bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy and protein needs of cats for maintenance, gestation and lactation
Authors: Wichert B. , Schade L. , Gebert S. , Bucher B. , Zottmaier B. , Wenk C. , Wanner M.
Published: June 2009

In the present investigation, data on the energy intakes and energy needs, as well as protein and fat accretion, of queens during pregnancy, during lactation and after lactation are given. Eleven adult cats were used as experimental animals. Data were collected during the fourth and seventh week of pregnancy, the second and sixth week of lactation and the second and sixth week after lactation. The cats were fed dry kitten food. During gestation and after lactation, all measurements were performed with respiration chambers. During lactation, balance trials without respiration chambers were performed. Body weight was measured and nitrogen, carbon and energy balances were calculated. From these, protein and fat accretion, as well as the metabolisable energy intake, was calculated. The weight gain during gestation was linearly independent of the number of kittens. During lactation, all cats lost weight; nevertheless, all cats except one were heavier 2 weeks after lactation than at mating. The energy intake of the cats during gestation was 1.8 times the maintenance requirement in the fourth week and two times maintenance requirement in the seventh week, and these energy intakes differed greatly among individuals. The energy intake of the cats during lactation was clearly higher than that recommended by National Research Council (NRC)1, whereas the recommended protein intake in the second week of lactation was met. As the calculated protein balance was negative, the NRC recommendation for protein intake seems to be too low. In comparison to previous data, the cats showed a higher energy intake during lactation (median 502 kJ/kgBW/d, second week lactation), and the weight loss was much lower. Further investigations on pregnant and lactating cats are necessary to complete the database.
Late Quaternary glaciation of the Tianshan, Central Asia, using cosmogenic 10Be surface exposure dating
Authors: Kong Ping , Fink David , Na Chunguang , Huang Feixin
Published: June 2009

Glacial deposits are present at the head of the Ürümqi River valley, Tianshan, Central Asia. 10Be surface exposure ages of 15 boulders from three sites along a 12 km valley transect range from 9 to 21 ka suggesting emplacement by glacial retreat and advance commencing at the global last glacial maximum (LGM) and most likely abating in the early Holocene. Although the age spread for a given locality is not small, perhaps indicating post-depositional reworking, maximum ages per site are either coeval with or are post-LGM and inconsistent with previous pre-LGM electron spin resonance ages.
SELF-SMALL ABELIAN GROUPS
Authors: ALBRECHT ULRICH , BREAZ SIMION , WICKLESS WILLIAM
Published: June 2009

This paper investigates self-small abelian groups of finite torsion-free rank. We obtain a new characterization of infinite self-small groups. In addition, self-small groups of torsion-free rank 1 and their finite direct sums are discussed.
TRANSITIVITY IN POINT-FREE TOPOLOGY
Authors: GOLZY MOJGAN
Published: June 2009

The main purpose of this paper is to develop a point-free notion of topological transitivity. First, we define transitive frame maps and transitive completely prime filters inFrm, the category of frames and frame maps. Then we discuss the relationship between these notions inFrmand the notions of topological transitive and transitive points inTop. Finally, we investigate the relationship between transitive frame maps and the existence of transitive completely prime filters.
FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL OPERATORS IN NONHOMOGENEOUS SPACES
Authors: GUNAWAN H. , SAWANO Y. , SIHWANINGRUM I.
Published: June 2009

We discuss here the boundedness of the fractional integral operatorIαand its generalized version on generalized nonhomogeneous Morrey spaces. To prove the boundedness ofIα, we employ the boundedness of the so-called maximal fractional integral operatorIa,κ*. In addition, we prove an Olsen-type inequality, which is analogous to that in the case of homogeneous type.
REILLY INEQUALITIES OF ELLIPTIC OPERATORS ON CLOSED SUBMANIFOLDS
Authors: WANG RUSHAN
Published: June 2009

Using generalized position vector fields we obtain new upper bound estimates of the first nonzero eigenvalue of a kind of elliptic operator on closed submanifolds isometrically immersed in Riemannian manifolds of bounded sectional curvature. Applying these Reilly inequalities we improve a series of recent upper bound estimates of the first nonzero eigenvalue of the Lr operator on closed hypersurfaces in space forms.
The impact of age on the postprandial vascular response to a fish oil-enriched meal
Authors: Jackson Kim G. , Armah Christopher K. , Doman Izzy , James Lewis , Cheghani Farah , Minihane Anne M.
Published: June 2009

Although chronic fish oil intervention had been shown to have a positive impact on vascular reactivity, very little is known about their acute effects during the postprandial phase. Our aim was to examine the impact of a fish oil-enriched test meal on postprandial vascular reactivity in healthy younger ( < 50 years) v. older ( ≥ 50 years) men. Vascular reactivity was measured at baseline (0 h), 2 and 4 h after the meal by laser Doppler iontophoresis and blood samples taken at 0 and 4 h for the measurement of plasma lipids, total nitrite, glucose and insulin. Acetylcholine- (ACh, endothelial-dependent vasodilator) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, endothelial-independent vasodilator)-induced reactivities were greater at 4 h than at baseline or 2 h in the younger men (P < 0·04). These changes were not observed in the older men. Comparison of the male groups revealed significantly greater responses to ACh (P = 0·006) and SNP (P = 0·05) at 4 h in the younger compared with the older males. Postprandial NEFA concentrations were also greater at 4 h in the younger compared with the older men (P = 0·005), with no differences observed for any of the other analytes. Multiple regression analysis revealed age to be the most significant predictor of both ACh and SNP induced reactivity 4 h after the meal. In conclusion, the ingestion of a meal enriched in fish oil fatty acids was shown to improve postprandial vascular reactivity at 4 h in our younger men, with little benefit evident in our older men.
Lactobacillus helveticusandBifidobacterium longumtaken in combination reduce the apoptosis propensity in the limbic system after myocardial infarction in a rat model
Authors: Girard Stéphanie-Anne , Bah Thierno Madjou , Kaloustian Sévan , Lada-Moldovan Laura , Rondeau Isabelle , Tompkins Thomas A. , Godbout Roger , Rousseau Guy
Published: June 2009

Myocardial infarction (MI) stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory substances that induce apoptosis in the limbic system. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are considered as the root cause of apoptosis, although the mechanism is not fully explained and/or understood at this time. In addition, depression may induce gastrointestinal perturbations that maintain the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It has been shown that some specific probiotic formulations may reduce gastrointestinal problems induced by stress and the pro/anti-inflammatory cytokine ratio. Therefore, we hypothesised that probiotics, when given prophylactically, may diminish the apoptosis propensity in the limbic system following a MI. Male adult Sprague–Dawley rats were given probiotics (Lactobacillus helveticusandBifidobacterium longumin combination) or placebo in their drinking-water for four consecutive weeks. A MI was then induced in the rats by occluding the left anterior coronary artery for 40 min. Rats were killed following a 72 h reperfusion period. Infarct size was not different in the two groups. Bax/Bcl-2 (pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic) ratio and caspase-3 (pro-apoptotic) activity were reduced in the amygdala (lateral and medial), as well as in the dentate gyrus in the probiotics group when compared with the placebo. Akt activity (anti-apoptotic) was increased in these same three regions. No significant difference was observed in Ca1 and Ca3 for the different markers measured. In conclusion, the probioticsL. helveticusandB. longum, given in combination as preventive therapy, reduced the predisposition of apoptosis found in different cerebral regions following a MI.
GENDER DIFFERENCE IN HEALTH AND ITS DETERMINANTS IN THE OLD-AGED POPULATION IN INDIA
Authors: DHAK BIPLAB
Published: June 2009

This paper examines the gender differential in health and its socioeconomic and demographic determinants in the old-age population of India based on the National Sample Survey 60th round data collected in 2004. As in developed countries, older women in India report poorer self-reported health and experience greater immobility compared with men. Stepwise logistic regression analysis shows that the gender differential in health is linked to various socioeconomic and demographic variables and that the gender gap could be narrowed with appropriate policy intervention. Specifically, paying special attention towards improving the socioeconomic status of widowed/separated women could attenuate a substantial portion of the observed gender gap in the health of the old-age population.
MATERNAL SMOKING AND ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION SYMPTOMS AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN IN NEPAL: MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS
Authors: DAHAL GOVINDA P. , JOHNSON FIIFI AMOAKO , PADMADAS SABU S.
Published: June 2009

The association between maternal smoking and adverse child health outcomes has not been systematically explored in less developed countries, especially in Nepal where over a quarter of women of reproductive age smoke tobacco products. This study aims to quantify the effect of maternal smoking on acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms among children aged below five years, using the 2001 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. It is hypothesized that children born to mothers who smoke frequently are at higher risk of developing ARI symptoms. Four-level random intercept logistic regression models were used to disentangle the independent effect of maternal smoking on children's ARI symptoms, controlling for potential biological, socioeconomic, seasonal and spatial variables. Maternal smoking status had a significant effect on children's ARI symptoms; the effects were significantly higher (adjusted OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.02–1.96) among those born to mothers who smoked more frequently than their counterparts. Furthermore, a strong spatial pattern was evident in the prevalence of ARI symptoms, after adjusting for maternal smoking and relevant control variables. The findings underscore the importance of designing exclusive public health intervention measures to prevent tobacco smoking within households, for example through awareness campaigns highlighting the adverse effect of maternal smoking on child health.
A Joint Framework for Consistently Pricing Interest Rates and Interest Rate Derivatives
Authors: Heidari Massoud , Wu Liuren
Published: June 2009

Dynamic term structure models explain the yield curve variation well but perform poorly in pricing and hedging interest rate options. Most existing option pricing practices take the yield curve as given, thus having little to say about the fair valuation of the underlying interest rates. This paper proposes an m + n model structure that bridges the gap in the literature by successfully pricing both interest rates and interest rate options. The first m factors capture the yield curve variation, whereas the latter n factors capture the interest rate options movements that cannot be effectively identified from the yield curve. We propose a sequential estimation procedure that identifies the m yield curve factors from the LIBOR and swap rates in the first step and the n options factors from interest rate caps in the second step. The three yield curve factors explain over 99% of the variation in the yield curve but account for less than 50% of the implied volatility variation for the caps. Incorporating three additional options factors improves the explained variation in implied volatilities to over 99%.
Does Prior Performance Affect a Mutual Fund’s Choice of Risk? Theory and Further Empirical Evidence
Authors: Chen Hsiu-lang , Pennacchi George G.
Published: June 2009

Recent empirical studies of mutual fund competition examine the relation between a fund’s performance, the fund manager’s compensation, and the fund manager’s choice of portfolio risk. This paper models a manager’s portfolio choice for compensation rules that can be either a concave, linear, or convex function of the fund’s performance relative to that of a benchmark. For particular compensation structures, a manager increases the fund’s “tracking error” volatility as its relative performance declines. However, declining performance does not necessarily lead the manager to raise the volatility of the fund’s return. The paper presents nonparametric and parametric tests of the relation between mutual fund performance and risk taking for more than 6,000 equity mutual funds over the 1962 to 2006 period. There is a tendency for mutual funds to increase the standard deviation of tracking errors, but not the standard deviation of returns, as their performance declines. This risk-shifting behavior appears more common for funds whose managers have longer tenures.
Commonality in Liquidity: A Global Perspective
Authors: Brockman Paul , Chung Dennis Y. , Pérignon Christophe
Published: June 2009

We conduct a comprehensive study of commonality in liquidity using intraday spread and depth data from 47 stock exchanges. We find that firm-level changes in liquidity are significantly influenced by exchange-level changes across most of the world’s stock exchanges. Emerging Asian exchanges have exceptionally strong commonality, while those of Latin America exhibit little if any commonality. After documenting the pervasive role of commonality within individual exchanges, we examine commonality across exchanges. We find evidence of a distinct, global component in bid-ask spreads and depths. Local (exchange-level) sources of commonality represent roughly 39% of the firm’s total commonality in liquidity, while global sources contribute an additional 19%. We also investigate potential sources of exchange-level and global commonality. We show that commonality is driven by both domestic and U.S. macroeconomic announcements.
Is There an Intertemporal Relation between Downside Risk and Expected Returns?
Authors: Bali Turan G. , Demirtas K. Ozgur , Levy Haim
Published: June 2009

This paper examines the intertemporal relation between downside risk and expected stock returns. Value at Risk (VaR), expected shortfall, and tail risk are used as measures of downside risk to determine the existence and significance of a risk-return tradeoff. We find a positive and significant relation between downside risk and the portfolio returns on NYSE/AMEX/Nasdaq stocks. VaR remains a superior measure of risk when compared with the traditional risk measures. These results are robust across different stock market indices, different measures of downside risk, loss probability levels, and after controlling for macroeconomic variables and volatility over different holding periods as originally proposed by Harrison and Zhang (1999).
A note on the trapped electron dust grain current
Authors: BERBRI ABDERREZAK , TRIBECHE MOULOUD
Published: June 2009

It is shown that when the non-isothermal trapped electron current is rederived based on the orbit-limited motion theory, the variable dust charge can be expressed in terms of the Lambert function. One can then take advantage of this new transcendental function to illustrate how variable-charge nonlinear trapped dust modes can be investigated semi-analytically.
Nutritional and other influences in childhood as predictors of adult obesity
Authors: Power Chris , Parsons Tessa
Published: June 2009

It has been proposed that there are critical periods during childhood that influence the development of obesity, including gestation and early infancy, the period of adiposity rebound that occurs between ages 5 and 7 years, and adolescence. Despite an extensive literature, there is to date only modest evidence for most of the factors such as nutrition, physical activity and other behavioural factors that are suspected as playing a role in the development of obesity. A recent review of this evidence (Parsons et al. 1999) showed, however, a consistent relationship between socio-economic status (SES) of origin and adult obesity, whereby those from lower SES backgrounds were fatter subsequently in adulthood. This association appeared to apply to both men and women, a finding that contrasts with the trends observed in cross-sectional studies, of an association with SES for women only. There are several potential explanations for the SES of origin–adult obesity relationship. SES of origin may be confounded by parental body size; studies to date provide insufficient evidence of an independent association with SES after allowing for parental body size. Alternatively, environment in early life (for which SES of origin is a proxy measure) may have a long-term impact on obesity later in adulthood, through one or more of several processes. Three major potential explanations can be identified: (1) nutrition in infancy and childhood, either over- or undernutrition, followed subsequently by overnutrition; (2) psychological factors, possibly involving emotional deprivation in childhood; (3) cultural or social norms regarding dietary restraint and attitudes to fatness that may be acquired during childhood.
The homoclinic and heteroclinic C*-algebras of a generalized one-dimensional solenoid
Authors: THOMSEN KLAUS
Published: June 2009

D. Ruelle and I. Putnam have constructed three C*-algebras from the homoclinic and heteroclinic structure of a Smale space. This paper gives gives a complete description of these algebras when the Smale space is one of the generalized one-dimensional solenoids studied by R. Williams and I. Yi.
The escaping set of the exponential
Authors: REMPE LASSE
Published: June 2009

We show that the set I(f) of points that converge to infinity under iteration of the exponential map f(z)=exp (z) is a connected subset of the complex plane.
Self-similar and self-affine sets: measure of the intersection of two copies
Authors: ELEKES MÁRTON , KELETI TAMÁS , MÁTHÉ ANDRÁS
Published: June 2009

LetK⊂ℝdbe a self-similar or self-affine set and letμbe a self-similar or self-affine measure on it. Let 𝒢 be the group of affine maps, similitudes, isometries or translations of ℝd. Under various assumptions (such as separation conditions, or the assumption that the transformations are small perturbations, or thatKis a so-called Sierpiński sponge) we prove theorems of the following types, which are closely related to each other.

•

(Non-stability)There exists a constantc<1 such that for everyg∈𝒢 we have eitherμ(K∩g(K))<c⋅μ(K) orK⊂g(K).

•

(Measure and topology)For everyg∈𝒢 we haveμ(K∩g(K))>0⟺∫K(K∩g(K))≠0̸ (where ∫Kis interior relative toK).

•

(Extension)The measureμhas a 𝒢-invariant extension to ℝd.

Moreover, in many situations we characterize thosegfor whichμ(K∩g(K))>0. We also obtain results about thosegfor whichg(K)⊂Korg(K)⊃K.
Measure of the Julia set of the Feigenbaum map with infinite criticality
Authors: LEVIN GENADI , ŚWIA̧TEK GRZEGORZ
Published: June 2009

We consider fixed points of the Feigenbaum (periodic-doubling) operator whose orders tend to infinity. It is known that the hyperbolic dimension of their Julia sets goes to 2. We prove that the Lebesgue measure of these Julia sets tend to zero. An important part of the proof consists in applying martingale theory to a stochastic process with non-integrable increments.
Experimental and theoretical investigations of mechanisms responsible for plasma jets formation at PALS
Authors: Kasperczuk A. , Pisarczyk T. , Demchenko N.N. , Gus'kov S.Yu. , Kalal M. , Ullschmied J. , Krousky E. , Masek K. , Pfeifer M. , Rohlena K. , Skala J. , Pisarczyk P.
Published: June 2009

Recent experimental results demonstrated that well formed plasma jets can be produced at laser interaction with targets made of materials with high atomic number (A ≥ 29 where A = 29 corresponds to Cu). On the contrary, it is impossible to launch a plasma jet on low-A material targets like plastic. This paper is aimed at explanation of this difference by considering mechanisms responsible for plasma jet formation, i.e., the radiative cooling of ablative plasma and the influence of target irradiation annular profile speculated hitherto, newly complemented by different expansion regimes of the Cu and plastic plasmas (provided by numerical simulations). The experiment was carried out with the PALS iodine laser. Two different planar massive targets, plastic and Cu, as well as the plastic target covered by thin Cu layers of various thicknesses were irradiated by the third harmonic laser beam of energy of 30 J, pulse duration of 250 ps (full width at half maximum), and the focal spot radius of 400 µm. To find the most suitable range of these layers (from 28 to 190 nm) a simple analytical model of laser-driven evaporation was developed. Three-frame laser interferometer and an X-ray streak camera were used as two main diagnostic tools. Numerical modeling was performed with the use of two-dimensional hydrodynamic code ATLANT-HE. Results provided from experiments and theoretical analyses have proved that the process of plasma jet formation is rather complex. Relative importance of the three mechanisms mentioned above depends on the target irradiation geometry as well as the target material used.
Ion acceleration by short high intensity laser pulse in small target sets
Authors: Andreev A. , Platonov K. , Kawata S.
Published: June 2009

Ion acceleration by short, high intensity laser pulses in sets of small targets is treated by an analytical model developed here, and by two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. When an intense short laser pulse illuminates a thin foil target at normal incidence, electrons in the target are accelerated by the ponderomotive force. At the rear surface of the foil they generate a strong electric field that accelerates the ions, and generates an ion beam of small divergence. Using a mass-limited small target like a droplet enhances the ion energy, but increases divergence at the same time. In this paper, a combination of several-micron targets in a periodic structure (for example, a droplet chain) is proposed in order to increase the conversion efficiency from the incident laser beam to the emergent protons. Improvement of the energy flux conversion efficiency from the laser to the ion beam at optimal conditions is demonstrated.
Environmental and ecological potential for enzootic cycles of Puumala hantavirus in Great Britain
Authors: BENNETT E. , CLEMENT J. , SANSOM P. , HALL I. , LEACH S. , MEDLOCK J. M.
Published: June 2009

Puumala virus (PUUV) is a zoonotic rodent-borne hantavirus in continental Europe. Its reservoir host, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), is ubiquitous in Great Britain (GB); however, there has been no reported incidence of virus in either animals or humans. In northwest Europe, increases in bank vole numbers, stimulated by increases in production of beech/oak crops (mast), are associated with outbreaks of nephropathia epidemica (NE) in humans. These so-called ‘mast years’ are determined by sequential climatic events. This paper investigates the contribution of a number of ecological and environmental factors driving outbreaks of PUUV in northwest Europe and assesses whether such factors might also permit enzootic PUUV circulation in GB. Analysis of GB climate data, using regression models, confirms that mast years in GB are stimulated, and can be predicted, by the same climatic events as mast years in PUUV-endemic regions of northwest Europe. A number of other possible non-climatic constraints on enzootic cycles are discussed.
National mortality rates from chronic liver disease and consumption of alcohol and pig meat
Authors: DALTON H. R. , BENDALL R. P. , PRITCHARD C. , HENLEY W. , MELZER D.
Published: June 2009

A correlation between national pig-meat consumption and mortality rates from chronic liver disease (CLD) across developed countries was reported in 1985. One possible mechanism explaining this may be hepatitis E infection spread via pig meat. We aimed to re-examine the original association in more recent international data. Regression models were used to estimate associations between national pig-meat consumption and CLD mortality, adjusting for confounders. Data on CLD mortality, alcohol consumption, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence for 18 developed countries (1990–2000) were obtained from WHO databases. Data on national pig-meat and beef consumption were obtained from the UN database. Univariate regression showed that alcohol and pig-meat consumption were associated with mortality from CLD, but beef consumption, HBV and HCV seroprevalence were not. A 1 litreper capitaincrease in alcohol consumption was associated with an increase in mortality from CLD in excess of 1·6 deaths/100 000 population. A 10 kg higher national annual averageper capitaconsumption of pork meat was associated with an increase in mortality from CLD of between 4 and 5 deaths/100 000 population. Multivariate regression showed that alcohol, pig-meat consumption and HBV seroprevalence were independently associated with mortality from CLD, but HCV seroprevalence was not. Pig-meat consumption remained independently associated with mortality from CLD in developed countries in the 1990–2000 period. Further work is needed to establish the mechanism.
Quinolone-resistant Salmonella Typhi in South Africa, 2003–2007
Authors: SMITH A. M. , GOVENDER N. , KEDDY K. H.
Published: June 2009

In South Africa, for the years 2003–2007, the Enteric Diseases Reference Unit received 510 human isolates of Salmonella Typhi, of which 27 were nalidixic acid-resistant [minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) 128–512 μg/ml] with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (MICs 0·125–0·5 μg/ml). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of 19 available isolates differentiated them into five DNA pattern types; multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis differentiated the isolates into 10 types. This level of genetic diversity suggested that resistant strains usually emerged independently of one another. A 16- to 32-fold decrease in nalidixic acid MIC and a 2- to 8-fold decrease in ciprofloxacin MIC, was observed in the presence of an efflux pump inhibitor. All isolates were negative by PCR screening for qnr genes. Seven resistant isolates were further analysed for mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region of gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE. No amino-acid mutations were identified in GyrB and ParE; all isolates showed amino-acid mutations in both GyrA and ParC. We conclude that amino-acid mutations in GyrA and ParC in combination with active efflux of antibiotic out of the bacterial cell are the probable mechanisms conferring quinolone resistance.
Feature-based generalisation as a source of gradient acceptability
Authors: Albright Adam
Published: June 2009

Phonological judgements are often gradient: blick>?bwick>*bnick>**bzick. The mechanisms behind gradient generalisation remain controversial, however. This paper tests the role of phonological features in helping speakers evaluate which novel combinations receive greater lexical support. A model is proposed in which the acceptability of a string is based on the most probable combination of natural classes that it instantiates. The model is tested on its ability to predict acceptability ratings of nonce words, and its predictions are compared against those of models that lack features or economise on feature specifications. The proposed model achieves the best balance of performance on attested and unattested sequences, and is a significant predictor of acceptability even after the other models are factored out. The feature-based model's predictions do not completely subsume those of simpler models, however. This may indicate multiple levels of evaluation, involving segment-based phonotactic probability and feature-based gradient phonological grammaticality.
Greek wh-questions and the phonology of intonation
Authors: Arvaniti Amalia , Ladd D. Robert
Published: June 2009

The intonation of Greek wh-questions consists of a rise-fall followed by a low plateau and a final rise. Using acoustic data, we show (i) that the exact contour shape depends on the length of the question, and (ii) that the position of the first peak and the low plateau depends on the position of the stressed syllables, and shows predictable adjustments in alignment, depending on the proximity of adjacent tonal targets. Models that specify the F0 of all syllables, or models that specify F0 by superposing contour shapes for shorter and longer domains, cannot account for such fine-grained lawful variation except by using ad hoc tonal specifications, which, in turn, do not allow for phonological generalisations about contours applying to utterances of greatly different lengths. In contrast, our findings follow easily from an autosegmental-metrical approach to intonational phonology, according to which melodies may contain long F0 stretches derived by interpolation between specified targets associated with metrically strong syllables and prosodic boundaries.
Listeners' knowledge of phonological universals: evidence from nasal clusters
Authors: Berent Iris , Lennertz Tracy , Smolensky Paul , Vaknin-Nusbaum Vered
Published: June 2009

Optimality Theory explains typological markedness implications by proposing that all speakers possess universal constraints penalising marked structures, irrespective of the evidence provided by their language (Prince & Smolensky 2004). The account of phonological perception sketched here entails that markedness constraints reveal their presence by inducing perceptual ‘repairs’ to structures ungrammatical in the hearer's language. As onset clusters of falling sonority are typologically marked relative to those of rising sonority (Greenberg 1978), we examine English speakers' perception of nasal-initial clusters, which are lacking in English. We find greater accuracy for rising-sonority clusters, evidencing knowledge of markedness constraints favouring such onset clusters. The misperception of sonority falls cannot be accounted for by stimulus artefacts (the materials are perceived accurately by speakers of Russian, a language allowing nasal-initial clusters) nor by phonetic failure (English speakers misperceive falls even with printed materials) nor by putative relations of such onsets to the statistics of the English lexicon.
Linking speech errors and phonological grammars: insights from Harmonic Grammar networks
Authors: Goldrick Matthew , Daland Robert
Published: June 2009

Phonological grammars characterise distinctions between relatively well-formed (unmarked) and relatively ill-formed (marked) phonological structures. We review evidence that markedness influences speech-error probabilities. Specifically, although errors result in unmarked as well as marked structures, there is a markedness asymmetry: errors are more likely to produce unmarked outcomes. We show that stochastic disruption to the computational mechanisms realising a Harmonic Grammar (HG) can account for the broad empirical patterns of speech errors. We demonstrate that our proposal can account for the general markedness asymmetry. We also develop methods for linking particular HG proposals to speech-error distributions, and illustrate these methods using a simple HG and a set of initial consonant errors in English.
Syllabification in Moroccan Arabic: evidence from patterns of temporal stability in articulation
Authors: Shaw Jason , Gafos Adamantios I. , Hoole Philip , Zeroual Chakir
Published: June 2009

Competing proposals on the syllabification of initial consonants in Moroccan Arabic are evaluated using a combination of experimental and modelling techniques. The proposed model interprets an input syllable structure as a set of articulatory landmarks coordinated in time. This enables the simulation of temporal patterns associated with the input syllable structure under different noise conditions. Patterns of stability between landmarks simulated by the model are matched to patterns in data collected with Electromagnetic Articulometry experiments. The results implicate a heterosyllabic parse of initial clusters so that strings like /sbu/ comprise two syllables, [s.bu]. Beyond this specific result for Moroccan Arabic, the model reveals the range of validity of certain stability-based indexes of syllable structure and generates predictions that allow evaluation of a syllabic parse even when stability-based heuristics break down. Overall, the paper provides support for the broad hypothesis that syllable structure is reflected in patterns of temporal stability and contributes analytical tools to evaluate competing theories on the basis of these patterns.
Reassessment of ice mass balance at Horseshoe Valley, Antarctica
Authors: Wendt Anja , Casassa Gino , Rivera Andres , Wendt Jens
Published: June 2009

Horseshoe Valley (80°18′S, 81°22′W) is a 30 km wide glaciated valley at the south-eastern end of Ellsworth Mountains draining into the Hercules inlet, Ronne Ice Shelf. The ice at Horseshoe Valley has been considered stable; now we use Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements obtained between 1996 and 2006 to investigate ice elevation change and mass balance. Comparison of surface heights on a profile across Horseshoe Valley reveals a slight but significant elevation increase of 0.04 m a-1 ± 0.002 m a-1. The blue ice area of Patriot Hills (∼13 km2) at the mount of Horseshoe Valley shows large interannual variability in area, with a maximum extent in 1997, an exceptionally warm summer, but no clear multi-year trend, and an elevation increase of 0.05 m a-1 in eight years, which agrees with the result from Horseshoe Valley.
Large-seeded spices are less dependent on light for germination than small-seeded ones
Authors: Milberg P. , Andersson L. , Thompson K.
Published: June 2009

Germination in light and darkness was compared after cold stratification of seeds of 54 species known or suspected to accumulate persistent seed banks. Germination became less dependent on light with increasing seed mass. This pattern was clear in a direct correlation of individual species data (P<0.0001) as well as when considering phylogenetically independent contrasts (P<0.001). The latter analysis suggests that light response and seed mass coevolved.
Incessant pericardial effusion in a 9 year old male responding to infliximab
Authors: Walsh Rowan F. , Chowdhury Devyani
Published: June 2009

Recurrent idiopathic pericardial effusion can be a challenging medical problem. Multiple medical interventions may yield minimal improvement. We describe a patient with an incessant pericardial effusion that responded to infliximab. The use of infliximab should be considered in the management of recurrent pericardial effusions resistant to other treatment modalities.
Treatment of Monozygotic Twins with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Using Cognitive Therapy and Exposure with Ritual Prevention
Authors: Twohig Michael P. , Whittal Maureen L. , Peterson Katherine A.
Published: June 2009

Background: Assessment and treatment of cohabiting monozygotic (MZ) twins with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a possible challenge for clinical psychologists. Aims: This study aims to present a detailed history of two sets of cohabiting MZ twins with OCD, and describe the adaption of cognitive behavior therapy in their treatments. Method: Two sets of cohabiting MZ twins completed a structured intake and the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale as well as measures of depression, anxiety, a measure of obsessive beliefs, and thought action fusion. One set received cognitive behavior therapy and exposure with ritual prevention (ERP) simultaneously and the other received ERP separately. Pre-, post-treatment and follow-up assessments occurred for both sets of twins. Results: All four individuals showed notable decreases in OCD, and results were maintained for three of the four participants at follow-up points. Conclusions: This study highlights the developmental course of OCD that can occur in cohabiting twins, and the clinical adaption that may be necessary.
Understanding Interactive Systems
Authors: Drummond Jon
Published: June 2009

This article examines differing approaches to the definition, classification and modelling of interactive music systems, drawing together both historical and contemporary practice. Concepts of shared control, collaboration and conversation metaphors, mapping, gestural control, system responsiveness and separation of interface from sound generator are discussed. The article explores the potential of interactive systems to facilitate the creation of dynamic compositional sonic architectures through performance and improvisation.
Towards Unified Design Guidelines for New Interfaces for Musical Expression
Authors: Paine Garth
Published: June 2009

The use of a laptop computer for musical performance has become widespread in the electronic music community. It brings with it many issues pertaining to the communication of musical intent. Critics argue that performances of this nature fail to engage audiences because many performers use the mouse and/or computer keyboard to control their musical works, leaving no visual cues to guide the audience as to the correlation between performance gestures and musical outcomes. The author will argue that interfaces need to communicate something of their task and that cognitive affordances (Gibson 1979) associated with the performance interface become paramount if the musical outcomes are to be perceived as clearly tied to real-time performance gestures – in other words, that the audience are witnessing the creation of the music in that moment as distinct to the manipulation of pre-recorded or pre-sequenced events. Interfaces of his kind lend themselves particularly to electroacoustic and computer music performance where timbre, texture and morphology may be paramount.
Software Agents in Music and Sound Art Research/Creative Work: current state and a possible direction
Authors: Whalley Ian
Published: June 2009

Composers, musicians and computer scientists have begun to use software-based agents to create music and sound art in both linear and non-linear (non-predetermined form and/or content) idioms, with some robust approaches now drawing on various disciplines. This paper surveys recent work: agent technology is first introduced, a theoretical framework for its use in creating music/sound art works put forward, and an overview of common approaches then given. Identifying areas of neglect in recent research, a possible direction for further work is then briefly explored. Finally, a vision for a new hybrid model that integrates non-linear, generative, conversational and affective perspectives on interactivity is proposed.
Instrumental Listening: sonic gesture as design principle
Authors: Van Nort Doug
Published: June 2009

In the majority of discussions surrounding the design of digital instruments and real-time performance systems, notions such as control and mapping are seen from a classical systems point of view: the former is often seen as a variable from an input device or perhaps some driving signal, while the latter is considered as the liaison between input and output parameters. At the same time there is a large body of research regarding gesture in performance that is concerned with the expressive and communicative nature of musical performance. While these views are certainly central to a conceptual understanding of ‘instrument’, it can be limiting to consider them a priori as the only proper model, and to mediate one’s conception of digital instrument design by fixed notions of control, mapping and gesture. As an example of an alternative way to view instrumental response, control structuring and mapping design, this paper discusses the concept of gesture from the point of view of the perception of human intentionality in sound and how one might consider this in interaction design.
Interactivity for Mobile Music-Making
Authors: Essl Georg , Rohs Michael
Published: June 2009

Mobile phones offer an attractive platform for interactive music performance. We provide a theoretical analysis of the sensor capabilities via a design space and show concrete examples of how different sensors can facilitate interactive performance on these devices. These sensors include cameras, microphones, accelerometers, magnetometers and multitouch screens. The interactivity through sensors in turn informs aspects of live performance as well as composition though persistence, scoring, and mapping to musical notes or abstract sounds.
Perspectives on Gesture–Sound Relationships Informed from Acoustic Instrument Studies
Authors: Rasamimanana Nicolas , Kaiser Florian , Bevilacqua Frederic
Published: June 2009

We present an experimental study on articulation in bowed strings that provides important elements for a discussion about sound synthesis control. The study focuses on bow acceleration profiles and transient noises, measured for different players for the bowing techniquesdetachéandmartelé. We found that maximum of these profiles are not synchronous, and temporal shifts are dependent on the bowing techniques. These results allow us to bring out important mechanisms in sound and gesture articulation. In particular, the results reveal a potential shortcoming of mapping strategies using simple frame-by-frame data-stream procedures. We propose instead to consider input control data as time functions, and consider gesture co-articulation processes.
The Musical Interface Technology Design Space
Authors: Overholt Dan
Published: June 2009

This article presents a theoretical framework for the design of expressive musical instruments, the Musical Interface Technology Design Space: MITDS. The activities of imagining, designing and building new musical instruments, performing, composing, and improvising with them, and analysing the whole process in an effort to better understand the interface, our physical and cognitive associations with it, and the relationship between performer, instrument and audience can only be seen as an ongoing iterative work-in-progress. It is long-term evolutionary research, as each generation of a new musical instrument requires inventiveness and years of dedication towards the practice and mastery of its performance system (comprising the interface, synthesis and the mappings between them). Many revisions of the system may be required in order to develop musical interface technologies that enable us to achieve truly expressive performances. The MITDS provides a conceptual framework for describing, analysing, designing and extending the interfaces, mappings, synthesis algorithms and performance techniques for interactive musical instruments. It provides designers with a theoretical base to draw upon when creating technologically advanced performance systems, and can be seen as a set of guidelines for analysis, and a taxonomy of design patterns for interactivity in musical instruments. The MITDS focuses mainly on human-centred design approaches to realtime control of the multidimensional parameter spaces in musical composition and performance, where the primary objective is to close the gap between human gestures and complex synthesis methods.
The research agenda and the role of the therapeutic radiographer: The College of Radiographers perspective
Authors: Harris Rachel , Beardmore Charlotte
Published: June 2009

This article reflects on the influences on current radiotherapy practice and the key role that Therapeutic Radiographers have in the management of cancer care and the delivery of treatments. In particular the Cancer Reform Strategy is discussed which clearly highlights the many challenges related to cancer. Changes in societal and scientific understanding will demand that the most appropriate and evidence-based care is provided for patients, underscoring the need for evidence through research, to underpin every aspect of daily work if patient outcomes are to continue to improve. In October 2005, the Society and College of Radiographers published: ‘Research and the Radiography Profession—A Strategy and Five Year Plan’. This is an ambitious document, which sets out expectations for the appreciation and use of substantiated research involvement at all levels of practice. Sections of this document and the relevance to radiotherapy practice are discussed. Alongside this, the career progression model for radiography continued to be driven forward with support from the Department of Health. This model describing higher levels of practice for radiographers, at advanced and consultant levels, clearly identified research as a key requirement for the profession. The guidance document in 2006, from the Society and College of Radiographers ‘Positioning Therapeutic Radiographers within Cancer Services: Delivering Patient Centred Care’, further articulated these expert roles, in response to the changing drivers within cancer and across the radiotherapy pathway. In conclusion, research must become a fundamental component of everyday radiotherapy practice as it will verify professional standards of care and sustain the future of the profession. To contribute to the wider cancer agenda it is imperative that all therapeutic radiographers, from practitioner to consultant level, participate in and lead research.
Getting started with research
Authors: Probst Heidi , Harris Rachel
Published: June 2009

Do you have an enquiring mind and an enthusiasm or thirst for knowledge? Do you want to get involved in radiotherapy research or develop your research expertise? Research should underpin the clinical and educational activities undertaken by Radiation Therapists. For many, research can seem a daunting process that is beyond their expertise or capabilities. All health care practitioners can use research evidence and some may want to undertake their own research but may feel unsure where to start.

This article is aimed at novice researchers (or those with limited research experience) and those wanting to develop their research potential. The discussion should help practitioners identify the necessary skills required to undertake research, where to go for help, the research process (including where research ideas come from), and what to consider when putting together a project team or applying for research funding.

The discussion concludes on the importance of research training and support (or mentoring) for novice researchers or those at the start of their research careers. The national professional body for therapists can play an important role in helping researchers to network with likeminded individuals. Some professional bodies (such as the College of radiographers in the UK) may also provide small research grants to help build research activity, and as such can be a useful starting point when considering research funding.