bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Bioenergy from cattle manure? Implications of anaerobic digestion and subsequent pyrolysis for carbon and nitrogen dynamics in soil’
Authors: Schouten Socrates , van Groenigen Jan W. , Oenema Oene , Cayuela Maria L.
Published: March 2012

Cattle manure can be processed to produce bioenergy, resulting in by‐products with different physicochemical characteristics. To evaluate whether application of such bioenergy by‐products to soils would be beneficial compared with their unprocessed counterpart, we quantified differences in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics in soil. Three by‐products (15N‐labeled cattle manure, from which anaerobic digestate was obtained, which was subsequently pyrolysed) were applied to a loess and a sandy soil in a laboratory incubation study. The highest losses of soil C from biological activity (CO2 respiration) were observed in manure treatments (39% and 32% for loess and sandy soil), followed by digestate (31% and and 18%), and biochar (15% and and 7%). Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) ranged from 0.6% of applied N from biochar to 4.0% from manure. Isotope labeling indicated that manure N was most readily mineralized, contributing 50% to soil inorganic N. The anaerobic digestate was the only by‐product increasing the mineral N pool, while reducing emissions of N2O compared with manure. In biochar treatments, less than 18.3% of soil mineral N derived from the biochar, while it did not constrain mineralization of native soil N. By‐products of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis revealed soil fertility in addition to environmental benefits. However, the reported advantages lessen when the declining yields of C and N over the bioenergy chain are considered.
A Review of the Role of Financial Reporting in the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Pinnuck Matt
Published: March 2012

The aim of this article is to review the recent literature that examines the performance of financial reporting in the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). In analysing the GFC a large number of commentators have attributed blame to financial reporting, in particular to the use of fair values (FVs) in reporting financial instruments in bank balance sheets. Based on a review of the emerging evidence, the main conclusions are that: (i) there is no empirical evidence that fair‐value accounting (FVA) during the GFC added to the severity of the crisis; (ii) further research is required to determine whether FVA in the years immediately preceding the crisis exacerbated the GFC because of the possibility that some of the FV gains reported may have been illusory; (iii) the existing literature has largely ignored the role of financial reports in the determination of a firm's cost of capital, although it is through this avenue that, in a crisis, financial reporting could play its most significant role; and (iv) the bulk of the commentary associated with financial reporting and the GFC has revolved around the valuation objective of financial reporting, even though financial reports also have a stewardship objective. Failure of financial reporting to satisfy this objective in the years preceding the GFC could have exacerbated the crisis. More consideration needs to be given to this latter issue to enable a complete assessment of the role of financial reporting in the GFC.
Career Progression of Female Accountants in the State Public Sector
Authors: Cullen Lisa , Christopher Theo
Published: March 2012

This study investigated the relationship of career anchors and work‐related barriers to career progression for female CPA members working in the New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australian (WA) state public sector. Results of regression analysis found technical functional competence, managerial competence, security and pure challenge career anchors to be significant and related to career progression in WA. Additionally the security and lifestyle career anchors were significant in NSW. Work‐related barriers were found to be significant and negatively related to career progression. These findings suggest alternative strategies to improve career outcomes for women working in the state public sector.
The Impact of IFRS Adoption on Public Sector Financial Statements
Authors: Trewavas Kathryn , Botica Redmayne Nives , Laswad Fawzi
Published: March 2012

Following a sector neutral approach to standard setting for about a decade, New Zealand adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for profit‐oriented entities and all other sectors including the public sector, from 2007 with the option to adopt early in 2005. Some studies have examined the impact of IFRS adoption on the accounts of profit‐oriented entities and found that this change had a significant impact on assets, liabilities and equity. This study examines the impact of adoption of IFRS on New Zealand public sector entities’ financial statements. We analyse and compare the reconciliation notes of IFRS and pre‐IFRS New Zealand Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (NZ GAAP) reported in the first IFRS annual reports of all New Zealand public sector entities. The results indicate that there have been some significant increases in assets and liabilities, and significant decreases to overall equity in some sub‐sectors of the public sector. The primary causes of such changes were recognition of employee entitlements (IAS 19) and recognition of derivative financial instruments (IAS 39) for many public sector entities, as well as remeasurement of deferred taxation for public sector commercial enterprises (IAS 12). In addition, public sector entities made many reclassifications between current and non‐current financial statement elements that did not impact on the aggregate balances of the entities’ balance sheets. In general, the findings of this study are similar to findings of studies that examined the impact of IFRS on private enterprises. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the implication of IFRS adoption and might be useful to policy makers and regulators who are currently reviewing the applicability of IFRS to public sectors in Australia and New Zealand and other countries.
Do hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus co‐infections increase hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence through synergistically modulating lipogenic gene expression?
Authors: Wu Qi , Liu Qiang
Published: March 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections cause a wide range of liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of the similar modes of transmission, HBV HCV co‐infections are found in approximately 7–20 million people globally. Compared with HBV or HCV mono‐infections, co‐infections are associated with more severe liver diseases and higher risk of HCC. Abnormal lipid biosynthesis and metabolism has been increasingly recognized as a cause for cancer. While HBV infection does not seem to significantly increase the risk of developing hepatic steatosis, steatosis is a prominent feature of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In addition, steatosis in HBV or HCV mono‐infections is a significant and independent risk factor for HCC. However, whether and how HBV HCV co‐infections synergistically increase the risk of HCC development through modulating lipid metabolism is not well understood. Possible mechanisms by which steatosis causes HCC include: activation of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐mediated lipogenesis through the PI3K–Akt pathway, abnormal activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Here, we review the potential mechanisms by which HBV HCV co‐infections may increase HCC risk through modulation of lipogenic gene expression. We begin with reviewing the impact of HBV and HCV on host lipogenic gene expression and carcinogenesis. We then discuss the potential mechanisms by which HBV and HCV can increase carcinogenesis through synergistically activating lipid biosynthesis and metabolism. We end by sharing our thoughts on future research directions in this emerging paradigm with an ultimate goal of developing effective therapeutics.
Agent‐based modelling and simulation: The potential contribution to organizational psychology
Authors: Hughes Helen P. N. , Clegg Chris W. , Robinson Mark A. , Crowder Richard M.
Published: March 2012

Agent‐based modelling and simulation (ABMS) has been used by researchers from a variety of disciplines to study a range of phenomena. At present, ABMS is vastly underutilized in organizational psychology, yet we believe it offers a range of potential benefits that are currently not well catered for by existing tools. In this paper, we introduce ABMS and explain how it differs from current approaches. We illustrate the potential advantages of the approach through a range of examples and through the identification of opportunities in the field of organizational psychology. We also highlight potential limitations of the ABMS approach, and discuss the circumstances under which it may make a worthwhile contribution.

Practitioner Points

This paper outlines ABMS and explains how it adds to the existing toolset of the organizational psychologist. Practitioners will find ABMS and this paper particularly useful:

When they are working in high‐risk environments, where getting it wrong is costly.

Where there are practical or ethical difficulties in conducting real‐world research.

Where they want to develop and test more holistic interpretations of complex systems and problems.

Where they wish to examine feedback loops and/or the impact of time on behaviour.
The role of a trigeminal sensory nucleus in the initiation of locomotion
Authors: Buhl Edgar , Roberts Alan , Soffe Stephen R.
Published: March 2012

Key points 

Rhythmic activity is a feature of many regions of the CNS, but surprisingly, no precise pathway for the initiation of locomotion is yet known for any vertebrate.

Using a well‐proven, simple vertebrate system, the hatchling Xenopus tadpole, we report here our discovery of a detailed neuron‐by‐neuron pathway for initiating locomotor activity on one side of the CNS.

We describe a small population of brainstem neurons (trigeminal interneurons) that are directly excited by trigeminal sensory neurons when the head skin is touched.

These neurons amplify brief sensory signals and relay excitation to an electrically coupled population of hindbrain reticulospinal neurons (descending interneurons), whose firing initiates swimming locomotion.

We believe that our discovery of this primitive, direct pathway, which appears simpler than initiation pathways so far defined in invertebrates, is of evolutionary interest and raises the important possibility of equivalent pathways in more complex vertebrates including mammals.
Effects of Eccentricity on Transmission Errors of Trochoidal Gears
Authors: Ohta Hiroyuki , Yamakawa Ayumu , Katayama Yoshitake
Published: March 2012

This article deals with the effects of eccentricity on transmission errors of trochoidal gears (consisting of a roller gear and cam gear). For the tests, three types of roller gears and three types of cam gears (which had different eccentricity) were used. The experimental results showed that the peak to peak values of transmission errors had a tendency to be greater under a larger eccentricity. The measured transmission error waveforms fluctuated with periods 1/fr, 1/fc and 1/zrfr (in which fr and fc are the rotational frequencies of the roller gears and cam gears, while zr is the number of rollers). The peaks with nfr (n = 1, 2, 3, …), nfc, nzrfr, nzrfr ± mfr (m = 1, 2, 3, …) and nzrfr ± mfc appeared in the measured transmission error spectra. The amplitudes of peaks with fr and nzrfr ± mfr increased as er increased, while the amplitudes of peaks with fc and nzrfr ± mfc increased as ec increased. The transmission errors of test gears with eccentricity were estimated by the multibody analysis (MBA). A reasonable correlation exits between the calculated results obtained by the MBA and the measured experimental results.
A Statistical Method on Meridional Profiles of Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Zou Jun , Wang Pengfei , Ruan Xiaodong , Fu Xin
Published: March 2012

A method based on the medial axis transform (MAT) theory is presented to explore the laws of meridional profiles versus specific speeds for centrifugal pumps. Through extracting each pump’s MAT and transforming to two newly introduced variables, striking features emerge. Based on these features, statistics are carried out on the two variables versus specific speeds. A series of pumps is used to verify this method. According to the laws gained from the statistical results, the meridional profile at any specific speed within this series of pumps can be directly drawn through calculations.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 6 March 2012
Authors: Albeck John G. , Brugge Joan S. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2012

Signaling from two growth factors converges on the cell cycle inhibitor p57 to regulate proliferation and limit oncogenesis.
Apicoplast-Targeting Antibacterials Inhibit the Growth of Babesia Parasites
Authors: AbouLaila Mahmoud , Munkhjargal Tserendorj , Sivakumar Thillaiampalam , Ueno Akio , Nakano Yuki , Yokoyama Miki , Yoshinari Takeshi , Nagano Daisuke , Katayama Koji , El-Bahy Nasr , Yokoyama Naoaki , Igarashi Ikuo
Published: March 2012

The apicoplast housekeeping machinery, specifically apicoplast DNA replication, transcription, and translation, was targeted by ciprofloxacin, thiostrepton, and rifampin, respectively, in thein vitrocultures of fourBabesiaspecies. Furthermore, thein vivoeffect of thiostrepton on the growth cycle ofBabesia microtiin BALB/c mice was evaluated. The drugs caused significant inhibition of growth from an initial parasitemia of 1% forBabesia bovis, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 8.3, 11.5, 12, and 126.6 μM for ciprofloxacin, thiostrepton, rifampin, and clindamycin, respectively. The IC50s for the inhibition ofBabesia bigeminagrowth were 15.8 μM for ciprofloxacin, 8.2 μM for thiostrepton, 8.3 μM for rifampin, and 206 μM for clindamycin. The IC50s forBabesia caballiwere 2.7 μM for ciprofloxacin, 2.7 μM for thiostrepton, 4.7 μM for rifampin, and 4.7 μM for clindamycin. The IC50s for the inhibition ofBabesia equigrowth were 2.5 μM for ciprofloxacin, 6.4 μM for thiostrepton, 4.1 μM for rifampin, and 27.2 μM for clindamycin. Furthermore, an inhibitory effect was revealed for cultures with an initial parasitemia of either 10 or 7% forBabesia bovisorBabesia bigemina, respectively. The three inhibitors caused immediate death ofBabesia bovisandBabesia equi. The inhibitory effects of ciprofloxacin, thiostrepton, and rifampin were confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR. Thiostrepton at a dose of 500 mg/kg of body weight resulted in 77.5% inhibition ofBabesia microtigrowth in BALB/c mice. These results implicate the apicoplast as a potential chemotherapeutic target for babesiosis.
In Vitro
Cardiovascular Effects of Dihydroartemisin-Piperaquine Combination Compared with Other Antimalarials
Authors: Borsini Franco , Crumb William , Pace Silvia , Ubben David , Wible Barb , Yan Gan-Xin , Funck-Brentano Christian
Published: March 2012

The
in vitro
cardiac properties of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) plus piperaquine phosphate (PQP) were compared with those of other antimalarial compounds. Results with antimalarial drugs, chosen on the basis of their free therapeutic maximum concentration in plasma (
C
max
), were expressed as the fold of that particular effect with respect to their
C
max
. The following tests were used at 37°C: hERG (human ether-à-go-go-related gene) blockade and trafficking, rabbit heart ventricular preparations, and sodium and slow potassium ion current interference (I
Na
and I
Ks
, respectively). Chloroquine, halofantrine, mefloquine, and lumefantrine were tested in the hERG studies, but only chloroquine, dofetilide, lumefantrine, and the combination of artemether-lumefantrine were used in the rabbit heart ventricular preparations, hERG trafficking studies, and I
Na
and I
Ks
analyses. A proper reference was used in each test. In hERG studies, the high 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of halofantrine, which was lower than its
C
max
, was confirmed. All the other compounds blocked hERG, with IC
50
s ranging from 3- to 30-fold their
C
max
s. In hERG trafficking studies, the facilitative effects of chloroquine at about 30-fold its
C
max
were confirmed and DHA blocked it at a concentration about 300-fold its
C
max
. In rabbit heart ventricular preparations, dofetilide, used as a positive control, revealed a high risk of torsades de pointes, whereas chloroquine showed a medium risk. Neither DHA-PQP nor artemether-lumefantrine displayed an
in vitro
signal for a significant proarrhythmic risk. Only chloroquine blocked the I
Na
ion current and did so at about 30-fold its
C
max
. No effect on I
Ks
was detected. In conclusion, despite significant hERG blockade, DHA-PQP and artemether-lumefantrine do not appear to induce potential torsadogenic effects
in vitro
, affect hERG trafficking, or block sodium and slow potassium ion currents.
Detection and Characterization of VIM-31, a New Variant of VIM-2 with Tyr224His and His252Arg Mutations, in a Clinical Isolate of Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Bogaerts Pierre , Bebrone Carine , Huang Te-Din , Bouchahrouf Warda , DeGheldre Yves , Deplano Ariane , Hoffmann Kurt , Glupczynski Youri
Published: March 2012

We report the first description of the metallo-β-lactamase VIM-31, a new variant of VIM-2 with Tyr224His and His252Arg mutations, in
Enterobacter cloacae
11236, which was isolated from blood specimens of a patient with colonic adenocarcinoma in Belgium.
bla
VIM-31
was found on a class 1 integron located on a self-transferable but not typeable 42-kb plasmid. Compared to values published elsewhere for VIM-2, the purified VIM-31 enzyme showed weaker catalytic efficiency against all the tested beta-lactam agents (except for ertapenem), resulting from lower
k
cat
(except for ertapenem) and higher

K
m

values for VIM-31.
Development of a Contemporary Animal Model of Candida albicans-Associated Denture Stomatitis Using a Novel Intraoral Denture System
Authors: Johnson Clorinda C. , Yu Alika , Lee Heeje , Fidel Paul L. , Noverr Mairi C.
Published: March 2012

Denture stomatitis (DS) is a fungal infection characterized by inflammation of the oral mucosa in direct contact with the denture and affects up to 50% of denture wearers. Despite the prevalence, very little is known about the role of fungal or host factors that contribute to pathogenesis. Recently, we developed a novel intraoral denture system for rodent research. This denture system consists of custom-fitted fixed and removable parts to allow repeated sampling and longitudinal studies. The purpose of this study was to use this denture system to develop a clinically relevant animal model of DS. To establish DS, rats were inoculated with pelleted
Candida albicans
, which resulted in sustained colonization of the denture and palate for 8 weeks postinoculation. Biofilm formation on the denture was observed by week 4 and on the palate by week 6 postinoculation. Rats were monitored for clinical signs of disease by assigning a clinical score after macroscopic examination of the palate tissue according to Newton's method. By week 4 postinoculation, the majority of inoculated rats with dentures exhibited a clinical score of 1 (pinpoint erythema). By week 6 and week 8 postinoculation, increasing percentages of rats exhibited a clinical score of 2 (diffuse erythema/edema). Histological analysis of palate tissue demonstrated progressively increasing inflammatory cell recruitment throughout the time course of the infection. Palatal biofilm formation was commensurate with development of palatal erythema, which suggests a role for biofilm in the inflammatory response.
Plasmodium falciparum Line-Dependent Association of
In Vitro
Growth-Inhibitory Activity and Risk of Malaria
Authors: Rono Josea , Färnert Anna , Olsson Daniel , Osier Faith , Rooth Ingegerd , Persson Kristina E. M.
Published: March 2012

Plasmodium falciparum
's ability to invade erythrocytes is essential for its survival within the human host. Immune mechanisms that impair this ability are therefore expected to contribute to immunity against the parasite. Plasma of humans who are naturally exposed to malaria has been shown to have growth-inhibitory activity (GIA)
in vitro
. However, the importance of GIA in relation to protection from malaria has been unclear. In a case-control study nested within a longitudinally followed population in Tanzania, plasma samples collected at baseline from 171 individuals (55 cases and 116 age-matched controls) were assayed for GIA using three
P. falciparum
lines (3D7, K1, and W2mef) chosen based on their erythrocyte invasion phenotypes. Distribution of GIA differed between the lines, with most samples inhibiting the growth of 3D7 and K1 and enhancing the growth of W2mef. GIA to 3D7 was associated with a reduced risk of malaria within 40 weeks of follow-up (odds ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21 to 0.96;
P
= 0.04), whereas GIA to K1 and W2mef was not. These results show that GIA, as well as its association with protection from malaria, is dependent on the
P. falciparum
line and can be explained by differences in erythrocyte invasion phenotypes between parasite lines. Our study contributes knowledge on the biological importance of growth inhibition and the potential influence of
P. falciparum
erythrocyte invasion phenotypic differences on its relationship to protective immunity against malaria.
The Streptomycin-Treated Mouse Intestine Selects
Escherichia coli envZ
Missense Mutants That Interact with Dense and Diverse Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Leatham-Jensen Mary P. , Frimodt-Møller Jakob , Adediran Jimmy , Mokszycki Matthew E. , Banner Megan E. , Caughron Joyce E. , Krogfelt Karen A. , Conway Tyrrell , Cohen Paul S.
Published: March 2012

Previously, we reported that the streptomycin-treated mouse intestine selected nonmotile
Escherichia coli
MG1655
flhDC
deletion mutants of
E. coli
MG1655 with improved colonizing ability that grow 15% faster
in vitro
in mouse cecal mucus and 15 to 30% faster on sugars present in mucus (M. P. Leatham et al., Infect. Immun. 73:8039–8049, 2005). Here, we report that the 10 to 20% remaining motile
E. coli
MG1655 are
envZ
missense mutants that are also better colonizers of the mouse intestine than
E. coli
MG1655. One of the
flhDC
mutants,
E. coli
MG1655 Δ
flhD
, and one of the
envZ
missense mutants,
E. coli
MG1655 mot-1, were studied further.
E. coli
MG1655 mot-1 is more resistant to bile salts and colicin V than
E. coli
MG1655 Δ
flhD
and grows ca. 15% slower
in vitro
in mouse cecal mucus and on several sugars present in mucus compared to
E. coli
MG1655 Δ
flhD
but grows 30% faster on galactose. Moreover,
E. coli
MG1655 mot-1 and
E. coli
MG1655 Δ
flhD
appear to colonize equally well in one intestinal niche, but
E. coli
MG1655 mot-1 appears to use galactose to colonize a second, smaller intestinal niche either not colonized or colonized poorly by
E. coli
MG1655 Δ
flhD
. Evidence is also presented that
E. coli
MG1655 is a minority member of mixed bacterial biofilms in the mucus layer of the streptomycin-treated mouse intestine. We offer a hypothesis, which we call the “Restaurant” hypothesis, that explains how nutrient acquisition in different biofilms comprised of different anaerobes can account for our results.
Into the Eye of the Cytokine Storm
Authors: Tisoncik Jennifer R. , Korth Marcus J. , Simmons Cameron P. , Farrar Jeremy , Martin Thomas R. , Katze Michael G.
Published: March 2012

The cytokine storm has captured the attention of the public and the scientific community alike, and while the general notion of an excessive or uncontrolled release of proinflammatory cytokines is well known, the concept of a cytokine storm and the biological consequences of cytokine overproduction are not clearly defined. Cytokine storms are associated with a wide variety of infectious and noninfectious diseases. The term was popularized largely in the context of avian H5N1 influenza virus infection, bringing the term into popular media. In this review, we focus on the cytokine storm in the context of virus infection, and we highlight how high-throughput genomic methods are revealing the importance of the kinetics of cytokine gene expression and the remarkable degree of redundancy and overlap in cytokine signaling. We also address evidence for and against the role of the cytokine storm in the pathology of clinical and infectious disease and discuss why it has been so difficult to use knowledge of the cytokine storm and immunomodulatory therapies to improve the clinical outcomes for patients with severe acute infections.
Impacts of the Eurasian round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) on benthic communities in the upper St. Lawrence River
Authors: Kipp Rebekah , Ricciardi Anthony
Published: March 2012

An invasive benthivorous fish, the Eurasian round goby ( Neogobius melanostomus ) is abundant throughout the lower Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River system. We examined the round goby’s potential to alter benthic communities on cobble substrates in the upper St. Lawrence River. During the summers of 2008 and 2009, macroinvertebrates and benthic algae were sampled across sites with varying goby densities. Archived data from various sites in 2004–2006 (prior to invasion) were available for comparison. Macroinvertebrate community composition varied significantly among samples grouped into categories based on goby density and time since invasion. Macroinvertebrate diversity and dominance by large-bodied taxa declined with increasing goby density. Surprisingly, dreissenid biomass did not vary consistently with goby density, in contrast to studies in the Great Lakes. The biomass of all non-dreissenid taxa was negatively correlated with increasing goby density across sites and over time at three of four sites. Negative effects were most pronounced on the biomass of gastropods. Benthic algal biomass increased with goby density across sites, suggesting a trophic cascade driven by the impacts of gobies on gastropods and other algivores. Our study highlights the potential ecosystem impacts of an expanding goby population in a large river.
Tissue-specific isotope trophic discrimination factors and turnover rates in a marine elasmobranch: empirical and modeling results
Authors: Malpica-Cruz Luis , Herzka Sharon Z. , Sosa-Nishizaki Oscar , Lazo Juan Pablo
Published: March 2012

There are very few studies reporting isotopic trophic discrimination factors and turnover rates for marine elasmobranchs. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted to estimate carbon and nitrogen isotope trophic discrimination factors and isotope turnover rates for blood, liver, muscle, cartilage tissue, and fin samples of neonate to young-of-the-year leopard sharks ( Triakis semifasciata ). Trophic discrimination factors varied (0.13‰–1.98‰ for δ13C and 1.08‰–1.76‰ for δ15N). Tissues reached or were close to isotopic equilibrium to the new diet after about a threefold biomass gain and 192 days. Liver and blood exhibited faster isotope turnover than muscle, cartilage tissue, and fin samples, and carbon isotopes turned over faster than those of nitrogen. Metabolic turnover contributed substantially to isotopic turnover, which differs from most reports for young marine teleosts. We modeled the relationship between muscle turnover rates and shark size by coupling laboratory results with growth rate estimates for natural populations. Model predictions for small, medium, and large wild leopard sharks indicate the time to isotopic equilibrium is from one to several years.
Synthesis and 2D NMR characterization of Ni(II), Pd(II), and Cu(II) complexes with H2cdsalen (methyl-2{N-[2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)methylidenenitrilo]ethyl}amino-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylate)
Authors: Morales-Juárez T.J. , Sánchez-López M.C. , Gómez-Espinosa R.M. , García-Orozco I. , Corona-Becerril D.
Published: March 2012

In this study we report on the preparation of Ni(II), Pd(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) complexes with H2cdsalen (methyl-2{N-[2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)methylidenenitrilo]ethyl}amino-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylate)salicylaldehyde. The products were characterized using 1D NMR (1H and 13C) and 2D NMR (COSY, NOESY, and ROESY) techniques. The conformational studies of the complexes with Ni and Pd in solution have been performed with help of the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) and 2D ROESY experiments.
Synthesis and characterization of dendritic platinum bisferrocenylacetylide complexes
Authors: Han Qing , Chen Li-Jun , Yang Hai-Bo , Li Quan-Jie , He Jiuming , Tan Hongwei , Abliz Zeper , Wang Cui-Hong
Published: March 2012

A series of new dendritic platinum bisferrocenylacetylide complexes have been synthesized utilizing the coupling reaction of trans-Pt complexes with C–H bonds in alkynes as key steps. These new bimetallic dendrimers were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR (1H,13C, and31P) and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS and CSI-TOF-MS). Electrochemical studies of these complexes were carried out and revealed that all of the redox moieties are stable, independent, and electrochemically active. In addition, all metallodendrimers show one-electron reaction responses, and the increased sizes of these complexes did not exhibit a dramatic influence on the diffusion coefficient.
Development of an avidin sensor based on the poly(methoxy amino-β-styryl terthiophene)-coated glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Mehenni Hakim
Published: March 2012

In this study, a simple and direct biosensor was proposed, which was based on biotin immobilized onto a conducting polymer-coated electrode, for the determination of avidin, a highly stable glycoprotein found in egg whites. Biotin was immobilized onto the electrode by covalent coupling to the primary amine group on poly-3′-(2-methoxy-5-amino-β-styryl)-(2,2′:5′,2″-terthiophene) (PMAST), and the biotin–avidin interaction was monitored by square-wave voltammetry. Incubation of the PMAST/biotin-modified coated electrode with avidin in a phosphate-buffered saline solution caused a significant change to its square-wave voltammogram, which was explained by the binding of avidin by biotin, and resulted in restricted ion transfer to and from the conducting polymer. This change was then utilized to determine avidin. Importantly, we found a linear relationship for the avidin sensor in the range of 4 × 10−14to 3 × 10−4mol/L, and the detection limit was determined to be approximately 10−14mol/L.
Microsatellite DNA analysis of parapatric lamprey (Entosphenusspp.) populations: implications for evolution, taxonomy, and conservation of a Canadian endemic
Authors: Taylor Eric B. , Harris Les N. , Spice Erin K. , Docker Margaret F.
Published: March 2012

Parapatric freshwater and anadromous parasitic lampreys (Petromyzontiformes) from southwestern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, have been described as distinct taxa (Vancouver lamprey ( Entosphenus macrostomus (Beamish, 1982)) and Pacific lamprey ( Entosphenus tridentatus (Richardson, 1836)), respectively), using morphology, life history, and physiology. We tested for genetic differentiation at microsatellite DNA loci between these taxa and similar freshwater parasitic lampreys from two other lakes. The number of alleles and expected heterozygosity averaged 3.8 and 0.50, respectively, across loci and populations, and anadromous populations were more variable than freshwater populations. Population subdivision was moderate (FST = 0.096, P < 0.001) and 3% of the total variation was found between taxa and 1.7% was found among populations within taxa (both P < 0.001). Parapatric freshwater and anadromous parasitic lampreys separated by a maximum of 40 km were more distinct (mean FST = 0.042) than were anadromous populations located 800 km from one another (mean FST = 0.012). Localities within lakes with parasitic freshwater lampreys, however, showed little differentiation (FST = 0.0–0.08). Our data support recognizing E. macrostomus and E. tridentatus as distinct species, but similar levels of differentiation between these taxa and other freshwater parasitic lampreys suggest a species complex where the taxonomy remains unclear.
Small reserves around hibernation sites may not adequately protect mobile snakes: the example of Great Basin Gophersnakes (Pituophis catenifer deserticola) in British Columbia
Authors: Williams K.E. , Hodges K.E. , Bishop C.A.
Published: March 2012

A common strategy for reptile conservation is to establish reserves around nesting or hibernation sites. The government of British Columbia, Canada, mandates protection of 200–300 ha wildlife habitat areas (WHAs) around hibernation sites of the federally threatened Great Basin Gophersnakes ( Pituophis catenifer deserticola Stejneger, 1893), but practical constraints result in a mean size of 193 ha. To evaluate the efficacy of this reserve size, we radio-tracked 39 adult Gophersnakes at four study sites in the Okanagan Valley in 2006 and 2007. Home ranges averaged 10.5 ± 1.7 ha. The maximum distance traveled from a hibernation site was 2400 m, whereas the maximum distance dispersed averaged 520 ± 65 m. An idealized circular WHA of 193 ha with the hibernation site at the centre would be large enough to contain Gophersnake home ranges, but the dispersal data show that only 85% of snakes would stay within that area. Small or asymmetrical WHAs likely protect even fewer Gophersnake locations. We recommend that WHAs be expanded if possible because the high mobility of Gophersnakes suggests that current reserves may not offer adequate protection.
Multiple captures of fulvous harvest mice (Reithrodontomys fulvescens) and northern pygmy mice (Baiomys taylori): evidence for short-term co-traveling
Authors: Green N.S. , Early C.E. , Beard L.K. , Wilkins K.T.
Published: March 2012

Multiple captures of small mammals (finding >1 animal in a single trap) are often used to infer pair-bonding activity in arvicoline and cricetine rodents. We analyzed data from a 2-year trapping study to determine whether fulvous harvest mice ( Reithrodontomys fulvescens J.A. Allen, 1894) and (or) northern pygmy mice (Baiomys taylori (Thomas, 1887)) travel in mixed-sex mated pairs. A significant majority of multiple capture events (MCEs) in R. fulvescens were mixed-sex, whereas sex composition of pairs in B. taylori did not differ from random. Multiple capture probability was significantly positively related to abundance and unrelated to sex ratio in both species. Multiple captures of B. taylori were more common in winter, suggesting that individuals may associate to huddle for warmth. Masses of singly captured and multiply captured individuals were not significantly different in either species, contraindicating trap bias. Only one co-captured mixed-sex pair was recaptured as a pair (in R. fulvescens) and several animals of both sexes in both species were co-captured with multiple individuals. We concluded that R. fulvescens co-travels with mates for variable lengths of time, but we found no evidence that multiple captures of B. taylori are related to reproductive behavior.
Riparian habitat disturbed by reservoir management does not function as an ecological trap for the Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)
Authors: Quinlan S.P. , Green D.J.
Published: March 2012

Ecological traps arise when anthropogenic change creates habitat that appears suitable but when selected reduces the fitness of an individual. We evaluated whether riparian habitat within the drawdown zone of the Arrow Lakes Reservoir, British Columbia, creates an ecological trap for Yellow Warblers ( Setophaga petechia (L., 1766)) by investigating habitat preferences and the fitness consequences of habitat selection decisions. Preferences were inferred by examining how habitat variables influenced settlement order, and comparing habitat at nest sites and random locations. Males preferred to settle in territories with more riparian shrub and tree cover, higher shrub diversity, and less high canopy cover. Females built nests in taller shrubs surrounded by a greater density of shrub stems. Habitat preferences were positively associated with fitness: nest sites in taller shrubs surrounded by higher shrub-stem densities were more likely to avoid predation and fledge young, whereas territories with more riparian cover, higher shrub diversity, and less high canopy cover had higher annual productivity. We therefore found no evidence that riparian habitat affected by reservoir operations functions as an ecological trap. Current habitat selection decisions may be associated with fitness because Yellow Warblers are adapted to breeding in a heterogeneous environment subject to periodic flooding.
Roost selection by the solitary, foliage-roosting hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) during lactation
Authors: Klug Brandon J. , Goldsmith Dayna A. , Barclay Robert M.R.
Published: March 2012

Nests, roosts, and dens are an important facet of life for many animals and often provide refuge from weather and predators. Reproduction, particularly lactation, is energetically expensive. Many small mammals form maternity colonies in sheltered locations, which provides protection for offspring and mitigates the cost of staying warm. However, lasiurine bats give birth in roosts that superficially appear to offer relatively little thermal buffer. Given the consequences of a cold environment on offspring growth and the high energetic demand of thermoregulating and lactating concurrently, choosing roosts with certain microclimatic properties would be beneficial. We investigated the influence of microclimate on roost selection by lactating hoary bats ( Lasiurus cinereus (Beauvois, 1796)), a solitary foliage-roosting species. We found that roosts chosen by bats offered shelter from the wind and exposure to sunlight, and consistently had an opening that faced south. We suggest that lactating L. cinereus choose roosts based largely on a microclimate that reduces convective cooling and increases radiant heating, thereby mitigating the cost of thermoregulation and promoting rapid growth of offspring.
Space use and territoriality in swift foxes (Vulpes velox) in northeastern Colorado
Authors: Lebsock Amariah A. , Burdett Christopher L. , Darden Safi K. , Dabelsteen Torben , Antolin Michael F. , Crooks Kevin R.
Published: March 2012

Space use is a fundamental characteristic that informs our knowledge of social relationships and the degree to which individuals are territorial. Until recently, relatively little was known about the spatial ecology and social organization of swift foxes ( Vulpes velox (Say, 1823)). We investigated space use of swift foxes on shortgrass prairie in northeastern Colorado. Our first objective was to evaluate sizes of seasonal and annual home ranges and core areas of 13 radio-collared swift foxes monitored continuously for 2 years. Our second objective was to compare home-range and core-area overlap of breeding pairs to that of neighboring foxes, including male–male, female–female, and nonbreeding female–male dyads. Home-range size in our study population was among the smallest previously reported for swift foxes. Males tended to have slightly larger home ranges and core areas than females, and home-range size was significantly larger in the breeding season than in both the pup-rearing and the dispersal seasons; sizes of core areas did not differ seasonally. Spatial overlap between breeding pairs was substantial, whereas spatial overlap between neighbors, particularly males, was low, suggesting territoriality.
Swimming performance and behaviour of young-of-the-year shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) under fixed and increased velocity swimming tests
Authors: Deslauriers D. , Kieffer J.D.
Published: March 2012

Swimming performance and behaviour in fish has been shown to vary depending on the investigation method. In this study, an endurance swimming curve was generated for young-of-the-year shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum LeSueur, 1818) (~7 cm total length, ~2 g) and compared with values determined in a separate incremental swimming (critical swimming, Ucrit) test. Using video, tail-beat frequency (TBF) was quantified and compared for fish swimming under both swimming tests. From the endurance-curve analysis, it was found that sturgeon did not display a statistically significant burst swimming phase. Maximum sustainable swimming speed (calculated to be 18.00 cm·s–1) from the endurance curve occurred at ~80% of Ucrit(22.30 cm·s–1). TBF was similar at all speeds for both swimming tests, except at speeds approaching Ucrit, where fish displayed TBFs of 4.29 Hz for the endurance protocol and 2.26 Hz for the Ucritprotocol. TBF was more variable between individuals swimming at the same speed within the Ucritcompared with the endurance protocol. Finally, a significant negative correlation was found between TBF and Ucritin individual fish, suggesting that station-holding may be an important energy saving strategy during swimming in this size class of sturgeon.
Ocean climate variability links incubation behaviour and fitness in Ancient Murrelets (Synthliboramphus antiquus)
Authors: Shoji Akiko , Yoneda Motomi , Gaston Anthony J.
Published: March 2012

Large-scale interannual and decadal variation in ocean conditions, including sea-surface temperature (SST) has been shown to affect the breeding behaviour of marine birds in the North Pacific. However, as individual species respond differently to changing food supplies, our understanding of the role of climate variation in seabirds is limited. To examine the effect of ocean conditions on breeding behaviour, we measured incubation shift lengths of Ancient Murrelet ( Synthliboramphus antiquus (Gmelin, 1789)), a small marine bird with exceptionally long incubation shift length, in seven, nonconsecutive years. We compared variation in shift length with interyear variation in regional SST. Incubation shifts were longer in years when March–May SST was higher. In years with longer shift length, birds have lower reproductive success. Our results suggested that Ancient Murrelets on Haida Gwaii can adjust their incubation patterns by extending their shift length in relation to SST fluctuations during breeding season.
The biogeography of Gentoo Penguins (Pygoscelis papua)
Authors: de Dinechin Marc , Dobson F. Stephen , Zehtindjiev Pavel , Metcheva Roumiana , Couchoux Charline , Martin Alice , Quillfeldt Petra , Jouventin Pierre
Published: March 2012

Gentoo Penguins ( Pygoscelis papua (J.R. Forster 1781)) are defined morphologically as a single species with a northern and southern subspecies. Differences in nuptial displays and particularly mating calls, however, suggest isolation among island archipelagos of different ocean basins. We thus asked whether genetic divergence of populations could be confirmed using molecular markers. A phylogenetic tree was constructed from a sample of 110 Gentoo Penguins and 58 haplotypes from the control region of the mitochondrial DNA. Reanalyses of historical data on morphology were conducted to construct additional phylogenetic trees for comparison. In agreement with differences in mating calls, the phylogenetic tree that was based on mitochondrial DNA showed a deep division between populations in the Indian and Atlantic oceans. The current systematic division into two subspecies based on morphology was not supported. The division between populations in the Indian and Atlantic oceans was great enough to justify taxonomic revision, with at least three distinct clades: two in the respective sub-Antarctic and Antarctic zones of the Atlantic Ocean, and a deeply divergent and unnamed third clade in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean. In contrast to more pelagic species like Rockhopper Penguins ( Eudyptes chrysocome (J.R. Forster, 1781)), the restricted coastal foraging ranges of Gentoo Penguins and the distances among isolated oceanic archipelagos could explain the distribution of genetically differentiated populations.
FIELD EQUATIONS AND EQUATIONS OF MOTION IN POST-NEWTONIAN APPROXIMATION OF THE PROJECTIVE UNIFIED FIELD THEORY
Authors: GORBATSIEVICH ALEXANDER , SCHMUTZER ERNST
Published: March 2012

The equations of motion of N gravitationally bound bodies are derived from the field equations of Projective Unified Field Theory. The Newtonian and the post-Newtonian approximations of the field equations and of the equations of motion of this system of bodies are studied in detail. In analyzing some experimental data we performed some numeric estimates of the ratio of the inertial mass to the scalaric mass of matter.
EQUIVARIANT AND HOLOMORPHIC BUNDLES ON THE QUANTUM PROJECTIVE LINE
Authors: LANDI GIOVANNI
Published: March 2012

We highlight aspects of equivariant bundles with invariant connections over the quantum projective line and mention their use for equivariant reduction. We also study holomorphic bundles whose sections lead to a quantum homogeneous coordinate ring.
SPECIES-AREA RELATIONSHIP FOR POWER-LAW SPECIES ABUNDANCE DISTRIBUTION
Authors: IRIE HARUYUKI , TOKITA KEI
Published: March 2012

We studied the mathematical relations between species abundance distributions (SADs) and species-area relationships (SARs) and found that a power-law SAR can be generally derived from a power-law SAD without a special assumption such as the "canonical hypothesis". In the present analysis, an SAR-exponent is obtained as a function of an SAD-exponent for a finite number of species. We also studied the inverse problem, from SARs to SADs, and found that a power-SAD can be derived from a power-SAR under the condition that the functional form of the corresponding SAD is invariant for changes in the number of species. We also discuss general relationships among lognormal SADs, the broken-stick model (exponential SADs), linear SARs and logarithmic SARs. These results suggest the existence of a common mechanism for SADs and SARs, which could prove a useful tool for theoretical and experimental studies on biodiversity and species coexistence.
Geofluid behaviour in successive extensional and compressional events
Authors: Baqués V. , Travé A. , Roca E. , Marín M. , Cantarero I.
Published: March 2012

The structural position of the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous carbonates located in the central part of the Catalan Coastal Ranges corresponds to the southwestern end of the Vallès-Penedès Fault. This fault was reactivated at different times during successive extensional and compressional events and several generations of fractures and cementations were formed.

Based on petrological and geochemical analyses of this cementation an evolution of the fluids related to the different tectonic stages can be deduced. (1) During the Mesozoic extension, the parent fluids resulted either from a mixing of trapped Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous seawater and meteoric water, or from buffered meteoric waters. (2) Related to the Paleogene compression, the fluids came from the percolation of meteoric waters indicating shallow-depth deformation. (3) During the transitional phase between Paleogene compression and Neogene extension, a karstic dissolution took place and the porosities were infilled by different generations of sediments and cements deposited from meteoric fluids. (4) During the Neogene extension several episodes of meteoric percolations and fracturing processes occurred. The Neogene extensional faults used the earlier karstic system to develop and, later, during the late post-rift stage, a new karstic system occurred, covering the walls of open fractures with speleothems.