bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of ZnO–B2O3 Addition on the Microstructure and Microwave Properties of Low‐Temperature Sintered Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) Thick Films
Authors: Kohler Christian , Friederich Andreas , Sazegar Mohsen , Nikfalazar Mohammad , Stemme Florian , Wang Di , Kuebel Christian , Jakoby Rolf , Binder Joachim R.
Published: May 2013

BST–ZnO–B2O3–composite thick films have been investigated regarding their suitability as low‐temperature sintered tunable microwave dielectrics. The investigations showed that already a small amount of ZnO–B2O3 additive can remarkably reduce the sintering temperature down to 900°C. Microstructural investigations of the thick films revealed the formation of an amorphous intergranular phase and a clustering of particles for high additive amounts. The microwave characterization showed a reduction in relative permittivity, dielectric loss, and tunability of the thick films with increasing additive content. These results demonstrate the potential to tailor the material abilities by varying the additive content.
Physico‐chemical and antioxidant properties of extrudates developed from honey and barley
Authors: Kumar Kshitiz , Jindal Navdeep , Sharma Savita , Nanda Vikas
Published: May 2013

Barley flour and honey, being concentrated source of nutrients, were used to develop extruded product using twin‐screw extruder. Response surface methodology was applied to study the effects of honey (5–25%), moisture content (17–21%) temperature (120–160 °C) and screw speed (180–220 rpm) on product responses. The variation in moisture content and die temperature affected the physicochemical properties of extrudate but screw speed had significant effect only on hardness. It was established that with increase in honey levels from 5% to 20%, there was increase in antioxidant activity (up to 106.9%), total phenolic content (up to 90.2%) and total flavonoid content (up to 89.2%) in interaction with other extrusion cooking variables. The optimal condition corresponds to honey content of 18.86%, feed moisture of 18%, die temperature of 148.62 °C and screw speed of 209.99 rpm. The results suggest that honey can be extruded with barley flour into a healthful snack food.
Characterisation of four popular Polish hop cultivars
Authors: Leonardi Michele , Skomra Urszula , Agacka Monika , Stochmal Anna , Ambryszewska Katarzyna E. , Oleszek Wieslaw , Flamini Guido , Pistelli Luisa
Published: May 2013

Polish cultivars of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) are well known as aroma and bitter raw material in the brewing industry. To characterise four popular Polish hop cultivars, Lubelski (Lublin), Marynka, Sybilla and Iunga (also known as Junga), the essential oil profiles were determined by gas chromatography/flame ionisation detector (GC‐FID) and gas chromatography/chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (GC‐CIMS) and the alpha/beta acids amounts by high‐performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD) analysis. In addition, the multivariate statistical analysis of the volatile profiles was performed. The results obtained evidenced qualitative and quantitative differences between the four cultivars studied and the foreign hops described in the literature. Lubelski and Iunga showed the typical chemical profile of the fine‐aroma and high‐alpha cultivars, respectively. In Marynka and Sybilla, the average amounts of alpha acids were similar to the bitter hops, but with a volatile profile characteristics of the fine‐aroma and aroma cultivars respectively.
Co‐inoculation of yeast and lactic acid bacteria to improve cherry wines sensory quality
Authors: Sun Shu Yang , Gong Han Sheng , Zhao Kun , Wang Xiao Lin , Wang Xue , Zhao Xi Hao , Yu Bing , Wang Huan Xin
Published: May 2013

This study examined the effect of co‐inoculation of yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the chemical and sensory characteristics of cherry wines, in comparison with a traditional sequential culture. Three LABs were investigated, including two O. oeni (SG26 and Viniflora) and one L. plantarum (PL18). All co‐inoculations significantly shortened the fermentation time (average 8 days earlier) to reach a stable level of residual sugar (<2 g L−1) and L‐malic acid (<0.5 g L−1), and no inhibitory effect on the yeast proliferation was observed. For volatiles determined, co‐culture with SG26 produced the greatest amount of volatile components (138.5 mg L−1), whereas sequential inoculation with PL18 had the lowest level (119.6 mg L−1). PCA result revealed that different LABs had diverse influences on the volatile profile of cherry wines, and sensory analysis confirmed that these samples presented distinct sensory profiles, and particularly, a stronger note of fruity was perceived when co‐culture was used.
Effect of surface properties of different food contact materials on the efficiency of quaternary ammonium compounds residue recovery and persistence
Authors: Mousavi Zeinab E. , Fanning Seamus , Butler Francis
Published: May 2013

Residues of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) remaining after sanitising were evaluated for a number of materials used in food plants. The residues were collected by swabs and measured using a spectrophotometric method. Surface topography and energy affected the QACs recovery. Highest percentage of QACs recovery was achieved for the tile material (102.2%) which had the most hydrophilic properties and least irregularities in surface topology, followed by stainless steel (82.1%). Meanwhile, the lowest recovery occurred in PVC (42.1%) and resin (44.3%) that exhibited hydrophobic characteristics and abrupt changes in height profile in a given surface area. Monitoring of QACs residues deposited on the surfaces after 7 days showed that the recovery of QACs in PVC and resin reduced significantly (P < 0.05), supposing that QACs might be degraded or interacted with the materials. However, no significant changes in residue recovery were observed for tiles and stainless steel surfaces after 7 days.
Characteristics of Aspergillus niger xylanases produced on rice husk and wheat bran in submerged culture and solid‐state fermentation for an applicability proposal
Authors: Membrillo Venegas Isabel , Fuentes‐Hernández Janeth , García‐Rivero Mayola , Martínez‐Trujillo Aurora
Published: May 2013

Xylanolytic rich filtrates were obtained by A. niger sp in both submerged and solid‐state culture using rice husk or wheat bran as the only carbon source. Filtrates obtained on rice husk showed the highest activities (~6500 and 5200 U g−1, respectively). Independent of carbon source, these filtrates were very stable in an acidic pH range (4–7) and mild temperatures, with high half‐life time values (more than 7 h at 50 °C) in the corresponding inactivation kinetic models. Also the effect of different metallic ions and denaturing substances was verified finding that these enzymes are not metaloproteins, and metals as Hg2+ and Pb2+ caused the greatest loss of xylanolytic activity (not higher than 30%). Xylanases produced by this A. niger strain showed important features that make them potential candidates for applications on human and livestock food industries.
Physicochemical characteristics and shelf life estimation of maize/soybean extrudates added with bovine haemoglobin
Authors: Caballero María S. , Drago Silvina R. , Costa Silvia C. , Sabbag Nora G. , González Rolando J.
Published: May 2013

Maize/soybean (88:12) extrudates fortified with bovine haemoglobin as a source of iron with the addition of iron absorption enhancers were developed. The aims were to evaluate physicochemical characteristics and to predict shelf life by sensory analysis. Extrudates were made using a Brabender 20 DN single‐screw extruder. Specific mechanical energy consumption (SMEC), expansion ratio, specific volume, water solubility and water absorption were measured. Extrudates were stored at three temperatures (12.5, 30 and 45 °C) for 50 days. Colour, crispness and rancid flavour were evaluated by a trained panel. Both addition of haemoglobin and enhancers did not produce significant differences for SMEC, expansion and specific volume. Flavour was the attribute with the greatest degree of damage during storage, thus was used for predicting shelf life. The expanded product added with haemoglobin, and Na2EDTA could be kept for 15 months at 15 °C or 10 months at 22 °C without rancid flavour development.
Validation of the minimal citrate tube fill volume for routine coagulation tests on ACL TOP 500 CTS®
Authors: Ver Elst K. , Vermeiren S. , Schouwers S. , Callebaut V. , Thomson W. , Weekx S.
Published: May 2013

Introduction

CLSI recommends a minimal citrate tube fill volume of 90%. A validation protocol with clinical and analytical components was set up to determine the tube fill threshold for international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (PT‐INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and fibrinogen.

Methods

Citrated coagulation samples from 16 healthy donors and eight patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKA) were evaluated. Eighty‐nine tubes were filled to varying volumes of >50%. Coagulation tests were performed on ACL TOP 500 CTS®. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) plot, with Total error (TE) and critical difference (CD) as possible acceptance criteria, was used to determine the fill threshold.

Results

Receiving Operating Characteristic was the most accurate with CD for PT‐INR and TE for aPTT resulting in thresholds of 63% for PT and 80% for aPTT. By adapted ROC, based on threshold setting at a point of 100% sensitivity at a maximum specificity, CD was best for PT and TE for aPTT resulting in thresholds of 73% for PT and 90% for aPTT. For fibrinogen, the method was only valid with the TE criterion at a 63% fill volume.

Conclusion

In our study, we validated the minimal citrate tube fill volumes of 73%, 90% and 63% for PT‐INR, aPTT and fibrinogen, respectively.
Leukocyte cell population data (volume conductivity scatter) in postprandial leukocyte activation
Authors: Klop B. , van de Geijn G.‐J. M. , Njo T. L. , Janssen H. W. , Rietveld A. P. , van Miltenburg A. , Fernández‐Sender L. , Elte J. W. F. , Castro Cabezas M.
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Changes in leukocyte cell population data have been reported in various infectious diseases, but little is known in other inflammatory conditions such as the postprandial state. We investigated whether leukocyte cell population data change during postprandial leukocyte activation.

Methods

Healthy volunteers underwent a standardized oral fat loading test (OFLT). Flowcytometric quantitation of leukocyte activation markers CD11b, CD66b, CD35, and CD36, together with leukocyte cell population data from LH750 hematology analyzers were measured fasting and at 4 and 8 h postprandially.

Results

Twelve volunteers were included. Postprandial leukocyte activation was confirmed by increased expression of CD11b by monocytes (+11.7%) and neutrophils (+15.0%) and by increased expression of CD66b (+14.7%) and CD35 (+16.6%) by neutrophils at T = 4 h. The mean scatter from neutrophils, reflecting granularity, significantly decreased at T = 4 h (P < 0.05) and returned to baseline at T = 8 h (P‐anova 0.048). The mean volume of monocytes increased significantly at T = 4 h (P < 0.001) and returned to baseline at T = 8 h (P‐anova 0.0008). At T = 4 h, CD11b expression on neutrophils was associated with a reduction in mean scatter of neutrophils (Pearson's r: −0.677, P = 0.016).

Conclusion

Postprandial leukocyte activation is accompanied by temporary changes in leukocyte cell population data, similar to changes observed during various infections, but to a lesser extent.
‘All things considered’: transcriptional regulation of T helper type 2 cell differentiation from precursor to effector activation
Authors: Zeng Wei‐ping
Published: May 2013

T helper type 2 (Th2) cells are critical to host defence against helminth infection and the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. The differentiation of Th2 cells from naive CD4 T cells is controlled by intricate transcriptional mechanisms. At the precursor stage of naive CD4 T cells, transcriptional mechanisms maintain the potential and in the meantime prevent spontaneous differentiation to Th2 fate. In addition, intrachromosomal interactions important for co‐ordinated expression of Th2 cytokines pre‐exist in naive CD4 T cells. Upon T‐cell receptor (TCR) engagement, naive CD4 T cells are induced by polarizing signals of the interleukin‐4/Stat6 and Jagged/Notch pathways to up‐regulate the expression of GATA‐3. Once up‐regulated, GATA‐3 drives Th2 and suppresses Th1 differentiation in a cell autonomous fashion. In this stage of differentiation, the Th2 cytokine locus, as well as the interferon‐γ locus, undergoes chromatin remodelling and epigenetic modifications that contribute to the somatic memory of Th2 cytokine gene expression pattern. Once differentiated, Th2 effector cells promptly produce Th2 cytokines upon TCR stimulation, which is regulated by concerted actions of GATA‐3, TCR signalling, enhancers and the Th2 locus control region. This review provides a detailed account of the transcriptional regulatory events at these different stages of Th2 differentiation.
Body size varies with abundance, not climate, in an amphibian population
Authors: Green David M. , Middleton Jessica
Published: May 2013

Body size variation among animals has many possible correlates, temporal as well as geographic. Adult male body size was analysed over the course of 23 yr (1989–2011) in a population of Fowler’s toads Anaxyrus fowleri at Long Point, Ontario. We used an information theoretic approach to identify the most likely models to explain body length variation in relation to abundance, age and environmental variables, including temperature. Male toads overall averaged 53.6 ± 0.1 (SE) mm (n = 1976) but average body length from year to year varied from 50.9 ± 0.2 to 61.4 ± 1.3 mm (n = 23 yr), a difference of 18.7%. Abundance was the only variable significantly correlated with body size variation (R²= 0.713, p = < 0.001). A significant 10‐yr trend in increased body size (R²= 0.874, p = < 0.001) was coincident with a previously detected negative trend in abundance. A 0.05°C yr−1 increase in environmental temperature over the course of our study was not significantly correlated with the toads’ body size. Body size variation in these toads is likely related to density‐dependent resource availability for growth in the terrestrial stage. Temporal changes in average body size within populations in relation to density may be a significant component of phenotypic variation.
Tools for integrating range change, extinction risk and climate change information into conservation management
Authors: Fordham Damien A. , Akçakaya H. Resit , Araújo Miguel B. , Keith David A. , Brook Barry W.
Published: May 2013

Ecological niche models (ENMs) are the primary tool used to describe and forecast the potential influence of climate change on biodiversity. However, ENMs do not directly account for important biological and landscape processes likely to affect range dynamics at a variety of spatial scales. Recent advances to link ENMs with population models have focused on the fundamental step of integrating dispersal and metapopulation dynamics into forecasts of species geographic ranges. Here we use a combination of novel analyses and a synthesis of findings from published plant and animal case studies to highlight three seldom recognised, yet important, advantages of linking ENMs with demographic modelling approaches: 1) they provide direct measures of extinction risk in addition to measures of vulnerability based on change in the potential range area or total habitat suitability. 2) They capture life‐history traits that permit population density to vary in different ways in response to key spatial drivers, conditioned by the processes of global change. 3) They can be used to explore and rank the cost effectiveness of regional conservation alternatives and demographically oriented management interventions. Given these advantages, we argue that coupled methods should be used preferentially where data permits and when conservation management decisions require intervention, prioritization, or direct estimates of extinction risk.
Historical climate‐change influences modularity and nestedness of pollination networks
Authors: Dalsgaard Bo , Trøjelsgaard Kristian , Martín González Ana M. , Nogués‐Bravo David , Ollerton Jeff , Petanidou Theodora , Sandel Brody , Schleuning Matthias , Wang Zhiheng , Rahbek Carsten , Sutherland William J. , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Olesen Jens M.
Published: May 2013

The structure of species interaction networks is important for species coexistence, community stability and exposure of species to extinctions. Two widespread structures in ecological networks are modularity, i.e. weakly connected subgroups of species that are internally highly interlinked, and nestedness, i.e. specialist species that interact with a subset of those species with which generalist species also interact. Modularity and nestedness are often interpreted as evolutionary ecological structures that may have relevance for community persistence and resilience against perturbations, such as climate‐change. Therefore, historical climatic fluctuations could influence modularity and nestedness, but this possibility remains untested. This lack of research is in sharp contrast to the considerable efforts to disentangle the role of historical climate‐change and contemporary climate on species distributions, richness and community composition patterns. Here, we use a global database of pollination networks to show that historical climate‐change is at least as important as contemporary climate in shaping modularity and nestedness of pollination networks. Specifically, on the mainland we found a relatively strong negative association between Quaternary climate‐change and modularity, whereas nestedness was most prominent in areas having experienced high Quaternary climate‐change. On islands, Quaternary climate‐change had weak effects on modularity and no effects on nestedness. Hence, for both modularity and nestedness, historical climate‐change has left imprints on the network structure of mainland communities, but had comparably little effect on island communities. Our findings highlight a need to integrate historical climate fluctuations into eco‐evolutionary hypotheses of network structures, such as modularity and nestedness, and then test these against empirical data. We propose that historical climate‐change may have left imprints in the structural organisation of species interactions in an array of systems important for maintaining biological diversity.
Perovskite‐Structured BiFeO3–Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3–PbTiO3 Solid Solution Piezoelectric Ceramics with Curie Temperature About 700°C
Authors: Hou Xianbo , Yu Jian
Published: May 2013

In this article, perovskite‐structured BiFeO3–Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3–PbTiO3 (BF–BZT–PT) ternary solid solutions were prepared with traditional solid‐state reaction method and demonstrated to exhibit a coexistent phase boundary (CPB) with Curie temperature of TC~700°C in the form of ceramics with microstructure grain size of several micron. It was found that those CPB ceramics fabricated with conventional electroceramic processing are mechanically and electrically robust and can be poled to set a high piezoelectricity for the ceramics prepared with multiple calcinations and sintering temperature around 750°C. A high piezoelectric property of TC = 560°C, d33 = 30 pC/N, ε33T/ε0 = 302, and tanδ = 0.02 was obtained here for the CPB 0.53BF–0.15BZT–0.32PT ceramics with average grain size of about 0.3 μm. Primary experimental investigations found that the enhanced piezoelectric response and reduced ferroelectric Curie temperature are closely associated with the small grain size of microstructure feature, which induces lattice structural changes of increased amount ratio of rhombohedral‐to‐tetragonal phase accompanying with decreased tetragonality in the CPB ceramics. Taking advantage of structural phase boundary feature like the Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 systems, through adjusting composition and microstructure grain size, the CPB BF–BZT–PT ceramics is a potential candidate to exhibit better piezoelectric properties than the commercial K‐15 Aurivillius‐type bismuth titanate ceramics. Our essay is anticipated to excite new designs of high–temperature, high–performance, perovskite‐structured, ferroelectric piezoceramics and extend their application fields of piezoelectric transducers.
I‐CAN: The Classification and Prediction of Support Needs
Authors: Arnold Samuel R. C. , Riches Vivienne C. , Stancliffe Roger J.
Published: May 2013

Background

Since 1992, the diagnosis and classification of intellectual disability has been dependent upon three constructs: intelligence, adaptive behaviour and support needs (Luckasson et al. 1992. Mental Retardation: Definition, Classification and Systems of Support. American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Washington, DC). While the methods and instruments to measure intelligence and adaptive behaviour are well established and generally accepted, the measurement and classification of support needs is still in its infancy. This article explores the measurement and classification of support needs.

Method

A study is presented comparing scores on the ICF (WHO, 2001) based I‐CAN v4.2 support needs assessment and planning tool with expert clinical judgment using a proposed classification of support needs. A logical classification algorithm was developed and validated on a separate sample.

Results

Good internal consistency (range 0.73–0.91, N = 186) and criterion validity (κ = 0.94, n = 49) were found.

Conclusions

Further advances in our understanding and measurement of support needs could change the way we assess, describe and classify disability.
Estimating Crop Water Use via Remote Sensing Techniques vs. Conventional Methods in the South Platte River Basin, Colorado
Authors: Burkhalter J. Philip , Martin Timothy C. , Allen Richard G. , Kjaersgaard Jeppe , Wilson Erin , Alvarado Ray , Polly Jason S.
Published: May 2013

We compared two methods of estimating crop water consumption to assess whether remote sensing techniques provide consumptive use (CU) estimates commensurate with conventional methods. Using available historical satellite and meteorological data, we applied Mapping EvapoTranspiration at high Resolution using Internalized Calibration (METRIC) to 317,455 ha in the South Platte basin, in northeastern Colorado, for the 2001 irrigation season. We then compared these derived CU estimates with values calculated by using the Colorado Water Conservation Board's South Platte Decision Support System StateCU model. Evaluating the data by irrigation ditch service area, we disaggregated the output to allow for comparison by service area size, crop type, irrigation method, water supply source, and water availability. We concluded that METRIC is a suitable alternative to StateCU in the South Platte basin and could help to identify areas with inhibited crop growth or deficit irrigation practices. In addition, METRIC could be used as a complement to StateCU to refine StateCU model parameters, allowing for more accurate estimates of crop water shortages and groundwater recharge associated with irrigation delivery and application.
Tamarix and Diorhabda Leaf Beetle Interactions: Implications for Tamarix Water Use and Riparian Habitat
Authors: Nagler Pamela , Glenn Edward
Published: May 2013

Tamarix leaf beetles (Diorhabda carinulata) have been widely released on western United States rivers to control introduced shrubs in the genus Tamarix, with the goals of saving water through removal of an assumed high water‐use plant, and of improving habitat value by removing a competitor of native riparian trees. We review recent studies addressing three questions: (1) to what extent are Tamarix weakened or killed by recurrent cycles of defoliation; (2) can significant water salvage be expected from defoliation; and (3) what are the effects of defoliation on riparian ecology, particularly on avian habit? Defoliation has been patchy at many sites, and shrubs at some sites recover each year even after multiple years of defoliation. Tamarix evapotranspiration (ET) is much lower than originally assumed in estimates of potential water savings, and are the same or lower than possible replacement plants. There is concern that the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailli extimus) will be negatively affected by defoliation because the birds build nests early in the season when Tamarix is still green, but are still on their nests during the period of summer defoliation. Affected river systems will require continued monitoring and development of adaptive management practices to maintain or enhance riparian habitat values. Multiplatform remote sensing methods are playing an essential role in monitoring defoliation and rates of ET on affected river systems.
Automated Calibration of the METRIC‐Landsat Evapotranspiration Process
Authors: Allen Richard G. , Burnett Boyd , Kramber William , Huntington Justin , Kjaersgaard Jeppe , Kilic Ayse , Kelly Carlos , Trezza Ricardo
Published: May 2013

A remaining challenge to applying satellite‐based energy‐balance algorithms for operational estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) is the calibration of the energy‐balance model. Customized calibration for each image date is generally required to overcome biases associated with radiometric accuracy of the image, uncertainties in aerodynamic features of the landscape, background thermal conditions, and model assumptions. The CIMEC process (calibration using inverse modeling at extreme conditions) is an endpoint calibration procedure where near extreme conditions in the image are identified where the ET can be estimated and assigned. In the Mapping EvapoTranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC™) energy‐balance model, two endpoints represent the dry and wet ends of the ET spectrum. Generally, user‐intervention is required to select locations in the image to produce best accuracy. To bring the METRIC and similar processes into the domain of less experienced operators, a consistent, reproducible, and dependable statistics‐based procedure is introduced where relationships between vegetation amount and surface temperature are used to identify a subpopulation of locations (pixels) in an image that may best represent the calibration endpoints. This article describes the background and logic for the statistical approach, how the statistics were developed, area of interest requirements and assumptions, adjustment for dry conditions in desert climates, and implementation in a common image processing environment (ERDAS Imagine).
Estimating Annual Groundwater Evapotranspiration from Phreatophytes in the Great Basin Using Landsat and Flux Tower Measurements
Authors: Beamer Jordan P. , Huntington Justin L. , Morton Charles G. , Pohll Greg M.
Published: May 2013

Escalating concerns about water supplies in the Great Basin have prompted numerous water budget studies focused on groundwater recharge and discharge. For many hydrographic areas (HAs) in the Great Basin, most of the recharge is discharged by bare soil evaporation and evapotranspiration (ET) from phreatophyte vegetation. Estimating recharge from precipitation in a given HA is difficult and often has significant uncertainty, therefore it is often quantified by estimating the natural discharge. As such, remote sensing applications for spatially distributing flux tower estimates of ET and groundwater ET (ETg) across phreatophyte areas are becoming more common. We build on previous studies and develop a transferable empirical relationship with uncertainty bounds between flux tower estimates of ET and a remotely sensed vegetation index, Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). Energy balance‐corrected ET measured from 40 flux tower site‐year combinations in the Great Basin was statistically correlated with EVI derived from Landsat imagery (r2 = 0.97). Application of the relationship to estimate mean‐annual ETg from four HAs in western and eastern Nevada is highlighted and results are compared with previous estimates. Uncertainty bounds about the estimated mean ETg allow investigators to evaluate if independent groundwater discharge estimates are “believable” and will ultimately assist local, state, and federal agencies to evaluate expert witness reports of ETg, along with providing new first‐order estimates of ETg.
Integrated Freshwater Solutions — A New Zealand Application of Mediated Modeling
Authors: van den Belt Marjan , Schiele Heike , Forgie Vicky
Published: May 2013

Mediated Modeling (MM) refers to “model building with stakeholders,” enabling collaborative learning and decision support. This article presents results from the Integrated Freshwater Solutions (IFS — www.ifs.org.nz) action research project in the Manawatū River watershed, New Zealand. Water quality in the watershed often rates poorly, with the key issues being sedimentation, eutrophication, and habitat destruction. IFS is to develop and test MM to support collaborative and adaptive freshwater management. The project team was presented with the opportunity to collaborate with the Manawatū River Leaders' Forum (MRLF), an initiative driven by the Regional Council to improve water quality. This article describes the process of MM and how it was adapted to meet the needs of MRLF stakeholders. This highlights some important conditions for collaborative and adaptive capacity building. The MM/MRLF stakeholders, represented: industry, farming, local and regional authorities, environmental groups, and indigenous Māori iwi/hapū (tribe/sub‐tribe). This article describes how MM assisted early in the collaborative process to develop the following: (1) a shared and more integrated understanding of causes and effects and (2) a sense of the order of magnitude of the problems and the impact proposed solutions might have. It also describes how the context of politics, time, and resource constraints played an important role reverting to a more traditional planning approach part way through the process.
Disciplined Planning, Structured Participation, and Collaborative Modeling — Applying Shared Vision Planning to Water Resources
Authors: Palmer Richard N. , Cardwell Hal E. , Lorie Mark A. , Werick William
Published: May 2013

Participatory planning applied to water resources has sparked significant interest and debate during the last decade. Recognition that models play a significant role in the formulation and implementation of design and management strategies has encouraged the profession to consider how such models can be best implemented. Shared Vision Planning (SVP) is a disciplined planning approach that combines traditional water resources planning methodologies with innovations such as structured public participation and the use of collaborative modeling, resulting in a more complete understanding and an integrative decision support tool. This study reviews these three basic components of SVP and explains how they are incorporated into a unified planning approach. The successful application of SVP is explored in three studies involving planning challenges: the National Drought Study, the Lake Ontario‐St. Lawrence River Study, and the Apalachicola‐Chattahoochee‐Flint/Alabama‐Coosa‐Tallapoosa River Basin Study. The article concludes by summarizing the advantages and limitations of this planning approach.
Developing a New Operations Plan for the Bow River Basin Using Collaborative Modeling for Decision Support
Authors: Sheer A. Michael S. , Nemeth Michael W. , Sheer Daniel P. , Van Ham Megan , Kelly Michael , Hill David , Lebherz Samuel D.
Published: May 2013

The Bow River Basin is a cornerstone of Alberta's development. In 2010, stakeholders representing interests from agriculture, municipalities, environment, and more formed the Bow River Project Research Consortium to help determine the potential for improving the operations in the basin. At present, upstream reservoirs are operated primarily for hydropower, whereas downstream reservoirs are operated for irrigation. Through Collaborative Modeling for Decision Support the stakeholders were able to develop a new method for operating the system that would dramatically improve environmental performance. The main components of the new operating strategy called for: purchase or setting aside of a small amount of storage volume in the power reservoirs; a set of rules for releases from that storage; an agreement by the major irrigation districts with the largest water licenses to utilize their ability to shift deliveries to and from their large offstream storage reservoirs to allow for increased instream flows, and to allow junior water license holders (mainly municipal and industrial supplies) an uninterrupted water supply; limitations of reservoir fluctuations to improve inreservoir habitat for fisheries; and increased minimum flows throughout the system leading to improved environmental outcomes. Costs of this strategy were minimal, impacts on power revenue were estimated at <US$2 million/yr on average. Compensatory arrangements should be possible.
Computer‐Aided Negotiations of Water Disputes: An Interdisciplinary Role‐Playing Course
Authors: Rivera M.W. , Sheer D.P. , Miller A.J.
Published: May 2013

This study examines the evolution of a microworld created in a stakeholder process into educational materials used in a classroom setting. Microworlds have been used to stimulate learning through engagement in classroom and professional settings, but to our knowledge this is the first example that demonstrates utilization of the same process in both settings in the field of water resources, involving collaboration between the educational and professional sectors. An interdisciplinary role‐playing course in Computer‐Aided Negotiations (CAN) of water disputes is used as a case study. Upper‐level undergraduate students of varied academic backgrounds interacted in both the CAN process and river basin management model used in the CAN process as microworlds for one semester. We found evidence of meaningful engagement with both the process and model by all students. This finding has implications for engaging stakeholders without technical backgrounds in CAN processes. Students reported learning gains on surveys and pre/posttest scores improved, although only one item showed a statistically significant increase. During and after the teaching of this course, there was feedback of work products from the students to river basin managers. The course also provides the opportunity to learn the art of collaborative modeling through example and practice. Course materials are available at http://www.hydrologics.net/CAN_Course/.
Collaborative Modeling to Evaluate Water Management Scenarios in the Rio Grande Basin
Authors: Sandoval‐Solis Samuel , Teasley Rebecca L. , McKinney Daene C. , Thomas Gregory A. , Patiño‐Gomez Carlos
Published: May 2013

This article describes the collaborative modeling process and the resulting water resources planning model developed to evaluate water management scenarios in the transboundary Rio Grande basin. The Rio Grande is a severely water stressed basin that faces numerous management challenges as it crosses numerous jurisdictional boundaries. A collaborative process was undertaken to identify and model water management scenarios to improve water supply for stakeholders, the environment, and international obligations of water delivery from Mexico to the United States. A transparent and open process of data collection, model building, and scenario development was completed by a project steering committee composed of university, nongovernmental, and governmental experts from both countries. The outcome of the process was a planning model described in this article, with data and operations that were agreed on by water planning officials in each country. Water management scenarios were created from stakeholder input and were modeled and evaluated for effectiveness with the planning model.
Effects of an intelligent web‐based English instruction system on students' academic performance
Authors: Jia J. , Chen Y. , Ding Z. , Bai Y. , Yang B. , Li M. , Qi J.
Published: May 2013

This research conducted quasi‐experiments in four middle schools to evaluate the long‐term effects of an intelligent web‐based English instruction system, Computer Simulation in Educational Communication (CSIEC), on students' academic attainment. The analysis of regular examination scores and vocabulary test validates the positive impact of CSIEC, and in most cases, the positive impact is statistically significant. The reliability is ensured by the spectrum of the students from Grade 1 to Grade 3 in three junior high schools and from Grade 1 to Grade 2 in one senior high school, and of the teachers with or without blended learning experience, as well as by the various school locations from rural to urban areas in four provinces of China. The learning content‐oriented design and the instant feedback feature of the web‐based system, as well as its regular integration into the English class, contributed to its reliable positive effect on students' learning performance in ordinary examinations. This is the research's implication for instructional design. The conclusion of this paper could serve as a reference to the technical feasibility and pedagogical benefit of regular usage of appropriate Computer Assisted Learning system in the mainstream subject of middle schools. The multiple quasi‐experiments in divergent school settings to ensure the results' reliability distinguish this research from previous ones that just implemented one single experiment in one school.
Prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with history of moderate to severe periodontitis: a long‐term evaluation
Authors: Graetz Christian , Schwendicke Falk , Kahl Maren , Dörfer Christof E. , Sälzer Sonja , Springer Claudia , Schützhold Svenja , Kocher Thomas , König Jörgen , Rühling Andreas
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Long‐term outcomes of conservative periodontal and prosthetic treatment of patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were to be evaluated. Groups of younger (YG) and middle‐aged patients (MG) were to be compared regarding survival of fixed and removable dental prostheses (FDP, RDP) inserted after active periodontal therapy (APT). In addition, functional‐occlusal status over more than 10 years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) was analysed.

Methods

The present multi‐case‐series retrospectively analysed data of 68 patients (34 YG and 34 MG) who had received APT and regular SPT ≥10 years. Tooth loss, occlusal status and survival and complications of prosthetics were evaluated descriptively and comparatively (t‐test).

Results

There was no statistical difference between YG and MG concerning tooth loss/year (p > 0.05). Functional‐occlusal status was retained during SPT in 75% and 69% of YG and MG. Restorations inserted after APT showed high survival for both age groups (100%). Mean survival time until the last SPT visit was 15.2 and 11.6 years for FDP and RDP in YG, and 12.5 and 13.1 years in MG.

Conclusions

Prosthetic restorations in both younger and middle‐aged patients with severe periodontitis showed high survival, if pre‐prosthetic APT and regular SPT had been performed.
Radiation therapy for lymph node metastasis from extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Hata M. , Koike I. , Wada H. , Minagawa Y. , Kasuya T. , Matsui T. , Suzuki R. , Takano S. , Inoue T.
Published: May 2013

Background

Inoperable patients with lymph node metastasis from extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) have limited curative treatment options.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review the efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy for lymph node metastasis from EMPD.

Methods

Eight EMPD patients with pelvic and inguinal lymph node metastasis, representing a total of 43 metastatic lymph nodes, underwent radiation therapy. Of these eight patients, two received radiation therapy as an initial treatment for EMPD and six for recurrence only in the lymph nodes after they had undergone surgery. Total doses of 45–61.2 Gy (median, 59.4 Gy) were delivered to metastatic lymph nodes in 25–34 fractions (median, 33 fractions).

Results

Of the 43 metastatic lymph nodes in the eight patients, all but one had no progression at the median follow‐up time of 22 months. The 2‐year local control rates were 86% in all patients and 98% in all metastatic lymph nodes, respectively. No therapy‐related toxicities of grade 3 or greater were observed.

Conclusion

Radiation therapy is effective and safe, and appears to offer a curative treatment option for lymph node metastasis from EMPD.
Natural selection. VII. History and interpretation of kin selection theory
Authors: Frank S. A.
Published: May 2013

Kin selection theory is a kind of causal analysis. The initial form of kin selection ascribed cause to costs, benefits and genetic relatedness. The theory then slowly developed a deeper and more sophisticated approach to partitioning the causes of social evolution. Controversy followed because causal analysis inevitably attracts opposing views. It is always possible to separate total effects into different component causes. Alternative causal schemes emphasize different aspects of a problem, reflecting the distinct goals, interests and biases of different perspectives. For example, group selection is a particular causal scheme with certain advantages and significant limitations. Ultimately, to use kin selection theory to analyse natural patterns and to understand the history of debates over different approaches, one must follow the underlying history of causal analysis. This article describes the history of kin selection theory, with emphasis on how the causal perspective improved through the study of key patterns of natural history, such as dispersal and sex ratio, and through a unified approach to demographic and social processes. Independent historical developments in the multivariate analysis of quantitative traits merged with the causal analysis of social evolution by kin selection.
Recovering speciation and extinction dynamics based on phylogenies
Authors: Stadler T.
Published: May 2013

Phylogenetic trees of only extant species contain information about the underlying speciation and extinction pattern. In this review, I provide an overview over the different methodologies that recover the speciation and extinction dynamics from phylogenetic trees. Broadly, the methods can be divided into two classes: (i) methods using the phylogenetic tree shapes (i.e. trees without branch length information) allowing us to test for speciation rate variation and (ii) methods using the phylogenetic trees with branch length information allowing us to quantify speciation and extinction rates. I end the article with an overview on limitations, open questions and challenges of the reviewed methodology.
Speciation in ninespine stickleback: reproductive isolation and phenotypic divergence among cryptic species of Japanese ninespine stickleback
Authors: Ishikawa A. , Takeuchi N. , Kusakabe M. , Kume M. , Mori S. , Takahashi H. , Kitano J.
Published: May 2013

Although similar patterns of phenotypic diversification are often observed in phylogenetically independent lineages, differences in the magnitude and direction of phenotypic divergence have been also observed among independent lineages, even when exposed to the same ecological gradients. The stickleback family is a good model with which to explore the ecological and genetic basis of parallel and nonparallel patterns of phenotypic evolution, because there are a variety of populations and species that are locally adapted to divergent environments. Although the patterns of phenotypic divergence as well as the genetic and ecological mechanisms have been well characterized in threespine sticklebacks,Gasterosteus aculeatus, we know little about the patterns of phenotypic diversification in other stickleback lineages. In eastern Hokkaido, Japan, there are three species of ninespine sticklebacks,Pungitius tymensisand the freshwater type and the brackish‐water type of theP. pungitius–P. sinensisspecies complex. They utilize divergent habitats along coast–stream gradients of rivers. Here, we investigated genetic, ecological and phenotypic divergence among three species of Japanese ninespine sticklebacks. Divergence in trophic morphology and salinity tolerance occurred in the direction predicted by the patterns observed in threespine sticklebacks. However, the patterns of divergence in armour plate were different from those previously found in threespine sticklebacks. Furthermore, the genetic basis of plate variation may differ from that in threespine sticklebacks. Because threespine sticklebacks are well‐established model for evolutionary research, the sympatric trio of ninespine sticklebacks will be an invaluable resource for ecological and genetic studies on both common and lineage‐specific patterns of phenotypic diversification.
Pair formation in the herbivorous rabbitfish Siganusdoliatus
Authors: Brandl S. J. , Bellwood D. R.
Published: May 2013

This study investigated the basis of pair formation in the abundant herbivorous rabbitfish Siganus doliatus on Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef. Pair formation was the most common social system in S. doliatus, with 67·4% of all individuals occurring in pairs. Pairs were stable (i.e. individuals remained with the same partner throughout the study) and pair members were found within 5 m of each other 82·9% of the time. Of the examined pairs, 25% were homosexual resulting in a proportion of heterosexual pairs (75%) that was significantly lower than expected if pairs were formed solely for reproductive reasons. Therefore, although reproduction appears to be the main driver of pair formation in S. doliatus, other factors are likely to influence this behaviour. The high density of individuals on the reef crest (5·7 ± 0·9 individuals 200 m−2; mean ± s.e.) and extensively overlapping home ranges of pairs indicated that the defence of territories plays no role in pair formation. Instead, it appears that pair formation in S. doliatus is driven, in part, by other, non‐reproductive, ecological factors. It is suggested that pair formation allows for increased vigilance against predation and enables S. doliatus to execute a novel feeding behaviour.
Intensive Weight Loss Intervention in Older Individuals: Results from the Action for Health in Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Trial
Authors: Espeland Mark A. , Rejeski W. Jack , West Delia S. , Bray George A. , Clark Jeanne M. , Peters Anne L. , Chen Haiying , Johnson Karen C. , Horton Edward S. , Hazuda Helen P. ,   for the Action for Health in Diabetes Research Group
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To compare the effects of 4 years of intensive lifestyle intervention on weight, fitness, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in older and younger individuals.

Design

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting

Sixteen U.S. clinical sites.

Participants

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: 1,053 aged 65 to 76 and 4,092 aged 45 to 64.

Interventions

An intensive behavioral intervention designed to promote and maintain weight loss through caloric restriction and increased physical activity was compared with diabetes mellitus support and education.

Measurements

Standardized assessments of weight, fitness (based on graded exercise testing), and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Results

Over 4 years, older individuals had greater intervention‐related mean weight losses (6.2%) than younger participants (5.1%; interaction P = .006) and comparable relative mean increases in fitness (0.56 vs 0.53 metabolic equivalents; interaction P = .72). These benefits were seen consistently across subgroups of older adults formed according to many demographic and health factors. Of a panel of age‐related health conditions, only self‐reported worsening vision was associated with poorer intervention‐related weight loss in older individuals. The intensive lifestyle intervention produced mean increases in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.03 mg/dL; P < .001) and decreases in glycated hemoglobin (0.21%; P < .001) and waist circumference (3.52 cm; P < .001) over 4 years that were at least as large in older as in younger individuals.

Conclusion

Intensive lifestyle intervention targeting weight loss and increased physical activity is effective in overweight and obese older individuals to produce sustained weight loss and improvements in fitness and cardiovascular risk factors.