bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Squeezed at the top: Interspecific aggression may constrain elevational ranges in tropical birds
Authors: Jankowski Jill E. , Robinson Scott K. , Levey Douglas J.
Published: July 2010

Tropical montane species are characterized by narrow elevational distributions. Recent perspectives on mechanisms maintaining these restricted distributions have emphasized abiotic processes, but biotic processes may also play a role in their establishment or maintenance. One historically popular hypothesis, especially for birds, is that interspecific competition constrains ranges of closely related species that “replace” each other along elevational gradients. Supporting evidence, however, is based on patterns of occurrence and does not reveal potential mechanisms. We experimentally tested a prediction of this hypothesis in two genera of tropical songbirds, Catharus (Turdidae) and Henicorhina (Troglodytidae), in which species have nonoverlapping elevational distributions. Using heterospecific playback trials, we found that individuals at replacement zones showed aggressive territorial behavior in response to songs of congeners. As distance from replacement zones increased, aggression toward congener song decreased, suggesting a learned component to interspecific aggression. Additionally, aggressive responses in Catharus were asymmetric, indicating interspecific dominance. These results provide experimental evidence consistent with the hypothesis that interspecific competitive interactions restrict ranges of Neotropical birds. Our results also underscore the need to consider biotic processes, such as competition, when predicting how species' ranges will shift with climate change. Asymmetric aggression could be particularly important. For example, if warming in montane landscapes allows upslope range expansion by dominant competitors, then high‐elevation subordinate species could be forced into progressively smaller mountaintop habitats, jeopardizing viability of their populations.
Thirty years of permanent vegetation plots, Mount St. Helens, Washington, USA
Authors: del Moral Roger
Published: July 2010

I established 92 permanent plots on Mount St. Helens starting in 1980 in order to document vegetation recovery from volcanic disturbances. I report data in 1743 records (plot × year), containing 85 species. These represent most common species found in non‐forested habitats on Mount St. Helens. Richness, percent cover, diversity (H′ and evenness), and species frequency of a plot are reported. Plots were sampled using 24 quadrats placed in the same location in each sample year by the same observer. Habitats sampled included those experiencing primary succession, secondary succession, and recovery from disturbance. These data have been used to test hypotheses concerning succession trajectories and patterns of species assembly. They also may be used to test models of succession, determine succession rates by several methods, and explore assembly processes and rules. Four files provide the data: (1) the matrix of species in each plot in each year; (2) the matrix of structural measures (e.g., richness) in each plot in each year; (3) taxonomic and life‐history characteristics of species in the data set; and (4) geographic and landscape factors for each plot. The data are described in a metadata file, which includes numerous time‐series images.

The complete data sets corresponding to abstracts published in the Data Papers section of the journal are published electronically in Ecological Archives at 〈http://esapubs.org/archive〉. (The accession number for each Data Paper is given directly beneath the title.)
Methylprednisolone and its related substances in freeze dried powders for injections
Authors: Solomun Ljiljana , Ibric Svetlana , Vajs Vlatka , Vuckovic Ivan , Vujic Zorica
Published: July 2010

In this work behavior of active pharmaceutical substances - methylprednisolone (in a form of methylprednisolone sodium succinate) in finished pharmaceutical dosage form - freeze dried powder for injections was examined. The goal was to evaluate the chemical stabilities of methylprednisolone sodium succinate packaged in dual chamber vial, as a specific container closure system. The effect of different parameters: temperature, moisture and light were monitored. USP method for assay was used to determine concentrations of methylprednisolone, as a sum of the concentration of methylprednisolone esters (17-hydrogen succinate and 21-hydrogen succinate) and free methylprednisolone. HPLC method was used for stability evaluation of active substance and related substances determination. Four main degradation products were noted. Temperature has a major impact on degradation process and appearance of 3 degradation products (impurities B, C and D), while the presence of light caused increasing content of impurity A. Identification of impurity B, C and D has been done using mass and NMR spectroscopy as well. All three substances are related substances of methylprednisolone.
A study of thermally activated Mg-Fe layered double hydroxides as potential environmental catalysts
Authors: Hadnadjev-Kostic Milica , Vulic Tatjana , Marinkovic-Neducin Radmila
Published: July 2010

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and mixed oxides derived after thermal decomposition of LDH with different Mg-Fe content were investigated. These materials were chosen because of the possibility to tailor their various properties, such as ion-exchange capability, redox and acid-base properties and surface area. Layered double hydroxides, [Mg1-x Fex (OH)2](CO3)x/2 ? m H2O, (where x presents the content of trivalent ions, x = M(III)/[M(II) + M(III)]) were synthesized, using low supersaturation precipitation method. The influence of different Mg/Fe ratio on the structure and surface properties of LDH and derived mixed oxides was investigated in correlation to catalytic properties in chosen test reaction (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis). It was determined that the presence of active sites in the mixed oxides is influenced by structural properties of the initial LDH and by the presence of additional Fe phases. Furthermore, the synthesis outside the optimal range for the synthesis of single phase LDHs leads to the formation of metastable, multiphase systems with specific characteristics and active sites.
Change of isoprenoids, steranes and terpanes during ex situ bioremediation of mazut on industrial level
Authors: Beskoski Vladimir , Takic Milos , Milic Jelena , Ilic Mila , Gojgic-Cvijovic Gordana , Jovancicevic Branimir , Vrvic Miroslav
Published: July 2010

The paper presents results of the ex situ bioremediation of soil contaminated by mazut (heavy residual fuel oil) in the field scale (600 m3). A treatment-bed (thickness 0.4 m) consisted of mechanically mixed mazut-contaminated soil, softwood sawdust as the additional carbon source and crude river sand, as bulking and porosity increasing material. The inoculation/reinoculation was conducted periodically using a biomass of a consortium of zymogenous microorganisms isolated from the bioremediation substrate. The biostimulation was performed through addition of nutritious substances (N, P and K). The aeration was improved by systematic mixing of the bioremediation system. After 50 days, the number of hydrocarbon degraders increased 100 times. Based on the changes in the group composition, the average biodegradation rate during bioremediation was 24 mg/kg/day for the aliphatic fraction, 6 mg/kg/day for the aromatic fraction, and 3 mg/kg/day for the nitrogen-sulphuroxygen compounds (NSO)-asphaltene fraction. In the saturated hydrocarbon fraction, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the single ion-monitoring mode (SIM) was applied to analyse isoprenoids pristane and phytane and polycyclic molecules of sterane and triterpane type. Biodegradation occurred during the bioremediation process, as well as reduction of relative quantities of isoprenoids, steranes, tri- and tetracyclic terpanes and pentacyclic terpanes of hopane type.
Comparative study of ethanol oxidation at Pt: Based nanoalloys and UPD modified Pt nanoparticles
Authors: Tripkovic Amalija , Lovic Jelena , Popovic Ksenija
Published: July 2010

The activity of two alloys, Pt3Sn/C and Pt3Ru2/C, was compared with the activity of Pt/C modified with corresponding amounts of SnUPD (?25 %) and RuUPD (?40 %) in oxidation of ethanol. Pt3Sn/C, Pt3Ru2/C and Pt/C catalysts were characterized by XRD. To establish the activity and stability of the catalysts, potentiodynamic, quasi steady-state and chronoamperometric measurements were performed. Both alloys are more active than SnUPD or RuUPD modified Pt/C catalysts. Electronic effect determining dominantly the activity of Pt3Sn/C is the main reason for its higher activity compared to Pt3Ru2/C. Since SnUPD and RuUPD do not provoke any significant modification of electronic environment, both modified Pt/C catalysts are less active than corresponding alloys. More pronounced difference in activity between Pt3Sn/C and SnUPD modified Pt/C than between Pt3Ru2/C and RuUPD modified Pt/C is caused by electronic effect in Pt3Sn/C. High activity of Pt3Sn/C modified with small amount of SnUPD (?10%) can be explained by combining the electronic effect, causing less strongly bonded adsorbate on Pt sites and easier mobility of SnUPD, with enhanced amount of oxygen-containing species on Sn sites resulting finally in reinforcement of bifunctional mechanism.
Assessment of three turbulence model performances in predicting water jet flow plunging into a liquid pool
Authors: Zidouni Kendil , Bousbia Salah , Mataoui Amina
Published: July 2010

The main purpose of the current study is to numerically investigate, through computational fluid dynamics modeling, a water jet injected vertically downward through a straight circular pipe into a water bath. The study also aims to obtain a better understanding of jet behavior, air entrainment and the dispersion of bubbles in the developing flow region. For these purposes, three dimensional air and water flows were modeled using the volume of fluid technique. The equations in question were formulated using the density and viscosity of a 'gas-liquid mixture', described in terms of the phase volume fraction. Three turbulence models with a high Reynolds number have been considered i. e. the standard k-e model, realizable k-e model, and Reynolds stress model. The predicted flow patterns for the realizable k-e model match well with experimental measurements found in available literature. Nevertheless, some discrepancies regarding velocity relaxation and turbulent momentum distribution in the pool are still observed for both the standard k-e and the Reynolds stress model.
Vertical distribution of 137Cs in cultivated and undisturbed areas
Authors: Nenadovic Snezana , Nenadovic Milos , Vukanac Ivana , Djordjevic Aleksandar , Dragicevic Slavoljub , Ljesevic Milutin
Published: July 2010

This paper introduces the distribution background and unique characteristics of 137Cs in cultivated and undisturbed areas. The samples were taken from three measuring points of the depth of 1 m. We examined all visible horizons and determined their classifications. There were four horizons in one profile. All four horizons had a different zone thickness. 137Cs is an artificial radionuclide that has been produced primarily as a result of atmospheric thermonuclear weapon tests since the 1950. Also, the great amount of 137Cs (~85 PBq) was released in the atmosphere during the Chernobyl accident. So, 137Cs has been globally distributed, with fallout rates generally related to latitude and precipitation depth. The movement of 137Cs in soil is primarily controlled by soil erosion processes, such as processes caused by water, wind, and tillage. Thus, 137Cs is a valuable tracer to study soil erosion. The specific activity of 137Cs in soil and sediment samples was determined by using the gamma-spectrometric method.
Influence of tube volume on measurement uncertainty of GM counters
Authors: Stankovic Koviljka , Vujisic Milos , Delic Ljubinko
Published: July 2010

GM counters are often used in radiation detection since they generate a strong signal which can be easily detected. The working principal of a GM counter is based on the interaction of ionizing radiation with the atoms and molecules of the gas present in the counter's tube. Free electrons created as a result of this interaction become initial electrons, i. e. start an avalanche process which is detected as a pulse of current. This current pulse is independent of the energy imparted on the gas, that being the main difference between a GM counter and the majority of other radiation detectors. In literature, the dependence on the incidence of radiation energy, tube's orientation and characteristics of the reading system are quoted as the main sources of measurement uncertainty of GM counters. The aim of this paper is to determine the dependence of measurement uncertainty of a GM counter on the volume of its counter's tube. The dependence of the pulse current on the size of the counter's tube has, therefore, been considered here, both in radial and parallel geometry. The initiation and expansion of the current pulse have been examined by means of elementary processes of electrical discharge such as the Markov processes, while the changes in the counter's tube volume were put to test by the space - time enlargement law. The random variable known as the 'current pulse in the counter's tube' (i. e. electrical breakdown of the electrode configuration) has also been taken into account and an appropriate theoretical distribution statistically determined. Thus obtained theoretical results were then compared to corresponding experimental results established in controlled laboratory conditions.
Depression vs. Dementia: A comparative analysis of neuropsychological functions
Authors: Leposavic Ivana , Leposavic Ljubica , Gavrilovic Predrag
Published: July 2010

Previous studies concerned with neuropsychological aspect of depression, detected comparatively specific profile of cognitive deficiencies, including the disorders of attention, memory and executive functions. Although the classical depression is recognized as psuedodementia, or reversible dementia, these two entities frequently overlap in the elder population. Many patients who are at first depressive, become demented later, and the initial stages of dementia are not rarely accompanied with mood changes. The aim of this study is the establishing of differences between neuropsychological profiles of depression and dementia. The sample included three groups: the first group represented the patients with endogenous depression, the second - the patients with dementia, and the third one - healthy individuals. The participants have been tested by a neuropsychological battery. Two patient groups were tested during the stage of remission/adequate mood. Abilities most susceptible to depression are: attention, executive functions and memory. Cognitive flexibility and general cognitive ability are preserved in depressive patients. Depressive patients express cognitive disorders of moderate degree during the remission stage. Impairment pattern in the group of depressive patients does not indicate intellectual degradation of the dementia type. Neuropsychological deficiencies of the patients with endogenous depression suggest frontal limbic dysfunction. Excesses in cognitive functioning of demented patients are more serious and massive in comparison with cognitive difficulties in depressive patients.
Reflux disease as an etiological factor of dental erosion
Authors: Stojsin Ivana , Brkanic Tatjana , Zivkovic Slavoljub
Published: July 2010

Introduction Gastroesophageal reflux is a frequent disease which has a significant influence on the development of dental erosions. Objective The aim of this research was to determine the frequency of dental erosions among the patients with gastroesophageal reflux, as well as to verify the most common symptoms of gastroesophageal disease. Methods The research comprised of two groups, each consisting of 30 patients aged 18-80 years. The experimental group comprised of patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), while the control group was composed of patients who were not diagnosed with GERD. Based on the illness history data, all patients of the experimental group were registered to have gastroesophageal and extraesophageal symptoms. Dental erosions were diagnosed during a stomatological inspection by using index system according to Eccles and Jenkins. Data processing was accomplished by the Statgraphics Centurion software package. Results Dental erosions were found in 76.7% of experimental group patients, and in 53.3% of control group patients. Fortynine percent of teeth of the experimental group patients and 31.1% of the control group patients showed erosive changes. On average, the number of teeth with erosions in the experimental group was 15.7 per person and in the control group 10 per person. The teeth of the front region of the upper jaw, as well as the lower first molars had the highest average value of dental erosion index. In the experimental group 12.8% of teeth and 24% of teeth in the control group were diagnosed to have dental erosion index value 1. Furthermore, 23.4% of teeth in the experimental group and 7.1% of teeth in the control group were registered to have dental erosion index value 2. Finally, the dental erosion index value 3 was found in 13.0% of teeth in the experimental group only. The highest average value of regional erosion index in the experimental group was found in the region 13-23 equalling 1.0. The same value in the control group equalled 0.6. In the experimental group the average value of dental erosion index for the upper jaw was 0.9, while this value for the lower jaw equalled 0.8. The analysis of the illness history data obtained showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the two observed groups in terms of burning pain (noncardiac in origin) around the heart area, bad breath and dentine hypersensitivity as the dominant symptom of dental erosion (p<0.05). Conclusion Dental erosions could be considered to be the extraesophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux. .
Familial hypomagnesaemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis: The first four patients in Serbia
Authors: Peco-Antic Amira , Konrad Martin , Milosevski-Lomic Gordana , Dimitrijevic Nikola
Published: July 2010

Introduction Familial hypomagnesaemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by excessive renal magnesium and calcium wasting, bilateral nehrocalcinosis and progressive renal failure. This is the first report of FHHNC of four patients in Serbia. Outline of Cases The first three patients were siblings from the same family. The index case, a 9-yearold girl, presented with severe growth retardation, polyuria and polydipsia, while her brothers, 11 and 7 years old, were disclosed during family member screening. The father had a urolithiasis when aged 18 years, while intermittent microhaematuria and bilateral microlithiasis persisted later on. The fourth patient, a 16-year-old boy with sporadic FHHNC was discovered to have increased proteinuria at routine examination of urine before registration for secondary school. He was well grown up, normotensive, but had moderate renal failure (CKD 3 stage), mild hypomagnesaemia and severe hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis. Beside typical clinical and biochemical data, the diagnosis of FHHNC was confirmed by mutation analysis of the CLDN16 gene; in all four affected individuals a homozygous CLDN16 mutation (Leu151Phe) was found. Treatment with magnesium supplementation resulted in the normalization of serum magnesium levels only in one patient (patient 4), but hypercalciuria persisted and renal failure progressed in all patients. Conclusion FHHNC is a rare cause of chronic renal failure. The first four patients with FHHNC in Serbia have been here described. The diagnosis of FHNNC based on the findings of nephrocalcinosis with hypomagnesiaemia and hypercalciuria, was confirmed by homozygous paracellin1-mutation exhibiting a Leu151Phe. .
Analytical treatment of mixed convection flow past vertical flat plate
Authors: Babaelahi Mojtaba , Ganji Davood , Joneidi Ahmadi
Published: July 2010

The problem of steady incompressible mixed convection flow past vertical flat plate has been considered. The velocity and temperature equations for this problem are reduced to set of non-linear ordinary differential equations by appropriate transformation and are solved by optimal homotopy asymptotic method. Results show that this method provides us with a convenient way to control the convergence of approximation series and adjust convergence regions when necessary. It is concluded that increment of the Prandtl number leads to diminishing of the temperature values.
Experimental investigation of characteristics of a double-base swirl injector in a liquid rocket propellant engine
Authors: Ommi Fathollah , Nekofar Koros , Kargar Amir , Movahed Ehsan
Published: July 2010

In this work the fundamentals of swirl injector calculation is investigated and new design procedure is proposed. The design method for double-base liquid-liquid injectors is presented based on this theory and experimental results. Then special conditions related to double based liquid-liquid injectors are studied and the corresponding results are applied in design manipulation. The behavior of injector in various performing conditions is studied, and the design procedure is presented based on obtained results. A computer code for designing the injector is proposed. Based on this code, four injectors are manufactured. A specialized laboratory was setup for the measurement of macroscopic spray characteristics under different pressure such as homogeneous droplet distribution, spray angle, and swirl effect. Finally, through phase Doppler analyzer cold test, the microscopic characteristics of injectors spray are also obtained and measured. The results which will be explained in detail are satisfactory.
Aufzuchtshabitate für Auerhühner – ein Experiment mit Haushuhnküken | Capercaillie chick habitat – an experiment with barn fowl chicks
Authors: Stettler Maria , Graf Roland F. , Zbinden Niklaus
Published: July 2010

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) populations in Switzerland declined seriously in the past decades. The national capercaillie action plan defines actions to improve forest structure and composition in order to further the populations of the largest grouse species. These habitat measures should focus on improving summer habitat for hens with chicks, because winter habitats are available in good quality and quantity. However, our knowledge on reproduction habitats in alpine conditions is limited. In this study, we investigated microclimatic conditions, i.e. plant wetness, and movement ability of barn fowl chicks in seven characteristic field layer types in the northern Swiss Lower Alps. In the experiment on movement ability, we worked with barn fowl instead of capercaillie chicks for methodological reasons. In the bilberry-dominated vegetation, we measured a significantly lower quantity of water than in the vegetation types without bilberry. In the movement experiment, we found no significant differences between the vegetation types. As a qualitative result, we observed that the chicks moved easily even in high (> 30 cm) and close bilberry vegetation. Our results suggest that bilberry-dominated vegetation provides better conditions for grouse chicks than wet meadows and pastures, because less water adheres to the bilberry plants. Thus, the chicks get less wet in bilberry vegetation, which probably has a positive influence on the survival of the chicks. Even tall and dense vegetation seems not to impede the movement of the chicks. The results of our experiment may not be directly transferable to the demands of capercaillie chicks. Nevertheless, our study provides further evidence for the importance of bilberry as capercaillie chick habitat, especially in regions with high precipitations.
Henry Clifton Sorby (1826–1908): studies in marine biology—the algal lantern slides
Authors: EDYVEAN R. G. J.
Published: July 2010

Henry Clifton Sorby formed his marine zoological and algal collection not only for private study but also as a means of displaying material to large audiences. It is unique in that Sorby devised and perfected a technique to mount and preserve the specimens as projection ("lantern") slides. The algal herbarium described in detail in this paper forms part of a much larger collection of marine animals preserved in the same way. The specimens are held between two pieces of glass 8.3 cm square and are preserved in such a way as to be translucent yet retaining remarkable colour. The technique involves rendering the specimens almost completely flat without distorting the shape. While not so difficult with the algae, this was a considerable feat with the animals. The collection is in the keeping of the Sheffield City Museums, and the Zoology Department of the University of Sheffield.
W. J. Burchell and the botany of St Helena
Authors: CRONK Q. C. B.
Published: July 2010

The unpublished writings of W. J. Burchell concerning the natural history of St Helena (9 MSS at Kew, Oxford and Johannesburg) have been examined as sources for historical ecology. Even though the native vegetation of St Helena had been substantially altered by the time of Burchell's visit (1805–1810), the documents are useful in interpreting subsequent extinction and plant introduction, as well as for understanding the former vegetation. Floristically the most important document is the "Flora Insulae Sanctae Helenae" and a full transcript is provided here.
Origin and usage of the geological terms orsten, stinkstone, and anthraconite
Authors: BERG-MADSEN VIVIANNE
Published: July 2010

Orsten, stinkstone, and anthraconite are synonymous terms in theory but not in practice. In order to trace their development, usage by European geologists through more than 200 years has been investigated. The original definitions and references are examined and found to deviate essentially from the ones in modern geological literature. Another set of poorly defined terms, bitumen and carbon, are found to play a major role in the confusion. A revision of commonly used terms rather than uncritical reproduction from dictionary to dictionary is recommended.
Pfeiffer, Wallace, Allen and Smith: the discovery of the Hymenoptera of the Malay Archipelago
Authors: BAKER D.B.
Published: July 2010

The travels of Mme Ida Laura Pfeiffer, Alfred Russel Wallace and Charles Allen in the Malay Archipelago between the years 1851 and 1862 are summarized with a view to establishing more precise data for their collections; details of the disposal of their entomological collections are given and collection data amplified; and the publication of their Hymenoptera by Frederick Smith is outlined. Short lives of Mme Pfeiffer, of Charles Allen, and of Frederick Smith are given.
John Ray on ‘Accidents’
Authors: CAIN A.J.
Published: July 2010

It has been claimed that the taxonomist John Ray underwent a philosophical revolution in his attitude to accidental and essential characters of plants, as a result of reading the philosopher John Locke's Essay concerning human understanding (1690). Ray's uses of the term ‘accident’ are exemplified, and shown to be multiple and consistent from early on in his career. They point to a consistent strongly pragmatic approach to grouping living things by natural affinities, a concept he could have derived from Aristotle. He did not agree with Cesalpino's so-called Aristotelian divisions of plants by characteristics in order of their (presumed) functional importance. Ray was more probably influenced in his attitude to essences and accidents by Boyle about 1660, than much later by Locke, who in opposition to Ray denied that common descent could be a criterion of conspecificity, and also was regarded by many as unsound in theological doctrine.
The two states of Mantell'sIllustrations of the geology of Sussex…: 1827 and c. 1829
Authors: CLEEVELY R.J. , CHAPMAN SANDRA D.
Published: July 2010

Examination of 24 copies of Mantell's Illustrations of the geology of Sussex… with… descriptions of the fossils of Tilgate Forest revealed two states, the original printing in 1827 and another produced about 1829 by a different printer. The two states are distinguished by their illustrations and the characteristic features of these are recorded. Consideration of the illustrations showing the “Cuckfield Quarry” suggests that Mantell's specimens may have been obtained from three different quarries
Establishing vertebrate paleontology at Chicago's Field Columbian Museum, 1893—1898
Authors: BRINKMAN PAUL D.
Published: July 2010

By the late nineteenth century, as a consequence of the costly, far-flung, labor-intensive, and specimen-centered nature of the discipline, American vertebrate paleontology had become centralized at large collections maintained by a few universities and major natural history museums. Foremost among the latter group were the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; the American Museum of Natural History, New York; the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC; the Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh; and the Field Columbian Museum, Chicago. There is an extensive body of popular and historical literature reviewing the establishment and early development of the vertebrate paleontology programs at most of these institutions, especially the American Museum. The Field Columbian Museum, however, has received relatively little attention in this literature. The present paper begins to redress this imbalance by reviewing the establishment of vertebrate paleontology at the Field Columbian Museum from the museum's foundation in 1893, through the end of 1898, when the museum added a vertebrate paleontologist to its curatorial staff. An account of the Field Columbian Museum's first expedition for fossil vertebrates in the summer of 1898 is included.
Charles de l'Écluse and Libri picturati A. 16–30
Authors: RAMÓN-LACA L.
Published: July 2010

Libri picturati A. 16–30 from the former Preussischer Staatsbibliothek in Berlin comprise a high quality ensemble of sixteenth century drawings of animals and plants. Since their rediscovery in Biblioteka Jagiellońska. Cracow, Poland, several different theories have arisen about the origin of the collection, as a result of work done by several scholars. Jacob van Corenhuyse has been identified as the author of some of the drawings, and Karel van Sint Omaar and Karel van Aremberg as the consecutive owners of the collection. Careful examination of the drawings confirms the important role played by the Flemish botanist Charles de l'Écluse (Clusius) in forming the collection. L'Écluse's correspondence reveals the existence of a second painter, possibly Peeter van der Borcht, who may have been the author of the drawings done using dried specimens. One hundred and twenty of the drawings in the collection were used by Officina Plantiniana (Antwerp) as the templates for the engravings in l'Écluse's publications.
PCA3 and TMPRSS2-ERG: Promising Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Salagierski Maciej , Schalken Jack A.
Published: July 2010

The search for the biomarkers to precisely and non-invasively characterize the biology of prostate cancer (PCa) is the focus of many laboratories across the world. Although prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remains the standard diagnostic tool for PCa, its low specificity leads to unnecessary biopsies in a substantial number of patients. More importantly, with the current status of knowledge, it is very difficult to early identify individuals with a life-threatening disease who require an immediate treatment. The significant advances in genetics and biotechnology in recent years has led to the discovery of new molecular markers including PCA3 and the TMPRSS2:ERG genomic fusion. Both PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG, compared to PSA, show an increased specificity in PCa detection. However, the quest for a single PCa marker that can fully satisfy urologists and their patients is still ongoing. The aim of this review is to present the recent findings on PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG and to describe their clinical implications and performance.
Combustion Synthesis of Porous TiC/Ti Composite by a Self-Propagating Mode
Authors: Kobashi Makoto , Ichioka Daishi , Kanetake Naoyuki
Published: July 2010

Porous titanium carbide (TiC) and TiC/Ti composites were synthesized by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). Titanium and carbon powders were blended by various Ti/C blending ratios. The heat of reaction between titanium and carbon was high enough to induce the self-sustaining reaction of TiC formation on condition that some processing parameters (Ti/C ratio and porosity of the precursor) were appropriately selected. When the Ti/C blending ratio was high, the excess amount of titanium absorbed the heat of reaction. Consequently, the heated zone was not heated up to the ignition temperature. On the other hand, when the Ti/C ratio was low, high thermal conductivity of the precursor prevented an ignition of the heated side of precursors. The pore morphology was controlled by changing the Ti/C ratio and the preheat temperature.
Phylogeny and character evolution in Medicago (Leguminosae): Evidence from analyses of plastid trnK/matK and nuclear GA3ox1 sequences
Authors: Steele Kelly P. , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M. , Zarre Shahin , Wojciechowski Martin F.
Published: July 2010

• Premise of the study: The genus Medicago, with about 87 species, includes the model legume species M. truncatula, and a number of important forage species such as M. sativa (alfalfa), M. scutellata (snail medic), and M. lupulina (black medic). Relationships within the genus are not yet sufficiently resolved, contributing to difficulty in understanding the evolution of a number of distinguishing characteristics such as aneuploidy and polyploidy, life history, structure of cotyledons, and number of seeds per fruit.

• Methods: Phylogenetic relationships of 70–73 species of Medicago and its sister genus Trigonella (including Melilotus) were reconstructed from nucleotide sequences of the plastid trnK/matK region and the nuclear‐encoded GA3ox1 gene (gibberellin 3‐β‐hydroxylase) using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods.

• Key results: Our results support certain currently recognized taxonomic groups, e.g., sect. Medicago (with M. sativa) and sect. Buceras. However, other strongly supported clades—the “reduced subsection Leptospireae clade” that includes M. lupulina, the “polymorpha clade” that includes M. murex and M. polymorpha and the “subsection Pachyspireae clade” that includes M. truncatula—each of which includes species presently in different subsections of sect. Spirocarpos, contradict the current classification.

• Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that some characters considered important in existing taxonomies, for example, single‐seeded fruits that have arisen more than once in both Medicago and Trigonella, are indeed homoplastic. Others, such as the 2n = 14 chromosome number, have also arisen independently within the genus. In addition, we demonstrate support for the utility of GA3ox1 sequences for phylogenetic analysis among and within closely related genera of legumes.
La comunidad de ácaros Mesostigmata (Acari, Mesostigmata) en el dosel arbóreo de bosques de pícea en Irlanda en comparación con la presente en hábitats muscícolas edáficos
Authors: Arroyo J. , Moraza M. L. , Bolger T.
Published: July 2010

El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue estudiar en Irlanda las comunidades de ácaros Mesostigmata del dosel arbóreo de bosques de Picea sitchensis y en el musgo desarrollado tanto en zonas aéreas como en la superficie edáfica, con el fin de determinar si la estructura y composición de éstas comunidades variaba entre los hábitats diferenciales (edáficos vs. aéreos). Se obtuvieron 22 especies de ácaros Mesostigmata, de las cuales 5 aparecieron solamente en micro-hábitats arbóreos. Las especies de la familia Zerconidae recogidas en este estudio se encontraron exclusivamente en ramas y musgos desarrollados en el dosel. Trachytes aegrota (C.L. Koch, 1841), es citado por primera vez para Irlanda. Se ofrecen asimismo comentarios sobre la distribución de esta especie. El análisis multivariante de los resultados indicó que las poblaciones arbóreas de ácaros Mesostigmata no son un mero subconjunto estructural sino que forman una comunidad diferencial respecto a las presentes en hábitats muscícolas del tronco o del medio edáfico, y son más homogéneas que las existentes en la superficie del suelo.
Recopilación de la información biogeográfica, análisis de patrones ecológicos, conservación y mapa potencial de Graellsia isabelae (Graells, 1849) (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) en la provincia de Cuenca, España
Authors: De Arce Crespo J. I. , Jiménez Mendoza S. , Sánchez Fernández P.
Published: July 2010

Se ha realizado un estudio sobre la mariposa nocturna Graellsia isabelae (Graells, 1849) en la provincia de Cuenca, la cual se encuentra protegida en la región de Castilla-La Mancha. Se ha elaborado un mapa de distribución biogeográfica, ampliándose su presencia en un total de 8 cuadrículas UTM de 10x10 km. Además, se ha analizado la distribución de la especie con respecto a los espacios naturales protegidos de la provincia observando que está presente en la mayoría de los mismos. Así mismo, se ha realizado un cruce de datos de distribución en cuadrículas UTM 1x1 km con diferentes capas de sistemas de información geográfica (mapa forestal español, modelo digital del terreno, geología y caracterización climática de Allué-Andrade), obteniendo preferencias de patrones ecológicos, tales como la vegetación actual, caracterización climática, geología y distribución altitudinal. El hábitat principal de G. isabelae son zonas ocupadas por pino laricio (Pinus nigra subsp. salzmanii) y pino albar (P. sylvestris). Por último, se ha realizado un mapa de distribución potencial según la vegetación, la caracterización climática y la altitud, observándose que la distribución de G. isabelae en la provincia de Cuenca puede ser considerablemente mayor que la conocida hasta la fecha.
Nueva especie de Trissopelopia Kieffer, 1923 (Diptera, Chironomidae, Tanypodinae, Pentaneurini) de la India
Authors: Hazra N. , Chaudhuri P. K.
Published: July 2010

Se describen las pupas y los adultos de Trissopelopia bifurcata sp. n. procedentes del Darjeeling Himalayas (India). Es la primera cita del género en la India. Se proporciona, asimismo, una nueva clave mundial de las especies de Trissopelopia.
Novedades nomenclaturales en el Vol. 66 (1) de Graellsia
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: July 2010

No disponible
A Semi-Supervised Algorithm to Manage Communities of Interests
Authors: Francq Pascal
Published: July 2010

This chapter presents a genetic algorithm, called the Similarity-based Clustering Genetic Algorithm (SCGA), used to group users‘ profiles. This algorithm is integrated in an approach which allows to share documents among users browsing a collection of documents. The users are described in terms of profiles, with each profile corresponding to one area of interest. While browsing through the collection of documents, users‘ profiles are computed. These profiles are then grouped into communities of interests using the SCGA which is based on the Grouping Genetic Algorithm (GGA). In fact, the SCGA can solve other similar problems under certain circumstances. The approach is part of a more generic model to manage information called the GALILEI Framework. This framework, which provides promising results, has been developed in a software platform available under the GNU GPL license.
Intelligent Decision Support System for Fetal Delivery using Soft Computing Techniques
Authors: Janghel R. R. , Shukla Anupam , Tiwari Ritu
Published: July 2010

In the present work an attempt is made to develop an intelligent Decision support system (IDSS) using the pathological attributes to predict the fetal delivery to be done normal or by surgical procedure. The pathological tests like Blood Sugar (BR), Blood pressure (BP), Resistivity Index (RI) and systolic / Diastolic (S/P) ratio will be recorded at the time of delivery. All attributes lie within a specific range for normal patient. The database consists of the attributes for cases 2 (i.e. normal and surgical delivery). Soft computing technique namely Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are used for simulator. The attributes from dataset are used for training & testing of ANN models. Three models of ANN are trained using Back-Propagation Algorithm (BPA), Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN), Learning Vector Quantization Network (LVQN) and one hybrid approach is Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The designing factors have been changed to get the optimized model, which gives highest recognition score. The optimized models of BPA, RBFN, LVQN and ANFIS gave accuracies of 93.75, 99.00, 87.50 and 99.50% respectively. Hence in our present research the ANFIS is the model whom efficiency and result are best .The ANFIS is the best network for mentioned problem. This system will assist doctor to take decision at the critical time of fetal delivery.
Characterizations of Extremals for some Functionals on Convex
Bodies
Authors: Saroglou Christos
Published: July 2010

We investigate equality cases in inequalities for Sylvester-type
functionals. Namely, it was proven by Campi, Colesanti, and Gronchi that the
quantity

is maximized by triangles among all planar convex bodies K
(parallelograms in the symmetric case). We show that these are the only
maximizers, a fact proven by Giannopoulos for p = 1.
Moreover, if h: ℝ+ → ℝ+ is a strictly
increasing function andWj is the j-th
quermassintegral in ℝd, we prove that the functional

is minimized among the (n + 1)-tuples of convex bodies of
fixed volumes if and only if K0, … , Kn are homothetic ellipsoids when j = 0 (extending a
result of Groemer) and Euclidean balls with the same center when
j > 0 (extending a result of Hartzoulaki and
Paouris).
Nitrogen oxides in the boundary layer and free troposphere at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory
Authors: Reidmiller D. R. , Jaffe D. A. , Fischer E. V. , Finley B.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Nitrogen oxide (NOx=NO+NO2) observations were made at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory in central Oregon, USA (MBO; 2.73 km above sea level) during one autumn and three springtime (15 April–20 May) periods. This is the first study to discuss interannual variability in NOx for this region. NOx concentrations (mean±1σ) for spring 2007, 2008 and 2009 were 119±65, 117±65, and 91±54 pptv, respectively. The difference in mean mixing ratios between 2007 and 2008 is not statistically significant, whereas the difference between these years and 2009 is significant (p<0.01). We attribute the decline in NOx from 2007–2008 to 2009 to changes in free tropospheric synoptic conditions over the Northeast Pacific and trans-Pacific transport pathways during spring 2009. In 2009, there were: (1) higher geopotential heights over the Gulf of Alaska, (2) warmer temperatures over the Aleutian Islands/Gulf of Alaska and (3) much weaker winds throughout the North Pacific. During the autumn 2008 campaign, NOx concentrations (mean±1σ) were 175±548 pptv. The highly non-normal distribution of data (skewness coefficient of 19.1 vs. 2.5, 2.8 and 2.4 in spring 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively) resulted from periods of very high NOx levels. Using MODIS Rapid Response (Aqua and Terra) results, we show that during autumn our site can be heavily influenced by wildfires in western North America. This is in contrast to springtime, when the smaller positive (i.e., right) tail of the NOx distribution is driven largely by Asian long-range transport (ALRT) events. We developed a novel means of segregating boundary layer (BL)-influenced vs. free tropospheric (FT) air. During spring 2008 we collected "chairlift soundings" of temperature, relative humidity and pressure in an effort to better understand the diurnal pattern of a BL influence at our summit station. Results from this experiment revealed that, on average, a BL influence begins around 10:00 PDT (UTC – 07:00 h) in spring. Using this information to isolate FT air, we characterize probable pollution sources and synoptic conditions for the top 20 FT NOx events over three spring campaigns. Half (n=10) of these 20 events were determined to be "Imported" events characterized by anomalously: (1) high geopotential heights off the west coast of North America, (2) warm temperatures stretching from the Aleutian Islands to Baja California, and (3) strong southwesterly winds in the Asian outflow region. Five events exhibited an influence from the North American continent. These events are characterized by very strong cyclonic behavior off the northwestern USA coast.
Dicarboxylic acids, metals and isotopic compositions of C and N in atmospheric aerosols from inland China: implications for dust and coal burning emission and secondary aerosol formation
Authors: Wang G. , Xie M. , Hu S. , Gao S. , Tachibana E. , Kawamura K.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Dicarboxylic acids (C2–C10), metals, elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), and stable isotopic compositions of total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) were determined for PM10 samples collected at three urban and one suburban sites of Baoji, an inland city of China, during winter and spring 2008. Oxalic acid (C2) was the dominant diacid, followed by succinic (C4) and malonic (C3) acids. Total diacids in the urban and suburban areas were 1546±203 and 1728±495 ng m−3 during winter and 1236±335 and 1028±193 ng m−3 during spring. EC in the urban and the suburban atmospheres were 17±3.8 and 8.0±2.1 μg m−3 during winter and 20±5.9 and 7.1±2.7 μg m−3 during spring, while OC at the urban and suburban sites were 74±14 and 51±7.9 μg m−3 in winter and 51±20 and 23±6.1 μg m−3 in spring. Secondary organic carbon (SOC) accounted for 38±16% of OC in winter and 28±18% of OC in spring, suggesting an enhanced photochemical production of secondary organic aerosols in winter under an inversion layer development. Total metal elements in winter and spring were 34±10 and 61±27 μg m−3 in the urban air and 18±7 and 32±23 μg m−3 in the suburban air. A linear correlation (r2>0.8 in winter and r2>0.6 in spring) was found between primary organic carbon (POC) and Ca2+/Fe, together with a strong dependence of pH value of sample extracts on water-soluble inorganic carbon, suggesting fugitive dust as an important source of the airborne particles. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sulfate, and Pb in the samples well correlated each other (r2>0.6) in winter, indicating an importance of emissions from coal burning for house heating. Stable carbon isotope compositions of TC (δ13C) became higher with an increase in the concentration ratios of C2/OC due to aerosol aging. In contrast, nitrogen isotope compositions of TN (δ15N) became lower with an increases in the mass ratios of NH4+/PM10 and NO3−/PM10, which is possibly caused by an enhanced adsorption and/or condensation of gaseous NH3 and HNO3 onto particles.
Capability of multi-viewing-angle photo-polarimetric measurements for the simultaneous retrieval of aerosol and cloud properties
Authors: Hasekamp O. P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. An important new challenge in the field of multi-angle photo-polarimetric satellite remote sensing is the retrieval of aerosol properties under cloudy conditions. In this paper the possibility has been explored to perform a simultaneous retrieval of aerosol and cloud properties for partly cloudy scenes and for fully cloudy scenes where the aerosol layer is located above the cloud, using multi-angle photo-polarimetric measurements. Also, for clear sky conditions a review is given of the capabilities of multi-angle photo-polarimetric measurements in comparison with other measurement types. It is shown that already for clear sky conditions polarization measurements are highly important for the retrieval of aerosol optical and microphysical properties over land surfaces with unknown reflection properties. Furthermore, it is shown that multi-angle photo-polarimetric measurements have the capability to distinguish between aerosols and clouds, and thus facilitate a simultaneous retrieval of aerosol and cloud properties. High accuracy (0.002–0.004) of the polarimetric measurements plays an essential role here.