bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐distance dispersal and high genetic diversity are implicated in the invasive spread of the common reed, Phragmites australis (Poaceae), in northeastern North America
Authors: Kirk Heather , Paul Jennifer , Straka Jason , Freeland Joanna R. 
Published: June 2011

• Premise of the study: The Eurasian subspecies of the common reed (Phragmites australis subsp. australis, hereafter abbreviated as P. a. australis) was introduced to North America in the late 18th century and rapidly expanded its range, posing an ecological threat to wetlands. In this study, we aimed to determine whether admixture among multiple lineages, dispersal mechanisms, and high genetic diversity have contributed to the invasion of P. a. australis in the northeastern part of its range. Understanding mechanisms of the P. a. australis invasion will 1) contribute to a broader understanding of the factors that facilitate plant invasion, and 2) help us to develop effective management strategies for wetlands threatened by P. a. australis invasion.• Methods: We used a population genetics approach incorporating nine microsatellite loci to study genetic diversity and population structure in relation to biogeography of introduced North American Phragmites a. australis stands in the northeastern continental region.• Key Results: Phragmites a. australis is genetically diverse in the region studied here. Significant population structure exists, and population structure is likely influenced by both long‐distance dispersal via major waterways, and short‐distance dispersal overland. Different lineages sometimes colonize geographically proximate locations leading to opportunities for admixture. Clonal reproduction likely exaggerates geographical structure among some stands, although high genetic and clonal diversity within some stands implies that sexual reproduction occurs frequently in P. a. australis.• Conclusions: A variety of factors, including admixture among multiple lineages, multiple modes of dispersal, and plasticity in reproductive strategy promote the invasion success of Phragmites a. australis. Wetland managers in the St. Lawrence River/Great Lakes region should focus monitoring efforts on the shores of conservation lands to prevent the establishment of propagules from novel lineages.
Effect of Raltegravir on the Total and Unintegrated Proviral HIV Dna during Raltegravir-Based Haart
Authors: Nicastri Emanuele , Tommasi Chiara , Abbate Isabella , Bonora Stefano , Tempestilli Massimo , Bellagamba Rita , Viscione Magdalena , Rozera Gabriella , Gallo Anna L , Ivanovic Jelena , Amendola Alessandra , Pucillo Leopoldo , Perri Giovanni Di , Capobianchi Maria R , Narciso Pasquale 
Published: June 2011

Background Raltegravir is the first approved antiretroviral able to prevent HIV genome integration into the host chromosomes. The aim of the study is to test if raltegravir plasma concentrations can be associated with proviral DNA decline during raltegravir-based salvage therapy. Methods A total of 33 multidrug-resistant HIV-infected patients were enrolled in a longitudinal open-label pilot study and completed a 24-week follow-up. The CD4+ T-cell count, plasma viral load, proviral HIV DNA and two-long-terminal repeat (2-LTR) circular forms were assessed at baseline, day 14, 30, 60, 90 and 180. The raltegravir trough concentration (Ctrough) was measured by HPLC-ultraviolet and patients were divided into two groups according to the median raltegravir Ctrough. Results The mean ±sd values of baseline HIV RNA, CD4+ T-cell count and HIV DNA were 4.4 ±0.82 log copies/ml, 256 ±177 cells/mm3, and 2,668 ±4,721 copies/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells, respectively. Despite a transient increase of total DNA at week 2, a marked proviral DNA decay ( P=0.01) with an increase of the 2-LTR unintegrated/total DNA ratio ( P=0.06) over time was observed. At univariate analysis, no correlation between raltegravir C and trough classical virological parameters was observed. Nevertheless, the decay of proviral HIV DNA was more pronounced in patients displaying Ctrough <158 ng/ml with respect to those with Ctrough>158 ng/ml ( P=0.046). Conclusions Successful raltegravir-based therapy produces a significant decline in proviral DNA and is associated with an increase of the unintegrated/total DNA ratio. Further studies are necessary to define the possible role of pharmacokinetic raltegravir monitoring and the biological meaning of unintegrated proviral DNA.
An Ex Vivo Platform to Simulate Cardiac Physiology: A New Dimension for Therapy Development and Assessment
Authors: de Hart Jurgen , de Weger Arend , van Tuijl Sjoerd , Stijnen Johannes M. A. , van den Broek Chantal N. , Rutten Marcel C. M. , de Mol Bas A. 
Published: June 2011

Purpose Cardiac research and development of therapies and devices is being done with in silico models, using computer simulations, in vitro models, for example using pulse duplicators or in vivo models using animal models. These platforms, however, still show essential gaps in the study of comprehensive cardiac mechanics, hemodynamics, and device interaction. The PhysioHeart platform was developed to overcome these gaps by the ability to study cardiac hemodynamic functioning and device interaction ex vivo under in vivo conditions. Methods Slaughterhouse pig hearts (420 ± 30 g) were used for their morphological and physiological similarities to human hearts. Hearts were arrested, isolated and transported similar to transplantation protocols. After preparation, the hearts were connected to a special circulatory system that has been engineered using physical and medical principles. Through coronary reperfusion and controlled cardiac loading, physiological cardiac performance was achieved while hemodynamic parameters were continuously monitored. Results Normal cardiac hemodynamic performance was achieved both qualitatively, in terms of pulse waveforms, and quantitatively, in terms of average cardiac output (4 l/min) and pressures (110/75 mmHg). Cardiac performance was controlled and kept at normal levels for up to 4 hours, with only minor deterioration of hemodynamic performance. Conclusions With the PhysioHeart platform we were able to reproduce normal physiological cardiac conditions ex vivo. The platform enables us to study, under different but controlled physiological conditions, form, function, and device interaction through monitoring of performance parameters and intra-cardiac visualization. Although the platform has been used for pig hearts, application of the underlying physical and engineering principles to physiologically comparable hearts from different origin is rather straightforward.
Assessment of the Competitiveness of Ports as Bunkering Hubs: Empirical Studies on Singapore and Shanghai
Authors: Lam Jasmine Siu Lee , Chen Desiree , Cheng Fan , Wong Kevin 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBunkering, that is, supplying ships with fuel, has gained strategic importance in port and shipping businesses. This article formulates a framework and a method for assessing the competitiveness of ports as bunkering hubs and includes empirical studies on the ports of Singapore and Shanghai. Ten attributes for the selection of a bunkering port were identified based on interview with practitioners. Through surveys, ship operators and managers ranked the importance of these attributes. Bunker quality was found to be the most important attribute. The respondents also assessed Singapore and Shanghai ports based on the ten attributes. The performances of both ports were analyzed according to their score on each attribute and the total weighted scores. Singapore was rated a better performer in the assessment. Besides Singapore's naturally strategic location, which attracts large cargo volume, the fundamental reason for its excellent performance is its liberal market structure, which results in attractive pricing and efficient practices. In this study, recommendations are given to port authorities and operators, with special focus on ports of Singapore and Shanghai.
Hermeneutical discontinuity between Calvin and later Calvinism
Authors: Kennedy Kevin D. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to demonstrate that Calvin's interpretation of biblical passages related to the question of the extent of the atonement differed significantly from the later tradition. This difference in interpretation is explained by the fact that Calvin did not share certain hermeneutical presuppositions which were to become almost universal among theologians of the later Reformed tradition. This article will examine two hermeneutical ‘rules’ which Calvin frequently employed in his interpretation of scripture and will contrast his handling of scripture with the interpretative practices employed by the later Reformed tradition. The first hermeneutical ‘rule’ involves those passages in scripture which state that Christ came to give his life as a ransom for ‘many’, or that he shed his blood for ‘many’. Contrary to the later Reformed interpreters of scripture, Calvin understands these passages to mean that Christ died for all people rather than just some. The second hermeneutical ‘rule’ concerns Calvin's frequent appeal to the fact that the word ‘all’ does not always mean ‘all’ when it is used in scripture. Certain present-day Reformed theologians argue that since Calvin shares this second hermeneutical rule with the later Reformed tradition, then his reading of scripture must not have differed significantly from that of the later tradition. Therefore, Calvin must have held to a limited atonement. However, this article will show that this conclusion only holds true if we read Calvin's own writings by means of this hermeneutic.
Lagged Learning and the Response to Equilibrium Shock: The Global Financial Crisis and IMF Surveillance
Authors: Moschella Manuela 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe paper investigates the changes to the Fund's bilateral surveillance policy in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2007–09 asking about the factors that caused the quick and deep shift to a systemic surveillance approach. In answering this question, the paper argues that the causes of the quick and deep transformation of IMF surveillance lie in the preceding two decades of incremental accumulation of knowledge and small transformations in policy instruments and organizational practices. In identifying the causes of present policy choices in the lessons drawn from past experience, the paper provides an example of lagged learning because the lessons drawn from the 1990s emerging market crises exerted their full impact only as a response to the global financial crisis. These findings therefore contribute to the literature that aims at showing the importance of temporality and process sequencing to explain policy change.
Orientations of dolmens in Western Europe
Authors: Hoskin Michael 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe communal tombs (‘dolmens’) constructed through Europe and the Mediterranean region in the late Neolithic nearly always had an entrance to permit the introduction of further bodies, and hence an orientation. Extensive fieldwork shows that the builders always felt constrained to observe a custom of orientation, and in most of Western Europe the custom may well have been to face the rising Sun at some time of year, or the Sun after it had risen. But at Fontvieille near Arles the local custom was quite different, with tombs facing sunset or the Sun when descending. In southwest France and neighbouring parts of Cataluña the two customs are in conflict.
Sky observation and mythology: paths to an astronomical culture
Authors: Alencar Victor Alves 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe teaching and the popularization of Astronomy, nowadays, suffers from the absence of attractiveness. It's, somehow, consensual that the most efficient approach to attract the general public or even an uninterested student to the Astronomy is the sky observation. With the help of instruments like telescopes or binoculars, the observation of aesthetical impressive objects such as galactic clusters, approaching planets and many others may have a great impact upon those people. We have been executing an efficient and attractive didactic method which has been evaluated permanently for more than two years and has shown great efficiency that consists in the utilization of legends and myths from different cultures (including Brazilian Indians myths, in an etnoastronomical approach) about the constellations and their dispositions in the sky. The objective of this panel is to show the efficiency of the method and some of its teaching routines always beginning with myths or legends involving a great number of constellations (using, preferentially, most of the watchable sky in a certain time of year), using asterisms for identification and then following to a certain constellation from which it is possible to extract the information required for the studied subject.
Hobbits, Hogwarts, and the Heavens: The use of fantasy literature and film in astronomy outreach and education
Authors: Larsen Kristine 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDue in part to recent (and ongoing) film adaptations, the fantasy series of C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials), and J.R.R. Tolkien (The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings) are being introduced to a new audience. Many astronomers and astronomy educators are unaware of the wide variety of astronomical references contained in each series, and the myriad possible uses of these works in astronomy education and outreach. This paper highlights activities which educators, planetariums, and science centers have already developed to utilise these works in their education and outreach programs.
Astronomy and astronomers in Jules Verne's novels
Authors: Crovisier Jacques 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAlmost all the Voyages Extraordinaires written by Jules Verne refer to astronomy. In some of them, astronomy is even the leading theme. However, Jules Verne was basically not learned in science. His knowledge of astronomy came from contemporaneous popular publications and discussions with specialists among his friends or his family. In this article, I examine, from the text and illustrations of his novels, how astronomy was perceived and conveyed by Jules Verne, with errors and limitations on the one hand, with great respect and enthusiasm on the other hand. This informs us on how astronomy was understood by an “honnête homme” in the late 19th century.
TWAN: The World at Night
Authors: Tafreshi Babak A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe World at Night (TWAN) is a global program to produce, collect, and present stunning photographs and time-lapse videos of the world's most beautiful and historic sites against the night-time backdrop of stars, planets, and celestial events. TWAN is a bridge between art, science and humanity to bring the message of peace, concealed in the sky. Organised by “Astronomers Without Borders”, the project consist of world's best night sky photographers in over countries and coordinators, regional event organisers, and consultants. TWAN was also designated as a Special Project of the International Year of Astronomy 2009. While the project's global exhibitions and educational events peaked during IYA2009, TWAN is planned for long term in several phases and will continue to create and exhibit images in the next years.
Dispelling superstitions in Nepalese society with astronomy
Authors: Shah Rishi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThroughout human history, astronomy has played crucial rôle in the development of our civilization, culture and daily chores of lives that have been influenced by observations of Sun, moon, planets, stars and other cosmic entities. Our ancestors who were hunting and gathering and foraging food while living in caves learned to think logically by gazing at the twinkling stars in the heavens. Seasons for crops plantation were determined, time concept was introduced, entire sky was charted and the motions of celestial objects were meaningfully understood. With the advent of telescopes, the geocentric model of universe was replaced by the revolutionary heliocentric concept of our Solar System. Astronomy dispelled superstitious beliefs strongly prevailing in societies. Closely associated with numerous disciplines of science astronomy is still flourishing worldwide and is attempting to fly us away to those habitable cosmic bodies of our universe. By establishing well-equipped observational infrastructure local and international astronomy research and development could be enhanced. Introduction of astronomy in education system right from school would attract and encourage students to pursue higher studies for enabling them for participating in future international scientific and exploration programmes. Astronomy has helped our society to progress peacefully and efficiently.
Astronomers without borders
Authors: Simmons Mike 
Published: June 2011

Abstract“Astronomers Without Borders” is a new global organisational dedicated to furthering understanding and goodwill across national and cultural boundaries using the universal appeal of astronomy and space science. A growing network of affiliate organisations brings together clubs, magazines and other organizations involved in astronomy and space science. Forums, galleries, video conferences and other interactive technologies are used to connect participants around the world. Sharing of resources and direct connections through travel programs are also planned. One project, “The World at Night” (TWAN), has become an Special Project of IYA2009. TWAN creates wide-angle images of the night sky in important natural and historic settings around the world, dramatically demonstrating the universal nature and appeal of the night sky. “Astronomers Without Borders” is also a leader of the 100 Hours of Astronomy IYA2009 Global Cornerstone Project.
Reconstructing the astronomical heritage
Authors: Planesas Pere 
Published: June 2011

AbstractStudies of the astronomical heritage can deal with the ancient astronomical knowledge, traditions and myths, as well as with old instruments and observatories. It is urgent to work for their recovery, before they are definitely forgoten, lost or destroyed. On the cultural side, the Joint ALMA Observatory is sponsoring the study of the local cosmology and sky of the indigenous people living in the region where ALMA is currently being build. In the case of ancient instruments, several success stories already exist, the most recent one being the reconstruction of the Madrid 25ft Herschel telescope. Examples of notable instruments pending reconstruction are listed.
Techies, thinkers and tinkerers: Why CFHT became a world-class telescope
Authors: Bryson Liz 
Published: June 2011

AbstractFollowing the celebrated DVD, Gathering the Forgotten Voices, we have embarked on new interviews of the men and women whose hard work and ingenuity forged the technological breakthroughs that maintained CFHT's preeminence as a world-class observatory. While Gathering the Forgotten Voices emphasized the personal history of those involved with the first decade of deep-space observing, the new DVD explores the CFHT innovation in instrumentation from vision through design to construction. It will chronicle the breakthroughs of the observatory's staff so that that record may serve as a prototype for qualitative research at other technological centers.
Astronomy education and scientific schools in Ukraine
Authors: Yatskiv Yaroslav S. , Vavilova Iryna B. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe describe briefly the current state of astronomical education in Ukraine, namely the secondary, higher, and post-graduating education systems. A special attention is paid to so called “scientific schools”, non-formal groups of scientists formed by recognised astronomers, which have played and continue to play an important rôle in development of the astronomy education system. Among the founders of scientific schools were the well-known professors Alexander Ya. Orlov (Odessa University), Nikolai P. Barabashov (Kharkiv University), Sergei K. Vsekhsvyatsky (Kyiv University), Semen Ya. Braude (Kharkiv Polytechnical Institute), and Vladimir P. Tsesevich (Odessa University). We also give a general review on the history of astronomy education during the 16th-18th centuries. In 2000 astronomy was reinstated into the current 12-year secondary education curriculum of Ukraine. At present, some elements of astronomical knowledge are included in the lessons of “Natural Sciences” for pupils in the 5th – 10th grades. Astronomy is included as a basic course both in general (non-specialised) schools (17 academic hours in the last 11th or 12th grade) and in lyceums of the natural sciences (34 academic hours in the 12th grade). It is included also as an optional course in the educational program of gymnasiums in humanities. Every year about 75 young persons enter the Ukrainian universities to become astronomers. Results of our monitoring of the efficiency of astronomical higher educational system indicate that about 80% of the entered university students finish their education in 5 years; 50% of those who finished the cursus were working in astronomy. Since 1992 more then 100 astronomers defend Theses of Cand. Sci. (similar to Ph.D) and about 40 astronomers defend Theses of Dr. Sci. (topmost scientific degree, similar to Dr. Hab.). One of our present-day problems is a brain drain of young scientists. About 50% of those who obtained Cand. Sci. degree work outside Ukraine. At the same time in Ukraine we have a lack of experienced persons to work in astronomical instrumentation and observations.
The Observatorio Astronómico Nacional - Tonantzintla: Site Evaluation
Authors: Hernández-Toledo H.M. , Martínez-Vázquez L.A. , Pani-Cielo A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe objective of this contribution is to present some results of an evaluation on the local conditions at the site that were considered in order to propose that the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional, Tonantzintla, (OAN-Tonantzintla) become a National Facility for Astronomy Education. The evaluation included a quantitative diagnostic (CCD photometry) on the quality of the local sky. The attributes of the 1-m telescope, the current instrumentation and a well planned upgrading that includes new instrumentation is considered at the basis for a successful transition maintaining the attractiveness of the site for astronomy education. A 3-year upgrading program actually in progress at UNAM is providing funding for that purpose. Physics and astronomy programs at college and graduated levels at UNAM will benefit from this, yielding clear connections among astronomy researchers and educators and students at various levels. Although the OAN-Tonantzintla faces the danger of deteriorating its sky conditions, we are maintaining awareness of the night sky characteristics in long-term monitoring campaigns and encouraging the local authorities to find alternative solutions to this problem.
Motivating the study of astronomy
Authors: Poveda Finita 
Published: June 2011

AbstractOne of the reasons for which this symposium has been organised is to seek answers to several questions, one of which being: Can Astronomy help reducing the waning interest that the younger generations of students feel about science studies? My personal opinion is that it is indeed the case. In fact, I claim that astronomy can be very effective for this aim. The present situation of pupil shortages in scientific studies is a complex problem because there are multiple and diverse variables influencing this situation. One of them is that the contents are not introduced in the most appropriate form, because the methods used in teaching scientific disciplines are not appropriate. This paper relates my personal experience; first as a teacher and then as a student at the Faculty of Sciences in the University of Alicante.