bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secrecy, Modesty, and the Feminine: Kabbalistic Traces in the Thought of Levinas
Authors: Wolfson Elliot
Published: December 2006

A number of scholars have discussed the possible affinities between Levinas and the kabbalah. In this essay, I explore the nexus between eros, secrecy, modesty, and the feminine in the thought of Levinas compared to a similar complex of ideas elicited from kabbalistic speculation. In addition to the likelihood that Levinas may have been influenced by the interrelatedness of these motifs in kabbalistic lore, I argue that he proffers an anti-theosophic interpretation of kabbalah, which accords with his rejection of the dogma of incarnation and the related polemical depiction of Christianity as idolatry. The appropriation of the kabbalistic hermeneutic on the part of Levinas, therefore, entailed a major revision. In translating the ontological into the ethical, Levinas divests the secret of its secretive potency, but thereby fostered an esoteric reading of Jewish esotericism.
"The Presence of the Other is a Presence that Teaches": Levinas, Pragmatism, and Pedagogy
Authors: Katz Claire Elise
Published: December 2006

Although Levinas talks about ethics as a response to the other, most scholars assume that this "response" is not something tangible—it is not an actual giving of food or providing of shelter and clothing. But there is evidence in Levinas's own writings that indicate he does intend for a positive response to the Other. In any event, while he acknowledges that the other is the sole person I wish to kill, killing the other, within an ethical framework would be a violation of that response. The failure to respond to the other ethically requires us to ask if Levinas's project needs an educational philosophy or a model of moral cultivation to supplement it. This essay explores this question by putting into conversation Levinas's ethical project and his interest in Jewish education with John Dewey's philosophy of education and its relationship to the political community. This exploration will help us see what this field of research might offer in promoting the cultivation of ethical response as Levinas envisions it and what its limits are.
Is There a Warrant for Levinas's Talmudic Readings?
Authors: Kavka Martin
Published: December 2006

Levinas's Talmudic readings have played an important role in defending the claim that the discipline of modern Jewish philosophy cannot be reduced to a list of assimilationist thinkers. This article argues that this claim is defendable, but only if the premise of the claim ceases to be the content of Levinas's Talmudic readings: "The Temptation of Temptation" wrongly takes its sugya as representative of Judaism as a whole, the differing mathematical calculations between Levinas and the sugya he treats in "The Pact" suggest that the Talmud assumes a Rousseauian amour-propre, and "And God Created Woman" implies that Jewish ethics is not opposed to Jews' assimilation. I instead suggest that Levinas's Talmudic readings serve to promote the fecundity of Judaism; it is only through such "bad" readings that historical determinism can be conquered, and a messianic future becomes possible.
Ralph Strode's obligationes: The Return of Consistency and the Epistemic Turn
Authors: Novaes Catarina Dutilh
Published: December 2006

In what follows, I analyze Ralph Strode's treatise on obligations. I have used a hitherto unpublished edition of the text (based on 14 manuscripts) made by Prof. E.J. Ashworth. I first give a brief description of Strode's text, which is all the more necessary given that it is not available to the average reader; I also offer a reconstruction of the rules proposed by Strode, following the style of reconstruction used in my analysis of Burley's and Swyneshed's rules elsewhere—that is, essentially based on the idea that obligationes can be viewed as logical games. In the second part, I address Strode's explicit arguments contra Swyneshed. In the third part, I discuss Strode's epistemic and pragmatic approach to obligationes.
Conceptions of Happiness and Human Destiny in the Late Thirteenth Century
Authors:   Eardley
Published: December 2006

Medieval theories of ethics tended on the whole to regard self-perfection as the goal of human life. However there was profound disagreement, particularly in the late thirteenth century, over how exactly this was to be understood. Intellectualists such as Aquinas famously argued that human perfection lay primarily in coming to know the essence of God in the next life. Voluntarists such as the Franciscan John Peckham, by contrast, argued that ultimate perfection was to be achieved in patria through the act of loving God. The present article argues that Giles of Rome and Henry of Ghent defended a different sort of voluntarism with respect to the final destiny of human beings. Rather than claiming that the goal of human life lay in the perfection of the self, they argued instead that ultimate union with God was to be achieved mystically through an act of self-transcendence, which occurred through ecstasy or quasi-deification.
The Thinker as a Noble Man (bene natus) and Preliminary Remarks on the Medieval Concepts of Nobility
Authors: Robiglio Andrea
Published: December 2006

The late medieval discussion of 'nobility' (= nobilitas, dignitas) defined in philosophical terms (as opposed to other social notions like 'aristocracy'), produced a large number of writings, many of which are still unedited. Nevertheless, modern philosophical historiography (developed throughout the seventeenth century and reaching its first apogee with Hegel) has neglected the conceptual debates on nobility. Perhaps having assumed it to be a dead relic of the 'pre-illuminist' past, historians and philosophers understood 'nobility' as a non-philosophical issue and so it still appears in contemporary scholarship. The first aim of this essay is to draw attention to this issue by presenting a sort of preliminary catalogue of the different types of conceptualizations of 'mobility'. By exploring the meanings and philosophical employment of the expressions 'bene nasci' and 'bene natus', this article also reveals a new aspect of the Aristotelian notion of magnanimity.
Problems with Temporality and Scientific Propositions in John Buridan and Albert of Saxony
Authors: Fitzgerald Michael
Published: December 2006

The essay develops two major arguments. First, if John Buridan's 'first argument' for the reintroduction of natural supposition is only that the "eternal truth" of a scientific proposition is preserved because subject terms in scientific propositions supposit for all the term's past, present, and future significata indifferently; then Albert of Saxony thinks it is simply ineffective. Only the 'second argument', i.e. the argument for the existence of an 'atemporal copula', adequately performs this task; but is rejected by Albert. Second, later fourteenth-century criticisms of Buridan's natural supposition, given in certain Notabilia from the anonymous author in, Paris, BnF, lat. 14.716, ff. 40va-41rb, are nothing but an interpolated hodge-podge of criticisms given earlier in the century against various views of Buridan's by Albert of Saxony. It is this fact that makes Albert the real source of late fourteenth-century criticisms of Buridan's view of natural supposition.
Classing Identity, Identifying Class: Locating Materialist / Deconstructionist Convergence
Authors: Green Brian
Published: December 2006

This paper argues that Marxian class analysis and critical poststructuralism are not merely compatible theoretical approaches, but different trajectories of the same general method; where post-structuralistism takes apart cultural products to illustrate their contradictions, biases and silences, class analysis seeks to deconstruct economic arrangements in order to identify their social construction, concrete power implications and potential rupture. The theoretical questions are explored in the context of particular historical and political challenges: the impact of Soviet orthodoxy, the challenge of new social movements, and the ongoing crisis of the Left despite the re-emergence of a diverse and vibrant anti-capitalist movement.
Competitively-Linked and Non-Competitively-Linked Negotiations: Bilateral Trade Policy Negotiations in Australia, Singapore and the United States
Authors: Crump Larry
Published: December 2006

It is unusual to find a negotiation not linked to at least one other negotiation. In some domains, such as international trade policy, we can identify negotiation networks with parties simultaneously involved in negotiations in global, multilateral, regional, and bilateral trade policy settings. A single party (i.e., a national government) will manage similar issues in all four settings and also manage these same issues with multiple parties in a single setting. International trade policy is one of many "linkage-rich" environments.This study examines the relationship between two discrete but linked treaty negotiations: the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement of 2003 (SAFTA) and the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement of 2003 (USSFTA). Case analysis identifies five structural factors that enhance the potential and fundamentally shape the nature of negotiation linkage dynamics. If linkage occurs then role theory can be employed to define two functional role types, a link-pin party (Singapore in this study) and linked parties (Australia and the United States). Such theory and case analysis support the development of propositions and help establish guidance for managing negotiation behavior. Key structural characteristics that appear to create linkage dynamics in this study are used to build a four-part structural framework that maps the universe of negotiation-linkage phenomena and determines the fundamental nature of four discrete linkage conditions. This framework also provides descriptive and prescriptive guidance for managing strategy and power in linked negotiations.
Coalitions, Developing Countries, and International Trade: Research Findings and Prospects
Authors:   Singh
Published: December 2006

Developing countries increasingly invest in coalition building to effect gains in international trade negotiations. This essay reviews recent literature on coalitions to assess its contribution to our understanding of the causes, types, and effectiveness of developing country coalitions. In particular, the global diffusion of power is discussed as an important dynamic affecting coalitions in trade negotiations. Our understanding of how these coalitions operate would be strengthened by paying attention to the derivation of state interests, rather than specifying them exogenously, and to the negotiation tactics that states use when working in coalitions.
Beyond Problem-Solving and Bargaining: Genuine Debate in EU External Trade Negotiations
Authors: Niemann Arne
Published: December 2006

This article suggests that existing negotiation theory, which is dominated by the two paradigms of 'bargaining' and 'problem-solving', does not capture some important characteristics of international negotiations. It is argued that 'genuine debate' encapsulated by Habermas's concept of 'communicative action', which has largely been ignored in the negotiation literature, furthers and complements our understanding regarding negotiators' rationale for action and the dynamics of international negotiations. The paper specifies five conditions conducive to genuine debate: (1) a strongly shared lifeworld among negotiators; (2) uncertainty and lack of knowledge; (3) technical or cognitively complex issues; (4) the presence of persuasive individuals; and (5) low levels of politicization. My hypotheses are probed through a case study of EU negotiations concerning the WTO basic telecommunications agreement. My findings imply that genuine debate may occur most likely in pre-negotiations and at the diplomatic level of negotiations. I also conclude that agreements arrived at through genuine debate tend to be more enduring than those reached by bargaining and problem-solving, and that communicative negotiators are vulnerable to those merely pretending to participate in genuine debate. My analysis also tentatively indicates what kind of arguments may be persuasive in genuine debate.
Autonomy, Consent and Persuasion
Authors: Maclean Alisdair
Published: December 2006

In this article the author considers whether healthcare professionals should be under a legal duty to persuade their patients to change their minds when they have made an apparently irrational decision.
Examining the Overall and Offense-Specific Criminal Career Lengths of a Sample of Serious Offenders
Authors: Ezell Michael E.
Published: December 2006

Building on several recent papers that have brought the study of criminal career lengths back to the attention of criminologists, this study used a sample of serious offenders to examine the length of their official criminal career. This study not only examined overall career length, but it also examined the career length for five categories of offenses (serious, violent, serious violent, property, and drug), the residual career length as a function of age, and the correlates of the average career length. The data used consist of a random sample of 1,957 offenders released from the California Youth Authority in 1981-1982 who were followed into their 30s. The results of the study are interpreted in terms of their implications for theory, public policy, and future research needs.
Differential Cost Avoidance and Successful Criminal Careers
Authors: Kazemian Lila , Le Blanc Marc
Published: December 2006

Using a sample of adjudicated French Canadian males from the Montreal Two Samples Longitudinal Study, this article investigates individual and social characteristics associated with differential cost avoidance. The main objective of this study is to determine whether such traits are randomly distributed across differential degrees of cost avoidance or whether they reflect some degree of rationality. Differential cost avoidance is a composite measure that includes the ratio of self-reported career length to officially recorded career length, the ratio of self-reported offending gravity to officially recorded gravity, and the ratio of time “free” to periods of incarceration. Findings reveal that it is particularly difficult to predict differential cost avoidance at early ages. The main predictors of the residual degree of differential cost avoidance in the early 30s include substance use (especially drugs), the accumulation of debts, and the use of violence in the perpetration of crime. Implications for desistance research are discussed.
Estimation Issues and Generational Changes in Modeling Criminal Career Length
Authors: Francis Brian , Soothill Keith , Piquero Alex R.
Published: December 2006

This article seeks to model criminal career length using data from six different birth cohorts born between 1953 and 1978, totaling more than 58,000 males and females from England and Wales. A secondary aim of this article is to consider whether information available at the first court appearance leading to a conviction is associated with the length of a criminal career. Four key findings emerged. First, one can estimate career length from variables available at the first court conviction. Second, the risk of desistance remains constant during a period of 20 to 25 years if the offender does not immediately stop after the first conviction. Third, the most significant variable is age at first conviction. Finally, gender differences and birth cohorts are also important.
Using Risk Assessment to Inform Sentencing Decisions for Nonviolent Offenders in Virginia
Authors: Kleiman Matthew , Ostrom Brian J. , Cheesman Fred L.
Published: December 2006

Virginia has abolished parole and adopted truth-in-sentencing guidelines for persons convicted of felonies. As part of this reform, the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission developed a method for diverting 25% of nonviolent, prison-bound offenders into alternative sanction programs using risk assessment to identify the lowest risk offenders. This article describes an evaluation of the effectiveness of this instrument, used by judges at the time of sentencing. It serves to advance an understanding of the factors associated with recidivism and the policy implications of using risk assessment to divert offenders from incarceration at a time when states are facing fiscal challenges.
The Inextricable Link Between Age and Criminal History in Sentencing
Authors: Bushway Shawn D. , Piehl Anne Morrison
Published: December 2006

In sentencing research, significant negative coefficients on age research have been interpreted as evidence that actors in the criminal justice system discriminate against younger people. This interpretation is incomplete. Criminal sentencing laws generally specify punishment in terms of the number of past events in a defendant’s criminal history. Doing so inadvertently makes age a meaningful variable because older people have had more time to accumulate criminal history events. Therefore, two people of different ages with the same criminal history are not in fact equal. This is true for pure retributivists, as the fact that the younger offender has been committing crimes at a higher rate of offending may make the younger offender more culpable, and is also true for those with some utilitarian aims for sentencing. Simulation results illustrate the stakes. To a certain extent, the interests of low-rate older offenders are opposed to those of high-rate younger offenders.
Smoking Among Low-Income Pregnant Women: An Ethnographic Analysis
Authors: Nichter Mimi , Nichter Mark , Muramoto Myra , Adrian Shelly , Goldade Kate , Tesler Laura , Thompson Jennifer
Published: December 2006

This article presents findings from a qualitative study of 53 low-income women who were smokers at the onset of pregnancy. Study participants were interviewed during pregnancy to document smoking trajectories and factors contributing to, or undermining, harm reduction and quit attempts. Thirty percent of women quit smoking completely, 43% engaged in sustained harm reduction, and 26% reduced their smoking levels intermittently. Case studies of women are presented to illustrate reasons for quitting, harm reduction practices, and factors influencing relapse and smoking continuation. Women's motivations to quit are highlighted. Moral identity as a mother was found to be a key motivating factor behind women's quit attempts. Future programs targeting this population would do well to acknowledge moral identity as an issue and recognize the challenges of quitting for women with limited social support and little control over their immediate environment.
Statewide Implementation of the 1% or Less Campaign
Authors: Maddock Jay , Maglione Christine , Barnett Jodi D. , Cabot Cynthia , Jackson Susan , Reger-Nash Bill
Published: December 2006

The 1% or Less Campaign is an effective research-tested program for reducing saturated fat intake by encouraging individuals to switch to low-fat milk. All published studies have been conducted in small communities with mostly White populations. The 6-week intervention included a media campaign, public relations, and taste tests. Campaign effectiveness was measured using sales data and cross-sectional telephone surveys. Survey results showed a significant increase in low-fat milk consumption from 30.2% to 40.8% of milk drinkers ( p < .001) with a reduced yet sustained increase at 3 months. This translates to approximately 65,000 people switching to low-fat milk during the campaign with a sustained effect of approximately 32,000 people three months postcampaign. Sales data show an increase of low-fat milk sales from 32.7% to 39.9%. Results are similar to smaller community initiatives, indicating the program is effective in promoting population behavior change but may need booster sessions for sustained effects.
A Psychoeducational Program to Prevent Aggressive Behavior Among Japanese Early Adolescents
Authors: Ando Mikayo , Asakura Takashi , Ando Shinichiro , Simons-Morton Bruce
Published: December 2006

This study evaluates the impact of a school-based intervention program on aggressive behavior among junior high school students in Japan. One hundred and four seventh-graders were enrolled in the program and completed Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3 surveys. The program was implemented in two classes between Time 1 and Time 2 surveys (the first treatment group) and in two other classes between Time 2 and Time 3 surveys (the delayed treatment group). The program included four weekly lessons related to problem solving, stress management, and communication. The initial intervention group reported a significant increase in appropriate relationships with classmates. Aggressive behavior significantly decreased from Time 1 to Time 3 in both groups and from Time 2 to Time 3 in the delayed treatment group, but no treatment group effect was noted. Additional modification of the program may be needed to achieve decreases in aggressive behavior.
Process Evaluation of an Effective Church-Based Diet Intervention: Body & Soul
Authors: Campbell Marci Kramish , Resnicow Ken , Carr Carol , Wang Terry , Williams Alexis
Published: December 2006

Body & Soul has demonstrated effectiveness as a dietary intervention among African American church members. The process evaluation assessed relationships between program exposure and implementation factors and study outcomes and characterized factors important for adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Data sources included participant surveys and qualitative interviews with program staff, church liaisons, and volunteer advisors who conducted motivational interviewing (MI) calls. Outcomes included changes in dietary intake and psychosocial variables. Process variables included program exposure, participation, and dose and perceptions about MI calls. Results showed that attendance at project events, receiving educational materials, and self-reported quality of the MI calls were associated with significantly ( p < .05) greater fruit and vegetable intake, decreased fat consumption, and other secondary outcomes. Interviews indicated implementation and sustainability issues and needs including more training to enhance MI implementation as well as ongoing support and resources. The results have implications for future dissemination efforts of Body & Soul.
Validation of a Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale for Use in STD/HIV Prevention Interventions
Authors: Sales Jessica McDermott , Milhausen Robin R. , Wingood Gina M. , DiClemente Ralph J. , Salazar Laura F. , Crosby Richard A.
Published: December 2006

This study reports on the validation of a scale to assess adolescent girls' frequency of sexual communication with their parents. The Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS) was administered to 522 African American female adolescents ranging in age from 14 to 18. The PACS demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (across multiple administrations) and acceptable test-retest reliability over a 12-month follow-up period. Concurrently, scores on the PACS were correlated with frequency of sexual communication with partner, sexual communication self-efficacy (boyfriend), perceived parental knowledge, family support, depression, and condom use with steady male sex partners. Prospectively, baseline PACS scores were correlated with frequency of sexual communication with partner and condom use. The present investigation indicates that the PACS is a reliable and valid measure of frequency of sexual communication between female adolescents and their parents. Utility of the PACS for researchers and practitioners is discussed.
Development of Scales Measuring the Capacity of Community-Based Initiatives
Authors: Lempa Michele , Goodman Robert M. , Rice Janet , Becker Adam B.
Published: December 2006

This article describes the development of two measures for the capacity of local public health initiatives. Data obtained from a qualitative study of eight community-based initiatives served as the basis for the development of a survey instrument. It was administered to a national sample of both leaders and nonleaders of 291 such initiatives. Because survey results for leaders and nonleaders differed, results could not be combined into a single data set for analysis. Results for each data set were analyzed by employing exploratory principal components and factor analyses. A 44-item, six-factor scale resulted for leaders and a 38-item, five-factor scale resulted for nonleaders. The high degree of overlap (22 items) between the two scales resulted in a combined 60-item instrument that can be administered to both leaders and nonleaders but analyzed separately.
Investigation of developed precipitates in Al–1·1 wt-%Mg2Si balanced alloy by DSC and SEM techniques
Authors: Gaber A. , Gaffar M. A. , Mostafa M. S. , Abo Zeid A. F.
Published: December 2006

The effect of temperature on the sequence of the hardening precipitates in Al–1·1 wt-%Mg2Si balanced alloy has been investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and hardness measurements. The non-isothermal DSC thermograms exhibited seven reaction peaks. Out of these seven peaks, five are exothermic (representing precipitation) and two are endothermic (representing dissolution). The activation energy associated with the individual precipitates is calculated. The activation energy of nucleation of GP zones (54·3 kJ mol−1) is close to the migration energy of Si in Al (52·7 kJ mol−1). The activation energy associated with the precipitation of β″ is determined as 77·6 kJ mol−1 and that for the formation of β′ precipitates is 145·3 kJ mol−1. The latter value is close to that for Si diffusion in Al (124 kJ mol−1) and that of Mg diffusion in Al (131 kJ mol−1). It can be concluded that the precipitation of β′ particles might be characterised by both the diffusion of Mg and Si atoms in Al to form β′ precipitates.
Effects of processing parameters on direct laser sintering of multicomponent Cu based metal powder
Authors: Gu D. D. , Shen Y. F. , Yang J. L. , Wang Y.
Published: December 2006

Direct laser sintering of a multicomponent Cu based metal powder was successfully processed through the mechanism of liquid phase sintering with partial melting of the powder. The effects of processing parameters such as laser power, scan speed, scan line spacing and layer thickness on the densification and microstructural evolution of the laser sintered powder were investigated. It was found that with increasing laser power or decreasing scan speed, the density of the sintered parts increased and the microstructures became denser. However, the combination of higher laser powers (>400 W) and higher scan speeds (≥0·06 ms−1) gave rise to ‘balling’ effect. A successive transition from discontinuous scan tracks to coherently joined ones occurs with decreasing scan line spacing. Lowering the thickness of the powder layer promises an improvement in bonding coherence between sintered layers. A single factor termed ‘energy density by volume’ is defined to evaluate the combined effect of various processing parameters on the density of laser sintered powder. With increasing the energy density by volume up to ∼0·16 kJ mm−3, the densification rate is relatively high. However, with intensifying the energy density over ∼0·23 kJ mm−3, the mechanism of particle bonding may change into full melting/solidification, leading to a decrease in the sintered density.
Tensile fracture behaviour of microstructurally engineered Cu bearing high strength low alloy steel
Authors: Das S. K. , Chatterjee S. , Tarafder S.
Published: December 2006

An attempt has been made to highlight the influence of precipitation and microstructural constituents on tensile fracture behaviour in Cu bearing HSLA 100 steel. Variations in the microconstituents have been incorporated in the steel by engineering the microstructures through thermal treatments consisting of solutionising, water quenching and aging at various temperatures. The microstructure in quenched condition consists of mainly lath martensite, bainite and acicular ferrite besides little amount of retained austenite, carbides and carbonitrides. Aging up to 500°C facilitated fine coherent ϵ-Cu precipitation that lost its coherency at >550°C. Simultaneously, recovery and recrystallisation of martensite and acicular ferrite occurred at higher temperatures. The formation of new martensite islands occurred on aging at >650°C. Carbides, carbonitrides and retained austenite remained essentially unchanged. Tensile tests were conducted at a slow strain rate to study the tensile fracture behaviour of the steel. Microstructural and fractographic evidences indicating that coherent Cu precipitate causes the brittleness in the material in initial stages of aging whereas loss of coherency of Cu precipitate in later stages results in the reappearance of ductility in the material.
Effect of coloured pigmentation on titanium dioxide photo catalysed PVC degradation
Authors: Robinson A. J. , Wray J. , Worsley D. A.
Published: December 2006

Most organic coatings, regardless of colour, are pigmented with titanium dioxide (TiO2) to increase their covering power. TiO2 in its anatase crystal form is highly photoactive under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Photo activation of TiO2 causes the formation of free radicals, which can interact with the organic matrix, causing accelerated degradation of the polymeric coating. This releases carbon dioxide (CO2) via a series of reactions initiated by surface bound hydroxyl radicals. To identify which type and concentration of coloured pigment provides the most photostable formulation of TiO2 containing organic coating, model coatings containing different coloured pigments and loadings have been assessed using a novel flat panel irradiation reactor. The rate of CO2 evolved by the irradiated sample, measured using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, has been used to quantify the degradation induced by individual pigment combinations. Yellow chromium titanate pigments are ineffective in stabilisation of the TiO2 driven oxidation largely owing to poor light absorption properties and carbon black pigments are only effective at higher loadings where light absorption outweighs charge percolation. Red organic pigments can potentially sensitise degradation while the blue and green pigments tested offer the best stabilisation of TiO2 driven degradation over the range 0·1–10% per hundred resin (PHR) owing to their superior absorption of near ultraviolet A (UVA) light (at 380 nm) which activates the TiO2.
Self-assembly, microstructure and photoluminescence properties of nanocomposite mesoporous silica loaded with In2O3 and In2O3–SnO2
Authors: Zhu X. B. , Duan X. C.
Published: December 2006

The mesoporous nanocomposite fabricated by self-assembly has many unique properties compared with the original materials. In2O3 (IO) and In2O3–SnO2 (ITO) in mesoporous silica were studied in the present paper. They were self-assembled in a nanoscale mesoporous silica by an adsorption–annealing process. The composite of IO and ITO in mesoporous silica was characterised by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and nitrogen sorption isotherms. Photoluminescence spectra of the samples were measured by a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results show that the composite was synthesised from IO and ITO in a nano-scale mesoporous silica with assembly structure, and bulk mesoporous silica is easier to be loaded by the particles than the sheet one, but the specific surface area decreases with increasing atomic weight of the substances loaded in silica mesoporous. The results also show that the mesoporous composite doped with some substance may enhance the effect of photoluminescence. For instance, the mesoprous composite of IO/SiO2 has an enhancement in the effect of photoluminescence, and that of the mesoprous nanocomposite of ITO/SiO2 is greater. Mesoporous nanocomposite is a promising photoluminescence material in the application to industry.
Dependence of impact deformation behaviour of Fe–2Ni sintered alloy on strain rate and sintered density
Authors: Lee W.-S. , Hsu C.-H.
Published: December 2006

The present study investigates the impact deformation behaviour of Fe–2Ni sintered alloy as a function of the strain rate and sintered density using an MTS 810 servohydraulic machine and a compressive split Hopkinson bar. Impact deformation is conducted at room temperature at strain rates ranging from 10−3 to 8·1 × 103 s−1 for specimens with sintered densities of 85, 90 and 95% respectively. The impact flow response is found to be sensitive to both the strain rate and the sintered density. Changes of the strain rate and sintered density induce corresponding changes in the flow strength, work hardening rate, strain rate sensitivity and activation volume. A constitutive law based on Gurson's plastic potential and the flow rule of Khan, Huang and Liang (KHL) provides a reasonable description of the flow behaviour of Fe–2Ni sintered alloy. Specimen fracture occurs when the strain rate exceeds 4 × 103 s−1 and is dominated by a localised shearing mode. The degree of cracking increases with increasing strain rate or decreasing sintered density. The microstructural characteristics of the undeformed specimens vary with the sintered density. Following impact, the structural phase is unchanged from the undeformed condition, but the grain size is found to decrease with increasing strain rate for each sintered density. The reduction in grain size induces an increase in the flow stress. At a constant strain rate, the lower flow stress and smaller grain size observed in the specimens with a lower sintered density are attributed primarily to a higher overall porosity.
Comparison of intensity of high temperature surface damage for 20MoCrS4 steel with varying parameters of dynamical heating
Authors: Mašek B. , Staňková H. , Krüger L. , Meyer L. W.
Published: December 2006

When implementing new progressive forming technologies and thermomechanical treatments, it is necessary to pay attention to side effects, which negatively influence the semiproduct quality. During heating to the forming temperature in hot or warm forming operations, semiproducts are exposed to high temperatures in direct contact with corrosion environment for a certain period of time. Using protective atmospheres in mass production is unsuitable for economical reasons. To minimise the influence of heating on the surface degradation, it is necessary to reach the desired temperature and uniform temperature field as quickly as possible, yet in compliance with physical properties of the heated material and with the technology in use. The experiments were focused on investigation of various temperatures and heating times simulating conditions of dynamical and classical processes. The comparison of the influence of heating temperature and time on the iron scale occurrence intensity as well as the influence on the surface layers of the semiproducts was performed.
Isothermal aging–microstructure–property relationship of SmCo 2:17 magnets
Authors: Zheng Q. J. , Xia S. , Dozier A. , Zhai T. , Willhite J. , Effgen M. P.
Published: December 2006

The isothermal aging–microstructure–magnetic property relationship of a SmCo 2:17 alloy was investigated in the present study. The alloy also contained Fe, Cu and Zr as major addition. Its magnetic properties, including intrinsic coecivity Hci, remanence Br and maximum energy product ( BH)max, were obtained from the measured second quadrant M–H hysteresis curves. The microstructure of the alloy was characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TEM. It was found that, as the one step aging temperature was increased from 850 to 900°C, the remanence of the SmCo 2:17 alloy magnet was increased while its coercivity was reduced. The maximum energy product ( HB)max of the magnet was significantly improved by applying a two step aging, consisting of aging first at 900°C followed by aging at 850°C. Based on XRD and TEM analyses, effects of the aging condition on the microstructure and magnetic properties were discussed. The microstructural change observed in the current work included cell size of the cellular structure and the degree of Cu segregation at the cell boundaries. Change in the degree of Cu segregation at the cell boundaries might be the major cause for the change in coercivity of the alloy aged in different aging conditions. The effect of aging condition on the remanence could be attributed to the effect of aging condition on cell size of the cellular structure, which affects the volume fraction of SmCo 2:17 phase in the alloy.
Review Type IV cracking in ferritic power plant steels
Authors: Francis J. A. , Mazur W. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H.
Published: December 2006

There have been concerted world wide efforts to develop steels suitable for use in efficient fossil fired power plants. Ferritic alloys containing between 9 and 12 wt-% chromium are seen as the most promising materials in this respect, especially for thick walled components such as headers and the main steam pipe in boilers. However, the performance of the improved steels has often not been realised in service, because premature failures occur in the heat affected zone of welded joints in a phenomenon referred to as type IV cracking. This review assesses the relationship between the composition and microstructure of 9–12 Cr steels, the welding and fabrication procedures and how these factors translate into a propensity for type IV failures.
Implicit algorithm and numeralisation of microscopic constitutive relations
Authors: Li H. W. , Yang H. , Sun Z. C.
Published: December 2006

Stability, efficiency and precision are key problems in numeralisation of rate dependent microscopic constitutive relations (RDMCR). In order to deal with these problems effectively, a time incremental model is presented in the intermediate configuration, which is simplified into non-linear equations set only containing six unknown scalars. The homotopy autochanging continuation method is adopted for its solution. The studies indicate that the method is stable, efficient and convergent at random initial values, which is then combined with Newton method to ensure high precision. Based on the above algorithm, RDMCR is implemented in Abaqus/Explicit by developing user subroutine Vumat. The reliability of the algorithm is verified. Further studies indicate that anisotropy, rate sensitivity coefficient and loading speed have effects on the deformation of materials. The results are considered reasonable in the light of theoretical analysis, which indicate that the algorithm has a good prospect of application.
RINGdb: An integrated database for G protein-coupled receptors and regulators of G protein signaling
Authors: Fang Yu-Ching , Sun Wei-Hsin , Wu Li-Cheng , Huang Hsien-Da , Juan Hsueh-Fen , Horng Jorng-Tzong
Published: December 2006

Background

Many marketed therapeutic agents have been developed to modulate the function of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS proteins) are also being examined as potential drug targets. To facilitate clinical and pharmacological research, we have developed a novel integrated biological database called RINGdb to provide comprehensive and organized RGS protein and GPCR information.

Results

RINGdb contains information on mutations, tissue distributions, protein-protein interactions, diseases/disorders and other features, which has been automatically collected from the Internet and manually extracted from the literature. In addition, RINGdb offers various user-friendly query functions to answer different questions about RGS proteins and GPCRs such as their possible contribution to disease processes, the putative direct or indirect relationship between RGS proteins and GPCRs. RINGdb also integrates organized database cross-references to allow users direct access to detailed information. The database is now available athttp://ringdb.csie.ncu.edu.tw/ringdb/.

Conclusion

RINGdb is the only integrated database on the Internet to provide comprehensive RGS protein and GPCR information. This knowledgebase will be useful for clinical research, drug discovery and GPCR signaling pathway research.
Reproductive ageing, sex steroids and depression
Authors: Schmidt Peter J , Rubinow David R
Published: December 2006

Perimenopausal depression affects a considerable number of women and is associated with significant disability and morbidity. Major and minor depressions are the two most prevalent forms of acute depressive illness. Major depression has an estimated lifetime prevalence of 17% and affects approximately twice as many women as men. While the relationship between the onset of depressive illness and reproductive senescence is controversial, epidemiological and clinic-based studies that have distinguished between the perimenopause and the postmenopause have documented that, for some middle-aged women, the perimenopause is associated with an increased vulnerability to depression. Future studies of perimenopausal depression should identify the number of women affected, individual risk factors and the role of hormonal therapies in this condition.
Controversies in the use of adjuvant trastuzumab (Herceptin)
Authors: Chowdhury Simon , Pickering Lisa , Ellis Paul
Published: December 2006

Over-expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein, amplification of the HER2 gene or both occur in 15–25% of breast cancers and are associated with aggressive tumour behaviour. Trastuzumab (Herceptin), a humanized murine monoclonal antibody against the HER2 protein, has been shown to benefit patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer when administered alone or in combination with chemotherapy. When to start therapy, the duration of treatment, adjuvant chemotherapy regimens and cardiotoxicity issues are examined.
Sexuality and the menopause
Authors: Wylie Kevan R
Published: December 2006

Sexual problems such as dyspareunia and decreased sexual desire are common after the menopause. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is the diagnostic category applied to many women with loss or lack of sexual interest or desire. The principal components of assessment for sexual dysfunction in menopausal women are: a general, gynaecological, obstetric, psychiatric, psychosexual and relationship history; use of self-report questionnaires; physical examination; and hormonal evaluation. The use of low-dose vaginal estrogen tablets, rings, creams or pessaries may help to improve local genital response but does not necessarily improve sexual interest or motivation. An improvement in sexual function has been reported with tibolone and a combination of estrogen and androgen therapy, al though it remains unclear which groups of postmenopausal women with sexual problems will benefit most from such treatments. Where there is no response to estrogens or where there is premature or surgical menopause the addition of an androgen may be necessary, particularly if the free testosterone levels are low.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and the postmenopausal woman
Authors: Ireland Karen , Child Tim
Published: December 2006

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common syndrome among young women. It is associated with fertility problems, clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism and metabolic disturbance, particularly insulin resistance. The long-term consequences of PCOS have not been fully determined, but there is an increased risk of progression to diabetes and an increase in cardiovascular risk factors. The extent to which PCOS is present in postmenopausal women and the degree to which it increases various risk factors in addition to the known risk of the postmenopausal period are not yet known. This paper reviews the pathophysiology of PCOS and its long-term consequences and considers the evidence to date that is applicable to the postmenopausal woman.
Longitudinal patterns of behaviour problems in children with specific speech and language difficulties: Child and contextual factors
Authors: Lindsay Geoff. , Dockrell Julie E. , Strand Steve.
Published: December 2006

Background. The purpose of this study was to examine the stability of behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) in children with specific speech and language difficulties (SSLD), and the relationship between BESD and the language ability.

Method. A sample of children with SSLD were assessed for BESD at ages 8, 10 and 12 years by both teachers and parents. Language abilities were assessed at 8 and 10 years.

Results. High levels of BESD were found at all three ages but with different patterns of trajectories for parents' and teachers' ratings. Language ability predicted teacher‐ but not parent‐rated BESD.

Conclusions. The study confirms the persistence of high levels of BESD over the period 8–12 years and the continuing comorbidity of BESD and language difficulties but also indicates a complex interaction of within‐child and contextual factors over time.
Comparison of a Brain-Based Adaptive System and a Manual Adaptable System for Invoking Automation
Authors: Bailey Nathan R. , Scerbo Mark W. , Freeman Frederick G. , Mikulka Peter J. , Scott Lorissa A.
Published: December 2006

Objective: Two experiments are presented examining adaptive and adaptable methods for invoking automation. Background: Empirical investigations of adaptive automation have focused on methods used to invoke automation or on automation-related performance implications. However, no research has addressed whether performance benefits associated with brain-based systems exceed those in which users have control over task allocations. Method: Participants performed monitoring and resource management tasks as well as a tracking task that shifted between automatic and manual modes. In the first experiment, participants worked with an adaptive system that used their electroencephalographic signals to switch the tracking task between automatic and manual modes. Participants were also divided between high-and low-reliability conditions for the system-monitoring task as well as high- and low-complacency potential. For the second experiment, participants operated an adaptable system that gave them manual control over task allocations. Results: Results indicated increased situation awareness (SA) of gauge instrument settings for individuals high in complacency potential using the adaptive system. In addition, participants who had control over automation performed more poorly on the resource management task and reported higher levels of workload. A comparison between systems also revealed enhanced SA of gauge instrument settings and decreased workload in the adaptive condition. Conclusion: The present results suggest that brain-based adaptive automation systems may enhance perceptual level SA while reducing mental workload relative to systems requiring user-initiated control. Application: Potential applications include automated systems for which operator monitoring performance and high-workload conditions are of concern.