bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and physiological characterization of two novel, piezophilic, thermophilic chemolithoautotrophs from a deep‐sea hydrothermal vent chimney
Authors: Takai Ken , Miyazaki Masayuki , Hirayama Hisako , Nakagawa Satoshi , Querellou Joël , Godfroy Anne
Published: March 2009

Two novel, thermophilic piezophiles, capable of chemolithoautotrophic growth, are successfully cultivated and isolated from a black smoker chimney at the TAG field (Mid Atlantic Ridge: MAR) by using a piezophilic cultivation technique. Both strains (strains 106 and 108) represent dominant cultivated populations of the microbial communities in the chimney surface habitat. Strain 106 represents typically thin, long spiral cells under the piezophilic growth condition but short bent cells under the non‐piezophilic condition. It is a strictly chemolithoautotrophic gammaproteobacterium using reduced sulfur compounds as the electron donors, and nitrate and O2 as the electron acceptors. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain 106 would represent a novel genus of the previously uncultivated group (Symbiont Group I; a potentially novel family) within the Gammaproteobacteria, and ‘Thioprofundum lithotrophica’ gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Strain 108 is a short, oval rod at any of the growth pressures. It is a facultative chemoautotroph, capable of both chemolithoautotrophic growth with H2 and S oxidations and organotrophic growth with complex organics or organic acids using nitrate and O2 as the electron acceptors. The chemolithoautotrophic growth is strictly piezophilic and under the organotrophic growth condition, it grows at conventional pressures (0.1 MPa). Strain 108 is phylogenetically distinctive from any of the previously described genera of the family Rhodobacteraceae within the Alphaproteobacteria, and ‘Piezobacter thermophilus’ gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The piezophilic cultivation technique can be a powerful tool to isolate and characterize the previously uncultivated phylotypes in the deep‐sea hydrothermal vent environments.
The Influence of Dysphoria on Reactivity to Naturalistic Fluctuations in Anger
Authors: Wenze Susan J. , Gunthert Kathleen C. , Forand Nicholas R. , Laurenceau Jean‐Philippe
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We used an experience sampling methodology to explore the relationship between current symptoms of dysphoria and momentary mood fluctuations following everyday experiences of anger. Using PDA devices, participants rated their mood, ruminative cognitions, feelings of dependency, and stressful events 4 times per day for 1 week. We hypothesized and found that those higher in dysphoria would demonstrate a stronger link between anger and depressed mood than those who were lower in dysphoria. Those participants who reported higher initial dysphoria indicated more anger over the course of the week, a stronger within‐person association between anger and depressed mood, and a slower recovery from anger experiences. Multilevel moderated mediation analyses indicated that the link between anger and depressed mood for those high in dysphoria is largely explained by a stronger carryover of anger from one assessment to the next and partially explained by greater increases in ruminative cognitions and feelings of dependency. The change in depressed mood appears to occur with increases in anger, specifically, and not other negative mood states. Our results extend previous research on the anger–depression relationship by investigating the short‐term relationships between anger and depressed mood among those with varying levels of dysphoria.
More May Be Better but There May Be Too Much: Optimal Trait Level and Self‐Enhancement Bias
Authors: Borkenau Peter , Zaltauskas Katrin , Leising Daniel
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT
Although one extreme is more desirable than the opposite extreme on most trait dimensions, neither extreme reflects the most favorable level of the trait. Rather, extreme trait levels are usually considered to be less than optimal. Using a round‐robin design, 76 groups of 4 persons each described themselves and each other on 30 trait dimensions and indicated the optimal level on each dimension. Moreover, personality inventories and measures of socially desirable responding were administered to the participants for self‐ and peer descriptions. Associations between trait level and trait level desirability comprised linear as well as curvilinear components. Participants preferred the optimal level in describing themselves, but trait levels beyond the optimal level in describing peers. A new measure of self‐enhancement bias is suggested.
Personality Variables Predict Strength‐Related Attitude Dimensions Across Objects
Authors: Britt Thomas W. , Millard Matthew R. , Sundareswaran Preetha T. , Moore DeWayne
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT
We examined personality predictors of different attitude strength‐related dimensions across objects. Participants responded to questions regarding 11 attitude objects that assessed the overall evaluation of the object and the strength‐related dimensions of importance, certainty, and relevance. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a 4‐factor solution underlying the self‐report and extremity dimensions across the 11 attitude objects, with importance and relevance and certainty and extremity loading on 2 second‐order factors. The need to evaluate, need for affect, sense of coherence, dogmatism, and personal fear of invalidity were all related at the bivariate level to at least one strength‐related dimension. The need to evaluate and the need for affect independently predicted variance in certainty/extremity across the attitude objects and sense of coherence and dogmatism predicted unique variance in importance/relevance across objects. Discussion focuses on the possible processes by which personality variables predict strength‐related dimensions across objects.
Alexithymia, Cumulative Feedback, and Differential Response Patterns on the Iowa Gambling Task
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , Bibby Peter A. , Rosamond Sara , O'Grady Claire , Parcell Alison , Amos Christopher , McCutcheon Christine , O'Carroll Ronan
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT
Although the role of emotional processing is central to contemporary models of risky decision making, to date the role of trait emotional understanding has not been explored experimentally in this context. The current experiment (N=326) explores the role of alexithymia with respect to performance on the standard Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and a version where cumulative financial feedback is obscured. Standard learning on the IGT was observed for those low in alexithymia. Those high in alexithymia learned to avoid disadvantageous decks over the first half of the task. However, over the later trials they showed a change in performance, shifting from advantageous to disadvantageous and back to advantageous decks again (termed an “explore‐learn‐change‐return” strategy). It is argued that this is due to an inability to fully consolidate earlier learning and reduced sensitivity to losses. The absence of cumulative feedback independently resulted in reduced performance.
On Crop Biodiversity, Risk Exposure, and Food Security in the Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Di Falco Salvatore , Chavas Jean‐Paul
Published: March 2009

This paper investigates the effects of crop genetic diversity on farm productivity and production risk in the highlands of Ethiopia. Using a moment‐based approach, the analysis uses a stochastic production function capturing mean, variance, and skewness effects. Welfare implications of diversity are evaluated using a certainty equivalent, measured as expected income minus a risk premium (reflecting the cost of risk). We find that the effect of diversity on skewness dominates its effect on variance, meaning that diversity reduces the cost of risk. The analysis also shows that the beneficial effects of diversity become of greater value in degraded land.
Scale Economies and Inefficiency of U.S. Dairy Farms
Authors: Mosheim Roberto , Lovell C.A. Knox
Published: March 2009

This study employs data drawn from the 2000 Agricultural Resource Management Survey, a U.S. Department of Agriculture‐sponsored farmers’ survey. The article estimates returns to scale relationships across dairy farms of different sizes and across different regions, incorporating variables hypothesized to influence farm performance. Results point to significant scale economies in U.S. dairy farms and underscore the importance of taking account of inefficiency when estimating scale economies. Contrary to previous research, the preferred cost function specification does not show a region of decreasing returns to scale. This finding helps explain why the average size of dairy farms has been increasing.
Measuring Excess Capital Capacity in Agricultural Production
Authors: Guan Zhengfei , Kumbhakar Subal C. , Myers Robert J. , Lansink Alfons Oude
Published: March 2009

We introduce the concept “excess capital capacity” and employ a stochastic input requirement frontier to measure excess capital capacity in agricultural production. We also propose a two‐step estimation method that allows endogenous regressors in stochastic frontier models. The first step uses generalized method of moments to get consistent estimates of the frontier parameters in the presence of endogenous regressors. The second step uses maximum likelihood to measure excess capital capacity and evaluate the factors that influence it. The empirical application to Dutch cash crop farms found varying degrees of excess capital capacity. The policy implications of excess capital capacity are discussed.
On the Deadweight Cost of Production Requirements for Geographically Differentiated Agricultural Products
Authors: Mérel Pierre R.
Published: March 2009

This article investigates the welfare effects of alternate producer collusion schemes in a context where collusion is authorized in order to cover fixed costs. Using a linear equilibrium displacement model, we find evidence that, when the producer group is allowed to control quota levels, an input quota policy entails a smaller absolute deadweight loss than an output quota policy. This finding suggests that if producer groups are allowed to resort to production‐distorting instruments to limit output, they will make production choices that are less costly for society than if they had been allowed to directly control output levels.
The Economics of a Blend Mandate for Biofuels
Authors: de Gorter Harry , Just David R.
Published: March 2009

A biofuel blend mandate may increase or decrease consumer fuel prices with endogenous oil prices, depending on relative supply elasticities. Biofuel tax credits always reduce fuel prices. Tax credits result in lower fuel prices than under a mandate for the same level of biofuel production. If tax credits are implemented alongside mandates, then tax credits subsidize fuel consumption instead of biofuels. This contradicts energy policy goals by increasing oil dependency, CO2 emissions, and traffic congestion, while providing little benefit to either corn or ethanol producers. These social costs will be substantial with tax credits costing taxpayers $28.7 billion annually by 2022.
Property rights for social inclusion: Migrant strategies for securing land and livelihoods in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Koczberski Gina , Curry George N. , Imbun Ben
Published: March 2009

This paper examines the broad range of informal land transactions and arrangements migrants are entering into with customary landowners to gain access to customary land for export cash cropping in the oil palm belt of West New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Whilst these arrangements can provide migrants with relatively secure access to land, there are instances of migrants losing their land rights. Typically, the land tenure arrangements of migrants with more secure access to land are within a framework of property rights for social inclusion whereby customary landowners’ inalienable rights to land are preserved and the ‘outsider’ becomes an ‘insider’ with ongoing use rights to the land. Through socially embedding land transactions in place‐based practices of non‐market exchange, identities of difference are eroded as migrants assume identities as part of their host groups. This adaptability of customary land tenure and its capacity to accommodate large migration in‐flows and expanding commodity production undermines the argument common amongst proponents of land reform that customary tenure is static and inflexible. Before such claims are heeded, there must be more detailed empirical investigations of the diverse range of land tenure regimes operating in areas of the country experiencing high rates of immigration.
In situ off‐farm work in the transport industry among oil palm smallholders in Sabah: Negotiating the borders of licit and illegal activities
Authors: Cooke Fadzilah Majid
Published: March 2009

This paper examines the informal transport sector within the smallholder oil palm economies of Kinabatangan and Lahad Datu areas of eastern Sabah by looking at the metaphoric border that is constructed between licit and illegal activities that take place on roads. It describes the work of two groups of drivers, namely, those who are themselves smallholders who provide a crucial service to the community in getting their fresh fruit bunches to mills on time; and the piret (pirate) taxis who transport passengers including foreign nationals, some of whom are illegal workers. Many have been driving for some time, thereby challenging the notion about off‐farm work as providing a temporary safety net to smallholders. Drivers whose permits may be current may have used illegal means (such as meminggir – logging without licence), to accumulate the initial funds for acquiring their vehicles and necessary permits. Moreover, their clients are unconcerned about their ‘illegal’ status. Consequently, this paper maintains that there is no agreed‐upon norms about legality/illegality, and law enforcement being uneven, the zone in which drivers operate is a fluid one.
Borderland livelihood strategies: The socio‐economic significance of ethnicity in cross‐border labour migration, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Eilenberg Michael , Wadley Reed L.
Published: March 2009

This paper explores cross‐border ethnic relations as an important socio‐economic strategy for the borderland Iban population in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Iban seeking more lucrative wage work have long used their ethnic identity to facilitate circular labour migration across the international border into Sarawak, Malaysia, a strategy which has also compromised their claims to Indonesian citizenship. Drawing on long‐term field research among the West Kalimantan Iban, we examine the close interconnections among cross‐border labour migration, ethnicity, identity, and citizenship, and how this plays into contemporary issues related to Indonesian political and economic change.
Lobbying to Stay: the Chinese Students’ Campaign to Stay in Australia
Authors: Gao Jia
Published: March 2009

This paper examines the way in which onshore asylum seekers lobby to stay in the host country permanently, and how they interact with local institutions. This study is based on a multi‐method case study of about 45,000 Chinese nationals in Australia, mostly students, who sought to stay after the so‐called political disturbance of 1989 in China. The students succeeded in obtaining residence by pursuing intensive lobbying activities over a period of about four years from June 1989 to November 1993, becoming the largest onshore migration intake in Australian history. This paper is concerned with how the students and their organizations negotiated the changing stance of the Australian government towards asylum seekers, and the way in which the students harnessed resources in the campaign. It examines the strategies adopted by the students, the roles of the main local institutions in the issue, and analyses the permissiveness of local polities.
The Migration of Westerners to Thailand: An Unusual Flow From Developed to Developing World
Authors: Howard Robert W.
Published: March 2009

Thousands of Westerners migrate to Thailand; some go to expatriate jobs and some are self‐funded retirees but many are former tourists who live precariously for years on small local salaries with insecure visa status. The present study examined demographics, reasons for migration, well‐being, perceived assimilation and experiences of Westerners living in or who had lived in Thailand for at least one year. Westerners were studied in‐country and 1003 current and former migrants completed an online survey. Common migration motives were a preference for Thai lifestyle and culture, low living costs, a warm climate, and readily‐available, attractive sexual partners. Most Westerners in‐country reported feeling well‐assimilated; half had Thai partners, and most planned to stay for life. Their major reported problems were the difficult Thai language, visa policies, and official corruption. Common reasons for leaving Thailand were financial or disillusionment, occasioned in some cases by perceived poor assimilation. The move apparently works out well for many but assimilation often may be illusory and there are signs of a local backlash against the influx of Westerners.
Differential susceptibility to rearing experience: the case of childcare
Authors: Pluess Michael , Belsky Jay
Published: March 2009

Background:  Inconsistencies regarding developmental effects of non‐maternal childcare may be caused by neglecting the possibility that children are differentially susceptible towards such experiences.

Method:  Interactions between difficult/negative child temperament and childcare type, quantity, and quality on teacher‐rated behavior problems and social competence at 54 months and in kindergarten were investigated via multiple regression using data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care.

Results:  Childcare quality interacted with infant negativity in predicting behavior problems and social competence, whereas effects of quantity and type were independent of child temperament. Consistent with Belsky’s (1997) differential susceptibility hypothesis, children with difficult temperaments as infants exhibited both more behavior problems when faced with low quality care and fewer when experiencing high quality care than children with easy temperaments.

Conclusions:  Negatively‐emotional infants appear to be more affected by the quality of care they experience – both negatively and positively – than other young children.
Development and validation of the Child Post‐Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (CPTCI)
Authors: Meiser‐Stedman Richard , Smith Patrick , Bryant Richard , Salmon Karen , Yule William , Dalgleish Tim , Nixon Reginald D.V.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Negative trauma‐related cognitions have been found to be a significant factor in the maintenance of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Initial studies of such appraisals in trauma‐exposed children and adolescents suggest that this is an important line of research in youth, yet empirically validated measures for use with younger populations are lacking. A measure of negative trauma‐related cognitions for use with children and adolescents, the Child Post‐Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (CPTCI), is presented. The measure was devised as an age‐appropriate version of the adult Post‐Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (Foa et al., 1999).

Methods:  The CPTCI was developed and validated within a large (n = 570) sample, comprising community and trauma‐exposed samples of children and adolescents aged 6–18 years.

Results:  Principal components analysis suggested a two‐component structure. These components were labelled ‘permanent and disturbing change’ and ‘fragile person in a scary world’, and were each found to possess good internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and discriminative validity. The reliability and validity of these sub‐scales was present regardless of whether the measure was completed in the acute phase or several months after a trauma. Scores on these sub‐scales did not vary with age.

Conclusions:  The CPTCI is a reliable and valid measure that is not specific to the type of trauma exposure, and shows considerable promise as a research and clinical tool. The structure of this measure suggests that appraisals concerning the more abstract consequences of a trauma, as well as physical threat and vulnerability, are pertinent factors in trauma‐exposed children and adolescents, even prepubescent children.
Plastic bag politics: modifying consumer behaviour for sustainable development
Authors: Ritch Elaine , Brennan Carol , MacLeod Calum
Published: March 2009

The adverse environmental impacts of plastic bags, including production energy costs, limited lifespan, increasing landfill content and inability to biodegrade, provide symbolic and practical evidence of a ‘throwaway’ consumer culture which acts as a significant barrier to sustainable consumption in particular and sustainable development in general. Decoupling consumer behaviour from plastic bag use is therefore an important challenge in the pursuit of sustainable consumption as a precursor to achieving sustainable development. This article provides a critical evaluation of that challenge, set within the theoretical framework of sustainable development. It examines the adverse environmental impacts of plastic bag use and evaluates initiatives by governments and businesses internationally to change consumer behaviour regarding the use of plastic bags in line with sustainable development principles. The politics of this agenda are analysed using a combination of consumer policy and public policy perspectives. Finally, the article draws conclusions regarding the earlier analysis.
Limits to labels: The role of eco‐labels in the assessment of product sustainability and routes to sustainable consumption
Authors: Horne Ralph E.
Published: March 2009

There has been rapid development in the methods, data and protocols for the assessment of product sustainability over the past decade. Notwithstanding this welcome development, the widespread provision of sustainable products has not occurred. Moreover, indications from a myriad of surveys suggest that consumers remain full of intent to purchase sustainably, yet these stated preferences have not translated into a widespread uptake in the purchase of more sustainable products.

Heightened interest in climate change over the past couple of years has led to rising calls for labelling to allow consumers to differentiate between more or less sustainable options. Such calls apparently assume that if consumers are presented with appropriate label information their purchases will change and more sustainable purchasing will result. For many observers these calls bring more than a ring of déjà vu as the failures (or at least unfulfilled expectations) of environmental labelling schemes of the past spring to mind.

A review and assessment of eco‐labelling schemes is presented. Discussion focuses on the history, successes and failures of such schemes, and consideration of their potential role (or not) in future shifts towards sustainable consumption. Behavioural, social practice, institutional and infrastructure factors are considered and labelling, legislation and other options are explored. Conclusions are drawn regarding potential routes to sustainable consumption, with particular reference to eco‐labels.
An investigation of young fashion consumers' disposal habits
Authors: Morgan Louise R. , Birtwistle Grete
Published: March 2009

The research, undertaken in two different stages, was aimed at establishing an understanding of how consumers dispose of fashion products and how to increase sustainable consumption. Increasing volumes of textiles are being produced, purchased and disposed of in landfill sites, which affect the environment. Research has identified the influences in increased purchase behaviour and the tendency to keep clothing for a shorter time. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to undertake this exploratory research. Consumer focus groups and interviews were conducted initially to identify the main themes relating to fashion consumption and disposition. These were followed by a survey administered to young females to ratify the qualitative findings and to ascertain the extent of textile reuse and recycling. This study identifies consumers' lack of understanding of how this behaviour affects the environment and suggests ways of addressing the growing problem of textile waste and how fashion consumption could become more sustainable.
Ethical selving in cultural contexts: fairtrade consumption as an everyday ethical practice in the UK and Germany
Authors: Varul Matthias Zick
Published: March 2009

Fairtrade consumers, by enacting their political and moral concerns through consumer choice, are at the same time constructing themselves as ethical selves. I will argue that they can only do so by drawing on cultural contexts. While fairtrade is instituted in supranational organizations and acts on a global level, there are still differences on a national level. On the basis of an Anglo‐German study, this paper seeks to map out the cultural contextualization of fairtrade consumption on both a supranational and a national level. The paper identifies the framing role of global consumer culture and an implicit ethics of equitability inscribed in capitalist practices of exchange and specifies how these play out differently in Germany and the UK. In both cases, there are strong references to sovereign consumer choice, and expectations of equitability in commodity exchange have been found. But while, in the British case, there is more emphasis on individual choice and taste, German fairtrade consumers seem to follow more what they perceive as an authoritative discourse. And, while British respondents envisaged the relation to be achieved with producers along the lines of a business relationship, German respondents conceptualized it more as a paternalistic employment relation between fairtrade organizations and producers. Differences will be explained in terms of distinctive consumer cultures, national moral economies and colonialist histories. I will argue that the two national settings not only offer different opportunities and challenges in terms of market success but also pose distinct ethical questions for fairtrade marketers.
Persistent migration of neuroblasts from the subventricular zone to the injured striatum mediated by osteopontin following intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Yan Yi‐Ping , Lang Bradley T. , Vemuganti Raghu , Dempsey Robert J.
Published: March 2009

We investigated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)‐induced lateral migration of neuroblasts and the mechanism underlying this migration. ICH model was induced by collagenase injection into the striatum of adult wild‐type and osteopontin (OPN) knockout mice. In the wild‐type mice, the lateral migration of neuroblasts from the ipsislateral subventricular zone (SVZ) towards the hematoma started at day 3 and continued up to day 28 after ICH. In addition to migrating towards the hematoma, neuroblasts also migrated to the area of ipsilateral striatum remote to the hematoma. The migrating neuroblasts were closely associated with activated astrocytes and blood vessels in the injured striatum. Following ICH, the expression of OPN was up‐regulated in the ipsilateral striatum from day 1 to day 28.In vitro, OPN treatment did not affect the proliferation of neural progenitors, but enhanced the trans‐well and radial migration of neural progenitors.In vivo, OPN deficiency did not affect the proliferation of neural progenitors in the SVZ. However, following ICH a significant decrease in lateral neuroblast migration was observed in the OPN knockout mice compared with the wild‐type mice. These results suggest that increased OPN expression in the injured striatum plays a significant role in the lateral migration of neuroblasts following ICH.
Fibroblast growth factor 9 prevents MPP+‐induced death of dopaminergic neurons and is involved in melatonin neuroprotection in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Huang Jui‐Yen , Hong Yu‐Ting , Chuang Jih‐Ing
Published: March 2009

Oxidative stress and down‐regulated trophic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of nigrostriatal dopamine(DA)rgic neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease. Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is a survival factor for various cell types; however, the effect of FGF9 on DA neurons has not been studied. The antioxidant melatonin protects DA neurons against neurotoxicity. We used MPP+ to induce neuron death in vivo and in vitro and investigated the involvement of FGF9 in MPP+ intoxication and melatonin protection. We found that MPP+ in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner inhibited FGF9 mRNA and protein expression, and caused death in primary cortical neurons. Treating neurons in the substantia nigra and mesencephalic cell cultures with FGF9 protein inhibited the MPP+‐induced cell death of DA neurons. Melatonin co‐treatment attenuated MPP+‐induced FGF9 down‐regulation and DA neuronal apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Co‐treating DA neurons with melatonin and FGF9‐neutralizing antibody prevented the protective effect of melatonin. In the absence of MPP+, the treatment of FGF9‐neutralizing antibody‐induced DA neuronal apoptosis whereas FGF9 protein reduced it indicating that endogenous FGF9 is a survival factor for DA neurons. We conclude that MPP+ down‐regulates FGF9 expression to cause DA neuron death and that the prevention of FGF9 down‐regulation is involved in melatonin‐provided neuroprotection.
Prevalence of postpartum depression in two municipalities in Norway
Authors: Glavin Kari , Smith Lars , Sørum Ragnhild
Published: March 2009

The objectives of this study were (i) to describe the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in two Norwegian municipalities and (ii) to investigate whether mothers’ age and parity are related to the development of PPD. A total of 2227 women, 437 from M1 and 1790 from M2 participated in the study. Mothers who had given birth between 1 May, 2005 and 31 December, 2006 completed The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at well baby clinics 6 weeks after delivery. The prevalence of PPD (EPDS ≥ 10) was 10.1%. However, there was a significant difference between the municipalities, with a prevalence of 14.4% in M1 and 9% in M2. Primiparous mothers showed a higher prevalence than multiparous mothers did, and the oldest mothers (36 years and over) showed the highest prevalence. PPD is an issue of importance in Norway, as in many other countries. Public health services should be aware of the higher risk of PPD among primiparous mothers and especially among older primiparous mothers. A small difference in the information provided by nurses to the mothers in the two groups at the home visit 2 weeks postpartum may have produced a significant difference in the prevalence of PPD. The findings may have implications for service delivery in public health.
Taxonomic review of the genus Macrosiphum (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) for the Korean Peninsula, with description of a new species
Authors: LEE Seunghwan , LEE Wonhoon , KIM Hyojoong , HAVELKA Jan
Published: March 2009

Eight species of the genus Macrosiphum Passerini 1860 (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) are recognized from the Korean Peninsula. A new species, Macrosiphum (Macrosiphum) paektusani n. sp., is described herein for apterous and alate viviparous females on Rosa marretii Lev. (Rosaceae). The taxonomic position of Macrosiphum (Macrosiphum) cornifoliae Shinji 1924, com. rev., is transferred from the genus Sitobion Mordvilko 1914 to its original position. Host plants of the Korean Macrosiphum are reviewed and the identification key to subgenera and species is also presented.
Description of a newProcystiphoraspecies (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing galls in culms ofSasa nipponica(Poaceae) in Japan, and the first discovery of an inverted ovipositor in Diptera
Authors: SATO Shinsuke , TABUCHI Ken , YUKAWA Junichi
Published: March 2009

Procystiphora uedaisp. nov., a cecidomyiid inducing subglobular galls onSasa nipponicaMakino and Shibata on Mount Ôdaigahara, Nara Prefecture, Japan is described herein. This species is distinguishable from the three known congeners by the following characteristics of the female post‐abdomen: tergite VIII concave at both anterior and posterior margins; tergites VII, VIII and sternite VII unsclerotized; ovipositor–dorsoventrally inverted. Most individuals of this gall midge are univoltine and pupate in the galls in early September, but some individuals enter prolonged diapause at the third larval stadium and remain in the mature galls until the following year. Larvae of this species are attacked by two parasitoid species,Pediobius sasaeHansson (Eulophidae) andTorymussp. (Torymidae).
A review of the genus Aleurolobus Quaintance and Baker (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from Taiwan, based mainly on pupal morphology with a description of a new species
Authors: DUBEY Anil Kumar , KO Chiun‐Cheng
Published: March 2009

The whitefly species of the genus Aleurolobus Quaintance and Baker are reviewed from Taiwan. A total of nine species are included. Aleurolobus shiiae Takahashi is new to Taiwan. Aleurolobus osmanthi Young is considered as a junior synonym of Aleurolobus taonabae (Kuwana). A new species, Aleurolobus rubus Dubey and Ko, is described, and the puparia of the new species are diagnosed in a combination of characters: the dorsal pores scattered over dorsum; each located on a large subcircular, chitinised cuticular dorsal marking; faint eye spots; broader submargin; and the vasiform orifice set anterior to the caudal end of puparium by nearly twice of its own length. The record of Aleurolobus philippinensis Quaintance and Baker, and Aleurolobus setigerus Quaintance and Baker from Taiwan is discussed. The puparial diagnosis of each species, identification key to species so far known from Taiwan and illustrations for each species are provided.
Color‐pattern analysis of parafocal elements in butterfly wings
Authors: OTAKI Joji M.
Published: March 2009

Butterfly wing color‐patterns are composed of anatomically identifiable pattern elements, whose positional relations are idealized in the “nymphalid groundplan”. But the status of the parafocal element and submarginal band (which are collectively called “the peripheral elements” for convenience) in this groundplan has been ambiguous. Herein, I descriptively analyze homologous color‐patterns of the parafocal elements in the representative nymphalid butterflies. Cases are presented where the distal and proximal peripheral elements are symmetric on the eyespot focal axis, they are continuous around eyespots, and a given parafocal element shows a concentric pattern. Multi‐compartmental comparison of the consecutive parafocal elements on a given wing surface indicates that the relative locations of the parafocal elements can correlate with the eyespot size and that a peripheral part of an eyespot can be “disconnected” from its focal part. These cases suggest the fundamental difficulty in unequivocally distinguishing the parafocal element from the eyespot at least in some nymphalid species. Taken together, it appears that the parafocal element is developmentally regulated by the organizing activity of the prospective eyespot focus, and thus they are to be considered as a part of the border symmetry system. However, the parafocal element also seems to be organized by its own focus that acts as the secondary organizing center at least in some species. These conclusions based on the natural color‐patterns are in good agreement with those based on the physiologically‐induced color‐pattern changes.
Trophic structure of a boreal forest arthropod community revealed by stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) analyses
Authors: BENNETT Pamela M. , HOBSON Keith A.
Published: March 2009

Terrestrial arthropods are important components of boreal ecosystems but relatively little is known about their trophic structure within communities. We measured δ13C and δ15N values in a broad range of arthropod taxa (Coleoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Araneae) from boreal forest in Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada. Isotopic measurements supported previous conventional investigations on foraging niches based on stomach content analysis and direct feeding observations but additional, new information was also obtained using the stable isotope approach. Significant differences were observed in both δ15N and δ13C values between various orders and families or superfamilies within orders. Higher variance in stable isotope values for scavengers (e.g. carrion beetles; Coleoptera, Silphidae) and generalists (e.g. ground beetles; Coleoptera, Carabidae) was found compared to specialists (e.g. grasshoppers; Orthoptera). Consistent isotopic differences between terrestrial and aquatic species were not found. However, aquatic insect δ13C values tended to be lower than those of their terrestrial counterparts. We discuss the potential for using stable isotope methods to reconstruct trophic linkages and interaction involving arthropods.
Efficacy of Land‐Cover Models in Predicting Isolation of Marbled Salamander Populations in a Fragmented Landscape
Authors: GREENWALD KATHERINE R. , GIBBS H. LISLE , WAITE THOMAS A.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Amphibians worldwide are facing rapid declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, and other causes. Where habitat alteration is implicated, there is a need for spatially explicit conservation plans. Models built with geographic information systems (GIS) are frequently used to inform such planning. We explored the potential for using GIS models of functional landscape connectivity as a reliable proxy for genetically derived measures of population isolation. We used genetic assignment tests to characterize isolation of marbled salamander populations and evaluated whether the relative amount of modified habitat around breeding ponds was a reliable indicator of population isolation. Using a resampling analysis, we determined whether certain land‐cover variables consistently described population isolation. We randomly drew half the data for model building and tested the performance of the best models on the other half 100 times. Deciduous forest was consistently associated with lower levels of population isolation, whereas salamander populations in regions of agriculture and anthropogenic development were more isolated. Models that included these variables and pond size explained 65–70% of variation in genetically inferred isolation across sites. The resampling analysis confirmed that these habitat variables were consistently good predictors of isolation. Used judiciously, simple GIS models with key land‐cover variables can be used to estimate population isolation if field sampling and genetic analysis are not possible.
Acute Migraine: Treating Early
Authors: Rothrock John F.
Published: March 2009

Key to effective management of an acute migraine attack is early recognition and early treatment.
Whither Loose Change? The Diminishing Demand for Small‐Denomination Currency
Authors: AMROMIN GENE , CHAKRAVORTI SUJIT
Published: March 2009

While payment card usage has increased dramatically, the stock of outstanding currency has not declined as rapidly. We analyze changes in cash demand for 13 advanced economies from 1988 to 2003 by separating cash into three denomination categories to disentangle its store of wealth and payment functions. Defining denominations commonly dispensed by automated teller machines (ATMs) as the “medium” category, we show that demand for small‐denomination currency decreases with greater debit card usage and with greater retail market consolidation. In contrast, the demand for high‐denomination notes decreases when interest rates rise but is generally unaffected by changes in debit card usage.
Disagreement and Biases in Inflation Expectations
Authors: CAPISTRÁN CARLOS , TIMMERMANN ALLAN
Published: March 2009

Disagreement in inflation expectations observed from survey data varies systematically over time in a way that reflects the level and variance of current inflation. This paper offers a simple explanation for these facts based on asymmetries in the forecasters' costs of over‐ and underpredicting inflation. Our model implies (i) biased forecasts, (ii) positive serial correlation in forecast errors, (iii) a cross‐sectional dispersion that rises with the level and the variance of the inflation rate, and (iv) predictability of forecast errors at different horizons by means of the spread between the short‐ and long‐term variance of inflation. We find empirically that these patterns are present in inflation forecasts from the Survey of Professional Forecasters. A constant bias component, not explained by asymmetric loss and rational expectations, is required to explain the shift in the sign of the bias observed for a substantial portion of forecasters around 1982.
Reconciling Bagehot and the Fed's Response to September 11
Authors: MARTIN ANTOINE
Published: March 2009

Bagehot (1873) states that to prevent bank panics a central bank should provide liquidity at a “very high rate of interest.” In contrast, most of the theoretical literature on liquidity provision suggests that central banks should lend at an interest rate of zero. This is broadly consistent with the Federal Reserve's behavior in the days following September 11, 2001. This paper shows that both policies can be reconciled. With commodity money, as in Bagehot's time, liquidity is scarce and a high price allows banks to self‐select. In contrast, the Fed has a virtually unlimited ability to temporarily expand the money supply so self‐selection is unnecessary.
Nonseparable Preferences, Fiscal Policy Puzzles, and Inferior Goods
Authors: BILBIIE FLORIN O.
Published: March 2009

Nonseparable preferences over consumption and leisure can generate an increase in private consumption in response to government spending, as found in the data, in a frictionless business cycle model. However, the conditions on preferences required for these result to obtain hold if and only if the consumption good is inferior. Similarly, positive co‐movement of consumption and hours worked occurs if and only if either consumption or leisure is inferior.
Bailey's Measure of the Welfare Costs of Inflation as a General‐Equilibrium Measure
Authors: CYSNE RUBENS PENHA
Published: March 2009

Lucas (2000) has shown that Bailey's formula for the welfare costs of inflation can be regarded as an approximation to the general‐equilibrium measures that emerge from the Sidrauski and the shopping‐time models. In this paper we show that Bailey's measure can be exactly obtained in the Sidrauski general‐equilibrium framework under the assumption of quasilinear preferences. The result, based on whether or not wealth effects are incorporated into the analysis, is also helpful in clarifying why Lucas' measure derived from the Sidrauski model turns out to be an upper bound to Bailey's. Two examples are used to illustrate the main conclusions.
Does Interbank Borrowing Reduce Bank Risk?
Authors: DINGER VALERIYA , VON HAGEN JÜRGEN
Published: March 2009

In this paper we investigate whether banks that borrow from other banks have lower risk levels. We concentrate on a large sample of Central and Eastern European banks that allows us to explore the impact of interbank lending when exposures are long term and interbank borrowers are small banks. The results of the empirical analysis generally confirm the hypothesis that long‐term interbank exposures result in lower risk of the borrowing banks.
The Relationships between Permanent and Transitory Movements in U.S. Output and the Unemployment Rate
Authors: SINCLAIR TARA M.
Published: March 2009

This paper estimates the permanent and transitory movements in U.S. output and the unemployment rate and the relationships between them. The results suggest that permanent movements in U.S. output and the unemployment rate are important for explaining overall fluctuations. Further, the correlation between changes in these series arises in large part due to the relationship between their permanent components.
Consumer Awareness and Willingness to Pay for High‐Pressure Processing of Ready‐to‐Eat Food
Authors: Hicks Doris T. , Pivarnik Lori F. , McDermott Ryan , Richard Nicole , Hoover Dallas G. , Kniel Kalmia E.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT:  Commercial, nonthermal processing of food, such as high hydrostatic‐pressure processing (HPP), has increased. The safety and quality of foods produced by HPP has not been well communicated to the public. An online, nationwide consumer survey was implemented to assess awareness of alternative food processing technologies, consumer food safety attitudes and knowledge, and willingness to pay (WTP) for HPP products. The consumer survey was administered by Zoomerang™, an online survey clearinghouse. The survey was completed by 1204 adults. Frequencies and crosstabs were calculated on Zoomerang and SPSS used for one‐way ANOVA and chi‐square analyses. The survey assessed knowledge of HPP, attitudes about new food processing techniques, WTP for HPP foods and demographics. Overall, many demographic characteristics reflected U.S. census population. While traditional methods, that is, canning, freezing, and microwaving were all well recognized by over 80% of respondents, only 8% recognized HPP. Trends indicated an increase in age, education, and income reflected greater food safety knowledge. Regardless of demographics, no survey respondent exhibited knowledge mastery (80%). Given an explanation of HPP and its benefits, 39% of respondents indicated they would be WTP an additional cost, with higher income and education having the most impact. Majority of respondents indicated a WTP of $0.25 to $0.50 regardless of the value of the food product. More respondents were WTP slightly more for a more expensive product. New technologies often encounter a stumbling block in consumer acceptance and processing costs. A consumer's WTP, once they were informed, could encourage industry to look favorably on this technology.
Campus Community Involvement in an Experimental Food Research Project Increases Students' Motivation and Improves Perceived Learning Outcomes
Authors: Goto K. , Bianco‐Simeral S.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT: Although the effects of pedagogical strategies using collaborative learning on students' perceived learning outcomes have been studied, little has been examined about possible benefits and challenges in collaborating with the campus community in a food science research project conducted by nutrition majors. We examined the effects of involving foodservice staff and student consumers on perceived learning outcomes of students in nutrition and food sciences. A survey consisting of both quantitative and qualitative questions regarding the students' perceived learning outcomes was conducted with 58 undergraduate nutrition majors who conducted experimental food research as part of their food science course work. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The qualitative data were coded and analyzed using Nvivo. Approximately 90% of the study participants perceived that contributing to the health of students/faculty on campus positively enhanced their motivation toward their research project. The practical aspect of the research project, developing food that is/can be offered on campus, was also considered to be an important factor affecting students' motivation. These factors seemed to contribute to the quality of the project and their perceived learning outcomes. On the other hand, some challenges related to collaborating with the campus community, including insufficient communication between the student researchers and panelists, were also identified. Involving the campus community in experimental food research appeared to greatly benefit students' learning. At the same time, a more strategic pedagogical design before, during, and after the course work may be required for successful learning outcomes resulting from collaborating with the campus community.