bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) Invades Lands Surrounding Cultivated Pastures in Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Brenner Jacob C. , Kanda L. Leann 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe examined relationships between land disturbance and the extent and abundance of exotic buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) at the interface of cultivated pastures and native desert lands in Sonora, Mexico. Plot and transect surveys of lands inside and outside pasture fences and general linear mixed models revealed complex relationships among buffelgrass, native vegetation, distance from pasture fences, and three categories of land disturbance (undisturbed, moderate, and severe). Results illustrate that buffelgrass invasion is extensive in lands surrounding pastures, and that buffelgrass abundance declines steeply with distance from pasture fences. The role of disturbance is weak but significant in its interaction with distance from the fence. Buffelgrass is more successful at colonizing severely disturbed lands than native vegetation, and its decline in abundance on severely disturbed lands is relatively more gradual than on other disturbance regimes, so landscapes where severely disturbed lands are interspersed with buffelgrass pastures could become centers of extensive buffelgrass invasion. In light of its potential to transform the Sonoran Desert, buffelgrass outside pastures warrants attention in a region-wide control scheme, as well as in future research, which ideally would involve remote sensing.
Relationships betweenLigustrum sinenseInvasion, Biodiversity, and Development in a Mixed Bottomland Forest
Authors: Hart Justin L. , Holmes Brittany N. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractInvasion of closed canopy forests by shade-tolerant alien plants has the potential to modify species composition, stand structure, ecosystem function, and long-term forest development patterns.Ligustrum sinenseis a shade-tolerant alien shrub that has invaded bottomland forests throughout the southeastern United States. This species has received comparatively little attention in the literature despite its potential to drastically alter invaded sites. The overarching goal of our study was to document the relationships betweenLigustrum sinenseinvasion and woody plant biodiversity and development patterns in an intact southeastern U.S. bottomland forest. The forest was dominated byQuercus nigraandLiquidambar styraciflua. Ligustrum sinenseranked fifth in basal area contribution, occurred in 97% of our plots, and represented 95% of all understory stems. Spearman's rho for dominance (based on basal area of stems > 5 cm diameter at breast height [dbh]) ofL. sinenseand woody plant species richness for each plot revealed a significant negative relationship (rs= −0.69, P < 0.01). A similar relationship was revealed betweenL. sinensedensity and woody plant species diversity (rs= −0.78, P < 0.01) and evenness (rs= −0.82, P < 0.01). Spearman's rho forL. sinensedensity and native understory stem density (individuals ≥ 1 m height, < 5 cm dbh) also revealed a significant negative association (rs= −0.48, P < 0.01). Under the current disturbance regime and without active management, we projected the forest would shift to support a stronger component ofL. sinenseand that structure would transition from tree to shrub dominance for sites within the forest.
The Effect of Biochar on Native and Invasive Prairie Plant Species
Authors: Adams Melinda M. , Benjamin Tamara J. , Emery Nancy C. , Brouder Sylvie J. , Gibson Kevin D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBiochar, a carbon-rich product formed by the incomplete combustion of biomass, has been shown to improve soil quality and increase crop growth but has not been evaluated in prairie ecosystems. We assessed the response of a native perennial grass, big bluestem, and an invasive herbaceous perennial, sericea, to biochar amendments in two greenhouse experiments in 2010 and 2011. In the first experiment, big bluestem and sericea were grown in monoculture; the main treatments were soil type (silt, sand), percent biochar (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4%) and nitrogen (0 and 10 g N m−2). Big bluestem growth was increased by the addition of biochar, particularly in the sand soil. In contrast, sericea growth was either not affected or decreased when biochar was added to the soil, particularly at the higher biochar rates. Adding N to the soil appeared to increase sericea growth in the presence of biochar and the silt soil, which suggests that biochar may have reduced N availability. A replacement series was used in the second experiment to evaluate the effect of biochar on competition between the two species. Main treatments were biochar rates (0% and 2%), nitrogen rates (0 and 10 g N m−2) and the following big bluestem to sericea ratios: 6 : 0, 4 : 2, 3 : 3, 2 : 4, and 0 : 6. After 180 d, big bluestem height and biomass were significantly greater in biochar-amended soils than in unamended soils. However, sericea height and biomass were unaffected by biochar amendments and the addition of biochar did not alter competitive outcomes. Competition between big bluestem and sericea was asymmetrical; sericea reduced the growth of big bluestem but big bluestem had relatively little effect on the growth of sericea. Our research suggests that biochar has the potential to increase the growth of big bluestem and may be a useful tool for prairie restoration.
Structure, Function and Regulation of Outer Membrane Proteins Involved in Drug Transport in Enterobactericeae: the OmpF/C – TolC Case
Authors: Masi Muriel , Pagès Jean-Marie 
Published: March 2013

Antibiotic translocation across membranes of Gram-negative bacteria is a key step for the activity on their specific intracellular targets. Resistant bacteria control their membrane permeability as a first line of defense to protect themselves against external toxic compounds such as antibiotics and biocides. On one hand, resistance to small hydrophilic antibiotics such as ß-lactams and fluoroquinolones frequently results from the « closing » of their way in: the general outer membrane porins. On the other hand, an effective way out for a wide range of antibiotics is provided by TolC-like proteins, which are outer membrane components of multidrug efflux pumps. Accordingly, altered membrane permeability, including porin modifications and/or efflux pumps’ overexpression, is always associated to multidrug resistance (MDR) in a number of clinical isolates.Several recent studies have highlighted our current understanding of porins/TolC structures and functions inEnterobacteriaceae. Here, we review the transport of antibiotics through the OmpF/C general porins and the TolC-like channels with regards to recent data on their structure, function, assembly, regulation and contribution to bacterial resistance.Because MDR strains have evolved global strategies to identify and fight our antibiotic arsenal, it is important to constantly update our global knowledge on antibiotic transport.
Multidrug Efflux Pumps in Staphylococcus aureus: an Update
Authors: Costa Sofia Santos , Viveiros Miguel , Amaral Leonard , Couto Isabel 
Published: March 2013

The emergence of infections caused by multi- or pan-resistant bacteria in the hospital or in the community settings is an increasing health concern. Albeit there is no single resistance mechanism behind multiresistance, multidrug efflux pumps, proteins that cells use to detoxify from noxious compounds, seem to play a key role in the emergence of these multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. During the last decades, experimental data has established their contribution to low level resistance to antimicrobials in bacteria and their potential role in the appearance of MDR phenotypes, by the extrusion of multiple, unrelated compounds. Recent studies suggest that efflux pumps may be used by the cell as a first-line defense mechanism, avoiding the drug to reach lethal concentrations, until a stable, more efficient alteration occurs, that allows survival in the presence of that agent.In this paper we review the current knowledge on MDR efflux pumps and their intricate regulatory network inStaphylococcus aureus, a major pathogen, responsible from mild to life-threatening infections. Particular emphasis will be given to the potential role thatS. aureusMDR efflux pumps, either chromosomal or plasmid-encoded, have on resistance towards different antimicrobial agents and on the selection of drug - resistant strains. We will also discuss the many questions that still remain on the role of each specific efflux pump and the need to establish appropriate methodological approaches to address all these questions.
A TLC Study of the lipophilicity of thirty-two acetylcholinesterase inhibitors — 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine and 2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]quinoline derivatives
Authors: Szymański Paweł , Skibiński Robert , Liszka Małgorzata , Jargieło Izabela , Mikiciuk-Olasik Elżbieta , Komsta Łukasz 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The lipophilicity of thirty-two novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors — 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine and 2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]quinoline derivatives was studied by thin layer chromatography. The analyzed compounds were chromatographed on RP-18, RP-8, RP-2, CN and NH2 stationary phases with dioxane — citric buffer pH 3.0 binary mobile phases containing different proportions of dioxane. RM values for pure water were extrapolated from the linear Soczewiński-Wachtmeister equation and six compounds with known literature log P values were used as reference calibration data set for computation of experimental log P values.

The obtained results were compared with computationally calculated partition coefficients values (AlogPs, AClogP, AlogP, MlogP, KOWWIN, XlogP2, XlogP3) by PCA and significant differences between them were observed.
Comparative studies of Pd, Ru, Ni, Cu/ZnAl2O4 catalysts for the water gas shift reaction
Authors: Mierczynski Pawel , Maniukiewicz Waldemar , Maniecki Tomasz 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The activity of monometallic Pd, Ru, Ni and Cu catalysts supported on spinel ZnAl2O4 for water gas shift reaction (WGS) was investigated. The physicochemical properties of each catalyst was studied by XRD, TPR, BET and chemisorption methods. The highest activity was obtained for Cu/ZnAl2O4 among the catalysts tested. The activation process carried out in a reducing atmosphere 5%H2-95%Ar in the case of Cu/ZnAl2O4 system lead to the catalytic activity improvement. In the case of copper catalysts, the water gas shift reaction proceeded by the redox surface mechanism between Cu0/Cu+. The PdZn alloy formation after reduction at 350°C was shown.
Synthesis and characterization of 2CuCN·DMSO and [CuII(DMSO)6][CuI
6(CN)8] 3-D framework compounds
Authors: Vakulka Andrii , Goreshnik Evgeny 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Two novel complexes of CuCN were characterized by using a single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique and Raman spectroscopy. In the structure of 2CuCN·DMSO ligand molecule demonstrates unique bridging mode, being bound to two CuI centers via oxygen and sulfur atoms. The bridging role of both CN groups and DMSO molecules results in the formation of (CuCN·DMSO)n framework. Along the channels of the network are running infinite zig-zag (CuCN)n chains, which are bound to the framework by elongated Cu…(CN) bonds. A mixed-valence [CuII(DMSO)6][CuI
6(CN)8] compound is composed of 3-D [CuI
6(CN)8]n anionic framework and located in the channels of partially disordered [CuII(DMSO)6]2+ cations.
Organoruthenium(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes: synthesis, spectral characterization, DNA binding and DNA cleavage studies
Authors: Raja Gunasekaran , Jayabalakrishnan Chinnasamy 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A series of new ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesized with Schiff bases derived from salicylaldehyde / o-hydroxyacetophenone/ o-vanillin / 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with thiosemicarbazide and acetyl furan. They are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral studies. The elemental analysis suggests the stoichiometry to be 1:1 (metal:ligand). Four of these complexes were tested for its binding with CT-DNA using absorption spectroscopic studies and two of these complexes exhibit efficient DNA cleavage activity.
Maps between Banach function algebras satisfying certain norm conditions
Authors: Hosseini Maliheh , Sady Fereshteh 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Let A and B be Banach function algebras on compact Hausdorff spaces X and Y, respectively, and let \(\bar A\) and \(\bar B\) be their uniform closures. Let I, I′ be arbitrary non-empty sets, α ∈ ℂ\{0}, ρ: I → A, τ: l′ → a and S: I → B T: l′ → B be maps such that ρ(I, τ(I′) and S(I), T(I′) are closed under multiplications and contain exp A and expB, respectively. We show that if ‖S(p)T(p′)−α‖Y=‖ρ(p)τ(p′) − α‖x for all p ∈ I and p′ ∈ I′, then there exist a real algebra isomorphism S: A → B, a clopen subset K of M B and a homeomorphism ϕ: M B → M A between the maximal ideal spaces of B and A such that for all f ∈ A,

where \(\hat \cdot\) denotes the Gelfand transformation. Moreover, S can be extended to a real algebra isomorphism from \(\bar A\) onto \(\bar B\) inducing a homeomorphism between \(M_{\bar B}\) and \(M_{\bar A}\) . We also show that under an additional assumption related to the peripheral range, S is complex linear, that is A and B are algebraically isomorphic. We also consider the case where α = 0 and X and Y are locally compact.
Variations on a theme of rationality of cycles
Authors: Karpenko Nikita 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
We prove certain weak versions of some celebrated results due to Alexander Vishik comparing rationality of algebraic cycles over the function field of a quadric and over the base field. The original proofs use Vishik’s symmetric operations in the algebraic cobordism theory and work only in characteristic 0. Our proofs use the modulo 2 Steenrod operations in the Chow theory and work in any characteristic ≠ 2. Our weak versions are still sufficient for existing applications. In particular, Vishik’s construction of fields of u-invariant 2r + 1, for r ≥ 3, is extended to arbitrary characteristic ≠ 2.
Dipole-exchange spin excitations in a thin ferromagnetic nanoshell
Authors: Gorobets Yuri , Kulish Volodymyr 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this paper spin excitations in spherical ferromagnetic nanoshells are investigated. The magnetic dipoledipole interaction, the exchange interaction and the anisotropy effects are taken into consideration. For such spin excitations, an equation for the magnetic potential perturbation is obtained. For a nanoshell that is thin compared to its size, the dispersion relation for nonzero spin excitation modes and the only possible frequency for zero-mode spin excitations are found. Limitations on the mode numbers are derived.
Exact and approximate solutions to Schrödinger’s equation with decatic potentials
Authors: Brandon David , Saad Nasser 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The one-dimensional Schrödinger’s equation is analysed with regard to the existence of exact solutions for decatic polynomial potentials. Under certain conditions on the potential’s parameters, we show that the decatic polynomial potential V (x) = ax
10 + bx
8 + cx
6 + dx
4 + ex
2, a > 0 is exactly solvable. By examining the polynomial solutions of certain linear differential equations with polynomial coefficients, the necessary and sufficient conditions for corresponding energy-dependent polynomial solutions are given in detail. It is also shown that these polynomials satisfy a four-term recurrence relation, whose real roots are the exact energy eigenvalues. Further, it is shown that these polynomials generate the eigenfunction solutions of the corresponding Schrödinger equation. Further analysis for arbitrary values of the potential parameters using the asymptotic iteration method is also presented.
Acoustic field and the entropy mode induced by it in a waveguide filled with some non-equilibrium gases
Authors: Perelomova Anna 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The non-linear propagation of an acoustic beam in a rectangular waveguide is considered. The medium of sound propagation, is a gas where thermodynamically non-equilibrium processes take place: such as exothermic chemical reactions or excitation of vibrational degrees of a molecule’s freedom. The incident and reflected compounds of the acoustic field do not interact in the leading order in the case of periodic weakly nonlinear sound with zero mean value of velocity. The acoustic heating or cooling in a waveguide is discussed.
Oscillation criteria for a class of nonlinear fourth order neutral differential equations
Authors: Tripathy A. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this paper, sufficient conditions are obtained for oscillation of a class of nonlinear fourth order mixed neutral differential equations of the form (E)$$\left( {\frac{1}
{{a\left( t \right)}}\left( {\left( {y\left( t \right) + p\left( t \right)y\left( {t - \tau } \right)} \right)^{\prime \prime } } \right)^\alpha } \right)^{\prime \prime } = q\left( t \right)f\left( {y\left( {t - \sigma _1 } \right)} \right) + r\left( t \right)g\left( {y\left( {t + \sigma _2 } \right)} \right)$$ under the assumption $$\int\limits_0^\infty {\left( {a\left( t \right)} \right)^{\tfrac{1}
{\alpha }} dt} = \infty .$$ where α is a ratio of odd positive integers. (E) is studied for various ranges of p(t).
On (strong) α-favorability of the Vietoris hyperspace
Authors: Piątkiewicz Leszek , Zsilinszky László 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
For a normal space X, α (i.e. the nonempty player) having a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in the strong Choquet game Ch(X) played on X is equivalent to α having a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in the strong Choquet game played on the hyperspace CL(X) of nonempty closed subsets endowed with the Vietoris topology τ
V. It is shown that for a non-normal X where α has a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in Ch(X), α may or may not have a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in the strong Choquet game played on the Vietoris hyperspace. If X is quasi-regular, then having a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) for α in the Banach-Mazur game BM(X) played on X is sufficient for α having a winning strategy (resp. winning tactic) in BM(CL(X), τ
V), but not necessary, not even for a separable metric X. In the absence of quasi-regularity of a space X where α has a winning strategy in BM(X), α may or may not have a winning strategy in the Banach-Mazur game played on the Vietoris hyperspace.
Graphic representation of MV-algebra pastings
Authors: Chovanec Ferdinand 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
We deal with a construction of some difference posets via a method of a pasting of MV-algebras. We generalize Greechie diagrams used in MV-algebra pastings. We give necessary and sufficient conditions under which the resulting pasting of an admissible system MV-algebras is a lattice-ordered D-poset.
Who is corrupt? Anthropological reflections on the moral, the criminal and the borderline
Authors: Pardo Italo 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Drawing on historical and contemporary evidence from Great Britain and Italy, this article examines actions that fall under official definitions of corruption and actions that are not illegal but are widely regarded as morally corrupt. As a social anthropologist, I argue that when dealing with the complexity of corruption and abuses of power, we need to identify what aspects of the system encourage or generate illicit practices (illegal and legal) and what aspects could instead generate real change. It is imperative to assess the precise identity of the dividing line between the legitimate and the illegitimate and between the legal and the moral, and to address both the exact relationship of the protagonists in public life to formal law and its production and their perceived legitimacy in the broader society. Empirical evidence suggests that the production of the law must take into account the moralities which inform the definition of legitimacy at the grassroots, for legislation that enjoys such legitimacy is authoritative-therefore effective-legislation, and thus is governance that benefits from and abides by such legislation.
Political science approaches to integrity and corruption
Authors: Rose Jonathan , Heywood Paul 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Integrity ought logically to be a particularly important concept within political science. If those acting within the political system do not have integrity, our ability to trust them, to have confidence in their actions, and perhaps even to consider them legitimate can be challenged. Indeed, the very concept of integrity goes some way towards underwriting positive views of political actors. Yet, despite this importance, political science as a discipline has perhaps focused too little on questions of integrity. Where political science has looked at the subject of integrity, it has often done so without using the specific linguistic formulation “integrity”. Most commonly, the focus has instead been on “corruption”—a strand of research which has produced results that cannot always be translated into discussions of integrity, by virtue of its narrower focus upon the “negative pole” of public ethics. Other measures, such as “Quality of Government”, focus on positive attributes, notably impartiality, but this also fails fully to capture the notion of integrity: dishonesty can be impartial. Specific formal “codes” used within public life and among political practitioners can be much more nuanced than the most widely used measures, and can be much closer to what we understand—academically—as “integrity”. This paper argues that the hard conceptual and empirical work of elaborating integrity into a fully operationalizable concept offers the potential reward of an analytical concept that is more closely aligned with political reality.
The perception of corruption as social and institutional pressure: A comparative analysis of cultural biases
Authors: Torsello Davide 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This study is an empirical approach to answering the question: are there any universal factors that account for the origin, diffusion and persistence of corruption in human societies? The paper enquires whether the perception of corruption in politics and economics can be tackled as a form of cultural adaptation, driven by exogenous and endogenous forces. These are respectively: freedom of access and management of economic resources, and the pressures towards human grouping. Following the analytical insights of cultural theory, developed by Mary Douglas and later Aaron Wildavsky, variation is introduced through the ways in which corruption is perceived through the different behavioral and cultural biases that prevail in societies. This research introduces a cross-country comparative analysis of 57 countries attempting to test quantitatively whether institutional pressure and emphasis towards social grouping are correlated with corruption perception at country levels.
Trust, clientelism and state intervention in disaster relief policy: The case of Southern Italy
Authors: Caruso Teresa 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The aim of this article is to describe the consequences of state intervention at the local level after a destructive earthquake hit the south of Italy in 1980. The kind of intervention adopted, the amount of financial investment and the way in which it was distributed affected the social and economic equilibrium of the local community in terms of perceptions of trust, patronage and effects on development.
Le pauvre, le savant et le politique
Authors: Rodriguez Jacques 
Published: March 2013

La sociologie anglaise est bien mal connue de ce côté-ci de la Manche, et plus encore sa genèse. Le rappel que nous propose ici Jacques Rodriguez est ainsi instructif à plus d’un titre. Il montre en particulier que celle-ci est indissociable de l’émergence de la « question sociale », et pose ce faisant une série de questionnements quant à la manière d’appréhender les phénomènes rattachés à la « pauvreté » qui présentent encore une actualité certaine.