bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracting information on the surface monomer unit distribution of PLGA by ToF‐SIMS
Authors: Ogaki Ryosuke , Shard Alex G. , Li Suming , Vert Michel , Luk Shen , Alexander Morgan R. , Gilmore Ian S. , Davies Martyn C.
Published: April 2008

The surface chemistry of a range of random poly l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide (PLGA) materials has been investigated using XPS, static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS) and gentle secondary ion mass spectrometry (G‐SIMS). The estimated mole fraction of lactide units provided by SSIMS was in good agreement with bulk composition and appeared not to have been affected by contamination. Conversely, XPS assessment of lactide compositions was unreliable due to hydrocarbon contamination contributions. In this study, we propose a novel model to demonstrate that by using SSIMS it is possible to infer the degree of trans‐esterification for PLGA co‐polymers synthesised from a mixture of lactide and glycolide homo‐dimers. This was determined by introducing two independent parameters, the ratio of trans‐esterified bonds to the total number of ester bonds, PT, and the lactide composition. The model has indicated that, for this set of polymers, PT was approximately 0.25. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that G‐SIMS successfully identified the structurally important key fragments leading to direct identification. Analysis by G‐SIMS showed that the glycolic acid units from all PLGA compositions are emitted in a lower energy‐fragmentation process than lactic acid units. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of DNA Multilayer Films Through Oligonucleotide Crosslinking
Authors: Johnston Angus P. R. , Caruso Frank
Published: April 2008

Multilayer films and capsules synthesized from DNA are of interest because they are biodegradable, biocompatible, and the structure of the films can be finely controlled by base pairing of the nucleotides. As DNA films are held together through a balance between the attractive hydrogen bonding and the aromatic stacking of the base pairs and the electrostatic repulsion of the negatively charged phosphate backbones, the films can be subject to disintegration at low salt concentrations (<200 mM). Enhancement of the stability of the films is essential if they are to be used in bioapplications. Herein, we describe an approach to form DNA films and capsules that are stable under a variety of buffer conditions, including low salt concentrations (down to 25 mM NaCl). The films are assembled using a triblock oligonucleotide system, in which the two outer blocks facilitate the assembly of the film and the middle block can be used to stabilize the films by hybridizing oligonucleotide sequences that crosslink the films. Additionally, crosslinked DNA capsules are shown to exhibit significantly different shrinkage properties to those of noncrosslinked capsules, thus demonstrating further control over the capsule properties. These DNA capsules are envisaged to find applications as drug‐delivery vehicles, in diagnostics, and as microreactors.
Globalization and science education: The implications of science in the new economy
Authors: Carter Lyn
Published: April 2008

Science has seen considerable change in recent decades with the emergence of a new economic and sociopolitical contract between science, the nation, state, and private commercial interests. Generally regarded as having been precipitated by globalization, these changes in the sciences are beginning to be documented by a range of commentators. Clearly, science's changing forms hold profound implications for the development of science education. As there is little science education scholarship exploring the implications sciences' altering forms, this paper attempts to investigate the relationship at more depth. Detailing this relationship is important because it can help formulate new questions, and methods for their investigation, relevant to the work of science education in the newly global world. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 617–633, 2008
Carcinoid tumor of the appendix: ultrasound findings in early pregnancy
Authors: Gilboa Y. , Fridman E. , Ofir K. , Achiron R.
Published: April 2008

Ultrasound examination of a woman in early pregnancy with right lower quadrant abdominal pain demonstrated an edematous appendix with amorphous fluid surrounding the appendix. At laparotomy, these findings were confirmed. On pathological evaluation following surgical removal of the appendix a rare case of carcinoid tumor of the appendix was diagnosed. This is the first description of the transvaginal ultrasound features of a carcinoid tumor of the appendix. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive link trigger mechanism for seamless handovers in heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Yoo Sang‐Jo , Cypher David , Golmie Nada
Published: April 2008

Effective and timely link‐layer trigger mechanisms can significantly influence the handover performance. The handover process will not perform the correct decision and execution unless adequate and timely link‐layer trigger information is delivered. In this paper, a predictive link trigger mechanism for seamless horizontal and vertical handovers in heterogeneous wireless networks is proposed. Unlike previous link trigger algorithms based on pre‐defined signal level thresholds, the link layer triggers in this study are adaptively and timely fired in accordance with the network conditions. Firstly, the time required to perform a handover is estimated based on the neighboring network conditions. Secondly, the time to trigger a Link_Going_Down to initiate a handover is determined using a least mean square linear prediction in which the prediction interval (kh) is dynamically determined based on the estimated handover time. An upper bound for the packet loss rate during a handover is derived for a Gaussian shadowing channel. A manner in which this approach can be applied to IEEE 802.21 is shown in media independent handover scenarios. Simulation results of the proposed predictive link triggering mechanism show that it provides a timely proactive handover. The packet loss rate observed in a Gaussian shadowing channel remains low during a handover. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal Depth of NIM EMG Endotracheal Tube for Intraoperative Neuromonitoring of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve During Thyroidectomy
Authors: Lu I‐Chen , Chu Koung‐Shing , Tsai Cheng‐Jing , Wu Che‐Wei , Kuo Wen‐Rei , Chen Hsiu‐Ya , Lee Ka‐Wo , Chiang Feng‐Yu
Published: April 2008

Background

Malpositioning of the endotracheal surface electrodes can result in dysfunction of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) and increase the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the optimal depth of the nerve integrity monitor (NIM) EMG endotracheal tube.

Methods

We enrolled 105 adult patients undergoing elective thyroidectomy. Each Medtronic Xomed NIM EMG endotracheal tube was placed with the middle of the exposed electrodes well in contact with the true vocal cords under direct laryngoscopy. Function of IONM was documented and the insertion depth was measured and analyzed.

Results

Ninety‐nine (94.3%) patients had successful IONM with the initial endotracheal tube position. Six (5.7%) patients needed further tube depth adjustment under fiberoptic bronchoscopy. All patients were finally had successful IONM. The optimal mean depth was 20.6 ± 0.97 cm in men and 19.6 ± 1.0 cm in women (p < 0.01). There was the trend that taller subjects had a deeper tube depth (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We concluded that the mean depth of the NIM EMG tube would be a useful reference value for detecting the malposition of electrodes and adjusting the depth of tube during the operation.
Focused Approach to Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Carling Tobias , Udelsman Robert
Published: April 2008

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is performed after preoperative parathyroid localization—usually with high‐quality sestamibi scans and/or ultrasonography—often under cervical block anesthesia during which a limited exploration is performed. The rapid intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay is then employed to confirm an adequate resection and cure of primary hyperparathyroidism. This article discusses imaging, anesthesia, results, and the surgical management of patients undergoing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.
The effects of environmental variables and human disturbance on woody species richness and diversity in a bamboo–deciduous forest in northeastern Thailand
Authors: Larpkern Panadda , Moe Stein R. , Totland Ørjan
Published: April 2008

Variations in species richness and diversity at a local scale are affected by a number of complex and interacting variables, including both natural environmental factors and human‐made changes to the local environment. Here we identified the most important determinants of woody species richness and diversity at different growth stages (i.e. adult, sapling and seedling) in a bamboo–deciduous forest in northeast Thailand. A total of 20 environmental and human disturbance variables were used to determine the variation in species richness and diversity. In total, we identified 125 adult, 111 sapling (within fifty 20 × 20‐m plots) and 89 seedling species (within one hundred and twenty 1 × 1‐m subplots). Overall results from stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that environmental variables were by far the most important in explaining the variation in species richness and diversity. Forest structure (i.e. number of bamboo clumps and canopy cover) was important in determining the adult species richness and diversity (R2= 0.48, 0.30, respectively), while topography (i.e. elevation) and human disturbance (i.e. number of tree stumps) were important in determining the sapling species richness and diversity (R2= 0.55, 0.39, respectively). Seedling species richness and diversity were negatively related to soil phosphorus. Based on our results, we suggest that the presence of bamboos should be incorporated in management strategies for maintaining woody species richness and diversity in these forest ecosystems. Specifically, if bamboos cover the forest floor at high densities, it may be necessary to actively control these species for successful tree establishment.
Registered Nurse Circulator Legislation in Connecticut
Authors: Goldberg Judith L.
Published: April 2008

DEVELOPING REGULATIONS or legislation in every state to mandate an RN as the circulator in operating and invasive procedure rooms is critical to patient safety.

CURRENT REGULATORY LANGUAGE is am biguous and may lead health care facility administrators to consider using licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, or surgical technologists in the circulator role.

THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT currently has no legislative or regulatory language regarding the RN as circulator, but some nurses are trying to change this. Communication with state legislators, has made it clear that legislators are in need of education about perioperative nursing and the circulator role. AORN J 87 (April 2008) 808–817. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
The Anxiety‐ and Pain‐Reducing Effects of Music Interventions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nilsson Ulrica
Published: April 2008

MUSICAL INTERVENTIONS have been used in health care settings to reduce patient pain, anxiety, and stress, although the exact mechanism of these therapies is not well understood.

THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES A SYSTEMATIC review of 42 randomized controlled trials of the effects of music interventions in perioperative settings.

MUSIC INTERVENTION HAD POSITIVE effects on reducing patients' anxiety and pain in approximately half of the reviewed studies.

FURTHER RESEARCH into music therapy is warranted in light of the low cost of implementation and the potential ability of music to reduce perioperative patient distress. AORN J 87 (April 2008) 780–807. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
The Hazards of Surgical Smoke
Authors: Ulmer Brenda C.
Published: April 2008

SURGICAL SMOKE is a part of the environment during operative and invasive procedures. As lasers and electrosurgery have become commonplace, perioperative practitioners are at increased risk for health concerns associated with exposure to surgical smoke.

SINCE THE MID 1970s, the body of evidence documenting the hazardous components of surgical smoke has continued to grow. Despite the evidence and recommendations of a variety of organizations, there are no uniform requirements mandating surgical smoke evacuation.

THIS ARTICLE REVIEWS current research to identify the potential health hazards as well as the current recommendations related to the filtration and evacuation of surgical smoke. AORN J 87 (April 2008) 721‐734. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Results of a Survey on Current Surgical Smoke Control Practices
Authors: Edwards Ben E. , Reiman Robert E.
Published: April 2008

RESEARCHERS AT DUKE UNIVERSITY Medical Center, Durham, NC, conducted a simple, web‐based survey of AORN members to evaluate surgical smoke control practices.

SURVEY RESPONDENTS from various medical specialties and facilities throughout North America indicated their facilities' level of compliance with established surgical smoke control measures.

SURVEY RESULTS INDICATE that many facilities have not implemented best practices for protecting patients and health care workers from surgical smoke hazards, especially smoke created during electrosurgical, electrocautery, and diathermy procedures. AORN J 87 (April 2008) 739‐749. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Mandatory Reporting and Pay for Performance: Health Care Infections in the Limelight
Authors: Arias Kathleen Meehan
Published: April 2008

HEALTH CARE‐ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (HAIs) have received national attention because of recent news stories in print and on television.

MANY STATES HAVE MANDATORY reporting requirements for hospital HAI rates, and as of October 1, 2008, Medicare no longer will pay for certain HAI‐related costs.

COLLABORATION AMONG health care providers, patients, government agencies, professional and consumer groups, and payers and improved adherence to infection‐prevention protocols can dramatically reduce the incidence of HAIs. AORN J 87 (April 2008) 750–758. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Playing It Safe: Simulated Team Training in the OR
Authors: Anderson Mindi , Leflore Judy
Published: April 2008

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS are expected to make prompt, accurate decisions in life‐threatening emergency situations in the OR.

PERIOPERATIVE LEADERS are faced with the challenge of ensuring that OR team members are prepared to respond to potentially lethal emergencies, including rare and infrequent events.

THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES the importance of team training for all members of the OR team. The use of simulation is discussed as a tool to accomplish this goal. Steps for developing a simulation scenario are presented. AORN J 87 (April 2008) 772–779. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
AdipoR1 mediates the anorexigenic and insulin/leptin‐like actions of adiponectin in the hypothalamus
Authors: Coope Andressa , Milanski Marciane , Araújo Eliana P. , Tambascia Marcos , Saad Mário J.A. , Geloneze Bruno , Velloso Lício A.
Published: April 2008

Adiponectin exerts an insulin‐sensitizing effect, improving insulin action in peripheral tissues and restraining insulin resistance. Here, we explore the hypothesis that adiponectin can reproduce some of the actions of insulin/leptin in the hypothalamus. The presence of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 was mapped to the arcuate and lateral hypothalamic nuclei. Icv adiponectin reduced food intake, which was accompanied by activation/engagement of IRS1/2, ERK, Akt, FOXO1, JAK2 and STAT3. All these actions were dependent on AdipoR1, since inhibition of this receptor, and not of AdipoR2, completely reversed the effects described above. Thus, adiponectin acts in the hypothalamus, activating elements of the canonical insulin and leptin signaling pathways and promoting reduction of food intake.
Regulation of mRNP dynamics along the export pathway
Authors: Iglesias Nahid , Stutz Françoise
Published: April 2008

The transcription of mRNA is tightly coupled to the concomitant recruitment of mRNA processing and export factors, resulting in the formation of mature and export competent mRNP complexes. This interconnection in gene expression implies extensive spatio‐temporal control of mRNP dynamics to prevent mRNA export factors bound to pre‐mRNA from functioning at the incorrect time and exporting nascent or incompletely processed pre‐mRNAs. Recent discoveries provide molecular understanding of how a broad range of post‐translational modifications together with RNA‐dependent ATPases coordinate proteins acting at different steps and regulate mRNP assembly and export.
Assessment of the CERES-Rice model for rice production in the Central Plain of Thailand
Authors: CHEYGLINTED S. , RANAMUKHAARACHCHI S. L. , SINGH G.
Published: April 2008

CERES-Rice model was used to simulate growth and yield of four common rice varieties in Thailand with the attention on rate and timing of N application, a factor that most limits crop yield. The model predicted slightly higher grain yield than that observed for all varieties at N input of 75 kg/ha, but the differences between observed and simulated yields were not significant, except for varieties HSP and SPR90. The simulated grain[ratio ]straw ratio was significantly higher than the observed value for all varieties except that of HSP. There was no significant difference between the simulated and observed values of days to flowering. Generally, the model reasonably predicted the phenology and yields of RD23 and KDML105 varieties. The model was also used to compare the yields of KDML105 variety as influenced by rate and timing of N application grown in acid sulphate soils. There was a variation in predicted biomass yield with applied N rates at 0 and 150 kg/ha, but timing of application had no effect. In Aeric Endoquept and Sulfic Tropaquept soils at Suphan Buri and Pathum Thani rice research stations, the yield patterns remained unchanged and showed a positive response to N rate up to 75 kg/ha. The model estimated higher grain yields beyond 75 kg N/ha while the observed yield decreased. Based on the simulated yields for a 10-year period at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathum Thani, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom and Ratcha Buri rice research stations the varieties were ranked as: SPR90 > RD23 = HSP > KDML105. The model suggested that SPR90 is the most suitable variety for the central plain and its potential yield ranges from 4030 to 5600 kg/ha. Pathum Thani province, with acid sulphate soils, had the lowest potential for rice production.
Effect of variety, irrigation regime and planting date on depth, rate, duration and density of root growth in the potato (Solanum tuberosum) crop
Authors: STALHAM M. A. , ALLEN E. J.
Published: April 2008

Experiments were conducted over the period 1987–94 at Cambridge University Farm and two other sites to examine the effect of various husbandry factors, particularly variety and irrigation regime, on rate, depth and density of rooting in potatoes. Maximum rooting depth ranged from 59 to 140 cm, indicating that potatoes can root to considerable depths and thereby have access to large volumes of water to satisfy the potential demand for water created by the atmospheric conditions and the size of the canopy. Root extension vertically through the soil profile was best described as a three-phase process: an initial rapid period lasting 3–5 weeks with growth rates c. 1·2 cm/day, a second period of slower growth (c. 0·8 cm/day), followed by cessation of root extension for the rest of the life of the crop. Variety had a major influence on the ultimate depth of rooting, primarily owing to variations in the length of the different periods of rooting rather than the rate in each period. It was observed that changes in the rate, or the cessation of root penetration were always preceded 4–9 days earlier by a change in the rate, or cessation, of leaf appearance. This feature should make it possible to characterize the duration of rooting of varieties through measurement of leaf emergence. Varieties which ceased leaf production early, such as Atlantic, were found to have a duration of root growth of c. 60 days, with Cara rooting for c. 30 days longer. Maximal total root length (TRL) and root length density (RLD) in the experiments reported were 16·9 km/m2 and 5·5 cm/cm3, respectively, similar to those found previously in potatoes and crops such as sugar beet, but considerably greater than many other vegetables. Rooting density decreased with depth, but the root systems were not as surface-oriented as many other studies have shown. When TRL was close to its maximum, the vertical distribution of RLD showed that between 40 and 73% was confined to the upper 30 cm, with irrigated crops possessing a greater proportion of their roots in the plough layer. Despite being planted in rows 70–91 cm apart, rooting systems were homogeneously distributed in a horizontal direction by c. 35 days after emergence, at which time the roots had reached a depth of c. 50 cm. Therefore, apart from a short period after emergence, the potato crop is capable of accessing considerable volumes of soil from which to extract water and nutrients. Ensuring that soil conditions are conducive to maximal rates of root growth should be the target for growers, since this will lead to a more efficient use of soil water and irrigation.
Effect of gender, gonadectomy and oestradiol-17β on growth in lambs under grazing conditions
Authors: MAHGOUB O. , BARRELL G. K. , SYKES A. R.
Published: April 2008

To identify separate effects of gender, castration and exogenous oestrogen on growth, castrated lambs of both sexes and entire male lambs (n = 8) were implanted subcutaneously with three sizes of oestradiol-17β implants, or not implanted, and grazed on ryegrass and white clover pasture for 180 days. A group of non-implanted entire female lambs (n = 8) was run together with the others. Non-implanted entire male lambs grew faster, had heavier heads, less internal, non-carcass fat and more protein and less fat and water in the carcass than non-implanted entire females. In addition, they had higher 12th vertebral spine, thicker tibia, and heavier and larger humerus than entire female lambs. Castration of male lambs reduced live-weight gain, weight of head and content of protein in the carcass whereas it increased carcass fat content. In addition, it caused lengthening of cannon bones and reduced height of 12th vertebral spine and length of tibia. In females, gonadectomy increased height of 12th vertebral spine and diameter to length ratio of the radius. Oestradiol treatment increased live-weight gain, reduced total internal and carcass fat, and increased water and protein content of the carcass in gonadectomized animals of either sex, and increased weight of carcass and head in spayed ewe lambs. Oestradiol treatment inhibited longitudinal growth of cannon bones and stimulated that of vertebral column and ribs, but had little effect on the dimensions of limb bones apart from increasing their diameter. Oestradiol treatment had no effect on muscle length but increased muscle girth and weight, except for m. splenius in ram lambs where muscle weight was reduced. Effects of oestradiol on skeletal measurements in most cases were linearly related to dose of oestradiol. It was concluded that the variable effects of sex steroids on the skeleton were related to the differential pattern of skeletal maturation. In early maturing bones acceleration of the growth process by an exogenous sex steroid caused elongation to cease prematurely, whereas in late-maturing bones the acceleration effect on elongation did not result in premature cessation. This observation may explain the often contradictory reports in the literature on the effects of sex steroids on linear growth of bone.
Influence of nitrogen fertilization on water relations, photosynthesis, carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism of diverse pearl millet genotypes under arid conditions
Authors: KATHJU S. , BURMAN U. , GARG B. K.
Published: April 2008

Effects of nitrogen fertilization (80 kg N/ha) were studied on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) genotypes including hybrids (MH-179 and HHB-67), composites (CZ-IC-923 and CZP-9604) and land races (Barmer population and CZ-IC-718) grown for 2 consecutive years (1997 and 1998) under rainfed conditions of the Indian arid zone. Nitrogen application significantly increased the grain and stover yields in all the genotypes, particularly in the hybrids during both the years but more so in 1997, characterized by late onset of rains followed by adequate precipitation (299·5 mm). Notwithstanding lower plant water potential and leaf relative water content, N fertilized plants displayed significantly higher photosynthetic rates, leaf area, levels of total chlorophyll, starch, reducing sugars, soluble protein and free amino acids and nitrate reductase activity as compared with unfertilized control plants in all the genotypes during both the years.

Genotypes HHB-67 and Barmer population during 1997 and HHB-67 and CZ-IC-718 during 1998 provided significantly higher grain yields than other genotypes whereas dry matter production was highest in cv. Barmer population during both the years. These genotypes generally maintained higher rates of photosynthesis, more efficient carbohydrate metabolism and higher nitrate reductase activity leading to better performance. Relatively higher yields of land races than composites and comparable with those of hybrids indicated adaptation of these cultivars to arid conditions and maintenance of several characteristics for their superior performance which could be further augmented by N application.

Fertility induced improvement of metabolic efficiency, coupled with higher photosynthesis and nitrate reductase activity for efficient N utilization seem to be the control mechanisms, for enhanced growth and yield of diverse pearl millet genotypes under limited water conditions.
Integrated nutrient management by using farmyard manure and fertilizers in potato–sunflower–paddy rice rotation in the Punjab
Authors: ROY S. K. , SHARMA R. C. , TREHAN S. P.
Published: April 2008

A rotation experiment was conducted on an alluvial soil at Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar, India between 1994 and 1999 to develop an integrated nutrient management programme for a potato–sunflower–paddy rice rotation. It tested 10 fertilizer treatments that combined application of 50, 100 and 150% of the recommended rates of inorganic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) with farmyard manure (FYM) and in some cases zinc. Potatoes were the most nutrient-responsive crop followed by paddy rice and sunflower. The responses of potatoes to both P and K were greater in frost and late blight years. In these experiments potatoes required NPK at 150% of the currently recommended rate for maximum tuber production (i.e. they required 270 kg N, 52 kg P and 150 kg K/ha). Application of FYM at 30 t/ha with 270 kg of inorganic N/ha (FYM+N) was less effective than the use of NPK at 150% of the currently recommended rate. Application of K to replace that removed in the harvested crop was more effective in potatoes than giving K at 100 or 150% of the currently recommended rate.

Sunflowers grown after potatoes that had received NPK at 150% of the currently recommended rate or with the FYM+N treatment required only half of the currently recommended rate of NPK for maximum yield (i.e. they required 23 kg N, 7 kg P and 13 kg K/ha), whereas paddy rice, grown as a third crop, required the full amount of NPK at the currently recommended rate (i.e. 120 kg N, 26 kg P and 67 kg K/ha). Application of K to adjust for its removal did not benefit sunflowers or paddy rice. Zinc had no direct effect on potatoes or any residual effects on the succeeding sunflower and paddy rice crops. The effects of the FYM+N treatment were cumulative, especially on potatoes which were the most responsive crop, whereas those involving the application of NPK at 150% of the currently recommended rate were not. Also, the NPK fertility of the soil was enhanced and more organic carbon was present following the FYM+N treatment than with NPK fertilizers applied at the currently recommended rate. Application of P resulted in a build-up of P but none of the treatments, even the applications of K to adjust for its removal, maintained the K status of the soil at its initial level.
The effect of improved potential yield per plant on crop yield potential and optimum plant density in maize hybrids
Authors: TOKATLIDIS I. S.
Published: April 2008

Honeycomb selection in the F2 generation of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid PR 3183, based on line performance per se in the absence of competition, led to recycled hybrids with improved potential yield per plant (mean yield per plant in the absence of competition). In the present study six S6×S6 recycled hybrids and two commercial single-cross hybrids (PR 3183 and B73×Mo17) were tested at three plant densities (25000, 41667 and 83333 plants/ha), in two locations (Technological Education Institute farm of Florina, Greece and University farm of Thessaloniki, Greece), for 2 years (1998, 1999). The study was undertaken to assess indirectly the potential yield per plant (p), the crop yield potential (Ymax), and the optimum plant density (Dopt) of the hybrids. Estimate of p and Ymax were obtained through linear regression analysis of yield per plant (Yp) on plant density (D), expressed by the equation Yp = p−qD, with Ymax being equal to (1/4)p2q−1. Optimum plant density was assessed through linear regression analysis of natural logarithm of yield per plant on plant density, expressed by the equation ln(Yp) = α−bD, with Dopt being equal to 1/b. The recycled hybrids had higher estimated potential yield per plant (p), than the two check hybrids, with p values being positively correlated with yield per plant of hybrids obtained experimentally in the absence of competition. Results indicated that the higher potential yield per plant decreases the optimum plant density, and renders the hybrids less density-dependent.
A NONPARAMETRIC HELLINGER METRIC TEST FOR CONDITIONAL INDEPENDENCE
Authors: Su Liangjun , White Halbert
Published: April 2008

We propose a nonparametric test of conditional independence based on the weighted Hellinger distance between the two conditional densities,f(y|x,z) andf(y|x), which is identically zero under the null. We use the functional delta method to expand the test statistic around the population value and establish asymptotic normality under β-mixing conditions. We show that the test is consistent and has power against alternatives at distancen−1/2h−d/4. The cases for which not all random variables of interest are continuously valued or observable are also discussed. Monte Carlo simulation results indicate that the test behaves reasonably well in finite samples and significantly outperforms some earlier tests for a variety of data generating processes. We apply our procedure to test for Granger noncausality in exchange rates.
ROBUST OPTIMAL TESTS FOR CAUSALITY IN MULTIVARIATE TIME SERIES
Authors: Saidi Abdessamad , Roy Roch
Published: April 2008

Here, we derive optimal rank-based tests for noncausality in the sense of Granger between two multivariate time series. Assuming that the global process admits a joint stationary vector autoregressive (VAR) representation with an elliptically symmetric innovation density, both no feedback and one direction causality hypotheses are tested. Using the characterization of noncausality in the VAR context, the local asymptotic normality (LAN) theory described in Le Cam (1986,Asymptotic Methods in Statistical Decision Theory) allows for constructing locally and asymptotically optimal tests for the null hypothesis of noncausality in one or both directions. These tests are based on multivariate residual ranks and signs (Hallin and Paindaveine, 2004a,Annals of Statistics32, 2642–2678) and are shown to be asymptotically distribution free under elliptically symmetric innovation densities and invariant with respect to some affine transformations. Local powers and asymptotic relative efficiencies are also derived. The level, power, and robustness (to outliers) of the resulting tests are studied by simulation and are compared to those of the Wald test. Finally, the new tests are applied to Canadian money and income data.
ON THE RELATION BETWEEN THE VEC AND BEKK MULTIVARIATE GARCH MODELS
Authors: Stelzer Robert
Published: April 2008

The question of which multivariate generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic (GARCH) models in the vec form are representable in the BEKK form is addressed. Using results from linear algebra, it is established that all vec models not representable in the simplest BEKK form contain matrices as parameters that map the vectorized positive semidefinite matrices into a strict subset of themselves. Moreover, a general result from linear algebra is presented implying that in dimension two the models are equivalent, and in dimension three a simple analytically tractable example for a vec model having no BEKK representation is given.
Coping in medieval prisons
Authors: GELTNER G.
Published: April 2008

Based on archival research in several Italian city-states, this article examines medieval prison life, its attendant pains, and inmate coping strategies by substantially engaging the variety of scholarship on modern incarceration. It demonstrates the limited degree to which current hardships overlap with those of earlier forms of captivity, and underscores the diversity of inmates' social positions in both eras. Medieval prisoners were marginalized, but they avoided social liminality (a major present-day risk) largely thanks to their visibility, accessibility, and frequent interaction with free society.
Social structure and land markets in late medieval central and east-central Europe
Authors: CERMAN MARKUS
Published: April 2008

Recent research on the development of peasant land markets and transfer patterns for central and east-central Europe concentrated on the early modern period. For the late Middle Ages, rural history still relies on older approaches studying the general development of ‘agrarian structure’ (Agrarverfassung) and peasant ‘inheritance’. This article seeks to establish the basis for a more systematic analysis of the formation and general development of peasant land markets in late medieval central and east-central Europe in a comparative perspective. Apart from changes weakening traditional manorial structures, secure peasant property rights of hereditary tenure developed and prevailed by the later Middle Ages. Possible institutional rigidities of transactions with peasant farmland, whose effects in practice would need further exploration, were undermined by the existence of reserves of land situated outside the measured open fields of peasant farms that could be traded more flexibly. These areas also formed important resources for the establishment of smallholders and cottagers who in turn added to the dynamics of developing peasant land markets. In the final section, the article offers a brief survey of developments during the early modern period and concludes that traditional images of an undermining of peasant property rights and of massive landlord powers due to the rise of ‘demesne lordship’ (Gutsherrschaft) must be seriously questioned, as recent empirical studies highlight enormous regional variation and a dominant pattern of continuity of secure peasant property rights and also indicate considerable land mobility.
Violent crime in England in 1919: post-war anxieties and press narratives
Authors: EMSLEY CLIVE
Published: April 2008

In the immediate aftermath of the First World War a variety of commentators in England expressed concern that men returning from the war had become so brutalized and inured to violence that their behaviour would continue to be violent at home. But, while the stage was set for a ‘moral panic’ with the brutalized veteran as the new folk devil, no such panic materialized. This essay makes a detailed study of two contrasting newspapers to assess how violent crime was assessed and interpreted after the war. It notes an increase in the use of the concept of the ‘unwritten law’ (the traditional ‘right’ claimed by many men to chastise a disrespectful wife or a man who despoiled or dishonoured a wife) in the courts and the press, probably as an element in re-establishing pre-war gender roles. It also describes how the idea of shell-shock was deployed as a defence in criminal cases, something that probably contributed to a popular recognition that men might suffer mental breakdowns as easily as women. In conclusion, it suggests some of the factors that may have inhibited the press in identifying the violent veteran as a new folk devil.
Multiple norovirus outbreaks among workplace canteen users in Finland, July 2006
Authors: MAKARY P. , MAUNULA L. , NISKANEN T. , KUUSI M. , VIRTANEN M. , PAJUNEN S. , OLLGREN J. , TRAN MINH N. N.
Published: April 2008

Multiple gastroenteritis outbreaks occurred between 25 and 31 July 2006 in 10 workplace canteens in south-western Finland. One vegetable processing plant provided raw vegetables to all the canteens. We conducted cohort studies in the three most visited canteens and environmental investigations in the kitchens and the plant. Patients' stools, food, water and environmental samples were tested for enteric bacteria and viruses. Of the three canteens, 150/273 respondents (response rate 82%) had gastroenteritis. Consumption of mixed raw vegetables was significantly associated with the illness but no single vegetable explains the outbreak. An identical norovirus GII.1 genotype was detected from all genotyped patient samples. Water, food, and environmental samples were negative for norovirus. The facilities had appropriate hygienic conditions and no staff member had gastroenteritis prior to the outbreak. Tracing back the vegetables to the farm level proved unsuccessful. This was the largest foodborne norovirus outbreak in Finland.
Molecular characterization of the E gene of dengue virus type 1 isolated in Guangdong province, China, in 2006
Authors: ZHENG K. , ZHOU H.-Q. , YAN J. , KE C.-W. , MAEDA A. , MAEDA J. , TAKASHIMA I. , KURANE I. , MA H. , XIE X.-M.
Published: April 2008

We determined the genetic relationships and origin of the dengue virus (DENV) responsible for an outbreak of dengue fever (DF) in Guangdong province, China, in 2006. Five DENV type 1 (DENV-1) isolates were obtained from human serum samples collected from DF patients during the outbreak. The nucleotide sequences of the E (envelope) gene were compared with those of 48 previous DENV-1 isolates: 18 from Guangdong province, one from Fujian province, one from Zhejiang province, and 28 from other countries in the South Asian region. The results suggested that four DENV-1 isolates identified in Guangdong province in 2006 might be in general circulation there, although these DENV-1 viruses may have been originally introduced into the province from other countries. In contrast, one isolate from Guangzhou city in 2006, may have been introduced by a recently imported case from Cambodia.
What is the complementarity among monies? An introductory note
Authors: Kuroda Akinobu
Published: April 2008

‘The market makes its money’, thought Hicks, and similar messages have been delivered by many other thinkers on money. However, while students of money have mostly been concerned with who could or should produce it, the market or the state, few have questioned whether the money itself should be single or not. Apparently it has been taken for granted that a single market and a single money should coincide. Nevertheless, contrary to the modern assumption that one single currency should operate in one country, the history of money has been full of plurality until recent times, as we will argue in this issue. It is no exaggeration to say that the majority of human beings through most of history dealt with concurrent currencies. It is important to recognise that, in most if not in all cases, the coexistence of monies was not incidental but functional, since they worked in a complementary relationship. That is, one money could do what another money could not, and vice versa. In other words, an assortment of monies could do what any single money could not, and supply what the market required. In the following articles we will show how this worked.
Concurrent but non-integrable currency circuits: complementary relationships among monies in modern China and other regions
Authors: Kuroda Akinobu
Published: April 2008

The coexistence of a number of monies with fluctuating exchange rates in modern China and other Asian regions appeared chaotic to foreign observers. However, behind this apparently confused situation lay a multiplicity of currency circuits, each of which consisted of pairing a trade zone with a particular currency. Their concurrence resulted from the difference of temporality and space in monetary usage. The difficulty of matching heterogeneous demands for money to uneven supplies of currencies made for multiple currency circulation. Such a multiplicity caused some merchants to make use of imaginary units which were alive only in account books. Though complementary relationships between incompatible monies prevailed in China, India and other regions, a combination of a remittance system and local credit supply in some societies happened to synchronise currency streams to make a compatible monetary system. This comparative study suggests that currency streams often had to pass through multiple market layers, and that some friction in the streams meant that the market required plural monies.
Mindfulness Training for Adolescents with Externalizing Disorders and their Parents
Authors: Bögels Susan , Hoogstad Bert , van Dun Lieke , de Schutter Sarah , Restifo Kathleen
Published: April 2008

Mindfulness training was evaluated as a new treatment for attention and impulsivity problems in adolescents with a variety of different externalizing disorders: attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, oppositional-defiant and/or conduct disorder, and autism spectrum disorder if characterized by externalizing problem behaviour. It was argued that the large overlap between these three disorders may be partially explained by common underlying attention and behaviour control deficits. Fourteen clinically referred adolescents suffering from externalizing disorders followed mindfulness training in a group format. Parallel, their parents received mindful parenting training. Adolescents and their parents were measured before and after waitlist, after 8-week training, and at 8-week follow-up. No improvement occurred during waitlist on most variables. After mindfulness training, children self-reported substantial improvement on personal goals, internalizing and externalizing complaints, attention problems, happiness, and mindful awareness, and performed better on a sustained attention test. Likewise, parents reported improvement on children's goals, externalizing and attention problems, self-control, attunement to others and withdrawal. In addition, parents improved on their own goals. Improvement was maintained 8 weeks after the training. Consistent with mindfulness theory, increased child awareness after training predicted longer-term improvement in parent-rated child symptoms. Concomitant parent and child mindfulness training appears to be a promising approach for clinic-referred adolescents with attention and impulsivity problems.
Linear Groups of Finite Morley Rank
Authors: Borovik Alexandre V.
Published: April 2008

This paper is a brief survey of recent results and some open problems related to linear groups of finite Morley rank, an area of research where Bruno Poizat's impact is very prominent. As a sign of respect to his strongly expressed views that mathematics has to be done, written and pulished only in the native tongue of the immediate author–the scribe, in effect–of the text, I insist on writing my paper in Russian, even if the results presented belong to a small but multilingual community of researchers of American, British, French, German, Kazakh, Russian, Turkish origin. To emphasise even further the linguistic subtleties involved, I use British spelling in the English fragments of my text.
NEWLY DISCOVERED LEOPOLD MOZART SOURCES AT WOLFEGG CASTLE
Authors: BROY CHRISTIAN
Published: April 2008

While cataloguing the music manuscripts held at the Kunstsammlungen der Fürsten zu
Waldburg-Wolfegg at Wolfegg Castle, Dr Gertraut Haberkamp discovered a complex of eight works by Leopold Mozart among its holdings. It consists of six symphonies, three of them previously unknown, and two further sets of parts, one for the widely known divertimento the Musikalische Schlittenfahrt, the other for the Oratorium pro quadragesima. RISM mentions the types of paper the manuscripts are written on, but only one, and does not identify them at all. In the case of Leopold Mozart copies, however, it is important to assess the closeness of a copy to the composer as there are only a few surviving autographs. And here two different complexes can be identified: the instrumental works on the one hand, and the Oratorium pro quadragesima on the other.
Development of a Novel Membrane Aerated Hollow‐Fiber Microbioreactor
Authors: Villain Louis , Meyer Lina , Kroll Stephen , Beutel Sascha , Scheper Thomas
Published: April 2008

A new challenge in biotechnological processes is the development of flexible bioprocessing platforms, allowing strain selection, facilitating scale‐up and integrating separation steps. Miniaturization of such a cultivation system allows parallel use and the saving of resources but makes the supply of oxygen to the cells difficult. In this work we present a membrane aerated hollow‐fiber microbioreactor (HFMBR) which consists of an acrylic glass module equipped with two different types of membrane fibers. Fibers of polyethersulfone and polyvinyldifluoride were used for substrate and oxygen supply, respectively. Cultivation of E. coli as model organism and production of His‐tagged GFP were carried out in the extracapillary space of the membrane aerated HFMBR and compared with cultivations in shaking flask which are commonly used for screening experiments. The measurement of the oxygen transfer capacity and the online monitoring of the dissolved oxygen during the cultivation were performed using a fiber optic oxygen sensor. Online measurement of the optical density was also integrated to the bioreactor. Due to efficient oxygen transfer, a better cell growth than in the shaking flask experiments was achieved, while no negative influence on the GFP productivity was observed in the membrane aerated bioreactor. Thus the feasibility of a future integrated downstreaming could also be demonstrated.
Metrics for assessing the downstream effects of dams
Authors: Schmidt John C. , Wilcock Peter R.
Published: April 2008

We evaluate three metrics representing the drivers of channel change downstream from dams. A balance between changes in sediment supply and transport capacity identifies conditions of sediment deficit or surplus. A Shields number represents the competence of postdam flows and the potential for incision under conditions of sediment deficit. A ratio of postdam to predam flood discharge provides a metric for the scale and rate of channel change, especially width. The metrics are calculated for more than 4000 km of some of the major rivers in the western United States. More than 60% of these rivers are in sediment deficit, and only a few reaches are in sediment surplus. The sediment balance can be used to assess the relative effort involved in reversing undesired conditions of deficit or surplus.