bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Media Freedom, Political Knowledge, and Participation
Authors: Leeson Peter T
Published: May 2008

This paper examines the relationship between media freedom from government control and citizens' political knowledge, political participation, and voter turnout. To explore these connections, I first examine media freedom and citizens' political knowledge in thirteen central and eastern European countries with data from Freedom House's Freedom of the Press report and the European Commission's Candidate Countries Eurobarometer survey. Next, I consider media freedom and citizens' political participation in 60 countries using data from the World Values Survey. Finally, I investigate media freedom and voter turnout in these same 60 or so countries with data from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. I find that where government owns a larger share of media outlets and infrastructure, regulates the media industry more, and does more to control the content of news, citizens are more politically ignorant and apathetic. Where the media is less regulated and there is greater private ownership in the media industry, citizens are more politically knowledgeable and active. These results are robust to sample, specification, and alternative measures of media freedom.
What Do Nongovernmental Organizations Do?
Authors: Werker Eric , Ahmed Faisal Z
Published: May 2008

Nongovernmental organizations are one group of players who are active in the efforts of international development and increasing the welfare of poor people in poor countries. Nongovernmental organizations are largely staffed by altruistic employees and volunteers working towards ideological, rather than financial, ends. Their founders are often intense, creative individuals who sometimes come up with a new product to deliver or a better way to deliver existing goods and services. They are funded by donors, many of them poor or anonymous. Yet these attributes should not be unfamiliar to economists. Development NGOs, like domestic nonprofits, can be understood in the framework of not-for-profit contracting. It is easy to conjure up a glowing vision of how the efforts of NGOs could focus on problem solving without getting bogged down in corruption or bureaucracy. But the strengths of the NGO model have some corresponding weaknesses—in agenda setting, decision making, and resource allocation. We highlight three factors in explaining the increased presence of NGOs in the last few decades: a trend towards more outsourcing of government services; new ventures by would-be not-for-profit “entrepreneurs”; and the increasing professionalization of existing NGOs.
Prosopography, Nomenclature, and Royal Succession in the Visigothic Kingdom of Toledo
Authors: GarcÍa Moreno Luis A.
Published: May 2008

The kingdom of Toledo generally is thought to have been an elective monarchy. By using the evidence of prosopography and nomenclature, this study will challenge this received tradition by providing additional nuance to what we know about family relationships and dynastic succession in the Visigothic kingdom. It will be suggested that the more than twenty-seven kings of the sixth and seventh centuries in fact are linked to a few lineages, not more than five, almost all related to each other. Of particular significance is the continuing importance attached to connections with the old Amal and Balth families of the Visigoths and Ostrogoth. As time went on, lineages from Septimania, mostly of Ostrogothic origin, had greater and greater difficulties gaining control of Spain. From 636 on, every Gothic king was related to a few families of the Guadalquivir valley, especially in the city of Cordova.
Decline, Fall, and Transformation
Authors: Ando Clifford
Published: May 2008

The essay offers a series of perspectives on the historiography of Late Antiquity. It relates popular indices of continuity, change, and decline to particular systems of moral and aesthetic evaluation. Most pointedly, it asks what is bracketed, and what presumed, by cultural-historical study in this period, and suggests three failings in the literature: too much credence is often granted to interested ancient claims to innovation; modern analytic categories often are redescribed as the motivating polarities of ancient discourse; and ancient interests (for example, in ethnicity) are perforce remobilized in modern study. All three moves support particular, often dubious periodizations of the classical and late antique and require on-going interrogation.
From Usurper to Emperor: The Politics of Legitimation in the Age of Constantine
Authors: Humphries Mark
Published: May 2008

Modern scholarship, following the template laid down by Lactantius and Eusebius, has viewed the achievements of Constantine chiefly through the prism of his Christianity, with the result that his secular achievements have been comparatively neglected. This article addresses those secular policies, focusing on how Constantine sought to assert his legitimacy during the various stages of his rise to power. It takes as its starting point the modern debate on the legitimacy of Constantine’s elevation to the purple and whether or not he can be justifiably described as a usurper. Through close scrutiny of a variety of documentary sources—particularly inscriptions, but also coins—it establishes how Constantine sought to affirm the legitimacy of his position as emperor at a number of critical moments, and to have that legitimacy accepted both by other members of the imperial college and by the empire’s populace at large. It emerges that Constantine appealed to a variety of means to assert his legitimacy, for example, as a member of a college of emperors, as the preferred candidate of the army or Senate, as victor in civil war, or as a member of a dynasty. Furthermore, he invested considerable effort in buttressing his claims by actively deconstructing the legitimacy of his rivals, notably Maxentius and Licinius, whom he designated instead as tyranni. Thus Constantine made a notable contribution to the articulation of ideas of imperial legitimacy in the fourth century, and his strategies were adopted, most immediately, by his sons.

Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York ( Richard III , Act I, Scene I)
Mountain Constantines: The Christianization of Aksum and Iberia
Authors: Haas Christopher
Published: May 2008

At the beginning of the fourth century, Ezana I of Aksum and Mirian III of Iberia espoused Christianity, much like their better-known contemporary, Constantine the Great. The religious choices made by the monarchs of these two mountain polities was but one stage in a prolonged process of Christianization within their respective kingdoms. This study utilizes a comparative approach in order to examine the remarkably similar dynamics of religious transformation taking place in these kingdoms between the fourth and late sixth centuries. The cultural choice made by these monarchs and their successors also factored into, and were influenced by, the fierce competition between Rome and Sassanian Persia for influence in these strategically important regions.
A Case Study of Multimethod Evaluation of Complex School Mental Health Promotion and Prevention: The MindMatters Evaluation Suite
Authors: Rowling Louise , Mason Jo
Published: May 2008

There are a number of challenges and debates surrounding the implementation of mental health interventions in schools. These include recognising the complexity of influencing factors and the interdependency of key components; the critical importance of monitoring school-based implementation in particular contexts; employing multimethod evaluation designs that can capture the complexity; and judging success using mental health and educational outcomes. These factors are shaped by both mental health and educational research. The prevention paradox focusing on the whole population ‘prevents’ more illness than targeting programs to specific individuals, and is exemplified in school mental health promotion that utilises an ecological or whole school approach. MindMatters, an innovative Australian mental health promotion and pr evention program, illustrates the challenges in this new field of endeavour. Its design and implementation are consistent with recommended effective practice, a comprehensive program that targets multiple health outcomes in the context of a coordinated whole school approach (Jané-Lopis, Barry, Hosman, & Patel, 2005). MindMatters moves beyond the sole focus on the curriculum to acknowledge the key roles of teacher professional development and whole school change within a strengths-based approach. As recommended by Jané-Lopis et al. (2005) measures of key school mental health outcomes are being used, ranging from absenteeism and drop-out rates to the development of social skills and academic achievement. The MindMatters evaluation suite of five separate yet interrelated evaluation studies illustrates some of the complexity involved.
Supporting Young People at School With High Mental Health Needs
Authors: Rickwood Debra
Published: May 2008

For young people still at school, the school setting is vital to their mental health and wellbeing. Not only does the school environment have a direct and indirect impact on mental health, it provides an opportunistic setting in which to identify and respond to emerging mental health problems. To do this effectively, schools and school staff must work in collaboration with the young people themselves, their families, and other support services within the community, particularly primary health care services, including general practice. The importance of developing effective partnerships and care pathways between schools and the primary health care sector is being increasingly acknowledged, and initiatives such as MindMatters Plus GP have advanced our understanding in this area.
Approaches to Children, Young People and Mental Health: Confusion in the Ranks, Confusion Among the Commanders
Authors: Murray Judith A.
Published: May 2008

The need to provide support for the mental health needs of children and young people is not in dispute. However, there does exist confusion as to the most appropriate means and methods of providing such support. This confusion is particularly evident among those who work closely in providing daily for the mental health needs of children and young people, yet who lack specific mental health training. The confusion is heightened by the fact that those who have developed expertise in mental health cannot offer a consensual approach. This article discusses this confusion and its implications for other sectors by considering some of the theoretical and practical debates in the psychological literature concerning the most effective approaches to mental health interventions. Some commonsense recommendations from this literature for those working with children are offered.
Unheard Voices: Themes Emerging From Studies of the Views About School Engagement of Young People With High Support Needs in the Area of Mental Health
Authors: Holdsworth Roger , Blanchard Michelle
Published: May 2008

We know that students' positive engagement with school is closely linked to their positive mental health. In particular, a positive engagement assists students to develop the human connections and resilience that reduces the risk of developing later mental health problems. What do students themselves say about what assists them to engage successfully with school? In particular, what is known of the views of students with high support needs in the area of mental health? The MindMatters Plus Project commissioned a review of existing studies of students' perspectives about engagement. This overview summarises the literature that typifies the three overlapping areas of school engagement, student voice and students with high support needs in the area of mental health, drawing on an extensive annotated bibliography of sources (available online at mmplus.agca.com.au/studeng_unheard_voices.php?x=13). The students about whom MindMatters Plus has a particular concern — those who are at greater risk of having high support needs in the area of mental health — are often less likely to voice their opinion and concerns to adults. As a consequence, less is known about what they are saying about factors that engage them with school — theirs are frequently ‘unheard voices’.
The Prevention of Depression in 8- to 9-Year-Old Children: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rooney Rosanna , Roberts Clare , Kane Robert , Pike Lisbeth , Winsor Amber , White Julia , Brown Annette
Published: May 2008

The outcomes of a new universal program aimed at preventing depressive symptoms and disorders in 8- to 9-year-old children are presented. The Positive Thinking Program is a mental health promotion program based on cognitive and behavioural strategies. It is designed to meet the developmental needs of children in the middle primary school Years 4 and 5. Four state primary schools were randomly assigned to receive the program implemented by psychologists or to a control condition involving their regular Health Education curriculum. Seventy-two children participated in the intervention condition and 48 children in the control condition. Children completed measures of depressive and anxiety symptomatology, depressive disorders, and attribution style. The intervention was associated with reductions in depressive symptoms and more positive attributions at post-intervention. Compared to the control group, there was a lower prevalence of depressive disorders at posttest and fewer intervention group children developed a depressive disorder at a 9-month follow-up.
Corrosion and Oxide Properties of HANA Alloys
Authors: Park Jeong-Yong , Choi Byung-Kwon , Jo Yoo Seung , Hwan Jeong Yong
Published: May 2008

The corrosion behavior of HANA alloys has been investigated at 360°C in a pure water autoclave as well as in a pressurized water reactor (PWR)-simulating loop. The grain morphology and the incorporated precipitates of the oxide were characterized to elucidate the corrosion mechanism of HANA alloys. HANA alloys showed a much lower corrosion rate when compared to Zircaloy-4 in the investigated corrosion environments with HANA-6 (Zr-1.1Nb-0.05Cu), revealing a lower corrosion rate than HANA-4 (Zr-1.5Nb-0.4Sn-0.2Fe-0.1Cr). The corrosion rate was increased with an increase of the final annealing temperature of the alloys and the dissolved oxygen content in the corrosion environment. The oxide grain morphology of the HANA alloys was changed periodically from equiaxed grains to columnar ones during its growth to form a layered structure of the oxide. The change of the oxide grain morphology correlated well with the transition of the corrosion kinetics. It was revealed that the fully developed layer was thicker and the columnar grain size was larger in the protective oxide with a lower corrosion rate. The precipitates of HANA alloys were more finely distributed and oxidized more slowly in the oxide when compared to those of Zircaloy-4. Such oxidation characteristics of the precipitates along with the reduction of the Sn content were considered to be more favorable for growing an oxide to a greater thickness before transition and increasing the columnar grain size of the oxide, thereby improving the corrosion resistance of HANA alloys.
Experimental Estimation of J-R Curves from Load-CMOD Record for SE(B) Specimens
Authors: Zhu Xian-Kui , Leis Brian N. , Joyce James A.
Published: May 2008

Fracture resistance of ductile materials is often characterized by a J-R curve, and measured using the fracture toughness testing standard ASTM E1820 (Standard Test Method for Measurement of Fracture Toughness). The recommended elastic unloading compliance method or resistance curve test method requires simultaneous measurements of applied load (P), load-line displacement (LLD), and crack-mouth opening displacement (CMOD) from a single test for the single-edge notched bend [SE(B)] specimen. The P-CMOD record is used to determine crack extension, and the P-LLD record in conjunction with the crack extension is used to calculate the J-integral. However, it is well known that while highly accurate CMOD measurements can be made, the measurement of LLD is less accurate and more difficult because of transducer mounting difficulties, specimen load point indentions and load train deflections, or a combination thereof. Extensive finite element analyses showed that the LLD-based J equation may give inaccurate results for a shallow-cracked SE(B) specimen because its geometry factor η may depend on the strain hardening exponent. In contrast for the same geometry, the CMOD-based η factor is insensitive to the hardening exponent, and thus a CMOD-based J equation could be more accurate to be used in the determination of J-R curves. Based on the energy principle, this paper proposes a CMOD-based J equation for a growing crack using an incremental function similar to the present ASTM E1820-06 formulation that is applicable to the J calculations for a J-R curve testing. The proposed CMOD-based J formulation contains two geometry factors, i.e., CMOD-based η and γ, and can consider the crack growth correction. The solutions of four geometry factors are presented for the SE(B) specimens with a wide range of crack length. The proposed formulation is then applied to determine J-R curves for HY80 steel using the load-CMOD record for SE(B) specimens, and the results are compared with those using the traditional LLD-based formulation. The comparison shows close agreement between these two formulations. It is recommended that the proposed formulation be used in ASTM E1820 to determine more accurate J-R curves and reduce test costs as well.
Erythropoietin Receptors on Tumor Cells: What Do They Mean?
Authors: Fandrey Joachim
Published: May 2008

Given the apparent presence of erythropoietin receptors (EPORs) in cancer tissues, questions have been raised about the possible influence of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) on tumor growth and proliferation. Preclinical studies of ESAs have shown no greater tumor proliferation in cell lines and no adverse effect on treatment outcomes in animal models. Furthermore, it appears that the commercially available antibodies that have been used in clinical studies are not specific to EPORs. In particular, they detect isoforms of heat shock protein 70, which is found in tumor cells and is associated with poor prognosis. For this reason, results from clinical studies purporting to relate the administration of ESAs to shorter survival must be considered inconclusive and complicated by methodological and sampling issues. Ongoing studies will help clarify whether the existence of the EPOR has any relevance at all in the cancer setting.
Safety Update on Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents: Trials Within and Outside the Accepted Indications
Authors: Gascón Pere
Published: May 2008

Certain studies in which erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been given not with the aim of correcting anemia but to achieve higher target levels of hemoglobin have shown significantly poorer survival among treated patients. However, studies in which ESAs were administered with the aim of reducing the need for RBC transfusions in patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia demonstrate that the use of these agents is not associated with any adverse effect on survival when compared with placebo controls. We can therefore be reassured that using ESAs within the labeled indications will not adversely affect patient outcome.
A MULTI‐SCALE TEST OF THE FORAGE MATURATION HYPOTHESIS IN A PARTIALLY MIGRATORY UNGULATE POPULATION
Authors: Hebblewhite Mark , Merrill Evelyn , McDermid Greg
Published: May 2008

The forage maturation hypothesis (FMH) proposes that ungulate migration is driven by selection for high forage quality. Because quality declines with plant maturation, but intake declines at low biomass, ungulates are predicted to select for intermediate forage biomass to maximize energy intake by following phenological gradients during the growing season. We tested the FMH in the Canadian Rocky Mountains by comparing forage availability and selection by both migrant and nonmigratory resident elk (Cervus elaphus) during three growing seasons from 2002–2004. First, we confirmed that the expected trade‐off between forage quality and quantity occurred across vegetation communities. Next, we modeled forage biomass and phenology during the growing season by combining ground and remote‐sensing approaches. The growing season started 2.2 days earlier every 1 km east of the continental divide, was delayed by 50 days for every 1000‐m increase in elevation, and occurred 8 days earlier on south aspects. Migrant and resident selection for forage biomass was then compared across three spatial scales (across the study area, within summer home ranges, and along movement paths) using VHF and GPS telemetry locations from 119 female elk. Migrant home ranges occurred closer to the continental divide in areas of higher topographical diversity, resulting in migrants consistently selecting for intermediate biomass at the two largest scales, but not at the finest scale along movement paths. In contrast, residents selected maximum forage biomass across all spatial scales. To evaluate the consequences of selection, we compared exposure at telemetry locations of migrant and resident elk to expected forage biomass and digestibility. The expected digestibility for migrant elk in summer was 6.5% higher than for residents, which was corroborated with higher fecal nitrogen levels for migrants. The observed differences in digestibility should increase migrant elk body mass, pregnancy rates, and adult and calf survival rates. Whether bottom‐up effects of improved forage quality are realized will ultimately depend on trade‐offs between forage and predation. Nevertheless, this study provides comprehensive evidence that montane ungulate migration leads to greater access to higher‐quality forage relative to nonmigratory congeners, as predicted by the forage maturation hypothesis, resulting primarily from large‐scale selection patterns.
SPATIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CORRELATES OF INTERTIDAL RECRUITMENT: A TEST USING BARNACLES IN NORTHERN CHILE
Authors: Lagos Nelson A. , Castilla Juan Carlos , Broitman Bernardo R.
Published: May 2008

Nearshore circulation processes and local geomorphological patterns are thought to be important correlates of spatial variation in larval recruitment of benthic organisms. However, few studies have attempted to quantitatively separate their relative influences upon recruitment dynamics. Here we use 12 study sites spanning 250 km of the northern Chile upwelling ecosystem and the intertidal barnacles Jehlius cirratus and Notochthamalus scabrosus to examine the extent to which spatial variation in larval recruitment is related to environmental variability and how these relationships depend on spatial autocorrelation. We find that upwelling intensity and wind velocity are negatively related to larval recruitment while surface slicks showed a positive correlation. However, the pure effect of each environmental variable was lower than its combined effects. Taking spatial autocorrelation into account, we find that the spatially structured variation of upwelling dynamics, distance to upwelling fronts, wind velocity, and slick occurrence explained most of the variation in barnacle recruitment. Spatial variation in recruitment rates of barnacles showed a characteristic length scale of 60–70 km, similar to the scale estimated for the spatially structured variables (upwelling, wind velocity, and surface slicks). We find that conditions for the occurrence of surface slicks (as surrogates of internal waves activity) seem to operate across several sites, suggesting a meso‐ instead local‐scale influence over spatial variation in barnacle recruitment. Our results suggest that spatial variation in barnacle recruitment is modulated by the combined influence of several spatially structured nearshore processes operating at scales of 60–70 km and that spatial autocorrelation must be taken into account in the study of the recruitment–environment relationship. However, the influence of local and small‐scale factors on recruitment dynamics of benthic invertebrates should be interpreted cautiously.
EVOLUTION OF ADAPTIVE PLASTICITY: RISK‐SENSITIVE HATCHING IN NEOTROPICAL LEAF‐BREEDING TREEFROGS
Authors: Gomez-Mestre Ivan , Wiens John J. , Warkentin Karen M.
Published: May 2008

Adaptive plasticity at switch points in complex life cycles (e.g., hatching, metamorphosis) is well known, but the evolutionary history of such plasticity is not. Particularly unclear is how a single plastic response (e.g., shifts in hatching timing) evolves to respond to different threats and cues (e.g., abiotic and biotic). We conducted a comparative phylogenetic study of hatching plasticity in a group of frogs with arboreal embryos to determine when risk‐accelerated hatching evolved in the clade, whether responses to two common egg‐stage risks (snake predation and flooding) evolved independently, and whether the overall capacity for hatching plasticity was evolutionarily more conservative than responses to specific cues. Red‐eyed treefrogs (Agalychnis callidryas) hatch early to escape from several egg‐stage risks but otherwise hatch later, improving larval survival with predators. We reconstructed a phylogeny forAgalychnisand related genera based on three mitochondrial and four nuclear genes. We quantified onset of hatching competence, spontaneous hatching timing, responses to egg‐stage risks, and costs of premature hatching inAgalychnisandPachymedusa. We also assessed hatching plasticity in a basal phyllomedusine,Cruziohyla calcarifer. The capacity to hatch ∼30% before the spontaneous hatching age appears ancestral for phyllomedusines, with little change over ∼34–50 million years among the species examined. A strong hatching response to flooding, with no mortality of hatching‐competent eggs, is similarly ancient and conserved. Premature hatchlings ofAgalychnisandPachymedusaare more vulnerable to fish predation than are full‐term hatchlings, indicating a conserved risk trade‐off across hatching that would make plasticity advantageous. In contrast, the hatching response to snake attack has undergone major changes at least twice in theAgalychnis–Pachymedusaclade, with two species showing substantially lower escape success than the others. Responses to different threats have thus evolved independently. The capacity for switch point plasticity may be evolutionarily more stable than the response to individual stage‐specific threats.
Death Anxiety: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach
Authors: Furer Patricia , Walker John R.
Published: May 2008

Over the years, there has been a considerable amount of psychological research focused on death anxiety. However, little attention has been given to clinical aspects of this problem. This paper focuses on a practical approach to assessment and treatment of death anxiety for the clinician. We discuss situations where it is wise to evaluate death anxiety and provide questions to address this topic in a sensitive manner. Death anxiety is clearly a central feature of health anxiety and may also play a significant role in other anxiety disorders. While there is very little specific research on treatment of fear of death, research on the anxiety disorders in general and health anxiety in particular has facilitated the development of an approach we have found useful in treating death anxiety. The main components of this treatment include exposure to feared themes related to death, reduction of safety behaviors, cognitive reappraisal, increased focus on life goals and life enjoyment, and relapse prevention.
Heavy metal accumulation of Danube river aquatic plants — indication of chemical contamination
Authors: Pajević Slobodanka , Borišev Milan , Rončević Srđan , Vukov Dragana , Igić Ružica
Published: May 2008

In this paper, the ecological status of a section of the Danube River flowing through Serbia from Bezdan to Djerdap was evalutated. Using the chemical composition of water, sediment samples from the littoral zone and dominant aquatic macrophytes, the level of chemical pollution was ascertained. Chemical analyses of the water and sediment indicated that the tributaries flowing into the Danube significantly influenced the chemical load of the water and as a direct consequence, the sediment. The concentration of heavy metals including Cu, Mn and Cd found in plants of the Potamogeton genus, further indicated significant chemical pollution, establishing a clear link between the chemical composition of plant tissues and the chemical composition of water and sediment. This paper therefore describes how the chemical composition of aquatic plants can be used as a reliable indicator for heavy metal pollution of aquatic ecosystems.
Correlation of low molecular weight advanced glycation end products and nitric oxide metabolites with chronic complications in type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Heltianu Constantina , Manea Simona-Adriana , Guja Cristian , Mihai Carina , Ionescu-Tirgoviste Constantin
Published: May 2008

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in the occurrence of vascular complications in diabetes. The present study was undertaken to investigate the level of low-molecular weight products of AGEs (LMW-AGEs) in relation to microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes, and the possible relationship with nitric oxide (NO) as a marker of endothelial function. Patients with normal renal function (NRF) were classified into two groups: (1) without, and (2) with diabetic neuropathy; and patients with renal impairment also into two groups: (3) diabetic renal disease, and (4) end-stage renal disease. The fluorescence of LMW-AGEs and measurement of NO metabolites was assessed in 277 serum samples. In addition, multiple regression analysis was performed. In group 1, LMW-AGEs level (9.3±1.1 AF%) was higher than in the control group (2.4±0.3 AF%). A trend in the increase of LMW-AGEs with neuropathy (29.7±5.5 AF%, group 2), and further with renal impairment (47.0±8.0, group 3 and 137.8±25.5 AF%, group 4), was observed. In multivariate regression analysis LMW-AGEs were associated with NO metabolites in group 2. In NRF patients, diabetic neuropathy was significantly correlated with LMW-AGEs and NO metabolites, independently of serum creatinine and duration of diabetes. This relationship suggests that the NO and LMW-AGEs’ actions (possibly synergistic) in endothelial activation possess a role in the initiation and development of diabetic microvascular complications.
Technical aspects of dielectric spectroscopy measurements of liquid crystals
Authors: Perkowski P. , Łada D. , Ogrodnik K. , Rutkowska J. , Piecek W. , Raszewski Z.
Published: May 2008

The dielectric spectroscopy measurements were performed for antiferroelectric liquid crystalline mixture. For this purpose, the cells with ITO electrodes were prepared. It was found that it is not possible to detect some important relaxation modes in Sm A*, Sm C*, and Sm CA* phases. The own cell mode (related to cell properties, i.e., capacity and resistivity) covers the dielectric response of liquid crystalline medium. Dielectric measurements in cells with gold electrodes were done to show all possible relaxations in antiferroelectric liquid crystals (LCs).
Product of lattice-valued measures on topological spaces
Authors: Khurana Surjit
Published: May 2008

X1 and X
2 are completely regular Hausdorff spaces, E
1, E
2 and F are Dedekind complete Banach lattices, 〈·,·〉: E
1 × E
2 → F is a bilinear mapping, and μ
1 and μ
2 are, respectively, E
1 and E
2 valued positive, countably additive Baire or Borel measures (countable additivity relative to order convergence) on X
1 and X
2. Under certain conditions the existence and uniqueness of the F-valued, positive, product measure is proved.
Completeness properties of the pseudocompact-open topology on C(X)
Authors: Kundu S. , Garg Pratibha
Published: May 2008

This is a study of the completeness properties of the space C
ps(X) of continuous real-valued functions on a Tychonoff space X, where the function space has the pseudocompact-open topology. The properties range from complete metrizability to the Baire space property.
Twisted signatures of flag manifolds
Authors: Mayer Karl
Published: May 2008

A product formula for some twisted signatures of flag manifolds is proved. The result is used to compute twisted signatures of some flag manifolds from those of Grassmannians, and by that to deduce some upper bounds of the stable span.
Trinomial random walk with one or two imperfect absorbing barriers
Authors: El-Shehawey M.
Published: May 2008

Trinomial random walk, with one or two barriers, on the non-negative integers is discussed. At the barriers, the particle is either annihilated or reflects back to the system with respective probabilities 1 − ρ, ρ at the origin and 1 − ω, ω at L, 0 ≤ ρ,ω ≤ 1. Theoretical formulae are given for the probability distribution, its generating function as well as the mean of the time taken before absorption. In the one-boundary case, very qualitatively different asymptotic forms for the result, depending on the relationship between transition probabilities and the annihilation probability, are obtained.
On generalized measures of entropy and dependence
Authors: Kumar Parmil , Hooda D.
Published: May 2008

Various authors have studied extensions of Shannon’s entropy but their inferential properties and applications in applied sciences have not invited proper attention from researchers. In the present paper we explore the motivation and implication of using various classes of the generalized entropies and conditional entropies. We evaluate β-class and (α, β)-class entropies for multivariate normal density function. We also obtain the measures of dependence in terms of the classes of generalized entropies.
Responses of native and invasive plant species to selective logging in anAcacia koa‐Metrosideros polymorphaforest in Hawai'i
Authors: Friday James B. , Scowcroft Paul G. , Ares Adrian
Published: May 2008

Questions:Is the introduced timber speciesFraxinus uhdeiinvasive in Hawai'i? Has logging disturbance facilitated the spread ofFraxinusand other alien species?

Location:Windward Mauna Kea, island of Hawai'i.

Methods:We surveyed 29 plots which were established before selective logging of the native treeAcacia koain 1971 to determine ifFraxinusspread beyond the borders of an existing plantation and if other alien species increased. We created gaps in the canopy of theFraxinusplantation and measured seed rain and regeneration, and we sampled foliar and soil nutrients inside and around the plantation.

Results:Basal area ofFraxinusincreased from 0.7 m2.ha‐1in 1971 to 10.8 m2.ha‐1in 2000.Fraxinuswas not found in plots that were located more than 500 m from those where it occurred in 1971 except along a road. Basal area ofAcacia koadecreased after logging but subsequently recovered. Occurrence of the alien vinePassiflora tarminianaand alien grassEhrharta stipoidesdecreased. Seedling regeneration ofFraxinuswas prolific in gaps but did not occur under the canopy. Basal area ofFraxinusdid not correlate with soil nutrient concentrations.

Conclusions:Fraxinuswas able to regenerate following logging more rapidly than native tree species. Basal area growth ofFraxinuswas great enough to offset a decline in native trees and cause an increase in forest productivity. If theFraxinusplantation is harvested, managers should plan ways of favoring regeneration of the nativeAcaciawhich is more valuable both for timber and for conservation.
Abnormal Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Function in Children With Psychopathic Traits During Reversal Learning
Authors: Finger Elizabeth C. , Marsh Abigail A. , Mitchell Derek G. , Reid Marguerite E. , Sims Courtney , Budhani Salima , Kosson David S. , Chen Gang , Towbin Kenneth E. , Leibenluft Ellen , Pine Daniel S. , Blair James R.
Published: May 2008

Context

Children and adults with psychopathic traits and conduct or oppositional defiant disorder demonstrate poor decision making and are impaired in reversal learning. However, the neural basis of this impairment has not previously been investigated. Furthermore, despite high comorbidity of psychopathic traits and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, to our knowledge, no research has attempted to distinguish neural correlates of childhood psychopathic traits and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Objective

To determine the neural regions that underlie the reversal learning impairments in children with psychopathic traits plus conduct or oppositional defiant disorder.

Design

Case-control study.

Setting

Government clinical research institute.

Participants

Forty-two adolescents aged 10 to 17 years: 14 with psychopathic traits and oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, 14 with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder only, and 14 healthy controls.

Main Outcome Measure

Blood oxygenation level–dependent signal as measured via functional magnetic resonance imaging during a probabilistic reversal task.

Results

Children with psychopathic traits showed abnormal responses within the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 10) during punished reversal errors compared with children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and healthy children (P < .05 corrected for multiple comparisons).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of abnormal ventromedial prefrontal cortex responsiveness in children with psychopathic traits and demonstrates this dysfunction was not attributable to comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. These findings suggest that reversal learning impairments in patients with developmental psychopathic traits relate to abnormal processing of reinforcement information.
Fabrication and Dielectric Characterization of Advanced BaTiO3/Polyimide Nanocomposite Films with High Thermal Stability
Authors: Dang Zhi‐Min , Lin You‐Qin , Xu Hai‐Ping , Shi Chang‐Yong , Li Sheng‐Tao , Bai Jinbo
Published: May 2008

Barium titanate/polyimide (BaTiO3/PI) nanocomposite films with high dielectric permittivity (20), high breakdown strength (67 MV m−1), and high thermal stability are prepared by an in‐situ polymerization process. A very thin polymer layer (about 5 nm) is coated on the surface of nanosized BaTiO3 particles to form a core–shell‐like structure, which can guarantee homogeneous dispersion of the BaTiO3 particles in the PI matrix. It is confirmed that the core–shell‐like structure originates from both the electrostatic attraction between the precursor poly(amic acid) (PAA) and the BaTiO3 particles and the hydrogen bond interaction between PI and the BaTiO3 particles. Such a structure also has some influence on the dielectric properties and breakdown strength of films. After casting and degassing of the sticky film, the dielectric permittivity of the nanocomposite film is close to or even higher than that of submicrocomposite films, which is attributed to the advanced interfacial structure between the BaTiO3 and PI phases.
Evaluation of a clinic‐based cholinesterase test kit for the Washington State Cholinesterase Monitoring Program
Authors: Hofmann Jonathan N. , Carden Angela , Fenske Richard A. , Ruark Harold E. , Keifer Matthew C.
Published: May 2008

Background

The Washington State Cholinesterase Monitoring Program for pesticide handlers requires blood draws at local clinics, with samples tested at a central laboratory. At present, workers with inhibited cholinesterase activity may be re‐exposed before they can be removed from work. In this study we explored the option of on‐site testing at local clinics using the EQM Test‐mate Kit™, a portable cholinesterase test kit.

Methods

Test kit cholinesterase activity measurements were performed on 50 blood samples by our research staff, and compared to measurements on the same samples by the Washington State Public Health Laboratory. Another set of samples was also analyzed with the test kit by medical staff at an eastern Washington clinic.

Results

Triplicate measurements with the test kit had a 3.3% average coefficient of variation (CV) for plasma cholinesterase (PChE), and a 3.5% average CV for erythrocyte cholinesterase (AChE) measurements. The kit's PChE measurements were similar to PHL measurements (average ratio of 0.98) when performed in the laboratory, but had a tendency to underestimate activity when used in the clinic setting (average ratio of 0.87). The kit systematically overestimated AChE activity by 42–48% relative to the PHL measurements, regardless of where the samples were analyzed.

Conclusions

This easy‐to‐use test kit appeared to be a viable method for clinic‐based PChE measurements, but was less consistent for AChE measurements performed in the clinic. Absolute measurements with the kit need to be evaluated carefully relative to standardized methods. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:532–538, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gas Storage in Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Morris Russell E. , Wheatley Paul S.
Published: May 2008

Gas storage in solids is becoming an ever more important technology, with applications and potential applications ranging from energy and the environment all the way to biology and medicine. Very highly porous materials, such as zeolites, carbon materials, polymers, and metal‐organic frameworks, offer a wide variety of chemical composition and structural architectures that are suitable for the adsorption and storage of many different gases, including hydrogen, methane, nitric oxide, and carbon dioxide. However, the challenges associated with designing materials to have sufficient adsorption capacity, controllable delivery rates, suitable lifetimes, and recharging characteristics are not trivial in many instances. The different chemistry associated with the various gases of interest makes it necessary to carefully match the properties of the porous material to the required application.
Atraumatic complex transradial intervention using large bore sheathless guide catheter
Authors: Mamas M.A. , Fath‐Ordoubadi F. , Fraser D.G.
Published: May 2008

The Asahi sheathless guide catheter system is a hydrophilic catheter with a central dilator that does not require an introducer sheath during transradial percutaneous coronary intervention. Conventional sheath introducers are often 1‐ to 2F larger than the catheter itself; therefore, this system enables the use of a larger French catheter during procedures than would otherwise be possible using conventional techniques. We describe the use of a 7.5F sheathless guide catheter system with a smaller outer diameter than a conventional 6F introducer sheath in 16 cases performed transradially involving rotablation, crush stent bifurcation lesions, 7F proximal protection, and thrombectomy devices. Such cases would otherwise not always be possible if performed using conventional transradial techniques in patients with smaller radial artery sizes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: First‐Principles Calculations of the Elastic and Electronic Properties of the Cubic Perovskites SrMO3 (M: Ti, V, Zr and Nb) in Comparison with SrSnO3.
Authors: Shein I. R. , Kozhevnikov V. L. , Ivanovskii A. L.
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Coupled In/Te and Ni/Vacancy Ordering and the Modulated Crystal Structure of a B8 Type, Ni3.+‐.xIn1‐yTe2+y Solid Solution Phase.
Authors: Larsson A.‐K. , Noren L. , Withers R. L. , Rundloef H.
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: La3Ru8B6 and Y3Os8B6, New Members of a Homologous Series R(A)nM3n‐1B2n.
Authors: Sologub O. L. , Salamakha L. P. , Noel H. , Roisnel T. , Goncalves A. P.
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure and Electronic Properties of the New Compounds, U6Fe16Si7 and Its Interstitial Carbide U6Fe16Si7C.
Authors: Berthebaud D. , Tougait O. , Potel M. , Lopes E. B. , Goncalves A. P. , Noel H.
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Mo‐Valence State, Thermal Stability and Thermoelectric Properties of SrMoO3‐xNx (x < 1) Oxynitride Perovskites.
Authors: Logvinovich D. , Aguiar R. , Robert R. , Trottmann M. , Ebbinghaus S. G. , Reller A. , Weidenkaff A.
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure, Magnetic, and Dielectric Properties of Aurivillius‐Type Bi3Fe0.5Nb1.5O9.
Authors: Lufaso M. W. , Schulze W. A. , Misture S. T. , Vanderah T. A.
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Towards New Negative Electrode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries: Electrochemical Properties of LiNiN.
Authors: Cabana Jordi , Stoeva Zlatka , Titman Jeremy J. , Gregory Duncan H. , Palacin M. Rosa
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: B2(BO)2‐2 — Diboronyl Diborene: A Linear Molecule with a Triple Boron—Boron Bond.
Authors: Li Si‐Dian , Zhai Hua‐Jin , Wang Lai‐Sheng
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses and Characterizations of Complex Perovskite Oxynitrides LaMg1/3Ta2/3O2N, LaMg1/2Ta1/2O5/2N1/2, and BaSc0.05Ta0.95O2.1N0.9.
Authors: Kim Young‐Il , Woodward Patrick M.
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Iron Potassium Diarsenate KFeAs2O7 Structural, Electric and Magnetic Behaviors.
Authors: Ouerfelli N. , Guesmi A. , Molinie P. , Mazza D. , Zid M. F. , Driss A.
Published: May 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.