bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Design for Courses with Group Projects
Authors: Lewis Herbert F. , Sexton Thomas R.
Published: June 2010

In this paper, we describe an innovative design for courses with group projects that we have implemented in the graduate Decision Support Systems (DSS) course offered at the Harriman School for Management and Policy, College of Business, at Stony Brook University. Each group is associated with two projects. For one project, the group acts as the client that is interested in purchasing the DSS under development by a second group. For the other project, the group acts as the developer of a DSS that a third group is interested in purchasing. This design enables students to experience the technical and managerial aspects of software development from the perspectives of both the buyer and the seller. In addition, the design increases each student's in-depth experience with two projects rather than one, thereby providing the student with a broader understanding of the course material. We perform an assessment of the design and present results from a questionnaire about student perceptions.
Computer-Aided Learning and Assessment for Spreadsheet Modelling of Critical Path Analysis
Authors: Baker Barrie M.
Published: June 2010

In many universities, courses in quantitative methods for business are provided for students from a variety of disciplines. Student numbers on these courses can be very large and, for such non-specialist courses, there can be a wide range of student ability. The purpose of this study was to develop computer-aided learning and assessment programs which overcome the difficulties of teaching a very large group of mixed ability students and provide a fast, error-free and consistent method of marking. It is intended to provide a more satisfactory experience for students, who can vary their practice time to suit their own individual needs, and also to save a lot of time for lecturers in setting and marking assignments.

The specific aim of this study was to develop a modelling task for such a group that would be less mechanistic than the network analysis tasks previously reported. Thus, students are required to construct a complete spreadsheet model for a critical path network, starting from a table of predecessors. The model has to be constructed with formulae so as to enable experimentation and sensitivity analysis in traditional operations research style. A program has been developed which generates an apparently endless sequence of different tables of predecessors, then checks for mistakes in the students' formulae as well as identifying poor presentation such as unnecessary crossing or right-to-left pointing arrows. Two forms of the program are available. The first provides feedback to the students so that they can learn how to construct the model. The second provides no feedback, but prints some coded information to assist lecturers with marking. There is also a spreadsheet tutorial for the students to help them get started.

The program has been used with great success by a group of 351 students, who reported that the approach was not only more effective than traditional pencil-and-paper approaches to learning, but was fun to use as well.
Forecasting: Trying to Reason from Hurricane Season
Authors: Coleman B. Jay
Published: June 2010

Hurricane season presents an excellent illustration of a wide range of issues encountered in developing and responding to business forecasts. The high profile of hurricane forecasts—particularly during the 2004 season in which four hurricanes made landfall in Florida, and during the 2005 season when hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the surrounding region—makes them a convenient, visible, and ideal illustrative classroom example. This paper outlines 25 business forecasting principles and their direct parallels in hurricane forecasting. This compilation has been successfully used by author as a basis for an in-class review of forecasting in an undergraduate operations management introductory course. A report of the positive student feedback and comparative test results is provided.
Scenario Analysis in Spreadsheets with Excel's Scenario Tool
Authors: Markham Ina S. , Palocsay Susan W.
Published: June 2010

“What-if” or sensitivity analysis is one of the most important and valuable concepts in management science (MS). To emphasize its practical relevance in a business environment, we teach students in our introductory MS course to analyze “scenarios” with Excel's built-in Scenario tool. This paper demonstrates the application of the Scenario tool with several examples.
The Poker Chip Game: A Multi-product, Multi-customer, Multi-echelon, Stochastic Supply Chain Network Useful for Teaching the Impacts of Pull versus Push Inventory Policies on Link and Chain Performance
Authors: Cox James F. , Walker Edward D.
Published: June 2010

Supply chain management is a topic that many practitioners and students generally find difficult to understand (Boudette [Boudette, N. 2005. Chrysler offers bonuses to dealers: Move to reduce inventory aims to close year strong, but the reaction is mixed. The Wall Street Journal (December 13)]). The authors present a supply chain game that they have found to be an effective tool to increase student interest in and comprehension of supply chain management. The supply chain game literature is briefly reviewed. The poker chip game is discussed with respect to the well-known Beer Game. The poker chip game is a multi-product, multi-customer, multi-echelon, stochastic supply chain game used to teach the problems of traditional push models (economic order quantity/reorder point and Min-Max inventory models) and the elements of the new pull models (Just inTime and Theory of Constraints).
A Simulation Exercise to Illustrate the Impact of an Enterprise System on a Service Supply Chain
Authors: Ritchie-Dunham James L. , Morrice Douglas J. , Anderson Edward G. , Dyer James S.
Published: June 2010

In this paper, we present a computer-based simulation exercise designed to help students understand the impact of an enterprise system on business performance in a service supply chain. The particular service supply chain simulated in the exercise is a wireless telecommunications firm. In this exercise, students perform simulations to experience managing the supply chain of the telecommunications firm with and without an enterprise system. The simulator tracks their business performance. Then the results are used as the basis of discussion in a subsequent debriefing session. We describe the educational goals of the simulation exercise and how the exercise can be structured in order to achieve these goals. The latter is illustrated by the use of the simulation exercise in a master's level supply chain management course in the Red McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. The simulator includes realistic details. In fact, it is based on the extensive consulting experiences of the first author with two North American telecommunications firms. We describe the simulator in detail under the various scenarios, explain how it was validated, and provide the simulator equations in system dynamics format in Appendix B.
Inventory Control at Spiegel Grove
Authors: Drake Matthew J. , Mawhinney John R.
Published: June 2010

Quantitative models for inventory decision making in a multi-echelon distribution system are very challenging for most undergraduate business or engineering students. To expose students to the challenges of managing multi-echelon inventory levels in an uncertain environment, we have created the Inventory Control at Spiegel Grove classroom exercise, which simulates the inventory management process for a single product in a serial supply chain. Shipments are subject to both transportation quality variability and product quality variability, and students are challenged with adjusting their levels of safety inventory appropriately without carrying an inordinate amount of stock.
Operating Room Manager Game
Authors: Hans Erwin W. , Nieberg Tim
Published: June 2010

The operating room (OR) department of a hospital forms the heart of the organization, where the single largest cost is incurred. This document presents and reports on the “Operating Room Manager Game,” developed to give insight into managing a large hospital's OR department at various levels of control, and the difficulties of applying OR/MS techniques in healthcare.

The players take on the role of management teams of the OR department, and in subsequent rounds follow the actual planning and scheduling process-starting with strategic choices on capacities for an upcoming year, and ending with daily, online planning of actual surgeries in each operating room. The game ends with each team also benchmarking and evaluating the strategies of all players.

The game is motivated by the actual setting of a large academic hospital in the Netherlands, which also provided real-life data. It is currently used as part of the lecture on “Optimization of Healthcare Processes” in the Industrial Engineering & Management master's program at the University of Twente. It integrates students' foreknowledge regarding various OR/MS subjects, applied in a healthcare setting.
Analytical recurrence formula for the zeroth-order metal wire plasmon of terahertz waves
Authors: Yang Jie , Cao Qing , Zhou Changhe
Published: June 2010

An analytical recurrence formula for the zeroth-order metal wire plasmon of terahertz waves is presented. In the derivation, the property that the relative permittivity of a metal in the spectral region of terahertz wave is huge, the property that the effective index is about 1, some properties of modified Bessel functions, and a suitable Taylor expansion are employed. The recurrence formula is numerically tested for 11 nonmagnetic metals for the whole spectral region of terahertz waves and for the wide radius range from
10 μm
to infinity. We find that the relative deviation for the effective index always becomes smaller than
2.1×10−6
after only four recurrences if a suitable initial input is used. Some related problems, such as the connection to the Newton method and the dependence of the accuracy on frequency, are also discussed.
Uniform boundary diffraction wave theory of Rubinowicz
Authors: Umul Yusuf Z.
Published: June 2010

Rubinowicz introduced a uniform asymptotic evaluation of the boundary diffraction wave at the transition region [
Ann. Phys. (Leipzig)
378, 339 (1924)
]. The uniform theory of Rubinowicz is generalized for the improved integrals of the boundary diffraction wave. The technique is applied to the scattering problem of plane waves by an impedance half-plane, and the diffracted waves are examined numerically.
Upgrading color-difference formulas
Authors: Lissner Ingmar , Urban Philipp
Published: June 2010

We propose a method to improve the prediction performance of existing color-difference formulas with additional visual data. The formula is treated as the mean function of a Gaussian process, which is trained with experimentally determined color-discrimination data. Color-difference predictions are calculated using Gaussian process regression (GPR) considering the uncertainty of the visual data. The prediction accuracy of the CIE94 formula is significantly improved with the GPR approach for the Leeds and the Witt datasets. By upgrading CIE94 with GPR we achieve a significantly lower STRESS value of 26.58 compared with that for CIEDE2000 (27.49) on a combined dataset. The method could serve to improve the prediction performance of existing color-difference equations around particular color centers without changing the equations themselves.
The substrate specificity profile of human granzyme A
Authors: Van Damme Petra , Maurer-Stroh Sebastian , Hao Han , Colaert Niklaas , Timmerman Evy , Eisenhaber Frank , Vandekerckhove Joël , Gevaert Kris
Published: June 2010

The exact biological function of granzyme A, a granule-associated serine protease belonging to the tryptase family of proteases, is still a matter of debate because conflicting roles have been suggested, such as initiation of caspase-independent apoptosis-like cell death and endogenous modulation of inflammatory processes. In contrast to its well-studied family member, granzyme B, far less is known about the physiological targets of granzyme A. Using an N-terminal peptide-centric proteomics technology, the substrate specificity of human granzyme A was extensively characterized at the level of macromolecular protein substrates. Overall, more than 260 cleavage sites, almost exclusively favoring basic residues at the P1 position, in approximately 200 unique protein substrates, including the well-known in vitro substrates APEX-endonuclease 1 and different histones, were identified. Further substrate characterization was used to delineate physical properties in the substrate specificity profiles, which further highlights important aspects in protease/substrate biology.
Use of granzyme B-based fluorescent protein reporters to monitor granzyme distribution and granule integrity in live cells
Authors: Bird Catherina H. , Rizzitelli Alexandra , Harper Ian , Prescott Mark , Bird Phillip I.
Published: June 2010

Reporter proteins comprising granzyme B (GrB) fused to eGFP, ecliptic pHluorin or mCherry, were generated and used to study granule (lysosome) distribution and properties in COS-1 cells and natural killer cells. The reporters resembled native GrB in biosynthesis and localization, and accumulated in granules. In live cells both the eGFP and pHluorin reporters were dark in lysosomes, but fluoresced when the granule integrity or pH was perturbed by Leu-Leu methyl ester, hydrogen peroxide, naphthazarin, or sphingosine treatment. By contrast, fluorescence of the mCherry reporter was not pH-dependent. The quenching of eGFP within granules indicates that this commonly-used fluorescent protein is not appropriate as a vital intra-lysosomal marker.
Activation of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system on human lung epithelial cells
Authors: della Vergiliana Julius F. Varano , Asokananthan Nithiananthan , Stewart Geoffrey A.
Published: June 2010

Activation of the tissue kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) plays a major inflammatory role in the lung, but the contribution of the plasma KKS remains unclear. Plasma KKS involves assembly and activation of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and plasma prekallikrein (PPK) on cell surfaces, resulting in the liberation of the inflammatory peptide, bradykinin (BK), from HK by plasma kallikrein (PK). To this end, we determined the possible contribution of plasma KKS in BK formation using airway epithelium. The HK binding proteins, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, cytokeratin 1 and gC1qR, were expressed on transformed A549 and BEAS-2B cell lines, as well as on normal lung tissue, but Mac-1 was absent. A549 cells bound FITC-labelled HK, which was only partially inhibited by a combination of antibodies to the HK binding proteins. HK-PPK complex activation on the transformed epithelial cell lines, as well as primary epithelial cells, resulted in PK formation and liberation of BK. HK-PPK activation was inhibited by cysteine, BK and protamine, and by novobiocin, a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor. In summary, lung epithelial cells support the assembly and activation of the plasma KKS by a mechanism dependent on HSP90, and could contribute to KKS-mediated inflammation in lung disease.
Wild type p53-dependent transcriptional upregulation of cathepsin L expression is mediated by C/EBPα in human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Katara Rahul , Mir Riyaz A. , Shukla Abhay A. , Tiwari Ashutosh , Singh Neelima , Chauhan Shyam S.
Published: June 2010

Mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53 are frequent in human glioblastomas. Similarly cathepsin L, a lysosomal cysteine protease, is overexpressed and secreted by most human tumors including glioblastomas. However, hitherto there is no information on whether or not the mutation(s) in the p53 gene affect(s) expression of this protease. Using human glioblastoma cell lines harboring wild type and mutant p53, we demonstrate here for the first time that only the wild type but not the mutant p53 upregulates cathepsin L expression. By transfection of promoter reporter constructs, site-directed mutagenesis and chip assays we have established that wild type p53 elevates the levels of cathepsin L in these cells. It does so directly by binding to the cathepsin L promoter and also indirectly by inducing the expression of C/EBPα, which is crucial for the transcription of this protease. In view of its role in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and tumor cell invasion, increased expression of cathepsin L in glioblastoma cells harboring wild type p53 might confer invasive ability and growth advantage to these cells. Therefore, use of cathepsin L inhibitors could prove useful in the management of these tumors.
Epstein-Barr virus lytic cycle activation alters proteasome subunit expression in Burkitt's lymphoma cells
Authors: De Leo Alessandra , Matusali Giulia , Arena Giuseppe , Di Renzo Livia , Mattia Elena
Published: June 2010

We have shown that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic cycle activation in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells down-regulates chymotrypsin- and caspase-like activities of the proteasome. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether EBV activation might also affect proteasome subunit composition. Our results indicate that, independently of the latency program established in the host cells, induction of the EBV lytic cycle reduces the expression of the proteasomal components β5, β1 and β2i, whereas it increases that of β2, β1i, PA28α and PA28β. The modulation of the composition and enzymatic activities of the proteolytic complex are indicative of a less efficient generation of viral immunoepitopes.
From narrative historiography to historical biography. New trends in Byzantine historical writing in the 10th–11th centuries
Authors: Markopoulos A.
Published: June 2010

It is well known that the historical texts composed under the Macedonian dynasty (Theophanes Continuatus, Genesios, but also Leo the Deacon, Manuel protospatharios, John Skylitzes or even Michael Psellos) display certain element, which can be seen as attempts to make a clean break with the past; the formalist style of unbroken historical narrative was largely rejected in favour of historical biography in which the influence of rhetorical methods is self-evident. It is not known which criteria tipped the balance in favour of such a development, though we would do well to consider both the influence of Antiquity, and the close ties that bound biography to hagiography, which from the empire's very beginnings (Vita Constantini) also served as a uniquely Byzantine mode of promoting the image of the emperor. It may be legitimate to speak of a new type of historical writing which is specifically designed for the extremely beautified career of its subject and constitutes a contemporary movement which manifested itself in various cultural contexts.
Changes in mammary caveolin-1 signaling pathways are associated with breast cancer risk in rats exposed to estradiol in utero or during prepuberty
Authors: Shajahan Ayesha N. , Goel Shruti , de Assis Sonia , Yu Bin , Clarke Robert , Hilakivi-Clarke Leena
Published: June 2010

Developmental stage of rat mammary gland at the time of estrogen exposure determines whether the exposure increases or reduces later breast cancer risk. For example, in utero exposure to 17β-estradiol (E2) increases, whereas prepubertal exposure to this hormone decreases susceptibility of developing carcinogen-induced mammary tumors. E2 mediates its actions by interacting with caveolin-1 (CAV1), a putative tumor suppressor gene in breast cancer. Mammary tissues from 2-month-old rats exposed to E2 in utero contained decreased levels of CAV1, whereas prepubertal E2 exposure increased the levels, when compared to vehicle controls. Low CAV1 expression was associated with increased cell proliferation and estrogen receptor α expression, and reduced apoptosis in the mammary glands of rats exposed to E2 in utero. In contrast, high CAV1 expression correlated with reduced cell proliferation and cyclin D1 and phospho-Akt levels, and increased apoptosis in the mammary glands of rats exposed to E2 during prepuberty. In support of the role of CAV1 as a negative regulator of a variety of pro-growth signaling proteins, we detected decreased levels of Src and ErbB2 in rats exposed to E2 during prepuberty. Thus, estrogen exposure during mammary gland development affects the expression and function of CAV1 in a manner consistent with observed changes in susceptibility to mammary tumorigenesis.
Zur Vorgeschichte Lykiens: Städtenamen in hethitischen Quellen
Authors: Schürr Dieter
Published: June 2010

In keilschrift-hethitischen und hieroglyphen-luwischen Texten des 14. und 13. Jahrhunderts v. Chr. sind mit einiger Sicherheit acht Ortsnamen belegt, die auf engem Raum im späteren Lykien und in einem Fall im angrenzenden Karien fortlebten: Hinduwa, Patara, Pinali, Awarna, Tlawa, Kwalabassi, Kwalandarna und Kwakwalwanda (aber nicht Wijanawanda). Diese Namen dürften der Sprache entstammen, aus der das Lykische und auch das Karische hervorgingen. Mit dem Land Lukka lassen sie sich aber nicht verbinden, so daß sich dessen auch nur teilweise Identität mit Lykien nicht erweisen läßt. Archäologisch ist eine Besiedlung Lykiens zu dieser Zeit nicht belegbar, und dafür gibt es keine Erklärung.
Kaiser in der Krise – religions- und rechtsgeschichtliche Aspekte der ,Familienmorde' des Jahres 326
Authors: Olbrich Konstantin
Published: June 2010

Die Festlegung des Konzils von Nicaea auf Wesensgleichheit von Gottvater und Gottsohn konnte im Jahr 325 nicht allein als dogmatische Entscheidung verstanden werden: Vielmehr wurde damit in der Tradition römischer Herrscherideologie, welche den Kaiser durchgängig als lebende Gottheit verstand, in für die Öffentlichkeit erkennbarer Weise das Verhältnis zwischen dem Kaiser und Crispus als gleichrangig präfiguriert, nachdem deren gemeinsamer Sieg über Licinius bereits 324 mit dem Zusammenwirken zwischen Gottvater und Christus verglichen worden war. Damit war in der Nachfolgefrage eine Vorentscheidung zu Lasten der Söhne Faustas getroffen. Die Familienkrise des Jahres 326, in deren Verlauf Crispus hingerichtet, Fausta jedoch ermordet wurde, dürfte hierdurch mitverursacht worden sein. Rechts- und religionsgeschichtliche Argumente legen nahe, daß es sich beim anschließenden Palästinaaufenthalt der Kaiserin Helena um ein Ehrenexil handelte. Dies dürfte die einzige Möglichkeit dargestellt haben, mit welcher der Kaiser eine persönliche Beteiligung seiner Mutter an den Ereignissen von 326 ahnden konnte.
Deportationen römischer Christen in das Sasanidenreich durch Shapur I. und ihre Folgen – Eine Neubewertung
Authors: Mosig-Walburg Karin
Published: June 2010

Im Verlauf der Kampagnen, die Shapur I. zwischen den Jahren 253 und 260 in die römischen Ostprovinzen Syrien, Kappadokien und Kilikien unternahm, wurden römische Kriegsgefangene in das Sasanidenreich deportiert und dort angesiedelt. In der Forschung geht man von einem Zustrom von bis zu mehreren hunderttausend Gefangenen aus, unter denen sich ein beträchtlicher Anteil Christen befunden haben soll. Diesen römischen Christen wird nicht nur im Hinblick auf die Verbreitung des Christentums im Sasanidenreich und die Entwicklung der Struktur der persischen Kirche sondern auch im Hinblick auf die persische Wirtschaft eine herausragende Rolle zugewiesen. Eine Analyse des verfügbaren Quellenmaterials erweist die Unhaltbarkeit solcher Vorstellungen.
Athanarich, Alarich, Athaulf. Zum Wandel westgotischer Herrschaftskonzeptionen
Authors: Faber Eike
Published: June 2010

In den drei Generationen von Athanarich bis Athaulf unterlag die terwingische/westgotische Konzeption und Ausübung von Herrschaft einem tiefgreifenden Wandlungsprozeß. Athanarich, der letzte Richter der Terwingen regierte in traditioneller Weise, innerhalb der (sakralen) Grenzen seiner Position und ohne seinen Machtanspruch durch römische Ämter oder Titel zu stärken. Alarich etablierte ein Heerkönigtum und trug durch die Erfolge, zu denen er seine Gruppe führte, wesentlich zur Ethnogenese der Westgoten bei. Athaulf, sein Schwiegersohn und Nachfolger, unternahm durch seine Heirat mit Galla Placidia, der Halbschwester des Kaisers Honorius einen neuartigen Versuch, die Westgoten ins weströmische Reich zu integrieren.
Narrative Bewältigungsstrategien von Katastrophenerfahrungen: Das Geschichtswerk des Nikitas Honiatis
Authors: Niehoff-Panagiotidis Johannes
Published: June 2010

Thema des Artikels ist die schlimmste Katastrophe, welche das Byzantinische Reich bis dahin getroffen hatte: die Eroberung und Zerstörung der Hauptstadt durch die Ritter des Vierten Kreuzzugs von 1204. Nicht die wirkliche Geschichte steht in ihm im Mittelpunkt, sondern seine Wahrnehmung durch die zeitgenössische byzantinische Historiographie. Diese ist weitgehend mit Nikitas Honiatis (1155–1216), dem höchsten Beamten des Reiches kurz vor seinem Zusammenbruch identisch, der von den letzten Jahrzehnten des 12. Jahrhunderts an aus Autopsie berichtete. Zu diesem Zweck werden die narrativen Techniken der byzantinischen Historiographie, vor allem in ihrem Verhältnis zur antiken Geschichtsschreibung, vorgestellt. Die Unbegreiflichkeit des Untergangs von Konstantinopel führte dazu, daß die narrativen Modi, auf die sich Nikitas berufen konnte, versagten. Welche Lösungen Nikitas dafür versuchte, darüber geben die Manuskripte unerwarteten Aufschluß.

Die häufigen Verkürzungen und Bearbeitungen dieses Autors belegen auch die stufenweise Einfügung dieses geschichtlichen Erdbebens in die heutige griechische Memorialkultur, die Vorstellung mithin vom Verrat des Westens.
Reconstructors
Authors: Palmisano Stefania
Published: June 2010

This article treats the Reconstructors, a Catholic Community founded in Italy by the Jesuit Vittorio Cappelletto. After a period in India at the school of Anandamurti, the leader of the Ananda Marga movement, Cappelletto’s spiritual experiences induced him to import the teachings received from the Indian guru into Christianity. After presenting the salient stages in the history of the Reconstructors, this article analyses the doctrinal structure and the ritual practices of the movement. Next, it explores the movement’s esoteric bases and the relationships between Cappelletto and his disciples. Finally, the “story behind the story” is engaged, along with reflections upon the contingencies and dilemmas of fieldwork.
Exploring the Diversity of Religion
Authors: Longkumer Arkotong
Published: June 2010

This article considers the importance of “religion” and “identity” in the process of fieldwork in the North Cachar Hills, Assam, India. The political sensitivities in the region provided a difficult context in which to do fieldwork. This is chiefly because of the various armed insurrections, which have arisen as a consequence of the complicated remnants of British colonialism (1834–1947), and the subsequent post-independence challenge of nation building in India. This article raises important methodological questions concerning fieldwork and the relational grounding of the fieldworker relative to the inside/outside positions. It reflects on these issues by discussing the Heraka, a Zeme Naga religious movement. Their ambiguity and “in-between” character accommodates both the “neo-Hindu” version of a nation or Hindutva (Hinduness) and the larger Naga (primarily Christian) assertion of their own cultural and religious autonomy. The Heraka provides an alternative route into ideas of nationhood, religious belonging and cultural identity.
“The Fabric of our Lives”
Authors: McDonnell Jim
Published: June 2010

This paper is a first attempt to explore how a theology of communication might best integrate and develop reflection on the Internet and the problematic area of the so-called “information society.” It examines the way in which official Church documents on communications have attempted to deal with these issues and proposes elements for a broader framework including “media ecology,” information ethics and more active engagement with the broader social and policy debates.
Indigenous Beliefs and Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Ntiamoa-Baidu Yaa
Published: June 2010

The paper evaluates the effectiveness of sacred forests, taboos, and totems associated with various animal species in Ghana for biodiversity conservation. The Nkodurom and Pinkwae Sacred Groves have been preserved by local communities through beliefs enforced by a range of restrictions and taboos. In both cases, the groves are the only relatively intact forest in severely degraded landscapes and farmlands. The mollusc Tympanotonus fuscatus, three species of turtles (Green, Olive Ridley, Leatherback), and the Black heron are exploited by many coastal communities in Ghana, but in all cases, the species are protected by some communities through traditional beliefs and taboos. An analysis of the distribution and abundance of these species along the Ghana coast showed much higher numbers in the areas where the species are protected by traditional belief systems. The densities of Tympanotonus fuscatus ranged from 172.3 to 326.2 m-2 at the site where they were protected, compared to 46.7 m-2 where they were exploited, while over 80% of all turtle nest records and 54% of Black Herons sightings occurred at the sites where the species are traditionally protected. The paper discusses the value of traditional strategies as a tool for species and habitat conservation and calls for a global assessment of indigenous conservation systems, and promotion of those systems that have potential to augment biodiversity conservation efforts in Africa.
Charismatic Signalling
Authors: Bulbulia Joseph
Published: June 2010

The following describes an evolutionary model for religious cooperation called “synchronous-signaling.” The core motivation for synchronous signaling comes from an appreciation that large-scale cooperation requires a widespread predictability in the cooperative responses of anonymous cohort. The model is based on evidence that elements of religious culture - including its music, dance, postures, prayers, and other regimes – reliably automate cooperation. This automation aligns affective, motivational, and intentional dispositions of anonymous exchange partners toward common cooperative goals. The model also explains why old religions are especially effective at securing cooperative outcomes, among unfamiliar partners.
Mandibular Reconstruction With Vascularized Fibula Flap and Osseointegrated Implants: A Clinical Report
Authors: Khatami Amir H. , Toljanic Joseph A. , Kleinman Alejandro
Published: June 2010

Primary and secondary reconstruction of mandibular discontinuity defects with vascularized flap is currently the standard of care in many institutions. The most commonly used donor site for such flaps is fibula. Fibula provides enough bone length, allows 2-team approach, and has low donor site morbidity and abundant periosteal blood supply. The placement of endosseous implants in the vascularized fibula flap also facilitates functional dental rehabilitation. This clinical report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation and the complications of 2 mandibular discontinuity defects treated with vascularized fibula flap and implant-supported fixed prosthesis.
Effect of Fluoride on the Corrosion Behavior of Ti and Ti6Al4V Dental Implants Coupled With Different Superstructures
Authors: Anwar Eman M , Kheiralla Lamia S , Tammam Riham H
Published: June 2010

The effect of fluoride ion concentration on the corrosion behavior of Ti and Ti6Al4V implant alloys, when coupled with either metal/ceramic or all-ceramic superstructure, was examined by different electrochemical methods in artificial saliva solutions. It was concluded that increased fluoride concentration leads to a decrease in the corrosion resistance of all tested couples. The type of the superstructure also showed a significant effect on the corrosion resistance of the couple.
Stress Related Peri-Implant Bone Loss
Authors: Flanagan Dennis
Published: June 2010

Psychological stress has been reported to be associated with periodontal bone loss; however, this association has not been studied for peri-implant bone loss. Psychological stress may be a factor in peri-implant bone loss. Alone, stress may not be significant, but in tandem with other factors, certain types of psychological stress may aggravate or accelerate peri-implant bone loss. This association needs to be studied further.
17β-estradiol down-regulates lipopolysaccharide-induced MCP-1 production and cell migration in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Jiang Ping , Xu Jinwen , Zheng Shuhui , Huang Jinghe , Xiang Qiuling , Fu Xiaodong , Wang Tinghuai
Published: June 2010

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease where lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers the release of inflammatory cytokines that accelerate its initiation and progression. Estrogen has been proven to be vasoprotective against atherosclerosis; however, the anti-inflammatory function of estrogen in the vascular system remains obscure. In this study, we investigated the effect of estrogen on LPS-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1; listed as CCL2 in the MGI database) production in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). LPS significantly enhances MCP-1 production and this is dependent on nuclear factor κ B (NFκB) signaling, since the use of NFκB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or the silencing of NFκB subunit p65 expression with specific siRNA largely impairs LPS-enhanced MCP-1 production. On the contrary, 17β-estradiol (E2) inhibits LPS-induced MCP-1 production in a time- and dose-dependent manner, which is related to the suppression of p65 translocation to nucleus. Furthermore, p38 MAPK is rapidly activated in response to LPS, while E2 markedly inhibits p38 MAPK activation. Transfection with p38 MAPK siRNA or the use of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 markedly attenuates LPS-stimulated p65 translocation to nucleus and MCP-1 production, suggesting that E2 suppresses NFκB signaling by the inactivation of p38 MAPK signaling. LPS promotes VSMCs migration and this is abrogated by MCP-1 antibody, implying that MCP-1 may play a major role as an autocrine factor in atherosclerosis. In addition, E2 inhibits LPS-promoted cell migration by downregulation of MCP-1 production. Overall, our results demonstrate that E2 exerts anti-inflammatory property antagonistic to LPS in VSMCs by reducing MCP-1 production, and this effect is related to the inhibition of p38 MAPK/NFκB cascade.
Predicted 1,3‐Dichloropropene Air Concentrations Resulting from Tree and Vine Applications in California
Authors: Cryer S. A. , van Wesenbeeck I. J.
Published: June 2010

The preplant soil fumigant 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D) is effective for nematode control and is expected to further replace methyl bromide (MeBr) as MeBr use is phased out. Acute human exposure to soil fumigants is managed in part by using buffer zones between treated fields and occupied structures. The required buffer zone for 1,3‐D in California is 91.4 m (300 ft) for all uses. However, a 30.5‐m (100‐ft) buffer setback is desired for 1,3‐D to be an important replacement for MeBr in the orchard and vineyard markets. The Industrial Source Complex Short‐Term model, Version 3 (ISCST3) was used to simulate township‐wide long‐term average and short‐term air concentration distributions of 1,3‐D. The Gaussian plume model ISCST3 can be used to assess dispersion of air pollutants and pollutant concentrations on receptors from a variety of sources and in diverse airsheds. Long‐term and daily‐average air concentrations can be compared with the California permitted chronic or acute toxicity endpoints, respectively, to assess the potential risk for individuals living within the township at the proposed buffer setback. Modifications to ISCST3 were made for specific nonpoint‐source agricultural constraints and management practices. Chronic and acute air concentration distributions of 1,3‐D with a 30.5‐m buffer constraint around treated fields are similar to currently permitted air concentration distributions in California. Refinement of exposure as a function of buffer distance, application rate, and field size is possible due to the resolution of the simulation and external post‐processing capabilities. Simulated examples of 1,3‐D acute and chronic exposure cumulative distributions are presented.
Spatial Extrapolation of Soil Characteristics Using Whole‐Soil Particle Size Distributions
Authors: Shirazi Mostafa A. , Boersma Larry , Haggerty Patricia K. , Johnson Colleen Burch
Published: June 2010

Soils support ecosystem functions such as plant growth and water quality because of certain physical, chemical, and biological properties. These properties have been studied at different spatial scales, including point scales to satisfy basic research needs, and regional scales to satisfy monitoring needs. Recently, soil property data for the entire USA have become available in the State Soil Geographic Data Base (STATSGO), which is appropriate for regional‐scale research. We analyzed and created models of STATSGO data in this study to serve as a research tool, for example, for linking the soil to regional water quality monitoring data in our companion paper. Map units in STATSGO define geographic land areas by soil characteristics (SCs) of similar soil series. We selected 27 SCs that influenced water properties (in varying degrees), aggregated the layer and component SCs to map unit SCs, and used SCs to calculate relationships among map units. The relationships were defined by equations of conditional mean for the qth SC (SCq), while using the remaining 26 SCs as predictors. The relative standard errors for 22 of the 27 SCs were less than 10%, and less than 22% for the remaining five. We conclude that spatial extrapolation of SCs is feasible and the procedures are a first step toward extrapolating information across a region using SC–water property relationships. Although our procedure is for regional scale monitoring, it is also applicable to finer spatial scales commensurate with available soil data.
Phosphorus Transfer in Runoff Following Application of Fertilizer, Manure, and Sewage Sludge
Authors: Withers Paul J. A. , Clay Stephen D. , Breeze Victor G.
Published: June 2010

Phosphorus (P) transfer in surface runoff from field plots receiving either no P, triplesuperphoshate (TSP), liquid cattle manure (LCS), liquid anaerobically digested sludge (LDS), or dewatered sludge cake (DSC) was compared over a 2‐yr period. Dissolved inorganic P concentrations in runoff increased from 0.1 to 0.2 mg L−1 on control and sludge‐treated plots to 3.8 and 6.5 mg L−1 following application of LCS and TSP, respectively, to a cereal crop in spring. When incorporated into the soil in autumn, runoff dissolved P concentrations were typically <0.5 mg L−1 across all plots, and particulate P remained the dominant P form. When surface‐applied in autumn to a consolidated seedbed, direct loss of LCS and LDS increased both runoff volume and P transfers, but release of dissolved P occurred only from LCS. The largest P concentrations (>70 mg L−1) were recorded following TSP application without any increase in runoff volume, while application of bulky DSC significantly reduced total P transfers by 70% compared with the control due to a reduced runoff volume. Treatment effects in each monitoring period were most pronounced in the first runoff event. Differences in the release of P from the different P sources were related to the amounts of P extracted by either water or sodium bicarbonate in the order TSP > LCS > LDS > DSC. The results suggest there is a lower risk of P transfer in land runoff following application of sludge compared with other agricultural P amendments at similar P rates.
In Vitro Pesticide Degradation in Turfgrass Soil Incubated under Open and Sealed Conditions
Authors: Suzuki Toshinari , Yaguchi Kumiko , Suzuki Sukeji , Suga Tetsuya
Published: June 2010

Degradation of selected pesticides was conducted in a turfgrass soil from a golf course under open (i.e., allowing gas exchange with atmosphere) and sealed systems. The time required for 50% of the initial dose of fenitrothion (O,O‐dimethyl O‐4‐nitro‐m‐tolyl phosphorothioate), diazinon (O,O‐dimethyl O‐2‐isopropyl‐6‐methylpyrimidin4‐yl phosphorothioate), iprodione [3‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)‐N‐isopropyl‐2,4‐dioxo‐imidazolidine‐1‐carboxamide], mecoprop [(RS)‐2‐(4‐chloro‐o‐tolyloxy)propionic acid], and asulam (4‐aminophenylsulfonyl‐carbamate) to dissipate (half‐life, t1/2) was less than 2 wk under both conditions. The t1/2 values of dithiopyr (S,S′‐dimethyl 2‐difluoromethyl‐4‐isobutyl‐6‐trifluoro‐methylpyridine‐3,5‐dicarbothioate) were 324 and 185 d under the open and sealed conditions, respectively. The t1/2 values of isoprothiolane (di‐isopropyl 1,3‐dithiolan‐2‐ylidene‐malonate), flutolanil (α,α,α‐trifluoro‐3′‐isopropoxy‐o‐toluanilide), and benefin (N‐butyl‐N‐ethyl‐α,α,α‐trifluoro‐2,6‐dinitro‐p‐toluidine) under the open conditions were 154, 336, and 47 d, respectively. The t1/2 values of these pesticides increased slightly under the sealed conditions. The t1/2 values of terbutol (2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenyl N‐methycarbamate) and one of the major degradation products, N‐demethyl‐terbutol (2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenyl carbamate), were 182 and 291 d under the open conditions and increased by six‐ and threefold under the sealed conditions, respectively. The degradation system under the sealed conditions could characterize the persistence of terbutol and N‐demethyl‐terbutol, which were the most persistent in the field.
Accumulation of Rare Earth Elements in Corn after Agricultural Application
Authors: Wang Zijian , Liu Dingfang , Lu Peng , Wang Chunxia
Published: June 2010

Using both pot and plot experiments, the dose‐dependent accumulation of rare earth elements (REs) in corn (Zea mays L.) after application of an agricultural REs mixture was measured. In the pot experiment, the dose‐dependent accumulation of REs in corn root and stem was observed, but it could not be detected in corn leaf under the dosage of 20 mg REs kg−1 soil (oven‐dry mass). The non‐observed effect concentration (NOEC) for accumulation of REs in corn seedling with the pot experiment was 1.0 mg REs kg−1 In the plot experiment, the dose‐dependent accumulation was observed at an early stage after application of REs and the NOEC value of 32 mg REs m−2 was obtained. At harvest, no dose‐dependent accumulation of REs was observed in any part of the corn. These results can be confirmed by the fingerprinting analysis based on the differences between La to RE ratios in the REs mixture and in pot or plot soil. We observed that the plant shows no preference on individual RE and the results of fingerprinting indicated clearly the incorporation of exogenous REs in plant tissues, in a similar manner as that observed in the dose‐dependent distribution of RE concentrations. The results indicated also a translocation process of REs from plant root to leaf when applied to soil or from leaf to root when applied to leaf. A homeostatic regulation mechanism for excessive uptake of REs in plants is suggested to regulate the concentrations of REs in the plant.
Phosphorus Mobilization from Various Sediment Pools in Response to Increased pH and Silicate Concentration
Authors: Koski‐Vähälä J. , Hartikainen H. , Tallberg P.
Published: June 2010

Phosphorus (P) release from sediment particles to the interstitial water has been studied extensively, but the contribution of different inorganic P pools in sediment under differing environmental conditions is not fully understood. This study was undertaken to get more detailed information about the chemical mobilization mechanisms. Phosphorus mobilization from reserves bound by Al, Fe, and Ca compounds in response to increased pH and to inorganic silicon (Si) enrichments was investigated using a sequential fractionation analysis and an isotope‐labeling technique. The aerobic sediment of Lake Vesijärvi had a high P retention capacity, and Fe‐bound P was the largest inorganic P pool as well as the main source of released P. High Si addition (47 mg Si L−1 sediment) released more P to the interstitial water than did the elevation of pH from 6.6 to 9.5, since Si lowered the resorption of released P onto hydrated Al oxides. This finding reveals that P equilibrium between Fe‐bound and Al‐bound P in sediments regulates P net mobilization to the interstitial water under aerobic conditions. Furthermore, elevated pH combined with high Si enrichment had a positive synergistic effect, resulting in the most substantial P mobilization. This synergism may cause a self‐fueled increase in the internal loading of P. It accentuates the effect of diatom sedimentation on P fluxes in eutrophic lakes with high pH and may favor the appearance of bloom‐forming cyanobacteria.
Monitoring Nitrate Leaching from Submerged Drains
Authors: de Vos J.A.
Published: June 2010

Monitoring nitrate N (NO3–N) leaching is important in order to judge the effect that agricultural practices have on the quality of ground water and surface water. Measuring drain discharge rates and NO3–N concentrations circumvents the problem of spatial variability encountered by other methods used to quantify NO3–N leaching in the field. A new flow‐proportional drainage water sampling method for submerged drains has been developed to monitor NO3–N leaching. Both low and high discharge rates can be measured accurately, and are automatically compensated for fluctuations in ditch‐water levels. The total amount of NO3–N leached was 10.6 kg N ha−1 for a tile‐drained silt‐loam soil during the 114‐d monitoring period. The NO3–N concentrations fluctuated between 5 mg L−1 at deep ground water levels and 15 mg L−1 at shallow levels, due to variations in water flow. A flow‐proportional drainage water sampling method is required to measure NO3–N leaching accurately under these conditions. Errors of up to 43% may occur when NO3–N concentrations in the drainage water are only measured at intervals of 30 d and when the precipitation excess is used to estimate cumulative NO3–N leaching. Measurements of NO3–N concentrations in ground water cannot be used to accurately estimate NO3–N leaching in drained soils.
Kinetic Modeling of Bioavailability for Sorbed‐Phase 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid
Authors: Park Jeong‐Hun , Kay Denise , Zhao Xianda , Boyd Stephen A. , Voice Thomas C.
Published: June 2010

The degradation rate of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) was studied in silica–slurry systems to evaluate the bioavailability of sorbed‐phase contaminant. After the silica particles were saturated with 2,4‐D, the system was inoculated with the 2,4‐D–degrading microorganism Flavorbacterium sp. strain FB4. The disappearance rate of 2,4‐D was found to be greater than the rate predicted based upon liquid‐phase 2,4‐D concentrations. A kinetic formulation, termed the enhanced bioavailability model, was developed to describe the desorption and biodegradation processes in this batch system. The approach assumes that 2,4‐D resides in both the liquid and solid phases and degradation occurs via both suspended and attached biomass. All biomass can degrade liquid‐phase 2,4‐D at one rate, while only attached biomass can degrade sorbed 2,4‐D at another rate. An enhanced transformation factor (Ef) was introduced to express the increased biodegradation rate over that expected from the liquid phase only. This approach was able to account for the increased degradation rates observed experimentally. The results provide evidence that desorption to the bulk solution is not prerequisite to degradation, and that sorbed substrate may be available for degradation.