bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bias Dependant Noise Wave Modelling Procedure of Microwave Fets
Authors: Pronić-Rančić Olivera , Marinković Zlatica , Marković Vera 
Published: April 2012

Bias Dependant Noise Wave Modelling Procedure of Microwave Fets
A new noise modelling procedure of microwave field-effect transistors (FETs) valid for various bias conditions is suggested in this paper. The proposed procedure is based on transistor noise wave model. With the aim to improve the noise wave model accuracy, the modification of the model is done by inclusion of the error correction functions into the noise wave model equations. It leads to significant reduction of deviations between measured and simulated noise parameters and therefore better noise prediction is achieved. It is also shown that once determined error correction functions can be applied for accurate noise modelling of the same device for various bias conditions. The validity of the presented noise modelling approach is exemplified by modelling of a specific MESFET device in packaged form.
Stem Cell Characteristics of Ovarian Granulosa Cells - Review
Authors: Chronowska Ewa 
Published: April 2012

Stem Cell Characteristics of Ovarian Granulosa Cells - ReviewRecently increasing interest in stem cells of mammalian ovary has been observed. Potential somatic stem cells for the follicular theca and ovarian surface epithelium have been demonstated. On the other hand, despite intensive research, difinitive evidence for stem cell characteristics of granulosa cells is still to be found. Elucidation of stem cell properties of follicular granulosa cells may have important implications both from scientific and clinical point of view. The aim of this work is to review the current knowledge about stem cell properties of cells constituting main somatic compartment of the mammalian ovary, namely granulosa cells.
Analysis of Relationships Between Fattening and Slaughter Performance of Pigs and the Level of Intramuscular Fat (IMF) in Longissimus Dorsi Muscle
Authors: Tyra Mirosław , Żak Grzegorz 
Published: April 2012

Analysis of Relationships Between Fattening and Slaughter Performance of Pigs and the Level of Intramuscular Fat (IMF) in Longissimus Dorsi MuscleThe aim of the study was to determine the level of basic fattening and slaughter traits (growth rate, level of meatiness and fatness, age at slaughter) depending on different levels of intramuscular fat that determine different sensory perceptions of consumers. Subjects were 4430 gilts from pedigree farms, which were tested in performance stations. The breed composition of the animals was as follows (head): Polish Large White - 1240, Polish Landrace - 2083, Puławska - 104, Hampshire - 35, Duroc - 152, Pietrain - 208, line 990 - 608. Animals were kept in individual pens and fed standard diets. Intramuscular fat (IMF) content of the longissimus dorsi muscle was determined by Soxhlet using the SOXTHERM SOX 406 system (Gerhardt). The level of IMF served as a basis for dividing the test animals into three groups: below 2% (group I), between 2% and 3% (group II) and above 3% (group III). Animal breed had the highest and highly significant effect on the level of all traits analysed. As regards age at slaughter and carcass meat percentage, an interaction was found between animal breed and the group factor determined based on IMF level (P≤0.001). The factor expressed as IMF group had no effect on the level of analysed traits (P>0.05). Therefore, the results of this analysis concerning the parameters obtained from live evaluation do not permit these data to be used in selection for improved IMF levels. The high rate of lean deposition in the modern breeds prevented genetic differences in the level of IMF to fully manifest themselves at a slaughter weight of about 100 kg. This unfavourable information leads one to look for other factors that determine variation of this trait.
Effect of Different Levels of Vitamin Premix Reduction or Removal During Finisher Period on Immunocompetence of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Alahyari-Shahrasb Majid , Moravej Hoseein , Bagherirad Mona , Shivazad Mahmood , Hadini Sheila 
Published: April 2012

Effect of Different Levels of Vitamin Premix Reduction or Removal During Finisher Period on Immunocompetence of Broiler ChickensThree experiments were conducted to compare the effect of a decreasing vitamin premix amount in diets from 29 to 42 days of age on performance and immunocompetence of broiler chickens in floor (experiments 1 and 2) and battery cage (experiment 3) systems. The diets were based on corn/soybean meal (experiment 1) and wheat/barley (experiments 2 and 3). On day 34, two birds from each replicate were selected and antibody responses to inoculated sheep red blood cells were determined. The results of experiments 1 and 2 showed that vitamin premix reduction/withdrawal at 29 days of age did not impair performance during the final rearing period. However, the results of experiment 3 showed that from 29 to 42 days of age, performance of birds fed the diet without vitamin premix (T1) was significantly lower than other treatments. The results of three experiments demonstrated that immunocompetence response was not affected by treatments in the finisher period. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that in the battery cage system it is possible to reduce dietary vitamin premix during the finisher period but withdrawal can negatively affect performance of broilers. While in the floor system it is possible to withdraw vitamin supplements from finisher diets.
Functional regeneration and spectral reflectance of trees during succession in a highly diverse tropical dry forest ecosystem
Authors: Alvarez‐Añorve Mariana Y. , Quesada Mauricio , Sánchez‐Azofeifa G. Arturo , Avila‐Cabadilla Luis Daniel , Gamon John A. 
Published: April 2012

•Premise of the study:The function of most ecosystems has been altered by human activities. To asses the recovery of plant communities, we must evaluate the recovery of plant functional traits. The seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF), a highly threatened ecosystem, is assumed to recover relatively quickly from disturbance, but an integrated evaluation of recovery in floristic, structural, and functional terms has not been performed. In this study we aimed to (a) compare SDTF plant functional, floristic, and structural change along succession; (b) identify tree functional groups; and (c) explore the spectral properties of different successional stages.•Methods:Across a SDTF successional gradient, we evaluated the change of species composition, vegetation structure, and leaf spectral reflectance and functional traits (related to water use, light acquisition, nutrient conservation, and CO2acquisition) of 25 abundant tree species.•Key results:A complete recovery of SDTF takes longer than the time period inferred from floristic or structural data. Plant functional traits changed along succession from those that maximize photoprotection and heat dissipation in early succession, where temperature is an environmental constraint, to those that enhance light acquisition in late succession, where light may be limiting. A spectral indicator of plant photosynthetic performance (photochemical reflectance index) discriminated between early and late succession. This constitutes a foundation for further exploration of remote sensing technologies for studying tropical succession.•Conclusions:A functional approach should be incorporated as a regular descriptor of forest succession because it provides a richer understanding of vegetation dynamics than is offered by either the floristic or structural approach alone.
Kidney Transplant with Multiple Renal Artery Grafts from Deceased Donors: Are Long-Term Graft and Patient Survival Compromised?
Authors: Laouad Inass , Bretagnol Anne , Fabre Elodie , Halimi Jean-Michel , Al-Najjar Azmi , Boutin Jean-Michel , Bruyère Franck , Nivet Hubert , Lebranchu Yvon , Büchler Matthias 
Published: April 2012

Background— Kidneys with multiple arteries are often transplanted. However, the long-term outcome of such kidneys recovered exclusively from deceased donors is not clear. Objective— To determine whether use of renal grafts with multiple arteries affects long-term graft survival and function. Methods— The outcomes of 259 consecutive kidney transplants between 1996 and 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups, multiple renal artery graft recipients (n = 70) and single renal artery graft recipients (n = 189). Short-term complications and long-term outcomes (survival rates, blood pressure after transplant, creatinine clearance, and proteinuria levels at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years after transplant) were compared between the 2 groups. Results— Early vascular complications were more common ( P = .02) in multiple artery graft recipients (18.6%) than in single artery graft recipients (7.9%), mainly because of occlusion of a polar artery in grafts with multiple renal arteries (7.1%). Urologic complications were no more frequent in one group than in the other (5.7% vs 5.3%; P = .89). The 2 groups did not differ significantly ( P = .33) in long-term graft survival, with a median follow-up of 9.05 years (range, 0.1–12.7 years). Mean (SD) for creatinine clearance (59.4 [22.6] vs 55.9 [20.3] mL/min; P = .47), proteinuria (0.77 [2.1] vs 0.4 [0.8] g/24 h; P = .19), and systolic blood pressure (133.6 [14.5] vs 133.7 [17.5] mm Hg; P = .85) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups 7 years after transplant. Conclusions— Kidney transplant with grafts containing multiple renal arteries rather than grafts with a single renal artery does not significantly influence patient and graft outcomes.
Assessment of the Gripability of Textured Ceramic Surfaces
Authors: Boulanger Matthew T. , Hudson Corey M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractArchaeologists have suggested that various methods of surface texturing, specifically those resulting in alternating ridges and grooves, affect the gripability of a ceramic vessel. Various methods of vessel texturing were applied to ceramic test tiles and evaluated using a tribometer outfitted with a malleable skinlike substrate. Nontextured (smoothed) ceramic tiles were similarly evaluated. Tiles were evaluated under both dry and wet conditions. Coefficients of static friction suggest that, under wet and dry conditions, smoothed surfaces generate less friction than textured surfaces and that not all textured surfaces produce the same amount of friction. Results indicate that vessel-wall texturing may be an adaptation for increased vessel longevity. Explanations of the development and use of textured pottery must now consider gripability along with a variety of factors related to vessel performance.
Regulation of thiamine synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for improved pyruvate production
Authors: Xu Guoqiang , Hua Qiang , Duan Ningjun , Liu Liming , Chen Jian 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMetabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for high‐yield production of carboxylic acid requires a cytosolic pyruvate pool as precursor. In this study, a novel strategy to improve pyruvate production and reduce metabolic by‐products via regulating thiamine synthesis was explored. Two of the thiamine biosynthesis regulatory genes, THI2 and THI3, were disrupted in the S. cerevisiae parent strain FMME‐002. The mutants FMME‐002ΔTHI2 and FMME‐002ΔTHI3 both exhibited an enhanced pyruvate yield. Moreover, FMME‐002ΔTHI2 achieved a relatively higher pyruvate production, and the highest concentration of pyruvate was achieved when 0.04 µ m thiamine was added. Enzyme assays and fermentation profiles of the THI2‐complemented strain indicated that the observed metabolic changes represented intrinsic effects of THI2 deletion on the physiology of S. cerevisiae. Under optimal C:N ratio conditions, FMME‐002ΔTHI2 produced pyruvate up to 8.21 ± 0.30 g/l, whereas the ethanol titre decreased to 2.21 ± 0.24 g/l after 96 h of cultivation. These results demonstrate the possibility of improving pyruvate production by regulating thiamine synthesis in S. cerevisiae. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Invasive Species and Evolution
Authors: Stigall Alycia L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractInvasive species are a major threat to modern ecosystems and cause billions of dollars in economic damage annually. The long-term impacts of species invasions are difficult to assess on ecological timescales available to biologists, but the fossil record provides analogues that allow investigation of the long-term impacts of species invasions. Two case studies of ancient invasions, the Late Devonian Biodiversity Crisis (~375 million years ago) and the Late Ordovician Richmondian Invasion (~446 million years ago), provide insight into the effect of invasive species on extinction, speciation, and ecosystem structuring. During both intervals, invasive species are characterized by broad ecological tolerances, broad geographic ranges, and higher-than-average survival potential through the crisis interval. Among the native species, narrowly adapted ecological specialists are more likely to become extinct, while broadly-adapted generalist species persisted through the invasion interval by modifying aspects of their ecological niche through niche evolution. In addition, formation of new species practically stopped during the invasion intervals due to reduced opportunities for geographic isolation and speciation. The results of these impacts produced post-invasion biotas with less diversity, greater biotic homogenization between regions, and a lack of new species forming. Conservation efforts to eradicate invasive species may help mitigate these outcomes in the current biodiversity crisis.
Folgen des Klimawandels im urbanen Kontext
Authors: Hoffmann Albrecht 
Published: April 2012

Einleitung
„Alle Städte sind durch die Folgen des Klimawandels in höchstem Maße verwundbar“, formulierten der Weltbürgermeisterrat für Klimaschutz und der Weltstädteverband United Cities and Local Governments 2007 in ihrem „Weltklimaschutzabkommen der Bürgermeister und Kommunen“, herausgegeben 2008 vom Cities Climate Center, Bonn, und weisen damit sowohl auf die besondere Herausforderung, vor der Städte und Gemeinden heutzutage stehen, als auch auf deren politische hervorgehobene Rolle, die sie für die Lösung auch der gesundheitlichen Probleme haben, hin.
Treatment outcome of the two‐part semi‐rigid oral appliance in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Umemoto George , Yoshimura Chikara , Aoyagi Naoko , Toyoshima Hideo , Matsumoto Takemasa , Watanabe Kentaro , Maki Hideaki , Kikuta Toshihiro 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the two‐part semi‐rigid oral appliance, Silensor® (Erkodent, Tuttlingen, Germany) which prevents the mandible from retracting during mouth opening.Materials and methods: Ten patients with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea (2 males and 8 females; mean age = 62.5 ± 10.0 years) were recruited and lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken. The patients underwent polysomnography before and after 3 months of receiving treatment with the Silensor®. The relationship between the improvement in the polysomnographic variables after the therapy and the cephalometric features was analyzed.Results: A significant difference was observed in the apnea–hypopnea index after 3 months of Silensor® therapy (1st (baseline), 17.1 ± 5.5; 2nd (therapy of Silensor®), 11.0 ± 7.2, p = 0.011). Furthermore there was a significant positive correlation between the improvement in the degree of slow wave sleep (%) and the mandibular plane angle (R = 0.662, p = 0.037), as well as between the improvement in degree of slow wave sleep (%) and the lower face height (R = 0.845, p = 0.002). A significant negative correlation was observed between the improvement in degree of sleep efficiency (%) and the soft palate area (R = −0.809, p = 0.005).Conclusion: These results suggested that keeping the nasopharyngeal airway space during mouth opening improves apnea–hypopnea index of some patients with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea and quality of sleep in obstructive sleep apnea patients with a long lower face height and a small soft palate.
Changes in life-history traits in relation to climate change: bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in the northwestern Mediterranean
Authors: Sabatés Ana , Martín Paloma , Raya Vanesa 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSabatés, A., Martín, P., and Raya, V. 2012. Changes in life-history traits in relation to climate change: bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in the northwestern Mediterranean. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1000–1009. This study shows the strong relationship between the increasing surface temperature in the NW Mediterranean and the expansion northwards of the bluefish distribution range with the species reproducing in the new distribution areas. Two shifts in temperature were detected: the first one in the early 1980s and the second around 1997. This last shift, explained by warmer springs (April–June), when the species migrates for spawning, led to the observed changes in bluefish. In the western Mediterranean basin, a significant increase in bluefish landings was observed by the mid nineties, whereas in the Catalan coast, the northern edge of the species distribution, a northward expansion was observed from 2000. At present, spawning takes place all along the Catalan coast (June to September), including the new distribution areas, being 21°C the threshold for the presence of larvae in the plankton. This temperature was not attained in June two decades ago. The highest concentrations of larvae were located near the mouth of the Ebro River and their distribution to the north did not extend beyond the thermal front. Bluefish has taken the advantage of the changing environmental conditions and is established in new northernmost distribution areas.
Second Life in the library: an empirical study of new users' experiences
Authors: Clarke Christopher Peter 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the experiences of new users of Second Life in order to identify potential barriers and attractors to the expansion of the userbase and therefore the market for in‐world information services.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐faceted methodological approach was taken utilising two questionnaires (pre‐ and post‐immersion), non‐participant overt observation, structured interviews, and online diary keeping. Data was then analysed to identify barriers and attractors.FindingsMore negative experiences were recorded than positive, with the costs, time commitment, stigma of using, the lack of structure, social interaction, and the complexity of the control interface all provoking negative responses. Avatar creation, and the creativity and quality of graphical presentation produced positive responses.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the investment in time required to participate in the research, the sample size is smaller than ideal thus limiting the conclusions that can be generalised. The research also did not directly include interaction with online library or information services.Practical implicationsFor librarians using SL the research demonstrates that the response from new users is less than enthusiastic and that when designing virtual library services care should be taken to avoid the barriers identified here and to focus on the features found attractive by participants.Originality/valuePrevious studies have examined the implementation of in‐world information services without examining the experience of new users. Those studies that have looked directly at the user's interaction with virtual worlds are more focused on MMORPGs and on current users.
Outsourcing and replication considerations in disaster recovery planning
Authors: Guster Dennis C. , Lee Olivia F. , McCann Brandon P. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to use a case study approach to compare the performance of traditional models and an in‐house and outsourced solution and assess the importance of adequate network bandwidth in the remote replication process.Design/methodology/approachUsing the authors’ autonomous computer system, the cost/benefits of five different disaster recovery (DR) models are determined and reported in a table. Further, experimental data gleaned from a series of data updates on remote replicas connected via the internet are reported.FindingsThe results indicate that the traditional models lack performance flexibility. The virtualized replica model and the outsourced solution are similar in terms of investment cost, but the former offers attractive performance and sound reliability characteristics, and provided adequate network bandwidth. The minimum practical speed to support replication updates in the authors’ autonomous system was 10 Mbs.Research limitations/implicationsThe results herein are only directly applicable to a system with characteristics similar to the authors’ autonomous system. However, the results do provide a general trend one would expect to carry across a wide variety of autonomous systems.Originality/valueThe primary value of this paper is the evaluation of several DR models in relationship to a live data centre. Each model is evaluated with regard to its cost, complexity, recovery time capabilities, and replication characteristics. While the models themselves are not new, the data puts “a face” on them and provides the reader with the degree of difference among the models.
The implication of open contract to emergency planning
Authors: Wang Jieh‐Jiuh 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe scope of disaster impacts has become extensive. It is important that resources can be distributed to the needed places in time, and to prevent a second disaster. The appropriate usage of open contract to disaster management is important; therefore, this study aims to discuss the implication, possible problems and strategies of the current use of open contracts.Design/methodology/approachContent analysis was used to analyze the operation experiences from contract data collaterally. An in‐depth interview with contract participants was also applied to probe into more issues in practice.FindingsThe study targeted emergency supplies and services, focusing on three dimensions: regulation, contract preparation and contract execution, and found that: conflicts and problems exist between current major procurement and disaster management regulations; government must master open contract suppliers; items in the open contract must be concrete and specific; performance bond and default clause would only keep contractors away from any service; missing links are still among audit system, construction estimation, and construction inspection and acceptance in the current open contract system.Practical implicationsThe results of this study can be applied to assist governments to review the current implications of open contract, and to construct better systems which meet the features and needs of emergency responses.Originality/valueOpen contract is a very important tool for saving lives during emergencies, although rarely discussed. This study explored current problems and strategies, and can be provided for better future system construction.