bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a local regression kriging approach for mapping apparent electrical conductivity of soil (ECa) at high resolution
Authors: Sun Wei , Whelan Brett M. , Minasny Budiman , McBratney Alex B.
Published: January 2012

Apparent electrical conductivity of soil (ECa) is a property frequently used as a diagnostic tool in precision agriculture, and is measured using vehicle‐mounted proximal sensors. Crop‐yield data, which is measured by harvester‐mounted sensors, is usually collected at a higher spatial density compared to ECa. ECa and crop‐yield maps frequently exhibit similar spatial patterns because ECa is primarily controlled by the soil clay content and the interrelated soil moisture content, which are often significant contributors to crop‐yield potential. By quantifying the spatial relationship between soil ECa and crop yield, it is possible to estimate the value of ECa at the spatial resolution of the crop‐yield data. This is achieved through the use of a local regression kriging approach which uses the higher‐resolution crop‐yield data as a covariate to predict ECa at a higher spatial resolution than would be prudent with the original ECa data alone. The accuracy of the local regression kriging (LRK) method is evaluated against local kriging (LK) and local regression (LR) to predict ECa. The results indicate that the performance of LRK is dependent on the performance of the inherent local regression. Over a range of ECa transect survey densities, LRK provides greater accuracy than LK and LR, except at very low density. Maps of the regression coefficients demonstrated that the relationship between ECa and crop yield varies from year to year, and across a field. The application of LRK to commercial scale ECa survey data, using crop yield as a covariate, should improve the accuracy of the resultant maps. This has implications for employing the maps in crop‐management decisions and building more robust calibrations between field‐gathered soil ECa and primary soil properties such as clay content.
Physical properties of a Luvisol for different long‐term fertilization treatments: II. Microscale behavior and its relation to the mesoscale
Authors: Holthusen Dörthe , Jänicke Markus , Peth Stephan , Horn Rainer
Published: January 2012

We determined the impact of different fertilization, namely organic vs. mineral fertilization, on the mesoscale parameter cyclic compressibility as well as on rheology of soil samples as a microscale parameter and how these parameters are related. Therefore, undisturbed samples were taken from a long‐term fertilization trial at the Dikop farm near Bonn (Germany) and tested for their mechanical and hydraulic properties. This paper examines the sensitivity of the soil towards cyclic loading (mesoscale) and oscillatory shearing at the microscale by means of an amplitude sweep test and the resulting parameter maximum shear stress. Fertilization increased cyclic compressibility and thus revealed structural weakness of fertilized soil samples, so did shear stress at the microscale. The main reason for this was a decrease in bulk density in the wake of fertilization. However, within the range of fertilized soil samples, the soil structure became less susceptible towards cyclic loading and oscillatory shearing, respectively, the more organic matter the soil contained (equivalent to the fertilization level). This was assumedly caused by enhanced cementation due to organic substances that could partly substitute the direct grain–grain contacts generally contributing to soil strength. The similar behavior of cyclic compressibility and maximum shear stress enabled a first approach to relate soil mechanical parameters at the microscale to those at the mesoscale.
Determination of volatile organic compounds in water using ultrasound‐assisted emulsification microextraction followed by gas chromatography
Authors: Leong Mei‐I. , Huang Shang‐Da
Published: January 2012

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic compounds in the air, water and land. In the proposed method, ultrasound‐assisted emulsification microextraction (USAEME) combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) has been developed for the extraction and determination of eight VOCs in water samples. The influence of each experimental parameter of this method (the type of extraction solvent, volume of extraction solvent, salt addition, sonication time and extraction temperature) was optimized. The procedure for USAEME was as follows: 15 |mL of 1‐bromooctane was used as the extraction solvent; 10 mL sample solution in a centrifuge tube with a cover was then placed in an ultrasonic water bath for 3 min. After centrifugation, 2 mL of the settled 1‐bromooctane extract was injected into the GC‐MS for further analysis. The optimized results indicated that the linear range is 0.1‐100.0 μg/L and the limits of detection (LODs) are 0.033‐0.092 μg/L for the eight analytes. The relative standard deviations (RSD), enrichment factors (EFs) and relative recoveries (RR) of the method when used on lake water samples were 2.8‐9.5, 96‐284 and 83–110%. The performance of the proposed method was gauged by analyzing samples of tap water, lake water and river water samples.
Development of a novel monolith frit‐based solid‐phase microextraction method for determination of hexanal and heptanal in human serum samples
Authors: Xu Hui , Yan Zhihua , Song Dandan
Published: January 2012

In this paper, a polypropylene frit with porous network structure and high area‐to‐thickness ratio (4.8 mm diameter, 1.6 mm thickness, 20 mm pore size) was utilized as a mould of monolith. Poly(methacrylic acid‐ethlyene glycol dimethacrylate) (MAA‐EGDMA) monolith was in situ synthesized in the micro‐channel of frit by photopolymerization. A monolith frit‐based solid‐phase microextraction method (SPME) was developed for the determination of hexanal and heptanal in serum samples by combining with high‐performance liquid chromatography. 2,4‐Dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) as the derivatizing reagent was absorbed on a monolith frit, then its derivatization reaction with aldehydes and the absorption of formed hydrazones on the monolith disk occurred simultaneously. The condition parameters for polymerization, derivatization and extraction were optimized systematically. Under the optimum conditions, rigid structure, low back‐pressure and high column capacity were achieved for the monolith frit. The limits of detection for hexanal and heptanal were 1.86 and 1.38 nmol/L, respectively. The inter‐ and intra‐day relative standard deviations were less than 7.7% (n = 6). This method was applied successfully to aldehydes analysis in human serum samples. The method possesses advantages such as simplicity, efficiency, low cost and good biocompatibility. It provides an alternative approach for quantification of aldehydes in complex biological samples.
A RANGELAND MANAGEMENT PATTERN BASED ON FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION IN THE NORTHERN TIBETAN REGION OF CHINA
Authors: Liu X. Y. , Liang T. G. , Guo Z. G. , Long R. J.
Published: January 2012

Rangeland degradation not only affects animal production but also threatens ecological quality throughout the world. In this study, a functional classification index (FCIi) for rangelands was designed to determine the management pattern of different sub‐rangeland vegetation types this index combines the productive value (GPi), ecological services value (GEi), ecological sensitivity (ESIi) and seasonal grazing importance (SGIi) of each rangeland subtype and can be used for coordinating the relationships between animal production and ecological conservation. On the basis of the FCIi of each rangeland subtype, the northern Tibetan rangelands were classified into a conservation sector, mixed sector and production sector. The conservation sector covering 0·47 million ha accounted for 13·9 per cent of the total rangeland area, and this had significant ecological and social values but was of low productivity. In the conservation sector, grazing should be forbidden so that degraded rangelands can be restored. The mixed sector covered 2·16 million ha, 63·9 per cent of the total rangeland area, and offered multiple benefits, in which increasing the number of head of livestock for sale would improve the income of local herders. A 0·75 million ha production sector accounted for 22·2 per cent of the total rangeland area and was applied to maximise economic benefits by establishing modern pasture systems to increase the income of local herders and thus partly offset the losses arising from the conservation sector. This study suggested that the area of the three functional sectors should be adjusted at appropriate times according to the changes in productivity and ecological values of each rangeland subtype. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aligned deuterochloroform in cross‐linked polystyrene as a new sample for adjusting the magic angle in HR‐MAS
Authors: Leutzsch Markus , Findeisen Matthias , Berger Stefan
Published: January 2012

A new and easily usable sample for adjusting the magic angle in a high resolution magic angle spinning (HR‐MAS) probe head is a swollen polymer stick in CDCl3. The deuterium resonance shows a quadrupolar splitting if the rotor assembly is not at the magic angle, but a sharp singlet if the magic angle is correctly adjusted. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining urinary urgency: Patient descriptions of “gotta go”
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Harding Gale , Jumadilova Zhanna , Weiss Jeffrey P.
Published: January 2012

Aims

Urgency is a key symptom in the diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB), yet its definition and measurement are subject to continuing debate whether urinary urgency is a pathologic sensation or an intensification of normal desire to pass urine. The objective of this research was to explore the concept of urgency among participants with OAB symptoms and to evaluate the content validity of the urinary sensation scale (USS).

Methods

Two qualitative studies were conducted among participants with OAB symptoms. For both studies, participants were interviewed on the USS to ascertain their ability to complete and interpret each response. Study 2 included open‐ended questions to explore the concept of urgency with participants asked to describe “normal urge” and “urgency.”

Results

Thirty‐one men and women (Study 1, n = 12; Study 2, n = 19) participated. Nearly all participants (n = 29) thought the word descriptions for the 1–5 scale were easy to comprehend and were able to differentiate among ratings by degree of severity. Study 2 noted little difference between continent (n = 9) and incontinent (n = 10) participant descriptions of “urge or desire to urinate” and “typical sensation.” The majority of the continent (n = 6) and incontinent (n = 7) participants stated they have both “regular” sensations to urinate and “urgent” sensations to urinate.

Conclusions

This qualitative research provides evidence that men and women with OAB symptoms can distinguish between “normal” urge (desire) to urinate and “urgency” suggesting that urinary urgency is a continuum, rather than an all‐or‐none phenomenon. The USS demonstrated content validity and was acceptable to patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:455–459, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The validity of trait, symptom and prototype approaches for describing borderline and antisocial personality disorders
Authors: Yalch Matthew M. , Thomas Katherine M. , Hopwood Christopher J.
Published: January 2012

Determining the relative validity of trait, symptom and prototype approaches to rating personality disorders (PDs) is a pressing concern given that each of these approaches has been considered for the DSM‐5. However, as of yet, there is limited empirical evidence to guide this decision. In this study, we compared the proposed DSM‐5 traits, DSM‐IV symptoms and diagnostic prototypes that were initially slated for inclusion in the DSM‐5 for assessing antisocial and borderline PDs. Trait and symptom count models converged with one another within diagnoses more than either did with the prototypes but also showed more overlap across diagnoses than the prototypes. The traits generally showed superior criterion validity relative to the symptoms, which were superior to the prototypes, with the exception that symptoms were more valid than traits for predicting externalizing problems. This pattern suggests that traits are the single most effective method for describing antisocial and borderline PDs but that combining traits and symptoms, as currently proposed for the DSM‐5, may be the best combination of these three approaches to assessing personality pathology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of onium salts of a reduced anthracenone crown ether macrocycle: a reactivity series involving pyridine, phosphine, thiophene, nitrile and primary amide nucleophiles
Authors: Mariappan Kadarkaraisamy , Caple Gerald , Basa Prem N. , Sykes Andrew G.
Published: January 2012

Reaction of mineral acids with a cyclic macromolecule containing a secondary alcohol produces ammonium, phosphonium, thiophene, and amide adducts via a carbocation intermediate. X‐ray crystallography confirms the structures of the products, including those when two competing nucleophiles are present. A reactivity series that mirrors the nucleophilicity index, where reactivity decreases in the order thiophene > pyridine > primary amides > alkyl nitriles >> aromatic nitriles (unreactive), results. Addition of metal ions to ammonium adducts dissolved in acetonitrile produces secondary amides via the Ritter amide synthesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photophysical properties of a series of 4‐aryl substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines
Authors: Affeldt Ricardo Ferreira , Iglesias Rodrigo Sebastian , Rodembusch Fabiano Severo , Russowsky Dennis
Published: January 2012

In this article, a series of Hantzsch 1,4‐dihydropyridines with different substituted aryl groups were synthesized and its spectral data obtained by UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies in solution. The dihydropyridines present absorption located around 350 nm and fluorescence emission in the blue–green region. A higher Stokes’ shift could be observed for the derivative 3b because of an intramolecular charge transfer in the excited state from the dimethylaniline to the dihydropyridine chromophores, which was corroborated by a linear relation of the fluorescence maxima (νmax) versus the solvent polarity function (Δf) from the Lippert–Mataga correlation. A comparison between the experimental data and time‐dependent density functional theory‐polarizable continuum model calculations of the vertical transitions was performed to help on the elucidation of the photophysics of these compounds. For these calculations, the S0 and S1 states were optimized using Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6‐31 G* and Configuration Interaction Singles/6‐31 G*, respectively. The predicted absorption maxima are in good agreement with the experimental; however, the theoretical fluorescence emission maxima do not match the experimental, which means that the excited specie cannot be related to neither a locally excited state nor to an aromatized structure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of poly(alkylene oxide)s to achieve fast and controlled photochromic switching in rigid matrices
Authors: Malic Nino , Evans Richard A.
Published: January 2012

We report a conjugation system for the enhancement of photochromic dye performance in rigid matrices using widely available, cheap, chemically robust and compatible polymeric starting materials, namely poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) and poly(1,2‐butylene oxide). Conjugation of these soft (low Tg) polymers to an indeno‐fused naphthopyran photochromic dye, in a telechelic geometry, gives access to a wide range of accelerated and tuned fade speeds (decoloration) via variation in molecular weight. The t1/2 and t3/4 fade speeds for PPO conjugates (polymer molecular weights ranging between ca. 425 and 2000) are accelerated by 35–58 and 51–76%, respectively, compared with the nonconjugated control dye. Longer oligomers provide faster decoloration approaching that obtained in solution. The stability of the polyethers allows functionalization using a wide variety of chemistries, including harsh acid catalyzed transformations, providing an overall facile synthesis of photochromic dye‐polymer conjugates in high yield and purity. In addition, these polymers give easy access to conjugates with star‐type architectures, which provide an even further improvement in performance compared with their linear counterparts with less conjugated polymer needed per dye to achieve a given fade speed. © 2012 Commonwealth of Australia. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Electrical switching of microgel swelling and collapse for display applications
Authors: Cook Joseph P. , Riley D. Jason
Published: January 2012

We investigate whether a high‐contrast electronic paper can be formed using a microgel dispersion in which the particles reversibly swell and collapse on cycling the pH. An aqueous dispersion of particles of poly(2‐vinylpyridine) crosslinked with divinylbenzene is studied. It is demonstrated that the pH of the dispersion, and hence the state of the microgel particles, can be potentiostatically controlled using a polyaniline electrode. Electrochemical switching of the dispersion from highly scattering to transparent for all visible wavelengths is achieved. Modification of cell and electrode design is required to reduce the switching time, presently greater than 10 min. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Basic Preexaminations of Inline Monitoring of Process Sprays by Statistical Extinction Method
Authors: Dannigkeit Florian , Steinke Lars , Ripperger Siegfried
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study is to develop a sensor which is able to monitor spray processes by measuring a mean droplet size as well as the droplet concentration. To minimize the manipulation of the spray by the sensor, an optical measurement principle which is called statistical extinction method is used. The sensor can be constructed lanceolate because only one laser beam is necessary to illuminate the spray, and the intensity of the laser beam has to be measured at only one place behind the measurement volume. Consequently, the sensor can be inserted in the spray tower through only one notch with a diameter of about 50 mm. The laser beam can be shielded using adaptable sheaths, which can spatially limit the measuring volume. In addition, the optical components of the sensor can be protected against fouling by a rinse volume flow through the sheaths in direction of the measuring volume.

To prove suitability of this measuring principle for the monitoring of spray processes, droplet sizes of different sprays are measured by a prototype of the sensor. The measuring principle, the construction of the sensor, and measurement results are presented and discussed in this paper.
Assessing the effects of three potential chemical repellents to prevent bird damage to corn seeds and seedlings
Authors: Esther Alexandra , Tilcher Ralf , Jacob Jens
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Bird damage to seeds and seedlings of maize (Zea mays) and other crops is widespread, especially in organic farming, because no adequate seed protection is available. In this study, the effect of seed treatments with three substances likely to affect bird feeding behaviour (anthraquinone, pulegone and methyl anthranilate) was tested. Their repellent effect was tested in food and seedling choice (treated versus untreated) experiments with feral pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) in aviaries. Most efficient variants were additionally tested in the field, where wild birds had unlimited access.

RESULTS: In aviaries, untreated seeds were clearly preferred over treated seeds by pigeons. The highest feeding deterrence effect occurred with the treatment variants pulegone 1.4 mL kg−1 and methyl anthranilate 0.085 mL kg−1. In contrast, there was no repellent effect if seedlings were offered to the pigeons in aviaries. The same applies to the number of maize seeds and seedlings grown from treated and untreated seeds, which were damaged in the field mainly by pheasants (Phasianus colchicus).

CONCLUSION: The study shows that the chemicals failed to repel feeding by birds in Germany. Further studies should concentrate on alternative, systemic effective substances possibly based on plant secondary metabolites to yield a bird repellent usable in organic farming. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietary traces of neonicotinoid pesticides as a cause of population declines in honey bees: an evaluation by Hill's epidemiological criteria
Authors: Cresswell James E , Desneux Nicolas , vanEngelsdorp Dennis
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Honey bees are important pollinators of both crops and wild plants. Pesticide regimes that threaten their sustainability should therefore be assessed. As an example, evidence that the agricultural use of neonicotinoid pesticides is a cause of the recently observed declines in honey bees is examined. The aim is to define exacting demographic conditions for a detrimental factor to precipitate a population decline, and Hill's epidemiological ‘causality criteria’ are employed as a structured process for making an expert judgement about the proposition that trace dietary neonicotinoids in nectar and pollen cause population declines in honey bees.

RESULTS: In spite of the absence of decisive experimental results, the analysis shows that, while the proposition is a substantially justified conjecture in the context of current knowledge, it is also substantially contraindicated by a wide variety of circumstantial epidemiological evidence.

CONCLUSION:It is concluded that dietary neonicotinoids cannot be implicated in honey bee declines, but this position is provisional because important gaps remain in current knowledge. Avenues for further investigations to resolve this longstanding uncertainty are therefore identified. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Antifeedant activity of Jatropha gossypifolia and Melia azedarach senescent leaf extracts on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and their potential use as synergists
Authors: Bullangpoti Vasakorn , Wajnberg Eric , Audant Pascaline , Feyereisen René
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: To reduce rates of synthetic insecticide applications, natural product alternatives and synergists are needed. A study has been made of the toxicity of ethanolic senescent leaf extracts (SLEs) of Jatropha gossypifolia and Melia azedarach on larvae of the noctuid pest Spodoptera frugiperda. Their effects as syngergists and inhibitors of several enzyme activities are also reported.

RESULTS: When added to the diet, M. azedarach SLE showed lower toxicity than J. gossypifolia SLE. However, after 2 weeks on the diet, the M. azedarach SLE proved to be lethal to 100% of the larval population. Artificial diets with both SLEs have an antifeedant effect on armyworm larvae. Acute toxicity after topical application in a dipping assay was relatively low for both J. gossypifolia and M. azedarach SLEs (LC50 of 2.6 and 1.4 g L−1, respectively, after 24 h). However, mixtures of the SLEs of M. azedarach and J. gossypifolia had a strong synergistic effect with cypermethrin. Synergism was higher with the J. gossypifolia SLE, perhaps because it contains several natural products with a methylenedioxyphenyl moiety. Both extracts inhibited P450, general esterase and acetylcholinesterase activities in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION: Both J. gossypifolia and M. azedarach SLEs are antifeedants to armyworm larvae when present in the food, and also have a synergistic effect with cypermethrin in topical assays. Although the synergistic effect is less than with piperonyl butoxide, both SLEs have some inhibitor activity against detoxification enzymes and acetylcholinesterase. Thus J. gossypifolia and M. azedarach SLEs may be considered as ecofriendly approaches for the control of S. frugiperda in order to reduce cypermethrin usage. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Possible DNA damage by oxidation products of guanine: A density functional and electron propagator theoretical study
Authors: Pacheco‐Ortín Sandy , Gaitán Lozano Ricardo , Agacino Valdés Esther
Published: January 2012

The stability and reactivity of seven guanine oxidation products (GOP), which contain 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine (8‐oxoG) have been studied and compared with the four nucleobases, such as adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. It has been possible with the use of density functional theory and electron propagator theory (EPT), to evaluate their relation with certain ionization induced process, which produce damage to DNA. Using the application of Koopmans's theorem, EPT provides alternatively a reliable way to calculate the vertical ionization potential (VIP) and vertical electron affinity (VEA). This process has been used to obtain other reactivity indexes, such as: electronegativity and hardness. In the nucleobases and the GOP studies, we observed the following: guanine and 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine were the lowest VIP, and 8‐oxoG was the lowest hardness. This let us confirm that these species are the most susceptible to change their electron densities and transform in other GOP. Particularly, the GOP, Sp(R), Sp(S), and Z were the highest VIP. It allows us to say that they are the most stable. Z and Iz were the highest VEA; this suggests that they have a big capacity to accept electrons and form anionic centers in DNA. The GOP, which was considered in this study, showed hardness values between 9.1 and 10.4 because of π‐conjugation; therefore, these GOP could be good candidates to participate in DNA transversions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simple, inexpensive mass spectrometric analyzer for thermogravimetry
Authors: Selck David A. , Woodfield Brian F. , Boerio‐Goates Juliana , Austin Daniel E
Published: January 2012

A low‐cost mass spectrometer attachment for thermogravimetric analysis has been constructed from readily available commercial instruments and components. The benefits of this set‐up include excellent mass‐flow repeatability, simple design, and significantly lower adoption cost as opposed to ready‐built commercial solutions. The inclusion of an open source software package allows semi‐automated, highly simplified data analysis. The results from the instrument show excellent sensitivity for small volumes of evolved gas, as well as highly reproducible signal strengths. The GUI‐based software package provides data analysis in a way that is very intuitive and that can be easily modified to work with a broad range of TG instruments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RIVERBED DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS AS A TOOL FOR HOLISTIC RIVER MANAGEMENT: MOTUEKA RIVER, NELSON, NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Fuller I. C. , Basher L. R.
Published: January 2012

River management in New Zealand's laterally active gravelly rivers has permitted floodplain development and protection of agricultural resources and infrastructure. Management of these dynamic systems has been hailed as a success for the approaches adopted, namely straightening and confining the river using bank protection and managing riverbed levels by gravel extraction. However, this activity also impacts river morphological/habitat diversity and potential gravel resource, by replacing broad riparian corridors with narrower channels and reducing lateral connectivity with the floodplain. This paper quantifies river behaviour in three laterally confined reaches in the upper Motueka River over a 7‐year period, using annual high‐resolution ground surveys to address the nature of morphological change and associated sediment flux in these reaches with a view to informing management of the gravel resource. Surveys between 2004 and 2010 acquired data to construct digital elevation models (DEMs) of the active riverbed in three ~1‐km‐long reaches. Morphological budgeting based on differencing between successive DEM surfaces reveals complex spatial and temporal patterns of erosion and deposition, demonstrating complex reach dynamics. Overall, volumetric changes suggest these narrowed reaches have been net exporters of sediment, associated with continued channel degradation. This has left bar features, traditionally the focus of gravel extraction in the reaches, relatively isolated from all but extreme flows, limiting replenishment of the gravel resource. The paper demonstrates the utility of riverbed DEMs as a potential tool to frame river character and behaviour at the reach scale in gravel‐bed rivers, thereby providing an important contribution to holistic river management in these systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroethics
Authors: Levy Neil
Published: January 2012

Neuroethics is a new sub‐discipline of philosophy, with two broad focuses. The first, which has come to be called the ethics of neuroscience, concerns the assessment of ethical issues arising from neuroscience, its practice and its applications; the second, which has come to be called the neuroscience of ethics, concerns the ways in which the sciences of the mind can illuminate longstanding issues within philosophy. Especially in its guise as the neuroscience of ethics, neuroethics cannot sharply be distinguished from the naturalistic trend in philosophy which attempts to bring to bear data to the resolution of philosophical problems. It is distinctive only inasmuch as it is motivated by practical, and especially moral, concerns to a greater degree than empirical philosophy more generally. This article illustrates the practice and typical concerns of neuroethics with two case studies, one from each of its branches. The ethics of neuroscience is illustrated with the issue of cognitive enhancement, and the neuroscience of ethics is illustrated by discussion of free will. With regard to both issues, neuroethicists hope to advance beyond intuition and armchair argument by careful attention to the data emerging from the cognitive sciences.WIREs Cogn Sci2012, 3:143–151. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1157

This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Action
The benefits of reflecting on and discussing purpose in life in emerging adulthood
Authors: Bundick Matthew J.
Published: January 2012

The benefits of understanding and pursuing one's purposes in life are well documented. However, few studies have addressed potential interventions for enhancing purpose. This article presents the results of an empirical investigation testing whether reflecting on and discussing one's core values, life goals, and purposes in life has benefits for later purpose, as well as later life satisfaction. The study involved a pretest/posttest experimental design with 102 college students, with posttest measures administered nine months later. Results showed that those who engaged in the guided discussion of their values, life goals, and purpose (compared to those who did not) benefited in terms of their goal directedness and life satisfaction and that the benefits for life satisfaction were partially attributable to changes in goal directedness. The article concludes by highlighting implications for practitioners of all kinds, including parents, with recommendations for implementing the purpose discussion in a variety of youth settings.
Posterior Interosseous Neuropathy: Electrodiagnostic Evaluation
Authors: Bevelaqua Anna-Christina , Hayter Catherine L. , Feinberg Joseph H. , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: January 2012

Electrodiagnostic studies are used to anatomically localize nerve injuries. These tests help differentiate between cervical radiculopathies, brachial plexopathies, and peripheral nerve injuries. They also help to identify or rule out other underlying neurological diseases and disorders. In this case report, a 22-year-old male swimmer presented with left finger extensor weakness following pull-up exercises. Left wrist extension remained intact. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed a severe but incomplete posterior interosseous neuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed inflammation of the nerve in the forearm. Posterior interosseous neuropathy is an uncommon but well-studied condition. Typically, this condition presents with weakness in finger and thumb extension with preserved wrist extension as the extensor carpi radialis longus is innervated proximal to the site of nerve compression in most cases. It is important to understand the anatomic course and distribution of the radial nerve in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Once the anatomy is understood, electrodiagnostic testing may be used to identify the location of nerve injury and exclude other disorders.
Extended uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation and full‐term fetal development in mice with vitrified–warmed ovarian tissue autotransplantation
Authors: Matsumoto Hiromichi , Ezoe Kenji , Mitsui Akinori , Fukui Emiko , Ochi Masanori , Yoshizawa Midori
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Our previous study demonstrated that vitrified–warmed ovarian tissue autotransplantation (VOAT) into estrus cycle‐ceased ovariectomized mice restored fertility to achieve full‐term fetal development for transferred embryos, while less steroidogenesis in the corpus luteum was observed in VOAT mice. It has been reported that the window of uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation is extended at lower estrogen levels. Therefore, we hypothesized that duration of the window in VOAT mice could be extended.

Methods

Blastocysts were transferred into VOAT mice on day 5 of pseudopregnancy. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the potential in VOAT ovarian tissues.

Results

The rate of live birth pups from embryos transferred on day 5 of pseudopregnant VOAT mice was not different from that of embryos transferred on day 4 of pseudopregnancy in VOAT mice, while embryo transfer on day 5 into intact mice showed no pregnancy. Immunohistochemical analysis of the corpus luteum of day 8 pseudopregnant VOAT mice with uteri having decidualization induced on day 5 showed less steroidogenesis and blood vessel formation as compared to intact mice.

Conclusions

Uterine receptivity was extended in VOAT mice. Less steroidogenesis and blood vessel formation in the transferred ovarian tissues may be associated with the extended uterine receptivity.
Pneumoperitoneum Post-Fluoroscopic Percutaneous Gastrojejunostomy Insertion: Computed Tomography and Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Stoneham Grant , Burbridge Brent , Pinilla Jaime , Gourgaris Andrea , Astrope Valerie , Gordon Heather
Published: January 2012

Introduction

To assess the incidence and clinical significance of pneumoperitoneum after radiologic percutaneous gastrojejunostomy (PGJ) tube insertion.

Methods

Sixteen subjects were prospectively assessed after imaging-guided PGJ tube insertion to discern the incidence of pneumoperitoneum related to specific clinical signs and symptoms. Computed tomography of the abdomen and the pelvis was performed immediately after PGJ insertion. A clinical evaluation, including history, general and abdominal physical examination, temperature, complete blood cell count, abdominal pain, and abdominal tension, was performed on days 1 and 3, and at the discretion of the nutritional support team on day 7 after PGJ insertion.

Results

Fifteen of the 16 subjects demonstrated imaging findings of pneumoperitoneum after the PGJ-tube insertion. Only a small amount of pneumoperitoneum was demonstrated in 10 of the subjects, whereas a large volume of gas was detected in 2 of the subjects. The only altered clinical findings encountered were increased white blood cell count and fever. These abnormal clinical data were most frequently seen immediately after feeding-tube placement.

Discussion

Pneumoperitoneum was a common finding after PGJ-tube placement in our study population. There were no statistically significant abnormal clinical parameters, in the presence or absence of pneumoperitoneum, for any of the subjects after PGJ-tube insertion. Conservative management of pneumoperitoneum after PGJ is warranted.
Finger puzzles
Authors: Schmitt R. W.
Published: January 2012

Salt fingers are a form of double-diffusive convection that can occur in a wide variety of fluid systems, ranging from stellar interiors and oceans to magma chambers. Their amplitude has long been difficult to quantify, and a variety of mechanisms have been proposed. Radko & Smith (J. Fluid Mech., this issue, vol. 692, 2012, pp. 5–27) have developed a new theory that balances the basic growth rate with that of secondary instabilities that act on the finite amplitude fingers. Their approach promises a way forward for computationally challenging systems with vastly different scales of decay for momentum, heat and dissolved substances.
Subaqueous barchan dunes in turbulent shear flow. Part 2. Fluid flow
Authors: Charru F. , Franklin E. M.
Published: January 2012

We report an experimental study of the turbulent flow above a barchan dune in a channel, from particle image velocimetry measurements, for Reynolds numbers ranging from 9000, just below the threshold for particle motion, up to 24 000, where the dune moves. Two calculations of the speed-up over the dune are compared, the usual ‘same-elevation’ and the more relevant ‘Lagrangian’, showing that the latter is smaller by a factor of two. The two-layer structure of the flow disturbance – an essentially inviscid outer layer and a turbulent inner layer of thickness ${\delta }_{i} $ – is assessed. In the outer layer, streamline curvature is shown to be responsible for half of the Lagrangian speed-up, from the comparison of the velocity measurements with two Bernoulli calculations. In the inner layer, detailed measurements of the velocity and stresses are provided, down to ${y}^{+ } \approx 1$, and the momentum budget is discussed. The Reynolds shear stress decreases monotonically towards the dune surface, according to the standard mixing-length closure, whereas the total shear stress increases strongly in the viscous sublayer. Along the dune surface, the shear stress increases up to the crest where it reaches twice its unperturbed value. A good estimate of the surface stress is provided by a parabolic fit of the inner velocity profile matching the outer flow at ${y}_{d} \approx {\delta }_{i} $. Doubling the Reynolds number, the surface shear stress and the speed-up decrease by ∼30 %. The implications of these results on the dune motion, presented in Part 1 of this study (Franklin & Charru, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 675, 2011, pp. 199–222), are finally discussed.
A Tribute to Dr. J. H. Oldham, 1874–1969
Authors: Read Margaret
Published: January 2012

In his address at the Memorial Service for Dr. J. H. Oldham on 3 June 1969 Dr. Visser tʼHooft, Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, referred more than once to J. H. Oldham's singular gift of ‘reading the signs of the times ’. This insight into the meaning and implications of events and trends, past, present, and anticipated, is what statesmen in all walks of life desire though few achieve it. In the troubled years after the founding of the International African Institute in 1926, up to the outbreak of war in 1939, the cross currents of events, policies, ideologies rocked even long-established institutions. The steady course held by the young International African Institute, and its progressive development, was due to a remarkable quartet of men: Lord Lugard, Sir Hans Visscher, Professor Malinowski, and Dr. Oldham. Between them they represented the main sources from which the Institute drew its early strength, its supporters, and its research workers: African governments, foundations, anthropologists and linguists, and missionaries with specialized knowledge of African languages and cultures.
Forty-one Years of African Bibliography
Authors: Jones Ruth
Published: January 2012

Opening Paragraph

The quarterly bibliography of current publications in Africa has doubled its size during the last few years, with the result that separate publication has become both necessary and desirable, in a form which will make it readily available to a wider public. From 1971 the bibliography will be published as a quarterly bulletin under the title International African Bibliography.
Reproductive biology ofTephroseris longifoliasubsp. moravica, an endemic taxon of European importance
Authors: Janišová Monika , Škodová Iveta , Hegedüšová Katarína
Published: January 2012

Tephroseris longifoliasubsp.moravica(Asteraceae) is an endangered narrow endemic taxon recently recorded from nine sites in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. We provide the first consistent information on its reproductive biology – mating system, seed output, germination, seedling emergence and survival. Based on results from isolation, hybridization and emasculation experiments on different subspecies,T. longifolias.l. should be treated as an allogamous taxon without apomictic reproduction. Five populations ofT. l.moravicawere studied in detail for seed output and germination characteristics. The output of well-developed seeds per flowering shoot was estimated to be 592 (1125 seeds per flowering plant). A granivorous butterfly,Phycitodes albatella(family Pyralidae), was identified as a pest, reducing seed output by 18–28%. Germination (reaching 30–62% after dry storage for 4 months) rapidly decreased with storage in room conditions. Deep freeze storage increased germination, although not significantly. Seeds obtained from natural populations had higher germination percentages and germinated faster than seeds from cultivated plants. Seedling emergencein situwas very low (0.9–2.06% of the sown seeds) without significant differences among sites.
Interstage feeding and weight gain in infants following the Norwood operation: can we change the outcome?
Authors: Uzark Karen , Wang Yu , Rudd Nancy , Elixson E. Marsha , Strawn Jennifer , Nieves Jo Ann , Smith Cathy , Staveski Sandra , O'Brien Patricia , Tong Elizabeth , Ittenbach Richard
Published: January 2012

Background

Poor weight gain is common in infants after Stage I Norwood operation and can negatively impact outcomes.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of feeding strategy on interstage weight gain.

Methods

In a multi-centre study, 158 infants discharged following the Norwood operation were enrolled prospectively. Weight and feeding data were obtained at 2-week intervals. Differences between feeding regimens in average daily weight gain and change in weight-for-age z-score between Stage I discharge and Stage II surgery were examined.

Results

Discharge feeding regimens were oral only in 52%, oral with tube supplementation in 33%, and by nasogastric/gastrostomy tube only in 15%. There were significant differences in the average daily interstage weight gain among the feeding groups – oral only 25.0 grams per day, oral/tube 21.4 grams per day, and tube only 22.3 grams per day – p = 0.019. Tube-only-fed infants were significantly older at Stage II (p = 0.004) and had a significantly greater change in weight-for-age z-score (p = 0.007). The overall rate of weight gain was 16–32 grams per day, similar to infant norms. The rate of weight gain declined over time, with earlier decline observed for oral- and oral/tube-fed infants (less than 15 grams per day at 5.4 months) in comparison with tube-only-fed infants (less than 15 grams per day at 8.6 months).

Conclusion

Following Stage I Norwood, infants discharged on oral feeding had better average daily weight gain than infants with tube-assisted feeding. The overall weight gain was within the normal limits in all feeding groups, but the rate of weight gain decreased over time, with an earlier decline in infants fed orally.
Lattices in Filtered (φ, N)-modules
Authors: Liu Tong
Published: January 2012

Letpbe a prime. We construct and study integral and torsion invariants, such as integral and torsion Weil–Deligne representations, associated to potentially semi-stable representations and torsion potentially semi-stable representations respectively. As applications, we prove the compatibility between local Langlands correspondence and Fontaine's construction for Galois representations attached to Hilbert modular forms, and Néron–Ogg–Shafarevich criterion of finite level for potentially semi-stable representations.
Perugia and the plots of theMonobiblos
Authors: Breed Brian W.
Published: January 2012

There is, alas, no secret code or mystical number lurking in the text of Propertius' first book of elegies which, if discovered, could reveal essential truths about the book. Or at least there is none that I can claim to have found. The search for some key to unlock secrets of meaning and authorial design is a well-known phenomenon of the interpretation of Roman poetry books, and Propertius' ‘single book’ has featured prominently in such investigations. The present paper does not put forth a new structural scheme for understanding theMonobiblosor another description of numerical patternings in it, nor does it insist that a true appreciation of the book's ‘architecture’ is essential for understanding its meaning. Instead, it has the goal of considering how the book format affects the experience of reading and the interpretation of this one important work of Roman poetry in light of its generic identity and the literary-historical context in which it was produced.

In particular, I am interested in describing how the book format makes available to readers of the Monobiblos a sense that even in the absence of a single narrative spanning all of the poems of the book it is nevertheless possible to supplement them so that something like a plot or story emerges. I first consider how this sense of a possible plot or plots arises in the reading process, looking also at how some previous influential studies of the Monobiblos have relied upon various ways of construing a story or plot for the book.
Gregory of Nazianzus'Poemata Arcana: ἄϱϱηταand Christian persuasion
Authors: Meinel Fabian
Published: January 2012

When Gregory of Nazianzus composed thePoemata Arcanain the early 380s AD, he had long been through the ‘moral and intellectual boot camp’ of Greekpaideia. He was both a man of (Greek) cultureanda Christian. He had plucked the ‘roses from the thorny field’ of paganism, and could now turn to the pressing issues of the day: the impieties of heretics. It is important to keep this in mind when reading Gregory'sPoemata Arcana. Written in the form of didactic epic, these poems set forth the orthodox doctrine of the ineffable nature of Godhead and its manifestation in this world. In 713 hexameters, they expound the essential unity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (poems 1 to 3), Christian cosmology (poem 4), Providence (poem 5), the relationship to God of human beings and angels (poem 6), the soul (poem 7), and finally the unity of the two Testaments and (the circumstances surrounding) the incarnation of Christ (poem 8). Because of this peculiar combination of Greek literary form with Christian content many modern critics have felt encouraged to pit Christian (content) against pagan (form) and locate theArcanain the context of an on-going struggle of Christian writers anxious to appropriate Greek culture. But this entails not only a misplaced historical emphasis which overplays ‘struggle’ and ‘antagonism’.