bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Cotton and Beef Production in the Texas Southern High Plains: II. Fossil Fuel Use
Authors: Zilverberg C. J. , Allen V. G. , Brown C. P. , Green P. , Johnson P. , Weinheimer J.
Published: September 2012

Agriculture relies on fossil fuel inputs for production processes, but their use is also problematic because of finite supplies, release of associated CO2, and energy price fluctuations. In the Texas High Plains, integrated crop–livestock systems were proposed to reduce soil erosion, N‐fertilizer use, and reliance on the Ogallala aquifer, a source of irrigation water that is being rapidly depleted. We compared fossil fuel use and associated C emissions of an integrated crop–livestock system and a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) monoculture system in a randomized block design evaluated for 10 yr. Energy use and C emissions ha−1 by the integrated system were less than the monoculture system when only one group yr−1 of beef stocker steers (Bos taurus) grazed the integrated system. When stocking rate increased, energy required by the integrated system rose due to additional cost required to support a larger off‐site cow herd that provided stockers. The monoculture system used more energy than the integrated system for irrigation, fertilizer, pesticides, and mechanical operations. Energy efficiency of producing cotton lint (25 MJ kg−1) was similar between the two systems. The integrated system's perennial grass WW‐B. Dahl old world bluestem [Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz) S.T. Blake] was more efficient at producing grazing days (32 MJ animal d−1) than the annuals wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.; 80 and 48 MJ animal d−1, respectively). As the aquifer is depleted and water is pumped from greater depths, the integrated system's lower water use will save energy relative to the monoculture.
Switchgrass Yield Response Functions and Profit‐Maximizing Nitrogen Rates on Four Landscapes in Tennessee
Authors: Boyer Christopher N. , Tyler Donald D. , Roberts Roland K. , English Burton C. , Larson James A.
Published: September 2012

Little is known about how yield‐ and profit‐maximizing N rates of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) respond to environmental influences. The objective of this research was to determine the most suitable yield response functions and profit‐maximizing N rates of switchgrass grown on four landscapes in Tennessee. Research was conducted in West Tennessee during a 7‐yr period on four landscapes including: (i) a well‐drained level upland (WDLU), (iii) a well‐ to moderately well‐drained floodplain (WDFP), (iii) a moderate to somewhat poorly drained eroded sloping upland (MDSU), and (iv) a poorly drained floodplain (PDFP). The yield response functions considered were the quadratic, the quadratic‐plus‐plateau, the linear response plateau, and the linear response stochastic plateau. The most suitable response function for each landscape was used to calculate the profit‐maximizing N rate. The linear response stochastic plateau function was the most suitable for the WDFP, WDLU, and MDSU landscapes, and the quadratic function was the most suitable for the PDFP landscape. The most suitable yield response function and the yield‐ and profit‐maximizing N rates for switchgrass were sensitive across landscapes. Overapplication of N and a decrease in farmers’ net returns were predicted when a less suitable response function was selected to determine optimal N rates.
Management Effects on Soil Quality in Organic Vegetable Systems in Western Washington
Authors: Pritchett KeriAnne , Kennedy Ann C. , Cogger Craig G.
Published: September 2012

Management practices in organic vegetable cropping systems can differ widely depending on soil, location, landscape, region, and climate. Soil quality indicators may help organic farmers choose the best management practices. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the sensitivity of soil properties to detect differences in organic management systems; (ii) identify a minimum soil quality set for future analyses; and (iii) provide baseline data for future system comparisons of soil quality. Data were collected from the first 3 yr of a field experiment comparing cropping systems (pasture every other year, relay cover crop, and post‐harvest cover crop), tillage strategies (conventional tillage and modified tillage with a rotary spader), and amendments (broiler litter and on‐farm compost) arranged in a split‐split‐plot design. Soil analyses included dehydrogenase and β‐glucosidase activities, phospholipid fatty acid methyl esters (PLFA), substrate utilization using ECO plates (Biolog, Hayward, CA), total C, particulate organic matter C, bulk density, and aggregate stability. Enzyme activities were more sensitive than PLFA and substrate utilization to changes in management. The β‐glucosidase activity was greater in relay and pasture treatments than the post‐harvest treatment and the modified (spader) tillage had greater β‐glucosidase activity than the conventional tillage. There were no differences in β‐glucosidase activity between amendments. Dehydrogenase activity showed transient responses to tillage and amendment. Soil C and bulk density were affected by amendment and showed more consistent differences among treatments than did other properties. The changes occurring in soil properties may lead to early identification of differences among organic management practices.
Halloysite Nanotubes and Bacteria at the Saprolite–Bedrock Interface, Rio Icacos Watershed, Puerto Rico
Authors: Minyard Morgan L. , Bruns Mary Ann , Martínez Carmen E. , Liermann Laura J. , Buss Heather L. , Brantley Susan L.
Published: September 2012

Quartz diorite bedrock underlying the Luquillo Mountains of eastern Puerto Rico undergoes weathering at one of the fastest documented rates for granitic rocks in the world. Although tropical temperatures and precipitation promote rapid weathering in this location, increased bacterial densities in the regolith immediately above the bedrock suggest that microorganisms contribute to mineral weathering as well. Deep saprolite and saprock samples were obtained at the bedrock interface in an upland location (Guaba Ridge) in the Rio Icacos watershed for examination by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). In ESEM images, mineral nanotubes were observed to occur frequently in association with coccus‐ and rod‐shaped structures resembling bacteria. These nanotubes (50–140‐nm width and 150–2700‐nm length) were identified as halloysite using transmission electron microscopy. Observations of multiple nanotubes on the surfaces of an individual cell are consistent with the cell's exterior functional groups interacting with Si in pore water to facilitate halloysite nucleation. We propose that one mechanism by which bacteria contribute to the rapid weathering of quartz diorite minerals in this regolith is by lowering the free energy for secondary mineral formation. The presence of bacterial surfaces may result in more rapid removal of Si from solution, thereby increasing the dissolution rates of primary minerals.
Fertilizer Source Influenced Nitrous Oxide Emissions from a Clay Soil under Corn
Authors: Gagnon Bernard , Ziadi Noura , Rochette Philippe , Chantigny Martin H. , Angers Denis A.
Published: September 2012

Synthetic N fertilizers are a major source of N2O emissions from soil. A field experiment was conducted during three growing seasons (2004–2006) on a clay soil (fine, mixed, frigid Typic Humaquept) under corn (Zea mays L.) to evaluate the impact of N fertilizer source and application rate on N2O emissions. Treatments consisted of three sources of N fertilizer (urea–NH4NO3 32% [UAN], Ca–NH4NO3 [CAN], and aqua NH3 [AA]) at four different rates (0, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1). Fertilizers were banded 5 cm below the soil surface between corn rows at the six‐leaf stage and N2O emissions were measured weekly. For all 3 yr of this study, cumulative N2O emission decreased in the order UAN ≥ CAN ≥ AA. Averaged across years, fertilizer‐induced post‐sidedress emissions were greater than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change default factor (0.01 kg N2O‐N kg−1 N), with values of 0.038, 0.033, and 0.027 kg N2O‐N kg−1 N for UAN, CAN, and AA, respectively. The N2O emissions increased linearly with N rate, even at rates exceeding the optimum level for grain yield. Peaks of N2O flux occurred on the days following fertilizer application and in early fall when the soil was re‐wetted. Emissions of N2O were higher at water‐filled pore space >0.57 m3 m−3 and were also related to soil inorganic N and water‐extractable organic C contents. Our results confirm that N fertilizer source and application rate can impact N2O emissions but these effects are modulated by soil environmental conditions.
Soil Nitrogen Dynamics under Dryland Alfalfa and Durum–Forage Cropping Sequences
Authors: Sainju Upendra M. , Lenssen Andrew W.
Published: September 2012

Forages grown in rotation with or without cereals to sustain dryland soil water content and crop production may influence N dynamics. We evaluated the effect of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and durum (Triticum turgidum L.)–annual forage cropping sequences on above‐ (stems + leaves) and belowground (roots) biomass N, dryland soil total N (STN), particulate organic N (PON), microbial biomass N (MBN), potential N mineralization (PNM), NH4–N, and NO3–N contents at the 0‐ to 120‐cm depth in northeastern Montana from 2002 to 2005. Cropping sequences were continuous alfalfa (CA), durum–barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) hay (D‐B), durum–foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) hay (D‐M), durum–Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L.)/barley mixture hay (D‐P/B), and durum–fallow (D‐F). From 2002 to 2005, total above‐ and belowground biomass N was 20 to 97 kg N ha−1 greater under CA than other treatments. In 2005, STN, PON, and PNM were 7 to 490 kg N ha−1 greater under CA than D‐M, D‐B, and D‐P/B at 0 to 30 cm but varied by treatment at other depths. In contrast, MBN at 0 to 15 cm and NH4–N content at 30 to 90 cm were 23 to 37 kg N ha−1 greater under D‐B than D‐M and D‐F. The NO3–N content at 0 to 120 cm was 65 to 107 kg N ha−1 greater under D‐P/B than other treatments. Even though haying removed a greater amount of N, alfalfa increased surface soil N storage and mineralization and reduced the potential for N leaching compared with durum–annual forages, probably due to increased root growth or N2 fixation. Durum–pea/barley hay, however, increased N mineralization and availability in subsoil layers, probably due to greater root N concentration or downward movement of water‐soluble N.
Grazing Effects on Compressibility of Kastanozems in Inner Mongolian Steppe Ecosystem
Authors: Reszkowska Agnieszka , Peth Stephan , Peng Xinhua , Horn Rainer
Published: September 2012

In Inner Mongolia, animal trampling is one of the main factors causing soil degradation manifested by altered mechanical strength or changes in water and gas fluxes. Soil samples were collected at two depths (4–8 and 18–22 cm) on the Stipa grandis steppe ecosystem in Inner Mongolia from two treatments characterized by different grazing intensities: ungrazed since 1979 (UG) and continuously grazed (CG). The following mechanical soil properties were determined under static and repeated loading conditions: precompression stress, Pc; coefficient of cyclic compressibility, cn, and compression index, Cc Air conductivity measurements were used to quantify the changes in soil functions due to application of repeated loading. The CG site showed significantly higher precompression stress values (111 kPa) than the UG site (64 kPa) at the first soil depth. The highest cn values were found in the topsoil of the UG site, while the CG site had significantly lower cn values. Repeated loading caused higher soil deformation compared to the static loading test. It was also found that the strain of soil samples from the UG site was higher than the CG site. We found a good fit between cn and precompression stress. The Cc values of the cyclically loaded samples were significantly lower at the CG site than the statically loaded ones. The air conductivity of the UG site remained constant for a wider stress range of repeatedly applied stress compared with the CG site, which reflects higher stability of the soil pore network at the UG site.
The Use of Wavelet Analysis to Derive Infiltration Rates from Time‐Lapse One‐Dimensional Resistivity Records
Authors: Pidlisecky Adam , Knight Rosemary
Published: September 2012

As part of a study to understand factors impacting the efficiency of an artificial recharge pond in Watsonville, CA, a time series of resistivity measurements was made using a permanently installed one‐dimensional resistivity probe. Measurements were made in the top 2 m of sediment with data acquired every 30 min. There was an observed diurnal signal in these data due to daily temperature fluctuations in the pond water. By viewing this signal as a thermal tracer, we used the movement of the associated thermal front to estimate infiltration rates from the resistivity data. We developed a wavelet‐based method for calculating lag times of the thermal front between measurement locations. As part of this algorithm, we tested the statistical significance of a given signal and automatically rejected calculated lag times that were associated with signals below a given confidence interval. We included a linear inversion routine for calculating the velocity of the thermal front from the calculated lag times. Using the thermal velocity, we estimated an infiltration rate at the resistivity probe that decreased from approximately 3.5 to 1 m d−1 during a period of 18 d. Resistivity data have a distinct advantage over direct temperature measurements: a resistivity measurement is sensitive to changes outside the region disturbed by instrument emplacement. While our processing approach was demonstrated on the presented resistivity data, it is equally valid for use with direct temperature measurements.
Using Soil Water Content Sensors to Characterize Tillage Effects on Preferential Flow
Authors: Kulasekera Priyantha B. , Parkin Gary W. , von Bertoldi Peter
Published: September 2012

Because groundwater is a source of drinking water for many people, there is great concern to protect groundwater resources. Preferential flow through the unsaturated zone is considered one of the main contributory factors in groundwater pollution, which is influenced primarily by soil heterogeneity and management practices. To characterize the degree of preferential flow, the soil water content dynamics during short‐ and long‐term periods in the shallow zone (0–40‐cm depth) of two plots with no‐till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) soil management practices were investigated for 2 yr using soil water sensors placed horizontally in a rectangular grid along transects across crop rows. Analysis of response times and water content changes during rainfall events confirmed the existence of short‐term preferential flow at the site and that macropores and heterogeneities in soil hydraulic parameters in the shallow zone may have contributed to infiltration into the deeper layers in the NT plot. In the longer term, the pathways of infiltration and redistribution were different between the growing and non‐growing seasons; however, these differences were relatively stable in both plots during the 2‐yr study period.
Incorporation of Dynamic Capillary Pressure into the Green–Ampt Model for Infiltration
Authors: Hsu Shao-Yiu , Hilpert Markus
Published: September 2012

The Green–Ampt model describes infiltration of water into soil. A sharp front separates the saturated from the unsaturated zones, and capillary pressure is assumed to remain constant during infiltration. We generalized this model to account for a capillary pressure that depends on the flow velocity. Based on dimensional analysis and physical considerations, we posited a functional form for dynamic capillary pressure and assumed the nonequilibrium capillary pressure to depend on the capillary number in the form of a power law. Our model for dynamic capillary pressure describes measurements of capillary pressure versus Darcy velocity by D.A. Weitz et al. and S.L. Geiger and D.S. Durnford. Moreover, the dimensional analysis allows us to collapse three dynamic capillary pressure curves that Geiger and Durnford measured for sands of different grain size onto one curve. Furthermore our model describes capillary rise experiments performed by T. Tabuchi well. We also derived an implicit analytical solution for the front velocity.
Automated Equilibrium Tension Lysimeters for Measuring Water Fluxes through a Layered, Volcanic Vadose Profile in New Zealand
Authors: Barkle G.F. , Wöhling Th. , Stenger R. , Mertens J. , Moorhead B. , Wall A. , Clague J.
Published: September 2012

In this technical note we present the design, installation, and evaluation of a field monitoring system to directly measure water fluxes through a vadose zone. The system is based on use of relatively new measurement technology—automated equilibrium tension lysimeters (AETLs). An AETL uses a porous sintered stainless‐steel plate to provide a comparatively large sampling area (0.20 m2) with a continuously controlled vacuum applied under the plate. This vacuum is in “equilibrium” with the surrounding vadose zone tension to ensure measured fluxes represent those under undisturbed conditions. Fifteen of these AETLs have been installed at five depths through a layered volcanic vadose zone to study the impact of land use changes on water quality in Lake Taupo, New Zealand. We describe the development and testing of the AETLs, the methods used for installing these devices, a condensed data set of the measured physical properties of the vadose zone, and the initial results from the in situ operation of the AETLs, including the preliminary results from a bromide tracer test. For an AETL installed at the 0.4‐m depth, where soil pressure heads are most dynamic, the average deviation between the target reference pressure head, as measured in the undisturbed vadose zone and the pressure head measured above the sampling plate was only 5.4 hPa over a 180‐d period. The bromide recovered in an AETL at the same depth was equivalent to 96% of the bromide pulse applied onto the surface area directly above the AETL. We conclude that this measurement technique provides an accurate and robust method of measuring vadose zone fluxes. These measurements can ultimately contribute to better understanding of the water transport and contaminant transformation processes through vadose zones.
Association Analysis Between the Tag SNP for Sonic Hedgehog rs9333613 Polymorphism and Male Sexual Orientation
Authors: Wang Binbin , Zhou Sirui , Hong Fuchang , Wang Jing , Liu Xiaoli , Cai Yumao , Wang Feng , Feng Tiejian , Ma Xu
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Male sexual orientation has been proposed to have genetic components, but previously suggested candidate genes have all received negative results. The human sonic hedgehog (SHH) gene is located in the 7q36 region, which was linked to male sexual orientation in a previous genome‐wide association study. SHH is known to play an important role in embryo patterning, and there is evidence connecting it to sexual orientation. In this study, we performed an association analysis of the SHH tag single nucleotide polymorphism rs9333613 in 361 subjects and 319 Chinese male controls. We find a significant difference in genotype and allele distribution between identified homosexuals and heterosexual control subjects, suggesting that the SHH gene could potentially be associated with male sexual orientation.
Specialized Distribution of the Histone Methyltransferase Ezh2 in the Nuclear Apical Region of Round Spermatids and Its Interaction With the Histone Variant H1t2
Authors: Lambrot Romain , Jones Steven , Saint‐Phar Shawna , Kimmins Sarah
Published: September 2012

Abstract: The formation of sperm requires tightly regulated gene expression and unique chromatin remodeling. In the present study, we investigated the spermatogenic distribution of the lysine‐specific histone H3 methyltransferase Ezh2 in mice. The distribution of Ezh2 was highly regulated with its localization predominantly restricted to round spermatids in the perinuclear acrosome region. This localization is concomitant with the dramatic epigenetic reorganization that occurs during spermiogenesis leading to an extreme compaction of the chromatin. Spermiogenesis involves the incorporation of sperm‐specific nuclear proteins, including the testis‐specific histone variant H1t2. Using immunofluorescence, Ezh2 was shown to juxtapose H1t2, and an interaction in chromatin was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. These findings suggest that, in the testis, the apical region of the round spermatid nucleus could be a specialized epigenetic region where methylation of histones serves a role in the spermiogenic chromatin remodeling and that Ezh2 might be a key effector of this event.
Quality of Sperm Obtained by Penile Vibratory Stimulation and Percutaneous Vasal Sperm Aspiration in Men With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Qiu Yi , Wang Lei‐Guang , Zhang Li‐Hong , Zhang Ai‐Dong , Wang Zhong‐Ye
Published: September 2012

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore sperm chromosomal aneuploidy and DNA integrity in infertile patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Semensamples were collected from 12 infertile menwith SCI by percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration (PVSA) and from 14 male SCI patients by penile vibratory stimulation (PVS). These semen samples as well as samples from 16 donors were analyzed using the hypo‐osmotic swelling (HOS) test, the sperm chromatin dispersion test, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated terminal uridine nick‐end labeling assay, and multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes specific for the chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y. There were significant differences in the percentages of motile sperm, normal morphologic sperm, normal HOS/eosin staining, and sperm DNA fragmentation between the infertile men with SCI and the control group (P < .05 and P < .01). The sperm forward motility was significantly greater in the PVSA group than in the PVS group (P < .01). The number of round cells per milliliter of semen obtained from the 14 SCI patients by PVS was between 1 million and 12 million. The rate of sperm DNA fragmentation, as identified by the sperm chromatin dispersion test, was higher in the PVS group than in the PVSA group (P < .05). The aneuploidy rates for the SCI patients were 1.5‐ to 1.6‐fold higher for chromosomes 13, 18, and 21, and were 2.3‐ to 2.4‐fold higher for chromosomes X and Y than for patients in the control group (P < .001). These results suggest that for men with SCI, the semen quality is poorer, the prevalence of abnormal HOS/eosin staining is greater, and sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm chromosomal aneuploidies are seen at a higher rate compared with healthy, fertile, and normospermic men.
Surgical Treatment of Hemangioma on the Dorsum of the Penis
Authors: Cheng Gong , Song Ninghong , Hua Lixin , Yang Jie , Xu Bin , Li Pengchao , Yin Changjun , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Therapies for hemangiomas of the penis include surgical excision, electrofulguration, cryotherapy, sclerotherapy, and neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser treatment. Urologists often face difficulties in deciding whether to use surgery in penile hemangioma cases. In this study, we investigated the safety and feasibility of surgical treatment of hemangioma in the penis. The study included 6 patients, 19 to 42 years of age (median age 23 years), with hemangiomas on the dorsal aspect of the penis. All patients were treated with surgery. All operations were successful, and no complications were observed. Patients were followed up for 2 to 5 years (median 2.5 years) after discharge from the hospital. Five patients were assessed for sexual function. Lesions healed completely, and all patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. All patients had returned to normal sexual activity within 3 months of the operation. Sexual function and sexual satisfaction were well maintained after the operation. A therapeutic reference standard for the treatment of penile hemangioma is still lacking because of the rarity of the disease. The results of our experience confirm that surgical treatment for penile hemangioma represents a safe radical curative procedure. Surgical treatment offers an alternative to the more conservative therapy previously advocated.
Cystic Schwannoma of a Seminal Vesicle
Authors: He Rui , Yang Xinyu , Li Xuesong , He Zhisong , Zhou Liqun
Published: September 2012

Abstract: We present a case of a cystic schwannoma of the seminal vesicle that occurred in a 50‐year‐old man who presented asymptomatic. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass within the left seminal vesicle. A laparoscopic surgery was performed to remove the mass on request. Histopathological examination finally confirmed a schwannoma of the seminal vesicle. The patient was free of disease 3 months postoperatively.
Methylation‐Specific PCR Allows for Fast Diagnosis of X Chromosome Disomy and Reveals Skewed Inactivation of the X Chromosome in Men With Klinefelter Syndrome
Authors: Mehta Akanksha , Malek‐Jones Matthew , Bolyakov Alexander , Mielnik Anna , Schlegel Peter N. , Paduch Darius A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) remains the most common, yet often undiagnosed, chromosomal aberration in men. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the health of patients with KS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inactivation pattern of supernumerary X chromosomes. The secondary aim was to design a reliable and cost‐effective molecular test for detection of X chromosome disomy. Methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (M‐PCR), with primers for familial mental retardation (FMR1) and X chromosome inactive‐specific transcript (XIST) genes, was used to detect the presence of X chromosome disomy in men. Seventeen fertile males, 12 females, and 35 males with KS (28 with 47,XXY karyotype, and 7 with 47,XXY/46,XY mosaics) were included in the study. Results of the karyotype were compared with the results of semiquantitative M‐PCR. Inactivation of X chromosomes was measured by XIST/FMR‐1 methylation ratio. Differences in the methylation patterns of FMR1 and XIST genes between 46,XY men and men with X chromosome disomy allowed for rapid detection of the presence of an additional X chromosome, achieving 100% sensitivity and specificity using M‐PCR. The methylated:unmethylated FMR1 amplicon ratio allowed the detection of 1 additional X chromosome per 100 normal XY cells (1% of XX/XY mosaicism). In our series, 50% of 47,XXY men showed skewed inactivation of the X chromosome. Men with KS can have incomplete inactivation of supernumerary X chromosomes. M‐PCR is a sensitive, specific, fast, and relatively inexpensive test for the diagnosis of X chromosome disomy.
Unwalkable Neighborhoods, Poverty, and the Risk of Diabetes Among Recent Immigrants to Canada Compared With Long-Term Residents
Authors: Booth Gillian L. , Creatore Maria I. , Moineddin Rahim , Gozdyra Peter , Weyman Jonathan T. , Matheson Flora I. , Glazier Richard H.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to examine whether residents living in neighborhoods that are less conducive to walking or other physical activities are more likely to develop diabetes and, if so, whether recent immigrants are particularly susceptible to such effects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study to assess the impact of neighborhood walkability on diabetes incidence among recent immigrants (n = 214,882) relative to long-term residents (n = 1,024,380). Adults aged 30–64 years who were free of diabetes and living in Toronto, Canada, on 31 March 2005 were identified from administrative health databases and followed until 31 March 2010 for the development of diabetes, using a validated algorithm. Neighborhood characteristics, including walkability and income, were derived from the Canadian Census and other sources.

RESULTS

Neighborhood walkability was a strong predictor of diabetes incidence independent of age and area income, particularly among recent immigrants (lowest [quintile 1 {Q1}] vs. highest [quintile 5 {Q5}] walkability quintile: relative risk [RR] 1.58 [95% CI 1.42–1.75] for men; 1.67 [1.48–1.88] for women) compared with long-term residents (Q1 to Q5) 1.32 [1.26–1.38] for men; 1.24 [1.18–1.31] for women). Coexisting poverty accentuated these effects; diabetes incidence varied threefold between recent immigrants living in low-income/low walkability areas (16.2 per 1,000) and those living in high-income/high walkability areas (5.1 per 1,000).

CONCLUSIONS

Neighborhood walkability was inversely associated with the development of diabetes in our setting, particularly among recent immigrants living in low-income areas.
Asymptotic Behavior of the Transition Density of an Ergodic Linear Diffusion
Authors: Kasahara Yuji
Published: September 2012

Positive recurrent diffusions on the line are treated. We study the asymptotic behavior of the transition density in the long term. The problem is equivalent to the study of Krein's correspondence for bounded strings.
Commutator Length of Leaf Preserving Diffeomorphisms
Authors: Fukui Kazuhiko
Published: September 2012

We consider the group of leaf preserving

C^{\infty}

-diffeomorphisms for a

C^{\infty}

-foliation on a manifold which is isotopic to the identity through leaf preserving

C^{\infty}

-diffeomorphisms with compact support. Then we show that the group for a one-dimensional

C^{\infty}

-foliation

{\cal F}

on the torus is uniformly perfect if and only if

{\cal F}

has no compact leaves. Moreover we consider the group of leaf preserving

C^{\infty}

-diffeomorphisms for the product foliation on

S^1 \times S^n

which is isotopic to the identity through leaf preserving

C^{\infty}

-diffeomorphisms. Here the product foliation has leaves of the form

\{ pt \} \times S^n

. Then we show that the group is uniformly perfect for

n \ge 2

.
Deleting and Inserting Fixed Point Manifolds under the Weak Gap Condition
Authors: Morimoto Masaharu
Published: September 2012

Let

G

be a finite group and

X

a compact smooth manifold. It is of interest which smooth manifolds can be the

G

-fixed point sets of smooth

G

-actions on

X

. The deleting-inserting theorem of this paper is related to this problem and has applications to one-fixed-point actions on spheres as well as to Smith equivalence.
Neuroprotection for Stroke: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Minnerup Jens , Sutherland Brad A. , Buchan Alastair M. , Kleinschnitz Christoph
Published: September 2012

Neuroprotection aims to prevent salvageable neurons from dying. Despite showing efficacy in experimental stroke studies, the concept of neuroprotection has failed in clinical trials. Reasons for the translational difficulties include a lack of methodological agreement between preclinical and clinical studies and the heterogeneity of stroke in humans compared to homogeneous strokes in animal models. Even when the international recommendations for preclinical stroke research, the Stroke Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) criteria, were followed, we have still seen limited success in the clinic, examples being NXY-059 and haematopoietic growth factors which fulfilled nearly all the STAIR criteria. However, there are a number of neuroprotective treatments under investigation in clinical trials such as hypothermia and ebselen. Moreover, promising neuroprotective treatments based on a deeper understanding of the complex pathophysiology of ischemic stroke such as inhibitors of NADPH oxidases and PSD-95 are currently evaluated in preclinical studies. Further concepts to improve translation include the investigation of neuroprotectants in multicenter preclinical Phase III-type studies, improved animal models, and close alignment between clinical trial and preclinical methodologies. Future successful translation will require both new concepts for preclinical testing and innovative approaches based on mechanistic insights into the ischemic cascade.
Chemical Composition of Hexane Extract of Citrus aurantifolia and Anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis Activity of Some of Its Constituents
Authors: Sandoval-Montemayor Nallely E. , García Abraham , Elizondo-Treviño Elizabeth , Garza-González Elvira , Alvarez Laura , Del Rayo Camacho-Corona María
Published: September 2012

The main aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the active compounds from the hexane extract of the fruit peels of Citrus aurantiifolia, which showed activity against one sensitive and three monoresistant (isoniazid, streptomycin or ethambutol) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. The active extract was fractionated by column chromatography, yielding the following major compounds: 5-geranyloxypsoralen (1); 5-geranyloxy-7-methoxycoumarin (2); 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (3); 5-methoxypsoralen (4); and 5,8-dimethoxypsoralen (5). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. In addition, GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract allowed the identification of 44 volatile compounds, being 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (15.79%), 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione (8.27%), 1-methoxy-ciclohexene (8.0%), corylone (6.93%), palmitic acid (6.89%), 5,8-dimethoxypsoralen (6.08%), a-terpineol (5.97%), and umbelliferone (4.36%), the major constituents. Four isolated coumarins and 16 commercial compounds identified by GC-MS were tested against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and three multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains using the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay. The constituents that showed activity against all strains were 5 (MICs = 25–50 mg/mL), 1 (MICs = 50–100 mg/mL), palmitic acid (MICs = 25–50 mg/mL), linoleic acid (MICs = 50–100 mg/mL), oleic acid (MICs = 100 mg/mL), 4-hexen-3-one (MICs = 50–100 mg/mL), and citral (MICs = 50–100 mg/mL). Compound 5 and palmitic acid were the most active ones. The antimycobacterial activity of the hexane extract of C. aurantifolia could be attributed to these compounds.
Practical Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI in Small Animal Models of Cancer: Data Acquisition, Data Analysis, and Interpretation
Authors: Barnes Stephanie L. , Whisenant Jennifer G. , Loveless Mary E. , Yankeelov Thomas E.
Published: September 2012

Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) consists of the continuous acquisition of images before, during, and after the injection of a contrast agent. DCE-MRI allows for noninvasive evaluation of tumor parameters related to vascular perfusion and permeability and tissue volume fractions, and is frequently employed in both preclinical and clinical investigations. However, the experimental and analytical subtleties of the technique are not frequently discussed in the literature, nor are its relationships to other commonly used quantitative imaging techniques. This review aims to provide practical information on the development, implementation, and validation of a DCE-MRI study in the context of a preclinical study (though we do frequently refer to clinical studies that are related to these topics).
Benchmarking the Performance of Mobile Laser Scanning Systems Using a Permanent Test Field
Authors: Kaartinen Harri , Hyyppä Juha , Kukko Antero , Jaakkola Anttoni , Hyyppä Hannu
Published: September 2012

The performance of various mobile laser scanning systems was tested on an established urban test field. The test was connected to the European Spatial Data Research (EuroSDR) project “Mobile Mapping—Road Environment Mapping Using Mobile Laser Scanning”. Several commercial and research systems collected laser point cloud data on the same test field. The system comparisons focused on planimetric and elevation errors using a filtered digital elevation model, poles, and building corners as the reference objects. The results revealed the high quality of the point clouds generated by all of the tested systems under good GNSS conditions. With all professional systems properly calibrated, the elevation accuracy was better than 3.5 cm up to a range of 35 m. The best system achieved a planimetric accuracy of 2.5 cm over a range of 45 m. The planimetric errors increased as a function of range, but moderately so if the system was properly calibrated. The main focus on mobile laser scanning development in the near future should be on the improvement of the trajectory solution, especially under non-ideal conditions, using both improvements in hardware and software. Test fields are relatively easy to implement in built environments and they are feasible for verifying and comparing the performance of different systems and also for improving system calibration to achieve optimum quality.
Conservation in Context: A Comparison of Conservation Perspectives in a Mexican Protected Area
Authors: Bonilla-Moheno Martha , García-Frapolli Eduardo
Published: September 2012

The conservation of biodiversity in protected areas depends on the interests and agendas of stakeholders involved in the planning and enforcing of management actions. The challenge, therefore, has been to identify and include the perspectives of multiple participants important to local conservation. This paper describes the social context in which local conservation is conducted in a natural protected area in Yucatan, Mexico. In particular, it examines the agreement and expectations among local stakeholders on the main goals the reserve should achieve. Through participatory observation and semi-structured interviews, we analyzed the perceptions on conservation of the five groups relevant to the area management: 1) local people; 2) conservation government agency; 3) scientists; 4) non-governmental organization, and 5) a tourist agency. All actors agreed that the protected area should fulfill two main goals: i) to conserve biodiversity and, ii) to improve local welfare and development. In general, ecotourism is perceived as the best option for protecting the forest and promoting local development. Traditional agriculture, on the other hand, is perceived as the main conservation threat, but recognized as a crucial component of local wellbeing. We discuss these results in the context of the Yucatan Peninsula.
INVESTIGATION INTO THE CALCULATION OF SUPERELEVATION DEFECTS ON CONVENTIONAL RAIL LINES
Authors: Gailienė Inesa
Published: September 2012

Railway curves have influence on train speed on a curve and/or wheel/rail interface. Additional forces that have to be compensated appear in the curves. The purpose of superelevation is to compensate acceleration emerging in the curve thus assuring comfortable passenger transportation and equal wearing of both rails. However, it is very difficult to calculate superelevation when designing and maintaining a railway track, because the estimation of actual train speed on the curves is very complicated. As we know, railway lines can be divided into conventional, high speed and heavy haul ones. As these lines are absolutely different, requirements for the installation and maintenance of the track may also differ. Conventional rail lines are the object of research discussed in this article. The speed of freight and passenger trains is different on conventional rail lines, which is an essential factor in determining superelevation. On the ground of scientific researches, the article analyzes and evaluates the factors influencing wheel/rail interface on the curves. The paper also deals with railway line curves, superelevation and uncompensated lateral acceleration. The article presents the method used in Lithuania for calculating superelevation in the railway curves and analyzes calculation defects. For research purposes, analytical and statistical methods have been used. The obtained results have shown that actual superelevation in the researched curves does not match the calculated one. The calculations and obtained results of superelevation depend on how average train speed in the curves is estimated and used for calculations. As most of the results show that even small variations in the curve have a great influence on track/vehicle behaviour, it is necessary to find more precise methods for calculating superelevation, evaluating actual train speed and considering permissible uncompensated lateral acceleration in the curves.
La souveraineté, pierre d'achoppement pour une fédération politique européenne
Authors: Diop Pathé
Published: September 2012

Résumé L’intégration européenne constitue un objet d’étude qui intéresse de plus en plus divers champs de la science politique. Les approches théoriques fondées sur les relations internationales sont des plus usitées pour investir cet objet. Parmi elles, le néofonctionnalisme occupe une place importante en tant qu’approche à la fois théorique et pratique de l’intégration européenne. Cependant, avoir éludé la notion de souveraineté, qui caractérise le néofonctionnalisme dans la perspective du fédéralisme, est remis en cause par le surgissement de crises qui révèlent la ténacité de la souveraineté. Le paradigme juridique du fédéralisme, en réifiant la notion de souveraineté, ne rend pas intelligible le caractère politique de cette dernière. De ce fait, cette conception réifiée de la souveraineté constitue un obstacle à l’infléchissement de l’Europe dans une fédération politique. Considérer le fédéralisme sous l’angle du paradigme réaliste des relations internationales semble alors prévenir ce travers.
Prospects for Ecological Federalism
Authors: Grimaldi Giorgio
Published: September 2012

Résumé Le fédéralisme et l’écologisme, en tant qu’idéologies, partagent l’objectif de concilier le point de vue global (fédération comme garantie pour la liberté, la démocratie, la paix, la prospérité, la justice et la protection des écosystèmes terrestres) et le point de vue local (l’autonomie de la communauté humaine et la lutte pour protéger l’environnement ainsi que le patrimoine social et culturel, etc.). Les deux offrent des idéaux universels de solidarité mondiale, souvent considérés comme des rêves irréalisables par la majorité des citoyens. Le fédéralisme et l’écologisme partagent également le fait d’être soutenus par des élites qualifiées, mais de ne pas être constamment en mesure d’engager et de mobiliser d’importantes parts des sociétés démocratiques. Certains éléments communs (culture de la limitation ou de l’auto-limitation, et de l’éco-développement ou l’éco-soutenabilité ; extension des droits et devoirs individuels et collectifs, et participation démocratique active au niveau local, régional, national et mondial, fondée sur une solide éducation civique et écologique ; évolution de la territorialité et de l’unité dans la diversité ; poursuite d’une politique de sécurité multidimensionnelle globale fondée sur un équilibre multipolaire du pouvoir à l’échelle mondiale, et sur les méthodes non-violentes et « défense défensive ») pourraient encourager un fédéralisme écologique, visant à traiter les phénomènes globaux, à retrouver, au niveau local et national, et à construire, au niveau régional et mondial, la capacité politique et démocratique de la gouvernance pour protéger et gérer les biens communs mondiaux. le fédéralisme écologique pourrait également promouvoir des conditions et des services garantissant une vie digne à la population, sur la base d’un minimum de valeurs partagées et d’intérêts publics.
Penser les mesures de prévention en faveur du « bien vieillir »
Authors: Trillard André
Published: September 2012

Dans le cadre de la mission au profit du président de la République relative à la prévention de la dépendance des personnes âgées, j’ai cherché à répondre à la question du « comment organiser ce bien vieillir pour qu’il concerne tout le monde ? ». Les mesures de prévention que je propose sont souvent très simples, ni techniques, ni compliquées, ni coûteuses, mais ambitieuses, car elles doivent être pensées dans une perspective de quinze à vingt ans, pour orienter les politiques publiques d’accompagnement du vieillissement de la population et retarder la perte d’autonomie en favorisant le maintien de la personne âgée dans un milieu de vie ordinaire, en termes d’habitat, de déplacements, de loisirs et de développement de sa vie sociale en général.
Offrir des services de prévention sur un territoire : l'exemple du PRIF (PRÉVENTION RETRAITE ÎLE-DE-FRANCE)
Authors: Flouquet Christiane
Published: September 2012

Le groupement Prévention retraite Île-de-France (Prif) créé par les trois principaux régimes de base de retraite (régime général, régime agricole et régime des indépendants) vise à concevoir, mettre en place et déployer des actions de prévention et de sensibilisation à l’égard des retraités afin de promouvoir le bien vieillir en favorisant l’adoption durable d’attitudes préventives. Il privilégie les populations et les territoires fragiles et constitue un nouvel acteur dans le champ de la prévention en contribuant aux trois enjeux suivants : faciliter les comportements favorables à la santé ; améliorer l’environnement des personnes âgées ; renforcer le rôle social des seniors.
Vieillissement et politiques publiques
Authors: Aquino Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2012

Depuis plusieurs années, les sociétés industrialisées vivent une double transition. La transition démographique résulte du vieillissement de la population. En 2010, l’espérance de vie à la naissance est de 78,2 ans pour un homme et de 85,3 pour une femme. À l’âge de 60 ans, l’espérance de vie est de 22,2 ans pour un homme et de 27 pour une femme. Mais on note aussi une transition épidémiologique caractérisée par le changement de visage des maladies, avec la transformation de maladies mortelles en maladies chroniques, l’émergence de maladies invalidantes et le vieillissement des personnes handicapées. Face à cette situation, il est nécessaire d’adapter les politiques publiques.
« Parlers jeunes » : une utile invention ?
Authors: de Féral Carole
Published: September 2012

La catégorisation « langue des jeunes »/ « parler jeune » (« youth language »), qui est utilisée par certains (socio) linguistes depuis une quinzaine d’années, est le résultat d'une double stigmatisation, sociale et linguistique. Il y aurait, en effet, des « jeunes » qui se distingueraient des « autres » notamment par leurs façons de parler. Celles-ci auraient des spécificités qui obéiraient à des processus linguistiques communs aux autres « parlers jeunes ». Après avoir discuté la catégorisation « jeune », notamment à l’aide d’un questionnaire diffusé en France et au Cameroun, on se demande dans quelle mesure il est utile – et justifié – pour le linguiste de faire appel à celle de « parler jeune ». On remarque également que l’essentialisation par les linguistes de certaines pratiques langagières peut être utile pour leurs locuteurs car elle leur permet d’en revendiquer la légitimité, comme dans le cas du camfranglais/francanglais du Cameroun.
Élaboration et théâtralisation de catégorisations sociolinguistiques en discours, dans une séance de formation continue. La catégorie « jeune » en question
Authors: Auzanneau Michelle , Leclère-Messebel Malory , Juillard Caroline
Published: September 2012

Cet article s’intéresse à la façon dont de jeunes locuteurs de la banlieue parisienne et leurs formateurs, évoluant dans des centres de formation, construisent ou exploitent en discours des catégories sociolinguistiques et les rendent saillantes et significatives en interaction. Les auteurs montrent, à travers l’analyse fine d’un extrait d’interaction à caractère didactique, comment, dans les échanges, les participants mettent en relief et mettent en scène tout à la fois des différences linguistiques et des différences ethniques ou générationnelles symboliques, parfois même stéréotypées. Le processus de catégorisation à l’œuvre, à des moments précis et situés, tant par rapport à la tâche en cours que par rapport au contexte plus large, a simultanément pour effet de produire des mouvements de rapprochement ou de distanciation des locuteurs par rapport à d’autres et par rapport aux catégories manifestées. Les catégories jeunes et parlers jeunes se manifestent implicitement au fil du discours qui met en scène des personnages et leurs manières de parler.