bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods for Locating African Lion Kills Using Global Positioning System Movement Data
Authors: TAMBLING CRAIG J. , CAMERON ELISSA Z. , DU TOIT JOHAN T. , GETZ WAYNE M.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT  Knowledge of the range, behavior, and feeding habits of large carnivores is fundamental to their successful conservation. Traditionally, the best method to obtain feeding data is through continuous observation, which is not always feasible. Reliable automated methods are needed to obtain sample sizes sufficient for statistical inference. Identification of large carnivore kill sites using Global Positioning System (GPS) data is gaining popularity. We assessed performance of generalized linear regression models (GLM) versus classification trees (CT) in a multipredator, multiprey African savanna ecosystem. We applied GLMs and CTs to various combinations of distance‐traveled data, cluster durations, and environmental factors to predict occurrence of 234 female African lion (Panthera leo) kill sites from 1,477 investigated GPS clusters. Ratio of distance moved 24 hours before versus 24 hours after a cluster was the most important predictor variable in both GLM and CT analysis. In all cases, GLMs outperformed our cost‐complexity‐pruned CTs in their discriminative ability to separate kill from nonkill sites. Generalized linear models provided a good framework for kill‐site identification that incorporates a hierarchal ordering of cluster investigation and measures to assess trade‐offs between classification accuracy and time constraints. Implementation of GLMs within an adaptive sampling framework can considerably increase efficiency of locating kill sites, providing a cost‐effective method for increasing sample sizes of kill data.
Discrepancies Between Euclidean Distance and Compositional Analyses of Resource Selection Data With Known Parameters
Authors: BINGHAM RALPH L. , BRENNAN LEONARD A. , BALLARD BART M.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT  A Euclidean distance (ED) method of wildlife habitat analysis has recently been proposed as an alternative to compositional analysis (CA). We performed simulation analyses to compare performance of ED to that of CA, using data sets with known parameters, where habitat patch size and shape remained the same. We observed extensive misclassification rates for ED but not for CA. For each of the 16 utilization permutations we modeled, of 3 avoided and 2 preferred habitats, results for CA and ED differed. Differences depended on the particular utilization permutations (i.e., juxtaposition of habitats) and did not seem to occur in any clear or predictable pattern. We recommend that ED not be used for future analyses of habitat use or resource selection until or unless these analytical problems can be rectified.
Habitat Value of Intensively Established Pine Plantations for Northern Bobwhite
Authors: JONES PHILLIP D. , BURGER L. WESLEY , DEMARAIS STEPHEN
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT Declines in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; bobwhite) populations in the southeastern United States may be partially attributable to loss of early successional plant cover associated with greater use of herbicides in forest management. We tested effects of 5 levels of operational plantation establishment intensity on vegetation communities and structure important for bobwhite in 1–5‐year‐old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations (n= 4) in the Outer Coastal Plain Mixed Forest of Mississippi. We compared results with values reported in the literature to calculate usable space for winter food, loafing, nesting, and brood‐rearing at 2 levels of spatial resolution. Treatments (k= 5) reflected a range of management intensities and were combinations of mechanical site preparation, chemical site preparation (CSP), and herbaceous weed control (HWC). Coverage of winter food plants in the least intensive treatment was more than double that in the most intensive; however, differences in usable space of winter food cover were negligible due to improved accessibility in more intensive treatments. Although CSP reduced coverage of nonpine woody plants across all years, loafing cover reached adequate levels by year 3 in all treatments. Usable nesting cover was <4% across all years and treatments and was nearly eliminated by the reduction in herbaceous cover and visual screening cover following broadcast HWC. Optimal brood‐rearing habitat was virtually absent in all treatments and years due to the lack of conjoint occurrence of bare ground and forb canopy. Although bobwhite habitat may have been promoted by formerly widespread plantation establishment methods that involved wide‐scale soil disturbance, those established using newer methods with less soil disturbance are likely inadequate for most bobwhite habitat requirements. Efforts to provide bobwhite habitat in plantation‐dominated landscapes may have to rely on management of thinned mid‐rotation stands and permanent landscape features such as rights‐of‐way. The value of young plantations for bobwhite may be increased by reducing management intensity or increasing spacing between planting rows, thus increasing time before crown closure and providing opportunity for understory manipulations.
Methods to Reduce Avian Bycatch in Small Mammal Studies Using Snap Traps
Authors: LANE VANESSA R. , MILLER KARL V. , CASTLEBERRY STEVEN B. , MILLER DARREN A. , WIGLEY T. BENTLY
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT  Avian bycatch, a common and undesired occurrence in small mammal studies, should be minimized by researchers. We examined effects of trap covering, treadle color (copper or yellow plastic), trap size (mouse or rat), and trap weathering (traps <1 yr or ≥ 1 yr old) on avian bycatch during 3 years. We found that covered traps caught 81% fewer birds and 70% fewer small mammals than did uncovered traps, that mouse traps caught 30% more birds and 38% more small mammals than did rat traps, and no capture differences for treadle color or trap weathering. Covered traps effectively reduced avian bycatch and should be used when reduced small‐mammal capture rates are acceptable.
Test of Localized Management for Reducing Deer Browsing in Forest Regeneration Areas
Authors: MILLER BRAD F. , CAMPBELL TYLER A. , LASETER BEN R. , FORD W. MARK , MILLER KARL V.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT  White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) browsing in forest regeneration sites can affect current and future stand structure and species composition. Removal of deer social units (localized management) has been proposed as a strategy to alleviate deer overbrowsing in forest systems. We conducted an experimental localized removal in a high‐density deer population in the central Appalachians of West Virginia, USA, during winter 2002. We removed 51 deer within a 1.1‐km2 area that encompassed 2 forest regeneration sites (14 ha). During the summer following removal, we detected decreases in distance from the removal area in 8 of 30 (26.7%) adult females having pretreatment mean telemetry locations <2.5 km from the center of the removal area. We measured browsing rates during the summers of 2001–2004 from forest regeneration sites to examine efficacy of localized management. Browsing rates declined annually in both removal and control areas, due in part to increased timber harvesting on the larger study site, suggesting that increasing forage availability may be more effective at reducing impacts on forest regeneration than localized reductions in deer populations. Three years after the initial removal, we removed an additional 31 deer from the original 1.1‐km2 removal area. Home range shifts of adjacent deer coupled with the large number of animals collected in the second removal suggests that localized management only produces temporary voids within high‐density deer herds. Localized management may not effectively reduce negative impacts of deer in areas of high deer density.
Polyurea Elastomer Protects Utility Pole Crossarms From Damage by Pileated Woodpeckers
Authors: TUPPER SHELAGH K. , ANDELT WILLIAM F. , CUMMINGS JOHN L. , WEISNER CHARLES , HARNESS RICHARD E.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT  Woodpeckers cause severe damage to utility poles and crossarms, resulting in substantial economic losses to utility companies. We evaluated effectiveness of a polyurea elastomer coating material for reducing damage by captive pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) to utility pole crossarms. Because woodpeckers inflicted essentially no damage to the fully coated crossarms, we infer that the coating material holds substantial promise for protecting utility pole crossarms. Additional research should be conducted to evaluate the coating under field conditions.
Telling the Truth May Not Pay Off: An Empirical Study of Centralized University Admissions in Germany
Authors: Braun Sebastian , Dwenger Nadja , Kübler Dorothea
Published: March 2010

Matching university places to students is not as clear cut or as straightforward as it ought to be. By investigating the matching algorithm used by the German central clearinghouse for university admissions in medicine and related subjects, we show that a procedure designed to give an advantage to students with excellent school grades actually harms them. The reason is that the three-step process employed by the clearinghouse is a complicated mechanism in which many students fail to grasp the strategic aspects involved. The mechanism is based on quotas and consists of three procedures that are administered sequentially, one for each quota. Using the complete data set of the central clearinghouse, we show that the matching can be improved for around 20% of the excellent students while making a relatively small percentage of all other students worse off.
Post-gel Shrinkage Strain and Degree of Conversion of Preheated Resin Composite Cured Using Different Regimens
Authors: El-Korashy D. I.
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance

The preheating of resin composite prior to curing yielded a better degree of conversion but had a negative impact on the induced post-gel shrinkage strain; soft-start mode is recommended, as it reduces the post-gel shrinkage strain without affecting the degree of conversion.
The Clinical Microscope and Direct Composite Veneer
Authors: Pascotto R. C. , Benetti A. R.
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance

Magnification is a useful tool for optimizing the quality of dental services.
Clinical Evaluation of Indirect Composite Restorations at Baseline and 36 Months After Placement
Authors: Dukic W. , Dukic O. L. , Milardovic S. , Delija B.
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance

Indirect resin composite restorations represent a good choice for the therapy of severely damaged teeth. There is no clinical difference between Ormocer and nano-hybrid resin composite after 36 months.
The Effect of Trichloracetic Acid as a Hemostatic and Etching Agent on the Morphological Characteristics and Shear Bond Strength of Resin Composite to Enamel
Authors: Khoroushi M. , Tavasoli M.
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance

TCA gel etches enamel surfaces and produces surface morphological characteristics and bond strength similar to that produced by phosphoric acid. When TCA is used as a hemostatic agent on marginal gingiva, its inadvertent contact with enamel improves the immediate bond strength of resin composite to enamel. However, when using phosphoric acid and 50% TCA, an erosive enamel surface is produced.
Effect of Saliva Contamination and Decontamination on Bovine Enamel Bond Strength of Four Self-etching Adhesives
Authors: Jiang Q. , Pan H. , Liang B. , Fu B. , Hannig M.
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance

Salivary contamination before and after priming could significantly reduce the enamel bond strength of self-etching adhesives. Proper isolation should be performed before and during application of the adhesives and placement of the resin composite. Thorough water-spraying could significantly improve the μTBS of saliva-contaminated enamel.
Pulpal-temperature Rise and Polymerization Efficiency of LED Curing Lights
Authors: Leprince J. , Devaux J. , Mullier T. , Vreven J. , Leloup G.
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance

This paper provides practitioners with useful information on the importance of aligning the spectra of the LCU and the material in terms of polymerization efficiency and temperature rise in the pulp chamber.
Changes in Blood Pressure During Induction of Anesthesia and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by Type and Timing of Discontinuation of Antihypertensive Drugs
Authors: Momota Yoshihiro , Kaneda Kazuhiro , Arishiro Kumiko , Kishimoto Naotaka , Kanou Seiji , Kotani Junichiro
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an antihypertensive drug class and the timing of discontinuation of antihypertensive therapy on blood pressure during oral and maxillofacial surgery for 129 patients on antihypertensive therapy receiving general anesthesia. Blood pressures at loss of response to stimulation and 5–15 minutes after intubation were significantly lower than those before induction, although the type of antihypertensive therapy did not affect changes in blood pressure. No significant correlation was observed between systolic blood pressure (SBP) on the ward and change in SBP during surgery, though patients with higher blood pressure on the ward tended to exhibit larger differences between SBP on the ward and the lowest SBP during surgery. Frequency of use of vasopressors during surgery was significantly higher in patients who discontinued antihypertensive therapy on the day before surgery than in those who continued antihypertensive therapy on the day of surgery. These findings suggest that appropriate preoperative antihypertensive therapy is important for minimizing change in blood pressure during surgery and preventing perioperative complications. Patients undergoing antihypertensive therapy should be carefully monitored perioperatively by observation for interactions between antihypertensive and anesthetic agents and minimizing interruption schedules for antihypertensive therapy.
Parker Flex-Tip and Standard-Tip Endotracheal Tubes: A Comparison During Nasotracheal Intubation
Authors: Prior Simon , Heaton Jarom , Jatana Kris R. , Rashid Robert G.
Published: March 2010

The placement of endotracheal tubes in the airway, particularly through the nose, can cause trauma. Their design might be an important etiologic factor, but they have changed little since their introduction. Recently Parker Medical (Bridgewater, Conn ) introduced the Parker Flex-Tip (PFT) tube, suggesting that it causes less trauma. This study aimed to compare the PFT endotracheal tube to a side-beveled, standard-tip endotracheal tube (ETT) for nasotracheal intubation (Figures 1 and 2). Forty consecutive oral surgery patients requiring nasotracheal intubation were randomized to receive either a standard ETT or the PFT tube. Intubations were recorded using a fiber-optic camera positioned proximal to the Murphy eye of the tube. This allowed visualization of the path and action of the tube tip as it traversed the nasal, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal airway regions. Video recordings made during intubation and extubation were evaluated for bleeding, trauma, and intubation time. Both bleeding and trauma were recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and by 3 different evaluators. The PFT received significantly better VAS values than the standard tubes from all 3 raters (P < 0.05) in both the extent of trauma and bleeding. Since the intubations were purposefully conducted slowly for photographic reasons, neither tube displayed a time advantage. This study suggests that the PFT tube design may be safer by causing less trauma and bleeding than standard tube designs for nasotracheal intubation.
Thermoregulation: Physiological and Clinical Considerations during Sedation and General Anesthesia
Authors: Díaz Marcos , Becker Daniel E.
Published: March 2010

Mild hypothermia is common during deep sedation or general anesthesia and is frequently associated with patient discomfort and shivering. Greater declines in temperature can produce an even greater number of significant detrimental effects. This article reviews principles of thermoregulation and influences of anesthetic agents. An understanding of these will provide a foundation for strategies to reduce heat loss and better manage patient discomfort when it occurs.
Expression of Angiogenic and Vasculogenic Proteins in the Lung in Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia/Misalignment of Pulmonary Veins: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Sen Partha , Smith E. O'Brian , Langston Claire
Published: March 2010

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV) is a rare, universally fatal developmental disorder of the lung affecting both the parenchyma and the vasculature. Its cause remains incompletely understood; the occurrence of familial cases has suggested a genetic abnormality. While several candidate genes have been studied previously, the affected pathway(s) have not yet been fully defined. The expression patterns of 8 gene products (endothelial nitric oxide synthase-3, fetal liver kinase-1, hypoxia inducible factor 1α, Von Hippel Lindau protein, 3 vascular endothelial growth factors [VEGF147, VEGFC1, and VEGFA20], and activin receptor-like kinase 1), all known to have a role in vascular development in the lung, were studied in 13 ACD/MPV and 17 control lungs by immunohistochemistry to further address the underlying molecular abnormality. Expression was graded with regard to degree and extent for multiple components of the lung parenchyma and pulmonary vasculature for each antibody. Statistical analyses of the data using the Mann-Whitney test revealed only a few significant differences ( P ≤ 0.05) in degree of expression between ACD/MPV and control lung samples and do not clearly implicate one of these genes in ACD/MPV.
The Maximum Entropy Production Principle: Its Theoretical Foundations and Applications to the Earth System
Authors: Dyke James , Kleidon Axel
Published: March 2010

The Maximum Entropy Production (MEP) principle has been remarkably successful in producing accurate predictions for non-equilibrium states. We argue that this is because the MEP principle is an effective inference procedure that produces the best predictions from the available information. Since all Earth system processes are subject to the conservation of energy, mass and momentum, we argue that in practical terms the MEP principle should be applied to Earth system processes in terms of the already established framework of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, with the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium at the appropriate scales.
Examining the Compatibility between Forestry Incentive Programs in the US and the Practice of Sustainable Forest Management
Authors: Daniels Steven E. , Kilgore Michael A. , Jacobson Michael G. , Greene John L. , Straka Thomas J.
Published: March 2010

This research explores the intersection between the various federal and state forestry incentive programs and the adoption of sustainable forestry practices on non-industrial private forest (NIPF) lands in the US. The qualitative research reported here draws upon a series of eight focus groups of NIPF landowners (two each in Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina). Despite minor regional variations, the dominant theme that emerged is that these landowners’ purchase and management decisions are motivated by the “trilogy” of forest continuity, benefit to the owner, and doing the “right thing.” This trilogy is quite consistent with notions of sustainable forestry, but somewhat more at odds with the objectives of many financial incentive programs, as well as specific tactics such as third-party certification. A series of policy recommendations that emerge from this research is presented.
Phenological and Temperature Controls on the Temporal Non-Structural Carbohydrate Dynamics of Populus grandidentata and Quercus rubra
Authors: Gough Christopher M. , Flower Charles E. , Vogel Christoph S. , Curtis Peter S.
Published: March 2010

Temporal changes in plant tissue non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) may be sensitive to climate changes that alter forest phenology. We examined how temporal fluctuations in tissue NSC concentrations of Populus grandidentata and Quercus rubra relate to net and gross primary production (NPP, GPP) and their climatic drivers in a deciduous forest of Michigan, USA. Tissue NSC concentrations were coupled with NPP and GPP phenologies, declining from dormancy until GPP initiation and then increasing following NPP cessation. Warmer autumns extended the temporal gap between NPP and GPP cessation, prolonging the period of NSC accumulation. These results suggest that tissue NSC concentrations may increase with climate change.
Nitrogen Doped Carbon Nanotubes from Organometallic Compounds: A Review
Authors: Nxumalo Edward N. , Coville Neil J.
Published: March 2010

Nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) have become a topic of increased importance in the study of carbonaceous materials. This arises from the physical and chemical properties that are created when N is embedded in a CNT. These properties include modified chemical reactivity and modified conductivity and mechanical properties. A range of methodologies have been devised to synthesize N-CNTs. One of the procedures uses a floating catalyst in which an organometallic complex is decomposed in the gas phase in the presence of a nitrogen containing reactant to give N-CNTs. Most studies have been limited to ferrocene, ring substituted ferrocene and Fe(CO)5. This review covers the synthesis (and properties) of N-CNTs and other shaped carbon nanomaterials (SCNMs) produced using organometallic complexes. It summarizes the effects that physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, gas flow rates, type and concentration of N source etc. have on the N-CNT type, size and yields as well as the nitrogen content incorporated into the tubes that are produced from organometallic complexes. Proposed growth models for N-CNT synthesis are also reported.
Addendum: De Sousa Luis, J.A., et al. Synthesis of New Imidazolidin-2,4-dione and 2-Thioxo-imidazolidin-4-ones via C-Phenylglycine Derivatives. Molecules 2010, 15, 128-137
Authors: De Sousa Luis José Alixandre , Filho José Maria Barbosa , Lira Bruno Freitas , Medeiros Isac Almeida , De Morais Liana Clébia Soares Lima , Dos Anjos Raline Mendonça , Dos Santos Alexsandro Fernandes , De Oliveira Cledualdo Soares , De Athayde-Filho Petrônio Filgueiras
Published: March 2010

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [1], published recently in Molecules. The coauthor RalineMendonça dos Anjos was omitted from the author list, which should read as follows: [...]
QSAR Models for Reproductive Toxicity and Endocrine Disruption Activity
Authors: Novič Marjana , Vračko Marjan
Published: March 2010

Reproductive toxicity is an important regulatory endpoint, which is required in registration procedures of chemicals used for different purposes (for example pesticides). The in vivo tests are expensive, time consuming and require large numbers of animals, which must be sacrificed. Therefore an effort is ongoing to develop alternative In vitro and in silico methods to evaluate reproductive toxicity. In this review we describe some modeling approaches. In the first example we describe the CAESAR model for prediction of reproductive toxicity; the second example shows a classification model for endocrine disruption potential based on counter propagation artificial neural networks; the third example shows a modeling of relative binding affinity to rat estrogen receptor, and the fourth one shows a receptor dependent modeling experiment.
The Combination of TRAIL and Isoflavones Enhances Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
Authors: Bronikowska Joanna , Szliszka Ewelina , Czuba Zenon P. , Zwolinski Dariusz , Szmydki Dariusz , Krol Wojciech
Published: March 2010

Isoflavones are a class of bioactive polyphenols with cancer chemopreventive properties. TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is a naturally occurring antitumor agent that selectively induces programmed death (apoptosis) in cancer cells. Polyphenols can modulate TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. We examined the cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of isoflavones in combination with TRAIL on HeLa cancer cells. The apoptosis was detected by fluorescence microscopy with annexin V-FITC. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and LDH assays. The tested isoflavones: genistein, biochanin-A and neobavaisoflavone enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. Our study indicated that isoflavones augmented TRAIL-cytotoxicity against cancer cells and confirmed potential role of those polyphenols in chemoprevention.
Acetamide Derivatives with Antioxidant Activity and Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Autore Giuseppina , Caruso Anna , Marzocco Stefania , Nicolaus Barbara , Palladino Chiara , Pinto Aldo , Popolo Ada , Sinicropi Maria S. , Tommonaro Giuseppina , Saturnino Carmela
Published: March 2010

This study reports the synthesis and antioxidant activity of some new acetamide derivatives. The compounds’ structures were elucidated by NMR analysis and their melting points were measured. The in vitro antioxidant activity of these compounds was tested by evaluating the amount of scavenged ABTS radical and estimating ROS and NO production in tBOH- or LPS-stimulated J774.A1 macrophages. All compounds were tested for their effect on cell viability by an MTT assay and by a Brine Shrimp Test.
Cationic Heteroleptic Cyclometalated IridiumIII Complexes Containing Phenyl-Triazole and Triazole-Pyridine Clicked Ligands
Authors: Felici Marco , Contreras-Carballada Pablo , Smits Jan M. M. , Nolte Roeland J. M. , Williams René M. , De Cola Luisa , Feiters Martin C.
Published: March 2010

Novel heteroleptic iridium complexes containing the 1-substituted-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole (phtl) cyclometalating ligand have been synthesized. The 3+2 Huisgen dipolar cycloaddition method (‘click’ chemistry) was utilized to prepare a class of bidentate ligands (phtl) bearing different substituents on the triazole moiety. By using various ligands (phtl-R1 and pytl-R2) (R1=adamantane, methyl and R2=adamantane, methyl, β-cyclodextrin, ursodeoxycholic acid), we prepared a small library of new luminescent ionic iridium complexes [Ir(phtr-R1)2(pytl-R2)]Cl and report on their photophysical properties. The flexibility of the clicking approach allows a straightforward control on the chemical-physical properties of the complexes by varying the nature of the substituent on the ligand.
Liraglutide Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: Overcoming Unmet Needs
Authors: Sjöholm Åke
Published: March 2010

Although advances have been achieved in the management of type 2 diabetes, current treatment options for patients with this disease still fail to address disease progression, glycaemic control remains suboptimal and therapies are often associated with weight gain and hypoglycaemia. Thus, new antidiabetes therapies are being sought. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are incretin hormones that have been the recent focus of research. The physiological action of GLP-1, in particular, has demonstrated its potential in addressing the therapeutic needs of patients with type 2 diabetes. To exploit this action, liraglutide, a human GLP-1 analogue that shares 97% of its amino acid sequence identity with native GLP-1, has been developed. In a recent phase 3 trial programme (LEAD, Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes), treatment with liraglutide was associated with substantial improvements in glycaemic control and low risk of hypoglycaemia. In addition, reductions in weight and systolic blood pressure were reported. There is also an indication that liraglutide is capable of improving β-cell function and increasing β-cell mass. Thus, liraglutide may overcome the limitations with current therapies and help to address the unmet clinical needs of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Digital Northern Great Plains: A Web-Based System Delivering Near Real Time Remote Sensing Data for Precision Agriculture
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Seelan Santhosh , Seielstad George
Published: March 2010

The US Northern Great Plains is one of the world’s most agriculturally productive areas. Growers in the region are eager to adopt modern technology to improve productivity and income. Use of information derived from remote sensing satellites to better manage farms and rangelands while reducing environmental impacts has gained popularity in recent years. However, prohibitive costs and non-availability of near real time remote sensing imagery has slowed the adoption of this technology for in-field decision making. Digital Northern Great Plains (DNGP), a web based remote sensing data dissemination system, was developed to address these drawbacks. It provides end users easy and free access to a variety of imagery and products in near real time. With delivery of archived and current data, DNGP has helped farmers and ranchers reduce operational costs and increase productivity through a variety of innovative applications. Moreover, negative environmental impacts were lessened.
Stress Sensors and Signal Transducers in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Los Dmitry A. , Zorina Anna , Sinetova Maria , Kryazhov Sergey , Mironov Kirill , Zinchenko Vladislav V.
Published: March 2010

In living cells, the perception of environmental stress and the subsequent transduction of stress signals are primary events in the acclimation to changes in the environment. Some molecular sensors and transducers of environmental stress cannot be identified by traditional and conventional methods. Based on genomic information, a systematic approach has been applied to the solution of this problem in cyanobacteria, involving mutagenesis of potential sensors and signal transducers in combination with DNA microarray analyses for the genome-wide expression of genes. Forty-five genes for the histidine kinases (Hiks), 12 genes for serine-threonine protein kinases (Spks), 42 genes for response regulators (Rres), seven genes for RNA polymerase sigma factors, and nearly 70 genes for transcription factors have been successfully inactivated by targeted mutagenesis in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Screening of mutant libraries by genome-wide DNA microarray analysis under various stress and non-stress conditions has allowed identification of proteins that perceive and transduce signals of environmental stress. Here we summarize recent progress in the identification of sensory and regulatory systems, including Hiks, Rres, Spks, sigma factors, transcription factors, and the role of genomic DNA supercoiling in the regulation of the responses of cyanobacterial cells to various types of stress.
Carbon Efficient Building Solutions
Authors: Airaksinen Miimu , Matilainen Pellervo
Published: March 2010

Traditionally, the Finnish legislation have focused on energy use and especially on energy used for heating space in buildings. However, in many cases this does not lead to the optimal concept in respect to minimizing green house gases. This paper studies how CO2 emission levels are affected by different measures to reduce energy use in buildings. This paper presents two real apartment buildings with different options of energy efficiency and power sources. The calculations clearly show that in the future electricity and domestic hot water use will have high importance in respect to energy efficiency, and therefore also CO2 equivalent (eq) emissions. The importance increases when the energy efficiency of the building increases. There are big differences between average Finnish production and individual power plants; CO2 eq emissions might nearly double depending on the energy source and the power plant type. Both a building with an efficient district heating as a power source, and a building with ground heat in addition to nuclear power electricity as a complimentary electricity source performed very similarly to each other in respect to CO2 eq emissions. However, it is dangerous to conclude that it is not important which energy source is chosen. If hypothetically, the use of district heating would dramatically drop, the primary energy factor and CO2 eq emissions from electricity would rise, which in turn would lead to the increase of the ground heat systems emissions. A problem in the yearly calculations is that the fact that it is very important, sometimes even crucial, when energy is needed, is always excluded.
Hartee Fock Symmetry Breaking Effects in La2CuO4: Hints for connecting the Mott and Slater Pictures and Pseudogap Prediction
Authors: Cabo-Bizet Alejandro , De Oca Alejandro Cabo Montes
Published: March 2010

This work expands the results and derivations presented in a recent letter. It is argued that symmetry breaking Hartree-Fock (HF) solutions of a simple model of the Cu-O planes in La2CuO4, are able to describe the insulator and antiferromagnetic characters of this material. Then, this classical primer of a Mott insulator is alternatively obtained here as an exact Slater insulator within the simplest of the first principles schemes. Moreover, pseudogap HF states are also predicted. The maximal energy gap of 100 meV over the Fermi surface of this wavefunction, reasonably well matches the ARPES upper pseudogap measurements for La2CuO4 in the zero doping limit. These surprising results followed after eliminating spin and crystal symmetry constraints usually imposed on the HF orbitals. The discussion helps to clarify the role of the antiferromagnetism and pseudogaps in the physics of the HTSC materials and indicates a promising way to start conciliating the Mott and Slater pictures for the description of the transition metal oxides.
Computed NMR Shielding Effects over Fused Aromatic / Antiaromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Martin Ned H. , Teague Mathew R. , Mills Katherine H.
Published: March 2010

Through-space isotropic NMR shielding values of a perpendicular diatomic hydrogen probe moved in a 0.5 Å grid 2.5 Å above several polycyclic aromatic/antiaromatic ring and aromatic/aromatic hydrocarbons were computed with Gaussian 03 at the GIAO HF/6-31G(d,p) level. Combinations of benzene fused with cyclobutadiene, with the tropylium ion, and with the cyclopentadienyl anion were investigated. Subtraction of the isolated H2 isotropic value gave shielding increments(Δσ), which, when plotted against Cartesian coordinates of the probe over each hydrocarbon, gave representations of three-dimensional isotropic shielding increment surfaces. The results are related to the degree of bond length alternation, the extent of electron delocalization, and (for the ions) the NPA charge distribution. The shielding increment data are compared to NICS(1) values computed at the same level; both indicate the degree of aromaticity or antiaromaticity of the component rings.
Pathogenesis of Noroviruses, Emerging RNA Viruses
Authors: Karst Stephanie M.
Published: March 2010

Human noroviruses in the family Caliciviridae are a major cause of epidemic gastroenteritis. They are responsible for at least 95% of viral outbreaks and over 50% of all outbreaks worldwide. Transmission of these highly infectious plus-stranded RNA viruses occurs primarily through contaminated food or water, but also through person-to-person contact and exposure to fomites. Norovirus infections are typically acute and self-limited. However, disease can be much more severe and prolonged in infants, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Norovirus outbreaks frequently occur in semi-closed communities such as nursing homes, military settings, schools, hospitals, cruise ships, and disaster relief situations. Noroviruses are classified as Category B biodefense agents because they are highly contagious, extremely stable in the environment, resistant to common disinfectants, and associated with debilitating illness. The number of reported norovirus outbreaks has risen sharply since 2002 suggesting the emergence of more infectious strains. There has also been increased recognition that noroviruses are important causes of childhood hospitalization. Moreover, noroviruses have recently been associated with multiple clinical outcomes other than gastroenteritis. It is unclear whether these new observations are due to improved norovirus diagnostics or to the emergence of more virulent norovirus strains. Regardless, it is clear that human noroviruses cause considerable morbidity worldwide, have significant economic impact, and are clinically important emerging pathogens. Despite the impact of human norovirus-induced disease and the potential for emergence of highly virulent strains, the pathogenic features of infection are not well understood due to the lack of a cell culture system and previous lack of animal models. This review summarizes the current understanding of norovirus pathogenesis from the histological to the molecular level, including contributions from new model systems.
Narrative Analysis as a Tool for Contextual Tourism Research: An Exploration
Authors: Mainil Tomas , Platenkamp Vincent
Published: March 2010

Narrative analysis within the social sciences has evolved throughout this decennium as a mature qualitative methodology. An extensive body of academic publications has already been portrayed. The urgency of a narrative analysis becomes even more obvious in light of the emerging network
society and the tacit knowledge, hidden in its interacting networks. Narratives are vehicles par excellence to uncover this hidden information. The growing attention within the academic and professional community for the attribution of implicit, contextual information that should make social
reality more visible in everyday life, is related to the growing significance of narrative analysis for research into tourism. How can stories of silent voices in the tourism field be related to the main developments in tourism theory and practice? In this article a conceptual frame will be
developed as an answer to this question. A critical review on the cultural experiences in the international classroom of tourism studies in the Dutch universities of Wageningen and Breda will illustrate the significance of this frame and a methodological design will be suggested for further
use.
Comparison of Firebrand Propagation Prediction by a Plume Model and a Coupled–Fire/Atmosphere Large–Eddy Simulator
Authors: Bhutia Sangay , Ann Jenkins Mary , Sun Ruiyu
Published: March 2010

Firebrand spotting is one of the most vexing problems associated with wildland fires, challenging the lives and efforts of fire–fighting planners. This work is an effort to model numerically the event of firebrand spotting for the purposes of reviewing past modelling approaches and of demonstrating a more current coupled fire/atmosphere approach. A simple, two–dimensional treatment of the process of firebrand lofting is examined under the restrictive conditions typical of a classical plume modelling approach. Using this approach, the differences in trajectories of combusting and non–combusting particles are investigated. Next, firebrand spotting is examined using a coupled fire/atmosphere LES (Large Eddy Simulator) in which the processes of firebrand lofting, propagation, and deposition are connected. The behaviour of combusting and non‐combusting firebrands released from a moving grassfire into three‐dimensional time‐varying coupled atmosphere‐wildfire induced circulations is examined. When these results are compared to the results of a classical plume model for firebrand spotting, it is found that firebrand propagation in the coupled LES simulated flow is significantly different from that obtained by the two–dimensional empirically–derived plume model approach. The coupled atmosphere‐wildfire LES results are explorative and need to be subjected to direct testing.
Experience with the Distance Learning Bachelor Study in the Field of Finance, Banking and Investment
Authors: Palova Dana , Reveszova Libusa
Published: March 2010

Three years ago Faculty of Economics started the internal faculty project named â??Preparation and realization of the distance learning bachelor study in the field of Finance, Banking and Investment
B Cell-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A Promotes Lymphangiogenesis and High Endothelial Venule Expansion in Lymph Nodes
Authors: Shrestha Binita , Hashiguchi Teruto , Ito Takashi , Miura Naoki , Takenouchi Kazunori , Oyama Yoko , Kawahara Ko-ichi , Tancharoen Salunya , Ki-i Yuya , Arimura Noboru , Yoshinaga Narimasa , Noma Satoshi , Shrestha Chandan , Nitanda Takao , Kitajima Shinichi , Arimura Kimiyoshi , Sato Masahiro , Sakamoto Taiji , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: March 2010

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a prominent growth factor for both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Recent studies have shown the importance of VEGF-A in enhancing the growth of lymphatic endothelial cells in lymph nodes (LNs) and the migration of dendritic cells into LNs. VEGF-A is produced in inflamed tissues and/or in draining LNs, where B cells are a possible source of this growth factor. To study the effect of B cell-derived VEGF-A, we created transgenic mice (CD19Cre/hVEGF-Afl) that express human VEGF-A specifically in B cells. We found that the human VEGF-A produced by B cells not only induced lymphangiogenesis in LNs, but also induced the expansion of LNs and the development of high endothelial venules. Contrary to our expectation, we observed a significant decrease in the Ag-specific Ab production postimmunization with OVA and in the proinflammatory cytokine production postinoculation with LPS in these mice. Our findings suggest immunomodulatory effects of VEGF-A: B cell-derived VEGF-A promotes both lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis within LNs, but then suppresses certain aspects of the ensuing immune responses.
Cutting Edge: IL-23 Receptor Deficiency Prevents the Development of Lupus Nephritis in C57BL/6–lpr/lpr Mice
Authors: Kyttaris Vasileios C. , Zhang Zheng , Kuchroo Vijay K. , Oukka Mohamed , Tsokos George C.
Published: March 2010

IL-17–producing T cells infiltrate kidneys of patients with lupus nephritis, and IL-23–treated lymph node cells from lupus-prone mice may transfer disease to Rag1-deficient mice. In this study, we show that IL-23R–deficient lupus-prone C57BL/6–lpr/lpr mice display decreased numbers of CD3+CD4−CD8− cells and IL-17A–producing cells in the lymph nodes and produce less anti-DNA Abs. In addition, clinical and pathology measures of lupus nephritis are abrogated. The presented experiments document the importance of IL-23R–mediated signaling in the development of lupus nephritis and urge the consideration of proper biologics for the treatment of the disease.
Histone Acetylation at the Single-Cell Level: A Marker of Memory CD8+ T Cell Differentiation and Functionality
Authors: DiSpirito Joanna R. , Shen Hao
Published: March 2010

Following stimulation, memory T (TM) cells rapidly express many effector functions, a hallmark feature that allows them to provide protective immunity. Recent studies suggest that genes involved in this rapid recall response may maintain an open chromatin structure in resting TM cells via epigenetic modifications. However, these studies have mostly focused on a few loci, and the techniques used required a large number of cells. We have developed a flow cytometric assay measuring histone modifications in individual murine T cells in combination with lineage-specific markers. In this study, we show that the per-cell level of a marker of open chromatin, diacetylated histone H3 (diAcH3), increases as naive CD8+ T cells develop into TM cells, demonstrating a novel correlation between the differentiation state of a CD8+ T cell and its abundance of a specific histone modification. Furthermore, our results show that TM cells defective in rapid recall ability have less diAcH3 than their fully functional counterparts, indicating that the diAcH3 level of individual TM cells is a useful marker for assessing their functionality.
The Relationship between the Transforming Growth Factorβ1 T29C Gene Polymorphism and Left Ventricular Geometry and Function in Hypertensive Subjects
Authors: Scaglione Rosario , Argano Christiano , Duro Giovanni , Di Chiara Tiziana , Nuzzo Domenico , Colomba Daniela , Fiore Maria Cristina , Corrao Salvatore , Licata Giuseppe
Published: March 2010

The distribution of the T29C TGFβ1 gene polymorphism was analyzed in 198 hypertensives with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and in 235 hypertensives without LVH. Circulating TGFβ1 levels, procollagen type III levels, microalbuminuria, and left ventricular geometry and function were evaluated in all the hypertensives with LVH subgrouped according to T29C TGFβ1 gene polymorphism. Circulating TGFβ1 was evaluated by ELISA technique, procollagen type III by a specific radioimmunoassay, microalbuminuria by radioimmunoassay, and left ventricular geometry and function by echocardiography. All groups were comparable for gender, age, and sex. Regarding T29C TGFβ1 gene polymorphism, prevalence of TC or CC genotypes was significantly (P<.05) higher in hypertensives with LVH than hypertensives without LVH TC and CC LVH hypertensives were characterized by a higher prevalence of subjects with microalbuminuria (P<.05TC and CC versus TT), by increased levels of TGFβ1, procollagen type III, urinary albumin excretion, LVM, LVM/h2.7, and lower values of left ventricular ejection fraction (P<.05TC and CC versus TT). Our data suggest that T29C TGFβ1 gene polymorphism was associated with clinical characteristics adequate to recognize a subset of LVH hypertensives with a higher severity of hypertension.
The effects of Sutherlandia frutescens extracts in cultured renal proximal and distal tubule epithelial cells
Authors: Phulukdaree Alisa , Moodley Devapregasan , Chuturgoon Anil A.
Published: March 2010

Sutherlandia frutescens (SF), a medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa, is traditionally used to treat a diverse range of illnesses, including cancer and viral infections. The biologically active compounds of SF are polar, thus renal elimination increases susceptibility to toxicity in that organ. This study investigated the antioxidant potential, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptotic induction by SF extracts on proximal and distal tubule epithelial cells. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential was determined using a flow cytometric JC-1 Mitoscreen assay. Cellular glutathione and apoptosis were measured using the GSH-Glo™ Glutathione assay and Caspase-Glo® 3/7 assay, respectively. The IC50 values from the cell viability results for LLC-PK1 and MDBK were 15 mg/mL and 7 mg/mL, respectively. SF extracts significantly decreased intracellular glutathione in LLC-PK1 (p less than 0.0001) and MDBK (p less than 0.0001) cells, while lipid peroxidation increased in treated LLC-PK1 (p less than 0.0001) and MDBK (p less than 0.0001) cells. JC-1 analysis showed that SF extracts promoted mitochondrial membrane depolarization in both LLC-PK1 and MDBK cells by up to 80% (p less than 0.0001). The activity of caspase 3/7 increased in both LLC-PK1 (11.9-fold; p less than 0.0001) and MDBK (2.2-fold; p less than 0.0001) cells. SF extracts at high concentrations appear to increase oxidative stress, to alter mitochondrial membrane integrity, and to promote apoptosis in renal tubule epithelia.
Competence of Science Foundation students in basic intellectual skills
Authors: Selvaratnam Mailoo , Mavuso Nkosana
Published: March 2010

The competence of Science Foundation students at the Mafikeng Campus of North-West University in some basic intellectual skills was studied, over a period of three years, utilising carefully designed questions. The skills tested included language, mathematical, graphical, three-dimensional visualisation, information processing and reasoning skills. The results showed that their competence in the basic intellectual skills needed to study science effectively was far below standard. This lack of competence could be expected to be detrimental to self-confidence and may also be an important reason for the high failure rate of students in their science courses. We concluded with the suggestion that much greater emphasis should be placed on the systematic and sustained training of students in intellectual skills and strategies of various types and that such training should be integrated, throughout the courses, with the teaching of subject content.