bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Species Behavior on Global Positioning System Collar Fix Rates
Authors: MATTISSON JENNY , ANDRÉN HENRIK , PERSSON JENS , SEGERSTRÖM PETER
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT  Use of Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry is increasing in wildlife studies and has provided researchers and managers with new insight into animal behavior. However, performance of GPS collars varies and a major concern is the cause of unsuccessful fixes. We examined possible factors causing missed fixes in GPS collars on sympatric free‐ranging Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and wolverines (Gulo gulo) in northern Sweden. We tested for effects of species, activity, habitat, individual, and collar on fix rate. Species was the most important factor affecting fix rate. Fix rate of GPS collars on lynx (80%) was almost twice as high as on wolverines (46%). Fix rate decreased during periods of low activity (day beds) for both species. Fix rate also decreased for females (both lynx and wolverine) for a period after they gave birth. We found no effect of proportion of forest within individual home range on fix rate. We conclude that species behavior, characteristics, and activity pattern are important factors affecting fix rate that we recommend be taken into consideration prior to analyzing GPS location data.
Esters and amides of hexanoic acid substituted with tertiary amino group in terminal position and their activity as transdermal permeation enhancers
Authors: Farsa Oldřich , Dolezal Pavel , Hrabálek Alexandr
Published: March 2010

Series of alkyl esters of 6-diethylamino-, 6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-, 6- (piperidin-1-yl) and 6-(morpholin-1-yl)hexanoic acids and alkylamides of 6-dimethylamino-, 6-(piperidin-1-yl) and 6-(morpholin-1-yl)hexanoic acids, containing 8-12 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, were prepared by methods of classical organic synthesis. The appropriate secondary amine was alkylated with ethyl-6-bromohexanoate to give ester of ?-substituted hexanoic acid, except of ethyl-6-dimethylaminohexanoate (1), which was prepared by Eschweiler-Clarke methylation of 6-aminohexanoic acid followed by direct esterification with ethanol. The resulted esters of ?-substituted hexanoic acids underwent direct transesterification with long chain alkanols to yield the desired amino esters, or they were treated with long-chain alkylamines to prepare secondary amides of the appropriate heterocyclic hexanoic acids. These products were in vitro tested on their activity as transdermal permeation enhancers on the strips of the excised human skin with theophylline as the model permeant. The activity was evaluated using parameter enhancement ratio (ER), defined as the ratio between the overall amount of the permeant passing through the skin with the tested enhancer and that without tested substance. Decyl 6-(pyrrolidin- 1-yl)hexanoate (16) with ER = 30 showed the highest activity. The enhancing effects of the esters were generally better than those of the amides.
Influence of Remineralizing Gels on Bleached Enamel Microhardness In Different Time Intervals
Authors: Borges A. B. , Yui K. C. K. , D'Avila T. C. , Takahashi C. L. , Torres C. R. G. , Borges A. L. S.
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance

Dentists should be aware of the reduction in enamel microhardness after bleaching procedures. The use of remineralizing gels after bleaching treatment can significantly enhance bleached enamel microhardness.
Durability of Surface Treatments and Intermediate Agents Used for Repair of a Polished Composite
Authors: Costa T. R. F. , Ferreira S. Q. , Klein-Júnior C. A. , Loguercio A. D. , Reis A.
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance

In order to reach high composite repair strength, it is advisable to sandblast the polished composite surface with aluminum oxide. A hydrophobic intermediate agent should then be applied in order to prolong durability of the composite repair.
Comparison of Acceptance, Preference, and Efficacy Between Jet Injection INJEX and Local Infiltration Anesthesia in 6 to 11 Year Old Dental Patients
Authors: Arapostathis Konstantinos Nikolaos , Dabarakis Nikolaos Nestoras , Coolidge Trilby , Tsirlis Anastasios , Kotsanos Nikolaos
Published: March 2010

Needleless devices have been developed to provide anesthesia without injections. Little controlled research has examined the acceptability of needleless devices in pediatric patients. The aims of the study were to compare children’s acceptance and preference for one type of needleless jet injection with classical local infiltration as well as to evaluate the efficacy of the needleless anesthesia. Eighty-seven nonfearful children with no previous experience of dental anesthesia were studied using a split-mouth design. The first dental procedure was performed with the classical infiltration anesthesia. The same amount of anesthetic was administered using the INJEX needleless device in a second session 1 week later, during which a second dental procedure was performed. Patients rated their acceptance and preference for the 2 methods, and the dentist recorded data about the need for additional anesthesia. More negative experiences were reported for the INJEX method. Most (73.6%) of the children preferred the traditional method. Among the 87 treatment procedures attempted following the use of INJEX, 80.5% required additional anesthesia, compared with 2.3% of those attempted following traditional infiltration. Traditional infiltration was more effective, acceptable, and preferred, compared with the needleless INJEX.
Cancer Biomarkers: Are We Ready for the Prime Time?
Authors: Mishra Alok , Verma Mukesh
Published: March 2010

A biomarker is a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biologic processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention. In cancer, a biomarker refers to a substance or process that is indicative of the presence of cancer in the body. A biomarker might be either a molecule secreted by a tumor or it can be a specific response of the body to the presence of cancer. Genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, glycomic, and imaging biomarkers can be used for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and epidemiology. These markers can be assayed in non-invasively collected biofluids. However, few cancer biomarkers are highly sensitive and specific for cancer detection at the present time. Consequently, biomarkers are not yet ready for routine use due to challenges in their clinical validation for early disease detection, diagnosis and monitoring to improve long-term survival of patients.
Branching Processes: Their Role in Epidemiology
Authors: Jacob Christine
Published: March 2010

Branching processes are stochastic individual-based processes leading consequently to a bottom-up approach. In addition, since the state variables are random integer variables (representing population sizes), the extinction occurs at random finite time on the extinction set, thus leading to fine and realistic predictions. Starting from the simplest and well-known single-type Bienaymé-Galton-Watson branching process that was used by several authors for approximating the beginning of an epidemic, we then present a general branching model with age and population dependent individual transitions. However contrary to the classical Bienaymé-Galton-Watson or asymptotically Bienaymé-Galton-Watson setting, where the asymptotic behavior of the process, as time tends to infinity, is well understood, the asymptotic behavior of this general process is a new question. Here we give some solutions for dealing with this problem depending on whether the initial population size is large or small, and whether the disease is rare or non-rare when the initial population size is large.
Impact of Direct Soil Exposures from Airborne Dust and Geophagy on Human Health
Authors: Sing David , Sing Charles F.
Published: March 2010

Over evolutionary time humans have developed a complex biological relationship with soils. Here we describe modes of soil exposure and their biological implications. We consider two types of soil exposure, the first being the continuous exposure to airborne soil, and the second being dietary ingestion of soils, or geophagy. It may be assumed that airborne dust and ingestion of soil have influenced the evolution of particular DNA sequences which control biological systems that enable individual organisms to take advantage of, adapt to and/or protect against exposures to soil materials. We review the potential for soil exposure as an environmental source of epigenetic signals which may influence the function of our genome in determining health and disease.
Characteristics of Lipo-Oligosaccharide Loci of Campylobacter jejuni Isolates Associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome from Hebei, China
Authors: Jiang Hai , Zhang Mao-Jun , Liu Rui-Chun , Tian Xin-Ying , Gu Yi-Xin , Zhang Jian-Zhong
Published: March 2010

Ganglioside mimicry by C. jejuni lipo-oligosaccharides (LOS) could induce the production of autoantibodies against gangliosides and the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The LOS biosynthesis region exhibits significant variation with different strains. Using PCR amplifications of genes from published LOS loci and sequencing the LOS biosynthesis loci, the eight GBS-associated C. jejuni strains from HeBei could be classified into four classes. The expression of sialylated LOS structures (class A) or non-sialylated LOS structures(class F, H and P) in the C. jejuni LOS is considered to be two different factors for the induction of GBS.
Fructose Production by Inulinase Covalently Immobilized on Sepabeads in Batch and Fluidized Bed Bioreactor
Authors: Ricca Emanuele , Calabrò Vincenza , Curcio Stefano , Basso Alessandra , Gardossi Lucia , Iorio Gabriele
Published: March 2010

The present work is an experimental study of the performance of a recently designed immobilized enzyme: inulinase from Aspergillus sp. covalently immobilized on Sepabeads. The aim of the work is to test the new biocatalyst in conditions of industrial interest and to assess the feasibility of the process in a fluidized bed bioreactor (FBBR). The catalyst was first tested in a batch reactor at standard conditions and in various sets of conditions of interest for the process. Once the response of the catalyst to different operating conditions was tested and the operational stability assessed, one of the sets of conditions tested in batch was chosen for tests in FBBR. Prior to reaction tests, preliminary fluidization tests were realized in order to define an operating range of admissible flow rates. As a result, the FBR was run at different feed flow rates in a closed cycle configuration and its performance was compared to that of the batch system. The FBBR proved to be performing and suitable for scale up to large fructose production.
2-{5-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}pyrazine
Authors: Jothikrishnan Balapragalathan Thappali , Narasimhan Sriram , Shafi Suban Syed
Published: March 2010

A simple method for the synthesis of a pyrazolyl thiazole derivative containing a piperonal moiety was developed. Thus, 2-{5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}pyrazine was synthesized using microwave irradiation and characterized by NMR, IR and LCMS data.
A Mechanism of DC-AC Conversion in the Organic Thyristor
Authors: Suko Tomohiro , Terasaki Ichiro , Mori Hatsumi , Mori Takehiko
Published: March 2010

The charge ordered organic salt θ-(BEDT-TTF)2CsZn(SCN)4 exhibits a giant nonlinear conduction at low temperatures. The voltage-current characteristics of this compound are similar to those of a thyristor device, after which we named it the organic thyristor. This material shows current oscillation in the presense of dc voltage, which arises from a mechanism different from conventional oscillating circuits, because the oscillation appears in a sample that does not show negative derivative resistance. We have performed a standard circuit analysis, and show that the voltage-current curve is “blurred” in the high current region, and the oscillation occurs in the blurred region. This type of oscillation has never been reported, and a possible origin for this is suggested.
Synthesis and Properties of Octithiophene Dication Sterically Segregated by Annelation with Bicyclo[2.2.2]octene Units
Authors: Nishinaga Tohru , Yamazaki Daisuke , Tateno Masaki , Iyoda Masahiko , Komatsu Koichi
Published: March 2010

Octithiophene sterically segregated by annelation with bicyclo[2.2.2]octene (BCO) units was synthesized to study the unimolecular properties of longer oligothiophene dications. For the preparation of such longer oligomers, a new route for the synthesis of the monomer annelated with BCO unit at the 3,4-positions of thiophene ring was developed. Attempted synthesis of octithiophene 1(8T) fully annelated with BCO units was hampered by low solubility of the product, and octithiophene 2(8T) having octyl groups instead of the BCO units at the second rings from the both ends of 1(8T) was synthesized to solve the solubility problem. Neutral 2(8T) has a lower planarity due to the steric repulsion between the octyl substituents and the neighboring thiophene units. However, dication 2(8T)2+, which was obtained as a stable salt by chemical two-electron oxidation with NO+SbF6-, has a planar quinoid structure, as judged from a linear correlation between the inverse chain length and the absorption energy for 1(nT)2+ (n = 3,4,6) and 2(8T)2+. Based on the comparison with the calculated absorption spectra and the result of ESR inactive properties, 2(8T)2+ appears to have a singlet ground state with open-shell biradical character rather than a closed-shell singlet structure.
Recent Progress on Enyne Metathesis: Its Application to Syntheses of Natural Products and Related Compounds
Authors: Mori Miwako
Published: March 2010

Olefin metathesis using ruthenium carbene complexes is a useful method in synthetic organic chemistry. Enyne metathesis is also catalyzed by these complexes and various carbo- and heterocycles could be synthesized from the corresponding enynes. Dienyne metathesis, cross enyne metathesis and ring-opening enyne metathesis have been further developed. Various complicated compounds, such as the natural products and the related biologically active substances, could be synthesized using these metatheses reactions. Skeletal reorganization using the transition metals and metallotropic rearrangement are also discussed.
Regulation of the Spontaneous Augmentation of NaV1.9 in Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons: Effect of PKA and PKC Pathways
Authors: Kakimura Jun-ichi , Zheng Taixing , Uryu Noriko , Ogata Nobukuni
Published: March 2010

Sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion express two kinds of tetrodotoxin resistant (TTX-R) isoforms of voltage-gated sodium channels, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9. These isoforms play key roles in the pathophysiology of chronic pain. Of special interest is NaV1.9: our previous studies revealed a unique property of the NaV1.9 current, i.e., the NaV1.9 current shows a gradual and notable up-regulation of the peak amplitude during recording (“spontaneous augmentation of NaV1.9”). However, the mechanism underlying the spontaneous augmentation of NaV1.9 is still unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of protein kinases A and C (PKA and PKC), on the spontaneous augmentation of NaV1.9. The spontaneous augmentation of the NaV1.9 current was significantly suppressed by activation of PKA, whereas activation of PKA did not affect the voltage dependence of inactivation for the NaV1.9 current. On the contrary, the finding that activation of PKC can affect the voltage dependence of inactivation for NaV1.9 in the perforated patch recordings, where the augmentation does not occur, suggests that the effects of PMA are independent of the augmentation process. These results indicate that the spontaneous augmentation of NaV1.9 was regulated directly by PKA, and indirectly by PKC.
Cyclodepsipeptides from Marine Sponges: Natural Agents for Drug Research
Authors: Andavan Gowri Shankar Bagavananthem , Lemmens-Gruber Rosa
Published: March 2010

A number of natural products from marine sponges, such as cyclodepsipeptides, have been identified. The structural characteristics of this family of cyclic peptides include various unusual amino acid residues and unique N-terminal polyketide-derived moieties. Papuamides are representatives of a class of marine sponge derived cyclic depsipeptides, including callipeltin A, celebesides A and B, homophymine A, mirabamides, microspinosamide, neamphamide A and theopapuamides. They are thought to have cytoprotective activity against HIV-1 in vitro by inhibiting viral entry. Jasplakinolide, a representative member of marine sponge-derived cyclodepsipeptides that include arenastatin A, geodiamolides, homophymines, spongidepsin and theopapuamides, is a potent inducer of actin polymerization in vitro. Although actin dynamics is essential for tumor metasasis, no actin targeting drugs have been used in clinical trials due to their severe cytotoxicity. Nonetheless, the actin cytoskeleton remains a potential target for anti-cancer drug development. These features imply the use of cyclodepsipeptides as molecular models in drug research.
Antioxidant Capacities and Phenolic Levels of Different Varieties of Serbian White Wines
Authors: Mitić Milan N. , Obradović Mirjana V. , Grahovac Zora B. , Pavlović Aleksandra N.
Published: March 2010

The biologically active compounds in wine, especially phenolics, are responsible for reduced risk of developing chronic diseases (cardiovascular disrease, cancer, diabetes, etc.), due to their antioxidant activities. We determined the contents of total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) in selected Serbian white wines by colorimetric methods. Total antioxidant activity (TAA) of the white wines was analyzed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity assay. Međaš beli had the highest content of TP, TF and TAA. The radical scavenging capacity (RSC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of white wines were 15.30% and 1.055 mM Trolox equivalent, respectively. Total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents in white wines ranged from 238.3 to 420.6 mg gallic acid equivalent per L of wines and 42.64 to 81.32 mg catechin equivalent per L of wines, respectively. A high and significant correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content was determined in wines (R2 = 0.968, p < 0.01). For the individual polyphenols determination we used a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detection (DAD) technique. The majority of white wine polyphenols was represent by four hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs).
Omega-3 Index and Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Von Schacky Clemens
Published: March 2010

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an unresolved health issue, and responsible for 15% of all deaths in Western countries. Epidemiologic evidence, as well as evidence from clinical trials, indicates that increasing intake and high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protect from SCD and other major adverse cardiac events. Levels of EPA+DHA are best assessed by the Omega-3 Index, representing the red cell fatty acid content of EPA+DHA. Work is in progress that will further define the value of the Omega-3 Index as a risk factor for SCD, other cardiac events, and as target for treatment with EPA+DHA.
Alternative Methodologies for LiDAR System Calibration
Authors: Habib Ayman , Bang Ki In , Kersting Ana Paula , Chow Jacky
Published: March 2010

Over the last few years, LiDAR has become a popular technology for the direct acquisition of topographic information. In spite of the increasing utilization of this technology in several applications, its accuracy potential has not been fully explored. Most of current LiDAR calibration techniques are based on empirical and proprietary procedures that demand the system’s raw measurements, which may not be always available to the end-user. As a result, we can still observe systematic discrepancies between conjugate surface elements in overlapping LiDAR strips. In this paper, two alternative calibration procedures that overcome the existing limitations are introduced. The first procedure, denoted as “Simplified method”, makes use of the LiDAR point cloud from parallel LiDAR strips acquired by a steady platform (e.g., fixed wing aircraft) over an area with moderately varying elevation. The second procedure, denoted as “Quasi-rigorous method”, can deal with non-parallel strips, but requires time-tagged LiDAR point cloud and navigation data (trajectory position only) acquired by a steady platform. With the widespread adoption of LAS format and easy access to trajectory information, this data requirement is not a problem. The proposed methods can be applied in any type of terrain coverage without the need for control surfaces and are relatively easy to implement. Therefore, they can be used in every flight mission if needed. Besides, the proposed procedures require minimal interaction from the user, which can be completely eliminated after minor extension of the suggested procedure.
Decentralized Sensor Fusion for Ubiquitous Networking Robotics in Urban Areas
Authors: Sanfeliu Alberto , Andrade-Cetto Juan , Barbosa Marco , Bowden Richard , Capitán Jesús , Corominas Andreu , Gilbert Andrew , Illingworth John , Merino Luis , Mirats Josep , Moreno Plínio , Ollero Aníbal , Sequeira João , Spaan Matthijs T. J.
Published: March 2010

In this article we explain the architecture for the environment and sensors that has been built for the European project URUS (Ubiquitous Networking Robotics in Urban Sites), a project whose objective is to develop an adaptable network robot architecture for cooperation between network robots and human beings and/or the environment in urban areas. The project goal is to deploy a team of robots in an urban area to give a set of services to a user community. This paper addresses the sensor architecture devised for URUS and the type of robots and sensors used, including environment sensors and sensors onboard the robots. Furthermore, we also explain how sensor fusion takes place to achieve urban outdoor execution of robotic services. Finally some results of the project related to the sensor network are highlighted.
Cryptanalysis and Security Improvements of ‘Two-Factor User Authentication in Wireless Sensor Networks’
Authors: Khan Muhammad Khurram , Alghathbar Khaled
Published: March 2010

User authentication in wireless sensor networks (WSN) is a critical security issue due to their unattended and hostile deployment in the field. Since sensor nodes are equipped with limited computing power, storage, and communication modules; authenticating remote users in such resource-constrained environments is a paramount security concern. Recently, M.L. Das proposed a two-factor user authentication scheme in WSNs and claimed that his scheme is secure against different kinds of attack. However, in this paper, we show that the M.L. Das-scheme has some critical security pitfalls and cannot be recommended for real applications. We point out that in his scheme: users cannot change/update their passwords, it does not provide mutual authentication between gateway node and sensor node, and is vulnerable to gateway node bypassing attack and privileged-insider attack. To overcome the inherent security weaknesses of the M.L. Das-scheme, we propose improvements and security patches that attempt to fix the susceptibilities of his scheme. The proposed security improvements can be incorporated in the M.L. Das-scheme for achieving a more secure and robust two-factor user authentication in WSNs.
Inverse Supersymmetry Breaking in S1 × R3
Authors: Oikonomou Vasilis
Published: March 2010

In this paper, we study the influence of hard supersymmetry breaking terms in a N = 1, d = 4 supersymmetric model, in S1 × R3 spacetime topology. It is shown that when the radius of the compact dimension is large supersymmetry is unbroken, and dynamically breaks as the radius decreases. We point out that this resembles the inverse symmetry breaking of continuous symmetries at finite temperature (however, in the case of supersymmetry, the role of the temperature is played by the compact dimension’s radius). Furthermore, we also find a universality in the dependence of the critical length Lc as a function of a coupling g3, after comparing all cases.
Increasing the Attractiveness of Places Through Cultural Resources
Authors: Richards Greg
Published: March 2010

Culture and tourism have a symbiotic relationship that has the potential to make places more attractive and competitive. This review of the OECD report on The Impact of Culture on Tourism analyzes the ways in which culture and tourism can act as drivers of attractiveness, paying particular
attention to the role of potential policy interventions to strengthen this process, including the development of partnerships, funding issues, product development, and marketing. A number of key future issues are identified, and evolving debates in the relationship between culture and tourism
are outlined.
Internet for the Youngest: Computer Usage and Web Design for the Early School Age Children
Authors: Vu Kristina , Librenjak Sara , Dovedan Zdravko
Published: March 2010

In this paper we will talk about the Web usage practices and Web page design aimed at children of an early elementary school age. Learning about differences in understanding and using the Web should aid in the development of Web content for children. Thus research in opinions, practices and needs of the Internet's youngest users should today be considered a must, also in order to provide a better education about those topics. Data was collected through the field research in an elementary school in Zagreb. 90 students answered the questionnaire and additional 12 students were randomly selected for the interview.
GUEST EDITORIAL From the MIPRO CE 2009 Conference Publication Chair
Authors: Cicin-Sain Marina
Published: March 2010

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Document Management and Exchange System – Supporting Education Process
Authors: Egredzija Emil , Kovacic Bozidar
Published: March 2010

Development and implementation of new technologies are very important in education. One of the most challenging tasks in the education process is to build efficient and cost-friendly system for content management and exchange. The system has to be reliable, easy manageable and open. Centralized storage, secured access, and ubiquitous client technologies have emerged as best-practice solutions in engineering that kind of services. Users can easily publish or exchange documents and not need to worry about their distribution, storage or technical skills required for efficient document management. The system that will be presented is built on open source technologies and is deployable on all today's popular web software platforms. The web server, the programming language and operating system that are used to build and deploy such a system are all non-proprietary and completely open because our mission was to build system that can be easily extended and not limited by its corporate license. The system uses security mechanisms such as user group access policy, operating system level security (file system) and secured data storage in database.

Because of the growing need for document management in education process we believe that this project will find its place in practice.
Computers in Education of Children with Intellectual and Related Developmental Disorders
Authors: Kirinic Valentina , Vidacek-Hains Violeta , Kovacic Andreja
Published: March 2010

Children suffering from intellectual deficiency and disorders arising from such a condition tend to be provided with a specific form of education, depending on the deficiency type and degree. Apart from the disorder itself, the acquisition of knowledge, skills and learning habits depends on the childrenâ??s motivation for learning, as well as the accessibility of the computer. When used in conformance with pedagogical, didactic and clinical standards, the computer as an educational aid may prove helpful for education and training of children with developmental disorders. Using computers also enables communication and fosters communication skills resulting in the development of self-confidence.
Using Web Content Management Systems in University E-Commerce Courses
Authors: Mohorovi Sanja , Tijan Edvard , Čišić Dragan
Published: March 2010

The aim of this paper is to elaborate and present the advantages of using Web Content Management Systems (primarily Joomla!) in e-commerce courses at universities. E-commerce is taught to many non-IT students who possess various previous knowledge in IT, which can often cause problems. Content Management Systems can circumvent those problems by avoiding the need for teaching HTML, PHP, SQL etc, and enabling non-IT students to focus on content management which is crucial for e-commerce. Characteristics of Web Content Management Systems are explained, followed by brief explanation of Joomla!. Examples are presented, along with experiences from the university.
Functional Analysis of Lyn Kinase A and B Isoforms Reveals Redundant and Distinct Roles in FcεRI-Dependent Mast Cell Activation
Authors: Alvarez-Errico Damiana , Yamashita Yumi , Suzuki Ryo , Odom Sandra , Furumoto Yasuko , Yamashita Toshiyuki , Rivera Juan
Published: March 2010

Engagement of FcεRI causes its phosphorylation by Lyn kinase. Two alternatively spliced variants, Lyn A and B, are expressed in mast cells, and both isoforms interact with FcεRI. Unlike Lyn A, Lyn B lacks a 21-aa region in the N-terminal unique domain. In this study, we investigated the role of Lyn A and B isoforms in mast cell signaling and responses. Lyn B was found to be a poor inducer of mast cell degranulation and was less potent in both inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate production and calcium responses. Expression of Lyn B alone showed reduced phosphorylation of both phospholipase Cγ-1 and -2 and decreased interaction of phospholipase Cγ-1 with the phosphorylated linker for activation of T cells. Lyn B also showed increased binding of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, which included the negative regulatory lipid phosphatase SHIP-1. In contrast, both Lyn A and B caused similar total cellular tyrosine phosphorylation and FcεRI phosphorylation and neither Lyn A nor Lyn B alone could completely restore mast cell degranulation or dampen the excessive cytokine production seen in the absence of Lyn. However, expression of both isoforms showed complementation and normalized responses. These findings demonstrate that Lyn B differs from Lyn A in its association with SHIP-1 and in the regulation of calcium responses. However, complementation of both isoforms is required in mast cell activation.
Subtle Cardiovascular Dysfunction in the Unilateral 6-Hydroxydopamine-Lesioned Rat
Authors: Slack K. , Billing R. , Matthews S. , Allbutt H. N. , Einstein R. , Henderson J. M.
Published: March 2010

The present study evaluated whether the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's disease produces autonomic deficits. Autonomic parameters were assessed by implanting a small radiofrequency telemetry device which measured heart rate variability (HRV), diurnal rhythms of heart rate (HR), core body temperature (cBT) and locomotor activity (LA). Rats then received 6-OHDA lesion or sham surgery. 6-OHDA lesioned rats exhibited head and body axis biases, defective sensorimotor function (“disengage” test), and prominent apomorphine rotation (allP<.05versus controls). Diurnal rhythm of HR was lower for 6-OHDA lesioned rats (n=8) versus controls (n=6;P<.05). Whilst HR decreased similarly in both groups during the day, there was a greater decrease in HR for the 6-OHDA lesioned rats at night (by 38 b.p.m. relative to 17 b.p.m. for controls). LA and cBT did not differ between surgery groups. This study indicates the unilateral 6-OHDA model of PD shows subtle signs of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.
Forecasting electricity demand in South Africa: A critique of Eskom’s projections
Authors: Inglesi Roula , Pouris Anastassios
Published: March 2010

Within a short period, Eskom has applied to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) for the third time since the 2008 electricity crisis, proposing a multiyear price determination for the periods 2010−2011 and 2012−2013. The new application, submitted at the end of September 2009, motivated for the debate of strategies with which the consequences of the proposed price hikes could be predicted, measured and controlled. In his presentation to Parliament in February 2009, Eskom’s then CEO, Mr Jacob Maroga presented the current energy situation in the country, the reasons for the crisis in 2007−2008, as well as the challenges of the future. The purpose of this paper is to contribute some new ideas and perspectives to Eskom’s existing arguments regarding the demand for electricity. The most important issue is the fact that Eskom does not sufficiently take into account the impact of the electricity prices in their electricity demand forecast. This study proposed that prices have a high impact on the demand for electricity (price elasticity of -0.5). Employing similar assumptions for the country’s economic growth as Eskom, the results of the forecasting exercise indicated a substantial decrease in demand (scenario 1: -31% in 2025 and scenario 2:-18% in 2025). This study’s findings contrasted significantly with Eskom’s projection, which has extensive implications as far as policy is concerned.
Characterisation of the arsenic resistance genes in Bacillus sp. UWC isolated from maturing fly ash acid mine drainage neutralised solids
Authors: Musingarimi Wicleffe , Tuffin Marla , Cowan Donald
Published: March 2010

An arsenic resistant Bacillus sp. UWC was isolated from fly ash acid mine drainage (FA-AMD) neutralised solids. A genomic library was prepared and screened in an arsenic sensitive mutant Escherichia coli strain for the presence of arsenic resistance (ars) genes. Sequence analysis of a clone conferring resistance to both sodium arsenite and sodium arsenate revealed homologues to the arsR (regulatory repressor), arsB (membrane located arsenite pump), arsC (arsenate reductase), arsD (second regulatory repressor and a metallochaperone) and arsA (ATPase) genes from known arsenic resistance operons. The Bacillus sp. UWC arsRBCDA genes were shown to be arranged in an unusual manner with the arsDA genes immediately downstream of arsC.
COMPARISON OF SORGHUM WITH WHEAT AND BARLEY GROWN ON DRYLAND
Authors: MAJOR D. J. , HAMMAN W. M.
Published: March 2010

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench ’Pride P130’), wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ’Neepawa’), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L. ’Galt’) were harvested at 1-wk intervals on dryland at Lethbridge, Alberta, in 1976 and 1977 and separated into leaves, stems, heads, and seed. Whole-plant yields were higher in 1976 than in 1977 and sorghum whole-plant yields were higher than barley or wheat in both years. Sorghum grain yields were similar to those of barley, but were greater than those of wheat. Although sorghum is about 40 days later maturing than barley or wheat, its whole-plant and filling-period durations were not very different from the other two crops. Sorghum used water more efficiently than wheat or barley under drought conditions. The biggest disadvantage of present sorghum hybrids appears to be slow growth in spring.
PROTEINASES AND PEPTIDASES OF ALFALFA HERBAGE
Authors: McKERSIE BRYAN D.
Published: March 2010

The soluble fraction from early bloom alfalfa herbage contained acid proteinase, neutral proteinase, carboxypeptidase and aminopeptidase activity. The pH profile of soluble proteinase activity with hemoglobin substrate indicated optima at pH 4.5 (acid proteinase) and 6.7 (neutral proteinase) with activities equivalent to 19.1 and 10.2 μmoles amino acid released h−1∙g−1, respectivity. Carboxypeptidase activity was optimal at pH 5.4 and corresponded to 165 μmoles amino acid released h−1∙g−1. Aminopeptidase activity was optimal at pH 6.5. Temperature profiles indicated a Q10 of 3.3 for the acid proteinase and 1.7 for the other hydrolytic enzymes. Maximal activities were recorded at 50 °C for the acid and neutral proteinases and at 40 °C for carboxypeptidase and aminopeptidase. All proteolytic enzymes were inhibited by PMSF (phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride). It was not possible to selectively inhibit only one type of proteinase or peptidase with the compounds tested. The results are discussed in relation to the ensiling of alfalfa herbage.
THE BIOLOGY OF CANADIAN WEEDS.: 48. Cicuta maculata L., C. douglasii (DC.) Coult. & Rose and C. virosa L.
Authors: MULLIGAN GERALD A. , MUNRO DEREK B.
Published: March 2010

A summary of biological information on Cicuta maculata L., spotted water-hemlock, Cicuta douglasii (DC.) Coult. & Rose, western water-hemlock, and Cicuta virosa L., northern water-hemlock, is presented. The three perennials are native in Canada and all contain cicutoxin, a chemical very poisonous to humans and livestock.
APPLICATION OF THE SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE SEED VIABILITY TEST TO WILD OAT POPULATIONS WITH DIFFERENT DORMANCY CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: HSIAO A. I. , HANES J. A.
Published: March 2010

Viability estimates were made using germination, tetrazolium, and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) tests of seeds from three populations of wild oats (Avena fatua L.) with different dormancy characteristics. Complete germination occurred in Crop Science 40 seeds after dehulling and piercing (D + P) treatment, whereas only about 70% germination was obtained in Anderson 51 and mixed populations following this treatment. The dormant seeds of Anderson 51 and mixed populations required gibberellic acid (GA3) for germination, indicating that these seeds had deeper GA3-dependent dormancy than did CS 40 seeds. The NaOCl viability test gave reliable viability estimates of all three populations. Dehulled seeds required less immersion time in 6% NaOCl and a lower concentration of NaOCl for embryos to become sharply defined than did intact seeds. The closely comparable results of viability estimates for dehulled seeds made immediately after 1–3 h NaOCl treatments and their subsequent germination responses in water gave the first direct evidence in support of the validity of the NaOCl viability test. Standards were established to ensure that the NaOCl viability test can accurately estimate viability under various sets of conditions. Samples of 33 seeds that had imbibed water for 24 h were immersed for 24 h in 12 mL of 6% NaOCl. The volume of NaOCl was increased to 20 mL for samples of 50 seeds. The NaOCl viability test has proved to be flexible and well-suited for studying the survival mechanisms of wild oats.
HARROW FROSTIPINK, HARROW CANDIFLOSS AND HARROW RUBIROSE ORNAMENTAL PEACHES
Authors: LAYNE RICHARD E. C.
Published: March 2010

Harrow Frostipink, Harrow Candifloss and Harrow Rubirose are cold hardy, disease tolerant, late blooming, ornamental peaches (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) with profuse, very attractive, large, multipetaled flowers that are light pink, medium pink and deepest pink to red in color.
A STUDY OF ERUCIC ACID ALLELES IN DIGENOMIC RAPESEED (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: ANAND I. J. , DOWNEY R. K.
Published: March 2010

Five genes have been identified in Brassica crops which control the level of synthesis of the fatty acid, erucic, in their seed oils. These genes, designated e, Ea, Eb, Ec, and Ed, act in an additive manner and result in erucic acid levels of < 1, 10, 15, 30 and 3.5, respectively. No direct evidence has yet been obtained to show that these genes are true alleles. Selected plants of the amphidiploid species Brassica napus L. with erucic acid contents of 7–8% and a genotype of EdEdee were reciprocally crossed with selected plants with erucic acid levels of [Formula: see text] and a genotype of Eaeee. Fatty acid analysis of F1 and backcross seed demonstrated that the genes Ed and Ea in the parents used were in the same genome and were truly allelic. Interspecific crosses were made between these B. napus parents and selected zero erucic acid plants of Brassica campestris L. (genotype "ee") to determine whether the genes Ed and Ea resided in the oleracea or the campestris genome of B. napus parents. Fatty acid analysis of F1 and backcross seed from these interspecific crosses suggest that the alleles of Ed and Ea are located on chromosomes of the oleracea genome.
EFFECT OF LEAF AGE AND SHADING ON THE MOVEMENT OF 14C THROUGH A SOYBEAN LEAF
Authors: BENJAMIN L. R. , EGLI D. B. , LEGGETT J. E.
Published: March 2010

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of leaf age and shading on the movement of 14C assimilates through soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) leaves. Leaves on plants at initial bloom and mid-podfill were pulse-labelled with 14CO2 for 2 min and the distribution of 14C in the leaf was followed for 24 h. Initially, 90% of the 14C activity was in the 80% ethanol-soluble fraction; this decreased rapidly, and by 7 h after labeling only 10% of the initial activity was in this fraction. The 14C in starch and perchloric-acid-soluble fractions increased to a maximum level (approx. 30% of initial activity) 30 min after labeling and declined slowly over the rest of the period. After 24 h, approximately 80% of the 14C had moved out of the leaf. There was no effect of leaf age on the pattern of movement of 14C through the leaf. Completely shading the plant immediately after labeling resulted in a rapid cessation (within 30 mm) of 14C movement into starch with an accompanying retention of 14C in the 80% ethanol-soluble fraction.
GENOTYPE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION OF YIELD IN CEREAL CROPS IN NORTHWESTERN CANADA
Authors: PAUW R. M. De , FARIS D. G. , WILLIAMS C. J.
Published: March 2010

Three cultivars of each crop, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), were grown for 4 yr at five locations north of the 55th parallel in northwestern Canada. There were highly significant differences among all main effects and interactions. Galt barley produced the highest seed yield followed by Centennial barley, Random oats and Harmon oats. Victory oats, Olli barley, Neepawa wheat and Pitic 62 wheat yielded similarly to each other while Thatcher wheat was significantly lower yielding. Mean environment yields ranged from 2080 to 5610 kg/ha. The genotype-environment (GE) interaction of species and cultivars was sufficiently complicated that it could not be characterized by one or two statistics (e.g., stability variances or regression coefficients). However, variability in frost-free period among years and locations contributed to the GE interaction because, for example, some cultivars yielded well (e.g., Pitic 62) only in those year-location environments with a relatively long frost-free period while other early maturing cultivars (e.g., Olli) performed well even in a short frost-free period environment.
RESPONSES TO PLANTING DATE AND POPULATION DENSITY BY EARLY-MATURING SORGHUM HYBRIDS IN ONTARIO
Authors: HUME D. J. , KEBEDE YILMA
Published: March 2010

Early-maturing grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) hybrids which have potential usefulness in southern Ontario are commercially available. One such hybrid, Pride P130, and two experimental hybrids, Pride X4043 and Pride X3160, were grown at three planting dates and three plant densities in 1975 and 1976 at Elora, Ontario. There were several hybrid × planting date and hybrid × plant density interactions for the development and yield parameters measured. However, grain yields of all hybrids decreased by about 10% per week when plantings were delayed 2 or 4 wk after mid-May in 1975. In 1976, yields declined even more after late planting. Increasing populations from 75 000 to 300 000 plants/ha in 1975 increased grain yields from 4.3 to 6.0 t/ha, averaged over hybrids and planting dates. In 1976, raising populations from 150 000 to 450 000 plants/ha increased average yields from 3.2 to 3.7 t/ha. P130 was the earliest and best-yielding hybrid in both years. In 1975, which had a warm May and near-average temperatures, the best treatment yielded 7.3 t grain/ha and hybrids at all planting dates matured. The best treatment approached grain corn (Zea mays L.) yields. In 1976 with a cool spring and late summer, the highest grain yield was 5.7 t/ha with early planting, but 11 June plantings did not mature. In south-central Ontario, sorghum grain yields appear less reliable than those of corn.
COMPARISON OF TESTS CHARACTERIZING VARIETIES OF BARLEY AND WHEAT FOR MOISTURE STRESS RESISTANCE
Authors: NASS H. G. , STERLING J. D. E.
Published: March 2010

The tiller survival test was used to characterize eight cultivars of wheat (seven of Triticum aestivum L. and one of Triticum durum Des. F.), and seven cultivars of barley (four of which were Hordeum vulgare L. and three Hordeum distichon L.) for moisture stress resistance. Several avoidance and tolerance tests were then assessed for their effectiveness in characterizing the cultivars for moisture stress resistance in relation to the survival test. Of the avoidance tests, visual wilting correlated well with tiller survival but the water loss from leaves and stomatal diffusion resistance tests did not. Of the tolerance tests, root weight under moisture stress showed a good relationship with survival; root weight without moisture stress correlated well with survival for wheat and somewhat less for barley. A comparison of root and leaf weight in two soils differing in moisture-holding ability was useful but less correlated with survival. An unsatisfactory tolerance test was germination in mannitol as there was no correlation in rankings with drought survival. Two semi-dwarf wheat cultivars, Pitic and Fielder, and the two-rowed barley cultivars Nordal and Volla demonstrated the greatest moisture stress resistance. This study of avoidance and tolerance tests leads us to the conclusion that no one test, used singularly, has sufficient reliability to determine overall cultivar drought response in wheat and barley. At least one test measuring avoidance and one measuring tolerance should be used.
EFFECTS OF ANNUAL REPEAT APPLICATIONS OF SIMAZINE, DIURON, TERBACIL, AND DICHLOBENIL IN A MATURE APPLE ORCHARD
Authors: HEENEY H. B. , WARREN V. , KHAN S. U.
Published: March 2010

Annual tree growth and yields of mature Bancroft apple trees was higher when simazine (2-chloro-4,6 bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine), terbacil (3-tert-butyl-5-chloro-6-methyluracil) and dichlobenil (2-6-dichlorobenzonitrile) were applied annually for 6 yr to control weeds compared to trees that were regularly mowed. Fruit maturity was slightly delayed with herbicide treatment. While acceptable weed control was afforded by all herbicide treatments, repeat applications of terbacil annually gave the highest level of weed control. There was an indication after a number of years of simazine use that common vetch (Vicia cracca L.) would become a major problem. In these trials all herbicides accumulated in the 0- to 15-cm surface layer of the soil profile. Continued use of specific herbicides would have some effect on both potassium and magnesium in foliage collected in mid-July. Nitrogen levels in the leaves were not increased significantly during the study.
NOTE ON OBSERVATIONS AND FACTORS AFFECTING DORMOAT EMERGENCE AND GROWTH DEMONSTRATED BY SEQUENTIAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Authors: JACKSON H. R. , BURROWS V. D. , WALLEN V. R.
Published: March 2010

Aerial photography was used to record changes on spring emergence, growth and development of nine lines of fall-sown dormoats (Avenafatua L. × Avenu sativa L.). The effect of differential emergence was detectable throughout the growing season.