bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of environmental factors affecting initial growth of Norway spruce seedlings
Authors: Johansson Karin , Langvall Ola , Bergh Johan
Published: March 2014

The purpose of the study was to create a near optimal environment for seedling establishment and growth, without the restrain of water and nutrients but under climate conditions typical for the region. This to give us valuable knowledge about the growth potential of different seedling types in the field. The experimental site was situated in southern Sweden. Six treatment combinations were applied including two site treatments; 1) soil inversion, i.e. the control treatment, and 2) soil inversion, drip irrigation and fertilization combined with plastic cover mulch, i.e. the optimization treatment, and three seedling types of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), (a) a 2-year-old Plug+1 seedling, (b) a 1.5-year-old containerized seedling and (c) a 10-week-old mini seedling. Effects on seedling nutrient status and growth were studied during the first three years after planting. Height, diameter and biomass of the seedlings grown in the optimized environment were significantly greater than for seedlings grown in the control. The Plug+1 seedlings grown in the optimization treatment had, after three years, reached a height of 124 cm, while the containerized seedlings were 104 cm and the mini seedlings 45 cm. In practical plantations, this height is usually gained after 5â10 years depending on planting conditions. Biomass partitioning did not differ between optimization treatments, but between seedling types. The mini seedlings allocated less biomass to the roots and more biomass to needles and stem in comparison with the two other seedling types. Mini seedlings also broke bud earlier. Throughout the experimental period, seedling nutrient status for all treatment combinations was followed and a balanced nutrient supply of macro- and micronutrients was given in the optimization treatment. Nutrient concentrations were constantly higher in seedlings grown in the optimization treatment, but the difference decreased over time. Results from this study shows that, by improving site conditions associated with fast establishment, growth check can be avoided.
Impact and productivity of harvesting while retaining young understorey spruces in final cutting of downy birch (Betula pubescens)
Authors: Niemistö Pentti , Korpunen Heikki , Laurén Ari , Salomäki Marika , Uusitalo Jori
Published: March 2014

Quite often Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) forms an understorey in birch dominated stands in Finland. Advantageous growth conditions for both storeys are present especially in downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) stands on drained fertile peatland. The most common way of regenerating mature Downy birch forest is clear cutting and replanting with Norway spruce, even if vital spruce seedlings or saplings was already growing under the birch. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of retaining young understorey spruces on the productivity of harvesting and on the quality of the remaining stands in downy birch dominated stands with modern cut-to-length (CTL) machinery. Retaining undergrowth spruces decreased productivity of cutting in managed stands (600 stems/ha) by 6â9 per cent and in unmanaged stands (1200 stems/ha) by 11â17 per cent compared with clear cutting, where the understorey is not considered. Compared with the case where no understorey was present, the decrease in productivity was 10â17 per cent and 21â30 per cent respectively. In forwarding, retaining the undergrowth decreased the productivity of loading phases by 7â14 per cent. Harvesting treatment where spruces were retained produced an adequate stand structure for the future growing stock. Using this method, 14â24 per cent of the original spruces were totally destroyed while 25â44 per cent of spruces were destroyed when they were not considered for harvesting. The spatial variation of the remaining spruces was much better in the treatment where spruces were retained. Our study results shows that in this kind of two storey birchâspruce forests, the harvesting treatment where spruces are retained while cutting is the most acceptable and profitable method. It allows for a vital spruce sapling to continue growing, and avoids regeneration and tending costs or other harmful effects of clear-cut areas such as the freezing of young spruce plants and an increase in the ground water table.
Variability and dynamics of old-growth forests in the circumboreal zone: implications for conservation, restoration and management
Authors: Shorohova Ekaterina , Kneeshaw Daniel , Kuuluvainen Timo , Gauthier Sylvie
Published: March 2014

Due to the unprecedented loss of old-growth forests to harvesting throughout circumboreal regions an understanding of similarities and differences in old-growth dynamics is needed to design effective restoration, management and conservation efforts. This paper reviews concepts, prevalence and variability of old-growth forests across landscapes, and evaluates different stand scale dynamics at the old-growth stage across the circumboreal zone. Old-growth historically dominated many boreal forest landscapes in both Eurasia and North America. Throughout much of North America, and to some extent in western Siberia, the natural prevalence and development of old-growth forests are regulated by the occurrence of stand-replacing fires. In eastern North America and Siberia, insect outbreaks may, however, be more important. Insect outbreaks as well as recurrent non-stand replacing surface fires and windthrows, when occurring at the old-growth stage, often form stands characterized by several tree age-class cohorts. This multi age-class forest development type is common in Europe and eastern Siberia but its prevalence and importance in boreal North-America is not well documented. Similarities in successional dynamics across the circumboreal region are found in the development of mono-dominant even-aged stands, the replacement of shade intolerant tree species by shade tolerant species, as well as in all-aged stands driven by small-scale gap dynamics. The message to land managers is that the focus should not only be on setting aside remaining old-growth forests or in restoring static old-growth attributes, but also in emulating natural disturbances and successional dynamics at landscape and regional scales to maintain natural variability in old-growth attributes through time.
Alternative silvicultural practices in irregular boreal forests: response of beetle assemblages
Authors: Légaré Jean-Philippe , Hébert Christian , Ruel Jean-Claude
Published: March 2014

In the process of implementing sustainable management in the eastern Canadian boreal forest, we tested two selection cutting methods and compared them with two widely used practices in the boreal forest: clearcutting with protection of the advanced growth and soils and irregular shelterwood cutting leaving small merchantable stems. We used old-growth irregular stands as references in comparing the impact of these silvicultural treatments on the diversity and abundance of beetles. Three groups were targeted: saproxylic flying beetles, epigaeic saproxylic beetles and epigaeic non-saproxylic beetles. A sampling design including 320 pitfall traps and 80 multidirectional flight-interception traps was deployed in 2007. A total of 26 906 beetles was captured including 407 taxa distributed among 52 families. We found that clearcutting with protection of the advanced growth and soils and irregular shelterwood cutting leaving small merchantable stems had a greater impact on beetle communities than both selection cuttings. Canopy opening as well as the presence of snags and downed woody debris appear as important attributes for several saproxylic and non-saproxylic species. Beetle communities in selection cuttings remained more similar to those found in controls; these silvicultural treatments are new tools to implement ecosystemic and sustainable management in irregular boreal forests.
A non-destructive field method for measuring wood density of decaying logs
Authors: Mäkipää Raisa , Linkosalo Tapio
Published: March 2014

Decaying dead wood density measurements are a useful indicator for multiple purposes, such as for estimating the amount of carbon in dead wood and making predictions of potential diversity of dead wood inhabiting fungi and insects. Currently, qualitative decay phases are used as wood density estimates in many applications, since measuring the density is laborious. A quantitative measure of density would, however, be preferred over the qualitative one. Penetrometers, which are commonly used for measuring the density of standing trees, might also be applicable to dead wood density measurements. We tested the device for making quick, quantitative measurements of decaying logs. The penetrometer measures the depth into which a pre-loaded spring forces a pin in the wood. We tested pins of 5 and 10 mm diameter together with an original 2.5 mm pin and compared the results with gravimetric density measurements of the sample logs. Our results suggest that the standard pin works for less decayed wood, but for more decomposed wood, the thicker 5 mm pin gave more reliable estimates when the penetration measures were converted to densities with a linear regression function (R = 0.62, F = 82.9, p = 0.000). The range of wood densities successfully measured with the 5 mm pin was from 180 to 510 kg m. With the 10 mm pin, the measuring resolution of denser wood was compromised, while the improvement at the other end of density scale was not large. As a conclusion, the penetrometer seems to be a promising tool for quick density testing of decaying logs in field, but it needs to be modified to use a thicker measuring pin than the standard 2.5 mm pin.2â3
Phylogeographic pattern of Populus cathayana in the southeast of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China revealed by cpSSR markers
Authors: Peng Youhong , Chen Ke
Published: March 2014

The vegetation in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is thought to be highly sensitive and more vulnerable to global climate change than that of other areas. The uplift of the plateau as well as the climatic oscillations during glacial periods had a profound impact on plant species distribution and genetic diversity there. In the present study, seven pairs of cpSSR (chloroplast Simple Sequence Repeat) primers were utilized to detect genetic varieties of Populus cathayana Rehd populations from their natural range in the southeastern areas of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A total of 28 alleles and 12 different haplotypes were detected. The proportion of haplotype variation among populations (G = 0.794, N = 0.900) indicated high level of genetic differentiation among populations and a significant phylogeographic structure (N > G, P < 0.05). This appears to support the hypothesis that these populations were derived from multiple refugia areas during the Quaternary climatic oscillations. Based on the haplotype network and mismatch distribution analyses, we found no evidence of postglacial range recolonization and expansion by P. cathayana in this region. This might be mainly due to the complex topography of the southeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The lofty mountain ranges and deep valleys in this region might have prevented long-distance migrations of this species during the climatic amelioration.STSTSTST
Mounding and scalping prior to reforestation of hydrologically sensitive deep-peated sites: factors behind Scots pine regeneration success
Authors: Pearson Meeri , Saarinen Markku , Minkkinen Kari , Silvan Niko , Laine Jukka
Published: March 2014

Watering up typically ensues after clearcutting forestry-drained peatland forests. Thus, the effectiveness of maintenance drainage and soil preparation procedures becomes paramount for establishing a new generation of commercial forest. Mounding is the primary method of soil preparation applied in regeneration sites lying on deep peat. As raised planting spots, mounds are resistant to waterlogging and assumed to be beneficial for organic matter (OM) decomposition via, e.g., increased soil aeration and temperature, which would also enhance seedling growth. In recent years, however, less intensive and cheaper alternatives like scalping have been sought with some reported cases of success. Our case study investigated the survival and growth of Scots pine outplants in mounds, scalps, and unprepared microsites along a moisture gradient. After three growing seasons, mounding accelerated neither seedling growth nor OM decomposition relative to the unprepared treatment. Survival in mounds was nonetheless superior overall. Scalps behaved as water collecting depressions leading to a catastrophic regeneration result. Based on our findings, water table level (WTL) overrides other growth-controlling factors in excess moisture conditions. To combat watering up coupled with greater than normal rainfall, we recommend reforestation strategies which provide elevated, prepared planting spots (i.e., mounds) or utilize unprepared, higher microforms.
Local prediction of stand structure using linear prediction theory in Scots pine-dominated stands in Finland
Authors: Siipilehto Jouni
Published: March 2014

This study produced a family of models for eight standard stand characteristics, frequency and basal area-based diameter distributions, and a height curve for stands in Finland dominated by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). The data consisted of 752 National Forest Inventory-based sample plots, measured three times between 1976 and 2001. Of the data, 75% were randomly selected for modelling and 25% left out for model evaluation. Base prediction models were constructed as functions of stand age, location and site providing strongly average expectations. These expectations were then calibrated with the known stand variables using linear prediction theory when estimating the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP). Three stand variables, typically assessed in Finnish forest management planning fieldwork, were quite effective for calibrating the expectation for the unknown variable. In the case of optional distributions, it was essential to choose the weighting of the diameter distribution model such that the available input variables and the model applied were based on the same scale (e.g. arithmetic stand variables for frequency distribution). Additional input variables generally improved the accuracy of the validated characteristics, but the improvements in the predicted distributions were most noteworthy when the arithmetic mean and basal area-weighted median were simultaneously included in the BLUP estimation. The BLUP method provided a flexible approach for characterising relationships among stand variables, alternative size distributions and the heightâdiameter curve. Models are intended for practical use in the MOTTI simulator.
Jumping pairs of Steiner bundles
Authors: Arrondo Enrique , Marchesi Simone
Published: March 2014

In this work we introduce the definition of Schwarzenberger bundle on a Grassmannian. Recalling the notion of Steiner bundle, we generalize the concept of jumping pair for a Steiner bundle on a Grassmannian. After studying the jumping locus variety and bounding its dimension, we give a complete classification of Steiner bundles with jumping locus of maximal dimension, which all are Schwarzenberger bundles.
Neonatal serum magnesium concentrations are determined by total maternal dose of magnesium sulfate administered for neuroprotection
Authors: Borja-Del-Rosario Pamela , Basu Sudeepta Kumar , Haberman Shoshana , Bhutada Alok , Rastogi Shantanu
Published: March 2014

Background: Antenatal magnesium in preterm labor for neuroprotection decreases the incidence of cerebral palsy. However, there are no guidelines on the dose and duration of magnesium infusion for neuroprotection. As increased neonatal serum magnesium concentrations may be related to higher risk of morbidity and mortality, the role of total amount of magnesium and maternal serum magnesium concentrations associated with safe neonatal serum magnesium concentrations is not known.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 289 mothers who received antenatal magnesium for neuroprotection as a loading dose of 4–6 g infused over 30 min, followed by a maintenance infusion of 1–2 g/h. Total magnesium dose infused to the mother and maternal serum magnesium concentrations were correlated with neonatal serum magnesium concentrations.

Results: Of the 289 mothers, 192 mother/baby dyads had all three measurements (maternal total magnesium dose, and maternal and neonatal serum magnesium concentrations). Magnesium infusion was continued beyond 24 h in 60 mothers. Total maternal magnesium dose at 24 and 48 h of infusion correlated with neonatal serum magnesium concentrations (r=0.55, P<0.0001 and r=0.35, P<0.0001, respectively), but not with maternal serum magnesium concentrations (r=0.004, P=0.98 and r=0.14, P=0.21). However, there was no correlation between the maternal and neonatal serum magnesium concentrations (r=0.10, P=0.15).

Conclusion: Total dose of magnesium infused to the mother correlates with neonatal serum magnesium concentrations. To keep neonatal serum magnesium concentrations within a range that is effective for neuroprotection and safe for the neonates, the total dose received by the mother needs to be monitored and limited.
Melt grafting copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate onto acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) terpolymer
Authors: Shao Huiju , Qin Shuhao , Guo Jianbing , Wu Bin
Published: March 2014

The grafting copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) terpolymer was carried out using the melt grafting process. Infrared (IR) spectra,
Roles of Gremlin 1 and Gremlin 2 in regulating ovarian primordial to primary follicle transition
Authors: Nilsson Eric E , Larsen Ginger , Skinner Michael K
Published: March 2014

A network of extracellular signaling factors has previously been shown to act in concert to control the ovarian primordial to primary follicle transition. The current study was designed to investigate the roles of the endogenous bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) inhibitors Gremlin 1 (GREM1) and GREM2 in primordial follicle transition in the rat ovary. GREM1 and GREM2 treatments were found to reverse the effects of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to inhibit follicle transition in a whole-ovary culture system. GREM1 reversed the effect of BMP4 to stimulate primordial follicle transition. Immunohistochemical studies showed that GREM2, but not GREM1, was present in primordial follicles suggesting that GREM2 may regulate primordial follicle transition in vivo. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated that GREM2 directly binds to AMH, as well as to BMP4. Transcriptome analyses of ovaries treated with GREM2 or GREM1 yielded negligible numbers of differentially expressed genes, suggesting that the immediate effects of GREM2 or GREM1 appear to be at the level of protein–protein interactions, rather than direct actions on the cells. A number of other ovarian growth factors were found to influence the expression of Grem2. Observations suggest that Grem2 is a part of the signaling network of growth factors that regulate the primordial to primary follicle transition. Insights into the regulatory networks affecting the pool of primordial follicles are important to understand the molecular basis for reproductive diseases such as primary ovarian insufficiency.
Pediatric Data Sharing in Genomic Research: Attitudes and Preferences of Parents
Authors: Burstein Matthew D. , Robinson Jill Oliver , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , McGuire Amy L. , Lau Ching C.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE:

In the United States, data from federally funded genomics studies are stored in national databases, which may be accessible to anyone online (public release) or only to qualified researchers (restricted release). The availability of such data exposes participants to privacy risk and limits the ability to withdraw from research. This exposure is especially challenging for pediatric participants, who are enrolled in studies with parental permission. The current study examines genomic research participants’ attitudes to explore differences in data sharing (DS) preferences between parents of pediatric patients and adult patients.

METHODS:

A total of 113 parents of pediatric patients and 196 adult participants from 6 genomics studies were randomly assigned to 3 experimental consent forms. Participants were invited to a follow-up structured interview exploring DS preferences, study understanding, and attitudes. Descriptive analyses and regression models were built on responses.

RESULTS:

Most parents (73.5%) and adult participants (90.3%) ultimately consented to broad public release. However, parents were significantly more restrictive in their data release decisions, not because of understanding or perceived benefits of participation but rather autonomy and control. Parents want to be more involved in the decision about DS and are significantly more concerned than adult participants about unknown future risks.

CONCLUSIONS:

Parents have the same altruistic motivations and grasp of genomics studies as adult participants. However, they are more concerned about future risks to their child, which probably motivates them to choose more restrictive DS options, but only when such options are made available.
National Trends Over 25 Years in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Outcomes
Authors: Van Arendonk Kyle J. , Boyarsky Brian J. , Orandi Babak J. , James Nathan T. , Smith Jodi M. , Colombani Paul M. , Segev Dorry L.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate changes in pediatric kidney transplant outcomes over time and potential variations in these changes between the early and late posttransplant periods and across subgroups based on recipient, donor, and transplant characteristics.

METHODS:

Using multiple logistic regression and multivariable Cox models, graft and patient outcomes were analyzed in 17 446 pediatric kidney-only transplants performed in the United States between 1987 and 2012.

RESULTS:

Ten-year patient and graft survival rates were 90.5% and 60.2%, respectively, after transplantation in 2001, compared with 77.6% and 46.8% after transplantation in 1987. Primary nonfunction and delayed graft function occurred in 3.3% and 5.3%, respectively, of transplants performed in 2011, compared with 15.4% and 19.7% of those performed in 1987. Adjusted for recipient, donor, and transplant characteristics, these improvements corresponded to a 5% decreased hazard of graft loss, 5% decreased hazard of death, 10% decreased odds of primary nonfunction, and 5% decreased odds of delayed graft function with each more recent year of transplantation. Graft survival improvements were lower in adolescent and female recipients, those receiving pretransplant dialysis, and those with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Patient survival improvements were higher in those with elevated peak panel reactive antibody. Both patient and graft survival improvements were most pronounced in the first posttransplant year.

CONCLUSIONS:

Outcomes after pediatric kidney transplantation have improved dramatically over time for all recipient subgroups, especially for highly sensitized recipients. Most improvement in graft and patient survival has come in the first year after transplantation, highlighting the need for continued progress in long-term outcomes.
MRSA Colonization and Risk of Infection in the Neonatal and Pediatric ICU: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zervou Fainareti N. , Zacharioudakis Ioannis M. , Ziakas Panayiotis D. , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in NICUs and PICUs. Our objective was to assess the burden of MRSA colonization on admission, study the time trends, and examine the significance of MRSA colonization in this population.

METHODS:

PubMed and Embase databases were consulted. Studies that reported prevalence of MRSA colonization on ICU admission were selected. Two authors independently extracted data on MRSA colonization and infection.

RESULTS:

We identified 18 suitable articles and found an overall prevalence of MRSA colonization of 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3%–2.6%) on admission to the NICU or PICU, with a stable trend over the past 12 years. Interestingly, 5.8% (95% CI 1.9%–11.4%) of outborn neonates were colonized with MRSA on admission to NICU, compared with just 0.2% (95% CI 0.0%–0.9%) of inborn neonates (P = .01). The pooled acquisition rate of MRSA colonization was 4.1% (95% CI 1.2%–8.6%) during the NICU and PICU stay and was as high as 6.1% (95% CI 2.8%–10.6%) when the NICU population was studied alone. There was a relative risk of 24.2 (95% CI 8.9–66.0) for colonized patients to develop a MRSA infection during hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the NICU and PICU, there are carriers of MRSA on admission, and MRSA colonization in the NICU is almost exclusively associated with outborn neonates. Importantly, despite infection control measures, the acquisition rate is high, and patients colonized with MRSA on admission are more likely to suffer a MRSA infection during hospitalization.
Patterns of Mobile Device Use by Caregivers and Children During Meals in Fast Food Restaurants
Authors: Radesky Jenny S. , Kistin Caroline J. , Zuckerman Barry , Nitzberg Katie , Gross Jamie , Kaplan-Sanoff Margot , Augustyn Marilyn , Silverstein Michael
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Mobile devices are a ubiquitous part of American life, yet how families use this technology has not been studied. We aimed to describe naturalistic patterns of mobile device use by caregivers and children to generate hypotheses about its effects on caregiver–child interaction.

METHODS:

Using nonparticipant observational methods, we observed 55 caregivers eating with 1 or more young children in fast food restaurants in a single metropolitan area. Observers wrote detailed field notes, continuously describing all aspects of mobile device use and child and caregiver behavior during the meal. Field notes were then subjected to qualitative analysis using grounded theory methods to identify common themes of device use.

RESULTS:

Forty caregivers used devices during their meal. The dominant theme salient to mobile device use and caregiver–child interaction was the degree of absorption in devices caregivers exhibited. Absorption was conceptualized as the extent to which primary engagement was with the device, rather than the child, and was determined by frequency, duration, and modality of device use; child response to caregiver use, which ranged from entertaining themselves to escalating bids for attention, and how caregivers managed this behavior; and separate versus shared use of devices. Highly absorbed caregivers often responded harshly to child misbehavior.

CONCLUSIONS:

We documented a range of patterns of mobile device use, characterized by varying degrees of absorption. These themes may be used as a foundation for coding schemes in quantitative studies exploring device use and child outcomes.
Self-Assembling Gels of a Hydrophobically Modified Biopolymer
Authors: Venkataraman Pradeep , St. Dennis Joy , Zheng Rubo , Arora Jaspreet , Owoseni Olasehinde , John Vijay T. , Raghavan Srinivasa
Published: March 2014

The self-assembly of a hydrophobically modified biopolymer (chitosan) is described with particular reference to gelation of these systems. The hydrophobic modification consists of the attachment of long chain alkyl groups inserted randomly along the polysaccharide backbone. The attachment of these alkyl groups to hydrophobic surfaces or the insertion into nonpolar liquids provides a ubiquitous and versatile way to create hierarchical structures, particularly the formation of self-assembled gels. Such self-assembly can be used in a variety of new technologies relating to chromatography, lubrication and the environmental remediation of oil spills through gelation of surface layers.
Atomic Layer Deposited Al2O3 and Parylene C Bi-layer Encapsulation for Utah Electrode Array Based Neural Interfaces
Authors: Xie Xianzong , Rieth Loren W. , Sharma Rohit , Negi Sandeep , Bhandari Rajmohan , Caldwell Ryan , Tathireddy Prashant , Solzbacher Florian
Published: March 2014

Long-term functionality and stability of neural interfaces with complex geometries is one of the major challenges for chronic clinic applications due to lack of effective encapsulation. We present an encapsulation method that combines atomic layer deposited Al2O3 and Parylene C for encapsulation of biomedical implantable devices, focusing on its application on Utah electrode array based neural interfaces. The alumina and Parylene C bi-layer encapsulated wired Utah electrode array showed relatively stable impedance during the 960 equivalent soaking days at 37 °C in phosphate buffered solution. For the bi-layer coated wireless neural interfaces, the power-up frequency was constantly ∼ 910 MHz and the RF signal strength was stably around -73 dBm during equivalent soaking time of 1044 days at 37 °C (still under soak testing).
Consequences of alternative dispersal strategies in a putatively amphidromous fish
Authors: Hogan J. Derek , Blum Michael J. , Gilliam James F. , Bickford Nate , McIntyre Peter B.
Published: March 2014

Successful dispersal can enhance both individual fitness and population persistence, but the process of dispersal is often inherently risky. The interplay between the costs and benefits of dispersal are poorly documented for species with complex life histories due to the difficulty of tracking dispersing individuals. Here we investigate variability in dispersal histories of a freshwater fish, Awaous stamineus, across the species' entire geographic range in the Hawaiian archipelago. Like many animals endemic to tropical island streams, these gobies have an amphidromous life cycle in which a brief marine larval phase enables dispersal among isolated freshwater habitats. Using otolith microchemistry, we document three distinct marine dispersal pathways, all of which are observed on every island. Surprisingly, we also find that 62% of individuals complete their life cycle entirely within freshwater, in contrast to the assumption that amphidromy is obligate in Hawaiian stream gobies. Comparing early life history outcomes based on daily otolith growth rings, we find that individuals with marine dispersal have shorter larval durations and faster larval growth, and their growth advantage over purely freshwater counterparts continues to some degree into adult life. These individual benefits of maintaining a marine dispersal phase presumably balance against the challenge of finding and reentering an island stream from the ocean. The facultative nature of amphidromy in this species highlights the selective balance between costs and benefits of dispersal in life history evolution. Accounting for alternative dispersal strategies will be essential for conservation of the amphidromous species that often dominate tropical island streams, many of which are at risk of extinction.
Sapling performance along resource gradients drives tree species distributions within and across tropical forests
Authors: Sterck F. , Markesteijn L. , Toledo M. , Schieving F. , Poorter L.
Published: March 2014

Niche differentiation is a major hypothesized determinant of species distributions, but its practical importance is heavily debated and its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Trait‐based approaches have been used to infer niche differentiation and predict species distributions. For understanding underlying mechanisms, individual traits should be scaled up to whole‐plant performance, which has rarely been done.

We measured seven key traits that are important for carbon and water balance for 37 tropical tree species. We used a process‐based plant physiological model to simulate the carbon budget of saplings along gradients of light and water availability, and quantified the performance of the species in terms of their light compensation points (a proxy for shade tolerance), water compensation points (proxy for drought tolerance), and maximum carbon gain rates (proxy for potential growth rate). We linked species performances to their observed distributions (the realized niches) at two spatial scales in Bolivian lowland forests: along a canopy openness gradient at local scale (∼1 km2) and along a rainfall gradient (1100–2200 mm/yr) at regional (∼1000 km) scale.

We show that the water compensation point was the best predictor of species distributions along water and light resource gradients within and across tropical forests. A sensitivity analysis suggests that the stomatal regulation of minimum leaf water potentials, rather than stem hydraulic traits (sapwood area and specific conductivity), contributed to the species differences in the water compensation point of saplings. The light compensation point and maximum carbon gain, both driven by leaf area index and leaf nitrogen concentration, also contributed to differential species distributions at the local scale, but not or only marginally at the regional scale. Trait‐and‐physiology‐based simulations of whole‐plant performance thus help to evaluate the possible roles of individual traits in physiological processes underlying species performance along environmental gradients. The development of such whole‐plant concepts will improve our ability to understand responses of plant communities to shifts in resource availability and stress under global change.
Improving biological phosphorus removal in membrane bioreactors – a pilot study
Authors: Smith S. , Kim G. , Doan L. , Roh H.
Published: March 2014

With increasing water reuse applications and possible stringent regulations of phosphorus content in secondary and tertiary effluent discharge in Florida, USA, alternative technologies beyond conventional treatment processes require implementation to achieve low phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) concentrations. A pilot scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) system, operated in Florida, adopted the University of Cape Town (UCT) biological process for the treatment of domestic wastewater. The system operated for 280 days at a wastewater treatment facility with total hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 7 h and sludge retention time (SRT) of 20 days. Operating conditions were controlled to maintain specific dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in the reactors, operate at suitable return activated sludge (RAS) rates and to waste from the appropriate reactor. This process favored biological phosphorus removal and achieved 94.1% removal efficiency. Additionally, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and N removal were achieved at 93.9% and 86.6%, respectively. Membrane operation and maintenance did not affect the biological P removal performance but enhanced the process given the different operating requirements compared to that required with the conventional UCT process alone. Conclusively, the result of the pilot study demonstrated improvement in biological phosphorus removal. The UCT-MBR process tested achieved average effluent nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations of 5 mg/L as N and 0.3 mg/L as P.
Framing Unauthorized Immigrants: The Effects of Labels on Evaluations
Authors: Ommundsen Reidar , Larsen Knud S. , van der Veer Kees , Eilertsen Dag-Erik
Published: March 2014

In the U.S. media, unauthorized immigrants are often interchangeably referred to as “illegal aliens,” “illegal immigrants,” and undocumented immigrants.” In spite of formal equivalence, these terms carry different connotations, but the effects of these labels on people's attitudes toward immigrants are not well documented. In this replication study, 274 undergraduate students in psychology responded to one of three randomly distributed versions of a 20-item scale measuring attitudes toward unauthorized immigration. The items in the three scale versions varyingly referred to immigrants using the three terms. Results showed differences in attitudes toward unauthorized immigration between all experimental conditions. The label “illegal immigrants” yielded significantly less positive attitudes compared to the label “undocumented immigrants,” and respondents exposed to the label “illegal aliens” showed the most positive attitudes. Furthermore, the effects of the experimental conditions were not moderated by the respondents' patriotism, sex, or own immigrant background.
The Spiral Aftereffect Technique (SAT) Can Differentiate between Depressive and Somatoform Disorder Patients
Authors: Olsson Lars
Published: March 2014

This study examined how differences in visuo-perceptual patterns are related to psychopathology. Fifty-six patients (37 women, 19 men; M age = 43.8 yr., SD = 13.4) with a main diagnosis of unipolar depression and 42 patients (22 women, 20 men; M age = 42.0 yr., SD = 11.1) with a main diagnosis of somatoform disorder were compared. The duration and trend of a visual motion aftereffect were measured with the Spiral Aftereffect Technique (SAT). The results indicated that successively increasing aftereffect durations characterized the depressive patients, whereas patterns of very short or short final aftereffect preceded by successively decreasing aftereffect durations characterized the patients with a somatoform disorder. The SAT is thus a valuable tool for linking objectively measured perceptual-personality characteristics with some mental disorders.
Modeling of frequency response of transformer winding with axial deformations
Authors: Gawrylczyk K.M. , Banaszak S.
Published: March 2014

One of important methods used for diagnostics of a transformer’s active part is Frequency Response Analysis (FRA). It allows to determine the mechanical condition of windings, their displacements, deformations and electric faults, as well as some problems with internal leads and connections, core and bushings. Still pending problem is interpretation of measurements results. One of approaches is application of computer modeling to simulate various failure modes and connected with them changes in FRA response. The paper presents two types of models, one based on lumped parameters with RLC elements, and one based on distributed parameters with TLM method. Both methods give similar results, comparable to real measurements of simulated coil
ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF GAS TURBINE BLADES WITH NON-DESTRUCTIVE METHODS
Authors: Błachnio Józef
Published: March 2014

Structural components of gas turbines, particularly the blades, sustain a variety of damages during the operation process. The most frequent cause of these damages are the overheating and thermal fatigue of the material. A primary technique to assess condition of the blades is the metallographic examination. In spite of the fact that metallographic analysis delivers much more information on the structure of examined blade material, it is a type of destructive test resulting in the destruction of the blade which makes further utilization of the item impossible. The paper has been intended to discuss non-destructive testing methods and to present capabilities of applying them to diagnose objectively changes in the microstructure of a turbine blade with computer software engaged to assist with the analyses. The following techniques are discussed: a visual method, based on the processing of images of the material surface in visible light, active thermography, based on the detection of infrared radiation, and the X-ray computed tomography. All these are new non-destructive methods of assessing technical condition of structural components of machines. They have been intensively developed at research centers worldwide, and in Poland. The computer-aided visual method of analyzing images enables diagnosis of the condition of turbine blades, without the necessity of dismantling of the turbine. On the other hand, the active thermography and the X-ray computed tomography, although more sensitive and more reliable, can both be used with the blades dismounted from the turbine. If applied in a complex way, the non-destructive methods presented in this paper, are expected to increase significantly probability of detecting changes in the blade’s condition, which in turn would be advantageous to reliability and safety of gas turbine service
SOFTWARE SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT FOR NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF ANSYS CFX
Authors: Brestovič Tomáš , Jasminská Natália
Published: March 2014

The paper deals with possibilities to apply a new developed software support for simulation programme ANSYS CFX. A direct export of heat-transfer coefficients into variables used under edge conditions as well as of physical properties of gas mixtures into material properties during simulation solution of technical tasks means a significant saving of time. The paper summarizes in detail description of the software for calculation of heat-transfer coefficient during free convection (HTC-FC) and of material properties of gas mixture (MPGM) that enable to export calculated data directly into the text files which can be imported then into the programme ANSYS CFX.
FRICTIONAL HEATING OF SLIDING SEMI-SPACES WITH SIMPLE THERMAL NONLINEARITIES
Authors: Och Ewa
Published: March 2014

In the article the nonstationary thermal problem of friction for two semi-spaces with taking into account their imperfect thermal contact and thermosensitivity of materials (simple nonlinearity), has been considered. The linearization of this problem has been carried out using Kirchhoff transformation, and next using the Laplace integral transform. The analytical solution to the problem in the case of constant speed sliding, has been obtained. On the basis of the obtained solutions and using Duhamel's formula, the analytical solution to the problem for sliding with constant deceleration, has been obtained, too. The results of numerical analysis are presented for two friction pairs
Linear Approximation And Asymptotic Expansion Associated With The System Of Nonlinear Functional Equations
Authors: Ngoc Le Thi Phuong , Dung Huynh Thi Hoang , Danh Pham Hong , Long Nguyen Thanh
Published: March 2014

This paper is devoted to the study of the following perturbed system of nonlinear functional equations
Orthogonal Polynomials On Ellipses And Their Recurrence Relations
Authors: Lauric Vasile
Published: March 2014

In this note we study the connection between orthogonal polynomials on an ellipse and orthogonal Laurent polynomials on the unit circle relative to some multiplicative measures and then establish the recurrence relations for orthogonal polynomials on an ellipse. The matrix representation of the operator of multiplication by coordinate function is obtained
Slice Theorem For Differential Spaces And Reduction By Stages
Authors: Lusala Tsasa , Śniatycki Jędrzej
Published: March 2014

We show that the space P/G of orbits of a proper action of a Lie group G on a locally compact differential space P is a locally compact differential space with quotient topology. Applying this result to reduction of symmetries of Hamiltonian systems, we prove the reduction by stages theorem
Optimal Dividend Policy In Discrete Time
Authors: Marciniak Ewa , Trybuła Jakub
Published: March 2014

A problem of optimal dividend policy for a firm with a bank loan is considered. A regularity of a value function is established. A numerical example of calculating value function is given
North-Tethyan Tithonian chitinoidellids from exotic limestone pebbles in the Silesian Nappe (Polish Outer Carpathians)
Authors: Kowal-Kasprzyk Justyna
Published: March 2014

A small group of Tithonian planktonic ciliates, little-known in the area of the Polish Outer Carpathians, has been recorded in exotic limestones from the western part of the Silesian Nappe. Eleven species of the family Chitinoidellidae Trejo, 1975, belonging to the genera Chitinoidella, Daciella, Dobeniella, Longicollaria and Popiella are described here. The majority of studied samples have been assigned to the Boneti Subzone of the Chitinoidella Zone. Exotics with chitinoidellids represent environments which can be interpreted as platform margin reefs, slope of platform and inner platform
Uniqueness, reciprocity theorems and plane wave propagation in different theories of thermoelasticy
Authors: Kumar R. , Gupta V.
Published: March 2014

In this work, a compact form of different theories of thermoelasticity is considered. The governing equations for particle motion in a homogeneous isotropic thermoelastic medium are presented. Uniqueness and reciprocity theorems are proved. The plane wave propagation in a homogeneous isotropic thermoelastic medium is studied. For a three dimensional problem there exist four waves, namely a P-wave, two transverse waves (S1, S2) and a thermal wave (T). From the obtained results the different characteristics of waves such as the phase velocity and attenuation coefficient are computed numerically and presented graphically. Some special cases are also discussed.
Response due to mechanical source in second axisymmetric problem of micropolar elastic medium
Authors: Singh R.
Published: March 2014

The second axisymmetric problem in a micropolar elastic medium has been investigated by employing an eigen value approach after applying the Laplace and the Hankel transforms. An example of infinite space with concentrated force at the origin has been presented to illustrate the application of the approach. The integral transforms have been inversed by using a numerical technique to obtain the components of microrotation, displacement, force stress and couple stress in the physical domain. The results for these quantities are given and illustratred graphically.
Modulation of keratin 1, 10 and involucrin expression as part of the complex response of the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT to ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Moravcová Martina , Libra Antonín , Dvořáková Jana , Víšková Alena , Muthný Tomáš , Velebný Vladimír , Kubala Lukáš
Published: March 2014

Skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light evokes a complex stress response in keratinocytes. Keratin filament organization provides structural stability and mechanical integrity of keratinocytes. Involucrin is a transglutaminase substrate protein contributing to the formation of insoluble cornified envelopes. However, a more complex role for keratins and involucrin has been proposed, including the regulation of cell stress response. The aim was to evaluate modulations of keratin 1, 10 and involucrin expression in HaCaT in the light of the complex response of these cells to UV-B radiation, including effects on c-Jun and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) gene expression and production of interleukin (IL) 6 and 8. A UV-B (300±5 nm) dose of 10 mJ/cm2 was selected since this dose resulted in a partial decrease in cell viability in contrast to higher UV-B doses, which induced complete cell death 48 h after treatment. The UV-B radiation induced significant expression of keratin 1 and 10 and decreased expression of involucrin. This was accompanied by increased expression of c-Jun and MMP-1 and IL-6 and IL-8 production. The data suggest that the expression of keratin 1, 10 and involucrin is modulated in HaCaT keratinocytes as a part of the complex stress response to UV radiation