bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immobilized azobenzenes for the construction of photoresponsive materials
Authors: Klajn Rafal
Published: October 2010

The immobilization of molecular switches onto inorganic supports has recently become a hot topic as it can give rise to novel hybrid materials in which the properties of the two components are mutually enhanced. Even more attractive is the concept of “transferring” the switchable characteristics of single layers of organic molecules onto the underlying inorganic components, rendering them responsive to external stimuli as well. Of the various molecular switches studied, azobenzene (AB) has arguably attracted most attention due to its simple molecular structure, and because its “trigger” (light) is a noninvasive one, it can be delivered instantaneously, and into a precise location. In order to fully realize its potential, however, it is necessary to immobilize AB onto solid supports. It is the goal of this manuscript to comprehensively yet concisely review such hybrid systems which comprise AB forming well-defined self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on planar and curved (colloidal and nanoporous) inorganic surfaces. I discuss methods to immobilize AB derivatives onto surfaces, strategies to ensure efficient AB isomerization, ways to monitor the switching process, properties of these switchable hybrid materials, and, last but not least, their emerging applications.
Agreement Between Fasting and Postprandial LDL Cholesterol Measured with 3 Methods in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lund Søren S , Petersen Martin , Frandsen Merete , Smidt Ulla M , Parving Hans-Henrik , Vaag Allan A , Jensen Tonny
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is a modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factor. We used 3 LDL-C methods to study the agreement between fasting and postprandial LDL-C in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients.

METHODS

We served 74 T2DM patients a standardized meal and sampled blood at fasting and 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 h postprandially. We measured LDL-C by use of modified β quantification (MBQ), the Friedewald equation (FE), and a direct homogeneous assay (DA). We evaluated agreement using 95% limits of agreement (LOA) within ±0.20 mmol/L (±7.7 mg/dL).

RESULTS

LDL-C concentrations at all postprandial times disagreed with those at fasting for all methods. In 66 patients who had complete measurements with all LDL-C methods, maximum mean differences (95% LOA) in postprandial vs fasting LDL-C were −0.16 mmol/L (−0.51; 0.19) [−6.2 mg/dL (−19.7; 7.3)] with MBQ at 3 h; −0.36 mmol/L (−0.89; 0.17) [−13.9 mg/dL (−34; 6.6)] with FE at 4.5 h; and −0.24 mmol/L (−0.62; 0.05) [−9.3 mg/dL (−24; 1.9)] with DA at 6.0 h. In postprandial samples, FE misclassified 38% of patients (two-thirds of statin users) into lower Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) risk categories. Greater disagreement between fasting and postprandial LDL-C was observed in individuals with postprandial triglyceride concentrations >2.08 mmol/L (>184 mg/dL) and in women (interactions: P ≤ 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences up to 0.89 mmol/L (34 mg/dL) between fasting and postprandial LDL-C concentrations, with postprandial LDL-C concentrations usually being lower, were found in T2DM by 3 different LDL-C methods. Such differences are potentially relevant clinically and suggest that, irrespective of measurement method, postprandial LDL-C concentrations should not be used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
Academics Outside the Academy
Authors: Masket Seth E
Published: October 2010

Relative to other social scientists, political scientists seem disengaged from the political world outside the academy. In this article, I suggest that this is regrettable, arguing that such service is beneficial both for scholarship and for society at large. I examine two such forms of outside service: writing for a blog and working in a political party. I examine the potential pitfalls and benefits from such service.
Political Science at the State University in the State Capital
Authors: Grossmann Matt
Published: October 2010

Due to public concern with undergraduate education and lack of government support for research, political science departments face important threats to viability. Scholars have proposed that the discipline respond by re-orienting itself to address publicly-acknowledged problems. I propose an alternative response: we should expand our service role, especially when we can engage undergraduates in providing public information. I have launched a web-based venture called the Michigan Policy Network, a student-led reporting and research program to report and organize information on Michigan state government. I describe the role of the network, propose similar ideas for extending the public reach of political science, and explain how the challenges facing the discipline look from a department at the state university in the state capital.
Fiction, Facts, and Truth: The Personal Lives of Political Figures
Authors: Loomis Burdett A
Published: October 2010

In the wealth of research on politics and politicians over the past fifty or so years, little attention has been accorded the relationships between the personal and the public sides of politicians' lives. Given the difficulties of collecting data, this absence is unsurprising. But that does not mean the personal-political linkage is unimportant, and one way to address this subject may be to draw upon political fiction, both to gain insights and to suggest avenues of inquiry. And within political fiction, the best source, at least for American politics, likely includes the works of veteran novelist Ward Just.
Obama's "Big Bang" Presidency
Authors: Schier Steven E
Published: October 2010

Barack Obamas large policy ambitions have made him a highly polarizing figure for Americans, just as his predecessor George W. Bush, also a person of grand ambitions, had been. Obama has pursued a directive presidency, in which the chief executive serves as the director of change, who creates opportunities to move in new directions and lead others where they otherwise would not go. One consequence of this is growing popular disapproval of Obamas presidential agenda. Maintaining popular support is hard and frustrating work, and in seeking to maintain it, presidents encounter widespread constraints. Recent presidents in times of popular disapproval have resorted to emphatic employment of executive powers. In such a situation, a president, by unresponsively trying to direct events, can effectively destroy his popular supportthe presidential power trap. That is the central threat to Obamas presidency at present.
Ten Things Political Scientists Know that You Don't
Authors: Noel Hans
Published: October 2010

Many political scientists would like journalists and political practitioners to take political science more seriously, and many are beginning to pay attention. This paper outlines ten things that political science scholarship has learned that are at odds with much of the conventional wisdom of American politics.
Comparative Effectiveness of Calcium-Containing Phosphate Binders in Incident U.S. Dialysis Patients
Authors: Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Liu Jun , Kestenbaum Bryan
Published: October 2010

Background and objectives

Few studies have assessed the association between phosphate binder use and hard outcomes in dialysis patients. Furthermore, the comparative effectiveness of calcium carbonate and acetate is untested. We studied the association between use versus nonuse of calcium-containing phosphate binders (CCPBs) and mortality from any cause. We also tested whether mortality differed among users of individual CCPBs.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A nationally representative prospective cohort of incident U.S. dialysis patients (1996 to 1997), assembled before the availability of sevelamer and lanthanum, was used. Use of each CCPB was ascertained from chart abstraction records. A large number of sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were available for confounding control in multivariate and propensity score-matched Cox regression models.

Results

Among 3603 incident dialysis patients, 77.5% used a CCPB, whereas 22.5% did not. Baseline use of CCPB was associated with an adjusted 19% lower mortality rate among CCPB users compared with nonusers. With successful matching of 800 exposed and nonexposed individuals on their exposure propensity score, however, CCPB users and nonusers had similar mortality. No mortality differences were observed between calcium acetate and calcium carbonate users in crude, adjusted, or propensity-matched analyses.

Conclusions

No association was found between CCPB use and 1-year mortality in incident dialysis patients; choice of calcium carbonate versus acetate was also not associated with this outcome. Randomized trials are necessary to understand whether the prevailing practice of phosphate-binding therapy actually reduces adverse clinical outcomes.
Synthesis and characterization of some 1,2,4-triazole-3(4h)-thiones obtained from intramolecular cyclization of new 1-(4-(4-x-phenylsulfonyl)benzoyl)-4-(4-iodophenyl)- thiosemicarbazides
Authors: Cretu Olga , Barbuceanu Stefania , Saramet Gabriel , Draghici Constantin
Published: October 2010

This paper presents new heterocyclic compounds from the class of
1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione which were obtained by intramolecular
cyclization, in basic media of the some acylthiosemicarbazides containing
diphenylsulfone moieties. The new 1-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)benzoyl)-4-
(4-iodophenyl)-thiosemicarbazides (7a-c) were obtained by the reaction of
4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)-benzoic acid hydrazides (6a-c) (X=H, Cl or Br) with
4-iodophenylisothiocyanate. The cyclization of the acylthiosemicarbazides
7a-c in the presence of an 8 % NaOH solution resulted in the formation of the
new 5-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(4-iodophenyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thiones (8a-c). The structures of the
newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by spectral methods (IR, UV-Vis,
1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS spectroscopy) and elemental analysis.
The chemical composition and antioxidant activities of basil from Thailand using retention indices and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography
Authors: Pripdeevech Patcharee , Chumpolsri Watcharapong , Suttiarporn Panawan , Wongpornchai Sugunya
Published: October 2010

The chemical compositions of essential oils obtained from Ocimum basilicum
var. thyrsiflora (1.39 % dry weight) and Ocimum basilicum (0.61 %) were
analyzed by GC-MS. Seventy-three constituents representing 99.64 % of the
chromatographic peak area were obtained in the O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora
oil, whereas 80 constituents representing 91.11 % observed in the essential
oil of O. basilicum were obtained. Methyl chavicol (81.82 %), ?-(E)-ocimene
(2.93 %) and ?-(E)- bergamotene (2.45 %) were found to be the dominant
constituents in O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora oil while O. basilicum
contained predominantly linalool (43.78 %), eugenol (13.66 %) and 1,8-cineole
(10.18 %). The clear separation of the volatiles in all samples, demonstrated
by the application of GC?GC, resulted in significantly different fingerprints
for the two types of basil. The O. basilicum oil showed strong antioxidant
activity while the oil of O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora exhibited very low
activity, which was attributed to the significant differences in linalool and
eugenol contents in these essential oils.
The spatial aspects of development in South-eastern Europe
Authors: Petrakos George , Economou Dimitris
Published: October 2010

This paper analyses for the first time the spatial structure of South-eastern Europe in an effort to assess regional imbalances, border conditions, urban hierarchies and detect the adjustments of the region to the forces of integration and transition. The analysis is based on a unique data base compiled national sources and is carried on with the use of statistical, diagrammatic and cartographic methods. The analysis shows that South-eastern Europe is characterized by increasing regional disparities, an increasingly superior performance of the metropolitan regions, serious discontinuities at the borders which have, in most cases, generated over-time border regions with below average performance and finally an urban with serious deficiencies in medium sized cities. These findings suggest that regional policy should become a permanent ingredient of indigenous and international development initiatives, which need to pay a greater attention to the needs of border regions, encouraging and promoting programs and policies of cross-border cooperation.
Slovenian spatial planning system: Key changes of past decade
Authors: Lavrencic Valentina , Kreitmayer Janja
Published: October 2010

Spatial planning has a long tradition in Slovenia. It was always a part of the integrated planning process, first institutionalized in 1968. The planning system was quite unique, combining economic, social, and spatial aspects in one, a so called long-term and medium-term social plan. At the national level its spatial part consisted of the national spatial plan, the defining concept for settlement management and growth, public service delivery, use of space and landscape transformation, protection of the environment, and guidelines for conflict management. Today, this form of planning is substituted by the national strategies and programs of each sector.
City urban design in a free market economy: The case of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Authors: Dimitrovska-Andrews Kaliopa
Published: October 2010

A recent rapid political and economic changes in many eastern European countries demand corresponding changes in the town planning system, and especially in the development control and urban management process. For instance, at a present many historic city and town cores still remain relatively intact in their original form, but have become the target for development pressure. How should this pressure be channeled to achieve enhancement of the urban qualities of those areas (especially barracks and old factory sites), without jeopardising their competitiveness for attracting business and employment. This paper discusses the outcomes of research carried out at the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia from 1995 to 1998, on the development of appropriate methods for the appraisal and promotion of design quality in relation to economic viability in city development projects especially for an urban renewal. The elements for the assessment of urban design quality derive from the basic principles of good urban design such as identity, permeability, legibility visual appropriateness, robustness, visual and symbolic richness, amongst others. The simplified computerised model for assessing financial viability is based on building costs and market value of the investment, and shows the profitability of the development. It can be a useful tool in both assessing design viability, and for determining extra profit or ?planning gain? in the planning process negotiations such ?surplus? can be used for satisfying local needs (e.g. additional programs, design of public spaces). This method for appraisal and promotion of design quality in relation to economic viability has been examined through an assessment of the competition projects for the renewal of the Rog factory area in the city centre of Ljubljana. This case study has revealed the need for a clear strategy for future city development, with marketing guidance and policies for positive planning to achieve better vitality and viability for the city as a whole. Subsequently, the research examined successful initiatives for the promotion of urban design on a national and local level of the planning process identifying the most important issues affecting city design in the market economy, such as partnership arrangements, joint ventures and city-entrepreneurs. The paper briefly discusses: salient features of the current planning system in Slovenia and the on-going changes relating to the new approaches to town planning; the proposed method for appraisal and promotion of design quality and economic viability of urban environment; the results of the examination of this method applied to a case study - the renewal of an industrial site in the city centre of Ljubljana.
Indicator based controlling of cantonal guiding planning in Switzerland: A model for more efficient sustainable planning instruments at the regional level
Authors: Keiner Marco
Published: October 2010

In the actual Swiss cantonal planning practice every 10 years in general, there is a review of the guiding plan. The plan?s evaluation typically takes place shortly before the revision process. In the interstitial time, the guiding plan?s effectiveness can only be anticipated. In the review, a survey of both, the desired and unwanted spatial effects are often absent. As a result, a thorough analysis of the effects and the direction of the spatial development cannot be accomplished. A spatial plan that is geared to the principle of sustainability needs the outputs of such an analysis. Development assessments are required to verify the plans? effects, well-defined goals to assist in rectifying deviations, key indicators to identify efficiency potentials, and precautionary measures to allow for an adaptable and responsive planning methodology. The instruments, which might assist in the cantonal guiding plan objectives implementation, do exist. Such instruments are monitoring, controlling and benchmarking (with the support of indicators). These tools can assist in ensuring the plan?s overall value and the effectiveness and appropriateness of the ensuing development. By using these tools and a sound planning methodology, unsustainable spatial development can be tracked early and rectified with appropriated measures. The control as this system?s central instrument is presented here and its application opportunities in the cantonal guiding planning are discussed. In order to achieve a sustainable spatial development and a more dynamic guiding planning, the application of control and benchmarking is crucial.
Corridor X in Serbia: Approach to spatial planning
Authors: Milijic Sasa , Spasic Nenad , Micic-Maksin Marija
Published: October 2010

For the infrastructural corridor's area, of the national importance, is predicted making spatial plans of area of special use, as the most complex instruments for the developing and arranging management of these areas. These plans should have an integrative and problem-oriented approach towards development planning and arrangement of such an area, and it is obliged to include: a complex evaluation of state and function of infrastructural system in the corridor; an analysis of infrastructural corridor influence on the development of the planning area and its surrounding; an alternative conception of long-term protection, improvement, organization and use of the planning area; a choice of the priorities and assumption of the realization phases; instructions for the implementation of the plan etc. The approach in making of this category of plans, as well as, experiences in planning, arrangement and use of multimodal corridors, have been considered on the example of Spatial plan of the infrastructural corridor E-75 section Belgrade-Nis area.
Website applications in urbanism and architecture
Authors: Furundzic Danilo
Published: October 2010

In the context of rapid technology development, followed by Internet spreading worldwide, the amount of information related to urbanism and architecture has remarkably increased. This paper lists a website selection with the aim to present the state of Internet based information sources on urbanism and architecture. The idea is to help colleagues cope with numerous available on-line contents. The websites are, according to their contents, classified into following categories: associations and institutions, international documents, urban planning and design, information and communication technologies in urbanism, on-line available magazines and books, civic networks, architectural design, famous architects and best examples.
Comparison of passive transfer of immunity in neonatal dairy calves fed colostrum or bovine serum-based colostrum replacement and colostrum supplement products
Authors: Poulsen Keith P. , Foley Andrea L. , Collins Michael T. , McGuirk Sheila M.
Published: October 2010

Objective—To compare serum total protein (sTP) and serum IgG (sIgG) concentrations In neonatal calves administered colostrum or a bovine serum-based colostrum replacement (CR) product followed by a bovine serum-based colostrum supplement (CS) product.

Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals—18 Jersey and 269 Holstein neonatal heifer calves.

Procedures—141 calves were given 4 L of colostrum in 1 or 2 feedings (first or only feeding was provided ≤ 2 hours after birth; when applicable, a second feeding was provided between 2 and 12 hours after birth). Other calves (n = 146) were fed 2 L of a CR product ≤ 2 hours after birth and then 2 L of a CS product between 2 and 12 hours after birth. Concentrations of sTP and sIgG were measured 1 to 7 days after birth. Data from cohorts on individual farms and for all farms were analyzed.

Results—Mean sTP and sIgG concentrations differed significantly between feeding groups. In calves fed colostrum and calves fed CR and CS products, mean ± SD sTP concentration was 5.58 ± 0.67 g/dL and 5.26 ± 0.54 g/dL, respectively, and mean sIgG concentration was 1,868 ± 854 mg/dL and 1,320 ± 620 mg/dL, respectively. The percentage of calves that had failure of passive transfer of immunity (ie, sIgG concentrations < 1,000 mg/dL) was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that sequential feeding of bovine serum-based CR and CS products to neonatal calves is an alternative to feeding colostrum for achieving passive transfer of immunity.
Investigation of a bluetongue disease epizootic caused by bluetongue virus serotype 17 in sheep in Wyoming
Authors: Miller Myrna M. , Brown Jeremy , Cornish Todd , Johnson Gregory , Mecham James O. , Reeves Will K. , Wilson William
Published: October 2010

Objective—To characterize a 2007 bluetongue disease (BT) epizootic caused by bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 17 in sheep in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—1,359 sheep from ranches in Wyoming and Montana.

Procedures—Information on clinical signs and history of BT in sheep was obtained from ranchers and attending veterinarians. At 3 to 6 months after the 2007 BT epizootic, blood samples were collected from rams, ewes, and lambs within and outside the Big Horn Basin; blood samples were also collected from lambs born in the spring of 2008. Sera were tested for anti-BTV antibodies by use of a competitive ELISA to determine the seroprevalence of BTV in sheep and to measure antibody titers. Virus isolation and reverse transcriptase PCR assays were used to determine long-term presence of the infectious virus or viral genetic material in RBCs of sheep.

Results—The percentage of sheep seropositive for BTV closely matched morbidity of sheep within flocks, indicating few subclinical infections. Flocks separated by as little as 1 mile had substantial variation in infection rate. Rams were infected at a higher rate than ewes. There was no evidence of BTV successfully overwintering in the area.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—This epizootic appears to be a new intrusion of BTV into a naïve population of sheep previously protected geographically by the mountains surrounding the Big Horn Basin. Rams may have a higher infection rate as a result of increased vector biting opportunity because of the large surface area of the scrotum.
Field Dependence-Independence as Related to Young Women's Participation in Sports Activity
Authors: Lambrecht Jeanne L. , Cuevas Jacqueline L.
Published: October 2010

To estimate association between field dependence-independence measured by scores on the Group Embedded Figures Test and young women's participation in sports activity. Participants were 37 undergraduate college women between the ages of 18 and 25 years ( M = 21). Participants were categorized into two groups, one high in participation in sports activity and one low. A one-tailed independent samples t test yielded no significant difference. Correlations of .36 and .18 were significant but account for little common variance. An ad hoc analysis performed without participants who reported softball activity but who were highly involved in sport activities was significant.
Perceived Value in Food Selection When Dining out: Comparison of African Americans and Euro-Americans
Authors: Vinci Debra M. , Philipp Steven F.
Published: October 2010

This descriptive study compares African Americans' and Euro-Americans' perceived value of food selection pertaining to cost, portion size, and meal satisfaction when eating away from home. A stratified sample was drawn from a southern U.S. metropolitan area ( N = 1,011; 486 African American, 525 Euro-American). Analysis showed no difference between African-American and Euro-American adults by sex or how often they dined out. These two groups significantly differed across years of education, age, and answering 14 of 18 rated statements on value perceptions. African-Americans' value perceptions were influenced more by lower cost foods and larger portion sizes than those of Euro-Americans. For meal satisfaction, African Americans were more likely to agree with statements that indicate preferring foods high in energy and low in essential micronutrient density. This study supports the need for more investigation.
Circumscribed Shapes are Enlarged: Is This a Variation of the Delboeuf Illusion?
Authors: Jaeger Ted
Published: October 2010

Pairs of complex shapes, for example, two golf holes or two hands making a peace sign, were printed on cards with one of the two shapes surrounded by a circle. 20 participants judged the size of the unenclosed shapes relative to the size of the enclosed ones. For 12 pairs in which there were physical differences in size of the two shapes, participants made veridical judgments. More importantly, for the six pairs in which the unenclosed and circumscribed shapes were the same size, the unenclosed shapes were judged smaller than the circumscribed ones. Thus, a novel illusion in which surrounding circles perceptually enlarge a variety of interior shapes is demonstrated.
Sex Differences in Relative Foot Length and Perceived Attractiveness of Female Feet: Relationships among Anthropometry, Physique, and Preference Ratings
Authors: Voracek Martin , Fisher Maryanne L. , Rupp Barbara , Lucas Deanna , Fessler Daniel M. T.
Published: October 2010

Foot size proportionate to stature is smaller in women than in men, and small feet apparently contribute to perceived physical attractiveness of females. This exploratory study investigated the sex difference in relative foot length and inter-relations among foot length, physique, and foot preference ratings in samples from Austria and Canada, each comprised of 75 men and 75 women. The findings included the following lines of evidence: the sex difference in relative foot length replicated in both data sets; the magnitude of this sex effect was large. Relative foot length was smaller in young, nulliparous, and slim women. Pointed-toe and high-heel shoes were more likely worn by smaller, lighter, and slimmer women. Men reported liking women's feet in general more than vice versa. A vast majority of both men and women favored small feet in women, but large feet in men. One's own foot size appeared to correspond to evaluations of attractiveness; particularly, women with small feet preferred small feet in women in general. The preference for small feet in women was convergent across different methods of evaluating attractiveness. Directions for investigations in this emerging field of research on physical attractiveness are discussed.
Job Compensable Factors and Factor Weights Derived from Job Analysis Data
Authors: Chi Chia-Fen , Chang Tin-Chang , Hsia Ping-Ling , Song Ten-Chieh
Published: October 2010

Government data on 1,039 job titles in Taiwan were analyzed to assess possible relationships between job attributes and compensation. For each job title, 79 specific variables in six major classes (required education and experience, aptitude, interest, work temperament, physical demands, task environment) were coded to derive the statistical predictors of wage for managers, professionals, technical, clerical, service, farm, craft, operatives, and other workers. Of the 79 variables, only 23 significantly related to pay rate were subjected to a factor and multiple regression analysis for predicting monthly wages. Given the heterogeneous nature of collected job titles, a 4-factor solution (occupational knowledge and skills, human relations skills, work schedule hardships, physical hardships) explaining 43.8% of the total variance but predicting only 23.7% of the monthly pay rate was derived. On the other hand, multiple regression with 9 job analysis items (required education, professional training, professional certificate, professional experience, coordinating, leadership and directing, demand on hearing, proportion of shift working indoors, outdoors and others, rotating shift) better predicted pay and explained 32.5% of the variance. A direct comparison of factors and subfactors of job evaluation plans indicated mental effort and responsibility (accountability) had not been measured with the current job analysis data. Cross-validation of job evaluation factors and ratings with the wage rates is required to calibrate both.
Effects of Colored Light, Color of Comparison Stimulus, and Illumination on Error in Perceived Depth with Binocular and Monocular Viewing
Authors: Huang Kuo-Chen
Published: October 2010

Two experiments assessed the effects of colored light, color of a comparison stimulus, and illumination on error in perceived depth with binocular and monocular vision. Exp. 1 assessed effects of colored light, color of comparison stimulus, and source of depth cues on error in perceived depth. A total of 29 women and 19 men, Taiwanese college or graduate students ages 20 to 30 years ( M = 24.0, SD = 2.5) participated; they were randomly divided into five groups, each being assigned to one of five possible colored light conditions. Analyses showed color of the comparison stimulus significantly affected the error in perceived depth, as this error was significantly greater for a red comparison stimulus than for blue and yellow comparison stimuli. Colored light significantly affected error in perceived depth since error under white and yellow light was significantly less than that under green light. Moreover, error in perceived depth under white light was significantly less than that under blue light but not sensitive to white, yellow, and red light. Error in perceived depth for binocular viewing was significantly less than that for monocular viewing but not sex. In Exp. 2, the effect of illumination on error in perceived depth was explored with 21 women and 15 men, Taiwanese college students with a mean age of 19.8 yr. ( SD = 1.1). Analysis indicated that illumination significantly affected error in perceived depth, as error for a 40-W condition was significantly greater than under 20- and 60-W conditions, although the latter were not different.
Improving Spatial Perception in 5-Yr.-Old Spanish Children
Authors: Jiménez Andrés Canto , Sicilia Antonio Oña , Vera Juan Granda
Published: October 2010

Assimilation of distance perception was studied in 70 Spanish primary school children. This assimilation involves the generation of projective images which are acquired through two mechanisms. One mechanism is spatial perception, wherein perceptual processes develop ensuring successful immersion in space and the acquisition of visual cues which a person may use to interpret images seen in the distance. The other mechanism is movement through space so that these images are produced. The present study evaluated the influence on improvements in spatial perception of using increasingly larger spaces for training sessions within a motor skills program. Visual parameters were measured in relation to the capture and tracking of moving objects or ocular motility and speed of detection or visual reaction time. Analysis showed that for the group trained in increasingly larger spaces, ocular motility and visual reaction time were significantly improved during different phases of the program.
An Alternative Measure of Effect Size for Cochran's Q Test for Related Proportions
Authors: Berry Kenneth J. , Johnston Janis E. , Mielke Paul W.
Published: October 2010

Measures of effect size are increasingly important in psychological research. In this paper, a chance-corrected measure of effect size is introduced for Cochran's Q test.
Attachment Style, Self-Concealment, and Interpersonal Distance among Japanese Undergraduates
Authors: Yukawa Shintaro , Tokuda Hideji , Sato Jun
Published: October 2010

The relationships among attachment style, self-concealment, and interpersonal distance were studied with 71 Japanese undergraduates (33 men and 38 women, ages 18 to 20 years, M = 18.7, SD = .6). Participants completed a questionnaire about Self-concealment and Attachment Styles (Secure, Anxious, and Avoidant). One week later, Interpersonal Distance, which individuals maintain between themselves and others, was measured by the stop-distance paradigm. Analysis showed that scores for more Anxious and Avoidant Attachment Styles were positively correlated with those for greater Self-concealment. Scores for greater Self-concealment and more Anxious Attachment Style were also correlated with longer Interpersonal Distance.
Age-Related Differences in Upper Limb Proprioceptive Acuity
Authors: Adamo Diane E. , Martin Bernard J. , Brown Susan H.
Published: October 2010

Although upper limb movements are known to be slower and more variable in elderly persons, the extent to which these changes are associated with deficits in movement-related sensory feedback is poorly understood, despite the importance of proprioception in the control of skilled movement. Age-related changes were examined with 22 participants (10 of M age 27 years and 12 of M age 75 years) in performance of an elbow position-matching task which varied in terms of interhemispheric transfer and/or the need to retrieve memory-based proprioceptive information. Matching errors were significantly greater, and movements more prolonged, and irregular in their time course in the elderly group than in the young group. Impaired performance in conditions requiring interhemispheric transfer and retrieval of memory-based proprioceptive information reflected the importance of cognitive processing during complex sensorimotor tasks. This novel matching paradigm provided a sensitive means of manipulating the demands of the task and may be an effective method for as sessing both cognitive and sensorimotor declines associated with aging.
Test of the Singh-Anderson Model of Transparency
Authors: Masin Sergio Cesare , Tommasi Marco , Da Pos Osvaldo
Published: October 2010

A new model of achromatic transparency has been recently proposed by Singh and Anderson as an alternative to the model proposed long ago by Metelli. The study reported here compared these models using achromatic stimuli consisting of a transparent disk on a background formed by two adjoining rectangles, with the common border of the rectangles dividing the disk in half. Let a and b denote the luminances of the left and right parts of the background, respectively, and let p and q denote the luminances of the left and right parts of the disk, respectively. The value of b was varied for fixed values of a, p, and q. For these values the Singh-Anderson model predicts that the perceived extent of transparency T of the disk is constant with b, while Metelli's model predicts that T decreases as b increases. Participants rated T. The results confirm the prediction of Metelli's model. It is also shown that the Singh-Anderson model is invalid in principle in that, unlike Metelli's model, it fails to capture the principle of independence of the effects of a, b, p, and q on T.
A Frequency-Based Characterization of Spiccato Bowing in Violin Performance
Authors: Shan Gongbing , Visentin Peter , Wooldridge Luke , Wang Changdong , Connolly Dennis
Published: October 2010

Performance of instrumental music requires high precision and the automisation of motor control to free the performer to focus on the artistic outcome. To acquire this high skill, training is experience-based, involves one-on-one instruction, and requires long hours of repetitive practice. This approach is consistent with a traditional model of vocational apprenticeship. Practice habits and long hours associated with training have been identified as sometimes contributing to high rates of vocational injury among musicians. This study explores violin performance, identifying generalizable perceptual markers to bridge the gap between science and experience in pedagogical methodology. Kinematic data were collected using 3-D motion capture. Dynamic modeling was used to specify internal loads. Eleven professional-level musicians were tested, ranging in age from 21 to 47 years ( M = 36 yr., SD = 6). The study identified several motor-learning markers, speed-dependent motor control phases (increasing effort, optimization, and approaching physiological limits), string-dependent motor control, and an unexpected sympathetic resonance between the two arms, notwithstanding their very different functions. This study suggests that instrumental performance could be aided by identifying markers related to musical outcomes, performers' perceptions, and motor skill acquisition.
Effect of Vibration on Visual Display Terminal Work Performance
Authors: Hsieh Yao-Hung , Lin Chiuhsiang Joe , Chen Hsiao-Ching
Published: October 2010

Today electronic visual displays have dramatic use in daily life. Reading these visual displays is subject to their vibration. Using a software-simulation of a vibrated environment, the study investigated the effect of vibration on visual performance and fatigue for several numerical display design characteristics including the font size and the number of digits displayed. Both the frequency and magnitude of vibration had significant effects on the reaction time, accuracy, and visual fatigue. 10 graduate students (23–30 years old; M = 25.6), randomly tested in this experiment, were offered about 25 U.S. dollars for their participation. Numbers in vertical presentation were affected more in vertical vibration than those in horizontal presentation. Analysis showed whenever the display is used in vibration environment, an increased font size may be an effective way to compensate the adverse effect of vibration. The software design of displayed materials must be designed to take the motion effect into consideration to increase the quality of the screen display.
Indices of Choking under Pressure among Athletes during Competition
Authors: Adegbesan Olufemi Adegbola
Published: October 2010

This study provides information on choking under pressure among university athletes during competition. 300 athletes were sampled and rated on a questionnaire on external and internal perceived sources of choking (α=.69 and .72). Analysis indicates a significant difference in mean rating on the two choking indices for men and women athletes. The women's means were higher than the men's but the difference was less than 1.00. Means for four sport groups were similar for the Internal subscale but significantly different on the External subscale.
Public Accountants' Field Dependence: Canadian Evidence
Authors: Hicks Elizabeth , Bagg Robert , Doyle Wendy , Young Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2010

The cognitive styles of 113 practicing, professional accountants from Nova Scotia, Canada were examined using the Group Embedded Figures Test. They completed a demographic survey for descriptive information as well as their rank in the firm and preferred area of professional practice. Analysis suggested professional accountants tend to be more analytical than intuitive in cognitive style and, consistent with recent findings in other fields, men and women in accounting do not appear to be different in cognitive style. No statistically significant differences were found on the embedded figures scores across ranks of trainee, manager, and partner or across select, preferred areas of professional practice.
Application of Yamaguchi's Technique for the Rescorla-Wagner Model
Authors: Yamaguchi Makoto
Published: October 2010

Yamaguchi in 2006 solved for the first time a problem concerning a 1972 mathematical model of classical conditioning by Rescorla and Wagner. That derivation is not an isolated contribution. Here it is shown that the same line of derivation can be successfully applied to another experimental situation involving more stimuli.
Factors Associated with Inadequate Fine Motor Skills in Brazilian Students of Different Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Bobbio Tatiana Godoy , Morcillo André Moreno , Filho Antonio De Azevedo Barros , Gonçalves Vanda Maria Gimenes
Published: October 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the motor coordination of Brazilian schoolchildren of different socioeconomic status in their first year of primary education. Factors associated with inadequate fine motor skills were identified. A total of 238 schoolchildren, 118 from a public school and 120 from a private school, were evaluated on fine motor skills using the Evolutional Neurological Examination. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate logistic regression followed by multivariate analysis. Children attending public school had a 5.5-fold greater risk of having inadequate fine motor skills for their age compared to children attending private school, while children who started school after four years of age had a 2.8-fold greater risk of having inadequate motor coordination compared to children who began school earlier. Data for this sample suggest socioeconomic factors and later entry of children to school may be associated with their fine motor skills.
Age and Interstimulus Interval in Forward and Backward Long-Trace Taste-Aversion Conditioning
Authors: Minnier Eli , Misanin James R. , Hinderliter Charles F.
Published: October 2010

Rats, 70–79 days old and 477–557 days old, experienced either a forward or backward taste-aversion conditioning trial with a 15-min. or 45-min. interstimulus interval. Forward conditioning was evident in both age groups at both interstimulus intervals. Backward conditioning was evident in both age groups only at the 15-min. interstimulus interval. The failure to obtain backward conditioning at the 45-min. interval was attributed to the effect of stress, produced by injection of the US, on long-trace conditioning. As reported with forward conditioning, stress may alter metabolic rate such that the intervals at which associations can be formed are shortened.
Age-Related Changes in Top-Ten Men's U.S. Masters 50-M Freestyle Swim Times as a Function of Finishing Place
Authors: Fairbrother Jeffrey T.
Published: October 2010

This study described age-related changes in swim time as a function of top-ten finishing place for Masters swimmers. Previous research has documented increases in 50-m freestyle swim times for men beyond age 35 using aggregated top-ten times. The present study examined the relationship between age and swim time, taking into account the potential influence of finishing place in the top-ten. Data were retrieved from the United States Masters Swimming database for male top-ten finishers in the 50-m short course freestyle for the years from 1993 to 2002. Data from each year were analyzed using linear regression procedures with Age, Square of age, and Finishing place as predictor variables and Swim time as the dependent variable. Analysis indicated that, when Finishing place was considered, a more gradual increase in Swim time as a function of age was seen for finishing places closer to first place than for those closer to tenth place.
Minimal Detectable Change of the Timed “Up & Go” Test and the Dynamic Gait Index in People With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Huang Sheau-Ling , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Wu Ruey-Meei , Tai Chun-Hwei , Lin Chin-Hsien , Lu Wen-Shian
Published: October 2010

Background

The minimal detectable change (MDC) is the smallest amount of difference in individual scores that represents true change (beyond random measurement error). The MDCs of the Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG) and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) in people with Parkinson disease (PD) are largely unknown, limiting the interpretability of the change scores of both measures.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to estimate the MDCs of the TUG and the DGI in people with PD.

Design

This investigation was a prospective cohort study.

Methods

Seventy-two participants were recruited from special clinics for movement disorders at a university hospital. Their mean age was 67.5 years, and 61% were men. All participants completed the TUG and the DGI assessments twice, about 14 days apart. The MDC was calculated from the standard error of measurement. The percentage MDC (MDC%) was calculated as the MDC divided by the mean of all scores for the sample. Furthermore, the intraclass correlation coefficient was used to examine the reproducibility between testing sessions (test-retest reliability).

Results

The respective MDC and MDC% of the TUG were 3.5 seconds and 29.8, and those of the DGI were 2.9 points and 13.3. The test-retest reliability values for the TUG and the DGI were high; the intraclass correlation coefficients were .80 and .84, respectively.

Limitations

The study sample was a convenience sample, and the participants had mild to moderately severe PD.

Conclusions

The results showed that the TUG and the DGI have generally acceptable random measurement error and test-retest reliability. These findings should help clinicians and researchers determine whether a change in an individual patient with PD is a true change.
Integrating Literacy and Science in Biology
Authors: Greenleaf Cynthia L. , Litman Cindy , Hanson Thomas L. , Rosen Rachel , Boscardin Christy K. , Herman Joan , Schneider Steven A. , Madden Sarah , Jones Barbara
Published: October 2010

This study examined the effects of professional development integrating academic literacy and biology instruction on science teachers’ instructional practices and students’ achievement in science and literacy. The intervention consisted of 10 days of professional development in Reading Apprenticeship, an instructional framework integrating metacognitive inquiry routines into subject-area instruction to make explicit the tacit reasoning processes, problem-solving strategies, and textual features that shape literacy practices in academic disciplines. The study utilized a group-randomized, experimental design and multiple measures of teacher implementation and student learning and targeted groups historically unrepresented in the sciences. Hierarchical linear modeling procedures were used to estimate program impacts. Intervention teachers demonstrated increased support for science literacy learning and use of metacognitive inquiry routines, reading comprehension instruction, and collaborative learning structures compared to controls. Students in treatment classrooms performed better than controls on state standardized assessments in English language arts, reading comprehension, and biology.
Virial Moments of Large-Scale Neutrino Structures
Authors: Dhungel PR , Sharma SK , Khanal U
Published: October 2010

In the course of studying the role of massive neutrinos and other particles in the large scale structures formation in the universe, Virial moments of the neutrino structures have been calculated. The Jeans masses calculated this way have been compared with the ones calculated earlier in our previous paper. Key words: Large-scale structures; Virial equation; Neutrino; Jeans mass. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v8i8.3837  Scientific World Vol.8(8) 2010 pp.1-3