bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of recent tax changes on taxable income: Evidence from a new panel of tax returns
Authors: Heim Bradley T.
Published: December 2008

This paper estimates the elasticity of taxable income to the net‐of‐tax share using a panel of tax returns that follows a random sample of taxpayers from 1999 to 2005, spanning the EGTRRA 2001 and JGTRRA 2003 tax changes. Results suggest that the elasticity of taxable income to the current year's net‐of‐tax share lies between 0.3 and 0.4 overall, and that the elasticity of a broader measure of income falls between 0.1 and 0.2 overall, with substantially higher elasticities for taxpayers reporting income in excess of $500,000. © 2009 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
First‐trimester nasal bone length in a normal Latin American population
Authors: Casasbuenas Alexandra , Wong Amy E. , Sepulveda Waldo
Published: December 2008

Objectives

To report normative data of nasal bone length (NBL) in first‐trimester singleton fetuses in a normal cohort of Latin American women.

Methods

NBL was measured during routine first‐trimester sonographic examination in 1040 singleton fetuses from an unselected population.

Results

NBL increased linearly with advancing gestational age (GA) [NBL (mm) = − 1.10 + 0.03 × GA (days), R2 = 0.21; p < 0.001]. Similarly, there was a linear relationship between the NBL and crown‐lump length (CRL) [NBL (mm) = 0.41 + 0.02 × CRL (mm), R2 = 0.27; p < 0.001]. The NBLs at the 50th percentile in our population were 1.5, 1.7, and 1.9 mm at 11, 12, and 13 weeks of gestation, respectively.

Conclusions

Whereas categorizing a nasal bone as absent or present can be subjective because of variations in echogenicity due to technique and equipment, measurement of NBL is a more objective approach to nasal bone assessment in screening for aneuploidy. Measurement of NBL in the first trimester is feasible and can be easily obtained at the time of nuchal translucency assessment. The normative data we report can provide a reference for defining nasal bone hypoplasia in the first trimester in the Latin American population. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining school and family interventions for the prevention and early intervention of disruptive behavior problems in children: A public health perspective
Authors: Reinke Wendy M. , Splett Joni D. , Robeson Elise N. , Offutt Cheryl A.
Published: December 2008

The prevention or reduction of early aggressive and disruptive behavior has important educational and mental health implications. Disruptive behavior problems contribute to loss of instruction time in the classroom, frustration for children and families, and considerable societal burden associated with antisocial acts, including delinquency and harm to others, making them a significant public health burden. Research indicates that both school and family factors contribute to behavior problems in children. Based on this knowledge, we describe the integration of two evidence‐based interventions, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS; intervention targeting the school environment) and The Family Check‐Up (FCU; intervention targeting the family context). Both interventions use a three‐tier public health approach to providing supports to children. This article proposes combining PBIS with the FCU in an effort to improve and alter existing service delivery systems to prevent behavior problems in young children across both the school and family contexts. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing a school‐wide progress‐monitoring system
Authors: Deno Stanley L. , Reschly Amy L. , Lembke Erica S. , Magnusson Deanne , Callender Stacy A. , Windram Holly , Stachel Nancy
Published: December 2008

This article describes the development of a process for universal screening and progress monitoring in reading at the elementary level that can be used in a school‐wide Response to Intervention (RtI) model. University personnel worked with teachers and administration at an urban elementary school to develop and implement the model in response to a school district mandate for school improvement. All students were screened in reading during the fall using the MAZE procedure, and students scoring in the lowest 20% of each class were monitored using curriculum‐based measurement of oral reading every other week. The MAZE was re‐administered to all students in the winter and spring to assess school‐wide growth in reading. Features of the model that made it useful include group administration of the screening task and use of the same passages at all grades so that direct comparisons could be made within and across grade levels, and across years. Results of model implementation are described for all students and for special subgroups, and recommendations and examples are provided for data use with respect to all students, students at risk, students who are non‐native English speakers, and students with special needs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supporting the collaboration of special educators and general educators to teach students who struggle with mathematics: An overview of the research
Authors: Garderen Delinda van , Scheuermann Amy , Jackson Christa , Hampton David
Published: December 2008

Special education and mathematics teachers are under pressure to respond to the needs of an increasingly diverse range of students in mathematics. One way for them to meet the instructional needs of struggling learners is through collaboration where, ideally, the knowledge one teacher brings can address the gaps of the other. However, the differing perspectives and approaches they bring to the collaborative effort may also impede it. The purpose of this article is to describe a sampling of the recent research within both the mathematics and special education fields. This is done to enable collaborating teachers to create an effective learning environment for students who struggle in mathematics. Fifty recent studies focused on struggling learners in mathematics, were identified, and then analyzed to highlight the similarities and differences between the educational fields. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moving from good ideas in educational systems change to sustainable program implementation: Coming to terms with some of the realities
Authors: Noell George H. , Gansle Kristin A
Published: December 2008

Proponents of systemic changes in education commonly encounter ethical, theoretical, and pragmatic challenges in moving from possibility to implementation of their vision of change. Although ethical and theoretical issues are critically important to a successful change initiative, pragmatic issues relevant to assuring program implementation have generally been understudied in the literature examining school change. The disconnects between research regarding effective practices and program implementation in schools and planning for intervention implementation and actual implementation have been increasingly recognized over the last two decades. It is much easier to talk about behavior change than it is to accomplish it. This article discusses selected issues surrounding ethical, theoretical, and pragmatic issues of systemic change, with the primary emphasis on pragmatic issues. The importance of providing programming to support implementation of new practices in schools is highlighted. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile postpolymerization end‐modification of RAFT polymers
Authors: Spruell Jason M. , Levy Benjamin A. , Sutherland Alexander , Dichtel William R. , Cheng Joy Y. , Stoddart J. Fraser , Nelson Alshakim
Published: December 2008

One‐pot methods for the end‐group postpolymerization modification of reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) derived polymers were investigated. Dithioester‐terminated polymers were transformed into ω‐functionalized polymers through conjugate addition of a variety of acrylates with an intermediate thiol. These methods provide a versatile means of introducing a variety of functionalities onto the polymer terminus, while simultaneously removing the residual dithiobenzoate group. A series of functionalized polymethylmethacrylate‐b‐polystyrene (PMMA‐b‐PS) polymers were synthesized utilizing the developed methods to probe the effect of charged end groups on diblock copolymer phase separation in thin films. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 346–356, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of partially disulfonated hydroquinone‐based poly(arylene ether sulfone)s random copolymers for application as proton exchange membranes
Authors: Roy Abhishek , Hickner Michael A. , Einsla Brian R. , Harrison William L. , McGrath James E.
Published: December 2008

Partially disulfonated hydroquinone (HQ)‐based poly(arylene ether sulfone) random copolymers were synthesized and characterized for application as proton exchange membranes. The copolymer composition was varied in the degree of disulfonation. The copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and other analytical techniques. The copolymer with a 25% degree of disulfonation showed the best balance between water uptake and proton conductivity. The copolymers showed substantially reduced methanol permeability compared with Nafion® and satisfactory direct methanol fuel cell performance. The methanol selectivity improved significantly in comparison to Nafion® 117. At a given ionic composition, the HQ‐based system showed higher water uptake and proton conductivity than the biphenol‐based (BPSH‐xx) poly(arylene ether sulfone)s copolymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 384–391, 2009
Photoinitiating monomers based on di‐ and triacryloylated hydroxylamine derivatives
Authors: Dworak Claudia , Kopeinig Stefan , Hoffmann Helmuth , Liska Robert
Published: December 2008

The purpose of our study was to design a new class of acrylate‐based monomers with an UV‐cleavable heteroatom bond, offering the possibility to initiate radical polymerization upon irradiation with UV‐light. A method to derive the double bond conversion from the ATR‐IR spectra of the monomers and the cured polymers was employed, that enabled us to calculate the theoretical polymerization heats of the new monomers. Their photopolymerization properties were determined by Photo Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Surprisingly, some of these new compounds exhibited high photoinitiation activity, comparable to well‐established Type II photoinitiator systems like benzophenone/triethanolamine. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 392–403, 2009
Facilitation effect of oligonucleotide on vesicle formation from single‐chained cationic surfactant—Dependences of oligonucleotide sequence and size and surfactant structure
Authors: Guo Xia , Cui Bo , Li Hua , Gong Zhiyun , Guo Rong
Published: December 2008

The interaction between DNA and surfactant has both biological and technological significances. Recently, we reported for the first time that oligo d(C)25 can induce single‐chained cationic surfactant molecules to aggregate into vesicles. In this article, we studied systematically the formation of vesicles from traditional single‐chained cationic surfactant molecules in the presence of a series of oligonucleotides and found that the facilitation efficiency of oligonucleotide on vesicle formation depends on its size and base composition. Oligo d(T)n cannot induce vesicle formation, whereas the other oligonucleotides can. Moreover, the oligonucleotide with a bigger size or with a hairpin structure favors vesicle formation more, and the increases in the size of the head group and/or the length of the alkyl group of surfactant decrease the facilitation efficiency of oligonucleotide. Since so far, there is very limited report about the vesicle formation in DNA/single‐chained cationic surfactant solution, this study could be expected to increase the efficiency and applicability for DNA/amphiphile system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 434–449, 2009
Phase separation of polymer‐functionalized SWNTs within a PMMA/polystyrene blend
Authors: Mayo James D. , Behal Sonia , Adronov Alex
Published: December 2008

Phase separation of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends was used as a means to segregate PS‐ or PMMA‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in thin films. Dilute solutions (5 wt % in THF) of 1:1 PS/PMMA blends containing the functionalized nanotubes were spin cast and annealed at 180 °C for 12 h. Two different polymer molecular weights were used (Mn = 8000 or Mn = 22,000), and were of approximately equivalent molecular weight to those attached to the surface of the nanotubes. Nanotube functionalization was accomplished using the Cu(I)‐catalyzed [3 + 2] Huisgen cycloaddition, in which alkyne‐decorated nanotubes were coupled with azide‐terminated polymers, resulting in polymer‐SWNT conjugates that were soluble in THF. Characterization of the annealed films by scanning Raman spectroscopy, which utilized the unique Raman fingerprint of carbon nanotubes, enabled accurate mapping of the functionalized SWNTs within the films relative to the two phase‐separated polymers. It was found that nanotube localization within the phase‐separated polymer films was influenced by the type of polymer attached to the nanotube surface, as well as its molecular weight. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 450–458, 2009
Revisit to the formation mechanism of exfoliated montmorillonite/PMMA nanocomposite latex through soap‐free emulsion polymerization
Authors: Lin Keng‐Jen , Dai Chi‐An , Lin King‐Fu
Published: December 2008

Soap‐free emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the aqueous suspension of montmorillonite (MMT) was able to fabricate the exfoliated MMT/PMMA nanocomposite latex. Because neither MMA nor substantial quantity of potassium persulfide (KPS) initiator could be individually absorbed into the interlayer region of MMT, the polymerizing ionic radicals in water phase were considered as a major component to diffuse into the gallery of MMT. They have been observed to organize into disk‐like micelles in the interlayer regions to exfoliate MMT. The diffusion of the polymerizing ionic radicals was further supported by using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant as a model compound to diffuse into the gallery of MMT. The exfoliation of MMT was almost completed before micellization stage was over. After exfoliation, the disk‐like micelles became a polymerization loci for monomers. Because the disk‐like micelles in numbers were substantially over the commonly formed spherical micelles in the typical soap‐free emulsion polymerization, the conversion rate of MMA to MMT/PMMA nanocomposite latex was faster. Based on the above experimental observation, a justified exfoliation mechanism of MMT was proposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 459–466, 2009
Nucleation effect of cyclodextrin inclusion compounds on the crystallization of polypropylene
Authors: Li Chun , Isshiki Naoe , Saito Hiromu , Ogata Kenichi , Toyota Akinori
Published: December 2008

The β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) inclusion compounds (ICs) with two different molecular weight isotactic polypropylene (iPP) were prepared. The ICs with high molecular weight iPP as guest molecule had lower inclusion rate. The crystallization behavior of iPP blended with the CDs and ICs was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and light scattering. The iPP blended with the ICs was found to exhibit higher crystallization temperature (TC), smaller spherulites, and faster crystallization rate than those of neat iPP. These results indicate that the ICs play a role of nucleating agent on the crystallization of iPP and induce the accelerated crystallization. Both β‐CD‐iPP ICs and γ‐CD‐iPP ICs with longer iPP molecular chains had better nucleation effect than the ICs with shorter iPP molecular chains. This suggested that the nucleation effect of these ICs was affected by the inclusion rate of ICs. The lower inclusion rate could result in better nucleation effect, due to the interaction of extended iPP molecules inside the CD cavity and iPP molecules in the matrix. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 130–137, 2009
Physicomechanical studies on the langmuir‐blodgett films of polythiophene containing mesogenic side chains
Authors: Somanathan N. , Pandiyarajan C. K. , Goedel W. A. , Chen W. C.
Published: December 2008

Liquid crystalline materials display unique properties, which can be exploited in various optoelectronic device applications. The Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) film characteristics of polythiophene model compounds containing phenyl rings linked with azomethine, ester, and alkoxy functional groups poly‐4‐{[(E)‐thiophen‐3‐ylmethylidene]amino}phenyl 4‐alkyloxybenzoate (PTAPAB series) and poly‐4‐alkyloxy phenyl 4‐{[(E)‐thiophen‐3‐ylmethylidene]amino}benzoate (PAPTAB Series) were explored in this study. The AM1 optimized geometries of the aforementioned compounds showed that the films have different type of orientation in space because of the change in the linking functional group. The LB film characteristics were studied by applying the concepts of the failure mechanism in tensile failure. The compression‐expansion hysteresis cycle of the LB films at predetermined area per repeat unit was used to study the viscous, elastic, and plastic nature of the films. The results showed that in PAPTAB series compounds, the LB films were more flexible and took less surface energy than its PTAPAB series homologues, which formed into LB films of rigid nature. The LB films of PAPTAB series compounds were of more viscoplastic in nature. The studies suggested that PAPTAB series structures exhibited good thin film forming nature than its PTAPAB series homologues. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 173–182, 2009
Isomer‐dependent properties of poly(vinyl pyridine)‐based films grown on copper surfaces
Authors: Santana Adriana Lídia , Giacomelli Cristiano , Oliveira Paula Nunes , Nunes Pires Alfredo Tibúrcio , Bertolino José Roberto , Spinelli Almir
Published: December 2008

The effect of poly(2‐vinyl pyridine) (P2VP) and poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) isomers on the growth of surface films on copper substrates was studied by electrochemical, spectroscopic, thermogravimentric, and microscopic methods. In acid environment (3% v/v acetic acid) and in the presence of KSCN, electrochemically generated copper cations reacted rapidly with SCN− and P2VP or P4VP, yielding coordination compounds, which deposited onto copper surfaces as films. The characteristics of such polymer–metal complexes (films) were markedly isomer‐dependent. Cu(I)/P2VP/SCN− complexes with monovalent cations and sulfur‐coordinated thiocyanate were obtained in the presence of P2VP, whereas the formation of Cu(II)/P4VP/SCN− complexes with divalent cations and nitrogen‐coordinated thiocyanate was observed in the presence of P4VP. Interestingly, similar physical–chemical properties (electronic structure, stoichiometry, and thermal behavior) were observed for materials synthesized by electrochemical and chemical methods. These results suggest, therefore, that control over the surface properties of copper substrates can be achieved using electrosynthesized films based on different PVP isomers. Besides acting as effective protective barriers against aggressive media and thus reducing the metal dissolution (corrosion) kinetics, these materials are potentially attractive for other applications in which surface properties are paramount, such as in catalysis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 215–225, 2009
Cognitive effects of hormonal therapy in early stage breast cancer patients: a prospective study
Authors: Collins Barbara , Mackenzie Joyce , Stewart Angela , Bielajew Catherine , Verma Shailendra
Published: December 2008

Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the cognitive effects of adjuvant hormonal therapies in breast cancer patients.

Participants and Methods: Post‐menopausal breast cancer patients scheduled to receive tamoxifen (n=31) or anastrozole (n=14) completed neuropsychological testing around the time of commencement of treatment (T1), and again 5–6 months later (T2). A sample of healthy female volunteers (n=28) was tested at comparable intervals. A standardized regression‐based approach was used to assess cognitive change. This method uses test/retest scores of the healthy control group to generate an equation that predicts T2 scores from T1 scores. The difference between the predicted and obtained T2 scores divided by the standard error of the estimate produces a deviation score that reflects the discrepancy from the T1–T2 difference scores that would be expected on the basis of practice and error alone.

Results: Analysis of individual deviation scores revealed that both the patients taking tamoxifen and those taking anastrozole were more likely than healthy controls to show reliable cognitive decline from T1 to T2 (39, 64, and 7%, respectively). Processing speed and verbal memory were the cognitive domains most affected.

Conclusion: These data suggest that hormonal therapies exert a subtle negative influence on cognition in breast cancer patients. Further analyses indicated that this effect was not fully accounted for by demographic factors or fatigue. Methodological limitations of the current study are addressed, along with recommendations for future studies in this area. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time required to obtain endobronchial biopsies in children during fiberoptic bronchoscopy
Authors: Regamey Nicolas , Balfour‐Lynn Ian , Rosenthal Mark , Hogg Claire , Bush Andrew , Davies Jane C.
Published: December 2008

Background

Endobronchial biopsies are an important tool for the study of airway remodeling in children. We aimed to evaluate the impact of performing endobronchial biopsies as a part of fiberoptic bronchoscopy on the length of the procedure.

Methods

Clinically indicated fiberoptic bronchoscopy at which endobronchial biopsy was attempted as a part of a research protocol was performed in 40 children (median age 6 years, range 2 months–16 years). Time needed for airway inspection, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with three aliquots of 1 ml/kg of 0.9% saline, sampling of three macroscopically adequate biopsies, teaching, and other interventions (e.g., removal of plugs) was recorded. The bronchoscopist was not aware that the procedure was being timed.

Results

Median (range) duration (min) was 2.5 (1.0–8.2) for airway inspection, 2.8 (1.7–9.4) for BAL, 5.3 (2.5–16.6) for biopsy sampling, 2.4 (1.5–6.6) for teaching and 4.1 (0.8–18.5) for other interventions. Three adequate biopsies were obtained in 33 (83%) children. Use of 2.0 mm biopsy forceps (via 4.0 and 4.9 mm bronchoscopes) rather than 1.0 mm (via 2.8 and 3.6 mm bronchoscopes) significantly reduced biopsy time (4.6 min vs. 8.4 min, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

It takes a median of just over 5 min to obtain three endobronchial biopsies in children, which we consider an acceptable increase in the duration of fiberoptic bronchoscopy for the purpose of research. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:76–79. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chest radiograph thoracic areas and lung volumes in infants developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: May Caroline , Prendergast Michael , Salman Saba , Rafferty Gerrard F. , Greenough Anne
Published: December 2008

Objectives

To determine whether chest radiograph (CXR) thoracic areas and lung volumes differed between infants who did and did not develop BPD and according to the severity of BPD developed.

Working Hypothesis

Infants developing BPD, particularly if moderate or severe, would have low CXR thoracic areas and lung volumes in the perinatal period.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Patient‐Subject Selection

53 infants with a median gestational age of 28 (range 24–32) weeks.

Methodology

CXR thoracic areas were calculated using a Picture Archiving and Communicating System (PACS) and lung volume assessed by measurement of functional residual capacity (FRC) in the first 72 hr after birth. BPD was diagnosed if the infants were oxygen dependent beyond 28 days, mild BPD in infants no longer oxygen dependent at 36 weeks post‐menstrual age (PMA) and moderate/severe BPD in infants who required supplementary oxygen with or without respiratory support at 36 weeks PMA.

Results

Thirty two infants developed BPD, 21 had moderate/severe BPD. The median CXR thoracic areas were higher (P < 0.0001) and FRCs were lower (P < 0.0001) in the BPD compared to no BPD infants. The median CXR thoracic areas of the moderate/severe group (P < 0.001) and the mild group (P < 0.05) were greater than that of the no BPD group and the median FRC of the moderate/severe BPD group was lower than the no BPD group (<0.001) and the mild BPD group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results highlight that in the perinatal period infants developing BPD, particularly if moderate/severe, have low functional lung volumes and may have gas trapping, which likely reflects ventilation inhomogeneity. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:80–85. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NOGG guideline on the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: December 2008

Steve Chaplin describes the new guideline on the management of osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women from the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Warts in children: diagnosis and current treatment options
Authors: Almaani Noor , Chew Ai‐Lean , Mellerio Jemima
Published: December 2008

Our series Prescribing in children gives practical advice for successful management of childhood problems in general practice. Here, the authors describe the diagnosis and management of cutaneous warts. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Comparison of the components of the planktonic food web in three large rivers (Rhine, Moselle and Saar)
Authors: Bergfeld Tanja , Scherwass Anja , Ackermann Barbara , Arndt Hartmut , Schöl Andreas
Published: December 2008

The dynamics of phyto‐, bacterio‐, proto‐ and metazooplankton were investigated for a period of 22 months fortnightly from March 1999 until December 2000 in the rivers Moselle, Saar and Rhine. Plankton abundances reached the lowest values in the Rhine and the highest in the Saar. Protozoa and not the much more studied metazoa clearly dominate the zooplankton not only by number but also by biomass by about 90%. We show that the plankton biomass in each of the rivers is the result of the interplay of the grazing by benthic predators and of the human induced factors such as river morphology, water residence time and nutrient load. Furthermore, we compare our study with the planktonic food web of three other large European rivers. The comparison between all studies revealed a general rise of the absolute mean biomass of all heterotrophic planktonic food web components (bacteria, protozoa, metazoa) parallel to an increase of the algal biomass of the river. For the rivers Rhine, Moselle and Saar, the average biomass of all investigated plankton groups was very low compared to the values obtained in the rivers Meuse, Loire and Elbe. The relative importance of organisms of the microbial food web increased with a decrease of the algal biomass or organic carbon content, respectively, in each of the rivers. We postulate that with a sinking nutrient level in the Rhine, the microbial food web components will become even more important within the plankton than they already are. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial and seasonal variations in δ13C AND δ15N of particulate organic matter in a dam‐controlled subtropical river
Authors: Chen Fajin , Jia Guodong
Published: December 2008

Alteration of stream flow by artificial dams has been observed to be a significant factor for river water environmental changes. Therefore, understanding the biogeochemical processes occurring in the dam‐controlled rivers is important for water resource management. In this paper, δ13C and δ15N signatures of particulate organic matter (POM) in a dam‐controlled subtropical river, Beijiang River, in south China are reported for their spatial and seasonal distributions. POM affected by reservoirs is lighter in δ13C and heavier in δ15N relative to unaffected POM. In April, POM δ13C and δ15N values show less spatial variation in the mainstem, and suggest relatively greater contributions of terrestrial organic matter (OM) to POM. This could be related to the onset of summer monsoon that caused an abrupt increase in terrestrial input to the river by the monsoon‐induced enhancement of rainfall and runoff. In August and December, however, POM isotopic values for the sites affected by the Feilaixia dam reservoir in the middle of the river show marked changes, suggesting aquatic plankton proliferation in the reservoir during the times. Upstream from the reservoirs, POM isotopes are seasonally less varied and suggest mainly terrestrial origin. However, the isotopic signals of aquatic plankton proliferation in the reservoir in August and December is imprinted on the POM isotopic compositions downstream the reservoir, indicating far‐reaching influences of the reservoir on the downstream water environment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discontinuous DBH–height relationship of Cryptomeria japonica on Yakushima Island: effect of frequent typhoons on the maximum height
Authors: Takashima Atsushi , Kume Atsushi , Yoshida Shigejiro , Murakami Takuhiko , Kajisa Tsuyoshi , Mizoue Nobuya
Published: December 2008

The mountain zone of Yakushima Island is covered with a mixed conifer‐broadleaved forest dominated by old‐growth Cryptomeria japonica (L.f.) D. Don trees. Even though Yakushima Island has been frequently struck by typhoons with wind velocities exceeding 55 m s−1, the Cr. japonica trees in the mountain zone have survived for thousands of years without fatal damage. To evaluate the effect of storms on tree growth, the relationships between the stem diameter at breast height (DBH) and the heights of Cr. japonica and coexistent tree species were investigated. Two models based on an expanded allometric equation and a discontinuous piecewise allometric equation, respectively, to represent DBH–height relationships were evaluated. In all plots, the DBH–height relationship of Cr. japonica was discontinuous between small DBH and large DBH individuals. The tops of the large DBH individuals of Cr. japonica were lost to strong winds. However in each instance, they occupied the highest position in the canopy, even if they had lost their tops. In contrast, the DBH–height relationships of subcanopy broadleaved species were continuous in many plots and the equilibrium heights of the dominant broadleaved species were similar and almost in the same order regardless of the canopy heights of Cr. japonica. These results revealed a constant vertical structure in the Cr. japonica forest on Yakushima Island. Our results demonstrate a vertical niche segregation in the forest under high wind pressures and such vertical structure enables effective use of forest space and increases the basal area density.
On the Use, the Misuse, and the Very Limited Usefulness of Cronbach’s Alpha
Authors: Sijtsma Klaas
Published: December 2008

This discussion paper argues that both the use of Cronbach’s alpha as a reliability estimate and as a measure of internal consistency suffer from major problems. First, alpha always has a value, which cannot be equal to the test score’s reliability given the interitem covariance matrix and the usual assumptions about measurement error. Second, in practice, alpha is used more often as a measure of the test’s internal consistency than as an estimate of reliability. However, it can be shown easily that alpha is unrelated to the internal structure of the test. It is further discussed that statistics based on a single test administration do not convey much information about the accuracy of individuals’ test performance. The paper ends with a list of conclusions about the usefulness of alpha.
Comparison of Surface‐Active Properties of (Alkyloxycarbonylmethyl)trimethylammonium Chlorides and Alkyltrimethylammonium Chlorides
Authors: Itoh Yoshihiro , Akasaka Ryo
Published: December 2008

Surface‐active properties of cleavable surfactants with a betaine ester group—(n‐alkyloxycarbonylmethyl)trimethylammonium chlorides, used as separation reagents—were investigated. Critical micelle concentrations, dispersing powers, and foaming powers were comparable to those of alkyltrimethylammonium chlorides with the same total number of carbon atoms. On the other hand, the solubilities of the four hydrophobic dyes N,N‐dimethyl‐3‐nitroaniline, naphthalene, pyrene, and oil orange SS in the former surfactant solutions were equal to or slightly smaller than those in the solutions of the latter surfactants with the same alkyl chain length. The alkali hydrolysis yields of the formers approached 100% in aqueous buffer solution at pH 10 and 25 °C within 10 min, and the yield at pH 9 was dependent on the alkyl chain length. This type of surfactant was also found to be as an efficient separation reagent which disperses carbon black and solubilizes the above dyes into aqueous neutral solution and then separates them instantaneously and almost perfectly as precipitates when a small excess of NaOH is added.
Separate groups of dorsal horn neurons transmit spontaneous activity and mechanosensitivity one day after plantar incision
Authors: Xu Jun , Richebe Philippe , Brennan Timothy J.
Published: December 2008

Dorsal horn neuron (DHN) sensitization can be induced and maintained by nociceptor activation. In previous studies, only a small increase in ongoing DHN activity was present immediately after plantar incision; yet, powerful activation of nociceptors was prominent 1 day after incision. In the present study, rats underwent plantar incision or sham surgery as control. One day later pain behaviors were measured; then DHN activity and response properties to mechanical stimulation were recorded in vivo. In some neurons with spontaneous activity, the incision was anesthetised using bupivacaine. Spontaneous activity was identified in 9 of 27 neurons in the control group and in 16 of 26 neurons (P<0.05) in the incision group; the spontaneous activity in incised animals (19.1±8.5 imp/s) was also greater than in controls (10.6±6.1 imp/s, P<0.05). For neurons without spontaneous activity, the responses to mechanical stimuli of the incision group were greater (P<0.01); for neurons with spontaneous activity, there was no such difference. After bupivacaine injection, no difference was present in the amount of spontaneous activity between the two groups. This study demonstrates that 1 day after incision, DHN sensitization manifests in markedly increased spontaneous activities, enhanced responses to mechanical stimuli and expanded receptive fields (RFs). Separate groups of neurons appear to transmit spontaneous activity and enhanced responses to mechanical stimuli. Inhibition of spontaneous activity by blockade of afferent input indicates that the prolonged spinal hyperactivity remains largely dependent on the ongoing primary afferent activity.
Identification of LRP1B‐interacting proteins and inhibition of protein kinase Cα‐phosphorylation of LRP1B by association with PICK1
Authors: Shiroshima Tomoko , Oka Chio , Kawaichi Masashi
Published: December 2008

MINT‐6801173: Jip‐1b (uniprotkb:Q9WVI9‐1) physically interacts (MI:0218) with mLRP4 (uniprotkb:Q8VI56) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
An S‐locus receptor‐like kinase in plasma membrane interacts with calmodulin in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim Ho Soo , Jung Mi Soon , Lee Kyunghee , Kim Kyung Eun , Yoo Jae Hyuk , Kim Min Chul , Kim Doh Hoon , Cho Moo Je , Chung Woo Sik
Published: December 2008

MINT‐6800978:AtCaM2 (uniprotkb:P25069) physically interacts (MI:0218) with CBRLK1 (uniprotkb:Q9ZT06) by cytoplasmic complementation assay (MI:0228)
Interaction of the human somatostatin receptor 3 with the multiple PDZ domain protein MUPP1 enables somatostatin to control permeability of epithelial tight junctions
Authors: Liew Chong Wee , Vockel Matthias , Glassmeier Günter , Brandner Johanna M. , Fernandez-Ballester Gregorio J. , Schwarz Jürgen R. , Schulz Stefan , Buck Friedrich , Serrano Luis , Richter Dietmar , Kreienkamp Hans-Jürgen
Published: December 2008

MINT‐6800607, MINT‐6801122:hSSTR3 (uniprotkb:P32745) physically interacts (MI:0218) with MUPP1 (uniprotkb:O75970) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Janus chaperones: Assistance of both RNA‐ and protein‐folding by ribosomal proteins
Authors: Kovacs Denes , Rakacs Marianna , Agoston Bianka , Lenkey Krisztian , Semrad Katharina , Schroeder Renee , Tompa Peter
Published: December 2008

Ribosomal proteins assist the assembly and increase the stability of ribosomal RNA, without requiring ATP for their action. Some ribosomal proteins are also known to have essential functions outside the ribosome, i.e. promiscuity of functions that appears to correlate with their structural disorder. Here we addressed if certain ribosomal proteins with RNA chaperone activity and with a significant level of disorder also have protein‐chaperone activity in vitro. Four proteins of the large subunit of Escherichia coli ribosome, L15, L16, L18 and L19 have been tested in three chaperone assays, in which all of them exhibited potent chaperone activity, commensurable with that of heat shock protein 90 kDa. These observations highlight possible novel aspects of the promiscuous functions of ribosomal proteins outside of the ribosome.
ISOMETRIES AND DISCRETE ISOMETRY SUBGROUPS OF HYPERBOLIC SPACES
Authors: FU XI , WANG XIANTAO
Published: December 2008

Let n be the n-dimensional hyperbolic space with n ≥ 2. Suppose that G is a discrete, sense-preserving subgroup of Isomn, the isometry group of n. Let p be the projection map from n to the quotient space M = n/G. The first goal of this paper is to prove that for any a ∈ ∂n (the sphere at infinity of n), there exists an open neighbourhood U of a in n ∪ ∂ n such that p is an isometry on U ∩ n if and only if a ∈ oΩ(G) (the domain of proper discontinuity of G). This is a generalization of the main result discussed in the work by Y. D. Kim (A theorem on discrete, torsion free subgroups of Isomn, Geometriae Dedicata109 (2004), 51–57). The second goal is to obtain a new characterization for the elements of Isomn by using a class of hyperbolic geometric objects: hyperbolic isosceles right triangles. The proof is based on a geometric approach.
GLOBAL EXISTENCE AND BLOW-UP FOR NON-NEWTON POLYTROPIC FILTRATION SYSTEM COUPLED WITH LOCAL SOURCE
Authors: ZHOU JUN , MU CHUNLAI
Published: December 2008

This paper deals with the global existence and blow-up properties of the following non-Newton polytropic filtration system coupled with local source:ut− Δm,pu=avα,vt− Δn,qv=buβ. Under appropriate hypotheses, we prove that the solution either exists globally or blows up in finite time depending on the initial data and the relations between αβ andmn(p− 1)(q− 1).
ON LITTLEWOOD-PALEY FUNCTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH BESSEL OPERATORS
Authors: BETANCOR J. J. , FARIÑA J. C. , SANABRIA A.
Published: December 2008

In this paper, we study Lp-boundedness properties for higher order Littlewood-Paley g-functions in the Bessel setting. We use the Calderón-Zygmund theory in a homogeneous-type space (in the sense of Coifman and Weiss) ((0, ∞), d, γα), where d represents the usual metric on (0, ∞) and γα denotes the doubling measure on (0, ∞) with respect to d defined by dγα(x) = x2α+1dx, with α > −1/2.
SPECTRUM, NUMERICAL RANGE AND DAVIS-WIELANDT SHELL OF A NORMAL OPERATOR
Authors: LI CHI-KWONG , POON YIU-TUNG
Published: December 2008

We denote the numerical range of the normal operator T by W(T). A characterization is given to the points in W(T) that lie on the boundary. The collection of such boundary points together with the interior of the the convex hull of the spectrum of T will then be the set W(T). Moreover, it is shown that such boundary points reveal a lot of information about the normal operator. For instance, such a boundary point always associates with an invariant (reducing) subspace of the normal operator. It follows that a normal operator acting on a separable Hilbert space cannot have a closed strictly convex set as its numerical range. Similar results are obtained for the Davis-Wielandt shell of a normal operator. One can deduce additional information of the normal operator by studying the boundary of its Davis-Wielandt shell. Further extension of the result to the joint numerical range of commuting operators is discussed.
SUMS OF CUBES AND SQUARES OF POLYNOMIALS WITH COEFFICIENTS IN A FINITE FIELD
Authors: CAR MIREILLE , GALLARDO LUIS H.
Published: December 2008

Letkbe a finite field withqelements and characteristic coprime with 6. Our main result is: Every polynomialP∈k[T] is a strict sum of three cubes and two squares.
NOTE ON THE DIVISIBILITY OF THE CLASS NUMBER OF CERTAIN IMAGINARY QUADRATIC FIELDS
Authors: KISHI YASUHIRO
Published: December 2008

We prove that the class number of the imaginary quadratic field $\Q(\sqrt{2^{2k}-3^n})$ is divisible by n for any positive integers k and n with 22k < 3n, by using Y. Bugeaud and T. N. Shorey's result on Diophantine equations.
Nutrition interventions for the prevention of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Steyn Nelia P. , Lambert Estelle V. , Tabana Hanani
Published: December 2008

Diabetes mellitus is escalating globally and it is predicted that 200 million individuals worldwide will have diabetes by 2010 and 300 million by 2025. However, there is compelling evidence from many studies that for subjects with impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance the presentation of type 2 diabetes can be delayed by lifestyle modification. The aim of the present review is to present a summary of lifestyle modification interventions that have included a dietary component in their overall diabetes prevention programme. Medline, allied health literature and diabetes journals were searched for peer-reviewed literature using the terms ‘diet*’ and ‘diabetes’ and ‘intervention’. Inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed studies from 1975 to 2008; a sample of at least fifty subjects; a healthy eating and/or physical activity component; prevention of diabetes as a primary goal. Generally, the participants were in a high-risk category for the development of diabetes. Outcomes were evaluated at two points in time (pre- and post-intervention) in terms of knowledge, behaviour change and clinical improvement, which included weight, blood pressure, BMI, body fat, waist circumference, waist:hip ratio and physiological and/or biochemical measures. Findings indicate that the most successful interventions combine individual dietary counselling with an activity component. Further factors predicting success are weight loss achieved, duration and intensity of the intervention and dietary compliance.
Nutrition and its contribution to obesity and diabetes: a life-course approach to disease prevention?
Authors: Symonds Michael E.
Published: December 2008

Whilst previously type 2 diabetes occurred in older adults, its incidence, together with obesity, has increased rapidly in children. An improved understanding of this disease pathway from a developmental view point is critical. It is likely that subtle changes in dietary patterns over an extended period of time contribute to diabetes, although this type of rationale is largely ignored in animal studies aimed at determining the mechanisms involved. Small-animal studies in which large, and often extreme, changes in the diet are imposed at different stages of the life cycle can have substantial effects on fat mass and/or pancreatic functions. These responses are not representative of the much more gradual changes seen in the human population. An increasing number of studies indicate that it is growth rate per se, rather than the type of dietary intervention that determines pancreatic function during development. Epigenetic mechanisms that regulate insulin secretion by the pancreas can be re-set by more extreme changes in dietary supply in early life. The extent to which these changes may contribute to more subtle modulations in glucose homeostasis that can accompany excess fat growth in childhood remains to be established. For human subjects there is much less information as to whether specific dietary components determine disease onset. Indeed, it is highly likely that genotype has a major influence, although recent data relating early diet to physical activity and the FTO gene indicate the difficulty of establishing the relative contribution of diet and changes in body mass to diabetes.
The inter-relationship between formal and informal care: a study in France and Israel
Authors: LITWIN HOWARD , ATTIAS-DONFUT CLAUDINE
Published: December 2008

This study examined whether formal care services delivered to frail older people's homes in France and Israel substitute for or complement informal support. The two countries have comparable family welfare systems but many historical, cultural and religious differences. Data for the respondents aged 75 or more years at the first wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were analysed. Regressions were examined of three patterns of care fromoutsidethe household: informal support only, formal support only and both formal and informal care, with the predictor variables including whether informal help was provided by a family member living in the household. The results revealed that about one-half of the respondents received no help at all (France 51%, Israel 55%), about one-tenth received care from a household member (France 8%, Israel 10%), and one-third were helped by informal carers from outside the household (France 34%, Israel 33%). More French respondents (35%) received formal care services at home than Israelis (27%). Most predictors of the care patterns were similar in the two countries. The analysis showed that complementarity is a common outcome of the co-existence of formal and informal care, and that mixed provision occurs more frequently in situations of greater need. It is also shown that spouse care-givers had less formal home-care supports than either co-resident children or other family care-givers. Even so, spouses, children and other family care-givers all had considerable support from formal home-delivered care.
Parliamentary Report
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: December 2008

In September, the Office of the Third Sector (OTS) and the Charity Commission launched a joint consultation on the detail of the new Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), a corporate structure envisaged under the Charities Act 2006. CIOs will be registered with and regulated by the Charity Commission and will offer charities an alternative to incorporation under company law, thereby avoiding dual regulation by the Commission and by Companies House.
Not Going It Alone: Social Integration and Tenancy Sustainability for Formerly Homeless Substance Users
Authors: Bowpitt Graham , Harding Rachel
Published: December 2008

This article draws on findings from a study of a specialised tenancy support service for homeless substance users in a Midlands city, and contributes to debates about what makes solutions to homelessness sustainable. Two approaches to tenancy support are examined: first, a resettlement model based on risk management; and, second, a restorative model which prioritises support that enables people to rebuild their lives in a more holistic sense. Conclusions point to a need for a broader training for tenancy support workers and a funding level that enables them to stay with their clients long enough to facilitate this fuller restoration.