bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural organization of the cytoskeleton in SV40 human corneal epithelial cells cultured on nano‐ and microscale grooves
Authors: Karuri Nancy W. , Nealey Paul F. , Murphy Christopher J. , Albrecht Ralph M.
Published: July 2008

The basement membrane of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) has a three‐dimensional nanoscale architecture, which includes pores, bumps and fibers that may influence cell–substrate adhesion and spreading in the overlying cells. We previously demonstrated that nano‐ and microscale groove and ridge patterns influence the morphological response and the adhesive response of HCECs to a nominal wall shear stress. Cell–substrate adhesion is mediated by adhesion receptors that bind to extracellular matrix components and anchor the cytoskeleton (CSK) of cells to extracellular elements. Here we investigate the CSK organization in SV40‐transformed HCECs grown on nano‐ and microscale groove and ridge patterns. X‐ray lithography was used to fabricate uniform groove and ridge patterns with features ranging in size from 200 nm to 2 µm grooves. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate CSK structure and the distribution of ‐β1 integrin adhesion receptors. CSK elements aligned with the patterns; however, the spatial organization of these elements was influenced by feature size. Larger CSK bundles lay on top of the ridges and ran parallel to the patterns, whereas smaller CSK bundles, whose width was proportional to the groove size, spanned the grooves. ‐β1 integrins co‐localized with the CSK and had a higher density at the poles of aligned spindle‐shaped cells. Differences in organization seen on the different topographical feature sizes may be indicative of differences in extracellular matrix organization. This may explain, in part, previous observations regarding the dependence of cell adhesive responses on the size of topographic features in the substrate. SCANNING 30: 405–413, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
No silver bullet for inquiry: Making sense of teacher change following an inquiry‐based research experience for teachers
Authors: Blanchard Margaret R. , Southerland Sherry A. , Granger Ellen M.
Published: July 2008

Inquiry is seen as central to the reform of science teaching and learning, but few teachers have experience with scientific inquiry and thus possess very naïve conceptions of it. One promising form of professional development, research experiences for teachers (RETs), allows teachers to experience scientific inquiry in the hopes that these experiences will then translate to inquiry in the classroom. As intuitively pleasing as these programs are, scant evidence documents their effectiveness. For this study, four secondary science teachers were followed back to their classrooms following a 6‐week, marine ecology RET. The research employed qualitative and quantitative data collection to answer these questions: What were the teachers' initial conceptions and enactment of classroom inquiry, and how did they change after the RET?; How did changes in the nature and use of questions highlight changes in inquiry enactment?; and How were the teachers' changes linked to the RET and are there changes that cannot be explained by the RET experience? Teachers who entered the program with more sophisticated, theory‐based understanding of teaching and learning were more apt to understand inquiry as a model and to use classroom‐based inquiry throughout their teaching following the program. Implications for professional development are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 93: 322–360, 2009
African American perspectives and informal science educational experiences
Authors: Simpson Jamila S. , Parsons Eileen Carlton
Published: July 2008

This qualitative study examined the perspectives of African American parents as it pertained to informal science education. The following questions guided this study: (1) What are the desires of African American parents/guardians with respect to informal science programs and experiences for their children?; (2) What happens in Jordan Academy, an enrichment program that has successfully recruited African American students?; and (3) What are the African American parents'/guardians' opinions of the program? We inductively and deductively analyzed classroom observations; academy curriculum; photos and videotaped class sessions students' written responses to open‐ended items on the program's evaluation; and teachers' and parents' responses to semistructured, audio‐recorded interviews. We viewed the analysis results from Boykin's Black cultural ethos (BCE). We further interpreted the study's findings from a critical sociocultural perspective that employed a model synthesized from Cole's cultural‐historical framework, Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, and Boykin's triple quandary. Results indicated that most of the African American parents' desires and opinions align with seven of the nine dimensions of Boykin's BCE. The parents' opinions highlight the potential impact of culture on parental choice to enroll their children into an informal science program. The study has important implications for practices within and research on informal science education. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Sci Ed93:293–321, 2009
Insider attack attribution using signal strength‐based hyperbolic location estimation
Authors: Laurendeau Christine , Barbeau Michel
Published: July 2008

A rogue insider, in a wireless network, is an authenticated member that exploits possession of a valid identity in order to launch an attack. A typical example is the transmission of a verifiable message containing false or incomplete information. An important step, in enabling the network authorities to attribute an attack message to its originator, involves locating the physical source of the transmission. We propose a probabilistic scheme to determine the location of a transmitting rogue, with a degree of confidence, using the relative signal strength received by neighboring devices, even if the effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) employed by the rogue is unknown. The relative received signal strength (RSS) between pairs of trusted receivers are combined with a range of possible EIRP values to construct an area in Euclidian space bounded by minimum and maximum distance hyperbolas. The area contained within the intersection of multiple hyperbola pairs pinpoints the location of the rogue transmitter with a specific level of confidence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequential continual reassessment method for two‐dimensional dose finding
Authors: Yuan Ying , Yin Guosheng
Published: July 2008

It is common to encounter two‐dimensional dose finding in phase I trials, for example, in trials combining multiple drugs, or in single‐agent trials that simultaneously search for the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the optimal treatment schedule. In these cases, the traditional single‐agent dose‐finding methods are not directly applicable. We propose a simple and adaptive two‐dimensional dose‐finding design that can accommodate any type of single‐agent dose‐finding method. In particular, we convert the two‐dimensional dose‐finding trial to a series of one‐dimensional dose‐finding subtrials along shortened line search segments by fixing the dose level of one drug. We then conduct the subtrials sequentially. Based on the MTD obtained from the completed one‐dimensional trial, we eliminate the doses that lie outside of the search range based on the partial order, and thereby efficiently shrink the two‐dimensional dose‐finding space. The proposed design dramatically reduces the sample size and still maintains good performance. We illustrate the design through extensive simulation studies motivated by clinical trials evaluating multiple drugs or dose and schedule combinations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The interplay of job demands, job resources and cognitive outcomes in informatics
Authors: Van de Ven Bart , Vlerick Peter , de Jonge Jan
Published: July 2008

The present study investigates the issue of match between job demands and job resources in the prediction of employees' cognitive well‐being. Job demands and job resources, as well as job‐related strains (and concepts concerned with positive well‐being), are not one‐dimensional concepts. At a very basic level they comprise physical, cognitive and/or emotional components. The triple match principle proposes that the strongest, interactive relationships between job demands and job resources are observed when job demands, job resources and strains are based on qualitatively identical dimensions. In this study, we specifically hypothesize that cognitive job resources are most likely to moderate the relationship between cognitive job demands and cognitive outcomes. Two measures of cognitive well‐being are included: learning motivation and professional efficacy. Using a web‐based questionnaire, data were collected in a sample of 207 informatics. Results partially confirm our hypotheses both in terms of main and in terms of interaction effects. Informatics with high cognitive job demands have a higher feeling of competence than informatics with low cognitive job demands. This effect is stronger when matching high cognitive job resources are available. These findings are in line with earlier research on the interaction effects in the prediction of employees' cognitive well‐being at work. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender differences in psychological risk factors for development of heart disease
Authors: Espnes Geir Arild , Byrne Don
Published: July 2008

While coronary heart disease (CHD) for decades was understood as mainly a male disease group, it has through the last years become increasingly evident that it is now an important disease causing premature death also in the female populations throughout the Westernized world. The present paper scrutinizes via literature searches and discussions of relevant data the sex and gender differences in psychological risk factors for CHD with an emphasis on female risk. It is concluded that the risk factor picture in females is, due to limited research, still far from clear, even if there are indications of sex differences in both the risk factors picture and the trajectories of the disease development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An examination of socio‐culturally specific stress and coping factors on smoking status among African American women
Authors: Fernander Anita , Schumacher Mitzi
Published: July 2008

Smoking cessation is critical to reduce the health disparate status of African American (AA) women, however studies reveal that AA women are less likely to quit. Socio‐culturally congruent research is needed that provides explanations as to why AA women choose to smoke in order to develop appropriate cessation interventions for this population. The purpose of the study was to determine whether socio‐cultural stress and coping factors influence smoking among AA women. One hundred ninety‐eight AA females completed the John Henry Scale for Active Coping, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Index of Race‐Related Stress, and an investigator‐developed demographic and smoking survey. Significant associations between frequency of race‐related stress events and perceived general stress (p < 0.001) and between perceived general stress and smoking status were found (p < 0.001). In addition, the socio‐demographic variables of marital status, income, and education were found to moderate the association between general stress and smoking status. Specifically, the association between general stress and smoking status was stronger for women who were less educated, had lower incomes, and were single. Stress is a contributor to smoking among AA women and particular socio‐cultural factors may account for stress and should be addressed in future smoking intervention programs for AA women. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TEM‐Based Metrology for HfO2 Layers and Nanotubes Formed in Anodic Aluminum Oxide Nanopore Structures
Authors: Perez Israel , Robertson Erin , Banerjee Parag , Henn‐Lecordier Laurent , Son Sang Jun , Lee Sang Bok , Rubloff Gary W.
Published: July 2008

Nanotubes are fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) into nanopore arrays created by anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methodology is developed and applied to quantify the ALD conformality in the nanopores (thickness as a function of depth), and the results are compared to existing models for ALD conformality. ALD HfO2 nanotubes formed in AAO templates are released by dissolution of the Al2O3, transferred to a grid, and imaged by TEM. An algorithm is devised to automate the quantification of nanotube wall thickness as a function of position along the central axis of the nanotube, by using a cylindrical model for the nanotube. Diffusion‐limited depletion occurs in the lower portion of the nanotubes and is characterized by a linear slope of decreasing thickness. Experimentally recorded slopes match well with two simple models of ALD within nanopores presented in the literature. The TEM analysis technique provides a method for the rapid analysis of such nanostructures in general, and is also a means to efficiently quantify ALD profiles in nanostructures for a variety of nanodevice applications.
Evaluation of Novel Back‐flush Filtration for Removal of Homopolymer from Starch‐g‐PMMA
Authors: Comer Chris M. , Jessop Julie L. P.
Published: July 2008

Starch‐g‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was prepared by emulsion photopolymerization without photoinitiator. Grafting efficiency was determined for two types of starch (high‐amylose and amylopectin) and at several illumination times. Since clogging of the graft copolymer prevented vacuum filtration and Soxhlet extraction was too time‐consuming, a new method to separate the PMMA homopolymer from the graft copolymer was developed. Back‐flush filtration uses an intermittent pressure pulse to clean the filter as the homopolymer is separated from the graft copolymer. Back‐flush filtration was shown to be more efficient by reducing the separation time and solvent use, and the grafting efficiencies obtained with back‐flush filtration compare favorably with those from Soxhlet extraction for the starch‐g‐PMMA copolymer systems studied. More accurate grafting efficiencies could be obtained by applying a nonstick coating to the inside chamber of the back‐flush filtration unit.
Lateral shear‐St. Venant torsion coupled vibration of asymmetric‐plan frame structures
Authors: Kuang J. S. , Ng S. C.
Published: July 2008

Free vibration analysis is presented for asymmetric‐plan frame structures. Emphasis of the analysis is given to the lateral–torsional vibration of the structures, where lateral shear vibrations in two orthogonal directions are coupled with St. Venant torsion vibration. Based on the continuum approach in tall building analysis, the governing equation of coupled vibration of the problem is developed, and the corresponding eigenvalue equation is then derived. A theoretical method of solution is proposed to solve the eigenvalue problem and a general solution is given to determine the natural frequencies and associated mode shapes of the structure. By following the proposed calculation procedure, frequencies of the coupled vibration are quickly determined and the corresponding mode shapes can clearly be displayed. The numerical investigation pertaining to coupled vibration analysis of a general asymmetric‐plan frame building shows that the results from the proposed method and FEM analysis agree very well. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytotoxic effects of cyanobacteria extract on Lemna minor and Myriophyllum spicatum phyto‐tolerance and superoxide dismutase activity
Authors: Yi Ding , Yijun Zhao , Xue Bai , Zhihui Fang , Kai Cheng
Published: July 2008

The research on the effects of microcystins on aquatic plants has increased. Some aquatic plants have some tolerance to microcystins but the mechanism of the tolerance is still unknown. In this experiment, we used microcystins of different concentrations to study the toxic effect in Lemna minor and Myriophyllum spicatum. Experiments were carried out with a range of microcysitns levels (equivalent to 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 4.3 mg/L). The growth of L. minor (as fresh weight) and chlorophyll a content were significantly reduced and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly decreased at microcystins concentration up to 0.5 mg/L. The growth of M. spicatum was affected, only weakly, by microcystins and 0.5 mg/L and these treatments caused significant decrease in chlorophyll a content. Besides, the SOD activity of M. spicatum positively correlated to microcystins concentration (P < 0.01). The result indicated that M. spicatum was more tolerant to microcystins than L. minor and the induced SOD activity may contribute to the tolerance. The experiment also indicated that catalase (CAT) activity was not significantly influenced by microcystin for both the two tested aquatic plants. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Similar Wear in Total Hip Arthroplasties with Metallic or Zirconia Femoral Heads
Authors: Cohn Randy M. , González Della Valle Alejandro , Peterson Margaret , Cornell Charles N.
Published: July 2008

Ceramic femoral heads have been used in an attempt at reducing polyethylene wear of total hip arthroplasties. Clinical results with zirconia femoral heads have been mixed. This study was undertaken to compare the polyethylene wear and incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis in total hip replacements performed using a 28-mm zirconia versus a 28-mm cobalt chromium femoral head. Thirty-five hips with a 28-mm cobalt chromium head and 68 hips with a 28-mm zirconia head were evaluated after a minimum follow-up of 2 years (average, 4.0 years; range, 2.0 to 9.1 years). A monoblock acetabular component was used in all patients. Polyethylene wear was measured in serial radiographs from 58 of the hips utilizing a computer-assisted vector wear technique. Periacetabular osteolysis developed in three patients (two with a zirconia head and one with a cobalt chromium head). The total wear and the annual wear rate were 0.48 mm and 0.11 mm/year for the cobalt chromium heads and 0.53 mm and 0.14 mm/year for the zirconia heads, respectively. We found no benefit with respect to the rate of polyethylene wear or incidence of osteolysis with the use of zirconia femoral heads.
Significance of Coprophagy for the Fatty Acid Profile in Body Tissues of Rabbits Fed Different Diets
Authors: Leiber Florian , Meier Janina S. , Burger Bettina , Wettstein Hans‐Rudolf , Kreuzer Michael , Hatt Jean‐Michel , Clauss Marcus
Published: July 2008

Four groups of eight New Zealand hybrid rabbits were fattened with ad libitum access to the following pelleted experimental diets: ryegrass meal or alfalfa meal fed either alone or with oats meal in a ratio of 1:1. After 25 weeks they were slaughtered and dissected. Fatty acid (FA) profiles of caecotrophs (re‐ingested fermentation products of the caecum), perirenal adipose tissue and intramuscular fat in the Musculus quadriceps were determined. With high proportions of branched‐chain FA (BFA) and trans FA, and increased proportions of saturated FA relative to the diets, the caecotroph FA profile showed a clear fingerprint of anaerobe microbial lipid metabolism including biohydrogenation. By contrast, the FA profiles of adipose and lean tissue comprised high proportions of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), whilst BFA and trans FA occurred in much lower proportions compared to the caecotrophs. Thus, coprophagy did not substantially modify the FA composition of the tissues investigated. Use of forage‐only diets, compared to the oats supplemented diets, led to extraordinary high proportions of n‐3 PUFA (including 18:3 and long‐chain n‐3) in the fat of adipose (21.3 vs. 6.7%) and lean tissue (15.4 vs. 5.7%). The forage type diet (grass vs. alfalfa) had smaller effects on the FA profiles. Indications of diet effects on endogenous desaturation, chain elongation and differential distribution of functional FA between the two tissues investigated were found.
Parent involvement in the academic adjustment of Latino middle and high school youth: Teacher expectations and school belonging as mediators
Authors: Kuperminc Gabriel P. , Darnell Adam J. , Alvarez‐Jimenez Anabel
Published: July 2008

A path model based in a theory of social capital was tested with Latino middle school (n=195, 58% female, average 13.8 years of age) and high school students (n=129, 64% female, average 16.8 years of age). Most participants (77%) were immigrants (predominantly from Mexico). Questionnaires assessed student perceptions of parent involvement, school belonging, and academic competence. Teachers rated their expectations for student academic attainment and grades were obtained from school records. Perceived school belonging and teacher expectations mediated cross‐sectional associations of parent involvement with academic adjustment. Links between parent involvement and academic adjustment were stronger for high school than middle school students. Middle school parent involvement was unrelated to teacher expectations and its indirect effect on school grades was non‐significant. Future research should examine the link between middle school parent involvement and teacher expectations and its potential role in increasing Latino youths’ school success.
Long‐term oral lacosamide in painful diabetic neuropathy: A two‐year open‐label extension trial
Authors: Shaibani Aziz , Biton Victor , Rauck Richard , Koch Brigitte , Simpson Jeffrey
Published: July 2008

Objectives: This open‐label follow‐on trial aimed to investigate long‐term safety and efficacy of lacosamide in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.

Methods: After 1‐week baseline period, lacosamide 100mg/day was started. Each week, based on pain and safety assessments, doses were escalated by 100mg/day to an optimal level, up to a maximum of 400mg/day. Patients then entered the 20‐week maintenance period (dose adjusted as needed). Thereafter, patients could opt to continue lacosamide up to about 2.5 years (extension period).

Results: Of the 69 enrolled patients, 47 (68%) completed the 20‐week maintenance period and elected to continue into the extension period; 37/69 (54%) patients were in the extension period for more than one year and 34/69 (49%) continued until study termination. The modal lacosamide dose in most patients (54%) was 400mg/day. Headache, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, and back pain were the most frequently reported adverse events (≥10% of patients). Significant reductions from baseline in Likert pain scores began during dose titration and were sustained throughout the study. Significant improvements were also seen in Neuropathic Pain Scale, Quality of Life scores, and Patient's Global Impression of Change assessment. Of 34 patients at study termination, 32 (90%) elected to continue with lacosamide treatment in another long‐term open‐label trial (NCT00235443).

Conclusion: The long‐term safety profile and sustained efficacy of lacosamide observed in this trial support its continued development for treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.
Syndecan‐4 regulates platelet‐derived growth factor‐mediated MAP kinase activation by altering intracellular reactive oxygen species
Authors: Kim Jungyean , Lee Jung-hyun , Park Hey Sun , Hwang Jisun , Han Inn-Oc , Bae Yun Soo , Oh Eok-Soo
Published: July 2008

The cell adhesion receptor, syndecan‐4, regulates cellular interactions with both the extracellular matrix and soluble ligands. Accumulating evidence also suggests that cell adhesion is involved in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we investigated the role of syndecan‐4 in regulating growth factor‐induced ROS generation. Rat embryo fibroblasts (REFs) overexpressing syndecan‐4 exhibited increased ROS levels compared to control cells. Expression of the non‐phagocytic NADH oxidase component Nox1 was increased in syndecan‐4‐overexpressing REFs and syndecan‐4‐mediated ROS generation was diminished when levels of Nox1 were knocked‐down with small inhibitory RNAs. In addition, syndecan‐4 enhanced platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐induced MAP kinase activity in parallel with ROS generation. Collectively, these data suggest that syndecan‐4 regulates PDGF‐induced MAP kinase activation by altering ROS generation.
Treatment of 46 cats with porcine lente insulin – a prospective, multicentre study
Authors: Michiels Laurence , Reusch Claudia E. , Boari Andrea , Petrie Grant , Mandigers Paul , Thollot Isabelle G. , Rosenberg Dan , Mooney Carmel , Bonfanti Ugo , Font Artur , Sparkes Andrew , Bewig Katarina , Clercx Cecile , Jensen Asger L. , Horspool Linda J.I.
Published: July 2008

This prospective, multicentre, non-blinded, open study followed 46 cats with diabetes mellitus during treatment with porcine lente insulin (also known as porcine insulin zinc suspension, Caninsulin®, Intervet) for 16±1 weeks (stabilization phase), with additional monitoring of some cats ( n=23) for a variable period. At least three of the following were present at initial presentation: appropriate history of clinical signs consistent with diabetes mellitus, glucosuria, blood glucose greater than 15 mmol/l and fructosamine greater than 380 μmol/l. Insulin treatment was started at a dose rate of 0.25–0.5 IU/kg body weight twice daily, with a maximum starting dose of 2 IU/injection. Twenty-eight of the cats were classed as reaching clinical stability during the study, in 23 of these cats this was during the stabilization phase. Seven cats went into remission during the stabilization phase and one of the cats in week 56. Clinical signs of hypoglycaemia, significantly associated with a dose of 3 units or 0.5 IU/kg or more per cat (twice daily), were observed in nine of the 46 cats during the stabilization phase and concomitant biochemical hypoglycaemia was recorded in most cases. Biochemical hypoglycaemia, recorded in 6% of the blood glucose curves performed during the stabilization phase, was significantly associated with a dose rate of 0.75 IU/kg or more twice daily. This further highlights the need for cautious stepwise changes in insulin dose. The protocol used in the present study is suitable for and easy to use in practice. This study confirmed the efficacy and safety of porcine lente insulin (Caninsulin®) in diabetic cats under field conditions.
Multiple urogenital abnormalities in a Persian cat
Authors: Goo Moon-Jung , Williams Bruce H. , Hong Il-Hwa , Park Jin-Kyu , Yang Hai-Jie , Yuan Dong-Wei , Lee Hye-Rim , Hong Kyung-Sook , Ki Mi-Ran , Jeong Kyu-Shik
Published: July 2008

A 1.5-year-old female Persian cat was presented for inappetence and azotemia. Ultrasonography and urography revealed multiple abnormalities involving the genitourinary tract, including agenesis of the right kidney and ureter. Gross examination of the abnormal uterus revealed segmental aplasia of right caudal uterine horn causing cranial distension with fluid, a normal left uterine horn, and both normal ovaries. Microscopically, endometrial glands of the right uterine horn were markedly decreased in number. The right uterine horn was hemorrhagic suggesting estrus. This is the first report of this combination of urinary and uterus abnormalities in the veterinary literature.
Bioavailability of carotenoids and α-tocopherol from fruit juices in the presence of absorption modifiers:in vitroandin vivoassessment
Authors: Granado-Lorencio F. , Herrero-Barbudo C. , Blanco-Navarro I. , Pérez-Sacristán B. , Olmedilla-Alonso B.
Published: July 2008

The food industry is playing an increasing role in the development and marketing of new products although little is known regarding the bioavailability of the phytochemicals they contain. Our aim was to assess the effect of the presence of absorption modifiers (milk and iron) on thein vitrobioaccessibility and the serum responsein vivoof carotenoids and α-tocopherol from fruit juices. Thirty-two young women participated in a three-period (21 d each) supplementation study with a 2-week wash-out in between. Subjects consumed consecutively 2 × 250 ml/d vitamin C-fortified juices supplied as fruit juice, fruit juice containing milk and fruit juice containing milk and iron. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after each supplementation period.In vitrobioaccessibility of carotenoids and α-tocopherol was assessed by a static digestion model. Vitamin E and carotenoids from both studies were determined by HPLC.In vitro, xanthophyll ester hydrolysis and transference of free xanthophylls and α-tocopherol into the micellar phase were higher in the presence of absorption modifiers.In vivo, consumption of the fruit juices provoked significant increments (within-subject) of α-tocopherol and some carotenoids in serum. Dose-adjusted increments in serum of some carotenoids were higher when subjects consumed juices with milk and milk plus iron, although differences did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, the presence of milk and milk plus iron do not influence the bioavailability of carotenoids and α-tocopherol from fruit juicesin vivo. Our results support the use ofin vitromodels to assess food-related factors affecting bioavailability of carotenoids and tocopherols from foods.
News Media Use and Americans' Perceptions of Global Threat
Authors: RIDOUT TRAVIS N. , GROSSE ASHLEY C. , APPLETON ANDREW M.
Published: July 2008

This article explores the antecedents of Americans' perceptions of global threat, which may influence people's policy preferences and ultimately public policy. Three predictors of global threat perceptions are in focus: news media use, global knowledge and global experience. Using the 2004 Survey of Attitudes and Global Engagement, it is discovered that media use best explains global threat perceptions, but its impact is largely conditional on the characteristics of the individual and on the type of threat.
How's Your Government? International Evidence Linking Good Government and Well-Being
Authors: HELLIWELL JOHN F. , HUANG HAIFANG
Published: July 2008

This article employs World Values Survey measures of life satisfaction as though they were direct measures of utility, and uses them to evaluate alternative features and forms of government in large international samples. Life satisfaction is found to be more closely linked to several World Bank measures of the quality of government than to real per capita incomes, in simple correlations and more fully specified models explaining international differences in life satisfaction. Differences in the relative importance of different aspects of good government are tested for, and a hierarchy of preferences that depends on the level of development is found. The ability of governments to provide a trustworthy environment, and to deliver services honestly and efficiently, appears to be of paramount importance for countries with worse governance and lower incomes. The balance changes once acceptable levels of efficiency, trust and incomes are achieved, when more value is attached to building and maintaining the institutions of electoral democracy.
Cabinet Reshuffles and Ministerial Drift
Authors: INDRIDASON INDRIDI H. , KAM CHRISTOPHER
Published: July 2008

A model of policy implementation in a parliamentary democracy as delegation between the prime minister and her cabinet ministers is introduced. Cabinet reshuffles can be pursued as a strategy to reduce the agency loss which occurs due to the different preferences of the actors. This work thus explains why prime ministers resort to reshuffles: cabinet reshuffles reduce the moral hazard facing ministers. This answer both augments and distinguishes this work from traditional perspectives on reshuffles that have emphasized the deleterious effects of reshuffles on ministerial capacity, and also from recent work that casts reshuffles as solutions to the adverse-selection problems inherent in cabinet government. The conclusion offers a preliminary test of some of the hypotheses generated by this theory.
If Winning Isn't Everything, Why Do They Keep Score? Consequences of Electoral Performance for Party Leaders
Authors: ANDREWS JOSEPHINE T. , JACKMAN ROBERT W
Published: July 2008

The premise that parties are fundamentally motivated by office-seeking is common, but surprisingly little attention has been paid to its empirical validity. We approach this issue by analysing how parties respond to their electoral performance. Casting party leaders as the embodiment of their parties, we then examine the degree to which the length of time party leaders retain their position hinges on their party's electoral success, defined with reference both to the party's share of legislative seats and to its presence or absence in government. Our analyses centre on six parliamentary democracies in which the government is always formed by one of the two major parties either alone or in coalition with a minor party (Australia, Britain, Canada, Germany, Ireland and New Zealand) in the years from 1945 through 2000. Results indicate that party leaders' risk of removal hinges substantially on their party's seat share and/or their party's presence in government. More specifically, we find that as the seat share of both major and minor parties increases, the chance that the party leader will be removed decreases. Likewise, if a major party loses its role in government, the chance that the party leader will be removed increases dramatically. Although presence in government has no significant impact on the tenure in office of party leaders of minor parties, the magnitude of the effect is indistinguishable from that for major parties. Beyond providing strong evidence that parties are at their core motivated by electoral performance, we also estimate the magnitude of the electoral imperative, at least as it pertains to party leaders.
Consociationalism and the Evolution of Political Cleavages in Northern Ireland, 1989–2004
Authors: TILLEY JAMES , EVANS GEOFFREY , MITCHELL CLAIRE
Published: July 2008

Political cleavages are often understood as deriving from either deep-rooted social divisions or institutional incentives. Contemporary Northern Ireland provides a test of the mutability of apparently entrenched cleavages to institutional change. Research undertaken before the ceasefire in the 1990s found noticeable asymmetries in the patterns of cleavage within the unionist and nationalist blocs. Within the unionist bloc, economic ‘left–right’ issues formed the main ideological division between the two major unionist parties. This contrasted with an ethno-national source of ideological division between the two nationalist parties. However, the emergence of a consociational form of government structure since then has demonstrated the ability of institutional incentives to reform some aspects of party competition swiftly. As evidence of this, we show that between 1989 and 2004 there was little change in the sources of support for Sinn Féin relative to the SDLP, but the influence of left–right ideology within the unionist bloc was negated as the influence of ethno-nationalism dramatically increased.
National Tides and Local Results in US House Elections
Authors: McGHEE ERIC
Published: July 2008

This article discusses whether candidates and campaigns in US House elections condition the influence of national political tides by magnifying their effects at the local level. Using election returns, it is shown that this interaction effect is quite small: a positive national tide increases votes for weak candidates almost as much as strong ones. However, competition and national tides in US House elections do interact to produce turnover: high-spending challengers rarely win without the help of a national tide. Contrary to many accounts in the American politics literature, it is also found that the tide's influence is weaker in open seats in certain important ways. Together, these findings suggest that US House candidates benefit from national tides but have a limited ability to create them, and that the prospects for national responsiveness are hurt by the trend towards heavier competition in open seats.
Antihypertensive effect of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory peptide from enzyme modified cheese
Authors: Tonouchi Hidekazu , Suzuki Masayuki , Uchida Masayuki , Oda Munehiro
Published: July 2008

Two angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides were isolated from enzyme modified cheese (EMC) and their amino acid sequences were identified as Leu-Gln-Pro and Met-Ala-Pro. The EMC was prepared by a combination of Protease N, Umamizyme, and Flavourzyme 500L. Both peptides were derived from β-casein, f 88-90 and f 102-104, respectively. Met-Ala-Pro showed strong ACE inhibitory activity (IC50=0·8 μm) and antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) after single oral administration. The IC50value of Met-Ala-Pro was not affected by pre-incubation with ACE, suggesting that this peptide was a true ACE-inhibitory peptide. We report here, for the first time antihypertensive peptides from EMC.
Molecular methods for identification ofLactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.bulgaricusandStreptococcus thermophilususing methionine biosynthesis and 16S rRNA genes
Authors: Cebeci Aysun , Gürakan G Candan
Published: July 2008

Yoghurt and starter culture producers are still searching strains ofLactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.bulgaricusandStreptococcus thermophilusto produce healthier yogurt with longer shelf life, better texture, taste and quality. However, selective identification ofLb.delbrueckiisubsp.bulgaricusandStrep. thermophilusfrom a mixed population using microbiological and biochemical methods is difficult, time consuming and may not be accurate. In this study, a quick, sensitive and accurate method is proposed to identify bothLb. delbrueckiisubsp.bulgaricusandStrep. thermophilususing PCR. The method is comprised of two parts. In the first part, methionine biosynthesis genes, known to be present in both species were partially amplified by designed primers (cysmet2F and cysmet2R). Partial amplification of the methionine biosynthesis gene which gives 700 bp fragment resulted in selective identification ofLb. bulgaricusandStrep. thermophilus. All 16Lb. bulgaricusand 6Strep. thermophilusisolates assessed by this method gave the expected amplification. On the other hand, further analysis of other closely related species with the same primers have indicated that the same product was also amplified in two more lactobacilli namely,Lb. delbrueckiisubsp.lactisandLb. helveticusspecies. Thus, in the second part of the method, further differentiation ofLb. delbrueckiisubsp.bulgaricusandStrep. thermophilusfrom each other and these species was achieved using restriction analysis of 16S rRNA gene withEcoRI.
The Second Sex and the First Estate: The Sisters of St-André between the Bishop of Tournai and Rome, 1850–1886
Authors: VIAENE VINCENT
Published: July 2008

In 1855 the sisters of St André in Tournai (Belgium) openly revolted against their bishop by sending a delegation to the pope. It was the high point of a conflict that had been simmering since 1850, and would continue to reverberate until 1886. This case study illustrates the religious, social and gender fault-lines opened by modernity between authoritarian bishops and a new generation of self-conscious religious women active in society. The field of tension provided Vatican diplomacy with the opportunity for an unprecedented affirmation of its mediating role. The affair of St André was one of the first occasions on which the Curia was directly confronted with ultramontane feminism, and it neatly defines the margins within which the Holy See was hammering out a matrix for the Romanisation and ‘standardisation’ of religious women. At the price of ‘following the beaten track’ to Rome, the second sex could sufficiently escape the grip of the first estate to operate a silent revolution in education, charity and devotion during the nineteenth century.
The Foundations of Primatial Claims in the Western Church (Eleventh–Thirteenth Centuries)
Authors: DELIVRÉ FABRICE
Published: July 2008

From the eleventh to the thirteenth century, many archbishops in the western Church turned to the papacy to obtain confirmation of supra-metropolitan prerogatives in harmony with the hierarchical principles of the Gregorian Reform. The study of the proofs produced by these primates makes it possible to identify distinct, contrasting encounters between local ecclesiastical structures and the False Decretals, a canonical collection (c. 836–8/c. 847–52) which was widely disseminated in the central Middle Ages. This process reveals the opposition between two types of territorial primacies, based, on the one hand, on kingdoms searching for unity or, on the other, on the civil provinces of the late Roman Empire.
Wave absorbing system using inclined perforated plates
Authors: CHO I. H. , KIM M. H.
Published: July 2008

The interaction of oblique monochromatic incident waves with horizontal/inclined/dual porous plates is investigated in the context of two-dimensional linear potential theory and Darcy's law (the normal velocity of fluid passing through a thin porous plate is linearly proportional to the pressure difference across it). The developed theory is verified by both small-scale and full-scale experiments. First, matched eigenfunction expansion (MEE) solutions for a horizontal porous plate are obtained. The relationship between the plate porosity and the porous parameter is obtained from systematic model tests by using six porous plates with different sizes and spacing of circular holes. Secondly, a multi-domain boundary-element method (BEM) using simple-sources (second-kind modified Bessel function) is developed to confirm the MEE solutions and to apply to more general cases including inclined or multiple porous plates. The BEM-based inner solutions are matched to the eigenfunction-based outer solutions to satisfy the outgoing radiation condition in the far field. Both analytical and BEM solutions with the developed empirical porous parameter agree with each other and correlate well with both small-scale data from a two-dimensional wave-tank test and full-scale measurement in a large wave basin. Using the developed predictive tools, wave-absorption efficiency is assessed for various combinations of porosity, water depth, submergence depth, wave heading, and plate/wave characteristics. In particular, it is found that the performance can be improved by imposing the proper inclination angle near the free surface. The optimal porosity is near porosity P=0.1 and the optimal inclination angle is around 10° as long as the plate length is greater than 20% of the wavelength. Based on the selected optimal parameters (porosity=0.1 and inclination angle=11.3°), the effective wave-absorption system for MOERI's square basin is designed.
A depth-averaged electrokinetic flow model for shallow microchannels
Authors: LIN HAO , STOREY BRIAN D. , SANTIAGO JUAN G.
Published: July 2008

Electrokinetic flows with heterogeneous conductivity configuration occur widely in microfluidic applications such as sample stacking and multidimensional assays. Electromechanical coupling in these flows may lead to complex flow phenomena, such as sample dispersion due to electro-osmotic velocity mismatch, and electrokinetic instability (EKI). In this work we develop a generalized electrokinetic model suitable for the study of microchannel flows with conductivity gradients and shallow-channel geometry. An asymptotic analysis is performed with the channel depth-to-width ratio as a smallness parameter, and the three-dimensional equations are reduced to a set of depth-averaged equations governing in-plane flow dynamics. The momentum equation uses a Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer-type formulation, and the convective–diffusive transport of the conductivity field in the depth direction manifests itself as a dispersion effect on the in-plane conductivity field. The validity of the model is assessed by comparing the numerical results with full three-dimensional direct numerical simulations, and experimental data. The depth-averaged equations provide the accuracy of three-dimensional modelling with a convenient two-dimensional equation set applicable to a wide class of microfluidic devices.
A direct numerical simulation study on the mean velocity characteristics in turbulent pipe flow
Authors: WU XIAOHUA , MOIN PARVIZ
Published: July 2008

Fully developed incompressible turbulent pipe flow at bulk-velocity- and pipe-diameter-based Reynolds number ReD=44000 was simulated with second-order finite-difference methods on 630 million grid points. The corresponding Kármán number R+, based on pipe radius R, is 1142, and the computational domain length is 15R. The computed mean flow statistics agree well with Princeton Superpipe data at ReD=41727 and at ReD=74000. Second-order turbulence statistics show good agreement with experimental data at ReD=38000. Near the wall the gradient of $\mbox{ln}\overline{u}_{z}^{+}$ with respect to ln(1−r)+ varies with radius except for a narrow region, 70 < (1−r)+ < 120, within which the gradient is approximately 0.149. The gradient of $\overline{u}_{z}^{+}$ with respect to ln{(1−r)++a+} at the present relatively low Reynolds number of ReD=44000 is not consistent with the proposition that the mean axial velocity $\overline{u}_{z}^{+}$ is logarithmic with respect to the sum of the wall distance (1−r)+ and an additive constant a+ within a mesolayer below 300 wall units. For the standard case of a+=0 within the narrow region from (1−r)+=50 to 90, the gradient of $\overline{u}_{z}^{+}$ with respect to ln{(1−r)++a+} is approximately 2.35. Computational results at the lower Reynolds number ReD=5300 also agree well with existing data. The gradient of $\overline{u}_{z}$ with respect to 1−r at ReD=44000 is approximately equal to that at ReD=5300 for the region of 1−r > 0.4. For 5300 < ReD < 44000, bulk-velocity-normalized mean velocity defect profiles from the present DNS and from previous experiments collapse within the same radial range of 1−r > 0.4. A rationale based on the curvature of mean velocity gradient profile is proposed to understand the perplexing existence of logarithmic mean velocity profile in very-low-Reynolds-number pipe flows. Beyond ReD=44000, axial turbulence intensity varies linearly with radius within the range of 0.15 < 1−r < 0.7. Flow visualizations and two-point correlations reveal large-scale structures with comparable near-wall azimuthal dimensions at ReD=44000 and 5300 when measured in wall units. When normalized in outer units, streamwise coherence and azimuthal dimension of the large-scale structures in the pipe core away from the wall are also comparable at these two Reynolds numbers.