bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DRUG RESISTANCE, VIABILITY AND VIRULENCE IN VITRO ОF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS STRAINS OF DIFFERENT GENOTYPES
Authors: Manicheva O. A. , Narvskaya O. V. , Mokrousov I. V. , Vyazovaya A. A. , Zhuravlev V. U. , Barnaulov A. O. , Dogonadze M. Z. , Otten T. F. , Vishnevskiy B. I.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The drug resistance, mutation spectrum caused resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid, viability, cytotoxicity were studied as well as 111 clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT) were genotyped. Spoligotyping revealed 28 spoligotypes; the greatest number of strains belonged to genetic families Beijing and LAM. The typing of 59 strains of spoligotype SIT1 (Beijing) allowed to differentiate 19 variants of IS6110-RFLP-profiles: 13 of them were individual and 6 were presented by clusters. The clusters А0 and В0 included the greatest number of M. tuberculosis strains — 21 (35,6%) and 17 (28,8%) accordingly. The high frequency of MLU and SLU of Beijing strains was associated with mutations rpoB Ser531→Leu and katG Ser315→Thr. The strains of M. tuberculosis belonged to another genetic families (T, H, Ural, U) have shown drug resistance more often. The level of resistance to isoniazid in vitro in MLU/SLU strains of MBT of different genotypes, especially, was high in case of mixed mutations such as katG Ser315→Thr и inhA_T15. The rates of viability and cytotoxicity of MBT strains of studied genotypes with different spectrum of mutations and phenotypic drug resistance were not substantially distinguished.
CLINICAL TRIAL OF THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA MONOVALENT VACCINE PANDEFLU
Authors: Erofeeva M. K. , Maksakova V. L. , Nickonorov I. Y. , Pozdnyakova M. G. , Kotova O. S. , Okhapkina E. A. , Evgrafov V. D. , Voicehovskaya E. M. , Vasilyeva A. A. , Stukova M. A. , Bushmenkov D. S. , Romanova A. A. , Kiselev O. I.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Evaluation of reactogenicity, safety and immunogenicity of the inactivated subunit influenza vaccine adsorbed monovalent (Pandeflu) on the base of strain A/California/7/2009 (H1N1v) was conducted in 70 volunteers aged 18–60 years immunized by one or two doses. A clinical trial of the vaccine Pandeflu was conducted in the St.Petersburg Institute of Influenza. The study group included 38 women (54,3%) and 32 men (45,7%). The average age of women was 38.2 years, men — 26.9 years, mean age of all volunteers was equal to 31.7 years. This group of volunteers was randomized in 2 subgroups. The first subgroup of 50 volunteers was vaccinated with Pandeflu, but the second one of 20 volunteers was given a placebo. The strong and moderate local and systemic reactions were not observed. All local (6 volunteers) and systemic (6 volunteers) reactions were recorded after ithout any medical care. It proves the good tolerability and low reactogenicity of vaccine Pandeflu. Indicators of clinical and biochemical blood tests, a general analysis of urine during the study period were within normal limits. In the study of the immunogenicity it has been shown that after a single injection of vaccine the first vaccination. All these reactions were mild and transient and disappeared wPandeflu the seroconversion rate reached 68%, but the level of seroprotection was 52%. The multiplication factor of the geometric mean antibody titer increase in serum reached a value of 5.8. Conducting of immunization with two doses of vaccine with the interval of 28 days increases the immunogenicity: the level of seroconversion rate increases up to 96%, but the level of seroprotection – up to 74%, seroconversion factor – up to 10.8. These data confirm high immunogenic potential vaccine in case of single dose as well as double doses administration.
IMMUNOMODULATORS IN OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS TREATMENT
Authors: Toptygina A. P. , Bobyleva G. V. , Alioshkin V. A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The immune status and the level of specific antibodies to Cytomegalovirus (121 patients) or Mycoplasma pneumoniae (129 patients) were tested in 250 patients aged 19–56 years old. This cohort was divided for three groups. Seventy eight patients with low level of CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes and normal rates of other parameters of immune status were jointed in Group 1. The second group was presented by 85 patients with low level of CD3+CD4+ and high level of CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes. Eighty seven patients with lymphopenia were distinguished in Group 3. All patients were treated with antiviral or antibacterial and immunomodulatory drugs. Three schemes of immunomodulatory therapy including imunofanum, polyoxidonium, cycloferonum, glutoxim, immunomax in different combination were used. In three weeks after treatment in 72,4% of patients no clinical symptoms as well as normalization of immune status indices and decrease of specific antibodies titers were observed. Sixty nine patients reported improvement of subjective health status, however they had high level of specific antibodies. Immunological examination of these patients after second course of immunomodulatory therapy confirmed their convalescence. It was shown that the condition of immune status determines effect of the different immunomodulators.
INTERACTIONS OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA WITH INNATE IMMUNE REACTIONS OF HOST
Authors: Garib F. Yu. , Rizopulu A. P.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. «Efficacy» of pathogens interaction with the immunity system is manifested by broad spreading of many bacterial infections including tuberculosis first of all and in activation of known and emergent pathogens. The refined mechanisms of avoiding of bacteria from recognizing by immune system as creation of obstacles for phagocytosis and intracellular killing, using of secretory systems like “syringe” for inoculation into host cells deregulated substances, suppression or enhancing of inflammatory response, activation of inhibitory receptors to suppress respiratory explosion in phagosome, decreasing of synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines by influences to inflammasomes, stimulation of cytokines production suppres sed of innate response, damage of key molecules on intracellular signal routes, manipulation with apoptosis and auto phagia with the aim of surviving and replication inside the host cells, blocking of processing and presentation of bacterial antigens have been evolutionary developed. The study of interaction between host and parasite allows to understand new facts characterized “logic of live being” on the pathogen level and to use their mechanisms of evasion for resolving of actual problems raised in human society, for example, development of original vaccines and principally new drugs for immune system correction in case of diseases such as oncogenic tumors, autoimmune and allergic diseases as well as infectious diseases which are difficult to prevent and treat. Moreover, it was proved that permanent interaction with microorganisms including pathogenic ones is useful for human being because bacterial substances “train” immune system of people and assist its evolutionary improvement.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS GENOTYPING FOR EVOLUTIONARY AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Authors: Mokrousov I. V.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Current genome evolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is marked by virtual absence of the lateral gene transfer leading to the clonal population of this species consisting of separate genetic families. Standard typing method of M. tuberculosis (IS6110-RFLP, spoligo- and VNTR-typing) are based on variation of mobile and repetitive elements and provide sufficient strain discrimination for epidemiological purposes such as, estimation of recent transmission versus reactivation of latent tuberculosis, laboratory contamination, mixed infection. At the same time, rapid evolution of some markers may lead to emergence of identical profiles in the non-related strains (homoplasy) due to convergent evolution. Use of different independent markers may help solve this problem. Regularly updated databases are available for global and local analysis and are also important for standardised terminology and designation of the genotypes. Some of the M. tuberculosis genetic families continue to circulate in the limited areas while other families have become omnipresent due to their likely increased transmissibility and pathogeneicity (e.g., Beijing and LAM). The most frequently isolated Russian subvariant Beijing B0/W148 is marked by significantly higher population growth compared to the Russian Beijing population as a whole and hence may be defined as a successful clone in Russia. Recent years revealed higher than previously thought level of genome variation in M. tuberculosis even between related isolates. The whole-genome sequencing may become a useful typing method if its cost is reduced to be similar to that of the traditional typing methods. Accumulation of the data on old and new markers, development and use of new algorithms of their analysis will help to refine our knowledge about evolution of M. tuberculosis and its families, will provide better tools for epidemiological monitoring of the circulating strains on local and global scale.
MOLECULAR-GENETIC BASIS OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOGENICITY OF COXIELLA BURNETII
Authors: Panpherova Yu. A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The agent of Q-fever Coxiella burnetii is unusual intracellular pathogen which is possessed of biggest transporting and metabolic abilities in compare with microorganisms with similar parasitic strategy. It is supposed that different strains of the pathogen exist in various stages of pathological adaption and have different potential of virulence. The structure of C. burnetii genome, characteristics of metabolic routes, mechanisms of interaction with host cells and possible virulence factors are discussed in the review. The special attention is paid to Coxiella genotyping methods and possible correlations between genomic polymorphism of different strains and their virulence potential.
EPIDEMIOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS AND IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF PRENATAL INFECTION
Authors: Dolgih T. I. , Shelev M. V. , Tirskaya J. I. , Belkova T. N.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. To improve diagnostics of prenatal infections the basic obstetrics indices in Omsk region in the period of 2000–2010 years have been analyzed. It was found that perinatal mortality reduced 2.5 times (from 14.5 till 5.7 per 1000 newborns) as well as neonatal mortality (from 6.5 till 0.9 per 1000 newborns). The laboratory testing of 187 newborns (85 pairs mother-newborn) revealed monoinfection in 24% of cases and mixed infection in 7% of cases with predomination of herpes viruses (HHV-6, CMV, EBV, HSV1,2). Newborns with manifested infections had increased number of cytotoxic T-cells, intensive expression of HLA-DR antigens on monocytes and IL-8 chemokine increased production.
THE STUDY OF FREE RADICAL PROCESSES AND THE CONTENT OF CYTOKINES IN LIVER ECHINOCOCCOSIS
Authors: Zanginyan H. V. , Ghazaryan G. S. , Hovsepyan L. M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to investigate the activity of lipid peroxidation and oxidative modification of proteins, determination of nitric oxide in relation to the content of cytokines in hepatic echinococcosis in humans before and after surgical intervention. Our data suggest that in the development of the pathogenesis of echinococcosis the activation of free radical reactions as well as increase in nitric oxide and cytokines play certain role.
THE OUTBREAK OF PARVOVIRAL INFECTION IN THE TERRITORY OF NORTH-WESTERN FEDERAL REGION OF RUSSIA
Authors: Spiridonova L. A. , Antipova A. Yu. , Lavrentieva I. N. , Bichurina M. A. , Surkova V. V.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The results of clinical, epidemiological and laboratory investigation of outbreak of exanthemic infection occurred in the Lomonosov district of Leningrad oblast in May, 2012 are presented in this article. The clinical diagnosis of parvoviral infection was laboratory confirmed by specific IgM antibodies detection in patients’ sera by ELISA. It is emphasized the importance of virological monitoring for viral infections on the stage of measles elimination and sporadic level of rubella cases.
NEW ASPECTS OF ASSESSMENT THE ACTIVITY OF BLOOD PHAGOCYTES IN PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Skornyakov S. N. , Medvinsky I. D. , Berdyugina O. V. , Ershova A. V. , Pavlov V. A. , Sabadash E. V. , Tuzankina I. A. , Berdyugin K. A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The phagocytosis is the key mechanism of organism protection from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The aim of the study is to assess the phagocytal activity of cells in lung tuberculosis by the flowing cytofluorometric method. Overall 39 patients were examined including 14 patients with infiltrative lung tuberculosis, 15 patients with tuberculoma, 10 healthy persons. The patient testing was provided by the machine COULTER®Epics®XL, reagents Phagotest® (Orpegen Pharma), BurstTestKit (Glycotope Biotechnology) and monoclonal antibodies to detect subpopulation of lymphocytes. All obtained data were statistically processed by the software STATISTICА. It was established that the assessment of phagocytal activity of cells is the important criteria of detection of tuberculosis activity in the early stages of observation as well as during the treatment. The flowing cytometria allows rapidly, accurately and objectively assess the phagocytal cells of blood. It was determined that markers of early activation of cells could reflect the activity of pathological process and it can be used for prognosis of clinical course of lung tuberculosis.
MODERN APPROACHES IN COMPLEX LABORATORY TESTING FOR DIPHTHERIA
Authors: Kraeva L. A. , Alekseeva E. A. , Tseneva G. Y. , Lipatova L. A. , Bespalova G. I.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The criteria of reliable validation of population protection against diphtheria on the base of two indices including quantity of antitoxic antibodies to diphtheria and avidity index have been established. For this purposes it was proposed to use the modified variant of ELISA allowed to detect both indices simultaneously. The formula of probable development of diphtheria in case of the close contact with patients or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria carriers as well as determination of revaccination time have been proposed. The authors developed “The algorithm of population immunity control and assessment of non-susceptibility to diphtheria” and “The algorithm of micro biological testing of clinical samples for C. diphtheriae”.
WHERE INFECTIOUS PATIENTS SHOULD BE TREATED?
Authors: Zhdanov K. V. , Sboichakov V. B. , Zakharenko S. M. , Finogeev Ju. P. , Krumgolts V. F. , Yaremenko M. V.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The numerous guidelines to improve medical care of infectious patients in hospitals and in home conditions have been developed due to importance of this issue. The growing complexity of work, the needs to improve the quality of treatment and diagnostic measures in the pre-hospital stage led to the creation of special consulting service for infectious diseases patients. This article is based on the existing orders, instructions and rules for tactics of local doctors in identifying of patients with infectious disease. Following to the orders of the Ministry of Health, to requirements for the organization of infectious diseases units is obligatory as perform the State standards.
Implications on the introduction of transgenics in Brazilian maize breeding programs
Authors: Parentoni Sidney Netto , Miranda Rubens Augusto de , Garcia João Carlos
Published: January 2015

Transgenic maize was approved in Brazil in 2008/2009. In 2012, it occupied 73% of the country maize growing area. This high adoption rate confirms studies indicating that technology use has been the major driving force in Brazilian agriculture. Maize seed market in the world has been a concentrated sector. Although, when this sector is associated with transgenesis, this concentration increases sharply. In one side, there is the idea that companies can benefit from gains of scale and complementarities to maximize their efficiency in research and development (R&D). On the other side, this concentration may allow the exercise of "market power" by dominant companies. The objective of this study is to analyze the impacts of the adoption of transgenic technology in the arrangements of maize breeding programs and seed production sector in Brazil. A critical analysis of the situation of the breeding programs that do not have this technology is made.
Resistance of soybean genotypes to the reniform nematode in a controlled environment
Authors: Melo Carlos Lasaro Pereira de , Santos Wanderléia Rodrigues dos , Asmus Guilherme Lafourcade
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to characterize the resistance to the reniform nematode of soybean genotypes derived from crosses with at least one parent resistant to Rotylenchulus reniformis or Heterodera glicynes, or to both. Two experiments in a greenhouse of Embrapa Western Region Agriculture, arranged in a completely randomized design, evaluated 199 genotypes with five replications. Sixty days after artificial inoculation (1000 eggs and larval forms), the nematodes were extracted from the roots and the genotypes evaluated for the number of eggs and larval forms per gram of root (NGR) and for the reproduction factor (RF). Sixty-five genotypes were resistant (RF <1.0), with mean RF significantly equal to M-SOY 8001. The highest number of lines resistant to reniform nematodes, in the different study combinations of crosses, were derived from the genotypes Custer, PI 437654, Fayette, BRSGO Ipameri, BRSMT Pintado, and BRS 262.
Application of LW7 marker for identification of progenies with male sterility gene in sweet sorghum population
Authors: Bunphan Darika , Jaisil Prasit , Sanitchon Jirawat
Published: January 2015

The objectives of this study were to verify the use of LW7 marker in identifying maintainer lines (B-lines) and restorer lines (R-lines) in grain sorghum and sweet sorghum, and to identify B-lines in the F2, BC1F2 and BC2F2 generations. Twenty five accessions of sorghum were evaluated, and LW7 marker correctly identified accessions which presented male sterility gene (rf4) in Suphan Buri1 and 03B cultivars; moreover, these genotypes did not show 779 bp band. The cross between Suphan Buri1 and a male-sterile line (A-line) 03A resulted in a sterilized male, confirming the usefulness of the marker in breeding programs. B-lines in the F2, BC1F2 and BC2F2 generations were identified by LW7 marker. The segregation ratio of 3:1 for male fertility and male sterility in the progenies of the three generations supported the one-gene model of Mendelian segregation. The use of marker assisted selection was successful for line development of sweet sorghum with male sterility.
Resistance to Asian soybean rust in soybean lines with the pyramided three Rpp genes
Authors: Yamanaka Naoki , Lemos Noelle G , Uno Miori , Akamatsu Hajime , Yamaoka Yuichi , Abdelnoor Ricardo V , Braccini Alessandro L , Suenaga Kazuhiro
Published: January 2015

In this study, the influence of genetic background on the resistance level of a soybean line carrying Rpp2, Rpp4, and Rpp5 was evaluated by backcrossing it with a susceptible variety. It was also evaluated eight lines which carry these Rpp genes against five Asian soybean rust (ASR) isolates, in order to determine the likely range of resistance against ASR isolates differing in pathogenicity. The results indicated that a high level of resistance against various ASR isolates could be retained in lines carrying the three Rpp genes in susceptible genetic backgrounds, although minor influences of plant genetic background and ASR pathogenicity to the ASR resistance could occur. Thus, lines with the pyramided three Rpp genes should be effective against a complex pathogen population consisting of diverse Phakopsora pachyrhizi isolates.
IPR 99 - Dwarf arabica coffee cultivar resistant to coffee ringspot virus
Authors: Sera Tumoru , Sera Gustavo Hiroshi , Fazuoli Luiz Carlos , Bettencourt Aníbal Jardim
Published: January 2015

'IPR 99' was derived from a cross between "Villa Sarchi 971/10" and "Hibrido de Timor 832/2". It is a dwarf cultivar, resistant to coffee ringspot virus, partially resistant to leaf rust with semi-late ripening. 'IPR 99' presents partial resistance to necrosis and mummification of young fruits on field conditions. It presents special cup quality and high yield in lower and higher temperature coffee regions in Paraná State.
Satisfação de idosos com os aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual nos primeiros seis meses de uso
Authors: Laperuta Erika Biscaro , Fiorini Ana Claudia
Published: January 2015

OBJETIVO: Analisar a satisfação do idoso usuário de amplificação após um, três e seis meses de uso do Aparelho de Amplificação Sonora Individual (AASI). MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal com 22 idosos que iniciaram o processo de seleção e adaptação de AASI em um serviço de alta complexidade. A pesquisa foi realizada no dia da adaptação dos AASI e nos retornos de um, três e seis meses do paciente à instituição e constou na aplicação do questionário Satisfaction With Amplification in Daily Life (SADL). Para avaliar a consistência dos itens que compõem os efeitos positivos do questionário SADL após um, três e seis meses de uso do AASI foi calculado o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: Houve melhora no escore do SADL quando comparados os momentos de entrega e após seis meses de uso de amplificação. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach foi calculado excluindo as questões nove e dez simultaneamente. Os valores do coeficiente observados nesta situação foram: 0,73 após um mês de uso, 0,69 após três meses de uso e 0,81 após seis meses de uso. As questões 9 (Você se sente mais confiante quando usa os aparelhos auditivos?) e 10 (Os sons que você ouve com seus aparelhos auditivos são normais?) geraram inconsistência nas avaliações com um e três meses de uso da amplificação. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos no SADL indicam grau de satisfação elevado. As médias dos efeitos positivos, efeitos negativos e escore global do SADL são diferentes após um, três e seis meses de uso de AASI.
Nomeação rápida, leitura e compreensão em escolares com dificuldades de aprendizagem
Authors: Silva Cláudia da , Cunha Vera Lúcia Orlandi , Pinheiro Fábio Henrique , Capellini Simone Aparecida
Published: January 2015

OBJETIVO: Comparar e correlacionar o desempenho em nomeação rápida, leitura e compreensão de escolares com dificuldades de aprendizagem. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 32 escolares da 4ª série do ensino fundamental, de ambos os gêneros, com faixa etária entre 11 anos e 4 meses e 12 anos e 7 meses. Foram realizadas a primeira e a segunda tomada de leitura oral de um texto, selecionado a partir da indicação dos professores da 4ª série; a primeira e a segunda tomada de compreensão por meio de quatro perguntas apresentadas sequencialmente ao texto, em que os escolares deveriam responder oralmente; e a prova de nomeação rápida do Teste de Desempenho Cognitivo-Linguístico, versão individual. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença entre a primeira e a segunda compreensão e entre nomeação rápida, primeira e segunda leitura. Houve forte correlação entre compreensão e leitura, sugerindo que o desempenho na primeira tomada de leitura influenciou de forma significativa o desempenho na segunda tomada de leitura; o mesmo ocorreu para a compreensão. CONCLUSÃO: A defasagem na realização das atividades de nomeação, leitura e compreensão na primeira avaliação ocasionou falhas no mecanismo de conversão fonema-grafema que podem ser suficientes para desencadear dificuldades na aprendizagem da leitura.
Habilidades auditivas e linguísticas iniciais em crianças usuárias de implante coclear: relato de caso
Authors: Melo Tatiana Mendes de , Lara Jessica Domingues
Published: January 2015

O implante coclear (IC) representa o mais importante avanço no tratamento de deficientes auditivos de grau severo e/ou profundo bilateral que não apresentam aproveitamento com o aparelho de amplificação sonora individual. A realização do IC no período crítico da neuroplasticidade do sistema auditivo possibilita que o desenvolvimento auditivo e linguístico de crianças implantadas precocemente sejam semelhantes ao desenvolvimento destas habilidades em crianças ouvintes, quando associadas à terapia fonoaudiológica. Os casos a serem apresentados referem-se a duas crianças usuárias de IC, sendo que uma delas não estava inserida em programa terapêutico com abordagem aurioral desde a realização da cirurgia do dispositivo. No momento da aplicação dos protocolos para avaliação das habilidades auditivas e de linguagem, as crianças estavam com 2 anos e 5 meses de idade e 11 meses de uso do IC. De acordo com os resultados apresentados pelos casos estudados foi possível observar que a criança inserida em programa terapêutico apresentou melhor desempenho auditivo e linguístico, comparada ao desenvolvimento da outra criança. Apesar dos notáveis benefícios que o IC proporciona nas crianças deficientes auditivas, o dispositivo por si só proporciona à criança audibilidade aos sons ambientais e de fala. Para que o desenvolvimento auditivo e linguístico aconteça torna-se necessário, dentre outros fatores, a realização da terapia fonoaudiológica, com parceria entre profissionais e pais.
Frênulo lingual: modificações após frenectomia
Authors: Marchesan Irene Queiroz , Martinelli Roberta Lopes de Castro , Gusmão Reinaldo Jordão
Published: January 2015

OBJETIVO: Descrever as mudanças ocorridas após a frenectomia com relação à mobilidade e funções da língua. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 53 sujeitos, os quais nunca haviam se submetido a fonoterapia ou a cirurgia do frênulo. Um protocolo com escores específicos para avaliação do frênulo lingual foi utilizado para avaliar os sujeitos com evidências de alteração neste aspecto. Foi encontrada alteração em dez sujeitos, que foram encaminhados a um otorrinolaringologista para frenectomia. Após a cirurgia, esses sujeitos foram reavaliados pelo fonoaudiólogo utilizando-se o mesmo protocolo. Fotos e vídeos foram usados para comparação. RESULTADOS: Trinta dias após a cirurgia, os sujeitos apresentaram a forma da ponta da língua modificada, assim como os movimentos melhorados. O fechamento labial e a fala também melhoraram. CONCLUSÃO: A frenectomia é eficiente para melhorar a mobilidade e a postura da língua, assim como suas funções, incluindo a produção da fala.
Plant–soil feedbacks and the partial recovery of soil spatial patterns on abandoned well pads in a sagebrush shrubland
Authors: Minnick Tamera J. , Alward Richard D.
Published: January 2015

Shrub‐dominated arid and semiarid ecosystems are characterized by spatial patterns in vegetation and bare ground (e.g., resource islands). Modern oil and gas well pad construction entails complete removal of vegetation and upper soil layers, followed by replacement of soils and attempts at revegetation; historically, many pads were merely abandoned. Feedbacks between soil and vegetation are required for the recovery of ecosystem functions in these catastrophically disturbed systems. We measured soil organic carbon (SOC), employing a spatially explicit sampling protocol, on two sites in undisturbed big sagebrush communities and a chronosequence of eight recovering well pads. Sites in undisturbed communities exhibited significant spatial autocorrelation of SOC at the plot level that was absent from all of the well pad sites. Incorporating shrub presence as a covariate revealed three additional cases of SOC spatial autocorrelation on well pads. These results, along with SOC patterns between and under plants, suggest resource island development. These findings support the hypothesis that species identity as well as functional group need to be taken into account in restoration. Restoration of ecosystem functions, including those associated with resistance and resilience to disturbance, may be enhanced when characteristic soil heterogeneity and vegetation spatial patterns recover.
Greenness indices from digital cameras predict the timing and seasonal dynamics of canopy‐scale photosynthesis
Authors: Toomey Michael , Friedl Mark A. , Frolking Steve , Hufkens Koen , Klosterman Stephen , Sonnentag Oliver , Baldocchi Dennis D. , Bernacchi Carl J. , Biraud Sebastien C. , Bohrer Gil , Brzostek Edward , Burns Sean P. , Coursolle Carole , Hollinger David Y. , Margolis Hank A. , McCaughey Harry , Monson Russell K. , Munger J. William , Pallardy Stephen , Phillips Richard P. , Torn Margaret S. , Wharton Sonia , Zeri Marcelo , Richardson Andrew D.
Published: January 2015

The proliferation of digital cameras co‐located with eddy covariance instrumentation provides new opportunities to better understand the relationship between canopy phenology and the seasonality of canopy photosynthesis. In this paper we analyze the abilities and limitations of canopy color metrics measured by digital repeat photography to track seasonal canopy development and photosynthesis, determine phenological transition dates, and estimate intra‐annual and interannual variability in canopy photosynthesis. We used 59 site‐years of camera imagery and net ecosystem exchange measurements from 17 towers spanning three plant functional types (deciduous broadleaf forest, evergreen needleleaf forest, and grassland/crops) to derive color indices and estimate gross primary productivity (GPP). GPP was strongly correlated with greenness derived from camera imagery in all three plant functional types. Specifically, the beginning of the photosynthetic period in deciduous broadleaf forest and grassland/crops and the end of the photosynthetic period in grassland/crops were both correlated with changes in greenness; changes in redness were correlated with the end of the photosynthetic period in deciduous broadleaf forest. However, it was not possible to accurately identify the beginning or ending of the photosynthetic period using camera greenness in evergreen needleleaf forest. At deciduous broadleaf sites, anomalies in integrated greenness and total GPP were significantly correlated up to 60 days after the mean onset date for the start of spring. More generally, results from this work demonstrate that digital repeat photography can be used to quantify both the duration of the photosynthetically active period as well as total GPP in deciduous broadleaf forest and grassland/crops, but that new and different approaches are required before comparable results can be achieved in evergreen needleleaf forest.
Taking the trophic bypass: aquatic‐terrestrial linkage reduces methylmercury in a terrestrial food web
Authors: Bartrons Mireia , Gratton Claudio , Spiesman Brian J. , Vander Zanden M. Jake
Published: January 2015

Ecosystems can be linked by the movement of matter and nutrients across habitat boundaries via aquatic insect emergence. Aquatic organisms tend to have higher concentrations of certain toxic contaminants such as methylmercury (MeHg) compared to their terrestrial counterparts. If aquatic organisms come to land, terrestrial organisms that consume them are expected to have elevated MeHg concentrations. But emergent aquatic insects could have other impacts as well, such as altering consumer trophic position or increasing ecosystem productivity as a result of nutrient inputs from insect carcasses. We measure MeHg in terrestrial arthropods at two lakes in northeastern Iceland and use carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to quantify aquatic reliance and trophic position. Across all terrestrial focal arthropod taxa (Lycosidae, Linyphiidae, Acari, Opiliones), aquatic reliance had significant direct and indirect (via changes in trophic position) effects on terrestrial consumer MeHg. However, contrary to our expectations, terrestrial consumers that consumed aquatic prey had lower MeHg concentrations than consumers that ate mostly terrestrial prey. We hypothesize that this is due to the lower trophic position of consumers feeding directly on midges relative to those that fed mostly on terrestrial prey and that had, on average, higher trophic positions. Thus, direct consumption of aquatic inputs results in a trophic bypass that creates a shorter terrestrial food web and reduced biomagnification of MeHg across the food web. Our finding that MeHg was lower at terrestrial sites with aquatic inputs runs counter to the conventional wisdom that aquatic systems are a source of MeHg contamination to surrounding terrestrial ecosystems.
Actuarial senescence can increase the risk of extinction of mammal populations
Authors: Robert Alexandre , Chantepie Stéphane , Pavard Samuel , Sarrazin François , Teplitsky Céline
Published: January 2015

Despite recent acknowledgement that senescence can have negative impact on survival and fertility in natural environments across a wide range of animal species, we still do not know if it can reduce the viability of wild endangered populations. Focusing on actuarial senescence (i.e., the decline of survival probabilities at old ages), we use species‐specific demographic information to project the extinction risk of wild populations of 58 species of mammals, accounting (or not) for senescence. Our projections reveal potential negative effects of aging on population viability, with an average decrease of 27% of the time to extinction and a potential deterioration of the population‐level projected conservation status in 10% of the species. Senescence is associated with particularly strong increases of the extinction risk in species with low mortality rates and long intervals between litters, independently of their place in the phylogeny, indicating that the pace of life history can be used to forecast the detrimental effects of aging on the viability of species. The aim of the various existing systems of classification of threatened species is to set conservation priorities based on assessments of extinction risk. Our results indicate that the quantitative effects of senescence on extinction are highly heterogeneous, which can affect the ranking of species and populations when setting conservation priorities. In mammals, based on life history traits of a few species, generic patterns of senescence can be incorporated into projection population models to minimize these biases in viability assessments.
Long‐term processes affecting restoration and viability of the federal threatened Mead's milkweed (Asclepias meadii)
Authors: Bowles M. L. , McBride J. L. , Bell T. J.
Published: January 2015

Restoration is an important tool for reducing extinction risk of endangered plants. Population viabilities of few plant restorations have been modeled over decadal time periods and linked with genetic and ecological factors that drive restoration processes. We modeled viability of restored populations of Mead's milkweed (Asclepias meadii, Asclepiadaceae), a self‐incompatible perennial herb of eastern tallgrass prairie (TGP), federally listed as threatened in the U.S. From 1994 to 2004, we planted >600 seeds and >800 juvenile plants representing >50 genotypes across seven TGP sites. Propagule type, genotype, seed source, restoration site, precipitation and fire management significantly affected establishment, growth and viability. Plants established from seed had greater mortality and greater genetic and demographic attrition than did juveniles. Seedling growth rates also projected 20–30 yrs to reach flowering stage, and their survivorship provided a metric of site suitability for life cycle completion. Seed germination and juvenile plant size were greater in burned habitat, and juvenile size was also positively correlated with spring precipitation. Seed production required presence of multiple genotypes among flowering plants. Seedlings demonstrated a heterosis effect, with greater germination among seeds derived from inter‐population crosses. However, cumulative growth of planted juveniles as well as population growth (λ) on sub‐optimal habitat conditions tended to be lower for propagules derived from inter‐population crosses, demonstrating outbreeding depression. Although flowering occurred at multiple sites, positive population growth (λ > 1) occurred at only a single site, where increasing fire frequency decreased extinction probability.

These results suggest that restoration of viable Mead's milkweed populations is possible in optimal habitat. However, restoration of this species is constrained by high demographic attrition and the long period (20 or more yrs) required to complete its life cycle. Crossing among populations to increase genetic diversity and compatible mating types may result in tradeoffs, with heterosis at early life history stages, but outbreeding depression expressed in older stages. Fire and precipitation are also critical interactive processes driving A. meadii growth and reproduction. They may be most effective when precipitation, a stochastic process, results in greater than average post‐burn rainfall. These constraints may have implications for restoration of other late‐successional plant species.
Evolving paradigms of aspen ecology and management: impacts of stand condition and fire severity on vegetation dynamics
Authors: Krasnow Kevin D. , Stephens Scott L.
Published: January 2015

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloidesMichx.) comprises only a small fraction of western USA forests, yet contributes significant biological diversity and is considered by many to be the most important deciduous forest type in western North America. There is currently a high level of concern in the western United States as many seral aspen populations are declining in vigor due to drought, ungulate browsing, and lack of disturbance. It is also highly uncertain if aspen will successfully accommodate future climate warming via migration through seedling establishment, which has been assumed to be extremely rare. In recent years, fundamental assumptions concerning aspen clonal age, regeneration, and genetic diversity have been challenged, and these findings have important implications for management and persistence of aspen in western USA forests. In this study, we compared regeneration dynamics of aspen revitalization strategies (conifer removal and prescribed fire) to unplanned wildfires of low, moderate, and high severity in the Sierra Nevada, and related multiple components of pre‐fire stand composition to post‐fire aspen regeneration. To better understand the viability of aspen migration to accommodate future climate warming, we examined recent events of aspen seedling establishment. We found substantial evidence that greater disturbance severity yields increased aspen sprout density and growth rates, and that live conifer and/or dead aspen basal area in a stand before a fire reduces post fire sprout density. Additionally, we found evidence that aspen seedling establishment is more common than has been assumed, and represents a viable means for aspen migration. Future climate changes will present both challenges and opportunities for aspen. Increased temperatures and drought will stress existing populations, but increased high severity fire in forested areas, may provide opportunity for successful aspen migration and genet establishment. In addition to revitalizing existing aspen stands, future management goals should include the establishment of new stands in more suitable habitat.
Management and Tillage Influence Barley Forage Productivity and Water Use in Dryland Cropping Systems
Authors: Lenssen A. W. , Sainju U. M. , Jabro J. D. , Allen B. L. , Evans R. G.
Published: January 2015

Annual cereal forages are resilient in water use (WU), water use efficiency (WUE), and weed control compared with grain crops in dryland systems. The combined influence of tillage and management systems on annual cereal forage productivity and WU is not well documented. We conducted a field study for the effects of tillage (no‐till and tilled) and management (ecological and conventional) systems on WU and performance of forage barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and weed biomass in two crop rotations (wheat [Triticum aestivumL.]–forage barley–pea [Pisum sativumL.] and wheat–forage barley–corn [Zea maysL.] –pea) from 2004 to 2010 in eastern Montana. Conventional management included recommended seeding rates, broadcast N fertilization, and short stubble height of wheat. Ecological management included 33% greater seeding rates, banded N fertilization at planting, and taller wheat stubble. Forage barley in ecological management had 28 more plants m−2, 2 cm greater height, 65 more tillers m−2, 606 kg ha−1greater crop biomass, 3.5 kg ha−1mm−1greater WUE, and 47% reduction in weed biomass at harvest than in conventional management. Pre‐plant and post‐harvest soil water contents were similar among tillage and management systems, but barley WU was 13 mm greater in 4‐yr than 3‐yr rotation. Tillage had little effect on barley performance and WU. Dryland forage barley with higher seeding rate and banded N fertilization in more diversified rotation produced more yield and used water more efficiently than that with conventional seeding rate, broadcast N fertilization, and less diversified rotation in the semiarid northern Great Plains.
Spawning-Age Differences and their Temporal Trends in Wild and
Sea-Ranched Atlantic Salmon Stocks, from Stock Mixture Data
Authors: Kallio-Nyberg Irma , Koljonen Marja-Liisa , Saloniemi Irma
Published: January 2015

Origin and age was determined for individual fish caught in offshore catches of Atlantic salmon stocks (Salmo
salar L.) in the Baltic Sea over the years 2000–2009. DNA microsatellite loci and smolt age were used to probabilistically
assign returning spawners to their stock of origin. Data for this study were based on approximately 2600 catch samples of
the five most common wild and four sea-ranched, hatchery-reared stocks. Spawning age, and sex ratio differed both
within and between these wild, and sea-ranched groups. The females were mainly (78.7%) two sea-winters old and the
males usually (68.7%) only one sea-winter old. In both sexes, the mean age at maturity was lower in the hatchery-reared,
sea-ranched stocks than in naturally reproducing stocks. In the 2000s, there was a weak decreasing trend in the male
spawning age, but not in that of females. The sex-ratio of the spawners was female dominant in the naturally reproducing
stocks, but male dominant in hatchery-reared stocks. Published historical data from two of the same rivers suggest that the
majority of males were multi-sea-winter spawners in the 1930s, and variation in the age distribution of the spawners has
become narrower and skewed towards a younger age in the present data (2000–2009) compared to the earlier situation.
Coordinated and Aerobic Exercise do not Improve Attention in Graduate
Students
Authors: K. Bailey Elizabeth , Douglas T.J. , Wolff Dana , Bailey Stephen
Published: January 2015

Acute coordinative exercise, represented by various sports skills requiring bilateral use of hands or feet, has
been shown to improve attention in school age children in a classroom setting. The purpose of this investigation was to
determine if acute aerobic and coordinative exercise improves attention in graduate students in the same setting. Twentyeight
students (19 Women, 9 men; Age=24±1 years; BMI=22.9±0.6) enrolled in a graduate education program completed
3 sessions, each separated by 7 d. Immediately before a 1 h classroom lecture, subjects completed either 15 m of quiet
sitting, aerobic exercise (walking), or coordinative exercise. Coordinative exercise consisted of a sequence of bilateral
activities requiring gross and fine motor movement using balls of various sizes and types. Prior to and immediately after
the lecture, subjects completed the d2 Test of attention. Subjects did not exercise or drink caffeine prior to participation.
Heart rate was similar during aerobic and coordinative exercise. The total number of items processed (TN) and
concentration performance (CP) increased from immediately post exercise to post-lecture in all conditions. The number of
errors following coordinative exercise before the lecture was greater than the other conditions. The results of this
investigation suggest that aerobic and coordinative exercise do not influence attention in graduate students.
The motives for application of the flexible elements in the housing interior
Authors: Zivkovic Milica , Kekovic Aleksandar , Kondic Slavisa
Published: January 2015

In the era of progressive technological and social development, housing
environment should respond to actual demands of modern society, with the idea
of flexibility and adaptability as the key parameters of sustainable living.
Application of the flexible elements in the interior provides a variety of
spatial interpretations of the residential unit that can be determined by an
architect or by users, depending on the applied design concept. The degree of
achieved spatial flexibility will depend on the degree of independence of
moveable elements within the unchanging structure of the apartment.
Appropriate selection and analysis of the certain number of projects and
realizations in the field of flexible housing, points to the diversity of
motives of flexible elements application and considers the impact of applied
design approach on the interpretation of residential environment. Different
social, political and economic circumstances in which the individual examples
emerged are also taken into consideration.
Hotel design and adaptive reuse: From historic palaces to the city’s dilapidated structures
Authors: Nikolic Marko , Kurtovic-Folic Nadja , Milojkovic Aleksandar
Published: January 2015

At the time of changing economic circumstances, adaptation and conversion of
historic structures is an increasingly popular approach. Some historical
buildings are very suitable for the revitalization into the modern hotels.
The paper analyzes the relationship of the hotel, the city and its
architectural heritage, as well as some of the factors that led to the
eruption of alternative models of hotels, shown through a series of
successful solutions. Many challenges of hotel design in historic buildings
are listed and corresponding solutions are offered. Some methodological
directions are indicated, and certain guidelines and principles for further
activities in this field are formulated. In conclusion their applicability in
practice is discussed, and certain disadvantages and limitations are listed.
Strength behaviour of kerosene coated coir fiber-reinforced expansive soil
Authors: Ramasubbarao Godavarthi
Published: January 2015

Coir fibers are extracted from the husks surrounding the coconut. Coir fibers
can be effectively used as reinforcing material but it has less durability
and hence coir fiber coated with kerosene is used as reinforcement in the
present study. The objective of the present investigation is to study the
strength behavior of expansive soil reinforced with 5mm long randomly
distributed kerosene coated coir fibers in 0% (unreinforced), 0.5%, 1% and
1.5% by dry weight of soil. Water absorption (WA) tests were conducted on
uncoated and kerosene coated coir fibers. The WA tests were also conducted on
kerosene coated coir fibers mellowed for a period of 1 day, 2day and 3 day.
Water Absorption Capacity (WAC) of kerosene coated coir fiber reduced as
compared to that of uncoated coir. It is found that 1% of coated coir fiber
is the Optimum Coir Content (OCC) from view point of Unconfined Compressive
(UCC) strength. Splitting tensile strength of OCC reinforced soil is
increased by 50% that of unreinforced soil.
Experimental and numerical identification of structural modes for engineering education
Authors: Borkovic Aleksandar , Milasinovic Dragan , Golubovic-Bugarski Valentina , Mijatovic Ognjen , Desancic Manuel
Published: January 2015

Development of simple classroom demonstration device and software for
visualization of structural normal modes is presented. Device is made of
parts of old speaker, controlled with personal computer, where the harmonic
motion of solenoid is used as an excitation for beam and plate models. Simple
code for finite element free vibration analysis of plates is written in
Wolfram Mathematica. Good agreement of results and attractive visual patterns
of normal modes attracted attention of students. Results are confirmed using
modern modal testing methods. Presented approach is complementary to standard
teaching of structural dynamics.