bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using real‐time MRI to quantify altered joint kinematics in subjects with patellofemoral pain and to evaluate the effects of a patellar brace or sleeve on joint motion
Authors: Draper Christine E. , Besier Thor F. , Santos Juan M. , Jennings Fabio , Fredericson Michael , Gold Garry E. , Beaupre Gary S. , Delp Scott L.
Published: November 2008

Abnormal patellofemoral joint motion is a possible cause of patellofemoral pain, and patellar braces are thought to alleviate pain by restoring normal joint kinematics. We evaluated whether females with patellofemoral pain exhibit abnormal patellofemoral joint kinematics during dynamic, weight‐bearing knee extension and assessed the effects of knee braces on patellofemoral motion. Real‐time magnetic resonance (MR) images of the patellofemoral joints of 36 female volunteers (13 pain‐free controls, 23 patellofemoral pain) were acquired during weight‐bearing knee extension. Pain subjects were also imaged while wearing a patellar‐stabilizing brace and a patellar sleeve. We measured axial‐plane kinematics from the images. Females with patellofemoral pain exhibited increased lateral translation of the patella for knee flexion angles between 0°and 50° (p = 0.03), and increased lateral tilt for knee flexion angles between 0° and 20° (p = 0.04). The brace and sleeve reduced the lateral translation of the patella; however, the brace reduced lateral displacement more than the sleeve (p = 0.006). The brace reduced patellar tilt near full extension (p = 0.001), while the sleeve had no effect on patellar tilt. Our results indicate that some subjects with patellofemoral pain exhibit abnormal weight‐bearing joint kinematics and that braces may be effective in reducing patellar maltracking in these subjects. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 571–577, 2009
Effect of cocoa butter replacement with a β‐glucan‐rich hydrocolloid (C‐trim30) on the rheological and tribological properties of chocolates
Authors: Lee Suyong , Biresaw Girma , Kinney Mary P. , Inglett George E.
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: The food industry has been facing the challenge of developing low‐fat and low‐calorie food products due to rising health awareness of consumers. To meet this consumer demand, an oat β‐glucan‐rich hydrocolloid (C‐trim30) was evaluated as a cocoa butter substitute in chocolates. The effects of C‐trim30 on the rheological, tribological, and textural properties of chocolates were investigated.

RESULTS: The viscosity of molten chocolates increased with increasing levels of C‐trim30. Flow behaviors analyzed using the Casson model showed that the Casson viscosity and yield stress increased with increasing concentration of C‐trim30 in the chocolate. Tribological tests on a ball‐on‐flat tribometer showed a reduction in boundary coefficients of friction, with increasing C‐trim30. In addition, hardness of chocolates showed that replacement of cocoa butter with C‐trim30 produced chocolates with softer texture.

CONCLUSIONS: The cocoa butter replacement with C‐trim30 up to 10% produced soft chocolates with improved boundary lubrication properties. Also, the chocolate prepared by replacing the cocoa butter with C‐trim30 resulted in a product with a lower caloric value and increased health benefits from the oat β‐glucan. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Tensile and moisture barrier properties of whey protein–beeswax layered composite films
Authors: Min Sea C , Janjarasskul Theeranun , Krochta John M
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of research on producing layered protein–lipid composite films with improved tensile and barrier properties compared to films from individual components. Several film‐forming parameters were hypothesized to influence the extent to which lipids were either dispersed within or layered upon whey protein films. Film‐forming parameters investigated were ratio of whey protein isolate (WPI) to beeswax (BW), homogenization method, sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration, and BW particle size.

RESULTS: Film percent elongation (E) increased, while tensile strength (TS) and elastic modulus (EM) decreased when BW was incorporated into WPI films, demonstrating a lubricant effect of the BW. Mean water vapor permeability values for WPI film decreased by 57% when the film composition was modified by the addition of 40% BW. BW phase separation was observed in all of the tested films. Particle size of BW in the film‐forming emulsions was larger in the presence of NaCl (100 mmol L−1), indicating a neutralization of particle charge. However, the addition of NaCl did not improve the moisture barrier of WPI‐BW film over the range of film‐forming conditions used in the study.

CONCLUSION: The results from this study are useful in determining formulations and conditions for the production of composite films from WPI and BW with improved tensile and moisture barrier properties. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluating the nutritive values and in vitro degradability characteristics of leaves, seeds and seedpods from Moringa stenopetala
Authors: Melesse Aberra , Bulang Michael , Kluth Holger
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: Moringa stenopetala is a multipurpose tree which has several agricultural, industrial and medicinal uses. The nutritive value of East African M. stenopetala has not been fully investigated and pertinent data for ruminants are lacking. The present study was therefore conducted to fill this gap by providing the latest information on chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of M. stenopetala tree parts.

RESULTS: The respective metabolizable energy values for leaves, seeds and seedpods were 10.0, 7.0 and 5.1 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). The crude protein (CP) contents for leaves, seeds and seedpods were 395, 282 and 110 g kg−1 DM, respectively. For leaves and seeds, 88% and 83%, respectively, of the CP was true protein. Fat contents (g kg−1 DM) were relatively high in seeds (334) but not in leaves (84) or seedpods (110). No starch was detected in seeds. Leaves were a potentially useful source of calcium,, sodium and manganese, containing 18.5, 4.1 and 0.086 g kg−1 DM, respectively. The concentrations of essential amino acids in leaves for leucine, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and threonine were 8.5, 5.3, 5.3, 4.5, and 4.4 g 16 g N−1, respectively, and were comparable to those found in soybean and Moringa olifera leaves. The contents of total phenols in seeds and leaves were 1.2 and 56.7 g kg−1 DM, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The chemical composition of leaves and seeds from M. stenopetala revealed its potential as a protein and energy supplement for ruminant livestock. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
New Amphiphilic Glycopolymers Based on a Polycaprolactone‐maleic anhydride Copolymer Backbone: Characterization by 15N NMR and Application to Colloidal Stabilization of Nanoparticles
Authors: Otman Otman , Boullanger Paul , Lafont Dominique , Hamaide Thierry
Published: November 2008

8‐Amino‐3,6‐dioxaoctyl α‐D‐mannopyranoside and 8‐amino‐3,6‐dioxaoctyl β‐D‐galactopyranoside were prepared for coupling with a copolymer made from PCL macromonomers and MA. The new glycosyl compounds as well as PCL macromonomers were synthesized by appropriate techniques and fully characterized. The grafting of the latter with the functionalized copolymer was ascertained by 15N NMR experiments. The glycopolymers thus obtained were used in conjunction with Pluronic® F‐68 for the stabilization of PCL nanoparticles prepared by the emulsification‐diffusion technique. The stabilization of these nanoparticles upon storage and after centrifugation was investigated as well.

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Segregated Networks of Carbon Black in Poly(vinyl acetate) Latex: Influence of Clay on the Electrical and Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Miriyala Sethu M. , Kim Yeon Seok , Liu Lei , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: November 2008

Films were prepared from mixtures of PVAc latex, CB, and natural sodium montmorillonite clay. In the absence of clay, these composites exhibit a percolation threshold of 1.2 vol.‐% CB, which is nearly an order of magnitude lower than that observed for composites prepared using PVAc solution. SEM images reveal a segregated CB network that is the result of excluded volume created by the much larger polymer particles in the latex. With the addition of 0.2 wt.‐% clay, the percolation threshold is reduced to 0.9 vol.‐% carbon black due to clay‐induced networking. The storage modulus is also enhanced by the presence of clay, although higher clay concentration appears to adversely affect electrical and mechanical behavior of these composites.

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Anisotropic Electronic Conductivity in Layer‐By‐Layer Composite Film Composed of Water‐Soluble Conjugated Polymers and SWNTs
Authors: Adachi Naoya , Fukawa Tadashi , Tatewaki Yoko , Shirai Hirofusa , Kimura Mutsumi
Published: November 2008

This paper reports the anisotropic electrical properties of a layer‐by‐layer (LBL) film composed of water‐soluble conjugated polymers and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The water‐soluble poly (p‐phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs) are capable of a strong π‐π interaction with the sidewall of SWNTs and results in a very stable PPE‐SO3/SWNTs composite in aqueous solution. Aligned LBL films were prepared by self‐assembly using the anionic PPE/SWNTs and cationic PPE on various substrates. The polarized Raman spectra exhibited the cos2α polarization dependence of the G‐band intensity between the polarization direction and the SWNTs alignment direction. The electric conductivity within the LBL films can be controlled by the deposition direction in the LBL formation.

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Asymptotic regularity of solutions to Hartree–Fock equations with Coulomb potential
Authors: Flad Heinz‐Jürgen , Schneider Reinhold , Schulze Bert‐Wolfgang
Published: November 2008

We study the asymptotic regularity of solutions to Hartree–Fock (HF) equations for Coulomb systems. To deal with singular Coulomb potentials, Fock operators are discussed within the calculus of pseudo‐differential operators on conical manifolds. First, the non‐self‐consistent‐field case is considered, which means that the functions that enter into the nonlinear terms are not the eigenfunctions of the Fock operator itself. We introduce asymptotic regularity conditions on the functions that build up the Fock operator, which guarantee ellipticity for the local part of the Fock operator on the open stretched cone ℝ+ × S2. This proves the existence of a parametrix with a corresponding smoothing remainder from which it follows, via a bootstrap argument, that the eigenfunctions of the Fock operator again satisfy asymptotic regularity conditions. Using a fixed‐point approach based on Cancès and Le Bris analysis of the level‐shifting algorithm, we show via another bootstrap argument that the corresponding self‐consistent‐field solutions to the HF equation have the same type of asymptotic regularity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of reduced glutamate in the frontal lobe of HIV‐seropositive patients
Authors: Sailasuta Napapon , Shriner Kimberly , Ross Brian
Published: November 2008

Neurological complications associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, in particular, HIV‐associated dementia, continue to plague those infected. We report our finding that the concentration of brain Glu is reduced in the frontal white matter region in this condition. In addition, our data appear to absolve highly active retroviral therapy (HAART) from blame, as drug‐naïve patients were equally affected. Our findings suggest that Glu neurotransmission is abnormal and may be a key target for early interventions to reduce the later incidence of neurocognitive impairment and dementia among HIV‐seropositive patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Switching of vascular phenotypes within a murine breast cancer model induced by angiopoietin‐2
Authors: Reiss Yvonne , Knedla Anette , Tal Andrea O , Schmidt Mirko HH , Jugold Manfred , Kiessling Fabian , Burger Angelika M , Wolburg Hartwig , Deutsch Urban , Plate Karl H
Published: November 2008

Sustained growth of solid tumours can rely on both the formation of new and the co‐option of existing blood vessels. Current models suggest that binding of angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) to its endothelial Tie2 receptor prevents receptor phosphorylation, destabilizes blood vessels, and promotes vascular permeability. In contrast, binding of angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) induces Tie2 receptor activation and supports the formation of mature blood vessels covered by pericytes. Despite the intense research to decipher the role of angiopoietins during physiological neovascularization and tumour angiogenesis, a mechanistic understanding of angiopoietin function on vascular integrity and remodelling is still incomplete. We therefore assessed the vascular morphology of two mouse mammary carcinoma xenotransplants (M6378 and M6363) which differ in their natural angiopoietin expression. M6378 displayed Ang‐1 in tumour cells but no Ang‐2 in tumour endothelial cells in vivo. In contrast, M6363 tumours expressed Ang‐2 in the tumour vasculature, whereas no Ang‐1 expression was present in tumour cells. We stably transfected M6378 mouse mammary carcinoma cells with human Ang‐1 or Ang‐2 and investigated the consequences on the host vasculature, including ultrastructural morphology. Interestingly, M6378/Ang‐2 and M6363 tumours displayed a similar vascular morphology, with intratumoural haemorrhage and non‐functional and abnormal blood vessels. Pericyte loss was prominent in these tumours and was accompanied by increased endothelial cell apoptosis. Thus, overexpression of Ang‐2 converted the vascular phenotype of M6378 tumours into a phenotype similar to M6363 tumours. Our results support the hypothesis that Ang‐1/Tie2 signalling is essential for vessel stabilization and endothelial cell/pericyte interaction, and suggest that Ang‐2 is able to induce a switch of vascular phenotypes within tumours. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding and using the implicit association test: V. measuring semantic aspects of trait self‐concepts
Authors: Schnabel Konrad , Asendorpf Jens B. , Greenwald Anthony G.
Published: November 2008

Implicit Association Tests (IATs) often reveal strong associations of self with positive rather than negative attributes. This poses a problem in using the IAT to measure associations involving traits with either positive or negative evaluative content. In two studies, we employed non‐bipolar but evaluatively balanced Big Five traits as attribute contrasts and explored correlations of IATs with positive (e.g. sociable vs. conscientious) or negative (e.g. reserved vs. chaotic) attributes. Results showed (a) satisfactory internal consistencies for all IATs, (b) explicit–explicit and implicit–implicit correlations that were moderate to high and comparable in strength after both were corrected for attenuation and (c) better model fit for latent variable models that linked the implicit and explicit measures to distinct latent factors rather to the same factor. Together, the results suggest that IATs can validly assess the semantic aspect of trait self‐concepts and that implicit and explicit self‐representations are, although correlated, also distinct constructs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The interaction of cell‐penetrating peptides with lipid model systems and subsequent lipid reorganization: thermodynamic and structural characterization
Authors: Alves Isabel D. , Correia Isabelle , Jiao Chen Yu , Sachon Emmanuelle , Sagan Sandrine , Lavielle Solange , Tollin Gordon , Chassaing Gérard
Published: November 2008

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) are cationic peptides that are able to induce cellular uptake and delivery of large and hydrophilic molecules, that otherwise do not cross the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells. Despite their potential use for gene transfer and drug delivery, the mode of action of CPPs is still mysterious. Nonetheless, the interaction with phospholipid bilayers constitutes the first step in the process. The interaction of two CPPs with distinct charge distribution, penetratin (nonamphipathic) and RL16 (a secondary amphipathic peptide with antimicrobial properties) with lipid membranes was investigated. For this purpose, we employed three independent techniques, comprising 31P‐nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy. In view of the cationic nature of the peptides, their interaction and affinity for zwitterionic versus anionic lipids was investigated. Although a strong affinity was observed when negative charged lipids were present, the peptides' thermodynamic behavior on binding to zwitterionic versus anionic lipids and the induced supramolecular structure organization in those lipids was quite different. The study suggests that the amphipathic profile and charge distribution of CPPs strongly influences the perturbation mechanism of the peptide on the bilayer establishing the frontier between a pure CPP and a CPP with antimicrobial properties. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid phase synthesis and RNA‐binding studies of a serum‐resistant nucleo‐ε‐peptide
Authors: Roviello G. N. , Musumeci D. , Castiglione M. , Bucci E. M. , Pedone C. , Benedetti E.
Published: November 2008

In the present work we report the synthesis of a new Fmoc‐protected L‐lysine‐based nucleo‐amino acid suitable for the solid phase assembly and its oligomerisation to the corresponding nucleo‐ε‐peptide that we called ε‐lysPNA. The ability to bind complementary RNA and the stability in serum of this synthetic nucleo‐ε‐peptide were studied to explore its possible use in antisense or diagnostic applications. Our interest to the presented oligonucleotide analogue was also supported by the importance of ε‐peptides and other ε‐amino acid‐containing compounds in natural products with biological activity such as the poly‐ε‐lysines produced by Streptomyces albulus that possess a highly selective antimicrobial activity. Another aspect we intended to evaluate by this work is the possible prebiotic implication of these nucleopeptides, since ε‐peptides, and not α‐peptides, were mainly obtained among the other thermal prebiotic polypeptides in pyrocondensation of lysine, a diamino acid also detected in Mighei meteorite. Besides this intriguing question, all the remarkable properties emerged from the present investigation on ε‐lysPNAs encourage, without doubts, interest in the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of these bioinspired nucleopeptides. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Analysis of Some Thiourea Derivatives with Activities Against HIV‐1 (IIIB)
Authors: Li Zu‐Guang , Chen Ke‐Xian , Xie Hai‐Ying , Gao Jian‐Rong
Published: November 2008

Two‐dimensional (2D) and Three‐dimensional (3D) Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) studies have been carried out on a series of 42 recently synthesized thiourea derivatives to find out the structural requirements of their protection of MT‐4 cells against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)‐1 (IIIB). The statistically significant 2D‐QSAR model (r2=0.897) was developed by Genetic Function Approximation (GFA) when the number of descriptors in equation was set to four, indicating descriptors of S_aaCH, Shadow_XYfrac, Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO), and Hydrogen‐Bond Acceptors (Hbond Acceptor) mainly control the bioactivity. The validation of the model was done by the full cross‐validation tests, randomization tests, and external test set prediction. Molecular Field Analysis (MFA) investigated the substitutional requirements for the favorable receptor–drug interaction and constructed the best 3D‐QSAR model using Genetic Partial Least Squares (G/PLS) method, showing that the electrostatic fields contribute significantly toward bioactivity. The results obtained by combining both methodologies give insight into the key features for designing more potent analogs against HIV‐1(IIIB).
A derivatisation and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation multistage mass spectrometry method for the characterisation of naphthenic acids
Authors: Smith B. E. , Rowland S. J.
Published: November 2008

Naphthenic acids (NAs) are partially uncharacterised complex mixtures of carboxylic acids, resulting from the microbial oxidation of petroleum hydrocarbons. They are associated with the fouling of pipelines and process equipment in oil production and with corrosion in oil refineries. As by‐products of the rapidly expanding oil (tar) sands industries, NAs are also pollutants and have proved to be toxic to a range of organisms. They also have important beneficial uses as fungicides, tyre additives and, paradoxically, also in the manufacture of corrosion inhibitors. These features make the characterisation of NAs an important goal for analytical chemists. Here we describe the synthesis of amide derivatives of NAs for characterisation by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation multistage mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MSn). The method was applied to commercially available carboxylic acids, novel synthetic NAs, commercial NAs refined from crude oils, crude oil NAs and Athabasca oil sands NAs. In addition to confirming the number of alicyclic rings and length of alkyl side chain substituents (confirming information from existing methods), the MSn results provided further structural information. Most important of these was the finding that bi‐ to polycyclic acids containing ethanoate side chains, in addition to alkyl substituents, were widespread amongst the oil and oil sands NAs. The latter NAs are known end members of the β‐oxidation of NAs with even carbon number alkanoate chains. Since such NA mixtures are toxic, they should be targets for bioremediation. Bioremediation of NAs can also be monitored better by application of the methods described herein. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping student understanding in chemistry: The Perspectives of Chemists
Authors: Claesgens Jennifer , Scalise Kathleen , Wilson Mark , Stacy Angelica
Published: November 2008

Preliminary pilot studies and a field study show how a generalizable conceptual framework calibrated with item response modeling can be used to describe the development of student conceptual understanding in chemistry. ChemQuery is an assessment system that uses a framework of the key ideas in the discipline, called the Perspectives of Chemists, and criterion‐referenced analysis using item response models (item response theory (IRT)) to map student progress. It includes assessment questions, a scoring rubric, item exemplars, and a framework to describe the paths of student understanding that emerge. Integral to criterion‐referenced measurement is a focus on what is being measured: the intention of the assessment, its purpose, and the context in which it is going to be used. The Perspectives framework allows us to begin to narrate the development of understanding that occurs as students “learn'' over the course of instruction, helping to form a crosswalk among educational science standards and underscore the importance of scientific reasoning with domain knowledge. Here, we explain a framework we have investigated in chemistry and present evidence on measures of student understanding to describe the development of conceptual understanding at the high school and university levels. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 93:56–85, 2009
Gandhi's technoscience: sustainability and technology as themes of politics
Authors: Ninan Anup Sam
Published: November 2008

Based on an in‐depth examination of the original writings of Mohandas Gandhi, spanning over 98 volumes, and the compendium of works by his associates J. C. Kumarappa and Vinoba Bhave, this article explores the technoscientific notions of the Gandhian school of thought to broaden the technology–sustainability discussions. Premised on the idea of nature, the varying nature–human definitions were crucial for Gandhians in pursuing their political activities. Positing nature methodologically as an unproblematic abstract category, Gandhians formulated, redefined and appropriated technoscientific spaces; thereby facilitating their technological choices and artefacts to embody the values of sustainability, decentralized autonomy and labour‐intensiveness. They engaged science and technology as a contextually contingent social process and integrated it into a mass political movement by identifying technoscience as a site of political action. This article adds to the STS discussions on democratization of technology, and the socially embedded nature of scientific ingenuity and multivalency of technological choices. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Is air transport an effective tool for sustainable development?
Authors: Daley Ben
Published: November 2008

Several authoritative studies indicate that air transport makes a strong, positive contribution to economic development – a contribution that far outweighs the environmental and social costs of aviation. This article investigates this benign view, analysing the assumptions upon which it is based and arguing that the relationship between air transport and economic benefits may be more complex than is commonly held. In particular, the benefits of air transport services may be highly unevenly distributed, with particular groups benefiting from air transport provision to a far greater extent than others. Hence this article poses the question of whether air transport is an effective tool for sustainable development, or whether it simply reinforces existing patterns of economic interest and political hegemony. Based on analysis of a range of key documents, some criteria are presented that could potentially be used to indicate how air transport may most effectively be used to promote sustainable development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Influence of electrolyte temperature on pure titanium modified by electrochemical treatment for implant
Authors: Lee Im Gi , Kim Yu Kyoung , Park Il Song , Park Ju Mi , Lee Min Ho , Bae Tae Sung , Park Charn Woon
Published: November 2008

This study examined the effect of electrolyte temperature on the surface characteristics of anodized pure titanium in DL‐α‐glycerophosphate (DL‐α‐GP) and calcium acetate (CA). The anodic oxide films contained a large proportion of anatase with some rutile. The relative intensity of the anatase peaks and the surface roughness increased with increasing electrolyte temperature. As the electrolyte temperature was increased, the pore size increased to 1–4 µm, and the apatite crystals became coarser and denser. The amount of calcium and phosphate adsorbed increased with increasing electrolyte temperature. The anodizing voltage reached the onset of constant voltage mode faster with decreasing electrolyte temperature. A higher voltage is essential for the electrolyte at lower temperature to reach the constant voltage mode during this initial period. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Committed carbon—upgrading existing buildings
Authors: Partridge Lester E. , Loughnane Eoin J.
Published: November 2008

Many new buildings are designed to incorporate low carbon emission features which enhance a building's environmental performance. However, new buildings only represent a small percentage of the entire building stock. Upgrading existing buildings to meet lower carbon emission performance targets presents a huge opportunity for building owners, designers and contractors. This article outlines the methodology and strategies for reducing carbon emissions in existing buildings, and provides an example of the strategies and design processes undertaken for refurbishing a 30‐storey building in Sydney's CBD. A scope of works was developed for the example building in 2006 with the aim of reducing the base building system's annual greenhouse gas emissions from 141 to 87 kg CO2/m2. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying Variables Responsible for Data not Missing at Random
Authors: Yuan Ke-Hai
Published: November 2008

When data are not missing at random (NMAR), maximum likelihood (ML) procedure will not generate consistent parameter estimates unless the missing data mechanism is correctly modeled. Understanding NMAR mechanism in a data set would allow one to better use the ML methodology. A survey or questionnaire may contain many items; certain items may be responsible for NMAR values in other items. The paper develops statistical procedures to identify the responsible items. By comparing ML estimates (MLE), statistics are developed to test whether the MLEs are changed when excluding items. The items that cause a significant change of the MLEs are responsible for the NMAR mechanism. Normal distribution is used for obtaining the MLEs; a sandwich-type covariance matrix is used to account for distribution violations. The class of nonnormal distributions within which the procedure is valid is provided. Both saturated and structural models are considered. Effect sizes are also defined and studied. The results indicate that more missing data in a sample does not necessarily imply more significant test statistics due to smaller effect sizes. Knowing the true population means and covariances or the parameter values in structural equation models may not make things easier either.
Nanostructured Hypoeutectic Fe-B Alloy Prepared by a Self-propagating High Temperature Synthesis Combining a Rapid Cooling Technique
Authors: Fu Licai , Yang Jun , Bi Qinling , Liu Weimin
Published: November 2008

We have successfully synthesized bulk nanostructured Fe94.3B5.7 alloy using the one-step approach of a self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) combining a rapid cooling technique. This method is convenient, low in cost, and capable of being scaled up for processing the bulk nanostructured materials. The solidification microstructure is composed of a relatively coarse, uniformly distributed dendriteto a nanostructured eutectic matrix with α-Fe(B) and t-Fe2B phases. The fine eutectic structure is disorganized, and the precipitation Fe2B is found in the α-Fe(B) phase of the eutectic. The dendrite phase has the t-Fe2B structure rather than α-Fe(B) in the Fe94.3B5.7 alloy, because the growth velocity of t-Fe2B is faster than that of the α-Fe with the deeply super-cooling degree. The coercivity (Hc) and saturation magnetization (Ms) values of the Fe94.3B5.7 alloy are 11 A/m and 1.74T, respectively. Moreover, the Fe94.3B5.7 alloy yields at 1430 MPa and fractures at 1710 MPa with a large ductility of 19.8% at compressive test.
Directly observed interaction within adolescent romantic relationships: What have we learned?
Authors: Welsh Deborah P. , Shulman Shmuel
Published: November 2008

Review and conceptual analysis of the papers in this special issue calls attention to several important methodological and conceptual issues surrounding the direct observation of adolescent romantic couples. It also provides an important new foundation of knowledge about the nature of adolescents’ romantic relationships. Connections with previous family relationships, new understandings of the distinctive nature of adolescent romantic relationships, and gender issues are clarified by this body of papers. Together, these papers move the scholarly field forward and generate new lines of questions for future investigators.
On the origin of sensory impairment and altered pain perception in Prader–Willi syndrome: A neurophysiological study
Authors: Priano Lorenzo , Miscio Giacinta , Grugni Graziano , Milano Eva , Baudo Silvia , Sellitti Luigi , Picconi Roberto , Mauro Alessandro
Published: November 2008

Introduction: High pain threshold is a supportive diagnosis criterion for Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. In this study we investigate sensory pathways in PWS, in order to evaluate peripheral or central involvement in altered sensory perception.

Methods: 14 adult PWS patients, 10 obese non‐diabetic people and 10 age‐matched controls underwent: (a) motor/sensory nerve conduction velocities at the upper and lower limbs; (b) palmar/plantar sympathetic skin response; (c) somatosensory evoked potentials from upper/lower limbs; (d) quantitative sensory testing to measure sensory threshold for vibration, warm and cold sensation, heat and cold‐induced pain and (e) blood sample analysis to evaluate glucose and insulin levels and to calculate the quantitative insulin‐sensitivity check index (QUICKI).

Results: Electroneurographic examination, sympathetic skin response and somatosensory evoked potentials were all within normal ranges. In the PWS group, thermal and pain thresholds but not vibratory were significantly higher than in healthy and obese people (p<0.05). Sensory threshold did not correlate with BMI nor with QUICKI.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that altered perception in PWS does not seem attributable to a peripheral nerve derangement due to metabolic factors or obesity. Impairment of the small nociceptive neurons of dorsal root ganglia or involvement of hypothalamic region may not be excluded.
Dietary garlic and onion reduce the incidence of atherogenic diet-induced cholesterol gallstones in experimental mice
Authors: Vidyashankar Satyakumar , Sambaiah Kari , Srinivasan Krishnapura
Published: November 2008

Mice fed with diet containing 0·5 % cholesterol for 10 weeks resulted in cholesterol supersaturation in gallbladder bile which promoted the formation of cholesterol gallstones (CGS). In this study, dietary hypocholesterolaemic spices, garlic and onion (both raw or heat-processed) were examined for their antilithogenic potential by including at 0·6 and 2·0 % level, respectively, along with lithogenic (LG) diet for 10 weeks. Dietary garlic and onion reduced the CGS incidence by 15–39 %, the effect being maximum in the heat-processed onion group. Dietary garlic and onion markedly reduced biliary cholesterol. The cholesterol:phospholipid ratio which was 1·58 in the LG diet group was reduced to 0·73–0·96 in the garlic and onion groups. The biliary cholesterol saturation index was 0·92, 1·25, 1·09 and 0·86, respectively, in the heat-processed onion, raw garlic, heat-processed garlic and raw onion groups, while it was 1·9 in the LG group. The hydrophobicity index of bile was − 0·08, − 0·079, − 0·032 and − 0·073, respectively, in the heat-processed onion, raw garlic, heat-processed garlic and raw onion groups, while it was +0·054 in the LG group. Hepatic hydroxymethyl glutaryl-CoA reductase activity was lowered in the LG diet-fed group, while dietary garlic or onion countered this alteration and also increased the activities of hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and sterol 27-hydroxylase. Serum and liver cholesterol were decreased by feeding garlic or onion compared to the LG diet. Thus, dietaryAlliumspices exerted antilithogenic influence by decreasing the cholesterol hyper-secretion into bile and increasing the bile acid output thus decreasing the formation of lithogenic bile in experimental mice.
Ethnic differences in early pregnancy maternaln-3 andn-6 fatty acid concentrations: an explorative analysis
Authors: van Eijsden Manon , Hornstra Gerard , van der Wal Marcel F. , Bonsel Gouke J.
Published: November 2008

Ethnicity-related differences in maternaln-3 andn-6 fatty acid status may be relevant to ethnic disparities in birth outcomes observed worldwide. The present study explored differences in early pregnancyn-3 andn-6 fatty acid composition of maternal plasma phospholipids between Dutch and ethnic minority pregnant women in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with a focus on the major functional fatty acids EPA (20 : 5n-3), DHA (22 : 6n-3), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20 : 3n-6) and arachidonic acid (AA; 20 : 4n-6). Data were derived from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) cohort (inclusion January 2003 to March 2004). Compared with Dutch women (n2443), Surinamese (n286), Antillean (n63), Turkish (n167) and Moroccan (n241) women had generally lower proportions ofn-3 fatty acids (expressed as percentage of total fatty acids) but higher proportions ofn-6 fatty acids (general linear model;P < 0·001). Ghanaian women (n54) had higher proportions of EPA and DHA, but generally lower proportions ofn-6 fatty acids (P < 0·001). Differences were most pronounced in Turkish and Ghanaian women, who, by means of a simple questionnaire, reported the lowest and highest fish consumption respectively. Adjustment for fish intake, however, hardly attenuated the differences in relative EPA, DHA, DGLA and AA concentrations between the various ethnic groups. Given the limitations of this observational study, further research into the ethnicity-related differences in maternaln-3 andn-6 fatty acid patterns is warranted, particularly to elucidate the explanatory role of fatty acid intakev.metabolic differences.
BIRTH SEASONALITY IN JUJEÑO (NORTH-WEST ARGENTINA) ALTITUDE POPULATIONS
Authors: PASCUAL J. , DIPIERRI J. E. , ALFARO E. , GARCÍA-MORO C.
Published: November 2008

Seasonality of births has been related to multiple factors, including environmental, biological and sociocultural ones, in populations of diverse geographic and cultural origin. However, the relationship between this variable of bioanthropologic interest and geographic altitude has not been adequately explored. The aim of this study was to analyse the monthly distribution pattern of birth rates in Jujeño (north-west Argentina) populations located at different geographic altitude levels. Data were provided by the Statistical Reports on Liveborns (n=110,404) in the province of Jujuy, 1985–1992. Records were grouped by birthplace into the four geographic regions of the province: Ramal (350 m.a.s.l.), Valle (1200 m.a.s.l.), Quebrada (2500 m.a.s.l.) and Puna (3500 m.a.s.l.). Henry’s coefficients of seasonality were estimated. A chi-square test for goodness of fit (χ2) was used to identify statistically significant seasonal variations. Edwards’ test was used to detect simple harmonic cycles in birth distribution. Statistically significant seasonal patterns were found in the four geographic regions and they respond to a cyclic model of simple harmonic variation. The greatest Henry coefficients were observed in spring and summer in the higher regions (Puna and Quebrada), whereas they were seen in autumn and winter in the lowlands (Valle and Ramal). It is suggested that these patterns reflect the influence of environmental and socioeconomic altitude-related factors and inter-regional cultural diversity, rather than the influence of geographical altitude per se.
Suppose James Brown read Fanon: the Black Arts Movement, cultural nationalism and the failure of popular musical praxis
Authors: HANSON MICHAEL
Published: November 2008

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the articulation of politics and sound became explicitly marked during the civil rights transition to embryonic types of racial nationalism, black power and the novel forms of ‘citizenship’ implied therein. Music mediated and registered these critical shifts in political outlook, structural change and black collectivity. Yet, despite the power of black soundings to communicate or gesture toward a particular political sensibility, black popular music in particular remained elusive to those political workers most invested in identifying the articulations of popular sound aesthetics and the masses. Popular music, and soul culture more generally, frustrated nationalist efforts at enlisting the black masses, a failure that paradoxically reflected black nationalism’s inability to appeal to and enlist the political potential of the mass black public that it so valorised. %This article explores the political-aesthetic interface particularly as it played out in the relationship between cultural nationalism and black popular music. This relationship offers a powerful index of the correspondence and dissonance between the political intentions of nationalist political workers and the political desires of the urban masses. It is argued that both the formal attempts at producing revolutionary cultural products and the broader influence and reception that black nationalist politics had within the field of black popular culture were in significant ways less communicative of collective political will and desire than emergent popular musical formations.
‘Dance drills, faith spills’: Islam, body politics, and popular music in post-Suharto Indonesia
Authors: WEINTRAUB ANDREW N.
Published: November 2008

In February 2003, a woman’s body became the focal point for public debates about religious authority, freedom of expression, women’s rights, and the future of Indonesia’s political leadership. At the centre of these debates was Inul Daratista, a twenty-four-year-old popular music singer/dancer from East Java, whose dancing was described as ‘pornographic’ and therefore haram, forbidden by Islam. In this essay, I describe how and why Inul’s dancing body became a central symbol in debates about religion, culture and politics in the years following the fall of Indonesian ex-president Suharto in 1998. In the highly mediated sphere of popular culture, ‘Inulmania’ contributed to a new dialogic space where conflicting ideological positions could be expressed and debated. Inul’s body became a stage for a variety of cultural actors to try out or ‘rehearse’ an emergent democracy in post-Suharto Indonesia. A case study of popular performer Inul Daratista illuminates contemporary ‘body politics’, in which human bodies invested with diverse meanings and values have powerful implications for discourses about Islam, pornography, women’s bodies, state/civil relations in Indonesia, and changing forms of media.
Celluloid love songs: musical modus operandi and the dramatic aesthetics of romantic Hindi film
Authors: SARRAZIN NATALIE
Published: November 2008

In Hindi cinema, love songs comprise the vast majority in an industry in which almost every film contains song and dance numbers. Often incorrectly characterised as narrative interruptions, these celluloid creations contain indigenous aesthetics and self-identifying cultural values, and employ contemporary cinematic techniques which impact film song content and context. How do these cinematic techniques intensify the viewing experience and allow traditional aesthetic ideals to coexist with contemporary codes relevant to a burgeoning Indian middle class and diaspora?

Beginning with an examination of traditional sources and contemporary values regarding music and emotion, I address the particularly important notion of displaying heart, often the centrepiece of thematic and dramatic tension as well as the love song soundtrack. As the primary emotional genre, I analyse the use of heart in romantic films and suggest a general typology of romantic film songs and their aesthetics, including commonly used musical motifs and codes.

Finally, I compare musical, cinematic and narrative components of the Indian romantic genre with those aspects of the American film musical, particularly in relation to cultural values and ideological differences. The iconic use of a couple-centric narrative is examined in relation to Indian displays of emotion, and love song duets are contextualised through description of several pervasive cinematic techniques used to heighten the emotional impact of songs on the audience. I conclude with a focus on the relationship between the song sequence and the narrative structure, particularly how this serves to intensify the narrative flow rather than interrupt it.
Musical ambition, cultural accreditation and the nasty side of progressive rock
Authors: KEISTER JAY , SMITH JEREMY L.
Published: November 2008

Progressive rock of the early 1970s has been demonised as a nadir in the history of rock primarily because of the ambitions of progressive rock musicians. Critics have interpreted these ambitions as attempts to elevate rock music to the level of high art in order to gain cultural accreditation from an unspecified cultural elite. This interpretation is further compounded by the common notion that progressive rock’s subject matter is dominated more by individualistic quests for spirituality than by socio-political critique, resulting in a stereotype of progressive rock as apolitical, pretentious and conventionally upwardly mobile. Critics who have propagated this stereotype – including some musicologists – have misunderstood the countercultural politics of young musicians during this era and have overlooked the highly developed musical poetics of progressive rock that were in fact highly politicised. This paper examines four of the leading progressive rock bands of the early 1970s – Emerson, Lake and Palmer, King Crimson, Genesis and Yes – and reveals the nasty side of progressive rock: a scathing criticism of rampant militarism and social conformity that runs counter to the prevailing narrative in which the genre is dismissed as an escapist fantasy with an elitist agenda.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SPECIAL ISSUE OF ECONOMICS AND PHILOSOPHY ON NEUROECONOMICS
Authors: Bonanno Giacomo , List Christian , Tungodden Bertil , Vallentyne Peter
Published: November 2008

The past fifteen years or so have witnessed considerable progress in our understanding of how the human brain works. One of the objectives of the fast-growing field of neuroscience is to deepen our knowledge of how the brain perceives and interacts with the external world. Advances in this direction have been made possible by progress in brain imaging techniques and by clinical data obtained from patients with localized brain lesions. A relatively new field within neuroscience is neuroeconomics, which focuses on individual decision making and aims to systematically classify and map the brain activity that correlates with decision-making that pertains to economic choices. Neuroeconomic studies rely heavily on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures the haemodynamic response (that is, changes in the blood flow) related to neural activity in the brain.
WELL-BEING AND NEUROECONOMICS
Authors: Jamison Julian C.
Published: November 2008

Neuroscience can contribute to economics by inspiring new models, helping to distinguish models that have similar implications for readily available data, and guiding interpretations of decision-making processes by policy-makers. However, there is an additional less straightforward role for it to play: augmenting, along with survey data and other non-revealed-preference sources, assessments of well-being. The need for such augmentation lies in the slightly bizarre stance taken by modern economic theory, namely that economics is concerned only with choices and not with welfare per se. It is shown that this is neither historical nor at all necessary, even within the standard paradigm. Although neuroscience is by no means a panacea for determining true utility, which ultimately remains a subjective concept, it provides a uniquely useful complementary dataset.
NEUROECONOMICS, NEUROPHYSIOLOGY AND THE COMMON CURRENCY HYPOTHESIS
Authors: Landreth Anthony , Bickle John
Published: November 2008

We briefly describe ways in which neuroeconomics has made contributions to its contributing disciplines, especially neuroscience, and a specific way in which it could make future contributions to both. The contributions of a scientific research programme can be categorized in terms of (1) description and classification of phenomena, (2) the discovery of causal relationships among those phenomena, and (3) the development of tools to facilitate (1) and (2). We consider ways in which neuroeconomics has advanced neuroscience and economics along each line. Then, focusing on electrophysiological methods, we consider a puzzle within neuroeconomics whose solution we believe could facilitate contributions to both neuroscience and economics, in line with category (2). This puzzle concerns how the brain assigns reward values to otherwise incomparable stimuli. According to the common currency hypothesis, dopamine release is a component of a neural mechanism that solves comparability problems. We review two versions of the common currency hypothesis, one proposed by Read Montague and colleagues, the other by William Newsome and colleagues, and fit these hypotheses into considerations of rational choice.