bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forensic Investigation of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Approaches
Authors: Chen Dar Hao
Published: March 2009

A forensic study was performed to determine: (1) the extent of voids in the retaining wall backfill in the first 1 m behind the wall panels; (2) the extent of moisture in the suspected wet areas where the District is planning to add turnarounds under the bridges; (3) severity of bridge approach settlement and its ride quality; and (4) whether or not there is global stability concern for FM (Farm to Market) 310, FM 1304, and Chatt Rd. mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. Ground penetration radar (GPR), dynamic cone penetration (DCP), drilling, elevation surveys, and instrumentation was performed in this study. Although voids and soft layers were found under the concrete slab, they are all near the MSE wall. Periodic survey results from April 2006 to March 2007 indicate that there is no significant settlement (<10 mm). The piezometer measurements in the MSE walls indicate that the water table was low. The safety factor was found to be 1.4, which is above the minimum requirement of 1.3. Therefore, it was concluded that there is no global stability issue. Longitudinal profiles collected in June 2006 and July 2007 indicated that the maximum settlement in one year was found to be 6 mm for the Chatt Rd. overpass. Although there are some settlements on other overpasses, they are all less than 5 mm. There are no criteria on annual allowable settlement for bridge approaches. Thus, it was decided to continue to monitor the approach slabs without any immediate rehabilitation.
Adhesive-Bonded Anchorage Pullout Test to Estimate In-Place Concrete Compressive Strength
Authors: Cui Shiqi , Wang Jinshan , Kong Xuwen , Liu Yan , Jiang Liping
Published: March 2009

A new method called the adhesive-bonded anchorage pullout test is proposed in the paper to estimate the in-place concrete compressive strength. In this method, a threaded metal insert is anchored into the concrete by means of a high strength adhesive. To estimate the concrete compressive strength, the pullout force when the anchorage system fails is measured. The embedded depth and the diameter of the reaction ring are determined by theoretical and experimental analysis. The empirical correlation relationships between the pullout forces of this new method and the compressive strengths of concrete cubes are presented for concrete specimens with varying concrete mixes in the 10–80 MPa strength range. In order to assess the accuracy of this method on site, verification tests are undertaken on a number of concrete structures. The experimental and analytical studies show that the newly proposed method is accurate in estimating the in-place concrete compressive strength.
Comparisons of Five Computational Methods for Transverse Profiles
Authors: Chen Dar Hao , Li Zheng
Published: March 2009

Pavement funding allocation and rehabilitation/maintenance decisions are often based on the degree of rutting. Thus it is critical to have accurate rut measurement. In this study, five different sensor setups and computation algorithms were investigated which include: (1) 5-sensor stringline, (2) 3-sensor average, (3) 5-sensor maximum, (4) 7-sensor stringline, and (5) 7-sensor maximum. The 94 transverse profiles utilized in this study included six profiles from the standard 3.7-m wide pavement (with a well-defined rut basin) and 88 profiles from narrow pavements with a possible edge drop off. It was found that the 5-sensor maximum method yielded the best accuracy for both standard 3.7-m wide and narrow pavements. It is surprising to find that the 3-sensor average yielded better results than the 5-sensor stringline method. Also, regardless of the number of sensors (either 5 or 7) or pavement width (standard or narrow), the stringline method always underestimated the rutting. Based on the available data and analyses performed, it is concluded that, without altering the existing sensor configuration, the accuracy would improve significantly by changing the computation algorithm from 5-sensor stringline to 5-sensor maximum.
Evaluating the Shear Resistance of Hot Mix Asphalt by the Direct Shear Test
Authors: Wang Hai-nian , Liu Xi-jun , Hao Pei-wen
Published: March 2009

The shear strength of hot mix asphalt (HMA) was evaluated with a direct shear device in this research. The indirect unconfined compression test was adopted to calculate the cohesion and the angle of friction of HMA mixtures. The influence of asphalt content, loading rate, and testing temperature on the shear strength of HMA mixtures was also investigated. The shear resistance properties of asphalt mixtures were investigated by a direct shear device using five gradations (i.e., two intermediate-graded and three large-stone mixtures). The results show that the shear strength is highly related to rutting resistance of the HMA mixture at a high temperature. Testing parameters have great influences on the cohesion component and low influences on the angle of friction. The shear strength of asphalt mixtures has good correlations with the dynamic stability through wheel-tracking tests. The angle of friction is susceptible to the mixture gradations and their design methods. The well-interlocked gap-graded mixtures have greater friction angles than the continuously dense-graded mixtures.
Novel Method of Evaluating Dynamic Repeated Measurement Uncertainty
Authors: Zhongyu Wang , Leyi Ge
Published: March 2009

Uncertainty evaluation of dynamic repeated measurement is usually a difficult problem. Different from conventional methods, we used a novel method to evaluate the dynamic repeated measurement uncertainty in this paper: (1) When calculating an expectation function, we use a high order Legendre orthogonal polynomial fitting instead of the least squares method, so as to eliminate morbidity phenomenon that sometimes appeared in the application of the conventional method. (2) Using the measurement data and the accurate expectation function, we analyze some statistical characteristics of the dynamic repeated measurement random errors, according to these, we use a random number generator to generate lots of random numbers simulating the random errors in all discrete sampling points and acquire a large size of dynamic repeated measurement simulation data. (3) We get the dynamic repeated measurement uncertainty of all discrete sampling points in terms of calculating standard deviation. Finally, using a special example, we derived some evaluation results from this novel method, the conventional Bessel method and the conventional Grey System method, respectively. This novel evaluation method is proved by the identical results of the three methods.
On-Site Environmental Conditions—Do They Really Affect the Measuring Accuracy?
Authors: Geršak G. , Bojkovski J. , Batagelj V. , Hudoklin D. , Begeš G. , Pušnik I. , Drnovšek J.
Published: March 2009

According to requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard, environmental conditions while calibrating are monitored and stated in the calibration certificate. In this paper we present an experiment for evaluation of the behavior of our on-site measuring equipment regarding its specifications and the suitability of these specifications for our typical on-site work. We built a measuring setup for determining the temperature and relative humidity dependence of our on-site equipment. Main units of the equipment were placed in a climatic chamber, while temperature sensors and humidity sensors were placed into an ice bath and humidity generator, respectively. The temperature and relative humidity conditions in the climatic chamber were changed incrementally from 5°C to 45° and from 80 % to 20 %. Results are presented and evaluated. The built measuring setup was proven to be a useful tool for determining the temperature and relative humidity dependence of our on-site equipment. By observing the dynamic transitions of the instrumentation between changes of conditions possible dynamic effects could be evaluated also.
Flexural Creep Apparatus and Testing for Structural Composite Lumber
Authors: Leichti Robert , Clauson Milo , Cheney Daniel
Published: March 2009

A specification to test and evaluate the flexural creep and duration of load effects for structural wood-based products was finalized as ASTM D 6815-02. The test method requires relatively large forces be sustained for at least 90 days. Further, the test is conducted in an environment that is moisture and temperature controlled. The typical apparatus for this test uses weights and ratio pulleys, but the heavy loads make loading and unloading difficult and potentially dangerous and the footprint must be large enough to provide space for lifting. This paper describes an apparatus that requires a minimum of floor space and uses hydraulic loading so that it is safer to load and unload. Operation and typical data for the test are used to demonstrate the specification and the apparatus.
Hormone therapy protects from diabetes: the Kuopio osteoporosis risk factor and prevention study
Authors: Pentti Kati , Tuppurainen Marjo T , Honkanen Risto , Sandini Lorenzo , Kröger Heikki , Alhava Esko , Saarikoski Seppo
Published: March 2009

Objectives

The purpose of this population-based prospective cohort study was to examine the effect of hormone therapy (HT) on incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Design and methods

Eight thousand four hundred and eighty-three DM-free post-menopausal women aged 52–62 from the population-based Kuopio osteoporosis risk factor and prevention study were followed for 5 years from 1994–1999. Information about the use of HT and health events was obtained from three repeated questionnaires in 1989, 1994, and 1999. DM morbidity before and during the follow-up was obtained from the Registry of Specially Refunded Drugs of the Finnish Social Insurance Institution. Kaplan–Meyer survival curves and Cox's proportional-hazards models were used to estimate the risk of incident DM in relation to the use of HT.

Results

During the follow-up, 40.8% DM-free post-menopausal women had never used HT, 27.3% women were HT past users and 31.9% women had used HT presently during the follow-up. During the follow-up, 162 incident DM cases were recorded. Compared with never users of HT, the adjusted hazard ratio of DM was 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–1.16) for only past users, 0.53 (95% CI 0.24–1.15) in part-time (during the follow-up <2.5 years) users and 0.31 (95% CI 0.16–0.60) in continuous (during the follow-up 2.5–5.0 years) users of HT.

Conclusions

HT use decreases the incidence of DM in post-menopausal women.
Epiregulin can effectively mature isolated cumulus–oocyte complexes, but fails as a substitute for the hCG/epidermal growth factor stimulus on cultured follicles
Authors: Romero Sergio , Smitz Johan
Published: March 2009

Epiregulin mediates LH ovulatory effectsin vitro. This study evaluated the use of epiregulin as an alternative to hCG/epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulus upon cultured ovarian follicles in contrast to isolated cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). Pre-antral mouse ovarian follicles were cultured for 12 days and final maturation was induced by administration of 0.65 nM EGF or 100 nM epiregulin without or with 1.2 IU/ml hCG. Results showed that both EGF or epiregulin as sole stimulators are poor inducers of mucification/expansion of cumulus cells and oocyte meiotic reinitiation in follicle-enclosed COCs (25±17 and 22±16% GVBD respectively; versus 97±4 and 90±15% GVBD by control hCG/EGF and hCG/epiregulin respectively; mean±s.d). Furthermore, EGF or epiregulin did not induce follicle luteinisation: progesterone production was marginally increased and oestradiol was incompletely shut down. Supposing that the sub-normal progesterone secretion was a potential cause for incomplete meiosis in this model, effectiveness of progesterone supplementation and addition of a progesterone receptor inhibitor (RU486) were evaluated on meiotic resumption. Progesterone was not found to be a major regulator of meiosis in this mouse model. Epiregulin induced meiosis more effectively in COCs isolated from cultured preovulatory follicles in a secondary culture well. In conclusion, epiregulin has similar effects as EGF upon fully grown follicles. Used as a sole stimulator of periovulatory events in intact cultured follicles, both are poor inducers of follicle luteinisation and oocyte maturation. By contrast, epiregulin is as efficient as hCG/EGF, when used as meiotic stimulator for COCs isolated from the follicular environment (mural granulosa and theca cells; and conditioned medium).
Trimethoprim‐Sulfamethoxazole Exposure Alters Ex Vivo Function of B Lymphocytes Isolated from Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected Patients Receiving Zidovudine
Authors: Venugopalan Veena , Thornton Alice C. , Steinke Douglass T. , Rapp Robert P. , Romanelli Frank , Feola David J.
Published: March 2009

Study Objective. To determine if exposure to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) causes a defect in peripheral B‐cell function among patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are receiving zidovudine antiretroviral therapy.

Design. Prospective, single‐center, single‐group, case‐crossover design with a 4‐week exposure period.

Setting. University‐affiliated infectious diseases outpatient clinic.

Patients. Fourteen HIV‐infected adult men receiving zidovudine, who had CD4+ cell counts above 350 cells/mm3 and undetectable viral loads.

Intervention. Patients were administered a 28‐day course of TMP 160 mg‐SMX 800 mg/day (one double‐strength tablet/day). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained and isolated before and after exposure to TMP‐SMX. Cells were cultured ex vivo with three mitogens of differing immunologic properties: pokeweed mitogen ([PWM] T‐cell‐dependent B‐cell mitogen), Staphylococcus aureus Cowan ([SAC] T‐cell‐independent B‐cell mitogen), and phytohemagglutinin A ([PHA] T‐cell mitogen). Functionality of the B and T lymphocytes was then assessed.

Measurements and Main Results. Proliferative capacity, cytokine secretion, and antibody production were measured and compared before and after TMP‐SMX exposure. Reduced proliferative capacities of both PBMC and B cells stimulated with mitogens were observed at the 3‐day culture time point in response to PWM, PHA, and SAC (p=0.029, 0.028, and 0.026, respectively). Proliferative capacity at day 7 of culture was not significantly different for any condition examined. Cytokine production was not altered by combination drug exposure after 10 days of culture when cells were stimulated with either PWM or PHA. Although antibody responses to PWM and PHA were similar, total immunoglobulin G concentration was lower in cells stimulated with SAC in samples obtained after TMP‐SMX regimen completion compared with those obtained before exposure (p=0.005).

Conclusion. Although these data were affected by limitations in power and study design, they suggest that peripheral B‐lymphocyte function is altered as a result of TMP‐SMX exposure in HIV‐infected patients concurrently receiving zidovudine. Further study of this effect is warranted.
Megestrol Acetate and Mirtazapine for the Treatment of Unplanned Weight Loss in the Elderly
Authors: Fox Carol B. , Treadway Angela K. , Blaszczyk Amie T. , Sleeper Rebecca B.
Published: March 2009

A rising concern among clinicians is treatment of unplanned weight loss in the elderly, especially given the predicted growth of this population over the next few decades. Unexpected weight loss in the geriatric patient worsens overall health outcomes. A variety of pharmacotherapeutic options are available for treatment; however, evidence underlying their use is limited, and none has gained approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for this indication. At present, no guidelines support the choice of one agent over another. Although several drug interventions have been employed for this problem, megestrol acetate and mirtazapine are becoming increasingly used for appetite stimulation. These drugs represent two feasible options for geriatric patients because of their generally favorable adverse‐effect profiles and few drug interactions, but they are often misused. In a comprehensive search of the MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases, we identified all published reports on the use of megestrol acetate or mirtazapine for the treatment of weight loss and on any adverse events associated with these drugs. Special emphasis was placed on trials performed in an elderly population. Results were conflicting, most likely because of differing study designs and small numbers of patients. Megestrol acetate and mirtazapine appear to be effective for appetite stimulation and weight gain in some settings. However, applicability of the data to elderly individuals is unclear, and adverse events reported in a few of the trials and in case reports were not benign. Therefore, the use of megestrol acetate or mirtazapine for weight loss should be thoroughly evaluated on an individual basis. Pharmacotherapy should be used only after all underlying causes of weight loss are assessed and treated.
Fatal Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Associated with Minoxidil
Authors: Karaoui Lamis R. , Chahine‐Chakhtoura Corinne
Published: March 2009

Minoxidil is a direct‐acting peripheral vasodilator for the treatment of symptomatic hypertension, or refractory hypertension associated with target organ damage, that is not manageable with a diuretic and two other antihypertensive drugs. The most frequent adverse events associated with minoxidil include hypertrichosis and cardiovascular events related to its powerful antihypertensive effect, and less frequently, rashes, bullous eruptions, and Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS). Evidence suggests that SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are variants of a single disease with common causes and mechanisms, but differing severities. Epidermal detachment is mild in SJS, moderate in overlap SJS‐TEN, and severe (> 30% of body surface area) in TEN. We describe a case of minoxidil‐associated SJS that evolved into fatal TEN. A 69‐year‐old African‐American woman with a history of chronic kidney disease was admitted to the hospital for a cerebrovascular accident and uncontrolled hypertension. On hospital day 12, oral minoxidil was added to her drug regimen. On day 23, she developed a maculopapular rash on her face that gradually diffused to her chest and back. Vesicles and papular lesions extended to her extremities and mucosal membranes; results of a skin biopsy revealed SJS. A positive Nikolsky's sign (blisters spread on application of pressure) was detected. On days 27–31, diffuse bullae developed with rash exacerbation. Skin detachment exceeded 30% and was consistent with TEN. The patient died on day 39. An evaluation of the causality and time course suggested that minoxidil was the most likely culpable drug, with a Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale score indicating that the likelihood of the association was possible (score of 3). The mechanism of this reaction has not been well elucidated. It may be related to an impaired clearance of the minoxidil metabolite, or an immune stimulation resulting in apoptosis and epidermis destruction. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of fatal TEN associated with minoxidil. This case report emphasizes the importance of monitoring for serious dermatologic reactions in patients receiving minoxidil therapy.
Response to Sorafenib After Sunitinib‐Induced Acute Heart Failure in a Patient with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wong Michael K. K. , Jarkowski Anthony
Published: March 2009

Cardiotoxicity is an emerging concern with a new class of drugs known as targeted agents, which include trastuzumab and sunitinib. Sunitinib is a small molecule that inhibits multiple tyrosine kinase receptors. This drug was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2006 for the treatment of clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma and advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors. We describe a 65‐year‐old woman who was treated with sunitinib for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. After 5 months of therapy, she developed acute heart failure requiring hospitalization; sunitinib was immediately discontinued. The patient had classic symptoms of heart failure, including pleural effusion. An echocardiogram revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30%. She received standard treatment for heart failure, including a β‐blocker, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, and diuretics. Within 1 month, the patient's symptoms resolved, and subsequent cardiac evaluation showed that her left ventricular ejection fraction returned to normal. According to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events developed by the National Cancer Institute, her cardiac event associated with sunitinib was defined as grade III toxicity. One month later, sorafenib, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was started with the aim of continuing her previous response to sunitinib. After 7 months of sorafenib therapy, the patient had no evidence of heart failure, and her condition was responding to treatment. Clinicians should be aware that sunitinib‐induced heart failure occurs occultly and that many—but not all—cases resolve with discontinuation of the drug. Use of sorafenib after sunitinib‐induced heart failure appears to be safe and effective, which suggests that cardiotoxicity is not a general class effect of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Proposed Revision to the Existing Specialty and Specialist Certification Framework for Pharmacy Practitioners
Authors: Blair Melissa M. , Freitag Renee T. , Keller Darcie L. , Kiser Tyree H. , Marrs Joel C. , McGivney Melissa Somma , Mohammad Rima A. , Twedt Elaine L.
Published: March 2009

Consistent with the American College of Clinical Pharmacy's vision that future clinical pharmacy practitioners who provide direct patient care should be board‐certified specialists, a new framework for pharmacist specialty board certification is proposed. This White Paper describes the current and projected needs of the pharmacy profession regarding board certification, provides a rationale for the new framework, and discusses the potential ramifications of changes in the current board‐certification process.
Stages of Gonadal Development of the Southern Green Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Improved Visualization
Authors: Esquivel J F
Published: March 2009

The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), and other related species have become pests in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., after successful eradication efforts for the boll weevil. In Central Texas, little is known regarding the ecology of N. viridula. The reproductive status of N. viridula adults can be used to estimate population density and overwintering survival, but previous studies failed to provide clear visualizations for the developmental stages of the reproductive systems. This study was undertaken to provide improved visualizations of the developmental stages of the reproductive systems. Results will be critical in the accurate assessment of population reproductive status, estimation of population densities, and overwintering survival. Additionally, images presented here may be applicable to other stink bug species that infest row and fruit crops.
Comparison of the Use of Active Vision for Depth Perception in Three Grasshopper Families (Orthoptera: Caelifera)
Authors: Kral K
Published: March 2009

Movement behavior immediately before a jump in an experimental arena was investigated for 17 species, representing three central European grasshopper families (Caelifera). It was found that pygmy grasshoppers (Tetrigidae) execute quick forward and backward and occasionally sideways rocking movements, whereas acridids (Acrididae) and catantopids (Catantopidae) execute slow side-to-side movements. All movements are executed without locomotion and are limited to the horizontal plane. Six movement variations were observed for each of the three families; these were the same for the acridids and catantopids. Differences in the frequency of the movement variations and in the velocity and amplitude of the movements indicate species-specific adaptations. Because the movements are translatory and are oriented toward contrast boundaries, they can be regarded as peering motions. In acridids and catantopids, it can be assumed that image displacement is used for the determination of the jump distance. Jumps executed by pygmy grasshoppers were less accurate. Possibly the more irregular rocking movements of these ground-dwelling grasshoppers do not permit such accurate distance estimation as the slower side-to-side movements of the other species, but rather they serve to aid in overall perception of obstacles in the environment, for example. Because pygmy grasshoppers are considered to be more primitive than the other two families, their peering-jump behavior may provide indications concerning the evolution of peering movements. In grasshoppers, it seems that quick rocking movements evolved earlier than slow side-to-side peering movements. It seems plausible that the movements developed from locomotory and compensatory movements preceding jump takeoff.
c-FLIPL expression defines two ovarian cancer patient subsets and is a prognostic factor of adverse outcome
Authors: Bagnoli Marina , Ambrogi Federico , Pilotti Silvana , Alberti Paola , Ditto Antonino , Barbareschi Mattia , Galligioni Enzo , Biganzoli Elia , Canevari Silvana , Mezzanzanica Delia
Published: March 2009

The impairment of apoptotic pathways represents an efficient mechanism to promote chemoresistance in cancer cells. We previously showed that in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells, long isoform of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIPL) accounts for apoptosis resistance in a context of functional p53 and resistance could be overcome by c-FLIPL downmodulation. Here, we studied the association between c-FLIPL and p53 expressions and their prognostic impact in EOC patients. Tumor tissue from 207 patients diagnosed with primary EOC was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for c-FLIPL and p53 expressions, and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to evaluate the multivariable pattern of association among patients' clinical–pathological characteristics and biological determinants. IHC revealed c-FLIPL expression and p53 nuclear accumulation inversely related (P=0.0001; odds ratio=0.29, confidence interval (CI)=0.15–0.055). MCA indicated that p53 accumulation was associated to clinical–pathological variables, while c-FLIPL expression contributed to the overall association pattern independently from other's clinical characteristics and complementary to p53. Kaplan–Meier curves showed a reduced survival time according to c-FLIPL expression in concert with p53 accumulation (median overall survival (OS): 35 months) compared with lack of expression of both markers (median OS: 110 months; log-rank test, P value=0.024). The multivariable Cox regression model, adjusted for known prognostic factors, identified c-FLIPL expression, but not p53 nuclear accumulation, as an independent prognostic factor for adverse outcome (hazard ratio=1.82, 95% CI=1.17–2.82; P=0.008). Altogether these data support the independent contribution of c-FLIPL in refining the prognostic information obtained from standard clinical–pathological indicators, confirming its pivotal role in promoting cell survival.
Determination of the State of Stress by Analysis of Drilling-Induced Fractures - Results from the Northern North Sea
Authors: Brudy M.
Published: March 2009

Borehole failures like drilling-induced fractures and breakouts observed inimage logs offer the possibility to derive high quality stress orientations. Image logs from 16 wells in the Northern North Sea are analysed for theoccurrence of borehole failures. While in wells to the west of the Viking Graben very few stress related borehole failures are observed abundantdrilling-induced fractures are detected in all of the image logs in wells to the east of the graben. Also the orientation of SHappears to be slightly different for the western and the eastern part of the investigated area. An SHorientation of approximately NI000E is found in the western part, while the SHorientation is found to be approximately N800E for the wells in the eastern part. Investigating the conditions for fracture initiation in three of the wells allows to constrain the possible magnitude of SH. For all three wells the occurrence of drilling-induced fractures can only be explained if theSHmagnitude is at least slightly greater than the vertical stress, which indicates a strike-slip tectonic regime(Sh<Sv<SH).

Introduction

There is increasing awareness for the state of stress being an important parameter for engineering tasks in reservoir development, and for the geoscientific understanding of fault seal and hydrocarbon migration. While quite sophisticated tools for e.g. prediction of wellbore stability and sand production are available, the knowledge of the present-day in-situ stress field is still often based on scarce and poor quality data.

Formerly, stress orientations were commonly derived from breakout orientations determined from the analysis of four-arm caliper data. As this tool provides only two diameters of the borehole cross section, the accuracy of derived stress orientations is generally low, and special care has to be taken to differ key seats from breakouts. This has in many former analyses lead to a significant scatter in the orientation of SHwhich often was explained by local influence of topography, faults, or salt layers, while it may be due to the immanent weaknesses of the four-arm caliper analysis.
Detection Probabilities for Ground‐Based Breeding Waterfowl Surveys
Authors: PAGANO ANTHONY M. , ARNOLD TODD W.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  Current methods for conducting ground‐based surveys of breeding waterfowl pairs make the unlikely assumption that detection probabilities are constant and approach 100%. To test this assumption, we conducted independent double‐observer pair surveys in North Dakota, USA, to evaluate sources of variation in detection probabilities for 8 common species of prairie‐nesting ducks. An experienced observer had 0.911 detection probability averaged over all 8 species (range = 0.866‐0.944) versus 0.790 (range = 0.537‐0.890) for a novice observer. Detection probabilities also varied substantially among species, but patterns were not consistent between observers. Detection probabilities declined as number of ducks per wetland increased, presumably due to difficulty in identifying large numbers of flushing ducks. Other covariates affecting detection probabilities included size of social groups, precipitation, survey methodology (roadside vs. walk‐up), cloud cover, time of day, and amount of wetland vegetation, but these covariates only affected detection probabilities by 2–5%. Our results demonstrated that the assumption of 100% detection probabilities for ground‐based waterfowl counts was clearly false and surveys based on this erroneous assumption underestimated population size by 10–29%. We recommend that future investigators measure detection probabilities explicitly by using double‐observer methodologies.
Postcatastrophe Population Dynamics and Density Dependence of an Endemic Island Duck
Authors: SEAVY NATHANIEL E. , REYNOLDS MICHELLE H. , LINK WILLIAM A. , HATFIELD JEFF S.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT Laysan ducks (Anas laysanensis) are restricted to approximately 9 km2in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, USA. To evaluate the importance of density dependence for Laysan ducks, we conducted a Bayesian analysis to estimate the parameters of a Gompertz model and the magnitude of process variation and observation error based on the fluctuations in Laysan duck abundance on Laysan Island from 1994 to 2007. This model described a stationary distribution for the population at carrying capacity that fluctuates around a long‐term mean of 456 ducks and is between 316 to 636 ducks 95% of the time. This range of expected variability can be used to identify changes in population size that warn of catastrophic events. Density‐dependent population dynamics may explain the recovery of Laysan duck from catastrophic declines and allow managers to identify population monitoring thresholds.
Longline Fisheries and Foraging Distribution of Flesh‐Footed Shearwaters in Eastern Australia
Authors: THALMANN SAM J. , BAKER G. BARRY , HINDELL MARK , TUCK GEOFFREY N.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  Incidental seabird mortality associated with bycatch during longline commercial fishing is a conservation concern. An initial step to estimating likelihood of seabird bycatch and conceiving conservation strategies is determining amount of overlap between foraging birds and commercial fishing effort, identifying oceanographic features associated with foraging birds, and quantifying dive characteristics. We tracked 24 adult flesh‐footed shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) breeding on Lord Howe Island located east of Australia during incubation and early and late chick‐rearing periods from 6 January to 17 April 2005. At‐sea foraging distribution of flesh‐footed shearwaters was primarily confined within the jurisdictional Australian Fishing Zone. Foraging was strongly associated with sea‐surface temperature >24°C. Spatial and temporal overlap of longline fishing with foraging shearwaters varied throughout the breeding season, but was greatest (63% overlap) during early chick‐rearing. Mean maximum distance reached from the breeding colony during a foraging event was 804 km (SD = 280) from Lord Howe Island. Foraging behavior was strongly diurnal, with 91% of dives occurring during daylight, and most dives (77%) were <5 m. Given that longline fishing and flesh‐footed shearwaters overlap substantially, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority should consider implementing additional regulations to further reduce bycatch. Conservation strategies such as setting longlines at nights may reduce flesh‐footed shearwater bycatch.
Dispersal Behavior and the Connectivity Between Wolf Populations in Northern Europe
Authors: KOJOLA ILPO , KAARTINEN SALLA , HAKALA ANTERO , HEIKKINEN SAMULI , VOIPIO HANNA‐MARJA
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  The isolated gray wolf (Canis lupus) population of the Scandinavian Peninsular is suffering from inbreeding depression. We studied dispersal of 35 wolves fitted with very high frequency (20) or Global Positioning System—global system for mobile (15) radiocollars in the neighboring Finnish wolf population. The growing wolf population in Finland has high numbers of dispersing individuals that could potentially disperse into the Scandinavian population. About half (53%) of the dispersing wolves moved total distances that could have reached the Scandinavian population if they had been straight‐line moves, but because of the irregular pattern of movements, we detected no wolves successfully dispersing to the Scandinavian population. Dispersal to the Scandinavian population was also limited by high mortality of wolves in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) management areas and by dispersal to Bothnian Bay at times of the year when ice was not present. We suggest that when a small wolf population is separated from source populations by distance, barriers, and human exploitation, wildlife managers could promote the population's viability by limiting harvest in the peripheral areas or by introducing wolves from the source population.
Iophenoxic Acid as a Long‐Term Marker for Wild Boar
Authors: MASSEI GIOVANNA , JONES AINSLEY , PLATT TREVOR , COWAN DAVE P.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT Chemical markers are increasingly used to investigate consumption of baits used to deliver vaccines, toxicants, and contraceptives. We evaluated whether ethyl‐iophenoxic acid (Et‐IPA) and propyl‐iophenoxic acid (Pr‐IPA) can be used as long‐lasting systemic bait markers for wild boar (Sus scrofa). We presented captive wild boar with baits treated with either Et‐IPA or Pr‐IPA at 5 mg/kg (low dose), 10 mg/kg (medium dose), and 20 mg/kg (high dose) of body weight. We collected serum from each boar at 5 time points: 5 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 11 weeks, and 39 weeks following ingestion of iophenoxic acid‐treated baits. We detected both Et‐IPA and Pr‐IPA for ≥39 weeks after ingestion. Throughout the trial, the Et‐IPA we found in serum was proportional to the amount eaten. At each time point, animals in the high‐dose group had significantly more Et‐IPA than animals in the low‐dose group. We concluded that both compounds can be used as long‐lasting markers in wild boar and that Et‐IPA can also be employed as quantitative marker to indicate multiple bait uptake. Both compounds have potential applications in the context of vaccination, fertility, and population control campaigns, where baits are used to deliver pharmaceuticals, and in behavioral studies to establish spatial and temporal patterns of bait uptake.
Wolf Use of Summer Territory in Northeastern Minnesota
Authors: DEMMA DOMINIC J. , MECH L. DAVID
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT Movements of wolves (Canis lupus) during summer 2003 and 2004 in the Superior National Forest were based around homesites but included extensive use of territories. Away from homesites, wolves used different areas daily, exhibiting rotational use. Mean daily range overlap was 22% (SE = 0.02) and that of breeding wolves was significantly greater than for nonbreeders (= 25% and 16%, respectively). Rotational use may improve hunting success. Managers seeking to remove entire packs must maintain control long enough to ensure that all pack members are targeted.
Contrasting Effects of Wolves and Human Hunters on Elk Behavioral Responses to Predation Risk
Authors: PROFFITT KELLY M. , GRIGG JAMIN L. , HAMLIN KENNETH L. , GARROTT ROBERT A.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  Prey behavioral responses to predation risk in wolf‐ungulate‐plant systems are of interest to wildlife managers. Using Global Positioning System data collected from telemetry‐collared elk (Cervus elaphus) and wolves (Canis lupus), we evaluated elk behavioral responses to spatial and temporal variation in wolf‐ and human‐predation risk on a winter range in the Greater Yellowstone Area, USA. We found elk changed grouping patterns and increased movement rates as predation risk increased and that these behavioral changes were habitat dependent. Elk behavioral responses to wolf‐ and human‐predation risk were similar; however, responses to human‐predation risk were stronger than responses to wolf‐predation risk. These results suggest that predation risk from wolves or human hunters may result in elk spending more time on private rangelands away from public‐land winter ranges, which may exacerbate problems of landowner tolerance of elk on livestock pastures. However, increased movement and changing grouping patterns on winter ranges may also disperse elk grazing impacts and lessen elk impacts on any one area.
Modeling of Nitrate Adsorption on Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) using Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
Authors: Khataee Alireza , Khani Ali
Published: March 2009

High concentrations of N-containing compounds in drinking water cause health problems such as cyanosis among children and cancer of the alimentary canal. Therefore, removal of nitrate from water samples is of significant importance from the health and environmental point of view. In this work, the effective parameters on removal of nitrate by adsorption process, which included the amount of granular activated carbon (m), initial concentration (C0), contact time, pH and temperature (T), were investigated. The removal process was monitored using an on-line spectrophotometric analysis system. It was found that the content of adsorption followed decreasing order: m= 10>5>2>1g, C0= 20>15>25>10 ppm, pH=4>7>10>1 and T=25>35>45>55 0C. The three-layered feed forward back propagation neural network was used for modeling of nitrate adsorption on granular activated carbon. The comparison between the predicted results of the designed ANN model and the experimental data proved that modeling of nitrate adsorption process using artificial neuron network was a good and precise method to predict the extent of adsorption of nitrate on GAC under different conditions.
Lactose intolerance in infants with gluten-sensitive enteropathy: Frequency and clinical characteristics
Authors: Radlovic Nedeljko , Mladenovic Marija , Lekovic Zoran , Ristic Dragana , Pavlovic Momcilo , Stojsic Zorica , Vuletic Biljana , Radlovic Vladimir , Nikolic Dejan , Djurdjevic Jelena , Gajic Milan
Published: March 2009

Introduction. Secondary lactose intolerance (SLI) belongs to the rarer manifestations of gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE). It occurs in more severe forms of the disease and its presence contributes significantly to the degree of its expression. Objective. The goal of the study was to determine the frequency of SLI in infants with clinically classic form of GSE, as well as its relationship with the duration, severity and age at the diagnosis of the basic disease and the degree of small bowel mucosa damage. Methods. The study was based on a sample of 42 infants, 30 female and 12 male, aged 7-12 months (x=9.98?1.69), with a clinically classic form of GSE. The diagnosis of GSE was established based on the characteristic pathohistological appearance of small bowel mucosa and clinical improvement of patients on gluten-free diet, while SLI on pathological lactose or milk tolerance test. The assessment of basic disease severity was based on body mass divergence in relation to the standard value, as well as on Hb and serum iron levels, while the degree of small bowel mucosa damage was determined according to the modified Marsh criteria. Results. SLI was verified in 8/42 or 19.05% of patients. In addition to the symptoms and clinical signs of GSE, all the patients with SLI also featured the problems characteristic of lactose tolerance disorders, i.e. watery diarrhoea, borborygmus and meteorism occurring after milk meals. In addition, all had perianal erythema (6 with erosive changes), as well as destructive enteropathy (5 subtotal and 3 total). The difference in the duration of the basic disease, age at diagnosis, as well as in the degree of body mass deviation from the standard value between the lactose-tolerant and lactose-intolerant infants was not found. In addition, no difference in Hb and serum iron levels or in the degree of small bowel mucosa damage was found between the two groups. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that SLI presents a relatively frequent occurrence in infants with clinically classic GSE, as well as that it occurs independently to the duration, severity and age at diagnosis of the basic disease and the degree of small bowel mucosa damage.
Relationship between physical activity and some parameters of nutritional state in adolescence
Authors: Maksimovic Milos , Ristic Gordana , Maksimovic Jadranka , Backovic Dusan , Vukovic Sladjana , Ille Tatjana , Milovic Vladan
Published: March 2009

Introduction. In the last two decades, an increase in obesity along with a number of co-morbidities has been recorded among children and adolescents. Objective. The aim was to investigate if there was a difference in nutritional status between adolescents who were active sportsmen and those who did not engage in sport activities other than regular physical activities at school and if active training could be an independent factor in the prevention of obesity. Methods. There were 117 male adolescents on average aged 15.4?1.8 years. The subjects were divided into two groups; 32 active sportsmen engaged in regular training in football and a control group consisting of 85 adolescents engaged in no physical activity except for that at school (two hours per week). In all subjects Body Mass Index (BMI) was determined. The percentage of the total body fat was estimated from the sum of values of skin fold thickness measured at four sites (according to Durnin and Womersley). Lean Body Mass (LBM) was estimated by deducting the triceps skin fold from the upper arm circumference and comparing it to the norms. All collected data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical methods: ?2-test, t-test. Results. Adolescent sportsmen showed a statistically significantly lower BMI and percentage of total body fat than the adolescents in the control group (p<0.01). A significantly higher LBM was found in the sportsmen (p<0.01). Conclusion. Active participation in sports can be a contributing factor in the prevention of obesity, and it is therefore recommended to combine regular physical activities with an adequate diet. BMI screening of general population can indicate a high number of children and adolescents at risk for obesity or who are already obese.
STAT proteins in cancerogenesis and therapy of malignancies
Authors: Konjevic Gordana
Published: March 2009

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins are a 7-member family of cytoplasmic transcription fators that participate in signal transduction by cytokines, hormones, and growth factors. STAT proteins control the most important cellular processes, including survival, proliferation and differentiation. A great number of cytokines and other factors in different cell types activate STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 and in this manner regulate processes such as cellular proliferation, differentiation and survival. STATs such as STAT4 and STAT6 have a more specific effect and are engaged in the differentiation of T helper cell populations. Given the critical roles of STAT proteins it has been established in many studies that STAT3 and STAT5 are oncogenes that can contribute to cellular transformation by increasing proliferation and slowing-down apoptosis. On the other hand, STAT1 is a tumour suppressor gene and its inactivation contributes to malignant transformation. Initially STAT proteins were extensively studied in leukaemias, but later their role in the development of different solid tumours has been also shown. Aside from their role in the development of tumours, STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 can be considered as molecular markers for early detection of certain types of tumours, as well as prognostic factors in the determination of tumour aggressiveness and predictors of response to various types of therapy. Evidence of the deregulation of STAT signalling pathway can serve as a basis for designing novel targeted molecular therapeutic strategies that carry a great potential in the therapy of solid tumours and leukaemias.
The Effect of Documentation Structure and Task-Specific Experience on Auditors' Ability to Identify Control Weaknesses
Authors: Agoglia Christopher P. , Beaudoin Cathy , Tsakumis George T.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT: Our study matches workpaper preparers with reviewers to investigate whether task-specific experience moderates the effect of fraud assessment documentation structure on the audit review team's ability to identify control weaknesses. Consistent with expectations, we find that preparers using a component documentation structure provided more favorable (and lower quality) assessments of control weaknesses than those using either a supporting or balanced documentation structure. Results indicate that preparer task-specific experience moderated this effect. Results also indicate that reviewer task-specific experience moderated the effect of documentation structure on reviewers' identification of control weaknesses such that experienced reviewers compensated more for the effect of component documentation than auditors with less experience. These results suggest that reviewer task-specific experience may help reduce the previously observed “flow-through” effect of preparer workpaper deficiencies on reviewer judgments and provide support for new regulations emphasizing the role of experience during the control assessment process.