bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW ON THE ELECTROWEAK INTERACTIONS
Authors: CALMET XAVIER
Published: May 2011

We discuss an alternative to the Higgs mechanism which leads to gauge invariant masses for the electroweak bosons. The key idea is to reformulate the gauge invariance principle which, instead of being applied as usual at the level of the action, is applied at the level of the quantum fields. In other words, we define gauge invariant quantum fields which are used to build the action. In that framework, the Higgs field is not necessarily a physical degree of freedom but can merely be a dressing field that does not propagate. If the Higgs boson is not propagating, the weak interactions must become strongly coupled below 1 TeV and have a nontrivial fixed point and would thus be renormalizable at the nonperturbative level. On the other hand, if a gauge invariant Higgs boson is introduced in the model, its couplings to the fermions and the electroweak bosons can be quite different from those expected in the Standard Model.
EFFECT OF NONLINEAR INTERACTIONS ON PHONON POLARITON MODES IN OPTOELECTRONIC CRYSTALS
Authors: WILSON K. S. JOSEPH , NAVANEETHAKRISHNAN K.
Published: May 2011

The effect of nonlinear interactions in a crystal on the polariton behavior has been investigated. A new mode in the photonic band gap in LiNbO 3 is obtained, as suggested by some recent literature. This mode is shown to be almost dispersionless, which may find application in optical communication. The Raman scattering and parametric amplification are interpreted in terms of a dielectric function, which includes nonlinearity. The scattering efficiency is shown to be a consequence of the photonic band gap. The nonlinearity is shown to lead to a soft mode-like behavior in polar crystals.
SPECIAL AND EXCEPTIONAL JORDAN DIALGEBRAS
Authors: VORONIN VASILY
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we study the class of Jordan dialgebras (also called quasi-Jordan algebras). We develop an approach for reducing problems on dialgebras to the case of ordinary algebras. It is shown that straightforward generalizations of the classical Cohn's, Shirshov's, and Macdonald's Theorems do not hold for dialgebras. However, we prove dialgebraic analogues of these statements. Also, we study multilinear special identities which hold in all special Jordan algebras and do not hold in all Jordan algebras. We find a natural correspondence between special identities for ordinary algebras and dialgebras.
THE HOMOLOGY OF DIGRAPHS AS A GENERALIZATION OF HOCHSCHILD HOMOLOGY
Authors: TURNER PAUL , WAGNER EMMANUEL
Published: May 2011

Przytycki has established a connection between the Hochschild homology of an algebra A and the chromatic graph homology of a polygon graph with coefficients in A. In general the chromatic graph homology is not defined in the case where the coefficient ring is a non-commutative algebra. In this paper we define a new homology theory for directed graphs which takes coefficients in an arbitrary A–A bimodule, for A possibly non-commutative, which on polygons agrees with Hochschild homology through a range of dimensions.
GC-PROJECTIVE, INJECTIVE AND FLAT MODULES UNDER CHANGE OF RINGS
Authors: HUANG CHAOLING
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we consider GC-projective, injective and flat modules and dimensions under change of rings.
Testing the Effects of Seacoast Atmosphere on Tantalum Capacitors
Authors: Virkki Johanna , Raumonen Pasi
Published: May 2011

The goal of this research was to test the effects of seacoast atmosphere on tantalum capacitors. Four tests were chosen for this purpose: the 85/85 test was chosen for testing the effects of the combination of high humidity and high temperature, salt spray testing was done for examining the effects of high humidity and salt, temperature cycling test was applied for testing the effects of temperature changes, and a 100% RH humidity test was developed for examining the effects of very high humidity. The results show that combination of high humidity and high temperature did not possess a significant risk for these capacitors during their normal use. Very high humidity and radical temperature changes both affected the breakdown voltages of tantalum capacitors. Salt fog caused corrosion of these components and had a small effect on breakdown voltage but did not have an effect on capacitance or ESR.
Dysautonomia in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Case Reports of a Family with Review of the Literature
Authors: Lonsdale Derrick , Shamberger Raymond J. , Obrenovich Mark E.
Published: May 2011

Case histories of a mother and her two children are reported. The mother was a recovered alcoholic. She and her two children, both of whom had symptoms that are typical of autistic spectrum disorder, had dysautonomia. All had intermittently abnormal erythrocyte transketolase studies indicating abnormal thiamine pyrophosphate homeostasis. Both children had unusual concentrations of urinary arsenic. All had symptomatic improvement with diet restriction and supplementary vitamin therapy but quickly relapsed after ingestion of sugar, milk, or wheat. The stress of a heavy metal burden, superimposed on existing genetic or epigenetic risk factors, may be important in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder when in combination. Dysautonomia has been associated with several diseases, including autism, without a common etiology. It is hypothesized that oxidative stress results in loss of cellular energy and causes retardation of hard wiring of the brain in infancy, affecting limbic system control of the autonomic nervous system.
In VivoEvaluation of an Injectable Premixed Radiopaque Calcium Phosphate Cement
Authors: Åberg Jonas , Pankotai Eszter , Hulsart Billström Gry , Weszl Miklós , Larsson Sune , Forster-Horváth Csaba , Lacza Zsombor , Engqvist Håkan
Published: May 2011

In this work a radiopaque premixed calcium phosphate cement (pCPC) has been developed and evaluatedin vivo. Radiopacity was obtained by adding 0–40 % zirconia to the cement paste. The effects of zirconia on setting time, strength and radiopacity were evaluated. In thein vivostudy a 2 by 3.5 mm cylindrical defect in a rat vertebrae was filled with either the pCPC, PMMA or bone chips. Nano-SPECT CT analysis was used to monitor osteoblast activity during bone regeneration. The study showed that by adding zirconia to the cement the setting time becomes longer and the compressive strength is reduced. All materials evaluated in thein vivostudy filled the bone defect and there was a strong osteoblast activity at the injury site. In spite of the osteoblast activity, PMMA blocked bone healing and the bone chips group showed minimal new bone formation. At 12 weeks the pCPC was partially resorbed and replaced by new bone with good bone ingrowth. The radiopaque pCPC may be considered to be used for minimal invasive treatment of vertebral fractures since it has good handling, radiopacity and allows healing of cancellous bone in parallel with the resorption of the cement.
Trapped-Mode Resonance Regime of Thin Microwave Electromagnetic Arrays with Two Concentric Rings in Unit Cell
Authors: Kawakatsu M. N. , Dmitriev V. A.
Published: May 2011

We present a theoretical study of reflection and transmission characteristics of a microwave planar array on a thin dielectric substrate with unit cell made of two concentric rings. This array possesses high quality factor transmission resonance with polarization insensitivity for normally incident plane wave. This resonance is defined by the trapped-mode regime. We show that for oblique incidence, there are some differences in characteristics of the array and a small change in quality factor of the trapped-mode resonance.
Protective Action of Neurotrophic Factors and Estrogen against Oxidative Stress-Mediated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Numakawa Tadahiro , Matsumoto Tomoya , Numakawa Yumiko , Richards Misty , Yamawaki Shigeto , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: May 2011

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are important for maintenance of neuronal function, though elevated levels lead to neuronal cell death. A complex series of events including excitotoxicity, Ca2+overload, and mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration. As expected, many antioxidants like phytochemicals and vitamins are known to reduce oxidative toxicity. Additionally, growing evidence indicates that neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and estrogens significantly prevent neuronal damage caused by oxidative stress. Here, we review and discuss recent studies addressing the protective mechanisms of neurotrophic factors and estrogen within this system.
Variations in Postprandial Blood Glucose Responses and Satiety after Intake of Three Types of Bread
Authors: Lunde Marianne S. H. , Hjellset Victoria T. , Holmboe-Ottesen Gerd , Høstmark Arne T.
Published: May 2011

Background. The magnitude and duration of postprandial blood glucose (PPG) elevations are important risk factors of diabetes and coronary heart diseases.Aim. To study PPG after ingestion of breads with and without pea fibre and rapeseed oil.Methods. After fasting overnight, 10 Pakistani immigrant women participated in three experiments having a crossover design and involving ingestion of various types of bread: regular coarse bread or fibre enriched-bread with two levels of rapeseed oil, all providing 25 g available carbohydrates (CHO). Blood glucose and satiety were determined before the meal and every 15 min over the next 2 hours.Results. Intake of an amount of pea fibre-enriched bread containing 25 g CHO attenuated, the postprandial peak glucose value, the incremental area under the glucose versus time curve during 15 to 75 min, and the glycemic profile, and increased duration of satiety (), as compared with intake of regular bread with 25 g carbohydrate.Conclusion. Pea fibre-enriched breads can reduce PPG and prolong satiety.
The Optimization of Solutions of the Dynamic Systems with Random Structure
Authors: Růžičková Miroslava , Dzhalladova Irada
Published: May 2011

The paper deals with the class of jump control systems with semi‐Markov coefficients. The control system is described as the system of linear differential equations. Every jump of the random process implies the random transformation of solutions of the considered system. Relations determining the optimal control to minimize the functional are derived using Lyapunov functions. Necessary conditions of optimization which enables the synthesis of the optimal control are established as well.
Molecular Mechanisms of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Proliferation of Lung Cells and Prevention by Vitamin C
Authors: Dey Neekkan , Chattopadhyay Dhruba J. , Chatterjee Indu B.
Published: May 2011

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer dearth. Cigarette smoking is the strongest risk factor for developing lung cancer, which is conceivably initiated by proliferation. Here, we show that low concentration of aqueous extract of cigarette smoke (AECS) causes excessive proliferation of human lung epithelial cells (A549) without any apoptotic cell death. The causative factor responsible for AECS-induced proliferation has been identified as p-benzoquinone (p-BQ). Coimmunoprecipitation and immunoblot experiments indicate that p-BQ binds with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, in contrast to EGF, it causes aberrant phosphorylation of EGFR that lacks c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination and degradation resulting in persistent activation of EGFR. This is followed by activation of Hras + Kras and the downstream survival and proliferative signaling molecules Akt and ERK1/2, as well as the nuclear transcription factors c-Myc and c-Fos. Vitamin C and/or antibody to p-BQ prevents AECS/p-BQ-induced proliferation of lung cells apparently by inactivating p-BQ and thereby preventing activation of EGFR and the downstream signaling molecules. The results suggest that vitamin C and/or antibody to p-BQ may provide a novel intervention for preventing initiation of lung cancer in smokers.
Functional Consequences of the Disturbances in the GABA-Mediated Inhibition Induced by Injuriesin the Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Imbrosci Barbara , Mittmann Thomas
Published: May 2011

Cortical injuries are often reported to induce a suppression of the intracortical GABAergic inhibition in the surviving, neighbouring neuronal networks. Since GABAergic transmission provides the main source of inhibition in the mammalian brain, this condition may lead to hyperexcitability and epileptiform activity of cortical networks. However, inhibition plays also a crucial role in limiting the plastic properties of neuronal circuits, and as a consequence, interventions aiming to reestablish a normal level of inhibition might constrain the plastic capacity of the cortical tissue. A promising strategy to minimize the deleterious consequences of a modified inhibitory transmission without preventing the potential beneficial effects on cortical plasticity may be to unravel distinct GABAergic signaling pathways separately mediating these positive and negative events. Here, gathering data from several recent studies, we provide new insights to better face with this “double coin” condition in the attempt to optimize the functional recovery of patients.
The Order of Hypersubstitutions of Type (2,1)
Authors: Changphas Tawhat , Hemvong Wonlop
Published: May 2011

Hypersubstitutions are mappings which map operation symbols to terms of the corresponding arities. They were introduced as a way of making precise the concept of a hyperidentity and generalizations to M‐hyperidentities. A variety in which every identity is satisfied as a hyperidentity is called solid. If every identity is an M‐hyperidentity for a subset M of the set of all hypersubstitutions, the variety is called M‐solid. There is a Galois connection
between monoids of hypersubstitutions and sublattices of the lattice of all varieties of algebras of a given type. Therefore, it is interesting and useful to know how semigroup or monoid properties of monoids of hypersubstitutions transfer under this Galois connection to properties of the corresponding lattices of M‐solid varieties. In this paper, we study the order of each
hypersubstitution of type (2,1), that is, the order of the cyclic subsemigroup of the monoid of all hypersubstitutions of type (2,1) generated by that hypersubstitution.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Ni/Al Layered Double Hydroxide Nanorods
Authors: Zhao Yun , Xiao Fenfei , Jiao Qingze
Published: May 2011

Ni/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanorods were successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction. The crystal structure of the products was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology of the products was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influences of reaction time and pH value on the morphology of the Ni/Al LDHs were investigated. The result showed that the well-crystallized nanorods of Ni/Al LDHs could be obtained when the pH value was about 10.0 with a long reaction time (12–18 h) at 180°C.
Antioxidant and Antinociceptive Effects of Citrus limon Essential Oil in Mice
Authors: Campêlo Lidianne Mayra Lopes , de Almeida Antonia Amanda C. , de Freitas Rizângela L. Mendes , Cerqueira Gilberto Santos , de Sousa Geane Felix , Saldanha Gláucio Barros , Feitosa Chistiane Mendes , de Freitas Rivelilson Mendes
Published: May 2011

The antioxidant and antinociceptive activities of Citrus limon essential oil (EO) were assessed in mice or in vitro tests. EO possesses a strong antioxidant potential according to the scavenging assays. Moreover, it presented scavenger activity against all in vitro tests. Orally, EO (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes, and, at highest doses, it reduced the number of paw licks. Whereas naloxone antagonized the antinociceptive action of EO (highest doses), this suggested, at least, the participation of the opioid system. Further studies currently in progress will enable us to understand the action mechanisms of EO.
The Burden of Caring for Children with Emotional or Conduct Disorders
Authors: Meltzer Howard , Ford Tamsin , Goodman Robert , Vostanis Panos
Published: May 2011

Introduction. There is a paucity of evidence from epidemiological studies on the burden of children's emotional and conduct disorders on their parents. The main purpose of this study is to describe the problems experienced by parents of children with conduct and emotional disorders using data from a large national study on the mental health of children and young people in Great Britain. Materials and Methods. The Development and Well-Being Assessment and sections of the Child and Adolescent Burden Assessment were included in a nationally representative survey of the mental health of 10,438 children, aged 5–15, in Great Britain. Results and Discussion. Approximately half the parents of children with conduct disorder reported that they felt restricted in doing things socially with or without their children, embarrassed about their child's problems, and that these also made the relationship with their partner more strained. Conclusions. There is a growing need for research on the consequences of children mental disorders on families to increase the awareness of frontline workers on the burden to parents. Because parents feel embarrassed and stigmatized, they may hide their own feelings which may further exacerbate the situation.
Cardiorenal Effects of Newer NSAIDs (Celecoxib) versus Classic NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) in Patients with Arthritis
Authors: Hegazy Ragia , Alashhab Mohamed , Amin Madiha
Published: May 2011

Background. Arthritis is a common condition that co-exists in the elderly population. This condition leads to frequent administration of comorbid analgesics especially non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Aim. To study cardiorenal toxicity of celecoxib versus ibuprofen in arthritic patients.Subjects and Methods. Seven hundred ninety-wo arthritic patients were enrolled in the study for 6 months. Three hundred ninety-six patients administered celecoxib 400 mg twice a day; 396 patients administered ibuprofen 300 mg three times a day. Effects measured included investigator-reported hypertension, edema, or congestive heart failure, increases in serum creatinine or reduction in serum creatinine clearance, and changes in serum electrolytes.Results. Celecoxib was associated with significant (P<.05) lower incidence of hypertension and edema in comparison with ibuprofen. Systolic hypertension occurred significantly less (P<.05) with celecoxib compared with ibuprofen. Serum creatinine was significantly increased (P<.05) in patients treated with ibuprofen in comparison with celecoxib. Creatinine clearance was significantly lower (P<.05) in cases treated with ibuprofen in comparison to celecoxib. Nonsignificant changes in serum body electrolytes occurred.Conclusion. The most important finding of this study was the lowering incidence of cardiorenal toxicity of celecoxib in comparison with ibuprofen.
Determinants of Staging Categories for Tariff Elimination in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Negotiations of Free Trade Agreements
Authors: Choi Nakgyoon
Published: May 2011

China, Japan, and Korea have signed free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with many countries since the late 1990s. This study analyzes the determinants of staging categories for tariff elimination in FTA negotiations of these East Asian countries by using an ordered probit model. The two key findings are (a) each country had set up a product scope for tariff elimination and exclusion list efficiently to maximize its national economic interests, and (b) the staging categories were determined by product-level competitiveness, industrial characteristics, and political factors.
Pro-cyclicality of the Basel Capital Requirement Ratio and Its Impact on Banks
Authors: Yoshino Naoyuki , Hirano Tomohiro
Published: May 2011

This paper proposes replacing the present Basel capital requirement with a new counter-cyclical measure. Optimally, (i) the Basel capital requirement ratio should depend on various economic factors such as the cyclical stage of GDP, credit growth, stock prices, interest rates, and land prices—hence, avoiding the expansion of bank loans during a boom period and a credit crunch during a sluggish period; (ii) the Basel minimum capital requirement rule should be different from country to country since the economic structures and the behavior of banks are different; and (iii) cross-border bank operation should follow the minimum capital requirement ratio where bank lending activities occur rather than the origin of the source of funds.
The Relationship between China's Export-led Growth and Its Double Transition of Demographic Change and Industrialization
Authors: Yao Yang
Published: May 2011

China's export-led growth is rooted in China's double transition of demographic transition and structural change from industrialization. Accession to the WTO has allowed China to fully integrate into the world system and capture the gains of its comparative advantage in abundant labor supply. Structural change has a dampening effect on the Balassa–Samuelson effect so as to sustain China's competiveness in the world market. The double transition will take 10 to 15 years to finish; in this time period, China will likely continue its fast export-led growth. Along the way, export-led growth has also created serious structural imbalances highlighted by underutilized savings, slow growth of residential income and domestic consumption, and a heavy reliance on investment. This linkage requires new thinking when global imbalances are to be tackled.
People's Republic of China as an Engine of Growth for Developing Asia?
Authors: Park Donghyun , Shin Kwanho
Published: May 2011

Developing Asia has traditionally relied on exports to the United States and other industrialized countries for demand and growth. As a result, the collapse of exports to the United States and other industrialized countries during the 2008–09 global financial crisis has sharply curtailed GDP growth across the region. The emergence of the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a globally influential economic force is fueling hopes that it can supplement the United States as an additional source of demand and growth. The central objective of this paper is to investigate whether exports to the PRC has a significant and positive effect on the GDP of eight developing Asian countries. Although the study's results indicate that exports to the PRC contributed to developing Asian countries' recovery from the global crisis, it is far too early to make well-informed judgments about the PRC's ability to support Asia's growth in the medium and long term.
“It Feels Right. Therefore, I Feel Present and Enjoy”: The Effects of Regulatory Fit and the Mediating Roles of Social Presence and Self-Presence in Avatar-Based 3D Virtual Environments
Authors: Jin Seung-A Annie
Published: May 2011

This research examined the effects of regulatory fit on media users' enjoyment of interactions with a virtual interlocutor and feelings of social presence and self-presence in the 3D virtual environments (VEs) of Second Life. Results from a two (regulatory focus state: promotion vs. prevention) × two (regulatory strategy: eagerness means vs. vigilance means) between-subjects full-factorial experiment demonstrated that the regulatory fit between regulatory focus state and means for goal pursuit in computer-mediated communication (CMC) within 3D VEs increases users' enjoyment, feelings of presence, and postexperimental healthy eating intentions. A path analysis further revealed the mediating roles of social presence and self-presence. Theoretical and methodological contributions as well as practical implications are discussed.
Driver Behavior Comparison Between Static and Dynamic Simulation for Advanced Driving Maneuvers
Authors: Grácio B. J. Correia , Wentink M. , Valente Pais A. R.
Published: May 2011

In advanced driving maneuvers, such as a slalom maneuver, it is assumed that drivers use all the available cues to optimize their driving performance. For example, in curve driving, drivers use lateral acceleration to adjust car velocity. The same result can be found in driving simulation. However, for comparable curves, drivers drove faster in fixed-base simulators than when actually driving a car. This difference in driving behavior decreases with the use of inertial motion feedback in simulators. The literature suggests that the beneficial effect of inertial cues in driving behavior increases with the difficulty of the maneuver. Therefore, for an extreme maneuver such as a fast slalom, a change in driving behavior is expected when a fixed-base condition is compared to a condition with inertial motion. It is hypothesized that driving behavior in a simulator changes when motion cues are present in extreme maneuvers. To test the hypothesis, a comparison between No-Motion and Motion car driving simulation was done, by measuring driving behavior in a fast slalom. A within-subjects design was used, with 20 subjects driving the fast slalom in both conditions. The average speed during the Motion condition was significantly lower than the average speed during the No-Motion condition. The same was found for the peak lateral acceleration generated by the car model. A power spectral density analysis performed on the steering wheel angle signal showed different control input behavior between the two experimental conditions. In addition, the results from a paired comparison showed that subjects preferred driving with motion feedback. From the lower driving speed and different control input on the steering wheel, we concluded that motion feedback led to a significant change in driving behavior.
The Global Diffusion of Regulatory Agencies
Authors: Jordana Jacint , Levi-Faur David , i Marín Xavier Fernández
Published: May 2011

The autonomous regulatory agency has recently become the “appropriate model” of governance across countries and sectors. The dynamics of this process are captured in the authors’ data set, which covers the establishment of agencies in 48 countries and 15 sectors for the period 1966-2007. Adopting a diffusion approach to explain this broad process of institutional change, the authors explore the role of countries and sectors as sources of institutional transfer at different stages of the diffusion process. They demonstrate how the restructuring of national bureaucracies unfolds via four different channels of institutional transfer. The results challenge theoretical approaches that overemphasize the national dimension in global diffusion and are insensitive to the stages of the diffusion process. Further advance in study of diffusion depends, the authors assert, on the ability to apply both cross-sectoral and cross-national analysis to the same research design and to incorporate channels of transfer with different causal mechanisms for different stages of the diffusion process.
Appraisal Determinants of Tourist Emotional Responses
Authors: Hosany Sameer
Published: May 2011

A coherent body of research recognizes the role of emotion in various aspects of consumer behavior. However, while a number of studies exist on the consequences of emotion, empirical investigations into its determinants in tourism have received lesser attention. Building on well-established cognitive appraisal theories of emotion, this study investigates the antecedents of tourists’ emotional responses toward destinations. Canonical correlation analysis supports an appraisal model of emotion in the context of tourist destinations. Results indicate that appraisals of pleasantness, goal congruence, and internal self-compatibility are the main determinants of joy, love, and positive surprise. Overall, the findings offer strategic marketing implications for tourist destinations.
Antecedents of Tourists’ Loyalty to Mauritius
Authors: Prayag Girish , Ryan Chris
Published: May 2011

This article evaluates a theoretical model based on hypothesized relationships among four constructs, namely, destination image, place attachment, personal involvement, and visitors’ satisfaction as antecedents of loyalty. These relationships are explored for a sample of 705 international visitors staying in hotels on the island of Mauritius. Confirmatory factor analysis is used initially to ascertain the dimensions of the various constructs but also to assess the convergent and discriminant validity of the measurement items. The structural model indicates that destination image, personal involvement and place attachment are antecedents of visitors’ loyalty but this relationship is mediated by satisfaction levels. The findings offer important implications for tourism theory and practice.
In/Visibilities of Research: Seeing and Knowing in STS
Authors: Garforth Lisa
Published: May 2011

In science studies the laboratory has been positioned as a privileged place for understanding scientific practice. Laboratory studies foregrounded local spaces of knowledge production in the natural sciences, and in doing so made the laboratory key to social science epistemologies. This article explores how laboratory studies and observational methods have been tied up together in the science and technology studies (STS) project of making scientific practice visible. The author contrasts powerful rhetorics of witnessing and revelation in some significant STS texts with the negotiated and partial ways in which observing science work is done in social science practice. Drawing on empirical material generated with bioscientists and social scientists, the article explores how researchers may resist the observational gaze and mark aspects of knowledge work as private and solitary. The author concludes by arguing that epistemologies of vision point to some unsettling parallels between the study of knowledge-making in STS and audit regimes in contemporary research, and considers how both might devalue invisible work. This analysis suggests that there is a need to reconsider the significance of thinking in the ensemble of knowledge production practices for methodological, epistemological, and strategic reasons.
Embedding Due Process Measures Throughout the Evaluation of Teachers
Authors: Matula Joseph J.
Published: May 2011

Over the past 10 years, since No Child Left Behind started pressuring school districts to focus on student test scores, many states have begun to consider student performance when evaluating teachers. This article will provide preventive measures of fairness and substantive due process to avoid potential teacher objections and gain teacher support. These “steps along the way” will avoid putting all the decision-making power in the hands of a single evaluator, thereby ensuring a fairer process.
Syntactic creativity in second language English: wh-scope marking in Japanese-English interlanguage
Authors: Schulz Barbara
Published: May 2011

This article documents a fairly rare kind of interlanguage phenomenon, namely one in which interlanguages exhibit syntactic constructions that are grammatical neither in a learner’s native language nor in his or her target language, but are nevertheless typologically attested. The target construction is wh-scope marking, a cross-linguistically attested form of complex question formation. Using an elicited production experiment, an off-line acceptability judgment task and an on-line acceptability judgment task, it is argued that wh-scope marking is a genuine phenomenon in Japanese—English interlanguages despite the fact that it is ungrammatical both in English and in Japanese. Given that the acquisition of wh-scope marking cannot be explained by these learners’ first language nor by their target language, the current study investigates what other mechanism these learners might be drawing on in their acquisition process. The article proposes that wh-scope marking in Japanese—English interlanguages results from a simplification strategy that learners adopt in order to ease the processing burden.
When alphabets collide: Alphabetic first-language speakers’ approach to speech production in an alphabetic second language
Authors: Vokic Gabriela
Published: May 2011

This study analysed the extent to which literate native speakers of a language with a phonemic alphabetic orthography rely on their first language (L1) orthography during second language (L2) speech production of a language that has a morphophonemic alphabetic orthography. The production of the English flapping rule by 15 adult native speakers of Spanish (NSS) was analysed. Flap production should not be problematic for NSS learning English as L2, since the flap [ ] exists in the Spanish phonemic inventory and it has similar acoustic, articluatory, and distributional properties in English and Spanish. However, this study hypothesizes that access to the flap is blocked by NSS participants’ lack of phonological awareness in English, which is brought about by the participants’ reliance on the Spanish orthographic system, since the graphs used to represent the English flap intervocalically have either different surface realizations in Spanish (such as  and ) or have no equivalents in the Spanish orthographic system (such as  and ). It was found that NSS relied on the Spanish orthographic system at a statistically significant level, despite both languages having alphabetic orthographies and sharing the same visual code. Less reliance on L1 orthography was observed in frequent L2 lexical items, demonstrating that negative effects of L1 orthography are inversely correlated to familiarity with L2 lexical items and that frequent lexical items promote L2 phonological awareness.
Environmental and Organizational Determinants of External Networking
Authors: Andrews Rhys , Boyne George A. , Meier Kenneth J. , O'Toole Laurence J. , Walker Richard M.
Published: May 2011

According to recent organizational theories, external networking by managers is likely to reflect the external and internal characteristics of organizations. In particular, contingency theories assume that uncertain environments and innovative strategies lead to more external networking, while both contingency and structural hole theories suggest that networking is more likely in organizations with decentralized, informal, and specialized structures. Developing such explicit theoretical expectations is an important research objective, and an initial effort along these lines is provided by this article. We also test these expectations by analyzing environmental and organizational determinants of variations in external networking by managers of English local governments in 2007. The empirical results show that “loose” organizational structures and diverse stakeholder demands are positively associated with networking, but that defensive and reactive strategies, along with unpredictable stakeholder demands, are negatively associated.
Modulation of Clock Gene Expression by the Transcriptional Coregulator Receptor Interacting Protein 140 (RIP140)
Authors: Poliandri Ariel H. B. , Gamsby Joshua J. , Christian Mark , Spinella Michael J. , Loros Jennifer J. , Dunlap Jay C. , Parker Malcolm G.
Published: May 2011

Circadian rhythms are generated in central and peripheral tissues by an intracellular oscillating timing mechanism known as the circadian clock. Several lines of evidence show a strong and bidirectional interplay between metabolism and circadian rhythms. Receptor interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a coregulator for nuclear receptors and other transcription factors that represses catabolic pathways in metabolic tissues. Although RIP140 functions as a corepressor for most nuclear receptors, mounting evidence points to RIP140 as a dual coregulator that can repress or activate different sets of genes. Here, we demonstrate that RIP140 mRNA and protein levels are under circadian regulation and identify RIP140 as a modulator of clock gene expression, suggesting that RIP140 can participate in a feedback mechanism affecting the circadian clock. We show that the absence of RIP140 disturbs the basal levels of BMAL1 and other clock genes, reducing the amplitude of their oscillations. In addition, we demonstrate that RIP140 is recruited to retinoid-related orphan receptor (ROR) binding sites on the BMAL1 promoter, directly interacts with RORα, and increases transcription from the BMAL1 promoter in a RORα-dependent manner. These results indicate that RIP140 is not only involved in metabolic control but also acts as a coactivator for RORα, influencing clock gene expression.
Effects of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Genotype on Circadian Gene Expression in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and Peripheral Organs
Authors: Loh Dawn H. , Dragich Joanna M. , Kudo Takashi , Schroeder Analyne M. , Nakamura Takahiro J. , Waschek James A. , Block Gene D. , Colwell Christopher S.
Published: May 2011

The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has emerged as a key candidate molecule mediating the synchronization of rhythms in clock gene expression within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In addition, neurons expressing VIP are anatomically well positioned to mediate communication between the SCN and peripheral oscillators. In this study, we examined the temporal expression profile of 3 key circadian genes: Per1, Per2 , and Bmal1 in the SCN, the adrenal glands and the liver of mice deficient for the Vip gene (VIP KO), and their wild-type counterparts. We performed these measurements in mice held in a light/dark cycle as well as in constant darkness and found that rhythms in gene expression were greatly attenuated in the VIP-deficient SCN. In the periphery, the impact of the loss of VIP varied with the tissue and gene measured. In the adrenals, rhythms in Per1 were lost in VIP-deficient mice, while in the liver, the most dramatic impact was on the phase of the diurnal expression rhythms. Finally, we examined the effects of the loss of VIP on ex vivo explants of the same central and peripheral oscillators using the PER2::LUC reporter system. The VIP-deficient mice exhibited low amplitude rhythms in the SCN as well as altered phase relationships between the SCN and the peripheral oscillators. Together, these data suggest that VIP is critical for robust rhythms in clock gene expression in the SCN and some peripheral organs and that the absence of this peptide alters both the amplitude of circadian rhythms as well as the phase relationships between the rhythms in the SCN and periphery.
Torpor in Dark Times: Patterns of Heterothermy Are Associated with the Lunar Cycle in a Nocturnal Bird
Authors: Smit Ben , Boyles Justin G. , Brigham R. Mark , McKechnie Andrew E.
Published: May 2011

Many studies have shown that endotherms become more heterothermic when the costs of thermoregulation are high and/or when limited energy availability constrains thermoregulatory capacity. However, the roles of many ecological variables, including constraints on foraging opportunities and/or success, remain largely unknown. To test the prediction that thermoregulatory patterns should be related to foraging opportunities in a heterothermic endotherm, we examined the relationship between the lunar cycle and heterothermy in Freckled Nightjars ( Caprimulgus tristigma), which are visually orienting, nocturnal insectivores that are dependent on ambient light to forage. This model system provides an opportunity to assess whether variation in foraging opportunities influences the expression of heterothermy. The nightjars were active and foraged for insects when moonlight was available but became inactive and heterothermic in the absence of moonlight. Lunar illumination was a much stronger predictor of the magnitude of heterothermic responses than was air temperature (Ta). Our data suggest that heterothermy was strongly related to variation in foraging opportunities associated with the lunar cycle, even though food abundance appeared to remain relatively high throughout the study period. Patterns of thermoregulation in this population of Freckled Nightjars provide novel insights into the environmental and ecological determinants of heterothermy, with the lunar cycle, and not Ta, being the strongest predictor of torpor use.
Resilience of Circadian Pacemaker Development in Hamsters
Authors: Lorelli Christina J. , Wreschnig Daniel , Davis Fred C.
Published: May 2011

Disruptions of circadian rhythms have been linked to a wide range of pathologies from sleep disorders to cancer. The extent to which disruptions of circadian rhythms during development contribute to later conditions is not known. The present study tested the hypothesis that functional properties of the central circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), are affected by abnormal entrainment during development. The SCN is specialized for the generation of robust rhythms, for direct and indirect output to physiological and behavioral systems, and for entrainment to light/dark cycles via direct retinal input. It consists of thousands of neurons and glia with distinct phenotypes and has subdivisions delineated by both anatomical and functional criteria. In rodents, SCN rhythms develop within days after SCN cells are produced and before many other aspects of differentiation, such as synaptogenesis, are complete. We demonstrated that around the time of birth, the hamster SCN in vivo can undergo repeated phase shifts by a dopamine D1 receptor agonist (SKF-38393). For 2 days before and 2 days after birth, one group of hamsters received regular exposure to the drug at the same time of day, while another group was exposed at varying times to induce repeated phase shifts. Free-running and entrained activity rhythms were compared between the groups at different ages after weaning. Repeated phase shifts during SCN development had a significant effect on free-running period measured immediately after weaning. This effect was eliminated by subsequent entrainment to a light/dark cycle, indicating that the effect was not permanent. These and other results suggest that SCN development required for functional properties such as free-running period is resilient to perturbation.
Predominance of Distal Skin Temperature Changes at Sleep Onset across Menstrual and Circadian Phases
Authors: Shechter Ari , Boudreau Philippe , Varin France , Boivin Diane B.
Published: May 2011

Menstrual cycle—associated changes in reproductive hormones affect body temperature in women. We aimed to characterize the interaction between the menstrual, circadian, and scheduled sleep-wake cycles on body temperature regulation. Eight females entered the laboratory during the midfollicular (MF) and midluteal (ML) phases of their menstrual cycle for an ultradian sleep-wake cycle procedure, consisting of 36 cycles of 60-minute wake episodes alternating with 60-minute nap opportunities, in constant bed-rest conditions. Core body temperature (CBT) and distal skin temperature (DT) were recorded and used to calculate a distal-core gradient (DCG). Melatonin, sleep, and subjective sleepiness were also recorded. The circadian variation of DT and DCG was not affected by menstrual phase. DT and DCG showed rapid, large nap episode—dependent increases, whereas CBT showed slower, smaller nap episode—dependent decreases. DCG values were significantly reduced for most of the wake episode in an overall 60-minute wake/60-minute nap cycle during ML compared to MF, but these differences were eliminated at the wake-to-nap lights-out transition. Nap episode—dependent decreases in CBT were further modulated as a function of both circadian and menstrual factors, with nap episode—dependent deceases occurring more prominently during the late afternoon/evening in ML, whereas nap episode—dependent DT and DCG increases were not significantly affected by menstrual phase but only circadian phase. Circadian rhythms of melatonin secretion, DT, and DCG were significantly phase-advanced relative to CBT and sleep propensity rhythms. This study explored how the thermoregulatory system is influenced by an interaction between circadian phase and vigilance state and how this is further modulated by the menstrual cycle. Current results agree with the thermophysiological cascade model of sleep and indicate that despite increased CBT during ML, heat loss mechanisms are maintained at a similar level during nap episodes, which may allow for comparable circadian sleep propensity rhythms between menstrual phases.
Refeeding after Fasting Elicits Insulin-Dependent Regulation of Per2 and Rev-erbα with Shifts in the Liver Clock
Authors: Tahara Yu , Otsuka Makiko , Fuse Yuta , Hirao Akiko , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: May 2011

The mammalian circadian clock is known to be entrained by both a daily light-dark cycle and daily feeding cycle. However, the mechanisms of feeding-induced entrainment are not as fully understood as those of light entrainment. To elucidate the first step of entrainment of the liver clock, we identified the circadian clock gene(s) that show both phase advance and acute change of gene expression during the early term of the daytime refeeding schedule in mice. The expressions of liver Per2 and Rev-erbα genes were phase-advanced within 1 day of refeeding. Additionally, the upregulation of Per2 mRNA and down-regulation of Rev-erbα mRNA were induced within 2 hours, not only by food intake but also by insulin injection in intact mice. These expression changes by food intake were not revealed in streptozotocin-treated insulin-deficient mice, but insulin injection was able to recover the impairment of Per2 and Rev-erbα gene expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated using an ex vivo luciferase monitoring system that insulin injection during the daytime causes a phase advance of liver Per2 expression rhythm in Per2::luciferase knock-in mice. In embryonic fibroblasts from Per2::luciferase knock-in mice, insulin infusion caused an acute increase of Per2 gene expression and a similar phase advance of Per2 expression rhythm. Our results indicate that an acute change of Per2 and Rev-erbα gene expression mediated by refeeding-induced insulin secretion is a critical step mediating the early phase of feeding-induced entrainment of the liver clock.
Localization of position using radio frequency identification array
Authors: Mo J P T , Pearson D R
Published: May 2011

In distribution centres, usability of an automated guided vehicle depends on the accuracy of its positioning system. In manufacturing industries and global supply chains, one of the biggest operational costs is to manage movement of goods and materials within the distribution centres. This type of goods movement involves numerous trips. A wide variety of technologies have been proposed but there are still issues in terms of cost, accuracy, line of sight, and installation. To overcome these issues, the inclusion of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders as a location data source has been found to be promising. The advantage of an RFID system is that it can read a large number of transponders without simultaneous line of sight of the transponders. This paper describes a low-cost, highly flexible two-dimensional positioning system using an RFID array. A large number of experiments are performed and the position of an object is computed by the weighted average method. The effectiveness of different weighting functions to find an optimum strategy for calculating the localized positions over the area of the array is evaluated. Preliminary experimentation shows that this system is capable of locating an object within the array to an accuracy of 31 mm, with an average accuracy of 67 mm, using an array with a 350 mm spacing between tags.