bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models of Authority and the Duty of Obedience in Halakhic Literature
Authors: Sagi Avi
Published: October 2009

The status of religious authority and the obligation to obey its rulings are crucial concerns of traditional societies, and they are repeatedly voiced in halakhic literature. The ways in which traditional societies contend with these issues may be indicative of a basic ethos, extending far beyond the level of interpersonal relations. As it is embodied in certain persons or institutions, authority often reflects not only a necessary social order but also the most basic values of a traditional culture.
Three Unknown Piyyutim by David Ben Ḥasin
Authors: Elbaz André E. , Hazan Ephraim
Published: October 2009

David Ben Ḥasin (1727–1792) is the most celebrated poet of Moroccan Jewry. His piyyutim were already popular during his lifetime, not only in his native city of Meknès, but all over Morocco, as evidenced by his frequent visits to distant Jewish communities (including Gibraltar, in southern Spain) where he was regularly invited to sing his compositions. Contemporary poets wrote songs of praise in his honor while he was still alive, as well as elegies lamenting his death. To this day, David Ben Item's piyyutim remain remarkably popular among Moroccan Jews. All anthologies of Moroccan piyyutim, whether printed or in manuscript form, include large numbers of his compositions. His popularity is such that several of his poems have served as models for many interesting imitations.
Between Identity and Anonymity: Art and History in Aharon Megged's Foiglman
Authors: Brenner Rachel Feldhay
Published: October 2009

In a recent article, “Israeli Literature Over Time,”Aharon Megged describes his work as “unremittingly concerned with burning national issues,” mainly with the issue of Israel′s relationship to the Diaspora.1 Megged′s intense preoccupation with the Zionist ideology of the negation of the Diaspora emerged in his 1955 story “Yad va-shem” (“The Name”). The story presents a scathing criticism of Israel′s dissociation from the history of the Diaspora and especially from the catastrophe of the Holocaust. “Yad va-shem” was followed by an article entitled “Tarbutenu ha-yeshana ve-ha-hadasha” (“Our Old and New Culture”) in which Megged deplored Israel′s severance of its Diaspora roots and urged a reexamination of the negative attitude toward the destroyed European Jewish culture.In 1984, Megged published Massa ha-yeladim el ha-aretz ha-muvtachat (“The Children's Journey”), a novel based on a true story about a group of young survivors of the Holocaust on their way to Palestine.3 This work, as Dan Laor notes in his review, “offers a perspective of the Diaspora in the Holocaust which differs from [the typical Israeli attitude of] contempt infused with pity” toward the Diaspora Jew.
Maimonides on the Fall of Man
Authors: Berman Lawrence V.
Published: October 2009

The forms of interpreting sacred texts are many, and, of course, the concept of sacred text is fluid and part of a process depending on the attitudes of society which change over time. For Maimonides, an important method of interpretation was the philosophical mode. In order to get a better understanding of what Maimonides understood by that method of interpretation, Chapter Two of the First Part of hisGuide of the Perplexedon the fall of man is examined in terms of structure and content. Then, the principle underlying the possibility of the philosophic mode of interpretation of the Hebrew Bible according to Maimonides is discussed. Finally, the general place of the philosophic mode of interpretation within the general theory of the interpretation of literature is touched on briefly.
Samael, Lilith, and the Concept of Evil in Early Kabbalah
Authors: Dan Joseph
Published: October 2009

The description of the divine world as a mythical struggle between good and evil is one of the basic symbols of the kabbalah, and a detailed mythology based on it is found in the Zohar late in the thirteenth century. The main source of the Zohar on this subject is a treatise by Rabbi Isaac ha-Kohen, called “On the Emanation on the Left,” written in Spain at the beginning of the second half of the thirteenth century, a generation before the Zohar. The problem studied here is: What were the sources of Rabbi Isaac's myth of evil?

Rabbi Isaac described Samael and Lilith as a pair, being the central powers in the Emanation on the Left. It seems that the literary development which brought forth this formula began with the myth of Lilith as presented in the satirical Pseudo-Ben Sira (tenth century?) and later revisions of that work which were known in Europe in the eleventh century and included a description of a sexual relationship between Lilith and a “Great Demon,” who was later identified as Samael. Both Lilith and Samael in these stories are not principles of evil; this transformation probably occurred only in the work of Rabbi Isaac.

When describing the levels of the spiritual world, Rabbi Isaac discussed a sphere he called “third air” which is the source of both prophetic visions and “use” of demons. This concept seems to be derived from the writings of Rabbi Judah the Pious and Rabbi Eleazar of Worms, the Ashkenazi Hasidim, early in the thirteenth century. In their works, however, there are no dualistic or mythical elements; these were probably added by Rabbi Isaac.

Rabbi Isaac formulated the myth of the evil worlds which were destroyed before this world was created, a myth which became a central motif in the kabbalah. It seems that this too is derived from the works of the Ashkenazi Hasidim, though it was Rabbi Isaac who added the mythology and the dualism. It should be noted that among such additions and elaborations by Rabbi Isaac we also find a detailed messianic myth which was rare if not absent among previous kabbalists.
Simeon Bar Megas: A Jewish Poet in Byzantine Palestine [שמעון בידבי מגס — הפײטן ויצידחו]
Authors: Yahalom Joseph
Published: October 2009

No hint of the existence of this poet was evident until Menahem Zulay discovered his poetry some forty years ago among remnants of the Cairo Geniza MSS. Because his work consists of weekly liturgical compositions written in accordance with the triennial cycle followed in Palestine in ancient times and because Byzantium is the ruling government mentioned in his poetry, Zulay considered him to be Yannai's “mate.” As shown in this study Simeon must indeed have known Yannai's work and even followed his example. However, Simeon himself introduced some structural developments in the form of the ‘Amidah composition known as Qedushta. Most interesting is the fifth poem in his Qedushta to Gen. 44:18 on the theme of Joseph and his brothers. In his dramatic exposition he even outdoes that of Yannai, his master, intended for the same week. A full critical edition of Simeon's poetry based on about fifty Geniza MSS which is now in print (Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities) will be of importance for a better understanding of ancient Palestinian poetry and spiritual life. His poems are of great significance also in that they contain the oldest known parallels to ancient Palestinian midrash literature.
Protecting Hong Kong's marine biodiversity: present proposals, future challenges
Authors: Morton Brian
Published: October 2009

Pollution from many sources, over-fishing and the rapid development of Hong Kong have had powerful, adverse, impacts upon local marine life reducing it to but a shadow of what it once was. This paper describes Hong Kong's newly enacted Marine Parks Ordinance Chapter 37 1995, discusses the existing situation with regard to the designation of marine parks and reserves, and describes the special features of each one. It argues that a territory-wide strategy will have to be implemented if representative intertidal and coastal water communities are to survive. Coastal zone planning and management need to be among the Hong Kong Government's highest priorities because there are indications that the marine parks and reserves will not be successful. The threats to them are too great. Conservation legislation and coastal planning exercises should also be integrated with those of China as soon as possible, especially for areas of coastline surrounding Hong Kong. This is because development within southern China is proceeding at such a pace that Hong Kong's protected areas are now being threatened by external factors as well as internal ones.
Food for all in 2020: can the world be fed without damaging the environment?
Authors: Pinstrup-Andersen Per , Pandya-Lorch Rajul
Published: October 2009

Approximately 780 million people world-wide are chronically undernourished, and past gains in food production have been associated with environmental problems, yet global demand for cereals is projected to increase by 56% and for meat by 74% between 1990 and 2020.

The International Food Policy Research Institute has developed the view that every person in the world can have access to sufficient food to sustain a healthy and productive life, that malnutrition can be abolished, and that food can originate from efficient, effective, and low-cost food systems that are compatible with sustainable use of natural resources. Moreover, IFPRI has concluded that these conditions can be achieved by the year 2020, if the world commits itself to specified changes in behaviour, priorities, and policies. In order for these changes to occur, sustained action is needed in six areas: (1) strengthening the capacity of developing-country governments; (2) investing more in poor people; (3) accelerating agricultural productivity; (4) assuring sound management of natural resources; (5) developing competitive markets; and (6) expanding and realigning international development assistance. We have the knowledge and the capacity to meet the food needs of every person without damaging the environment. What is needed is political will and commitment on the part of all members of society to take the required action.
Letter from Belarus: legacy of the Chernobyl nuclear incident
Authors: Antanovich Ivan J.
Published: October 2009

The Republic of Belarus lies in between Russia and Poland, and to the north of Ukraine. It has a population of 10 million and a complicated history; parts of Belarus were in Poland and parts in Russia. When within the USSR, policies were adopted, especially in the 1980s, that were at the expense of member parts of the Union. The Chernobyl power plant was built in the Ukraine, near the southern border of Belarus. When the Chernobyl disaster happened on 26 April 1986 (Mould 1988; Park 1989), for three days running the wind blew in the direction of Belarus and we received about 60% of the total fallout. It was not the fault of the Ukraine, but ultimately that of a bureacratized society of over-confident technocrats. About one-fifth of Belarus, as a region which acquired autonomy in July 1991 upon the collapse of the Soviet Union, has been affected to the extent that we have had to organize large resettlements of people, and we now have 300 km2 of land seriously affected and unfit for human habitation, surrounded by a wider circle of about 10 000 km2 which is taken to be endangered, and this within a country of 220 000 km2. Both before and after independence, Belarus' resources have been enormously drained by this disaster.
Preventing lead toxicosis of European waterfowl by regulatory and non-regulatory means
Authors: Thomas Vernon G. , Owen Myrfyn
Published: October 2009

Many years of waterfowl hunting have added thousands of tonnes of lead shot to European wetlands. Effective and non-toxic substitutes for lead shot have been developed and are commercially available throughout Europe, but few nations (Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands) have statutory requirements for their use. Governments can induce hunters to use non-toxic shot by regulatory measures and/or non-regulatory steps, but economic incentives to increase the affordability of lead-free shot have never been used by any nation and might be politically inappropriate. Educational programmes to increase the hunting public's understanding of the poisoning problem, and to provide accurate information on the non-toxic shot, are the best long-term way for governments to focus their spending and induce change, whether on a voluntary or regulated basis. Each of the six nations which has moved to end lead poisoning of waterfowl has adopted a regulatory approach, but these nations have acted independently of each other, and yet the use of non-toxic shot should apply to all countries of a flyway.

Several European treaty and policy precedents could form the basis of a pan-European regulation requiring the use of non-toxic shot. A proposal to eliminate the use of lead shot in wetlands has been made under the Bonn and Bern Conventions. An European Union-USA proposal to reduce the use of different categories of lead under an Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development Council Act has been made, but has deleted an earlier recommendation that lead shot be included. The substitution of lead shot by nontoxic alternatives is also consistent with the European Council Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds of 1979. The passing of a European Council regulation, stipulating the minimal acceptable standards for shot used for waterfowl hunting, is seen as the most effective way to remediate this transboundary toxic problem. This type of action by the European Union, while recognizing the Principle of Subsidiarity, would still allow other member states to enact more rigorous legislation pertaining to the use of lead shot within their jurisdiction, as have Denmark and the Netherlands. Although responsibility to enact and enforce a European Council regulation is the prerogative of each member state, a single regulation would promote consistency of action amongst all states.
The ‘Near Threatened’ Bearded Screech-owlMegascops barbarus: diet pattern and trophic assessment using δ13C and δ15N stable-isotopes
Authors: ENRÍQUEZ PAULA L. , CHENG KIMBERLY M. , ELLIOTT JOHN E.
Published: October 2009

The diet patterns and trophic relationships are poorly understood for most tropical owl species. We used stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in 24 feather samples of the rare, endemic, and ‘Near Threatened’ Bearded Screech-owlMegascops barbarusto determine the trophic level of their prey and evaluate whether diet patterns vary (1) among individuals, (2) spatially along the species's range in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, and (3) temporally during the short- and long-term. Our results indicated that there was diet variation among individuals during the period of feather growth and there was a high positive correlation between stable isotopes in body and rectrices. The stable isotopes showed significant temporal differences in δ15N signature values, but not in δ13C values, with no obviously interpretable temporal pattern. Spatially, values of δ13C and δ15N did not vary across all nine sampled locations. The observed lower δ13C values suggested that this owl lives in humid forests. More long-term studies and spatial dietary and prey analysis will be necessary to increase our understanding of how habitat conditions determine the distribution, abundance and quality of food for the Bearded Screech-owl.
Arboreal nesting and utilization of open-cup bird nests by introduced Ship Rats Rattus rattus on an oceanic island
Authors: MATSUI SHIN , HISAKA MARIKO , TAKAGI MASAOKI
Published: October 2009

The introduction of exotic rats Rattus spp. is one of the most important factors contributing to the reduction in avian diversity and extinctions on oceanic islands. However, little is known about factors other than predation, which are associated with the loss of island biodiversity. We report that introduced Ship Rats Rattus rattus constructed arboreal dome-shaped nests and secondarily used open-cup nests of the Bull-headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus for roosting or rearing young in trees within hedgerows along sugarcane fields of Minami-daito Island (northwest Pacific). We found that temporal nest utilization by Ship Rats forced Bull-headed Shrikes to abandon their nests before egg-laying. We suggest that kleptoparasitism applies to the interaction between Bull-headed Shrikes and Ship Rats, which usurp shrike nests during their breeding period. It is necessary to consider the potential effects of introduced Ship Rats on insular avian communities not only through predation but also through interspecific interaction over nest-sites.
Landscape associations of globally threatened grassland birds in the Aguapey river Important Bird Area, Corrientes, Argentina
Authors: DI GIACOMO ADRIAN S. , VICKERY PETER D. , CASAÑAS HERNAN , SPITZNAGEL OSCAR A. , OSTROSKY CHRISTIAN , KRAPOVICKAS SANTIAGO , BOSSO ANDRES J.
Published: October 2009

The Aguapey river basin in the Pampas grasslands of Argentina is the last refuge for a complete assemblage of globally threatened and Near Threatened birds. We evaluated the influence of landscape characteristics on the occurrence and abundance of six globally threatened and Near Threatened passerines. We used point counts to census birds and vegetation and quantified landscape characteristics 1,000 m from the count centres using remote sensing tools. Strange-tailed Tyrants Alectrurus risora were associated with higher percentages of tall-grass Andropogon lateralis in lowland areas. Saffron-cowled Blackbirds Xanthopsar flavus and Black-and-white Monjitas Heteroxolmis dominicana were associated with rolling landscape with wet lowland grasslands and marshes linked with dry upland grasslands. Marsh Seedeater Sporophila palustris and Chestnut Seedeater S. cinnamomea were associated with tall grasslands and marshes. Rufous-throated Seedeater S. ruficollis was not clearly associated with any type of habitat. The Aguapey grasslands are used mainly for livestock grazing and afforestation. Since 1995, approximately 50% of the original grassland habitat has been planted with exotic trees. If this trend continues, Saffron-cowled Blackbirds are likely to become extinct in the Aguapey river basin which currently supports the largest population of this species in Argentina. We recommend guidelines for establishing future reserves and wildlife management actions based on the landscape responses detected in this study. Future action should consider: maintaining connectivity between the Aguapey grasslands and the Ibera Nature Reserve, creating a protected area, designing a land use plan for the basin, avoiding afforestation in large blocks, removal of government incentives for large afforestation projects, and studying the viability of threatened bird populations in extensive cattle ranching areas.
Population size and habitat of the White-breasted GuineafowlAgelastes meleagridesin the Taï region, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: WALTERT MATTHIAS , SEIFERT CHARLOTTE , RADL GERHARD , HOPPE-DOMINIK BERND
Published: October 2009

The White-breasted GuineafowlAgelastes meleagridesis one of 15 bird species endemic to the Upper Guinea Forests of West Africa. The Taï region in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire probably holds one of the largest remaining populations of this species. We assessed population density in two different sectors in the southern part of Taï National Park and one sector in the N'Zo Faunal Reserve, north of the National Park. The sectors differ in rainfall patterns and hence vegetation type, as well as in previous and past levels of logging and hunting. Line transect surveys were undertaken between 2000 and 2001 with an overall survey effort of 2,883 km. Abundance was highest in the sector with the driest forest type, the N'Zo Faunal Reserve (encounter rate: 0.02 detections km−1, density: 32.9 ind. km−2), where we also observed the largest group recorded for the species so far (38 individuals). The species was almost absent in the southeast of Taï National Park (encounter rate: <0.002 detections km−1), where the impact of poaching on wildlife is strongest. The study confirms that the species reaches highest densities in drier forests and only occurs in smaller numbers in the wetter south of the Taï region. Our data also suggest that past disturbance from logging does not constitute an obstacle for its persistence. The population size in Taï National Park and N'Zo Faunal Reserve should be between 42,000 and 120,000 individuals.
Range extensions and conservation of some threatened or little known Brazilian grassland birds
Authors: LOPES LEONARDO ESTEVES , MALACCO GUSTAVO BERNARDINO , ALTEFF EDUARDO FRANÇA , DE VASCONCELOS MARCELO FERREIRA , HOFFMANN DIEGO , SILVEIRA LUÍS FÁBIO
Published: October 2009

Populations of grassland birds are declining in Brazil due to profound alterations to grassland habitats. In this paper, we present recent records and range extensions for 12 threatened or little known Brazilian grassland species: Ocellated CrakeMicropygia schomburgkii, Sickle-winged NightjarEleothreptus anomalus, Campo MinerGeositta poeciloptera, Rufous-sided Pygmy-tyrantEuscarthmus rufomarginatus, Sharp-tailed Grass-tyrantCulicivora caudacuta, Cock-tailed TyrantAlectrurus tricolor, Cinereous Warbling-finchPoospiza cinerea, Black-masked FinchCoryphaspiza melanotis, Tawny-bellied SeedeaterSporophila hypoxantha, Marsh SeedeaterS.palustris, Chestnut SeedeaterS.cinnamomeaand Black-bellied SeedeaterS.melanogaster. We also comment on the biogeography and conservation of these species.
HbA1c revisited (again and again …)
Authors: Diem Peter
Published: October 2009

Die „International Federation of Clinical Chemistry“ (IFCC) hat ein neues Referenzsystem zur internationalen Standardisierung der Routinemethoden zur Bestimmung des HbA1c erarbeitet. Bei Einsatz von IFCC-referenzierten Methoden ergeben sich nun „wahre“ HbA1c-Werte, welche 1,5 – 2 % tiefer liegen als mit den bisherigen Methoden. Damit besteht eine erhebliche Gefahr der klinischen Fehlbeurteilung. Für die Beurteilung der Diabeteseinstellung ist deshalb wichtig, dass die genaue Bestimmungsmethodik und mögliche Umrechnungsmöglichkeiten bekannt sind. Eine geeignete Kennzeichnung der HbA1c-Resultate („IFCC“ bzw. „DCCT-trace­able“) mit Angabe des jeweiligen Normbereichs oder die Angabe der „IFCC“-Resultate in mmol/mol helfen Fehlinterpretationen zu vermeiden und werden daher durch die SGED dringend empfohlen.
The Vitamin A Status of Zambian Children in a Community of Vitamin A Supplementation and Sugar Fortification Strategies as measured by the Modified Relative Dose Response (MRDR) Test
Authors: Kafwembe Emmanuel M. , Chipipa James , Njunju Eric , Chilengi Roma
Published: October 2009

The main objective of the study was to determine the vitamin A status of Zambian children less than five years of age in a community where strategies of vitamin A supplementation and consumption of vitamin A fortified sugar have been introduced. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 537 children were enrolled. Their vitamin A status was measured using the modified relative dose response (MRDR) test. Their vitamin A status was compared to the status measured using a similar method in 1996, before vitamin A supplementation through capsule distribution and fortification of sugar was implemented as strategies to reduce vitamin A deficiency in the country. Results showed that the vitamin A status of children improved markedly as a result of these strategies.
Dubbing or Subtitling?
Authors: Wissmath Bartholomäus , Weibel David , Groner Rudolf
Published: October 2009

Dubbing and subtitling are the two most common methods of translating television broadcasts or movies. Both dubbing and subtitling may present specific advantages and disadvantages. In this study, the effects of these two methods on presence, transportation, flow, and enjoyment were investigated in an experimental approach. Participants (N = 154) watched a 30-min segment of a movie. Between-subject factors were translation method (dubbing without subtitles, dubbing with subtitles in a foreign language, and original language with subtitles) and genre (drama, comedy, and thriller). Findings indicate that subtitles in a foreign language decrease feelings of spatial presence, transportation, and flow. However, the difference between dubbing and subtitling failed to reach significance. No effect of translation method on enjoyment was found. The pattern of results is equal for all genres. Further analyses showed spatial presence, transportation, and flow to be related. In addition, transportation is more strongly related to enjoyment than flow and spatial presence.
Games and Recovery
Authors: Reinecke Leonard
Published: October 2009

The use of video and computer games for recovery purposes was investigated in an online survey of 1614 participants. The data indicate that games are systematically used after exposure to stressful situations and strain, and that recovery experience is a significant facet of the gaming experience. Using structural equation modeling, the relationships among work-related fatigue, daily hassles, social support, coping style, recovery experience, and the use of video and computer games for recovery purposes were tested. Persons who associated stronger recovery experiences with game play used video and computer games more often after stressful and exhausting situations. In addition, participants’ level of work-related fatigue and exposure to daily hassles were both positively associated with the use of games for recovery. Participants with emotion-focused coping style showed a higher tendency to use games for recovery than participants with problem-focused coping style. The relationship between work-related fatigue and game use for recovery purposes was moderated by social support. The stress buffering function of video and computer games was more important for participants receiving less social support. These participants showed a stronger relationship between work-related fatigue and the use of games for recovery than participants receiving more social support.
Virtual Reality
Authors: Fox Jesse , Arena Dylan , Bailenson Jeremy N.
Published: October 2009

In this article, we provide the nontechnical reader with a fundamental understanding of the components of virtual reality (VR) and a thorough discussion of the role VR has played in social science. First, we provide a brief overview of the hardware and equipment used to create VR and review common elements found within the virtual environment that may be of interest to social scientists, such as virtual humans and interactive, multisensory feedback. Then, we discuss the role of VR in existing social scientific research. Specifically, we review the literature on the study of VR as an object, wherein we discuss the effects of the technology on human users; VR as an application, wherein we consider real-world applications in areas such as medicine and education; and VR as a method, wherein we provide a comprehensive outline of studies in which VR technologies are used to study phenomena that have traditionally been studied in physical settings, such as nonverbal behavior and social interaction. We then present a content analysis of the literature, tracking the trends for this research over the last two decades. Finally, we present some possibilities for future research for interested social scientists.
Whites Are Granted the American Identity More Swiftly than Asians
Authors: Devos Thierry , Heng Leakhena
Published: October 2009

The present research strives to identify one possible mechanism accounting for the American = White effect. In three experiments, a sequential priming task was used to examine the influence of Asian or White faces on the categorization of American or foreign landmarks. Process dissociation analyses revealed a stronger automatic tendency to respond “American” after White faces than after Asian faces when executive control failed (Experiments 1–3). This effect was not moderated by a manipulation of processing time (Experiment 2); it was, however, eradicated after completion of a training phase counteracting the American = White linkage (Experiment 3). The findings suggest that the pervasive propensity to equate American with White operates as an automatic accessibility bias.
Gender as a Moderator of the Fair Process Effect
Authors: Hack Andreas , Lammers Frauke
Published: October 2009

This paper examines gender as a moderator of the fair-process effect in an ultimatum game setting. Results from games with 112 German high-school students support the hypothesis that fair procedures can decrease rejection behavior in unfair human allocation decisions. Furthermore, procedural fairness results in a statistically significant difference for women in accepting an unfair distribution. In contrast, procedural fairness appears to have no significant impact on men’s rejection behavior. However, we found no significant gender differences in the perception of procedural fairness. We conclude that, although men perceive procedural fairness similarly to women, this aspect is less important for determining their subsequent behavior.
The Interplay of Appraisals, Specific Coping Styles, and Depressive Symptoms Among Young Male and Female Gamblers
Authors: Matheson Kimberly , Wohl Michael J.A. , Anisman Hymie
Published: October 2009

The present study assessed gambling appraisals and specific coping styles among 400 young male (n = 230) and female (n = 170) gamblers. Of particular interest was to determine whether gender variations in stress-related responses are associated with the degree of gambling pathology, depressive symptoms, and attitude to seeking treatment. Results showed that greater appraisals of threat, illusions of control, and negative outcome expectancies were associated with higher levels of gambling pathology, particularly among males. Further, among women, gambling propensity was associated with reduced social support seeking, whereas for men gambling pathology was primarily accounted for by increased use of wishful thinking. These coping strategies, combined with other internally oriented emotion-focused strategies, mediated the relation between gambling and depressive symptoms. Not surprisingly, more positive attitudes to treatment seeking were reported by those with a greater propensity to use problem-solving and support seeking coping efforts. The utility of assessing specific components that comprise a gambler’s stress-response is discussed.
Proenvironmental Value Orientation Across Cultures
Authors: Soyez Katja , Hoffmann Stefan , Wünschmann Stefan , Gelbrich Katja
Published: October 2009

The present study develops and validates a German and Russian scale of proenvironmental value orientation. Proenvironmental value orientation is conceptualized as a four-dimensional construct, entailing egocentric, ecocentric, and anthropocentric value orientations as well as environmental apathy. The first stage of the research is an expert test of indicator content validity. In a subsequent step, the authors provide evidence of internal consistency for a student sample (N = 223) and for the structural equivalence and criterion validity for a representative sample (N = 430). The structure of proenvironmental value orientation appears to be largely equivalent in both cultures, though the behavioral relevance of the dimensions differs. In the Russian sample, proenvironmental behavioral intention correlates with any of the four dimensions, whereas in Germany, anthropocentric value orientation does not relate to behavioral intention.
Seasonal oscillations of middle atmosphere temperature observed by Rayleigh lidars and their comparisons with TIMED/SABER observations
Authors: Dou Xiankang , Li Tao , Xu Jiyao , Liu Han‐Li , Xue Xianghui , Wang Shui , Leblanc Thierry , McDermid I. Stuart , Hauchecorne Alain , Keckhut Philippe , Bencherif Hassan , Heinselman Craig , Steinbrecht Wolfgang , Mlynczak M. G. , Russell J. M.
Published: October 2009

The long‐term temperature data sets obtained by Rayleigh lidars at six different locations from low to high latitudes within the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) were used to derive the annual oscillations (AO) and semiannual oscillations (SAO) of middle atmosphere temperature: Reunion Island (21.8°S); Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii (19.5°N); Table Mountain Facility, California (34.4°N); Observatoire de Haute Provence, France (43.9°N); Hohenpeissenberg, Germany (47.8°N); Sondre Stromfjord, Greenland (67.0°N). The results were compared with those derived from the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument onboard the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite. The zonal mean temperatures at similar latitudes show good agreement. The observations also reveal that the AO dominates the seasonal oscillations in both the stratosphere and the mesosphere at middle and high latitudes, with the amplitudes increasing poleward. The SAO oscillations are weaker at all six sites. The oscillations in the upper mesosphere are usually stronger than those in the upper stratosphere with a local minimum near 50–65 km. The upper mesospheric signals are clearly out of phase with upper stratospheric signals. Some differences between lidar and SABER results were found in both the stratosphere and mesosphere. These could be due to: the difference in data sampling between ground‐based and space‐based instruments, the length of data set, the tidal aliasing owing to the temperature AO and SAO since lidar data are nighttime only, and lidar temperature analysis algorithms. The seasonal oscillations of tidal amplitudes derived from SABER observations suggests that the tidal aliasing of the lidar temperature AO and SAO in the upper mesosphere may over‐ or under‐estimate the real temperature oscillations, depending on the tidal phases. In addition, the possibly unrealistic seasonal oscillations embedded in the climatological models (e.g., MSIS or CIRA) at the reference point for lidar temperature analysis may also affect the lidar results in the top part of the profiles (usually in the upper mesosphere).
Sensitivity of flash‐flood simulations on the volume, the intensity, and the localization of rainfall in the Cévennes‐Vivarais region (France)
Authors: Saulnier G.‐M. , Le Lay M.
Published: October 2009

This paper suggests a new method to investigate the signature of the spatial structure of the rainfall on flash‐floods events. The rainfall structure is analyzed considering three of its characteristics: (1) the areal rainfall over the basins, (2) the rainfall intensity statistical distribution, and (3) the convective cells geographical localizations within the catchments. The analysis is done by performing hydrological simulations forced by uniform rainfall pattern, fully spatially distributed rainfall patterns, and spatially broken down rainfall patterns. Two contrasted severe flood events that occurred within the Cévennes‐Vivarais region (France) are studied as applications using actual data. A distributed hydrological model‐based approach was applied on 20 catchments ranging from 50 to 2240 km2. For one event, the method suggested that the accurate geographical storm cell localization is needed to obtain accurate discharges simulations. For both events, the method allowed to show that the accurate areal rainfall estimation for each intermediate catchment was not of larger importance than an accurate sampling of the rainfall intensities spectrum.
UPmag: MATLAB software for viewing and processing u channel or other pass‐through paleomagnetic data
Authors: Xuan Chuang , Channell James E. T.
Published: October 2009

With the development of pass‐through cryogenic magnetometers and the u channel sampling method, large volumes of paleomagnetic data can be accumulated within a short time period. It is often critical to visualize and process these data in “real time” as measurements proceed, so that the measurement plan can be dictated accordingly. We introduce new MATLAB™ software (UPmag) that is designed for easy and rapid analysis of natural remanent magnetization (NRM) and laboratory‐induced remanent magnetization data for u channel samples or core sections. UPmag comprises three MATLAB™ graphic user interfaces: UVIEW, UDIR, and UINT. UVIEW allows users to open and check through measurement data from the magnetometer as well as to correct detected flux jumps in the data, and to export files for further treatment. UDIR reads the *.dir file generated by UVIEW, automatically calculates component directions using selectable demagnetization range(s) with anchored or free origin, and displays vector component plots and stepwise intensity plots for any position along the u channel sample. UDIR can also display data on equal area stereographic projections and draw virtual geomagnetic poles on various map projections. UINT provides a convenient platform to evaluate relative paleointensity (RPI) estimates using the *.int files that can be exported from UVIEW. Two methods are used for RPI estimation: the calculated slopes of the best fit line between the NRM and the respective normalizer (using paired demagnetization data for both parameters) and the averages of the NRM/normalizer ratios. Linear correlation coefficients (of slopes) and standard deviations (of ratios) can be calculated simultaneously to monitor the quality of the RPI estimates. All resulting data and plots from UPmag can be exported into various file formats. UPmag software, data format files, and test data can be downloaded from http://earthref.org/cgi‐bin/er.cgi?s=erda.cgi?n=985.
Low‐frequency whistler waves and shocklets observed at quasi‐perpendicular interplanetary shocks
Authors: Wilson L. B. , Cattell C. A. , Kellogg P. J. , Goetz K. , Kersten K. , Kasper J. C. , Szabo A. , Meziane K.
Published: October 2009

We present observations of low‐frequency waves (0.25 Hz < f < 10 Hz) at five quasi‐perpendicular interplanetary (IP) shocks observed by the Wind spacecraft. Four of the five IP shocks had oblique precursor whistler waves propagating at angles with respect to the magnetic field of 20°–50° and large propagation angles with respect to the shock normal; thus they do not appear to be phase standing. One event, the strongest in our study and likely supercritical, had low‐frequency waves consistent with steepened magnetosonic waves called shocklets. The shocklets are seen in association with diffuse ion distributions. Both the shocklets and precursor whistlers are often seen simultaneously with anisotropic electron distributions unstable to the whistler heat flux instability. The IP shock with upstream shocklets showed much stronger electron heating across the shock ramp than the four events without upstream shocklets. These results may offer new insights into collisionless shock dissipation and wave‐particle interactions in the solar wind.
Temperature‐based and radiance‐based validations of the V5 MODIS land surface temperature product
Authors: Coll César , Wan Zhengming , Galve Joan M.
Published: October 2009

The V5 level 2 land surface temperature (LST) product of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) was validated over homogeneous rice fields in Valencia, Spain, and the Hainich forest in Germany. For the Valencia site, ground LST measurements were compared with the MOD11_L2 product in the conventional temperature‐based (T‐based) method. We also applied the alternative radiance‐based (R‐based) method, with in situ LSTs calculated from brightness temperatures in band 31 through radiative transfer simulations using temperature and water vapor profiles and surface emissivity data. At the Valencia site, profiles were obtained from local radiosonde measurements and from National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) data. The R‐based method was applied at the Hainich site using radiosonde profiles from a nearby sounding station and NCEP profiles. The T‐based validation showed average bias (MODIS minus ground) of −0.3 K, standard deviation of 0.6 K and root mean square error (RMSE) of ±0.7 K. For the R‐based method, the quality of the atmospheric profiles was assessed through the difference δ(T31–T32) between the actual MODIS and the profile‐based calculated brightness temperature difference in bands 31 and 32. For the cases where −0.3 K < δ(T31–T32) < 0.5 K, the R‐based method yielded LST errors with small biases and RMSE = ±0.6 K for the two sites. These results show the high accuracy and precision of the MODIS LST product for the two sites studied. The good performance of the R‐based method opens the possibility for a more complete validation including heterogeneous surfaces where the T‐based method is not feasible.
Extreme rainfall analysis and estimation of depth‐duration‐frequency curves using weather radar
Authors: Overeem A. , Buishand T. A. , Holleman I.
Published: October 2009

Rain gauge data are often employed to estimate the rainfall depth for a given return period. However, the number of rain gauge records of short‐duration rainfall, such as 15 min, is sparse. The obvious advantage of radar data over most rain gauge networks is their higher temporal and spatial resolution. Furthermore, the current quality of quantitative precipitation estimation with radar and the length of the available time series make it feasible to calculate radar‐based extreme rainfall statistics. In this paper an 11‐year radar data set of precipitation depths for durations of 15 min to 24 h is derived for the Netherlands (3.55 × 104 km2). The radar data are adjusted using rain gauges by combining an hourly mean‐field bias adjustment with a daily spatial adjustment. Assuming a generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution, the index flood method is used to describe the distribution of the annual radar rainfall maxima. Regional variability in the GEV location parameter is studied. GEV parameters based on radar and rain gauge data are compared and turn out to be in reasonable agreement. Furthermore, radar rainfall depth‐duration‐frequency (DDF) curves and their uncertainties are derived and compared with those based on rain gauge data. Although uncertainties become large for long durations, it is shown that radar data are suitable to construct DDF curves.
V for victory—a V1‐ATPase structure revealed
Authors: Boesen Thomas , Nissen Poul
Published: October 2009

V‐ATPases acidify intracellular compartments and the intercellular matrix and are essential for life. They are implicated in various diseases and structural information is crucial. The elucidation of its structure by Numoto et al. will provide insights into its function and aid in drug design.
Mitochondrial targeting of cyclosporin A enables selective inhibition of cyclophilin-D and enhanced cytoprotection after glucose and oxygen deprivation
Authors: Malouitre Sylvanie , Dube Henry , Selwood David , Crompton Martin
Published: October 2009

CsA (cyclosporin A) is a hydrophobic undecapeptide that inhibits CyPs (cyclophilins), a family of PPIases (peptidylprolyl cis–trans isomerases). In some experimental models, CsA offers partial protection against lethal cell injury brought about by transient ischaemia; this is believed to reflect inhibition of CyP-D, a mitochondrial isoform that facilitates formation of the permeability transition pore in the mitochondrial inner membrane. To evaluate this further, we have targeted CsA to mitochondria so that it becomes selective for CyP-D in cells. This was achieved by conjugating the inhibitor to the lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation, enabling its accumulation in mitochondria due to the inner membrane potential. In a cell-free system and in B50 neuroblastoma cells the novel reagent (but not CsA itself) preferentially inhibited CyP-D over extramitochondrial CyP-A. In hippocampal neurons, mitochondrial targeting markedly enhanced the capacity of CsA to prevent cell necrosis brought about by oxygen and glucose deprivation, but largely abolished its capacity to inhibit glutamate-induced cell death. It is concluded that CyP-D has a major pathogenic role in ‘energy failure’, but not in glutamate excitotoxicity, where cytoprotection primarily reflects CsA interaction with extramitochondrial CyPs and calcineurin. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of CsA against ischaemia/reperfusion injuries not involving glutamate may be improved by mitochondrial targeting.
Central and cerebrovascular effects of leg crossing in humans with sympathetic failure
Authors: Harms Mark P.M. , Wieling Wouter , Colier Willy N.J.M. , Lenders Jacques W.M. , Secher Niels H. , van Lieshout Johannes J.
Published: October 2009

Leg crossing increases arterial pressure and combats symptomatic orthostatic hypotension in patients with sympathetic failure. This study compared the central and cerebrovascular effects of leg crossing in patients with sympathetic failure and healthy controls. We addressed the relationship between MCA Vmean (middle cerebral artery blood velocity; using transcranial Doppler ultrasound), frontal lobe oxygenation [O2Hb (oxyhaemoglobin)] and MAP (mean arterial pressure), CO (cardiac output) and TPR (total peripheral resistance) in six patients (aged 37–67 years; three women) and age- and gender-matched controls during leg crossing. In the patients, leg crossing increased MAP from 58 (42–79) to 72 (52–89) compared with 84 (70–95) to 90 (74–94) mmHg in the controls. MCA Vmean increased from 55 (38–77) to 63 (45–80) and from 56 (46–77) to 64 (46–80) cm/s respectively (P<0.05), with a larger rise in O2Hb [1.12 (0.52–3.27)] in the patients compared with the controls [0.83 (−0.11 to 2.04) μmol/l]. In the control subjects, CO increased 11% (P<0.05) with no change in TPR. By contrast, in the patients, CO increased 9% (P<0.05), but also TPR increased by 13% (P<0.05). In conclusion, leg crossing improves cerebral perfusion and oxygenation both in patients with sympathetic failure and in healthy subjects. However, in healthy subjects, cerebral perfusion and oxygenation were improved by a rise in CO without significant changes in TPR or MAP, whereas in patients with sympathetic failure, cerebral perfusion and oxygenation were improved through a rise in MAP due to increments in both CO and TPR.
Fabrication and gas sensing properties of In2O3 nanopushpins
Authors: Qurashi Ahsanulhaq , Yamazaki Toshinari , El-Maghraby E. M. , Kikuta Toshio
Published: October 2009

The growth of nanopushpin-like In2O3 nanostructures was demonstrated on the silicon substrate by catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition method. Structural analysis revealed single-crystalline nature of the In2O3 nanopushpins with a cubic crystal structure. The hydrogen sensor made from the In2O3 nanopushpins showed swift response and excellent stability. The influence of operation temperature on the hydrogen gas sensing property of In2O3 nanostructures was also investigated. Our results reveal that the sensor response of In2O3 nanopushpins increases with increasing the operation temperature.
The correlation functions of plane polygons
Authors: Ciccariello Salvino
Published: October 2009

The correlation function of a bounded plane figure of arbitrary shape and its derivatives are studied using their integral expressions. From these follows that the correlation function and its first derivative are continuous functions, while the second and the higher order derivatives can show finite and/or algebraic singularities [with exponents equal to −(n+1/2) and n∊Z¯+] in the presence of some well defined geometrical features of the figure boundary. The limit values of the first, second, and third derivatives at the origin are obtained. They are similar to those of the three dimensional case. In the case of a plane polygon of arbitrary shape the correlation function has a closed analytical form essentially equal to the sum of the values taken by two analytically known functions at appropriate sets of points. Two simple cases are explicitly worked out for illustration.