is of less significance. The nature of the zeolite phase that crystalises is controlled by the intensity and selectivity of the substrate dissolution. That dissolution can favour, in sequence, one or other of the components in the substrate, resulting in Si/Al variation in the reaction solutions. Mullite dissolution (decreasing solution Si/Al) characterizes the most advanced reaction stages. The sequence of crystallization of the zeolite phases mirrors the sequential dissolution of substrate components, and the composition of the crystallizing zeolite crystals reflects the changes in the solution Si/Al.
Populationsgeschichte und Managementprinzipien in Schweizer Wildbirnenvorkommen | Population history and management principles in Swiss Wild Pear populations
Authors: Määttänen Kirsti , Holderegger Rolf
Published: January 2008

Genetic studies show that genetic diversity is positively correlated with population size: however, this correlation has not been found in Swiss populations of Wild Pear. The present investigation implies that the diverse historical human uses of Wild Pear populations offer an explanation for this lack of correlation. Current populations of Wild Pear are located in sparse and structured forests, often characterized by a meadow-like herb layer. For the conservation and augmentation of the mostly small Wild Pear populations, the principle of dominance reduction can be applied. It leads to a variety of light conditions within woodlands and imitates the currently abandoned historical forest uses.