bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separation of Americium(III) from Europium(III) by Dioctylammonium Dioctyldithiocarbamate/Nitrobenzene Extraction
Authors: Miyasita Sunao , Yanaga Makoto , Satoh Isamu , Suganuma Hideo
Published: January 2006

The extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) from a nitric medium by dioctylammonium dioctyldithiocarbamate (DOA·DODTC)/nitrobenzene was studied. The separation factor of Am(III)/Eu(III) shows a higher value than the highest one hitherto obtained by a cyanex/kerosene extraction. The high selectivity of a functional group of dithiocarbamate will be contributed to the investigation for the separation of Am(III) from trivalent lanthanoids.
Doppler Width Limited Near-Infrared Raman Spectrometer
Authors: Borysow Jacek , Fink Manfred
Published: January 2006

A new ultra high resolution spontaneous Raman spectrometer with a single mode tunable laser diode as an excitation source and a 0.275 m, f/#4 spectrograph is presented. The spectrometer is expanded by an atomic vapor (Rb) absorption filter. One of the rubidium resonance lines serves as the frequency marker by absorbing selected Raman lines during the frequency scan of the excitation laser. High resolution was achieved while preserving the speed of the spectrometer. The extended spectrometer's capability was tested by differentiating overlapping Raman lines from molecular hydrogen isotopomers: H2, D2, and HD. Experiments were carried out at 300 K and pressures near 104 Pa. Spectral lines separated by approximately 10 Ghz (0.3 cm−1) can be resolved with this instrument with data collection times of minutes.
Improved Monochromatic Imaging Spectrometer
Authors: Webb Michael R. , Hieftje Gary M.
Published: January 2006

Distortion inherent to a previously described system for acquisition of two-dimensional monochromatic spatial images is described. A solution is offered in the form of an improved instrument. The system uses a Czerny–Turner monochromator for spectral discrimination and a charge-coupled device (CCD) as the detector. A second Czerny–Turner monochromator, with identical dimensions, is added to correct the distortion, albeit with a slight loss in spatial resolution. With the earlier uncorrected arrangement, spatial resolution was on the order of 0.1 mm vertically and 0.3 mm horizontally, with a magnification of 0.52. With the same magnification, the new, corrected system offers spatial resolution of 0.1 mm vertically and 0.4 mm horizontally.
Application of Micro-Attenuated Total Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy to Quantitative Analysis of Optical Fiber Coatings: Effects of Optical Contact
Authors: Stolov Andrei A. , Simoff Debra A.
Published: January 2006

Micro-attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy is one of the few methods applicable for an in situ analysis of polymer coatings. In this method, the information is collected using an internal reflection element (IRE), which is brought into contact with the coated substrate. Perfect optical contact is hardly achievable for non-flat substrates and/or for those samples that cannot be well aligned with respect to the IRE. Consequently, the infrared peak intensities, their ratios, and all quantities calculated from the spectra become dependent upon the optical contact quality. In this work, we suggest a model that describes the peak intensities in terms of the optical contact. As an illustration, we apply this model to polymer-coated optical fibers. Relatively small diameters of tested fibers and their cylindrical shape result in imperfect optical contact between the sample and the IRE. Spectroscopic approaches of determining the degree of cure of polymer coatings are analyzed in view of the obtained results. Ways of minimizing the error induced by imperfect optical contact are suggested.
Externally Insulated (“EIFS”) Building Walls: Security Characteristics and Methods of Enhancing Security Performance
Authors: Thomas RG
Published: January 2006

Approximately 10% of new commercial buildings in the United States use Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (“EIFS”) on their exterior walls [1]. This includes buildings of almost all types from small residences to large commercial structures in both the public and private sector. EIFS is also used extensively overseas [2]. Although EIFS looks like concrete and appears robust, the lightweight materials in EIFS are not inherently conducive to physical security, electromagnetic security, and fire exposure. This is often overlooked in the planning phase for new buildings, leading to buildings that do not meet current expectations for security-related performance. However, ways exist to beef up EIFS walls so that better performance can be attained. This paper will explore the state-of-the-art of the security aspects of EIFS when used over various types of supporting walls. Key design aspects of EIFS-clad walls will be explained, including the need for attention to the supporting wall structure, the choice of EIFS materials, and the addition of special materials to enhance performance. Examples of new wall designs and enhancing existing walls will be presented.
Head Injury in Snowboarding: Evaluating the Protective Role of Helmets
Authors: Scher I , Richards D , Carhart M
Published: January 2006

According to a 1999 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, head injuries represent approximately 14 % of all skiing and snowboarding injuries. In a recent retrospective study of patients treated for snowboarding-related head injuries, Nakaguchi and Tsutsumi (2002) found that major head injuries were most often associated with backward falls (68 %) resulting in occipital impacts (66 % of falls) occurring on a gentle or moderate slope. They concluded that the majority of severe snowboarding head injuries were caused by the “opposite-edge phenomenon” where the snowboarder falls backward and contacts the occiput. In order to determine if the use of skiing helmets would reduce the likelihood of head injury associated with catching an edge snowboarding, we conducted a two-part study. In the first part, we measured the speeds of over 180 snowboarders on beginner and intermediate slopes at Mammoth, CA. Across all locations at the resort, the average speeds of beginner and intermediate snowboarders were 17.7 kph (11.0 mph) and 31.9 kph (19.8 mph), respectively. In the second part of the study, we used an instrumented 50th percentile male Hybrid III anthropomorphic test device (ATD) to determine the head accelerations and neck loads associated with a backward fall onto the occiput, both with and without wearing a helmet. For these tests, the ATD was fitted with snowboarding equipment and accelerated to the speeds associated with an intermediate snowboarder (as measured in the first part of the study). Once the ATD was at speed, the snowboard was snubbed on the back edge, simulating the “opposite-edge phenomena” and the posterior aspect of the ATD head was propelled toward the snow surface or a simulated tree. Film analysis of the ATD fall kinematics demonstrated a rapid transition to whole-body angular motion at opposite edge catch. The use of a helmet reduced substantially the linear accelerations and head injury criterion associated with head-to-ground contact on hard, icy snow and during the simulated tree contact. Also, the neck loads were reduced modestly with helmet use. These findings indicate that helmets can mitigate head-to-ground contact severity associated with a common snowboarding fall scenario, the “opposite-edge-phenomenon.”
Walking The Line: Pipe and Sweat Ceremonies in Prison
Authors: Irwin Lee
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT: This paper is an overview of the movement among Native American prisoners to have access to native religious practices, specifically pipe ceremonies, sweats, and prayer and drum sessions in prison. These practices form the basis of a new movement that supports a wide range of native spiritual traditions, organized around a few basic ceremonies now recognized as primary expressions of native religious identity. Since the early 1970s, this movement has fought for recognition in the prisons, in the courts, and in the popular press. I first review the history of the pipe movement through a survey of important legal cases. The second half of the paper covers the symbolic aspects of the pipe and sweat as they contribute to prisoner rehabilitation through the cultivation of a nativeformulated religious worldview. Also covered are the formation of various native societies for the purpose of providing spiritual advisers to prisons and the impact of this movement on the reservations.

Rather than going to church, I attend a sweat lodge; rather than accepting bread and toast from the Holy Priest, I smoke a ceremonial pipe to come into Communion with the Great Spirit; and rather than kneeling with my hands placed together in prayer, I let sweetgrass be feathered over my entire being for spiritual cleansing and allow the smoke to carry my prayers into the heavens. I am a Mi'kmaq, and this is how we pray. (Noah Augustine)
Field Notes The Jehovists-Il'inites A Russian Millenarian Movement
Authors: Petrov Sergey V.
Published: January 2006

The Jehovists-Il'inites are a little known millenarian movement founded in the mid-nineteenth century by a Russian army officer and religious thinker, Nikolai Il'in. Still active in parts of the former Soviet Union, the Jehovists-Il'inites are an example of how the survival of a marginal religious group depends on its ability to employ elements of discourse that resonate with people in a given geographical, social, and cultural environment. The history, doctrine, and present circumstances of the Jehovists-Il'inites illustrate aspects of the emergence, development, and perseverance of sectarian movements in the modern and late modern period.
The effect of metakaolin on the reaction products and microporosity in blended cement pastes submitted to long hydration time and high curing temperature
Authors: Frías M.
Published: January 2006

A study was carried out to determine the effects of high curing temperature and long-term storage on the reaction products and microporosity in metakaolin (MK)-blended cement pastes cured at 60°C after 53 months of hydration and to evaluate the stability of the hydrated phases formed during the pozzolanic reaction. The results showed that C-S-H, stratlingite and hydrogarnet were the main hydrated phases formed under these working conditions. On the other hand, the pore structure of the MK-blended pastes was refined. This demonstrates that there was no evidence of any conversion reaction from the hexagonal metastable phase to a stable cubic phase after 53 months of curing
Industrial production of Ba-bearing sulphoaluminate cement
Authors: Chang J. , Lu L. , Huang S. , Liu F. , Wang Z. , Cheng X.
Published: January 2006

The paper introduces the production technology and performance of Ba-bearing sulphoaluminate cement. Limestone, gypsum, bauxite and Ba-bearing industry waste residue were used as raw materials to produce Ba-bearing sulphoaluminate cement in a dry process rotary kiln. According to the characteristics of the materials, the method of ‘thin materials layer and fast kiln speed, with long flame burning’ was adopted. The 1-day compressive strength of the clinker was more than 70 MPa, which proved that the Ba-bearing sulphoaluminate cement was an ideal cement for early strength and rapid hardening. As barium was involved, during the burning process the sintering temperature was lowered, the standard coal consumption decreased, the structure of the clinker was loosened and the output of the mill was improved, which in turn reduced the cost of the cement.
An analysis of road traffic incidents on the M25 motorway, UK
Authors: Rodgers S. , Wadsworth B. , Smith S. D. , Forde M. C.
Published: January 2006

To date, studies of incidents on British motorways have been very limited. As part of a study into the role of Incident Support Units (ISUs) on the M25, the London orbital motorway, an analysis of road traffic incidents was undertaken. Motorway incident data were collected through closed circuit television (CCTV) observations at Surrey Police's Godstone Motorway Control Room. The collected data covered the Surrey Police section of the M25 motorway between Clacket Lane Services and Junction 14, for a four-week period between 5 November and 11 December 2003. Incident frequency, durations, locations, detection times, notification methods and ISU involvement were examined. It was found that the average incident frequency was 16·1 incidents per day for the study area, and the highest occurrence of incidents was found to be between 11·00 am and 12·00 pm. On average the recorded incidents lasted 1 h 9 min, with those occurring in the evening peak period lasting the longest. The distribution of incidents along the study area showed that the section between Junctions 9 and 10 had the highest rate for the study period. A comparison of incident characteristics between US and UK studies was also conducted. Incident rates between the M25 and the US were found to be substantially different, and incident durations were found to be between double and triple those of the US. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed in the text.
Development of German non-ballasted track forms
Authors: Bastin R.
Published: January 2006

This paper traces the development of non-ballasted track worldwide over the last 35 years. Starting with the early work of the International Union of Railways (UIC) Research Committee (ORE) D87 and British Rail's Paved Concrete Track (PACT), it goes on to describe subsequent major developments in Japan and Germany. After briefly covering the three current solutions that are approved for 300 km/h running in Germany, the paper traces the development of the most common, Rheda, from its initial conception in 1972 by Professor Eisenmann at Munich Technical University through to the current version known as Rheda 2000. It goes on to describe how weaknesses in the original Rheda concept—so easy to see in hindsight—were ‘designed out', thereby giving a valuable insight into what any new performance specification for non-ballasted track should include. Typical installation procedures for the various non-ballasted track forms on earthworks are covered, as are the particular requirements for bridges. The paper concludes with the important topic of the transition arrangements between ballasted and non-ballasted track forms.
Testing a traffic signal optimisation algorithm
Authors: Abdelfatah A. S.
Published: January 2006

This paper presents numerical experimental results for testing a simulation-based combined dynamic traffic assignment and signal optimisation algorithm under incident conditions. The algorithm utilises a path-based signal optimisation procedure, which uses vehicle paths information from a dynamic traffic system optimal assignment model to optimise the signals. The use of vehicle path in the signal optimisation procedure makes it much easier to interact with the path-based dynamic traffic assignment models. The algorithm is implemented and tested under normal and incident conditions. The experiments consist of implementations of the solution algorithm under different congestion levels for the test networks. Some experiments, under incident conditions for the test network, were used to examine the robustness of the solution algorithm. The algorithm is shown to reach convergence in all experiments, and to result in significant improvements over the system optimal assignment solution under different congestion levels.
The 3-Equation New Keynesian Model --- A Graphical Exposition
Authors: Carlin Wendy , Soskice David
Published: January 2006

We develop a graphical 3-equation New Keynesian model for macroeconomic analysis to replace the traditional IS-LM-AS model. The new graphical IS-PC-MR model is a simple version of the one commonly used by central banks and captures the forward-looking thinking engaged in by the policy maker. Within a common framework, we compare our model to other monetary-rule based models that are used for teaching and policy analysis. We show that the differences among the models centre on whether the central bank optimizes and on the lag structure in the IS and Phillips curve equations. We highlight the analytical and pedagogical advantages of our preferred model. The model can be used to analyze the consequences of a wide range of macroeconomic shocks, to identify the structural determinants of the coefficients of a Taylor type interest rate rule, and to explain the origin and size of inflation bias.
Wages and Learning in Internal Labor Markets: Evidence From a Taiwanese Company
Authors: Lin Ming-Jen
Published: January 2006

This paper analyses the personnel records of a Taiwanese auto dealer employing three distinct internal labor markets (ILMs), adding new evidence that builds upon recent empirical and theoretical works on ILMs. We show that the public learning model proposed by Farber and Gibbons (1996) is not supported in general by our data because the behaviors of empirical wage residuals covariance matrix contradict the martingale predictions derived from the their model. However, public learning may not be unrealistic once individual specific learning speed is introduced. Furthermore, we find that the positive effects of levels, on both salary and bonus equations, are smaller under a fixed effects model than under an OLS (combined) model. However, part of the wage variations is contributed by individual heterogeneity rather than the hierarchy itself. Evidence also shows that education plays an important role in the determination of levels.
Did the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Accurately Assess Economic Losses?
Authors: Tinari Frank D , Cahill Kevin E , Grivoyannis Elias
Published: January 2006

Under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), victims' families were provided monetary compensation based on economic and non-economic losses in exchange for giving up their right to sue U.S. entities, such as airlines. Was the Fund successful in calculating economic losses, and should it be repeated in the wake of another such attack? This paper assesses the extent to which forensic economists influenced the Special Masters decisions. We find that, for the most part, the Special Master's economic awards before collateral offsets were bounded by the presumed award amounts and the forensic economist's calculations, with substantial variation across claimants. This result implies that the Special Master's economic awards appear to have been significantly influenced by other factors offered during the VCF hearings, raising questions about fairness if a similar process is to be repeated in the future.
The Bush Presidency after 9/11: Shifting the Kaleidoscope
Authors: Landy Marc K.
Published: January 2006

In a wide-ranging essay, Professor Marc Landy explores the significance of George W. Bushs emergence as the Republican Party presidential nominee in 2000. Describing Bush as the candidate who could bridge the two major wings of the GOP, Landy shows how the insurgency of the Bull Moose McCain campaign burnished the conservative credentials of Bush, without hurting him among the pragmatists in the party. Landy explains how September 11 challenged fundamental policy tenets of both parties with significant electoral consequences in the future. September 11 revealed the limits of Democratic moralism in international policy, especially if this stance marks them as anti-American among key Democratic constituencies and swing voters. The Republicans, on the other hand, face the domestic dilemma of preserving their commitment to limited government without compromising the effectiveness of homeland security. Landy concludes by pointing out opportunities for the president to achieve greatness in his handling of international policy.
The American People and President Bush
Authors: Brody Richard A.
Published: January 2006

Professor Richard Brody explains the dynamics of public opinion about President George W. Bush during the so-called honeymoon phase and the period right before September 11. The Bush honeymoon period was short-lived relative to other presidents, with the presidents polls dropping once he submitted his budget to Congress in early March. But Bushs approval ratings soared remarkably in the days subsequent to the terrorist attacks, a pattern Brody attributes to the high level of bipartisan support among opinion makers in Congress and the news media. The erosion of Bushs approval ratings began about a month later, when opinion elites began to question the presidents policies, triggering changes in support among Democratic and Independent voters who rely on these elites for assessing the presidents job performance. If the war on terrorism continues to recede from public view, other issues will shape public opinion about the president. We should expect to see the presidents support become increasingly contingent on domestic issues, particularly the economy.
Institutional Re-orientation and Change: Security as a Learning Strategy
Authors: Comfort Louise K.
Published: January 2006

Professor Louise K. Comfort argues that a focus on creating a large homeland security department may be misplaced. She suggests that policymakers move away from a standard top-down approach to organizational control and instead focus on auto-adaptive processes that incorporate decentralized learning strategies in which information is shared across government agencies at every level. In particular, she recommends strengthening the informational infrastructure at the regional level to foster greater knowledge-sharing about security risks and appropriate responses.
Pre-Emptive War, Iraq, and Suicide Bombers
Authors: Masters Roger D.
Published: January 2006

Faced by the continued threat of suicide bombers and other acts of terrorism, Professor Masters argues that we need a more robust and cogent policy debate about the two primary security strategies: deterrence and pre-emption. Masters suggests that the Bush administrations apparent emphasis on a pre-emptive strategy will not work under circumstances that make martyrdom an appealing choice for terrorists. Contemporary theories of animal evolution indicate that self-sacrifice is more likely in relatively poor societies with high birth rates and low life expectancy, as exists in most of the Muslim states.
Barbarians At and Behind the Gates: The Loss of Contingency and the Search for Homeland Security
Authors: Harknett Richard J.
Published: January 2006

Professor Harknett argues that the Bush administration has incorrectly labeled the security threat facing the nation as terrorism. The threat is actually barbarism, which implies an effort to destroy as an end itself rather than as a means to pursue political objectives. Traditional models of deterrence and defense are insufficient for dealing with barbarism. The new threats suggest the use of tactics that are not purely defensive, but preventive and preemptive. As U.S. policymakers pursue such tactics they should recognize that traditional perspectives that separate domestic and international domains are ill-suited to a threat that undermines a world and regional system to which the United States is central.
Applying 21st-Century Government to the Challenge of Homeland Security
Authors: Kamarck Elaine C.
Published: January 2006

Dr. Kamarck describes three models of government available to policy makers who must design strategies for homeland security. She argues that homeland security, like many emerging policy problems, does not lend itself to traditional bureaucratic government. Public leaders must create effective portfolios of actions that incorporate different elements of the models she describes. Her article is part of a larger report published by The PricewaterhouseCoopers Endowment for The Business of Government. http://www.endowment.pwcglobal.com/pdfs/KamarckReport.pdf
The Fifty-Something President
Authors: White John K. , Zogby John
Published: January 2006

Looking back in recent presidential history, the authors show that Bush appears to defy prior trends with his high approval ratings in the third year. They explain, however, that he is vulnerable in 2004, particularly because he has not created a governing majority for his domestic agenda. The sharpening partisan divide among the electorate, especially on lifestyle issues, shows that Bush lacks the broad support his father enjoyed immediately after the first Gulf War. To win in 2004, Democrats must find a way to neutralize Bushs advantages on security, run on issues that emphasize job security, and prevent the president from winning over Hispanic voters.
Pick a Name. Any Name.
Authors: Maisel L. Sandy
Published: January 2006

Professor Maisel identifies the Democratic presidential candidates with the best prospects and explains what each must do to win the nomination. He evaluates the candidates based on four aspects of the campaign: fundraising, geographic constituency, name recognition and ideological constituency. The unusually heavy frontloaded nomination process gives candidates with the strongest finances and organization better odds than ever to be the Democratic nominee.
The Presidential Election of 2004
Authors: Pomper Gerald
Published: January 2006

Professor Pomper speculates on the likely outcome and meaning of the 2004 presidential elections. Given the power of the White House to influence events and media coverage, as well as the emerging electoral advantages of the Republican Party, Pomper believes George W. Bush will be returned to office. He points to three trends in particular that favor the GOP: recent shifts in electoral votes, financial wealth and voter turnout. A presidential victory for the Republicans raises prospects for party dominance in Congress and the courts, with long-term consequences favoring conservative policies. Democrats must hope that fears of terrorism will recede, and that voters will place renewed emphasis on egalitarianism, especially with the expansion of the Hispanic and African-American electorate.
Will Changing the Rules Change the Game?: Front-loading and the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination
Authors: Abramson Paul R , Aldrich John H , Rohde David W
Published: January 2006

Professors Paul R. Abramson, John H. Aldrich, and David W. Rohde discuss the major reform introduced by the Democratic Party for its 2004 presidential nomination contestrules that will lead to a large number of delegates being chosen early in the delegate selection window. They show that the 2004 contest will be more front-loaded than any contest since the Democrats introduced a delegate selection window in 1980. They argue that these rules, along with the large field of Democratic contenders, make it more likely that no clear winner will emerge before the Democratic Party nomination convention.
Schwarzenegger in Transition: Time to Govern
Authors: Capell Elizabeth A
Published: January 2006

Elizabeth Capell, a political scientist and veteran of California politics, marks off a range of key executive decisions facing governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as the constitutional, structural and budgetary obstacles he confronts. While Schwarzeneggers celebrity may help him in battles with political foes, she doubts he can count on mobilizing public opinion behind policies that tend to be too complicated and dry for sustained and widespread media coverage.
A "Permanent" Republican House? Patterns of Voter Performance and the Persistence of House Control
Authors: Irwin Dr. Lew
Published: January 2006

In spite of the Republican Party's relatively narrow margin of control in the U.S. House of Representatives, Professor Irwin finds distinct Republican advantages in the patterns of House voter performance and in current electoral practices that bode poorly for Democrats aiming to regain control of the chamber any time soon.
Public Support for Both the Environment and an Anti-Environmental President: Possible Explanations for the George W. Bush Anomaly
Authors: Brechin Steven R. , Freeman Daniel A.
Published: January 2006

The authors explore the apparent anomaly of strong public support for the environment and popular public support for a president with a poor environmental rating by groups such as the League of Conservation Voters. In attempting to understand why there have not been public outcries against George W. Bushs anti-environmental policies like those that occurred during the Reagan presidency, the authors present three possible explanations: a lag time phenomenon, change in media coverage and ownership, and redefined issue salience.
Generational Conflict in Urban Politics: the 2002 Newark Mayoral Election
Authors: Kraus Jeffrey
Published: January 2006

The 2002 Newark mayoral election represents a new trend in contemporary politics: a contest between an older African-American incumbent and member of the new generation of African-Americans politicians, who often hold different views and political attitudes than their older counterparts. In the end, the older incumbent won using his formidable political organization and against an inexperienced challenger. Mayor Sharpe James drew on a deep well of relationshipsboth local and nationalthat he established over decades as a Newark politician and effectively branded the insurgent Cory Booker as an outsider. The author concludes that younger African-American politicians, who tend to be more moderate than their older counterparts, have difficulty winning support among older African-American voters.
The Apology of Nader's Raiders: Third Parties, Speech Acts, and Moral Obligations in the Voting Booth
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey Alan
Published: January 2006

Using the 2000 American presidential election as a case study, this paper considers the question of how third party supporters ought to cast their vote when their vote may result in the least preferable candidate winning. Examining the appeals made by Nader and Gore to Nader supporters, Johnson argues that one can claim obligations to vote either sincerely or strategically. He demonstrates that voters are obligated to do both when possible, but must rely on their consciences when it is not. Institutional arrangements may help minimize such moral conflicts.
Ohio: The Heart of it All
Authors: Green John C.
Published: January 2006

Ohios diversity, the 2004 issue environment, and unique strategic factors give both parties good reasons to vigorously contest the state. The Buckeye state is the largest red state outside of the Sunbelt and one that would be especially difficult for the Republicans to replace. Gores unexpected strong finish in Ohio made Democrats regard the state as a prime target of opportunity. While Bush has often had a small lead among likely voters in the most sophisticated state-level polls, an infusion of new voters and the likelihood that Nader will not be on the ballot has added to Democratic prospects.
Terrorism, Gay Marriage, and Incumbency: Explaining the Republican Victory in the 2004 Presidential Election
Authors: Abramowitz Alan
Published: January 2006

An analysis of the 2004 presidential election results indicates that President Bushs relatively narrow victory reflected the normal advantage of incumbency and preexisting divisions within the American electorate rather than a fundamental shift in the partisan or ideological loyalties of the electorate. There was little change in the publics attitudes toward Mr. Bush or the political parties during the campaign and gay marriage referenda had no discernible impact on either voter turnout or support for the President. However, Mr. Bush did somewhat better than expected in the states most directly affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks.
The Media: What They Are Today, and How They Got That Way
Authors: Keller Morton
Published: January 2006

This article seeks to provide a historical context for the current state of the media. It concludes that the political bias, and capacity to produce journalistic scandal, so conspicuous in recent years among leading newspapers and television networks, reflects the impact of major cultural, market, and technological developments.
Local Politics: A Different Front in the Culture War?
Authors: Simon Rosenthal Cindy
Published: January 2006

What do we learn by examining the so-called culture wars in the context of local government? Local politics are both similar and different from the partisan skirmishes evidenced at the national levels. More importantly by considering how local politics differs from national politics in the culture war, we are reminded that resources of social capital and integrative leadership matter.
The Battle Over a U.S. Culture War: A Note on Inflated Rhetoric Versus Inflamed Politics
Authors: Demerath N. J.
Published: January 2006

The concept of a "culture war" has occasioned almost as much conflict among scholars as it depicts within societies. Although it should be more of a variable than an absolute, this paper argues that the phrase over-reaches as a description of the U.S. during and since the 2004 Presidential election. Not only does the U.S. fail to fulfill a criterion of "widespread polarization," but it also falls mercifully short of the kind of "concerted violence" and the pursuit of "illegitimate government control" that the notion of a war requires. The paper ends on a comparative note with brief accounts of research visits to four societies where culture wars have been fully realized as a lamentable fact of daily life: Northern Ireland, Guatemala, Israel, and India. These sketches -- like the argument itself -- are drawn from the author's recent book, Crossing the Gods (2001).
The Politics of Katrina in New Orleans: A View from Ground Zero
Authors: Day Christine L , Rosenblum Marc R
Published: January 2006

What is New Orleans like today? What will it take to return the city to some semblance of normalcy? Stunned by the events and revelations of governmental incompetence since Katrina, we review Katrina's aftermath and chime in on current policy debates about the citys future. Our love for New Orleans may compromise our objectivity, but we find scholarly inspiration in three excellent articles in the last issue of The Forum.
Activity and Selectivity of Novel Structured Pd-Catalysts: Kinetics Modeling of Vegetable Oils Hydrogenation
Authors: Belkacemi Khaled , Boulmerka Amira , Hamoudi Safia , Arul Joseph
Published: January 2006

Hydrogenation of sunflower oil over novel structured catalysts with pore size ranging from 3 to 20 nm, BET-specific surface area of 710-1200 m²/g, and catalyst metal loadings ranging from 0.7 to 5.0 % w/w, was investigated and compared to a commercial Ni-catalyst. The activity and selectivity of the catalysts as well as profiles of the reaction products such as trans fatty acids (TFA) of the hydrogenated oils were investigated. Surface characteristics of the support and the metal loading significantly affected the activity and selectivity of the Pd-catalysts. Catalyst supports with the pore diameter between 7-8 nm were more active than supports with lower pore diameters. The activity and selectivity of hydrogenation depended on Pd content, with maxima in the concentration range of 0.8 to 1.2 % w/w.The catalyst with Pd-loading of 1% w/w, supported on structured silica material was active and selective for the hydrogenation of sunflower and canola oils under mild process conditions. For same iodine value (IV) reduction, this catalyst produced about the same level of TFA, but produced less stearic acid and was more selective towards cis monoenes formation than Ni-catalyst. More importantly, this catalyst produced a reduced level of stearic acid which causes waxy mouth feel of the hydrogenated fat at increased levels.The lumped kinetic model of the hydrogenation of vegetable oils over Pd as well as Ni catalysts was found useful in the prediction of the fate of reaction and product lumps and was statistically robust. The uncertainty and confidence joint regions were estimated using the Bootstrap Monte Carlo technique.
The Economic Cost of the Iraq War
Authors: Wallsten Scott
Published: January 2006

Scott Wallsten of the American Enterprise Institute estimates that the true economic costs of the war in Iraq could reach one trillion dollars in the long run, five to ten times the original estimates of President Bushs advisor Lawrence Lindsey.
Effect of background serum lithium concentrations on the accuracy of lithium dilution cardiac output determination in dogs
Authors: Mason Douglas J. , O'Grady Micheal , Woods J. Paul , McDonell Wayne N.
Published: January 2006

Objectives—To assess the effect of increasing serum
lithium concentrations on lithium dilution cardiac output
(LiDCO) determination and to determine the ability
to predict the serum lithium concentration from the
cumulative lithium chloride dosage.

Animals—10 dogs (7 males, 3 females).

Procedure—Cardiac output (CO) was determined in
anesthetized dogs by measuring LiDCO and thermodilution
cardiac output (TDCO). The effect of the
serum lithium concentration on LiDCO was assessed
by observing the agreement between TDCO and
LiDCO at various serum lithium concentrations. Also,
cumulative lithium chloride dosage was compared
with the corresponding serum lithium concentrations.

Results—44 paired observations were used. The linear
regression analysis for the effect of the serum
lithium concentration on the agreement between
TDCO and LiDCO revealed a slope of -1.530 (95%
confidence interval [CI], -2.388 to -0.671) and a yintercept
of 0.011 (r
2 = 0.235). The linear regression
analysis for the effect of the cumulative lithium chloride
dosage on the serum lithium concentration
revealed a slope of 2.291 (95% CI, 2.153 to 2.429)
and a y-intercept of 0.008 (r2 = 0.969).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The LiDCO
measurement increased slightly as the serum lithium
concentration increased. This error was not clinically
relevant and was minimal at a serum lithium concentration
of 0.1 mmol/L and modest at a concentration
of 0.4 mmol/L. The serum lithium concentration can
be reliably predicted from the cumulative lithium
dosage if lithium chloride is administered often within
a short period. (Am J Vet Res 2002;63:1048–1052)
Effect of general anesthesia and minor surgical trauma on urine and serum measurements in horses
Authors: Watson Zara E. , Steffey Eugene P. , VanHoogmoed Linda M. , Snyder Jack R.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To characterize the effect of general
anesthesia and minor surgery on renal function in
horses.

Animals—9 mares with a mean (± SE) age and body
weight of 9 ± 2 years and 492 ± 17 kg, respectively.

Procedure—The day before anesthesia, urine was
collected (catheterization) for 3 hours to quantitate
baseline values, and serum biochemical analysis was
performed. The following day, xylazine (1.1 mg/kg, IV)
was administered, and general anesthesia was
induced 5 minutes later with diazepam (0.04 mg/kg,
IV) and ketamine (2.2 mg/kg, IV). During 2 hours of
anesthesia with isoflurane, PaCO2 was maintained
between 48 and 52 mm Hg, and mean arterial blood
pressure was between 70 and 80 mm Hg. Blood and
urine were collected at 30, 60, and 120 minutes during
and at 1 hour after anesthesia.

Results—Baseline urine flow was 0.92 ± 0.17 ml/kg/h
and significantly increased at 30 and 60 minutes after
xylazine administration (2.14 ± 0.59 and 2.86 ± 0.97
ml/kg/h respectively) but returned to baseline values
by the end of anesthesia. Serum glucose concentration
increased from 12 ± 4 to 167 ± 8 mg/dl at 30 minutes.
Glucosuria was not observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Transient
hyperglycemia and an increase in rine production
accompanies a commonly used anesthetic technique
for horses. The increase in urine flow is not trivial and
should be considered in anesthetic management
decisions. With the exception of serum glucose concentration
and urine production, the effect of general
anesthesia on indices of renal function in clinically
normal horses is likely of little consequence in most
horses admitted for elective surgical procedures.
(Am J Vet Res 2002;63:1061–1065)
Evaluation of an intron deletion in the c-kit gene of canine mast cell tumors
Authors: Reguera María José , Ferrer Lluís , Rabanal Rosa M.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate molecular abnormalities in
the c-kit gene of canine mast cell tumors (MCT) with
different grades of cellular differentiation.

Sample Population—31 normal tissue specimens
from dogs and 45 canine MCT classified according to
grade of cell differentiation.

Procedure—Genomic DNA extractions were made
from canine MCT and normal tissues. Parts of exon
11, intron 11, and exon 12 of the c-kit gene were
amplified by use of polymerase chain reaction. These
regions were cloned, sequenced, and compared with
GenBank sequences of the National Center for
Biotechnology International. A statistical analysis was
used to compare sequences from canine MCT and
normal tissues.

Results—A significantly higher percentage of
homozygous intron 11 deletion was found in canine
MCT (49%) than in normal tissues (13%). This percentage
was also higher in moderately and poorly differentiated
MCT, compared with well-differentiated
MCT. Although no mutations were detected in any of
the specimens, a polymorphism at amino acid position
606 of the canine c-kit sequence was found in all
the studied sequences.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated
a relationship between intron 11 deletion and
MCT, and the grade of MCT differentiation. We suggest
that intron 11 deletion may be implicated in the
pathogenesis of MCT and could be used as a marker
for diagnosis and prognosis of canine MCT.
(Am J Vet Res 2002;63:1257–1261)
F-wave latency and F-wave conduction velocity for the tibial nerve in clinically normal dogs
Authors: Okuno Seiichi , Kobayashi Takayuki , Orito Kensuke
Published: January 2006

Objective—To establish a method of F-wave examinations
and to determine values of F-wave conduction
velocity (FWCV) and F-wave latency for the tibial
nerve of clinically normal dogs.

Animals—21 clinically normal dogs.

Procedure—The F-waves were elicited from the
interosseous muscles via stimulation of the tibial
nerve. The FWCV was determined by using the F-wave
shortest value and the surface distance corresponding
to the tibial nerve length. Correlation
between the smallest latency value of the F-wave and
the length of the tibial nerve and between the FWCV
and rectal temperature were closely examined.

Results—F-wave latency was proportional to the
length of the tibial nerve (correlation coefficient,
0.929). Mean ± SD FWCV was 77.98 ± 8.62 m/s.
Regression equation was as follows: F-wave latency =
2.799 + (0.029 X length of the tibial nerve). The FWCV
was increased when the measured rectal temperature
was high. Correlation coefficient between FWCV
and rectal temperature was 0.665.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—In the study
reported here, we established a reliable method for
clinical evaluation of the F-wave. When assessing
nerve conduction velocity, it is essential to measure
nerve length along the pathway that the nerve
impulse travels. This method of F-wave examination is
a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of suspected
dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system.
(Am J Vet Res 2002;63:1262–1264)
Detection of Salmonella spp in fecal specimens by use of real-time polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Kurowski P. Brett , Traub-Dargatz Josie L. , Morley Paul S. , Gentry-Weeks Claudia R.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To use real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to develop a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic assay for the detection ofSalmonellaspp in fecal specimens.

Sample Population—299 fecal specimens from cattle, horses, and dogs.

Procedure—Enrichment of fecal specimens was followed by genomic DNA extraction by use of commercially available isolation kits. Real-time PCR assay was performed to target aSalmonellaspp-specific DNA segment. Results of real-time PCR assay were compared with bacterial culture results to determine relative sensitivity and specificity.

Results—Use of the spaQ primer-probe set resulted in a relative sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98.2%, compared with bacterial culture results when tested on 299 clinical fecal specimens.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—A rapid, sensitive, and specific assay for the detection ofSalmonellaspp from enriched clinical fecal specimens was developed. This technique would be highly valuable in clinical settings to help avoid or mitigate the complications arising from an outbreak of salmonellosis in a herd or among patients of a veterinary hospital. (Am J Vet Res 2002;63:1265–1268)
Immunohistochemical analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3, and -13 in naturally occurring cartilaginous tumors of dogs
Authors: Kuroki Keiichi , Kreeger John M. , Cook James L. , Tomlinson James L. , Johnson Gayle C. , Pace Lanny W. , Turnquist Susan E. , Turk James R. , Ramos Jose A. , Miller Margaret A.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine immunoreactivity of matrix
metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -3, and -13 in cartilaginous
tumors of dogs, correlate expression of MMP
with histologic grade of tumors and clinical outcome
of dogs, and compare MMP immunoreactivity
between chondrosarcomas and chondromas.

Sample Population—Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded
tissues obtained from samples of naturally occurring
chondrosarcomas (n = 31) and chondromas (8) of
dogs that were submitted to our veterinary medical
diagnostic laboratory.

Procedure—Histologic sections from each sample
were stained with H&E and monoclonal antibody to
MMP-1, -3, and -13 by use of an avidin-peroxidase
immunohistochemical technique. For each section, histologic
grade (I, II, or III) and immunohistochemical
expression (0, 1, 2, or 3) were evaluated. Clinical outcome
was obtained from medical records or interviews
with referring veterinarians and scored as a good outcome,
moderate outcome, or poor outcome.
Correlations among variables and differences between
chondrosarcomas and chondromas were analyzed.

Results—Samples from chondrosarcomas had significantly
higher immunoreactivity of MMP-1 and -13,
compared with immunoreactivity in samples from
chondromas. In chondrosarcomas, a significant positive
correlation (r, 0.386) was found between MMP-1
and -13 immunoreactivities, and a significant negative
correlation (r, –0.390) was detected between MMP-3
and -13 immunoreactivities.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—A significant
increase in expression of collagenases (MMP-1 and -
13) in chondrosarcomas, compared with expression in
chondromas, suggests that collagenases may play an
important role in tumor progression, and possibly
metastasis, in chondrosarcomas of dogs. (Am J Vet
Res 2002;63:1285–1291)