bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generic concepts in the Batocrinidae Wachsmuth and Springer, 1881 (class Crinoidea)
Authors: Ausich William I. , Kammer Thomas W.
Published: January 2010

The Batocrinidae was a component of the North America Early Mississippian crinoid fauna and a significant contributor to the global biodiversity spike referred to as the “Age of Crinoids.” All batocrinids are North American, and all but one species are confined to the Tournaisian and Visean. In this contribution, genera are objectively defined on discrete characters, and the generic assignment of all valid species is re-evaluated. A phylogenetic hypothesis is presented for relationships within the Batocrinidae based on parsimony-based analyses and known stratigraphic ranges.

Fifteen basic batocrinid architectural designs are recognized as genera, and four new genera are described:Glannearycrinusn. gen.,Gongylocrinusn. gen,Magnuscrinusn. gen., andSimatocrinusn. gen.Batocrinuswas a catch-all genus for any Mississippian camerate with tetragonal first primibrachials and an anal tube; thus, many late 19thcentury species are in need of a modern generic assignment. In this contribution, 61 percent of the 166 currently valid batocrinid species are reassigned to different genera. In addition,Sunwaptacrinusis transferred to the Batocrinidae, six species are transferred out of the Batocrinidae, and five species are designated as nomina dubia.
First Triassic lungfish from the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Kear Benjamin P. , Rich Thomas H. , Ali Mohammed A. , Al-Mufarrih Yahya A. , Matiri Adel H. , Al-Masary Abdu M. , Halawani Mohammed A.
Published: January 2010

Triassic lungfish (Dipnoi) have been extensively documented from the Gondwanan continental and marine shelf deposits of Africa and Madagascar (Teixeira, 1949; Lehman et al., 1959; Beltan, 1968; Martin, 1979, 1981; Kemp 1996), Australia (Kemp, 1993, 1994, 1997a, 1998), India (Jain et al, 1964; Jain, 1968), and Antarctica (Dziewa, 1980). Numerous records also exist from Laurasian landmasses including Europe (Agassiz, 1838; Schultze, 1981), North America (Case, 1921) and central and eastern Asia (Liu and Yeh, 1957; Vorobyeva, 1967; Martin and Ingavat, 1982). By comparison, nothing is known of contemporary lungfish fossils from the Middle East. Thus, the recent recovery of a single tooth plate representing a new geographic occurrence of the genusCeratodusAgassiz, 1838 from paralic marine deposits of the Jilh Formation, a latest Anisian to lower Carnian unit that crops out along the eastern margin of the Proterozoic Arabian Shield in central Saudi Arabia (Fig. 1), is significant because it provides the stratigraphically oldest record of dipnoans from the Arabian Peninsula.
Spatially Distributed Lateral Nitrate Transport at the Catchment Scale
Authors: Hesser Fred B. , Franko Uwe , Rode Michael
Published: January 2010

In river catchments, N transformation and storage processes during lateral transport are important in controlling N loads of surface waters. There is a lack of approaches which capture lateral flows and associated N transformation in a spatially distributed way. The aim of this paper is to develop a new conceptual N transport and transformation model which simulates the lateral nitrate transport in subsurface flow from the source area to the receiving water body. The developed tool is based on the object modeling system (OMS) framework and consists of the analytical spatially distributed hydrological model J2000, the nitrate recharge model Meta Candy and a new groundwater N routing component. Nitrate degradation in groundwater is calculated stoichiometrically according to a predefined amount on oxidizable substrate. The new modeling approach was tested in a small agricultural lower mountain range catchment of Thuringia, Germany. The calibration of the N model using a 4‐yr period showed reasonable results for nitrate load calculations with a Nash and Sutcliff coefficient of 0.78. The 3‐yr validation period produced Nash‐Sutcliff (NS) values of 0.75. There was a clear relationship of the goodness‐of‐fit between the hydrological simulations and the nitrate concentration calculations. Due to short residence times of the interflow nitrate degradation was restricted to slow base flow components. The new approach can be used to target N source areas within a catchment and assess the impact of these source areas on the N load of surface waters in a spatially distributed manner.
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System for Appraisal of Salt‐Affected Soils in India
Authors: Singh Gurbachan , Bundela D. S. , Sethi Madhurama , Lal Khajanchi , Kamra S. K.
Published: January 2010

Quantification of the nature, extent, and spatial distribution of salt‐affected soils (SAS) for India and the world is essential for planning and implementing reclamation programs in a timely and cost‐effective manner for sustained crop production. The national extent of SAS for India over the last four decades was assessed by conventional and remote sensing approaches using diverse methodologies and class definitions and ranged from 6.0 to 26.1 million hectares (Mha) and 1.2 to 10.1 Mha, respectively. In 1966, an area of 6 Mha under SAS was first reported using the former approach. Three national estimates, obtained using remote sensing, were reconciled using a geographic information system, resulting in an acceptable extent of 6.73 Mha. Moderately and severely salt‐encrusted lands having large contiguous area have been correctly mapped, but slightly salt‐encrusted land having smaller affected areas within croplands has not been accurately mapped. Recent satellite sensors (e.g., Resourcesat‐1, Cartosat‐2, IKONOS‐II, and RISAT‐2), along with improved image processing techniques integrated with terrain and other spatial data using a geographic information system, are enabling mapping at large scale. Significant variations in salt encrustation at the surface caused by soil moisture, waterlogging conditions, salt‐tolerant crops, and dynamics of subsurface salts present constraints in appraisal, delineation, and mapping efforts. The article provides an overview of development, identification, characterization, and delineation of SAS, past and current national scenarios of SAS using conventional and remote sensing approaches, reconciliation of national estimates, issues of SAS mapping, and future scope.
Lag Time in Water Quality Response to Best Management Practices: A Review
Authors: Meals Donald W. , Dressing Steven A. , Davenport Thomas E.
Published: January 2010

Nonpoint source (NPS) watershed projects often fail to meet expectations for water quality improvement because of lag time, the time elapsed between adoption of management changes and the detection of measurable improvement in water quality in the target water body. Even when management changes are well‐designed and fully implemented, water quality monitoring efforts may not show definitive results if the monitoring period, program design, and sampling frequency are not sufficient to address the lag between treatment and response. The main components of lag time include the time required for an installed practice to produce an effect, the time required for the effect to be delivered to the water resource, the time required for the water body to respond to the effect, and the effectiveness of the monitoring program to measure the response. The objectives of this review are to explore the characteristics of lag time components, to present examples of lag times reported from a variety of systems, and to recommend ways for managers to cope with the lag between treatment and response. Important processes influencing lag time include hydrology, vegetation growth, transport rate and path, hydraulic residence time, pollutant sorption properties, and ecosystem linkages. The magnitude of lag time is highly site and pollutant specific, but may range from months to years for relatively short‐lived contaminants such as indicator bacteria, years to decades for excessive P levels in agricultural soils, and decades or more for sediment accumulated in river systems. Groundwater travel time is also an important contributor to lag time and may introduce a lag of decades between changes in agricultural practices and improvement in water quality. Approaches to deal with the inevitable lag between implementation of management practices and water quality response lie in appropriately characterizing the watershed, considering lag time in selection, siting, and monitoring of management measures, selection of appropriate indicators, and designing effective monitoring programs to detect water quality response.
Remote Sensing of Land Degradation: Experiences from Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Metternicht G. , Zinck J. A. , Blanco P. D. , del Valle H. F.
Published: January 2010

Land degradation caused by deforestation, overgrazing, and inappropriate irrigation practices affects about 16% of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This paper addresses issues related to the application of remote sensing technologies for the identification and mapping of land degradation features, with special attention to the LAC region. The contribution of remote sensing to mapping land degradation is analyzed from the compilation of a large set of research papers published between the 1980s and 2009, dealing with water and wind erosion, salinization, and changes of vegetation cover. The analysis undertaken found that Landsat series (MSS, TM, ETM+) are the most commonly used data source (49% of the papers report their use), followed by aerial photographs (39%), and microwave sensing (ERS, JERS‐1, Radarsat) (27%). About 43% of the works analyzed use multi‐scale, multi‐sensor, multi‐spectral approaches for mapping degraded areas, with a combination of visual interpretation and advanced image processing techniques. The use of more expensive hyperspectral and/or very high spatial resolution sensors like AVIRIS, Hyperion, SPOT‐5, and IKONOS tends to be limited to small surface areas. The key issue of indicators that can directly or indirectly help recognize land degradation features in the visible, infrared, and microwave regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are discussed. Factors considered when selecting indicators for establishing land degradation baselines include, among others, the mapping scale, the spectral characteristics of the sensors, and the time of image acquisition. The validation methods used to assess the accuracy of maps produced with satellite data are discussed as well.
Influence of Urea Fertilizer Placement on Nitrous Oxide Production from a Silt Loam Soil
Authors: Engel R. , Liang D. L. , Wallander R. , Bembenek A.
Published: January 2010

Urea placement in band or nests has been shown to enhance N use efficiency, but limited work has been done to assess its affect on N2O emissions. This study compared N2O emissions from urea prills applied to an Amsterdam silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, frigid Typic Haplustolls) using broadcast, band, and nest placements. Experiments were conducted in greenhouse pots (200 kg N ha−1) and in canola (Brassica rapa L.) seeded fields using rates of 100 kg N ha−1 (recommended) and 200 kg N ha−1 Urea placement affected N2O emission patterns and cumulative N2O losses in the greenhouse and field. Urea prills placed in nests, and sometimes bands delayed N2O production with peak flux activity occurring later, and elevated emission activity being more prolonged than for broadcast applications. Differences were more obvious at 200 kg N ha−1 These effects were attributed to a delay in urea hydrolysis and inhibition of nitrification. The fraction of applied urea‐N lost as N2O for broadcast, band, and nest placements applied at the recommended rate averaged 2.0, 2.7, and 5.8 g N kg−1 N, respectively. The fraction of applied urea‐N lost as N2O averaged 2.9, 10.4, and 9.2 g N kg−1 N for broadcast, band, and nest placements when urea‐N rate was increased from 100 to 200 kg N ha−1, respectively. Greater N2O production with nest placement may in part be due to significant soil NO2–N accumulations. Potential benefits to crop fertilizer use efficiency that come with placement of urea in concentrated zones may lead to enhanced N2O production.
The Green Alga, Cladophora, Promotes Escherichia coli Growth and Contamination of Recreational Waters in Lake Michigan
Authors: Vanden Heuvel Amy , McDermott Colleen , Pillsbury Robert , Sandrin Todd , Kinzelman Julie , Ferguson John , Sadowsky Michael , Byappanahalli Muruleedhara , Whitman Richard , Kleinheinz Gregory T.
Published: January 2010

A linkage between Cladophora mats and exceedances of recreational water quality criteria has been suggested, but not directly studied. This study investigates the spatial and temporal association between Escherichia coli concentrations within and near Cladophora mats at two northwestern Lake Michigan beaches in Door County, Wisconsin. Escherichia coli concentrations in water underlying mats were significantly greater than surrounding water (p < 0.001). Below mat E. coli increased as the stranded mats persisted at the beach swash zone. Water adjacent to Cladophora mats had lower E. coli concentrations, but surpassed EPA swimming criteria the majority of sampling days. A significant positive association was found between E. coli concentrations attached to Cladophora and in underlying water (p < 0.001). The attached E. coli likely acted as a reservoir for populating water underlying the mat. Fecal bacterial pathogens, however, could not be detected by microbiological culture methods either attached to mat biomass or in underlying water. Removal of Cladophora mats from beach areas may improve aesthetic and microbial water quality at affected beaches. These associations and potential natural growth of E. coli in bathing waters call into question the efficacy of using E. coli as a recreational water quality indicator of fecal contaminations.
Analogical Modelling and Numerical Simulation of the Adsorption Process for Poly-Phenothiazine Formaldehyde on Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Unguresan Mihaela-Ligia M. , Gligor Delia Maria , Dulf Francisc , Colosi Tiberiu
Published: January 2010

The paper presents the dispersion of the concentration y(t, s) on the length (s) with respect to time (t), corresponding to the adsorption process of a phenothiazine derivative on graphite electrodes. The numerical simulation by equations with partial derivatives of the second order with two independent variables (t and s) (PDE II.2), based on (Mpdx) which associates with Taylor series was performed. Also, the adsorption process defined by PDE II.2 was included in a regulation scheme of concentration y(t, s) with multiple freedom levels. It insures good performances and a remarkable flexibility for extending the method in similar categories of applications.
An Innovative Microwave Process for Nanocatalyst Synthesis
Authors: Antonetti Claudia , Raspolli Galletti Anna Maria , Longo Iginio
Published: January 2010

The development of greener chemical processes is becoming more and more important because this approach moves towards sustainable methods and products, minimizing pollution and risks for human health and environment. In these perspectives, microwaves seem to fulfil these requirements; in this context, we have tested a novel method both for the synthesis of nanocatalysts and for thermal activation of catalytic reactions. Until now, microwave chemistry has been generally performed inside a closed metal cavity, i.e. a microwave oven, but this approach presents relevant drawbacks, in particular for large scale application. Recently, we have proposed a new, cheap, sustainable process for large scale preparation of nanocatalysts, overcoming the disadvantages of the current synthesis methods. This novel method has been successfully adopted for the preparation in situ of ruthenium, palladium and silver nanoparticles as colloids or on different supports. Our procedure is safe and cheap, enabling to obtain the utmost efficiency and control also for industrial application. The obtained nanocatalysts present small average diameters, good morphology and very narrow sizes distribution with an absolute reproducibility. The ruthenium nanocatalysts were tested in the selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone and palladium nanocatalysts were tested in the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to hydrocinnamaldehyde, and we obtained good performances in both reactions.
Equation of state of asymmetric nuclear matter: a VMC study
Authors: Manisa Kaan , Atav Ülfet , Sarıaydın Sibel
Published: January 2010

A Variational Monte Carlo (VMC) method is employed to investigate the properties of symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter. The realistic Urbana V
14 twonucleon interaction potential of Lagaris and Pandharipande was used to describe the microscopic interactions. Also, many body interactions are included as a density dependent term in the potential. Total kinetic and potential energies per particle are calculated for asymmetric nuclear matter by VMC method at various densities and isospin asymmetry parameters. The results are compared with data found in literature, and it was observed that the results obtained in this study reasonably agree with the results found in the literature. Also, the symmetry energy and incompressibility factor of the nuclear matter were obtained. The results obtained are in good agreement with those obtained by various authors with different methods and techniques.
Amisulpride Versus Olanzapine in the Treatment of Schizophrenia in Indian Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bhowmick Subhrojyoti , Hazra Avijit , Ghosh Malati
Published: January 2010

Objective: Atypical antipsychotics are increasingly drugs of first choice in schizophrenia. Amisulpride, a new atypical antipsychotic, is reported to be effective for both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia in Western countries but Indian experience is limited. The aim of the present study was therefore to conduct a trial of amisulpride versus olanzapine in Indian schizophrenia patients.

Methods: Eighty adult patients of either sex were randomized to receive standard doses of the two drugs orally, in a single blind manner, for 12 weeks, with follow up at 4 and 8 weeks. Effectiveness was assessed by changes in scores on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and physician-administered Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale. Tolerability was assessed by treatment-emergent adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Results: Evaluable were 39 patients on amisulpride and 38 on olanzapine. The groups were comparable at baseline with respect to demographics, illness duration and rating scores. Final BPRS score was lower for olanzapine (33.2 ± 9.44) than for amisulpride (37.7 ± 9.67). SAPS and SANS scores and CGI rating improved individually in both arms but remained comparable between groups throughout the study period, but olanzapine reduced SAPS score to a greater extent. ADRs were encountered in 67.5% and 47.5% of patients (p = 0.113) on amisulpride and olanzapine, respectively. Tremor and insomnia were more frequent with amisulpride, while olanzapine caused more weight gain and sedation. No serious ADRs occurred.

Conclusions: Amisulpride, although comparable to olanzapine on some measures, did not match the improvement seen with the latter drug in BPRS and SAPS scores. Despite differences in ADR profiles, overall tolerability was satisfactory for both drugs. In Indian patients, amisulpride should therefore be an alternative to olanzapine to a limited extent, such as when weight gain and sedation are undesirable.
The Influence of Individual, Social and Physical Environment Factors on Physical Activity in the Adult Population in Andalusia, Spain
Authors: Bolívar Julia , Daponte Antonio , Rodríguez Miguel , Sánchez José Juan
Published: January 2010

A person’s physical and social environment is considered as an influencing factor in terms of rates of engagement in physical activity. This study analyses the influence of socio-demographic, physical and social environmental factors on physical activity reported in the adult population in Andalusia. This is a cross-sectional study using data collected in the Andalusia Health Survey in 1999 and 2003. In addition to the influence of the individual’s characteristics, if there are no green spaces in the neighbourhood it is less likely that men and women will take exercise (OR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.13, 1.41). Likewise, a higher local illiteracy rate also has a negative influence on exercise habits in men (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.21, 1.59) and in women (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.40). Physical activity is influenced by individuals’ characteristics as well as by their social and physical environment, the most disadvantaged groups are less likely to engage in physical activity.
Characterization, Modeling and Design Parameters Identification of Silicon Carbide Junction Field Effect Transistor for Temperature Sensor Applications
Authors: Salah Tarek Ben , Khachroumi Sofiane , Morel Hervé
Published: January 2010

Sensor technology is moving towards wide-band-gap semiconductors providing high temperature capable devices. Indeed, the higher thermal conductivity of silicon carbide, (three times more than silicon), permits better heat dissipation and allows better cooling and temperature management. Though many temperature sensors have already been published, little endeavours have been invested in the study of silicon carbide junction field effect devices (SiC-JFET) as a temperature sensor. SiC-JFETs devices are now mature enough and it is close to be commercialized. The use of its specific properties versus temperatures is the major focus of this paper. The SiC-JFETs output current-voltage characteristics are characterized at different temperatures. The saturation current and its on-resistance versus temperature are successfully extracted. It is demonstrated that these parameters are proportional to the absolute temperature. A physics-based model is also presented. Relationships between on-resistance and saturation current versus temperature are introduced. A comparative study between experimental data and simulation results is conducted. Important to note, the proposed model and the experimental results reflect a successful agreement as far as a temperature sensor is concerned.
Leucania comma in North America (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)
Authors: Ferguson Douglas C.
Published: January 2010

On a collecting trip to the Codroy Valley region of southwestern Newfoundland in 1959, the author obtained specimens of a Leucania recognized at the time as an unfamiliar species. Subsequent investigation soon established that it was Leucania comma L., a Palaearctic species not previously known from North America. In late June and early July of 1959, this was the commonest of three species of Leucania present, and actually one of the commonest Noctuids that came to the lanterns. On a recent trip to the same area, from late July until mid-August, 1962, comma was again encountered, but most specimens were at that time very worn. In 1954 the author spent three weeks on the Avalon Peninsula, but comma was not found on that occasion. It was not listed by Krogerus in his paper of 1954, although he recorded as quite common in cultivated areas of western Newfoundland the superficially similar L. comoides Gn., a species the present writer has not seen from there.
A Comparison of Radiograph Analysis and Bark Dissection in Estimating Numbers of Western Pine Beetle
Authors: DeMars C. J.
Published: January 2010

Estimates of the numbers of the western pine beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte, in Pinus ponderosa Laws, bark samples were made by radiographs of 25 bark samples and by dissection counts of the bark. High correlations (r = >.9) between the two methods were found for (a) live larvae, (b) live plus dead larvae, (c) live of all stages combined, and (d) live plus dead of all stages combined. The bark dissection method took eight times as long and was 4⅓ times as expensive as the radiographic interpretation method of estimating bark beetle numbers.
A Note on the Pterostigma in Insects
Authors: Arnold J. W.
Published: January 2010

During studies on blood circulation in the wings of insects it was observed incidentally that the pterostigma (“stigma” of some authors) in some insects had little in common with the similarly-termed structure in others. At the same time some of them were structurally similar to areas not generally identified as pterostigmata in the wings of other species. In view of the general recognition of pterostigmata as an obvious feature in certain insect wings, the apparent mis-interpretation of their nature, and their possible significance in wing evolution, it seems useful to comment on their structure and possible origins.
A New Hylobius Weevil Associated With Jack Pine Stand Deterioration (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Millers I. , Benjamin D. M. , Warner R. E.
Published: January 2010

During ecological investigations of the pine root collar weevil, Hylobius radicis Buchanan, in central Wisconsin sand plains, a weevil of similar appearance, but of different habits, was encountered. This weevil was identified tentatively as H. radicis with the available keys (Buchanan, 1934 and Finnegan, 1961), and in general fits the original morphological description of that species. However, differences in biological habits and morphology suggested that an undescribed species was involved (Millers, 1960 and Millers and Benjamin, 1961), and the taxonomic separation and description of the new species follows:
Habituation and Associative Learning inDrino bohemicaMesn. (Diptera: Tachinidae)
Authors: Monteith L. G.
Published: January 2010

Adults ofDrino bohemicaMesn., a tachinid parasite, learned to associate the movement of a part of their cage with the presence of host larvae. The parasites became habituated to an artist’s brush. Learning was retained for a period varying from a few hours to a few days. There were differences in the ability of groups of parasites to learn and to retain learning. The ability of the parasite to learn a new clue for use in locating hosts would interact with other factors that influence host-finding and host selection.
Heptachlor as a Systemic Insecticide against the Wheat Stem Sawfly, Cephus cinctus Nort.
Authors: Holmes N. D. , Peterson L. K.
Published: January 2010

Granular heptachlor applied with the seed caused mortality in larvae of the wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Nort., in wheat stems. Half a pound of actual heptachlor per acre gave less control than either 1 or 2 pounds, although the latter two rates did not differ in effectiveness. Formulations with attaclay were more effective than with vermiculite.

The insecticide was most effective in the lower internodes of the stem where it caused considerable mortality of early-instar larvae but was less effective on more mature larvae.

To be effective, heptachlor evidently required light sawfly infestations restricted mainly to the lower internodes of the stems such as had occurred in 1960. In that year heptachlor gave its best control although it was no more effective than a moderately sawfly-resistant wheat. Lack of control in 1961 was related to the heavy sawfly infestations in that year. The poor control in 1962 was related to the concentration of most of the sawfly eggs in the top two internodes where the insecticide had little effect on newly-hatched larvae. Only later, when they were more mature, did the larvae reach the lower internodes.
Survey of Biota Associated with Monochamus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Maine.
Authors: Soper R. S. , Olson R. E.
Published: January 2010

The biota associated with Monochamus species collected in Maine include species of Acarina, Diptera, Hymenoptera and Nematoda, as well as fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Mites belonging to seven families and thirteen genera were found in association with the sawyers. Two species were previously unknown and have since been described as the new genus and species Longoseius cuniculus Chant of the family Digamasellidae and the new genus and species Mucroseius monochami Lindquist of the family Blattisocidae. Parasitic diptera belonged to three genera in three different families, and of these one contained a new species, Forcipomyia innom., family Ceratopogonidae, which was found as an intermittent parasite of adult Monochamus notatus and Monochamus scutellatus. This constitutes a new host record for the biting midge family. Only one hymenopterous parasite, a species of Dolichomitus was reared from a sawyer larva. The five genera of nematodes isolated from larvae, pupae, and adults of Monochamus species include specimens of the genus Hexamermis. Parasitism by this group is thought to be unusual because of the relative inaccessibility of the host. Isolates from eight fungal genera were obtained, and strains of Beauveria bassiana, and Isaria farinosa, were shown to be pathogenic. The bacteria isolated from dead sawyers included Aerobacter aerogenes, Bacillus cereus var. mycoides, and one unidentified species. Only the tachinid E. monohammi and the mite Uropoda have been previously reported of the large number of organisms found associated with sawyer beetles in this study. The fungus Beauveria bassiana proved to be the most important biological control agent.
Predatory Behavior of Philodromus rufus Walckenaer (Araneae: Thomisidae)
Authors: Haynes Dean L. , Sisojević P.
Published: January 2010

Factors which influence the rate at which Philodromus rufus Walckenaer attacks prey are discussed. Drosophila melanogaster Meign. was used as prey throughout the rearing and testing of P. rufus. Spiders used in these tests were immature at the time of capture and reared to the adult stage in the laboratory. Feeding histories were maintained for all spiders, although the experiments designed to measure the attack response of individual spiders to changing prey density were done with adult males.

In the immature stage there was no difference between the feeding rate of male and female spiders. The adult males, however, were relatively inefficient predators; females killed approximately six times as many flies in their adult lives as males. The irregular feeding pattern of the females, as compared to the fairly uniform feeding pattern of the males, resulted in the males being more amenable to experimental tests. Periods of starvation, molting, and opposition strongly influenced the feeding rate of P. rufus. At high prey densities there was an inverse relationship between hunger and utilization of individual prey. This resulted from uncaptured prey interfering with the feeding spider.

Both feeding time and searching time showed a relationship to prey density. Individual fly activity increased with fly density and this resulted in a functional response curve with an increasing slope. One of the basic requirements for regulation was thereby demonstrated. When prey density was corrected for the increase in fly activity by computing a new density estimate based on fly activity, a typical functional response for invertebrates became evident for hungry spiders but not for well-fed spiders. By using Holling's “disc equation” the difference between starved and satiated spiders was explained as an interaction between prey and predator characteristics. Owing to density-dependent parameters such as prey activity, predator feeding time, and “rate of discovery”, no known mathematical model fitted the data.
Synopsis of the Genus Tetraphleps Fieber in North America (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)
Authors: Kelton Leonard A.
Published: January 2010

Species of Tetraphleps Fieber known from North America are canadensis Prov., pilosipes Kelt. and And., feratis (Dr. and Har.), latipennis Van D., and uniformis Parsh. Descriptions, host plants, and distributional records for the species are given, and a key is provided.
Birch Pollen Immunotherapy Leads to Differential Induction of Regulatory T Cells and Delayed Helper T Cell Immune Deviation
Authors: Möbs Christian , Slotosch Caroline , Löffler Harald , Jakob Thilo , Hertl Michael , Pfützner Wolfgang
Published: January 2010

Correction of an imbalance between allergen-specific T cell subsets is considered a critical event in establishing allergen tolerance by specific immunotherapy (SIT). In a comprehensive, longitudinal study, distinct T cell populations and Ig subtypes were analyzed in subjects allergic to birch pollen during decisive time points of SIT (i.e., induction and maintenance phase), as well as in and out of birch pollen season. An increase in Bet v 1-specific, IL-10–secreting T cells, fulfilling the criteria of inducible type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, was observed by the end of the induction phase; this resulted in a decreased ratio of allergen-specific IL-5+ Th2/Tr1 cells. In contrast, CD4+CD25+CD127low regulatory T cell numbers did not change. Furthermore, enhanced concentrations of allergen-specific IgG Abs were observed, whereas allergen-specific IgE and IgA levels remained unchanged. After 1 y of SIT, a reduced ratio of allergen-specific Th2/IFN-γ+ Th1 cells was apparent. Although untreated and SIT-treated allergic subjects developed enhanced Th2 cell responses during birch pollen season, only SIT-treated patients experienced elevated numbers of allergen-specific Tr1 cells, which were associated with reduced skin prick test reactivity and diminished clinical symptoms. In coculture assays, allergen-specific Tr1 cells showed an IL-10– and dose-dependent inhibition of CD4+CD25− T effector cells. Thus, SIT has differential effects on regulatory T cell subsets, resulting in an early induction of allergen-specific Tr1 cells associated with an increase in allergen-specific IgG, and it leads to a delayed shift from an allergen-specific Th2- to a Th1-dominated immune response.
Testing the developmental distinctiveness of male proactive and reactive aggression with a nested longitudinal experimental intervention
Authors: Barker Edward D. , Vitaro Frank , Lacourse Eric , Fontaine Nathalie M. G. , Carbonneau Rene , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: January 2010

An experimental preventive intervention nested into a longitudinal study was used to test the developmental distinctiveness of proactive and reactive aggression. The randomized multimodal preventive intervention targeted a subsample of boys rated disruptive by their teachers. These boys were initially part of a sample of 895 boys, followed from kindergarten to 17 years of age. Semiparametric analyses of developmental trajectories for self‐reported proactive and reactive aggression (between 13 and 17 years of age) indicated three trajectories for each type of aggression that varied in size and shape (Low, Moderate, and High Peaking). Intent‐to‐treat comparisons between the boys in the prevention group and the control group confirmed that the preventive intervention between 7 and 9 years of age, which included parenting skills and social skills training, could impact the development of reactive more than proactive aggression. The intervention effect identified in reactive aggression was related to a reduction in self‐reported coercive parenting. The importance of these results for the distinction between subtypes of aggressive behaviors and the value of longitudinal‐experimental studies from early childhood onward is discussed. Aggr. Behav. 36:127–140, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved‐Performance Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Using Nb‐Doped TiO2 Electrodes: Efficient Electron Injection and Transfer
Authors: Lü Xujie , Mou Xinliang , Wu Jianjun , Zhang Dingwen , Zhang Linlin , Huang Fuqiang , Xu Fangfang , Huang Sumei
Published: January 2010

Well‐crystallized Nb‐doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles are prepared by a novel synthetic route and successfully used as the photoanode of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The homogenous distribution of Nb in the TiO2 lattice is confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) elemental mapping and line‐scanning analyses. After Nb doping, the conductivity of the TiO2 powder increases, and its flat‐band potential (Vfb) has a positive shift. The energy‐conversion efficiency of a cell based on 5.0 mol% Nb‐doped TiO2 is significantly better, by about 18.2%, compared to that of a cell based on undoped TiO2. The as‐prepared Nb‐doped TiO2 material is proven in detail to be a better photoanode material than pure TiO2, and this new synthetic approach using a water‐soluble precursor provides a simple and versatile way to prepare excellent photoanode materials.
Heritability estimates for cognitive factors and brain white matter integrity as markers of schizophrenia
Authors: Bertisch Hilary , Li Dawei , Hoptman Matthew J. , DeLisi Lynn E.
Published: January 2010

Recent genetics research focusing on schizophrenia has led to candidate cognitive and neuroimaging variables as intermediate phenotypes or “endophenotype” markers for the illness. Among other stringent criteria, to be an endophenotype, a marker must demonstrate heritability. In an effort to explore the validity of a selection of cognitive and neuroimaging endophenotypes, the present study was designed to determine estimates of their heritability. One hundred fourteen subjects, including 27 with schizophrenia and 39 unaffected relatives from 23 multiplex schizophrenia families, participated in a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and structural brain imaging with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Variables were selected if they previously have been demonstrated to show differences between people with schizophrenia and normal controls. Significant evidence of heritability was confirmed for overall cognitive function (“g”), as well as expressive and receptive language, verbal and visual memory, processing speed and cognitive inhibition. In addition, significant heritability estimates were determined for specific regions in the frontal, central, parietal, and occipital areas. These results suggest that the variables chosen may be useful endophenotypes for genetic and early detection studies, although further work with larger cohorts should be conducted to show that deficits in these functions and structures also segregate with schizophrenia within families and thus fully satisfy the definition of an endophenotype. In addition, other cognitive and neuroimaging variables that were not studied here may be candidates for schizophrenia endophenotypes. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Tissue isotopic enrichment associated with growth depression in a pig: Implications for archaeology and ecology
Authors: Warinner Christina , Tuross Noreen
Published: January 2010

Stressors such as fasting or poor diet quality are thought to potentially alter the nitrogen and carbon isotopic values of animal tissues. In this study, we demonstrate an inverse correlation between growth rate and multiple tissue enrichment of δ15N, δ13C, and, to a lesser degree, δ18O in a juvenile pig. A more complex pattern is observed with respect to tissue δD and growth rate. The observed association between growth rate and tissue isotopic fractionation has important implications for paleodietary and migratory reconstructions of archaeological populations that may have been affected by famine, malnutrition, seasonal variation in food availability, and/or other factors that can affect childhood growth rates. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Copper‐catalyzed/mediated aromatic CH bond functionalization
Authors: Zhang Ming
Published: January 2010

The CH functionalization strategy has received substantial attention because of its economic, sustainable and environmentally benign features. Most reports are on palladium, rhodium or ruthenium catalysis, and reports on copper catalysis are relatively fewer. Recently, many reports on copper‐catalyzed/mediated CH functionalization have been published. Copper salts bear properties of cheapness and relatively low toxicity. This review introduces an advance on copper‐catalyzed/mediated aromatic CH functionalization. The content includes aromatic ring CH bond functionalization and heteroaromatic CH bond functionalization forming new carbon–carbon or carbon–heteroatom bonds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification of textiles by glow discharge technique: Part II: Low frequency plasma treatment of wool fabrics with acrylic acid
Authors: Kutlu Bengi , Aksit Aysun , Mutlu Mehmet
Published: January 2010

In this study, wool fibers are modified by low frequency plasma polymerization of acrylic acid regarding to its' hydrophobic character due to cuticular cells at their surfaces. Variables of the plasma glow discharge processes were power (40–100 W) and exposure time (5–45 min). The effect of plasma modification in the performance properties of wool were investigated on the basis of hydrophilicity of wool, average wrinkle recovery angle, and breaking strength. The surface chemical structures of fabrics were examined with x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The hydrophobic wool fabric became hydrophilic after all plasma treatments except one (40W–5 min). Average wrinkle recovery angle of the treated fabrics were between 157 and 178°, while that of untreated fabric was 180°. The treated fabrics had a little bit lower angles according to the untreated fabric. However, even the lowest value as 157° means that the fabric has a good crease resistance property. The breaking strengths of fabrics were increased up to 26% after the plasma treatments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of treatment of Bis(3‐triethoxysilyl propyl)tetrasulfane on physical property of in situ sodium activated and organomodified bentonite clay – SBR rubber nanocomposite
Authors: Chakraborty Sugata , Kar Saptarshi , Dasgupta Saikat , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra , Bandyopadhyay Samar , Joshi Mangala , Ameta Suresh C.
Published: January 2010

This study describes the effect of treatment of Bis(3‐triethoxysilyl propyl)tetrasulfane (silane coupling agent, Si69, TESPT) on in situ sodium activated, organo modified bentonite clay – styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite. transmission electron microscopy and Wide angle X‐ray diffraction indicated the intercalation as well as partial exfoliation in both the organoclay and silane treated organoclay compound. It was found that about 5% of silane with respect to clay was the optimum dose for the treatment. Around 15% improvement in tensile and tear strength was observed due to silane treatment. Silane treated organoclay exhibited substantial improvement of the fatigue life, compression set, and rebound property. A detailed study of physical property was carried out. A comparison with low and high structure carbon black filled compound was also carried out. It revealed that the silane treatment helped organoclay to achieve comparable property of the compound having equivalent carbon black loading. Probable mechanism of interaction of silane with clay has also been proposed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Rubber‐like thermosetting epoxy asphalt composites exhibiting atypical yielding behaviors
Authors: Kang Yang , Chen Zhiming , Jiao Zhen , Huang Wei
Published: January 2010

Rubber‐like thermosetting epoxy asphalt composites (REACs) were prepared by curing epoxy resin (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A) with curing agents system made up of maleated petroleum asphalt, adipic acid, and methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride. REACs' glass transition temperatures (Tg) and mechanics performances were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and universal tester, respectively. DSC results indicated that REACs had homogeneous phase structures, and theirTgwere lower than room temperature. Large elongation at break (εb), as high as 150–286%, and atypical yielding behaviors similar to so‐called “hard elastic” thermoplastics were observed simultaneously for the first time as to thermosetting epoxy composites at room temperature. The striking characteristics of REACs were ascribed to the formation of unique asphalt‐filled bimodal networks, consisting of simultaneous cured maleated asphalt short‐chain and dicarboxylic acid long‐chain interpenetrating bimodal networks and wherewith filled unmaleated asphalt. The experimental results suggest that these inexpensive REACs may find promising applications in many engineering fields. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Surface modification of nylon membrane by glycidyl methacrylate graft copolymerization for antibody immobilization
Authors: Jackeray Richa , Jain Swati , Chattopadhyay Sruti , Yadav Manu , Shrivastav T. G. , Singh Harpal
Published: January 2010

Surface of nylon membrane was modified by the graft copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) using persulfate and thiosulfate as redox initiator system. Effect of various reaction parameters such as initiator concentration, monomer concentration, polymerization time, and temperature on degree of grafting was also studied. Maximum grafting of 100% was achieved by using equimolar concentration (0.008M) of redox initiator and 0.5M of GMA monomer at 70°C in 60 min. Grafted nylon membranes with various graft levels of GMA were characterized by various techniques such as fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The GMA grafted nylon (NyM‐g‐GMA) membranes with different graft levels were evaluated as a support for immobilization of rabbit anti goat antibody (RAG IgG). Antibody (Ab) immobilized NyM‐g‐GMA membranes were evaluated using ELISA and Bradford protein estimation method. Nylon membrane with 60% graft level showed optimum immobilization of Ab at RAG IgG conc. of 0.625 μg/mL with low nonspecific binding. Maximum immobilization efficiency (I.E.%) of 56% was observed for membrane with 60% graft level at 50 μg/mL of RAG IgG in PBS (pH 7.4). Ab immobilized NyM‐g‐GMA discs were found to be stable up to 6 weeks at 4°C and 2 days at 37°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Comparative study of additives on visualized dynamic sorption behavior of perylene in cellulose acetate film by confocal laser scanning microscope technique
Authors: Hasegawa Takashi , Matsui Toshiro , Matsumoto Kiyoshi
Published: January 2010

The sorption behavior of a fluorescent reagent into a polymer film was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), and the effect of additives on the sorption was examined. Perylene and cellulose acetate (CA) were used as a fluorescent reagent and a polymer material, respectively. Perylene dissolved in additives of glycerol triacetate (GTA), triethylene glycol diacetate (TEGDA), 1,3‐butylene glycol diacetate (BGDA), paraffin liquid, and poly(ethylene glycol) 200 (PEG) were added onto CA film. At optimized CLSM conditions (scanning range of a 10 μm‐depth from the CA film surface with 1 μm intervals and a scanning speed of 1 fps), the sorption of perylene at the inner CA film was determined. Diffusion coefficients of perylene in the CA film were calculated according to Fick's second law. When perylene was dissolved in TEGDA, the highest diffusion coefficient, 8.9 × 10−15 m2/s, among the additives was obtained because of high affinity of TEGDA with perylene, whereas the lowest diffusion coefficient was observed in paraffin liquid, which showed a low affinity with perylene. The diffusion coefficients of perylene in GTA, BGDA, and PEG also revealed that physical parameters, such as molecular size and viscosity, of the additives were additional factors affecting the perylene diffusivity in the CA film. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010