bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reprocessing acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene plastics: Structure–property relationships
Authors: Bai Xiaojuan , Isaac D.H. , Smith K.
Published: January 2007

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) plastics from computer equipment housings have been reprocessed, some under various conditions of temperatures and shearing rates and others for multiple numbers of cycles. Structural changes in these reprocessed materials were investigated by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to analyze extracts from the ABS plastics. These studies were related to measurements of the mechanical properties of the reprocessed materials, and the fracture surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy. It was found that impact strength was much more significantly affected than tensile properties by reprocessing. Within the range of reprocessing parameters studied, temperature had a more significant effect than shear rate on mechanical properties. Significant reductions in impact strength and slight increases in stiffness and strength, particularly following reprocessing at the highest temperature of 270°C and multiple reprocessing, were linked to loss of small molecules (including lubricants), degradation (crosslinking and scission) of the rubber phase, and changes in the morphology seen in the fracture surfaces. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:120–130, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Immobilized Me2Si(C5Me4)(N‐tBu)TiCl2/(nBuCp)2ZrCl2 hybrid metallocene catalyst system for the production of poly(ethylene‐co‐hexene) with pseudo‐bimodal molecular weight and inverse comonomer distribution
Authors: Hong Sung Chul , Mihan Shahram , Lilge Dieter , Delux Lourant , Rief Ursula
Published: January 2007

Me2Si(C5Me4)(N‐tBu)TiCl2, (nBuCp)2ZrCl2, and Me2Si(C5Me4)(N‐tBu)TiCl2/(nBuCp)2ZrCl2 catalyst systems were successfully immobilized on silica and applied to ethylene/hexene copolymerization. In the presence of 20 mL of hexene and 25 mg of butyloctyl magnesium in 400 mL of isobutane at 40 bar of ethylene, Me2Si(C5Me4)(N‐tBu)TiCl2 immobilized catalyst afforded poly(ethylene‐co‐hexene) with high molecular weight ([η] = 12.41) and high comonomer content (%C6 = 2.8%), while (nBuCp)2ZrCl2‐immobilized catalyst afforded polymers with relatively low molecular weight ([η] = 2.58) with low comonomer content (%C6 = 0.9%). Immobilized Me2Si(C5Me4)(N‐tBu)TiCl2/(nBuCp)2ZrCl2 hybrid catalyst exhibited high and stable polymerization activity with time, affording polymers with pseudo‐bimodal molecular weight distribution and clear inverse comonomer distribution (low comonomer content for low molecular weight polymer fraction and vice versa). The polymerization characteristics and rate profiles suggest that individual catalysts in the hybrid catalyst system are independent of each other. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:131–139, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development of wood‐substituted composites from highly filled polybenzoxazine–phenolic novolac alloys
Authors: Rimdusit Sarawut , Kampangsaeree Natcha , Tanthapanichakoon Wiwut , Takeichi Tsutomu , Suppakarn Nitinat
Published: January 2007

Highly filled wood‐substituted composites from matrices based on polymer alloys of benzoxazine resin (BA‐a) and phenolic novolac resin using Hevea brasiliensis woodflour as a filler were developed. The results reveal that phenolic novolac resin can significantly reduce the curing temperature of the neat benzoxazine resin, thereby minimizing the degradation of woodflour filler during processing. The limiting oxygen indices (LOIs) of all the BP alloys were above the self‐extinguishable limit i.e. >26. In addition, the LOI values were found to moderately increase whereas the rate of burning decreased as the novolac fraction in the resin mixtures increased. Furthermore, a solvent resistance experiment and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the suitable phenolic novolac content should not exceed 20 wt%, to avoid the presence of unreacted phenolic in the alloy networks. The outstanding mechanical performance of the resulting wood composites is attributed to the strong interfacial interaction between the BP alloys and the woodflour filler. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:140–149, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polymerization of vinyl compounds in the presence of perfluoroisopropenyl ester
Authors: Narita Tadashi , Hamana Hiroshi , Sekiya Fumiaki , Nojima Yasuyuki
Published: January 2007

To report a new polymerization reaction phenomenon, this article examines the polymerization of butyl vinyl ether and N‐vinylcarbazole in the presence of 2‐benzoxypentafluoropropene [CF2C(CF3)OCOC6H5 or BPFP]. The homopolymer of butyl vinyl ether was produced in the presence of a catalytic amount of BPFP in high yields. N‐Vinylcarbazole, which is a monomer well‐known for producing its homopolymer under cationic polymerization conditions, also yielded its homopolymer in the presence of BPFP. It was concluded that some cationic species would be yielded by the addition of BPFP. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 908–910, 2007.
Crystal‐state 3D‐structural characterization of novel, Aib‐based, turn and helical peptides
Authors: Crisma Marco , Andreetto Erika , De Zotti Marta , Moretto ALessandro , Peggion Cristina , Formaggio Fernando , Toniolo Claudio
Published: January 2007

The crystal‐state conformations of the hexapeptide amide Pht‐(Aib)6‐NH‐C(CH3)2‐O‐OtBu (7), the hexapeptide Ac‐L‐aIle‐(Aib)5‐OtBu (6), the pentapeptide Z‐(Aib)3‐L‐Glu(OtBu)‐Aib‐O‐(CH2)2‐(1)Nap (5), the tetrapeptides Z‐(Aib)2‐L‐His(Nτ‐Trt)‐Aib‐OMe (4 I) and Z‐(Aib)2‐L‐Nva‐Aib‐OtBu (4 II), the tripeptide Pyr‐(Aib)3‐OtBu (3 I), the dipeptide amides Pyr‐(Aib)2‐(4)NH‐TEMPO (3 II) and Piv‐(Aib)2‐NH‐C(CH3)2‐O‐OtBu (3 III), and the dipeptides Pht‐Aib‐βAc6c‐OtBu (2 I), Pht‐Aib‐NH‐C(CH3)2‐O‐OtBu (2 II) and Boc‐gGly‐mAib‐OH (2 III) have been determined by X‐ray diffraction analyses. All peptides investigated are characterized by one or more turn/helix forming Aib residues. Except the three short dipeptides, all are folded into CO···HN intramolecularly H‐bonded 310‐helices, or into various types of β‐turns. In the structure of 6, two independent molecules of opposite screw sense were observed in the asymmetric unit, generating diastereomeric 310‐helices. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Ca doping on the structure and scintillation properties of ZnWO4
Authors: Kraus H. , Mikhailik V. B. , Vasylechko L. , Day D. , Hutton K. B. , Telfer J. , Prots Yu.
Published: January 2007

The future application of ZnWO4 scintillator in a cryogenic search for rare events is the motivation for optimization of this material. We present results on the effect of Ca doping on the structure and scintillation properties of ZnWO4. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that there is no mixing in the CaWO4–ZnWO4 pseudobinary system due to a significant mismatch of the crystal structures of CaWO4 and ZnWO4. The lattice parameters of Ca‐doped ZnWO4 samples obtained from X‐ray powder diffraction data confirmed this finding. It is also shown that ZnWO4 retains the monoclinic wolframite structure when cooling, at 12 K exhibiting the following lattice parameters: a = 4.6826(2) Å, b = 5.7088(2) Å, c = 4.9230(2) Å and β = 90.541(2)°. The scintillation light yield of the Zn1−x Cax WO4 was measured using the multi‐photon counting technique and it is found that small concentrations of Ca (x = 0.001 – 0.02) cause no deterioration of this parameter. Ca doping of ZnWO4 is expected to facilitate production of a single‐crystalline scintillator. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An analysis of the resonant tunneling‐time based on the presence‐time formalism
Authors: del Barco O.
Published: January 2007

We analyze the tunneling‐time of a spatial wave packet which traverses a resonant structure by means of the presence‐time formalism. With this method we can evaluate the finite size effects of the corresponding energy probability distribution in the tunneling‐time. We show that these effects are not negligible and reduce the tunneling‐time by 25%. An expression for the resonant tunneling‐time is derived, 3ħ/2Γr, where Γr is the width of the resonance. We confirm numerically this result for two resonant structures: a superlattice with n cells and square‐barrier periodic potential, and an asymmetrical rectangular double‐barrier potential. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Blue‐shifted H‐bond in aromatic sulfines: An ab initio calculation
Authors: Roohi H. , Machiabadi B.
Published: January 2007

The intramolecular CH···OS H‐bond in the aromatic sulfines, HRCSO, was analyzed by NBO and QTAIM methods. The results of QTAIM analysis at the MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory show that the CH···OS H‐bond meets all the characteristics of an improper, blue shift hydrogen bond. NBO analysis at the MP2/6–31++G(d,p)//MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level predicts a normal relationship between change of bond length and CH rehybridization. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Using hooves for high‐resolution isotopic reconstruction of bovine dietary history
Authors: Harrison Sabine M. , Zazzo Antoine , Bahar Bojlul , Monahan Frank J. , Moloney Aidan P. , Scrimgeour Charlie M. , Schmidt Olaf
Published: January 2007

The objective of this study was to ascertain whether sequential sampling and isotopic analysis of bovine hooves could be used to reconstruct the dietary history of cattle. A controlled, on‐farm experiment was conducted in which cattle were switched from a barley‐based diet to an isotopically different diet incorporating maize, urea and seaweed (the isotopic spacing between diets was 13.6‰ for δ13C and 8.0‰ for δ15N) and maintained on that diet for 168 days. Postmortem sampling of the cleaned anterior wall of the lateral, left front claw was carried out on five individuals using a micro‐drilling technique. From the first 60 mm of each claw, up to 41 samples with a spacing between them of less than 1 mm were collected. Bands were less than 1 mm deep and had a mean width of 1.2 mm. The hoof keratin showed a rapid increase followed by a slower increase in its δ13C and δ15N values following the diet switch, suggesting that C and N in hoof keratin originate from more than one pool. However, the response of the N isotope composition of the hoof was somewhat delayed compared with that of C. Estimated mean hoof growth rates for these cattle were 10.5 ± 2.3 mm per month and 6.7 ± 1.0 mm per month (±SD, n = 5) when receiving the barley‐based transition diet and the maize‐based experimental diet, respectively. These values are considerably higher than previous estimates obtained by visual methods and they suggest that diet may have a greater influence on hoof growth rates than seasonality. These results demonstrate that hooves are a suitable incremental tissue for high‐resolution isotopic reconstruction of the dietary history of bovine animals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality management and method Validation in EDXRF analysis
Authors: Álvarez R. Padilla , Markowicz A. , Wegrzynek D. , Cano E. Chinea , Bamford S. A. , Torres D. Hernández
Published: January 2007

Owing to the increased demands from society for reliable/certified analytical results, x‐ray fluorescence laboratories face an urgent need for quality management system (QMS) implementation, in particular complying with the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories of the latest approved ISO standard (ISO/IEC 17025: 2005). Some specific features of energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) techniques require a careful interpretation of some concepts related to method validation and quality control. This paper presents some thoughts on how to assess the traceability of the results and to evaluate the characteristics of performance of the analytical methods, including linearity, working range, precision, trueness and detection limits. Typical examples of EDXRF analytical techniques are provided for illustration, as well as some recommendations to quantify the uncertainty of the results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactions to dating violence among Latino teenagers: An experiment utilizing the Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations paradigm
Authors: Rayburn Nadine Recker , Jaycox Lisa H. , McCaffrey Daniel F. , Ulloa Emilio C. , Zander‐Cotugno Megan , Marshall Grant N. , Shelley Gene A.
Published: January 2007

Dating violence is a serious problem among adolescents and young adults. Understanding teens’ reactions to dating violence offers the potential to understand the factors that lead to perpetration of violent behavior and to elucidate prevention strategies. Knowledge concerning youth attitudes about dating violence is limited, and has largely come from self‐report questionnaires to date. We utilized the Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations (ATSS) paradigm to assessing Latino teens’ reactions to dating violence. Forty‐one 9th grade students were presented with four simulated dating violence scenarios, and articulated their thoughts in response to them. Teens’ reactions to dating violence differed on a variety of dimensions as a function of their gender, the gender of the perpetrator, and familiarity with the perpetrator.
Aspirin prevents adhesion of T lymphoblasts to vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Yotsui Takamori , Yasuda Osamu , Kawamoto Hidenobu , Higuchi Masayoshi , Chihara Yukana , Umemoto Eiji , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Miyasaka Masayuki , Rakugi Hiromi , Ogihara Toshio
Published: January 2007

In the development of atherosclerosis, inflammatory cells adhere to and migrate into the vascular walls by interacting with vascular smooth muscle cells. To investigate the mechanism of aspirin's anti‐atherogenic activity, we examined whether aspirin inhibits the adhesion of lymphocytes to human aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMC). Aspirin inhibited T‐cell adhesion to AoSMC activated by interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) in a dose‐dependent manner. Antibodies to the adhesion molecules ICAM‐1 or VCAM‐1, but not to E‐selectin, prevented T‐cell adhesion. ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression stimulated by IL‐1β was reduced by the treatment with aspirin, whereas the expression of E‐selectin was unaffected. Nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) activity was enhanced by IL‐1β and reduced by aspirin, indicating that decreased ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression was due to reduced NF‐κB activity.Thus, aspirin inhibits the adhesion of Jurkat T cells to IL‐1β‐activated AoSMC by reducing NF‐κB activity and decreasing expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, and may prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
Microglial transplantation increases amyloid‐β clearance in Alzheimer model rats
Authors: Takata Kazuyuki , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Yanagisawa Daijiro , Morikawa Shigehiro , Morita Masahito , Inubushi Toshiro , Tsuchiya Daiju , Chishiro Saori , Saeki Mana , Taniguchi Takashi , Shimohama Shun , Tooyama Ikuo
Published: January 2007

Immunization with amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides, a therapeutic approach in Alzheimer's disease (AD), reduces brain Aβ, and microglial Aβ phagocytosis has been proposed as an Aβ‐lowering mechanism. We transplanted rat microglia into the rat lateral ventricle just after intra‐hippocampal Aβ injection, and then investigated the contribution of exogenous microglia to Aβ clearance. Migration of exogenous microglia from the lateral ventricle to Aβ plaque was detected by magnetic resonance imaging and histochemical analysis, and the clearance of Aβ was increased by transplantation. These results suggest the possible usefulness of exogenous microglia to the therapeutic approach in AD.
UCP2 is a mitochondrial transporter with an unusual very short half‐life
Authors: Rousset Sophie , Mozo Julien , Dujardin Geneviève , Emre Yalin , Masscheleyn Sandrine , Ricquier Daniel , Cassard-Doulcier Anne-Marie
Published: January 2007

This study focused on the stability of UCP2 (uncoupling protein 2), a mitochondrial carrier located in the inner membrane of mitochondrion. UCP2 is very unstable, with a half‐life close to 30 min, compared to 30 h for its homologue UCP1, a difference that may highlight different physiological functions. Heat production by UCP1 in brown adipocytes is generally a long and adaptive phenomenon, whereas control of mitochondrial ROS by UCP2 needs more subtle regulation. We show that a mutation in UCP2 shown to modify its activity, actually decreases its stability.
Using C++ to Write Automation Controller Software
Authors: Berman Russell T.
Published: January 2007

The object-oriented programming language C++ is extremely well suited for writing automation control software. Because it is object-oriented, C++ provides elegant mechanisms for developing reusable interfaces. For example, programmers can leverage off-the-shelf graphics or communication packages, or they can instead develop their own libraries. Additionally, end users have the possibility of extending the functionality of their control software by developing their own device drivers or Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) interfaces.

Because C++ provides mechanisms for multithreading, programmers can use it to implement dynamic scheduling algorithms. Event-driven scheduling is often favored above static scheduling because it results in higher instrument utilization and provides better error-handling facilities.
National Instruments LabVIEW: A Programming Environment for Laboratory Automation and Measurement
Authors: Elliott Chance , Vijayakumar Vipin , Zink Wesley , Hansen Richard
Published: January 2007

National Instruments LabVIEW is a graphical programming language that has its roots in automation control and data acquisition. Its graphical representation, similar to a process flow diagram, was created to provide an intuitive programming environment for scientists and engineers. The language has matured over the last 20 years to become a general purpose programming environment. LabVIEW has several key features which make it a good choice in an automation environment. These include simple network communication, turnkey implementation of common communication protocols (RS232, GPIB, etc.), powerful toolsets for process control and data fitting, fast and easy user interface construction, and an efficient code execution environment. We discuss the merits of the language and provide an example application suite written in-house which is used in integrating and controlling automation platforms.
Controlling a Robotic Marine Environmental Sampler with the Ruby Scripting Language
Authors: Roman Brent , Scholin Chris , Jensen Scott , Massion Eugene , Marin Roman , Preston Christina , Greenfield Dianne , Jones William , Wheeler Kevin
Published: January 2007

The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) is an autonomous robotic instrument developed at the Monterey Bay Research Aquarium Institute (MBARI) that operates below the ocean's surface, sampling raw seawater and executing a variety of sample manipulation and analytical protocols, in situ. It uses DNA and antibody probes to identify marine planktonic organisms and substances they produce. Initial prototypes of the ESP were hosted on an Intel i486 CPU running a commercial real-time operating system (OS). The application, coded in C++, included a custom ‘macro’ language interpreter to direct biochemical analyses. To achieve greater flexibility and minimize the development effort for the 2nd generation of the ESP (2G ESP), MBARI replaced its ‘macro’ language with a general purpose, open-source scripting language, selecting Ruby for its unique combination of a succinct, English-like syntax with a seamless underlying object-oriented paradigm. The 2G ESP application, aside from custom servo control firmware, is coded entirely in Ruby, hosted on a low-power ARM9 CPU running Linux. Servo control was distributed onto a network of dedicated microcontrollers to cope with the nondeterministic delays inherent in the Linux operating system and Ruby interpreter.
Usability in the Lab: Techniques for Creating Usable Products
Authors: Barrington Sarah
Published: January 2007

Laboratory automation and instrumentation vendors frequently claim usability among their long lists of features and benefits—but can they justify that claim? What makes a product usable and how do you design for usability?

This article outlines an approach used to create usable products in other application areas, such as eCommerce and medical device development, and suggests that a similar approach could provide benefits for users and developers alike in the field of laboratory automation. The user-centered design process is summarized, together with a set of usability heuristics that can be applied during the design process and used to evaluate usability during development.
Perl with Tk and C Applied to Product Verification
Authors: Lenk Stephen G.
Published: January 2007

Automotive multimedia devices are verified against requirements by applying analog signals and Controller Area Network (CAN) commands to the devices and recording their responses. Perl, Tk, and C were used to write a test sequencer and an EEPROM configuration tool at Visteon. This software is used in the product verification process. A variety of programming methods, including late binding, object oriented and procedural modules, inter-process communication, and graphical user interfaces are used in the software. The usefulness of these methods is discussed. The measurement of speed sensitive volume using General Purpose Interface Bus based instruments and a CAN network interface is described.
Meta‐analysis of six‐month memantine trials in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Doody Rachelle Smith , Tariot Pierre N. , Pfeiffer Eric , Olin Jason T. , Graham Stephen M.
Published: January 2007

Background

Clinical trials have suggested benefits of memantine for all stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A meta‐analysis of memantine trials in outpatients with probable AD was conducted.

Methods

Six randomized, placebo‐controlled trials fulfilled inclusion criteria. Cognitive, global, functional, behavioral, and safety measures were evaluated by using fixed or random effects models. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine potential effects of disease severity and concomitant cholinesterase inhibitor use.

Results

Overall, memantine showed statistically significant, homogenous benefits on global and functional outcomes and statistically significant but heterogeneous benefit on cognition. In pooled moderate to severe AD studies, effects were significant and homogeneous on global, functional, and behavioral measures; in pooled mild to moderate studies, significant and homogeneous effects were found on global rating and cognition. Safety profiles suggested excellent safety and tolerability, with no differences between the severity groups.

Conclusions

Memantine consistently benefited patients in all stages of AD and was well‐tolerated.
Early Pleistocene climate changes in the central Mediterranean region as inferred from integrated pollen and planktonic foraminiferal stable isotope analyses
Authors: Joannin Sébastien , Quillévéré Frédéric , Suc Jean-Pierre , Lécuyer Christophe , Martineau François
Published: January 2007

Vegetation inherited from a Pliocene subtropical climate evolved through obliquity oscillations and global cooling leading to modern conditions. An integrated, highly time-resolved record of pollen and stable isotopes (δ18O and δ13C of Globigerina bulloides) was obtained to understand vegetation responses to Early Pleistocene climate changes. Continental and marine responses are compared in the Central Mediterranean region with a particular consideration of environmental changes during anoxic events.

Pollen data illustrate vegetation dynamics as follows: [1] development of mesothermic elements (warm and humid conditions); [2] expansion of mid- and high-altitude elements (cooler but still humid conditions); and [3] strengthening of steppe and herb elements (cooler and dry conditions). These successions correlate with precession. δ18O variations recorded by Globigerina bulloides define two cycles (MIS 43-40) related to obliquity. At northern low- to mid-latitudes, the pollen signal records temperature and wetness changes related to precession even during global climate changes induced by obliquity. This may result in unexpected increasing wetness during glacial periods, which has to be considered specific to the Central and Eastern Mediterranean region. Lastly, an analysis of anoxic events reveals that enhanced runoff is indicated by increasing frequency of the riparian trees Liquidambar and Zelkova.
Effects of feeding two levels of propionibacteria to dairy cows on plasma hormones and metabolites
Authors: Aleman Mayte M , Stein Dan R , Allen Dustin T , Perry Emily , Lehloenya Keneuoe V , Rehberger Thomas G , Mertz Keith J , Jones David A , Spicer Leon J
Published: January 2007

To determine the effect of feeding propionibacteria on metabolic indicators during lactation, multiparous and primiparous Holstein cows were fed one of three dietary treatments in a 2×3 factorial design from 2 weeks prepartum to 30 weeks post partum: (1) Control (primiparous n=5, multiparous n=8) fed a total mixed ration (TMR); (2) high-dose group (primiparous n=6, multiparous n=5) fed TMR plus 6×1011cfu/head daily (high-dose P169) of propionibacterium strain P169; or (3) low-dose group (primiparous n=8, multiparous n=6) fed TMR plus 6×1010 cfu/head daily (low-dose P169) of P169. Blood samples were collected weekly and analysed for plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), leptin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and cholesterol. Between weeks 25 and 30, all groups received bovine somatotropin (bST) every 2 weeks. Low-dose P169 multiparous cows had lower (P<0·05) plasma insulin and glucose concentrations than high-dose P169 multiparous cows, whereas high-dose P169 primiparous cows had lower glucose but greater insulin concentartions than low-dose P169 primiparous cows (P<0·05). Plasma insulin[ratio ]glucose molar ratios were 13–18% lower (P<0·05) in low-dose P169 cows than in control or high-dose P169 cows. Plasma IGF-I, NEFA and leptin levels did not differ among diet groups between weeks 1 and 25. Low-dose P169 multiparous cows had 25% greater plasma cholesterol levels than high-dose P169 and control multiparous cows, but cholesterol levels in primiparous cows did not differ. During bST treatment, high-dose P169 multiparous cows and low-dose P169 primiparous cows had lower IGF-I levels than their respective controls and, regardless of parity, high-dose P169 cows had greater NEFA than control cows. Although supplemental feeding of P169 altered plasma hormones and metabolites, the particular effects were dependent on dose of P169 and parity of cows.
Evaluation of milk components during whole lactation in healthy quarters
Authors: Piccinini Renata , Binda Enrica , Belotti Michela , Daprà Valentina , Zecconi Alfonso
Published: January 2007

Several milk components related to immune defences (lysozyme, lactoferrin and γ-globulins, γ-G) and to inflammation (somatic cell counts, SCC; N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, NAGase; albumin) were considered. Forty-one quarters and 685 samples of 24 cows were included in the study; among them 534 samples were defined as negative (78·0%), 93 as diseased (13·5%) and 58 (8·5%) as subclinical. The pattern of each milk component in quarters always negative during the follow-up period was evaluated by a mixed model. Statistical analysis showed that days in milk (DIM), age (primiparous, pluriparous), herd and the interaction between herd and days in milk significantly influenced all the markers, with very few exceptions. A subset of samples including the negative quarters before the first outcome of an infection or a subclinical mastitis and the samples from quarters always negative was also selected. The analysis showed that herd, DIM and health status had a significant influence on most markers. Overall, primiparous cows were confirmed to have higher levels of most of the markers than pluriparous cows. The presence of a herd effect on non specific immune defences in fully negative quarters implies that when the mechanisms behind their release are fully elucidated, it might be possible to modulate them. Udder tissues were confirmed as an important source of some immune components, as supported by the inconsistency between SCC mean values and NAGase, lysozyme and lactoferrin values. Overall, quarters with high levels of NAGase, lysozyme and γ-G, exposed to bacteria, did not develop subclinical mastitis. Hence, invading pathogens could induce the development of subclinical IMI when these components and γG are in low concentration.
Cell function in the bovine mammary gland: a preliminary study on interdependence of healthy and infected udder quarters
Authors: Merle Roswitha , Schröder Anke , Hamann Jörn
Published: January 2007

Udder defence mechanisms are not completely explained by current mastitis research. The anatomical construction of the udder implies that infection of one udder quarter does not influence the immune status of neighbouring quarters. To test this hypothesis, we compared the immune reactions of individual udder quarters in response to microbial attacks. In the course of immune reactions, polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) release oxygen radicals, which can be determined by chemiluminescence (CL). Milk from 140 udder quarters of 36 cows was analysed for somatic cell count (SCC), differential cell count, viability and CL activity. Quarters with an SCC <100000 cells/ml and free of pathogens were defined as uninfected, all other quarters were categorized as infected. Three groups of cows were classified cytologically: group A (healthy, 11 animals, SCC limit <100000 cells/ml); group B (moderate mastitis, 8 cows, SCC [ges ]100000 and <400000 cells/ml in at least one quarter); and group C (severe mastitis, 17 cows, SCC [ges ]400000 cells/ml in at least one quarter). Infected and uninfected quarters in groups B and C were analysed separately. Viability of PMN leucocytes was significantly (P=0·0012) lower in group A (72·6%) than in healthy quarters of group C (84·0%). Lowering the SCC limit of healthy quarters to <50000 cells/ml (group A: all quarters within the udder) revealed striking differences between samples of groups B and C: in addition to varying differential cell counts and viabilities, CL activity of group B<50 (2929 CL units/million PMN) was markedly lower than that of the other groups (5616 in group A<50 and 6445 CL units/million PMN in group C<50). These results allow the conclusion that the infection of one udder quarter influences the cell activity of neighbouring quarters. When the SCC threshold for healthy quarters was reduced to 50000 cells/ml, greater differences in cell activities were detected between healthy udders and healthy quarters of infected udders.
Manipulability-based configuration evaluation of cooperative payload transport by mobile manipulator collectives
Authors: Tang Chin Pei , Krovi Venkat N.
Published: January 2007

In this paper, we focus on the development of a quantitative performance analysis framework for a cooperative system of multiple wheeled mobile manipulators physically transporting a common payload. Each mobile manipulator module consists of a differentially driven wheeled mobile robot (WMR) with a mounted planar three-degree-of-freedom (DOF) revolute-jointed manipulator. A composite cooperative system is formed when a payload is placed at the end-effectors of many such modules. The system possesses the ability to change its relative configuration as well as to accommodate relative positioning errors of the wheeled agents. However, the combination of nonholonomic constraints due to the mobile bases, holonomic constraints due to the closed kinematic loops, and the different joint-actuation schema (active/passive/locked) within the system requires careful quantitative evaluation to efficiently realize the payload manipulation task. Hence, in this paper, we extend the differential kinematic model for treatment of constrained articulated mechanical systems to formulate a framework to include both the mixture effect of holonomic/nonholonomic constraints and the different possible joint-actuation schema in our system. The system-level performance is then examined quantitatively by the manipulability measure in terms of isotropy index with representative case studies.
INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW SERIES: UNCOMMON “COMMON SENSE”
Authors: Kuroda Akinobu
Published: January 2007

The common sense of modern times was not always “common” in the past. For example, if it is true that inflation is caused by an oversupply of money, a short supply of money must cause deflation. However logical that sounds, though, it has not been so uncommon in history that rising prices were recognized as being caused by a scarcity of currency. Even in the same period, a common idea prevailing in one historical area was not always common in another; rather, it sometimes appeared in quite the opposite direction. It is likely that the idea that a government gains from bad currencies, while traders appreciate good ones, is popular throughout the world. In the case of China, however, its dynasties sometimes intentionally issued high-quality coins without regard to their losses. East Asia shared the idea that cheap currency harms the state, while an expensive currency harms the people. This is in considerable contrast with a common image in other regions that authorities gained profits from seigniorage.
THE CAPITAL OF RĀJADHARMA: MODERN SPACE AND RELIGION IN COLONIAL MYSORE
Authors: Ikegame Aya
Published: January 2007

Mysore Fort, now situated in the centre of Mysore city, former capital of Mysore princely state, was effectively the city itself in pre-modern times. During the late nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries, however, the fort changed its form from a residential town into a modern garden or empty space where now only the palace and several temples remain. This transformation was intended to serve not only to improve the sanitation and hygiene of the city but also to beautify and glorify it as the capital of a Hindu kingdom. In the process, the modern western idea of “improvement” and the traditional Hindu idea of dharma (moral order) were somehow reconciled and mutually strengthened. This paper aims to demonstrate how the two concepts worked together during the period of indirect rule. More broadly, the transformation of space in Mysore city reveals the nature of Hindu kingship under British rule. The colonial power did not simply diminish the authority of the Indian kings, but rather enhanced their presence at a supra-local level. The fundamental paradox of Hindu kingship, in which kings have to be transcendent, above society, and at the same time to be rooted in society, remained a conundrum for Indian kings to resolve.
Communicating Personal Goals: Consequences for Person Perception in the Work and Family Domains
Authors: Salmela-Aro Katariina , Wiese Bettina S.
Published: January 2007

Based on a set of three experimental studies (total N = 608), we examined how people appraise another person’s well-being and motivation in the work and family domains on the basis of knowledge of this other person’s goal system. Participants were introduced to the life situation of either a woman or a man belonging to a successful dual-career couple. This target person reported pursuing only work-related personal goals (work priority), only family-related personal goals (family priority) or both work- and family-related goals (balanced goal system). Participants were asked to appraise the target person’s life satisfaction as well as a number of work- and family-related attributes. Overall, as expected, target persons with a focus on work goals were perceived as higher on positive work-related attributes than the other groups, whereas the family-priority group was perceived as higher on positive family-related attributes. In addition, at least when judged by working adults, greater life satisfaction was attributed to persons with a balanced goal system than to those with a goal system focusing on either work or family goals.
Ziele, Selbstkonzept und Work-Life-Balance bei der längerfristigen Lebensgestaltung
Authors: Abele Andrea E.
Published: January 2007

Zusammenfassung. Work-Life-Balance wird unter der Perspektive längerfristiger Gestaltung von Berufstätigkeit und Privatleben betrachtet. An einer Stichprobe von Akademikerinnen und Akademikern wird längsschnittlich untersucht, ob das geschlechtsrollenbezogene Selbstkonzept (Expressivität und Instrumentalität) und im Alter von 27 bzw. 29 Jahren erhobene persönliche Ziele (Kinderwunsch, Kinderbetreuungswunsch, Ziele zu Work-Life-Balance) vorhersagen können, ob die Befragten im Alter von 34 Jahren Eltern sein werden, wie sie die Kinderbetreuung regeln werden und wie die Erwerbstätigkeit von Müttern und Vätern gestaltet sein wird. Frauen legten in ihren Zielvorstellungen mehr Wert auf eine Balancierung von Arbeit und Privatleben als Männer. In Übereinstimmung mit den Annahmen sagten Kinderwunsch und Expressivität Elternschaft voraus. Persönliche Ziele zu Work-Life-Balance sagten Elternschaft von Frauen und Erwerbstätigkeit von Müttern mit Kindern über 3 Jahren voraus. Die Art der Betreuung von Kleinkindern entsprach bei Vätern in knapp 80 % der Fälle, bei Müttern in nur 44 % der Fälle ihren Zielen.
Zur Analyse der Koordination von Tätigkeitssystemen
Authors: Fenzl Claudia , Resch Marianne
Published: January 2007

Zusammenfassung. Die Diskussion um Work-Life-Balance betrifft unter anderem die Frage, wie Menschen ihr Handeln in unterschiedlichen Lebensbereichen koordinieren. Die Untersuchung dieser Frage setzt vielfältige methodische Zugänge voraus. In Studien etwa zum Verhältnis von Beruf und Familie werden jedoch fast ausschließlich Fragebögen verwendet, die meist allgemeine Merkmale der Familienhaushalte wie etwa die Kinderzahl erfassen oder subjektive Bewertungen erheben. Der im vorliegenden Beitrag vorgeschlagene methodische Ansatz beruht auf einer ausführlichen Erhebung und Bewertung der konkreten Tätigkeiten einer Person. Auf Grundlage handlungsregulatorischer Überlegungen werden drei Merkmale der Tätigkeiten bzw. ihrer Ausführungsbedingungen abgeleitet, die die Stabilität und Flexibilität des Tätigkeitssystems einer Person bzw. seine Koordinierbarkeit kennzeichnen: Erhaltungsrelevanz, zeitliche Gebundenheit und Eigendynamik. Ihre Erfassung erforderte die Weiterentwicklung eines vorliegenden handlungstheoretisch fundierten Verfahrens zur Analyse von Alltagstätigkeiten. Zur Veranschaulichung werden Erfahrungen aus einer Fallstudie berichtet. Sie sprechen dafür, dass der erweiterte Verfahrensentwurf eine solche Erhebung und die Differenzierung zwischen unterschiedlich gut koordinierbaren Tätigkeitssystemen der untersuchten Personen erlaubt.
Stressbezogene Interventionen in der Arbeitswelt
Authors: Bamberg Eva , Busch Christine
Published: January 2007

Zusammenfassung. Stress- und gesundheitsbezogene Interventionen sind in den letzten Jahren in vielen Bereichen der Arbeitswelt zur Selbstverständlichkeit geworden. Konzepte, Analyse- und Interventionsmethoden wurden entwickelt, Erfahrungsberichte und Evaluationsstudien wurden publiziert. Besonders zu Stressmanagementinterventionen wurden viele Untersuchungen veröffentlicht. Metaanalysen zeigen, dass Stressmanagementtrainings generell wirksam sind; variablen- und zeitspezifische Effekte liegen vor. Zu bedingungsbezogenen Interventionen finden sich vergleichsweise wenig qualitativ gute Evaluationsstudien. Die Ergebnisse zur Wirksamkeit dieser Interventionen sind heterogen. Untersuchungsergebnisse lassen erwarten, dass Effekte von bedingungsbezogenen Maßnahmen davon abhängig sind, inwieweit die Beteiligten involviert sind und/oder inwieweit gesundheitsbezogene Interventionen als solche wahrgenommen werden.
Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse der Heimerziehung
Authors: Roos Klaus , Petermann Franz
Published: January 2007

Zusammenfassung. Für den Bereich der Heimerziehung werden die volkswirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen von Jugendhilfemaßnahmen dargestellt. Diese Einschätzungen basieren auf dem Humankapitalansatz und Erkenntnissen der Entwicklungspsychopathologie in den Bereichen Erwerbstätigkeit und Arbeitslosigkeit, gesundheitsbezogenes Verhalten und Delinquenz. Bei den Ergebnissen zeigen sich jeweils positive Nutzen-Kosten-Differenzen mit einer Bandbreite von 148 268 EUR bis 377 622 EUR je Maßnahme und positive Nutzen-Kosten-Relationen mit einer Bandbreite von 1,003 bis 4,676. Die Aussagemöglichkeiten und Grenzen der vorliegenden Studie werden erörtert.
Elterliche Kompetenzen und Erziehungskonflikte
Authors: Gabriel Barbara , Bodenmann Guy
Published: January 2007

Zusammenfassung. Verschiedene Studien belegen, dass Ehekonflikte eine wichtige Rolle in der familiären Negativdynamik gerade in Familien mit verhaltensauffälligen Kindern spielen. In der vorliegenden Studie soll aufgezeigt werden, wie selbstberichtete Erziehungskonflikte mit elterlichen Kompetenzen in den Bereichen Erziehung, Partnerschaft und Stressbewältigung kovariieren. Es wurden Korrelationen, multiple Regressionsanalysen, Pfadanalysen sowie Analysen mit dem APIM-Modell bei einer Stichprobe von 96 Elternpaaren durchgeführt. Alle drei Kompetenzen kovariierten in unterschiedlichem Ausmaß mit elterlichen Erziehungskonflikten, wobei der partnerschaftlichen Stressbewältigung eine Schlüsselrolle zukam. Die Ergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass neben der Vermittlung von Erziehungskompetenzen die Förderung der partnerschaftlichen Belastungsbewältigung für die Prävention von Negativdynamiken in Familien von großem Nutzen sein könnte.
The Conceptual Nervous System and Personality
Authors: Pickering Alan D.
Published: January 2007

In this paper the conceptual nervous system approach to the study of personality is traced back to the ideas of Pavlov. The links between his ideas and two strands of modern European personality theory ( Eysenck's, 1967 , arousal theory of extraversion; Gray's, 1970 , reinforcement sensitivity theory) are emphasized. Recent data concerning reinforcement sensitivity theory have revealed a diversity of relationships between personality trait measures and the behavioral responses to the signals of reinforcement present. In view of these data, a reappraisal of the basics of reinforcement sensitivity theory are then presented, using neural network techniques to explore the conceptual nervous system features fundamental to reinforcement sensitivity theory. Simulations using these techniques are also presented which provide possible explanations for the variations in the experimental data, thereby suggesting that reinforcement sensitivity theory should be revised, rather than abandoned. One revision proposes that the fundamental brain systems involved may produce their behavioral effects solely via the influences of their outputs on arousal levels, with arousal linked to aspects of performance in a manner resembling Pavlovian transmarginal inhibition.
Psychology from Egyptian, Arab, and Islamic Perspectives
Authors: Abou-Hatab Fouad A-L.H.
Published: January 2007

This paper presents the case of psychology from a perspective not widely recognized by the West, namely, the Egyptian, Arab, and Islamic perspective. It discusses the introduction and development of psychology in this part of the world. Whenever such efforts are evaluated, six problems become apparent: (1) the one-way interaction with Western psychology; (2) the intellectual dependency; (3) the remote relationship with national heritage; (4) its irrelevance to cultural and social realities; (5) the inhibition of creativity; and (6) the loss of professional identity. Nevertheless, some major achievements are emphasized, and a four-facet look into the 21st century is proposed.
Drake Passage and Cenozoic climate: An open and shut case?
Authors: Livermore Roy , Hillenbrand Claus‐Dieter , Meredith Mike , Eagles Graeme
Published: January 2007

Drake Passage opening has often been viewed as a single, discrete event, possibly associated with abrupt changes in global circulation and climate at or near the Eocene‐Oligocene boundary. A new plate tectonic model, based on recent reinterpretations of the opening history of basins in the Scotia Sea, suggests that an effective ocean gateway may have developed even earlier, during the middle Eocene. This is consistent with a growing body of evidence from sediment core proxy data for Eocene changes in Southern Ocean circulation and biological productivity. The period between earliest opening after ∼50 Ma and the latest Eocene was characterized by the evolution of various current pathways across the subsiding continental shelves and intervening deep basins. This shallow opening may have caused important changes in Southern Ocean circulation, contributing to Eocene cooling and the growth of Antarctic ice sheets.
Implications for crustal rotation and tectonic evolution in the central Andes fore arc: New paleomagnetic results from the Copiapó region of northern Chile, 26°–28°S
Authors: Taylor Graeme K. , Grocott John , Dashwood Ben , Gipson Mark , Arévalo Carlos
Published: January 2007

New paleomagnetic data from the Coastal Cordillera‐Precordillera boundary area of northern Chile, east of Copiapó, between 26°00′S and 28°00′S are reported. Early Cretaceous to earliest Paleocene volcanics and sediments are nearly completely remagnetized, the remagnetization typically being carried by both magnetite and hematite. In a small minority of sites a pretilting remanence is retained, however, both pretilting and posttilting remanences yield similar directions. These remanences plus primary remanences from Paleocene intrusions indicate a significant >35° rotation of the whole area, in agreement with previous results from the region. The data suggest that the whole of this part of the Andean fore arc has undergone a substantial, regionally coherent, clockwise rotation. This rotation, it is argued, is in response to rapid and highly oblique Nazca–South American plate convergence in the period ∼60–45 Ma prior to later Incaic deformation in the east of the study area. In the east, heterogeneous rotations associated with the Domeyko Fault System are interpreted as being superimposed on this regional rotation resulting in a highly variable and localized pattern of rotations in the vicinity of the main structures comprising the fault system itself.
Treatment of uncertainty using ensemble methods: Comparison of sequential data assimilation and Bayesian model averaging
Authors: Vrugt Jasper A. , Robinson Bruce A.
Published: January 2007

Predictive uncertainty analysis in hydrologic modeling has become an active area of research, the goal being to generate meaningful error bounds on model predictions. State‐space filtering methods, such as the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), have shown the most flexibility to integrate all sources of uncertainty. However, predictive uncertainty analyses are typically carried out using a single conceptual mathematical model of the hydrologic system, rejecting a priori valid alternative plausible models and possibly underestimating uncertainty in the model itself. Methods based on Bayesian model averaging (BMA) have also been proposed in the statistical and meteorological literature as a means to account explicitly for conceptual model uncertainty. The present study compares the performance and applicability of the EnKF and BMA for probabilistic ensemble streamflow forecasting, an application for which a robust comparison of the predictive skills of these approaches can be conducted. The results suggest that for the watershed under consideration, BMA cannot achieve a performance matching that of the EnKF method.