bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modalités de l’occupation de I’espace et relations interindividuelles chez un prosimien nocturne malgache (Microcebus murinus)
Authors: Pagès-Feuillade E.
Published: September 2008

Five male and four female grey lesser mouse lemurs, Microcebus murinus, were trapped with Sherman traps in the Forestry Reserve of Ampijoroa, near Majunga, N.W.Madagascar and equipped with individual radio-transmitters with a range of 220–300 m. These 9 individuals were then followed and observed (alternatively or simultaneously) for a total of 30 nights spread over a period of 6 weeks (26 September to 11 November 1985).

In this dry deciduous forest zone, the subpopulation of 9 M. murinus observed occupied a total area of 7 ha. The home ranges of 4 males were significantly larger than those of 4 females (means: 3.2 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.1 ha, respectively). Nevertheless, because of the larger degree of overlap between home ranges of males, the available mean area per individual did not differ greatly between the sexes (a total of 5.5 ha for 4 males, with 65 % overlap, versus a total of 4.2 ha for 4 females, with only 44% overlap). Overlapping of all nine home ranges produced a ‘common zone’ in the centre of the study area, where meetings between animals of either sex took place. This pattern can be interpreted as representing a pregregarious form of social structure.

During nocturnal activity, the animals foraged individually, though an average of 11 % of time was spent less than 10 m away from a conspecific. The tendency for dispersion of individuals was most pronounced during foraging for insects, when travel speeds were also relatively high. The most obvious social interactions occurred when females were on their way back to a common nest, calling and following each other. Such behaviour was not exhibited by males, even by those that shared a nest. Away from the nest, physical contacts were rare and brief. During the few days preceding oestrus, females were approached by several males, without agonistic interactions between males being observed at this period. Most observed agonistic interactions were initiated by females and directed against males.
Rank Relations of Juvenile and Subadult Natal Males of Barbary Macaques (Macaca sylvanus) at Affenberg Salem
Authors: Kuester Jutta , Paul Andreas
Published: September 2008

Rank relations of more than 100 juvenile and subadult natal Barbary macaque males were analyzed. Hierarchical relations among individuals of the same age were established early during the first year of life. With few exceptions concerning infants from very high-ranking genealogies, males dominated female peers regardless of maternal rank. Males started to outrank females from older cohorts during the second year of life and completed the process of rank reversal with adult females at 5–6 years of age. An age-graded dominance pattern existed among males from different birth cohorts. Only 3 rank reversals between males from different cohorts were observed. Rank reversals among males of the same birth cohort occurred more frequently. Rank position of a male among his male peers was influenced by birth order, by maternal rank, and by the presence of juvenile brothers. Most males without juvenile brothers had low positions, regardless of maternal rank. Males born late in the birth season were also low-ranking, even when juvenile brothers were present. There was no cohort where ranking among males was determined by maternal rank alone, as is the case in rhesus monkeys and Japanese macaques. Adult/subadult male carriers had no noticeable effect on rank positions of’their’ infants. It is suggested that a weaker influence of Barbary macaque mothers on rank of their sons is related to very early integration of male infants in male social/play groups.
Age Gradations in Vocalization and Body Weight in Japanese Monkeys (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Inoue Michiko
Published: September 2008

449 syllables in 174 food calls of Japanese monkeys of various ages were analyzed spectrographically. The fundamental frequency bands were divided into 55 frequency modulation patterns. The percentage of harsh syllables changed with age class among adults. Although the duration of syllables did not change with age, the maximum fundamental frequency and the minimum fundamental frequency showed age-related changes. Both were distinctly decreased by 6–8 years of age and thereafter the decline was far more gradual. Body weight also increased up to 6 years of age for females and 8 years for males, thereafter stabilizing for both sexes. The matching in age-related changes between fundamental frequency and body weight indicates that it is increase in size of the vocal folds with physical growth that lowers the fundamental frequency.
Arbitrary Norm Support Vector Machines
Authors: Huang Kaizhu , Zheng Danian , King Irwin , Lyu Michael R.
Published: September 2008

Support vector machines (SVM) are state-of-the-art classifiers. Typically L2-norm or L1-norm is adopted as a regularization term in SVMs, while other norm-based SVMs, for example, the L0-norm SVM or even the L∞-norm SVM, are rarely seen in the literature. The major reason is that L0-norm describes a discontinuous and nonconvex term, leading to a combinatorially NP-hard optimization problem. In this letter, motivated by Bayesian learning, we propose a novel framework that can implement arbitrary norm-based SVMs in polynomial time. One significant feature of this framework is that only a sequence of sequential minimal optimization problems needs to be solved, thus making it practical in many real applications. The proposed framework is important in the sense that Bayesian priors can be efficiently plugged into most learning methods without knowing the explicit form. Hence, this builds a connection between Bayesian learning and the kernel machines. We derive the theoretical framework, demonstrate how our approach works on the L0-norm SVM as a typical example, and perform a series of experiments to validate its advantages. Experimental results on nine benchmark data sets are very encouraging. The implemented L0-norm is competitive with or even better than the standard L2-norm SVM in terms of accuracy but with a reduced number of support vectors, − 9.46% of the number on average. When compared with another sparse model, the relevance vector machine, our proposed algorithm also demonstrates better sparse properties with a training speed over seven times faster.
Resistance of an indigenous biological system against expansion of the invasive nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in cool areas of Japan
Authors: Jikumaru Shota , Togashi Katsumi
Published: September 2008

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the pathogen associated with pine wilt disease
(PWD), an infectious disease of pine trees transmitted by cerambycid beetles
of the genus Monochamus. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is an invasive species,
whilst B. mucronatus is a native congener and non-pathogenic to pine trees
in Japan. To provide experiment evidence of the biotic and/or abiotic
resistance to PWD expansion in a cool area of Japan, we inoculated B.
xylophilus into healthy pine trees in a Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora)
stand with the indigenous pine tree-B. mucronatus-insect vector system
before invasion of B. xylophilus in 1993 and 1994. Extremely cool air
temperature with high precipitation and extremely high air temperature with
low precipitation were observed in the summers of the 2 years of
inoculation, respectively. The cool summer induced a low incidence of PWD
and delayed disease development, resulting in the replacement of B.
xylophilus by B. mucronatus within diseased trees and the emergence of
Monochamus saltuarius beetles carrying B. mucronatus from the trees 2 years
after the inoculation. The hot summer induced disease development in trees
in the year of inoculation, but such diseased trees did not become infection
sources because of the lack of M. alternatus, whose oviposition was
synchronised with the period of disease development in pine trees. This
study indicated that biotic factors were important in the inhibitory
mechanism in a pine forest against the spread of PWD in the stand. Relevant
biotic factors were the lack of M. alternatus and the presence of M.
saltuarius carrying B. mucronatus.
Nematodes of the order Dorylaimida from Andalucía Oriental, Spain. The genus Enchodelus Thorne, 1939. 3. Description of two new and one known species with rounded tail and medium-sized odontostyle
Authors: Guerrero Pablo , Liébanas Gracia , Peña-Santiago Reyes
Published: September 2008

Two new and one known species belonging to the genus Enchodelus from the
southeast of the Iberian Peninsula are described and illustrated. Enchodelus
ameliae sp. n. is a medium-sized nematode (1.37-1.55 mm) with lip region
offset by constriction, odontostyle 30-32 μm long, female reproductive
system amphidelphic with tripartite uterus, vulva almost equatorial (V =
47-50), spicules 49-60 μm long, 11-14 spaced ventromedian supplements and
short rounded conoid tail. Enchodelus longispiculus sp. n. is characterised
by its medium-sized body (1.32-1.87 mm), lip region offset by shallow
depression, odontostyle 27-31 μm long, female reproductive system
amphidelphic with tripartite uterus, vulva pre-equatorial (V = 41-48),
spicules 63-72 μm long, 8-14 spaced ventromedian supplements and short
rounded conoid tail. Enchodelus hopedoroides is redescribed on the basis of
Andalusian material and observations on the Swiss holotype. These three
species share some features, such as medium-sized odontostyle (ca 30 μm
long), tripartite uterus and short, rounded, tail. They are compared in
detail with other similar species, namely E. altherri, E. analatus, E.
arcticus, E. georgiensis, E. hopedorus and E. ponorensis. A key to their
identification is provided.
Identification and validation of genetic markers associated with Meloidogyne incognita race 2 resistance in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr
Authors: Fourie Hendrika , Mienie Charlotte M.S. , Mc Donald Alex H. , De Waele Dirk
Published: September 2008

Host-plant resistance to Meloidogyne incognita race 2 is a useful and
cost-effective tool for optimising soybean yield as well as profitability.
Locally no nematicide is currently registered on soybean and most crops used
in soybean-based rotations are also susceptible to M. incognita race 2. The
identification of molecular markers and subsequent application of
marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a quick and effective way to expedite a
nematode resistance breeding programme. The soybean cultivars LS5995
(resistant) and Prima2000 (susceptible) were therefore used as parents in
crosses to obtain a segregating F2 mapping population for the identification
of genetic markers linked to the resistance trait in LS5995. Inoculation
with ca 10 000 M. incognita race 2 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) was
performed 16 days after plant emergence. Subsequently, the F2 population was
screened with a number of SSR evenly distributed throughout the genome. A
major QTL was identified on linkage group (LG) M between the markers Satt201
and Satt590 accounting for 62.4% of gall index values, while a QTL
explaining 80% of the variation in eggs and J2 per root system in the
segregating F2 population is situated between Satt567 and Satt201. A minor
QTL accounting for 37.1% of the variation in gall index values was
identified between the markers Satt500 and Satt358 on LG-O and corresponds
to a QTL for M. incognita race 3 resistance described in other publications.
Presence of the abovementioned markers was confirmed in the progeny of a
successive F6 population, as well as in a number of exotic and local soybean
genotypes. Meloidogyne incognita race 2 MAS could, therefore, be used in a
breeding programme using markers Satt201, Satt358, Satt487 and Satt590,
which were identified and validated in this study.
Molecular variability of Schistonchus caprifici (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) from Ficus carica in Turkey
Authors: Gulcu Baris , Hazir Selçuk , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Ye Weimin , Kanzaki Natsumi , Mergen Hatice , Keskin Nevin , Thomas W. Kelley
Published: September 2008

An extensive biogeographical survey was conducted from 2004 through part of
2007 of nematodes associated with the edible fig, Ficus carica, in seven
different regions of Turkey. Figs (syconia) were collected, dissected and
harvested for nematodes from 308 apparently wild or naturalised F. carica
trees along roadsides and trails. Nematode specimens were examined
morphologically and molecular analyses of sequences of the D2/D3 expansion
segments of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA and partial mitochondrial DNA COI
(mtCOI) were done. Of the 308 fig trees, 150 (49%) were positive for what
was morphologically confirmed to be Schistonchus caprifici. Figs on one tree
in Kahramanmaras city, South East Turkey, were found to contain S. caprifici
and dauer juveniles of what appears to be a diplogastrid nematode. Molecular
analyses produced congruent trees for both sequenced loci supporting the
hypothesis that S. caprifici from different locations in Turkey are part of
a well supported clade with some inherent variability. No geographic
patterns were observed for either locus suggesting that the sequences
generated represent inherent intraspecific variation for S. caprifici and
that human activities related to the culture of the edible fig have allowed
for mixing of any previously allopatric lineages.
Laboratory studies on the biocontrol potential of the predatory nematode Koerneria sudhausi (Nematoda: Diplogastridae)
Authors: Bar-Eyal Meira , Sharon Edna , Spiegel Yitzhak , Oka Yuji
Published: September 2008

The predatory nematode Koerneria sudhausi reproduced on bacteria that
developed spontaneously on a nutrient medium in Petri dishes. The nematode
population had a female/male ratio of 2.9 : 1, but female nematodes could
reproduce asexually on the bacteria. Each female produced about 60 progeny
at 25°C in 9 days without mating. The generation time (egg to egg) at the
same temperature was 8 days. Koerneria sudhausi reproduced at 17°C at the
same rate as at 25°C, if the bacteria were available as a food source. When
the nematode was introduced to a monoxenic culture of Meloidogyne javanica
on tomato roots on agar, the nematode fed on second-stage juveniles and
eggs. The nematodes introduced to M. javanica-inoculated soil before
transplanting tomato seedlings reduced the root galling index in pot
experiments. The results suggested that this predatory nematode, K.
sudhausi, may serve as a candidate for a biological control agent against
root-knot nematodes, because the nematode can be easily cultured on bacteria
and achieve a high reproduction rate.
Comparison of nematode community similarities assessed by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and by morphological identification
Authors: Okada Hiroaki , Oba Hirosuke
Published: September 2008

Molecular biology techniques for nematode community analysis that are high throughput and operable by non-experts are in high demand for soil biological assessments. In the development of such techniques, the closeness of the analytical results to those obtained by conventional methods is of key importance. In this context, we compared similarity relationships of nematode community structures between polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and individual-based morphological identification (CONV) using 12 nematode samples recovered from crop field soils in four localities in Japan. First, we determined whether the primer set chosen to amplify the 18s rRNA genes of nematode taxa was suitable for DGGE by comparing community structures of four selected samples between clone libraries (CLs) and those revealed by CONV. We considered the primer set to be suitable because we found significant correlations in the structures between CLs and CONV in three of the four samples examined. Then we determined the community structure of 12 samples by both DGGE and CONV, and calculated distance matrices to examine if analytical results were similar between the two methods. The correlations in matrices were 0.400-0.603, depending on the types of distance measures, and were always significant between the two methods. In comparing dendrograms drawn based on the matrices, DGGE and CONV were actually similar to some extent in that samples from a single locality tended to group together, although some localities were split in DGGE. We also conducted DGGE with four additional selected samples to confirm that the band pattern (i.e., number, position and relative intensity) was consistent in each sample across subsamples and gels. Given these results, we expect DGGE to become a useful and efficient tool for nematode community analysis, especially for non-experts, but our method of evaluation has limitations and more tests are needed.
Morphological and molecular analysis of six aphelenchoidoids from Australian conifers and their relationship to Bursaphelenchus (Fuchs, 1937)
Authors: Zhao Zengqi , Ye Weimin , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Li Dongmei , Thomas W. Kelley , Davies Kerrie A. , Riley Ian T.
Published: September 2008

Six isolates of Australian Aphelenchoidoidea, viz., Laimaphelenchus preissii
from native coniferous Callitris preissii trees, L. australis from the
common pine plantation trees of Pinus radiata and P. pinaster and L.
heidelbergi and two morphospecies of Aphelenchoides (H1 and K1) and
Cryptaphelenchus sp. (K2) from diseased P. radiata trees, were studied using
light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and phylogenetic analyses of
nearly full length sequences of SSU, D2/D3 expansion segments of LSU rDNA
and a fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). Bayesian phylogenetic
analyses of SSU, LSU and COI of the six nematode species revealed that none
of these Australian aphelenchoidoids was inferred to be closely related to
Bursaphelenchus. The selected isolates of Aphelenchoides and Laimaphelenchus
used in this study were paraphyletic in all molecular analyses.
Cryptaphelenchus sp. (K2) was inferred to be sister to Seinura with SSU
sequences.
Variation in host status of Brassica spp. for isolates of the Columbia root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne chitwoodi, and potential mechanisms
Authors: van der Beek J.G. (Hans) , Mugniéry Didier
Published: September 2008

Interaction of the Columbia root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne chitwoodi, with
Brassica spp. was studied in pot and in Petri dish experiments for 11
nematode isolates and three F1 hybrids of cauliflower, broccoli and
rapeseed. In the pot experiment, the host status of the different Brassica
hybrids varied greatly (average of 4-45 egg-masses). The isolate-by-cultivar
interaction effect was significant but depended only on three exceptions to
the generally equal patterns for all isolates. In the Petri dish experiment,
this large variation in aggressiveness was confirmed. Cauliflower, as a host
for M. chitwoodi, is less favourable than rapeseed, and rapeseed is less
favourable than broccoli. Several mechanisms are involved in the
host-parasite interaction: limitation in penetration, in juvenile
development, and in female-male ratio, each one acting with a high level of
specificity to the isolates tested. No hypersensitive reaction was observed.
In view of this quantitative resistance reaction, the species M. chitwoodi
expresses an extremely large variability in terms of aggressiveness.
Two Rabbinic Inclinations? Rethinking a Scholarly Dogma
Authors: Rosen-Zvi Ishay
Published: September 2008

The scholarly consensus on the Rabbinic concept of the yetzer (inclination) takes for granted the existence of two yetzarim, good and evil, in every person. Some have noticed the marginality of the good yetzer in rabbinic discourse, as well as the fact that most sources discuss only one yetzer, but ascribed it to the inherent imbalance of power between the two yetzarim. In this paper I wish to rethink this scholarly consensus, while taking the single-yetzer model, which appears in almost all rabbinic sources, seriously. A systematic analysis of all rabbinic references to the yetzer, which attempts to distinguish as much as possible between sources, both chronologically (early or late), and geographically (Palestinian or Babylonian), yields a picture markedly different from the common view, and helps locate the (rather marginal) place of the two yetzarim in context of the rabbinic corpus in its entirety.
High Energy Mill Processing of Polymer Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Melo José Daniel D. , Almeida Claudio R.R. , Paskocimas Carlos A. , Mendonça Rannier M. , Medeiros Antonio M.
Published: September 2008

Polymer matrix nanocomposites have attracted growing attention due to the potential for significantly improving the properties of the polymer by adding a very small amount of nanoparticles. However, the improvement in properties has been related to the degree of dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix and, due to their enormous specific surface area, nanoparticles tend to agglomerate. Thus, processing techniques able to produce complete particle dispersion in polymer matrix are of great interest. The purpose of this work is to present a new processing technique for polymer matrix nanocomposites using a high energy mill as an effective approach to disperse ceramic nanoparticles in a polymer matrix. SiO2/epoxy nanocomposites were processed with various SiO2 contents using the proposed approach. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs of the nanocomposites processed indicated good particle dispersion. In addition, agglomerates were not observed on the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractographs of the nanocomposites, up to 3wt% SiO2. The processed nanocomposites were also characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to investigate the effect of nanoparticles content on the viscoelastic properties and on the glass transition temperature. In summary, the technique was found promising in achieving good levels of particle dispersion in a thermoset polymer matrix.
Modeling Flow in Compression Resin Transfer Molding for Manufacturing of Complex Lightweight High-Performance Automotive Parts
Authors: Simacek Pavel , Advani Suresh G. , Iobst Stanley A.
Published: September 2008

Lightweight vehicles for energy savings encourages the use of composites in the new generation of vehicles. The compression resin transfer molding process (CRTM) is a novel variation of liquid composite molding (LCM) which offers fast manufacturing cycle for net-shape complex parts with excellent performance, ideal for the automotive industry. The process combines features of resin transfer molding (RTM) and compression molding. The process stages are identified and compared to other LCM processes to take advantage of existing simulation tools. A numerical model that simulates the resin flow in this process is proposed. Several first-order analyses are developed to estimate important process parameters to simplify modeling. Finally, this approach is used to model and simulate the process and is applied to a complex automotive part (the Automotive Composites Consortium B-pillar) with qualitative experimental validation.
A Fatigue Damage Model for the Fiber-reinforced Composite of Haversian Cadaveric Cortical Bone
Authors: Varvani-Farahani A. , Najmi H.
Published: September 2008

A model is developed to assess the fatigue damage of cadaveric human cortical bone as a fiber-reinforced composite by incorporating stiffness degradation of bone materials as the number of loading cycles progresses. This study characterizes the cortical bone structure as a natural fiber-reinforced composite material consisting of Haversian osteons (fibers) embedded in interstitial bone (matrix) and separated by weak cement-line interfaces. The proposed damage model included such mechanical and histological parameters as osteon volume fraction, donor age, cyclic stress magnitude, secant modulus of osteons, and cement line interfacial strength. Predicted fatigue damage results were found in good agreement with several experimentally obtained damage results of cortical bone samples tested by different laboratories.
Tensile Tests of Phenol Formaldehyde SLG Reinforced Composites: Pilot Study
Authors: Ku H. , Jacobson W. , Trada M. , Cardona F. , Rogers D.
Published: September 2008

Phenol formaldehyde was filled with Envirospheres SLG to increase the strength and impact toughness of the composite for structural applications by the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fiber Composites (CEEFC), University of Southern Queensland (USQ). In order to reduce costs, the Centre wishes to fill as much SLG as possible subject to maintaining sufficient strength and impact toughness of the composites in structural applications. This project varies the percentages by weight of the SLG in the composites which are then subjected to tensile tests. The results show that composite with 10% by weight of the SLG produces the highest yield, tensile strengths and Young's modulus combined with a reasonable fluidity for casting.
Pharmacokinetics of the Oral Direct Renin Inhibitor Aliskiren in Combination With Digoxin, Atorvastatin, and Ketoconazole in Healthy Subjects: The Role of P‐Glycoprotein in the Disposition of Aliskiren
Authors: Vaidyanathan Sujata , Camenisch Gian , Schuetz Helmut , Reynolds Christine , Yeh Ching‐Ming , Bizot Marie‐Noelle , Dieterich Hans Armin , Howard Dan , Dole William P.
Published: September 2008

This study investigated the potential pharmacokinetic interaction between the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren and modulators of P‐glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Aliskiren stimulated in vitro P‐glycoprotein ATPase activity in recombinant baculovirus‐infected Sf9 cells with high affinity (Km2.1 μmol/L) and was transported by organic anion‐transporting peptide OATP2B1‐expressing HEK293 cells with moderate affinity (Km72 μmol/L). Three open‐label, multiple‐dose studies in healthy subjects investigated the pharmacokinetic interactions between aliskiren 300 mg and digoxin 0.25 mg (n = 22), atorvastatin 80 mg (n = 21), or ketoconazole 200 mg bid (n = 21). Coadministration with aliskiren resulted in changes of <30% in AUCτand Cmax,ssof digoxin, atorvastatin,o‐hydroxy‐atorvastatin, and ρ‐hydroxy‐atorvastatin, indicating no clinically significant interaction with P‐glycoprotein or CYP3A4 substrates. Aliskiren AUCτwas significantly increased by coadministration with atorvastatin (by 47%,P< .001) or ketoconazole (by 76%,P< .001) through mechanisms most likely involving transporters such as P‐glycoprotein and organic anion‐transporting peptide and possibly through metabolic pathways such as CYP3A4 in the gut wall. These results indicate that aliskiren is a substrate for but not an inhibitor of P‐glycoprotein. On the basis of the small changes in exposure to digoxin and atorvastatin and the <2‐fold increase in exposure to aliskiren during coadministration with atorvastatin and ketoconazole, the authors conclude that the potential for clinically relevant drug interactions between aliskiren and these substrates and/or inhibitors of P‐glycoprotein/CPY3A4/OATP is low.
Self-Report Measures of Psychopathy, Antisocial Personality, and Criminal Lifestyle
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: September 2008

This article reports results from five studies. Exploratory factor analysis was used to select indicators from the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles, Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy scales, and Personality Assessment Inventory—Antisocial Features Scale. The 10 indicators were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis, the results of which show that the two-dimensional model (proactive, reactive) achieves significantly better fit than a general one-factor model and a two-factor social learning model (criminal thinking, antisocial behavior) with 521 medium-security and 116 maximum-security inmates. The construct validity of the two-dimensional model is confirmed in a path analysis pairing (a) proactive scales with positive outcome expectancies for crime and (b) reactive scales with hostile attribution biases. Implications for a unified theory of aggression and criminality are discussed.
The Agreeableness Asymmetry in First Impressions: Perceivers' Impulse to (Mis)judge Agreeableness and How It Is Moderated by Power
Authors: Ames Daniel R. , Bianchi Emily C.
Published: September 2008

Prior research shows that perceivers can judge some traits better than others in first impressions of targets. However, questions remain about which traits perceivers naturally do infer. Here, the authors develop an account of the “agreeableness asymmetry”: Although perceivers show little ability to accurately gauge target agreeableness in first impressions, they find that agreeableness is generally the most commonly inferred disposition among the Big Five dimensions of personality (agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness, openness, and emotional stability). Using open-ended impressions based on photographs, videos, and face-to-face encounters, three studies show agreeableness as the most prevalently judged of the Big Five, although it is also poorly judged in both absolute and relative terms. The authors use interpersonal power to reveal an underlying mechanism. Manipulating the power of perceivers relative to targets substantially shifts impression content, suggesting that habitual interaction and relational concerns may partially explain perceiver's chronic interest in assessing agreeableness despite their limited ability to do so.
Health, Disability, and Marital Quality
Authors: Yorgason Jeremy B. , Booth Alan , Johnson David
Published: September 2008

An analysis of declines in health and the onset of disability and their links to marital quality using longitudinal data revealed that decreases in health were associated with declines in marital quality but that the onset of disability was linked to enhanced marital quality. Self-reports of declines in health had modest effects on marital quality, whereas reports that individuals' spouses experienced declines in health were related to more extensive damage to marital quality. This was especially true when wives were reporting health declines in their husbands. Husbands' reports of wives' disability were linked to increases in marital quality. When reporting on husbands' disabilities, wives did not report increases in marital quality. As hypothesized, stage in the life course did moderate the associations observed. Specifically, health decrements were associated with greater changes in marital quality among the young and middle aged than among an older cohort.
Effects of Layoffs and Plant Closings on Subsequent Depression Among Older Workers
Authors: Brand Jennie E. , Levy Becca R. , Gallo William T.
Published: September 2008

Job displacement is widely considered a negative life event associated with subsequent economic decline and depression, as established by numerous prior studies. However, little is known about whether the form of job displacement (i.e., layoffs vs. plant closings) differentially affects depression. The authors assessed the effects of different ways in which workers are displaced on subsequent depression among U.S. men and women nearing retirement. They hypothesized that layoffs would be associated with larger effects on depression than plant closings, particularly among men. The findings generally support these hypotheses. The authors found that men had significant increases in depression as a result of layoffs, but not as a result of plant closings, whereas the reverse was true among women.
Dissecting the Influence of Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status on Mental Health in Young Adulthood
Authors: Mossakowski Krysia N.
Published: September 2008

Studies have provided contradictory findings about the influence of race and ethnicity on mental health. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1979 to 1992), this study examines the extent to which multiple dimensions of past and present socioeconomic status explain the influence of race and ethnicity on depression in young adulthood. Results indicate that Blacks and Hispanics have significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than Whites, which supports social stress theory. These racial and ethnic differences are partially explained by family background and wealth, and substantially explained by the duration of poverty across 13 years of the transition to adulthood. Moreover, the robust depressive effect of past poverty duration is independent of present socioeconomic status and family background. Overall, this study was inspired by the life-course perspective and highlights the importance of wealth and histories of poverty for understanding racial and ethnic mental health disparities among young adults in the United States.
Prologue
Authors: Bull Peter , Fetzer Anita , Johansson Marjut
Published: September 2008

The goal of this introduction is to contextualize the multifaceted notion of commitment. It examines its conditions of use in ordinary language and in the research paradigms of pragmatics, social psychology, and discourse analysis. Particular attention is given to the microanalysis of commitment in ordinary language and in political discourse as well as to its subjective and intersubjective dimensions.
Expressing Commitment When Asking Multiunit Questions in Parliamentary Debates
Authors: Sivenkova Maria
Published: September 2008

The present study investigates the expression of commitment in multiunit questions (MUQs), that is, questions consisting of several structural components, asked during British and Russian parliamentary debates. The discursive manifestations of two commitment types in the sequential organization of parliamentary questions are analyzed. First, institutional commitment is verbalized by means of several types of structural components employed by questioners to promote convincing legislative proposals and expose inefficient ones: backgrounders (e.g., opinions), metacomponents (e.g., signposting), intensifiers, and other types of components. Second, ingroup commitment is related to various components helping to promote members of Parliament's (MPs') party interests and discredit adversaries: evaluative turns (e.g., praises, reproaches), metacomponents (e.g., criticisms of answers), and other types of structural elements. In addition, some qualitative and quantitative differences in the expression of commitment in English and Russian are analyzed.
Synergistic Effect of Lanthanum Oxide on Intumescent Flame-Retardant Polypropylene-based Formulations
Authors: Jing Wu  , Yuan Hu  , Lei Song  , Wenjie Kang
Published: September 2008

Synergistic effects of lanthanum oxide (La2O3) on the flammability and thermal properties of intumescent flame-retardant polypropylene (IFR-PP) composites are investigated in the study. The limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 test, and cone calorimeter results show that the flame retardancy of IFR-PP is improved significantly by the introduction of La2O 3. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicate that thermal stability of IFR-PP is also enhanced. SEM pictures reveal that La2O 3 addition improve the formation of a homogenous and compact intumescent char layer on the surface of the composites. The possible mechanism of the synergistic effects between La2O3 and IFR is proposed in the paper.
Combustion Behavior of Intumescent Flame Retardant Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Chuanmei Jiao  , Jun Zhang  , Feng Zhang
Published: September 2008

The combustion behavior of polypropylene (PP) composites containing intumescent flame retardant additives, i.e., melamine pyrophosphate (MPP) and 1-oxo-4-hydroxymethyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (PEPA) was characterized by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 and the cone calorimeter. It has been found that the PP composite containing only PEPA does not show good flame retardancy even at 30% additive level. Compared with the PP/PEPA binary composite, the LOI values of the PP/PEPA/MPP ternary composites at the same additive loading are all increased, and UL 94 rating of the ternary composite (PP3) studied is raised to V-0 from no rating (PP/PEPA). The cone calorimeter results show that the heat release rate and mass loss rate of some ternary composites decrease in comparison with the binary composite.
Enclosure Fires, Gravity Waves, and the Backdraft Problem
Authors: Elíasson Jónas , Guigay Georges , Karlsson Bjorn
Published: September 2008

The air flow to an underventilated compartment fire often depends on the flow velocities in the gravity wave of cold air that feeds the fire with oxygen. This problem has been studied in laboratory experiments and by CFD simulations. The main problem seems to be whether mixing and entrainment between the two layers of hot and cold air has a profound effect on the flow velocities. In this article, an analytical gravity wave model that can calculate the velocities in a simple gravity wave is presented. This model uses the equations of stratified flow hydraulics and the translatory wave solution of the flow equations. It is found that the velocities of the model compare very well to the velocities reported from laboratory tests and numerical simulations. Numerical simulations of stratified flow in a CFD model are discussed with respect to model construction. It is concluded that the densimetric Froude number is the main parameter for the velocity calculations and the length/height ratio is important for the friction forces.
A Comparison of Transition From High School to Adult Life of Students With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Chambers DaLee , Rabren Karen , Dunn Caroline
Published: September 2008

This study examined responses from the Alabama Post-School Transition Survey to determine how students with and without disabilities compare in postschool outcomes. Responses provided information about the students' employment, residence, postsecondary education and training, barriers, perceptions of high school preparation, and interests and activities. Students with and without disabilities provided significantly different responses related to their personal interests and activities, postsecondary education and training, and residence. Students with and without disabilities provided similar responses to the questions related to high school preparation, employment, and barriers encountered since leaving high school. Implications of similarities and differences are discussed.
Factors Associated With Exclusive Breastfeeding at 3 Months Postpartum in Valdivia, Chile
Authors: Barría RM , Santander Gema , Victoriano Tatiana
Published: September 2008

A prospective cohort study was conducted in 315 mother-newborn dyads from Valdivia, Chile. A questionnaire was administered to mothers before 48 hours postpartum, and sociodemographic, obstetric, and neonatal data were collected. At 3 months postpartum, a follow-up by telephone interview or home visit was made, determining the proportion of mothers providing exclusive breastfeeding. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to identify variables significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Follow-up data showed 98.1% were breastfeeding, and exclusive breastfeeding reached 69.5%. Withdrawal of exclusive breastfeeding was positively associated with single marital status (odds ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.48-4.20) and smoking during pregnancy (odds ratio, 2.61; 95% confidence interval: 1.48-4.60), while maternal education greater than 8 years was associated with continuation of exclusive breastfeeding (odds ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval: 0.24-0.84). Breastfeeding education strategies addressed to high-risk pregnant women (single with a low education level) must be emphasized in addition to prevention of nonhealthy habits, such as tobacco and alcohol consumption during gestation. J Hum Lact. 24(4):439-445.
Using Interphase Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (I-FISH) to Detect the Transfer of Infant Cells During Breastfeeding
Authors: Densmore Lezlie , Pflueger Solveig M. V.
Published: September 2008

Using fluorochrome-labeled probes for the X and Y chromosomes, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to test for the presence of male cells in the milk of women breastfeeding male babies. After breastfeeding, the women wiped one breast and collected a test sample. Wiping efficiency was evaluated in 2 mothers by running a solution over the nipple after wiping. Cells were collected from both the milk and the rinse samples by centrifugation. The cells were fixed to glass slides for hybridization with the X and Y probes. Two cell populations were observed: small female (XX) cells from the mother, and large epithelial cells that were shown to be male (XY), presumably from the baby's mouth. Results varied from 0 to 175 male cells detected per milliliter of breast milk. This finding suggests that small molecules, including possible pathogens, in a baby's mouth, might also be passed directly into the breast. J Hum Lact . 24(4):401-405.
Changes in Breast Hemodynamics in Breastfeeding Mothers
Authors: Ogawa Kayo , Kusaka Takashi , Tanimoto Kimie , Nishida Tomoko , Isobe Kenichi , Itoh Susumu
Published: September 2008

The purpose of the present study was to measure changes in blood volume and the oxygenation state of breast tissue during breastfeeding with the use of near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS) as a noninvasive method. Forty breastfeeding mothers were divided into 2 groups in which measurements were made in the contralateral breast (group A) and in the ipsilateral breast (group B). The tissue concentrations of oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and total hemoglobin and the hemoglobin oxygen saturation were measured in the breast by using TRS during a breastfeed. In both groups A and B, the values of all parameters decreased significantly after the start of breastfeeding compared with the pre-breastfeeding values. The values of all parameters fluctuated cyclically after the beginning of the breastfeed. Time-resolved spectroscopy is an effective noninvasive method for investigating the hemodynamics of the breast during breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 24(4):415-421.
QRE, NSNX and the Paradox of Voting
Authors: Margolis Howard
Published: September 2008

Levine and Palfrey's QRE account of turnout in large elections raises the broader question of how much of a departure from standard rational choice theory is justified by the considerable repertoire of rational choice anomalies that has accumulated since Downs and Olson half a century ago. An alternative but more controversial unconventional view turns on what I call NSNX motivation to account for how agents seek a balance between self-interest and social motivation. NSNX agents have irreducibly dual utility functions. QRE agents have a standard utility function but they do not maximize it. I review the situation showing why in situations where NSNX effects could be expected, QRE might mirror those effects. I show how, by varying parameters of an experiment, I can cleanly distinguish between actual QRE effects, which should bring predictions closer to the data than Nash, and NSNX effects, which should do the same.
Sovereign Power and the Biopolitics of Human Security
Authors: De Larrinaga Miguel , Doucet Marc G.
Published: September 2008

This article examines the manner in which the human security discourse enables a dual exercise of sovereign power and biopower. Drawing from the work of Michel Foucault and Giorgio Agamben, it argues that human security contributes to this dual exercise by conceptualizing a form of life rendered amenable to biopolitical technologies and rationalities while simultaneously defining the conditions of exceptionality that assist in sovereign power's ability to authorize international interventions meant to secure human life. This frame of reference is then mobilized to read the human security discourse within the broader developments of the concept of security from the immediate postwar period to the post-9/11 moment. It is argued that the human security discourse informs the current biopolitical networks of world order and often works in conjunction with — rather than against — the global exercise of sovereign power made evident by the `war on terror'.
Microbes, Mad Cows and Militaries: Exploring the Links Between Health and Security
Authors: Maclean Sandra J.
Published: September 2008

The `securitization' of health has generated considerable debate. In public health, the debate focuses mainly on health effects. Although securitization may refocus attention and resources toward certain health issues, it may focus undue attention on a few issues or on the military aspects of issues to the detriment of a broad range of health issues and their human rights aspects. In international relations, the concern is the effect on security analysis and policy. While some welcome a broadening of the security agenda to include items such as health, others are concerned that analytical rigour and operational effectiveness are lost. This article argues that, normative concerns notwithstanding, securitizing is occurring as a result of perceived changes, associated with globalization, that are creating changes in the nature or degree of threats. But, in international relations, security is largely a social construction, as the Copenhagen School claims. Contemporary social struggles are ongoing around competitions to define security. The article argues that human security is a concept that has considerable relevance for understanding the nature of change that is producing new or intensified threats. It also offers conceptual space for analyzing what security is provided and for whom in the changing world order.
From Conflict to Cooperation: Desecuritization of Turkey's Relations with Syria and Iran
Authors: Aras Bülent , Karakaya Polat Rabia
Published: September 2008

In recent years, there has been a notable softening in Turkey's foreign policy toward Syria and Iran. How might we explain the change in Turkey's attitude toward these two countries considering the hostile relations of the 1990s and the worsening security situation in the Middle East? Drawing upon securitization theory, this article argues that domestic problems have influenced Turkey's foreign policy toward Iran and Syria in the past, as foreign policymakers have successfully externalized the sources of political Islam and Kurdish separatism. The remarkable softening of Turkey's foreign policy toward Syria and Iran since the beginning of the present decade can best be explained by looking at changes at the domestic level, particularly in terms of the process of desecuritization currently taking place within Turkey. Among other things, this process of desecuritization is the result of the European Union accession process and concomitant steps toward democratization, a transformation of the political landscape, and the appropriation of EU norms and principles in regional politics. Within this process of desecuritization and democratization, formerly securitized and dramatized issues have begun to be perceived as normal political issues. As a result, the policymaking process is now emancipated from ideational barriers, while there has been a substantial increase in the flexibility of foreign policy attitudes and the ability of foreign policymakers to maneuver in regional policy.