bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of selected reaction monitoring‐MS methodology to measure peptide biomarkers in prostate cancer
Authors: Yocum Anastasia K. , Khan Amjad P. , Zhao Rong , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: March 2011

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3506–3514, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000023
Evaluation of changes in serum protein profiles during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER2‐positive breast cancer using an LC‐MALDI‐TOF/MS procedure
Authors: Mazouni Chafika , Baggerly Keith , Hawke David , Tsavachidis Spyros , André Fabrice , Buzdar Aman U. , Martin Pierre‐Marie , Kobayashi Ryuji , Pusztai Lajos
Published: March 2011

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3525–3532, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000057
A combined top‐down and bottom‐up MS approach for the characterization of hemoglobin variants in Rhesus monkeys
Authors: Hüttenhain Ruth , Hess Sonja
Published: March 2011

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3657–3668, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900161
Proteomic identification of microRNA‐122a target proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Diao Shu , Zhang Jin‐fang , Wang Hua , He Ming‐liang , Lin Marie Chia‐mi , Chen Yangchao , Kung Hsiang‐fu
Published: March 2011

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3723–3731, DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000050
Biochips that sequentially capture and focus antigens for immunoaffinity MALDI‐TOF MS: A new tool for biomarker verification
Authors: Brauer Heather Ann , Lampe Paul D. , Yasui Yutaka Y. , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Stolowitz Mark L.
Published: March 2011

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 3922–3927, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900219
Statistical evaluation of CZE‐UV and CZE‐ESI‐MS data of intact α‐1‐acid glycoprotein isoforms for their use as potential biomarkers in bladder cancer
Authors: Ongay Sara , Martín‐Álvarez Pedro J. , Neusüß Christian , de Frutos Mercedes
Published: March 2011

This article was originally published in Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 3314–3325, DOI 10.1002/elps.200900244
New method for prefractionation of plasma for proteomic analysis
Authors: Fitzgerald Anna , Walsh Bradley J.
Published: March 2011

This article was originally published in Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 3580–3585, DOI 10.1002/elps.201000298
T‐shaped arrangement of the recombinant agrin G3 – IgG Fc protein
Authors: Patel Trushar R. , Meier Markus , Li Jianhua , Morris Gordon , Rowe Arthur J. , Stetefeld Jörg
Published: March 2011

Agrin is a large heparin sulphate proteoglycan with multiple domains, which is located in the extracellular matrix. The C‐terminal G3 domain of agrin is functionally one of the most important domains. It harbors an α‐dystroglycan binding site and carries out acetylcholine receptor clustering activities. In the present study, we have fused the G3 domain of agrin to an IgG Fc domain to produce a G3‐Fc fusion protein that we intend to use as a tool to investigate new binding partners of agrin. As a first step of the study, we have characterized the recombinant fusion protein using a multidisciplinary approach using dynamic light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). Interestingly, our SAXS analysis using the high‐resolution structures of G3 and Fc domain as models indicates that the G3‐Fc protein forms a T‐shaped molecule with the G3 domains extruding perpendicularly from the Fc scaffold. To validate our models, we have used the program HYDROPRO to calculate the hydrodynamic properties of the solution models. The calculated values are in excellent agreement with those determined experimentally.
Benchmark study on glyphosate‐resistant cropping systems in the United States. Part 1: Introduction to 2006–2008
Authors: Shaw David R , Owen Micheal DK , Dixon Philip M , Weller Stephen C , Young Bryan G , Wilson Robert G , Jordan David L
Published: March 2011

Glyphosate‐resistant (GR) crop technology has dramatically impacted agriculture. The adoption of GR systems in canola, maize, cotton, soybean and sugar beets has been widespread in the United States. However, weed scientists are concerned that growers' current herbicide programs and weed management tactics will affect their sustainability and effectiveness. Without proper management, the potential for weed populations to express a high degree of resistance to glyphosate will adversely impact the utility of glyphosate. In 2005, weed scientists from six universities initiated a long‐term research study to assess the sustainability of GR technology. This paper introduces five other articles in this series. Over 150 fields of at least 10 ha were selected to participate in a long‐term field‐scale study, and each field was split in half. On one‐half the grower continued using the current weed management program; on the other half the grower used academic‐recommended herbicide resistance best management practices. Field data were collected in 2006–2008 to determine the impact of the two weed management programs on weed populations, diversity, seedbank, crop yields and economic returns. This long‐term study will provide invaluable data for determining the sustainability and profitability of diversified weed management programs designed to lower the risk of evolving weed resistance to glyphosate. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Measuring the exciton diffusion length of C60 in organic planar heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Qin Dashan , Gu Peng , Dhar Rudra Sankar , Razavipour Seyed Ghasem , Ban Dayan
Published: March 2011

Planar copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/C60 heterojunction solar cells with a 2 nm layer of bathocuproine (BCP) inserted into the C60 layer were fabricated and characterized. The 2 nm BCP layer in the devices was used as an electronically selective sieve allowing the electron current through but blocking the excitons in the C60 layer. By combining the experimental results with the optical modeling, the effective triplet exciton diffusion length in C60 was confirmed to be 30–35 nm under the device working condition. We demonstrate a simple, useful method to determine the exciton diffusion lengths of organic electron acceptors.
Direct synthesis of sp3‐hybridized BCN compound by high pressure and temperature
Authors: Li Xuefei , Yang Jinghai , Li Fangfei , Zhou Qiang , Zou Guangtian
Published: March 2011

Well‐crystallized BCN compounds have been prepared from melamine (C3H6N6) and boron oxidation (B2O3) at pressures above 25 GPa and temperatures higher than 2500 K. The morphology of synthetic BCN samples was characterized transmission electron microscope. The atomic B/C/N ratio was determined by Electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS). EELS studies indicated that the bonding of the BCN compound is in a sp3 configuration. The results indicated BCN compound may be a cubic structure.
Magnetic properties of SmxMn1−xS solid solutions
Authors: Aplesnin Sergei , Romanova Oxana , Ryabinkina Ludmila , Har'kov Alexandr , Eremin Evgenii , Velikanov Dmitrii , Solokov Vladimir , Pichugin Andrey , Demidenko Olga , Makovetskii Gennadii , Yanushkevich Kazimir
Published: March 2011

The structural and magnetic properties of SmxMn1−xS (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) solid solutions synthesized on the basis of an antiferromagnetic semiconductor α‐MnS are experimentally studied in the temperature range 4.2–300 K in magnetic fields up to 9 T. The magnetic hysteresis in Sm0.05Mn0.95S is observed in the magnetic fields 6 T < H < 9 T at low temperatures and linear magnetization dependence on field for compound with x = 0.2.
Vertically integrated nanogenerator based on ZnO nanowire arrays
Authors: Yu Aifang , Li Hongyu , Tang Haoying , Liu Tengjiao , Jiang Peng , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2011

We report a technique to construct a vertically integrated nanogenerator (VI‐NG) based on ZnO nanowire (NW) arrays. The VI‐NG consists of nine single NGs connected mixed parallel and serial by a layer‐by‐layer stacking. For the single layer NG, the peak output voltage and current are 0.045 V and 2.5 nA, respectively. The VI‐NG produces an output power density of 2.8 nW/cm2 with a peak output voltage of 0.15 V and output current of 7.2 nA. The vertical integration of the multi‐NG provides a feasible technique for effectively converting mechanical energies to electricity from environment. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of πσ* states in the photochemistry of the chiral fluoroethylene derivative (4‐methylcyclohexylidene)fluoromethane
Authors: Kinzel Daniel , González‐Vázquez Jesús , González Leticia
Published: March 2011

Multiconfigurational ab initio calculations of the excited states and potential energy curves of the chiral fluoroethylene derivative (4‐methylcyclohexylidene)fluoromethane provide evidence that πσ* states play an important role in the abstraction of HF. We show that more than the ground and valence ππ* states are necessary to correctly describe the relaxation of the title molecule upon excitation to the bright valence ππ* state. A conical intersection between the πσ* and ππ* states has been identified at the FC geometry which makes dissociation of HF in the electronic excited state possible. This conclusion is different from all the previous studies on ethylenic systems where dissociation is postulated as a ground state reaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 111:3394–3404, 2011
Robust adaptive learning control for nonlinear systems with extended matching unstructured uncertainties
Authors: Marino Riccardo , Tomei Patrizio , Verrelli Cristiano Maria
Published: March 2011

The exponential output tracking problem for a class of single‐input, single‐output uncertain nonlinear systems, including systems with extended matching unstructured uncertainties and without a well‐defined global relative degree, is addressed. Conditions on the uncertain system dynamics are derived, which allow us to design a state‐feedback learning control achieving semi‐global exponential output tracking of sufficiently smooth and periodic reference signals of known period, while guaranteeing ℒ︁2 and ℒ︁∞ transient performances during the learning phase. The application of the proposed learning approach to the position tracking control problem for uncertain permanent magnet step motors with non‐sinusoidal flux distribution and uncertain position‐dependent load torque allows us to provide a solution to a yet unsolved problem. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Razumikhin‐type theorems on general decay stability and robustness for stochastic functional differential equations
Authors: Wu Fuke , Hu Shigeng
Published: March 2011

This paper establishes Razumikhin‐type theorems on general decay stability for stochastic functional differential equations. This improves existing stochastic Razumikhin‐type theorems and can make us examine the stability with general decay rate in the sense of the pth moment and almost sure. These stabilities may be specialized as the exponential stability and the polynomial stability. When the almost sure stability is examined, the conditions of this paper may defy the linear growth condition for the drift term, which implies that the theorems of this paper can work for some cases to which the existing results cannot be applied. This paper also examines some sufficient criteria under which this stability is robust. To illustrate applications of our results clearly, this paper also gives two examples and examines the exponential stability and the polynomial stability, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking responsible investments to societal influence: Motives, assessments and risks
Authors: Cerin Pontus , Scholtens Bert
Published: March 2011

This introduction of the special issue about responsible investments deals with the main theoretical, methodological and empirical challenges. It also highlights the key features of the papers in this special issue. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Stock returns in relation to environmental, social and governance performance: Mispricing or compensation for risk?
Authors: Mǎnescu Cristiana
Published: March 2011

Using detailed data on seven environmental, social and governance (ESG) attributes for a long panel of large publicly traded US firms during July 1992–June 2008, only community relations were found to have had a positive effect on risk‐adjusted stock returns, which effect was not compensation for risk but could be due to mispricing. Additionally, a changing effect of employee relations was found, from positive during July 1992–June 2003 to negative during July 2003–June 2008. The positive effect could be due to mispricing, whereas there is some evidence that the negative effect was compensation for low non‐sustainability risk. A weak negative effect of human rights and product safety indicators on risk‐adjusted stock returns in the more recent period was also found to be likely due to mispricing. The implications are that certain ESG attributes might be value relevant but they are not efficiently incorporated into stock prices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Investigating consistency of judgement across sustainability analyst organizations
Authors: Hedesström Martin , Lundqvist Ulrika , Biel Anders
Published: March 2011

We compare seven major European and North American sustainability analyst organizations on how they rank‐order the same set of companies with regards to environmental performance. We also compare the analyst organizations' environmental rating schemes with regards to which evaluation criteria they include. Two industries are investigated: automobile and paper/forestry. Although there is fairly broad consensus on which automobile companies have the worst environmental performance, there is considerable disagreement about best‐performers. The pattern is less clear for paper/forestry companies. With some notable exceptions, and for both industries, all rating schemes contain evaluation criteria targeting those aspects of company performance associated, according to life‐cycle assessments, with the largest potential environmental impact. There are, however, significant divergences as to how many, and which, criteria of medium to low relevance are applied. Sustainability analyst organizations should make explicit to investors and evaluated companies on which theoretical and empirical grounds environmental evaluation criteria are selected. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Motives to engage in sustainable investment: a comparison between institutional and private investors
Authors: Jansson Magnus , Biel Anders
Published: March 2011

The current study compares motives to invest in accordance with socially responsible criteria among different groups of investors. In total, 60 employees from 19 investment institutions, 453 private investors and 71 institutional investors participated in a questionnaire study. While socially responsible investment (SRI) among private and institutional investors was guided by self‐transcendent values (environmental and social values), this was not the case among fund managers working in investment institutions. Fund managers in investment institutions were affected by beliefs about long‐term returns of SRI. Private investors were, in addition, influenced by beliefs about long‐term returns, whereas institutional investors were motivated by an effort to reduce financial risks. Finally, investment institutions tended to overrate the importance of financial returns among their beneficiaries (private and institutional beneficiaries) and underestimate the importance of ethical, environmental and social aspects for beneficiaries. The results indicate that private and institutional investors/beneficiaries give a wider interpretation of fiduciary duty than investment institutions do. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Corporate social responsibility in the international insurance industry
Authors: Scholtens Bert
Published: March 2011

This paper investigates the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of insurance companies. Rating institutions provide costly information about firms' CSR and it is not clear how they arrive at their assessment. We use a transparent framework to assess the CSR of insurance companies. We apply this framework to different types of insurers (financial conglomerates, life insurance companies, mixed insurers, general insurers) for more than 150 institutions from 20 countries. We find significant differences between different types of insurers and between countries. The results also suggest that social and ethical aspects of CSR are better integrated in the business activities of insurers than environmental aspects are. Financial conglomerates perform better than other types of insurers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Molecular Recognition Force Spectroscopy: A New Tool to Tailor Targeted Nanoparticles
Authors: Oliveira Hugo , Rangl Martina , Ebner Andreas , Mayer Barbara , Hinterdorfer Peter , Pêgo Ana P.
Published: March 2011

The density of targeting moieties in a nanoparticle‐based gene‐delivery system has been shown to play a fundamental role in its vectoring performance. Here, molecular recognition force spectroscopy is proposed as a novel screening tool to optimize the density of targeting moieties of functionalized nanoparticles towards attaining cell‐specific interaction. By tailoring the nanoparticle formulation, the unbinding event probability between nanoparticles tethered to an atomic force microscopy tip and neuronal cells is directly correlated to the nanoparticle gene‐vectoring capacity. Additionally, new insights into protein–receptor interaction are revealed. This novel approach opens new avenues in the field of nanomedicine.
Stabilizing RNA by the Sonochemical Formation of RNA Nanospheres
Authors: Shimanovich Ulyana , Volkov Vadim , Eliaz Dror , Aizer Adva , Michaeli Shulamit , Gedanken Aharon
Published: March 2011

Biological macromolecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, have intrinsic features that make them potential building blocks for the bottom‐up fabrication of nanodevices. Unlike DNA, RNA is a more versatile molecule whose range in the cell is from 21 to thousands of nucleotides and is usually folded into stem and loop structures. RNA is unique in nanoscale fabrication due to its diversity in size, function, and structure. Because gene expression analysis is becoming a clinical reality and there is a need to collect RNA in minute amounts from clinical samples, keeping the RNA intact is a growing challenge. RNA samples are notoriously difficult to handle because of their highly labile nature and tendency to degrade even under controlled RNase‐free conditions and maintenance in the cold. Silencing the RNA that induces the RNA interference is viewed as the next generation of therapeutics. The stabilization and delivery of RNA to cells are the major concerns in making siRNAs usable drugs. For the first time, ultrasonic waves are shown to convert native RNA molecules to RNA nanospheres. The creation of the nanobubbles is performed by a one‐step reaction. The RNA nanospheres are stable at room temperature for at least one month. Additionally, the nanospheres can be inserted into mammalian cancer cells (U2OS). This research achieves: 1) a solution to RNA storage; and 2) a way to convert RNA molecules to RNA particles. RNA nanosphere formation is a reversible process, and by using denaturing conditions, the RNA can be refolded into intact molecules.
Protein Nanocapsules Containing Doxorubicin as a pH‐Responsive Delivery System
Authors: Ren Dongmei , Kratz Felix , Wang Szu‐Wen
Published: March 2011

The E2 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase is engineered to form a caged, hollow dodecahedral protein assembly, and the feasibility of this scaffold to be used as a drug delivery system is examined by introducing cysteines to the internal cavity (D381C). The fluorescent dye Alexa Fluor 532 (AF532M) and the antitumor drug doxorubicin are coupled to this internal cavity through maleimides on the guest molecules. The viruslike particle’s structure and stability remain intact after binding of the molecules within the interior of the nanocapsule. The pH‐dependent hydrolysis of a hydrazone linkage to doxorubicin allows 90% drug release from the D381C scaffold within 72 h at pH 5.0. Fluorescence microscopy of MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells indicates significant uptake of the D381C scaffold incorporating AF532M and doxorubicin, and suggests internalization of the nanoparticles through endocytosis. It is observed that the protein scaffold does not induce cell death, but doxorubicin encapsulated in D381C is indeed cytotoxic, yielding an IC50 of 1.3 ± 0.3 μM. While the majority of particulate‐based drug delivery strategies encapsulates drugs within polymeric nanoparticles, these results show the potential for using macromolecular protein assemblies. This approach yields a promising new opportunity for designing highly defined nanomaterials for therapeutic delivery.
Tall building with steel plate shear walls subject to load reversal
Authors: Kang Thomas H.‐K. , Martin Randy D. , Park Hong‐Gun , Wilkerson Ryan , Youssef Nabih
Published: March 2011

This paper presents a state‐of‐the‐art review of research on thin unstiffened steel plate shear walls including recent research advances, in addition to a case study building that used them as the primary lateral‐force‐resisting system. Thin unstiffened steel plate shear walls are becoming an attractive alternative to traditional lateral‐force‐resistance systems because they exhibit desirable structural properties. A properly designed steel plate shear wall will have considerable energy dissipation capacity, ductility, initial stiffness and ultimate strength. Furthermore, the said walls are efficient in terms of cost and space due to their light weight, ease of construction and small footprint. The case study building is a 55‐story high‐rise system that took advantage of these properties. Details are presented regarding the design process and tools that were used to ensure a safe and efficient structure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical molecular imaging of atherosclerosis using nanoparticles: shedding new light on the darkness
Authors: Douma Kim , Megens Remco T. A. , van Zandvoort Marc A. M. J.
Published: March 2011

The application of optical nanoparticles in cardiovascular research is increasing because of the high spatiotemporal resolution and high sensitivity of optical techniques as compared with other imaging platforms. The major cause of cardiovascular events is atherosclerosis, which is a chronic inflammation of the arterial wall. Interestingly, the composition rather than the size of nonstenotic atherosclerotic plaques and severe plaques with >90% stenosis are indicators for high‐risk vulnerability to rupture and acute cardiovascular events. Optical techniques may be highly suitable for discriminating, at subcellular resolution, the different stages of plaque progression by targeting bright and nontoxic optical nanoparticles toward distinct molecular epitopes in order to distinguish vulnerable from stable atherosclerotic plaques. Several optical techniques including two‐photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) have been applied for (in vivo) characterization of atherosclerotic plaques, in addition to investigate their feasibility in the clinical setting. Optical nanoparticles, however, have predominantly been used in optical molecular imaging of tumors, but their application in cardiovascular research is increasing. In this review, we first describe shortly the basics of the mentioned optical techniques. Then, we detail on the most‐extensively studied optical nanoparticles and relatively new optical nanoparticles that hold promise for in vivo applications in atherosclerosis research. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 376–388 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.139

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
PIXE analysis of multilayer targets
Authors: Reis M. A. , Barradas N. P. , Chaves P. C. , Taborda A.
Published: March 2011

Particle induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) analysis is generally accepted to be a depth insensitive technique and most of the work up until recently has been oriented to the analysis of in‐depth homogeneous samples. Up until recently, multilayer targets were normally looked upon as a source of problems, implying a limitation to qualitative or semi‐quantitative approaches. The growing need to analyse layered targets having complex structures or close Z elements, which provide unsolvable Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) spectra, pointed out the need to change this situation. The coupling of two software codes, namely NDF and DATTPIXE, was thus carried out a few years ago based on the development of a PIXE yields simulation library, LibCPIXE. Since then, developments were introduced at various levels, from the software code level to the level of analytical methodologies and even equipment. Starting in the concepts of equivalent depth and differential PIXE, and ending in the possibilities opened up by the use of microcalorimeter high‐resolution detectors within this context, an overview of the current status of development of the analytical technology involved is made. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compact crystal spectrometers for ion microbeam WDX–PIXE applications
Authors: Tadić T. , Božičević I. , Jakšić M.
Published: March 2011

The use of a CCD for detection of X‐rays and a focused or collimated beam of ionising radiation enables the design of a compact, wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray (WDX) spectrometer, with increased solid angle and tolerable loss of energy resolution. Experimental investigation of WDX spectrometer designs is rather expensive and time consuming, so in order to compare various designs, a numerical X‐ray tracing procedure (XTRACE) has been developed for the calculation of instrumental functions and solid angles. XTRACE has been applied to a range of candidate designs for downsized WDX spectrometers with CCD detection and flat, Von Hamos, Johann, Johansson and spherical crystals. Most of the crystal types studied for use in downsized WDX‐PIXE spectrometers are sensitive to sample surface rotation, which may affect the reproducibility of experimental conditions. Implications for construction of downsized WDX spectrometers for PIXE application using an ion microbeam are given. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self Diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome Using Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing: A Case Study
Authors: Roberts Maegan E. , Riegert‐Johnson Douglas L. , Thomas Brittany C.
Published: March 2011

We are reporting what we believe to be the first published case of patient initiated direct to consumer (DTC) genetic testing to test for the presence of a known familial mutation. Our client in this case is from a known MSH2 family; both his/her parent and associated grandparent have previously tested positive for the known familial MSH2 mutation. Using 23andme's “family inheritance genome‐wide comparison” option we were able to determine that our client most likely inherited the known familial MSH2 mutation without pursuing single site genetic testing. Our client pursued DTC genetic testing instead of single site genetic testing due to the fear of genetic discrimination. This case shows that patients are still fearful of genetic discrimination, despite the passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), and that DTC genetic testing may be useful despite the overall negative feeling towards this type of testing in the genetic counseling community.
Cohen’s Linearly Weighted Kappa is a Weighted Average of 2×2 Kappas
Authors: Warrens Matthijs J.
Published: March 2011

An agreement table with n∈ℕ≥3 ordered categories can be collapsed into n−1 distinct 2×2 tables by combining adjacent categories. Vanbelle and Albert (Stat. Methodol. 6:157–163, 2009c) showed that the components of Cohen’s weighted kappa with linear weights can be obtained from these n−1 collapsed 2×2 tables. In this paper we consider several consequences of this result. One is that the weighted kappa with linear weights can be interpreted as a weighted arithmetic mean of the kappas corresponding to the 2×2 tables, where the weights are the denominators of the 2×2 kappas. In addition, it is shown that similar results and interpretations hold for linearly weighted kappas for multiple raters.
Spikelet Proteomic Response to Combined Water Deficit and Heat Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa cv. N22)
Authors: Jagadish S. V. Krishna , Muthurajan Raveendran , Rang Zhongwen W. , Malo Richard , Heuer Sigrid , Bennett John , Craufurd Peter Q.
Published: March 2011

In future climates, rice crops will be frequently exposed to water deficit and heat stress at the most sensitive flowering stage, causing spikelet sterility and yield losses. Water deficit alone and in combination with heat stress significantly reduced peduncle elongation, trapping 32% and 55% of spikelets within the leaf sheath, respectively. Trapped spikelets had lower spikelet fertility (66% in control) than those exserted normally (>93%). Average weighted fertility of exserted spikelets was lowest with heat stress (35%) but higher with combined stress (44%), suggesting acquired thermo-tolerance when preceded by water-deficit stress. Proteins favoring pollen germination, i.e., pollen allergens and beta expansin, were highly up-regulated with water deficit but were at normal levels under combined stress. The chaperonic heat shock transcripts and proteins were significantly up-regulated under combined stress compared with either heat or water deficit. The importance of spikelet proteins responsive to water deficit and heat stress to critical physiological processes during flowering is discussed.
Partizipative Planung mit Seniorinnen und Senioren am Beispiel von Zukunftswerkstätten in Pirmasens
Authors: Gerhards Pia , Spellerberg Annette
Published: March 2011

The increasing number of elderly people necessitates enhancing the local planning of municipalities for this target group and creating adequate conditions for the preservation of quality of life. As part of a project concerning planning for elderly people in the Rhineland-Palatinate city of Pirmasens, besides a representative survey and interviews with experts, the participative process “Zukunftswerkstatt”, a form of creative workshops, was accomplished in six different districts. This article points out, to what extent the creative workshops represent a suitable instrument to identify the desires and needs of the elderly and if these workshops can activate the older people to engage in the realization of their expressed needs.
Fibre intake among the Belgian population by sex–age and sex–education groups and its association with BMI and waist circumference
Authors: Lin Yi , Huybrechts Inge , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Bolca Selin , De Keyzer Willem , De Vriese Stephanie , Polet Anja , De Neve Melissa , Van Oyen Herman , Van Camp John , De Backer Guy , De Henauw Stefaan
Published: March 2011

The objectives of the present study were to assess total dietary fibre intake and the main contributors to fibre intake in the Belgian population by sex–age and sex–education groups and to investigate its relationship with BMI and waist circumference (WC). The participants of the Belgian food consumption survey (2004) were randomly selected. Information about food intake was collected using two repeated, non-consecutive 24 h recall interviews. A total of 3083 individuals ( ≥ 15 years; 1546 men and 1537 women) completed both interviews. The main contributors to total fibre intake (17·8 g/d) were cereals and cereal products (34 %; 5·9 g/d), potatoes and other tubers (18·6 %; 3·3 g/d), fruits (14·7 %; 2·8 g/d) and vegetables (14·4 %; 2·6 g/d). Legume fibre intake was extremely low (0·672 %; 0·139 g/d). In all sex–age and sex–education groups, total fibre intake was below the recommendations of the Belgian Superior Health Council. Men (21 g/d) consumed significantly more fibre than women (17·3 g/d) (P < 0·001). Lower educated men and higher educated women reported the highest fibre intake. A significant inverse association was found between total fibre intake and WC (β = − 0·118,P < 0·001). Fruit-derived fibre was positively associated with WC (β = 0·731,P = 0·001). In summary, total fibre intake was inversely associated with WC, whereas fruit-derived fibre intake was positively associated with WC in the Belgian population.
Dietary intake of α-linolenic acid and low ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA are associated with decreased exhaled NO and improved asthma control
Authors: Barros Renata , Moreira André , Fonseca João , Delgado Luís , Graça Castel-Branco M. , Haahtela Tari , Lopes Carla , Moreira Pedro
Published: March 2011

As recently described, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with improved asthma control. However, evidence of how specific nutrients such as fatty acids and antioxidants may affect this relationship remains largely unknown. We aimed to examine the association between dietary intake of fatty acids and antioxidants and asthma control. A cross-sectional study was developed in 174 asthmatics, mean age of 40 (sd 15) years. Dietary intake was obtained by a FFQ, and nutritional content was calculated using Food Processor Plus™ software (ESHA Research, Inc., Salem, OR, USA). Good asthma control was defined by the combination of forced expiratory volume during the first second, exhaled NO (eNO) and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score (control: forced expiratory volume in the first second ≥ 80 %; eNO ≤ 35 ppb; ACQ < 1·0, scale 0–6 score). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were performed to analyse the associations between nutrients and asthma outcomes, adjusting for confounders. A high n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio predicted high eNO, whereas high intakes of n-3 PUFA, α-linolenic acid (ALA) and SFA were associated with low eNO. Odds for controlled asthma improved along with an increased intake of n-3 PUFA (OR 0·14, 95 % CI 0·04, 0·45; P for trend = 0·001), SFA (OR 0·36, 95 % CI 0·13, 0·97; P for trend = 0·047) and ALA (OR 0·18, 95 % CI 0·06, 0·58; P for trend = 0·005). A high n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio increased the odds for uncontrolled asthma (OR 3·69, 95 % CI 1·37, 9·94; P for trend = 0·009), after adjusting for energy intake, sex, age, education and use of inhaled corticosteroids. Higher intakes of n-3 PUFA, ALA and SFA were associated with good asthma control, while the risk for uncontrolled asthma increased with a higher n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio. The present results introduce a protective effect of ALA in asthma control, independent of marine n-3 fatty acids, and provide a rationale to dietary intervention studies in asthma.
Ideological Hedging in Uncertain Times: Inconsistent Legislative Representation and Voter Enfranchisement
Authors: Yoshinaka Antoine , Grose Christian R.
Published: March 2011

Can ideological inconsistency in legislators’ voting records be explained by uncertainty about constituent preferences? Do legislators ‘hedge their bets’ ideologically when faced with constituency uncertainty? This article presents an uncertainty-based theory of ideological hedging. Legislators faced with uncertainty about their constituent preferences have an incentive to present ideologically inconsistent roll-call records. Legislators experiment with a variety of roll-call positions in order to learn the preferences of their constituents. An examination of US senators during 1961–2004 shows that uncertainty due to black enfranchisement and mobilization led to higher ideological inconsistency in legislative voting records. Ideologically inconsistent behaviour by elected officials can be characterized as best responses to a changing and uncertain environment. These results have implications for representation and the stability of democracy.
Before the Law: Women's Petitions in the Eighteenth-Century Spanish Empire
Authors: Premo Bianca
Published: March 2011

At first glance, there is nothing unusual about the fact that, in 1790, a woman went to a magistrate in Mexico City to request money from her husband while their divorce case was pending. Everything about the lawsuit seems ordinary, even down to the litigant's name, Doña María García. Decades of historical scholarship on gender have familiarized us with women just like her, women who tactically employed the courts of the Spanish empire in the larger “contest” that made up gender relations in the era. Histories of women veritably brim with female litigants who used the justice system to win small victories in their battles for autonomy from marital obligations or to rein in philandering, shiftless, or abusive lovers.
A Secret in the Oxford Sense: Thieves and the Rhetoric of Mystification in Western India
Authors: Piliavsky Anastasia
Published: March 2011

Common sense commodifies the secret, alienating the value of its content from its social context. But a secret perfectly kept dies in its circle of initiates. Few secrets, however, are dead on arrival, since their seduction lies precisely in their revelation. Most things said to be hidden are in fact nurtured through the processes of calculated concealment, allusion, and revelation, the secrets propagating themselves through circles of conspiracy, rumor, and gossip. As Tim Jenkins observed, “What is concealed, and the reasons for its concealment, serve to distract attention from the dynamic of the secret: what at first sight appears to be static and indeed dead, possessed by and known to only a few, kept in some dark place, in fact has a life and movement of its own; the secret propagates itself through a structure of secret and betrayal” (1999: 225–26).
“Money bound you—money shall loose you”: Micro-Credit, Social Capital, and the Meaning of Money in Upper Canada
Authors: Schrauwers Albert
Published: March 2011

In late 1832, a small religious sect, the Children of Peace, completed their second place of worship, a temple, in the village of Hope in the sparsely settled northern reaches of Toronto's rural hinterland. Called by a vision to “ornament the Christian Church with all the glory of Israel,” the Children of Peace rebuilt Solomon's temple as the seat of their New Jerusalem (Schrauwers 1993; 2009). As William Lyon Mackenzie, newspaper editor, mayor of Toronto, and member of the elected assembly for the riding enthused, this three-tiered building was “calculated to inspire the beholder with astonishment; its dimensions—its architecture—its situation—are all so extraordinary” (CA18 Sept. 1828). The Children of Peace, having fled a cruel and uncaring English pharaoh, viewed themselves as the new Israelites lost in the wilderness of Upper Canada; here they would end sectarianism and rebuild God's kingdom on the principle of charity. It is important to stress both the symbolism and the intended function of this, their second church; the highly symbolic temple was intended solely for their monthly alms sacrifice for the poor “Israelite fashion.” The Charity Fund they collected there was utilized for “the relief of the poor of the contributors, and others” (Sharon Temple n.d.: 11), as well as the support of a shelter for the homeless (Schrauwers 2009: 47). Targeted recipients included victims of a cholera epidemic in Toronto and starving pioneer settlers in the outlying districts (CA23 Aug. 1832;Constitution4 May 1837).
Outlaw Economics: Doing Business on the Fringes of the State. A Review Essay
Authors: Prange Sebastian R.
Published: March 2011

History often reveals itself at the margins. Hegemony becomes tangible at its peripheries, claims to legitimacy are most emphatically articulated where challenged, and rules are best observed in their breach. For this reason, historians have long been drawn to the study of border zones where sovereignty was contested or subverted rather than tacitly accepted. This work by historians is complemented by, although rarely integrated with, research in other disciplines—most notably in anthropology, sociology, economics, and political science. Social scientists have been particularly interested in the question of economic organization, of how individuals and groups structure commercial exchanges in conditions of insecure property rights and unreliable recourse to official contract enforcement. Such research is frequently motivated by public policy concerns, especially the complex issue of institution-building in transition economies and so-called crisis states. While generally more circumspect about the prescriptive powers of their discipline, historians will nonetheless recognize that the defining characteristics of a contemporary crisis state—limited authority of a central government, weak institutions, ineffectual bureaucracies, widespread corruption—also apply to most, if not all pre-modern polities. Therefore, the study of actors on the fringes of political and legal regimes holds the potential to produce important theoretical insights into the construction of alternative, private-order institutions that are of significance beyond a particular period, region, or methodology.
Analysis and computation of gravity-induced migration in porous media
Authors: DE LOUBENS R. , RAMAKRISHNAN T. S.
Published: March 2011

Motivated by the problem of gravity segregation in an inclined porous layer, we present a theoretical analysis of interface evolution between two immiscible fluids of unequal density and mobility, both in two and three dimensions. Applying perturbation theory to the appropriately scaled problem, we derive the governing equations for the pressure and interface height to leading order, obtained in the limit of a thin gravity tongue and a slightly dipping bed. According to the zeroth-order approximation, the pressure profile perpendicular to the bed is in equilibrium, a widely accepted assumption for this class of problems. We show that for the inclined bed two-dimensional problem, in the reference frame moving with the mean gravity-induced advection velocity, the interface motion is dictated by a degenerate parabolic equation, different from those previously published. In this case, the late-time behaviour of the gravity tongue can be derived analytically through a formal expansion of both the solution and its two moving boundaries. In three dimensions, using a moving coordinate along the dip direction, we obtain an elliptic–parabolic system of partial differential equations where the fluid pressure and interface height are the two dependent variables. Although analytical results are not available for this case, the evolution of the gravity tongue can be investigated by numerical computations in only two spatial dimensions. The solution features are identified for different combinations of dimensionless parameters, showing their respective influence on the shape and motion of the interface.
PIERRE BOULEZ IN INTERVIEW, 1996 (II) SERIALISM REVISITED
Authors: Guldbrandsen Erling E.
Published: March 2011

EG: Analyzing Pli selon pli, I went to the Paul Sacher Foundation in Basle and studied your sketches. There were some astonishing findings. As an example, let us look at the vocal line in Improvisation I sur Mallarmé. I wanted to take a restricted material and investigate it, and I wanted to find out how this vocal line was generated. If we look at these music examples: First, here are the pitches of the vocal line, ‘Le vierge, le vivace et le bel aujourd'hu,’, etc. [Example 1, my notation, EG.]
Arguing, reasoning, and the interpersonal (cultural) functions of human consciousness
Authors: Baumeister Roy F. , Masicampo E. J. , DeWall C. Nathan
Published: March 2011

Our recent work suggests that (1) the purpose of human conscious thought is participation in social and cultural groups, and (2) logical reasoning depends on conscious thought. These mesh well with the argument theory of reasoning. In broader context, the distinctively human traits are adaptations for culture and inner processes serve interpersonal functions.
Reasoning as a lie detection device
Authors: Dessalles Jean-Louis
Published: March 2011

The biological function of human reasoning abilities cannot be to improve shared knowledge. This is at best a side effect. A more plausible function of argumentation, and thus of reasoning, is to advertise one's ability to detect lies and errors. Such selfish behavior is closer to what we should expect from a naturally selected competence.
The freak in all of us: Logical truth seeking without argumentation
Authors: De Neys Wim
Published: March 2011

Mercier and Sperber (M&S) sketch a bleak picture of logical reasoning in classic, nonargumentative tasks. I argue that recent processing data indicate that despite people's poor performance they at least seek to adhere to traditional logical norms in these tasks. This implies that classic reasoning tasks are less artificial–and logical reasoning less exceptional–than M&S's framework suggests.
Artificial cognitive systems: Where does argumentation fit in?
Authors: Fox John
Published: March 2011

Mercier and Sperber (M&S) suggest that human reasoning is reflective and has evolved to support social interaction. Cognitive agents benefit from being able to reflect on their beliefs whether they are acting alone or socially. A formal framework for argumentation that has emerged from research on artificial cognitive systems that parallels M&S's proposals may shed light on mental processes that underpin social interactions.
Some empirical qualifications to the arguments for an argumentative theory
Authors: Wolfe Christopher R.
Published: March 2011

The empirical research on the psychology of argumentation suggests that people are prone to fallacies and suboptimal performance in generating, comprehending, and evaluating arguments. Reasoning and argumentation are interrelated skills that use many of the same cognitive processes. The processes we use to convince others are also used to convince ourselves. Argumentation would be ineffective if we couldn't reason for ourselves.
Regret and justification as a link from argumentation to consequentialism
Authors: Connolly Terry , Reb Jochen
Published: March 2011

Mercier and Sperber (M&S) argue that reasoning has evolved primarily as an adjunct to persuasive communication rather than as a basis for consequential choice. Recent research on decision-related regret suggests that regret aversion and concomitant needs for justification may underpin a complementary mechanism that can, if appropriately deployed, convert M&S's facile arguer into an effective decision maker, with obvious evolutionary advantages.
Deliberative democracy and epistemic humility
Authors: Wu Kevin Chien-Chang
Published: March 2011

Deliberative democracy is one of the best designs that could facilitate good public policy decision making and bring about epistemic good based on Mercier and Sperber's (M&S's) theory of reasoning. However, three conditions are necessary: (1) an ethic of individual epistemic humility, (2) a pragmatic deflationist definition of truth, and (3) a microscopic framing power analysis during group reasoning.
Understanding, evaluating, and producing arguments: Training is necessary for reasoning skills
Authors: Harrell Maralee
Published: March 2011

This commentary suggests that the general population has much less reasoning skill than is claimed by Mercier & Sperber (M&S). In particular, many studies suggest that the skills of understanding, evaluating, and producing arguments are generally poor in the population of people who have not had specific training.
Reasoning, robots, and navigation: Dual roles for deductive and abductive reasoning
Authors: Wiles Janet
Published: March 2011

Mercier & Sperber (M&S) argue for their argumentative theory in terms of communicative abilities. Insights can be gained by extending the discussion beyond human reasoning to rodent and robot navigation. The selection of arguments and conclusions that are mutually reinforcing can be cast as a form of abductive reasoning that I argue underlies the construction of cognitive maps in navigation tasks.