bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Untidy Cover: Invasion of Bracken Fern in the Shifting Cultivation Systems of Southern Yucatán, Mexico
Authors: Schneider Laura C. , Fernando D. Nelun 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTIn land change science studies, a cover type is defined by land surface attributes, specifically including the types of vegetation, topography and human structures, which makes it difficult to characterize land cover as discrete classes. One of the challenges in characterizing a land‐cover type is to distinguish variability within the class from actual land‐cover transformation. The spread of plant invasions in tropical systems is affected by seasonal variations and disturbances such as agricultural activities and fires, making it difficult to determine the spread through thematic classifications. In this paper, we estimate the changes in spatial extent and seasonal variation of bracken fern invasion in Southern Yucatán from 1989 to 2005 by using a linear mixture model (LMM), a widely used method in the classification of remotely sensed data. The results show an increase in areas affected by bracken from 40 km2 in 1989 to almost 80 km2 in 2000. Lower estimates of the invasion resulted from data acquired at the end of the dry season (March–May), when bracken mixes with secondary vegetation or is removed by fires. The accuracy of the maps is estimated through the use of sketch maps of farmer's parcels and field data collected from 2000 to 2001. Understanding the spatial distribution and annual variability of bracken fern cover in the region is critical to determining the relation between disturbances such as fire and forest recovery. Using LMM may enhance this understanding by giving a more accurate picture of the extent and distribution of bracken fern invasion.Abstract in Spanish is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp
Spatial Variation in the Strength of a Trophic Cascade InvolvingRuellia nudiflora(Acanthaceae), an Insect Seed Predator and Associated Parasitoid Fauna in Mexico
Authors: Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Parra‐Tabla Víctor , Salinas‐Peba Luis , Díaz‐Castelazo Cecilia , Delfín‐González Hugo 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTSpatial variation in the strength of herbivore top‐down control represents an important source of variation in plant fitness measures and community structure and function. By measuring seed predator (larvae of a Noctuid moth) and parasitoid impacts onRuellia nudifloraacross a broad spatial scale in Yucatan (Mexico), this study addressed the following: (1) to what extent does seed predator and parasitoid attack intensity associated withR. nudifloravary spatially? (2) Does parasitoid attack result in a positive indirect effect on the plant, and does the intensity of this effect vary spatially? During the peak of fruit production (late June–early July) of 2005, we collected fruits from 21R. nudiflorapopulations and grouped them into four regions: center, east, north and south. For each fruit we recorded: observed seed number, number of seeds eaten, seed predator presence, parasitoid presence and number of seeds ‘saved’ by parasitoids. Seed predators attackedca30 percent of fruits/plant on average, while parasitoids were found in 24 percent of seed predator‐attacked fruits. Results indicated spatial variation in seed predator and parasitoid attack levels; interestingly, a contrasting spatial gradient of attack intensity was observed: populations/regions with greatest parasitoid attack levels usually had the lowest seed predator attack levels and vice versa, suggesting top‐down control of parasitoids on seed predators. We observed a weak overall indirect impact of parasitoids onR. nudiflora(4% seeds ‘saved’ on average), which nonetheless varied strongly across populations (e.g., close to 14% seeds saved at one population). Findings indicate a geographical structuring of interaction strengths across populations, as well as spatial variation in the strength of parasitoid cascading effects on plant reproduction.
Flying Foxes Prefer to Forage in Farmland in a Tropical Dry Forest Landscape Mosaic in Fiji
Authors: Luskin Matthew Scott 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTTo test flying fox adaptations to a habitat mosaic with extreme deforestation, the abundance, habitat choice and feeding behavior of the Pacific flying fox, Pteropus tonganus, were investigated across 16 islands of the Yasawa archipelago, Fiji. The habitat mosaic is formed by 4.3 percent tropical dry forest and 3.3 percent farmland, leaving exotic grasslands and stands of Leucaena leucocephala to overrun the vast majority of land. Pteropus tonganus abundance was high (5757 bats) despite deforestation and hunting. Roosting sites were restricted to native forest fragments. Grasslands and stands of L. leucocephala were completely void of bats at all times. The mean foraging density in farmland was four times higher than in forests and foraging competition was routinely observed in farmland but was extremely rare in forests. The author suggests that during the study, extensive foraging in farmland was supporting the high P. tonganus population. Additionally, the preferential foraging in farmland was responsible for the low foraging densities within forests and dramatically less intraspecies competition for forest resources. Further research is needed on seed dispersal within forests and to test for seasonal variations in bat abundance and feeding.
Hemodynamic Effects of Albumin Dialysis in Patients With Liver Failure: For Better or For Worse?
Authors: Laleman Wim 
Published: September 2009

AbstractLiver failure, irrespective of is cause, is frequently associated with multi‐organ dysfunction, including hemodynamic instability, and renal and cerebral insufficiency. As a result of the combined impact of these complications, liver failure carries an exceptionally high risk of mortality. A central role in the etiopathogenesis of different end‐organ manifestations, as well as in the aggravation of the underlying liver failure, has been attributed to the hyperdynamic (hypotensive) state, which is characterized by a reduced systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure, as well as an increased cardiac index, heart rate, and total plasma volume. Since the accumulation of toxins due to the decreased detoxification capacity by the failing liver is considered vital herein, the emergence of extracorporeal liver support has provided a rational basis for the potential reversal of these phenomena. The present article critically reviews data with regard to the hemodynamic effects of artificial liver support in the context of liver failure. Although these are scarce for acute liver failure, several uncontrolled series and small randomized trials have clearly documented that artificial liver support is able to improve both portal hypertension and the associated systemic circulatory dysfunction in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. The molecular basis for these effects have been related to temporary changes and/or elimination in endogenous vasoactive substances, improved albumin binding capacity, or restoration of oxidative stress‐mediated damage to albumin.
Early Molecular Adsorbents Recirculating System Treatment of Amanita Mushroom Poisoning
Authors: Kantola Taru , Kantola Teemu , Koivusalo Anna‐Maria , Höckerstedt Krister , Isoniemi Helena 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAcute poisoning due to ingestion of hepatotoxic Amanita sp. mushrooms can result in a spectrum of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to life‐threatening acute liver failure. With conventional treatment, Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning carries a substantial risk of mortality and many patients require liver transplantation. The molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) is an artificial liver support system that can partly compensate for the detoxifying function of the liver by removing albumin‐bound and water‐soluble toxins from blood. This treatment has been used in acute liver failure to enable native liver recovery and as a bridging treatment to liver transplantation. The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of 10 patients with Amanita mushroom poisoning who were treated with MARS. The study was a retrospectively analyzed case series. Ten adult patients with accidental Amanita poisoning of varying severity were treated in a liver disease specialized intensive care unit from 2001 to 2007. All patients received MARS treatment and standard medical therapy for mushroom poisoning. The demographic, laboratory, and clinical data from each patient were recorded upon admission. The one‐year survival and need for liver transplantation were documented. The median times from mushroom ingestion to first‐aid at a local hospital and to MARS treatment were 18 h (range 14–36 h) and 48 h (range 26–78 h), respectively. All 10 patients survived longer than one year. One patient underwent a successful liver transplantation. No serious adverse side‐effects were observed with the MARS treatment. In conclusion, MARS treatment seems to offer a safe and effective treatment option in Amanita mushroom poisoning.
Increase of Octanoate Concentrations During Extracorporeal Albumin Dialysis Treatments
Authors: Klammt Sebastian , Koball Sebastian , Hickstein Heiko , Gloger Martin , Henschel Joerg , Mitzner Steffen , Stange Jan , Reisinger Emil C 
Published: September 2009

AbstractExtracorporeal liver support procedures based on albumin dialysis require the use of pharmaceutical‐grade human serum albumin (HSA). Those preparations contain octanoate, which is added as stabilizer during the production process. For octanoate, a direct involvement in the pathogenesis of liver failure complications as well as an indirect influence by competitive displacement effects at the albumin molecule have been described. During five Single Pass Albumin Dialysis (SPAD) and three Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) treatments the changes of octanoate concentrations in blood and dialysate were investigated. An octanoate increase in patient blood was observed during passage of the filter for both SPAD (585 µmol/L [338–1022 µmol/L]) (median [range]) and MARS (182 µmol/L [71–437 µmol/L]) during the first three hours of treatment. The molar ratio of octanoate/albumin at the blood outflow was significantly higher during SPAD treatments (1.73 [0.86–2.64] vs. 0.54 [0.31–1.1];P = 0.001) during MARS. Changes of octanoate blood levels during SPAD were significantly higher than during MARS (P < 0.001). The shift of octanoate from the dialysate to the patient was persistent during SPAD (median 67.6 µmol/min), whereas during MARS a decrease over time was observed (from 25.5 to 7.5 µmol/min). During albumin dialysis procedures a transfer of octanoate into patient blood occurs. The time‐course and extent are different between both albumin dialysis procedures. Given the positive clinical effects reported mainly for MARS, the clinical impact of albumin dialysis‐associated transfer of octanoate during extracorporeal liver support needs to be evaluated further.
Safety Evaluation for a Cell‐based Immune Support System in an Ex Vivo Rat Model of Gram‐negative Sepsis
Authors: Sauer Martin , Altrichter Jens , Kreutzer Hans‐Jürgen , Schmidt Heidrun , Nöldge‐Schomburg Gabriele , Schmidt Reinhard , Mitzner Steffen R 
Published: September 2009

AbstractGranulocyte dysfunction is a central component of immunodeficiency in septic patients. Granulocyte transfusions appear to be pathophysiologically useful; however, they cause unwanted side‐effects in the lungs and other organs. This study evaluates the safety of an extracorporeal immune support system with granulocytic cells in a rat model of Gram‐negative sepsis. Three groups of male CD rats received either saline (control group, I), a dose of Escherichia coli O7:K1 lethal to 90% of the animals (LD90) (septic group, II), or an LD90 dose of E. coli that was incubated with the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL‐60) (differentiated into the granulocytic direction) for 20 min prior to infusion (second septic group, III). The animals were observed for seven days. Pre‐treatment with HL‐60 cells resulted in no adverse effects in the group III animals. Significantly lower bacterial counts and endotoxin levels in the plasma were detected after 24 h as compared to group II (P < 0.05). Group III animals had better weight gain and more stable hemodynamics than group II animals (P < 0.01). Seven day survival was 0/8 in group II, 6/8 in group III, and 8/9 in group I (log–rank test: II–III: P < 0.001). The data suggest that extracorporeal use of granulocytes allows the therapeutic use of these cells while avoiding unwanted effects resulting from direct contact to internal organs.
QUALITY ALTERATIONS OF FOUR FRYING FATS DURING LONG‐TERM HEATING (CONVENTIONAL ANALYSIS AND NIRS CALIBRATION)
Authors: SZABÓ ANDRÁS , BÁZÁR GYÖRGY , LOCSMÁNDI LÁSZLÓ , ROMVÁRI RÓBERT 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT Rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, pig (mangalica breed) and goose fat were heated (36 h, 4 h sampling intervals) at seven temperatures (140, 150, 160, 165, 170, 175 and 180C; n = 256) to follow quality alterations. Acid value (AV) increased permanently, while the increase of peroxide value (PV) was followed by a drop. Carbonyl number tended to increase, while p‐anisidine value (pAV) showed two‐peaked alterations. Total polar material (TPM) and dimeric and polymeric triacylglycerol content of oils increased up to over 60 and 25%, while by animal fats, these reached 45 and 19%, respectively. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (0.1 mm layer, transflectance mode, 800–2,400 nm wavelength, second derivative, modified partial least squares regression) was used for quantitative calibrations. Estimation accuracy of sampling event, heat‐sum (heating hours × temperature) exceeded R2 = 0.94, with over 0.9 cross‐validation values, analyzing fats separately. Calibrations for AV, PV, pAV and TPM reached practical application levels.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe present approach aimed to follow‐up a heating regime frequently occurring in the culinary routine, in terms of heating temperature and duration. Four frying fats were used and conventional fat quality indices (acid value, peroxide value, carbonyl number, p‐anisidine value, total polar material, dimeric and polymeric triacylglycerols) were determined. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis was used to develop quantitative calibrations for the quality indices, and reached practical application levels for acid and peroxide values, p‐anisidine value and total polar material content. The spectra‐based estimation of the extent of use, i.e., the duration and the temperature, and as expressed together, the heat‐sum was predicted excellently. NIRS analysis details were set to be simple, i.e., no sample preparation, room temperature, easy sample application and sample‐cup cleaning. Thus, a rapid measurement methodology is presented for the accurate prediction and evaluation of frying fat deterioration, without toxic substances.
Blending History with Geographic Information System Technology: Using USS Arizona GIS Data to Engage Students in Technology and History of the Pearl Harbor Attack
Authors: Gebelein Jennifer 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAs we rely more and more heavily on technology in our teaching methods, utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has become increasingly commonplace for instructing students how to interact successfully with scientific data and data analysis tools. With students’ increasing fascination with technology such as GIS, there is a unique opportunity to incorporate spatial learning techniques with more qualitative subjects such as history. The applied history techniques described in this study represent a creative methodology that can be used at several teaching and learning levels. In this study, I review a recently completed GIS dataset of the USS Arizona completed by a dual effort of the Park Service and Northrop‐Grumman Mission Systems. This dataset is used in a successful case‐study approach to integrating historical simulation techniques of the Pearl Harbor Incident with learning to analyze spatial data in a GIS environment.
A Calibrated, High‐Resolution GOES Satellite Solar Insolation Product for a Climatology of Florida Evapotranspiration1
Authors: Paech Simon J. , Mecikalski John R. , Sumner David M. , Pathak Chandra S. , Wu Quinlong , Islam Shafiqul , Sangoyomi Taiye 
Published: September 2009

Paech, Simon J., John R. Mecikalski, David M. Sumner, Chandra S. Pathak, Quinlong Wu, Shafiqul Islam, and Taiye Sangoyomi, 2009. A Calibrated, High‐Resolution GOES Satellite Solar Insolation Product for a Climatology of Florida Evapotranspiration. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 45(6):1328‐1342.Abstract:  Estimates of incoming solar radiation (insolation) from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite observations have been produced for the state of Florida over a 10‐year period (1995‐2004). These insolation estimates were developed into well‐calibrated half‐hourly and daily integrated solar insolation fields over the state at 2 km resolution, in addition to a 2‐week running minimum surface albedo product. Model results of the daily integrated insolation were compared with ground‐based pyranometers, and as a result, the entire dataset was calibrated. This calibration was accomplished through a three‐step process: (1) comparison with ground‐based pyranometer measurements on clear (noncloudy) reference days, (2) correcting for a bias related to cloudiness, and (3) deriving a monthly bias correction factor. Precalibration results indicated good model performance, with a station‐averaged model error of 2.2 MJ m−2/day (13%). Calibration reduced errors to 1.7 MJ m−2/day (10%), and also removed temporal‐related, seasonal‐related, and satellite sensor‐related biases. The calibrated insolation dataset will subsequently be used by state of Florida Water Management Districts to produce statewide, 2‐km resolution maps of estimated daily reference and potential evapotranspiration for water management‐related activities.
Effectiveness of BMPS in Reducing Sediment From Unpaved Roads in the Stillwater Creek, Oklahoma Watershed1
Authors: Turton Donald J. , Smolen Michael D. , Stebler Elaine 
Published: September 2009

Turton, Donald J., Michael D. Smolen, and Elaine Stebler, 2009. Effectiveness of BMPs in Reducing Sediment From Unpaved Roads in the Stillwater Creek, Oklahoma Watershed. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 45(6):1343‐1351.Abstract:  Erosion from rural unpaved roads is thought to be an important source of sediment in sediment‐impaired streams in Oklahoma and other locations. However, no direct measurements of sediment yields from rural unpaved roads were previously available for Oklahoma. Four rural unpaved road segments in the Stillwater Creek Watershed were instrumented in a paired watershed design to measure sediment yields to streams before and after the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). One segment of each pair remained under current management to serve as a control. The second segment received BMPs after a 1‐year calibration period. One BMP consisted of widening the ditches, re‐shaping ditches and cutslopes, putting a proper crown on the road surface, and vegetating disturbed areas with grass. The other BMP consisted of creating a proper crown on the road bed, applying a geo‐synthetic fabric to the road bed and surfacing with 127 mm of crusher run gravel containing 12‐15% fines to serve as a binder. Road segment sediment yields for individual storms varied, depending on factors such as rainfall amount and intensity. During the pre‐BMP year, storm sediment yields ranged from 0 to 4.3 Mg on one pair of segments and from 0 to 2.8 Mg on the other. The storm sediment yields and annual yields were in the same order of magnitude as sediment yields from unpaved rural or forest roads reported in other studies. Sediment yields were significantly reduced on both segments by the installation of BMPs, approximately 80% on one segment pair and 20% on the other. The average sediment yield (across the four segments) for the pre‐BMP year was 138 Mg/ha or 120 Mg/km of road. By extrapolating these average yields across the 479 km of unpaved roads in the Stillwater Creek Watershed and comparing it to estimated sediment yields for other land uses obtained from other sources, we conclude that unpaved roads may contribute up to 35% of the total sediment load to Stillwater Creek.
Forecasting Resilience in Arctic Societies: Creating Tools for Assessing Social–Hydrological Systems1
Authors: Altaweel Mark R. , Alessa Lilian N. , Kliskey Andrew D. 
Published: September 2009

Altaweel, Mark R., Lilian N. Alessa, and Andrew D. Kliskey, 2009. Forecasting Resilience in Arctic Societies: Creating Tools for Assessing Social–Hydrological Systems. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 45(6):1379‐1389.Abstract:  Arctic communities are increasingly faced with social–ecological changes that act at variable speeds and spatial scales. Such changes will affect vital resources, particularly water supplies. Currently, there are few computational tools that integrate multiple social and environmental processes in order to aid communities’ adaptation to change through decision support systems. This paper proposes a modeling and simulation approach that can integrate such processes at different spatiotemporal scales in order to address issues affecting community water supplies. In this paper, a modeling and simulation tool is developed and applied to a case study on the Seward Peninsula. Initial results, using both field observations and computation, show projected patterns of water use, perceptions of water availability, and long‐term consumption trends. More broadly, the paper demonstrates the need for developing tools that address issues at the community level for better understanding human and hydrological interactions and policy decisions affecting water supplies.
A species‐specific real‐time PCR assay for identification of three lichen‐forming fungi, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria immixta and Lobaria macaronesica
Authors: WERTH S. , CORNEJO C. , SCHEIDEGGER C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe present a multiplex real‐time PCR assay for the simultaneous identification of three morphologically similar species of lichen‐forming fungi, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria immixta and Lobaria macaronesica. Based on TaqMan MGB (minor groove binding) probes targeting the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS nrDNA) region, our assay unambiguously identifies known samples from all the three species, thus providing a powerful alternative to the more expensive DNA‐sequencing techniques.
Characterization of anaerobic xylene biodegradation by two‐dimensional isotope fractionation analysis
Authors: Herrmann Steffi , Vogt Carsten , Fischer Anko , Kuppardt Anke , Richnow Hans‐Hermann 
Published: September 2009

SummaryWe determined stable carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation factors for anaerobic degradation of xylene isomers by several pure and mixed cultures. All cultures initiated xylene degradation by the addition of fumarate to a methyl moiety, as is known from the literature or verified by the presence of methylbenzylsuccinates as metabolic intermediates. Additionally, the A subunit of benzylsuccinate synthase (bssA) was identified in the majority of the cultures by bssA‐targeted primers. Xylene degradation was always coupled to a significant carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation. The values of the apparent kinetic isotope effect (AKIE) for carbon and hydrogen indicate that the cleavage of a carbon–hydrogen bond is an isotope‐sensitive step during fumarate addition to xylene isomers. The slopes of the linear regression for hydrogen (Δδ2H) versus carbon (Δδ13C) discrimination (Λ = Δδ2H/Δδ13C ≈ εHbulk/εCbulk) ranged from 12 ± 4 to 29 ± 5 and were comparable to Λ values previously determined for anaerobic toluene degradation. The results suggest that combined carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation analyses can be used to monitor anaerobic xylene degradation at contaminated sites.