bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Littoral and shoreline wood in mid‐continent great rivers (USA)
Authors: Angradi Ted. R. , Taylor Debra L. , Jicha Terri M. , Bolgrien David W. , Pearson Mark S. , Hill Brian H.
Published: April 2009

Woody debris has several important roles in running water. Less is known about the ecology of wood in great rivers than in smaller rivers and streams. We used a probability survey to estimate the abundance of littoral and shoreline wood along the following mid‐continent great rivers of the United States in summer 2004–2006: the Missouri River, Upper Mississippi River, and the Ohio River. We counted wood pieces >0.3 m in diameter from a zone between the bank full level out into the river 10 m. We categorized wood according to its origin and function as “beached” (transported from upriver but not providing aquatic habitat), “wet” (origin unknown and providing aquatic habitat; includes snags), or “anchored” (attached to the bank at its current location and providing aquatic habitat). We counted 5900 pieces of wood at 447 sites across rivers. Approximately 56 percent of pieces were beached, 30 percent were wet, and 14 percent were anchored. Overall, mean abundance of wood was 2.6 pieces of wood 100 m−1 of shoreline (approximately 3.0 m3 100 m−1). Abundance of wood (pieces per unit distance of river) was much lower than has been reported for many smaller streams and rivers. There was more wood along the Upper Mississippi River (3.3 pieces 100 m−1) than elsewhere (≤2.4 pieces 100 m−1). The mean abundance of wood on the Ohio River decreased significantly between the 2004 and 2005 survey periods due to high flows. Longitudinal patterns in wood abundance were weak. There was less anchored and wet wood along shorelines protected by revetment (e.g., rip rap). There was generally more wood along shorelines where the riparian land use was characterized as forest rather than agriculture or developed. Mean abundance of wood along forested, un‐revetted shorelines was approximately four pieces 100 m−1 of shoreline (= 80 pieces km−1 of river). This estimate of mean wood abundance for what amounts to least disturbed riparian and shoreline conditions is relevant for great river bioassessment and management. Published in 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical derivation of the Budyko curve based on rainfall characteristics and a simple evaporation model
Authors: Gerrits A. M. J. , Savenije H. H. G. , Veling E. J. M. , Pfister L.
Published: April 2009

The Budyko curve is often used to estimate the actual evaporation as a function of the aridity index in a catchment. Different empirical equations exist to describe this relationship; however, these equations have very limited physical background. The model concept presented in this paper is physically based and uses only measurable parameters. It makes use of two types of evaporation: interception and transpiration. It assumes that interception can be modeled as a threshold process on a daily time scale. If multiplied with the rainfall distribution function, integrated, and multiplied with the expected number of rain days per month, the monthly interception is obtained. In a similar way, the monthly interception can be upscaled to annual interception. Analogous to the interception process, transpiration can be modeled as a threshold process at a monthly time scale and can be upscaled by integration and multiplication with the expected number of rain months. The expected rain days per month are modeled in two ways: as a fixed proportion of the monthly rainfall and as a power function based on Markov properties of rainfall. The latter is solved numerically. It appears that on an annual basis the analytical model does not differ much from the numerical solution. Hence, the analytical model is used and applied on 10 locations in different climates. This paper shows that the empirical Budyko curve can be constructed on the basis of measurable parameters representing evaporation threshold values and the expected number of rain days and rain months and, in addition, a monthly moisture carryover amount for semiarid zones.
Phonon polaritons in a nonaxial aligned piezoelectric superlattice
Authors: Qi Zhen , Shen Zhi-qiang , Huang Cheng-ping , Zhu Shi-ning , Zhu Yong-yuan
Published: April 2009

Propagation of phonon polaritons in a nonaxial aligned one-dimensional piezoelectric superlattice is studied theoretically. Because of the piezoelectric effect, both transverse and longitudinal superlattice vibrations are induced by one transverse polarized electromagnetic wave. Due to the coupling effect, two orthogonal modes of elliptically polarized polaritons are present with different propagation properties and can be tuned by the rotation angle.
Photodissociation of i-C3H7I within the A band and anisotropy-based decomposition of the translational energy distributions
Authors: Shubert V. Alvin , Rednic Maria , Pratt Stephen T.
Published: April 2009

The photodissociation of i-propyl iodide in the A absorption band was studied by using velocity map ion imaging following excitation between 304 and 253 nm. The translational energy distributions and translational energy dependence of the angular distributions of the I P23/2 and P21/2 photofragments were recorded as a function of the photodissociation wavelength. These distributions are used to decompose the i-C3H7+I P23/2 channel into contributions from two processes: Excitation to the Q30+ state followed by crossing onto the Q11 surface, and direct excitation to the Q31 surface followed by dissociation on that surface. As in the case of methyl iodide, the former process dominates; the latter process contributes only in the red wing of the absorption band, with its contribution peaking at ∼287 nm with an absorption of ∼1% of the band maximum. The data for the i-C3H7+I∗ P21/2 channel display a smooth behavior across the full energy range of the present study, and are consistent with direct excitation to the Q30+ surface followed by dissociation on that surface.
Rotational level involvement in the T1→S intersystem crossing transition in thiophosgene
Authors: Rashev Svetoslav , Moule David C.
Published: April 2009

We propose and develop theoretically a general mechanism for the involvement of rotational motion into the nonradiative transitions that occur in an isolated polyatomic molecule. The treatment is based on the different rotational constants and different (asymmetric top–symmetric top) molecular structures in the two combining electronic states. We focus our attention on the T1→S0 intersystem crossing (ISC) transition in thiophosgene and show how the rotational mechanism could lead to a considerable enhancement in the effective level density for the process. Inserting the rotational mechanism into our recently developed technique and algorithm for combined spin-orbit coupling+intramolecular vibrational redistribution analysis, we have carried out large-scale calculations that have led to a better understanding of the ISC (T1→S0) in thiophosgene.
Light scattering into silicon-on-insulator waveguide modes by random and periodic gold nanodot arrays
Authors: Lim S. H. , Derkacs D. , Yu E. T.
Published: April 2009

Experimental characterization and finite-element numerical simulations of the electromagnetic interaction between random or periodic Au nanodot arrays patterned atop a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photodetector and incident electromagnetic plane waves have been performed at wavelengths of 400–1100nm. The presence of the Au nanodots is found to lead to increased electromagnetic field amplitude within the semiconductor and, consequently, increased photocurrent response for both cases. Random arrays tend to exhibit broad increases in photocurrent over wavelength, whereas periodic arrays demonstrate sharp resonance peaks in the photocurrent absorption spectrum. Such features are due to the coupling of normally incident light into waveguide modes that satisfy the Bragg diffraction condition. Analysis of the dispersion relation of the waveguide modes allows for accurate prediction of the resonance peaks in the photocurrent absorption spectrum of the SOI photodetectors patterned with periodic nanodot arrays.
Photometric Analysis of Magellanic Cloud R Coronae Borealis Stars in the Recovery Phases of Their Declines
Authors: Woollands R. M. , Cottrell P. L. , Udalski A.
Published: April 2009

This paper presents the initial results of a multi-site photometric programme to examine the extraordinary behaviour displayed by 18 R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars in the Magellanic Clouds (MCs). RCB stars exhibit a unique variability whereby they undergo rapid declines of up to several magnitudes. These are thought to be caused by the formation of dust in the stellar environment which reduces the brightness. The monitoring programme comprised the collection of UBVRI photometric data using five telescopes located at three different southern hemisphere longitudes (Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, Mount John University Observatory in New Zealand, and the Southern African Large Telescope, SALT, in South Africa). Examination of the data acquired in the V and I filters resulted in the identification of a total of 18 RCB declines occurring in four stars. Construction of colour–magnitude diagrams (V versus V – I), during the recovery to maximum light were undertaken in order to study the unique colour behaviour associated with the RCB declines. The combined recovery slope for the four stars was determined to be 3.37 ± 0.24, which is similar to the value of 3.1 ± 0.1 calculated for galactic RCB stars (Skuljan et al. 2003). These results may imply that the nature of the dust (i.e. the particle size) is similar in both our Galaxy and the MCs.
Looking on the bright side: biased attention and the human serotonin transporter gene
Authors: Fox Elaine , Ridgewell Anna , Ashwin Chris
Published: April 2009

Humans differ in terms of biased attention for emotional stimuli and these biases can confer differential resilience and vulnerability to emotional disorders. Selective processing of positive emotional information, for example, is associated with enhanced sociability and well-being while a bias for negative material is associated with neuroticism and anxiety. A tendency to selectively
avoid
negative material might also be associated with mental health and well-being. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying these cognitive phenotypes are currently unknown. Here we show for the first time that allelic variation in the promotor region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) is associated with differential biases for positive and negative affective pictures. Individuals homozygous for the long allele (LL) showed a marked bias to selectively process
positive
affective material alongside selective avoidance of negative affective material. This potentially protective pattern was absent among individuals carrying the short allele (S or SL). Thus, allelic variation on a common genetic polymorphism was associated with the tendency to selectively process positive or negative information. The current study is important in demonstrating a genotype-related alteration in a well-established processing bias, which is a known risk factor in determining both resilience and vulnerability to emotional disorders.
Two cases of central venous catheter‐related thrombosis in living liver donors: how can the risk be minimized?
Authors: Hata Taigo , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Suzuki Kojiro , Kim Byeoknyeon , Ishigami Masatoshi , Ogawa Hayato , Arikawa Takashi , Nagai Shunji , Kamei Hideya , Nakamura Taro , Edamoto Yoshihiro , Kiuchi Tetsuya
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  A central venous catheter (CVC) is commonly used for intraoperative management by anesthetists and surgeons during major operations, including donor operations for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), in which donor safety is of utmost importance. Reasons for use of CVC for donors include measurement of central venous pressure and drug infusion when necessary. A potentially serious complication of a major operation is pulmonary thromboembolism. We report two cases of LDLT donors complicated by catheter related thrombosis (CRT) of the jugular vein, who were eventually discharged without long‐term complications. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report of CRT among LDLT donor population. In this report, in order to minimize the risks related to CRT in LDLT donors, we propose thorough screening for thrombophilic disorders, use of a silicone or polyurethane double‐lumen CVC as thin as possible, placement of the tip of the CVC at the superior vena cava via the right jugular vein using ultrasonography as a guide for puncture, and removal of the catheter at the end of the operation based on our experience of CRT among LDLT donors.
Look for the Blind Spot where Structural Realism Meets Pluralistic Stagnation
Authors: Jones Erik
Published: April 2009

The predominant traditions in international relations and comparative political economy both failed to anticipate the end of the cold war. The explanation is not that these traditions are flawed; rather it is that they developed in response to different kinds of questions. Structural realism explains the distribution of power in the international system, not the attitudes or expectations of domestic elites. Meanwhile institutionalist traditions at the domestic level focus on explaining stability, persistence or path-dependence and not sudden or sweeping change. Given their focus, these different traditions built on assumptions that were ill-suited to explain the end of communism. They are better suited, however, to explaining what happened to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe once communism fell.
‘Moves on a Chess Board’: A Spatial Model of British Prime Ministers' Powers over Cabinet Formation
Authors: Allen Nicholas , Ward Hugh
Published: April 2009

We use an institutional rational choice approach to help us understand how prime ministers in the UK make cabinet appointments and the implications for prime ministerial power. Assuming that prime ministers attempt to form a cabinet so as to get an overall package of policies as close as possible to their ideal, we show why the trade-offs they face are so complex, why apparently common-sense rules for making appointments might not always work well and why apparently strange choices made by prime ministers might actually be rational. Acknowledging the power prime ministers derive from their ability to appoint, we argue that the literature commonly fails to distinguish between power and luck, where lucky prime ministers get their way because they happen to agree with colleagues.
Stent Thrombosis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Bifurcation Lesions
Authors: TAN HUAY‐CHEEM
Published: April 2009

Percutaneous coronary intervention of bifurcation lesions is known to be associated with higher risk of complications than non‐bifurcation lesions. In the drug‐eluting stent (DES) era, the risk of stent thrombosis (ST) is of particular concern because of its catastrophic consequences and late occurrence. The risk of ST in PCI of bifurcation lesions remains low even with the use of a two‐stent strategy compared with a provisional side branch stenting strategy. Also, the use of DES has no higher risk of ST compared with bare metal stents. Prevention of ST in PCI of bifurcation lesions remains pivotal and must include appropriate duration of dual antiplatelet therapy, meticulous attention to stent deployment techniques, and use of intravascular ultrasound for guidance whenever needed.
IDENTIFICATION OF CRITICAL CONTROL POINTS IN THE TWO SELECTED HACCP‐CERTIFIED PRAWN PROCESSING UNITS
Authors: JONNALAGADDA PADMAJA R. , SUDERSHAN R.V. , RAJI N.S. , RAO D. RAGHUNATHA
Published: April 2009

A study on identification of critical control points in two export processing units indicated the contamination (cfu/g) of raw prawns with pathogenic fecal coliforms was <10–8 × 102 in Unit A, 1 × 101–1.3 × 102 in Unit B and 1 × 103–4 × 104 in pond to plate. The other microbial contaminants in Unit A and from Pond to Plate at different stages were Salmonella spp., 3 × 102–5.7 × 103 and 2 × 102–6 × 102; Staphylococcus aureus, 1.7 × 103–5.7 × 103 and 1 × 103 to 9 × 104; and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 3 × 102–2 × 104 and 3 × 104–5 × 104, respectively. However, microbial contamination was significantly reduced to <10 after subjecting to household cooking process.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Implementation of hazard analysis critical control points (HACCPs) in the food industry is the most important approach to maintaining food safety. Identification of the critical control points in the HACCPs process will help the aquaculture industry to improve its production processes by applying good aquaculture and good hygienic practices at the production level. The study further provides clear insights into identifying critical control points both at the farm level and at the processing units that are important from farm to fork.
CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ON FRANKFURTERS WITH ANTIMICROBIALS AND HYDRODYNAMIC PRESSURE PROCESSING*
Authors: PATEL J.R. , SANGLAY G.C. , SOLOMON M.B.
Published: April 2009

The antilisterial activity of sodium diacetate and pediocin (ALTA 2341) on frankfurters was evaluated in combination with hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these strains as determined in tryptic soy broth was 0.4% and >600 AU/mL, for sodium diacetate and ALTA 2341, respectively. Frankfurters were surface inoculated with a five‐strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes after dipping in (1) control (sterile water); (2) 5% sodium diacetate; (3) 3% ALTA 2341(P1); (4) 6% ALTA 2341 (P2); (5) P1 + sodium diacetate; and (6) P2 + sodium diacetate for 5 min. The frankfurters were vacuum‐packaged and treated with hydrodynamic pressure or without HDP. Frankfurters were analyzed at 0, 7, 14 and 28 d for pH, L. monocytogenes (MOX) and aerobic (TSAYE) cell populations during storage at 4C. Antimicrobials and HDP treatment did not change (P < 0.05) the frankfurter pH. HDP treatment significantly reduced (1 log10 cfu/g) L. monocytogenes populations in frankfurters. Dipping treatments containing sodium diacetate or ALTA 2341 did not significantly reduce L. monocytogenes in frankfurters. There was a no synergistic effect between ALTA 2341 and HDP for inhibition of L. monocytogenes. The reduction pattern in aerobic cell populations during storage of antimicrobials and HDP‐treated frankfurters was similar to that of L. monocytogenes reduction. These results indicate that the ALTA 2341 preparation was not efficient enough to kill L. monocytogenes. Other antimicrobials should be evaluated in conjunction with HDP treatment for synergistic inhibition of L. monocytogenes during storage at 4C.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Since the early 1980s, when Listeria monocytogenes was first recognized as an emerging food‐borne pathogen, numbers of outbreaks of human listeriosis have been reported. Many of these outbreaks are associated with processed meats. Because of the high mortality rate associated with listeriosis, a zero tolerance approach for L. monocytogenes in ready‐to‐eat meats and poultry products has been selected by many countries, including the U.S.A. We reported significant L. monocytogenes reduction in frankfurters using hydrodynamic pressure (HDP) treatment. HDP processing using a nonexplosive energy source can be used to reduce L. monocytogenes in frankfurters. While pediocin and organic acids used in our study reduce L. monocytogenes during storage, their practical use is not significant as the reduction is marginal. Other antimicrobials should be evaluated in conjunction with high‐pressure processing for required reduction of L. monocytogenes during storage at 4C.
Nanoscale patterning of NiFe surface by scanning probe microscopy scratch nanolithography
Authors: Miyashita Kazuya , Nishimura Shinya , Toyofuku Takashi , Shirakashi Jun-ichi
Published: April 2009

Scratch nanolithography by scanning probe microscopy (SPM), which enables us to fabricate nanoscale grooves on the surfaces, was performed for ferromagnetic metals from the point of view of fabrication technologies of planar-type ferromagnetic tunnel junction devices. The authors investigated the relationship of various scan parameters (applied force, scan cycle, and scan speed) on the groove size of NiFe. Scratch experiments were carried out using a diamond-coated tip in ambient air. The width and depth of the fabricated grooves were clearly controlled by the applied force and the number of scan cycles. In addition, SPM scratching with various applied forces was performed on Ni surfaces and scratching properties of Ni were compared to those of NiFe. The results suggested the differences of nanoscale patterning properties between such materials. Furthermore, a direct modification of NiFe nanostructures by SPM scratching caused a variation of electrical properties of the structures. These results imply that SPM scratch nanolithography is promising for the fabrication of nanoscale devices.
The Automation of Science
Authors: King Ross D. , Rowland Jem , Oliver Stephen G. , Young Michael , Aubrey Wayne , Byrne Emma , Liakata Maria , Markham Magdalena , Pir Pinar , Soldatova Larisa N. , Sparkes Andrew , Whelan Kenneth E. , Clare Amanda
Published: April 2009

The basis of science is the hypothetico-deductive method and the recording of experiments in sufficient detail to enable reproducibility. We report the development of Robot Scientist “Adam,” which advances the automation of both. Adam has autonomously generated functional genomics hypotheses about the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and experimentally tested these hypotheses by using laboratory automation. We have confirmed Adam's conclusions through manual experiments. To describe Adam's research, we have developed an ontology and logical language. The resulting formalization involves over 10,000 different research units in a nested treelike structure, 10 levels deep, that relates the 6.6 million biomass measurements to their logical description. This formalization describes how a machine contributed to scientific knowledge.
hnRNP A1 Interacts with the 5′ Untranslated Regions of Enterovirus 71 and Sindbis Virus RNA and Is Required for Viral Replication
Authors: Lin Jing-Yi , Shih Shin-Ru , Pan Manjing , Li Carol , Lue Chia-Fang , Stollar Victor , Li Mei-Ling
Published: April 2009

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 is involved in pre-mRNA splicing in the nucleus and translational regulation in the cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic redistribution of hnRNP A1 is a regulated process during viral infection and cellular stress. Here we demonstrate that hnRNP A1 not only is an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)
trans
-acting factor that binds specifically to the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of enterovirus 71 (EV71) and regulates IRES-dependent translation but also binds to the 5′ UTR of Sindbis virus (SV) and facilitates its translation. The cytoplasmic relocalization of hnRNP A1 in EV71-infected cells leads to the enhancement of EV71 IRES-mediated translation, and its function can be substituted by hnRNP A2, whereas the cytoplasmic relocalization of hnRNP A1 following SV infection enhances the SV translation, but this function cannot be replaced by hnRNP A2. Our study provides the first direct evidence that the cytoplasmic relocalization of hnRNP A1 controls not only the IRES-dependent but also non-IRES-dependent translation initiations of RNA viruses.
Relevance of Neuroimaging in the Evaluation of Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Fazekas Franz , Niederkorn Kurt , Ebner Franz , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio
Published: April 2009

The rapid development of neuroimaging techniques has provided us with a wide range of tools for the assessment of patients who may have experienced cerebrovascular events. Each of these technologies provides specific and potentially informative insights. For clinical practice, however, we always have to tailor our diagnostic approach according to a maximum benefit/minimal burden and cost ratio. We, therefore, propose a diagnostic algorithm which is tailored according to stroke phase and availability of distinct therapeutic strategies. In the acute phase of ischemic stroke, patients can be segregated into those who are potentially amenable to systemic thrombolysis within 3 h and into possible candidates for (i.v. or i.a.) thrombolysis outside approved criteria both within and beyond this time window. For patients in the postacute phase of acute ischemic stroke, neuroimaging should contribute a maximum of information to the clarification of stroke etiology to allow for specific secondary prevention. Patients with transient ischemic attacks appear to represent yet another distinct group of patients who can benefit greatly from a rapid and comprehensive neuroimaging evaluation, as this allows identification of individuals at a specifically high risk for a subsequent stroke. Using these categories, the relevance of respective neuroimaging tools can be substantiated by a large body of evidence.
Patients at High Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease: The REACH Study
Authors: Mostaza Jose M. , Martín-Jadraque Raquel , Vicente Ignacio , San Martin Miguel A. , Lahoz Carlos
Published: April 2009

Cerebrovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. The identification of at-risk individuals is a high priority so that efficacious preventive measures can be implemented. Subjects with the highest risk of cerebrovascular diseases are those who already have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack, and those with vascular disease in other territories, either in coronary or peripheral arteries. Other subjects at risk are those with cardiac disease, such as atrial fibrillation, those with hypertension, diabetes and smoking habit, as well as individuals with subclinical vascular disease. Although there is considerable evidence for the efficacy of preventive treatment in this population, the percentage of patients receiving optimum treatment is far from ideal. There is a need to implement strategies in the population directed towards increasing awareness of the need to establish healthy habits and adequate preventive pharmacological treatment that could reduce the incidence of this debilitating disease.
Old and New Anticoagulant Agents for the Prevention and Treatment of Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Martí-Fàbregas Joan , Mateo José
Published: April 2009

Vitamin K antagonists are the only oral anticoagulants available and are considered as well-established treatment to prevent a first stroke or a recurrent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The difficulties in the routine management of these patients cause an underuse of vitamin K antagonists. For long-term use, there is a need for safer and more effective oral anticoagulants that do not require routine monitoring of coagulation. Recently, new drugs have been developed and there are a number of clinical trials for the primary and secondary prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation. The new anticoagulants that are being investigated target factor Xa or thrombin. The factor Xa inhibitors include indirect inhibitors such as idraparinux and biotinylated idraparinux that inhibit factor Xa by potentiating antithrombin. Also being investigated are apixaban and rivaroxaban, orally active agents that inhibit factor Xa directly. Direct thrombin inhibitors include ximelagatran and dabigatran etexilate. Although ximelagatran was withdrawn early because of liver toxicity, it provided convincing evidence that new oral anticoagulants have the potential to replace warfarin. However, even if these new drugs prove superior to dose-adjusted warfarin, their benefits must be substantial (retaining high efficacy with added safety and convenience) to offset their increased cost.
The Power Knocks at the Courts' Back Door
Authors: Piana Daniela
Published: April 2009

In the postcommunist countries' candidate to the European membership, the EU and the Council of Europe exercised a heavy pressure on domestic elite to promote the adoption of institutional guarantees of judicial independence and judicial capacity. Relying on a wide set of interviews with the key actors of the European and domestic institutions, this article will discuss the logic of action of the judicial reforms adopted in Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary in two policy subfields: the governance of the judicial branch and the governance of the court. The empirical evidence confirms that the processes of reform have been deeply influenced by the national actors who had been empowered during the democratic transition. They have been able to fully exploit the resources provided by the EU.
Relationships Among Music Sight-Reading and Technical Proficiency, Spatial Visualization, and Aural Discrimination
Authors: Hayward Carol M. , Eastlund Gromko Joyce
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of music sight-reading ability. The authors hypothesized that speed and accuracy of music sight-reading would be predicted by a combination of aural pattern discrimination, spatial-temporal reasoning, and technical proficiency. Participants ( N = 70) were wind players in concert bands at a medium-sized university in the Midwest. In a regression analysis with music sight-reading as the criterion variable, aural-spatial patterning and technical proficiency explained 51% of the variance, F = 37.34, p < .0001. These results support previous research that suggested that auditory, visual, spatial, and kinesthetic activations occur in coordination when wind players sight-read music notation. The results of the regression analysis suggested that although aural-spatial skills and technical proficiency skills were orthogonal, or separate, they both were essential to the complex task of sight-reading.
The Effect of Conductor Expressivity on Ensemble Performance Evaluation
Authors: Morrison Steven J. , Price Harry E. , Geiger Carla G. , Cornacchio Rachel A.
Published: April 2009

In this study, the authors examined whether a conductor's use of high-expressivity or low-expressivity techniques affected evaluations of ensemble performances that were identical across conducting conditions. Two conductors each conducted two 1-minute parallel excerpts from Percy Grainger's Walking Tune. Each directed one excerpt using high- and one using low-expressivity techniques. After watching a video of the four conducting segments set to a single audio performance of the selection by a university wind ensemble, participants ( N = 118) evaluated ensemble expressivity using a 10-point Likert-type scale. Half of the participants also rated the expressivity of the conductor using a second identical scale. Ensemble expressivity was rated significantly higher for the high-expressivity conductors; effect size was strong (partial η 2 = .57). Among participants evaluating both conductor and ensemble, there was a significant moderate correlation between ratings ( r = .56).
The Influence of Presumed Media Influence on Strategic Voting
Authors: Cohen Jonathan , Tsfati Yariv
Published: April 2009

An increasingly influential line of research on media effects suggests that some of the effects of news media on society take place because people perceive media as influential. In this article, the authors test this notion, in the context of voting decisions. The authors propose that voters' perceptions regarding the influence of media will be related to their intention to vote strategically—that is, to vote for a party they favor less than their most preferred option. If news media are perceived to persuade other voters to switch their votes, it will more likely be necessary to switch one's vote to either conform to or counterbalance the effects of media on others. Two studies, utilizing three data sets, collected in the context of the Israeli Knesset elections of 2003 and 2006 using different measures of strategic voting were used to test the hypothesis that perceptions of media influence on others will relate to strategic voting. The hypothesis was confirmed in both studies.
Questions of Wisdom
Authors: Schmidt Bunkers Sandra
Published: April 2009

In this column questions concerning wisdom are addressed, such as, what is wisdom? Can wisdom be taught in the academy? Several perspectives on wisdom from philosophy, education, business, and psychology are presented. Wisdom with creativity—creativity with wisdom is then explored through discussion of Parse's humanbecoming teaching-learning model and Laird Hamilton's life lessons learned from surfing, which he termed wisdom of the wave. The column concludes with consideration of the wise person.
American Worldview and Its Implications for India
Authors: Vijayalakshmi K.P.
Published: April 2009

The dawn of the new millennium has witnessed a renewed focus on power and security in the context of American primacy in global affairs. Today the United States of America (US) enjoys a position of power that was hitherto unknown by any one country. As the pre-eminence of US power animates the international landscape, several aspects of the resultant power asymmetries have prompted a fresh round of strategic thinking. It has sharpened the focus on the roots and evolution of the American worldview that shapes and guides the country's international policies. An appraisal of the worldview of the US today has significant implications for India, since Indo-US ties are in the process of deepening. The main questions that this article seeks to address are (i) what drives America's policies towards India, and (ii) how the changed worldview of America's security and power impacts Indo-US relations.
The Social Welfare Practice and Research Center at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: April 2009

The organization and research programs of the Social Welfare Practice and Research Centre (SWPRC) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong are outlined. There are five regular research programs (Family and Group Practice Research Centre, Human Behavior and the Social Environment Research Program, Mutual Aid and Social Capital Research Program, Social Welfare Indicators Research Program, and Youth and Childhood Research Program) and several ad hoc research projects in the center. With specific focus on the Human Behavior and the Social Environment Program, different research studies, including their funding sources, degree of university—agency collaboration, and innovativeness of the projects illustrative of the research projects in the SWPRC are outlined. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the center have been discussed using the SWOT analysis. The future research priorities of the SWPRC are discussed.
Modification of Epinephrine-induced Arrhythmias by N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine and Vitamin E
Authors: Sethi Rajat , Adameova Adriana , Dhalla Ken S. , Khan Mohsin , Elimban Vijayan , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: April 2009

Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated for 21 days with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) or vitamin E to investigate their influence on arrhythmias induced by a bolus injection or by cumulative doses of epinephrine. Electrocardiographic analysis revealed that both NAC and vitamin E decreased the duration and increased the time of onset of epinephrine-induced arrhythmias in a dose-dependent manner. The antiarrhythmic effects of NAC were comparable with those seen in the vitamin E-pretreated animals. The lipid peroxidation due to cumulative doses of epinephrine was reduced in both pretreated groups; however, NAC, unlike vitamin E, failed to decrease the basal level of malondialdehyde. Although the plasma concentrations of both norepinephrine and epinephrine were markedly increased, the level of aminochromes on epinephrine administration was decreased by both NAC and vitamin E pretreatments. The results support the view that antioxidants may prevent the catecholamine-induced heart rhythm disorders by reducing the formation of oxidized catecholamines.
Review: Technology, Chemistry and Microbiology of Whey Cheeses
Authors: Pintado M. E. , Macedo A. C. , Malcata F. X.
Published: April 2009

In whey cheese manufacture, whey, plain or added with milk, is heated by direct fire, bubbling steam or alternatively in jacketed vats. In some cases, salt s or organic acids are previously added. At 80-85 OC, the first particles of curd form; at 85-95 'C, the curd may be cooked for a few minutes to reduce moisture content and/or to obtain the desirable level of browning. After drainage at room temperature during molding for ca. 4 h, whey cheese is stored at ca. 4 'C. The typical mass yield is 6%, but addition of milk, calcium salts and preliminary concentration of protein (by condensation or ultrafiltration techniques) may increase yield considerably. Some types of whey cheeses are supposed to be consumed within a short time upon manufacture (e.g., Ricotta, Requeijdo and Manouri), whereas others bear a longer shelf life (e.g., Gjetost, Mysost and Myzithra). Whey cheeses are significantly different from one another in terms of chemical composition, which is mainly due to variations in the source and type of whey, as well as to the processing practices followed. Moisture content and pH of whey cheeses are usually high and favor microorganism growth (molds, yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae account for the dominant microflora in these cheeses). Adequate packaging of whey cheeses should be provided, and legislation should be prepared to fix standard characteristics of each type of whey cheese, and hence protect typical products from adulteration and fakes. Marketing efforts should also be aimed at increasing whey cheese consumption, either directly or incorporated in desserts, snack dips and pasta-type dishes.
A Technique to Measure Firmness in Potato Tissue during Frying
Authors: Sundara V. R. , Pourzand F. , Berberat A.
Published: April 2009

The suitability of a cylinder fabricated from stainless steel was investigated for measuring the textural changes in potato during frying. The cylinder was attached to a TA.XT2 texture analyzer. A circulating heating bath was suitably connected to the cylinder. Initially, sunflower oil in the heating bath was brought to 180 'C without allowing it to circulate into the cylinder. A cube of potato tissue was positioned at the center of the cylinder with the help of a metal plate. The metal plate also allowed a thermocouple to be inserted into a potato cube to measure sample temperatures. The texture analyzer was then set to cause a continuous 20% strain. Heated sunflower oil from the bath was then circulated into the cylinder, thereby achieving complete immersion of potato tissue during force measurements. The circulating heated oil rapidly raised the tissue temperature from 20 'C to about 85 0C in 30 s, and, thereafter, a slow increase was observed. Firmness, expressed as the force required to cause 20% strain in the cube of potato tissue, slightly decreased during initial frying followed by a rapid decline. In separate hot-stage microscopy experiments, temperatures corresponding to swelling of starch granules and cell disruption were examined and compared with the firmness data. The stainless steel cylinder certainly allowed continuous circulation of heated oil and also kept the food sample in direct contact with oil during force measurements. This technique has limitations if absolute values of firmness are required. However, for zomparing texture profiles of different food samples during frying, the technique allows continuous measurements to be made.
Predicting Failure Loads of Undamaged Sandwich Honeycomb Panels Subject to Bending
Authors: Staal R.A. , Mallinson G.D. , Jayaraman K. , Horrigan D.P.W.
Published: April 2009

This paper describes a method to predict failure loads accurately in undamaged sandwich panels subject to bending. The current method of predicting failure loads using linear wrinkling models is limited. A general lack of correlation exists between experimental and analytical/numerical wrinkling models. In some cases, the linear wrinkling models over-estimate wrinkling failure loads in undamaged panels by 100%. Various authors have tried to account for this discrepancy by modifying their linear models to take into account imperfections or irregularities in the structure or in some cases by using correction factors to get them to agree.

This research uses these Finite Element models to find failure stresses in undamaged panels and to track the failure mode and determine the failure mechanism. Based on the failure mechanism found from the Finite Element analyses, a revised analytical expression is developed. These numerical and analytical models are verified against four point bend tests for a range of panel configurations. The results show that the panels collapse due to localised core crushing as a consequence of face sheet wrinkling. By using correct core failure criteria an almost perfect correlation is found between experimental, numerical and analytical results.
Selection criteria and generalizability within the counterfactual framework: explaining the paradox of antidepressant-induced suicidality?
Authors: Weisberg Herbert I , Hayden Vanessa C , Pontes Victor P
Published: April 2009

Background Although the superior internal validity of the randomized clinical trial (RCT) is invaluable to establish causality, generalizability is far from guaranteed. In particular, strict selection criteria intended to maximize treatment efficacy and safety can impair external validity. This problem is widely acknowledged in principle but sometimes ignored in practice, with considerable consequences for treatment options.

Purpose We demonstrate how selection of patients for an RCT can bias the results when the treatment effect varies across individuals. Indeed, not only the magnitude, but even the direction of the causal effect found in an RCT can differ from the causal effect in the target population.

Methods A counterfactual model is developed to represent the selection process explicitly. This simple extension of the standard counterfactual model is used to explore the implications of restrictive exclusion criteria intended to eliminate high-risk individuals. The counterintuitive findings of a recent FDA meta-analysis of suicidality in pediatric populations treated with antidepressant medications are interpreted in the light of this counterfactual model.

Results When the causal effect of an intervention can vary across individuals, the potential for selection bias (in the sense of a threat to external validity) can be serious. In particular, we demonstrate that the stricter the inclusion/exclusion criteria the greater the potential inflation of relative risk. A critical factor in determining bias is the extent to which individuals with differing types of causal effects can be distinguished prior to sampling. Furthermore, we propose methods that can sometimes be useful to identify the existence of bias in an actual study. When applied to the FDA meta-analysis of pediatric suicidality in RCTs of modern antidepressant medications, these methods suggest that the elevated risk observed may be an artifact of selection bias.

Limitations Real-life scenarios are generally more complex than the counterfactual model presented here. Future modeling efforts are needed to refine and extend our approach.

Conclusions When variation of treatment effects across individuals is plausible, lack of generalizability should be a serious concern. Therefore, external validity of RCTs needs to be carefully considered in the design of an RCT and the interpretation of its results, especially when the study can influence regulatory decisions about drug safety. RCTs should not automatically be considered definitive, especially when their results conflict with those of observational studies. Whenever possible, empirical evidence of bias resulting from sample selection should be obtained and taken into account. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 109—118. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Terminologie des Töpferhandwerks aus dem Übermurgebiet/Prekmurje
Authors: Koletnik Mihaela
Published: April 2009

Abstract: The Terminology of Pottery in Prekmurje, Slovenia

This article presents the terminology employed in the pottery of Prekmurje. The terms presented are related to the most important pottery activities: getting (digging) clay, shaping objects on a potter's wheel, firing them in the kiln, preparing the glaze, drying the products and selling them. These are all professionnal dialectal terms dating back centuries ago, the proof of which is provided by archeological finds and local geographical names. The development of pottery in Prekmurje – the flat agricultural region which lies along the Mura River in the extreme northeast of Slovenia, bordering on Austria and Hungary – was possible because of the rich quantities of suitable clay and the high demand for earthenware. In addition to weaving, pottery was among the most important trades in Prekmurje and in some villages the majority of the population was involved in it.

Owing to the changed social circumstances, the technical revolution (new cooking technology), the changed way of life and work in the countryside, pottery in Prekmurje has almost died out today. With the gradual disappearance of this old trade we are also witnessing the disappearance of the related terminology. It is the purpose of this inventory of pottery terminology to prevent its falling into oblivion and at the same time provide a comparison of the terms used in different Slovene dialectal areas. In this way we can define the location of individual lexemes used as well as their semantic fields. The terms collected, which are primarily of Slovene origin, although some have also been borrowed in different time periods from Hungarian and from/through German as contact languages, are mostly known only by the oldest generation of speakers.
Design of Sudden Death Tests for Estimation of a Weibull Percentile
Authors: McCool John I.
Published: April 2009

Sudden Death Testing is a strategy for conducting life tests in which n specimens are divided into g groups each of size m (n=gm). Testing continues simultaneously on the specimens in each group until the first failure occurs in each. The testing thus results in g failures among the n specimens. It is shown how to determine the group size m so that the pth percentile of the Weibull distribution of life may be estimated with greater precision than in a conventional life test wherein n specimens are tested until the occurrence of the gth failure. Comparisons of the expected duration of the life tests in both cases are given for two combinations of g and m for four values of the Weibull shape parameter.