bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of iron(II)/iron(III) phytosiderophore complexes by nano‐electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Weber Günther , von Wirén Nicolaus , Hayen Heiko
Published: February 2006

Nano‐electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (nano‐ESI‐FTICRMS) was employed for the analysis of the phytosiderophore 2′‐deoxymugineic acid (DMA) and the candidate ligand for the intracellular iron transport in plants nicotianamine (NA). Due to the zwitterionic nature of NA and DMA, complementary mass spectra were obtained in positive and negative ionization modes. The technique was also used for speciation of their complexes with Fe(II) and Fe(III), respectively. The species observed at pH 7.3 are the 1:1 Fe‐ligand complexes and no evidence for the existence of dimeric complexes was observed. NA and DMA differ only by one mass unit. Consequently, in the system NA + DMA + Fe(II)/Fe(III), there are pairs of iron species (i.e. NA‐Fe(II) and DMA‐Fe(III)) with the same nominal mass, which differ only by ∼0.02 mass units. It is shown that high‐resolution MS accompanied by accurate mass data analysis allows the unequivocal identification of all four iron species (NA‐Fe(II), NA‐Fe(III), DMA‐Fe(II), DMA‐Fe(III)) in one solution without separation. We also addressed the possible alteration of the oxidation state of chelated iron under nano‐ESI conditions, but no redox reactions were observed under optimized conditions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contextualizing practices across epistemic levels in the chemistry laboratory
Authors: Jiménez‐Aleixandre María‐Pilar , Reigosa Carlos
Published: February 2006

The process of construction of meanings for the concepts of concentration and neutralization is explored in terms of contextualizing practices (Lemke, 1990, Talking Science. Language, Learning and Values, Norwood, NJ: Ablex) creation of meanings through connections established among actions and their context. This notion is expanded to include the connections established among concepts and their context of use, a solving problem task in a laboratory. The purpose is to document the process of meaning construction for these concepts and their transformation from mere terms into decisions and practical actions in a chemistry laboratory. We sought to combine this analysis with an epistemological focus, examining the relative epistemic status of the contextualizing practices. The conversations and actions of four grade 10 students and their teacher (second author) were recorded while solving an open task: to find the concentration of an HCl solution. The results show a progression in the process of contextualization, from an initial inability to use the concepts as part of the resources to complete the titration task, to the transformation of definitions into shared meaningful concepts that allow to take actions, combining theoretical resources with physical ones to solve the problem. A frame for categorizing contextualizing practices across epistemic levels is proposed and applied to the data. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 90:707–733, 2006
Polyoxometalate catalysts: toward the development of green H2O2‐based epoxidation systems
Authors: Mizuno Noritaka , Yamaguchi Kazuya
Published: February 2006

This paper describes the development of green, efficient H2O2‐based epoxidation systems with three kinds of polyoxometalates: (i) a dinuclear peroxotungstate [W2O3(O2)4(H2O)2]2− (I), (ii) a divacant lacunary polyoxotungstate [γ‐SiW10O34(H2O)2]4 (II), (iii) and a divanadium‐substituted polyoxotungstate [γ‐1,2‐H2SiV2W10O40]4− (III). The highly chemo‐, regio‐, and diastereoselective epoxidation of various allylic alcohols with only 1 equiv H2O2 in water can be efficiently catalyzed by potassium salt of I (K‐I). The catalyst K‐I can be recycled with the retention of the catalytic performance. Protonation of a divacant lacunary polyoxotungstate [γ‐SiW10O36]8− gives [γ‐SiW10O34(H2O)2]4− (II) with two aquo ligands. The tetra‐n‐butylammonium salt of II (TBA‐II) catalyzes epoxidation of common olefins including propylene with ≥99% selectivity to epoxide and ≥99% efficiency of H2O2 utilization. The bis(μ‐hydroxo)bridged dioxovanadium site in [γ‐1,2‐H2SiV2W10O40]4− (III) can also efficiently catalyze epoxidation of a variety of olefins with 1 equiv H2O2. Notably, the system with III shows unique stereospecificity, diastereoselectivity, and regioselectivity for the epoxidation of cis/trans olefins, 3‐substituted cyclohexenes, and nonconjugated dienes, respectively, which are quite different from those reported for epoxidation systems up to now. Furthermore, the heterogenization of the mentioned polyoxometalates can be achieved by using ionic liquid‐modified SiO2 as a support without loss of catalytic performance. © 2006 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 12–22; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20067
Photorefractive effect of ferroelectric liquid crystals
Authors: Sasaki Takeo
Published: February 2006

This paper reviews our recent work on the photorefractive effect of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs). Thephotorefractive effectis defined as the optical modulation of the refractive index of a medium as a result of a variety of processes. The interference of two laser beams in a photorefractive material establishes a refractive index grating. This phenomenon enables the creation of different types of photonic applications. FLCs exhibit fast electric field response, and the orientation of the molecular axis of FLCs changes its direction according to the change in direction of the spontaneous polarization (Ps). When two laser beams interfere in a photoconductive FLC, an orientational grating is formed. The mechanism of the formation of the grating is based on the response of the Ps to the photoinduced internal electric field. The time of formation of the refractive index grating is significantly shorter in FLC materials. © 2006 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 43–51; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20071
Knowledge diffusion in the African context: An institutional theory perspective
Authors: Kamoche Ken , Harvey Michael
Published: February 2006

Multinational companies have been increasing their investments in Africa as they become aware of the high returns available there. These investments often require relations with African partners and rely on knowledge transfer for their success. For these relations to be successful, we argue that multinationals must eschew the knowledge‐transfer approaches that reflect the ethnocentric assumption that codifiable knowledge can be disseminated with little regard to the unique circumstances of the African context, and by disregarding culturally embedded tacit knowledge. This article offers the conceptual lens of institutional theory as a way to improve the processes of knowledge diffusion and learning. We show how this theory can lead to a better understanding of the process of knowledge diffusion within the African context by requiring foreign investors and expatriates to improve their understanding of the African business environment. We then assess the role of boundary spanners in the diffusion process and identify some circumstances that might impinge on knowledge diffusion. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bracing for MNC competition through innovative HRM practices: The way ahead for Indian firms
Authors: Som Ashok
Published: February 2006

With increasing globalization, firms are entering a dynamic world of international business that is marked by liberalization of economic policies in a large number of emerging economies like India. To face the challenge of increasing competition that has resulted from liberalization, Indian organizations have initiated adoption of innovative human resource management practices both critically and constructively to foster creativity and innovation among employees. With the help of 11 in‐depth case studies, this article tries to understand how innovative HRM practices are being adopted by Indian firms to brace for competition in the postliberalization scenario. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fitting strategy derived from strategic orientation to international contexts
Authors: Griffith David A. , Jacobs Laurence , Richey R. Glenn
Published: February 2006

The search for strategic fit within a market has become a core concept in strategy research. The issue of strategic fit is becoming increasingly important in international strategy as managers and academics explore the uniqueness of international markets. Unfortunately, during a time of open market diversity, many firms are driving toward a singular strategic orientation (i.e., market orientation), thus ignoring the underlying problems and criticisms with a standardized strategy, often resulting in suboptimal performance. A model highlighting the criteria necessary for fitting strategy to international contexts is developed. An empirical illustration is then used to examine the benefits of strategically fitting strategy to context. Finally, a process is provided to assist managers in the formation and implementation of their strategy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Selection of Judges for Preference Testing
Authors: Bock R. Darrell
Published: February 2006

A scheme for choosing a few individuals whose preferences for given objects are most representative of those of a larger group of individuals is proposed. The method involves (a) quantifying the preferences of each individual so as to discriminate optimally among objects, (b) testing statistically whether or not a common preference continuum may be assumed for the quantified preferences, (c) constructing a linear estimator of values for the objects on this continuum, if it may be assumed, and (d) selecting as judges the least number of individuals whose quantified preferences, when used with this estimator, determine values for the objects with acceptable accuracy. A numerical example based on food preferences is presented.
A New Scaling Technique for Absolute Judgments
Authors: Rosner Burton S.
Published: February 2006

The results of an experiment using the method of absolute judgments can be viewed as a matrix of conditional probabilities in which the rows represent stimuli and the columns responses. The cosine of the angle between two row vectors is a measure of the similarity of the corresponding stimuli. This cosine provides the basis for a method of scaling the stimuli. Unlike the method of paired comparisons, this new technique does not require arbitrary fixing of a unit of measurement. A numerical example is given.
Formal Aspects of Correctness and Optimality of Interval Computations
Authors: Santiago Regivan H. Nunes , Bedregal Benjamín R. Callejas , Acióly Benedito Melo
Published: February 2006

An interval is a continuum of real numbers, defined by its end-points. Interval analysis, proposed by R. Moore in the 50's, concerns the discovery of interval functions to produce bounds on the accuracy of numerical results that are guaranteed to be sharp and correct. The last criterion,
correctness
, is the main one since it establishes that the result of an interval computation must always contains the value of the related real function.

Correctness rests on the ``Fundamental Theorem of Interval Arithmetic''. This theorem, induced us to define
interval representations
, which captures the fact that interval analysis works like a kind of language to express computations with real numbers, this is implicitly formulated at [HJE01] p. 1045, lemma 2.

Until now the idea of intervals as representation of real numbers was not explicitly defined and its relation with some aspects of interval analysis was not explored. Here we show some of these relations in terms of the topological aspects of intervals (Scott and Moore topologies). The paper also defines what we call
the canonical interval representation
of a real function, which is the obvious best ``mathematical'' (not necessarily computable) interval representation of a real function [inline-graphic not available: see fulltext]. The idea is to show some properties of correct interval algorithms giving a relationship with some other kind of functions, such as extensions and inclusion monotonic functions; and to show how this ideal object preserves the continuity of real functions into Scott and Moore topologies.
Training in Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Authors: Sweeney Karl J. , Dillon Mary , Johnston Sean M. , Keane Frank B. , Conlon Kevin C.
Published: February 2006

Background

The role of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in surgical training is unclear. Although LA as a therapeutic modality is potentially superior to open surgery, it has failed to become established as standard in training hospitals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of LA performed by inexperienced surgeons in a training environment.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of all attempted LA performed over a 12‐month period was undertaken. Data collected included operator grade (experienced and inexperienced), conversion rate and duration of surgery, complications, and postoperative stay.

Results

During the study period, 169 appendectomies were performed. The conversion rate to open surgery declined significantly from 28% in the first quarter to 9% in the last quarter, with no difference in the conversion rate between experienced and inexperienced surgeons. Operative time shortened significantly in the inexperienced group. Postoperative complications occurred in 8% of patients, independent of operative grade.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that LA may be safely introduced as a teaching procedure. Time‐to‐train should not preclude institutions from adopting the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of acute appendicitis.
Factors Associated with Disease Survival after Surgical Resection in Chinese Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Qiang Li , Huikai Li , Butt Kelly , Wang P. Peter , Hao Xishan
Published: February 2006

Objective

The aim of this cohort study was to investigate clinical outcome and prognostic factors after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods

A total of 1,157 HCC patients undergoing hepatic resection between 1998 and 2003 were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine factors affecting clinical outcome and recurrence.

Results

Surgical procedures consisted of 1,011 (87.4%) anatomical resections, including 205 (17.7%) extended hepatectomies, 324 (28.0%) hemihepatectomies, 482 (41.7%) segmental resections, and 146 (12.6%) local resections. The results suggest that 56.6% of patients had a recurrence of HCC during the study period and the main recurrence type was intrahepatic (542; 83.1%). The median survival time was 45 months. The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall disease‐free survival rates for the study population were 74%, 47%, and 39% respectively.

Conclusions

The results of proportional hazard analyses suggest that tumor size, number of nodules and vascular invasion were significant predictors for poor survival rates.
The distribution of the Rocky Mountain tailed frog (Ascaphus montanus) in relation to the fluvial system: implications for management and conservation
Authors: Dupuis Linda , Friele Pierre
Published: February 2006

The mating, egg‐laying, and larval development of tailed frogs occur in dynamic mountain streams. During the lengthy (up to 5 years) aquatic residency these species are vulnerable to channel disturbances that can be exacerbated by land uses. Researchers have highlighted specific tailed frog habitat associations but never in the context of fluvial system processes. Based on an extensive regional study with a watershed‐wide sampling strategy, we demonstrate that the Rocky Mountain tailed frog (Ascaphus montanus) is limited to contributing basins of roughly 0.3–100 km2 in size, with peak numbers in basins up to 35 km2. We conclude that the primary determinant of tailed frog distribution patterns in a watershed is basin area, a proximate variable for channel process domain and regional stream discharge: tailed frogs are adapted to cascade and step‐pool channel morphologies that characterize these small basins, presumably because they afford more bedform stability and pore‐space refugia than do smaller, colluvial headwaters, or larger, floodplain‐forming plane bed and pool‐riffle bedforms of mainstem rivers. Secondarily, climate and physiography interact to influence occurrence and abundance at the watershed level by controlling such variables as runoff, water temperature, and sedimentation regime. This point has important management implications because it forces us to recognize that in complex ecosystems, wildlife habitat associations are contingent on site‐specific interactions amongst fluvial system control variables: significance levels of any one variable to tailed frog distribution will not necessarily be consistent among basins. The study clearly shows that case studies can produce conflicting results when they lack a process‐based understanding of ecological response.
Divergence of geometrical optics series at the boundary of its applicability: An analytical example in elementary functions (2D Gaussian beam in free space)
Authors: Kravtsov Yury , Buske Stefan
Published: February 2006

An analytical example in elementary functions is presented (2D Gaussian beam diffraction in free space), which demonstrates the divergence of the geometrical optics (GO) series when the conditions for its applicability are violated. This example shows that accounting for higher terms in GO power series leads to divergence and therefore becomes completely useless beyond the boundaries of GO applicability.
Coulomb blockade in molecular quantum dots
Authors: Walczak Kamil
Published: February 2006

The rate-equation approach is used to describe sequential tunneling through a molecular junction in the Coulomb blockade regime. Such device is composed of molecular quantum dot (with discrete energy levels) coupled with two metallic electrodes via potential barriers. Based on this model, we calculate nonlinear transport characteristics (conductance-voltage and current-voltage dependences) and compare them with the results obtained within a self-consistent field approach. It is shown that the shape of transport characteristics is determined by the combined effect of the electronic structure of molecular quantum dots and by the Coulomb blockade. In particular, the following phenomena are discussed in detail: the suppression of the current at higher voltages, the charging-induced rectification effect, the charging-generated changes of conductance gap and the temperature-induced as well as broadening-generated smoothing of current steps.
Influence of iodine on the electrical properties of magnesium phthalocyanines thin film devices
Authors: Varghese Abraham , Menon C.
Published: February 2006

The influence of iodine on the electrical properties of sandwich structures of magnesium phthalocyanine (Mg Pc) thin films with gold and aluminium electrodes has been investigated. The various electrical properties and different electrical parameters of the iodine-doped Mg Pc thin film devices have been estimated and compared with the values of normal Mg Pc devices from the analysis of the current-voltage characteristics. Generally samples showed an asymmetric conductivity both under forward and reverse bias. From our study we found that iodine doped Mg Pc films showed an enhanced electrical conductivity of nearly ten times that of typical Mg Pc. At low voltages the films showed an ohmic conduction with a hole concentration of P0 = 6.34 × 1018 m−3 and hole mobility μ = 9.16 × 10−5 m 2 V−1 s−1, whereas at higher voltage levels the conduction is dominated by space charged limited conduction (SCLC) with a discrete trapping level of 1.33 × 1022 m−3 at 0.63 eV above the valance band edge. The ratio of the free charges to trapped charges (trapping factor) for the doped samples was found to be 1.07 × 10−7. Furthermore the reverse conduction mechanisms have also been investigated. From the current limitations in the reverse condition a strong rectifying behaviour was evident which was attributed to Poole-Frankel emission with a field-lowering coefficient of value 2.24 × 10−5 eV m1/2 V−1/2.
Spin-dependent transport through magnetic nanojunctions
Authors: Walczak Kamil , Platero Gloria
Published: February 2006

Coherent electronic transport through a molecular device is studied using non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism. Such device is made of atomic nanowire which is connected to ferromagnetic electrodes. The molecule itself is described with the help of Hubbard model (Coulomb interactions are treated by means of the Hartree-Fock approximation), while the coupling to the electrodes is modeled through the use of a broad-band theory. It was shown that magnetoresistance varies periodically with increasing length of the atomic wire (in the linear response regime) and oscillates with increasing bias voltage (in the nonlinear response regime). Since the TMR effect for analyzed structures is predicted to be large (tens of percent), these junctions seem to be suitable for application as magnetoresistive elements in future electronic circuits.
Large scale multi-configuration Hartree-Fock calculation of the hyperfine structure of the ground state of vanadium
Authors: Scharf Oliver , Gaigalas Gediminas
Published: February 2006

The hyperfine structure of the ground state of vanadium, 51VI, is calculated in the nonrelativistic framework of the multi-configuration Hartree-Fock approximation. A configuration state function limiting algorithm is used to make the calculations feasible and to study the influence of core, valence and core-valence correlations in detail. The obtained configuration state function space captures the most important orbital correlations within 2%. Further correlations are included through configuration interaction calculation. The atomic state functions are used to evaluate the magnetic dipole hyperfine factor A and the electric quadrupole factor B. It turns out that the ab initio calculation can not capture the core polarization of the 2s shell. It introduces an error that is higher than the Hartree-Fock approximation. However, the detailed correlations being observed suggest the introduction of a wrong correlation orbital due to the algorithm being used. Neglecting this orbital leads to good agreement with 2% deviation from the experimental values for the A factors.
Stock mechanics: Predicting recession in S&P500, DJIA and NASDAQ
Authors: Tuncay Çağlar
Published: February 2006

Proposed in this paper is an original method assuming potential and kinetic energies for prices and for the conservation of their sum that has been developed for forecasting exchanges. Connections with a power law are shown. Semiempirical applications on the S&P500, DJIA, and NASDAQ predict a forthcoming recession in them. An emerging market, the Istanbul Stock Exchange index ISE-100 is found harboring a potential to continue to rise.
Influence of interdiffusion on the electrical conductivity of multilayered metal films
Authors: Dekhtyaruk Leonid
Published: February 2006

The annealing-time dependence of the electrical conductivity of multilayered single-crystal and polycrystalline metal films has been analyzed theoretically within the frame of the semi-classical approach. It is demonstrated that changes in the electrical conductivity which are caused by the diffusion annealing allow for investigating the processes of the bulk and grain-boundary diffusion, and for estimating the coefficients of the diffusion. The electrical conductivity was calculated and the numerical analysis of the diffusion-annealing time dependence was performed at various parameters.
Ac electrical parameters of Al-ZnPc-Al organic semiconducting films
Authors: Kitaneh Rushdi , Saleh Abdelkarim , Gould Robert
Published: February 2006

The ac electrical parameters of thermally evaporated zinc phthalocyanine, ZnPc, semiconducting thin films was measured in the temperature range of 180–390 K and frequency between 0.1 and 20 kHz. Aluminum electrode contacts were utilized to sandwich the organic ZnPc semiconducting films. Capacitance and loss tangent decreased rapidly with frequency at high temperatures, but at lower temperatures a weak variation is observed. An equivalent circuit model assuming ohmic contacts could qualitatively and successfully explains capacitance and loss tangent behavior.

The ac conductivity showed strong dependence on both temperature and frequency depending on the relevant temperature and frequency range under consideration. Ac conductivity σ (ω) is found to vary with ω, as ω
s with the index s ≤ 1.35 suggesting a dominant hopping conduction process at low temperatures (< 250 K) and high frequency. The conductivity of some samples did not increase monotonically with temperature. This behavior was attributed to oxygen exhaustion of the sample as its temperature is increased. The ac conductivity behavior at low temperatures of ZnPc films could be described well by Elliott model assuming hopping of charge carriers between localized sites.
Performance of lead iodide nuclear radiation detectors with the introduction of rare earth elements
Authors: Hassan Mahmoud , Matuchova Marie , Zdansky Karel
Published: February 2006

Lead iodide has been recognized as a promising material for room temperature radiation detectors. It has a wide band-gap (∼ 2.3 eV), high atomic numbers (82, 53) and it is environmentally very stable compared to mercuric iodide. Electrical and optical properties of lead iodide grown crystals purified under the influence of selected rare earth elements have been investigated. Photo-luminescence and capacitance-voltage measurements have been performed using different rare earth elements.
IBM-2 calculations of some even-even selenium nuclei
Authors: Türkan Nurettin , Olgun Davut , Uluer Ýhsan
Published: February 2006

In this study, we determined the most appropriate Hamiltonian that is needed for present calculations of nuclei in the A≅ 80 region by the view of interacting boson model (IBM-2). Using the best-fitted values of parameters in the Hamiltonian, we have calculated energy levels and B(E2) values for a number of transitions in some doubly even Se nuclei. The results were compared with the previous experimental and theoretical data and it is observed that they are in good agreement. The calculations have been extended to Se isotopes with A < 76 for which some B(E2) values are still not known.
Tei index and neurohormonal activation in patients with incident heart failure: Serial changes and prognostic value
Authors: Mikkelsen Kirsten V. , Møller Jacob E. , Bie Peter , Ryde Henrik , Videbæk Lars , Haghfelt Torben
Published: February 2006

Background

Natriuretic peptides and Tei index are useful indices for risk stratification in advanced left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Their role in early stages is less clear.

Aims

In relation to first diagnosis of LVD to assess the relation of plasma B‐type‐natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) with Tei index, assess serial changes in indices, and to assess the value of indices to predict functional status.

Methods

Doppler echocardiography and neurohormonal analysis were performed (n = 150). NYHA class was registered.

Results

Tei index correlated with p‐NT‐proBNP (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001), and changes in indices correlated (r = 0.36, p = 0.001) in LVD (n = 80). No functional improvement (n = 47) was related to a median increase in Tei index (−0.2, −0.16; 0.09); an improvement (n = 31) to a reduction (0.06; −0.19; 0.35), p = 0.02. In the group with functional improvement, more patients had ≥ 30% reduction in p‐NT‐proBNP (75% vs. 45%, p < 0.01). Addition of NT‐proBNP or Tei index to a clinical model, of no functional improvement, improved log‐likelihood X2 from 9.32 to 20.18 (p = 0.001) and 20.67 (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Tei index and p‐NT‐proBNP demonstrated a fair correlation. Unimproved NYHA class was related to progressive LVD and might be identified by monitoring Tei index or p‐NT‐proBNP. Advanced LVD and high pre‐treatment p‐NT‐proBNP levels indicated a potential of improvement in functional status.
The influence of the lunar nodal cycle on Arctic climate
Authors: Yndestad Harald
Published: February 2006

The Arctic Ocean is a substantial energy sink for the northern hemisphere. Fluctuations in its energy budget will have a major influence on the Arctic climate. The paper presents an analysis of the time-series for the polar position, the extent of Arctic ice, sea level at Hammerfest, Kola section sea temperature, Røst winter air temperature, and the NAO winter index as a way to identify a source of dominant cycles. The investigation uses wavelet transformation to identify the period and the phase in these Arctic time-series. System dynamics are identified by studying the phase relationship between the dominant cycles in all time-series. A harmonic spectrum from the 18.6-year lunar nodal cycle in the Arctic time-series has been identified. The cycles in this harmonic spectrum have a stationary period, but not stationary amplitude and phase. A sub-harmonic cycle of about 74 years may introduce a phase reversal of the 18.6-year cycle. The signal-to-noise ratio between the lunar nodal spectrum and other sources changes from 1.6 to 3.2. A lunar nodal cycle in all time-series indicates that there is a forced Arctic oscillating system controlled by the pull of gravity from the moon, a system that influences long-term fluctuations in the extent of Arctic ice. The phase relation between the identified cycles indicates a possible chain of events from lunar nodal gravity cycles, to long-term tides, polar motions, Arctic ice extent, the NAO winter index, weather, and climate.
Effect of high pressure homogenisation of milk on cheese yield and microbiology, lipolysis and proteolysis during ripening of Caciotta cheese
Authors: Lanciotti Rosalba , Vannini Lucia , Patrignani Francesca , Iucci Luciana , Vallicelli Melania , Ndagijimana Maurice , Elisabetta Guerzoni Maria
Published: February 2006

The principal aim of this work was to compare Caciotta cheeses obtained from cow milk previously subjected to high pressure homogenisation (HPH) at 100 MPa with those produced from raw (R) or heat-treated (P) cow milk. HPH had both direct and indirect effects on cheese characteristics and their evolution during ripening. In particular, HPH treatment of milk induced a significant increase of the cheese yield; moreover, it affected the microbial ecology of both curd and cheese. Compared with the thermal treatment, the HPH treatment resulted in a decrease of about one log cfu/g of yeast and lactobacilli cell loads of the curd. The initial milk treatment also affected the evolution over time and the levels attained at the end of ripening of all the microbial groups studied. In fact, lactobacilli, microstaphylococci and yeast cell loads remained at lower levels in the cheeses obtained from HPH milk with respect to the other cheese types over the whole ripening period. Moreover, HPH of milk induced marked and extensive lipolysis. Cheeses from HPH milk showed the presence of high amounts of free fatty acids immediately after brining. The electrophoretic patterns of the different cheese types showed that Caciotta made from HPH-treated milk was characterized by a more extensive and faster proteolysis as well as a significant modification of its volatile molecule profile. The results obtained and the sensory analysis indicated that HPH treatment of milk was able to differentiate Caciotta cheese or to modify its ripening patterns.
Liberalism and Conservatism in Chile: Attitudes and Opinions of Chilean Women at the Start of the Twenty-First Century
Authors: PALACIOS MARGARITA , MARTÍNEZ JAVIER
Published: February 2006

Based on a national survey of women and the creation of a ‘conservatism-liberalism index’, this study shows that conservatism in Chile has deep religious roots and continues to be the most significant symbolic reference point in women's lives. The study concludes also that the female population is drawn more towards a ‘liberal’ vision, but liberal attitudes are not able to provide an alternative symbolic reference point to conservatism. This is because liberalism seems to be the result of popular exposure to the requirements of modern life rather than a discourse or ideology. For this reason, the opinions and attitudes of women are highly contradictory and heterogeneous and do not find their form, for the most part, in a clearly liberal discourse or in one which is wholly conservative. We are thus dealing with a kind of ‘liberalism through exposure’, the limits of which are to be found in the conservative ideology which underlies the liberal opinions expressed and is clearly visible in the proportion of the population which is highly educated and deeply religious.
Between Liberal and Participatory Democracy: Tensions and Dilemmas of Leftist Politics in Brazil
Authors: SCHÖNLEITNER GÜNTHER
Published: February 2006

Brazil's left, especially the Workers' Party (PT), largely views civil society participation as a means of correcting the shortcomings of liberal democracy, and to break clientelistic politics. This article questions the underlying assumptions that civil society is inherently a pro-democratic force and that participatory arrangements enjoy sufficient autonomy from local power dynamics to democratise state action. Effective participation requires a positive interplay between government commitment, civic virtues, and supportive institutional design. Participatory democracy presupposes a well-functioning representative democracy rather than curing its ills. The article compares four municipal health councils in towns with varying combinations of government commitment and civicness, which highlights a complex interaction of political, civic, and institutional factors that shaped deliberative participation.
‘A new 13th of May’: Afro-Brazilian Port Workers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1905–18
Authors: McPHEE KIT
Published: February 2006

This article examines the experiences of the Afro-Brazilian coffee transport workers of Rio de Janeiro's port district in the generation following the abolition of slavery in 1888. While they have been condemned by some scholars as reformist and placatory, this article argues that these Afro-Brazilians aggressively contested the new ‘free labour’ regime and the thousands of immigrant labourers who arrived to compete with them. Indeed, far from marking them as passive recipients of state paternalism, the subsequent decision of the port workers to seek an alliance with the state points to the importance of nativism as a middle-ground upon which successive Brazilian governments and Afro-Brazilians could meet.
A time-delayed observer for fault detection and isolation in industrial robots
Authors: Caccavale F. , Chiacchio P. , Walker I. D.
Published: February 2006

In this paper a discrete-time observer-based approach to Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) for industrial robotic manipulators is presented and experimentally tested. In order to counteract the effects of unmodeled dynamics and disturbances, a time-delayed estimate of such effects is adopted. Remarkably, the observer is designed directly in the discrete-time domain. The performance of the proposed approach are experimentally verified on a six-degrees-of-freedom industrial robot.
Learning inexpensive parametric design models using an augmented genetic programming technique
Authors: MATTHEWS PETER C. , STANDINGFORD DAVID W.F. , HOLDEN CARREN M.E. , WALLACE KEN M.
Published: February 2006

Previous applications of genetic programming (GP) have been restricted to searching for algebraic approximations mapping the design parameters (e.g., geometrical parameters) to a single design objective (e.g., weight). In addition, these algebraic expressions tend to be highly complex. By adding a simple extension to the GP technique, a powerful design data analysis tool is developed. This paper significantly extends the analysis capabilities of GP by searching for multiple simple models within a single population by splitting the population into multiple islands according to the design variables used by individual members. Where members from different islands “cooperate,” simple design models can be extracted from this cooperation. This relatively simple extension to GP is shown to have powerful implications to extracting design models that can be readily interpreted and exploited by human designers. The full analysis method, GP heuristics extraction method, is described and illustrated by means of a design case study.
Forum
Authors: Thatcher Sanford G.
Published: February 2006

Dissertations into books? and Editors' correction.
Restoring the Tradition of Rigor and Relevance to
Political Science
Authors: Jacobs Lawrence R. , Skocpol Theda
Published: February 2006

American society has witnessed an extraordinary widening of economic
inequality in the period since World War II that is unmatched among
advanced industrialized countries. In 2003, the most affluent fifth
received 47.6% of family income, the middle class (the third and
fourth fifths) earned 15.5% and 23.3%, respectively, while the
bottom two quintiles each received less than 10%. (Twenty-one
percent of family income went to the top 5%.) In other words, the
richest 20% obtained nearly half of the country's income. That
income (and wealth) is unevenly distributed is neither new nor
necessarily disturbing. What is remarkable is the large and
unmistakable increase in the concentration of
income at the top (Mishel, Bernstein, and Allegretto 2005).
Response to “American Democracy in an Age of
Inequality”
Authors: Piven Frances Fox
Published: February 2006

The APSA Task Force on Inequality and American Democracy's Report
(2004), American Democracy in an Age of Inequality,
concludes that progress toward realizing our ideals of democracy
“may have stalled, and in some arenas reversed” as a result of
growing inequality. Political participation, whether through voting,
or campaign contributions, or organizational activities, reflects
the distribution of economic resources, and as resources come to be
more unequal, so is participation increasingly skewed toward the
better-off. As a result, the Report goes on to argue, the issues and
positions of the affluent are heard by politicians, and louder
voices give the affluent greater influence. I agree with this
conclusion, so far as it goes. Disparities in voting, money, and
organization matter in the political process, and economic
inequalities inevitably affect these disparities. None of this is
new, of course. While inequalities have increased during the past
three decades, they have increased during earlier periods in
American history. This is normal politics in the United States,
sometimes worse, sometimes better.
Re-Drawing the Line on District
Competition
Authors: McDonald Michael P.
Published: February 2006

I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to Abramowitz,
Alexander, and Gunning's (2006b) rejoinder to my critique of their
article appearing in this same issue entitled “Don't Blame
Redistricting for Uncompetitive Elections” (2006a). We should have
had a scholarly debate that informed the profession and raised
interesting questions in one of the widest read journals. Instead,
Abramowitz, Alexander, and Gunning mischaracterize my arguments as
if this was a political talk show debate, and it is telling that
they never directly quote me in their rejoinder. The few sources
cited in support of their methodology, upon close inspection,
provide no support to their measurement choice or findings. I hope
that fair-minded readers will carefully evaluate all material,
including cited sources, to reach their own judgment. I conclude
this article with some thoughts that I hope shed light on the low
levels of electoral competition that Abramowitz, Alexander, and
Gunning and I agree characterize current congressional
elections.
Participation by Women in the 2005 APSA Annual
Meeting
Authors: Gruberg Martin
Published: February 2006

This is the 34th year that I have been monitoring participation by
women at our Annual Meeting. These PS reports have
documented the ascent of women in our profession. Considerable
changes in the status of women in the profession have occurred since
1972 when I first did my tally of participation at our Annual
Meeting. (Ex., the three most recent APSA presidents have all been
women; a long way up from marginalization.)
Process and Text: Teaching Students to Review the
Literature
Authors: McMenamin Iain
Published: February 2006

Examiners of dissertations regularly have to endure “literature
reviews” that consist of extended lists of mini-summaries of books.
Indeed, quite often “dissertations” amount to little more than a
list of book-summaries masquerading as an argument. While there are
excellent courses on qualitative and quantitative methods, most
students have learnt how to conduct literature reviews exclusively
through the method of learning by doing. Ultimately, there is no
alternative to this age-old method. However, this essay is premised
on the belief that a brief attempt to understand the general
function of a literature review in political science should make
learning by doing easier and more productive.
John N. Plank
Authors: Reiter Howard L.
Published: February 2006

John N. Plank, professor emeritus of political science, died suddenly
at his home in Storrs, Connecticut on April 30, 2005, at the age of
81.
Trolling the Partisan Waters of Congress: The
2005–2006 Class of Congressional Fellows
Authors: Biggs Jeff
Published: February 2006

No year is like any other for the successive classes of APSA
Congressional Fellows. Over the last few years Fellows have
encountered the impeachment of a president, the repercussions of the
terrorist bombings of New York City's Twin Towers and the Pentagon,
the invasion of Iraq, and the devastation of New Orleans and the
Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina. One of this year's
2004–2005 Fellows, Amy Steigerwalt, is still waiting for
the University of New Orleans to open so she can resume her teaching
position.
Validation of the Body Checking Questionnaire (BCQ) in an Eating Disorders Population
Authors: Calugi Simona , Grave Riccardo Dalle , Ghisi Marta , Sanavio Ezio
Published: February 2006

The aim of this study was to validate the Body Checking Questionnaire (BCQ) in an eating disorder population, using students in psychology as control. Five hundred and seventy-three females (422 controls and 151 eating disorders patients, mean age 24.1 ± 5.9 years) completed the BCQ and measures of eating disorders psychopathology. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the BCQ measures the global construct of body checking with three correlated subfactors. The BCQ has good test-retest reliability (0.90), and the subfactors had good internal consistency (0.90, 0.92, and 0.84). The BCQ correlates with other body image and eating disorders measures, indicating that the BCQ measure has good concurrent validity. Finally, the BCQ reliably distinguishes eating disorders patients from controls, as well as “dieters” from “non-dieters.” The study provides support for factor structure, validity and reliability of the BCQ on eating disorders population and supports the use of this questionnaire in cross-national studies.
Messen Konzentrationstests Konzentration?
Authors: Schmidt-Atzert Lothar , Bühner Markus , Enders Peter
Published: February 2006

Zusammenfassung. In zwei Untersuchungen mit N = 117 und N = 90 Studierenden wurde die Struktur von Konzentrationstestleistungen mit Hilfe von konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalysen untersucht. Die Probanden bearbeiteten insgesamt 11 bzw. 10 Tests zur Erfassung von Konzentration und verwandten Konstrukten (z.B. Informationsverarbeitungsgeschwindigkeit) sowie weitere Tests zur Validierung der Konzentrationsfaktoren. In Untersuchung 1 wurde ein Modell mit einem allgemeinen Konzentrationsfaktor präferiert. Der Faktor wurde durch den Zahlen-Symbol-Test (BIS-ZS) markiert und erwies sich als weitgehend unabhängig von der Intelligenz. Die übrige Konzentrationstestvarianz wurde durch verbale, figurale und numerische Fähigkeiten sowie zum Teil durch Merkfähigkeit erklärt. Der Konzentrationsfaktor wurde in Untersuchung 2, in der zum Teil andere Tests eingesetzt worden waren, repliziert. Der Zahlen-Symbol-Test (BIS-ZS) zeigte wieder eine hohe Ladung. Der Faktor konnte von numerischen und figuralen Fähigkeiten, von der Intelligenz sowie von Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit abgegrenzt werden. Es wird gefolgert, dass die meisten hier verwendeten Konzentrationstests die gleiche Fähigkeit erfassen, nämlich Konzentration. Am besten gelingt dies mit dem Zahlen-Symbol-Test (BIS-ZS). Die einzelnen Testleistungen hängen unterschiedlich stark von konstruktfernen Fähigkeiten ab. Für die einzelnen Tests wurden diese Fähigkeiten identifiziert.
Superimposed ice regime of a high Arctic glacier inferred using ground‐penetrating radar, flow modeling, and ice cores
Authors: Wadham Jemma , Kohler Jack , Hubbard Alun , Nuttall Anne Marie , Rippin David
Published: February 2006

A 900 MHz ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) profile, collected along 1.7 km of the centerline of a high Arctic glacier in Svalbard, is interpreted using shallow ice core data and thermomechanical flow modeling. Four distinct zones are visible in the image and correspond to areas of firn, recent and older superimposed ice, and ablation zone glacier ice on the ground. The areas of firn and superimposed ice are characterized by relatively steeply and gently dipping internal reflecting horizons (IRH), respectively, in the radar image. The IRHs arise from permittivity contrasts due to density variations, produced in firn by alternating firn and ice layers, and in superimposed ice by varying air bubble content. Recently formed and older superimposed ice can be distinguished in the GPR image. A three‐dimensional flow model is used to indicate the long‐term mass balance and flow history responsible for the spatial distribution and orientation of superimposed ice IRHs in the radar image. Results indicate that the IRH distribution can only be explained by invoking a down‐glacier shift in mean 30 year equilibrium line altitude (ELA) by 20–30 m, compared with measured mean 30 year ELA. They also suggest that many of the superimposed IRHs are relict features, produced >100 years B.P., when the ELA was 100–150 lower than at present. This work advocates combined GPR and flow modeling as a unique tool for validating mass balance measurements and/or inferring the mass balance/dynamic history of a glacier beyond a recent measurement period.