bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peak performance for the political leader
Authors: Brill Pamela , Sloan Karlin 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn the corporate world, leadership development programs are standard fare. Such programs often include well‐defined competencies and performance metrics, as well as regularly scheduled feedback and mentoring sessions, especially for those employees designated “high potential” performers.Not so in the public sphere. There are no defined career paths or standardized training curricula for heads of
state. There are, however, requisite competencies for effective public sector leadership. As Gardner (1990) observed, “Leadership is not a mysterious activity. It is possible to describe the tasks that leaders perform....[But] we have barely scratched the surface in our efforts toward leadership development” (p. xix).The learning curve is steep for a newly elected leader, and fraught with potential landmines. Speaking with
the candor of someone no longer seeking public office, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said recently, “When I came to office, prime minister was the only job I'd ever held; I'd never been a government minister before....The business of running a government is like anything else: You get better the longer you do it. And there are lessons out there that, had they come to me in an identifiable form, would have been useful to know” (talk given on December 16, 2010b).Both Gardner and Blair are emphatic that leadership is not something one is born with but something learned
over time. And as Blair (2010a) put it, “Government is a race between expectations and capability.”In the essays that follow, several leadership coaches discuss the unique challenges and effective approaches
they are using to help government leaders build the competencies that will enable them to govern effectively—and win that race between their constituents's expectations and their own capabilities.
Political leadership and relationship systems intelligence
Authors: Pew Alfred De 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn the corporate world, leadership development programs are standard fare. Such programs often include well‐defined competencies and performance metrics, as well as regularly scheduled feedback and mentoring sessions, especially for those employees designated “high potential” performers.Not so in the public sphere. There are no defined career paths or standardized training curricula for heads of
state. There are, however, requisite competencies for effective public sector leadership. As Gardner (1990) observed, “Leadership is not a mysterious activity. It is possible to describe the tasks that leaders perform....[But] we have barely scratched the surface in our efforts toward leadership development” (p. xix).The learning curve is steep for a newly elected leader, and fraught with potential landmines. Speaking with
the candor of someone no longer seeking public office, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said recently, “When I came to office, prime minister was the only job I'd ever held; I'd never been a government minister before....The business of running a government is like anything else: You get better the longer you do it. And there are lessons out there that, had they come to me in an identifiable form, would have been useful to know” (talk given on December 16, 2010b).Both Gardner and Blair are emphatic that leadership is not something one is born with but something learned
over time. And as Blair (2010a) put it, “Government is a race between expectations and capability.”In the essays that follow, several leadership coaches discuss the unique challenges and effective approaches
they are using to help government leaders build the competencies that will enable them to govern effectively—and win that race between their constituents's expectations and their own capabilities.
Development and validation of LC‐HRMS and GC‐NICI‐MS methods for stereoselective determination of MDMA and its phase I and II metabolites in human urine
Authors: Schwaninger Andrea E. , Meyer Markus R. , Huestis Marilyn A. , Maurer Hans H. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a racemic drug of abuse and its R‐ and S‐enantiomers are known to differ in their dose‐response curve. The S‐enantiomer was shown to be eliminated at a higher rate than the R‐enantiomer most likely explained by stereoselective metabolism that was observed in various in vitro experiments. The aim of this work was the development and validation of methods for evaluating the stereoselective elimination of phase I and particularly phase II metabolites of MDMA in human urine. Urine samples were divided into three different methods. Method A allowed stereoselective determination of the 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA) glucuronides and only achiral determination of the intact sulfate conjugates of HMMA and 3,4‐dihydroxymethamphetamine (DHMA) after C18 solid‐phase extraction by liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. Method B allowed the determination of the enantiomer ratios of DHMA and HMMA sulfate conjugates after selective enzymatic cleavage and chiral analysis of the corresponding deconjugated metabolites after chiral derivatization with S‐heptafluorobutyrylprolyl chloride using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with negative‐ion chemical ionization. Method C allowed the chiral determination of MDMA and its unconjugated metabolites using method B without sulfate cleavage. The validation process including specificity, recovery, matrix effects, process efficiency, accuracy and precision, stabilities and limits of quantification and detection showed that all methods were selective, sensitive, accurate and precise for all tested analytes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen rearrangement and ring cleavage reactions study of progesterone by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and density functional theory
Authors: Jeilani Yassin A. , Cardelino Beatriz H. , Ibeanusi Victor M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe fragmentation mechanisms of progesterone have been studied by triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (MSMS) and density functional theory (DFT). Mechanisms leading to major product ions are proposed. The data suggest that progesterone fragments preferentially via hydrogen and other rearrangements lead to neutral losses. These fragmentations are quite complex and are preceded by σ‐bond cleavages in most cases. Four major pathways for progesterone fragmentation are proposed involving: (1) cleavage of ring B at C9C10, (2) cleavage of C6C7 bond in ring B through m/z 191, (3) two types of cleavages of ring D, and (4) ketene elimination in ring A. Pathways (1)–(3) proceed via charge‐remote fragmentations while pathway (4) proceeds via charge‐site initiated mechanism. The geometry of product ions in these pathways were optimized using DFT at the B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level of theory from which the free energies of the pathways were calculated. The effect that the choice of basis sets and density functionals has on the results was tested by performing additional calculations using B3LYP/6‐31G(d) and B3PW91/6‐311G(d,p). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Totally implantable central venous access ports. Analysis of 700 cases
Authors: Barbetakis Nikolaos , Asteriou Christos , Kleontas Athanassios , Tsilikas Christodoulos 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesVascular access has great importance in the treatment of patients submitted to prolonged chemotherapy. Purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of the percutaneous insertion and use of totally implantable central venous access ports (TICVAP).MethodsDuring a 10‐year period, 700 TICVAP were inserted into cancer patients for chemotherapy. Early and late complications and their management were recorded and analyzed.ResultsOf the 700 catheters implanted, 126 (18%) presented one or more types of early and late complication. Removal of 262 catheters was performed, of which 216 (82.4%) were elective indications due to the termination of the treatment and 46 (17.6%) resulted from complications that could not be controlled using clinical measures. In 280 patients (40%), the catheter remained functional until the patient's death, and 158 patients (22.5%) are still making use of their catheters for clinical treatment.ConclusionsThe low rate of complications according to this study confirms the safety and convenience of the percutaneous insertion and use of TICVAP in patients undergoing prolonged chemotherapy regimens and explains the increasing use of these devices in current medical oncology practice. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:654–656. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical implication of FDG–PET in advanced gastric cancer with signet ring cell histology
Authors: Pak Kyung Ho , Yun Mijin , Cheong Jae‐Ho , Hyung Woo Jin , Choi Seung Ho , Noh Sung Hoon 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the standardized uptake values (SUV), a semi‐quantitative assessment of tumor FDG uptake, as a prognosticator for advanced signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC).MethodsWe reviewed the files of 41 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for advanced SRC and who had an FDG–PET at initial presentation between September 2003 and December 2007.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 30.9 months (range: 4.0–70.3). We found a correlation between the SUVmax and TNM stage. When the patients were divided into two groups (low vs. high SUVmax) based on a median SUVmax of 3.80, the high‐SUVmax group showed more aggressive tumor behavior than did the low SUVmax group. In addition, the high SUVmax group showed more postoperative recurrence (P = 0.028), shorter relapse‐free survival (P = 0.004), and lower 30‐month cancer‐specific survival rates (40.0% vs. 69.3%, P = 0.008). However, in multivariate analysis, SUVmax failed to be an independent predictor of overall survival.ConclusionsAlthough SUVmax of initial PET scan was not an independent predictor of patient outcomes after curative surgery, higher SUVmax is associated with more advanced stage and indicates more aggressive tumor biology in advanced SRC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:566–570. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retention properties of macroporous spongy monolith and its application for concentration of polyaromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Tanigawa Tetsuya , Kato Keita , Watabe Yoshiyuki , Kubo Takuya , Hosoya Ken 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe report the fundamental chromatographic retention properties of spongy monolith that was previously reported as a novel separation medium for the effective pretreatment of environmental pollutants. According to the detailed examination on liquid chromatographic evaluations using hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and polyaromatic compounds as solutes, the spongy monolith consisted of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) and having macroporous co‐continuous structures showed the selective retention ability for polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially coplanar compounds, whereas lower selectivity was observed for typical hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds compared with the commonly used C18 medium. Moreover, we demonstrate the effective preconcentration of benzo[a]pyrene using a spongy monolith as a pretreatment column of an online column switching HPLC system.
Development of an index of abundance for pygmy rabbit populations
Authors: Price Amanda J. , Rachlow Janet L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a cryptic, burrowing lagomorph of conservation concern for which an efficient method to monitor populations is needed for conservation planning. We developed an index of abundance based on density of active burrow systems at 7 sites (57.2–118.5 ha) in east central Idaho. We conducted censuses of burrow systems and used mark‐resight surveys of 80 radio‐collared individuals to estimate density of rabbits. At 5 sites, we also used a second method to estimate rabbit numbers based on presence of tracks in snow around burrow systems. We evaluated patterns of burrow use by individuals and examined the relationship between vegetation structure and density of rabbits. Density of active burrow systems varied from 0.19 to 3.46 per ha, and density of rabbits ranged from 0.02 to 0.46 per ha. Number of burrow systems used by individuals increased with density of available burrows, which supported a nonlinear relationship between abundance of burrows and rabbits. Population density increased curvilinearly with density of active burrows accounting for >75% of the variation (r2 = 0.79) in population estimates across sites. We documented a positive relationship between visual obstruction of vegetation and density of rabbits across 6 of the study sites. Our results suggest that density of burrows can serve as an index for monitoring changes in abundance of pygmy rabbits in east central Idaho and that this index also might be useful for monitoring changes in relative abundance over time at other locations. To assess abundance at larger spatial scales or across different regions, the index should be calibrated under regional conditions and site‐level covariates should be evaluated. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of roads and crabbing pressures on diamondback terrapin populations in coastal Georgia
Authors: Grosse Andrew M. , Maerz John C. , Hepinstall‐Cymerman Jeffrey , Dorcas Michael E. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractHuman activities, including the harvesting of natural resources and land development, place substantial pressure on wildlife. The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a small, estuarine species of emydid turtle in decline and at risk due to a suite of human activities. Vehicle‐induced mortality from increasing coastal traffic and bycatch mortality in crab pots have been recognized as 2 of the primary conservation concerns for terrapins. We used mark‐recapture estimates of terrapin density and sex ratio from repeated seining samples of 29 randomly stratified selected tidal creeks to evaluate the current relationships between road and crabbing pressures and the abundance, sex ratio, and size distribution of terrapin populations along the Georgia coast. We obtained 2005 captures of 1,547 individual terrapins among 29 tidal creeks sampled. Population density estimates ranged from 0 to 1,040 terrapins/km among tidal creeks with a median density of 65 terrapins/km. Among all sites, terrapin density declined with increasing crabbing activity within the creek, but was not related to proximity to roads. Sex ratios did not vary significantly with crabbing activity or proximity to roads; however, we found a significantly larger proportion of smaller‐sized terrapins in creeks with no crabbing activity. Although roads may have significant localized effects on terrapin populations, we found no measurable association between proximity to roads and current variation in terrapin density along the Georgia coast. However, we did find that terrapin density and the proportion of smaller sized individuals within the population were negatively associated with crabbing activities. Bycatch from commercial and recreational activities threaten many species. We add to a growing body of research showing crabbing activities are affecting diamondback terrapin populations across much of the species' range. States committed to the conservation of terrapins and coastal species should focus on reducing bycatch risk; for example by regulating soak times and locations, requiring the use of bycatch reduction devices, and removing abandoned or lost crab pots from coastal habitats. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Habitat selection by western snowy plovers during the nonbreeding season
Authors: Brindock Kevin M. , Colwell Mark A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractConservation of rare populations requires managing habitat throughout the year, especially during winter when northern populations may be limited by food and predation. Consequently, we examined distribution of nonbreeding western snowy plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus), including individually marked birds that were year‐round residents and others that were migrants, in coastal northern California. Over 2 years, banded plovers exhibited high site faithfulness, occupying small linear stretches of beach (752 ± 626 m). Sites occupied by plovers had more brown algae (e.g., Macrocystis, Nereocystis, Postelsia, and Fucus) and associated invertebrates (e.g., amphipods, and flies), were wider, and had less vegetation than unoccupied sites. Our findings suggest that wintering plovers select habitats with more food and where they could more easily detect predators. Maintaining habitat with attributes that support abundant food (i.e., brown algae) and reduce predation risk (i.e., wide beaches, limited obstructive cover) may be important to individual survival and maintaining the Pacific Coast population of snowy plovers. Protecting occupied sites from human disturbance, which adversely alters nonbreeding habitat (i.e., beach grooming) and directly causes mortality, may be essential for conserving the Pacific coast population of the snowy plover, and it may benefit other shorebirds. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Evaluating the effect of predators on white‐tailed deer: Movement and diet of coyotes
Authors: Turner Melissa M. , Rockhill Aimee P. , DePerno Christopher S. , Jenks Jonathan A. , Klaver Robert W. , Jarding Angela R. , Grovenburg Troy W. , Pollock Kenneth H. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCoyotes (Canis latrans) may affect adult and neonate white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) survival and have been implicated as a contributor to the decline of deer populations. Additionally, coyote diet composition is influenced by prey availability, season, and region. Because coyote movement and diet vary by region, local data are important to understand coyote population dynamics and their impact on prey species. In southeast Minnesota, we investigated the effect of coyotes on white‐tailed deer populations by documenting movement rates, distances moved, and habitats searched by coyotes during fawning and nonfawning periods. Additionally, we determined survival, cause‐specific mortality, and seasonal diet composition of coyotes. From 2001 to 2003, we captured and radiocollared 30 coyotes. Per‐hour rate of movement averaged 0.87 km and was greater (P = 0.046) during the fawning (1.07 km) than the nonfawning period (0.80 km); areas searched were similar (P = 0.175) between seasons. Coyote habitat use differed during both seasons; habitats were not used in proportion to their availability (P < 0.001). Croplands were used more (P < 0.001) than their proportional availability during both seasons. Use of grasslands was greater during the fawning period (P = 0.030), whereas use of cropland was greater in the nonfawning period (P < 0.001). We collected 66 fecal samples during the nonfawning period; coyote diets were primarily composed ofMicrotusspp. (65.2%), and consumption of deer was 9.1%. During the study, 19 coyotes died; annual survival rate range was 0.33–0.41, which was low compared with other studies. Consumption of deer was low and coyotes searched open areas (i.e., cropland) more than fawning areas with dense cover. These factors in addition to high coyote mortality suggested that coyote predation was not likely limiting white‐tailed deer populations in southeast Minnesota. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Forage quality's influence on mule deer fawns
Authors: Tollefson Troy N. , Shipley Lisa A. , Myers Woodrow L. , Dasgupta Nairanjana 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn many mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations, recruitment of fawns drives population dynamics. The quality of food available to females and their fawns in summer and autumn may play an important role in fawn recruitment. We examined direct links between digestible energy (DE) content of food and the DE intake of females on the nutrient concentration of milk and between the nursing behavior, DE intake, growth, and survival in captive mule deer fawns. We offered females and their fawns diets that simulated the natural decline in DE content of forage from mid‐summer to late autumn in many western landscapes. Fawns fed a higher DE diet weighed 14% more at the onset of winter, had fewer unsuccessful nursing attempts, consumed milk with more protein and energy, and had higher survival than fawns fed a low DE diet. Differences between fawn performances among treatments were greatest when diet quality began decreasing earlier in the summer. Because our results indicate that summer and autumn nutrition is likely to influence fawn recruitment, wildlife biologists should include metrics for summer precipitation and late autumn fawn mass in population models, and land managers should focus on methods for improving the nutritional carrying capacity of summer and early autumn habitats. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Detectability of lesser prairie‐chicken leks: A comparison of surveys from aircraft
Authors: McRoberts Jon T. , Butler Matthew J. , Ballard Warren B. , Whitlaw Heather A. , Haukos David A. , Wallace Mark C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractLesser prairie‐chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) are traditionally monitored by spring road‐based lek surveys and counts of males attending leks. Several weaknesses exist with ground‐based monitoring methods such as the bias of restricting surveys to roads, unknown probability of lek detection, and man‐hours required to survey large tracts of habitat. We evaluated aerial surveys to locate lesser prairie‐chicken leks in Texas and New Mexico using a Cessna 172 airplane (C172), R‐22 Beta II helicopter (R‐22), and R‐44 Raven II helicopter (R‐44) during spring 2007–2008. We determined lek activity during surveys with remote cameras placed on leks and cross‐referenced time on the photo frame to time on our Global Positioning System flight log. From remote cameras we found that 305 leks were available for detection during survey flights. We determined lek detectability was 32.7% (95% CI = 20.3–47.1%) in the C172, 72.3% (64.50–79.14%) in the R‐22, and 89.8% (82.0–95.0%) in the R‐44. We created 16 a priori logistic regression models incorporating aircraft platform, distance to lek, survey date, lek size, and lek type to explain lek detection from aerial surveys. Our top ranked model included platform, distance, and lek type (model weight; wi = 0.288). We had four competitive models and model averaged to draw inferences. Model averaging showed that detectability was generally greatest with the R‐44, followed by the R‐22, and lowest with the C172, with a slight deviation from this ranking at increased distances. Within our transect width, model averaging also suggested that detectability decreased as distance from the transect to the lek increased during helicopter surveys, and detectability increased as distance from the transect to the lek increased during C172 surveys. Furthermore, man‐made leks were more likely to be detected than natural leks and large leks were more likely to be detected than medium or small leks. Aerial surveys effectively locate new leks and monitor lek density, and alleviate weaknesses associated with ground‐based monitoring. We recommend using the R‐44 to conduct lek surveys while flying at an altitude of 15 m at a speed of 60 km/hr on sunny mornings. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.