bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thin‐film growth by random deposition of rod‐like particles on a square lattice
Authors: Forgerini F. L. , Figueiredo W.
Published: March 2011

Monte Carlo simulations are employed to investigate the surface growth generated by deposition of particles of different sizes on a substrate, in one and two dimensions. The particles have a linear form, and occupy an integer number of cells of the lattice. The results of our simulations have shown that the roughness evolves in time following three different behaviors. The roughness in the initial times behaves as in the random deposition model, with an exponent β1 ≈ 1/2. At intermediate times, the surface roughness depends on the system dimensionality and, finally, at long times, it enters into the saturation regime, which is described by the roughness exponent α.

The scaling exponents of the model are the same as those predicted by the Villain‐Lai‐Das Sarma equation for deposition in one dimension. For the deposition in two dimensions, we show that the interface width in the second regime presents an unusual behavior, described by a growing exponent β2, which depends on the size of the particles added to the substrate. If the linear size of the particle is two, we found that β2 < β1, otherwise it is β2 > β1, for all particles sizes larger than three. While in one dimension the scaling exponents are the same as those predicted by the Villain‐Lai‐Das Sarma equation, in two dimensions, the growth exponents are nonuniversal. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development of High Strength Plates with Low Yield Ratio by the Combination of TMCP and Inter‐Critical Quenching and Tempering
Authors: Tang S. , Liu Z.Y. , Wang G.D.
Published: March 2011

A new processing route of thermo‐mechanical processing (TMCP) followed by inter‐critical quenching and tempering (L‐T) was developed to produce 590MPa grade high strength plates based on a relatively lean composition of plain carbon manganese steels microalloyed with Nb, V and Ti. The effect of quenching temperatures on the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The nano‐hardness measurements of martensite were performed with a nano‐indenter, which indicated that the fractions of as quenched and tempered martensite increased and their hardness values decreased with increasing quenching temperatures in the range from 760 °C to 810 °C. For both as quenched and tempered samples, ferrite grain sizes decreased with increasing quenching temperature in almost linear relationships. The yield strength increased with increasing the fraction of martensite while the tensile strength remained almost unchanged, leading to the increase of yielding ratio with increasing quenching temperatures. The optimum quenching temperature was determined to be around 760 °C in terms of strengths and yield ratio.
Adverse effects of neonatal exposure to 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′‐hexachlorobiphenyl on hormone levels and testicular function in male Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Xiao Wusheng , Zhang Jie , Liang Jiren , Zhu Hongyan , Zhou Zhijun , Wu Qing
Published: March 2011

In this study, we investigated the time‐course changes of hormone levels and sperm numbers in male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats after neonatal exposure to 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′‐hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB169). Neonatal rats were given (through oral gavages) doses of 0, 0.025, 0.25, or 0.5 mg/kg‐day of PCB169 in corn oil from postnatal day 1 (PND1) to PND7. The rats were sacrificed at PND8, PND21, and PND90. PCB169 exposure was confirmed by the marked induction of liver CYP1A1 mRNA expression at these three time points. The testicular daily sperm production and the sperm counts of the epididymis cauda significantly decreased at PND90 compared to that of control. Although reductions in serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels occurred at all these three time points and at both PND21 and PND90, respectively, the mRNA expression of testicular thyroid hormone receptor α1 was suppressed significantly only at PND8. The serum and testicular testosterone (T) levels declined markedly at PND90 compared to the controls, but there was no effect at PND21. The mRNA expression of testicular steroidogenic factor 1 was inhibited markedly at the three time points, whereas those of StAR, P450c17, P450scc, and 3β‐HSD were suppressed significantly only at PND90 relative to the controls. PCB169 treatment had no effects on pituitary follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels and on their receptors' expression in the testes. These results indicate that neonatal exposure to PCB169 damages hormone levels and testicular function in the long‐term, resulting in persistent hypothyroidism and decreases in adult T levels and sperm counts. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Effects of bioreactive acrolein from automotive exhaust gases on human cells in vitro
Authors: Jaganjac Morana , Prah Iva Ozana , Cipak Ana , Cindric Marina , Mrakovcic Lidija , Tatzber Franz , Ilincic Petar , Rukavina Vinko , Spehar Branka , Vukovic Jelena Parlov , Telen Sanda , Uchida Koji , Lulic Zoran , Zarkovic Neven
Published: March 2011

Acrolein is a toxic unsaturated aldehyde and widespread environmental pollutant produced during lipid peroxidation and also by burning of tobacco or liquid fuels. Inhalation or dermal exposure to acrolein could be toxic to organisms. This very reactive aldehyde has a strong affinity for binding to proteins thus forming pathogenic protein‐adducts. In the present study we have analyzed formation of bioreactive acrolein‐protein adducts in bovine serum albumin solution exposed to exhaust gases of mineral diesel fuel and of mineral diesel fuel supplemented with different amounts of a novel diesel fuel additive denoted Ecodiesel (produced by a genuine procedure of recycling of plant oils used for food preparation). The effects of acrolein‐protein adducts were tested on human microvascular endothelial cells and on human osteosarcoma cells that are sensitive to bioactivities of lipid peroxidation products. The results have shown a reduction of the bioreactive acrolein in exhaust gases when mineral diesel was supplemented with 5–20% Ecodiesel. Moreover, acrolein‐protein adducts obtained from mineral diesel supplemented with Ecodiesel were less toxic than those obtained from mineral diesel alone. Thus, we assume that supplementing mineral diesel fuel with Ecodiesel would be of benefit for the use of renewable energy, for environment and for human health due to reduced environmental pollution with bioreactive acrolein. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Ecotoxicological effects of Mikado® and Viper® on algae and daphnids
Authors: Marques C.R. , Gonçalves A.M.M. , Pereira R. , Gonçalves F.
Published: March 2011

The toxicity of single and combined formulated herbicides (Mikado® and Viper®) was assessed on several endpoints in species from two trophic levels: algae growth—Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris—immobilization and life‐history traits (only for single compound toxicity) of daphnids—Daphnia longispina and Daphnia magna. Viper was the most toxic formulated herbicide. It was hypothesized that the toxicity of both formulated herbicides could have been enhanced by adjuvants, especially for Viper. In most cases, the sublethal endpoints were the most sensitive and affected by both formulations, comparatively to their acute effects. Concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models provided an accurate description of Mikado and Viper joint action on algae growth and immobilization of daphnids, although significant deviations were always detected. A low‐dose antagonism and high‐dose synergism were identified for P. subcapitata, whereas C. vulgaris response deviated antagonistically from CA and synergistically from IA. For both daphnids, however, synergistic effects were observed for higher mixture concentrations. Under a regulatory standpoint, CA provided the most conservative estimation either because the mixture effects were overestimated or less subestimated than IA. Overall, the great sensitivity differences observed within species did not allow the conclusion that one trophic level was more tolerant than the other. Instead, P. subcapitata was always the most sensitive species to both herbicide formulations, followed by D. longispina, while D. magna and C. vulgaris were the most tolerant species. On a whole, further studies are needed toward a comprehensive understanding of herbicides mode of action, their effects at lower biological‐level endpoints, and under different mixture designs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
The protective effect of erdosteine on radiocontrast induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Yesilyurt Ahmet , Aydın Erden İsmail , Bilgiç İsmail , Erden Gönül , Albayrak Aynur
Published: March 2011

Acute renal failure resulting from radiocontrast‐induced nephrotoxicity (RIN) is suggested to occur via medullary ischemia coupled with the generation of free radicals and oxidative injury to tubular cells. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of erdosteine on prevention of RIN. Thirty‐three Wistar‐albino rats were divided into five groups: control (group 1, n = 6), radiocontrast media (group 2, n = 6), erdosteine (group 3, n = 7), erdosteine four doses before radiocontrast application (group 4, n = 7) and erdosteine one dose at the same day with radiocontrast application (group 5, n = 7). RIN was induced by administration of intravenous high osmolar contrast media amidotrizoate (6 mL/kg). Total RNA was extracted from the kidney, and the expression levels of Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (Spp1) genes were evaluated by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real‐time RT‐PCR). Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured in kidney homogenates and serum samples. Serum creatinine, BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and cystatin‐C levels were measured from serum samples. The kidneys were evaluated histopathologically. The expression levels of Spp1 and Lcn2 genes in group 2 were significantly higher than groups 1, 3, 4, and 5. The expression levels of Spp1 and Lcn2 genes in group 4 were four and two times lower than group 5, respectively. Kidney TOS levels in group 2 were significantly higher than groups 1, 3, 4, and 5. Kidney TAS levels in group 3 were higher than group 2. Kidney oxidative stress index (OSI) levels in group 2 were significantly higher than groups 4 and 5. All rats in contrast media group developed tubular necrosis, proteinaceous casts, medullary congestion although these changes were significantly reduced in groups 4 and 5. This study demonstrated that multiple doses of erdosteine before application may have higher protective effects against RIN. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 2011.
Volunteer support networks for chronic patients
Authors: Cutler David L.
Published: March 2011

Volunteer folk networks have been slow in developing but now appear to be gaining strength as an important element in a larger support system outside the institution for mentally disabled persons.
Fighting corruption in public procurement in post-communist states: Obstacles and solutions
Authors: Grødeland Åse Berit , Aasland Aadne
Published: March 2011

Anti-corruption efforts in Europe’s post-communist states have been less successful than anticipated. Criticism has been raised against the role of the international community in promoting anti-corruption programmes. Besides, such programmes have been deemed vague and “all-inclusive”. They have largely failed to address local factors “informing” corrupt behaviour in post-communist states, such as (a) negative perceptions of law, and (b) informal practice.‘ I’d be grateful if you could retain the original sentence as it is more precise.
Is Descartes a Materialist? The Descartes-More Controversy about the
Universe as Indefinite
Authors: Grobet Laura Benitez
Published: March 2011

À travers l’étude de la
correspondance philosophique entre Descartes et Henry More, je souhaiterais
montrer que les thèmes centraux en sont la
considération de la nature de l’espace et le statut de
l’infini, bien que la polémique aborde
également le problème ontologique de la distinction
entre l’étendue et la pensée, et les
questions physiques de la négation du vide et de
l’atomisme. More rejette l’hypothèse
cartésienne d’un univers indéfini,
qu’il considère être une manière
détournée de postuler le caractère infini
de l’univers, ce qui revient à attribuer tout autant
l’infinité à la matière
qu’à Dieu, d’où le fait que
Descartes soit un matérialiste selon Henry More.
Biomasss and microzooplankton seasonal assemblages in the Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentinean Coast
Authors: Barría de Cao M.S. , Piccolo M.C. , Perillo G.M.
Published: March 2011

We investigated the occurrence and seasonal variation of the biomass of rotifers, tintinnids, the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Gyrodinium fusus and copepod nauplii in the Bahía Blanca Estuary (38°42′S61°50 ′W), Argentina, during an annual cycle. The rotifers fauna comprised three species, while the tintinnids were represented by sixteen species. The biomass of the rotifers fluctuated between 0.62 and 8.90 µgC l−1. The biomass of the tintinnids fluctuated between 0.13 and 9.37 µgC l−1, the biomass of the nauplii stages between 1.78 and 7.65 µgC l−1; while the biomass of G. fusus varied from 0.26 and 7.94 µgC l−1, these results are compared to estimates of microzooplankton in other regions. We analysed the presence of the different groups in relation to the environmental variables, based on point-biserial correlation. Salinity fluctuated between 25.14 and 36.64; temperature between 7.5 and 23.2°C, solar radiation between 0.9 and 30.8 MJ m−2d−1 and Secchi distance between 0.25 and 1.43 m. Rotifers were correlated positively with temperature, chlorophyll-a and Secchi depth and negatively with salinity. The tintinnids were positively correlated with salinity. Gyrodinium fusus was positively correlated with Secchi depth, and chlorophyll-a, and negatively with temperature and solar radiation. Nauplii stages were negatively correlated with chlorophyll-a. Based on the occurrence of the microzooplankters in relation to the physico-chemical variables, it was possible to establish two seasonal assemblages: (a) the co-occurrence of the rotifers and the heterotrophic dinoflagellate G. fusus during the winter–spring; and (b) the tintinnids and nauplii larvae during the summer. We conclude that, in this estuary, physico-chemical variables are the forcing factors that directly, or indirectly, influence the seasonal assemblages of the microzooplankton.
A new species of Paraseison (Rotifera: Seisonacea) from the coast of California, USA
Authors: Leasi Francesca , Rouse Greg W. , Sørensen Martin V.
Published: March 2011

A new species of Paraseison (Rotifera: Seisonacea: Seisonidae) is described from the eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. Female and male specimens of the new species were attached inside the carapace of the leptostracan crustacean Nebalia hessleri, collected at 19 m depth in La Jolla Canyon. This recording represents the first properly identified and described species of Seisonacea for the American coasts. It is furthermore the second known species of the genus Paraseison, which until now included the species P. annulatus only, reported for the Mediterranean Sea and European west Atlantic coast. The new species was diagnosed mostly by its species-specific trophi morphology and in particular by the shape of its fulcrum. Paraseison kisfaludyi sp. nov. is the fourth described species of the order Seisonacea, which accommodates also Seison nebaliae and the recently described S. africanus, all of which live attached to species in the leptostracan genus Nebalia. Even though the Seisonacea are placed in a crucial position within the phylum and may constitute the link between rotifers and other platyzoans, this taxon has in many respects been neglected in morphological studies. Herein we provide new information on the group's taxonomy, morphology and distribution, which will be useful for future phylogenetic and zoogeographical studies.
Efficacy and consequences of very-high-protein diets for athletes and exercisers
Authors: Tipton Kevin D.
Published: March 2011

Athletes and exercisers have utilised high-protein diets for centuries. The objective of this review is to examine the evidence for the efficacy and potential dangers of high-protein diets. One important factor to consider is the definition of a ‘high-protein diet’. There are several ways to consider protein content of a diet. The composition of the diet can be determined as the absolute amount of the protein (or other nutrient of interest), the % of total energy (calories) as protein and the amount of protein ingested per kg of body weight. Many athletes consume very high amounts of protein. High-protein diets most often are associated with muscle hypertrophy and strength, but now also are advocated for weight loss and recovery from intense exercise or injuries. Prolonged intake of a large amount of protein has been associated with potential dangers, such as bone mineral loss and kidney damage. In otherwise healthy individuals, there is little evidence that high protein intake is dangerous. However, kidney damage may be an issue for individuals with already existing kidney dysfunction. Increased protein intake necessarily means that overall energy intake must increase or consumption of either carbohydrate or fat must decrease. In conclusion, high protein intake may be appropriate for some athletes, but there are potential negative consequences that must be carefully considered before adopting such a diet. In particular, care must be taken to ensure that there is sufficient intake of other nutrients to support the training load.
Noradrenergic-glucocorticoid modulation of emotional memory encoding in the human hippocampus
Authors: Kukolja J. , Klingmüller D. , Maier W. , Fink G. R. , Hurlemann R.
Published: March 2011

Background

Current rodent models emphasize the joint action of the stress mediators noradrenaline (NE) and cortisol (CORT) in conferring a memory advantage of emotional over neutral stimuli.

Method

Using a pharmacological strategy of tackling this stress-related mechanism to enhance human episodic (autobiographical) memory, we measured amygdala-hippocampal responses during encoding of emotional and neutral stimuli with functional magnetic resonance imaging in 51 healthy subjects under four pharmacological conditions in a double-blind parallel group design: (i) placebo; (ii) the NE-reuptake inhibitor reboxetine (4 mg); (iii) hydrocortisone (synthetic CORT) (30 mg); or (iv) both agents in combination.

Results

Differential drug effects were found in the left hippocampus, whereas hydrocortisone alone selectively decreased hippocampal responses to emotional relative to neutral stimuli, reboxetine potentiated hippocampal responses to these stimuli. Importantly, the inhibitory influence of hydrocortisone was reversed by co-administration of reboxetine.

Conclusions

Our results imply that stress levels of CORT alone attenuate hippocampal responses to emotional stimuli, an effect possibly related to a regulatory negative feedback loop. However, when simultaneously elevated to stress levels, NE and CORT act together to synergistically enhance hippocampal activity during encoding of emotional stimuli, a mechanism that may turn maladaptive under circumstances of traumatic stress.
Cognitive distortions in an acutely traumatized sample: an investigation of predictive power and neural correlates
Authors: Daniels J. K. , Hegadoren K. , Coupland N. J. , Rowe B. H. , Neufeld R. W. J. , Lanius R. A.
Published: March 2011

Background

Current theories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) place considerable emphasis on the role cognitive distortions such as self-blame, hopelessness or preoccupation with danger play in the etiology and maintenance of the disorder. Previous studies have shown that cognitive distortions in the early aftermath of traumatic events can predict future PTSD severity but, to date, no studies have investigated the neural correlates of this association.

Method

We conducted a prospective study with 106 acutely traumatized subjects, assessing symptom severity at three time points within the first 3 months post-trauma. A subsample of 20 subjects additionally underwent a functional 4-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at 2 to 4 months post-trauma.

Results

Cognitive distortions proved to be a significant predictor of concurrent symptom severity in addition to diagnostic status, but did not predict future symptom severity or diagnostic status over and above the initial symptom severity. Cognitive distortions were correlated with blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal strength in brain regions previously implicated in visual processing, imagery and autobiographic memory recall. Intrusion characteristics accounted for most of these correlations.

Conclusions

This investigation revealed significant predictive value of cognitive distortions concerning concurrent PTSD severity and also established a significant relationship between cognitive distortions and neural activations during trauma recall in an acutely traumatized sample. These data indicate a direct link between the extent of cognitive distortions and the intrusive nature of trauma memories.
Cross-cultural gerontology research methods: challenges and solutions
Authors: CHI IRIS
Published: March 2011

Cross-cultural research in the behavioural and social sciences uses data from several societies or distinct cultural groups to describe the diversity of human behaviour and test hypotheses about behaviour and culture. This paper reviews the historical development and current state of cross-cultural research in the social sciences and gerontology. Cross-cultural research in gerontology is important because the social processes of ageing vary. It aims to distinguish universal from culturally-specific processes and determine how cultural factors influence individual and population ageing. It has to overcome many challenges: how to design an equivalent and unbiased study, how to access different cultures, how to contextualise these cultures, and how to ensure that questions are meaningful for different cultures. Appropriate strategies include using an international multicultural research team, becoming familiar with the local culture, maintaining good relationships with community leaders, studying only those aspects of behaviour that are functionally equivalent while avoiding the idiosyncratic, using appropriate measures, and encouraging equal partnership and open communication among colleagues. Cross-cultural research has been growing and has become a basis for globally-relevant social gerontology. To highlight the complexity of cross-cultural research and lessons learnt from such research experience, this paper describes an example study of long-term care that involved researchers from more than 30 countries and from many disciplines.
Experiences in the development of a teleoperated parallel robot for aerial line maintenance
Authors: Garcia Cecilia , Saltaren Roque , Aracil Rafael
Published: March 2011

This paper presents the teleoperation of a parallel robot based on the Stewart–Gough platform. The robot is an experimental prototype capable of sliding along electrical lines in order to carry out different inspection and maintenance tasks. The paper also describes the kinematic equations of the parallel robot and their solution. The teleoperation of the prototype took place in a testing bank developed in the laboratory and containing the basic elements of electrical lines. The operator who performs the task uses a six degrees-of-freedom master-arm with force reflection, which also has an image-viewing system providing the operator with stereoscopic vision and allowing him/her to calibrate the information of the local station simulator with the real environment through the blending of images. The paper also presents the results of the laboratory experiments of the robot sliding along a line.
Interdisciplinary research and academic sustainability: managing knowledge in an age of accountability
Authors: FRODEMAN ROBERT
Published: March 2011

For the past 125 years the university has been the home of knowledge production. The 20th century research university combined a Kantian belief in disciplinarity, a Humboldtian commitment to linking research and education and upholding academic autonomy, and a Cartesian allegiance to infinite knowledge production. This approach to knowledge creation was seen as sufficient, for knowledge products themselves were understood as automatically relevant to society, and no one imagined a problem with endless knowledge production. The 20th century model of knowledge production is now under pressure from a number of sources: information technologies, neoliberal assumptions and demands for greater accountability. ‘Interdisciplinarity’ has become the term of art for addressing this crisis. But interdisciplinarity is no panacea to the challenges facing knowledge production today. In addition to knowledge on sustainability, knowledge production itself must now be made sustainable. This requires clearly connecting knowledge production and use, and ending the bad infinity of knowledge production.
A simple correctness proof for magic transformation
Authors: DRABENT WŁODZIMIERZ
Published: March 2011

The paper presents a simple and concise proof of correctness of the magic transformation. We believe that it may provide a useful example of formal reasoning about logic programs. The correctness property concerns the declarative semantics. The proof, however, refers to the operational semantics (LD-resolution) of the source programs. Its conciseness is due to applying a suitable proof method.
AGAINST AGAINST NONBEING
Authors: PRIEST GRAHAM
Published: March 2011

Towards Non-Being (Priest [2005]) develops an account of the semantics of intentional predicates and operators. The account appeals to objects, both existent and non-existent, and worlds, both possible and impossible. This paper formulates replies to a number of the more interesting objections to the semantics that have been proposed since the book was published.
Potentially Lethal Suicide Attempts Using Sharp Objects During Psychotic Illness
Authors: Nielssen Olav B. , Large Matthew M.
Published: March 2011

Background: Recent studies have reported that serious violence toward self and others is more common in the first episode of psychosis than after treatment. Aims: To estimate the proportion of survivors of potentially lethal suicide attempts with sharp objects who have a diagnosis of psychotic illness, and the proportion of those patients who had never received treatment for psychosis with antipsychotic medication. Methods: An audit of the medical records of patients from three major teaching hospitals in Sydney, Australia, who survived a self inflicted stab wound to the abdomen, torso, or a laceration to the neck. Results: The files of 95 survivors of self-inflicted wounds by cutting or stabbing who met the inclusion criteria for the study were examined. A psychotic illness was diagnosed in 46 cases (48%), of which 26 (57%) had never received treatment with antipsychotic medication and, hence, were in the first episode of psychosis. Conclusions: Psychosis is strongly associated with potentially lethal suicide attempts using sharp objects and patients who have never received treatment for psychosis appear to be at particular risk.
Structure‐coupled multiphysics imaging in geophysical sciences
Authors: Gallardo Luis A. , Meju Max A.
Published: March 2011

Multiphysics imaging or data inversion is of growing importance in many branches of science and engineering. In geophysical sciences, there is a need for combining information from multiple images acquired using different imaging devices and/or modalities because of the potential for accurate predictions. The major challenges are how to combine disparate data from unrelated physical phenomena, taking into account the different spatial scales of the measurement devices, model complexities, and how to quantify the associated uncertainties. This review paper summarizes the role played by the structural gradients‐based approach for coupling fundamentally different physical fields in (mainly) geophysical inversion, develops further understanding of this approach to guide newcomers to the field, and defines the main challenges and directions for future research that may be useful in other fields of science and engineering.
The role of the Bay of Biscay Mesozoic extensional structure in the configuration of the Pyrenean orogen: Constraints from the MARCONI deep seismic reflection survey
Authors: Roca Eduard , Muñoz Josep Anton , Ferrer Oriol , Ellouz Nadine
Published: March 2011

Seismic interpretation of the MARCONI deep seismic survey enables recognition of the upper crustal structure of the eastern part of the Bay of Biscay and the main features of its Alpine geodynamic evolution. The new data denotes that two domains with different Pyrenean and north foreland structures exist in the Bay of Biscay. In the eastern or Basque‐Parentis Domain, the North Pyrenean front is located close to the Spanish coast, and the northern foreland of the Pyrenees is constituted by a continental crust thinned by a north dipping fault that induced the formation of the Early Cretaceous Parentis Basin. In the western or Cantabrian Domain, the North Pyrenean front is shifted to the north and deforms a narrower and deeper foreland basin which lies on the top of a transitional crust formed from the exhumation of lithospheric mantle along a south dipping extensional low‐angle fault during the Early Cretaceous. The transition between these two domains corresponds to a soft transfer zone linking the shifted North Pyrenean fronts and a north‐ to WNW‐directed thrust that places the continental crust of the Landes Plateau over the transitional crust of the Bay of Biscay abyssal plain. Comparison between this structure and regional data enables characterization of the extensional rift system developed between Iberia and Eurasia during the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous and recognizes that this rift system controlled not only the location and features of the Pyrenean thrust sheets but also the overall structure of this orogen.
Understanding the South Pacific Convergence Zone and Its Impacts
Authors: Power Scott
Published: March 2011

International Workshop on the South Pacific Convergence Zone; Apia, Samoa, 24–26 August 2010; During the Southern Hemisphere summer the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) in the southwestern Pacific Ocean produces the largest rainfall band in the world. The SPCZ tends to move northeast during southern winter and El Niño and move southwest during southern summer and La Niña. These changes in position have a profound influence on climate (e.g., rainfall, winds, and tropical cyclone frequencies) and life in most of the nations in the southwestern Pacific. Despite the importance of the SPCZ to the region and its prominence in the general circulation of the Southern Hemisphere, the SPCZ has been studied relatively little compared with convergence zones in the Northern Hemisphere. An international workshop on the SPCZ was held in Samoa and brought together 30 experts from Australia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, France, India, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vanuatu.
Connectivity percolation of polydisperse anisotropic nanofillers
Authors: Otten Ronald H. J. , van der Schoot Paul
Published: March 2011

We present a generalized connectedness percolation theory reduced to a compact form for a large class of anisotropic particle mixtures with variable degrees of connectivity. Even though allowing for an infinite number of components, we derive a compact yet exact expression for the mean cluster size of connected particles. We apply our theory to rodlike particles taken as a model for carbon nanotubes and find that the percolation threshold is sensitive to polydispersity in length, diameter, and the level of connectivity, which may explain large variations in the experimental values for the electrical percolation threshold in carbon-nanotube composites. The calculated connectedness percolation threshold depends only on a few moments of the full distribution function. If the distribution function factorizes, then the percolation threshold is raised by the presence of thicker rods, whereas it is lowered by any length polydispersity relative to the one with the same average length and diameter. We show that for a given average length, a length distribution that is strongly skewed to shorter lengths produces the lowest threshold relative to the equivalent monodisperse one. However, if the lengths and diameters of the particles are linearly correlated, polydispersity raises the percolation threshold and more so for a more skewed distribution toward smaller lengths. The effect of connectivity polydispersity is studied by considering nonadditive mixtures of conductive and insulating particles, and we present tentative predictions for the percolation threshold of graphene sheets modeled as perfectly rigid, disklike particles.
Managing for rainfall variability: long-term profitability of different grazing strategies in a northern Australian tropical savanna
Authors: O'Reagain Peter , Bushell John , Holmes Bill
Published: March 2011

Several grazing strategies are recommended to manage sustainably for rainfall variability in northern Australia, but there is little objective data on their profitability relative to less sustainable management systems such as heavy stocking. In 1997, a large cattle grazing trial was initiated in northern Queensland to quantify the relative performance of a range of grazing strategies in a variable climate. These strategies were (i) moderate stocking (MSR) stocked at the calculated long-term carrying capacity (LTCC), (ii) heavy stocking (HSR) at twice LTCC, (iii) rotational wet-season spelling (R/Spell) at 1.5 LTCC, (iv) variable stocking (VAR), with stocking rates adjusted in May based on available forage and (v) a southern oscillation index (SOI)-variable strategy, with stocking rates adjusted in November based on available forage and SOI-based seasonal forecasts.
Rainfall varied over the 12-year trial period, with sequences of dry and wet years. Gross margins (GM) in the HSR were initially high but collapsed in drier years due to high costs and reduced product value. GMs only recovered in later years with a reduced stocking rate and increased rainfall. The VAR and SOI were also initially very profitable, but GMs plunged as rainfall declined due to reduced animal performance and the sale of poor-condition cattle. This sharp cut in stocking rates nevertheless allowed GMs to recover well in subsequent years. In the MSR, GMs remained relatively constant across most years due to low costs and a higher product value. The R/Spell also performed relatively well despite being compromised by an ill-timed fire, drought and the subsequent sale of poor-condition cattle.
Net present value (NPV) after 12 years was highest in the VAR ($11 962/100 ha), followed by the MSR ($11 873/100 ha), the SOI ($11 167/100 ha) and the R/Spell ($10 665/100 ha). NPV was by far the lowest in the HSR ($6930/100 ha). Profitability also varied the most in the HSR, with a negative GM in 6 of the 12 years. Incorporating the costs of natural resource decline would further reinforce the case against heavy stocking. These results challenge the assumption that sustainable management in a variable environment is unprofitable.
Is ‘another world’ really possible? Re-examining counter-hegemonic forces in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Sinwell Luke
Published: March 2011

A wide body of scholarly literature on social movements on an international level emphatically, but uncritically, declares that ‘another world is possible’. This paper investigates this trend and its implications for political and academic practice in post-apartheid South Africa, where community-based movements have emerged primarily in order to access basic services. In particular, it highlights the pivotal role that the state and poor people's immediate basic needs play in limiting social movements' contribution towards a transformative development agenda. Paying close attention to poor people's struggles and needs, the paper argues that there is a sharp disjuncture between the ideologies manufactured by academics, and the worldviews that the working class and poor possess. It concludes by providing insight into the possibilities for post-apartheid political struggles – praxis – to lead to the formation of class consciousness and to a formidable challenge to neoliberalism.
The agrarian question in Tanzania: using new evidence to reconcile an old debate
Authors: Mueller Bernd E.T.
Published: March 2011

Rural poverty continues to be one of the most trenchant development problems in Tanzania, and yet no comprehensive solution has been found. In this paper it is argued that without a fundamental understanding of the agrarian question, any attempt to derive meaningful conclusions on rural development is doomed to be incomprehensive and incomplete. The paper traces back the roots of this important scholarly exchange of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, as well as summarising the resulting debate mainly between the neo-populist school and Marxian political economy. It then goes on to outline how this original understanding of the agrarian question extended to and influenced the contemporary rural development discourse, which however widely misrepresented the original contributions and created an illustrious array of antagonistic and inconclusive approaches that culminated in the recent World Development Report 2008: Agriculture for development. This theoretical discussion is framed and exemplified by the case of rural development, labour market participation and poverty in the West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. Primary survey data collected by the author in 2008 is employed to analyse the current state of the farmers, their engagement in labour markets as well as ongoing processes of class differentiation. Returning to the initial debate, an attempt to link these current realities with the overall outlook for Tanzanian development is provided.
The political economy of salt in the Afar Regional State in northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Feyissa Dereje
Published: March 2011

The Afar people are one of the most marginalised groups of people in the Horn of Africa. Politically they are fragmented into three countries – Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea – and economically successive governments and more powerful neighbours have appropriated their fertile riverine lands. The economic and political marginalisation of the Afar in Ethiopia has continued even since the establishment of a federal system and the subsequent creation of the Afar Regional State in 1991. The paper chronicles and analyses the process of marginalisation of the Afar through a case study of the political economy of the recently discovered salt reserve at Lake Afdera, its impact on the derailment of Ethiopia's iodisation programme, and the associated public health risks.
Learning about learning: a conundrum and a possible resolution
Authors: Barnett Ronald
Published: March 2011

What is it to learn in the modern world? We can identify four learning epochs through which our understanding of learning has passed: a metaphysical view; an empirical view; an experiential view; and, currently, a learning-amid-contestation view. In this last and current
view, learning has its place in a world in which, the more one learns, the more one is aware of counter positions and perspectives. Here is a conundrum for learning here becomes a kind of un-learning. This learning calls for the development among students of certain kinds of dispositions and
qualities. These dispositions and qualities provide resources that enable students to venture forwards to enquire in a world in which every position and every perspective is subject to contestation. Learning here becomes the formation of a radical-butactive-doubt. Such a view of learning
for the twenty-first century points to a poverty in the notion of 'learning outcomes', if learning is incessant but self-doubting enquiry. This learning has no outcome except the continuing formation – largely a self-formation – of the student's being. This view of learning opens
the way for possibilities in curricula and pedagogy, possibilities that both unsettle students but which also help them to develop the inner resources to go on learning in a difficult world.
Measuring inequalities in higher education: a politics of science
Authors: Goastellec Gaële
Published: March 2011

At a time when rankings and the production of data on higher education systems multiply, this article questions the actors' configuration linked to the transformation of statistical indicators into frames used to read the inequalities of access to higher education. Who says what and
with what results? Who is responsible for making social facts become things? The comparison and characterisation of the available inequality indicators regarding access to international databases (UNESCO, OECD, EUROSTAT) and national ones (Germany, France, Switzerland and the UK) question
the tensions between the various discourses and the indicators produced and interrogate the deep national inscription of these indicators.
Policies in special education support issues in Swedish compulsory school: a nationally representative study of head teachers' judgements
Authors: Giota Joanna , Emanuelsson Ingemar
Published: March 2011

The general aim of the present study was to explore how head teachers (N = 683) for older students and head teachers (N = 250) for younger students in Swedish compulsory schools describe handling procedures of special education issues in their schools. Two questionnaire surveys on such
issues were conducted during the spring term of 2008 among head teachers in a nationally representative sample of schools. Questionnaire answers from the head teachers show that even though the most common type of special support measure is that students are supported by special education
teachers in regular classes/groups, the overall picture that emerges is that the 'old traditional ways' in special education support giving are still the most common. Social background and context as well as schoolwork content and teaching habits are judged as key factors behind the students'
difficulties and need for special education support. In general, however, school problems and students' difficulties seem still to mainly be seen as caused by student characteristics and disabilities rather than as shortcomings of school and teaching. Differences in head teacher answer profiles
could be identified. Such school profiles are also discussed as part of further study planned, where they will be compared to individual data on school experience, and learning data, which are available from the same schools as the head teachers approached.
Taking Stock of 15 Years of Research on the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment Guide (SARA): A Critical Review
Authors: Helmus Leslie , Bourgon Guy
Published: March 2011

This review offers a critical summary of 15 years of research and application of the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment guide (SARA). Main areas of focus are how the scale was developed, strengths and limitations of individual items, and professional uses, including who it has been validated on and the reliability and predictive accuracy of the scale. Based on current evidence, the SARA is a defensible method for intimate partner violence risk assessment; however, users should be cognizant of its strengths and limitations (discussed in this paper) in order to guide their ethical/appropriate application of the instrument.
Implementing Structured Professional Judgment Risk Assessment Schemes: An Example of Institutional Change
Authors: Wright Percy , Webster ChristopherD.
Published: March 2011

A description is offered of how colleagues in a variety of mental health disciplines were helped to implement a structured professional judgment (SPJ) risk assessment guide, the HCR-20 ( Webster, Douglas, Eaves, & Hart, 1997 ), in a maximum secure forensic psychiatric institution in Ontario, Canada. It is argued, in this descriptive study, that the implementation process in an institution can go awry in a variety of different ways at a number of important junctures. Yet it is possible, given encouraging consultation and support at the outset and continued technical assistance, to weave such a SPJ scheme into the fabric of routine clinical work and decision making. The point is made that such implementation efforts pay off by liberating creativity in the construction of post-release plans. In addition, they assist in ensuring reports prepared for formal boards are thorough, on point, and take full advantage of the information available from all team members. We identify and discuss eight factors that appeared to facilitate implementation.
START Changing Practice: Implementing a Risk Assessment and Management Tool in a Civil Psychiatric Setting
Authors: Crocker AnneG. , Braithwaite Erika , Laferrière Dominique , Gagnon Danny , Venegas Carlos , Jenkins Todd
Published: March 2011

The assessment and management of risk for violence among individuals with a mental illness, traditionally the responsibility of specialized forensic institutions, are now becoming increasingly necessary in civil mental health services. The Short Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) is a patient-centered scheme informing multiple risk domains through a comprehensive assessment of dynamic risk factors and strengths, based on a fixed set of definitions. However, there is a dearth of literature on the implementation of such tools in real life mental health settings, their relation to future behavior and their perceived usefulness in clinical settings. In this article, we describe the process of implementing the START on a civil psychiatric hospital unit in Canada taking into account typical barriers to the dissemination of evidence-based practices. The results of a longitudinal prospective mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) implementation study indicate that the START was well integrated into the unit's clinical and administrative activities. In these times of financial constraints in mental health services, as well as the increased pressure of mental health services to manage a wide variety of challenging behaviors, risk management tools can provide help in improving patient care and empowering staff to better understand violence and other challenging behaviors. This paper concludes with a discussion of the need to develop implementation research in the field of forensic mental health services in order to reduce the gap between research and practice.