bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of acetylsalicylic acid and oxalic acid on Myzus persicae and Aphidius colemani
Authors: Karatolos N. , Hatcher P. E.
Published: November 2008

Plants can respond to damage by pests with both induced direct defences and indirect defences by the attraction of their natural enemies. Foliar application of several plant‐derived chemicals, such as salicylic acid and oxalic acid, can induce these defence mechanisms. The effect of acetylsalicylic acid and oxalic acid on the aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its parasitoid Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) was investigated. Experiments were carried out with direct application of acetylsalicylic and oxalic acids on these insects, as well as choice and no‐choice tests using foliar application of both chemicals on Brussels sprouts plants, Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera L. (Brassicaceae). Parasitoids were given a choice between treated and untreated plants for oviposition, and the effects of the chemicals on aphid and parasitoid development were determined. Although direct application of both chemicals increased aphid mortality, their foliar application did not induce resistance against aphids. The foliar application of such compounds, even in low concentration as shown in the choice tests, has the potential to induce indirect plant defences against aphids by encouraging aphid parasitisation. Although the direct application of both chemicals reduced parasitoid emergence from their hosts, the foliar application of acetylsalicylic acid and low concentrations of oxalic acid did not have a negative effect on parasitoid emergence ability. However, 10 mm oxalic acid reduced the number of emerged parasitoids in no‐choice experiments. This study shows that foliar application of acetylsalicylic and oxalic acids has the potential to encourage aphid parasitisation, but care is needed as high concentrations of oxalic acid can have a negative effect on these beneficial organisms.
Depressive symptoms predispose females to metabolic syndrome: a 7‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Vanhala M. , Jokelainen J. , Keinänen‐Kiukaanniemi S. , Kumpusalo E. , Koponen H.
Published: November 2008

Objective:  To evaluate the risk for developing metabolic syndrome when having depressive symptoms.

Method:  The prevalence of depressive symptoms and metabolic syndrome at baseline, and after a 7‐year follow‐up as measured with Beck depression inventory (BDI), and using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program – Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) were studied in a middle‐aged population‐based sample (n = 1294).

Results:  The logistic regression analysis showed a 2.5‐fold risk (95% CI: 1.2–5.2) for the females with depressive symptoms (BDI ≥10) at baseline to have MetS at the end of the follow‐up. The risk was highest in the subgroup with more melancholic symptoms evaluated with a summary score of the melancholic items in BDI (OR 6.81, 95% CI: 2.09–22.20). In men, there was no risk difference.

Conclusion:  The higher risks for MetS in females with depressive symptoms at baseline suggest that depression may be an important predisposing factor for the development of MetS.
How can we preserve and restore species richness of pollinating insects on agricultural land?
Authors: Franzén Markus , Nilsson Sven G.
Published: November 2008

During recent decades, concern about the loss of biodiversity on agricultural land has increased, and semi‐natural grasslands have been highlighted as critical habitats. Temperate European agricultural landscapes require distinct and appropriate management to prevent further impoverishment of the flora and fauna. This is especially urgent for pollinating insects that provide important ecosystem services. Our aim was to examine how species richness of three important groups of pollinating insects; solitary bees, butterflies and burnet moths are related to different farm characteristics, and if there are any differences between these three groups. A further aim was to test if red‐listed species are related to any farm characteristics. Species richness of solitary bees, butterflies and burnets was measured on all semi‐natural grasslands at 16 farms in a forest‐dominated area of 50 km2in southern Sweden, using systematic transect walks in April to September 2003 (only butterflies and burnets) and 2005. Species richness of solitary bees and butterflies was intercorrelated, both before and after controlling for the area of semi‐natural grassland. Species richness of solitary bees increased with the area of semi‐natural grassland. After controlling for the effect of the area of semi‐natural grassland species richness was strongly positively related with the density of the plantKnautia arvensisand negatively related with the proportion of grazed grassland. The results were similar for solitary bees and butterflies. The number of red‐listed solitary bees was positively related to the proportion of meadows with late harvest (after mid‐July) and decreased with increased farm isolation. The number of burnet species (all red‐listed) was positively related to vegetation height, flower density and the proportion of meadows with late harvest on a farm. Areas with a high density ofK. arvensisand with traditional hay‐meadow with late harvest present, harbour most species. Promoting traditional hay‐meadows, late extensive grazing and the herbK. arvensis, people managing agricultural biodiversity can encompass high species richness of pollinating insects and support red‐listed species. Further, we suggest that the density ofK. arvensisat a farm can be used as a biodiversity indicator, at least for pollinating insects.
Island area and species diversity in the southwest Pacific Ocean: is the lizard fauna of Vanuatu depauperate?
Authors: Hamilton Alison M. , Hartman Joseph H. , Austin Christopher C.
Published: November 2008

One island group suggested to be an exception to the species–area Relationship is the Vanuatu Archipelago, a group of 13 large and 80 small islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean. To test the hypothesis that the lizard fauna of the Vanuatu Archipelago does not meet the predictions of the species‐area relationship, and thus is depauperate, we compare diversity among several island groups in the southwest Pacific: Fiji, the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. We found that the lizard diversity of Vanuatu meets the pattern of diversity predicted by the species‐area relationship. The Solomon Islands, the largest and least isolated oceanic archipelago considered, has the greatest species diversity and endemism of the oceanic islands. Inclusion or exclusion of island groups based on factors such as geologic history or faunal source affects the strength of the relationship between diversity, area, and history of emergence, and influences perceptions of diversity within individual archipelagos. In addition to island size, factors such evolutionary time scale, speciation, and archipelago complexity influence species richness on islands.
Linking bird, carabid beetle and butterfly life‐history traits to habitat fragmentation in mosaic landscapes
Authors: Barbaro Luc , Van Halder Inge
Published: November 2008

The goal of the present study is to assess how landscape configuration influenced the distribution of life‐history traits across bird, carabid beetle and butterfly communities of mosaic forest landscapes in south‐western France. A set of 12 traits was selected for each species, characterizing rarity, biogeographical distribution, body size, trophic guild, dispersal power, reproductive potential and phenology. We used a three‐table ordination method, RLQ analysis, to link directly bird, beetle and butterfly traits to the same set of landscape metrics calculated in 400 m‐radius buffers around sample points. RLQ analyses showed significant associations between life‐history traits and landscape configuration for all three taxonomical groups. Threatened species from all groups were characterized by a combination of life traits that makes them especially sensitive to the fragmentation of herbaceous and shrub‐dominated habitats at the landscape scale. These key life traits were low productivity, intermediate body mass, restricted geographic range, late phenology and ground gleaning for threatened birds, intermediate body size, spring adult activity, northern distribution and summer breeding period for threatened carabids, and restricted range, overwintering as eggs or larvae, low mobility, monophagy and short flight periods for threatened butterflies. Focusing on species life traits can provide a functional perspective, which helps to determine adequate measures for the conservation of threatened species and communities of several taxonomical groups in mosaic landscapes.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Maternal Transmission of Asthma Risk
Authors: Lim Robert H. , Kobzik Lester
Published: November 2008

Maternal asthma significantly increases the risk of asthma in offspring, but the mechanisms remain poorly defined. We review animal models used to study the maternal effect, focusing on a murine model developed in our laboratory. Mother mice rendered allergic to ovalbumin produce offspring that are more susceptible to allergic sensitization, seen as airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic airway inflammation after a sensitization protocol, which has minimal effects on newborns from normal mothers. Mechanistic analyses identify a role for interleukin‐4 (based on pre‐mating injection of neutralizing antibodies), dendritic cells and allergen‐specific T cells (based on adoptive transfer experiments). Other maternal exposures (e.g. pollutant exposure and non‐pulmonary allergy) can increase asthma susceptibility in offspring. This observation implies that the maternal transmission of asthma represents a final common pathway to various types of inflammatory stimuli. Identification of the shared molecular mechanisms in these models may allow better prevention and therapy. Current knowledge, gaps in knowledge and future directions are discussed.
Oral hygiene practices, dental knowledge, dietary habits and their relation to caries among male primary school children in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Amin TT , Al‐Abad BM
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Objectives:  To assess the frequency of consumption of cariogenic foods, oral hygiene practices and dental health knowledge among Saudi male primary school children in relation to socio‐demographics and to find the possible predictors for dental caries among them.

Subjects and methods:  The cross‐sectional descriptive study included 1115 Saudi male selected by multistage random sample from 18 public primary schools. Subjects were interviewed by closed ended questionnaire gathering data regarding frequency consumption of some cariogenic foods, oral hygiene practices and dental health knowledge. Students were submitted to dental screening to detect the clinically evident caries lesion.

Results:  The clinically decayed tooth was diagnosed in 68.9% of the included children, more in urban and younger students. Caries affected the subjects consumed cariogenic foods at greater frequency compared with caries‐free children. Only 24.5% of the students brushing their teeth twice or more per day, and 29% of them never received instructions regarding oral hygiene practices. Miswak as an alternative and/or additional method of dental cleaning was used by 44.6%. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that maternal working conditions, large family size and poor oral hygiene practices were the chief predictors for dental caries among the included school children.

Conclusion:  The poor oral hygiene practices, lack of parental guidance and appropriate dental health knowledge with frequent exposure to cariogenic foods in addition to socio‐demographics are the main risk factors for dental decay among the surveyed students.
The efficacy of interdental brushes on plaque and parameters of periodontal inflammation: a systematic review
Authors: Slot DE , Dörfer CE , Van der Weijden GA
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Aim:  The aim of the study was to asses the effect of the use of interdental brushes (IDB) in patients as an adjunct to toothbrushing compared with toothbrushing alone or other interdental oral hygiene devices on plaque and the clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation.

Material and methods:  MEDLINE–PubMed and the Cochrane Central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL) were searched through November 2007 to identify appropriate studies. Clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation such as plaque, gingivitis, bleeding and pockets were selected as outcome variables.

Results:  Independent screening of the titles and abstracts of 218 MEDLINE–PubMed and 116 Cochrane papers resulted in nine publications that met the eligibility criteria. Mean values and standard deviations were collected by data extraction. Descriptive comparisons are presented for brushing alone or brushing and woodsticks; meta‐analyses were also performed for the floss comparison.

Conclusion:  As an adjunct to brushing, the IDB removes more dental plaque than brushing alone. Studies showed a positive significant difference using IDB with respect to the plaque scores, bleeding scores and probing pocket depth. The majority of the studies presented a positive significant difference in the plaque index when using the IDB compared with floss.
The effect of cetylpyridinium chloride‐containing mouth rinses as adjuncts to toothbrushing on plaque and parameters of gingival inflammation: a systematic review
Authors: Haps S , Slot DE , Berchier CE , Van der Weijden GA
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  To review the literature concerning cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) containing mouth rinses as effective adjuncts to toothbrushing in the prevention of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.

Materials and methods:  Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to January 2008 to identify appropriate studies. The primary outcome measurements were plaque accumulation and gingivitis.

Results:  Independent screening of titles and abstracts of 3250 papers resulted in eight publications that met the criteria of eligibility. Mean values and standard deviations were obtained by data extraction. Descriptive comparisons are presented for brushing only or brushing and rinsing. Meta‐analyses were performed when possible.

Conclusions:  The existing evidence supports that CPC containing mouth rinses, when used as adjuncts to either supervised or unsupervised oral hygiene, provide a small but significant additional benefit in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.
Crop traits and the tolerance of wheat and barley to foliar disease
Authors: Bingham I.J. , Walters D.R. , Foulkes M.J. , Paveley N.D.
Published: November 2008

The relationship between yield loss and disease severity can differ widely between crops. This has given rise to the concept of disease tolerance, with some crops exhibiting a smaller yield loss under a given severity of disease than others. Genetic improvement to minimise yield loss under disease is an attractive goal, as it exerts little or no selection pressure on pathogen populations, and could form a useful component of durable disease management programmes. However, progress towards this end requires a thorough understanding of the phenotypic traits that influence the response of yield to disease, their genetic control and the possible trade‐offs involved with other desirable agronomic characteristics. This paper examines the candidate crop traits that may confer tolerance of foliar disease in wheat and barley and reviews evidence of genetic variation in their expression. In wheat grown under the relatively low light conditions of North‐West Europe, post‐anthesis source (assimilate supply) and grain sink capacity (capacity for dry matter accumulation) appear to be closely balanced. Traits associated with maintaining post‐anthesis radiation interception and radiation use efficiency in spite of disease may confer tolerance. The most promising traits include a larger flag leaf and compensatory increases in photosynthetic rate in non‐infected parts of leaves. In barley, yield is often more strongly sink limited, and early‐season disease management is required to protect the formation of potential grain sites. A wider range of potential traits may influence tolerance including compensatory adjustments in leaf growth and morphology, and differences in the sensitivity of tiller and spikelet mortality to photoassimilate supply. Different methods for quantifying tolerance are suggested depending on the trait of interest.
Distinct physiological responses of two rice cultivars subjected to iron toxicity under field conditions
Authors: Stein R.J. , Duarte G.L. , Spohr M.G. , Lopes S.I.G. , Fett J.P.
Published: November 2008

Iron toxicity is recognised as the most widely distributed nutritional disorder in lowland and irrigated rice, derived from the excessive amounts of ferrous ions generated by the reduction of iron oxides in flooded soils. Rice cultivars with variable degrees of tolerance to iron toxicity have been developed, and cultural practices such as water management and fertilisation can be used to reduce its negative impact. However, because of the complex nature of iron toxicity, few physiological data concerning tolerance mechanisms to excess iron in field conditions are available. To analyse the physiological responses of rice to iron excess in field conditions, two rice cultivars with distinct tolerance to iron toxicity [BR‐IRGA 409 (susceptible) and IRGA 420 (tolerant)] were grown in two areas, with a well‐established history of iron toxicity (in Camaquã, RS, Brazil) and without iron toxicity (in Cachoeirinha, RS, Brazil). Plants from the susceptible cultivar grown in the iron‐toxic site showed lower levels of chlorophylls and soluble proteins (together with higher carbonyl levels) indicating photooxidative and oxidative damage. The toxic effects observed were because of the accumulation of high levels of iron and not because of any indirectly induced shoot deficiency of other nutrients. Higher activities of antioxidative enzymes were also observed in leaves of plants from the susceptible cultivar only in the iron‐toxic site, probably as a result of oxidative stress rather than because of specific involvement in a tolerance mechanism. There was no difference between cultivars in iron accumulation in the symplastic and apoplastic space of leaves, with both cultivars accumulating 85–90% of total leaf iron in the symplast. However, susceptible plants accumulated higher levels of iron in low‐molecular‐mass fractions than tolerant plants. The accumulation of iron in the low‐molecular‐mass fraction probably has a direct influence on iron toxicity, and the adaptive strategy of tolerant plants may rely on their capacity to buffer the iron amounts present in the low mass fraction, a new parameter to be considered when evaluating tolerance to iron excess in field‐cultivated rice plants.
Sexual dimorphism and seasonal changes of leaf gas exchange in the dioecious treeIlex paraguariensisgrown in two contrasted cultivation types
Authors: Rakocevic M. , Medrado M.J.S. , Martim S.F. , Assad E.D.
Published: November 2008

Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis, Aquifoliaceae) is a subtropical, evergreen, dioecious, South American tree. In one preliminary study, it was observed that the functional strategy of yerba mate females, aiming to finish reproductive process, was increased transpiration relative to photosynthetic rates compared with males, on self‐shaded leaves. We hypothesised that the long‐term gas exchange response of males and females can evolve independently of phenological stage and cultivation type. In this spirit, the primary aim of the study was to analyse the physiological sexual dimorphism of this species, evaluating fluctuations of gas exchanges related to microclimate and phenological stages. A field study was conducted on adult plants of yerba maté cultivated in monoculture (MO) and in forest understorey (FUS), and measurements carried outin situon microclimate and leaf gas exchange parameters. The photosynthetic photon flux density that was attained at leaf level in FUS was reduced roughly 10‐fold compared with that in MO. Various leaf age populations were observed during a 2‐year period at 2‐month intervals and grouped into four categories: young, young‐fully‐expanded, fully‐expanded and old. Young and young‐fully‐expanded leaves were the most active in photosynthesis. Leaves of female plants showed greater photosynthetic rate than those of male plants, which was expressed on all leaf age categories in MO, but only during vegetative stages previous to flowering and fruit ripening. The photosynthesis of young‐fully‐expanded leaves of females grown in FUS was superior to males but only during winter growth pause. The stomatal conductance differed in relation to cultivation type and leaf age but did not show the sexual differentiation. Physiological sexual dimorphism in yerba mate is shown to be plastic, responding to environmental conditions. The cost associated to the reproduction of yerba maté could be most easily met showing physiological differentiation of both sexes. A higher reproductive investment of females might be compensated for by exhibiting greater leaf photosynthesis than males that occurs in vegetative stages that precede flowering and fruit ripening.
Effects of Glycerol on the Fluorescence Spectra and Chloroplast Ultrastructure ofPhaeodactylum tricornutum(Bacillariophyta)
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Juan , Duan Shun‐Shan , Li Ai‐Fen , Sun Kai‐Feng
Published: November 2008

Responses of the photosynthetic activity ofPhaeodactylum tricornutum(Bacillariophyta) to organic carbon glycerol were investigated. The growth rate, photosynthetic pigments, 77 K fluorescence spectra, and chloroplast ultrastructure ofP.tricornutumwere examined under photoautotrophic, mixotrophic, and photoheterotrophic conditions. The results showed that the specific growth rate was the fastest under mixotrophic conditions. The cell photosynthetic pigment content and values of Chla/Chlcwere reduced under mixotrophic and photoheterotrophic conditions. The value of carotenoid/Chlawas enhanced under mixotrophic conditions, but was decreased under photoheterotrophic conditions. In comparison with photoautotrophic conditions, the fluorescence emission peaks and fluorescence excitation peaks were not shifted. The relative fluorescence of photosystem (PS) I and PS II and the values of F685/F710 and F685/F738 were decreased. Chloroplast thylakoid pairs were less packed under mixotrophic and photoheterotrophic conditions. There was a strong correlation between degree of chloroplast thylakoid packing and the excitation energy kept in PS II. These results suggested that the PS II activity was reduced by glycerol under mixotrophic conditions, thereby leading to repression of the photosynthetic activity.
Lattice Boltzmann Models for Flow and Transport in Saturated Karst
Authors: Anwar Shadab , Sukop Michael C.
Published: November 2008

Flow and transport simulation in karst aquifers remains a significant challenge for the ground water modeling community. Darcy’s law–based models cannot simulate the inertial flows characteristic of many karst aquifers. Eddies in these flows can strongly affect solute transport. The simple two‐region conduit/matrix paradigm is inadequate for many purposes because it considers only a capacitance rather than a physical domain. Relatively new lattice Boltzmann methods (LBMs) are capable of solving inertial flows and associated solute transport in geometrically complex domains involving karst conduits and heterogeneous matrix rock. LBMs for flow and transport in heterogeneous porous media, which are needed to make the models applicable to large‐scale problems, are still under development. Here we explore aspects of these future LBMs, present simple examples illustrating some of the processes that can be simulated, and compare the results with available analytical solutions. Simulations are contrived to mimic simple capacitance‐based two‐region models involving conduit (mobile) and matrix (immobile) regions and are compared against the analytical solution. There is a high correlation between LBM simulations and the analytical solution for two different mobile region fractions. In more realistic conduit/matrix simulation, the breakthrough curve showed classic features and the two‐region model fit slightly better than the advection‐dispersion equation (ADE). An LBM‐based anisotropic dispersion solver is applied to simulate breakthrough curves from a heterogeneous porous medium, which fit the ADE solution. Finally, breakthrough from a karst‐like system consisting of a conduit with inertial regime flow in a heterogeneous aquifer is compared with the advection‐dispersion and two‐region analytical solutions.
LEGISLATIVE PROFESSIONALISM AND INFLUENCE ON STATE AGENCIES
Authors: Baranowski Michael
Published: November 2008

This research focuses on the relationship between state legislative professionalism and legislative influence in state agencies. Principal‐agent theory, which provides the theoretical underpinning for this research, suggests that there should be a positive relationship between legislative professionalism and legislative influence. King's (2000) legislative professionalism measure, along with a 1995 survey of state administrators in 15 states, are used to test this theory. The results of this analysis show that while there is a statistically significant relationship between legislative professionalism and legislative influence in agencies, the relationship is not in the expected direction. Additionally, legislative professionalism is not the strongest of the examined predictors of legislative influence. While the increased legislative capability of more professionalized legislatures may make them better able to influence agencies, based on these findings they do not appear to be particularly interested in exerting more influence over agencies. Potential reasons for which are discussed.
A New Message: Compassionate Conservatism, African Americans, and the Republican Party
Authors: Streb Matthew J.
Published: November 2008

In 1997 and 1998, several Republican gubernatorial candidates in the South put forth a new message of “compassionate conservatism” on the campaign trail. This paper examines two of those campaigns in great detail by using interviews with political actors and analysis, content analysis of the states newspapers, and exit poll data. I show how two Republicans have attempted to win Black support: by building a relationship of trust in the Black community, stressing their religious background, and proposing a few programs that would provide African Americans some economic support. While the majority of African Americans are likely to continue voting for Democrats, Republicans do have the potential to significantly alter Democratic coalitions. I conclude that Republican appeals to Black voters will force Democrats to pay greater attention to African Americans which, in turn, will make the parties more responsive to Blacks.
Late Twentieth Century Congressional Leaders as Shapers of and Hostages to Political Context: Gingrich, Hastert, and Lott
Authors: Owens John E.
Published: November 2008

Most contemporary explanations of congressional leadership postulate a version of contextual theory that typically places greatest emphasis on the strength of party and downplays the personal skills of individual leaders. By analyzing the leadership of just three recent individuals—Gingrich, Hastert, and Lott—this essay demonstrates the extent to which these leaders' different styles, skills, and characteristics interacted with changing political contexts and strategic environments to impact political and policy outcomes. Context matters, but so does leadership skill. Most graphically, Gingrich—a rare transforming leader in Burns' typology—demonstrates the importance of the right person and the right conditions being in place at the same time and the ability of an individual imaginative leader to intervene exogenously to have a significant effect on policy outcomes. Yet the essay also demonstrates that even where leaders adopt more conventional transactional styles, as Hastert and Lott did, the skill and success with which they juggle political pressures emanating from different, often conflicting, contexts—skills in context—also matters.
What's at Stake in the Civic Education Debate?
Authors: Jones Steven
Published: November 2008

Many political scientists and other educators and administrators in higher education are concerned with the increasing political disengagement among college‐age students. A substantial body of research indicates that collegeage young people lack basic political knowledge and have low‐levels of political efficacy. Still, some political scientists are reluctant to embrace a civic mission for political science. This paper examines the sources of such reluctance and argues that the discipline as a whole will benefit materially by pursuing an active role in civic education.
The 1996 New Hampshire Republican Primary and Network News
Authors: Farnsworth Stephen J. , Lichter S. Robert
Published: November 2008

Content‐coded network newscasts are used to examine the relationship between news coverage and the daily New Hampshire poll standings of the leading 1996 Republican candidates in the weeks before the primary. Negative network news evaluations of Patrick Buchanan actually led to improvements in his tracking poll standings in subsequent days, indicating strong hostility to national media perspectives among many New Hampshire Republicans sympathetic to Buchanan.
Revisiting Prospects for an Unconventional Presidency
Authors: Nichols Stephen M. , Beavers Staci L.
Published: November 2008

Various polls indicate that prejudices held by Americans against a variety of “unconventional” presidential candidates including females, blacks, Catholics, and Jews slowly dissipated between the 1930s and the 1990s, while prejudices against either atheistic or homosexual candidates remained palpable. Nonetheless, the chances that the American public gives to an unconventional candidate of actually winning a race for the White House in the near future is undetermined. Moreover, how might members of these politically disadvantaged groups view the chances of one of their own winning the presidency? Using data from a survey of Californians, we explore individuals' openness to voting for any of a variety of unconventional presidential candidates—for females, African Americans, Hispanics, homosexuals, and atheists—as well as their views on the probability that any such candidate will be elected to the White House within the next 50 years. Our findings shed light on political tolerance in America and reveal potential obstacles for the likelihood of an unconventional presidency in the near future.
Perceptions of Presidential Greatness and the Flow of Evaluative Political Information: From the Elite to the Informed to the Masses
Authors: Endersby James W. , Towle Michael J.
Published: November 2008

Since World War II, numerous polls and surveys have been conducted in an attempt to evaluate the performance of past presidents. Their major concern has been to distinguish, in an historical perspective, “great” presidents from those who are “failures.” Ratings from the general public, however, rarely attempt to investigate which characteristics of the individuals in the Oval Office weigh in the minds of the evaluators. Researchers seldom investigate how the general public acquires information to make these assessments. We suggest that information is transmitted from an elite through an informed public to the general public through a “two‐step flow.” Using data from surveys of historians and the general public conducted by C‐SPAN for its “American Presidents” series, we analyze the flow of information regarding the qualities of presidential leadership among elites, the informed public, and the interested public and suggest that a mediated flow of opinions on presidential greatness from the elite public to the interested public exists. The public at large indirectly acquires elite opinions when making evaluative political judgments, yet it does not acquire the same basis for those judgments.
Roll‐Off at the Top of the Ballot: International Undervoting in American Presidential Elections
Authors: Knack Stephen , Kropf Martha
Published: November 2008

Every four years, more than two percent of voters fail to cast a valid vote in the U.S. presidential contest. The 2000 election highlighted the fact that many intended votes are voided because of voter confusion associated with complicated ballot designs or voting equipment. Using survey data, this study provides estimates of the proportion of voided presidential ballots that do not represent errors but rather intentional undervotes. Voters who are older, poorer, and who do not identify with either major party are more likely to intentionally refrain from casting a presidential vote. Differences between African‐American and white voting patterns are very minor, implying that racial disparities in the rate of voided votes cannot be attributed to a stronger tendency among African‐American voters to intentionally skip the presidential contest.
Controlling the Agenda with Special Rules: A House‐Senate Comparison of Legislation in the Postreform Congress
Authors: Marshall Bryan W.
Published: November 2008

One of the central questions in legislative politics is whether rules are used to achieve non‐median policy outcomes (Dion and Huber 1996: Krehbiel 1991; Sinclair 1999). This study does not measure outcomes directly. Rather, the analysis assesses expectations from theories of legislative organization regarding both congressional process and behavior. Restrictive procedures are associated with policies that tend to have important collective consequences for the political parties. The analysis also demonstrates that voting on amendments allowed under the rules disproportionately favor the majority party. Finally, a comparison of voting behavior on final passage of legislation highlights House and Senate differences in leadership powers to control the agenda. The findings are consistent with a partisan rationale and reflect the significance of House special rules in limiting minority influence on the legislative agenda.
A Low‐Level, High Stakes Dilemma: Political Accountability and Interstate Compacts
Authors: Dodson Anthony L.
Published: November 2008

Making officials accountable for their actions or decisions is difficult enough in situations involving high profile actors, but what about agencies that are created through the compact clause of the Constitution? What problems arise in keeping such a bureaucracy politically accountable? This analysis proceeds by examining Nebraska's experience with the Central Interstate Compact, the authorizing legislation for the Compact Commission and a key Supreme Court decision invalidating part of the 1980 Low‐Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act. Powerful to the extent they have limited oversight or conduct their business in “obscure” areas, low‐level radioactive waste compacts are problematic from a political perspective. Granted the force of federal law, compacts operate supra state authority and have the legal authority to compel state action. State legislatures and the Supreme Court failed to appreciate the importance diverting revenues required for participation, the preoccupation with its affairs, and importantly, the lack of political accountability.
The epidemiology of age‐related macular degeneration in the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Woo Jyh Haur , Sanjay Srinivasan , Au Eong Kah‐Guan
Published: November 2008

Context:  The Indian subcontinent is one of the most populous regions in the world. Given the projected rapid population growth and ageing of the population, age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is likely to emerge as a major public health threat in the near future. However, existing literature on AMD in the region is scarce.

Methods:  This paper reviews the epidemiology and risk factors of AMD in the Indian subcontinent.

Results:  Data on AMD in India show prevalences ranging from 1.8% to 4.7%. Blindness prevalence studies in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal have also reported rates of 2.1% to 8.7% for all blindness attributable to AMD. Age‐related macular degeneration is therefore a significant cause of visual morbidity in these countries. To date, no reliable epidemiological data on AMD or blindness have been published for Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives or Bhutan.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of AMD in the region is likely to follow a trend similar to that seen in the developed world in the coming years. Eye care policies should therefore make provisions for this chronic age‐related eye disease. In addition, there is an urgent need for more data on the epidemiology of AMD in the Indian subcontinent.
Wireless contact lens sensor for intraocular pressure monitoring: assessment on enucleated pig eyes
Authors: Leonardi Matteo , Pitchon Elie M. , Bertsch Arnaud , Renaud Philippe , Mermoud André
Published: November 2008

Purpose:  Assessment on enucleated pig eyes of a novel and minimally invasive method for the continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP), based on a novel wireless contact lens sensor (CLS).

Methods:  The wireless CLS is a disposable silicone soft contact lens with a sensor embedded in it, allowing the wireless measurement of changes in corneal curvature induced by IOP variations. A CLS was adapted and tested on enucleated pig eyes. To demonstrate the measurement principle of the device, the enucleated pig eye was cannulated, allowing precise control of IOP. The CLS signal was then compared to the imposed IOP.

Results:  First, the IOP of enucleated pig eyes was changed between 11 and 14 mmHg, simulating ocular pulsation. Then, IOP was changed with static steps of 1 mmHg between 20 and 30 mmHg to assess the reproducibility and linearity of the CLS. In both cases, measurements from the CLS and IOP showed very good correlation. A calibration graph shows that the CLS is capable of monitoring the IOP of each individual eye with a reproducibility of ± 0.2 mmHg (95% confidence interval).

Conclusion:  The wireless CLS shows a good functionality to monitor the IOP on enucleated pig eyes. The device is placed in the same way as a soft disposable contact lens. This device would allow a minimally invasive and continuous monitoring of IOP over prolonged periods of up to 24 hr, regardless of patient activity, thus opening up new diagnostic and therapeutic methods to manage glaucoma.
Elatine rotundifolia sp. nov. (Elatinaceae) from Ecuador
Authors: Lægaard Simon
Published: November 2008

Elatine rotundifolia sp. nov. is described from tropical and subtropical areas of Ecuador ca 500 m and ca 1800 m a.s.l. All other species in north Andes are from altitudes above ca 3000 m a.s.l. The new species has unilocular capsules and extremely reduced interpetiolar stipules.
Modeling and Analysis of Cylindrical Nanoindentation of Graphite
Authors: Yang B. , Rethinam R. M. , Mall S.
Published: November 2008

Graphite at the nanoscale is modeled as a material system consisting of a stack of parallel plates buffered by an elastic material. While the plates represent individual graphene sheets, the buffer material models the Van der Waals interaction between the graphene sheets. As such, the loading on graphite at the nanoscale is characterized by the membrane force, the bending moment, and the shear force in the graphene sheets. Cylindrical nanoindentation of graphite is analyzed by applying a special boundary element method that employs Green’s function for multilayers with platelike interfaces. Because Green’s function satisfies the traction-free surface, the interfacial displacement continuity and the interfacial traction discontinuity conditions, only the indentation surface area where the boundary condition is altered, are numerically discretized. Numerical results of cylindrical nanoindentation are presented. It is shown that the bending moment and the shear force in the graphene sheets are concentrated around the edge of contact, consistent with the singularities existing in the second and the third derivatives of the surface displacement in the reduced case of a semi-infinite homogeneous solid under cylindrical contact. Kinks of single, double, and triple joints are related to the bending moment, the shear force, and the concentrated force, respectively.
Light Activated Shape Memory Polymer Characterization
Authors: Beblo Richard V. , Weiland Lisa Mauck
Published: November 2008

Since their development, shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been of increasing interest in active materials and structures design. In particular, there has been a growing interest in SMPs for use in adaptive structures because of their ability to switch between low and high stiffness moduli in a relatively short temperature range. However, because a thermal stimulus is inappropriate for many morphing applications, a new light activated shape memory polymer (LASMP) is under development. Among the challenges associated with the development of a new class of material is establishing viable characterization methods. For the case of LASMP both the sample response to light stimulus and the stimulus itself vary in both space and time. Typical laser light is both periodic and Gaussian in nature. Furthermore, LASMP response to the light stimulus is dependent on the intensity of the incident light and the time varying through the thickness penetration of the light as the transition progresses. Therefore both in-plane and through-thickness stimulation of the LASMP are nonuniform and time dependent. Thus, the development of a standardized method that accommodates spatial and temporal variations associated with mechanical property transition under a light stimulus is required. First generation thick film formulations are found to have a transition time on the order of 60 min. The characterization method proposed addresses optical stimulus irregularities. A chemical kinetic model is also presented capable of predicting the through-thickness evolution of Young’s modulus of the polymer. This work discusses in situ characterization strategies currently being implemented as well as the current and projected performance of LASMPs.
On the Magnetic Field Effect in Electroconductive Plates Under Nonconservative Loading
Authors: Milanese A. , Marzocca P. , Belubekyan M. , Ghazaryan K. , Mkrtchyan H. P.
Published: November 2008

This work investigates the behavior of an electroconductive plate under the action of a nonconservative load and subjected to a transversal magnetic field. The governing equation of the bending vibrations of an electroconductive plate, subjected to a transverse magnetic field and a follower type force at one edge, is presented. The assumption of an elongated plate leads to a simplified equation, which is conveniently written in dimensionless terms. For a cantilevered configuration, the characteristic equation relative to the magnetoelastic modes of vibration of the system is derived. Approximate solutions based on Galerkin method and an adjoint formulation are also presented and compared with the semi-analytical results. Root loci plots are computed as a function of the proper dimensionless parameters. The behavior of the system is very similar to the one exhibited by other structures subjected to nonconservative loads when damping is present. A relaxed definition of stability is used to regain continuity in the instability envelope.
Influence of Promoter, Gene Copy Number, and Preexisting Immunity on Humoral and Cellular Responses to a Vectored Antigen Delivered by a
Salmonella enterica
Vaccine
Authors: Saxena Manvendra , Coloe Peter J. , Smooker Peter M.
Published: November 2008

Attenuated
Salmonella
strains are currently in production as vaccines for protection of animals against salmonellosis. Such commercial strains offer the potential to deliver heterologous antigen to protect animals against other diseases. One vaccine strain, attenuated
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium (STM-1), was tested for the ability to deliver ovalbumin and to induce immune responses in mice. Two vaccine trials were performed testing the influence of promoter choice, the location of the encoding DNA (plasmid or chromosome), and the effect of preexisting homologous or heterologous immunity. The results demonstrated that humoral and T-cell responses were induced from either of two promoters, from either the plasmid or the chromosome, and that preexposure to the empty homologous vector, STM-1, or the heterologous vector,
S. enterica
serovar Enteritidis, had no detrimental effect on subsequent antigen-specific responses. In the case of homologous preexposure, responses were generally greater, and this was correlated with an increased uptake of
Salmonella
by macrophages in vitro after opsonization with immune sera.
Identification of the Great Lakes Quagga Mussel as Dreissena bugensis from the Dnieper River, Ukraine, on the Basis of Allozyme Variation
Authors: Spidle Adrian P. , Marsden J. Ellen , May Bernie
Published: November 2008

The discovery of a second dreissenid species, the quagga mussel, in the Great Lakes in 1991 prompted a search for its identity. We have identified the North American quagga mussel as Dreissena bugensis Andrusov on the basis of allozyme data and morphological characters. Further, a phenotypically distinct form of the quagga mussel found in Lakes Erie and Ontario also matches the electrophoretic profiles of the typical Lake Ontario quagga and European D. bugensis. We confirm that the white "profunda" mussel found in the deep waters of Lake Erie is a phenotype of the quagga mussel, and we conclude that the quagga mussel is D. bugensis which has been introduced from the Black Sea drainage of Ukraine.
Effects of Frontal Motor Cortex Ablation on the Ultrastructure of Cat Substantia Nigra
Authors: Nitsch Cordula , Mews Karin , Wagner Aleksander , Hassler Rolf
Published: November 2008

3, 4 and 5 days after the removal by suction of the left motor and premotor cortex in cats, the presence of ultrastructural changes in the substantia nigra was investigated. Whereas after 3 days dark bouton degeneration was rare, after 4- and 5-day survival it was regularly found for a distinct type of synapse containing in its bouton densely packed small round vesicles and possessing an asymmetric synaptic junction with a dendrite. Often these darkly degenerated boutons contained dense bodies which were also observed in the same type of synapse not yet exhibiting a dark axoplasm. Various inclusions, especially glycogen depots, were present in these boutons suggesting that they were in the process of degeneration. The glial reaction was comparatively severe. In addition, darkly shrunken dendrites contacted both, by intact and by altered boutons were frequently encountered as well as single degenerated neuronal perikarya. The nature of this effect, i.e. whether transneuronal or retrograde, could not be clarified. All these alterations were found bilaterally after the unilateral cortex ablation, and were confined to the substantia nigra pars compacta along its whole anterior-posterior extent. In the pars reticulata, solely traversing myelinated axons in the process of degeneration were observed. Thus, the results are in agreement with the older studies and with evidence from primates demonstrating that the substantia nigra receives a bilateral projection from the motor and premotor cortex.