bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Firm resources, competitive actions and performance: investigating a mediated model with evidence from the in‐vitro diagnostics industry
Authors: Ndofor Hermann Achidi , Sirmon David G. , He Xiaoming
Published: October 2010

Building on the resource‐based view (RBV) and competitive dynamics literatures, this paper proposes that considering resources or actions independently offers an incomplete understanding of the drivers of superior performance. Instead, we hypothesize that resources enable competitive actions and that when these actions leverage the firm's resources, superior performance results. We tested these hypotheses with panelized data on the technological resources and competitive actions of firms in the in‐vitro medical diagnostic substance manufacturing industry. The results provide substantial support for our hypotheses, specifically with respect to mediation. Our theory and results underscore how the integration of the competitive dynamics and RBV literatures can significantly improve our understanding of firm performance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moisture adsorption behavior of banana flours (Musa paradisiaca) unmodified and modified by acid‐treatment
Authors: Aguirre‐Cruz Andrés , Alvarez‐Castillo Alberto , Castrejón‐Rosales Teodoro , Carmona‐García Roselis , Bello‐Pérez Luis A.
Published: October 2010

The moisture sorption isotherms of untreated banana flour (UBF) and acid treated banana flours (ATBFs) were determined using the static gravimetric method of saturated salt solutions at temperatures of 30°C. The range of water activities (aw) was calculated to be between 0.14 and 0.97. The equilibrium moisture content absorption data were fitted to four sorption models that differ in the information that can be obtained from each one: Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller equation (BET), Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer (GAB), Smith, and Iglesias‐Chirife. Monolayer moisture content (X0) for UBF and ATBFs were found in the range of 4.06–5.47 (BET model) and 3.87–5.88 (GAB model). The GAB model was found to be the most suitable model to describe the isothermal water sorption of UBF and ATBFs in the intervals proposed of aw. TheX0values of both models (BET and GAB) increase with increasing aw. The Banana flour treated for 11 days (ATBF3) presents the highest value ofX0compared with all samples. This result suggests that mechanism of adsorption of water and molecular structure in ATBFs was affected, attributed to changes in morphology and crystallinity of the samples with treatment.
Seismic damage and fragility analysis of structures with tuned mass dampers based on plastic energy
Authors: Wong Kevin K. F. , Harris John L.
Published: October 2010

The effectiveness of using a tuned mass damper (TMD) to improve a structure's ability to dissipate earthquake input energy is investigated through the use of seismic fragility curves. The nonlinear material behaviour of the structure is captured using the force analogy method, the backbone for analytically quantifying plastic energy dissipation in the structure. Numerical analysis was performed to study the global response and local energy dissipation of a six‐storey moment‐resisting steel frame with and without a TMD installed for 100 simulated non‐stationary Gaussian earthquake ground motions. The effectiveness of the TMD, based on reduction of seismic responses and enhancement of the seismic fragility, is considered at structural performance levels for immediate occupancy and life safety as identified in FEMA 440. An ‘equivalent monotonic plastic strain’ approach—a local measure of structural damage—is used to correlate the seismic fragilities at different global performance levels based on storey drift. Results illustrate that a TMD can enhance the structure's ability to dissipate energy at low levels of earthquake shaking, while less effective during moderate to strong earthquakes, which can cause a significant period shift associated with major structural damage. This ‘de‐tuning’ effect suggests that an extremely sizable TMD is not effective in reducing damage of a structure. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study for seismic retrofit of non‐seismic designed reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Park Tae Won , Na Ung Jin , Chung Lan
Published: October 2010

An evaluation of seismic performance was conducted for a reinforced concrete (RC) structure designed without seismic considerations. The seismic performances of many existing structures are often inadequate based on the current seismic design codes, and it is sure that this is the general tendency in most countries.

Six specimens were designed and constructed to simulate RC frames built in the 1980s, before the introduction of earthquake‐resistance design provisions in South Korea. The specimens were composed of one control specimen without any retrofit and five specimens retrofitted using wire‐bracing, brick infill wall, steel bracing (X‐ and K‐type) and corner gusset plate. All retrofitted specimens show significant increase in strength and ductility. The behaviours of each specimen are compared in the view of maximum strength, maximum moment, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity. Overall, efficiency analysis was also demonstrated in this study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Added value of three‐/four‐dimensional ultrasound in offline analysis and diagnosis of congenital heart disease
Authors: Yagel S. , Cohen S. M. , Rosenak D. , Messing B. , Lipschuetz M. , Shen O. , Valsky D. V.
Published: October 2010

Objective

Many published studies have shown that application of three‐dimensional (3D) and real‐time 3D (4D) ultrasound modalities can improve certain aspects of fetal echocardiography, but have left open the question of whether these modalities improved the accuracy of prenatal detection of anatomical fetal cardiovascular malformations. We aimed to determine whether 3D/4D ultrasound improved diagnostic ability in cases of congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Women who attended for early‐ or midtrimester targeted organ scans had complete fetal echocardiography according to our five‐planes protocol, as well as examination of the ductus venosus and longitudinal aortic arch planes, performed with 2D ultrasound combined with 2D color Doppler, spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC), STIC with color Doppler, and STIC with B‐flow. Ultrasound data of cases of CHD were stored in a dedicated archive. Stored cases were anonymized and the list order was randomized. Stored 2D ultrasound cineloops and 4D ultrasound volumes were reviewed separately according to a standardized table of 23 specified structures on five required planes of visualization: the upper abdomen, four‐chamber view, five‐chamber view, pulmonary artery bifurcation view, and three vessels and trachea plane. Separate diagnoses were recorded and finally compared. Diagnoses were confirmed by pathological examination or neonatal echocardiography.

Results

During the study period, 13 101 examinations were performed; 181 diagnoses of CHD were made. In 12 of these, 3D/4D ultrasound added to the accuracy of our diagnosis: one right aortic arch with anomalous branching; one transposition of the great arteries with pulmonary atresia diagnosed with tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI); one segmental interrupted aortic arch diagnosed with TUI; one right ventricle aneurysm diagnosed with B‐flow; two agenesis of ductus venosus to the coronary sinus diagnosed by multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and B‐flow; two total anomalous pulmonary venous connection diagnosed with MPR; and four ventricular septal defect (VSD) diagnosed with the aid of virtual planes. There were 12 missed diagnoses and no false‐positive results.

Conclusions

3D/4D ultrasound modalities may have advantages in some aspects of fetal cardiovascular evaluation, however, overall 3D/4D ultrasound modalities had added value in only about 6% of cases of fetal anatomical cardiovascular anomalies. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐invasive prediction of intra‐amniotic inflammation in women with preterm labor
Authors: Jung H. J. , Park K. H. , Kim S. N. , Hong J.‐S. , Oh K. J. , Kim G. , Kwon J. Y.
Published: October 2010

Objective

To develop a model based on non‐invasive variables to predict the probability of intra‐amniotic inflammation in women with preterm labor and intact membranes.

Methods

Transvaginal ultrasonography and digital examination for the assessment of cervical length and cervical dilatation were performed, and maternal blood was collected for the determination of C‐reactive protein and white blood cell (WBC) count immediately after amniocentesis in 153 consecutive women with preterm labor. Amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and mycoplasmas, and the WBC was determined. Intra‐amniotic inflammation was defined as an elevated amniotic fluid interleukin‐6 concentration (> 2.6 ng/mL). Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The prevalence of a positive amniotic fluid culture was 7.2% (11/153) and the prevalence of intra‐amniotic inflammation was 19.6% (30/153). The final logistic regression model was based on non‐invasive clinical variables, including gestational age at assessment, cervical length and maternal blood WBC count, which were the best predictors of intra‐amniotic inflammation. The model was shown to have an adequate goodness of fit (P = 0.754), and the area under the ROC curve was 0.724, indicating reasonably good discrimination.

Conclusion

In women with preterm labor and intact membranes, the risk for intra‐amniotic inflammation can be predicted non‐invasively with a risk score based on gestational age, cervical length and maternal blood WBC count. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motion perception: behavior and neural substrate
Authors: Mather George
Published: October 2010

Visual motion perception is vital for survival. Single‐unit recordings in primate primary visual cortex (V1) have revealed the existence of specialized motion sensing neurons; perceptual effects such as the motion after‐effect demonstrate their importance for motion perception. Human psychophysical data on motion detection can be explained by a computational model of cortical motion sensors. Both psychophysical and physiological data reveal at least two classes of motion sensor capable of sensing motion in luminance‐defined and texture‐defined patterns, respectively. Psychophysical experiments also reveal that motion can be seen independently of motion sensor output, based on attentive tracking of visual features. Sensor outputs are inherently ambiguous, due to the problem of univariance in neural responses. In order to compute stimulus direction and speed, the visual system must compare the responses of many different sensors sensitive to different directions and speeds. Physiological data show that this computation occurs in the visual middle temporal (MT) area. Recent psychophysical studies indicate that information about spatial form may also play a role in motion computations. Adaptation studies show that the human visual system is selectively sensitive to large‐scale optic flow patterns, and physiological studies indicate that cells in the middle superior temporal (MST) area derive this sensitivity from the combined responses of many MT cells. Extraretinal signals used to control eye movements are an important source of signals to cancel out the retinal motion responses generated by eye movements, though visual information also plays a role. A number of issues remain to be resolved at all levels of the motion‐processing hierarchy. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 305–314 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.110

Additional Supporting Information may be found in http://www.lifesci.sussex.ac.uk/home/George_Mather/Motion/index.html

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics
Data quality: a case study
Authors: Herzog Thomas N. , Scheuren Fritz J. , Winkler William E.
Published: October 2010

In this article, after a brief discussion of the role of management in supporting data quality efforts within its organization we describe work carried out to improve the quality of a database of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The techniques used include internal consistency checks and record linkage methods. The end result was that (1) duplicate records were removed from the database, (2) critical data elements were corrected, and (3) property addresses were added to mortgage records that previously lacked such. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 12–21 DOI: 10.1002/wics.137

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Data Reduction, Smoothing, and Filtering
Cap and cap‐binding proteins in the control of gene expression
Authors: Topisirovic Ivan , Svitkin Yuri V. , Sonenberg Nahum , Shatkin Aaron J.
Published: October 2010

The 5′ mRNA cap structure is essential for efficient gene expression from yeast to human. It plays a critical role in all aspects of the life cycle of an mRNA molecule. Capping occurs co‐transcriptionally on the nascent pre‐mRNA as it emerges from the RNA exit channel of RNA polymerase II. The cap structure protects mRNAs from degradation by exonucleases and promotes transcription, polyadenylation, splicing, and nuclear export of mRNA and U‐rich, capped snRNAs. In addition, the cap structure is required for the optimal translation of the vast majority of cellular mRNAs, and it also plays a prominent role in the expression of eukaryotic, viral, and parasite mRNAs. Cap‐binding proteins specifically bind to the cap structure and mediate its functions in the cell. Two major cellular cap‐binding proteins have been described to date: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in the cytoplasm and nuclear cap binding complex (nCBC), a nuclear complex consisting of a cap‐binding subunit cap‐binding protein 20 (CBP 20) and an auxiliary protein cap‐binding protein 80 (CBP 80). nCBC plays an important role in various aspects of nuclear mRNA metabolism such as pre‐mRNA splicing and nuclear export, whereas eIF4E acts primarily as a facilitator of mRNA translation. In this review, we highlight recent findings on the role of the cap structure and cap‐binding proteins in the regulation of gene expression. We also describe emerging regulatory pathways that control mRNA capping and cap‐binding proteins in the cell. WIREs RNA 2011 2 277–298 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.52

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Processing > Capping and 5' End Modifications
Identification of phosphatase 2A‐like Sit4‐mediated signalling and ubiquitin‐dependent protein sorting as modulators of caffeine sensitivity in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Hood‐DeGrenier Jennifer K.
Published: October 2010

Caffeine exerts pleiotropic effects on eukaryotic cells via its ability to act as a low‐affinity adenosine analogue. Here we report that the genes HSE1, RTS3, SDS23 and SDS24 confer caffeine resistance when overexpressed in S. cerevisiae. The Hse1 protein functions in ubiquitin‐dependent vacuolar protein sorting, whereas the other proteins are poorly characterized. Bioinformatic analysis of genetic and physical interaction data linked Rts3 and Sds23/24 to the phosphatase 2A‐like Sit4 pathway. Combinatorial deletions of the identified suppressor genes conferred varying levels of caffeine hypersensitivity. For hse1Δ and rts3Δ mutants, caffeine sensitivity was partially rescued by sorbitol osmostabilization, suggesting possible cell wall integrity defects in these strains. Rapamycin sensitivity experiments linked the caffeine sensitivity of rts3Δ, but not that of sds23/24Δ or hse1Δ strains, to inhibition of the TORC1 kinase complex, a central regulator of cell growth and a known caffeine target. Epistasis experiments support a model in which Rts3 and Sds23/24 act in parallel to negatively regulate Sit4, while Hse1 confers caffeine resistance via a separate pathway. In summary, this study identifies the Sit4 phosphatase pathway and membrane protein dynamics as key modulators of caffeine‐mediated inhibition of yeast cell growth and proposes novel functions for Rts3 and Sds23/24. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marker reconstitution mutagenesis: a simple and efficient reverse genetic approach
Authors: Tang Xie , Huang Junqi , Padmanabhan Anup , Bakka Kavya , Bao Yun , Yuelin Tan Brenda , Zacheus Cande W. , Balasubramanian Mohan K.
Published: October 2010

A novel reverse genetic approach termed ‘marker reconstitution mutagenesis’ was designed to generate mutational allelic series in genes of interest. This approach consists of two simple steps which utilize two selective markers. First, using one selective marker, a partial fragment of another selective marker gene is inserted adjacently to a gene of interest by homologous recombination. Second, random mutations are introduced precisely into the gene of interest, together with the reconstitution of the latter selective marker by homologous recombination. This approach was successfully tested for several genes in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. It circumvents the problems encountered with other methods and should be adaptable to any organism that incorporates exogenous DNA by homologous recombination. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Cr(thd)2(OEt)]2
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed A. K. , Fjellvåg Helmer , Kjekshus Arne , Wragg David S. , Sen Gupta Nalinava
Published: October 2010

The mixed‐ligand complex [Cr(thd)2(OEt)]2 [(thd)– = anion of H(thd) = C11H20O2 = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylheptane‐3,5‐dione] appears as by‐product when EtOH/H2O is used as solvent during preparation of Cr(thd)3. [Cr(thd)2(OEt)]2 can be difficult to separate from Cr(thd)3 by sublimation, but separation is easily accomplished by extracting Cr(thd)3 with acetone. A detailed account for the sublimation behavior of [Cr(thd)2(OEt)]2/Cr(thd)3 mixtures is advanced. Good yields of [Cr(thd)2(OEt)]2 are obtained when CrCl3, H(thd), and Na(EtO) react in absolute EtOH. [Cr(thd)2(OEt)]2 is obtained in the form of green needle‐shaped crystals by recrystallization from toluene. The crystal structure is triclinic [a = 10.2919(15), b = 10.6686(16), c = 14.194(3) Å, α = 106.559(2), β = 107.869(2), and γ = 98.326(2)° at 295 K; space group P$\bar{1}$. The complex contains two crystallographic equivalent chromium atoms, which are bridged by two cis‐configured ethoxy groups, the four remaining sites in the octahedral coordination around each chromium atom being occupied by oxygen atoms from two thd ligands. The bond lengths and angles concur with the findings for related molecular complexes. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of [Cr(thd)2(OEt)]2 follows Curie–Weiss law with Weiss constant θ ≈︁ –65 K and μp = 3.87 μB.
Supramolecular Hydrogen‐Bonded Frameworks from a New Bisphosphonic Acid and Transition Metal Ions
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Reza Farrokhi Ali
Published: October 2010

The reaction of 2‐morpholinoethylimino‐bis(methylenephosphonic acid) (H4L) with cobalt(II), nickel(II) acetate, and cadmium(II) chloride in ethanol/water mixed solvents afforded three new crystal‐engineered supramolecular metal phosphonates, Co(H3L)2·2H2O (1), Ni(H3L)2·2H2O (2), and [Cd2Cl4(H2O)6]0.5[H4L] (3) by using a layering technique. The cobalt(II) ions in complex 1 are hexacoordinated by four phosphonate oxygen atoms and two imino nitrogen atoms. The mononuclear units of complex 1 are connected through hydrogen bonds to form a three dimensional supramolecular network. The structure of compound 2 is analogous to that of 1 except that the cobalt(II) ion in compound 1 is replaced by nickel(II) in compound 2. In the molecular structure of compound 3, cadmium is coordinated to three chloride ions and three aqua oxygen atoms to form a novel neutral dinuclear complex. Several hydrogen bonds connect the dinuclear complex and the neutral form of the ligand to build a supramolecular three dimensional structure.
A psychophysical study of endogenous analgesia: The role of the conditioning pain in the induction and magnitude of conditioned pain modulation
Authors: Nirl Rony‐Reuven , Granovskyl Yelena , Yarnitskyl David , Sprecherl Elliot , Granotl Michal
Published: October 2010

Endogenous analgesia (EA) can be examined experimentally using a conditioned pain modulation (CPM) paradigm. While noxious conditioning stimulation intensities (CSIs) are mainly used, it has not been fully investigated in the same experimental design whether the experienced conditioning pain level affects CPM responses. The principal goal of the present study was to characterize CPM induction and magnitudes evoked by various conditioning pain levels. Furthermore, we explored associations between conditioning pain reports and CPM responses across various CSIs. Thirty healthy, young, right‐handed males were tested with a parallel CPM paradigm. Three different CSIs (hand water‐immersion) induced mild, moderate and intense pain levels, rated 12.41±7.85, 31.57±9.56 and 58.1±11.43, respectively (0–100 numerical pain scale) (P<0.0001). Contact‐heat ‘test‐stimulus’ levels were compared before and during conditioning. Within the group, (i) CPM was induced only by the moderate and intense CSIs (Ps≤0.001); (ii) no difference was demonstrated between the magnitudes of these CPM responses. Regression analysis revealed that CPM induction was independent of the perceived conditioning pain level, but associated with the absolute CSI (P<0.0001). Conditioning pain levels were correlated across all CSIs, as were CPM magnitudes (Ps≤0.01). We conclude that among males, (i) once a CPM response is evoked by a required conditioning pain experience, its magnitude is not further affected by increasing conditioning pain and (ii) CPM magnitudes are inter‐correlated, but unrelated to conditioning pain reports. These observations may suggest that CPM responses represent an intrinsic element of an individual's EA processes, which are not significantly affected by the experienced conditioning pain.
Decreased prereceptorial glucocorticoid activating capacity in starvation due to an oxidative shift of pyridine nucleotides in the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Kereszturi Éva , Kálmán Fanni S. , Kardon Tamás , Csala Miklós , Bánhegyi Gábor
Published: October 2010

Redox state of pyridine nucleotides of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen was determined in different nutritional conditions. NADPH‐dependent cortisone reduction and NADP+‐dependent cortisol oxidation were measured in rat liver microsomes, by utilizing the luminal 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity. Cortisone reduction decreased, while cortisol oxidation increased during onward starvation, showing that the luminal NADPH/NADP+ ratio was substantially decreased. Cortisone or metyrapone addition caused a smaller decrease in NADPH fluorescence in microsomes from starved rats. The results demonstrate that nutrient supply is mirrored by the redox state of ER luminal pyridine nucleotides.
State-led violence in Ukraine’s 2004 elections and orange revolution
Authors: Kuzio Taras
Published: October 2010

The Ukrainian opposition faced one of the greatest degrees of state-backed violence in the second wave of democratization of post-communist states with only Serbia experiencing similar cases of assassinations and repression of the youth Otpor NGO. In the 2004 Ukrainian elections the opposition maintained a strategy of non-violence over the longest protest period of 17 days but was prepared to use force if it had been attacked. The regime attempted to suppress the Orange Revolution using security forces. Covert and overt Russian external support was extensive and in the case of Ukraine and Georgia the European Union (EU) did not intervene with a membership offer that had the effect of emboldening the opposition in Central-Eastern Europe. This article surveys five state-backed violent strategies used in Ukraine’s 2004 elections: inciting regional and inter-ethnic conflict, assassinations, violence against the opposition, counter-revolution and use of the security forces. The article does not cover external Russian-backed violence in the 2004 elections unique to Ukraine that the author has covered elsewhere.
ON MAXIMAL ESSENTIAL EXTENSIONS OF RINGS
Authors: ANDRUSZKIEWICZ R. R.
Published: October 2010

The main purpose of this paper is to give a new, elementary proof of Flanigan’s theorem, which says that a given ringAhas a maximal essential extension ME(A) if and only if the two-sided annihilator ofAis zero. Moreover, we discuss the problem of description of ME(A) for a given right idealAof a ring with an identity.
The Muqannaʿ narrative in theTārīkhnāma: Part II, Commentary and analysis
Authors: Crone Patricia , Jazi Masoud Jafari
Published: October 2010

In the previous issue ofBSOASwe published an edition and translation of an account of the war against al-Muqannaʿ (BSOAS73/2, 155–77). Here we offer a detailed commentary and an analysis of what we can learn from it, mostly relating to the beginning of al-Muqannaʿ's revolt and his conquests of Samarqand. The value of the account lies mainly in the fact that its first half is focused on Samarqand rather than Bukhārā. We also offer some thoughts on how the narrative may have originated and how it relates to theTārīkh-i Bukhārāand other sources.
Parthianž
Authors: Korn Agnes
Published: October 2010

This article argues that the opposition between Old Iranian*čand*ǰwas preserved in Manichaean Parthian not only word-initially, but also in postvocalic position, at least at the time of the introduction of the Manichaean script. The approach is phonological, and attempts to show that Pth. /č/ (< OIr.*č), written  and , and Pth. /ž/ (< OIr.*ǰand*ž), written , are consistently distinguished in the Manichaean script. Pth. /č/ may have developed a postvocalic allophone [ǰ] (not affecting the phonematic opposition), which might have been a motivation for the use of the letter . Transcriptions into Sogdian script and the cantillations suggest a coalescence of the Pth. phonemes, but it is not clear whether this is a later development of the Pth. language itself or a peculiarity of the liturgical pronunciation of Parthian as practised by Manichaeans in Central Asia.1
Of similes and metaphors in Buddhist philosophical literature: poetic semblance through mythic allusion
Authors: Kragh Ulrich Timme
Published: October 2010

It is a common supposition that to understand a philosophical writing, knowledge of the philosophical sources on which it draws suffices. Yet, abstract subtleties are often suitably dressed in poetic comparisons, whose threads are spun from a different source. While the body of logical argument appeals to the intellect, the dress of literary tropes allures the emotions. Philosophy is not simply mathematics, for it involves a sentiment, which in Mahāyāna Buddhism means susceptibility to its religious ethos embodied in its path, bodhicitta, and bodhisattvas. Through Candrakīrti's comparison of buddhas and bodhisattvas to the king of geese, I shall here examine the use of similes and metaphors in Indian Buddhist philosophical writing. The analysis illustrates the subtle influence that popular narratives eulogizing the deeds of saints had on such texts, and proposes to revisit philosophical texts as literary works.
Political mythology and dynastic legitimacy in theRong Cheng shimanuscript
Authors: Pines Yuri
Published: October 2010

In this article I provide a complete translation and analysis of the recently unearthed bamboo manuscript,Rong Cheng shi, from the Shanghai Museum collection. This manuscript presents a previously unknown version of China's early history from the time of legendary rulers Yao, Shun, Yu and their predecessors to the establishment of the Zhou dynasty. The narrative is critical of both the dynastic principle of rule and “righteous rebellion”, and advocates instead the ruler's abdication in favour of a worthier candidate as the best mode of rule; in addition, it hints at the unusually active role of “the people” in establishing the supreme ruler. Moreover, despite being associated with the southern state of Chu, theRong Cheng shipresents a unitary view of the past, which rejects the multi-state world and promulgates the notion of the unified “All-under-Heaven” as singularly legitimate. The text has far-reaching significance in terms of both history of Chinese political thought and of early Chinese historiography.
Predictors of increasing waist circumference in an Australian population
Authors: Walls Helen L , Magliano Dianna J , McNeil John J , Stevenson Christopher , Ademi Zanfina , Shaw Jonathan , Peeters Anna
Published: October 2010

Objective

To identify predictors of increasing waist circumference (WC) over a 5-year period in a contemporary population of Australian adults.

Design

Longitudinal national cohort of adults participating in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab).

Settings

Australian adults in 2000 and 2005.

Subjects

A total of 2521 men and 2726 women aged ≥25 years at baseline who participated in AusDiab and provided anthropometric measurements at baseline (1999–2000) and follow-up (2005).

Results

A ≥5 % increase of baseline WC occurred in 27 % of men and 38 % of women over the 5-year period. In the multivariate analysis of the total population, there was a higher risk of ≥5 % gain in baseline WC in women, younger people, people with a lower baseline WC, people who never married compared with married/de facto, current smokers compared with never smokers, people with a poorer diet quality and people with a low energy intake. However, there was no significant association with many expected predictors of waist gain such as physical activity. There were some associations between other lifestyle factors and change of WC by sex, age, level of education and across WC categories, but the associations differed across these groups.

Conclusions

A ≥5 % increase of baseline WC occurred in a significant proportion of men and women over the 5-year period. Of the behavioural factors, poor diet quality was the key predictor of the ≥5 % increase of baseline WC in this cohort. The findings highlight the need to understand better the causal role of lifestyle in regard to increasing WC over time.
Reduction in sugar-sweetened beverages is not associated with more water or diet drinks
Authors: Veitch Jenny , Singh Amika , van Stralen Maartje M , van Mechelen Willem , Brug Johannes , ChinAPaw Mai JM
Published: October 2010

Objective

The Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT) is a school-based randomised controlled trial that was effective in decreasing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among adolescents. The present study examined, using mediation analysis, whether this decrease in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages could be explained by an increase in the consumption of water or diet drinks.

Design

Participants completed a questionnaire about their beverage consumption at baseline and at 8 months (immediately post-intervention), 12- and 20-month follow-ups. A series of multi-level linear regression analyses were performed to examine water and diet drink consumption as potential mediators of the intervention effect on the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Setting

Eighteen Dutch secondary schools.

Subjects

A total of 747 adolescents (mean age: 12·7 years).

Results

In addition to the DoiT intervention effect of a reduction in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages at 8 months (−284 ml/d; 95 % CI −420, −148) and 12 months (−260 ml/d; 95 % CI −360, −160), there was also a significant reduction in diet drinks at 8 months (−52 ml/d; 95 % CI −89, −16). There was no significant difference in water consumption at any follow-up. The decrease in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption could not be explained by an increase in water or diet drink consumption at any time point.

Conclusions

Interventions aimed at reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption may be effective without changing consumption of other beverages. Reducing sugar-sweetened beverages was, however, a main message of the DOiT intervention. It is possible that a concomitant promotion of water may have resulted in a greater increase in water intake and replacement of sugar-sweetened beverages with water.
Understanding the nutrition information needs of migrant communities: the needs of African and Pacific Islander communities of Logan, Queensland
Authors: Williams Emily , Harris Neil
Published: October 2010

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the nutrition information needs of the Pacific Islander and African migrant communities of Logan.

Design

The present study was structured as a needs assessment and used qualitative research methods. An integrative review was used to gather and analyse data relating to comparative and normative needs, while semi-structured interviews were undertaken for the felt and expressed needs.

Setting

Logan City, Queensland, Australia.

Subjects

African and Pacific Islander migrants and health and social service providers within the Logan region.

Results

The study identified the need for more accessible means of information delivery such as visual and face-to-face methods or hands-on demonstrations. The study found that information should be delivered in a staged approach on topics including food safety, Australian foods, healthy eating and diet–disease relationships, according to a migrant’s length of residence in Australia.

Conclusions

The present study contributes to our understanding of the nutrition information needs of African and Pacific Islander migrant communities of Logan. These findings will enable the development of more appropriate nutrition information and health services for these Logan communities and other similar communities across Australia.
The Mediterranean diet in Spain: adherence trends during the past two decades using the Mediterranean Adequacy Index
Authors: Bach-Faig Anna , Fuentes-Bol Carmen , Ramos Domingo , Carrasco Josep Lluís , Roman Blanca , Bertomeu Isabel F , Cristià Esther , Geleva Daniela , Serra-Majem Lluís
Published: October 2010

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to analyse the evolution of the Spanish population’s global and regional adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) since 1987.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted analysing food consumption from the Spanish Household Consumption Surveys administered by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Setting

The Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI) was applied to measure the adherence to the MD. The significance of the MAI trend was evaluated using a regression model.

Subjects

The sample comprises a household consumption data set, which consisted of 2500 households in 1987 and increased to 6200 in 2005.

Results

There was a significant decrease in the MAI (P = 0·001) during the past two decades in Spanish households. From 1987 to 1997, MD adherence significantly decreased, but since 1998 it appears to have stabilised. In recent years, the daily household availability of several of the food components of the MD has increased. The MAI was observed to be significantly higher during the entire period in some Mediterranean regions, such as Andalusia, and significantly lower in more inland regions, such as Castile-Leon.

Conclusions

During the past two decades, Spain has experienced a significant downward trend in adherence to the predominant dietary pattern, likely as a result of numerous socio-economic changes. However, a stabilisation and a recent slight recovery have been observed during the past decade.
Eating patterns and nutritional characteristics associated with sleep duration
Authors: Kim Sangmi , DeRoo Lisa A , Sandler Dale P
Published: October 2010

Objective

To identify major meal and snack eating patterns, and examine their relationships with sleep duration.

Design

The analyses included 27 983 participants in a prospective cohort study of women aged 35 to 74 years in the USA or Puerto Rico.

Results

The principal component analysis of eight meal and snack frequency items at different times across the day yielded two major eating patterns: (i) eating during conventional eating hours (defined as times from breakfast to dinner); and (ii) dominance of snacks over meals. Comparing the identified eating patterns among women with varying sleep duration (<5, 5–5·9, 6–6·9, 7–7·9, 8–8·9, 9–9·9 and ≥10 h daily), the tendency for eating during conventional eating hours decreased with decreasing sleep duration: adjusted mean score of −0·54 (95 % CI –0·68, –0·41) in women sleeping for <5 h daily v. 0·08 (95 % CI 0·06, 0·11) among those with 7–7·9 h of sleep daily. The extent of snack dominance over meals increased in women with shorter sleep. Women with long (≥10 h) sleep duration had eating patterns similar to those with short (<6 h) sleep duration. Lower tendency for eating during conventional eating hours and greater snack dominance over meals were also related to higher intakes of fat and sweets for energy and lower intakes of fruits and vegetables.

Conclusions

Disrupted eating patterns and diet of poor nutritional quality may exacerbate the development of obesity and metabolic diseases in habitual short and very long sleepers.
Duration of immunity induced by companion animal vaccines
Authors: Roth James A. , Spickler Anna Rovid
Published: October 2010

Concerns about possible adverse effects from annual vaccination have prompted the reanalysis of vaccine protocols for cats and dogs. In the last decade, several veterinary advisory groups have published protocols that recommend extended revaccination intervals for certain ‘core’ vaccines. In addition, practicing veterinarians have been asked to consider vaccination as an individualized medical procedure, based on an analysis of risks and benefits for each vaccine in an individual animal. The calls for extended revaccination intervals prompted considerable debate in USA and internationally. Areas of concern include the amount of evidence to support prolonged immunity from various vaccines, the risk of poor responses in individual animals and the possible effects on population immunity. This review examines how the duration of immunity (DOI) to a vaccine is established in animals and humans. It reviews factors that can affect the DOI in an individual animal, including the types of immune defenses stimulated by the pathogen, and the vaccine, host factors such as age and the level of exposure to the pathogen. In addition, it examines DOI studies that were published for canine and feline core vaccines.
Introduction to Special Issue: Japan as Studied in Japan's Neighbors and Japan Itself
Authors: INOGUCHI TAKASHI
Published: October 2010

This special issue highlights one of the important subjects of this journal, Japanese politics and international relations, as studied in Japan's neighbors, Korea and China, and Japan itself. The aim is to elucidate the angles taken by these three countries when examining Japan. Before going into the similar and different angles taken, it may be helpful to note two noteworthy features of their interactions and transactions. They are, first, the steady integration of these economies and societies; second, the tenacity of ill-feelings held toward Japan. First, if the lifting in 1991 of the embargo imposed on China for its Tiananmen massacre of 1989 is a key benchmark for the steady and swift regional integration in East Asia since, it did not take a dozen years before the intra-regional trade ratio over total trade went beyond 50%. As compared to parallell figures for Europe at various time points, say 1962 when the Rome Treaty was signed and 1990 when the Maastricht Treaty was signed, the number of years necessary for intraregional trade over total trade to exceed 50% are a dozen years for East Asia versus thirty odd years for Western Europe. It has a lot to do with the pattern of inclusion in East Asian regional integration. It includes China and the United States. In Europe regional integration was meant to enable Western Europe to stand alone. Bothvis-à-visthe United States andvis-à-visthe Soviet Union, Western Europe wanted to band together and bind together those with shared values. East Asian regional integration differs from this European model. The East Asian model is first to strengthen themselves, while seeking opportunities regionally and globally to attain, as a result of their self-strengthening strategy, high regional strength and high regional integration.
Japanese Political Studies and Japanese International Relations in China, Japan, and Korea
Authors: IIDA KEISUKE
Published: October 2010

This article summarizes the findings of this special issue focusing on five questions: (1) who studies Japanese politics and international relations in China, Japan and the Republic of Korea?; (2) what is being studied in each of these countries?; 3) how are Japanese politics studied in each of these countries?; (3) what determines the nature of the study of Japanese politics and international relations?; and 4) what is the impact of the study of Japanese politics in each of these three countries? The findings on the first questions are that most scholars in each of these countries are concentrated in their forties and fifties, but their educational backgrounds are considerably varied. On the second question, the topics of study are becoming more wide-ranging in recent years, although in China, government policy still puts a constraint on the range of topics studied. Regarding the third question, the approaches that are used are becoming more varied, especially in Japan and South Korea. Concerning the fourth question, domestic politics in each of these countries matter, and financial constraints are a problem in China. Finally, it seems that Korean scholars in this area may have greater impact on the government than in the other two countries.
Who's Who and Whereabouts of Japanese Political Studies in South Korea: With a Focus on the Third Generation Japan Specialists
Authors: PARK CHEOL HEE
Published: October 2010

This article is an attempt to identify who's who and the whereabouts of Japanese political studies in South Korea. Previous studies suggest that South Korea made a delayed start in Japanese studies because of submerged anti-Japanese feeling among the general public, and that linguistic and humanistic studies were prevalent while social scientific studies lagged behind. The second generation scholars, who actively published their academic works on Japan between the late 1970s and the early 1990s, contributed to the development of objective, social scientific understanding of Japan. Their research interests included scrutinizing modern Japan, studying Korea-Japan relations, and analyzing Japanese foreign policy. The third generation scholars, which this article focuses on, have a few common characteristics: they began Japanese studies when Japan was rising; most of them were trained in Japan or the United States; most of them are fluent in Japanese; and they are publishing actively in major academic journals. The research interests of the third generation are categorized into four: (1) widening the research horizon; (2) inheriting the tradition of the previous generation; (3) synchronizing research agendas with the foreign scholarly community; and (4) opening up a new research horizon. After making a comprehensive content analysis of the works undertaken by third generation scholars, three major challenges are suggested for the upcoming generation of Japanese studies in South Korea: (1) globalizing the scholarly works with more theoretical analysis; (2) developing a uniquely Korean perspective about Japan; and (3) undertaking a systematic collaborative study with foreign scholars.
Japanese Political Studies in China: Progress, Problems and Prospects
Authors: GUO DINGPING
Published: October 2010

The quantity and quality of Japanese political studies in China are influenced by political developments in China and Japan, Sino-Japanese relations, and academic development of political science. After the collapse of Japan's bubble economy and the end of the LDP's long rule in the early 1990s, many Chinese scholars diverted their attention from economic issues and took more interest in Japanese political studies. Political issues such as the resurgence of nationalism, the rise of right-wing forces, the end of the ‘1955 system’, the political origin of long and heavy recessions, the ‘normal state’, national strategy, and foreign policies have been discussed and debated. New approaches and perspectives such as the political pluralist approach, the new institutional approach, the ecological approach and the political process approach have been used. It is imperative to overcome the institutional, political, and financial problems in order to improve the state and raise the quality of Japanese political studies in China.
Expanding Focus on Japan and the Bounded Dynamism of Japanese International Relations Studies in South Korea
Authors: KIM SANGJOON , SUH SEUNG-WON
Published: October 2010

Unlike in Western academia, Japanese studies in Korea have not receded, but rather have rather vigorously refocused on Japan during the last two decades. This paper examines the rapid development and governing dynamics of the Japanese politics studies (JPS), with a particular focus on Japanese international relations studies (JIRS). It answers the following four questions. How does JIRS perceive, measure, and interpret Japan? What are the outstanding features of JIRS? What are the internal dynamics in the JPS community? How does the JPS community interact with the real political world? The study results emphasize the policy-oriented research style, prevailing realistic nationalism, and vigorous interaction between academia and politics in JPS/JIRS behind the refocusing on Japan.
ARTICULATING A POLITICS OF (MULTIPLE) IDENTITIES
Authors: Moore Mignon R.
Published: October 2010

This work examines the strategies Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people use in Black environments to proclaim a gay identity that is simultaneous with a Black identity. It identifies three distinctive features of LGBT protest in Black communities. Black gay2protest takes on a particular form when individuals are also trying to maintain solidarity with the racial group despite the threat of distancing that occurs as a result of their sexual minority status. Black sexual minorities who see their self-interests as linked to those of other Blacks use cultural references to connect their struggles to historical efforts for Black equality and draw from nationalist symbols and language to frame their political work. They believe that increasing their visibility in Black spaces will promote a greater understanding of gay sexuality as an identity status that can exist alongside, rather than in competition with, race. The findings of this research have implications for larger discussions of identity, protest, and gay sexuality in intraracial contexts.