bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of red wines from South America based on sensory properties and antioxidant activity
Authors: Granato Daniel , Uchida Katayama Flávia Chizuko , de Castro Inar Alves
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that red wines constitute one of the most important sources of dietary polyphenolic antioxidants. However, it is still not known how some variables such as variety, vintage, country of origin, and retail price are associated with the antioxidant activity and sensory profile of South American red wines. In this regard, 80 samples produced in Brazil, Chile and Argentina were assessed in relation to their sensory properties, color and in vitro antioxidant activity, and results were subjected to multivariate statistical techniques.

RESULTS: Samples were grouped in clusters, characterized by high, intermediate and low in vitro antioxidant activity, sensory properties and prices. It was possible to observe that wines with high antioxidant activity were associated to high retail prices and overall perception of sensory quality.

CONCLUSION: South American wines produced from Vitis vinifera such as Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon had higher in vitro antioxidant activity and also higher sensory quality than wines produced from Vitis labrusca. This result was independent of vintage (2002‐2010), corroborating the idea that the same grape varietal, even when produced in different years, displays similar sensory characteristics and antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Lens culinaris agglutinin on gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in the mouse intestine
Authors: Pervin Monira , Paeng Noriko , Yasui Kensuke , Imai Shinjiro , Isemura Mamoru , Yokogoshi Hidehiko , Nakayama Tsutomu
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Lectins are proteins that bind specifically to the carbohydrate moiety of glyco‐conjugates. Japanese mistletoe lectin given intragastrically affected cytokine gene expression in the mouse intestine. This study examines the actions of Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) on the gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in the intestine.

RESULTS: The results of quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction indicated that LCA caused an up‐regulation of the gene expression of glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). This change was correlated with an increase in the expression of two transcription factors, HNF1α and HNF4α. Experiments using human colonic cancer Caco‐2 cells demonstrated that LCA up‐regulated the gene expression of G6Pase and PEPCK whereas insulin had the opposite effect. In addition, the observed up‐regulation of HNF4α gene expression in the duodenum raises the possibility that the lectin promotes the colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION: Lentil beans should be cooked well to avoid unfavourable effects of LCA. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenolic composition of Tempranillo wines following early defoliation of the vines
Authors: Diago Maria P , Ayestarán Belén , Guadalupe Zenaida , Garrido Álvaro , Tardaguila Javier
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Early defoliation is a viticultural practice aimed at crop control. So far, the impact of early leaf removal on the monomeric phenolic composition of wines has not been explored. This study examines the effects of early defoliation on the phenolic profile and content in Tempranillo wines. The influence of the defoliation method (manual vs mechanical) and the timing of leaf removal (pre‐bloom vs fruit set) was investigated.

RESULTS: Over two consecutive seasons, 2007 and 2008, the monomeric phenolic composition in Tempranillo wines was studied by high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection, and 22 compounds were identified and quantified. Overall, early defoliation led to wines more intensely coloured, of higher alcohol content and with larger concentrations of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins (in 2008 only for mechanical treatments). In the absence of fungal infection, resveratrol was found to increase in wines corresponding to early defoliation treatments. The method of leaf removal seemed to be more critical than the timing of intervention, and larger effects on wine phenolic composition were observed for mechanical treatments.

CONCLUSION: Early defoliation proved to be an effective technique for improving the phenolic composition of Tempranillo wines, by favouring the accumulation of hydroxycinnamics, flavonols and anthocyanins. This is an important achievement, as wine quality is often described by its colour and phenolic attributes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and liquid chromatography for determination of guaifenesin enantiomers in human urine
Authors: Hatami Mehdi , Farhadi Khalil , Abdollahpour Assem
Published: October 2011

A simple, rapid, and efficient method, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐fluorescence detector, has been developed for the determination of guaifenesin (GUA) enantiomers in human urine samples after an oral dose administration of its syrup formulation. Urine samples were collected during the time intervals 0–2, 2–4, and 4–6 h and concentration and ratio of two enantiomers was determined. The ratio of R‐(−) to S‐(+) enantiomer concentrations in urine showed an increase with time, with R/S ratios of 0.66 at 2 h and 2.23 at 6 h. For microextraction process, a mixture of extraction solvent (dichloromethane, 100 μL) and dispersive solvent (THF, 1 mL) was rapidly injected into 5.0 mL diluted urine sample for the formation of cloudy solution and extraction of enantiomers into the fine droplets of CH2Cl2. After optimization of HPLC enantioselective conditions, some important parameters, such as the kind and volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, extraction time, temperature, pH, and salt effect were optimized for dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction process. Under the optimum extraction condition, the method yields a linear calibration curve in the concentration range from 10 to 2000 ng/mL for target analytes. LOD was 3.00 ng/mL for both of the enantiomers.
Smartening‐up Voluntourism: SmartAid's Expansion of the Personality‐focused Performance Requirements Form (PPRF)
Authors: Atkins Stephen G.
Published: October 2011

The new subdiscipline of Humanitarian Work Psychology (HWP) is described, with specifics describing how HWP will improve voluntourism and aid delivery. Illustrating HWP explains how modern managerial enhancements will make online volunteerism, and subsequent on‐site voluntourism, more likely to be a positive experience for all stakeholders. Initial empirical efforts have focused on development and delivery of online assessments for future voluntourists. Initial results tentatively support continued use of panel ratings to guide construction of online assessments. Implications for future HWP development strategies are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deciding on Copyrights on the Internet with the Analytic Network Process
Authors: Andreichicova Olga , Andreichicov Alexander
Published: October 2011

The analytic network process is a powerful tool for examining difficult decisions under uncertainty. This paper explores the urgent decision connected with the copyrights on Internet. This theme is being widely discussed, but nobody knows, what to do. We have attempted to do a multi‐criteria analysis of the problem, taking into consideration benefits, costs and risks. As alternatives, we examined different measures for the regulation of Internet content, and as main actors—content creators, customers and providers. The resulting outcomes show that free use of Internet content is the best alternative. Measures related to punishment turn out to have negative prospects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
rαStructures of partially oriented pentafluorobenzenes C6F5X (X = H, Cl, I) as determined from19F NMR spectra with13C satellites
Authors: Haloui Abir , Haloui Ezzeddine
Published: October 2011

The19F spectra with natural‐abundance carbon‐13 satellites of C6F5X (X = H, Cl or I) in ZLI 1695 liquid crystal were analysed. Excluding fluorine‐fluorine dipolar coupling constants from the fitting, the vibrationally corrected structures of these molecules were derived and compared with those calculated at DFT/B3LYP level of theory with the aug‐cc‐pVTZ basis set. The results show that pentafluorobenzene did not exhibit noticeable distortion of the aromatic ring, while chloropentafluorobenzene and iodopentafluorobenzene molecules showed some deformations in their determined structures. Relative anisotropies of F–F couplings have been deduced with accuracy for C6F5H molecule. Due to uncertainties in structure determination of C6F5Cl and C6F5I molecules, it was not possible to obtain precise values for all the corresponding anisotropies. In addition, it was found that the orientation of these molecules in the solvent used can be qualitatively explained in terms of dispersion forces. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and palliative care: Where we are, and the road ahead
Authors: Blackhall Leslie J.
Published: October 2011

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have high symptom burdens, including pain, fatigue, dyspnea, and sialorrhea, and they must make difficult decisions about the use of life‐prolonging therapies, such as long‐term mechanical ventilation. The impact of ALS is also felt by family caregivers who often struggle to meet the heavy physical, financial, and emotional demands associated with the illness. Expert multidisciplinary care may improve both quality and length of life of patients with ALS. However, although advances have been made in the treatment of some symptoms, others, including pain management, remain poorly studied. Involvement of palliative care specialists as part of the ALS multidisciplinary team is recommended, as we continue to work toward improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Muscle Nerve, 2012
A possible link of oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy with potassium channel deficit
Authors: Dimitrov Alexander G. , Dimitrova Nonna A.
Published: October 2011

Introduction: The neurotoxic side effects of oxaliplatin (a reference drug in the treatment of digestive tract tumors) can force suspension of treatment. The mechanisms of neuropathy are unclear. We aimed to simulate oxaliplatin‐induced hyperactivity in myelinated axons (MA) based on published experimental data. Methods: A Hodgkin–Huxley‐type multi‐cable MA model was used, which took into account active internodal processes and accumulation of ions in MA with 21 nodes. Results: Even a very short (110–220 μm) internodal region devoid of potassium channels was sufficient to produce after‐discharges in response to a saltatory action potential. An increase in the density of sodium channels, slowdown of their inactivation, and negative shifts along one node–internode region of the voltage dependence of sodium and potassium activation and of sodium inactivation induced no after‐discharge. Conclusion: A combination of sodium channel blockers with drugs that obstruct the blockage of potassium channels or contribute to their opening could be effective in preventing oxaliplatin‐induced “hyperexcitability.” Muscle Nerve, 2012
Immunodetection analysis of muscular dystrophies in Mexico
Authors: Gómez‐Díaz Benjamín , Rosas‐Vargas Haydeé , Roque‐Ramírez Bladimir , Meza‐Espinoza Pedro , Ruano‐Calderón Luis A. , Fernández‐Valverde Francisca , Escalante‐Bautista Deyanira , Escobar‐Cedillo Rosa E. , Sánchez‐Chapul Laura , Vargas‐Cañas Steven , López‐Hernández Luz B. , Bahena‐Martínez Eliganty , Luna‐Angulo Alexandra B. , Canto Patricia , Coral‐Vázquez Ramón M.
Published: October 2011

Introduction: The muscular dystrophies (MDs) result from perturbations in the myofibers. These alterations are induced in part by mechanical stress due to membrane cell fragility, disturbances in mechanotransduction pathways, muscle cell physiology, and metabolism. Methods: We analyzed 290 biopsies of patients with a clinical diagnosis of muscular dystrophy. Using immunofluorescence staining, we searched for primary and secondary deficiencies of 12 different proteins, including membrane, costamere, cytoskeletal, and nuclear proteins. In addition, we analyzed calpain‐3 by immunoblot. Results: We identified 212 patients with varying degrees of protein deficiencies, including dystrophin, sarcoglycans, dysferlin, caveolin‐3, calpain‐3, emerin, and merosin. Moreover, 78 biopsies showed normal expression of all investigated muscle proteins. The frequency rates of protein deficiencies were as follows: 52.36% dystrophinopathies; 18.40% dysferlinopathies; 14.15% sarcoglycanopathies; 11.32% calpainopathies; 1.89% merosinopathies; 1.42% caveolinopathies; and 0.47% emerinopathies. Deficiencies in lamin A/C and telethonin were not detected. Conclusion: We have described the frequency of common muscular dystrophies in Mexico. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Electroactive PI sphere generated by electrospraying
Authors: Weng Chang‐Jian , Huang Kuan‐Yeh , Jhuo Yu‐Sian , Chen Ya‐Lun , Feng Chun‐Fang , Cho‐Ming Chien , Yeh Jui‐Ming
Published: October 2011

In this study, electroactive polyimide microspheres (EPSs) based on conjugating segments of electroactive aminocapped aniline trimer as diamine and 4,4′‐(4,4′‐isopropylidenediphenoxy)‐bis(phthalic anhydride) as dianhydride were successfully prepared by electrospraying technology and characterized by time of flight mass spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The prepared electroactive polyimide was then dissolved in a suitable organic solvent (N,N‐dimethylformamide; N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) followed by electrospraying treatment under four different operational parameters (i.e. solution concentration, applied voltage, feeding rate and deposition distance) to give EPSs of various diameters. Moreover, EPSs deposited on the Pt electrode were tested in a 1.0 mol L−1 H2SO4 aqueous solution by cyclic voltammetry which showed an obvious redox peak similar to polyaniline. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Oxidation potential of thiophene oligomers: Theoretical and experimental approach
Authors: Camarada M. B. , Jaque P. , Díaz F. R. , del Valle M. A.
Published: October 2011

Intrinsic properties of conducting polymers, such as oxidation potential and band gap, are very important for designing new materials with improved properties. Computational chemistry offers suitable tools capable of predicting these quantities. This work presents electrochemical information about accurate oxidation potentials of oligothiophenes and polymer band gap. These are compared to theoretical predictions based on electronic structure calculations at Density Functional Theory levels, coupled with self‐consistent reaction field. All computational protocols gave a qualitative prediction of the experimental trend. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Investigating the phytotoxicity of the graminicide fluazifop‐P‐butyl against native UK wildflower species
Authors: Blake Robin J , Westbury Duncan B , Woodcock Ben A , Sutton Peter , Potts Simon G
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: The selective graminicide fluazifop‐P‐butyl is used for the control of grass weeds in dicotyledonous crops, and commonly applied in amenity areas to reduce grass productivity and promote wildflower establishment. However, evidence suggests that fluazifop‐P‐butyl might also have phytotoxic effects on some non‐target plants. This study investigates the effects of fluazifop‐P‐butyl on the emergence, phytotoxicity and above‐ground biomass of nine perennial wildflower species and two grass species, following pre‐ and post‐emergent applications at half, full and double label rates in a series of glasshouse experiments.

RESULTS: While pre‐ and post‐emergent applications of fluazifop‐P‐butyl caused reductions in seedling emergence and increased phytotoxicity on native wildflower and grass species, these effects were temporary for the majority of wildflower species tested, and generally only occurred at the double application rate. No differences in biomass were observed at any of the rates, suggesting good selectivity and no long‐term effects of fluazifop‐P‐butyl application on the wildflower species from either pre‐emergent or post‐emergent applications.

CONCLUSION: These results have direct relevance to the management of amenity areas for biodiversity, as they confirm the suitability of these wildflower species for inclusion in seed mixtures where fluazifop‐P‐butyl is to be applied to control grass productivity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Real‐time X‐ray diffraction imaging for semiconductor wafer metrology and high temperature in situ experiments
Authors: Danilewsky A. N. , Wittge J. , Hess A. , Cröll A. , Rack A. , Allen D. , McNally P. , dos Santos Rolo T. , Vagovič P. , Baumbach T. , Garagorri J. , Elizalde M. R. , Tanner B. K.
Published: October 2011

We describe a rapid digital system for X‐ray diffraction imaging and demonstrate its application to the real‐time identification of edge defects in a silicon wafer that had been subjected to rapid thermal annealing. The application of the system to the in situ study of slip nucleation at the location of mechanical wafer defects, indents and a thermocouple, and the subsequent dislocation dynamics is presented.
Upper‐ocean singular vectors of the North Atlantic climate with implications for linear predictability and variability
Authors: Zanna L. , Heimbach P. , Moore A. M. , Tziperman E.
Published: October 2011

The limits of predictability of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC) and upper‐ocean temperatures due to errors in ocean initial conditions and model parametrizations are investigated in an idealized configuration of an ocean general circulation model (GCM). Singular vectors (optimal perturbations) are calculated using the GCM, its tangent linear and adjoint models to determine an upper bound on the predictability of North Atlantic climate.

The maximum growth time‐scales of MOC and upper‐ocean temperature anomalies, excited by the singular vectors, are 18.5 and 13 years respectively and in part explained by the westward propagation of upper‐ocean anomalies against the mean flow. As a result of the linear interference of non‐orthogonal eigenmodes of the non‐normal dynamics, the ocean dynamics are found to actively participate in the significant growth of the anomalies. An initial density perturbation of merely 0.02 kg m−3 is found to lead to a 1.7 Sv MOC anomaly after 18.5 years. In addition, Northern Hemisphere upper‐ocean temperature perturbations can be amplified by a factor of 2 after 13 years.

The growth of upper‐ocean temperature and MOC anomalies is slower and weaker when excited by the upper‐ocean singular vectors than when the deep ocean is perturbed. This leads to the conclusion that predictability experiments perturbing only the atmospheric initial state may overestimate the predictability time. Interestingly, optimal MOC and upper‐ocean temperature excitations are only weakly correlated, thus limiting the utility of SST observations to infer MOC variability. The excitation of anomalies in this model might have a crucial impact on the variability and predictability of Atlantic climate. The limit of predictability of the MOC is found to be different from that of the upper‐ocean heat content, emphasizing that errors in ocean initial conditions will affect various measures differently and such uncertainties should be carefully considered in decadal prediction experiments. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Economically Optimum Design of a Synthetic Chart
Authors: Yeong Wai Chung , Khoo Michael B. C. , Wu Zhang , Castagliola Philippe
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes an economic model for the synthetic chart. The synthetic chart is an integration of the chart and the CRL chart. A simplified algorithm to obtain the optimal parameters of the synthetic chart which minimizes the expected cost function is introduced. Numerical examples based on different values of input parameters are given, and sensitivity analyses of the parameters are performed. The input parameters which have a significant impact on the cost and choice of optimal parameters of the synthetic chart are identified. The effect of incorrect estimation of the input parameters is also investigated, and it is found that the optimal design parameters are quite robust to changes in the input parameters, except the shift parameter. It is also shown that if the chart cannot be operated at the economically optimal level, there is still a large choice of parameters to choose from which does not result in a large increase in cost. All the above analyses and results are based on numerical examples and verified through simulation over a wide range of parameter values. Comparisons are also performed among the synthetic Shewhart and EWMA charts. Based on the numerical examples and simulation over a wide range of parameter values, it is shown that the synthetic chart has better economic performance than the other two control charts under most conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syndrome evaluation in traditional Chinese medicine using second‐order latent variable model
Authors: Li Yang , Yi Danhui , Zhang Huiyun , Qin Yichen
Published: October 2011

The syndrome is one of the most important concepts and ingredients in the theoretical and clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM doctors believe that all diseases are caused by an imbalance in the patient's body, which is called syndrome. All the therapies and formulas in TCM are decided according to the patients' syndrome situation. To quantitatively evaluate the level of syndrome, many statistical methodologies have been discussed in recent years. In this article, we introduce a second‐order latent variable model to evaluate the level of patients' syndrome with many clinical symptoms. An objective evaluation score can be easily derived by the proposed model, with a high speed of convergence and without joint‐distribution assumption. We illustrate the application of this model by an analysis of premenstrual disorder syndrome of liver‐qi invasion syndrome evaluation research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐term cancer mortality projections: A comparative study of prediction methods
Authors: Lee Terry C.K. , Dean C.B. , Semenciw Robert
Published: October 2011

This paper provides a systematic comparison of cancer mortality and incidence projection methods used at major national health agencies. These methods include Poisson regression using an age–period–cohort model as well as a simple log‐linear trend, a joinpoint technique, which accounts for sharp changes, autoregressive time series and state–space models. We assess and compare the reliability of these projection methods by using Canadian cancer mortality data for 12 cancer sites at both the national and regional levels. Cancer sites were chosen to provide a wide range of mortality frequencies. We explore specific techniques for small case counts and for overall national‐level projections based on regional‐level data. No single method is omnibus in terms of superior performance across a wide range of cancer sites and for all sizes of populations. However, the procedures based on age–period–cohort models used by the Association of the Nordic Cancer Registries tend to provide better performance than the other methods considered. The exception is when case counts are small, where the average of the observed counts over the recent 5‐year period yields better predictions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐range wireless sensor networks with transmit‐only nodes and software‐defined receivers
Authors: Huebner Christof , Cardell‐Oliver Rachel , Hanelt Stefan , Wagenknecht Tino , Monsalve Alvaro
Published: October 2011

Wireless sensor networks for environmental monitoring and agricultural applications often face Long‐range requirements at low bit rates together with a large numbers of nodes. This paper presents the design and test of a novel wireless sensor network that combines a large radio range with very low power consumption and cost. Our asymmetric sensor network uses ultra‐low‐cost 40‐MHz transmitters and a sensitive software‐defined radio receiver with multi‐channel capability. Experimental radio range measurements in two different outdoor environments demonstrate a single‐hop range of up to 1.8 km. A theoretical model for radio propagation at 40 MHz in outdoor environments is proposed and validated with the experimental measurements. The reliability and fidelity of network communication over longer periods is evaluated with a deployment for distributed temperature measurements. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the transmit‐only low‐frequency system design approach for future environmental sensor networks. Although there have been several papers proposing the theoretical benefits of this approach, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to provide experimental validation of such claims. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of cobalt marker in cow ruminal fluid by EDXRF and SRTXRF
Authors: de Almeida Eduardo , Rogério Massoni Paulo , Menegário Amauri Antonio , Leite Laudi Cunha , Duarte Lanna Dante Pazzanese , do Nascimento Filho Virgílio Franco
Published: October 2011

This article describes a comparison of conventional energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and synchrotron radiation total‐reflection X‐ray fluorescence (SRTXRF) for Co determination in ruminal fluid from Holstein cow. This element is used as marker for animal nutrition studies. For EDXRF, 200 µl of the sample were dried on 6.35 µm Mylar film at 60 °C. The excitation was carried out using an X‐ray tube with Mo target and Zr filter operated at 30 kV/20 mA. For SRTXRF, 10 µl of the sample were pipetted on a Lucite carrier and dried at 60 °C. In both the techniques, Ga was used as internal standard and the acquisition time was 200 s. The trueness of both techniques was evaluated through the standard addition method, the recoveries obtained by SRTXRF and EDXRF were 76 and 99%, and the limits of detection, 13 and 240 µg l−1, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yeast Fps1 glycerol facilitator functions as a homotetramer
Authors: Beese‐Sims Sara E. , Lee Jongmin , Levin David E.
Published: October 2011

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fps1 glycerol channel is a member of the major intrinsic protein (MIP) family of plasma membrane channel proteins that functions in osmoregulatory pathways to transport glycerol passively out of the cell. The MIP family is subdivided into members that are selectively permeable to water (aquaporins) and those permeated by glycerol (aquaglyceroporins or glycerol facilitators). Although aquaporins function as homo‐tetramers with each monomer possessing its own channel, previous studies have suggested that aquaglyceroporins may function as monomers. Here we provide both genetic and biochemical evidence that Fps1 functions as a homotetramer to regulate glycerol transport in yeast. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Education on Americans’ Religious Practices, Beliefs, and Affiliations
Authors: Schwadel Philip
Published: October 2011

I challenge the scholarly contention that increases in education uniformly lead to declines in religious participation, belief, and affiliation. I argue that education influences strategies of action, and these strategies of action are relevant to some religious beliefs and activities but not others. Analysis of survey data shows that (1) education negatively affects exclusivist religious viewpoints and biblical literalism but not belief in God or the afterlife; (2) education positively affects religious participation, devotional activities, and emphasizing the importance of religion in daily life; (3) education positively affects switching religious affiliations, particularly to a mainline Protestant denomination, but not disaffiliation; (4) education is positively associated with questioning the role of religion in secular society but not with support for curbing the public opinions of religious leaders; and (5) the effects of education on religious beliefs and participation vary across religious traditions. Education does influence Americans’ religious beliefs and activities, but the effects of education on religion are complex.
A ‘WalMartization’ of Religion? The Ecological Impact of Megachurches on the Local and Extra-Local Religious Economy
Authors: Wollschleger Jason , Porter Jeremy R.
Published: October 2011

This study explores the impact megachurches have on local and extra-local congregations. Arguing that the two commonly held theories concerning the effect of megachurches on local congregations—that they are either harmful because they undercut local competition, or are beneficial because they increase local competition—are under-specified, we add the concept of religious niches to an organizational ecology model to predict how megachurches will differentially impact local congregations of various affiliation. Following new methodological directions charted by Blanchard et al. (Soc Forces 86(4):1591–1620, 2008 ), we test how the presence of megachurches differentially impacts congregational change rates among Catholics, Mainline Protestants, Conservative Protestants and three disaggregated Conservative Protestant sub-groups—Evangelical, Pentecostal and Fundamentalists, using county-level data from the 1990 and 2000 Churches and Church Membership datasets and megachurch data from the Database of Megachurches in the US. We find support for the variable impact of megachurches on local congregations in differing niches. For local congregations in dissimilar niches the presence of megachurches seems to be beneficial, whereas for local congregations inhabiting similar niches the presence of megachurches seems to be harmful. In addition to the local impact of megachurches, we find that they also have an impact upon the vitality of congregations in neighboring counties.
Religious Doubts and Sleep Quality: Findings from a Nationwide Study of Presbyterians #090709revised
Authors: Ellison Christopher G. , Bradshaw Matt , Storch Jennifer , Marcum Jack P. , Hill Terrence D.
Published: October 2011

A growing literature examines the correlates and sequelae of spiritual struggles, such as religious doubts. To date, however, this literature has focused primarily on a handful of mental health outcomes (e.g., symptoms of depression, anxiety, negative affect), while the possible links with other aspects of health and well-being, such as poor or disrupted sleep, have received much less attention. After reviewing relevant theory and previous studies, we analyze data from a nationwide sample of Presbyterian Church (USA) members to test the hypothesis that religious doubts will be inversely associated with overall self-rated sleep quality, and positively associated with the frequency of sleep problems and the use of sleep medications. We also hypothesize that part of this association will be explained by the link between religious doubts and psychological distress. Results offer moderate but consistent support for these predictions. We end with a discussion of the implications of these findings, a brief mention of study limitations, and some suggestions for future research.
An integrative review of sensory marketing: Engaging the senses to affect perception, judgment and behavior
Authors: Krishna Aradhna
Published: October 2011

I define “sensory marketing” as “marketing that engages the consumers' senses and affects their perception, judgment and behavior.” From a managerial perspective, sensory marketing can be used to create subconscious triggers that characterize consumer perceptions of abstract notions of the product (e.g., its sophistication or quality). Given the gamut of explicit marketing appeals made to consumers every day, subconscious triggers which appeal to the basic senses may be a more efficient way to engage consumers. Also, these sensory triggers may result in consumers' self‐generation of (desirable) brand attributes, rather than those verbally provided by the advertiser. The understanding of these sensory triggers implies an understanding of sensation and perception as it applies to consumer behavior—this is the research perspective of sensory marketing. This review article presents an overview of research on sensory perception. The review also points out areas where little research has been done, so that each additional paper has a greater chance of making a bigger difference and sparking further research. It is quite apparent from the review that there still remains tremendous need for research within the domain of sensory marketing—research that can be very impactful.
Proliferative effect of whey from cows' milk obtained at two different stages of pregnancy measured in MCF-7 cells
Authors: Nielsen Tina S , Andersen Charlotte , Sejrsen Kris , Purup Stig
Published: October 2011

Dietary estrogens may play a role in the etiology of hormone-dependent cancers like breast cancer. Cow's milk contains various endogenous estrogens and feed derived phytoestrogens that potentially contribute to an estrogenic effect of milk in consumers, and therefore we evaluated the effect of milk (whey) in a proliferation assay with estrogen-sensitive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Milk samples were obtained from 22 cows representing different stages of pregnancy (first and second half) and whey was produced from the milk. 0·1, 0·25 or 0·5% whey was included in the cell culture medium and after 6 days of treatment cell proliferation was assessed by a colorimetric method with a fluorometer. Whey induced significant (P<0·05) proliferative effects compared with control cells with no added whey at all concentrations tested. There was no difference in the proliferative effect of whey depending on the stage of pregnancy from which the milk was obtained. We did not observe anti-proliferative effects when whey was tested in the presence of 10 pm estradiol in the medium. In conclusion, these results indicate that whey, irrespective of the pregnancy stage from which the milk was obtained induced a significant proliferative response in MCF-7 cells and no anti-proliferative effect, which may be caused, at least in part, by estrogens present in milk. The implications of our findings in relation to for example breast cancer will have to be studied further in other model systems preferentially in vivo.
The efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in recurrent depressed patients with and without a current depressive episode: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van Aalderen J. R. , Donders A. R. T. , Giommi F. , Spinhoven P. , Barendregt H. P. , Speckens A. E. M.
Published: October 2011

Background

The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) for recurrent depressive patients with and without a current depressive episode.

Method

A randomized, controlled trial comparing MBCT+TAU (n=102) with TAU alone (n=103). The study population consisted of patients with three or more previous depressive episodes. Primary outcome measure was post-treatment depressive symptoms according to the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Secondary outcome measures included the Beck Depression Inventory, rumination, worry and mindfulness skills. Group comparisons were carried out with linear mixed modelling, controlling for intra-group correlations. Additional mediation analyses were performed. Comparisons were made between patients with and without a current depressive episode.

Results

Patients in the MBCT+TAU group reported less depressive symptoms, worry and rumination and increased levels of mindfulness skills compared with patients receiving TAU alone. MBCT resulted in a comparable reduction of depressive symptoms for patients with and without a current depressive episode. Additional analyses suggest that the reduction of depressive symptoms was mediated by decreased levels of rumination and worry.

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that MBCT is as effective for patients with recurrent depression who are currently depressed as for patients who are in remission. Directions towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of MBCT are given, although future research is needed to support these hypotheses.
Why Was a Wealth Tax for the UK Abandoned? Lessons for the Policy Process and Tackling Wealth Inequality
Authors: GLENNERSTER HOWARD
Published: October 2011

The distribution of wealth is widening in many countries and with it the growing importance of inherited wealth. In 1974, a Labour Government came to power in the United Kingdom committed to introducing an annual wealth tax. It left office without doing so. Using the official archives of the time and those of a key advisor this paper traces both the origins of the policy and its fate at the hands of the civil service. It explores two related questions. What does this experience tell us about the role of the civil service in the policy process in the UK and what lessons might be learned by those wishing to tackle the issue of widening wealth disparities today?
On Why Hume's “General Point of View” Isn't Ideal–and Shouldn't Be
Authors: Sayre-McCord Geoffrey
Published: October 2011

It is tempting and not at all uncommon to find the striking—even noble—visage of an Ideal Observer staring out from the center of Hume's moral theory. When Hume claims, for instance, that virtue is “whatever mental action or quality gives to a spectator the pleasing sentiment of approbation,” it is only natural to think that he must have in mind not just any spectator but a spectator who is fully informed and unsullied by prejudice. And when Hume writes that “the true standard of taste and beauty” is set by those who exhibit “[s]trong sense, united to delicate sentiment, improved by practice, perfected by comparison, and cleared of all prejudice,” he appears to describe a character no ordinary human could actually possess. Indeed, Hume's frequent appeals to the moral sentiments of spectators, his insistence that those sentiments depend upon taking “the general survey,” and his persistent invocation of the general point of view (and the corrections it requires), together make the temptation almost irresistible.
Temporal reference marking in narrative and expository text written by deaf children and adults: A bimodal bilingual perspective
Authors: VAN BEIJSTERVELDT LIESBETH M. , VAN HELL JANET G.
Published: October 2011

This study examined temporal reference marking in texts written by Dutch deaf children and adults who differed in sign language proficiency. The temporal reference marking systems in Dutch and Sign Language of the Netherlands (SLN) differ substantially, with Dutch having a wide range of lexical and morphological markers of temporal reference, and SLN relying on lexical marking of temporal reference. The results showed that the youngest proficient signers had difficulties with tense morphology: they avoided the marked past tense form in narratives and omitted verbs, but showed no problems with lexical marking of temporal reference. In the older proficient signing writers, verb morphology emerged, and in proficient signing adults temporal reference marking resembled that of the hearing adults. This study shows that in order to gain more insight into deaf people's writing, it is important to adopt a bilingual perspective and take variations in sign language proficiency into account.
Linguistically directed attention to the temporal aspect of action events in monolingual English speakers and Chinese–English bilingual speakers with varying English proficiency
Authors: CHEN JENN-YEU , SU JUI-JU , LEE CHAO-YANG , O'SEAGHDHA PADRAIG G.
Published: October 2011

Chinese and English speakers seem to hold different conceptions of time which may be related to the different codings of time in the two languages. Employing a sentence–picture matching task, we have investigated this linguistic relativity in Chinese–English bilinguals varying in English proficiency and found that those with high proficiency performed differently from those with low proficiency. Additional monolingual English data, reported here, showed further that high-proficiency bilinguals performed similarly to the English monolinguals, suggesting that Chinese speakers’ sensitivity to the time of an action event might be modifiable according to the extent of their experience with a tensed language.
The Effect of Non-Constant Young's Modulus in Modelling of Tension and Compression of Superelastic NI-TI Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Puksic Andrej , Kunavar Janez , Brojan Miha , Kosel Franc
Published: October 2011

Many unresolved issues remain in the field of modelling of shape memory alloys. In this paper the problem of unequal elastic properties of austenite and martensite is addressed. We propose a modification of the micromechanical material model that enables the application of different Young's modulus for austenite and martensite. The corresponding computational model for the application of the micromechanical approach to modeling of superelasticity in shape memory alloys is demonstrated. Material properties for Ni-Ti alloy (50.8 at.% Ni) obtained from literature and from our own experiments were applied to the model and a sample calculation of a 3D model subjected to uniaxial loading was performed. The results were compared to experimental results obtained from tensile and compressive tests. In general the presented model predicts well the level of the superelastic stress plateau and maximum transformation strain in tension. The agreement in compression is worse but the overall characteristics of the tension-compression asymmetry are predicted correctly.
Importance analysis of local and global climate inputs for basin‐scale streamflow prediction
Authors: Maity Rajib , Kashid S. S.
Published: October 2011

Basin‐scale streamflow is influenced by numerous local and global climate inputs. In this paper, genetic programming (GP) is combined with “importance analysis” to identify the important global climate inputs and local meteorological variables needed for prediction of weekly streamflow at the basin scale. The analysis is carried out for the Mahanadi River in India using global climate inputs, namely, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index and equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO) index; local meteorological inputs, including outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), total precipitable water (TPW), temperature anomaly (TA), and pressure anomaly (PA); and streamflow information from previous time steps. The rainfall information over the basin is intentionally not utilized so that the procedure may be applicable to basins with little or no rain gauge information and to achieve a longer prediction lead time. The Birnbaum importance measure is used to assess the importance of each input. Results of this study show that the relative importance of individual input variables is influenced by time lags. It is observed that among various local meteorological inputs, OLR and PA are more important than TA and TPW. Among large‐scale circulation indices, ENSO index is important for previous 5th to 7th week, whereas EQUINOO index is important for previous 3rd to 6th week. On the basis of their importance measures, 15 indices were selected from the initial group of 30 indices. The GP‐derived streamflow forecasting models could predict weekly streamflow with good accuracy (correlation coefficient r = 0.821) for such a complex system.
Climate‐informed stochastic hydrological modeling: Incorporating decadal‐scale variability using paleo data
Authors: Henley Benjamin J. , Thyer Mark A. , Kuczera George , Franks Stewart W.
Published: October 2011

A hierarchical framework for incorporating modes of climate variability into stochastic simulations of hydrological data is developed, termed the climate‐informed multi‐time scale stochastic (CIMSS) framework. A case study on two catchments in eastern Australia illustrates this framework. To develop an identifiable model characterizing long‐term variability for the first level of the hierarchy, paleoclimate proxies, and instrumental indices describing the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) are analyzed. A new paleo IPO‐PDO time series dating back 440 yr is produced, combining seven IPO‐PDO paleo sources using an objective smoothing procedure to fit low‐pass filters to individual records. The paleo data analysis indicates that wet/dry IPO‐PDO states have a broad range of run lengths, with 90% between 3 and 33 yr and a mean of 15 yr. The Markov chain model, previously used to simulate oscillating wet/dry climate states, is found to underestimate the probability of wet/dry periods >5 yr, and is rejected in favor of a gamma distribution for simulating the run lengths of the wet/dry IPO‐PDO states. For the second level of the hierarchy, a seasonal rainfall model is conditioned on the simulated IPO‐PDO state. The model is able to replicate observed statistics such as seasonal and multiyear accumulated rainfall distributions and interannual autocorrelations. Mean seasonal rainfall in the IPO‐PDO dry states is found to be 15%–28% lower than the wet state at the case study sites. In comparison, an annual lag‐one autoregressive model is unable to adequately capture the observed rainfall distribution within separate IPO‐PDO states.
Family‐friendly research and workplace initiative announced
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2011

A new U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative aims to increase the participation of women and girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) over the next 10 years by providing more flexible research policies, promoting flexible workplace options, and supporting STEM careers for women, Obama administration officials announced on 26 September. Currently, women earn about 41% of STEM doctoral degrees awarded by U.S. educational institutions but make up only about 28% of tenure‐track faculty in U.S. colleges and universities, the officials said. “Unfortunately, too many young women drop out of promising careers in science, engineering, and math because of conflicts between their desire to start families and the need to rapidly ramp up their careers,” said John Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). “The way to help women stay in the STEM jobs pipeline is to create and support more flexible workplace policies that allow a women's career—or a man's, for that matter, but as we know, it's more common for women to give up STEM careers for family reasons—to thrive even as time is allowed for important family responsibilities.”
Opening space research: Dreams, technology, and scientific discovery
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: October 2011

On 4 October 1957 the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics launched Sputnik, the world's first man‐made satellite. It may have been the dawn of humanity's toehold in space, but it was not the beginning of the story. In the AGU monograph Opening Space Research: Dreams, Technology, and Scientific Discovery, George H. Ludwig describes the people, politics, and experiments that led from weather balloons and leftover German V‐2 rockets to a highly successful U.S. space research program. In this interview, Ludwig shares some insights with Eos.