bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Groundwater circulation well operation using wind turbine–generated energy
Authors: Gallagher Ron , Elmore Andrew Curtis
Published: June 2008

An investigation was conducted regarding the potential economic benefits associated with using a wind turbine to power a groundwater circulation well (GCW) at the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant Superfund site. The first phase of the investigation used a 10‐kilowatt‐rated grid inter‐tie wind turbine to partially offset the purchase of electricity from the utility company. The second phase consisted of the conversion of the grid inter‐tie system to an off‐grid system that stored energy using batteries. During the second phase, the GCW system was operated using either wind turbine power or utility power, and the other system components were operated using utility power. The study showed that a significant amount of power purchased from the utility company was used for nonessential purposes (other than operating the GCW pump and essential treatment components). One nonessential power consumer was the continuous heating of the equipment shelter for operator comfort during their 10‐minute visit every few days. Wind‐turbine reduction in utility power consumption was evaluated, and the operating time of a hypothetical system powered solely by the wind turbine was compared to the actual GCW operating time. This study indicates that retrofitting this GCW system did not economically offset power costs from a cheap, readily available grid system. Perhaps at a remote location with a more energy‐efficient design and operation and the inclusion of green power benefits (in some monetary amount), the wind turbine results will be more favorable. The study of a renewable energy application at the site highlighted opportunities for significant electrical energy savings regardless of the source of the electricity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of reported practical experiences about TSP implementations
Authors: Saldaña Ramos Javier , García Guzmán Javier , Amescua Seco Antonio de , Sanz Esteban Ana
Published: June 2008

This work studies, from several cases, the implementation degree of TSP (Team Software Process) which exists in academic and business organizations. The analysis is made from different points of view, studying their weaknesses and strengths. Many of these cases studied show the improvement achieved after the implementation of TSP in an organization, but they do not explain exactly in which aspects the improvement is achieved. Moreover, data presented on the reports do not have sufficient formality, reliability or scientific rigour. So, this work has collected and analyzed published cases of study and it provides to the software engineering community, specially to the TSP community, a set of recommendations to improve the publication of cases of study in the future. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is severe macrosomia manifested at 11–14 weeks of gestation?
Authors: Hackmon R. , Le Scale K. B. , Horani J. , Ferber A. , Divon M. Y.
Published: June 2008

Objective

To determine the association between fetal biometry in the first or early second trimester and severe macrosomia at delivery.

Methods

This case–control study included 30 term severely macrosomic neonates; 90 appropriate‐for‐gestational age (AGA) neonates served as controls. All pregnancies underwent nuchal translucency (NT) screening at 11–14 weeks' gestation. Pregnancies were dated by accurate last menstrual period consistent with crown–rump length (CRL) measurements at the time of screening, early pregnancy CRL or date of fertilization. The association between birth weight and the difference between the measured and the expected CRL at the time of NT screening was analyzed.

Results

The difference between measured and expected CRL, expressed both in mm and in days of gestation, was statistically greater in the severely macrosomic neonates compared with controls (mean, 6.66 ± 4.78 mm vs. 1.17 ± 4.6 mm, P < 0.0001 and 3 ± 2.2 days vs. 0.5 ± 2.3 days, P < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, there were significant correlations between the extent of macrosomia and the discrepancy between expected and measured fetal size at the time of NT screening (r = 0.47, P < 0.01 and r = 0.48, P < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Severe macrosomia apparently manifests as early as 11–14 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myometrial involvement of tumor‐like cystic endosalpingiosis: a rare entity
Authors: Cil A. P. , Atasoy P. , Kara S. A.
Published: June 2008

Endosalpingiosis is characterized by the presence of benign glands lined by tubal‐type epithelium involving the pelvic and lower abdominal peritoneum and pelvic and para‐aortic lymph nodes in women. Rarely, cystification can occur, resulting in a neoplasm‐like mass associated with clinical manifestations, an intraoperative abnormality, or a striking finding on gross examination. Here we report the transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological appearance of an unusual case of cystic endosalpingiosis involving the right ovary and full thickness of the wall of the uterine fundus in a patient who presented with a 6‐month history of menorrhagia and pelvic pain. Clinicians should be aware of this type of uterine benign manifestation so as to refrain from overtreatment. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of tricuspid regurgitation in fetal echocardiographic diagnosis of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum
Authors: Iacobelli R. , Pasquini L. , Toscano A. , Raimondi F. , Michielon G. , Tozzi A. E. , Sanders S. P.
Published: June 2008

Objective

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) is a rare cardiac malformation with a broad spectrum of anatomical manifestations, varying from types suitable for biventricular repair to those with diminutive right ventricle and primitive ventriculocoronary connections (VCC), more suitable for single‐ventricle palliation or heart transplantation. We sought to test whether tricuspid regurgitation is an easily detectable prenatal criterion with which to identify PAIVS patients at lower risk of needing postnatal single‐ventricle palliation.

Method

We identified retrospectively patients with both fetal diagnosis and postnatal confirmation of PAIVS who were seen at Bambino Gesù Hospital between January 2000 and December 2006. Tricuspid valve/mitral valve (TV/MV) ratio, presence and severity of tricuspid regurgitation and direct visualization of VCC were evaluated by echocardiography both pre‐ and postnatally.

Results

We identified 22 patients with a prenatal diagnosis of PAIVS. Four pregnancies were terminated and one fetus was lost to follow‐up, leaving 17 patients for the analysis. Based on postnatal cardiac catheterization and/or echocardiography we divided our population in two groups: Group 1 included 10 patients with VCC; Group 2 included seven patients without VCC. At fetal echocardiography, tricuspid regurgitation was absent in all ten Group 1 patients and present in all seven Group 2 patients. VCC were seen directly in 6/10 Group 1 patients and in no Group 2 patients. A cut‐off value of 0.56 for the TV/MV ratio was highly predictive of VCC during fetal life, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90%.

Conclusions

The absence of tricuspid regurgitation in fetuses affected by PAIVS is a strong prenatal echocardiographic predictor of VCC, as is a TV/MV ratio < 0.56. Fetuses presenting with tricuspid regurgitation and relatively large right ventricle are at lower risk of needing single‐ventricle palliation postnatally. This information could be helpful for appropriate prenatal counseling and postnatal decision‐making. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urinary steroid hormone analysis of ovarian cycles and pregnancy in mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) indicate that menses, copulatory behavior, sexual swellings and reproductive condition are associated with changing estrone conjugates (E1C) and pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide (PdG)
Authors: Phillips Rebecca Sellin , Wheaton Catharine J.
Published: June 2008

The objective of this study was to determine if sexual swellings in mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) are a reflection of reproductive endocrine state. Urine samples were assayed using an enzyme immunoassay measuring pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide (PdG) and estrone conjugates (E1C). Hormone patterns of ovarian cycles, pregnancy and lactation were characterized and compared with sexual swellings and copulations relative to menses and peak E1C. Cycle lengths averaging 28.7 days and pregnancy length of 181 days determined by hormonal and sexual swelling measures were similar to those reported in other Old World primate species. First day of copulation was observed during rising E1C concentrations and preceded observations of peak swelling by 1–2 days. Observations of peak sexual swellings occurred at or on the day after peak E1C and decreased following the ovulatory increase in PdG. Observations of menses and sexual swellings are a useful method to track mandrill ovarian cycles and can assist zoos in determining the reproductive state of females in their collections. Zoo Biol 27:320–330, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How to monitor elusive lizards: comparison of capture–recapture methods on giant day geckos (Gekkonidae,Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis) in the Masoala rainforest exhibit, Zurich Zoo
Authors: Wanger Thomas C. , Motzke Iris , Furrer Samuel C. , Brook Barry W. , Gruber Bernd
Published: June 2008

Rapid and reliable estimation of population size is needed for the efficient monitoring of animal populations of conservation concern. Unfortunately, technical advances in this area have not been paralleled in uptake in conservation, which may be due to difficulties in implementation or the lack of general guidelines for application. Here we tested five different methods used to estimate population size [capture–mark–recapture (CMR), finite‐mixture models, model averaging of finite‐mixture models, accumulation curve methods (ACM), and the line transect method (LT)] using extensive capture–recapture data of the giant day gecko (Gekkonidae,Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis, Gray 1870) at the Masoala rainforest exhibit, Zurich Zoo. When the complete data were analyzed [30 sessions (and 27 sessions for the LT)], all methods except the LT produced similar estimates of population size. The simple ACM gave a small coefficient of variation (CV), but did not cover the most likely value of population size at moderate sampling effort. Nevertheless, the ACM was the only method that showed a reasonable convergence when subsets of data were used. CMR and Pledger models included the reference value in their confidence intervals (CI) after 25 and 30 sessions, respectively. Although model averaging did slightly improve the estimate, the CV was still high for the full dataset. Our method of using subsets of data to test the robustness of estimates is simple to apply and could be adopted more widely in such analyzes to evaluate sensitivity to method of evaluation. In conclusion, simple accumulation methods showed similar efficiency to more complex statistical models, and are likely to be sufficiently precise for most conservation monitoring purposes.
ACCLIMATION OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND GROWTH OF BANANA (MUSA SP.) TO NATURAL SHADE IN THE HUMID TROPICS
Authors: SENEVIRATHNA A. M. W. K. , STIRLING C. M. , RODRIGO V. H. L.
Published: June 2008

Growth and photosynthetic performance of banana (Musa sp.) grown in three levels of natural shade (33, 55 and 77% reduction in incoming radiation) were compared to an unshaded control treatment. Net CO2 assimilation rates generally decreased with increasing shade. Chlorophyll fluorescence revealed short-term dynamic photoinhibition under high light conditions but no evidence of sustained photoinhibitory damage to photosystem II. Dynamic photoinhibition decreased with increasing shade, with the greatest depression in the variable to maximal fluorescence ratio (Fv/Fm) occurring in unshaded plants during the middle of the day. Specific leaf area and leaf area ratio increased proportionately with increasing shade, whilst the chlorophyll a/b ratio decreased, reflecting a greater efficiency of light utilization under shady conditions. The optimum shade level for photosynthetic productivity would be one at which the level of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) is high enough to saturate CO2 assimilation but low enough to induce shade acclimation and to reduce photoinhibition. Under the conditions studied here, the saturation level of PPFD was around 1000 μmol m−2 s−1, a light level typical of the tree-based intercropping systems in which banana is commonly grown in the tropics.
SMALL RUMINANT PRODUCTION IN TWO MIXED-FARMING SYSTEMS OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: STATUS AND PROSPECTS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Authors: LEGESSE G. , ABEBE G. , SIEGMUND-SCHULTZE M. , ZÁRATE A. VALLE
Published: June 2008

Small ruminants are an integral part of mixed-farming systems throughout southern Ethiopia. Yet, they have received little research attention or institutional support. Characterizing the existing small ruminant production systems and analysing their production constraints are important tools to diagnose the status and trends of the systems, and thus to identify areas for future interventions. A survey was conducted between April and July 2004 in the Adilo and Kofele areas of the southern mixed-farming systems of Ethiopia to explore reasons for keeping small ruminants and to evaluate the existing status of and the prospects for the small ruminant sector. Additional information was obtained during discussions with key informants who had experience of small ruminant keeping. Small ruminants fill several roles in the study area. However, the principal purpose of keeping sheep and goats was to generate cash income. Sheep milk consumption was widespread around Kofele unlike most agricultural systems in the country. Nearly all respondents in Adilo reported fattening their sheep before sale, while such a practice was uncommon in Kofele. Informal insurance schemes were evolving among the sheep keepers in Adilo, and these can be considered as entry points for future interventions. The common problem identified from both individual interviews and group discussions was feed shortage. The identification of alternative feed resources and strategic feeding management might be options for development. Small ruminant disease was the major constraint in Kofele, where marshy areas are increasingly assigned for grazing in the rainy season as suitable land is more and more used for cropping. The growing demand for meat from small ruminants, the improving transportation infrastructure and the experience of farmers in small ruminant keeping are providing opportunities to enhance the contribution of the sector. A thorough monitoring of the productive and economic performance of small ruminants is required to capture the full picture of their contribution thereby directing possible intervention areas to maximize benefits to the farmers.
PHYTOTOXICITY OF 10 WINTER BARLEY VARIETIES AND THEIR COMPETITIVE ABILITY AGAINST COMMON POPPY AND IVY-LEAVED SPEEDWELL
Authors: DHIMA K. , VASILAKOGLOU I. , LITHOURGIDIS A. , MECOLARI E. , KECO R. , AGOLLI XH. , ELEFTHEROHORINOS I.
Published: June 2008

A field experiment was conducted in 2002/03 (year 1) and repeated in 2003/04 (year 2) to study the competitive ability of 10 winter barley (Hordeum vulgare) cultivars against common poppy (Papaver rhoeas) and ivy-leaved speedwell (Veronica hederifolia). The phytotoxic (or allelopathic) activity of barley extracts was also determined in the laboratory using a perlite-based bioassay with barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli). In the field, biomass of both weeds was reduced more (65–79%) by the competition of Alpha, Esterel, Terova or Lignee 640 barley cultivars, than with Aspen or Tersey. Biomass of ivy-leaved speedwell in competition with each barley cultivar was significantly lower than that of common poppy. In year 1, the six-row barley cultivars caused greater weed biomass reduction than the two-row, but this was not the case in year 2. Grain yield of Tersey, Aspen and Goldmarker cultivars in herbicide treatments was greater by 41, 33 and 17%, respectively, than from the corresponding herbicide untreated plots. However, grain yield of Terova, Alpha, Esterel and Lignee 640 was not significantly affected by the presence of weeds. In the laboratory, barley extracts affected the total fresh weight or root length of barnyard grass more than its germination. The germination, root length or total fresh weight inhibition on barnyard grass caused by the two six-row barley extracts was greater (43, 48 and 56%, respectively) than that caused by the eight two-row extracts (22, 34 and 43%, respectively). The results of this study indicated that barley cultivars with great competitive and/or phytotoxic ability could be used in sustainable cereal production systems in order to minimize herbicide usage.
THE ROLE OF INFORMAL FARMER-TO-FARMER SEED DISTRIBUTION IN DIFFUSION OF NEW BARLEY VARIETIES IN SYRIA
Authors: AW-HASSAN ADEN , MAZID AHMED , SALAHIEH HISHAM
Published: June 2008

This study examines the role, structure and effectiveness of informal seed systems in the diffusion of new barley varieties. It uses data collected by tracing farmers who received new barley varieties and other farmers who purchased seeds through farmer-to-farmer seed trade over a period of five years. The principal finding was that informal farmer-to-farmer seed dissemination was an important vehicle for the diffusion of new barley varieties, which were grow on 27% of the barley area of monitored farmers, despite a complete lack of extension support. Almost all seed exchanges were undertaken through purchases at market prices, highlighting the importance of markets in informal seed systems. The second main finding was the high concentration of seed sales among a few key seed suppliers, who established reputations as reliable sources of seed and had contacts with research organizations. The importance of market-based local seed transactions implies that farmers specializing in seed sales can invest in local seed enterprises and provide sustainable services at affordable prices. The results of this study indicate great potential for supporting local seed suppliers in order to ensure a sustainable flow of new crop varieties to smallholder farmers in the dry areas. The study also examined farmers' criteria in evaluating and eventually adopting a new variety. These criteria depend on agro-ecological zones with more complex criteria in drier areas with high rainfall variability. These findings will help plant breeding programmes to target dry and marginal areas, where access to new varieties is low, more effectively.
A RE-INTERPRETATION OF HYBRID VIGOUR IN COCOA
Authors: PANG JOE THAU-YIN , LOCKWOOD G.
Published: June 2008

For 50 years, ‘hybrid vigour’ in crosses involving genotypes collected from the centre of diversity of the crop in the Peruvian Amazon has been the guiding principle of cocoa breeding. In the work described here, six Amazonian genotypes and one Trinitario clone were used to produce four bi-parental crosses. Twenty-two plants of each cross were propagated from plagiotropic buds as ‘cloned seedlings’ and evaluated for growth, yield and yield efficiency (the ratio of yield to continuing vegetative growth) in replicated trials in comparison with the parental clones and the reproduced seedling family. The reproduced seedling families grew faster than and outyielded all the clones in all four crosses, although they showed no gain in yield efficiency. The vigour and yield of the ‘cloned seedlings’ of the three inter-Amazon crosses exceeded mid-parent value (MPV), but not the single Trinitario cross. The pattern of departures from MPVs was inconsistent with current understanding of the genetic distance between the parents. The superiority of the seedlings over the ‘cloned seedlings’ is interpreted as an epigenetic effect. The results suggest that simple recurrent selection is an appropriate breeding strategy in cocoa, with different optimum planting densities for the seedling and clonal phases. It is concluded that if the concept of very large ‘hybrid vigour’ did not already exist in cocoa, it would not be adopted on the evidence of this work, the first in which clones were compared to their progeny grown as clones.
Expressions of emotion as mediated by context
Authors: ALTARRIBA JEANETTE
Published: June 2008

In her thoughtful work regarding various aspects of emotion and emotion related words, Pavlenko explores a variety of perspectives on how we might characterize and conceptualize expressions of emotion. It is a work that is quite rich in breadth – one that leads to a variety of different thoughts on this topic, many of which are amenable to experimental exploration. Thus, the work prompts the field into asking new and interesting questions. My comments will relate some of these new directions that are prompted by reading Pavlenko's paper, as well as a few ideas that constitute a bit of a reinterpretation of her conclusions. Towards the end, a body of literature (i.e., Emotional Stroop Effects) that is highly relevant but was not covered will be noted as it yields a greater understanding of the activation and access of emotion.
Language research needs an “emotion revolution”anddistributed models of the lexicon
Authors: CALDWELL-HARRIS CATHERINE L.
Published: June 2008

Pavlenko urges the community of language researchers to modify their conceptions of the mental lexicon, based on findings from bilingualism and emotions. She makes a compelling case. While reading her article, one can temporarily forget that in contemporary practice, emotion is not regarded as relevant to the theoretical question of the structure of the mental lexicon.
The bilingual emotion lexicon and emotionin vivo
Authors: SCHRAUF ROBERT
Published: June 2008

The keynote article by Aneta Pavlenko provides a compelling framework for the mental representation of emotion concepts in the two languages of the bilingual (novice or expert), and this may very well be its most telling contribution to the literature. However, I would like to concentrate my remarks on the author's development of the notion ofemotionalityin the latter third of the paper. I do this, first, because it seems to me that the majority of our work on the bilingual emotion lexicon derives from studies that have been done in the absence of actual emotional experience, and, second, because I believe that the author's development of the concept of emotionality sets the agenda for the next stage of research in this field.
Age of first bilingual language exposure as a new window into bilingual reading development
Authors: KOVELMAN IOULIA , BAKER STEPHANIE A. , PETITTO LAURA-ANN
Published: June 2008

How does age of first bilingual language exposure affect reading development in children learning to read in both of their languages? Is there a reading advantage for monolingual English children who are educated in bilingual schools? We studied children (grades 2–3, ages 7–9) inbilingualSpanish–English schools who were either from Spanish-speaking homes (new to English) or English-speaking homes (new to Spanish), as compared with English-speaking children inmonolingualEnglish schools. An early age of first bilingual language exposure had a positive effect on reading, phonological awareness, and language competence in both languages: early bilinguals (age of first exposure 0–3 years) outperformed other bilingual groups (age of first exposure 3–6 years). Remarkably, schooling in two languages afforded children frommonolingualEnglish homes anadvantagein phoneme awareness skills. Early bilingual exposure is best for dual language reading development, and it may afford such a powerful positive impact on reading and language development that it may possibly ameliorate the negative effect of low SES on literacy. Further,age of first bilingual exposureprovides a newtoolfor evaluating whether a young bilingual has a reading problem versus whether he or she is a typically-developing dual-language learner.
Phonological short-term memory, working memory and foreign language performance in intensive language learning
Authors: KORMOS JUDIT , SÁFÁR ANNA
Published: June 2008

In our research we addressed the question what the relationship is between phonological short-term and working memory capacity and performance in an end-of-year reading, writing, listening, speaking and use of English test. The participants of our study were 121 secondary school students aged 15–16 in the first intensive language training year of a bilingual education program in Hungary. The participants performed a non-word repetition test and took a Cambridge First Certificate Exam. Fifty students were also tested with a backward digit span test, measuring their working memory capacity. Our study indicates that phonological short-term memory capacity plays a different role in the case of beginners and pre-intermediate students in intensive language learning. The backward digit span test correlated very highly with the overall English language competence, as well as with reading, listening, speaking and use of English (vocabulary and grammar) test scores.
THE ITERATIVE CONCEPTION OF SET
Authors: FORSTER THOMAS
Published: June 2008

The two expressions ‘The cumulative hierarchy’ and ‘The iterative conception of sets’ are usually taken to be synonymous. However, the second is more general than the first, in that there are recursive procedures that generate some ill-founded sets in addition to well-founded sets. The interesting question is whether or not the arguments in favour of the more restrictive version – the cumulative hierarchy – were all along arguments for the more general version.
Cognitive Diagnosis Using Item Response Models
Authors: Wilson Mark
Published: June 2008

In this paper, I will describe a particular approach to cognitive diagnosis that is centered on the idea of developmental assessment, and illustrate how data from this approach can be modeled using explanatory item response models. The developmental assessment approach starts with the idea of a progression of learning embodied in what are called progress variables. In a progress variable, student understanding is conceptualized as a continuum with successive levels of development. Effectively, these are seen as a series of student conceptions – this is the first layer of diagnosis. Then, student misconceptions are seen as particular diagnoses within the student conceptions, forming a second layer of diagnosis. Explanatory measurement is introduced as a way to formally model the psychometrics of this situation, using the Berkeley Evaluation and Assessment Research (BEAR) assessment system as a specific example. The discussion is illustrated with examples from student learning about selected topics in science: Earth in the Solar System, and Conceptions of Matter. The paper concludes with a discussion of further steps that match complexities in the diagnostic situation with more complex explanatory models.
First UV satellite observations of mesospheric water vapor
Authors: Stevens Michael H. , Gattinger R. L. , Gumbel J. , Llewellyn E. J. , Degenstein D. A. , Khaplanov M. , Witt G.
Published: June 2008

We report the first UV satellite observations of mesospheric water vapor. The measurements are of nonthermal OH prompt emission between 300–330 nm produced directly from the photodissociation of water vapor by H Lyman‐α. This technique is most sensitive to water vapor concentrations between 70–90 km altitude. We present OH data from two limb scanning experiments: the Middle Atmosphere High Resolution Spectrograph Investigation (MAHRSI) and the Optical Spectrograph and Infra‐Red Imager System (OSIRIS). Interpretation of the lower resolution (∼1 nm) OSIRIS spectra requires the rotational emission rate factors for OH(1,1) solar fluorescence between 313–318 nm, which we present for the first time herein. Comparison of water vapor concentration profiles with the most coincident profiles from the Halogen Occultation Experiment on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite shows agreement to within 30% between 75–80 km for both MAHRSI and OSIRIS. We discuss the benefits of this promising new approach to measuring upper mesospheric water vapor and the need for new laboratory measurements to improve the analysis.
Laboratory investigation of fire radiative energy and smoke aerosol emissions
Authors: Ichoku Charles , Martins J. Vanderlei , Kaufman Yoram J. , Wooster Martin J. , Freeborn Patrick H. , Hao Wei Min , Baker Stephen , Ryan Cecily A. , Nordgren Bryce L.
Published: June 2008

Fuel biomass samples from southern Africa and the United States were burned in a laboratory combustion chamber while measuring the biomass consumption rate, the fire radiative energy (FRE) release rate (Rfre), and the smoke concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter (PM). The PM mass emission rate (RPM) was quantified from aerosol optical thickness (AOT) derived from smoke extinction measurements using a custom‐made laser transmissometer. TheRPMandRfretime series for each fire were integrated to total PM mass and FRE, respectively, the ratio of which represents its FRE‐based PM emission coefficient (CePM). A strong correlation (r2= 0.82) was found between the total FRE and total PM mass, from which an averageCePMvalue of 0.03 kg MJ−1was calculated. This value agrees with those derived similarly from satellite‐borne measurements ofRfreand AOT acquired over large‐scale wildfires.
Magnetic study of mafic granulite xenoliths from the Hannuoba basalt, north China
Authors: Liu Qingsheng , Liu Qingsong , Liu Yongsheng , Gao Shan , Yang Tao , Luo Yinhe , Jin Zhenmin
Published: June 2008

The composition and structure of the lower continental crust are of great interest in understanding the dynamic processes of the Earth interior. In this study, we examined relationships between the magnetic properties and opaque mineralogy of a set of mafic granulite xenoliths (derived from ∼24–41 km) collected from the Hannuoba region, north China (a region well known for its exposures of lower crustal rocks). These mafic granulite xenoliths are weakly magnetic with an average magnetic susceptibility (χ, mass specific) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) of 5.87 × 10−7m3kg−1and 31.53 × 10−4Am2kg−1, respectively. The opaque minerals identified by electron microprobe (EMP) analysis in mafic granulite xenoliths are mainly paramagnetic Mg‐rich ilmenite, which significantly contributed the room temperatureχ. In contrast, SIRM are controlled predominately by pyrrhotite and magnetite, which were clearly identified by both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and rock magnetic analyses. Our results show some relationships between these magnetic properties and the ratio of concentrations of the trace rare earth elements (La/Yb), which is sensitive to degree of fractional crystallization. More significantly, the Mg content in ilmenite is highly related to the fractional crystallization. These observations bring new insights into the complexities of the magnetic properties and the mineral composition (e.g., ilmenite) during the dynamic processes of mafic granulite xenoliths formation. However, the exact relationship between the rock magnetism and the fractional crystallization process needs further studies.
Southwestern U.S. tree‐ring carbon isotope indices as a possible proxy for reconstruction of greenness of vegetation
Authors: Leavitt Steven W. , Chase Thomas N. , Rajagopalan Balaji , Lee Eungul , Lawrence Peter J.
Published: June 2008

Southwestern U.S. pinyon tree‐ring carbon‐isotope indices showed promise two decades ago as an indicator of moisture and drought. However, because those isotopic indices were developed on 5‐year ring groups rather than annual rings, the full extent of their effectiveness as environmental proxies was not established. Recent re‐sampling of the sites and subsequent availability of annual isotopic indices for 1985 through 1999 has allowed us to more definitively characterize environmental relationships across 14 sites in six southwestern states. Principal component (PC) analysis reveals a significant positive relationship (p ≤ 0.02) between isotope indices and summer‐season Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a satellite‐derived “greenness index”. Correlation and PC analysis also show a negative relationship of isotope indices with cumulative monthly precipitation (p ≤ 0.05) and confirm a strong positive relationship with Palmer Drought Index (especially spring and summer, p ≤ 0.0002). Although the drought and NDVI relationships are not as simply interconnected as hypothesized, the NDVI link reveals the potential of the existing multi‐century record of isotope indices for long‐term assessment of southwestern ecology and carbon cycling.
Crustal structure at colliding plates boundary from receiver functions analysis: A close look beneath the northern Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Roselli P. , Lucente F. P. , Piana Agostinetti N.
Published: June 2008

Teleseismic receiver functions from a seismic experiment in a small area of the northern Apennines, Italy, reveal strong crustal structure variations across the mountain chain. Receiver functions imaging and full waveform inversion technique are used to constrain the S‐wave velocity profile in the crust and to reconstruct the geometry of the main seismic discontinuities at depth. We highlight the presence of the main mode‐converting discontinuities in the study area. Most importantly, we identify the crust‐mantle transition which is represented, almost everywhere in the study area, by a sharp S‐wave velocity increase (over 4 km/s) at depth between 35 and 40 km. However, farther west, the S‐wave velocity reaches values typical for the sub‐crustal mantle at about 54 km depth, possibly marking the locus where the subducting Adriatic plate starts to dip into the mantle. Here the presence of a shallower discontinuity at about 36 km depth, with S‐velocity values around 4 km/s, can be interpreted as the Moho signature of the overriding Tyrrhenian plate.
Is Enceladus' plume tidally controlled?
Authors: Halevy I. , Stewart S. T.
Published: June 2008

Explanations for the plume of gas, water vapor and ice particles jetting from rifts in Enceladus' south polar region include boiling of liquid water and dissociation of clathrate hydrates. In either case, production of the plume may be quasi‐static or tidally controlled, with implications for the interior structure and composition of Enceladus. Previous quantification of the clathrate explanation assumed equilibrium dissociation and cannot be used to simulate a tidally generated plume. We present a non‐equilibrium clathrate dissociation model, which we use to reproduce past observations and predict the plume's properties during upcoming close encounters. The total mass flux and water to gas mass ratio of a tidally generated plume are predicted to be lower than previous measurements. In comparison, for a quasi‐static plume these properties should have values close to previous measurements. This provides an observational means of distinguishing quasi‐static from dynamic processes as the plume's source.
Compositional stratigraphy of clay‐bearing layered deposits at Mawrth Vallis, Mars
Authors: Wray J. J. , Ehlmann B. L. , Squyres S. W. , Mustard J. F. , Kirk R. L.
Published: June 2008

Phyllosilicates have previously been detected in layered outcrops in and around the Martian outflow channel Mawrth Vallis. CRISM spectra of these outcrops exhibit features diagnostic of kaolinite, montmorillonite, and Fe/Mg‐rich smectites, along with crystalline ferric oxide minerals such as hematite. These minerals occur in distinct stratigraphic horizons, implying changing environmental conditions and/or a variable sediment source for these layered deposits. Similar stratigraphic sequences occur on both sides of the outflow channel and on its floor, with Al‐clay‐bearing layers typically overlying Fe/Mg‐clay‐bearing layers. This pattern, combined with layer geometries measured using topographic data from HiRISE and HRSC, suggests that the Al‐clay‐bearing horizons at Mawrth Vallis postdate the outflow channel and may represent a later sedimentary or altered pyroclastic deposit that drapes the topography.
The death domain‐containing kinase RIP1 regulates p27Kip1 levels through the PI3K–Akt–forkhead pathway
Authors: Park Seongmi , Ramnarain Deepti B , Hatanpaa Kimmo J , Mickey Bruce E , Saha Debabrata , Paulmurugan Ramasamy , Madden Christopher J , Wright Paul S , Bhai Salman , Ali M Aktar , Puttaparthi Krishna , Hu Wei , Elliott Jeffrey L , Stuve Olaf , Habib Amyn A
Published: June 2008

Elucidating the cross‐talk between inflammatory and cell proliferation pathways might provide important insights into the pathogenesis of inflammation‐induced cancer. Here, we show that the receptor‐interacting protein 1 (RIP1)—an essential mediator of inflammation‐induced nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation—regulates p27Kip1 levels and cell‐cycle progression. RIP1 regulates p27Kip1 levels by an NF‐κB‐independent signal that involves activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)–Akt–forkhead pathway. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from RIP1‐knockout mice express high levels of p27Kip1. Reconstitution of MEFs with RIP1 downregulates p27Kip1 levels in a PI3K‐dependent manner. RIP1 regulates p27Kip1 at the messenger RNA level by regulating the p27Kip1 promoter through the forkhead transcription factors. RIP1 expression blocks accumulation of cells in G1 in response to serum starvation and favours cell‐cycle progression. Finally, we show that overexpression of p27Kip1 blocks the effects of RIP1 on the cell cycle. Thus, our study provides a new insight into how components of inflammatory and immune signalling pathways regulate cell‐cycle progression.
Nuclear transit of the RNA‐binding protein She2 is required for translational control of localized ASH1 mRNA
Authors: Du Tung‐Gia , Jellbauer Stephan , Müller Marisa , Schmid Maria , Niessing Dierk , Jansen Ralf‐Peter
Published: June 2008

Cytoplasmic localization and localized translation of messenger RNAs contribute to asymmetrical protein distribution. Recognition of localized mRNAs by RNA‐binding proteins can occur in the cytoplasm or, alternatively, co‐ or post‐transcriptionally in the nucleus. In budding yeast, mRNAs destined for localization are bound by the She2 protein before their nuclear export. Here, we show that a specific transcript, known as ASH1 mRNA, and She2 localize specifically to the nucleolus when their nuclear export is blocked. Nucleolar She2 localization is enhanced in a She2 mutant that cannot bind to RNA. A fusion protein of the amino terminus of She3 and She2 (She3N‐She2) fails to enter the nucleus, but does not impair ASH1 mRNA localization. Instead, these cells fail to distribute Ash1 protein asymmetrically, which is caused by a defective translational control of ASH1 mRNA. Our results indicate that the nucleolar transit of RNA‐binding proteins such as She2 is necessary for the correct assembly of translationally silenced localizing messenger ribonucleoproteins.
A voice coil actuator driven active vibration isolation system with the consideration of flexible modes
Authors: Park Kyihwan , Choi Dongyoub , Ozer Abdullah , Kim Sangyoo , Lee Yongkwan , Joo Dongik
Published: June 2008

We develop a four-mount active vibration isolation system (AVIS) using voice coil actuators. The flexible body modes in the upper plate of the AVIS can cause an instability problem due to control signal whose frequency is close to the resonant frequency of the flexible modes. The loop shaping technique is applied to reduce the amplitude of the control signal. We investigate the performances of the active vibration isolation system proposed in the word in the time domain and frequency domain by comparing to the passive isolation system.
Reynolds number dependence of drag reduction by rodlike polymers
Authors: Amarouchene Yacine , Bonn Daniel , Kellay Hamid , Lo Ting-Shek , L’vov Victor S. , Procaccia Itamar
Published: June 2008

We present experimental and theoretical results addressing the Reynolds number (Re) dependence of drag reduction by sufficiently large concentrations of rodlike polymers in turbulent wall-bounded flows. It is shown that when Re is small the drag is enhanced. On the other hand, when Re increases, the drag is reduced and eventually, the maximal drag reduction asymptote is attained. The theory is shown to be in agreement with experiments, explaining the universal and rationalizing some of the the nonuniversal aspects of drag reduction by rodlike polymers.
Spin transport in the degenerate and diffusion regimes
Authors: Miah M. Idrish
Published: June 2008

Spin transport in semiconductors in the degenerate (DG) and diffusion regimes is investigated. We analyze semiconductor DG and nondegenerate regimes and study optically polarized spin transport in GaAs under a weak bias. The results obtained in the spin transport experiments show that the effect resulting from the spin current in GaAs increases in the DG regime, in consistence with the theoretical investigation based on the generalized Einstein relation. The effect is found to be increased with decreasing temperature or increasing doping density. The results are also discussed based on a spin drift-diffusion model.
Vibrotactile–Auditory Interactions are Post-Perceptual
Authors: Yarrow Kielan , Haggard Patrick , Rothwell John C
Published: June 2008

Vibrotactile stimuli can elicit compelling auditory sensations, even when sound energy levels are minimal and undetectable. It has previously been shown that subjects judge auditory tones embedded in white noise to be louder when they are accompanied by a vibrotactile stimulus of the same frequency. A first experiment replicated this result at four different levels of auditory stimulation (no tone, tone at detection threshold, tone at 5 dB above threshold, and tone at 10 dB above threshold). The presence of a vibrotactile stimulus induced an increase in the perceived loudness of auditory tones at three of the four values in this range. In two further experiments, a 2-interval forced-choice procedure was used to assess the nature of this crossmodal interaction. Subjects were biased when vibrotaction was applied in one interval, but applying vibrotaction in both intervals produced performance comparable to conditions without vibrotactile stimuli. This demonstrates that vibrotaction is sometimes ignored when judging the presence of an auditory tone. Hence the interaction between vibrotaction and audition does not appear to occur at an early perceptual level.
Some important changes in the Australian sheep meat processing industry
Authors: Hopkins D. L. , Toohey E. S. , Pearce K. L. , Richards I.
Published: June 2008

In the last 5 years there has been a dramatic increase in the adoption in the Australian sheep meat processing industry of electrical technologies designed to streamline processing and improve product quality. Part of this change was initiated by an Australia-wide audit of lamb tenderness in 1997–98 and the development of a program to establish an eating quality scheme for sheep meat across Australia. Critically, these initiatives coincided with the development of new ways of administering electrical currents to either bodies or carcasses. Underlying this new approach is the electrocution of carcasses individually on segmented electrodes in a dose responsive way with electricity that has short pulse widths and lower voltages. This paper documents the pivotal factors which have contributed to this level of industry adoption and which has seen 14 abattoirs install the new technology. Of these abattoirs only one previously had any form of stimulation and these abattoirs represent more than 70% of the throughput of sheep and lambs on a tonnage basis per year in Australia.
Developing twinning cattle for commercial production
Authors: Cummins L. J. , Morris C. A. , Kirkpatrick B. W.
Published: June 2008

Long-term selection programs in the United States and New Zealand have developed twinning herds. In Nebraska, the United States Meat Animal Research Centre population had a calving rate of 1.56 per parturition in 2004. They have shown that the location of ovulation has an important effect on the success of pregnancy and that ovulations ≥3 are probably undesirable. These cattle have issues associated with calving difficulty and calf survival, which present challenges for commercial application. Intensive management using existing technology and/or future genetic improvement to address these traits are required to realise the potential benefits to beef production systems.
Out-of-season breeding of Romney sheep using artificially induced long days
Authors: deNicolo G. , Morris S. T. , Kenyon P. R. , Morel P. C. H. , Parkinson T. J.
Published: June 2008

This experiment investigated the effects of subjecting Romney ewes to artificially induced long days (24 L : 0 D) in spring for 30 days, then abruptly applying 8 hours of darkness (16 L : 8 D) to induce the onset of reproductive activity. The treatment groups were: light + progesterone; light + progesterone + eCG; and progesterone + eCG (ambient photoperiod; control). Blood samples were collected over a 24-h period for analysis of serum melatonin concentrations. Ewes’ ovaries were examined laparoscopically 9 days after progesterone removal. Duration of secretion and maximal concentrations of melatonin were lower in ewes treated with light + progesterone (±eCG) compared with the control ewes. Fewer light + progesterone treated ewes displayed oestrus (66%) and were subsequently identified as being pregnant (28%) compared with ewes treated with light + progesterone + eCG (98% and 53%) and control ewes (97% and 65%, respectively). Conception rates were lower in light + progesterone treated ewes (43%) compared with light + progesterone + eCG (55%) and control ewes (67%). Results obtained indicate that artificially induced long days did not improve the results of out-of-season breeding program beyond that achieved with the use of eCG.
Application of rumen microbial genome information to livestock systems in the postgenomic era
Authors: Attwood G. T. , Kelly W. J. , Altermann E. H. , Moon C. D. , Leahy S. , Cookson A. L.
Published: June 2008

Sequencing the genomes of individual rumen microbes and determining the function of their encoded genes promises to transform our understanding of the microbiology of the rumen. The diversity and density of microbes in the rumen, and our inability to culture the majority of rumen microbes, limit current genome studies to only a small fraction of the microbes present in this environment. Nevertheless, genomes of fibre-degrading organisms are beginning to reveal a previously unexpected abundance of genes encoding glycosyl hydrolases and carbohydrate esterases, which could be used to enhance fibre digestion in the rumen. Additionally, genome sequencing of a rumen methanogen is identifying conserved genes within the methanogenic archaea that may serve as targets for their inhibition and therefore reduction of methane emissions from ruminants. The problem of rumen microbe culturability can be overcome by a new approach called metagenomics, in which microbial DNAs are extracted from rumen samples and sequenced independent of cultivation. In the future, sequencing individual genomes and metagenomic libraries is likely to capture much more of the microbial DNA in the rumen and, coupled with postgenomic studies on gene and protein expression, is likely to enhance our knowledge of the microbial component of ruminant digestion.