bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A semi-analytical method for plate and grid structures
Authors: Kuang J. S. , Zhang H.
Published: November 2008

In current design practice, analysis of plate and grid structures in civil engineering, such as waffle slabs, ribbed plates and slab-girder bridges, is based largely on code-specified approximate methods, and deflections of these systems are rarely evaluated owing to the complexity of calculations. A semi-analytical method is presented for bending and deflection analyses of plate and grid structures subjected to vertical loads. The proposed approach is derived based on the finite-element method and can be used to solve conveniently and effectively the problem of the stiffened plates with irregular shape and openings, in which far fewer unknown variables will be involved in comparison with the finite-element method and less computation time will be required by employing the analytical transformations instead of the traditional matrix inverse. It was shown from the numerical investigations that the proposed method provided an efficient, yet accurate, means of analysing the stiffened plates. The results of the proposed approach for the example structures show good agreement with those from the finite-element method and experiments.
A 2D contaminant transport model for unsaturated soils
Authors: Praveen Kumar R. , Dodagoudar G. R.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a numerical model of two-dimensional (2D) contaminant transport through unsaturated porous media using a mesh-free method, called the radial point interpolation method (RPIM), with polynomial reproduction. A 2D form of the advection– dispersion equation, involving a reactive contaminant with linear first-order degradation, is considered in the analysis. In the RPIM, the Galerkin weak form is used to establish the system equation using 2D mesh-free shape functions constructed using thin plate spline radial-basis functions. A Matlab code is developed to obtain the numerical solution. Experimental results are used to validate the proposed RPIM. The applicability and performance of the RPIM are studied using three numerical examples. The results of the RPIM are compared with those obtained from the finite-element method. The RPIM has generated results with no oscillations, and which are insensitive to Péclet constraints.
Briefing: Promenade of light
Authors: Tonkin Mike , Liu Anna
Published: November 2008

Promenade of Light, Tonkin Liu's £1 million competition-winning scheme for the refurbishment of the pedestrianised zone west of Old Street London, is a superb example of innovative and effective regeneration of the urban public realm. It has completely transformed a neglected 3500 m2 city at the gateway of London's financial district, making it safer, fully accessible, better looking and easier to maintain.
Does quality of the built environment affect social cohesion?
Authors: Dempsey N.
Published: November 2008

It is widely claimed in UK policy, practice and research that high quality built environments have positive social benefits for residents. This claimed association is, however, not supported by an evidence base, nor is there consensus on how high quality or social cohesion are defined. This paper aims to provide definitions of both concepts, calling on primary research conducted in six study sites in England. The findings show that features of quality of the built environment have varying influence on social activity. Residents' perceptions of quality of the neighbourhood and the level of maintenance and the character of the neighbourhood are positively associated with sense of community and place attachment, while density is negatively associated with social interaction and perceptions of trust. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications that the findings have for UK policy and practice.
The Catalytic Effect of Fe on Char-NO Reactions at High-Temperatures
Authors: Zhong Bei-Jing , Tang Hao
Published: November 2008

The reduction of NO over coal-derived chars and the catalytic effect of Fe on NO-char reaction during char combustion were investigated in a drop-tube furnace in a temperature range of 1323-1523K. The catalytic characteristics of Fe in the NOchar reaction were studied in detail. The results show that iron (Fe) is an effective catalyst for the NO reduction by char derived from de-ashed coal at a high temperature, i.e., the chars with catalysts have high activity in the NO-char reaction. Furthermore, the stoichiometric ratio (SR) in the reaction zone has a significant influence on the catalytic activity of Fe-catalysts, which will be more effective in SR=0.7-0.9. The catalytic activity of Fe depends slightly on its loading amount, while the specific activity of the catalyst obviously decreased with the increasing of the Fe-loading amount. The effect of the temperatures used in the experiments on the NO reduction is small, which suggests the NO-char reaction mainly depends on the diffusion of reactants to char, the reactants' surface adsorption, and the desorption of products under high temperature. However, the effect of the temperature on NO reduction by metal-free char is much more important than that of NO reduction by Fe-loaded char.
Recent Stock Declines: Panic or the Purge of "Irrational Exuberance"?
Authors: Carroll Christopher D
Published: November 2008

What is the likely future return on stocks, following recent market declines? Christopher Carroll consults the wisdom of Benjamin Graham, John Campbell and Robert Shiller for an answer.
Star-Connected Autotransformer-Based Full-Wave AC-DC Converters
Authors: Singh Bhim , Gairola Sanjay
Published: November 2008

In this paper, a new class of autotransformer-based full-wave AC-DC converters is designed, modeled and simulated to feed non-isolated DC varying loads. The proposed AC-DC converters are suitable in applications such as drives, field winding supply of large alternators, electromagnet power supplies and battery charging where isolation is not essentially required. It is considered an alternative to the popular bridge configuration that has two diodes in the path of load current.
Control Lyapunov Function for Series and Parallel Compensators with Energy Storage Capabilities
Authors: Griffo Antonio , Lauria Davide
Published: November 2008

Control actions, and among others control Lyapunov functions based approaches, for improving the dynamic behaviour of electrical power systems are traditionally derived using a classical differential-algebraic model for the system, which neglects transmission networks dynamics. In the paper, an energy function which is based upon a completely differential model for power system description, is employed for deriving stabilising control actions for FACTS devices complemented with active power exchange capabilities, which have been proposed to provide additional improvements to power system dynamic behavior compared with reactive-only compensators. The use of the extended invariance principle is proposed to circumvent the difficulty arising from non-negative definite terms in the time derivative of the proposed energy function. The improvement of the dynamic behaviour achieved with the proposed strategy is proven by means of numerical applications.
A Linear Driving Force (LDF) Approximation of Moisture Diffusion Kinetics in White Rice
Authors: Dutta Abhishek , Chanda Anirban , Chakraborty Runu
Published: November 2008

Soaking characteristics of white rice grain in water are studied at 25, 40, 60, 70 and 80 °C. The kinetics of mass transfer are modeled using a linear driving force (LDF) approximation with constant diffusivity, which is capable of predicting the moisture ratio profile with time. This approximation is a relatively new approach in food engineering applications for systems in which the rate of mass transfer is controlled by intra-particle diffusion and nonlinear adsorption through porous adsorbent. The mass transfer is also modeled through Fick's law for unsteady-state diffusion using finite difference (FD) method, and compared with the LDF model. In general, the moisture uptake curves calculated with this new approximation compare favorably with the finite difference solution obtained in spherical coordinates, producing results of similar accuracy. Both the methods give a good agreement with the experimental data. The values of the effective diffusion coefficients are between 7.33×10-11 m2/s and 1.43×10-10 m2/s for a temperature of 25 and 80 °C respectively. Although gelatinization of starch is observed at a higher temperature which influences the increase in moisture content, the moisture uptake curves calculated with this new approximation compare favorably with the numerical solution of the non-linear diffusion equation. As such, it can be safely used to predict the unsteady-state moisture absorption kinetics of a rice grain, for the temperature range investigated.
Trans- and cis-resveratrol concentration in wines produced in Serbia
Authors: Djekic Sanja , Milosavljevic Slobodan , Vajs Vlatka , Jovic Slobodan , Petrovic Aleksandar , Nikicevic Ninoslav , Manojlovic Verica , Nedovic Viktor , Tesevic Vele
Published: November 2008

Resveratrol, which occurs in two isomeric forms, trans and cis, is a phytoalexin with numerous pharmacological activities, such as anti-cancer, antiviral, neuroprotective and anti-aging. Red wine is the main source of the compound and an easy way of including resveratrol in the human diet. In this study, the most popular commercial Serbian wines (red, white and ros?-type) were analyzed for their content of trans- and cis-resveratrol. The analysis was performed by HPLC with a UV detector. Prior to the injection, phenolic compounds were extracted onto a LiChrolut RP18 bonded silica cartridge. The concentration of trans-resveratrol ranged from 0.11 to 1.69 mg L-1 and cis-resveratrol from 0.12 to 1.49 mg L-1.
Chemical composition and biological activity of the acetone extract of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. pollen
Authors: Solujic Slavica , Sukdolak Slobodan , Vukovic Nenad , Niciforovic Neda , Stanic Snezana
Published: November 2008

In this study, the chemical components, antimicrobial and genotoxic biological activities of the acetone extract of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. pollen were examined. Two lactones were identified: ambrosin and artesovin. The antimicrobial activity of the acetone extract of A. artemisiifolia L. pollen was examined on ten different bacterial species using the disc diffusion method and the microdilution method in Mueller-Hinton broth dilution. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the acetone extract of A. artemisiifolia pollen varied between 1.25-6.50 mg mL-1. The genotoxic effect of the acetone extract of A. artemisiifolia pollen on a eukaryotic model system Drosophila melanogaster was investigated using the SLRL test.
Lower bounds for Estrada Index
Authors: Gutman Ivan
Published: November 2008

If G is an (n,m)-graph whose spectrum consists of the numbers ?1, ?2, . . . , ?n, then its Estrada index is EE(G) = ?n i=1 e?i . We establish lower bounds for EE(G) in terms of n and m.
On the functional-integral equation of Volterra type with weakly singular kernel
Authors: Dutkiewicz Aldona
Published: November 2008

We give sufficient conditions for the existence of Lp-solution of a Volterra functional-integral equation in a Banach space. Our assumptions and proofs are expressed in terms of measures of noncompactness.
On the differentiability of a distance function
Authors: Park Kwang-Soon
Published: November 2008

Let M be a simply connected complete K?hler manifold and N a closed complete totally geodesic complex submanifold of M such that every minimal geodesic in N is minimal in M. Let U? be the unit normal bundle of N in M. We prove that if a distance function ? is differentiable at v ? U?, then ? is also differentiable at -v.
On δ-suns
Authors: Narang T.D. , Tejpal Shavetambry
Published: November 2008

We prove that an approximatively compact Chebyshev set in an M-space is a ?-sun and a ?-sun in a complete strong M-space (or externally convex M-space) is almost convex.
Chronic suppurative inflammation of the middle ear in children
Authors: Baljosevic Ivan , Djeric Dragoslava , Milovanovic Jovica , Subarevic Vladan
Published: November 2008

INTRODUCTION Chronic suppurative inflammation of the middle ear (HGO) in children represents one of the most frequent infections in childhood, even in children from developed industrial countries. We can distinguish two types of chronic suppurative inflammation: first - HGO without cholesteatoma and second HGO with cholesteatoma. OBJECTIVE The objective of the paper was to point out the characteristics of chronic suppurative inflammation of the middle ear in children and possible methods of treatment. METHOD From 2000 to 2005, our retrospective study involved 92 children, aged 2 to 16 years, treated for chronic suppurative inflammation of the middle ear and subsequent otogenic complications. The diagnosis was established based on clinical symptoms, otoscopic and otomicroscopic findings. Treatment included the removal of the pathological process, reconstruction of the hearing chain and prevention recurrence. RESULTS We performed 111 surgical interventions. Children were divided into two groups: in the first group, we performed 56 surgical interventions in 48 children diagnosed with chronic suppurative otitis without cholesteatoma, and in the second group we performed 55 surgical interventions in 44 children who were diagnosed with chronic otitis with cholesteatoma. In the first group we performed mastoidectomy in 17 (32.5%) children, mastoidectomy and posterior aticotomy in 5 (9.5%), miringoplasty in 22 (35.8%), timpanoplasty type II in 5 (9.5%), timpanoplasty type III in 3 (5.6%) and timpanomastoidectomy in 4 (7.1%) children. In the second group, consisting of children diagnosed with cholesteatoma of the middle ear, we performed 47 first act surgeries, using closed technique in 17, and open in 30 cases. We performed timpanoplasty type III in 17 (30.9%) and timpanomastoidectomy in 17 (30.9%), and timpanoplasty type II in 9 (16.4%), timpanoplasty type IV in 10 (18.2%) and mastoidectomy in 2 (3.6%) children. In the group treated by closed surgical technique recurrence occurred in 5 (29.4%), and in those treated by open technique in 3 (10.3%). Two children had bilateral cholesteatoma. CONCLUSION Further research should be directed toward the identification of different types of factors and pathogenesis of HGO. Treatment of this decease is still considered controversial. Hinolon drops could represent a promising option in the treatment of HGO. The main objective in the treatment of cholesteatoma should be the improvement of the open technique to prevent retraction pockets, decrease of the rate of residual or atelectatic process and the improvement of hearing results.
A transsexual patient searching for adjustment
Authors: Duisin Dragana , Rakic Zoran , Barisic Jasmina , Nikolic-Balkoski Gordana
Published: November 2008

Introduction Transsexual phenomenon is very complex, which is confirmed in everyday practice with these patients. There are many reasons why we have chosen to present this patient's case report. Case outline The aim of this case report was to indicate how our female-to-male (FtM) transsexual patient tried to change her own sexual drive with the purpose of showing high adaptation in social environment as her personal representation of mental health. At the same time, this was an attempt to escape from gender dysphoria by becoming heterosexual escaping from her basic sexual drive. Our patient could not put her erotic attributes in sexual relations, so she had numerous heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual relationships. Conclusion By this case report, we want to present how conviction of belonging to the opposite sex can affect erotic contact with the same and different sex.
Spinal localization of Paget disease: Case report
Authors: Vukasinovic Zoran , Slavkovic Nemanja , Spasovski Dusko , Slavkovic Slobodan
Published: November 2008

INTRODUCTION Paget disease, localized on thoracal vertebrae, presents a significant challenge in diagnostics and treatment. Presenting with progressive neurological symptoms, it has a broad differential diagnostic spectrum and requires additional radiological, neurological and endocrinological evaluation. Besides drug therapy, an operative decompression of nerve elements is performed when indicated. CASE OUTLINE We present a case of an older male patient complaining of chronic progressive pain localized at fourth and fifth thoracal vertebrae, with slight but progressive hypertonus and hyperreflection of leg muscles, including no plantar response. Vertebral biopsy indicated parathyreoid disturbance, excluded by further endocrinological analyses. At that point a corporectomy of fourth and fifth vertebrae and titanium cage spondylodesis of adjacent levels was performed, with pathological findings suggesting Paget disease. Postoperatively, there was initial significant neurological improvement; unfortunately, 2.5 years after the operation a relapse of the disease developed with gibbus deformity. Further treatment was surgical in two stages (first by decompression, and later by broad laminectomy), resulting in partial neurological recovery. CONCLUSION Spinal localization of Paget disease as a monoostotic form must be considered in all cases of progressive neurological impairment accompanied by biochemical disturbances in blood and urine, and with radiologically evident deformity, pathological fracture or neoplastic destruction of vertebra. A combination of medicamentous and surgical treatment should significantly improve neurological condition.
Polozaj Srbije u vizantijskoj diplomatiji na kraju XI veka
Authors: Cheynet Jean-Claude
Published: November 2008

(francuski) Le sceau de Constantin, protosebaste et exousiastes des Serbes offre un ?clairage sur les relations entre Byzance et les Serbes a la fin du XIe si?cle. La dignit? montre l'internet que les Byzantins portaient au souverain serbe Constantin Bodin. .
Licno ime Nemanja - jedan novi pogled
Authors: Loma Aleksandar
Published: November 2008

(nemacki) Angesichts von skr. neman 'Ungeheuer' aus *nej?mati 'nicht haben nicht fangen' erscheint es m?glich, den Namen des Gr?nders der altserbischen Nemanjiden - Dynastie Stephan Nemanja aus demselben Verb herzuleiten. Bildungsma?ig kann ein negiertes Part. Perf. Pass. *ne-j?-man? 'unz?hmbar' zugrunde liegen, aber auch ein Kurzname aus *Nej?ma-neg? 'ohne (Haus)pflege (geboren)', der dem Kind als Schutzname gegeben worden Ware und auf die besonderen Umst?nde seiner Geburt bezug genommen hatte. .
Upisivanje zivota - prelja u ikonografiji Rodjenja Bogorodice
Authors: Jevtic Ivana
Published: November 2008

(francuski) Parmi les personnages secondaires qui investissent l'iconographie de la Nativit? de la Vierge a l'?poque pal?ologue, la repr?sentation sporadique de la femme qui file, assise, a cote du berceau, n'a pas re?u d'explication propre. Le symbolisme du fil de la vie, soutenu par l'image bien visible du long fil de laine que la fileuse d?roule par sa quenouille et ?tire par son fuseau, avec l'insertion de ce personnage dans une sc?ne de naissance et a proximit? du nouveau-n?, permettent non seulement de l'identifier comme une Moira, mais offrent aussi une cl? de lecture de cette s?quence narrative: elle compl?te la description de l'univers particulier de la naissance et signifie l'instant de l'inscription dans la vie. .
Vuk Brankovic and the meeting of vassals at Serres
Authors: Suica Marko
Published: November 2008

After the Kosovo battle in the year of 1389 and the new Ottomans' breach into the Serbian lands, the positions of the Serbian provinces founded on the territory of the disintegrated Serbian empire underwent certain geopolitical changes. Unlike prince Lazar's direct successors, the Serbian regional landlord Vuk Brankovic, Lazar's son-in-law, continued to resist the Ottomans strongly opposing resuming the vassal deployment towards sultan Bayezid I. Only after his town of Skopje's fall late in the 1391, or early in 1392 did Vuk start losing his strategic control over the territory being in that way exposed to an even greater Ottoman pressure. Such Balkans' situation denouement forced Vuk Brankovic until the November 1392 to recognize the Ottoman sovereignty that was justified in one charter for monastery Hilandar. By the end of that year, sultan Bayezid I moved from the empire's Anatolian to the European part in order to consolidate his authority and firm the rule. The Byzantine historian Laonikos Chalcocondyles testifies on the measures taken by the sultan regarding subordinating the new Christian vassals and the conquered territories' colonization. These measures might refer to Vuk Brankovic and his province. There is no direct news considering Vuk Brankovic's political steps during the period from the end of 1392 to the spring of 1394. A dramatic meeting of sultan Bayezid I with his Christian vassals in the town of Serres in the fall-winter of 1393/1394 remained noted in the Byzantine sources. The remnant sources unequivocally of the Serbian meeting members mention only Stefan Lazarevic, the later Byzantine despot and Constantin Dragas, the Byzantine emperor Manuel II Palaeologus' father-in-law, though by being imprecise they leave an open space for the probable participation of some other renowned persons from Serbian side. The hitherto Serbian historiography predominant opinion was that Vuk Brankovic did not respond to the invitation addressed to the vassals concerning the Serres meeting. Apart from Vuk, the sources do not name as the meeting participants neither king Marko, nor his brothers Andreas and Dmitar, who may have been present as well. The sultans' resolution to execute the Christian vassals in Serres, withdrawn at the last moment, caused the split of the vassal relations of some Christian aristocracy to Bayezid I. Vuk's activity from the year 1394, and 1395 connected with gaining Venetian citizenship and moving the treasury in Dubrovnik in accordance with the politics of those Christian vassals who denied their obedience to the sultan after the meeting at Serres. Because of Vuks' conduct from the year of 1394 and the provenance of the preserved Byzantine sources asserting the events at Serres, a possibility of Vuk Brankovic's presence a the Ottomans's vassal by the side of the king Vukasin's sons, remains in spite of silence evident in relevant sources.
Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study
Authors:   The HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE—To examine associations of neonatal adiposity with maternal glucose levels and cord serum C-peptide in a multicenter multinational study, the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study, thereby assessing the Pederson hypothesis linking maternal glycemia and fetal hyperinsulinemia to neonatal adiposity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Eligible pregnant women underwent a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 32 weeks gestation (as close to 28 weeks as possible). Neonatal anthropometrics and cord serum C-peptide were measured. Associations of maternal glucose and cord serum C-peptide with neonatal adiposity (sum of skin folds >90th percentile or percent body fat >90th percentile) were assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses, with adjustment for potential confounders, including maternal age, parity, BMI, mean arterial pressure, height, gestational age at delivery, and the baby's sex.

RESULTS—Among 23,316 HAPO Study participants with glucose levels blinded to caregivers, cord serum C-peptide results were available for 19,885 babies and skin fold measurements for 19,389. For measures of neonatal adiposity, there were strong statistically significant gradients across increasing levels of maternal glucose and cord serum C-peptide, which persisted after adjustment for potential confounders. In fully adjusted continuous variable models, odds ratios ranged from 1.35 to 1.44 for the two measures of adiposity for fasting, 1-h, and 2-h plasma glucose higher by 1 SD.

CONCLUSIONS—These findings confirm the link between maternal glucose and neonatal adiposity and suggest that the relationship is mediated by fetal insulin production and that the Pedersen hypothesis describes a basic biological relationship influencing fetal growth.
Attractiveness of Blonde Women in Evolutionary Perspective: Studies with Two Polish Samples
Authors: Sorokowski Piotr
Published: November 2008

An experimental study was undertaken to assess the phenomenon of male preference for blondes. In the first study, 360 Polish men ages 18 to 46 years were asked to assess the attractiveness of the presented stimuli using a 9-point scale. Stimuli were 9 different pictures of the same women whose ages (about 20, 30, and 40 years old) and hair colors (blonde, brown, and brunette) were manipulated. Pictures of blonde-haired women were generally rated as younger than the others. The attractiveness ratings of female faces changed with age and hair color. Still, only the 30-yr.-old woman with blonde hair was rated as significantly more attractive than those with brown or brunette hair. In a second study (the analysis of 500 internet advertisements) mature women dyed their hair blonde more frequently. These results are analyzed with regard to the evolutionarily formed male preference for younger females.
Sensitive and Tolerant Raters Differ in Their Magnitude Estimates of Extremely Violent Behaviors
Authors: Collyer Charles E. , Melisi Jessie
Published: November 2008

A 2007 study indicated severity of violence of several behaviors can be rated consistently, such that an individual's average rating across the behaviors can serve as a measure of sensitivity to violence. However, violence-sensitive and violence-tolerant raters in that study gave similar high scale ratings of severity of violence for extremely violent behaviors such as murder and stabbing. In the present study an open-ended magnitude estimation response scale was used by 27 participants to examine impressions of the severity of violence of 38 behaviors. There was a positive correlation between estimates of severity for extreme physical violence and estimates for lower severity of violence. This result indicates that the earlier finding of apparent equivalence of sensitive and tolerant individuals did not signify agreement about extremely violent behaviors but was a ceiling effect arising from the closed-ended response scale used. Violence-sensitive and violence-tolerant individuals seem to have different attitudes toward all types of violence.
Unidirectional Interference in Use of Nondominant Hand during Concurrent Grooved Pegboard and Random Number Generation Tasks
Authors: Strenge Hans , Niederberger Uwe
Published: November 2008

The interference effect between Grooved Pegboard task with either hand and the executive task of cued verbal random number generation was investigated, 24 normal right-handed subjects performed each task under separate (single-task) and concurrent (dual-task) conditions. Articulatory suppression was required as an additional secondary task during pegboard performance. Analysis indicated an unambiguous distinction between the two hands. Comparisons of single-task and dual-task conditions showed an asymmetrical pattern of unidirectional interference with no practice effects during pegboard performance. Concurrent performance with nondominant hand but not the dominant hand of random number generation performance became continuously slower. There was no effect of divided attention on pegboard performance. Findings support the idea that the nondominant hand on the pegboard and random number tasks draw from the same processing resources but that for the executive aspect random number generation is more sensitive to changes in allocation of attentional resources.
Experimental Note on Fading of Briefly Flashed Lines
Authors: Masin Sergio Cesare
Published: November 2008

A peripheral uniform stimulus on a uniform background tends to fade when a ring enclosing the stimulus is flashed briefly, indicating that neural signals external to the stimulus such as those from the ring or those from the background tend to inhibit the onset-response or after-discharge of the stimulus. In this study, a peripheral achromatic line was flashed briefly on an achromatic background while the subject was steadily fixating on a point on the background. It was predicted that the stimulus line would fade due to background inhibition of the onset-response or after-discharge of the stimulus. On a reference line, subjects indicated two points delimiting the part of the stimulus line which looked uniform in intensity of color. These points converged toward the center of the reference line as the luminance of the stimulus line approached that of the background. Compared to the central uniform part, the nonuniform parts near the endpoints of the stimulus line looked more faded. These results support the idea that the background surrounding a stimulus tends to inhibit the onset-response of after-discharge of the stimulus.
Oral Perception of Bolus in Healthy Young Women
Authors: Miyaoka Satomi , Ashida Ichiro , Miyaoka Yozo
Published: November 2008

This study was designed to characterize oral perception of both weight and volume of boluses. A total of 80 healthy young female subjects was recruited and divided into bolus weight ( n = 40) and bolus volume ( n = 40) conditions. Tap water (25°C) was the experimental material, and seven reference stimulus amounts ranging from 10 to 40 (grams and mL) were prepared. The reference stimuli, including a modulus of 20 (grams and mL), were delivered to the subjects in randomized order. The estimated magnitudes (Ψ) conformed to both the Fechner's and Stevens' psychophysical laws by the following equations: (1) ΨW = 314.3 log (S+1) −300.2 where S is stimulus intensity or weight, and ΨV = 249.7 log (S+1) −222.3 (volume) on logarithmic (log)-linear scales, and (2) ΨW = 1.908 S1.297 and ΨV = 4.097 S1.032 on log-log scales, respectively. The results indicate that oral perception of bolus weight and bolus volume conforms to the representative psychophysical laws.
The International Wayfinding Strategy Scale: Evidence for Cross-Cultural Use with a Sample from the UK
Authors: Charleston Stephanie
Published: November 2008

This study suggested Lawton and Kallai's 2002 International Wayfinding Strategy Scale was appropriate for use in the UK. Participants at a northeastern English university ( N = 148) completed the scale. Principal components analysis (oblimin rotation) with 2 factors specified supported the expected structure and indicated the scale could be used to measure wayfinding strategies across cultures; however, 1 of the 17 original items on the scale was not suitable for use with a UK sample and 1 item loaded on the opposite factor as expected. The resulting orientation strategy score was used more by men, but the mean route strategy scale scores did not differ by sex.
Response to Brašić (2007): Psychomotor Study of Children with ADHD
Authors: Pedersen Scott J.
Published: November 2008

In 2007 Brašić questioned the methodology used by Pedersen and Surburg to test the effect of stimulant medication on lower extremity motor processing of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this response is to clarify the research design used in that 2005 study.
Abdominal Exercise Intensities on Firm and Compliant Surfaces
Authors: Chong Raymond , Barber Shelly , Martin Laurie Howell , Steele Kimberly , White Rebecca
Published: November 2008

Muscle activities at 15 sites were compared within a group of healthy young adults to evaluate their relative intensities during six abdominal exercises: partial and full sit-ups on a firm surface (floor) and on an exercise ball that was either stabilized or unstabilized. The most strenuous abdominal exercise overall (i.e., whole body workout) was the full sit-up on a firm surface which included significant muscle activities in the lower extremities. Exercise intensity was also high in the full and partial sit-ups when performed on a ball. The partial sit-up on the floor was the least strenuous of the six exercises. The greatest effect on the abdominal muscles was observed in the partial sit-up on a ball (stabilized and unstabilized). Results suggest that, although abdominal exercises on a ball may be gentler on the hip and lower back, overall exercise intensity is not necessarily lower than that on the floor. Moreover, partial sit-ups, both on the floor and on a ball, also required greater neck muscle activities than full sit-ups. In deciding what type of sit-up to do, exercise surface and different muscular activities between the partial and full sit-ups should be considered.
Effects of Music on Memory for Text
Authors: Purnell-Webb Patricia , Speelman Craig P.
Published: November 2008

Previous research has suggested that the use of song can facilitate recall of text. This study examined the effect of repetition of a melody across verses, familiarity with the melody, rhythm, and other structural processing hypotheses to explain this phenomenon. Two experiments were conducted, each with 100 participants recruited from undergraduate Psychology programs (44 men, 156 women, M age = 28.5 yr., SD = 9.4). In Exp. 1, participants learned a four-verse ballad in one of five encoding conditions (familiar melody, unfamiliar melody, unknown rhythm, known rhythm, and spoken). Exp. 2 assessed the effect of familiarity in rhythm-only conditions and of pre-exposure with a previously unfamiliar melody. Measures taken were number of verbatim words recalled and number of lines produced with correct syllabic structure. Analysis indicated that rhythm, with or without musical accompaniment, can facilitate recall of text, suggesting that rhythm may provide a schematic frame to which text can be attached. Similarly, familiarity with the rhythm or melody facilitated recall. Findings are discussed in terms of integration and dual-processing theories.
Determination and modelling of clinical laboratory data of healthy individuals and patients with end-stage renal failure
Authors: Papaioannou Agelos , Karamanis George , Rigas Ioannis , Spanos Thomas , Roupa Zoe
Published: November 2008

The analyses of 18 biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, calcium, cholesterol, chloride, creatinine, iron, glucose, γ- glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, total protein, triglycerides, uric acid, and urea nitrogen) were performed for 166 healthy individuals and 108 patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF). The application of cluster analysis proved that there were points of similarity among all 18 biochemical parameters that formed major groups; these groups corresponded to the authors’ assumption of the existence of several overall patterns of biochemical parameters that may be termed “enzyme-specific”; “general health indicator”; “major component excretion”; “blood-specific indicator”; and “protein-specific”. These patterns also appear in the subsets of males and females that were obtained by separation of the general dataset. In addition, the performance of factor analysis similarly proved the validity of this assumption. This projection and modelling method indicated the existence of seven latent factors, which explained 70.05% of the total variance in the system for healthy individuals and more than 72% of the total variance in the system for patients with ESRF. All these results support the probability that a general health indicator could be constructed by taking into account the existing classification groups in the list of biochemical parameters.
PEDOT as an alignment layer and electrode in AFLC devices
Authors: Medialdea D.P. , Bennis N. , Cerrolaza B. , Quintana X. , Otón J.M. , Arredondo B. , Romero B. , Geday M.A.
Published: November 2008

PEDOT [Poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly (styrenesulfonate)] is a material typically used organic light emission displays (OLEDs) manufactured as a conductor, or rather, as a hole injector. In this paper, three different issues have been studied: the use of rubbed PEDOT as alignment layer, the resistivity of the applied PEDOT layers, i.e., its potential as a replacement of ITO electrodes, and the induction of asymmetry in the electro-optical response of liquid crystal cells by assembling the display with dissimilar coated aligning surfaces — PEDOT on one side and buffed nylon on the counter electrode
Sources of Middle School Students’ Self-Efficacy in Mathematics: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Usher Ellen L.
Published: November 2008

According to A. Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory, individuals form their self-efficacy beliefs by interpreting information from four sources: mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasions, and physiological or affective states. The purpose of this study was to examine the heuristics students use as they form their mathematics self-efficacy from these and other sources. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight middle school students who reported either high or low self-efficacy and with students’ parents and mathematics teachers. Students relied on information from all four hypothesized sources, which were combined according to various heuristics. Teaching structures, course placement, and students’ self-regulated learning also emerged as important factors related to self-efficacy. Results refine and extend the tenets of social cognitive theory.
Defining Malnutrition RiskFor Older Home Care Clients
Authors: Bocock Mary Ann , Keller Heather H. , Brauer Paula M.
Published: November 2008

Purpose: The Resident Assessment Instrument–Home Care (RAI-HC) is widely used to assess needs of home care clients and includes five items used to screen for malnutrition. This study involved defining malnutrition risk and identifying other items within the RAI-HC that might improve malnutrition screening among adults aged 65 or older receiving home care.

Methods: A literature review, three focus groups of community care access centre case managers (n=29), and five key informant interviews with registered dietitians were used to identify malnutrition risk factors and indicators. A nominal group (n=5) was used to rank RAI-HC malnutrition risk items. Data were charted and integrated to create the final list of potential risk factors.

Results: Seven malnutrition indicators (dietary intake, appetite, dysphagia, nutrition support, end-stage disease, weight status, and fluid intake) and seven risk factors (health status, functional ability, self-reported poor health, mood status, social function, cognitive performance, and trade-offs) were considered important concepts in the construct of malnutrition for older home care clients.

Conclusions: These items identified through divergent methods form the basis for developing a screening-formalnutrition-risk tool for home care.
Nutritional Genomics and Dietetic Professional Practice
Authors: Ryan-Harshman Milly , Vogel Ellen , Jones-Taggart Holly , Green-Johnson Julia , Castle David , Austin Zubin , Anderson Kristin
Published: November 2008

Nutrigenomics is concerned with the role of nutrients in gene expression, and nutrigenetics is the study of how genetic variants or polymorphisms (mutations) can affect responses to nutrients; nutritional genomics is the umbrella term. Nutritional genomics can be expected to revolutionize the way dietitians and other health professionals identify people with chronic diseases and treat those diseases. Understanding the science of nutritional genomics is important to dietitians and other health professionals because major scientific advancements such as this usually have a significant impact on ethics, policy, and practice. Blood lipid profiles are one area in which nutritional genomics has quickly advanced knowledge. New knowledge is available on blood lipid profiles and associated conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. New technology has also had an impact on policy and practice issues, and ethics is an important issue to consider.
Measurement of Cysteine Dioxygenase Activity and Protein Abundance
Authors: Stipanuk Martha H. , Dominy Jr. John E. , Ueki Iori , Hirschberger Lawrence L.
Published: November 2008

Cysteine dioxygenase is an iron (Fe2+)–dependent thiol dioxygenase that uses molecular oxygen to oxidize the sulfhydryl group of cysteine to generate 3‐sulfinoalanine (commonly called cysteinesulfinic acid). Cysteine dioxygenase activity is routinely assayed by measuring cysteinesulfinate formation from substrate L‐cysteine at pH 6.1 in the presence of ferrous ions to saturate the enzyme with metal cofactor, a copper chelator to diminish substrate oxidation, and hydroxylamine to inhibit pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐dependent degradation of product. The amount of cysteine dioxygenase may be measured by immunoblotting. Upon SDS‐PAGE, cysteine dioxygenase can be separated into two major bands, with the upper band representing the 23‐kDa protein and the lower band representing the mature enzyme that has undergone formation of an internal thioether cross‐link in the active site. Formation of this cross‐link is dependent upon the catalytic turnover of substrate and produces an enzyme with a higher catalytic efficiency and catalytic half‐life. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 38:6.15.1‐6.15.25. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measurement of Protein Sulfenic Acid Content
Authors: Poole Leslie B.
Published: November 2008

Protein sulfenic acids are reactive, reversibly oxidized cysteinyl residues with roles in redox catalysis and regulation. Detection and quantification of these species in proteins is accomplished through chemical modification by reagents such as 7‐chloro‐4‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD chloride), 2‐nitro‐5‐thiobenzoate (TNB), dimedone, or derivatives of dimedone, followed by UV‐visible spectroscopy or mass spectrometric analysis. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 38:17.2.1‐17.2.27. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Complex I Assay in Mitochondrial Preparations from CNS
Authors: Diwakar Latha , Ray Ajit , Ravindranath Vijayalakshmi
Published: November 2008

Mammalian NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is made up of at least 46 subunits and is one of the largest enzyme complexes known. It catalyzes the first step of the respiratory electron transport chain through the oxidation of NADH, providing two electrons for the reduction of ubiquinone to ubiquinol, thus propelling protons across the inner membrane of the mitochondria, which subsequently drive ATP synthesis. Dysfunction of complex I has been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, and it is probably the most vulnerable component of the electron transport chain to inhibition by reactive oxygen species. We describe a simple spectrophotometric method for estimating the activity of complex I from mitochondria isolated from regions of the central nervous system of mice. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 38:17.10.1‐17.10.7. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis of Protein Lysine Acetylation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Pelletier Nadine , Grégoire Serge , Yang Xiang‐Jiao
Published: November 2008

Protein lysine acetylation, referring to acetylation of the ɛ‐amino group of a lysine residue, has recently emerged as an important post‐translational modification for regulating protein functions in various organisms. Like phosphorylation, lysine acetylation is a rapidly reversible and precisely controlled covalent modification that serves as a simple on/off switch or participates in a codified manner with other post‐translational modifications to regulate protein functions in different cellular and developmental processes. This unit describes and discusses methods used for in vitro and in vivo determination of lysine acetylation. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 54:14.11.1‐14.11.17. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Determination of Protein Lysine Deacetylation
Authors: Ellis Danielle J.P. , Yuan Zhigang , Seto Edward
Published: November 2008

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are members of a diverse family of enzymes that catalyze the removal of an acetyl moiety from an acetyl‐lysine‐containing substrate. HDACs target a variety of substrates, including histone and nonhistone proteins, to mediate alterations in protein localization, stability, and activity. In addition, HDACs have been shown to modulate changes in gene expression, primarily through the recruitment of transcriptional cofactors to promoter regions. Mammalian HDACs are organized into distinct classes based on their homology to yeast HDACs. Classes I, II and IV HDACs are structurally and catalytically similar, whereas, class III HDACs require NAD+ as a cofactor in the deacetylation reaction. This unit provides guidance for choosing and preparing a substrate suitable for assaying an HDAC of interest and describes key protocols necessary for assaying HDAC activity. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 54:14.12.1‐14.12.14. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Detection and Analysis of Protein‐Protein Interactions of Organellar and Prokaryotic Proteomes by Blue Native and Colorless Native Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Krause Frank , Seelert Holger
Published: November 2008

Native gels enable the analysis of protein complexes on a proteome‐wide scale in a single experiment. The protocols described in this unit are based on separation of protein complexes by blue native polyacrylamide electrophoresis (BN‐PAGE), the most versatile native gel system, and the closely related milder colorless native PAGE (CN‐PAGE). Both BN‐PAGE and CN‐PAGE are described on analytical to preparative scales. In addition, methods for subsequent analysis of protein complexes are given, including electroelution from native gels as well as denaturing and native two‐dimensional PAGE. Finally, the removal of Coomassie dye from electroeluted proteins is detailed along with a discussion of fundamental considerations for the solubilization of membrane protein complexes from various biological samples, which are exemplified for mitochondria, chloroplasts (thylakoids), and cyanobacteria. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 54:19.18.1‐19.18.36. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ELISPOT Assay to Detect Cytokine‐Secreting Murine and Human Cells
Authors: Klinman Dennis
Published: November 2008

Enzyme‐linked immunospot assays (ELISPOT) were initially developed to detect and quantify individual antibody‐secreting B cells. As the sensitivity of this assay improved, the much smaller amounts of cytokine and chemokine produced by individual T cells became amenable to detection. ELISPOT assays utilize high‐affinity antibody pairs directed against different epitopes on a single cytokine/chemokine. The critical first step involves binding the highest affinity Ab to a solid matrix. The plates are blocked to prevent nonspecific interactions, and the cells of interest incubated in the Ab‐coated wells, during which time they secrete the cytokine/chemokine of interest. The secreted protein binds to the Abs immediately below the producer cell. This bound protein is recognized by a secondary enzyme‐linked Ab. A colorimetric substrate is used to generate a dark precipitate or “spot” that marks the position of the protein‐producing cell. The resultant spots are permanent and can be quantified visually, microscopically, or electronically. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 83:6.19.1‐6.19.9. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.