bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive aggressive measurement with MGRP
Authors: Papageorge Pavlos , McCann Justin , Hicks Michael
Published: August 2009

We present the Measurement Manager Protocol (MGRP), an in-kernel service that schedules and transmits probes on behalf of active measurement tools. Unlike prior measurement services, MGRP transparently piggybacks application packets inside the often significant amounts of empty padding contained in typical probes. Using MGRP thus combines the modularity, flexibility, and accuracy of standalone active measurement tools with the lower overhead of passive measurement techniques. Microbenchmark experiments show that the resulting bandwidth savings makes it possible to measure the network accurately, but faster and more aggressively than without piggybacking, and with few ill effects to piggybacked application or competing traffic. When using MGRP to schedule measurements on behalf of MediaNet, an overlay service that adaptively schedules media streams, we show MediaNet can achieve significantly higher streaming rates under the same network conditions.
Pitch in non-verbal vocal input
Authors: Sporka Adam J.
Published: August 2009

Recently, numerous prototypes of user interfaces have been presented that are based on interpretation of non-verbal sounds produced by the users, such as humming, whistling, or hissing. These sounds can be characterized by numerous properties, such as pitch, volume, or timbre. The user may intentionally change these properties while producing the sound. The properties (or their profiles over time) can be mapped to different actions. In order to trigger an action or modify an input value, the user produces a corresponding acoustic gesture.
E-Learning in 2009: Are We Winning the Battle but Losing the War?
Authors: Bozarth Jane
Published: August 2009

As the news about the economy grows ever bleaker, organizations are finally forced to take a hard look at travel and other expenses associated with traditional classroom training. Jane Bozarth predicts this will bring several changes to the e-learning horizon.
Evolution of a Video-Learning Object Format
Authors: Fadde Peter J.
Published: August 2009

In a previous article, Peter J. Fadde emphasized the value of creating an identifiable format for video-learning objects. Developing such a format requires an investment of time and creativity, yet the return-on-investment is significant. In addition, viewers (or learners) know what to expect from each video-learning object -- of key importance with video objects because they can't be perused in a glance.

Here, I analyze a series of mini-lecture video-learning objects called 'Real Time Minutes' (RTMs) produced by Jonathan Finkelstein, the creator/curator of Learning Times, an online community for teachers.
Predictions for 2009
Authors: Neal Gualtieri Lisa
Published: August 2009

Once a year we turn to the experts in our field to share their predictions on what lies ahead for the e-learning community. While our colleagues unanimously agree the global economic downturn is the overwhelming factor coloring their forecasts, they do see a great array of opportunities and challenges in the coming 12 months.
Using 'Txting' to Teach Native Languages
Authors: Aguaded Gómez Ignácio , Cortes Moreira Sandra
Published: August 2009

A study conducted at the Secondary School of Silves, in Portugal, was designed to understand how new media, such as texting and chats, might affect the correct usage of maternal (native) languages. It takes into consideration the idea of valuing student experiences in the teaching and learning process of languages. It brings their daily practices and personal "libraries of knowledge" to the classroom as a valid way of gathering motivation and promoting a better adaptation of teaching methodologies to each student's learning rhythm.
Five Questions for Michelle Cardinal
Authors: Gualtieri Lisa
Published: August 2009

Michelle Cardinal, director of conferences for IQPC, was interviewed on her use of social media, which she used heavily in planning and promoting the Corporate University Summit.
That Was a Bad Webinar, Wonder Why?
Authors: Bovell Matt
Published: August 2009

How has your experience giving webinars been? Three major factors contribute to making a high quality webinar: technology, content, and style. If you hit those three marks, you'll leave your audience wanting more, rather than relieved that it's over.
Five Questions ... for David A. Cook
Authors: Gualtieri Lisa
Published: August 2009

David A. Cook is an associate professor of Medicine in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, a consultant in the Division of General Internal Medicine, and director of the Office of Education Research. He has developed and studied multiple Web-based courses for residents and medical students, conducted several systematic reviews, presented at numerous national and international conferences, and published more than 60 journal articles and book chapters on medical education topics. In this interview, Lisa Gualtieri, editor-in-chief of eLearnMag.org, asks him why online learning poses both unique advantages and challenges to medical students and practitioners.
Not Dead Yet
Authors: Notess Mark
Published: August 2009

Are Google Wave or WordPress making professional learning management systems obsolete? Many instructors are pushing the open education movement by adopting freeware technologies and cobbling them together to meet their needs, rather than using a licensed LMS. However, there are at least three other factors promising to keep institutionally adopted and integrated LMSs alive for years to come.
Formal methods versus engineering
Authors: Maibaum Tom
Published: August 2009

Classical engineering is based on solid scientific and mathematical foundations, but neither the science, nor the mathematics, is simply borrowed from the scientists or the mathematicians. Engineers develop their own formulations of the relevant science and mathematics, adapted to support the engineering knowledge used in design of artefacts. There are many formulations of the same science and mathematics, as classical engineering is highly domain specific. A key question for Formal Methods Education is whether uses and formulations of mathematics used in software engineering should be analogous to the situation in classical engineering described above. The position advocated in this paper is that the classical engineering approach is also crucial for Formal Methods. We may well not be in a position to teach a proper formulation of formal methods until we have developed the appropriate reformulations of the usually mathematically oriented mathematics usually taught in computer science and software engineering programmes.
Model checking education for software engineers in Japan
Authors: Nishihara Hideaki , Shinozaki Koichi , Hayamizu Koji , Aoki Toshiaki , Taguchi Kenji , Kumeno Fumihiro
Published: August 2009

This paper is the preliminary report of a joint research project on developing a body of knowledge on model checking. The project is being carried out by four organizations that give model checking courses to software engineers in Japan. The paper explains the main objective of the project and reports the results of an evaluation of model checking programs.
Constructive reduction
Authors: Ibáñez Jesús , Sánchez Ana
Published: August 2009

We present a programming approach to teach the reduction technique in a computing engineering degree's Computability Theory course. It is based in a computing formalism that allows the students to analyze, construct and transform programs as normal data in a simple way. Reduction can then be tackled in a constructive manner, so that the students benefit from their programming skills to prove uncomputability results without the help of the Parametrization (S-m-n) Theorem. Additionally the method is suitable to be applied to interesting problems that cannot be handled by diagonalization nor classical reduction.
Degenerate keys for RSA encryption
Authors: Bergmann Seth D.
Published: August 2009

Some keys for the RSA public key cryptosystem fail to encrypt all possible plaintext messages. A necessary and sufficient condition for these degenerate keys is given. The probability of choosing such a key, when choosing keys at random, is presented. The impact of degenerate keys in an academic setting is discussed.
Teaching CS1 with web applications and test-driven development
Authors: Schaub Stephen
Published: August 2009

Teaching client/server web application development in CS1 can help increase student motivation without introducing a heavy curriculum footprint. This paper summarizes the author's experience teaching CS1 for several years using a web application focus. The use of an appropriate web API, good development environment, and Test-Driven Development methodology helps ensure student success.
Teach Alice programming to non-majors
Authors: Sattar Abdul , Lorenzen Torben
Published: August 2009

This paper presents the design and implementation of an introductory computer programming course using Alice for non-CS majors. This course gives a broad overview of computer science as an academic discipline and teaches computer programming to non-CS majors in a fun way.
Reading a computer science research paper
Authors: Fong Philip W.L.
Published: August 2009

This tutorial article highlights some points that a graduate or senior undergraduate student should bear in mind when reading a computer science research paper. Specifically, the reading process is divided into three tasks: comprehension, evaluation and synthesis. The genre of paper review is then introduced as a vehicle for critical reading of research papers. Lastly, guidelines on how to be initiated into the trade of conference and/or journal paper review are given. Designed to be used in a graduate course setting, this tutorial comes with a suggested marking scheme for grading paper reviews with a summary-critique-synthesis structure.
Adaptation of team-based learning on a first term programming class
Authors: Lasserre Patricia
Published: August 2009

First year computer science programming has always been a challenge for many students as the course expectation is not only for them to be able to understand programming concepts, but also to produce creative solutions to problems. Team-based learning seems a natural solution to increase the amount of practice each student will get, and to increase students' interest and confidence. The initial results of these two years of experimentation with team-based learning suggests that it helps reduce the dropping rate in the class to a reasonable level (10%) and give greater confidence to students in their ability to succeed. In this paper, we present how team-based learning has been adapted for our first semester programming class and we discuss the advantages of this techniques and difficulties encountered.
The effect of visualizing roles of variables on student performance in an introductory programming course
Authors: Al-Barakati Nouf M. , Al-Aama Arwa Y.
Published: August 2009

The use of variables in computer programming is one of the difficulties faced by students enrolled in introductory level programming classes. The Roles of Variables (ROV) concept associates small comprehensible roles to variables to help novice programmers comprehend how variables should be used. This paper describes an experiment that was conducted to test the effect of different engagement levels with ROV visualization on student programming skills. 91 Female students at King Abdul Aziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, participated in the experiment. The students were divided into three groups where they all had the ROV concept explained to them in a traditional classroom setting, but were given different visualization treatments during lab sessions. Results showed that while viewing the ROV visualization significantly improved student debugging skills, no other significant effects on student programming skills were reported.
Bridging ICT and CS
Authors: Brinda Torsten , Puhlmann Hermann , Schulte Carsten
Published: August 2009

Recently, the importance of computer science education in secondary schools has been coming more and more into focus. Students' interests and motivation to pursue a career in CS related fields are highly influenced by school. Also beliefs in the nature of CS are influenced, and necessary foundations in knowledge and skills are built. However, a major problem is the gap between information and communication technologies (ICT) and computer science (CS). Often pupils have only experiences in ICT, and therefore develop inadequate beliefs about CS. We propose educational standards for CS in lower high school in order to bridge ICT and CS.
Virtualizing office hours in CS 50
Authors: Malan David J.
Published: August 2009

In Fall 2007, we introduced "virtual office hours" into Harvard College's introductory computer science course, CS 50, so that students could meet with teaching fellows (TFs) online to discuss problem sets at any hour from anywhere. Our goals were to lower the bar to interaction among TFs and students and to improve the efficiency and convenience of the same. Rather than rely on email alone, we experimented with Elluminate, third-party software that not only allowed students and TFs to chat via IM and VOIP, it also enabled the latter to see and even share control of the former's screens (eg, code in students' terminal windows). Students, in turn, were able to troubleshoot bugs with TFs by their (virtual) side.

We surveyed our nearly 300 students on their experiences with office hours, both physical and virtual. Although most students responded positively to the idea of virtual office hours, only 55% logged in at least once. However, nearly the same number (62%) attended the physical. We ultimately judged our virtual office hours a net positive, with 14% of students attending the virtual (and 21% the physical) "often." But our experiment was not without some unexpected results. We found that wait times online sometimes matched or exceeded those in the physical lab, partly the result of the software's own shortcomings and students' habits online.

Ultimately, the audience for these virtual office hours was entirely self-selecting. Those students who liked the experience online opted in, whereas those who preferred more traditional help opted out.
The Contribution of Three-Dimensional Power Doppler Imaging in the Preoperative Assessment of Breast Tumors: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Kalmantis K. , Dimitrakakis C. , Koumpis Ch. , Tsigginou A. , Papantoniou N. , Mesogitis S. , Antsaklis A.
Published: August 2009

Purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the value of 3D and 3D Power Doppler sonography in the detection of tumor malignancy in breast lesions and to find new diagnostic criteria for differential diagnosis.Methods. One hundred and twenty five women with clinically or mammographically suspicious findings were referred for 3D Power Doppler ultrasound prior to surgery. Histological diagnosis was conducted after surgery and compared with ultrasound findings. Sonographic criteria used for breast cancer diagnosis were based on a system that included morphological characteristics and criteria of the vascular pattern of a breast mass by Power Doppler imaging.Results. Seventy-two lesions were histopathologically diagnosed as benign and 53 tumors as malignant. Three-dimensional ultrasound identified 49 out of 53 histologically confirmed breast cancers resulting in a sensitivity of 92.4% and a specificity of 86.1% in diagnosing breast malignancy (PPV: 0.83, NPV:0.94).Conclusions. 3D ultrasonography is a valuable tool in identifying preoperatively the possibility of a tumor to be malignant.
Vaginal Repair of Cystocele with Anterior Wall Mesh via Transobturator Route: Efficacy and Complications with Up to 3-Year Followup
Authors: Moore Robert D. , Miklos John R.
Published: August 2009

Study Objective. The objective of this study was to report on the safety and efficacy of cystocele repair with anterior wall mesh placed via a transobturator route (Perigee system, AMS, Minnetonka, MN).Design. Single center retrospective study.Setting. Single center hospital setting and Urogynecology practice in the United States.Patients. 77 women presenting with symptomatic anterior wall prolapse.Intervention. Repair of cystocele with an anterior wall Type I soft-polypropylene mesh placed via a transobturator approach. Concomitant procedures in other compartment were also completed as indicated.Measurements and Main Results. 77 women underwent the Perigee procedure at our institution over a 2-year period. The mesh was attached to the pelvic sidewalls at the level of the bladder neck and near the ischial spine apically with needles passed through the groins and obturator space. Mean follow-up was 18.2 months (range 3–36 months). Objective cure rate was 93%. Subjectively only two patients have had recurrent symptoms of prolapse, and only 1 of these has required repeat surgery for cystocele. Mesh exposure vaginally occurred in 5 patients (6.5%); however all were treated with estrogen and/or local excision of exposed mesh and had no further sequelae. There were no incidences of chronic pain, infection, or abscess, and no patient required complete mesh removal for infection, pain, or extrusion.Conclusion. In select patients with anterior wall prolapse, repair with mesh augmentation via the transobturator route is a safe and effective procedure with up to 3 years of follow-up.
Severe Hypernatremia in an Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant with Subsequent Normal Neurological Development
Authors: Sabir Hemmen , Stannigel Hans , Mayatepek Ertan , Hoehn Thomas
Published: August 2009

Severe preterm hypernatremia is a life-threatening electrolyte disorder which mainly causes neurological complications such as brain edema, intracranial hemorrhages, hemorrhagic infarctions and thromboses. We report the case of an extremely low birth weight infant (520 g, 24+6 weeks of gestation) with severe hypernatremia of 199 mmol/l due to a failure in the preparation of an infusion on the 7th day of life. The infant subsequently showed no signs of central nervous system complications and no neurological symptoms due to this mishap so far. MRI scan performed after 4 months showed no evidence of cerebral complications including white matter injury. Even severe hypernatremia might not inevitably lead to central nervous system dysfunction and seizures in extremely low birth weight infants.
Probiotics Reduce the Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: AlFaleh Khalid , Anabrees Jasim , Bassler Dirk
Published: August 2009

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common serious acquired disease of the gastrointestinal tract in preterm infants. Probiotic bacteria are live microbial supplements that colonize the gastrointestinal tract and potentially provide benefit to the host. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of prophylactic enteral probiotics administration versus placebo or no treatment in the prevention of severe NEC and other morbidities in preterm infants. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group methods. Preterm infants <37 weeks’ gestational age and/or <2,500 g birth weight were included. Literature searches were made of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL), and abstracts of annual meetings of the Society for Pediatric Research and the European Society of Pediatric Research. Results: Nine eligible trials randomizing 1,425 infants were included. Included trials were highly variable with regard to enrollment criteria, baseline risk of NEC in the control groups, timing, dose, formulation of the probiotics, and feeding regimens. In a meta-analysis, enteral probiotics supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of severe NEC [typical RR 0.32 (95% CI 0.17, 0.60)] and mortality [typical RR 0.43 (95% CI 0.25, 0.75)]. There was no evidence of significant reduction of nosocomial sepsis [typical RR 0.93 (95% CI 0.73, 1.19)] or days on total parenteral nutrition [weighted mean difference –1.9 (95% CI –4.6, 0.77)]. The statistical test of heterogeneity for NEC, mortality and sepsis was insignificant. Data regarding extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW) could not be extrapolated. The included trials reported no systemic infection with the probiotics supplemental organism. Conclusion: Enteral supplementation of probiotics reduces the risk of severe NEC and mortality in preterm infants. A large randomized controlled trial is required to investigate the benefit and safety profile of probiotics supplementation in ELBW infants.
Matching Vocalizations to Faces of Familiar Conspecifics in Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena)
Authors: Bovet Dalila , Deputte Bertrand L.
Published: August 2009

Integration of information coming from several sensory modalities is crucial for communication and individual recognition in many species. In this experiment, we tested 6 grey-cheeked mangabeys with still pictures and vocalizations of familiar conspecifics. During the tests, the subjects faced 2 computer screens. Pictures of different familiar conspecifics were displayed simultaneously on each screen, and the vocalizations of 1 of the 2 individuals were played. We recorded the subjects’ fixation time towards each computer. Fixation time towards the individual whose vocalization was played was different from chance in most cases, which seems to be an indication of the mangabeys’ abilities to match faces of known conspecifics to their vocalizations. However, we found differences according to the kind of vocalization, the subject tested and the identity of the conspecific presented.
Health and Well-Being in Old Age: The Pertinence of a Gender Mainstreaming Approach in Research
Authors: Perrig-Chiello Pasqualina , Hutchison Sara
Published: August 2009

Background: The demographic and societal changes of the past decades, such as longevity and improvements in public health, have created new and often very distinct realities for men and women. However, these diversities have only marginally and fragmentally been the topic of research endeavours. There is a growing awareness of the societal phenomenon ‘feminization of old age’, yet the topic and its psychosocial and health-related consequences have not attracted the scientific interest they deserve. Due to scientific neglects and limitations, state of the art research in the field of gender, health and ageing is still sketchy and often contradictory. Objective: In the present article, the complex pattern of roles and values that define what is thought of as ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ and its significant impact on health-related lifestyles will be examined. Based on current research, we try to give answers to questions such as: ‘Do older women really have more physical and mental health problems than older men, or are these findings influenced by a gender bias, due to a different awareness and understanding of health and illness?’ It will be shown that it is impossible to find satisfactory answers to such questions without considering the cultural and social contexts of the individuals studied. The inclusion of gender as a social reality in the broadest sense is therefore an absolute prerequisite for gaining valid information. Conclusion: Gender has played only a marginal role in the hitherto existing geriatric and gerontological research and practice. Therefore, a gender-fair approach in research and practice is indicated, i.e. an approach that takes into account differences and commonalities of women and men and considers their differing circumstances and specific problems (gender mainstream). Gender mainstreaming entails on the one hand horizontal justice (denoting equal treatment and benefits for equal needs of men and women) and on the other hand vertical justice (indicating differential treatment and benefits for differential needs of the 2 sexes).
Occupational Asthma Caused by Metal Arc Welding of Iron
Authors: Muñoz X. , Cruz M.J. , Freixa A. , Guardino X. , Morell F.
Published: August 2009

Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to welding fumes can be a cause of occupational asthma (OA), although the mechanisms implicated are unknown. We describe 3 patients (all men, mean age 42 years) with OA secondary to exposure to welding fumes generated during metal arc welding on iron. The exposure time ranged from 7 to 43 years and the time of the onset of symptoms following the start of exposure was 2–12 years. Patients were diagnosed by specific inhalation challenge (SIC). Environmental levels of Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, NO2, NO, CO, and O3 produced during the SIC did not exceed threshold limit values. Samples of induced sputum were obtained before and after the SIC and showed an increase in neutrophils and concentrations of IL-8, TNF-α and TNF-β after the SIC. This study presents the first clinical findings reported in welders with OA, mainly working with iron. Neutrophilic inflammation seems to play a role in this disease.
Neural Correlates of Generic versus Gender-specific Face Adaptation
Authors: Kloth Nadine , Schweinberger Stefan R. , Kovács Gyula
Published: August 2009

The perception of facial gender has been found to be adaptively recalibrated: adaptation to male faces causes participants to perceive subsequent faces as more feminine and vice versa [Webster, M. A., Kaping, D., Mizokami, Y., & Duhamel, P. Adaptation to natural facial categories. Nature, 428, 557–561, 2004]. In an event-related brain potential (ERP) study, Kovács et al. [Kovács, G., Zimmer, M., Banko, E., Harza, I., Antal, A., & Vidnyanszky, Z. Electrophysiological correlates of visual adaptation to faces and body parts in humans. Cerebral Cortex, 16, 742–753, 2006] reported reduced N170 amplitudes and increased latencies for test faces following female gender adaptation compared to control stimulus (a phase randomized face) adaptation. We examined whether this N170 attenuation to test faces was related to the adaptor's gender, or to adaptation to face exposure in general. We compared N170 effects after adaptation to either male or androgynous faces. Additionally, we investigated cross-modal adaptation for the same test faces following male or androgynous voice adaptors. Visual adaptation to face gender replicated previously reported aftereffects in classifying androgynous faces, and a similar trend was observed following adaptation to voice gender. Strikingly, N170 amplitudes were dramatically reduced for faces following face adaptors (relative to those following voice adaptors), whereas only minimal gender-specific adaptation effects were seen in the N170. By contrast, strong gender-specific adaptation effects appeared in a centroparietal P3-like component (∼400–600 msec), which in the context of adaptation may reflect a neural correlate of the detection of perceptual novelty.
Electrophysiological Correlates of Complement Coercion
Authors: Kuperberg Gina R. , Choi Arim , Cohn Neil , Paczynski Martin , Jackendoff Ray
Published: August 2009

This study examined the electrophysiological correlates of complement coercion. ERPs were measured as participants read and made acceptability judgments about plausible coerced sentences, plausible noncoerced sentences, and highly implausible animacy-violated sentences (“The journalist began/wrote/astonished the article before his coffee break”). Relative to noncoerced complement nouns, the coerced nouns evoked an N400 effect. This effect was not modulated by the number of possible activities implied by the coerced nouns (e.g., began reading the article; began writing the article) and did not differ either in magnitude or scalp distribution from the N400 effect evoked by the animacy-violated complement nouns. We suggest that the N400 modulation to both coerced and animacy-violated complement nouns reflected different types of mismatches between the semantic restrictions of the verb and the semantic properties of the incoming complement noun. This is consistent with models holding that a verb's semantic argument structure is represented and stored at a distinct level from its syntactic argument structure. Unlike the coerced complement noun, the animacy-violated nouns also evoked a robust P600 effect, which may have been triggered by the judgments of the highly implausible (syntactically determined) meanings of the animacy-violated propositions. No additional ERP effects were seen in the coerced sentences until the sentence-final word that, relative to sentence-final words in the noncoerced sentences, evoked a sustained anteriorly distributed positivity. We suggest that this effect reflected delayed attempts to retrieve the specific event(s) implied by coerced complement nouns.
Medial Temporal Lobe Activity during Source Retrieval Reflects Information Type, not Memory Strength
Authors: Diana Rachel A. , Yonelinas Andrew P. , Ranganath Charan
Published: August 2009

The medial temporal lobes (MTLs) are critical for episodic memory but the functions of MTL subregions are controversial. According to memory strength theory, MTL subregions collectively support declarative memory in a graded manner. In contrast, other theories assert that MTL subregions support functionally distinct processes. For instance, one view is that perirhinal cortex (PRc) processes item information, parahippocampal cortex (PHc) processes context information, and the hippocampus binds item and context. Here, we report two experiments that tested competing predictions from these models. In these studies, subjects encoded color–word associations by imagining color either as a contextual association (context detail condition) or as a feature of the item to be encoded (item detail condition). Results showed that encoding color information as an item detail improved source recognition in amnesic patients with recollection deficits. Furthermore, event-related fMRI data from healthy subjects revealed PRc activation associated with successful retrieval of item details, whereas activation in the hippocampus and PHc was associated with recollection-based source retrieval. The qualitatively different patterns of results observed in PRc and hippocampus/PHc are inconsistent with a memory strength account and are consistent with the idea that different MTL regions process different types of episodic information.
Mental Rotation Requires Visual Short-term Memory: Evidence from Human Electric Cortical Activity
Authors: Prime David J. , Jolicoeur Pierre
Published: August 2009

The purpose of the present study was to seek evidence that mental rotation is accomplished by transforming a representation held in visual short-term memory (VSTM). In order to accomplish this goal, we utilized the sustained posterior contralateral negativity (SPCN), an electrophysiological index of the maintenance of information in VSTM. We hypothesized that if mental rotation is accomplished by transforming a representation held in VSTM, then the duration that this representation is maintained in VSTM should be related to the degree to which the representation must be rotated to reach the desired orientation. Therefore, the SPCN should offset at progressively longer latencies as the degree of rotation required increases. We tested this prediction in two experiments utilizing rotated alphanumeric characters. Experiment 1 utilized a normal versus mirror discrimination task that is known to require mental rotation. Experiment 2 utilized a letter versus digit discrimination, a task that does not require mental rotation. In Experiment 1, the offset latency of the SPCN wave increased with increases in the angle of rotation of the target. This effect indicates that targets were maintained in VSTM for longer durations as the angle of rotation increased. Experiment 2 revealed that target orientation did not affect SPCN offset latency when subjects did not adopt a mental rotation strategy, confirming that the effects on the SPCN latency effects observed in Experiment 1 were not due to the mere presentation of rotated patterns. Thus, these two experiments provide clear evidence that mental rotation involves representations maintained in VSTM.
Paratylenchus paraperaticus sp. n. (Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae) found in the rhizosphere of walnut trees in Hamadan province, Iran
Authors: Kashi Leila , Karegar Akbar , Kheiri Ahmad
Published: August 2009

During a survey of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with walnut trees in
Hamadan province, west Iran, several species of Longidoridae and infraorder
Tylenchomorpha, including Paratylenchus paraperaticus sp. n., were
identified. Paratylenchus paraperaticus sp. n. is characterised by its small
size (255-385 μm), young female vermiform and ventrally curved, older female
obese, swollen in prevulvar region and J- or W-shaped; truncate conical head
with distinct and laterally protruding submedian lobes; long and flexible
stylet (75.0-96.5 μm); body cuticle with fine and smooth annuli in young
females, but in older females ornamented with minute reflective tubercles or
irregularities that are confined mostly to the neck region; lateral field
with four lines; presence of lateral vulval flaps; rounded to ovoid
spermatheca filled with small, rounded sperm; and conical and ventrally
curved tail with pointed to finely rounded terminus.
On the vulval morphology of some species of Bursaphelenchus (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchinae)
Authors: Vieira Paulo , Ryss Alexander , Santos Ana Rita , Mota Manuel
Published: August 2009

The vulval pattern of six species of the genus Bursaphelenchus (B. abruptus,
B. conicaudatus, B. fraudulentus, B. luxuriosae, B. mucronatus and B.
xylophilus) was studied using scanning electron microscopy. A terminology
for the vulval region structures observed is proposed herein and illustrated
by micrographs and line drawings. It was shown that, of the studied species,
only B. mucronatus and B. xylophilus share an identical morphology of the
vulval region, all other species differing significantly from each other and
from both B. mucronatus and B. xylophilus. This study indicates the
diagnostic potential for variation in vulval morphology within
Bursaphelenchus and it is recommended that such features are recorded in all
future descriptions.
Operation Babylift or Babyabduction?
Authors: Bergquist Kathleen Ja Sook
Published: August 2009

English

The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption does not fully protect children from the purportedly well-intended, but illegal, humanitarian impulses to evacuate children in times of crisis, as evidenced by Operation Babylift and the attempt to airlift children from Chad.

French

La Convention de la Haye sur la Protection des Enfants et la Coopération relative à l’adoption internationale ne protègent pas entièrement les enfants des impulsions humanitaires soi-disant bien intentionnées, mais illégales, d’évacuer des enfants par temps de crise comme en a fait la preuve l’affaire de l’Arche de Zoé et la tentative d’enlever par pont aérien des enfants du Tchad.

Spanish

La Convención de La Haya para la Protección de Niños y Cooperación en Respeto de la Adopción entre Países no protege demasiado a los niños de la acción bienintencionada de impulso humanitario, pero ilegal, para evacuar a los niños en tiempos de crisis como fue evidenciado por la Operación Recogida de Niños y el intento de sacar niños de Chad.
Social policy approaches to intercountry adoption
Authors: Dickens Jonathan
Published: August 2009

English

This article proposes a social policy framework for thinking about inter country adoption, drawing on theories of welfare regimes and globalization. The model highlights the tensions and ambiguities of its policy contexts and consequences. It also shows the possibilities for a radical approach, discussing Romania’s ban on intercountry adoption as an example.

French

Cet article propose d’utiliser le cadre des politiques sociales pour considérer l’adoption internationale, en s’inspirant des théories des régimes de ‘ welfare’ (sécurité sociale) et de la mondialisation. Le modèle met en évidence les tensions et les ambiguïtés des contextes de ces politiques et leurs conséquences. Il montre aussi les possibilités d’émergence d’une radicalisation de l’approche, en prenant en exemple l’interdiction de la Roumanie pour l’adoption internationale.

Spanish

Este artículo propone un marco de acción de política social para reflexionar en torno a la adopción entre países, con base en las teorías de los regímenes de bienestar en la globalización. El modelo subraya las tensiones y ambigüedades de los contextos de política y sus consecuencias. Asimismo muestra las pos ibilidades para un acercamiento radical, mediante la discusión de la prohibición Rumana de la adopción entre países, como ejemplo.
Being adopted
Authors: Juffer Femmie , Tieman Wendy
Published: August 2009

English

Dutch adoptive parents of 1233 children adopted from China and 412 children adopted from India reported on their children’s interest in adoption and feelings about being adopted. Girls showed more interest in adoption than boys and many children expressed the wish to look white or non-Chinese.

French

Les parents adoptifs hollandais de 1233 enfants adoptés en provenance de la Chine et de 412 enfants adoptés en provenance de l’Inde rendent compte de l’intérêt de leurs enfants pour l’adoption et de leurs ressentis face à l’adoption. Les filles montrent plus d’intérêt pour l’adoption que les garçons et beaucoup d’enfants ont exprimé le désir de paraître blancs ou non-chinois.

Spanish

Los padres adoptivos holandeses de 1233 niños de China y 412 niños de India reportaron sobre los intereses de los niños en la adopción y sus sentimientos acerca de ser adoptados. Las niñas mostraron más interés en la adopción que los niños y muchos de ellos expresaron el deseo de parecer blancos o no Chinos.
Fatigue of Undamaged and Damaged Honeycomb Sandwich Beams
Authors: Burman Magnus , Zenkert Dan
Published: August 2009

In this paper, the fatigue characteristics of shear loaded honeycomb sandwich beams are experimentally investigated through constant load amplitude tests. Two honeycomb sandwich configurations are test differentiated only by the orientation of the honeycomb core. The fatigue test results are presented in standard S-N diagrams with a best curve fit to the experimental data. Furthermore, the effect of sub-surface damages, such as flawed butt-joints and interface disbonds is investigated. Two loading ratios are applied for all fatigue test series. On the basis of the difference in these test results, the effect of crack opening and closing is discussed. An empirical prediction model for the fatigue life of damaged beams is proposed based on the results from both the fatigue tests of undamaged beams and the static strength of the damaged specimens. The prediction model is verified against the fatigue test results of the damaged beams. The fatigue fracture initiation and propagation for undamaged and damaged honeycomb core sandwich beams are also discussed.
Performance of Sandwich Structures with Composite Reinforced Core
Authors: Hasebe R. S. , Sun C. T.
Published: August 2009

Sandwich panels with a foam core reinforced with composite laminates were investigated. The effective material properties of the reinforced core were obtained by homogenization. The general equations of equilibrium for sandwich plates were derived and used for parametric studies of the behavior of the sandwich plates. Three Point Bending tests were performed to experimentally measure the bending stiffness along with the strength of sandwich beams. The test results were also used to verify the analytical solution obtained by using the sandwich plate theory. It was found that local indentation must be included in the theoretical model. Static punching tests (SPT) and low velocity impact (LVI) tests were performed to investigate the behavior of sandwich plates under static and dynamic point loads. The force-displacement relations were modeled based on indentation data. The damage modes, effects of the core reinforcement, and effects of the foam were investigated. A second manufacturing method for constructing the reinforced core was presented, and its properties were compared with those obtained using the original manufacturing method.
Bending of Curved Sandwich Panels with a Transversely Flexible Core-Closed-Form High-Order Theory
Authors: Frostig Y.
Published: August 2009

The bending behavior of a curved sandwich panel with a transversely flexible core, i.e., "soft" in the out of plane direction is derived. It is formulated using a rigorous systematic closed-form approach based on variational principles. The effects of the transversely flexible core are incorporated resulting in non-linear patterns, denoted also as high-order effects, for the inplane and the transverse deformations through the height of the core. The governing equations along with the associated boundary and continuity conditions for a general type of sandwich panel, i.e,. unidentical skins, composite laminated or metallic and a "soft" core are derived. General type of boundary conditions, including spring conditions, as well as different conditions at upper and lower skins at the same section, are implemented and the effects of "stiff' edge inserts, denoted as global boundary conditions, along with the induced localized effects are considered. Localized effects at support regions with or without edge stiffeners, with movable and immovable supports, and in the vicinity of concentrated loads are studied. The effects are described in terms of the internal resultants and displacements of each skin, peeling (transversely normal) stresses and shear stresses at the skin-core interfaces, and stress and displacement fields in the core through its height. Numerical results of a typical curved panel used in a test setup and comparisons with experimental data are presented. The analytical results are in good agreement with the experimental ones. The effects of global boundary conditions, such as a "stiff' edge beam, and similar local boundary conditions on the localized effects are presented and discussed. The stress concentration involved in the case of a concentrated load especially in its near vicinity is described.
Analysis of Curved Sandwich Panels with Cutouts Subjected to Combined Temperature Gradient and Mechanical Loads
Authors: Noor Ahmed K. , Peters Jeanne M.
Published: August 2009

The results of detailed study of the effect of the cutout on the response of curved sandwich panels are presented. The panels have honeycomb core composite face sheets. The loading consists of a temperature gradient through-the-thickness combined with pressure loading and edge shortening or edge shear. The analysis is based on a first-order shear-deformation Sanders-Budiansky type theory with the effects of large displacements, moderate rotations, transverse shear deformation and laminated anisotropic material behavior included. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of the generalized displacements and the stress resultants of the panel. The nonlinear displacements, strain energy, principal strains, transverse shear stresses, transverse shear strain energy density, and their hierarchical sensitivity coefficients are evaluated. The hierarchical sensitivity coefficients measure the sensitivity of the nonlinear response to variations in the panel parameters, the effective properties of the face sheet layers and the core, and the micromechanical parameters. Numerical results are presented for cylindrical sandwich panels and show the effects of variations in the loading and the size of the cutout on the global and local response quantities and their sensitivity to changes in the various panel, effective layer and micromechanical parameters.
The Tilted Sandwich Debond (TSD) Specimen for Face/Core Interface Fracture Characterization
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Carlsson Leif A.
Published: August 2009

A new test specimen, denoted "Tilted Sandwich Debond" (TSD) specimen, for characterization of debond failure of foam core sandwich structure is experimentally examined. The bottom face of a sandwich is attached to an incline, and debond progression is examined under vertical load application to the partially debonded top face. The purpose of the test is to achieve face/core debonding as opposed to crack deflection into the core (kinking). For a sandwich consisting of glass/vinylester face sheets and PVC foam core, a critical angle of the incline, 0 = Oc was identified. When 0 < Oc, it was found that an existing debond kinked into the core. The desired face/core debond failure occurred when 0 > Oc. It was observed that 0C decreases with increasing crack length. The fracture toughness for debonding, expressed as the critical strain energy release rate, Gc, increased with increasing magnitude of the shear component.
An Impedance Study of Curved Sandwich Trim Panels Driven by Piezoelectric Patch Actuators
Authors: Sun J. Q.
Published: August 2009

Recent research in the area of structural acoustic control for aircraft interior noise suppression has been focused on developing active trim panels. Active trim panels being part of non-critical structures offer many advantages over active controls applied to load critical structures such as aircraft frames and skins. Because there are many flanking paths for the noise to get into the cabin, and because it is not realistic to apply active controls to the entire interior trim panel, the part of the trim that is instrumented with structural controls will inevitably be driven hard enough to cancel the cabin noise. This probably entails high power requirements for active trim panels. The present paper presents an analytical study of cylindrically curved sandwich composite trim and aluminum panels driven by piezoelectric path actuators. An impedance formulation is taken in the study. This paper studies the effect of curvature on the dynamics of the trim panel and the uniform aluminum panel, and has found that the curvature has an opposite effect on the variation of deflection resonance of the composite trim to that of the aluminum panel. Numerical results of mechanical power transfer between the actuator and the host panel are also presented in the paper. This quantity can be used to assess the control authority of the composite trim panels as compared to that of uniform aluminum panels.
Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Foam Core Sandwich Composites
Authors: Burman M. , Battley M.
Published: August 2009

An acoustic emission based investigation was conducted of damage initiation and progression in cellular foam core sandwich composites. Acoustic characteristics of Mode I and Mode II fracture of PVC foam were determined in Single Edge Notch Bend and End Notch Flexure tests. Core shear fracture initiation and growth were successfully detected in four point bending fatigue tests. Analysis of the acoustic emission signals confirmed that the majority of the damage growth occurs at the peak load levels and the increase in emission signals can be correlated with the reduction in stiffness due to the progression of the fatigue damage.
Analytical Refinement of Sandwich Plate Bending Problem Considering Local Effects-I
Authors: Polyakov V.
Published: August 2009

Analytic expressions for local flexural characteristics and stresses of sandwich panels under loading by point forces have been found. A discrete-layer model for bending of a three-layer panel with a soft filler is proposed. Contractility of a normal in the model is deduced in terms of a difference between deflections of face layers. The accountability of transverse shear in the filler and the sheets is deduced on piecewise rotation of the normal. Equations of the model having four degrees of displacement freedom are of twelfth order. The specific features of the stress from point forces in cylindrical bending are considered using the operational Laplace method with the generalized Dirac function. The boundary problem of a panel supported along the surface of its lower face layer with free ends is reduced to the Cauchy problem. Variants are examined for the limiting transformation of the model parameters leading to a change in its kinematics and the corresponding simplified bending model.