bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival Rates of Female Greater Sage‐Grouse in Autumn and Winter in Southeastern Oregon
Authors: ANTHONY ROBERT G. , WILLIS MITCHELL J.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  We estimated survival rates of 135 female greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) on 3 study areas in southeastern Oregon, USA during autumn and winter for 3 years. We used known‐fate models in Program MARK to test for differences among study areas and years, investigate the potential influence of weather, and compute estimates of overwinter survival. We found no evidence for differences in survival rates among study areas, which was contrary to our original hypothesis. There also were no declines in survival rates during fall‐winter, but survival rates varied among years and time within years. Average survival rate from October through February was 0.456 (SE = 0.062). The coefficient of variation for this estimate was 13.6% indicating good precision in our estimates of survival. We found strong evidence for an effect of weather (i.e., mean daily min. temp, extreme min. temp, snow depth) on bi‐weekly survival rates of sage‐grouse for 2 of the study areas in one year. Extremely low (<‐15°C) temperatures over an 8‐week period and accumulation of snow had a negative effect on survival rates during the winter of 1990–1991 on the 2 study areas at the higher (>1,500 m) elevations. In contrast, we found no evidence for an influence of weather on the low‐elevation study area or during the winters of 1989–1990 and 1991–1992. Extreme weather during winter can cause lower survival of adult female sage‐grouse, so managers should be aware of these potential effects and reduce harvest rates accordingly.
A Remote Videography System for Monitoring Beavers
Authors: BLOOMQUIST CRAIG K. , NIELSEN CLAYTON K.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT We developed a remote videography system for monitoring behavior and demography of beavers (Castor canadensis) inside lodges and bank dens. Videography systems taped 6 beaver colonies for 1,080 hours and recorded 300 hours of beaver activity. Upon viewing videotape, we could characterize 86% of beaver activity into 1 of 12 behavioral categories. Of 26 individually marked beavers, we observed 8 (31%) on videotape and obtained a complete count of kits in 4 of 5 colonies. The remote videography system was generally useful and can provide wildlife biologists with demographic and behavioral information to support population modeling and management programs for beavers.
Potential Role of Spruce Budworm in Range‐Wide Decline of Canada Warbler
Authors: SLEEP DARREN J. H. , DREVER MARK C. , SZUBA KANDYD J.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  The Canada warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) is one of many common neotropical migrants whose populations are in decline across their range. Influences of habitat loss and degradation on breeding or wintering grounds have been postulated as possible causes, but few empirical data exist to support a specific cause. Based on previous studies linking abundances of Canada warbler and spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), we hypothesized that the Canada warbler may be influenced by a persistent decline in spruce budworm throughout the bird's breeding range, a hypothesis that has received little attention. This hypothesis makes 5 predictions: 1) budworm outbreaks and warbler detections should be spatially and temporally coincident; 2) the relationship between Canada warbler and spruce budworm outbreaks should be similar to relationships for other warblers known to be spruce budworm associates; 3) the relationship should be stronger than for warblers lacking an association with spruce budworm; 4) because temporal trends of both spruce budworm and Canada warblers have varied throughout Canadian provinces, declines in Canada warblers should be seen only in provinces where spruce budworm also declined; and 5) variation in Canada warbler abundance should reflect variation in supply of preferred habitat for the spruce budworm if habitat rather than budworm abundance is the key. Our analyses supported predictions 1–4, suggesting that Canada warbler may be even more closely associated with spruce budworm than are known associated species, a phenomenon noted in the literature but previously unexplained. Prediction 5 was not supported, because budworm habitat (area of mature and older balsam fir [Abies balsamea] and white spruce [Picea glauca]) remained constant in Ontario while warbler abundance declined. Although the correlative nature of these results precludes inference of a causal relationship between the declines of the Canada warbler and spruce budworm, we postulate that potential links may exist directly, where spruce budworm outbreaks provide elevated levels of insect prey items for breeding Canada warblers, or indirectly through changes in forest structure and composition following outbreaks. These results have implications when considering long‐term trends in Canada warbler populations, because it may be impossible to alter population trends for species linked to the timing and magnitude of spruce budworm outbreaks.
Enhancing the Farm Bill's Conservation Potential Through Land Prioritization
Authors: BROWN DONALD J. , SPONTAK DANA M. , TIBBETS MARY N. , CONNOLLY AMY R. , BACCUS JOHN T.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  The Farm Bill conservation programs serve as the primary tools for the creation and improvement of wildlife habitat on working lands. Wildlife conservation would benefit from a working land‐prioritization system that integrates these programs. We developed a Geographic Information System (GIS)–based system to prioritize land for inclusion in Farm Bill conservation programs. We designed the system to be applicable throughout the United States, to minimize potential conflicts of interest, and to facilitate simple implementation. We designated high conservation value (HCV) lands using habitats of greatest conservation need. We placed priority zones around HCV lands to determine high‐ and low‐priority working lands. Nationwide implementation of this system would require gathering and manipulating data from multiple sources, as well as creation of a GIS layer denoting locations of working lands currently in conservation programs. This system would allow funding to be maximized through the ability to select participation based on property location and size, and to target landowners for participation. The wide‐ranging potential benefits of this system make it well‐suited for serving as the backbone to conservation on working lands.
The Changing Face of Natural Resources Students, Education, and the Profession
Authors: MILLENBAH KELLY F. , WOLTER BJØRN H. K.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT There are many challenges facing natural resources programs in North American higher education today. Pressures exerted by a new generation of students, changing workplace requirements (including undergraduate core‐knowledge requirements), and an increasingly specialized professoriate are great but not insurmountable. We discuss each of these issues and pose potential solutions to address each including adopting new pedagogical techniques for content delivery (e.g., adapting courses to be inclusive of new technologies), revising curriculum to meet the needs of a new suite of learners (e.g., developing curricula that allow structured flexibility of choices, designing a core curriculum that is a mix of single‐discipline courses and courses that integrate across disciplines), and new strategies for faculty engagement in discipline‐specific survey courses. By remaining deliberate and effective in our pursuit of quality higher education we have the opportunity to ensure we are delivering the best possible education to the future professionals of our disciplines.
Australian Natural History Series: Albatrosses. Terence Lindsey.
Authors: Wisniewski Samantha S.
Published: April 2009

Australian Natural History Series: Great Whales. John Bannister. 2008. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. 142 pp. $27.45. ISBN: 978‐0‐64309‐373‐7 (softcover).

Australian Natural History Series: Platypus. Fourth Edition. Tom Grant, illustrated by Dominic Fanning. 2008. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. 159 pp. $27.45. ISBN: 978‐0‐64309‐370‐6 (softcover).
Compact Covered Distribution Lines Supported by Triangle Spacers: Spacer Design
Authors: He Jinliang , Chen Shuiming , Zeng Rong
Published: April 2009

Covered conductors and compact configuration with triangle spacers for 10-kV distribution lines have brought many advantages and benefits in China. In the past, the polymeric spacers cast with polycarbonate material had been designed and applied to make the distribution line compact. The reason that breakage faults occurred on compact distribution lines with polymeric spacer is because the polymeric spacers have bad pollution flashover performance, and the polycarbonate material used is not suitable for outdoor insulation. The pollution experiment of the covered distribution line supported by triangle spacers shows the flaw in the insulation layer is the key reason to generate flashover in a humid environment, which would be formed in the insulation layer of the covered conductor under sun radiation or under lightning effect. A new kind of triangle composite spacer, which is suitable for heavy pollution area, is designed to prevent breakage faults of covered conductors caused by leakage current. From the experimental results, the corona initial voltage and the flashover voltage of 10-kV covered distribution line fixed with composite spacers increased an average of 41.9% and 60.3%, respectively, comparing with the tested data of covered conductor fixed with polymeric spacers. The developed composite spacers can highly improve the pollution performance of 10-kV covered distribution lines. The field applications show the composite spacers are effective, and can prevent conductor breakage faults caused by leakage current.
Modelling of Chromium Hexavalent Reduction by Ferrous Ion in a Batch Stirred Tank
Authors: Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine , Chew Chun Ming , Hussain Mohamed Azlan
Published: April 2009

In this paper mathematical models are proposed to simulate the dynamic behaviour of the reduction of Cr(VI) with Fe(II) in a batch stirred tank. Two approaches have been adopted to represent systems in non-equilibrium and quasi-equilibrium conditions. The models derived reflect the changes of the relevant reactant species concentration based on the Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) of the system. An automated pilot plant has been designed and commissioned to carry out on-line/real time data acquisition and control for this Cr(VI) reduction process experimentally. Both the quasi-equilibrium and non-equilibrium models were validated experimentally. Simulated and on-line results indicate distinctive ORP profiles pattern for these two processes. The ORP profiles for non-equilibrium processes show a distinctive pattern which indicates the complete reduction of Cr(VI) in the batch sample.
Fair Depreciation: A Shapley Value Approach
Authors: Ben-Shahar Danny , Sulganik Eyal
Published: April 2009

We adopt the Shapley value approach to examine the fair allocation of the depreciation charges among the time periods of the asset's useful life. Essentially, the allocation under the Shapley value solution rewards each time period of the asset's useful life with a share of the earnings that corresponds to its "responsibility" in the earnings-generating process. The latter is thus consistent with the developments in accounting standards, which maintain that the depreciation and amortization methods should reflect the pattern in which the asset's economic benefits are consumed by the enterprise. We show that the Shapley solution always conforms to a set of fundamental accounting requirements such as the matching principle and the impairment test. Moreover, unless the asset is associated with constant revenues and/or extremely profitable investments, the Shapley value solution can never coincide with the prevalent straight-line depreciation method. Finally, we identify the family of earnings patterns for which the Shapley solution coincides with the equal surplus and the economic depreciation methods.
Common Variation in SIM1 Is Reproducibly Associated With BMI in Pi ma Indians
Authors: Traurig Michael , Mack Janel , Hanson Robert L. , Ghoussaini Maya , Meyre David , Knowler William C. , Kobes Sayuko , Froguel Philippe , Bogardus Clifton , Baier Leslie J.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

Haploinsufficiency of SIM1 is a cause of rare monogenic obesity. To assess the role of SIM1 in polygenic obesity, this gene was analyzed in the Pima Indian population, which has a high prevalence of obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

SIM1 was sequenced in 96 individuals. Variants (n = 46) were genotyped in a population-based sample of 3,250 full-heritage Pima Indians and in a separate replication sample of 2,944 predominately non–full-heritage subjects from the same community.

RESULTS

Variants spanning the upstream region of SIM1 through intron 8 were associated with BMI in the full-heritage Pima Indians, where the strongest associations (P ∼ 10−4 to 10−6) were with common variants (risk allele frequency 0.61–0.67). The difference in mean BMI between individuals homozygous for the major allele compared with homozygotes for the minor allele was ∼2.2 kg/m2 (P = 2 × 10−5 for rs3213541). These associations replicated in the separate sample of subjects from the same community (P = 5 × 10−3 for rs3213541). The strongest associations (P = 4 × 10−7, controlled for age, sex, birth year, and heritage) were seen in the combined sample (n = 6,194). The risk allele for obesity was more common in full-heritage Pimas than in the mixed-heritage subjects. Two variants (rs3734353 and rs3213541) were also genotyped in 1,275 severely obese and 1,395 lean control subjects of French European ancestry. The Pima risk alleles were the minor alleles in the European samples, and these variants did not display any significant association (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Common variation in SIM1 is associated with BMI on a population level in Pima Indians where the risk allele is the major allele.
Beneficial Endocrine but Adverse Exocrine Effects of Sitagliptin in the Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Transgenic Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Matveyenko Aleksey V. , Dry Sarah , Cox Heather I. , Moshtaghian Artemis , Gurlo Tatyana , Galasso Ryan , Butler Alexandra E. , Butler Peter C.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

We sought to establish the extent and mechanisms by which sitagliptin and metformin singly and in combination modify islet disease progression in human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic (HIP) rats, a model for type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

HIP rats were treated with sitagliptin, metformin, sitagliptin plus metformin, or no drug as controls for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell mass, function, and turnover were measured in each group.

RESULTS

Sitagliptin plus metformin had synergistic effects to preserve β-cell mass in HIP rats. Metformin more than sitagliptin inhibited β-cell apoptosis. Metformin enhanced hepatic insulin sensitivity; sitagliptin enhanced extrahepatic insulin sensitivity with a synergistic effect in combination. β-Cell function was partially preserved by sitagliptin plus metformin. However, sitagliptin treatment was associated with increased pancreatic ductal turnover, ductal metaplasia, and, in one rat, pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of metformin and sitagliptin had synergistic actions to preserve β-cell mass and function and enhance insulin sensitivity in the HIP rat model of type 2 diabetes. However, adverse actions of sitagliptin treatment on exocrine pancreas raise concerns that require further evaluation.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Protects β-Cells Against Apoptosis by Increasing the Activity of an Igf-2/Igf-1 Receptor Autocrine Loop
Authors: Cornu Marion , Yang Jiang-Yan , Jaccard Evrim , Poussin Carine , Widmann Christian , Thorens Bernard
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

The gluco-incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) protect β-cells against cytokine-induced apoptosis. Their action is initiated by binding to specific receptors that activate the cAMP signaling pathway, but the downstream events are not fully elucidated. Here we searched for mechanisms that may underlie this protective effect.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed comparative transcriptomic analysis of islets from control and GipR−/−;Glp-1-R−/− mice, which have increased sensitivity to cytokine-induced apoptosis. We found that IGF-1 receptor expression was markedly reduced in the mutant islets. Because the IGF-1 receptor signaling pathway is known for its antiapoptotic effect, we explored the relationship between gluco-incretin action, IGF-1 receptor expression and signaling, and apoptosis.

RESULTS

We found that GLP-1 robustly stimulated IGF-1 receptor expression and Akt phosphorylation and that increased Akt phosphorylation was dependent on IGF-1 but not insulin receptor expression. We demonstrated that GLP-1–induced Akt phosphorylation required active secretion, indicating the presence of an autocrine activation mechanism; we showed that activation of IGF-1 receptor signaling was dependent on the secretion of IGF-2. We demonstrated, both in MIN6 cell line and primary β-cells, that reducing IGF-1 receptor or IGF-2 expression or neutralizing secreted IGF-2 suppressed GLP-1–induced protection against apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

An IGF-2/IGF-1 receptor autocrine loop operates in β-cells. GLP-1 increases its activity by augmenting IGF-1 receptor expression and by stimulating secretion; this mechanism is required for GLP-1–induced protection against apoptosis. These findings may lead to novel ways of preventing β-cell loss in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
Influence of Fat and Carbohydrate Proportions on the Metabolic Profile in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kodama Satoru , Saito Kazumi , Tanaka Shiro , Maki Miho , Yachi Yoko , Sato Mutsumi , Sugawara Ayumi , Totsuka Kumiko , Shimano Hitoshi , Ohashi Yasuo , Yamada Nobuhiro , Sone Hirohito
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

The effects of dietary macronutrient composition on metabolic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the effect of replacing dietary fat with carbohydrate on glucose and lipid parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We searched for randomized trials that investigated the effects of two kinds of prescribed diets (a low-fat, high-carbohydrate [LFHC] diet and a high-fat, low-carbohydrate [HFLC] diet); in these studies, energy and protein intake did not differ significantly between the two dietary groups. Nineteen studies that included 306 patients met our inclusion criteria. Median diet composition of carbohydrate/fat in the LFHC and HFLC diets was 58%/24% and 40%/40%, respectively.

RESULTS

Changes in values for A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and total and LDL cholesterol did not differ significantly between the LFHC and HFLC groups. However, the LFHC diet significantly increased fasting insulin and triglycerides by 8% (P = 0.02) and 13% (P < 0.001), respectively, and lowered HDL cholesterol by 6% (P < 0.001) compared with the HFLC diet. There were positive associations among the magnitude of changes in FPG, fasting insulin, and triglycerides for the diets analyzed. However, stratified analysis indicated that the increase in triglycerides was insignificant when accompanied by energy intake restriction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that replacing fat with carbohydrate could deteriorate insulin resistance while the adverse effect on triglycerides from the LFHC diet could be avoided by restricting energy intake to a degree sufficient for the attainment of weight reduction.
Dietary habits and physical self-concept of elite rhythmic gymnasts
Authors: Boros Szilvia
Published: April 2009

Dietary habits and physical self-concept of elite rhythmic gymnasts

Study aim: To identify main differences in nutrient patterns, food preferences and physical self-concept between the world's elite rhythmic gymnasts and untrained controls.

Material and methods: A group of elite rhythmic gymnasts (n = 103) aged 15 - 21 years volunteered to participate in the study during the 2003 World Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics (Budapest, Hungary). A selected group of 113 untrained schoolgirls aged 15 - 18 years served as controls. Typical eating habits and physical self-concept were assessed by applying a questionnaire containing questions on dietary habits and on self-concept (taken from the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale).

Results: The female gymnasts had significantly lower (p<0.01) body mass and BMI than their untrained mates. The levels of physical self-concept were similar in both groups. Rhythmic gymnasts declared eating lunch and dinner, as well as eating sweets, eating excessively and liking eating, less frequently than their untrained mates (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Attaining a perfect body by elite gymnasts may mean a very high cost associated with poor dietary habits and inadequate nutrient intake.
State/trait anxiety and anxiolytic effects of acute physical exercises
Authors: Guszkowska Monika
Published: April 2009

State/trait anxiety and anxiolytic effects of acute physical exercises

Study aim: To determine anxiolytic effects of acute physical exertions in relation to the initial anxiety state and trait in women.

Material and methods: A group of 163 women aged 16 - 56 years, attending fitness clubs in Warsaw, participated in the study. They selected a single exercise to perform - strength, aerobic or mixed, lasting 30 to over 60 min. They were requested to fill Spielberger's STAI questionnaires for determining the state anxiety (pre- and post-exercise) and trait anxiety (post-exercise). Questionnaire results were converted to logarithms, pre-post differences were computed and correlated with age, trait anxiety and pre-exercise state anxiety. Multiple correlation and the contributions of independent variables to the total variance of pre-post differences were also computed.

Results: Pre-post differences in state anxiety were significantly correlated with pre-exercise state anxiety (r = 0.514; p<0.001) but not with either age or trait anxiety. As shown by regression equation, pre-exercise state anxiety up to 28 may, on the average, be associated with post-exercise increases. The contribution of pre-exercise state anxiety to the total variance of pre-post differences amounted to 27% (p<0.001), those of other variables not exceeding 5%.

Conclusions: The fact that subjects with high pre-exercise state anxiety are prone to its highest decrease post-exercise ought to be considered when designing leisure activity programmes.
Effects of indoor cycling associated with diet on body composition and serum lipids
Authors: do Valle Valéria , de Mello Danielli , Fortes Marcos de Sá , Dantas Estélio
Published: April 2009

Effects of indoor cycling associated with diet on body composition and serum lipids

Study aim: To determine the effects of indoor cycling training combined with restricted diet, lasting 12 weeks, on serum lipid concentrations in obese women.

Material and methods: Twenty women aged 23.8 ± 3.6 years were randomly assigned into two groups: control (C) and experimental (E), the latter subjected to indoor cycling at various loads, 3 sessions weekly, every session lasting 45 min, combined with restricted diet (about 1200 kcal daily) for 12 weeks. The following variables were recorded: body height and mass, BMI, relative body fat content (from 7 skinfolds), fat-free mass, triglycerides, cholesterol and lipoproteins (HDL, LDL, VLDL).

Results: Significant increase in HDL and significant decreases in all other variables (except body height) were noted only in the experimental group.

Conclusions: Indoor cycling associated with restricted diet is an excellent option in controlling obesity and serum lipids.
Anaerobic endurance of young untrained male and female subjects
Authors: Sienkiewicz-Dianzenza Edyta , Tomaszewski Paweł , Iwańska Dagmara , Stupnicki Romuald
Published: April 2009

Anaerobic endurance of young untrained male and female subjects

Study aim: To assess the anaerobic endurance of untrained male and female subjects by applying repeated maximal exercises.

Material and methods: Untrained male subjects aged 23 - 27 years (n = 17, body height 170 - 197 cm, body mass 65 - 110 kg) and female ones aged 20 - 25 years (n = 10, body height 168 - 184 cm, body mass 55 - 86 kg) performed 6 maximal cycle ergometer (CE) exercises (64 flywheel revolutions each, spaced by 15 s intermissions, the load amounting to 75 g per kg body mass) and 6 bouts of 10 push-offs on an inclined plane device (IP). Mean and maximal relative power outputs were recorded, the ratio of the two - the performance index (PI), served as a measure of anaerobic performance.

Results: Men attained significantly higher maximum power outputs than women in both tests but the respective PI values were in both genders alike. Highest power outputs amounted to 10.80 ± 0.91 and 9.45 ± 0.43 W/kg (cycle ergometer) for men and women, respectively, and to 20.06 ± 3.78 and 13.70 ± 1.88 W/kg (inclined plane) for men and women, respectively. No significant differences between genders were found for the PI values in either test but significant within-gender differences were detected between tests: mean PI values (±SD) amounted to 0.799 ± 0.052 and 0.850 ± 0.063 for men (p<0.01), and 0.803 ± 0.030 and 0.875 ± 0.078 for women (p<0.05), for CE and IP, respectively.

Conclusions: The performance index enabled comparing male and female subjects, as well as different exercise tests consisting of repeated, short, maximal exercises, with respect to anaerobic endurance.
Leisure activities of university college staff
Authors: Biernat Elżbieta , Roguski Karol
Published: April 2009

Leisure activities of university college staff

Study aim: To determine the participation of academic teachers in leisure activities for that group contribute to shaping habits of a large percentage of young people.

Material and methods: A group of 52 staff members (about 30%) of a private university college, aged 25 - 70 years, were interviewed with respect to their participation in sports, recreation and tourism in the recent year. Chi-square function in the logarithmic form was used in data analysis.

Results: Over two-thirds participants declared practicing recreational activities (43% regularly); 80% or more declared short- or long-lasting local trips and 50% declared journeys abroad.

Conclusions: The knowledge of benefits brought about by motor activities and the awareness of their necessity stimulate the activities, especially the tourism and recreational ones of people.
Crib‐biting in US horses: Breed predispositions and owner perceptions of aetiology
Authors: ALBRIGHT J. D. , MOHAMMED H. O. , HELESKI C. R. , WICKENS C. L. , HOUPT K. A.
Published: April 2009

Reasons for performing study: Crib‐biting is an equine stereotypy that may result in diseases such as colic. Certain breeds and management factors have been associated.

Objectives: To determine: breed prevalence of crib‐biting in US horses; the likelihood that one horse learns to crib‐bite from another; and owner perceptions of causal factors.

Methods: An initial postal survey queried the number and breed of crib‐biting horses and if a horse began after being exposed to a horse with this habit. In a follow‐up survey, a volunteer subset of owners was asked the number of affected and nonaffected horses of each breed and the extent of conspecific contact. The likelihood of crib‐biting given breed and extent of contact was quantified using odds ratio (OR) and significance of the association was assessed using the Chi‐squared test.

Results: Overall prevalence was 4.4%. Thoroughbreds were the breed most affected (13.3%). Approximately half of owners believed environmental factors predominantly cause the condition (54.4%) and crib‐biting is learned by observation (48.8%). However, only 1.0% of horses became affected after being exposed to a crib‐biter. The majority (86%) of horses was turned out in the same pasture with other horses and extent of contact with conspecifics was not statistically related to risk.

Conclusion: This is the first study to report breed prevalence for crib‐biting in US horses. Thoroughbreds were the breed more likely to be affected. More owners believed either environmental conditions were a predominant cause or a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the behaviour. Only a small number of horses reportedly began to crib‐bite after being exposed to an affected individual, but approximately half of owners considered it to be a learned behaviour; most owners did not isolate affected horses.

Potential relevance: Genetic predisposition, not just intensive management conditions and surroundings, may be a factor in the high crib‐biting prevalence in some breeds, and warrants further investigation. Little evidence exists to suggest horses learn the behaviour from other horses, and isolation may cause unnecessary stress.
The effect of training on stride parameters in a cohort of National Hunt racing Thoroughbreds: A preliminary study
Authors: FERRARI M. , PFAU T. , WILSON A. M. , WELLER R.
Published: April 2009

Reasons for performing study: The influence of training on stride parameters is controversial and to date there is no information on how training influences stride parameters during high‐speed locomotion in the field.

Objective: To determine the influence of training on stride variables during high‐speed locomotion in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Methods: Speed, stride frequency, stance and protraction times were quantified in 8 Thoroughbreds with foot mounted accelerometers and GPS sensors during their first week of canter after the summer break and 6 months into training.

Results: At a speed of 11 m/s, stride frequency was (mean ± s.d.) 2.160 ± 0.120 strides/s pre‐ and 2.167 ± 0.083 strides/s post training; mean stance time was 125.3 ± 9 ms pre‐ and 125.9 ± 7 ms post training; protraction time was 340.7 ± 20.4 ms pre‐ and 337.2 ± 14.3 ms post training. The increase in stride frequency and the decrease in protraction time after training were significant. There was no statistically significant difference in the maximum speed reached by each horse pre‐ and post training.

Conclusions: Stance time stayed constant throughout the training season in the tested horses. A significant decrease in protraction time and a corresponding significant increase in stride frequency were observed after training.

Potential relevance: Training of racehorses could be adapted to maximise the effect on modifiable parameters and reduce the risk of training‐induced pathologies. Further research will be conducted to investigate the effect of different training protocols on a large number of horses.
Modeling the Temperature Development of Wall-slipping Polymers in Single-screw Channels
Authors: Kurte-Jardin M. , Potente H. , Sigge K. , Bornemann M.
Published: April 2009

Wall-slipping materials show lower melt temperature increase than wall-adhering materials on account of the reduced dissipated power component in the system, as is set out in Potente and Kurte-Jardin (2005) and Potente et al. (2005a). Up until now, however, there have not been any models for describing the development of the melt temperature in a single-screw channel when wall-slipping polymers are being processed. For this reason, a methodology of predicting the melt temperature is described. The new model is based on an existing analytical procedure that has been extended by numerical flow simulation results of isothermal 2,5D FE calculations. A comparison of the predicted mean melt temperatures with non-isothermal 3D FE flow simulation results leads to good agreement, what justifies further investigations.
A Novel Dilatometer for PVT Measurements of Polymers at High Cooling – and Shear Rates
Authors: Forstner R. , Peters G. W. M. , Meijer H. E. H.
Published: April 2009

A novel dilatometer to investigate the specific volume of polymers as a function of the combined effect of pressure (100 MPa), temperature (300°C), cooling rate (100°C/s) and shear rate (200 l/s) was developed. The dilatometer consists of a pressure cell, which in design is a combination of a traditional “piston-die type” dilatometer and a Couette rheometer, embedded in a custom made frame, which allowed for scaling down to a “table-sized” machine that requires only standard laboratory supplies, like pressurized air and tap water, for operation and cooling. We implemented software for fully automated control of procedures to operate non-isothermal experiments with shear steps applied at predefined temperatures. The sample rings (m ≈ 65 mg) used in the dilatometer are made with a micro injection moulding machine. Experiments with two commercial isotactic Polypropylene (iPP) grades at low cooling rates, performed by two independent groups, were compared with measurements from a commercial confined fluids dilatometer showing small relative differences in the range of 0.03 to 0.3%. As an example, additional results of an isotactic polypropylene were chosen to show the profound influence of cooling rate and melt shearing on the evolution of specific volume.
A Direct 3D Numerical Simulation Code for Extrusion and Mixing Processes
Authors: Valette R. , Coupez T. , David C. , Vergnes B.
Published: April 2009

This work focuses on the development of a general finite element code devoted to the three-dimensional direct simulation of mixing processes of complex fluids. The code, developed from the CimLib© Library, is based on a domain immersion method coupled with a “level-set” approach to represent the rigid moving boundaries, such as screws and rotors, as well as free surfaces. These techniques, combined with the use of automatized parallel computing, allow calculating the time-dependent flow of generalized Newtonian fluids in large and complex processes, involving moving free surfaces which are treated by a level-set/Hamilton-Jacobi method. Three examples of flow case studies are presented in this paper: the flow within the mixing section of a twinscrew extruder, the flow in an internal mixer and the flow in a batch mixer.
The Effect of Bead Vacuum on Slot Die Coating
Authors: Chang H.-M. , Lee C.-C. , Liu T.-J.
Published: April 2009

The effect of bead vacuum on the minimum wet thickness obtained on horizontal and vertical slot die coatings was experimentally examined using a flow visualization technique. The commercial software package FLOW3D was used to simulate the two-dimensional coating flow. Macroscopic material balances were applied to estimate the effect of bead vacuum. Applying vacuum on the coating bead was found to reduce the minimum wet thickness and increase the maximum coating speed, with the effect on horizontal slot die coating being more pronounced. Visual observations revealed that with increasing vacuum, the upstream meniscus against the moving web was pulled back significantly for a low-viscosity solution, and the dynamic contact angle was reduced for a high-viscosity solution. The observed upstream wetting length for a low-viscosity solution subject to bead vacuum was consistent with the prediction using macroscopic balances. The sizes of coating beads predicted by FLOW3D were generally larger than those observed from flow visualization. Coating failures caused by high bead vacuum could be predicted with the aid of numerical simulations.
Numerical Simulation of a Thermoviscoelastic Frictional Problem with Application to the Hot-Embossing Process for Manufacturing of Microcomponents
Authors: Kabanemi K. K. , Marcotte J. P. , Hétu J. F. , Worgull M. , Heckele M.
Published: April 2009

Hot embossing is a compression molding technique used for high replication accuracy of small features. One of the most sensitive phases of the process is the de-embossing stage during which the patterned part has to be demolded. In this paper, the demolding stage is considered as a frictional contact problem between a rigid mold insert and a viscoelastic polymer sheet as it deforms and cools inside a mold under an applied force. The contact is modeled with a modified Coulomb's law of dry friction while a generalized Maxwell model is used to describe the polymer behavior during embossing, cooling and de-embossing stages. The heat transfer between the mold insert and the patterned polymer sheet is solved through a domain decomposition method. A finite element approximation based on a penalized technique is proposed and analyzed. The purpose of this modeling approach is to predict dimensional stability and residual shape of microcomponents in the hot embossing process. Such a prediction will allow one to assign appropriate processing conditions that minimize geometrical imperfections and increase replication accuracy.
Modeling of Melt Conveying in a Novel Screw-Nested Extruder
Authors: Jia M.-Y. , Yu J. , Xue P. , Guo Z.-X.
Published: April 2009

A novel screw-nested extruder is fabricated, which consists of double extrusion systems. The inner screw couples with one inner barrel, whose outer configuration acts as the screw for the outer barrel. The nested screw extrusion systems can co-extrude when the inner barrel/outer screw rotates. Each extrusion system can also work independently as one general extruder. A new mathematical model of an isothermal Newtonian flow is developed to describe the melt flow in the extruder. The analytical solutions of flow rate are well in agreement with the Campbell's experimental data for screw drag flow, screw flight displacement flow and barrel drag flow when the boundary conditions are obtained for the special cases in which the screw core, screw flight and the barrel rotate independently or in pairs. This can not be explained by conventional parallel-plate models. Further, the model is also well used to analyze the melt flow in the inner extrusion system of the novel nested screw extruder.
Rheological and Thermal Properties of a Model System for PIM
Authors: Persson H. , Hausnerová B. , Nyborg L. , Rigdahl M.
Published: April 2009

Powder injection moulding (PIM) is an important and accepted industrial technique for net shaping of precision components which can have a rather complex geometry. In order to meet the imposed, often rather strict, requirements with regard to dimensional accuracy, it is important to have an adequate knowledge and control of the rheological behaviour and the related processing properties of the powder/polymer melt (feedstock). Such a knowledge is furthermore of crucial importance in numerical simulations of the PIM-process. In the present work, a model system, consisting of steel powder, poly(ethylene glycol) and wax, is used in order to illustrate how the viscometric properties as well as thermal properties, such as the conductivity and the specific heat, of the system can be related to the corresponding properties of the polymeric binder system. In a similar way, the pvT (pressure-volume-temperature)-behaviour of the model system is analysed and discussed. The pvT-behaviour, which has not been extensively reported on for PIM-feedstocks, is considered to be of significant relevance for controlling the outcome of the injection moulding process.
Higher Education Reform in Germany: Advocacy and Discourse
Authors: Welsh Helga A.
Published: April 2009

Characterized by a highly complex and segmented decision-making structure and strong conventions and values, German higher education was long considered impervious to significant change. In recent years, several initiatives demonstrate both the resistance to, and prospects for, profound reforms. This article focuses on two such endeavors: the establishment of junior professorships and the introduction of general tuition fees. Both policies aim to break ironclad traditions—in the first case, the entry qualification for professorships; in the second, the principle of free education. The discourse surrounding the establishment of these initiatives has emphasized performance and competition. The new advocacy coalitions and their opponents, however, use different frames to interpret these terms. The battle of ideas and policies regarding a reconfigured academic hierarchy has been shaped by stakeholders in the scientific community, with political actors taking a secondary role. On the other hand, the discourse surrounding the introduction of tuition fees reverses this order, with political actors taking the prominent role. Discourse patterns and involvement of political parties matter. The analysis reveals the competing rhetorical and policy frames that support policy diversity. Policy change adds to, rather than eliminates, existing structures.
Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Different Fractions of Catharanthus Roseus (Linn.) on Normal and Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Islam M. A. , Akhtar M. A. , Islam M. R. , Hossain M. S. , Alam M. K. , Wahed M. I. I. , Rahman B. M. , Anisuzzaman A. S. M. , Shaheen S. M. , Ahmed Maruf
Published: April 2009

The antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of petroleum-ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions from ethanolic extract of the leaves of Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) were investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (SIDRs). Single doses (150 mg/kg, i.p.) of C. roseus extracts in the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were determined in normal and SIDRs on 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 16, and 24th hours and serum triglyceride (TG) and serum total cholesterol (TC) levels were determined after 24th hour. In normoglycemic rats and in SIDRs, petroleum-ether and ethyl acetate fraction of C. roseus reduced blood glucose level significantly. In case of hypolipidemic effects, all fractions reduced serum total cholesterol but the ethyl acetate fraction of C. roseus was the most effective. All fractions of C. roseus reduced serum triglyceride level but the ethyl acetate fraction reduced triglyceride level at the highest. The antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities were compared to metformin HCl (150 mg/kg). Of all the three fractions, ethyl acetate fractions were the best in activity. Ethyl acetate fraction of C. roseus was found to contain flavonoids and alkaloids. The mechanism underlying the antidiabetic activity is probably increased glycogenesis, decreased gluconeogenesis or decreased absorption of glucose from intestine.  Keywords: Catharanthus roseus; Antidiabetic; Hypolipidemic; Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i2.1075
In-vitro Studies of Pentoxifylline Controlled-Release from Hydrophilic Matrices
Authors: Rahman B. M. , Islam M. A. , Wahed M. I. I. , Ahmed Maruf , Islam R. , Barman R. K. , Anisuzzaman A. S. M. , Khondkar Proma
Published: April 2009

Methocel K15 MCR (a modified hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) matrix tablets of pentoxifylline using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), starch and lactose were prepared by wet granulation process. There was no significant difference in drug release between the hydrophilic matrices when the Methocel K15 MCR concentration was modified in low percentage. The release of pentoxifylline was influenced by the presence of microcrystalline cellulose, and by the different concentrations of starch and lactose. The data obtained proved that the formulation with 12.5% Methocel K15 MCR and 20% lactose is more useful for a controlled release pentoxifylline, due to the percentage released after 8 hours is nearly to 65%. There was no significant change on release profile after three months storage of tablets. The best-fit release kinetics was achieved with the Higuchi model, followed by the first-order plot.Keywords: Pentoxifylline; Controlled release; Methocel K15 MCR.© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i2.1080
Computation of Axisymmetric Turbulent Viscous Flow Around Sphere
Authors: Karim M. M. , Rahman M. M. , Alim M. A.
Published: April 2009

Axisymmetric turbulent viscous flow around sphere is computed using finite volume method based on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations.Â Two-dimensional axisymmetric flow solver has been used to analyze flow at Reynolds number of 5Ã106. Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) and shear stress transport (SST) k-Ï turbulence models are used to capture turbulent viscous flow. The numerical results in terms of the skin friction coefficient, pressure coefficient and drag coefficient for different Reynolds numbers have been shown either graphically or in the tabular form. Velocity vectors have been displayed graphically. The computed results show good agreement with published experimental measurements.  Keywords: Axisymmetric body of revolution; Sphere; Viscous drag; CFD; Turbulence model; Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. © 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i2.1286
Isolation of (+)-Catechin from Acacia Catechu (Cutch Tree) by a Convenient Method
Authors: Hye M. A. , Taher M. A. , Ali M. Y. , Ali M. U. , Zaman Shahed
Published: April 2009

Biologically important polyphenol (+)-catechin was isolated from catechu, the extract of the red heartwood of Acacia Catechu tree (Khoiyer tree). The isolation procedure was developed to get better yield (25%) and to reduce the isolation cost and time. The structure of the isolated (+)-catechin was confirmed with several spectral analyses and chemical studies. Keywords:Â  Acacia Catechu; (+)-catechin; Polyphenol. © 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.Â DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i2.1635
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Organotin(IV) Complexes Containing Hydrazone Ligand: X-ray Single Crystal Structure of [n-Bu2Sn(H2PAI).H2O]
Authors: Affan M. A. , Fasihuddin B. A. , Liew Y. Z. , Foo S. W. , Ismail J.
Published: April 2009

Five new organotin(IV) complexes with pyruvic acid isonicotinoyl hydrazone [H4PAI (1)] of the general formula [Me2Sn(H2PAI)] (2), [R2Sn(H2PAI).H2O] [R=n-Bu, (3) or Ph, (4)], [RSnCl(H2PAI).H2O] [R=Me (5) or Ph (6)] have been synthesized in the presence of base in absolute methanol in 1:2:1 mole ratio (metal:base:ligand). All organotin(IV) complexes are characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance values, UV-Visible, IR and 1H NMR spectral studies. The crystal structure of organotin(IV) complex (3) has also been determined by X-ray crystallography diffraction analyses. Complex [n-Bu2Sn(H2PAI).H2O] (3) is orthorhombic with space group P2(1)/c with a=27.517(5), b=9.6574(18), c=15.742(3) Å, α=90°, β=90°, γ=90°, V=4183.4(13) Å3, Z=8 and Dcalc=1.448 mg m-3. The complex [n-Bu2Sn(H2PAI).H2O] (3) shows a distorted octahedral geometry with coordination for the central tin(IV) atom and exhibits two monomeric structures in one unit cell. In the complex (3), the pyruvic acid isonicotinoyl hydrazone ligand is coordinated to the tin(IV) as dinegative tridentate chelating agent via the carboxylic-O, enolic-O and imine-N atoms. Hydrazone ligand (1) and its organotin(IV) complexes have also been screened for their antimicrobial activities and found to be relatively active.Keywords: Organotin(IV) complexes; Hydrazone ligand; Spectral studies; Crystal structure; Antibacterial activity.© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i2.1775
Preparation of Zeolite Y Using Local Raw Material Rice Husk as a Silica Source
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Hasnida N. , Wan Nik W. B.
Published: April 2009

The locally available rice husk is found to provide a good alternative source of highly active silica for the synthesis of zeolites. The present synthesis of zeolite Y using seed and feed gel method yields maximum crystallinity and rich in zeolite Y and which shows the absence of other impurities. This compared with preparation of zeolite Y seeding and without seeding ethods using commercial silica which yields a mixture of zeolite Y and P.Keywords: Rice husk; Zeolite Y; Seeding method; Ageing method; Highly active silica.© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i2.1777