bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting power of tests for multiple binary outcomes
Authors: Mascha Edward J. , Imrey Peter B.
Published: September 2010

Frequently in clinical studies a primary outcome is formulated from a vector of binary events. Several methods exist to assess treatment effects on multiple correlated binary outcomes, including comparing groups on the occurrence of at least one among the outcomes (‘collapsed composite’), on the count of outcomes observed per subject, on individual outcomes adjusting for multiplicity, or with multivariate tests postulating either common or distinct effects across outcomes. We focus on a 1‐df distinct effects test in which the estimated outcome‐specific treatment effects from a GEE model are simply averaged, and compare it with other methods on clinical and statistical grounds.

Using a flexible method to simulate multivariate binary data, we show that the relative efficiencies of the assessed tests depend in a complex way on the magnitudes and variabilities of component incidences and treatment effects, as well as correlations among component events. While other tests are easily ‘driven’ by high‐frequency components, the average effect GEE test is not, since it averages the log odds ratios unweighted by the component frequencies. Thus, the average effect test is relatively more powerful than other tests when lower frequency components have stronger associations with a treatment or other predictor, but less powerful when higher frequency components are more strongly associated. In studies when relative effects are at least as important as absolute effects, or when lower frequency components are clinically most important, this test may be preferred. Two clinical trials are discussed and analyzed, and recommendations for practice are made. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Best combination of multiple diagnostic tests for screening purposes
Authors: Qin Jing , Zhang Biao
Published: September 2010

In a medical diagnostic testing problem, multiple diagnostic tests are often available in distinguishing between diseased and nondiseased subjects. Different diagnostic tests are usually sensitive to different aspects of the disease. A desirable approach is to combine multiple diagnostic tests so as to obtain an optimal composite diagnostic test with higher sensitivity and specificity that detects the presence of the disease more accurately. To accomplish this, it has been observed via signal detection theory developed in the 1950s and 1960s, that the optimal combination of different diagnostic variables (i.e. the diagnostic test results) is determined by the likelihood ratio function for the diseased and nondiseased groups. The conventional approach is to fit parametric models for the diseased and nondiseased groups separately and then to use the fitted likelihood ratio function for the best combination of test results. However, this approach is not so robust if the underlying distribution functions are misspecified. Since the optimal combination depends only on the likelihood ratio function, it would be more appropriate to model this function directly. A two‐sample semiparametric inference technique is applied to the model for the likelihood ratio function. We consider the best combination of multiple diagnostic tests, and study semiparametric likelihood estimation of the optimal receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve. We present a bootstrap procedure along with some results on simulation and on analysis of two real data sets. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of a Pillared Graphene Nanostructure: A Counterpart of Three‐Dimensional Carbon Architectures
Authors: Paul Rajat Kanti , Ghazinejad Maziar , Penchev Miroslav , Lin Jian , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz Sinan
Published: September 2010

Graphene is a single sheet of carbon atoms with outstanding electrical and physical properties and is being exploited for applications in electronics, sensors, photovoltaics, and energy storage. A novel 3D architecture called a pillared graphene nanostructure (PGN) is a combination of two allotropes of carbon, including graphene and carbon nanotubes. A one‐step chemical vapor deposition process for large‐area PGN fabrication via a combination of surface catalysis and in situ vapor–liquid–solid mechanisms is described. A process by which PGN layers can be transferred onto arbitrary substrates while keeping the 3D architecture intact is also described. Single and multilayer stacked PGNs are envisioned for future ultralarge and tunable surface‐area applications in hydrogen storage and supercapacitors.
Effect of Pb toxicity on the growth and physiology of two ecotypes of Elsholtzia argyi and its alleviation by Zn
Authors: Islam Ejazul , Liu Dan , Li Tingqiang , Yang Xiaoe , Jin Xiaofen , Khan Muhammad Athar , Mahmood Qaisar , Hayat Yousaf , Imtiaz Muhammad
Published: September 2010

Hydroponics experiments were conducted to underpin the nature of interactions between Zn, an essential micronutrient and Pb, a nonessential element on plant growth and root morphology, as well as antioxidant adaptation in mined ecotype (ME) and nonmined ecotype (NME) of Elsholtzia argyi. Plants were exposed to 50 μM Pb having normal Zn (0.5 μM), and two other treatments of the same Pb with low (0.05 μM) and high (20 μM) Zn, respectively for 12 days. Application of Pb with normal Zn caused adverse effects on the overall growth and antioxidant capacity of both ecotypes, however; effects were more pronounced in NME. The addition of high Zn along with Pb improved the growth and antioxidant capacity of both the ecotypes, while low Zn failed to show significant changes in NME plants; however slightly aggravated the Pb toxicity in the plants of ME. Zinc antagonized Pb concentrations in root and stem of both ecotypes and leaf of ME, while no significant differences were noted in Pb concentrations of NME leaf. It is suggested that in E. argyi, mechanisms of Pb and Zn uptake and translocation as well as their interactions within the plant cell may be different for both ecotypes and need to be further investigated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Second language acquisition
Authors: Juffs Alan
Published: September 2010

Second language acquisition (SLA) is a field that investigates child and adult SLA from a variety of theoretical perspectives. This article provides a survey of some key areas of concern including formal generative theory and emergentist theory in the areas of morpho‐syntax and phonology. The review details the theoretical stance of the two different approaches to the nature of language: generative linguistics and general cognitive approaches. Some results of key acquisition studies from the two theoretical frameworks are discussed. From a generative perspective, constraints on wh‐movement, feature geometry and syllable structure, and morphological development are highlighted. From a general cognitive point of view, the emergence of tense and aspect marking from a prototype account of inherent lexical aspect is reviewed. Reference is made to general cognitive learning theories and to sociocultural theory. The article also reviews individual differences research, specifically debate on the critical period in adult language acquisition, motivation, and memory. Finally, the article discusses the relationship between SLA research and second language pedagogy. Suggestions for further reading from recent handbooks on SLA are provided. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 277–286 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.106

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language Acquisition
Embodiment in early development
Authors: Needham Amy , Libertus Klaus
Published: September 2010

‘Embodiment’ has come to represent the many ways in which the body influences the functioning of the brain and cognitive processing. This article on embodiment and early development reviews several examples of studies demonstrating embodiment in cognitive tasks. Our overall message is that what the body does during cognitive processing influences cognition in important ways. This might be especially true during early development, before actions are automatized.WIREs Cogn Sci2011 2 117–123 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.109

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Development and Aging
Vision in the natural world
Authors: Hayhoe Mary M. , Rothkopf Constantin A.
Published: September 2010

Historically, the study of visual perception has followed a reductionist strategy, with the goal of understanding complex visually guided behavior by separate analysis of its elemental components. Recent developments in monitoring behavior, such as measurement of eye movements in unconstrained observers, have allowed investigation of the use of vision in the natural world. This has led to a variety of insights that would be difficult to achieve in more constrained experimental contexts. In general, it shifts the focus of vision away from the properties of the stimulus toward a consideration of the behavioral goals of the observer. It appears that behavioral goals are a critical factor in controlling the acquisition of visual information from the world. This insight has been accompanied by a growing understanding of the importance of reward in modulating the underlying neural mechanisms and by theoretical developments using reinforcement learning models of complex behavior. These developments provide us with the tools to understanding how tasks are represented in the brain, and how they control acquisition of information through use of gaze. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 158–166 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.113

This article is categorized under:

Computer Science > Computer Vision
Revisiting an old friend: manganese‐based MRI contrast agents
Authors: Pan Dipanjan , Caruthers Shelton D. , Senpan Angana , Schmieder Ann H. , Wickline Samuel A. , Lanza Gregory M.
Published: September 2010

Non‐invasive cellular and molecular imaging techniques are emerging as a multidisciplinary field that offers promise in understanding the components, processes, dynamics and therapies of disease at a molecular level. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an attractive technique due to the absence of radiation and high spatial resolution which makes it advantageous over techniques involving radioisotopes. Typically paramagnetic and superparamagnetic metals are used as contrast materials for MR based techniques. Gadolinium has been the predominant paramagnetic contrast metal until the discovery and association of the metal with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in some patients with severe renal or kidney disease. Manganese was one of the earliest reported examples of paramagnetic contrast material for MRI because of its efficient positive contrast enhancement. In this review manganese based contrast agent approaches will be presented with a particular emphasis on nanoparticulate agents. We have discussed both classically used small molecule based blood pool contrast agents and recently developed innovative nanoparticle‐based strategies highlighting a number of successful molecular imaging examples. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 162–173 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.116

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Nanotechnology and HIV: potential applications for treatment and prevention
Authors: Kim Peter S. , Read Sarah W.
Published: September 2010

HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic and is the leading infectious cause of death among adults. Although antiretroviral (ARV) therapy has dramatically improved the quality of life and increased the life expectancy of those infected with HIV, life‐long suppressive treatment is required and a cure for HIV infection remains elusive; frequency of dosing and drug toxicity as well as the development of viral resistance pose additional limitations. Furthermore, preventative measures such as a vaccine or microbicide are urgently needed to curb the rate of new infections. The capabilities inherent to nanotechnology hold much potential for impact in the field of HIV treatment and prevention. This article reviews the potential for the multidisciplinary field of nanotechnology to advance the fields of HIV treatment and prevention. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 693–702

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Salts with the 1,3‐Dibutyl‐2,4,5‐trimethyl‐imidazolium Cation: (DBTMIm)X (X = Br, PF6) and (DBTMIm)2[MBr4] (M = Co, Ni)
Authors: Peppel Tim , Köckerling Martin
Published: September 2010

The alkylation of 2,4,5‐trimethyl‐1H‐imidazole with 1‐bromobutane gives 1,3‐dibutyl‐2,4,5‐trimethyl‐imidazolium bromide, (DBTMIm)Br (1), from which the hexafluoridophosphate, (DBTMIm)[PF6] (2), the tetrabromidocobaltate(II), (DBTMIm)2[CoBr4] (3), and the tetrabromidonickelate(II), (DBTMIm)2[NiBr4] (4) were obtained as pure salts by ion exchange, or addition reactions, respectively. Properties of these four salts with the completely alkylated imidazolium cation were investigated with respect to question of their use as Ionic Liquids or Molten Salts. The IR, UV/Vis, and NMR spectra were recorded. Thermal data were derived from DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) measurements. The structures of compounds 2, 3, and 4 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (no. 15), a = 15.531(1), b = 8.4749(8), c = 28.181(3) Å, β = 103.681(2)°, Z = 8, R1(F)/wR2(F2) = 0.0594/0.1592; Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural with orthorhombic symmetry, space group Pbcn (no. 60), Z = 4; 3: a = 14.6782(5), b = 15.0768(6), c = 16.1524(6) Å, R1(F)/wR2(F2) = 0.0267/0.0620; 4: a = 14.6931(9), b = 15.139(1), c = 16.1508(9) Å, R1(F)/wR2(F2) = 0.0296/0.0657. The three structurally characterized salts contain isolated complex anions and DBTMIm cations. 3 and 4 are paramagnetic with effective magnetic moments slightly above those expected for the corresponding spin‐only systems.
New Ionic Liquid Compounds Based on Tantalum Pentachloride TaCl5: Synthesis, Structural, and Spectroscopic Elucidation of the (μ‐Oxido)‐Chloridotantalates(V) [BMPy][TaCl6], [BMPy]4[(TaCl6)2(Ta2OCl10)], and [EMIm]2[Ta2OCl10]
Authors: Xie Tao , Brockner Wolfgang , Gjikaj Mimoza
Published: September 2010

1‐Butyl‐4‐methylpyridinium hexachloridotantalate(V), [BMPy][TaCl6] (1), tetrakis(1‐butyl‐4‐methylpyridinium) bis(hexachloridotantalate(V) (μ‐oxido)‐decachloridotantalate(V), [BMPy]4[(TaCl6)2(Ta2OCl10)] (2), and bis(1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium)‐(μ‐oxido)‐decachloridoditantalate(V), [EMIm]2[Ta2OCl10] (3) were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy. Compounds 1 and 3 crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c (no. 14), whereas compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P$\bar{1}$ (no. 2). All compounds are built up by the mentioned bulky organic cations and octahedral [TaCl6]– respective linear [Ta2OCl10]2– anions. Coulomb interactions are dominant between the ionic species. FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra were recorded and interpreted, especially with respect to the inorganic species [TaCl6]– (Oh) and [Ta2OCl10]2– (Ci symmetry, approximately D4h). The melting temperatures of compounds 1–3 are given.
Naturschutzgroßvorhaben als Impuls für den Strukturwandel und eine aktive Landschaftspolitik in urbanen und postindustriellen Räumen
Authors: Hartz Andrea , Kühne Olaf
Published: September 2010

This contribution examines the large-scale nature conservation project “Landscape of Industrial Culture North” in the German federal state of Saarland, and its conceptual foundations. A starting point for the project is the idea of understanding nature and landscape less as a physical object, but rather in a constitutive sense as a social construct that places physical objects in mutual aesthetic relationships. Different paradigms of dealing with nature and landscape shall be identified and recognized as perspectives for societal debates concerning the reorientation of this traditionally industrial and urbanized region. This challenges traditional conservation-oriented nature protection concepts as well as regional development and spatial planning approaches, which have so far in agglomerations mainly pursued a logic of growth. The very first large-scale nature conservation project to be realized in an urban, industrial space can reveal new ways of implementing a pro-active landscape policy focused on discussion, exchange of ideas and participation and sustainable ecological, social and economic processes.
Lokale Kultur und die Neuerfindung der Hafenstadt
Authors: Warsewa Günter
Published: September 2010

During the course of transformation of social and economic structures the typical port-city in the western, industrialized world underwent serious changes or deviations of its traditional development path. Nevertheless the changing patterns of local structures and the modernisation of the local institutional system reflect essential elements and expressions of a typical local culture. In this process the specific local culture of the port-city turns out to be a control mechanism as well as an efficient resource extrapolating the individual logic of the place. Consequently, the re-invention of the port-city does not only express a simple logic of adaptation to global dynamics. Instead, the re-invention of the port-city appears as an expression of a certain autonomy and “individuality” which reproduces common characteristics of the port-cities as well as their difference to the territorial, inland towns.
Nerve growth factor, birth outcome and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Kilari Anitha , Mehendale Savita , Pisal Hemlata , Panchanadikar Tushar , Kale Anvita , Joshi Sadhana
Published: September 2010

The present study compares nerve growth factor (NGF) levels between preeclamptic (PE) (n = 86) and normotensive (NT) women (n = 105) and their associations with blood pressure and infant size. Maternal plasma NGF levels were reduced (p < 0.05) in the PE group as compared to the NT group. Furthermore, NGF levels were reduced in PE mothers delivering low birth weight babies (LBW) as compared to NT mothers delivering LBW babies. Maternal NGF levels were negatively (p = 0.029) associated with blood pressure in preeclamptic mothers. Cord NGF levels were negatively associated (p = 0.026) with birth weight in the normotensive group.

NGF levels are differently regulated in preeclamptic and normotensive mothers delivering LBW babies. Future studies need to investigate mechanisms underlying this pathophysiology and follow‐up of these babies to better understand the role of NGF in brain development in later life.
An Inexpensive Simple-to-Use Inverted Fluorescence Microscope: A New Tool for Cellular Analysis
Authors: Kahle Jennifer , Levin Robert , Niles Walter , Rasnow Brian , Schehlein Mel , Shumate Chris
Published: September 2010

Advances in laboratory instrumentation often increase the complexity, size, and cost of the device. The resulting complexity and cost, however, then reduce the accessibility of the device to many laboratories. We examine ways to use technological advances to simplify the design of laboratory devices, retaining the essential components that yield sufficient capabilities for routine uses. Inverted fluorescence microscopes, for example, have evolved into large complex instruments with exquisite imaging capability and are loaded with features requiring trained users and costing tens of thousands of dollars. This has limited their potential ubiquity within laboratories. For simple fluorescence microscopy applications, a much smaller and less expensive device with far fewer features would minimize the issues encountered with traditional inverted fluorescence microscopes. Advances in inexpensive complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor sensor technology have allowed its consideration as an alternative to the expensive charge-coupled device cameras currently used. Based on these advances, we have developed a compact, single-color, single-magnification device with a retail price an order of magnitude lower than current benchtop fluorescence microscopes. This device makes routine fluorescence microscopy applications immediately accessible to individual researchers and less well-funded laboratories. Tasks such as determining the presence of cells, their health, confluence, and fluorescent labeling or protein expression are compatible with such a simplified version. The low cost, small size, and ease of use of this device allows fluorescence microscopy to become more accessible for point-of-care medicine and at many points in the research process.
Current Clinical and Pharmaceutical Applications of Microarrays: From Disease Biomarkers Discovery to Automated Diagnostics
Authors: Lagraulet Adriana
Published: September 2010

Microarrays used for measuring chromosomal aberrations in genomic DNA and for defining gene expression patterns have become almost routine. A microarray consists of an arrayed series of microscopic spots each containing either DNA or protein molecules known as feature reporters. Advances in microarray fabrication and in feature detection systems, such as high-resolution scanners and their associated software, lead to high-throughput screening of the genome or the transcriptome of a cell or a group of cells in only few days. Despite the potential of high-density microarrays, several problems about data interpretation are still to be solved. In addition, targeted microarrays are shown to be useful tools for rapid and accurate diagnosis of diseases. The aim of this review was to discuss the impact of microarrays on different application levels from the definition of disease biomarkers to pharmaceutical and clinical diagnostics.
Elemental composition of suspended particles from the surface waters of Lake Baikal in the zone affected by the Selenga River
Authors: Chebykin E.P. , Goldberg E.L. , Kulikova N.S.
Published: September 2010

The elemental composition of suspended particles in surface waters of Lake Baikal has been studied by ICP MS along a transect of the zone affected by the Selenga River. The amount of terrigenous suspension in water was estimated from Al content, which decreases in a saltatory manner along the transect: 6.5–8.3 km offshore it decreases by an order of magnitude; 11–14 km offshore, by other 20 times; in the pelagic zone it remains almost unchanged. During the study period (late June 2001), the distribution limit of suspension from the Selenga River in the lake’s surface waters lays 11–14 km offshore.

It has been found that pelagic suspension is more than 20 times richer in Ca, P, Zn, Cu, Ni, Sn, Mo, Bi, S, and Cd than littoral one (6.5 km offshore) in the zone affected by the Selenga River. This is mainly due to fine suspension (<1.2 μm), which was considerably richer in Ca, P, Zn, Cu, Ni, Sn, Mo, Sb, and Cd than coarser ones in the river.

Fine suspension in Lake Baikal, both in the zone affected by the river and in the pelagic zone, is considerably (2–35 times) richer in most elements, except for typical terrigenous ones, than river one. This suggests that element enrichment takes place in the lake, probably owing to bioaccumulation and chemisorption. These processes may be affected by additional factors, because fine suspension from the zone affected by the river differs significantly from pelagic one in elemental composition.
A quadrupole system for induction soundings
Authors: Chistoserdov B.M.
Published: September 2010

It is shown that vertical focusing of the normal magnetic field can be performed using a quadrupole induction system. The frequency dependence of apparent resistivity calculated from the real part of the measured magnetic field allows effective detection of anomalously conducting objects, even in the cases where the investigated object is overlapped by a thick layer with high electrical conductivity.
Re-Constituting Phenomenology: Continuity in Levinas’s Account of Time and Ethics
Authors: Deroo Neal
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT : At the heart of Levinas’ work is an account of subjectivity that is premised on his account of temporality. In this regard, Levinas is like many other phenomenologists. However, in order to understand Levinas in this manner, we must first reconceive what Levinas means by ‘ethics’, so we can see the fundamental continuity in his accounts of subjectivity and temporality. By understanding the continuities, not just within but also between, Levinas’ ethical subject and his futural temporality, we are able to reconceive of the scope and method of phenomenology, so as to adequately assess Levinas’ influence in that discipline.
Fathers, Sons, and the Dorian Mode in theLaches
Authors: Crystal Ian
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT : This paper explores two interconnected themes that reoccur throughout theLaches:reworking the role of the father and the harmony of one’s words with their actions, the Dorian mode. These two themes, in addition to the discussion of courage, will turn out to be directly relevant to the nurturing of the souls of the sons. The question then arises whether any of the interlocutors present are adequate father figures who might be able to nurture the souls of the boys in a manner that is adequate. Judging by the conclusion of the dialogue, the only possible candidate is Socrates.
Universal aspects of small-scale motions in turbulence
Authors: ELSINGA G. E. , MARUSIC I.
Published: September 2010

Two aspects of small-scale turbulence are currently regarded universal, as they have been reported for a wide variety of turbulent flows. Firstly, the vorticity vector has been found to display a preferential alignment with the eigenvector corresponding to the intermediate eigenvalue of the strain rate tensor; and secondly, the joint probability density function (p.d.f.) of the second and third invariant of the velocity gradient tensor,QandR, has a characteristic teardrop shape. This paper provides an explanation for these universal aspects in terms of a spatial organization of coherent structures, which is based on an evaluation of the average flow pattern in the local coordinate system defined by the eigenvectors of the strain rate tensor. The approach contrasts with previous investigations, which have relied on assumed model flows. The present average flow patterns have been calculated for existing experimental (particle image velocimetry) or numerical (direct numerical simulation) datasets of a turbulent boundary layer (TBL), a turbulent channel flow and for homogeneous isotropic turbulence. All results show a shear-layer structure consisting of aligned vortical motions, separating two larger-scale regions of relatively uniform flow. Because the directions of maximum and minimum strain in a shear layer are in the plane normal to the vorticity vector, this vector aligns with the remaining strain direction, i.e. the intermediate eigenvector of the strain rate tensor. Further, theQRjoint p.d.f. for these average flow patterns reveals a shape reminiscent of the teardrop, as seen in many turbulent flows. The above-mentioned organization of the small-scale motions is not only found in the average patterns, but is also frequently observed in the instantaneous velocity fields of the different turbulent flows. It may, therefore, be considered relevant and universal.
Food security: increasing yield and improving resource use efficiency
Authors: Parry Martin A. J. , Hawkesford Malcolm J.
Published: September 2010

Food production and security will be a major issue for supplying an increasing world population. The problem will almost certainly be exacerbated by climate change. There is a projected need to double food production by 2050. In recent times, the trend has been for incremental modest yield increases for most crops. There is an urgent need to develop integrated and sustainable approaches that will significantly increase both production per unit land area and the resource use efficiency of crops. This review considers some key processes involved in plant growth and development with some examples of ways in which molecular technology, plant breeding and genetics may increase the yield and resource use efficiency of wheat. The successful application of biotechnology to breeding is essential to provide the major increases in production required. However, each crop and each specific agricultural situation presents specific requirements and targets for optimisation. Some increases in production will come about as new varieties are developed which are able to produce satisfactory crops on marginal land presently not considered appropriate for arable crops. Other new varieties will be developed to increase both yield and resource use efficiency on the best land.
Risk–benefit analysis of mineral intakes: case studies on copper and iron
Authors: Fairweather-Tait Susan J. , Harvey Linda J. , Collings Rachel
Published: September 2010

Dietary reference values for essential trace elements are designed to meet requirements with minimal risk of deficiency and toxicity. Risk–benefit analysis requires data on habitual dietary intakes, an estimate of variation and effects of deficiency and excess on health. For some nutrients, the range between the upper and lower limits may be extremely narrow and even overlap, which creates difficulties when setting safety margins. A new approach for estimating optimal intakes, taking into account several health biomarkers, has been developed and applied to selenium, but at present there are insufficient data to extend this technique to other micronutrients. The existing methods for deriving reference values for Cu and Fe are described. For Cu, there are no sensitive biomarkers of status or health relating to marginal deficiency or toxicity, despite the well-characterised genetic disorders of Menkes and Wilson's disease which, if untreated, lead to lethal deficiency and overload, respectively. For Fe, the wide variation in bioavailability confounds the relationship between intake and status and complicates risk–benefit analysis. As with Cu, health effects associated with deficiency or toxicity are not easy to quantify, therefore status is the most accessible variable for risk–benefit analysis. Serum ferritin reflects Fe stores but is affected by infection/inflammation, and therefore additional biomarkers are generally employed to measure and assess Fe status. Characterising the relationship between health and dietary intake is problematic for both these trace elements due to the confounding effects of bioavailability, inadequate biomarkers of status and a lack of sensitive and specific biomarkers for health outcomes.
Increased risk of schizophrenia following traumatic brain injury: a 5-year follow-up study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yi-Hua , Chiu Wen-Ta , Chu Shu-Fen , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: September 2010

Background

Whether traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an independent risk factor for the subsequent development of schizophrenia has evoked considerable controversy. No evidence has been previously reported from Asia. This study estimated the risk of schizophrenia during a 5-year period following hospital admission for TBI relative to a comparison group of non-TBI patients during the same period in Taiwan.

Method

Two datasets were linked: the Traumatic Brain Injury Registry and the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Dataset. A total of 3495 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of TBI from 2001 to 2002 were included, together with 17 475 non-TBI patients as the comparison group, matched on sex, age, and year of TBI hospitalization. Each individual was followed for 5 years to identify any later diagnosis of schizophrenia. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed for analysis.

Results

During the 5-year follow-up period, patients who had suffered TBI were independently associated with a 1.99-fold (95% confidence interval 1.28–3.08) increased risk of subsequent schizophrenia, after adjusting for monthly income and residential geographical location. The severity and type of TBI was not associated with the subsequent development of schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Our findings add important evidence from Asia and suggest a potential link between TBI and schizophrenia. Our study suggests that clinicians and family members should be alert to possible neuropsychiatric conditions following TBI.
Decision making in euthymic bipolar I and bipolar II disorders
Authors: Martino D. J. , Strejilevich S. A. , Torralva T. , Manes F.
Published: September 2010

Background

The main aim of this study was to compare a large population of patients with bipolar disorder (BD) types I and II strictly defined as euthymic with healthy controls on measures of decision making. An additional aim was to compare performance on a decision-making task between patients with and without a history of suicide attempt.

Method

Eighty-five euthymic patients with BD-I or BD-II and 34 healthy controls were included. All subjects completed tests to assess verbal memory, attention and executive functions, and a decision-making paradigm (the Iowa Gambling Task, IGT).

Results

Both groups of patients had worse performance than healthy controls on measures of verbal memory, attention and executive function. No significant differences were found between BD-I, BD-II and healthy controls on measures of decision making. By contrast, patients with a history of suicide attempt had lower performance in the IGT than patients without a history of suicide attempt.

Conclusions

Patients with euthymic BD-I and BD-II had intact decision-making abilities, suggesting that this does not represent a reliable trait marker of the disorder. In addition, our results provide further evidence of an association between impairments in decision making and vulnerability to suicidal behavior.
What kinds of things are psychiatric disorders?
Authors: Kendler K. S. , Zachar P. , Craver C.
Published: September 2010

This essay explores four answers to the question ‘What kinds of things are psychiatric disorders?’Essentialist kindsare classes whose members share an essence from which their defining features arise. Although elegant and appropriate for some physical (e.g. atomic elements) and medical (e.g. Mendelian disorders) phenomena, this model is inappropriate for psychiatric disorders, which are multi-factorial and ‘fuzzy’.Socially constructed kindsare classes whose members are defined by the cultural context in which they arise. This model excludes the importance of shared physiological mechanisms by which the same disorder could be identified across different cultures. Advocates ofpractical kindsput off metaphysical questions about ‘reality’ and focus on defining classes that are useful. Practical kinds models for psychiatric disorders, implicit in the DSM nosologies, do not require that diagnoses be grounded in shared causal processes. If psychiatry seeks to tie disorders to etiology and underlying mechanisms, a model first proposed for biological species,mechanistic property cluster(MPC)kinds, can provide a useful framework. MPC kinds are defined not in terms of essences but in terms of complex, mutually reinforcing networks of causal mechanisms. We argue that psychiatric disorders are objectively grounded features of the causal structure of the mind/brain. MPC kinds are fuzzy sets defined by mechanisms at multiple levels that act and interact to produce the key features of the kind. Like species, psychiatric disorders are populations with central paradigmatic and more marginal members. The MPC view is the best current answer to ‘What kinds of things are psychiatric disorders?’
An improved multipurpose field robot for installing construction materials
Authors: Lee Seungyeol , Yu Seungnam , Yu Seokjong , Han Changsoo
Published: September 2010

Recently, there has been a lot of interest concerning remote-controlled robot manipulation in hazardous environments including construction sites, national defense areas, and disaster areas. However, there are problems involving the method of remote control in unstructured work environments such as construction sites. In a previous study, to address these problems, a multipurpose field robot (MFR) system was described. Though the case studies on construction, to which “MFR for installing construction materials” was applied, however, we found some factors to be improved. In this paper, we introduce a prototype of improved multipurpose field robot (IMFR) for construction work. This prototype robot helps a human operator easily install construction materials in remote sites through an upgraded additional module. This module consists of a force feedback joystick and a monitoring device. The human–robot interaction and bilateral communication for strategic control is also described. To evaluate the proposed IMFR, the installation of construction materials was simulated. We simulated the process of installing construction materials, in this case a glass panel. The IMFR was expected to do more accurate work, safely, at construction sites as well as at environmentally hazardous areas that are difficult for humans to approach.
Editorial
Authors: BURNARD PAMELA , SPRUCE GARY
Published: September 2010

Two themes emerge from the articles in this issue. First and foremost is that of the centrality of the learner and the importance of the development of learner agency in any music education context that seeks to lay claims to inclusivity and diversity. The second is the most effective pedagogical approaches to supporting the development of composing.
Problems with school music in Finland
Authors: Anttila Mikko
Published: September 2010

Almost every Finnish child and adolescent takes an interest in music in some form. However, many young people feel dissatisfaction with what music education institutions provide and fail to find them motivating. According to the results of a series of empirical studies, school music education can have a negative effect on many pupils and undermine their musical self-esteem. At the music education institutions where this research was undertaken, music was narrowly defined and there was an absence of contemporary music cultures. Forms of music making were limited and active music listening absent from lessons. Assessment too was a problem with many pupils feeling that the evaluation of their work lacked legitimacy and fairness.
Learning and teaching through talk: music composing in the classroom with children aged six to seven years
Authors: Major Angela E. , Cottle Michelle
Published: September 2010

We know that pupil talk is an integral part of the learning process. Previous research has not viewedaffectiveengagement in a music composing task as a vehicle for developing higher order discourse skills. The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of teacher questioning in encouraging quality dialogue with children during music composing. This paper reports on an empirical study investigating dialogue with young children during an imaginative music composing task. Pairs of children aged 6 and 7 years were audio recorded as they talked to each other and the researcher about the task. The dialogues between the researcher and the pupils highlight the importance of teacher questioning in encouraging young children to engage in evaluative talk and problem solving, through discussion and musical experimentation. Significantly, the findings suggest that young children are able to reflect on the learning process through meta-cognitive thinking. The findings highlight the significance of the role of the teacher in scaffolding and encouraging children's thinking and learning through dialogue, and the importance of talk and evaluation as a part of reflective music composing activities.
A REVERSIBLE ERLANG LOSS SYSTEM WITH MULTITYPE CUSTOMERS AND MULTITYPE SERVERS
Authors: Adan Ivo , Hurkens Cor , Weiss Gideon
Published: September 2010

We consider a memoryless Erlang loss system with servers= {1, …,J}, and with customer types= {1, …,I}. Servers are multitype, so that serverjcan serve a subset of customer typesC(j). We show that the probabilities of assigning arriving customers to idle servers can be chosen in such a way that the Markov process describing the system is reversible, with a simple product form stationary distribution. Furthermore, the system is insensitive; these properties are preserved for general service time distributions.
Introduction: The Nordic languages and second language acquisition theory
Authors: Bohnacker Ute , Westergaard Marit
Published: September 2010

The theme of this special issue of the Nordic Journal of Linguistics was intended to solicit contributions on Nordic languages being acquired as non-native languages as well as work on Nordic-language native speakers learning a second language, not necessarily a Nordic one. We adopted a wide definition of the term ‘second language’ (L2), i.e. a non-native (second, third, etc.) language acquired in late childhood, adolescence or adulthood, in a naturalistic or an instructed setting.
THE EARLY HORIZON AT TRES ZAPOTES: IMPLICATIONS FOR OLMEC INTERACTION
Authors: Pool Christopher A. , Ceballos Ponciano Ortiz , del Carmen Rodríguez Martínez María , Loughlin Michael L.
Published: September 2010

Modeling Olmec participation in Early Horizon interaction networks requires better understanding of the relations of Gulf Olmec communities with one another as well as with contemporaries elsewhere in Mesoamerica. We compare pottery, figurines, and obsidian assemblages from a recently isolated Early Formative component at Tres Zapotes with contemporary assemblages from San Lorenzo and Macayal, both in the Coatzacoalcos basin. Our analysis indicates that village inhabitants at Tres Zapotes interacted with populations in eastern Olman but also forged their own economic and social ties with central Veracruz and the Mexican highlands. This evidence suggests a heterogeneous politico-economic landscape in which multiple polities of varying complexity participated in overlapping networks of interaction, alliance, and competition within and beyond Olman.
THE EARLY FORMATIVE PERIOD IN THE SOUTHERN ISTHMUS: EXCAVATIONS AT BARRIO TEPALCATE, IXTEPEC, OAXACA
Authors: González Liliana Carla Reyes , Winter Marcus
Published: September 2010

Barrio Tepalcate, on the Los Perros River just outside Ciudad Ixtepec, Oaxaca, 18 km upriver from Laguna Zope, is one of the few Early and Middle Formative period sites known in the southern Isthmus of Tehuantepec region. Our salvage excavation in 2005 showed that the village covered no more than four hectares. It was probably one of several villages along the river in a two-tiered settlement hierarchy centered on Laguna Zope. The presence of Early Formative period ceramics suggests that the inhabitants of Barrio Tepalcate participated in the Early Olmec style horizon, although the design motifs on their pottery are simpler than those from San Lorenzo 150 km to the north. We found little evidence of imported ceramics from San Lorenzo, which may be due to the small size of the sample and the site, or to differences in how San Lorenzo interacted with highland sites, such as Etlatongo and San José Mogote, and Isthmian sites, such as Barrio Tepalcate. The Early Formative inhabitants of the southern Isthmus were members of the Mixe-Zoque language family, and specifically Mixe speakers by the Late Formative.
OF BIRDS AND INSECTS: THE HUMMINGBIRD MYTH IN ANCIENT MESOAMERICA
Authors: Mazariegos Oswaldo Chinchilla
Published: September 2010

An important episode in Mesoamerican mythical narratives involves the abduction or impregnation of a tightly guarded maiden by a disguised god, against the will of her father or mother. This action precipitates major creational events that variously result in the origin of the sun, the moon, and human sustenance. Relying on a comparative analysis of versions recorded throughout Mesoamerica, this paper explores (a) representations of this episode in Maya art, where the suitor sometimes takes the shape of an insect; (b) the magical role of weaving and spinning, a recurrent theme in this mythical sequence; and (c) the relevance of Maya narratives for the interpretation of related passages in central Mexican mythology and ritual. Classic representations evidence the myth's antiquity, while its numerous versions pose methodological problems, addressed in this paper through the analysis of synonymies in narrative, art, and performance.
REUTILIZACIÓN DE MONUMENTOS OLMECAS EN TIEMPOS DEL CLÁSICO
Authors: de Guevara Sara Ladrón
Published: September 2010

La reutilización de esculturas es un proceso que ha ocurrido en diversas culturas alrededor del mundo. Eso puede obedecer a motivos económicos, rituales o simbólicos diversos. En este trabajo se demuestra la reutilización de esculturas no sólo como una práctica de la cultura olmeca, sino particularmente durante finales del período clásico en el sur de Veracruz y a partir de monumentos originalmente olmecas. Este fenómeno corresponde también a un crecimiento poblacional que ocurrió durante la fase Villa Alta del clásico terminal y postclásico temprano sobre sitios que habían florecido durante el preclásico. La modificación de los monumentos erigidos sobre los sitios permitía a los nuevos pobladores integrar nuevos mensajes y darles coherencia dentro de su sistema de creencias.
Saving the Soul of the Nation: Essentialist Nationalism and Interwar Rural Wales
Authors: GRIFFITH WIL
Published: September 2010

This article explores how the land and the agricultural community were made out to be central to the assertion of Welsh national identity between the world wars. Political Nationalism came out of a disillusion with Liberal national sentiment. Liberal nationalists had recognised the significance of the land in Wales and made secure a devolved administrative regime for agriculture, the Welsh Council of Agriculture, originally established before 1914. For the political Nationalists, however, this was far too little. They perceived a cultural and economic crisis which might be overcome only through complete self-government. That crisis originated historically in the annexation of Wales to England which had intruded an alien land system and destroyed a natural, patriarchal rural order; which had foisted an alien commercial, industrial system and had led to the Anglicisation of Welsh society. In its depressed state, inter-war Wales was subjected to a new and reactive form of politics, often influenced by European right wing ideas, which was anti-urban, anti-capitalist, anti-English and anti-modern, all of which had wider repercussions for the future of Welsh identity.
Roles, stacks, histories: A triple for Hoare
Authors: BORGSTRÖM JOHANNES , GORDON ANDREW D. , PUCELLA RICCARDO
Published: September 2010

Behavioral type and effect systems regulate properties such as adherence to object and communication protocols, dynamic security policies, avoidance of race conditions, and many others. Typically, each system is based on some specific syntax of constraints, and is checked with anad hocsolver. Instead, we advocate types refined with first-order logic formulas as a basis for behavioral type systems, and general purpose automated theorem provers as an effective means of checking programs. To illustrate this approach, we define a triple of security-related type systems: for role-based access control, for stack inspection, and for history-based access control. The three are all instances of a refined state monad. Our semantics allows a precise comparison of the similarities and differences of these mechanisms. In our examples, the benefit of behavioral type-checking is to rule out the possibility of unexpected security exceptions, a common problem with code-based access control.