bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hewing the Ancient Elm: Anger, Arboricide, and Medieval Kingship
Authors: Diggelmann Lindsay
Published: May 2010

In 1188, an eye-catching display of royal anger resulted in the destruction of the ancient elm tree at Gisors by Philip II of France. Building on recent reappraisals of anger and other emotions in the medieval context, this essay seeks to understand how contemporary observers may have interpreted their monarch's momentous outburst. The elm's longstanding significance as a site of diplomacy and peace negotiations in the border zone between France and Normandy makes its downfall especially symbolic, and suggests that the deliberate display of emotional excess may be an under-appreciated factor in the history of medieval diplomatic encounters. Examining chronicle sources and later literary renditions of the incident, retold from both French and an Anglo-Norman perspectives, the article reveals how medieval commentators made use of a rich emotional vocabulary in order either to celebrate or to deplore Philip's act of arboricide.
From shared lineage to distinct functions: the development of the inner ear and epibranchial placodes
Authors: Ladher Raj K. , O'Neill Paul , Begbie Jo
Published: May 2010

The inner ear and the epibranchial ganglia constitute much of the sensory system in the caudal vertebrate head. The inner ear consists of mechanosensory hair cells, their neurons, and structures necessary for sound and balance sensation. The epibranchial ganglia are knots of neurons that innervate and relay sensory signals from several visceral organs and the taste buds. Their development was once thought to be independent, in line with their independent functions. However, recent studies indicate that both systems arise from a morphologically distinct common precursor domain: the posterior placodal area. This review summarises recent studies into the induction, morphogenesis and innervation of these systems and discusses lineage restriction and cell specification in the context of their common origin.
The BMP pathway acts to directly regulate Tbx20 in the developing heart
Authors: Mandel Elizabeth M. , Kaltenbrun Erin , Callis Thomas E. , Zeng Xin-Xin I. , Marques Sara R. , Yelon Deborah , Wang Da-Zhi , Conlon Frank L.
Published: May 2010

TBX20 has been shown to be essential for vertebrate heart development. Mutations within the TBX20 coding region are associated with human congenital heart disease, and the loss of Tbx20 in a wide variety of model systems leads to cardiac defects and eventually heart failure. Despite the crucial role of TBX20 in a range of cardiac cellular processes, the signal transduction pathways that act upstream of Tbx20 remain unknown. Here, we have identified and characterized a conserved 334 bp Tbx20 cardiac regulatory element that is directly activated by the BMP/SMAD1 signaling pathway. We demonstrate that this element is both necessary and sufficient to drive cardiac-specific expression of Tbx20 in Xenopus, and that blocking SMAD1 signaling in vivo specifically abolishes transcription of Tbx20, but not that of other cardiac factors, such as Tbx5 and MHC, in the developing heart. We further demonstrate that activation of Tbx20 by SMAD1 is mediated by a set of novel, non-canonical, high-affinity SMAD-binding sites located within this regulatory element and that phospho-SMAD1 directly binds a non-canonical SMAD1 site in vivo. Finally, we show that these non-canonical sites are necessary and sufficient for Tbx20 expression in Xenopus, and that reporter constructs containing these sites are expressed in a cardiac-specific manner in zebrafish and mouse. Collectively, our findings define Tbx20 as a direct transcriptional target of the BMP/SMAD1 signaling pathway during cardiac maturation.
Constructive or cruel? Positive or patronizing? Reactions to expressions of positive and negative stereotypes of the mentally ill
Authors: Douglas Karen M. , Sutton Robbie M.
Published: May 2010

Previous research has shown that people respond with greater sensitivity to negative stereotypical comments about a group that are made from someone outside the group in question than from someone who belongs to the group. In this paper, we investigated if the same effect occurs in response to comments made about stigmatized groups. Specifically, we examined how people react to comments made about the mentally ill. The conditions under which people accept or reject stereotypes of the mentally ill may shed light on the conditions necessary for effective anti‐discrimination campaigns. In the current study, participants responded to positive or negative stereotypes of the mentally ill voiced by either someone who has, or has not, suffered from a mental illness. Participants were more sensitive, agreed less, and evaluated the speaker less favourably when comments came from the out‐group rather than the in‐group source. The effects were strongest for negative comments, however contrary to previous research participants also responded less favourably to positive comments from the out‐group source. These reactions were mediated by the perceived constructiveness of the speaker's motives. Implications for the effectiveness of anti‐discrimination campaigns are discussed.
Selective exposure to information: How different modes of decision making affect subsequent confirmatory information processing
Authors: Fischer Peter. , Fischer Julia. , Weisweiler Silke. , Frey Dieter.
Published: May 2010

We investigated whether different modes of decision making (deliberate, intuitive, distracted) affect subsequent confirmatory processing of decision‐consistent and inconsistent information. Participants showed higher levels of confirmatory information processing when they made a deliberate or an intuitive decision versus a decision under distraction (Studies 1 and 2). As soon as participants have a cognitive (i.e., deliberate cognitive analysis) or affective (i.e., intuitive and gut feeling) reason for their decision, the subjective confidence in the validity of their decision increases, which results in increased levels of confirmatory information processing (Study 2). In contrast, when participants are distracted during decision making, they are less certain about the validity of their decision and thus are subsequently more balanced in the processing of decision‐relevant information.
Tensile Creep Test of Fiber-Reinforced Ultra-High Performance Concrete
Authors: Garas Victor Y. , Kahn Lawrence F. , Kurtis Kimberly E.
Published: May 2010

This paper describes the development and use of a high cost and space efficient tensile creep test setup for cement-based materials. This test setup features a load capacity of 6800 kg (15 000 lb), capacity for three specimens in series, and the ability to measure deformations at four points for each specimen with an accuracy of 10 micro-strains. This newly developed test setup allowed testing the long-term tensile creep of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) for the first time. In the experimental study, steel fiber-reinforced UHPC prisms were subjected to tensile creep to investigate the effect of different thermal treatment conditions on their viscoelastic response over a 1-year period. Results from the experimental study showed the necessity to perform tensile creep tests rather that direct tensile strength tests to predict the long-term tensile performance of UHPC. These results show that the quality of the bond between the fibers and cementitious paste was better evaluated using tensile creep than direct tension tests. Experimental results showed that specific tensile creep of UHPC decreased between 63 % and 69 % when thermal treatment of 60°C (140°F) for 72 h or of 90°C (194°F) for 48 h was applied, respectively, prior to loading. Results from this study also point to the necessity of having a standard tensile creep test similar to the currently existing compressive creep standard, especially if the tensile capacity of concrete is considered in structural design.
The Multi-Core Challenge
Authors: Ungerer Theo
Published: May 2010

Multi-cores are the contemporary solution to reach a high performance without the need of increasing the clock frequency. Multi-cores integrate two or more cores, i. e., processors, on a single die. Future multi-cores may comprise hundreds or even thousands of cores and arouse challenges for processor design, system architecture, programming languages, and application programs.
Unconventional Computing — Reversible Signed Digit Adders for Future Nanocomputing Devices
Authors: Fey Dietmar , Limmer Steffen
Published: May 2010

Unconventional Computing (UC) denotes new and alternative methods and technologies for computer technologies, e. g., nanocomputing or DNA computing. This paper investigates the importance of UC for the Grand Challenges of Computer Engineering. At the moment nanocomputing appears to be the most promising UC discipline. As example for an UC method the use of redundant arithmetic and reversible logic for nanocomputing is presented.
The Reference Architecture Template of GENESYS: Cross-Domain Platform Services for Three Levels of Integration
Authors: Obermaisser Roman , Kopetz Hermann
Published: May 2010

The reference architecture template of GENESYS provides fundamental architectural services (e. g., communication, configuration, and time services) as the foundation for the implementation and integration of components at chip, device, and system level. The reference architecture template has been designed for multiple application domains, including automotive, avionic, industrial control, and consumer electronic applications. The cross-domain approach results in the ability to exploit the economies of scale, while addressing common challenges of the application domains such as complexity management, robustness and energy efficiency. This paper gives an overview of the reference architecture template and presents instantiations at chip level and system level, namely the Time-Triggered System-on-a-Chip (TTSoC) and Time-Triggered Ethernet (TTE).
Evaluierungsverfahren für Internetwahlsysteme
Authors: Volkamer Melanie
Published: May 2010

Die diesem Artikel zu Grunde liegende Dissertation [1] bietet für die derzeitig sehr lebendige wissenschaftliche und politische Auseinandersetzung um elektronische Wahlen eine wissenschaftlich-rationale Basis, um die IT-Sicherheit von Internetwahlsystemen zu beschreiben, zu prüfen und zu bewerten, und trägt dadurch zur Versachlichung der Auseinandersetzung bei. Dass die Hersteller diesen Weg akzeptieren, zeigen die begonnenen Systemevaluationen.
Obesity, insulin resistance, and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Catalano Patrick M
Published: May 2010

There has been a significant increase over the past few decades in the number of reproductive age women who are either overweight or obese. Overweight and obese women are at increased risk for having decreased insulin sensitivity as compared with lean or average weight women. The combination of obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity increases the long-term risk of these individuals developing the metabolic syndrome and associated problems of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disorders. Because of the metabolic alterations during normal pregnancy, particularly the 60% decrease in insulin sensitivity, overweight and obese women are at increased risk of metabolic dysregulation in pregnancy, i.e. gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and fetal overgrowth. Hence, pregnancy can be considered as a metabolic stress test for the future risk of the metabolic syndrome. In this review, we will review the underlying pathophysiology related to these disorders. Most importantly, an understanding of these risks provides an opportunity for prevention. For example, a planned pregnancy offers an opportunity to address weight control prior to conception. At the very least, by avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy, this may prevent excessive weight retentionpost partum. Finally, based on the concept ofin uteroprogramming, these lifestyle measures may not only have short- and long-term benefits for the woman but also for her offspring as well.
Phantom, a New Subclass ofMutatorDNA Transposons Found in Insect Viruses and Widely Distributed in Animals
Authors: Marquez Claudia P , Pritham Ellen J
Published: May 2010

Transposons of the Mutator (Mu) superfamily have been shown to play a critical role in the evolution of plant genomes. However, the identification of Mutator transposons in other eukaryotes has been quite limited. Here we describe a previously uncharacterized group of DNA transposons designated Phantom identified in the genomes of a wide range of eukaryotic taxa, including many animals, and provide evidence for its inclusion within the Mutator superfamily. Interestingly three Phantom proteins were also identified in two insect viruses and phylogenetic analysis suggests horizontal movement from insect to virus, providing a new line of evidence for the role of viruses in the horizontal transfer of DNA transposons in animals. Many of the Phantom transposases are predicted to harbor a FLYWCH domain in the amino terminus, which displays a WRKY–GCM1 fold characteristic of the DNA binding domain (DBD) of Mutator transposases and of several transcription factors. While some Phantom elements have terminal inverted repeats similar in length and structure to Mutator elements, some display subterminal inverted repeats (sub-TIRs) and others have more complex termini reminiscent of so-called Foldback (FB) transposons. The structural plasticity of Phantom and the distant relationship of its encoded protein to known transposases may have impeded the discovery of this group of transposons and it suggests that structure in itself is not a reliable character for transposon classification.
Physical Activity and Electronic Media Use in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Case-Control Study
Authors: Lobelo Felipe , Liese Angela D. , Liu Jihong , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Pate Russell R. , Hamman Richard F. , Dabelea Dana
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to characterize the physical activity (PA) and electronic media (EM) use habits of a population-based, ascertained sample of youths with diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS:

For this investigation, the Search for Diabetes in Youth Case-Control study (age: 10–20 y; 55% female) recruited 384 youths with provider-diagnosed type 1 DM, 90 youths with type 2 DM, and 173 healthy control subjects between 2003 and 2006, in 2 US centers. PA and EM use were assessed with a 3-day recall of activities, in 30-minute time blocks. Adherence to current recommendations was determined as a report of ≥2 blocks of moderate/vigorous PA per day and <4 blocks of EM use per day. Differences in PA and EM use for DM/control groups were assessed with adjustment for age, study site, and race/ethnicity.

RESULTS:

Male subjects with type 2 DM reported lower levels of vigorous PA than did control subjects (1.1 vs 2.3 blocks; P < .05). Compliance with the moderate/vigorous PA recommendation among youths with type 2 DM was lower (68.3%), compared with youths with type 1 DM (81.7%; odds ratio: 0.51 [95% confidence interval: 0.26–1.00]; P = .047) and control subjects (80.4%; odds ratio: 0.48 [95% confidence interval: 0.23–1.02]; P = .05). Rates of compliance with EM use recommendations ranged from 29.5% to 49.1%.

CONCLUSION:

In this study, large proportions of youths with DM, especially type 2 DM, failed to meet PA and EM use recommendations.
Partial-Exchange Blood Transfusion: An Effective Method for Preventing Mortality in a Child With Propofol Infusion Syndrome
Authors: Da-Silva Shonola S. , Wong Ronald , Coquillon Patricia , Gavrilita Cristina , Asuncion Arsenia
Published: May 2010

Here we describe a case of propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS) in a child with malignant refractory status epilepticus treated with partial-exchange blood transfusion (PEBT), an innovative method of resuscitation that has the potential to reduce the mortality rate associated with this syndrome. Our patient is a 4-year-old boy with malignant status epilepticus associated with bacterial meningitis. Propofol was used because of persistent seizure activity refractory to adequate doses of phenytoin, phenobarbital, levetiracetam, and midazolam infusion at 0.7 mg/kg per hour. Propofol was escalated from 0.6 mg/kg per hour to an electroencephalogram-burst–suppressing dose of 15.6 mg/kg per hour. Signs of PRIS were noticed after 48 hours on propofol. The severe bradycardia responded only to infusions of calcium gluconate. PEBT corrected all the cardiac abnormalities and returned enough hemodynamic stability to permit continuous veno-venous hemodialysis for renal failure and removal of toxins. PEBT is a safe and innovative option for correcting the metabolic abnormalities that result in cardiac dysfunction, which is typically the most serious and usually terminal event in PRIS. When done with small aliquots, it avoids the severe hemodynamic instability that is usually a hindrance with hemodialysis, continuous veno-venous hemodialysis, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which are other methods of supporting these children during the crisis that are mentioned in the literature.
Eosinophilic Hepatitis in an Adolescent During Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Treatment for ADHD
Authors: Hood Brandy , Nowicki Michael J.
Published: May 2010

We describe here the case of an adolescent who developed eosinophilic hepatitis during treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse [Shire US Inc, Wayne, PA]). A 14-year-old boy presented to his primary care provider with abdominal pain and worsening jaundice. A diagnosis of hepatitis was made with biochemical markers, but evaluation failed to provide an etiology. Worsening hepatitis prompted hospitalization and initiation of steroids for presumed autoimmune hepatitis. A subsequent liver biopsy showed evidence of eosinophilic hepatitis. Known causes of eosinophilic hepatitis were ruled out, and a presumptive diagnosis of reaction to lisdexamfetamine dimesylate was made. Discontinuation of the medication led to resolution of the hepatitis and normalization of the liver biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hepatic injury attributed to lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
Network Analysis of Team Structure in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Gray James E. , Davis Darcy A. , Pursley DeWayne M. , Smallcomb Jane E. , Geva Alon , Chawla Nitesh V.
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The goal was to examine nursing team structure and its relationship with family satisfaction.

METHODS:

We used electronic health records to create patient-based, 1-mode networks of nursing handoffs. In these networks, nurses were represented as nodes and handoffs as edges. For each patient, we calculated network statistics including team size and diameter, network centrality index, proportion of newcomers to care teams according to day of hospitalization, and a novel measure of the average number of shifts between repeat caregivers, which was meant to quantify nursing continuity. We assessed parental satisfaction by using a standardized survey.

RESULTS:

Team size increased with increasing length of stay. At 2 weeks of age, 50% of shifts were staffed by a newcomer nurse who had not previously cared for the index patient. The patterns of newcomers to teams did not differ according to birth weight. When the population was dichotomized according to median mean repeat caregiver interval value, increased reports of problems with nursing care were seen with less-consistent staffing by familiar nurses. This relationship persisted after controlling for factors including birth weight, length of stay, and team size.

CONCLUSIONS:

Family perceptions of nursing care quality are more strongly associated with team structure and the sequence of nursing participation than with team size. Objective measures of health care team structure and function can be examined by applying network analytic techniques to information contained in electronic health records.
Humidified and Heated Air During Stabilization at Birth Improves Temperature in Preterm Infants
Authors: te Pas Arjan B. , Lopriore Enrico , Dito Ingrid , Morley Colin J. , Walther Frans J.
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend techniques to minimize heat loss in the delivery room. The use of humidified and heated gas is standard of care for preterm infants who need respiratory support in the NICU, but international resuscitation guidelines do not stipulate use of this therapy during stabilization at birth. We aimed to investigate the effect of humidified and heated gas on admission temperature in preterm infants who require respiratory support at birth.

METHODS:

Two cohorts of very preterm infants born at ≤32 weeks' gestational age in the Leiden University Medical Center were compared prospectively before (the “cold” cohort) and after (the “heated” cohort) introduction of the use of heated and humidified gas during respiratory support at birth (continuous positive airway pressure or intubation). The primary outcome was the infant's rectal temperature at admission in the NICU.

RESULTS:

There was a difference in the mean (SD) rectal temperature between the cold and heated cohorts (35.9 [0.6] vs 36.4 [0.6], respectively; P < .0001). Normothermia (36.5°C–37.5°C) occurred less often in the cold cohort than in the heated cohort (12% vs 43%; P < .0001). There was no difference in occurrence of mild hypothermia (36.0°C–36.4°C) between groups (33% vs 35%; not significant). Moderate hypothermia (<36.0°C) occurred more often in the cold cohort (53% vs 19%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of heated and humidified air during respiratory support in very preterm infants just after birth reduced the postnatal decrease in temperature. Heating and humidifying the gas during stabilization merits additional investigation.
Some Contemporary Views on Jaina Values and Conduct Among Indian Lay Jainas from Jaipur and Delhi
Authors: Pokinko Tomasz
Published: May 2010

This paper is based on interviews conducted in India in the summer of 2007 with seven lay Jainas from Jaipur and Delhi: three men and four women, with ages ranging from early twenties to late sixties. The questions I am interested in are: what is the main Jaina value or values according to my interviewees? In particular, what is the place and status of ahimsa (nonviolence) among contemporary notions of value, and is ahimsa repositioned or redefined in the contemporary context? Do Jaina values impact the social sphere and if so, how? In what ways does a particular form of conduct result as a consequence of those values? What does this say about the ways contemporary Indian lay Jainas imagine society? In analyzing the positions of my interviewees, I note similarities to and differences from the position of a group of Terapanthi nuns, whom I also interviewed. By means of my ethnographic material, I demonstrate that Jaina normative moral theory, though rooted in ahimsa, nevertheless exhibits flexibility based on individual and socio-historical contexts.
Histopathological evaluation of root canal filling materials for primary teeth
Authors: Silva Léa Assed Bezerra da , Leonardo Mário Roberto , Oliveira Daniela S. B. de , Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra da , Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino de , Hernández Patrícia Gatón , Nelson-Filho Paulo
Published: May 2010

This study aimed to assess the response of apical and periapical tissues of dogs' teeth after root canal filling with different materials. Forty roots from dogs' premolars were prepared biomechanically and assigned to 4 groups filled with: Group I: commercial calcium hydroxide and polyethylene glycol-based paste (Calen®) thickened with zinc oxide; Group II: paste composed of iodoform, Rifocort® and camphorated paramonochlorophenol; Group III: zinc oxide-eugenol cement; Group IV: sterile saline. After 30 days, the samples were subjected to histological processing. The histopathological findings revealed that in Groups I and IV the apical and periapical regions exhibited normal appearance, with large number of fibers and cells and no resorption of mineralized tissues. In Group II, mild inflammatory infiltrate and mild edema were observed, with discrete fibrogenesis and bone resorption. Group III showed altered periapical region and thickened periodontal ligament with presence of inflammatory cells and edema. It may be concluded that the Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide yielded the best tissue response, being the most indicated material for root canal filling of primary teeth with pulp vitality.
Measurement and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Among Expectant First-Time Parents
Authors: Kan Marni L. , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: May 2010

Research on the implications of varying measurement strategies for estimating levels and correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been limited. This study explored measurement and correlates of IPV using a community sample of 168 couples who were expecting their first child. In line with prior research, couple agreement regarding the presence of violence was low, and maximum reported estimates revealed substantial IPV perpetrated by both expectant mothers and fathers. Different types of IPV scores predicted unique variance in mental health problems and couple relationship distress among both the whole sample and the subsamples who perpetrated any violence. Discussion focuses on the methodological and substantive implications of these findings for the study of IPV during the transition to parenthood.
Civil Protective Order Effectiveness: Justice or Just a Piece of Paper?
Authors: Logan TK , Walker Robert T
Published: May 2010

Many victims, victim advocates, and even law enforcement believe that protective orders are “just a piece of paper,” suggesting that they do not work or are not effective. This study examined protective order effectiveness by following 210 women for 6 months after obtaining a protective order. There are four main themes that were identified from the study results. First, protective orders were not violated for half of the women in the sample during the 6-month follow-up period. Second, even among those who experienced violations, there were significant reductions in abuse and violence. Third, overall, women were less fearful of future harm from the PO partner at the 6-month follow-up, and a vast majority felt the protective order was fairly or extremely effective. Fourth, stalking emerges as a significant risk factor for protective order violations, sustained fear, and lower perceived effectiveness of the protective order. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Racial Disparities in Hate Crime Reporting
Authors: Zaykowski Heather
Published: May 2010

This study examines the influence of the victim’s race in reporting hate crimes to the police. Data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) concentrated incident-level files (1992–2005) were used to (a) analyze how the victim’s race influences the likelihood of reporting and (b) explore differences between reporting racial hate crimes and non-racial hate crimes. Controlling for other demographic and incident characteristics, the results indicate that minority victimizations are less likely to be reported for both racial and non-racial hate crimes; however, the magnitude of this effect was greater for racial hate crimes. Failure to report to the police has serious consequences for the victim and the criminal justice system. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Product Patents and Access to Medicines in India: A Critical Review of the Implementation of TRIPS Patent Regime
Authors: M. Gopakumar K
Published: May 2010

In 2005, India amended its Patents Act, 1970 to introduce TRIPS compliant product patent regime. Generally speaking, law and policy makers in India during the time of the amendment were confronted with two major concerns viz. the future of the Indian pharmaceutical industry and access to affordable medicines in India and other developing countries. To address these concerns India along with many other developing countries attempted to incorporate TRIPS flexibilities in their domestic law. However, the success of the TRIPS flexibilities in addressing the question of access to affordable medicines mainly depends on three factors: a) the incorporation of flexibilities in the domestic law; b) the manufacturing capability of a country; and c) the political will to use the public interest safeguards provided in the domestic law. There are only a few countries like India, which satisfy the above-mentioned conditions to a certain extent. This article examines whether these premises hold true after five years into the implementation of the TRIPS compliant patent system in India. In this context the paper identifies and analyzes the legal, policy and institutional challenges that India is currently facing in the implementation of TRIPS flexibilities. It also identifies the main legal, policy and institutional disconnect in the implementation of TRIPS flexibilities in India. It argues that to effectively use TRIPS flexibilities to address access to affordable medicines require changes in three areas viz. law, policy and institutions. It clearly shows that mere incorporation of TRIPS flexibilities in the domestic legislation alone is not enough and the domestic legislation needs to be complemented with policy and institutional framework.
Brave upside down world: Does looking between the legs elongate or shorten the perceived distance
Authors: Toskovic Oliver
Published: May 2010

The aim of this research was to give further evidence for the influence of vestibular and proprioceptive information on distance perception, and to verify how perceived distance changes if we use matching versus verbal judgment task. That is, the aim was to investigate how perceived distance changes when we bend over and look between the legs. The experiment was performed on a daylight open field (full-cue situation), with 20 participants, high school students from the Petnica Science Center. Participants had the task to match distances of two stimuli, one of which was in front of them at eye level, whereas the other was behind them, and they could observe it by bending their body forward and looking between the legs. Stimuli were 7cm*5cm large, and rectangular in shape. Results have shown that perceived distance changes in such a way that distances observed between the legs are perceived as longer than distances observed from an upright position. This difference in perceived distances exists only for larger physical distances (3m and 5m), but not for smaller physical distances (1m). Results coincide with our previous findings which indicate that vestibular and proprioceptive information change elongates perceived distance. On the other hand, the results contradict some findings gained in experiments in which the verbal judgment task was used. These contrary results probably appear because the verbal judgment task leaves more space for higher cognitive processes to be involved.
The luminance misattribution in lightness perception
Authors: Soranzo Alessandro , Galmonte Alessandra , Agostini Tiziano
Published: May 2010

The Simultaneous Lightness Contrast is the condition whereby a grey patch on a dark background appears lighter than a physically identical patch on a light background. This is probably the most studied phenomenon in lightness perception. Although this phenomenon has been explained in terms of low-level mechanisms, convincing evidences supporting a high-level interpretation have been presented over the last decades. Two are the main highlevel interpretations. On one side, the layer approach claims that the visual system splits the luminance into separate overlapping layers, corresponding to separate physical contributions; whilst on the other side, the framework approach maintains that the visual system groups the luminance within a set of contiguous frameworks. One of the biggest weaknesses of the layer approach is that it cannot account properly for errors in lightness perception (Gilchrist, 2005 Current Biology, 15(9), 330-332). To extend the multiple layers interpretation to errors in lightness perception, in this study we show that the perceptual lightness difference among equal patches on different backgrounds increases even when the luminance contrast with their backgrounds shrinks. Specifically, it is shown that the perceptual lightness difference among equal patches on different backgrounds intensifies when a small-sized semi-transparent surface is interposed between the patches and the backgrounds. This result indicates that in these conditions the visual system besides decomposing the luminance into separate layers also becomes liable for a luminance misattribution. It is proposed that the photometric and geometric relationships among the luminance edges in the image might account for this misattribution.
Aesthetic experience and the emotional content of paintings
Authors: Markovic Slobodan
Published: May 2010

In this study we investigated the relationship between aesthetic experience and other emotional qualities judged in paintings. Aesthetic experience was defined as an exceptional state of mind in which a person is focused on a particular object, transcending its everyday uses and meanings and losing the awareness of surroundings and even of himself/herself. In this state a person has an exceptional emotional experience, that is a feeling of unity with the object. Our basic idea is that aesthetic experience is not reducible to pleasure or a positive hedonic tone, but a person can equally be fascinated with both pleasant and unpleasant objects. In preliminary studies we specified the stimulus set of figural and semi-figural paintings, and a set of descriptors of emotions, feelings and aesthetic experience. Participants judged the paintings on descriptors (seven-point scales). Factor analysis revealed two large factors: the bipolar factor Affective Tone (descriptors on the positive pole: lovely, charming, cheerful, etc; descriptors on the negative pole: scary, disgusting, hateful etc.) and Aesthetic Experience (descriptors: exceptional, profound, unique, etc.). Additional analyses have shown no significant correlation between the two factors. These findings confirmed our idea that aesthetic experience is independent of pleasure or affective attraction, and that it can be induced by both pleasant and unpleasant paintings.
Is RoAsT tougher than StEAk?: The effect of case mixing on perception of multi-letter graphemes
Authors: Havelka Jelena , Frankish Clive
Published: May 2010

Case mixing is a technique that is used to investigate the perceptual processes involved in visual word recognition. Two experiments examined the effect of case mixing on lexical decision latencies. The aim of these experiments was to establish whether different case mixing patterns would interact with the process of appropriate visual segmentation and phonological assembly in word reading. In the first experiment, case mixing had a greater effect on response times to words when it led to visual disruption of the multi-letter graphemes (MLGs) as well as the overall word shape (e.g. pLeAd), compared to when it disrupted overall word shape only (e.g. plEAd). A second experiment replicated this finding with words in which MLGs represent either the vowel (e.g. bOaST vs. bOAst) or the consonant sound (e.g. sNaCK vs. sNAcK). These results confirm that case mixing can have different effect depending on the type of orthographic unit that is broken up by the manipulation. They demonstrate that graphemes are units that play an important role in visual word recognition, and that manipulation of their presentation by case mixing will have a significant effect on response latencies to words in a lexical decision task. As such these findings need to be taken into account by the models of visual word recognition.
Uncertainties and Budget Shortfalls Hamper Curriculum Progress on IFRS
Authors: Munter Paul , Reckers Philip M. J.
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT: This is a survey of the current state of education conducted by KPMG and the Education Committee of the American Accounting Association.
Integrative Case in Advanced Accounting
Authors: Nurnberg Hugo , Schaefer Thomas F.
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT: This instructional resource case presents an integrative approach to developing critical thinking and problem solving skills in the areas of partnership accounting and consolidated financial statements, including financial reporting for companies under common control—two subjects typically studied independently. The case shows that, in the presence of related-party transactions, a conventional partnership income statement may not be useful for assessing either the reasonableness of partnership income distributions or partnership profitability. The case enhances critical thinking by requiring the student to seek an alternative financial reporting solution to a related-party transaction of entities under common control typically not addressed in textbooks and college courses on advanced financial accounting. It can also be expanded to show how accounting may play a role in confronting ethical issues among partners.
Learners' Errors and their Evaluation
Authors: Maharjan Laxmi Bahadur
Published: May 2010

This study identifies, describes and evaluates the learners' errors, and determines the gravity of those errors in terms of intelligibility and acceptability by the Nepali, non-Nepali and native English speaking teachers. This study was targeted at the grammatical errors and perceptions of different English teachers on those errors. The research findings were analyzed and expressed quantitatively. The study revealed that the Nepali English teacher evaluators were found to be the most severe judges. The non- Nepali (i.e. other than Nepali and the native English) evaluators were in between the Nepali and the native English evaluators. The researcher proposes to treat the most serious errors for Nepali and non- Nepali English teachers with priority. Key words: error analysis, grammatical errors, error gravity DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v14i1.3093 Journal of NELTA Vol.14, No 1&2, 2009 December Page: 71-81
The Role of Negative Politeness in Request: The Strategies that Non-Native Speakers Apply and Fail to Apply when Performing Request
Authors: Marazita Licenciada Romina Ariana
Published: May 2010

As native speakers of a particular language, we are aware of its use as one of the most powerful tools for communication. The way we use language not only conveys a social aspect- that we are part of a speech community and share a discourse accent- but also shows the way we are: our personality, our ambitions, our power, our solidarity, etc. All these aspects, among many others, come into play in a conversation. The aim of this article is to analyze if non-native speakers are aware of the concept of negative politeness and how many different strategies they apply or fail to apply when performing requests. The strategies to be observed will be useful to identify the possible absence of pragmatic ability and the feasible teaching implications to improve pragmatic competence in non-native speakers; and, at the same time, reflect upon new approaches for the teaching of English as a foreign language. Key words: Pragmatic competence, speech acts, politeness, negative politeness, face DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v14i1.3094  Journal of NELTA Vol.14, No 1&2, 2009 December Page: 82-90
Teaching Reported Speech
Authors: Regmi Dan Raj
Published: May 2010

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the major errors in reported speech made by the learners of Grade XII of Management stream and put forward some practical suggestions for the remedies of those errors. There are a few contributions made by the teachers as well as others interested in teaching reported speech in English to the students speaking languages other than English. Sharma (2002) deals with teaching reported speech in English, which is important for building insights on how effectively we can help the students speaking Nepali master the structural patterns of reported speech in English. Key words: reported speech, tstructures, grammatical items DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v14i1.3101  Journal of NELTA Vol.14, No 1&2, 2009 December Page: 132-137
On the stress corrosion cracking behaviour of 6XXX series aluminium alloys
Authors: Braun Reinhold
Published: May 2010

The stress corrosion cracking behaviour of 6061 and 6013 sheet materials was investigated in naturally aged and peak-aged heat treatment conditions. Constant deformation, constant load and constant extension rate tests were carried out using aqueous solutions of 0.6 M NaCl and 0.6 M NaCl + 0.06 M NaHCO3. The microstructure of the alloys was examined using transmission electron microscopy. Potentiodynamic polarisation measurements were performed in aerated and deaerated aqueous chloride and/or bicarbonate solutions to determine corrosion and breakdown potentials. Under constant deformation and constant load conditions, the alloys 6061 and 6013 stressed in transverse direction were resistant to stress corrosion cracking in both T4 and T6 tempers. The constant extension rate testing technique indicated environment-induced cracking with alloy 6061-T4, whereas deterioration in ductility of the other alloys was caused by pitting and intergranular corrosion. Sensitivity to intergranular corrosion did not cause stress corrosion cracking in 6013-T6 sheet.
X-ray reflections from the γ/γ′-microstructure of nickel-base superalloys: effect of the plane tilting
Authors: Epishin Alexander , Brückner Udo , Link Thomas , Fedelich Bernard
Published: May 2010

The shape of X-ray reflections from the cuboidal /′-microstructure was investigated. The measurements were performed on the 4th generation single-crystal nickel-base superalloy TMS138. It is shown that reflections from non-cubic crystallographic planes split not only in d-scale due to the different spacing of the - and ′-lattices but also in the pole figure due to the tilting of -lattice planes. This tilting results from the elastic distortion of the -lattice caused by the /′-misfit. The results obtained are discussed under the methodical aspect of misfit measurement.
Microstructural and micromechanical characterisation of a Pt–Al–Cr–Ni–Re alloy by means of transmission electron microscopy and nanoindentation
Authors: Nikulina Elizaveta , Durst Karsten , Göken Mathias , Völkl Rainer , Glatzel Uwe
Published: May 2010

A Pt–Al–Cr–Ni–Re alloy is investigated in terms of microstructure and mechanical properties. This Pt-base alloy possesses a matrix/γ′-microstructure known from the nickel-base superalloys. Mechanical properties of the individual phases were investigated by means of nanoindentation. Hardness and modulus of elasticity for γ′ precipitates of this Pt-base alloy are of the same order of magnitude as for the single crystal Ni-base superalloys PWA 1484 and CMSX-4.
Interdependence between glass stability and phase formation sequence during crystallization of Zr46.8Ti8.2Cu7.5Ni10Be27.5 bulk glass
Authors: Mechler S. , Wanderka N. , Macht M.-P.
Published: May 2010

Knowledge of the crystallization sequence of metallic glasses can yield a deep insight into the origin of their thermal stability. Crystallization of metallic glasses often leads to the simultaneous formation of different metastable crystalline phases that makes their identification difficult. In order to separate formation of crystalline phases from each other, long term isothermal pre-annealing below the glass transition temperature of Zr46.8Ti8.2Cu7.5Ni10Be27.5 bulk metallic glass prior to crystallization was performed. It is found that this pre-annealing strongly influences the crystallization sequence and depending on the pre-annealing time leads to preferential formation of different phases. In addition to the well known intermetallic Be2Zr phase and a quasicrystalline phase, three further previously unknown crystalline phases are identified and described in terms of their structure and composition. The formation of the crystalline phases is discussed with respect to the glass forming ability and thermal stability of the glass phase.
Model calculation of inoculation and experimental verification in two alloy-systems
Authors: Hartig Christian , Günther Robert , Gosslar Daniel , Bormann Rüdiger
Published: May 2010

In order to clarify grain refinement mechanisms and optimize possible potent refiners in Mg and TiAl alloys, a simulation method for heterogeneous nucleation based on the free growth model by Greer is applied. The predictions of the model were improved by modifications taking into account violations of a perfect model system: Imperfections of inoculants and breakdown of stable spherical grain growth. The model predictions are compared with results from casting experiments and show a distinct improvement.
Bowing out of a dislocation from wall of persistent slip bands (PSB)
Authors: Křišt'an Josef , Kratochvíl Jan
Published: May 2010

Edge dislocation segments bowing out of dislocation walls of persistent slip bands (PSBs) during cycling are experimentally well documented. Instead of dealing with the problem in its complexity a simplified computer simulation of this process is presented. The bowing out segment interacts with the wall of the PSB. The walls are represented by the elastic field of a cluster of edge dipolar loops. Mutual interactions between the loops in the cluster and an interaction between the loop cluster and the bowing out dislocation segments are incorporated in the simulation procedure. The dislocation segments deposited at the walls are trapped in the elastic potential valleys produced by the dipole loops. Our aim is to determine the local shear stress needed to bow out fully the edge dislocation segment from the PSB wall. The obtained result is in reasonable agreement with the local shear stress at the wall deduced from measurements.
The Relationship between Workplace, Job Stress and Nurses’ Tobacco Use: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Perdikaris Pantelis , Kletsiou Eleni , Gymnopoulou Elpida , Matziou Vasiliki
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to provide a summary of the existing published knowledge on the possible relationship between the workplace as a stressor factor and nurses’ tobacco use. A systematic review of the literature from 1995 to 2009, using the MEDLINE database took place. Studies, that referred to nurses’ smoking habit exclusively or as a part of the study, were included in the review. 491 studies were retrieved and their titles/abstracts were examined systematically. Twenty one studies were retrieved for further consideration by a comprehensive literature review. Ten studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and they were examined further. There is a conflict on the possible relationship between workplace as a stressor factor and nurses’ smoking habits, because there is no evidence on if the nurses’ work environment causes smoking initiation.
Acid-Sensing Ion Channels and Pain
Authors: Gu Qihai , Lee Lu-Yuan
Published: May 2010

Pathophysiological conditions such as inflammation, ischemia, infection and tissue injury can all evoke pain, and each is accompanied by local acidosis. Acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated cation channels expressed in both central and peripheral nervous systems. Increasing evidence suggests that ASICs represent essential sensors for tissue acidosis-related pain. This review provides an update on the role of ASICs in pain sensation and discusses their therapeutic potential for pain management.