bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of spinning conditions on the morphology of electrospun jet and nonwoven membrane
Authors: Li Ni , Qin Xiao‐Hong , Lin Ling , Wang Shan‐Yuan
Published: October 2008

Electrospinning, using an electrically driven jet, is a straightforward and cost effective method for producing polymer fibers in nanometers to a few micros diameter range. In this study, the morphology of electrospun jets and final nonwoven membranes was investigated systematically by changing three of the most important spinning conditions: solution concentration, salt content, and applied voltage. For this purpose, Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) solution was prepared and electrospun. Results indicated that some fascination phenomena were observed with the increase of LiCl concentration and applied voltage. Under different spinning conditions, dimensional analyses for the vertex of envelope cone and the diameter of deposited area were also carried out separately in the work. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of thermomechanical history on the crystallization of poly(ether‐block‐amide)
Authors: Tavernier Bruno , Mewis Jan , Van Puyvelde Peter , Takenaka Mikihito , Ernst Benoît , Hashimoto Takeji
Published: October 2008

The quiescent and flow‐induced crystallization of a poly(ether‐block‐amide) is studied by means of rheo‐optical methods. Both optical microscopy and small angle light scattering have been used. The multiblock copolymer has a microphase‐separated structure with an order–disorder transition at 180–185°C, as measured with rheometry and SAXS. The number of nuclei, spherulitic growth rates, and the characteristic time scale for crystallization are compared with that of a polyamide of similar molar mass. For the poly(ether‐block‐amide)—containing a majority of amide segments—the growth rates of the spherulites during quiescent crystallization are similar for the block copolymer and the homopolymer, even if the spherulitic structures are not the same. When flow is applied, the two materials behave differently. The flow increased the nucleation density in the homopolymer but not in the block copolymer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on flame retardance of co‐microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate and dipentaerythritol in polypropylene
Authors: Wang Zhengzhou , Wu Kun , Hu Yuan
Published: October 2008

Co‐microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate and dipentaerythritol [M(A&D)] was prepared using a melamine‐formaldehyde (MF) resin by in situ polymerization method, and characterized by XPS. The co‐microencapsulation of ammonium polyphosphate and dipentaerythritol (DPER) leads to a great improvement in water solubility of the additives. The flame retardant effect of M(A&D) in polypropylene (PP) is evaluated using limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL 94 test, and the water resistance of the PP/M(A&D) composites is also studied. The flame retardant properties and water resistance of the PP/M(A&D) composites are much better than the ones of the PP/APP/DPER composites. Moreover, the thermal stability of the PP/M(A&D) composites is improved compared with the PP/APP/DPER composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Friction and wear behavior of the hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric composites filled with TiO2 nanoparticles and modified TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Hui‐Juan , Zhang Zhao‐Zhu , Guo Fang , Liu Wei‐Min
Published: October 2008

A chemical grafting method was applied to modify TiO2 nanoparticles through covalently introducing glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silicane (KH560) followed by polyoxymethylene onto the particles to overcome the disadvantages generated by the agglomeration of nanoparticles. TiO2 nanoparticles unmodified and modified were introduced into hybrid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/cotton fabric composites. Friction and wear test demonstrated that TiO2 nanoparticles unmodified and modified can significantly increase the wear resistance of hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric composites but cannot reduce the friction coefficient. Fabric composites filled with grafted TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited a lower wear rate due to the disintegration of agglomeration and the improvement of interfacial adhesion between filler/matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Behavior of Polymeric Matrices Containing Silver Inclusions, 1 – Review of Adsorption and Oxidation of Hydrocarbons on Silver Surfaces/Interfaces as Witnessed by FT‐IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Hlídek Pavel , Biederman Hynek , Choukourov Andrei , Slavínská Danka
Published: October 2008

The application of FT‐IR vibration spectroscopy to the analysis of various interaction events that occur at the interface between a silver surface (including nanoparticles) and the surrounding environment is discussed. In particular, the adsorption of hydrocarbons, CO, and CO2 on silver as well as an oxidation behavior and related phenomena are reviewed. A concise discussion of FT‐IR investigations of nanocomposite Ag/plasma polymer films is given in conclusion.

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Calculation of the solvation state of organolithium compounds: Effects of basis sets and electron correlation methods
Authors: Pratt Lawrence M. , Jones Darrel , Sease Andrea , Busch Donta , Faluade Emmanuel , Nguyen Son C. , Thanh Bui T.
Published: October 2008

The free energies of successive solvation of organolithium species by THF ligands were examined by DFT and ab initio methods. The popular B3LYP method using three different basis sets, and the MPW1PW91/6‐31+G(d) DFT method, were compared to MP2 calculations, and when possible, to the G3MP2 method. The DFT methods generally underestimated the exergonic free energies of solvation compared to MP2 and G3MP2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Clinical‐scale investigation of stable isotopes in human blood: δ13C and δ15N from 406 patients at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Authors: Kraft Rebecca A. , Jahren A. Hope , Saudek Christopher D.
Published: October 2008

Objective chemical biomarkers are needed in clinical studies of diet‐related diseases to supplement subjective self‐reporting methods. We report on several critical experiments for the development of clinically legitimate dietary stable isotope biomarkers within human blood. Our examination of human blood revealed the following: (1) Within blood clot and serum from anonymous individuals (201 males, 205 females) we observed: mean serum δ13C = −19.1 ± 0.8‰ (standard deviation, SD); clot, −19.3 ± 0.8‰ (SD); range = −15.8‰ to −23.4‰. Highly statistically significant differences are observed between clot and serum, males and females for both clot and serum. For 15N (n = 206), mean serum = +8.8 ± 0.5‰ (SD); clot +7.4 ± 0.4‰ (SD); range = +6.3‰ to +10.5‰. Blood serum is enriched in 15N relative to blood clot by +1.4‰ on average, which may reflect differing protein amino acid content. Serum nitrogen is statistically significantly different for males and females, however, clot shows no statistical difference. (2) Relative to clot, capillary blood is marginally different for 13C, but not 15N. Clot 13C is not significantly different from serum; however, it is depleted in 15N by 1.5‰ relative to serum. (3) We assessed the effect of blood additives (sodium fluoride and polymerized acrylamide resin) and laboratory process (autoclaving, freeze drying) commonly used to preserve or prepare venous blood. On average, no alteration in δ13C or δ15N is detected compared with unadulterated blood from the same individual. (4) Storage of blood with and without the additives described above for a period of up to 115 days exhibits statistically significant differences for 13C and 15N for sodium fluoride. However, storage for unadulterated blood and blood preserved with polymerized acrylamide resin does not change the δ13C or δ15N isotopic composition of the blood in a significant way. With these experiments, we gain a clinical context for future development of a stable isotope based dietary biomarker. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New interacting partners of the F‐box protein Ufo1 of yeast
Authors: Baranes‐Bacher Keren , Khalaila Isam , Ivantsiv Yelena , Lavut Anna , Voloshin Olga , Raveh Dina
Published: October 2008

The yeast F‐box protein Ufo1 recruits proteins for ubiquitylation by the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex preparing them for proteasomal degradation. Ufo1 has a role in maintenance of genome stability; its substrates include Ho endonuclease and Rad30 polymerase of error‐prone DNA repair. Ufo1 is an unusual F‐box protein, as it has three ubiquitin interacting motifs (UIMs). Deletion of the genomic UIMs is lethal; ectopic expression of UFO1ΔUIMs extends protein half‐life and arrests the cell cycle. A whole‐genome study employing a TAP tag fused to the C‐terminal UIMs did not identify Ufo1‐interacting proteins. Here we therefore used stabilized N‐terminally tagged Ufo1ΔUIM as a strategy to identify Ufo1‐interacting proteins by mass spectroscopy. We identified proteins that function in transcription, and an indirect interaction with Hsp70 molecular chaperones via the Skp1 adaptor; we also show that Ufo1 interacts with the 19S regulatory particle of the proteasome. Thus, our data augment the current network of known Ufo1 interacting proteins. We show directly that the UIMs are crucial for Ufo1 ubiquitylation in vivo, indicating that they facilitate turnover of SCFUfo1 complexes. This allows recycling of the core subunits of the SCF complex and cell cycle progression. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of endogenous Snf1 and its activation state: application to Saccharomyces and Candida species
Authors: Orlova Marianna , Barrett LaKisha , Kuchin Sergei
Published: October 2008

The stress‐response Snf1 protein kinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as a powerful model for studies of the eukaryotic Snf1/AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) family. Central to studies of Snf1 are methods that determine its activation state under various physiological and genetic conditions. Here, we have developed a convenient and sensitive method for immunoblot analysis of endogenous yeast Snf1 and its activation‐loop threonine (Thr210) phosphorylation. The method employs readily obtainable reagents and yields results that faithfully reflect the environmental and genetic conditions tested. Using our method, we have obtained evidence that Snf1 remains stress‐regulated in reg1Δ cells, revealing the existence of a Snf1 signalling mechanism(s) that is independent of Reg1–PP1 phosphatase. In addition to strains of common laboratory S. cerevisiae backgrounds, we have applied the method to two pathogenic Candida species, C. glabrata and C. albicans. We have detected proteins whose gel mobilities, immune properties and regulation patterns are consistent with those expected for the corresponding Snf1 homologues. Because Snf1 activation is a sensitive marker of several types of stress, including artifactual stresses associated with common cell harvesting and protein extraction procedures, the convenient and efficient protein extraction method described here should be advantageous for SDS–PAGE and immunoblot analyses of stress‐regulated and other proteins from various yeast species. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retroacetabular osteolytic lesions behind well-fixed prosthetic cups: pilot study of bearings-retaining surgery
Authors: Pierannunzii Luca , Fischer Florian , d’Imporzano Marco
Published: October 2008

Background

Osteolytic lesions are common radiological findings behind acetabular prosthetic cups. If the cup is well-fixed, the management is quite controversial. Although implant exchange is the most reliable procedure, in most cases it could be considered overtreatment, with the potential for further morbidity and bone loss. Liner exchange associated with lesion debridement and grafting represents an alternative option that is less invasive. Here we present our experiences from a small pilot study of minimally invasive osteolysis treatment without bearings exchange in patients with no evidence of liner wear.

Materials and methods

Inclusion criteria: retroacetabular osteolytic lesions in ceramic-on-polyethylene or metal-on-polyethylene cementless total hip arthroplasties, affecting more than 50% of the bone–prosthesis interface on anteroposterior radiography. Exclusion criteria: head penetration into the liner, suspected loosening or infection. Six patients were selected, two asymptomatic and four symptomatic. Only the symptomatic patients accepted the proposed treatment (performed between June 2004 and March 2006). All of them received fluoroscopy-assisted lesion debridement through an iliac cortical window, morcellized bone allograft mixed with autologous platelet-rich plasma, joint exploration for culture and lavage through a small capsular window. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically at six months, 12 months, and then yearly.

Results

Three patients out of four showed clinical and radiological improvement. One showed radiological improvement only, and recently underwent cup exchange for subsequent loosening. The visual analog scale (VAS) values for pain decreased on average, but not significantly. No major complications occurred. No recurrence was noted at 2.25- years-follow-up.

Conclusions

Although the small series does not allow any absolute conclusions to be drawn, the reported results seem to justify further, wider studies. It is still unclear if osteolytic lesions associated with no wear of the poly liner would progress to implant failure if left untreated. Until the problem is better understood, this procedure might represent an interesting way to prevent potential loosening and severe bone loss in intact sockets.
Rapid resolution of femoral head osteonecrosis after rotational acetabular osteotomy
Authors: Nozawa Masahiko , Matsuda Keiji , Maezawa Katsuhiko , Kim Sungon , Maeda Kouichi , Ikegami Takashi , Kubota Reiko , Hayashi Kentaro , Nagayama Masataka , Kaneko Haruka
Published: October 2008

The natural history of osteonecrosis of the femoral head is generally thought to be one of progressive deterioration if no intervention is undertaken. However, it is unknown whether surgical intervention is beneficial for patients with a small region of osteonecrosis. We observed rapid improvement of MRI findings after rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) was performed in a young patient with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The band-like low signal area on T2-weighted images almost resolved by six months after surgery. He returned to work as an electrician by six months after surgery. Early surgical intervention such as RAO that alters the mechanical force acting on the necrotic region of the femoral head may accelerate the recovery of osteonecrosis and the improvement of symptoms.
Acculturation Among Three Racial/Ethnic Groups of Host and Immigrant Adolescents
Authors: Hsiao James , Wittig Michele Andrisin
Published: October 2008

This study compares Latino host, Latino immigrant, Asian‐American host, Asian‐American immigrant and European‐American host groups of adolescents with respect to four acculturation‐related variables: ethnic identity exploration, ethnic identity affirmation/belonging, outgroup orientation, and American identity. Using the five ethno‐generational categories as a grouping variable, we conducted analyses of 313 survey responses to the acculturation items at two time periods, 9 weeks apart. Results showed that differences among the three host racial/ethnic groups can best be explained by a group dominance perspective, whereby the two racial/ethnic minority groups are more similar to each other than they are to the European‐American group. Furthermore, the relationship between American identity and ethnic identity components is stronger among the three host groups, as compared to the immigrant groups. Implications for future research with adolescent members of the host group whose heritage culture is non‐European are drawn.
Synthesis and Tribological Properties of WSe2Nanorods
Authors: Yang Jinghai , Yao Haixia , Liu Yanqing , Zhang Yongjun
Published: October 2008

The WSe2nanorods were synthesized via solid-state reaction method and characterized by X-ray diffractometer, TEM, and HRTEM. The results indicated the WSe2compounds had rod-like structures with diameters of 10–50 nm and lengths of 100–400 nm, and the growth process of WSe2nanorods was discussed on the basis of the experimental facts. The tribological properties of WSe2nanorods as additives in HVI500 base oil were investigated by UMT-2 multispecimen tribotester. Under the determinate conditions, the friction coefficient of the base oil containing WSe2nanorods was lower than that of the base oil, and decreased with increasing mass fraction of WSe2nanorods when it was <7 wt.%. Moreover, the base oil with the additives was rather suited to high load and high rotating speed. A combination of rolling friction, sliding friction, and stable tribofilm on the rubbing surface could explain the good friction and wear properties of WSe2nanorods as additives.
Investigation on Photovoltaic Performance based on Matchstick-Like Cu2S–In2S3Heterostructure Nanocrystals and Polymer
Authors: Tang Aiwei , Teng Feng , Wang Yan , Hou Yanbing , Han Wei , Yi Luoxin , Gao Mingyuan
Published: October 2008

In this paper, we synthesized a novel type II cuprous sulfide (Cu2S)–indium sulfide (In2S3) heterostructure nanocrystals with matchstick-like morphology in pure dodecanethiol. The photovoltaic properties of the heterostructure nanocrystals were investigated based on the blends of the nanocrystals and poly(2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexoxy)-p-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV). In comparison with the photovoltaic properties of the blends of Cu2S or In2S3nanocrystals alone and MEH-PPV, the power conversion efficiency of the hybrid device based on blend of Cu2S–In2S3and MEH-PPV is enhanced by ~3–5 times. This improvement is consistent with the improved exciton dissociation or separation and better charge transport abilities in type II heterostructure nanocrystals.
Fabrication and Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate-Carbon Nanofiber Nanocomposites
Authors: George JinuJacob , Bhowmick Anil K
Published: October 2008

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) is one of the stiffest materials produced commercially, having excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. The reinforcement of rubbery matrices by CNFs was studied in the case of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The tensile strength was greatly (61%) increased, even for very low fiber content (i.e., 1.0 wt.%). The surface modification of the fiber by high energy electron beam and gamma irradiation led to better dispersion in the rubber matrix. This in turn gave rise to further improvements in mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of EVA. The thermal conductivity also exhibited improvements from that of the neat elastomer, although thermal stability of the nanocomposites was not significantly altered by the functionalization of CNFs. Various results were well supported by the morphological analysis of the nanocomposites.
From self‐control capabilities and the need to control others to proactive and reactive aggression among adolescents
Authors: Winstok Zeev
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between aspects of control (self‐control capability and the need to control others) and forms of aggression (reactive and proactive). Data were derived from a structured questionnaire administered to 660 male and female adolescents with an average age of 14.99 years, from two urban schools in northern Israel. Findings demonstrate a negative association between the need to control others and the capability to control the self. Findings also show that proactive violence is especially associated with high need to control others, whereas reactive violence is linked more closely to low self‐control capability. The effects of gender and age on control and aggression factors are also shown. Findings are discussed on both the behavioral and the motivational levels.
Factors that adolescent males take into account in decisions about an unplanned pregnancy
Authors: Corkindale Carolyn J. , Condon John T. , Russell Alan , Quinlivan Julie A.
Published: October 2008

Little is known about what factors adolescent males consider important when making decisions concerning the resolution of an unplanned pregnancy with a teenage partner. Young men's influence on pregnancy outcome decisions can play an important part in the subsequent psychological adjustment of the female. The present report draws on data from a larger study with teenage males [Condon, J. T., Corkindale, C. J., Russell, A., & Quinlivan, J. A. (2006). Processes and factors underlying adolescent males' attitudes and decision‐making in relation to an unplanned pregnancy. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35, 447–458], and extends the findings of that study.

Using a 25‐item scale embedded in an electronic role‐play, data were obtained from 330 male Australian school students on their priorities and concerns in relation to possible outcomes of a partner's pregnancy.

Common factors taken into account by almost the entire adolescent sample related to the negative effects of becoming a teenage father. The differences between participants were identified using cluster analysis, which produced three groupings. The majority group was characterised as ‘well‐balanced’ (80.6%), and the two minority groups as ‘unwilling/unready’ (10.9%) and ‘family‐centred’ (8.5%). Group membership was strongly predictive of the males' final decision regarding the hypothetical pregnancy outcome. Understanding adolescent attitudes and beliefs when faced with this decision may assist practitioners in their guidance of the young couple and help prevent negative psychological sequelae.
Modelling the effect of minor orthopaedic day surgery on patient mood at the early post-operative period: A prospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Tsapakis Evangelia M. , Tsiridis Eleftherios , Hunter Alistair , Gamie Zakareya , Georgakarakos Nikolaos , Thomas Panos , Schizas Constantin , West Robert M.
Published: October 2008

Objective

The effect of minor orthopaedic day surgery (MiODS) on patient’s mood.

Methods

A prospective population-based cohort study of 148 consecutive patients with age above 18 and less than 65, an American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) score of 1, and the requirement of general anaesthesia (GA) were included. The Medical Outcomes Study – Short Form 36 (SF-36), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used pre- and post-operatively.

Results

The mean physical component score of SF-36 before surgery was 45.3 (SD = ±10.1) and 8 weeks following surgery was 44.9 (SD = ±11.04) [n= 148,p= 0.51, 95% CI = (−1.03 to 1.52)]. For the measurement of the changes in mood using BDI, BAI and SF-36, latent construct modelling was employed to increase validity. The covariance between mood pre- and post-operatively (cov = 69.44) corresponded to a correlation coefficient,r= 0.88 indicating that patients suffering a greater number of mood symptoms before surgery continue to have a greater number of symptoms following surgery. When the latent mood constructs were permitted to have different means the model fitted well withχ2(df = 1) = 0.86 for whichp= 0.77, thus the null hypothesis that MiODS has no effect on patient mood was rejected.

Conclusions

MiODS affects patient mood which deteriorates at 8 weeks post-operatively regardless of the pre-operative patient mood state. More importantly patients suffering a greater number of mood symptoms before MiODS continue to have a greater number of symptoms following surgery.
The use of ziprasidone in clinical practice: Analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects from data of a drug monitoring survey
Authors: Vogel Friederike , Gansmüller Reinhard , Leiblein Thomas , Dietmaier Otto , Wassmuth Hans , Gründer Gerhard , Hiemke Christoph
Published: October 2008

This study related clinical effects to daily doses and serum concentrations of ziprasidone by retrospective analysis of data from a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) survey established for patients treated with the new antipsychotic drug. In the total sample of 463 patients ziprasidone doses ranged between 20 and 320 mg/d and correlated significantly (r2= 0.093,P< 0.01) with serum concentrations. The latter were highly variable within and between individual patients (between patients median 67 ng/ml, 25–75th percentile 40–103 ng/ml). Pharmacokinetic interactions with comedication played a minor role. According to the clinical global impressions (CGI) scale most of the 348 patients who were under antipsychotic monotherapy with ziprasidone were either much or very much improved (43.3 and 17.3%, respectively). The previously proposed therapeutic range of 50–130 ng/ml ziprasidone in serum or plasma, which can in effect be used interchangeable, was confirmed. In patients who were at least much improved and defined as “responders” mean serum concentrations of ziprasidone were 80 ng/ml and 78 ng/ml in patients who did not reach this improvement score. In patients with serum levels above or below 50 ng/ml, the number of responders was 66 or 63%, respectively. The difference between the two groups was not significant (P= 0.375), and improvement or side effects did not correlate significantly (P> 0.05) with doses or serum levels. It is concluded that TDM of ziprasidone may be useful for treatment optimization because of highly variable serum concentrations resulting under therapeutically recommended doses of the drug.
A putative physiological role of hypothalamic CNTF in the control of energy homeostasis
Authors: Vacher C.-M. , Crépin D. , Aubourg A. , Couvreur O. , Bailleux V. , Nicolas V. , Férézou J. , Gripois D. , Gertler A. , Taouis M.
Published: October 2008

Administration of CNTF durably reduces food intake and body weight in obese humans and rodent models. However, the involvement of endogenous CNTF in the central regulation of energy homeostasis needs to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that CNTF and its receptor are expressed in the arcuate nucleus, a key hypothalamic region controlling food intake, and that CNTF levels are inversely correlated to body weight in rats fed a high‐sucrose diet. Thus endogenous CNTF may act, in some individuals, as a protective factor against weight gain during hypercaloric diet and could account for individual differences in the susceptibility to obesity.
Nucleophosmin is required for chromosome congression, proper mitotic spindle formation, and kinetochore‐microtubule attachment in HeLa cells
Authors: Amin Mohammed Abdullahel , Matsunaga Sachihiro , Uchiyama Susumu , Fukui Kiichi
Published: October 2008

Nucleophosmin (NPM) is an abundantly expressed multifunctional nucleolar phosphoprotein. Here we show that depletion of NPM by RNA interference causes defects in cell division, followed by an arrest of DNA synthesis due to activation of a p53‐dependent checkpoint response in HeLa cells. Depletion of NPM leads to mitotic arrest due to spindle checkpoint activation. The mitotic cells arrested by NPM depletion have defects in chromosome congression, proper mitotic spindle and centrosome formation, as well as defects in kinetochore‐microtubule attachments. Loss of NPM thus causes severe mitotic defects and delayed mitotic progression. These findings indicate that NPM is essential for mitotic progression and cell proliferation.
Hot vs. cold cognitions and consumers' reactions to sporting event outcomes
Authors: Madrigal Robert
Published: October 2008

Causal attribution and appraisal are two types of cognition that mediate how events influence emotional reactions. Whereas the former is a “cold” cognition that relies on fact‐based processing, the latter is a “hot” cognition that depends on how those facts affect personal well being. The current research investigates the relative contribution of attribution, primary appraisal (e.g., motivational relevance and goal congruence), and secondary appraisal (e.g., situational inferences affecting the intensity of an emotion) to four agent‐based emotions: anger, shame, gratitude, and pride. A sporting event context was selected because game information is objectively neutral and acquires meaning only when interpreted through a lens that favors a preferred team. Two studies are reported, each consisting of two independent data collections in which a target team either wins or loses. The first study uses a naturalistic setting and the second an experimental approach. The results of three of the four data collections indicate that appraisal is a more efficient predictor of emotion than attribution. Appraisal also mediated the effect of attribution on the negative emotions, but only partial mediation was found for the positive emotions. Moreover, secondary appraisal was more highly related to negative emotion but the contribution of each appraisal type to positive emotion was nearly equivalent. Also, in Study 2, emotion intensity was significantly greater following a controllable outcome deemed unstable than one thought to be stable—but only for games featuring a preferred team for which motivational relevance (i.e., psychological attachment) exists.
Reasserting the role of the state in the healthcare sector: Lessons from Asia
Authors: Ramesh M
Published: October 2008

The paper compares healthcare reforms in China, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand with the purpose of drawing useable lessons about the appropriate role of the state in the sector. It argues that healthcare reforms in China and Korea offer many negative lessons for healthcare reformers while Singapore and Thailand offer positive lessons that may be considered for emulation elsewhere. The fundamental lesson to emerge from the successful reform experiences is that a large and active state role in various aspects of healthcare provision and financing is essential for containing expenditures and maintaining access. Public ownership of providers and prospective payments are particularly effective in controlling expenditures while direct government financing promotes equitable access. The cases also show that political economy matters: the Singapore and Thai states’ strong presence in the healthcare sector is a vital reason for their superior performance.
Preinfestations of tomato plants by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) or aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) induce variable resistance or susceptibility responses
Authors: Nombela G. , Garzo E. , Duque M. , Muñiz M.
Published: October 2008

In addition to constitutive plant resistance against pests or pathogens, plants can activate protective mechanisms upon contact with an invader or a chemical elicitor. Studies on induced plant resistance to herbivores, especially piercing-sucking insects, are less abundant than those devoted to pathogens. Several experiments under controlled conditions have been conducted to demonstrate that infestations byMacrosiphum euphorbiaeinduce plant resistance toBemisia tabaciin susceptible tomato plants. After three days of exposure to 20 apterous adult aphids, the plants acquired a transiently induced resistance toB. tabaciwhen aphid removal occurred one or 18 hours prior toB. tabaciinfestation; the effect disappeared when four days passed between aphid and whitefly infestations. The resistance observed was both locally and systemically induced. Other assays were performed to evaluate the effect of preinfestation with ten adults ofB. tabaciduring 48 h on the tomato responses to two different clones (Sp and Nt) ofM. euphorbiae. The numbers of nymph and adult aphids were counted after the same time interval as the pre-reproductive period and 20 (Sp clone) or 22 (Nt clone) days after adult aphid removal. The tomato responses induced by whitefly feeding depend on the aphid clone. For the Sp clone, the number of aphid nymphs ten days after adult removal was significantly higher on whitefly preinfested plants than on uninfested plants. However, no significant differences were observed when the aphid clone Nt was tested. The duration of plant response to a previous infestation byB. tabaciis apparently limited.
Delayed mating in tortricid leafroller species: simultaneously aging both sexes prior to mating is more detrimental to female reproductive potential than aging either sex alone
Authors: Stelinski L.L. , Gut L.J.
Published: October 2008

The effect of delayed mating on reproductive potential, longevity and oviposition period of female redbanded leafroller,Argyrotaenia velutinana(Walker) and Pandemis leafroller,Pandemis pyrusanaKearfott, was investigated in the laboratory. Virgin female or male moths of each species were held for 1, 2, 4, 6 or 10 days prior to pairing with one-day-old virgin conspecifics of the opposite sex. In addition, reproductive potential was assessed when both sexes of each species were aged for those periods prior to pairing. The expected reproduction of femaleA. velutinanawas reduced by 34, 53, 71 and 81% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in female mating, respectively. ForP. pyrusana, expected reproduction was reduced by 47, 74, 85 and 93% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in female mating, respectively. Increasing male age at mating in both species had a lesser effect on female reproductive output compared with increasing female age at mating. As maleA. velutinanaage at mating increased, the expected reproduction of femaleA. velutinanawas reduced by 15, 45, 54 and 70% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays, respectively. Comparing maleP. pyrusanaof various ages at mating, expected reproduction was reduced by 14, 42, 64 and 79% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in mating, respectively. The decrease in female reproduction when both sexes were aged prior to mating was higher than when either sex alone was aged prior to pairing with a one-day-old virgin of the opposite sex. The expected reproduction of femaleA. velutinanawas reduced by 60, 83, 96 and 98% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in mating of both sexes, respectively. Only 7.5% of female eggs hatched when both sexes ofA. velutinanawere aged ten days prior to mating. When simultaneously aging both sexes ofP. pyrusanaprior to mating, expected reproduction was reduced by 71, 93, 96 and 99% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in mating, respectively. NoP. pyrusanaeggs hatched after a ten-day delay of mating for both sexes. For both species, female longevity increased and duration of oviposition period decreased with increasing female age at mating. Our results demonstrate that delayed mating in both females and males negatively affects female reproductive output in both species and that simultaneous aging of both sexes prior to mating has a greater effect than aging either sex alone. Our results suggest that laboratory studies that have paired aged females or aged males with conspecifics of optimal reproductive maturity have likely underestimated the effects of delayed mating on reproductive output.
Role of mitochondrial variation in maternally inherited diabetes and deafness syndrome
Authors: Howes T , Madden C , Dasgupta S , Saeed S , Das V
Published: October 2008

Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness syndrome is caused by the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid mutation 3243 A>G (where A = adenine and G = guanine). The degree of heteroplasmy of the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid may correlate with the rate of progression of the hearing loss. This has important implications for counselling patients with this pathology. Cochlear implantation is a successful method of rehabilitation for patients with hearing loss as part of this syndrome.
Photon equivalent charge in a two-electron temperature Fermi plasma
Authors: RIOS L. A. , SHUKLA P. K. , SERBETO A.
Published: October 2008

The equivalent photon charge in a two-electron temperature Fermi plasma is determined through the plasma physics method. The Fermi plasma has distinct populations of hot and cold electrons that are described by a quantum hydrodynamic model which accounts for the quantum statistical pressure of the hot electrons and the quantum force acting on the two electron fluids. Relations for the coupling between the electron plasma density fluctuations and the radiation fields are derived, and the effective photon charge is then calculated.
Equilibrium properties on the EAST superconducting tokamak
Authors: QIAN J. P. , WAN B. N. , LAO L. L. , SHEN B. , SABBAGH S. A. , MENARD J. , SUN Y. W. , DUAN Y. M. , LI J. H. , XIAO B. J. , GONG X. Z. ,   EAST RESEARCH TEAM
Published: October 2008

The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) has a major radius of R0 = 1.75 m and a midplane halfwidth of 0.5 m. It has been operated with a toroidal magnetic field B0 = 2 T and Ip ≤ 500 kA. The evolution of the plasma equilibrium is analysed between discharges by Equilibrium Fitting Code (EFIT). Limiter, single-null and double-null diverted configurations have been produced. A plasma elongation in the range 1.3 ≤ κ ≤ 1.9 and a triangularity in the range 0.1 ≤ δ ≤ 0.55 have been sustained. The operation space of elongated discharges is also presented based on the EAST database.
Immanent Transcendence
Authors: Stevenson Leslie
Published: October 2008

The form of this paper is unconventional. Just as composers sometimes want a change from the traditional sonata form and write a movement in the form of theme and variations, so I would like to depart from the orthodox form of philosophical paper, which contains a closely reasoned discussion of some particular problem, by stating a theme which will be a principle of pure logic, then sketching a number of applications of it in different areas of philosophy. But the variations on my theme will not be entirely disconnected with each other, for I suspect that it is a theme which could have especially important applications in philosophical theology. So my later variations on it will be increasingly oriented to concepts of God, and I will close with a coda which will consist of some controversial remarks about the controversial concept of transcendence.
Process Philosophy and the Question of Life's Meaning
Authors: Brown Delwin
Published: October 2008

Recent discussions, principally among analytic philosophers, concerning the meaning and the validity of the ‘question of life's meaning’ (hereafter referred to as QLM) are significant in several ways. They indicate how analytic philosophy, long charged with sterility, can clarify deeply human questions. They suggest useful avenues of discussion between the analysts and the existentialists, phenomenologists and process philosophers. And they offer some illuminating discriminations between theism and naturalism, and between religious and non-religious understandings of life. But an additional consequence of these discussions is the emergence of a series of challenges to most forms of theism, especially Christianity. In this paper we will be concerned with the latter.
William James, John Dewey, and the ‘Death-of-God’
Authors: Roth John K.
Published: October 2008

Basic issues in the recent ‘death-of-God’ movement can be illuminated by comparison and contrast with the relevant ideas of two American philosophers, John Dewey and William James. Dewey is an earlier spokesman for ideas that are central to the ‘radical theology’ of Thomas J. J. Altizer, William Hamilton, and Paul Van Buren. His reasons for rejecting theism closely resemble propositions maintained by these ‘death-of-God’ theologians. James, on the other hand, points toward a theological alternative. He takes cognizance of ideas similar to those in the ‘radical theology’, but he does not opt for either a metaphorical or real elimination of God. Thus, the contentions of this paper are (1) that there has been a version of the ‘death-of-God’ perspective in American thought before, and (2) that there are resources in the American tradition that suggest a viable option to this perspective.
A note on Religious Experience Arguments
Authors: Becker Lawrence C.
Published: October 2008

When philosophers speak of the inconclusiveness of arguments for the existence of God, they often do so as if they were talking about a matter of principle—as if it were in principle impossible to prove God's existence, that every proof was in principle inconclusive. Of course, rebutals of the cosmological, ontological, and teleological arguments are usually designed to show that these types of arguments are in principle inconclusive. But one supposes (initially at least) that religious experience arguments are not all in such difficulties. That is, one supposes, for example, that an encounter with the deity would provide a proof of his existence which is at least as conclusive as proofs for the existence of an ‘external world’. And thus it would be false to maintain in an unqualified way that ‘Reason cannot (in principle) prove the existence of God’. The most one would be able to say would be that at present, or in terms of the currently available evidence, no one can prove God's existence. Further, whether or not sufficient evidence has ever been available in the past would be seen as an historical question— a matter of contingencies, not logical possibilities.
The Essence of Christianity
Authors: Sykes S. W.
Published: October 2008

The phrase ‘essence of Christianity’ is ambiguous. The basic reason for this is that the word ‘essence’ has a more natural, though by no means uncomplicated, reference to substances, whether in philosophical or pharmacological discussion. Outside such contexts the use of phrases like ‘the heart of the matter’, or ‘the essence of happiness’ sound like earnest, but rhetorical devices to commend the depth or fundamental character of a specific investigation.
The Attaining of the Void—a Review of some Recent Contributions in English to the Study of Vīraśaivism
Authors: Allchin Raymond
Published: October 2008

The historian of Indian religion is confronted with a baffling array of textual materials spanning three or more millennia and written in a perplexing number of languages. It is scarcely surprising that when the attentions of European scholars first focused on this material they should have singled out three main languages and their literatures for study. The three were Vedic, the language of the Vedas, Sanskrit with its vast and wellnigh universal coverage of every aspect of ancient and medieval India, and Pāli, the language of the early Buddhist canon. The lead these three gained has since been maintained, while other languages and literatures have remained comparatively less known to the outside world. One may cite the comparative neglect of the Apabhramśa language and massive Jaina literature. In particular the Dravidian languages have been neglected and their literatures have remained almost unknown even in north India, accessible only to a tiny handful of students.
Reconstructing the ineffable: the grammatical roles of ‘God’
Authors: Angel Leonard
Published: October 2008

In ‘Ineffability’ Alston suggests that philosophical mystics take care to delimit the class of predicates which cannot be ascribed to God. It is suggested that some qualification of ‘ineffability’ is necessary lest the mystic be trapped into such simple contradictions as that of ascribing predicates like ‘ineffability’ to God, while denying that any predicates can be ascribed to God. By the end of Alston's dialogue Mysticus, the would-be defender of mysticism, is browbeaten into meekly asking, ‘Yes, I see that [qualifying statements of God's ineffability] would be better. But how does it happen that so many philosphers make ineffability statements without qualification?’
On art, morals and religion: Some reflections on the work of Iris Murdoch
Authors: Dunbar Scott
Published: October 2008

Among contemporary novelists Iris Murdoch is unique. On the one hand she is a novelist and a philosopher and yet does not write philosophical novels, and, on the other hand, her work as a moral philosopher is uninfluenced by current moral philosophy.
Religion and Understanding
Authors: Jeffner Anders
Published: October 2008

Let me, to begin with, outline the main points of my paper.

First of all, I shall draw a very basic distinction between three parts or aspects of reality. I shall then go on to claim that there are certain kinds of understanding and explanation which correspond to each of these three parts, and to discuss the sort of experience these different kinds of understanding involve. Within this perspective, religion will emerge as one kind of understanding and explanation, different from and parallel to scientific understanding. Having reached this point in the argument, we shall be able to see one demarcation-line between scientific and religious understanding, and to offer one explanation why this demarcation-line is changing and culturally dependent. The next step, leading to Part II of my paper, claims that our attempt to understand our situation in the world involves the formation of an overall or ‘total’ view, an all-inclusive picture of reality. I shall then go on to discuss how the different kinds of understanding explained in Part I affect the formation of a total view. This leads to a classification of world-views into four main types, corresponding to the former distinctions. In this scheme, we see how religion can be a kind of understanding different from but dependent on that pointed out in Part I, and bearing a complicated relation to scientific understanding. In explaining this I shall also discuss the reasonableness of different world-views.
Is Belief a Condition for Understanding?
Authors: Kuitert H. M.
Published: October 2008

Let us start with rephrasing the question in order to make sure that we have, roughly speaking, the same things in mind when we discuss it. There is no difficulty about the word belief. In the subtitle of my lecture, it is defined as ‘to be committed to a religion’. I propose that we stick to that definition, and see how far it brings us in our search for an answer.
Teaching Religious Understanding
Authors: Lloyd Ieuan
Published: October 2008

In this short paper, I want to say one thing about the problem of communicating religious understanding. But first it might be helpful to locate the problem in current thinking on religious education.
Commitment of the Teacher as a Necessary Condition of Teaching Religion Successfully (Comment on Dr Lloyd's Paper)
Authors: Herms Eilert
Published: October 2008

Dr Lloyd maintains that a teacher's commitment is not only compatible with but a necessary condition for successfully teaching religious understanding within the system of public education. As I am in sympathy with this thesis, I do not wish to argue against it but to add some further interpretation of it. Lloyd's thesis deals with a certain process of communication, specified in two directions: first as to its subject (‘religious understanding’), and secondly as to its context (the system of public education). His thesis contains two points: (1) the kind of communciation he has in mind is at least possible and (2) the necessary condition for its success is the commitment of the teacher.
The Theory of Religion and Method in the Study of Religion in the Encyclopedia of Religion
Authors: Byrne Peter
Published: October 2008

In this review of articles in the Encyclopedia of Religion I have selected those concerning theoretical issues about the nature of religion and those describing the history and methods of the study of religion as an academic discipline. By any count this collection of papers (over 50) should be of central importance to an encyclopaedia of this nature. Method provides one of the most contentious and thorny sets of issues in contemporary academic debate in the study of religion. A reference work of this sort would perform an invaluable service if it offered a clear and comprehensive guide to these issues. Furthermore, there can be no more important questions for the student of religion than those concerning what kind of phenomenon religion is and how religion is related to human nature. If a reference work in the study of relgion cannot sum up the best of what is thought and known in contemporary scholarship in answer to these questions then, for all the detail it offers on particular manifestations of religion, it will be seriously deficient.