bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tidal current resource assessment
Authors: Bryden I. G. , Couch S. J. , Owen A , Melville G
Published: April 2007

This paper outlines present thinking on the determination of accessible tidal current resources within channels and other potentially exploitable locations. The fundamental principles behind tides and tidal currents are briefly discussed and the implications of temporal and spatial variations on the evaluation of the resources considered in the context of artificial energy exploitation. The thinking behind the flux approach to resource estimation is presented and an example based on the Pentland Firth is considered. The impact of energy extraction on the flow patterns is considered in both one and two dimensions and the principles required for three-dimensional analyses are presented in a generic form.
Salivary and plasma cortisol response to adrenocorticotropin administration in pigs
Authors: Bushong D. M. , Friend T. H. , Knabe D. A.
Published: April 2007

Two experiments were conducted to determine the responsiveness of salivary and plasma cortisol to acute (i.v.), depot (i.m.) and chronic (repeated i.m.) adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) administration in swine. In Experiment 1, barrows (castrated pigs) were assigned to one of three injection treatments: (1) saline i.m. (SHAM1 n = 2); (2) 0.75 IU/kg BW ACTH in saline i.v. (ACUTE, n = 2); (3) 2.25 IU/kg BW ACTH in gel i.m. (DEPOT, n = 3). Total cortisol concentrations were determined for concurrent saliva and blood samples. Correlations between salivary and plasma cortisol within treatments were: SHAM1, r = 0.60; ACUTE, r = 0.58; DEPOT, r = 0.79. In Experiment 2, barrows were assigned to one of two injection treatments: (1) gel i.m. (SHAM2, n = 3); (2) 2.25 IU/kg BW ACTH in gel i.m. (CHRONIC, n = 4). The injections occurred every 6 h for a total of eight injections. Concurrent saliva and blood samples were obtained every 3 h for 72 h followed by an increasing sampling interval until day 6. Overall correlations between salivary and plasma cortisol were: SHAM2, r = 0.30 and CHRONIC, r = 0.61. Experiment 1 found that the relationship between salivary and plasma cortisol was stronger during longer (DEPOT) than shorter (ACUTE) ACTH stimulation. Experiment 2 found a strong relationship between the two measurements during chronic ACTH stimulation, but that relationship weakened after ACTH stimulation ceased.
Adverse effects on growth rates in rats caused by buprenorphine administration
Authors: Jacobson C.
Published: April 2007

As a routine postoperative treatment, a single dose of buprenorphine was given to rats at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously. However, some rats developed abnormal secretions around the nose and mouth and some animals died 3-5 days after surgery and analgesic treatment. At autopsy a yellow fibrous mass was found in the stomach and intestines. Observations of animals given buprenorphine revealed an abnormal ingestion of bedding material. This caused a disturbance to normal digestion, with gastric distension, weight loss or decreased growth rate, constipation and occasionally death.

In this study rats were monitored for 6 days following surgery and analgesic treatment. A comparison of growth rates was made between rats given saline and buprenorphine or na1buphine and between animals kept on bedding or grid floors for the first 24 h after treatment.

Of the animals held on bedding, the buprenorphine-treated animals did not lose weight as the other animals did, but had on the other hand a decreased growth rate during the measuring period of 6 days after surgery. When denied access to bedding for the first 24 h after surgery, rats given saline or na1buphine had a reduced weight gain over the first 24 h, similar to the groups held on bedding. Rats held on grid floors and given buprenorphine continued to gain weight for the first 24h. From day 3, there was no significant difference between the groups, which all gained weight.
Granulomatous inflammation in the tails of mice associated with Mycobacterium chelonae infection
Authors: Mähler M. , Jelínek F.
Published: April 2007

This report describes a case series of granulomatous inflammation in the tails of seven immunocompromised mice. The disease was associated with Mycobacterium chelonae infection. The source and route of infection remained unclear. Spontaneous infection with M. chelonae has not previously been documented in mice. We conclude that M. chelonae, like in humans, should be considered as a facultative pathogen in laboratory animals, particularly under immunosuppressive conditions.
Parametric Investigations on Columns with Un-Bonded Reinforcing Bars for Damage Control
Authors: Chen G. , Fukuyama H. , Teshigawara M. , Etoh H.
Published: April 2007

Influential factors on concrete cracking in column ends are studied by a non-linear finite element model. Following the previous strategy developed in the Building Research Institute in Japan, un-bonded zones are introduced into column ends and additional re-bars added around the un-bonded zones. The parametric studies of the length of the un-bonded zone and the amount of the additional re-bars are conducted. The load-displacement curves and cracking patterns in concrete are obtained and compared for all of the considered designs. The parametric studies show that the length of the un-bonded zone has significant influences on concrete cracking in column ends; the longer the un-bonded zone is, the better the concrete cracking is controlled in column ends. The studies also show that the additional re-bars slightly influence the load-displacement curves and cracking patterns. The influences of the bond-slip on the numerical analysis are also investigated and the proper parameters of the bond-slip are determined and recommended by the parametric studies.
Application of the Pseudo-Excitation Method with Spatial Coherence in Random Vibration Analysis of Long-Span Space Structures
Authors: Sun Jian-Mei , Ye Ji-Hong , Cheng Wen-Rang , Zhang Qi-Lin
Published: April 2007

The pseudo-excitation method is applied for the random seismic response analysis of long-span space structures in this paper. The differences and their orderliness of the structural responses are studied generally under multiple support excitation and simple support excitation from two aspects, i.e. the displacement response variance and the acceleration power spectrum, for four types of structures, such as space truss, shell, cable net and cable dome. Furthermore, the effects of pseudo static response on the above structures are discussed. Some important conclusions are drawn which present the theoretical foundation on aseismatic projects for long span space structures. On the other hand, it shows the pseudo excitation method is efficient and precise and is applicable to the random seismic response analysis of the complicated structure under multiple support excitations, such as long span space truss, shell and cable.
Behavior of Concrete Filled Tubes and Confined Concrete Filled Tubes under High Speed Impact
Authors: Shan J.H. , Chen R. , Zhang W.X. , Xiao Y. , Yi W.J. , Lu F.Y.
Published: April 2007

Concrete filled tubular (CFT) columns are being more and more utilized in construction of tall buildings and bridges. Xiao recently developed a new CFT column system, named as confined concrete filled tubes (CCFT), and validated its excellent load carrying capacity and ductility, by static and simulated seismic loading tests. This paper reports the impact behavior of CFT and CCFT stub columns. The impact responses of concrete filled steel tubes (CFT) and the confined concrete filled steel tubes (CCFT) were investigated using a high-speed gas gun. Experimental parameters included the confinement details and impact speed. Dynamic strains and the failure patterns are discussed. The test results demonstrate the effectiveness of lateral confinement to improve the dynamic impact behavior of CFT columns. Comparisons were also made between the test results and the analytical results using LS-DYNA. The trend of the stress wave propagation in the CFT specimen was reasonably well predicted.
Spline Finite Element Methods for Analysis of Axially Restrained Steel Beams Subjected to Elevated Temperatures in Fire
Authors: Li Guo-Qiang , Wang Peijun
Published: April 2007

A spline finite beam element for analysis of axially restrained steel beams subjected to elevated temperatures in fire is presented. Both geometric nonlinearity and material nonlinearity are integrated in the proposed method. Governing equations of the beam are established according to the internal-force and external-force equilibriums at each node of the elements representing the beam, and the nonlinear equations system is solved by the Newton-Continuation method. This strategy can avoid the building of the elemental and globe stiffness matrix, which may be complex when involves the second-order effect of axial force and elastic-plasticity of steel at elevated temperatures. Numerical examples of using the method proposed are presented. The influence of non-uniform temperature distributions is discussed. The structural responses, which include the deflection, axial force and moment at middle-span of the example beam, are calculated using both the presented spline finite element method (SFEM) and general finite element method (FEM) with shell elements. Comparisons of the results show that the spline finite beam element method is computationally economical and precise.
An Efficient Trajectory Method for Probabilistic Production-Inventory-Distribution Problems
Authors: Lejeune Miguel A. , Ruszczyński Andrzej
Published: April 2007

We consider a supply chain operating in an uncertain environment: The customers’ demand is characterized by a discrete probability distribution. A probabilistic programming approach is adopted for constructing an inventory-production-distribution plan over a multiperiod planning horizon. The plan does not allow the backlogging of the unsatisfied demand, and minimizes the costs of the supply chain while enabling it to reach a prescribed nonstockout service level. It is a strategic plan that hedges against undesirable outcomes, and that can be adjusted to account for possible favorable realizations of uncertain quantities. A modular, integrated, and computationally tractable method is proposed for the solution of the associated stochastic mixed-integer optimization problems containing joint probabilistic constraints with dependent right-hand side variables. The concept of p-efficiency is used to construct a finite number of demand trajectories, which in turn are employed to solve problems with joint probabilistic constraints. We complement this idea by designing a preordered set-based preprocessing algorithm that selects a subset of promising p-efficient demand trajectories. Finally, to solve the resulting disjunctive mixed-integer programming problem, we implement a special column-generation algorithm that limits the risk of congestion in the resources of the supply chain. The methodology is validated on an industrial problem faced by a large chemical supply chain and turns out to be very efficient: it finds a solution with a minimal integrality gap and provides substantial cost savings.
Influence of situational and conceptual rewording on word problem solving
Authors: Vicente Santiago. , Orrantia Jose. , Verschaffel Lieven.
Published: April 2007

Background. Studies on rewording word problems can be grouped into two main groups: situational rewording, in which the situation denoted by the text is described more richly, and conceptual rewording, in which the underlying semantic relations are highlighted.

Aims. Our aims are to define and distinguish these two kinds of rewording and to test empirically their relative effectiveness in two different studies.

Sample. In the first study, 79 third graders, 64 fourth graders and 65 fifth graders took part; the sample for Study 2 was similar.

Method. In Study 1, children were asked to solve both easy and difficult two‐step change problems in three different versions: standard, situational and conceptual rewording. In Study 2, three different versions of the situational version were compared: one with only temporal elaborations, one with only causal elaborations and a ‘complete’ version combining both elaborations.

Results. In Study 1, conceptually reworded problems elicited the best results, especially among younger children and for difficult two‐step problems. Neither in Study 1 nor in Study 2 did the situationally reworded problems yield better performance than standard items.

Conclusion. Only conceptual rewording has proved to be useful for improving children's performance, especially among younger children and for difficult problems. The lack of impact of situational rewording cannot be explained in terms of the length of the resulting text.
Alpha if item deleted: A note on loss of criterion validity in scale development if maximizing coefficient alpha
Authors: Raykov Tenko
Published: April 2007

This note is concerned with a validity‐related limitation of the widely available and routinely used index ‘alpha if item deleted’ in the process of construction and development of multiple‐component measuring instruments. Attention is drawn to the fact that this statistic can suggest dispensing with such scale components, whose removal leads to loss of criterion validity while maximizing the popular coefficient alpha. As an alternative, a latent variable modelling approach is discussed that can be used for point and interval estimation of composite criterion validity (as well as reliability) after deletion of single components. The method can also be utilized to test conventional or minimum level hypotheses about associated population change in measurement quality indices.
Haptics in learning to read with children from low socio‐economic status families
Authors: Bara Florence , Gentaz Edouard , Colé Pascale
Published: April 2007

This study assessed the effects of multi‐sensory training on the understanding of the alphabetic principle in kindergarten children from low socio‐economic status families. Two interventions were compared, called HVAM (visual and haptic exploration of letters) and VAM (visual exploration of letters). The interventions were conducted by either researchers or teachers. Results showed that performance in the letter recognition task and in the initial phoneme identification task were higher after HVAM training than after VAM training in kindergarten. Moreover, pseudo‐word decoding scores improved more after HVAM training than after VAM training in first grade. This delayed effect on decoding was explained by the children's poor performance on some language skills necessary for reading acquisition. Visuo‐haptic exploration enables the children first to increase performance on letter knowledge and initial phoneme awareness and then allowed better decoding skills. No differences were found between the interventions conducted by researchers and those conducted by teachers.
Emotional and informational support from different sources and employee creativity
Authors: Madjar Nora
Published: April 2007

This study examined relations between employee creativity and emotional and informational support provided by three sources: individuals in the primary work unit, other work‐related individuals and non‐work‐related individuals. I also examined whether openness to experience moderated these relations. Results showed significant relations between creativity and emotional support from primary unit and other work‐related individuals, and informational support from primary unit and non‐work‐related individuals. Emotional support from non‐work‐related individuals had a stronger relation to creativity for employees low on openness to experience than for those high on openness. Implications of these results for organizational research and practice are discussed.
Sarcoglycan Subcomplex Expression in Normal Human Smooth Muscle
Authors: Anastasi Giuseppe , Cutroneo Giuseppina , Sidoti Antonina , Rinaldi Carmen , Bruschetta Daniele , Rizzo Giuseppina , D'Angelo Rosalia , Tarone Guido , Amato Aldo , Favaloro Angelo
Published: April 2007

The sarcoglycan complex (SGC) is a multimember transmembrane complex interacting with other members of the dystrophin–glycoprotein complex (DGC) to provide a mechanosignaling connection from the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. The SGC consists of four proteins (α, β, γ, and δ). A fifth sarcoglycan subunit, ∊-sarcoglycan, shows a wider tissue distribution. Recently, a novel sarcoglycan, the ζ-sarcoglycan, has been identified. All reports about the structure of SGC showed a common assumption of a tetrameric arrangement of sarcoglycans. Addressing this issue, our immunofluorescence and molecular results showed, for the first time, that all sarcoglycans are always detectable in all observed samples. Therefore, one intriguing possibility is the existence of a pentameric or hexameric complex considering ζ-sarcoglycan of SGC, which could present a higher or lower expression of a single sarcoglycan in conformity with muscle type—skeletal, cardiac, or smooth—or also in conformity with the origin of smooth muscle. (J Histochem Cytochem 55:831–843, 2007)
Ontogeny of Intrinsic Innervation in the Human Thymus and Spleen
Authors: Anagnostou Valsamo K. , Doussis-Anagnostopoulou Ipatia , Tiniakos Dina G. , Karandrea Despina , Agapitos Emmanouil , Karakitsos Petros , Kittas Christos
Published: April 2007

The ontogeny of the innervation of human lymphoid organs has not been studied in detail. Our aim was to assess the nature and distribution of parenchymal nerves in human fetal thymus and spleen. We used the peroxidase immunohistochemical technique with antibodies specific to neuron-specific enolase (NSE), neurofilaments (NF), PGP9.5, S100 protein, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and evaluated our results with image analysis. In human fetal thymus, NSE-, NF-, S100-, PGP9.5-, and TH-positive nerves were identified associated with large blood vessels from 18 gestational weeks (gw) onwards, increasing in density during development. Their branches penetrated the septal areas at 20 gw, reaching the cortex and the corticomedullary junction between 20 and 23 gw. Few nerve fibers were seen in the medulla in close association with Hassall's corpuscles. In human fetal spleen, NSE-, NF-, S100-, PGP9.5-, and TH-positive nerve fibers were localized in the connective tissue surrounding the splenic artery at 18 gw. Perivascular NSE-, NF-, S100-, PGP9.5-, and TH-positive nerve fibers were seen extending into the white pulp, mainly in association with the central artery and its branches, increasing in density during gestation. Scattered NSE-, NF-, S100-, PGP9.5-, and TH-positive nerve fibers and endings were localized in the red pulp from 18 gw onward. The predominant perivascular distribution of most parenchymal nerves implies that thymic and splenic innervation may play an important functional role during intrauterine life. (J Histochem Cytochem 55: 813–820, 2007)
Immunohistochemical Expression of RARα, RARβ, and Cx43 in Breast Tumor Cell Lines After Treatment With Lycopene and Correlation With RT-QPCR
Authors: Chalabi Nasseéra , Delort Laetitia , Satih Samir , Déchelotte Pierre , Bignon Yves-Jean , Bernard-Gallon Dominique J.
Published: April 2007

Lycopene, the major carotenoid found in tomatoes, is a potent antioxidant associated with the prevention of degenerative diseases such as breast cancer. This effect could be due to the interaction between lycopene and retinoic acid receptors as well as the stimulation of gap junction communication and synthesis of connexin 43. The expression of the RARα, RARβ, and Cx43 proteins was analyzed using immunohistochemistry in two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, and in a fibrocystic dystrophy cell line, MCF-10a, after a 48-hr exposure to 10 μM lycopene. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis was then performed to measure mRNA expression. RARα and Cx43 expression were increased at both mRNA and protein levels in two breast cell lines.
Selective Dysfunction of Hippocampal CA1 Astrocytes Contributes to Delayed Neuronal Damage after Transient Forebrain Ischemia
Authors: Ouyang Yi-Bing , Voloboueva Ludmila A. , Xu Li-Jun , Giffard Rona G.
Published: April 2007

Transient global ischemia, as with cardiac arrest, causes loss of CA1 hippocampal neurons 2–4 d later, whereas nearby dentate gyrus (DG) neurons are relatively resistant. Whether differential astrocyte vulnerability in ischemic injury contributes to CA1 neuronal death is uncertain. Here, we find that CA1 astrocytes are more sensitive to ischemia than DG astrocytes. In rats subjected to transient forebrain ischemia, CA1 astrocytes lose glutamate transport activity and immunoreactivity for GFAP, S100β, and glutamate transporter GLT-1 within a few hours of reperfusion, but without astrocyte cell death. Oxidative stress may contribute to the observed selective CA1 changes, because CA1 astrocytes show early increases in mitochondrial free radicals and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Similar changes were not observed in DG astrocytes. Upregulation of GLT-1 expression in astrocytes with ceftriaxone protected CA1 neurons from forebrain ischemia. We suggest that greater oxidative stress and loss of GLT-1 function selectively in CA1 astrocytes is central to the well known delayed death of CA1 neurons.
How Do Primates Anticipate Uncertain Future Events?
Authors: de Hemptinne Coralie , Nozaradan Sylvie , Duvivier Quentin , Lefèvre Philippe , Missal Marcus
Published: April 2007

The timing of an upcoming event depends on two factors: its temporal position, proximal or distal with respect to the present moment, and the unavoidable stochastic variability around this temporal position. We searched for a general mechanism that could describe how these two factors influence the anticipation of an upcoming event in an oculomotor task. Monkeys were trained to pursue a moving target with their eyes. During a delay period inserted before target motion onset, anticipatory pursuit responses were frequently observed. We found that anticipatory movements were altered by the temporal position of the target. Increasing the timing uncertainty associated with the stimulus resulted in an increase in the width of the latency distribution of anticipatory pursuit. These results show that monkeys relied on an estimation of the changing probability of target motion onset as time elapsed during the delay to decide when to initiate an anticipatory smooth eye movement.
Vagal Regulation of Respiratory Clocks in Mice
Authors: Bando Hideki , Nishio Takeshi , van der Horst Gijsbertus T. J. , Masubuchi Satoru , Hisa Yasuo , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: April 2007

The present study addresses the role of the circadian system in day–night changes of respiratory functions in the mouse. In all airway tissues investigated (i.e., larynx, trachea, bronchus, and lung), we observed clear rhythmic expression of thePer1,Per2,Bmal1, andClockcore oscillator genes (the latter two genes oscillating in antiphase with thePergenes), as well as the clock-regulatedDbpgene. Oscillations were abolished in arrhythmicCry1−/−Cry2−/−knock-out mice and after lesioning of the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in wild-type animals. These findings indicate that respiratory system cells contain a functional peripheral oscillator that is controlled by the SCN. Furthermore, we found that the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor genesChm2,Chm3, andChm4are expressed in a circadian manner, and that mucin secretion (rather than synthesis) by the airway submucosal glands is under circadian control. Signals from the SCN are mainly transmitted by the vagal nerve because unilateral vagotomy completely abolished rhythms in mucin and PER2 protein levels in the (operated) ipsilateral side of the submucosal glands, but not in the (intact) contralateral side. Thus, peripheral clock mediated circadian expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor proteins, and parasympathetic signaling between SCN and respiratory tissues are essential gears in conferring circadian “time” information to airway glands.
AKAP12 Regulates Human Blood–Retinal Barrier Formation by Downregulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α
Authors: Choi Yoon Kyung , Kim Jeong Hun , Kim Woo Jean , Lee Hae Young , Park Jeong Ae , Lee Sae-Won , Yoon Dae-Kwan , Kim Hyun Ho , Chung Hum , Yu Young Suk , Kim Kyu-Won
Published: April 2007

Many diseases of the eye such as retinoblastoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity are associated with blood–retinal barrier (BRB) dysfunction. Identifying the factors that contribute to BRB formation during human eye development and maintenance could provide insights into such diseases. Here we show that A-kinase anchor protein 12 (AKAP12) induces BRB formation by increasing angiopoietin-1 and decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in astrocytes. We reveal that AKAP12 downregulates the level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein by enhancing the interaction of HIF-1α with pVHL (von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein) and PHD2 (prolyl hydroxylase 2). Conditioned media from AKAP12-overexpressing astrocytes induced barriergenesis by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins in human retina microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). Compared with the retina during BRB maturation, AKAP12 expression in retinoblastoma patient tissue was markedly reduced whereas that of VEGF was increased. These findings suggest that AKAP12 may induce BRB formation through antiangiogenesis and barriergenesis in the developing human eye and that defects in this mechanism can lead to a loss of tight junction proteins and contribute to the development of retinal pathologies such as retinoblastoma.
Persistent Inequalities in Funding for Rural Schooling in Contemporary China
Authors: Guo Gang
Published: April 2007

Decentralization in post-Mao China has widened regional gaps in the provision of basic education. Reforms since 1994 have not reversed that trend. More recently, the government started centralized spending projects on rural education, which have significantly narrowed the urban-rural gap in education spending since 2001. However, interprovincial disparities remain large and growing.
India and Bangladesh: Will the Twain Ever Meet?
Authors: Pant Harsh V.
Published: April 2007

The interests of India and Bangladesh have been diverging for some years now, bringing the two countries to what is probably the nadir of their bilateral relations. This article examines the factors shaping these relations and argues that a host of structural and domestic political variables are pulling India and Bangladesh in opposite directions. This deterioration in ties can have important consequences for the two states, South Asia, and the international community at large.
China's Perceptions of U.S. Intentions toward Taiwan: How Hostile a Hegemon?
Authors: Kennedy Andrew Bingham
Published: April 2007

While few Chinese observers currently suspect that Washington seeks formal Taiwanese independence, a sizable majority believes the United States is striving to preserve Taiwan's de facto separation to check China's rise. This view is both unduly pessimistic and destabilizing. Accordingly, Washington should work to correct it.
“Brand Buddha” in India's West Bengal: The Left Reinvents Itself
Authors: Basu Partha Pratim
Published: April 2007

The reincarnation of the ruling Left Front through the selective assimilation of elements of capitalism under Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee largely accounted for the party's victory in the 2006 state assembly elections in West Bengal. This article argues that “Brand Buddha” represents elements of both continuity and change and that the Left Front may find it hard to retain its disparate and evolving base in the future.
Freedom on the March? Bush's Democracy Doctrine for the Muslim World
Authors: Davis Nancy J. , Robinson Robert V.
Published: April 2007

George W. Bush promotes democratizing the Muslim world as key to his “war on terror,” but does this mesh with his administration's support of dictatorships in Muslim countries? Would truly democratic governments in these countries support his policy objectives?
Old Love: Johannes Brahms, Clara Schumann, and the Poetics of Musical Memory
Authors: BERRY PAUL
Published: April 2007

In September 1871, Johannes Brahms presented Clara Schumann with an untitled work in F# minor for solo piano, which he later revised and published as the Capriccio, op. 76/1. Surviving correspondence demonstrates Clara's intimate familiarity with the work throughout the 1870s. In May 1876, two years before releasing manuscripts of the Capriccio among his wider circle, Brahms composed the song Alte Liebe (Old Love) to a poem by Carl Candidus; he immediately sent an autograph to the baritone Julius Stockhausen, along with instructions to sing it to Clara, whom he proclaimed the best person to hear it. Examination of the music against the backdrop of its origins and the circumstances of its initial performance reveals that Brahms deliberately incorporated echoes of the Capriccio into Alte Liebe and points to ways in which those echoes might have influenced Clara's understanding of the song and its text. A broad array of music-analytic and documentary evidence (including the newly rediscovered autograph of Alte Liebe) permits detailed investigation of the interpretive perspective that Brahms's compositional choices encouraged from a listener with Clara's unique musical memories and manner of interacting with chamber music. Imaginatively reconstructing her encounter with Alte Liebe yields fresh insights into Brahms's compositional practice in the private genres of song and small-scale chamber music, a rich new historical context in which to ground the study of allusion in his works, and a rare opportunity to explore the musical and personal dynamics of his closest friendship.
Assessing Microbial Communities for a Metabolic Profile Similar to Activated Sludge
Authors: Paixão S. M. , Sàágua M. C. , Tenreiro R. , Anselmo A. M.
Published: April 2007

To search for reliable testing inocula alternatives to activated sludge cultures, several model microbial consortia were compared with activated sludge populations for their functional diversity. The evaluation of the metabolic potential of these mixed inocula was performed using the Biolog EcoPlates and GN and GP MicroPlates (Biolog, Inc., Hayward, California). The community‐level physiological profiles (CLPPs) obtained for model communities and activated sludge samples were analyzed by principal component analysis and hierarchic clustering methods, to evaluate the ability of Biolog plates to distinguish among the different microbial communities. The effect of different inocula preparation methodologies on the community structure was also studied. The CLPPs obtained with EcoPlates and GN MicroPlates showed that EcoPlates are suitable to screen communities with a metabolic profile similar to activated sludge. New, well‐defined, standardized, and safe inocula presenting the same metabolic community profile as activated sludge were selected and can be tested as surrogate cultures in activated‐sludge‐based bioassays.
Evaluation of the Operating Performance of Conventional versus Flocculator Secondary Clarifiers at the Kuwahee Wastewater Treatment Plant, Knoxville, Tennessee
Authors: Moreno Patricio A. , Reed Gregory D.
Published: April 2007

The difference in performance of three differently designed circular secondary clarifiers in the same wastewater treatment plant was analyzed in this paper. Data obtained using flocculated suspended solids and disperse suspended solids tests were analyzed using statistical tools. The conventional clarifier showed more variability in the average effluent suspended solids concentration when compared with the flocculator‐clarifiers. Furthermore, a difference in performance among the two different flocculator‐clarifiers was found.
Application of a Pathogenicity Marker Found in Escherichia coli for the Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality
Authors: Keeling Suzanne , Moutafis George , Hayman Bernadette , Coloe Peter
Published: April 2007

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method was developed to differentiate between pathogenic and nonpathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). A pathogenicity marker, linked to the deletion of the ygfB gene, was identified in 80% of the clinical E. coli isolates tested. This marker, combined with the malic acid dehydrogenase gene, formed the duplex PCR that was subsequently used to screen E. coli isolates recovered from two secondary wastewater treatment plants (STPs) and a river site. All waters samples are used to irrigate dairy farm pasture in the West Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. Results from three consecutive months of sampling (December 2001 and January and February 2002) indicated that Longwarry STP showed 8, 8, and 0% pathogenic E. coli; Pakenham STP showed 0, 12.5, and 33%; and the Bunyip river site showed 20, 12, and 25% respectively.
Ammonia Removal from Facultative Pond Effluents in a Constructed Wetland and an Aerated Rock Filter: Performance Comparison in Winter and Summer
Authors: Johnson Michelle L. , Mara D. Duncan
Published: April 2007

The effluent from a facultative pond loaded at 80 kg BOD ha−1 day−1 was treated in a subsurface horizontal‐flow aerated rock filter (RF) and a subsurface horizontal‐flow constructed wetland (CW) planted with Typha latifolia. Over a 12‐month monitoring period BOD and TSS removals were higher, and effluent ammonia concentrations lower, in the RF than in the CW (>75% vs. 25−75%, and 3.6 mg N L−1 vs. 6 mg N L−1, respectively). However, the ammonia concentration was lower in the CW effluent than in the aerated RF effluent during mid‐July to mid‐September (1.1 mg N L−1 vs. 2.2 mg N L−1), but in winter it was higher than the influent concentration. Overall the performance of the aerated RF was better and more consistent than that of the CW.
Factors Cultivating Sustainable Online Communities for K-12 Teacher Professional Development
Authors: Hur Jung Won , Hara Noriko
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study is to discover factors related to fostering a sustainable online community for K-12 teachers. This study was conducted through the investigation of an online teacher community called INDISCHOOL in Korea. Data were gathered through in-depth telephone interviews with INDISCHOOL members, the examination of archived postings on the Web-boards, and participant observations. Twelve factors, including eight support factors and four hindrance factors, were identified as results of this study. These factors were categorized into three subgroups: internal, external, and outcome factors. Findings from this study revealed that internal factors, such as having a sense of ownership and autonomy and acknowledging the value of participation, played a significant role in the growth of INDISCHOOL. It was also noted that the value of teachers' participation was related to their belief that active involvement in INDISCHOOL improves student learning. These teachers also reported that INDISCHOOL participation is a valuable part of their professional development.
Past Research in Instructional Technology: Results of a Content Analysis of Empirical Studies Published in Three Prominent Instructional Technology Journals From the Year 2000 Through 2004
Authors: Hew Khe Foon , Kale Ugur , Kim Nari
Published: April 2007

This article reviews and categorizes empirical studies related to instructional technology that were published in three prominent journals: Educational Technology Research and Development, Instructional Science, and the Journal of Educational Computing Research from the year 2000 through 2004. Four questions guided this review: 1) What instructional technology research topics have been conducted? How do these topics fluctuate over the five years? 2) What types of research methods have been applied? How do these research methods fluctuate over the five years? 3) What data collection methods are prevalent in instructional technology research? How do these data collection methods fluctuate over the five years? and 4) In what settings have instructional technology research been conducted? How do these settings fluctuate over the five years? Based on these findings, we discuss current research trends and possible implications for which future research in instructional technology research can take.
Feature Masking in Computer Game Promotes Visual Imagery
Authors: Smith Glenn Gordon , Morey Jim , Tjoe Edwin
Published: April 2007

Can learning of mental imagery skills for visualizing shapes be accelerated with feature masking? Chemistry, physics fine arts, military tactics, and laparoscopic surgery often depend on mentally visualizing shapes in their absence. Does working with ‘spatial feature-masks’ (skeletal shapes, missing key identifying portions) encourage people to use visualization strategies? This experimental study tested that hypothesis using an online computer game involving rotating and stamping a 3D cube on a 2D pattern. According to a chi-squared test, people who trained with 3D feature-masks reported using significantly more visual imagery strategies on a related visualization posttest. Spatial feature-masks provide a new building block for instructional designers to address educational outcomes involving visual imagery of shapes.
Ozone toxicity symptoms among flight attendants
Authors: Reed Dwayne , Glaser Sally , Kaldor John
Published: April 2007

Because of persistent complaints of ozone‐toxicity type symptoms among crew members of commercial airlines, we undertook a survey to determine the extent of the problem and the associated flight factors. Self‐reported questionnaires and flight diaries were completed by 1,330 flight attendants, (FAs) working for three different airlines. Ozone‐toxicity type symptoms were reported three or four times more frequently by FAs with airlines flying at high altitudes than by those with low‐flying airlines. When examined by characteristics of flights, the ozone‐toxicity type symptoms were significantly associated with flight altitude, duration and type of aircraft, but not with years worked, sex, medical history, or home residence. Other symptoms indicative of fatigue or stress were mainly associated with flight duration. While these indirect data cannot implicate ozone specifically, they offer evidence that ozone‐related health problems do exist among a large proportion of FAs.
Spirometric “abnormality” in a normal male reference population: Further analysis of the 1971 oregon survey
Authors: Miller Albert , Thornton John C. , Smith Harry , Morris James F.
Published: April 2007

Conventional criteria for spirometric impairment (FVC and FEV1 ⩽ 79% predicted, FEF25‐75 ⩽ 74% predicted, FEV1/FVC ⩽ 0.69 for most ages) were applied to 507 healthy nonsmoking male subjects in the 1971 Oregon survey. Frequency of air flow impairment was higher than expected for a normal population. Of all subjects, 17.8% had an “abnormal” FEF25‐75% and 19.7% an “abnormal” FEV1/FVC. “Decreased” lung volumes were seen in older subjects; of those over 55 years of age, 8.8% had a reduced FVC and 11.8% a reduced FEV1. These rates in a normal population may be used as a rough baseline for making inferences about a population under study. Similar rates were found in a cross‐sectional survey of nonsmoking males representative of the population of a large industrial state.

The major reason for these high rates of “abnormal” spirometry lies in the conventional definitions of abnormality. Tables showing cut‐off points for abnormal spirometric values based on a 95% confidence interval for adult males of all ages and heights permit an alternative method for classification as abnormal.
Low‐level arsenic exposure in wood processing plants
Authors: Rosenberg Michael J. , Landrigan Philip J. , Crowley Stephen
Published: April 2007

In October 1978, seven construction workers building a pier in Monterey, California, developed symptoms consistent with arsenic intoxication and had elevated urinary levels of arsenic. The wood used for the pier had been pressure‐treated with an arsenic preservative. To evaluate the potential acute medical hazards of preserving wood with arsenic, we evaluated employees at three California plants where arsenic preservatives are mixed and applied to wood. Histories, physical examinations, and urine specimens for arsenic analysis were collected from 44 workers exposed to arsenic and from 37 controls in three woodworking plants where arsenic is not used. A comparison of the groups failed to show any significant differences in history or physical examination. Adjustment for age, length of employment, and smoking histories did not alter the pattern. Urinary arsenic concentration was found to increase with increased exposure. These results do not imply absence of chronic or delayed toxicity, nor do they preclude the presence of a more subtle toxicity such as nerve conduction deficits. The data indicate existence of an arsenic exposure hazard in wood processing.
Brain cancer in petrochemical workers: A case series report
Authors: Alexander Victor , Leffingwell Sanford S. , Lloyd J. William , Waxweiler Richard J. , Miller Richard L.
Published: April 2007

Eighteen primary brain cancer deaths among male workers at one Texas petrochemical plant from 1965–1980 are reported. Federal officials from OSHA and NIOSH are performing with company cooperation an historical prospective cohort mortality study, a case‐control study, and neuropathological case confirmation. Average age at death was 53 (range 30–66). Median employment was 21 years and median latency was 24 years. 15/18 tumors were glioblastoma multiforme, an unusual histologic distribution. A preliminary estimate reveals a plant‐wide excess brain cancer risk twice expected among 6,800 white males at the plant since 1941. Brain cancer mortality rates in surrounding counties are in the median range for US counties from 1950–1969. Ten recognized or suspected carcinogens are present in quantities > 106 lbs/yr. To date no common chemical exposures or work assignments have been identified among the cases. Data on 26 experimental brain carcinogens and relevant epidemiological studies are provided.
Pregnancy abnormalities among personnel at a virological laboratory
Authors: Axelsson Gösta , Jeansson Stig , Rylander Ragnar , Unander Margareta
Published: April 2007

Observations on an increased spontaneous abortion rate initiated a study among personnel working at a laboratory for diagnostic virology. Personnel at a bacteriological laboratory and at another virological laboratory served as controls. Seventy‐seven female employees at the laboratory for virology were interviewed, as well as 91 at the bacteriology laboratory and 45 women at another virological laboratory.

A significantly increased perinatal death rate was found among the virology personnel, with no apparent clustering over the time period studied. A higher serum titer against common viruses was found among employees actively working with patient sera. A model experiment demonstrated the risk for aerosolization of serum samples during processing. No evidence of a relationship between chemical work environment factors and the increased perinatal death rate was found.

It is concluded that the factor in the working environment most closely related to the increased perinatal death rate was exposure to viral aerosols.
Occupational lead exposure, nephropathy, and renal cancer
Authors: Baker Edward L. , Goyer Robert A. , Fowler Bruce A. , Khettry Urmila , Bernard David B. , Adler Stephen , White Ralph Devere , Babayan Richard , Feldman Robert G.
Published: April 2007

A 48‐year‐old lead worker was found to have a cystic renal carcinoma during an evaluation of his occupational lead poisoning. Clinical studies showed elevated blood lead levels, impaired urinary concentrating ability, and reduced creatinine clearance. Histologic and electron microscopic studies showed this cystic tumor to be similar to renal carcinomas observed in animals with prolonged lead exposure. Lead content of the tumor was elevated (2.49 μg/gm) in comparison with adjacent renal tissue and with normal adult levels. In light of previous animal studies, this case adds increased evidence to the concern over the carcinogenic potential of prolonged lead exposure.
Asbestosis in the industries of the barcelona area
Authors: Segarra Francis , Monte M. Baselga , Ibañez P. Lopez , Gonzalez A. Gutierrez , Nicolas J. Perez
Published: April 2007

This presentation is the result of the survey of eight industries with asbestosis risk in the Barcelona area (two of fibro‐cement, three of auto brakes, two of textiles, and one of insulation materials). Of 1,472 workers, 271 or 18.5% have asbestosis. Pleural involvement in asbestosis is twice as common as that of the lung, 15.7% versus 8.5%. Pulmonary asbestosis without pleural participation is seen in only 2.6% of cases. Pleural plaques, calcified and not calcified, are detected in only a few cases. There is a definite correlation between the incidence of asbestosis and the exposure time: from 1% in the group of workers with less than five years of exposure up to 64.58% for those with 30 or more years of exposure. Clinical symptoms (cough, and/or expectoration, and/or dyspnea) were present in 68% of the studied population. Pulmonary crepitations are the most significant physical sign detected, observed in one quarter to one third of the patients.

Pulmonary function tests in asbestos workers revealed restrictive and mixed type syndromes in 17% of the cases and obstructive syndrome in 36%. The percentages for those workers without asbestosis are 9% and 16%, respectively. It seems, therefore, that a bronchial factor plays a role in asbestosis. The bronchial pathology would be manifested clinically by the appearance or the exaggeration of the chronic bronchitis symptoms, and physiologically by the presence of the obstructive syndrome.

There is no doubt that smoking enhances the incidence of asbestosis, aggravates the respiratory symptoms in those affected, and is a cause of further deterioration of pulmonary function.
Pattern and model makers, proportionate mortality 1972–1978
Authors: Robinson Cynthia , Waxweiler Richard J. , McCammon Charles S.
Published: April 2007

A proportionate mortality study of deceased white male workers in the pattern and model making trades was conducted. Death certificates were obtained for 1257 death benefit‐eligible members of the Pattern Makers' League of North America who had died in the years 1972‐1978, and age‐adjusted proportionate mortality was calculated using 1975 United States white male death rates. For the entire nationwide union, statistically significant excess proportions of deaths were observed due to colon cancer (proportionate mortality ratio, PMR = 167) and to brain tumors (PMR = 211). A statistically significant excess proportion of deaths due to colon cancer (PMR = 163) and to leukemia (PMR = 200) were observed among the members of the predominantly wood shop locals.

Nonsignificant excess proportions of cancer deaths occurred at a number of other anatomical sites. Predominant occupational exposures included wood and plastic dusts and epoxy resins in wood shops and cutting oil mists and solvent vapors in the metal shops. These results suggest the need for better work practices in this industry while more definitive studies are completed.
Lead exposure in stained glass workers
Authors: Landrigan Philip J. , Tamblyn Peter B. , Nelson Mark , Kerndt Peter , Kronoveter Kenneth J. , Zack Matthew M.
Published: April 2007

To evaluate lead exposure in stained glass workers, we measured blood lead levels in 12 professional glass workers, in 5 hobbyists, and in 4 workers' family members. Professional workers lead levels (mean 20.7 μg/dl) were higher than hobbyists' (11.6 μg/dl) (P = 0.02) or family members' (11.3 μg/dl). Levels increased with years worked, hours worked per week, and percentage of work involving lead. The mean lead concentration in settled dust samples from a stained glass workshop was 11,000 parts per million. Stained glass workers are at increased risk of lead exposure.