bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and numerical investigation of a cemented granular assembly of steel spheres
Authors: Akram M. S. , Sharrock G. B.
Published: February 2010

In this paper, steel spheres embedded in a cement matrix were studied using numerical and physical ISRM testing procedures. A challenge in discrete element simulations is to select appropriate micro‐mechanical models and parameters, to recover the observed macro‐mechanical behavior. An ideal experiment on cohesive granular assemblies constructed identical to numerical ones would validate these micro models for a set of measured micro‐parameters. The first part of the paper summarizes the previous studies in this area, outlines such experimental methodology and depicts the steps followed for the preparation and the testing of cemented granular assemblies together with the derivation of micro‐parameters. The second part discusses the results of numerical and physical ISRM standard tests including uniaxial and triaxial compression, Brazilian tensile and shear box tests. Physical samples were prepared using steel balls bonded with Portland cement, cured under controlled laboratory conditions and tested in compression, tension and shearing. Acoustic emissions were monitored in uniaxial tests to characterize the damage thresholds relative to volumetric strains. Numerical simulations were conducted with PFC 3D using micro‐mechanical parameters derived from physical testing. Parametric sensitivity studies were carried out to look into the dependency of macroscopic responses on the parameters. The results from both numerical and physical tests showed good correspondence in macroscopic behavior i.e. peak strength, stages of damage, mode of failures. However, the numerical simulations reflected a stiffer mechanical response than physical assemblies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variability of pulse oximetry measurement over 1 year in children with sickle cell disease depends on initial oxygen saturation measurement
Authors: Mullin Jonathan E. , Cooper Ben , Seicean Sinziana , Strunk Robert , Rosen Carol , Redline Susan , Kemp James , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: February 2010

A prospective cohort of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) was evaluated to determine the variability of daytime pulse oximetry among three measurements over approximately 1 year. Fifty‐eight participants were evaluated. Asymptomatic children with initial oxygen saturation ≤92% had a mean range over 1 year of 4.6% (2.1–7.5%). In contrast, asymptomatic children whose oxygen saturation was >92% had a mean range of 1.9% (0–5.5%). These results suggest, changes in pulse oximetry measurement of approximately 5% may not be clinically significant in otherwise, healthy children with SCD with previous pulse oximetry ≤92%. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1017–1019 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kawasaki disease preceding haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: Challenges for developing world practitioners
Authors: Hendricks Marc , Pillay Shakti , Davidson Alan , De Decker Rik , Lawrenson John
Published: February 2010

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a recognised precipitant of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Although KD has been previously described in the developing world, there are no reported cases of KD preceding HLH. We report a case of a child with a persistent rash and unremitting fever consistent with the diagnosis of KD, who was found to have HLH, after intravenous gamma globulin failed to produce a clinical response. The diagnosis was made using the revised diagnostic criteria for HLH from the Histiocyte Society (1994). She fulfilled six of the eight clinical and laboratory criteria needed to make the diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1023–1025 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analytical modeling of a conducting polymer‐driven catheter
Authors: Shoa Tina , Madden John DW , Munce Nigel R , Yang Victor
Published: February 2010

A time‐dependent electrochemical and mechanical model of the bending of a conducting polymer actuator‐driven structure is presented, and the predicted response is compared with experimental results. The model uses time constants obtained from a transmission line model to describe the electronic and ionic charge transport into the polymer actuator. It then relates the charge transport to the mechanical deflection of the actuator structure. The model is used to predict the time‐dependent bending of an active catheter, which is ultimately intended for use in intravascular imaging. A commercial catheter is coated with polypyrrole and laser micromachined into electrodes, which are electrochemically activated, leading to bending of the catheter. The time‐dependent bending is compared with the dynamic beam bending model, with measured physical properties including elastic moduli, strain to charge ratio, electronic conductivity, ionic conductivity and capacitance used in the model to successfully describe the dynamics. The results of this comparison are used to determine the primary factors limiting catheter bending speed, and to suggest an optimal polypyrrole geometry and electrochemical parameters in order to achieve faster response. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Child and informant influences on behavioral ratings of preschool children
Authors: Phillips Beth M. , Lonigan Christopher J.
Published: February 2010

This study investigated relationships among teacher, parent, and observer behavioral ratings of 3‐ and 4‐year‐old children using intra‐class correlations and analysis of variance. Comparisons within and across children from middle‐income (MI; N = 166; mean age = 54.25 months, standard deviation [SD] = 8.74) and low‐income (LI; N = 199; mean age = 51.21 months, SD = 7.22) backgrounds revealed significant agreement between the raters but also considerable differences in both ranking and absolute scores between raters. Teachers and parents consistently rated children from LI classrooms as having more behavioral problems and fewer prosocial behaviors. Results are conceptualized with respect to how differential expectations, comparison groups, and types of interaction with children can affect the evaluation of child behavior. Results point to the need for multiple sources of evaluation when assessing children for behavioral difficulties, particularly children from lower income backgrounds. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of aspirin, other NSAIDs, and statins on PSA and PSA velocity
Authors: Algotar Amit M. , Thompson Patricia A. , Ranger‐Moore James , Stratton M. Suzanne , Hsu Chiu‐Hsieh , Ahmann Frederick R. , Nagle Raymond B. , Stratton Steven P.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND

Aspirin, other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and statins have been associated with lower risk of prostate cancer and its progression, though results have been inconsistent.

METHODS

Data from 140 men with prostate cancer enrolled in a Phase 2 clinical trial of selenium to prevent prostate cancer progression were analyzed to determine association between aspirin, other NSAIDs, or statin use with baseline serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and PSA velocity (rate of PSA change over time) using repeated measures over an average follow‐up time of 3.2 years. Multiple linear regression and mixed effects models were used to model the association of medication use with PSA at baseline and with PSA velocity, respectively.

RESULTS

Baseline PSA levels were significantly lower in aspirin users compared to non‐users (5.17 ng/ml vs. 7.58 ng/ml, P = 0.001). This association was statistically significant in never smokers (aspirin users vs. non‐users: 4.19 ng/ml vs. 8.24 ng/ml, P = 0.004) but not in ever smokers (aspirin users vs. non‐users: 5.52 ng/ml vs. 7.3 ng/ml, P = 0.101). Statin and other NSAID use was not associated with baseline PSA. Aspirin, statin, or other NSAID use at baseline demonstrated a non‐significant negative association with PSA velocity.

CONCLUSION

These findings support an effect of aspirin use on PSA, particularly among never smokers. However, they do not suggest a protective effect on the disease and support previous findings that aspirin use may mask accurate measurement of PSA warranting consideration of washout procedures prior to testing. Prostate 70: 883–888, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statin‐induced autophagy by inhibition of geranylgeranyl biosynthesis in prostate cancer PC3 cells
Authors: Parikh Ankur , Childress Chandra , Deitrick Kelly , Lin Qiong , Rukstalis Daniel , Yang Wannian
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND

Autophagy is a cellular process of degradation of macromolecules and organelles and activated under nutritional stress. Statins are a class of inhibitors of 3‐hydroxyl‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase, a key enzyme in synthesis of cholesterol. Epidemiological studies have shown that statin use decreases the incidence of advanced prostate cancer. We explored the idea that treatment of atorvastatin, a commonly prescribed statin for treatment of hypercholesterolemia, induces autophagy in prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

The atorvastatin‐induced autophagic process in prostate cancer PC3 cells was determined by detection of cellular level of LC3‐II, an autophagosomal marker, via immunoblotting and immunofluorescent staining.

RESULTS

Atorvastatin treatment of PC3 cells for 40 hrs increased expression of LC3‐II by more than 10 fold in a dose‐dependent manner. Treatment of the cells with pepstatin A and E64‐d, the autophagic protease inhibitors, dramatically increased atorvastatin‐dependent LC3‐II expression level, suggesting that atorvastatin induces autophagic flux. In addition, atorvastatin treatment caused rapid death of PC3 cells. Atorvastatin‐induced autophagy and rapid cell death were reversed by addition of geranylgeraniol, not farnesol, into culture medium, indicating that atorvastatin‐mediated inhibition of geranylgeranyl biosynthesis causes autophagy and cell death. Furthermore, atorvastatin did not induce autophagy or cell death in normal prostate RWPE1 cells, and induced only a minor autophagic response in AR‐positive prostate cancer LNCaP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies demonstrate that statins induce autophagy and autophagy‐associated cell death in PC3 cells, likely through inhibition of geranylgeranylation, and suggest that autophagic response to statins may partially underlie the protective effects of statins on prostate cancer progression. Importantly, these findings highlight additional mechanisms by which statins might be used for prostate cancer therapy. Prostate 70: 971–981, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the common mode rejection ratio of amorphous silicon balanced photodiode
Authors: Caputo D. , de Cesare G. , Nascetti A. , Tucci M.
Published: February 2010

In this work we report on the detailed characterization of an amorphous silicon/amorphous silicon carbide balanced photodiode structure suitable for differential photocurrent measurements. The device is a three‐terminal structure constituted by two series‐connected amorphous silicon p‐i‐n photodiodes. Two terminals are used to bias the two photodiodes at the same reverse voltage by the readout electronics. The output signal is the current difference between the two diodes, measured at the third terminal with a transimpedance circuit.

Several devices have been fabricated with different areas and geometries utilizing four mask‐step process. The devices have been characterized by means of common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) measurements as a function of the radiation wavelength and intensity. The CMRR measured under white light illumination has been found to lie around 37 dB in the whole range of investigated radiation intensities. The decrease of the CMRR observed at shorter wavelengths has been ascribed to mismatches and inhomogeneities in the surface and in the p‐type window layer of the two hemi‐devices. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An overview of uncooled infrared sensors technology based on amorphous silicon and silicon germanium alloys
Authors: Ambrosio Roberto , Moreno Mario , Mireles Jose , Torres Alfonso , Kosarev Andrey , Heredia Aurelio
Published: February 2010

At the present time there are commercially available large un‐cooled micro‐bolometer arrays (as large as 1024×768 pixels) for a variety of thermal imaging applications. Different thermo‐sensing materials have been employed as thermo sensing elements as Vanadium Oxide (VOx), metals, and amorphous and polycrystalline semiconductors. Those materials present good characteristics but also have some disadvantages. As a consequence none of the commercially available arrays contain optimum pixels with an optimum thermo‐sensing material. This paper reviews the development of the un‐cooled bolometer technology and the research achievements on this area, with special attention on the key factors that would lead to improve the pixels performance characteristics. The work considers the R&D of microbolometer arrays and the integration with MEMS and IC technologies. A comparative study with the state of the art and data reported in literature is presented. Finally, further directions of uncooled bolometer based in thin films materials are also discussed in this paper. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High efficiency large area a‐SiGe:H based multi‐junction solar cells using MVHF
Authors: Xu Xixiang , Beglau David , Pietka Ginger , Ehlert Scott , Su Tining , Zhang Jinyan , Li Yang , Lord Ken , Yue Guozhen , Yan Baojie , Banerjee Arindam , Yang Jeff , Guha Subhendu , Hugger Peter G. , Cohen J. David
Published: February 2010

We have developed high efficiency large area a‐Si:H and a‐SiGe:H multi‐junction solar cells using a Modified Very High Frequency (MVHF) glow discharge process. We investigated a‐SiGe:H deposition rate dependence of cell performance, and optimized MVHF a‐SiGe:H process at a deposition rate 2‐4 times that of a typical RF deposition. We conducted a comparative study for different cell structures, and compared the initial and stable performance and light‐induced degradation of solar cells made using MVHF and RF techniques. In additon to high initial efficiency, the MVHF cells also exhibit superior light stability, showing <10% degradation after 1000 hour of one‐sun light soaking at 50 °C. We also studied light‐induced defect level and hydrogen evolution characteristics of MVHF deposited a‐SiGe:H films and compared them with the RF deposited films (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microcrystalline silicon films and solar cells deposited at high rate by Matrix Distributed Electron Cyclotron Resonance (MDECR) plasma
Authors: Kroely Laurent , Ram Sanjay K. , Bulkin Pavel , Cabarrocas Pere Roca i
Published: February 2010

The latest results obtained in a new promising Matrix Distributed Electron Cyclotron Resonance (MDECR) reactor for the deposition of microcrystalline silicon (μc‐Si:H) films and cells are reported in this article. The reactor is presented with a focus on the importance and the difficulties of temperature measurements. The unique properties of this high density plasma allowed us to demonstrate high deposition rates of 28 Å/s. The chemical composition of the MDECR material has been compared to a standard material and in particular, the effect of the oxygen level will be discussed. The installation of a load‐lock allowed a reduction of the oxygen con‐tamination by a factor of 10. Lower microwave powers helped to improve the electrical properties of the material. So far, the cell performance unfortunately seems decoupled from these successive optimizations of the film quality, and stayed limited (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of vehicle speed on shock and vibration levels in truck transport
Authors: Lu Fei , Ishikawa Yutaka , Kitazawa Hiroaki , Satake Takaaki
Published: February 2010

An update on the nature of shock and vibration in truck transport was obtained by measuring and analysing the shock and vibration levels separately that occur during truck transportation in Japan. The effect of truck speed on the shock and vibration levels was mainly analysed. A significant difference was observed between the acceleration of vibration, and the acceleration including shock and vibration as a result of truck speed. The results indicated that the effect of truck speed on root mean square acceleration (Grms), including shock and vibration, was strong at a lower speed, but slight at a higher speed. The highest Grms, including shock and vibration, was found at 45–59.9 km/h on local roads, which was higher than that during highway driving. When the speed was below 45 km/h, the peak power spectral density (PSD) of acceleration including shock and vibration increased as truck speed increased; when the speed was above 45 km/h, no significant changes in peak PSD were found because of truck speed. At the same time, the effect of vehicle speed on the vibration acceleration was also studied. It was found that the higher the vehicle speed, the higher the Grms and peak PSD value of vibration in both the vertical and lateral directions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and fabrication of a robotic mechanism for remote steering and positioning of interventional devices
Authors: Srimathveeravalli Govindarajan , Kesavadas Thenkurussi , Li Xinyan
Published: February 2010

Background

Recently, robotic systems have been introduced as a method for assisting endovascular interventional procedures. A few commercial and research solutions are available. In a survey it was found that none of the current systems satisfied all basic design requirements set forth for a good robot‐assisted therapy platform.

Methods

A human motion analysis study was performed to identify design specifications for safe motion and force limits for endovascular surgery. Based on design requirements from surveyed systems and motion analysis, a new, teleoperated, haptically enabled system called System for Endovascular Teleoperated Access (SETA) was constructed. SETA is capable of simultaneously manipulating any guidewire and catheter in the range of 0.014–0.13 inches.

Results

SETA's slave was evaluated for precision positioning, using in vitro vascular phantoms. It was also evaluated by a cohort of neurovascular surgeons and fellows (n = 8), using the VIST vascular simulator. A qualitative survey of the participants and a quantitative analysis of metrics procedure time and contrast used found that SETA was equivalent to manual intervention on this platform.

Conclusions

SETA provided good performance in the in vitro studies, and will soon be evaluated in a series of in vivo animal model studies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate sustainability strategies: sustainability profiles and maturity levels
Authors: Baumgartner Rupert J. , Ebner Daniela
Published: February 2010

Although many companies investigate sustainability management and publish sustainability reports, their main focus in this endeavour remains unclear. Often, it seems that sustainability issues are pursued more coincidentally than with a clear strategy.

On one hand, research is done for the identification and determination of distinct aspects concerning economic, ecological and social dimensions of sustainability. Guidelines to develop a sustainability report are popular examples of this. On the other hand, scientific effort is recognizable regarding the establishment of specific sustainability strategies, e.g. strategies that focus on internal/external orientation of sustainability commitment. Strategies should be designed to work to improve performance in terms of the issues identified, but in many cases the link between aspects and sustainability strategies is missing in practice.

This paper aims to narrow this gap by developing specific aspect profiles for sustainability strategies. Relating to the characteristics of various sustainability strategies, key sustainability issues are determined, which have to be implemented in order to reach defined sustainability goals efficiently.

The paper helps companies that already commit to sustainability to verify whether they are consistent in the implementation of a distinct sustainability strategy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Strategy making in social enterprise: The role of resource allocation and its effects on organizational sustainability
Authors: Moizer Jonathan , Tracey Paul
Published: February 2010

Social enterprises are non‐profit organizations that seek to achieve social goals through commercial activity. Because they have both social and commercial objectives, social enterprises are confronted with high levels of complexity in their strategizing and operations; not only do they have to generate sufficient revenue to re‐invest in their business operations, they also have to maintain investment in social projects in their community. Under conditions of resource scarcity, this poses severe challenges which can threaten the long‐term sustainability of the enterprise. In this paper the tension between allocating resources to commercial activity and social action is explored. A simple causal‐loop diagram is constructed which maps out the relationships between resource allocation and a number of other variables thought to influence the sustainability of social enterprises. By tracing through the diagram, a range of generic strategic alternatives available to social enterprises is evaluated and discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study the possibility of seismic collision between adjacent structures: a case study of Karimkhan avenue in Tehran
Authors: Mirtaheri S. M. , Zandi A. P. , Mavandadi S. , Daryan A. Saedi , Ziaei M.
Published: February 2010

Studies of the past earthquakes show that seismic collision of structures due to the differences in dynamic characteristics of two adjacent structures has significant role in the destruction of different structures (Pantelides and Ma,1998, Penzien,1997) in Iran has high vulnerability to earthquake because it is located on seismic belt. Considering the high importance and large population of Tehran City as the capital of Iran, it is necessary to study the probability of collision between adjacent structures and find an index for determination of collapse type for existing structures. In this paper, a collapse index is defined considering the affecting parameters and some of the structures located in one of the most crowded streets of Tehran City (Karimkhan Zand Street) are studied. The results show that the structures should be retrofitted to avoid collapse due to the collision of adjacent structures during a damaging earthquake. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
siRNA applications in nanomedicine
Authors: Tokatlian Talar , Segura Tatiana
Published: February 2010

The ability to specifically silence genes using RNA interference (RNAi) has wide therapeutic applications for the treatment of disease or the augmentation of tissue formation. RNAi is the sequence‐specific gene silencing mediated by a 21–25 nucleotide double‐stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule. siRNAs are incorporated into the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC), which mediates mRNA sequence‐specific binding and cleavage. Although RNAi has the potential to be a powerful therapeutic drug, its delivery remains a major limitation. The generation of nanosized particles is being investigated to enhance the delivery of siRNA‐based drugs. These nanoparticles are generally designed to overcome one or more of the barriers encountered by the siRNA when trafficked to the cytosol. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the design of delivery strategies for siRNA, focusing our attention to those strategies that have had in vivo success or have introduced novel functionality that allowed enhanced intracellular trafficking and/or cellular targeting. First, we will discuss the different barriers that must be overcome for efficient siRNA delivery. Second, we will discuss the approaches for siRNA delivery by size including direct modification of siRNAs (less than 10 nm), self‐assembled particles based on cationic polymers and cationic lipids (100‐300 nm), neutral liposomes (<200 nm), and macroscale matrices that contain naked siRNA or siRNA loaded nanoparticles (>100 µm). Finally, we will briefly discuss recent in vivo therapeutic success. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 305–315

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Subcutaneous tissue flaps for hallux covering
Authors: Vaienti Luca , Urzola Victor , Scotti Andrea , Masetto L.
Published: February 2010

With the understanding of the extensive vascular supply of the subcutaneous tissue, of its efficacy in the protection of the anatomical structures and of its capability of promoting the adequate functioning of very stressed regions of the human body, the use of subcutaneous adipose flaps has become a valid and sometimes the only reasonable therapeutic weapon in the treatment of small and medium-sized tissue loss. Such a defect represents a common complication of great toe injuries and surgery. Here subcutaneous flap reconstruction is proposed for the treatment of dorsal and medial soft tissue losses of the hallux complicated with infection. Two case are reported. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this application has not been reported in this anatomical site so far. The technique might be worth knowing both for orthopedic and plastic surgeons, as it may represent a safe, less invasive solution for most tegumentary problems of the dorso-medial side of the first ray.
Biocidal Activities of Cationic Surface Active Starch and Its Transition Metal Complexes Against Different Bacterial Strains
Authors: Zaky Mohamad F.
Published: February 2010

Starch alkyl triethanolammonium chloride derivatives and their metal complexes (Cu2+, Co2+ and Fe3+) were prepared and characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR, and 1H‐NMR spectra. The synthesized compounds were evaluated as antimicrobial agents against different microorganism including bacteria (gram +ve and gram −ve) and fungi. The effect of the chemical structure of the targeted cationic surfactants was discussed based on the surface parameters including surface tension and critical micelle concentration (CMC). Also, the effect of the structure of these surfactants and their metal complexes of Cu2+, Co2+ and Fe3+ on the cell membrane is discussed as well as their potent action on the targeted bacteria and fungi.
The Foundations of Analysis: A Straightforward Introduction
Authors: Binmore K. G.
Published: February 2010

In elementary introductions to mathematical analysis, the treatment of the logical and algebraic foundations of the subject is necessarily rather skeletal. This book attempts to flesh out the bones of such treatment by providing an informal but systematic account of the foundations of mathematical analysis written at an elementary level. This book is entirely self-contained but, as indicated above, it will be of most use to university or college students who are taking, or who have taken, an introductory course in analysis. Such a course will not automatically cover all the material dealt with in this book and so particular care has been taken to present the material in a manner which makes it suitable for self-study. In a particular, there are a large number of examples and exercises and, where necessary, hints to the solutions are provided. This style of presentation, of course, will also make the book useful for those studying the subject independently of taught course.
Islamic Society and State Power in Senegal
Authors: Villalón Leonardo A.
Published: February 2010

The Sufi Muslim orders to which the vast majority of Senegalese belong are the most significant institutions of social organization in the country. While studies of Islam and politics have tended to focus on the destabilizing force of religiously based groups, the author argues that in Senegal the orders have been a central component of a political system that has been among the most stable in Africa. Focusing on a regional administrative centre, he combines a detailed account of grassroots politics with an analysis of national and international forces to examine the ways in which the internal dynamics of the orders shape the exercise of power by the Senegalese. This is a major study that should be read by every student of Islam and politics as well as of Africa.
Political Topographies of the African State
Authors: Boone Catherine
Published: February 2010

This 2003 study brings Africa into the mainstream of studies of state-formation in agrarian societies. Territorial integration is the challenge: institutional linkages and political deals that bind center and periphery are the solutions. In African countries, as in territorially diverse states around the world, rulers at the center are forced to bargain with regional elites to establish stable mechanisms of rule and taxation. Variation in regional forms of social organization make for differences in the interests and political strength of regional leaders who seek to maintain or enhance their power vis-à-vis their followers and subjects, and also vis-à-vis the center. The uneven political topography of the regions ultimately produces unevenness in the patterns and depth of center-region linkage. Six sub-regions of three West African countries - Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, and Ghana - are the backbone of the study.
Science from Fisher Information
Authors: Frieden B. Roy
Published: February 2010

This book develops and applies an analytical approach to deriving the probability laws of science in general. It is called 'extreme physical information' or EPI. EPI is an expression of the imperfection of observation: Owing to random interaction of a subject with its observer and other possible disturbances, its measurement contains less Fisher information than does the subject per se. Moreover, the information loss is an extreme value. An EPI output may alternatively be viewed as the payoff of a zero-sum game of information acquisition between the observer and a 'demon' in subject space. EPI derives, Escher-like, the very probability law that gave rise to the measurement. In applications, EPI is used to derive both existing and new analytical relations governing probability laws of physics, genetics, cancer growth, ecology and economics. This unified approach will be fascinating to students and those who seek a new mathematical tool of research.
A History of the Bible as Literature
Authors: Norton David
Published: February 2010

It is regarded as a truism that the King James Bible is one of the finest pieces of English prose. Yet few people are aware that the King James Bible was generally scorned or ignored as English writing for a century and a half after its publication. The reputation of this Bible is the central, most fascinating, element in a larger history, that of literary ideas of the Bible as they have come into and developed in English culture; and the first volume of David Norton's magisterial two-volume work surveys and analyses a comprehensive range of these ideas from biblical times to the end of the seventeenth century, providing a unique view of the Bible and translation.
An Informal Introduction to Gauge Field Theories
Authors: Aitchison Ian J. R.
Published: February 2010

Four forces are dominant in physics: gravity, electromagnetism and the weak and strong nuclear forces. Quantum electrodynamics - the highly successful theory of the electromagnetic interaction - is a gauge field theory, and it is now believed that the weak and strong forces also can be described by generalizations of this type of theory. In this short book Dr Aitchison gives an introduction to these theories, a knowledge of which is essential in understanding modern particle physics. With the assumption that the reader is already familiar with the rudiments of quantum field theory and Feynman graphs, his aim has been to provide a coherent, self-contained and yet elementary account of the theoretical principles and physical ideas behind gauge field theories.
The Geometry and Physics of Knots
Authors: Atiyah Michael
Published: February 2010

These notes arise from lectures presented in Florence under the auspices of the Accadamia dei Lincee and deal with an area that lies at the crossroads of mathematics and physics. The material presented here rests primarily on the pioneering work of Vaughan Jones and Edward Witten relating polynomial invariants of knots to a topological quantum field theory in 2+1 dimensions. Professor Atiyah here presents an introduction to Witten's ideas from the mathematical point of view. The book will be essential reading for all geometers and gauge theorists as an exposition of new and interesting ideas in a rapidly developing area.
Hegel, Nietzsche and the Criticism of Metaphysics
Authors: Houlgate Stephen
Published: February 2010

This study of Hegel and Nietzsche evaluates and compares their work through their common criticism of the metaphysics for operating with conceptual oppositions such as being/becoming and egoism/altruism. Dr Houlgate exposes Nietzsche's critique as employing the distinction of Life and Thought, which itself constitutes a metaphysical dualism of the kind Nietzsche attacks. By comparison Hegel is shown to provide a more profound critique of metaphysical dualism by applying his philosophy of the dialectic, which sees such alleged opposites as defining components of a dynamic. In choosing to study a theme so fundamental to both philosophers' work, Houlgate has established a framework within which to evaluate the Hegel-Nietzsche debate; to make the first full study of Nietzsche's view of Hegel's work; and to compare Nietzsche's Dionysic philosophy with Hegel's dialectical philosophy by focusing on tragedy, a subject central to the philosophy of both.
Mathematics, Science and Epistemology
Authors: Lakatos Imre
Published: February 2010

Imre Lakatos' philosophical and scientific papers are published here in two volumes. Volume I brings together his very influential but scattered papers on the philosophy of the physical sciences, and includes one important unpublished essay on the effect of Newton's scientific achievement. Volume 2 presents his work on the philosophy of mathematics (much of it unpublished), together with some critical essays on contemporary philosophers of science and some famous polemical writings on political and educational issues.
Professional Development for Language Teachers
Authors: Richards Jack C. , Farrell Thomas S. C.
Published: February 2010

This much-needed text provides a coherent and strategic approach to teacher development

Teacher Development for Language Teachers examines ten different approaches for facilitating
professional development in language teaching: self-monitoring, support groups, journal writing, classroom
observation, teaching portfolios, analysis of critical incidents, case analysis, peer coaching, team teaching, and
action research. The introductory chapter provides a conceptual framework. All chapters contain practical
examples and reflection questions to help readers apply the approach in their own teaching context.
How accurate are adolescents in portion-size estimation using the computer tool Young Adolescents' Nutrition Assessment on Computer (YANA-C)?
Authors: Vereecken Carine , Dohogne Sophie , Covents Marc , Maes Lea
Published: February 2010

Computer-administered questionnaires have received increased attention for large-scale population research on nutrition. In Belgium-Flanders, Young Adolescents' Nutrition Assessment on Computer (YANA-C) has been developed. In this tool, standardised photographs are available to assist in portion-size estimation. The purpose of the present study is to assess how accurate adolescents are in estimating portion sizes of food using YANA-C. A convenience sample, aged 11–17 years, estimated the amounts of ten commonly consumed foods (breakfast cereals, French fries, pasta, rice, apple sauce, carrots and peas, crisps, creamy velouté, red cabbage, and peas). Two procedures were followed: (1) short-term recall: adolescents (n73) self-served their usual portions of the ten foods and estimated the amounts later the same day; (2) real-time perception: adolescents (n128) estimated two sets (different portions) of pre-weighed portions displayed near the computer. Self-served portions were, on average, 8 % underestimated; significant underestimates were found for breakfast cereals, French fries, peas, and carrots and peas. Spearman's correlations between the self-served and estimated weights varied between 0·51 and 0·84, with an average of 0·72. The κ statistics were moderate (>0·4) for all but one item. Pre-weighed portions were, on average, 15 % underestimated, with significant underestimates for fourteen of the twenty portions. Photographs of food items can serve as a good aid in ranking subjects; however, to assess the actual intake at a group level, underestimation must be considered.
Benjamin Lees: Quo Vadis?
Authors: Johnson Bret
Published: February 2010

Fifteen years ago, Nicolas Slonimsky wrote of Benjamin Lees in Tempo: ‘At a time when so many otherwise valiant composers are star-crossed and complain of malign neglect, Benjamin Lees rises “in excelsis” in the musical firmament’. And so he has continued since, with many commissions and numerous major works to his credit, matched by frequent performances in the United States. It is a time that has seen the creation of his Fourth and Fifth Symphonies, a set of Variations for Piano and Orchestra, a Concerto for Brass Choir and Orchestra, a Double Concerto for Piano, Cello and Orchestra, at least four other orchestral compositions of substantial scale, and the Third and Fourth String Quartets. All of these have contributed to his continuing high profile in the American musical scene. When one surveys Lees's entire corpus of music over the last four decades, one sees an impressive range of works, achievements and awards. Such pieces as the Violin Concerto (1958), Third Symphony (1969) and Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra (1965), all commercially recorded, stand out as landmarks not only of his own music but of postwar American music generally. His style has continued to evolve in recent years and whilst his hallmark is still his adherence to form and structure, he has become more concerned with orchestral sonority and, without becoming explicitly programmatic, practises his art within an ever-widening sound spectrum and colouristic palette. He has always possessed a strongly individual personality, and the ‘Lees Sound’ is unquestionably unique, even through his exposition and development of musical ideas-and the technique of continual evolution which he favours at present-derive, at source, from his most important early musical teacher: George Antheil.
From Liszt to Adams: the ‘Wiegenlied’ transcription
Authors: Miller Malcolm
Published: February 2010

Modernism and postmodernism are characterized by their heightened consciousness of the influence of the past on the present. Modernist arrangements of older music, such as those by Schoenberg, Webern, Berg and Stravinsky, frequently display an unconscious tension between composer and arranger in the often veiled interpretation of the past in the light of the present. Postmodern arrangements, on the other hand, are often more overt in their allusiveness to the original: hence it is possible clearly to discern, within arrangements by such composers as Henze and Berio, Maxwell Davies and Birtwistle, an explicitly individual balance of past and present, an attitude which preserves the spirit of the original by means of a consciously creative interpretation.
Atonality, 12–Tone Music and the Third Reich
Authors: Levi Erik
Published: February 2010

These extensively quoted statements, emanating from two of the most vociferous cultural ideologists of the Third Reich, give the impression that the Nazi regime formulated a highly consistent attitude towards ‘modernist’ trends in contemporary music. In reality, however, perceptions of the exact nature of ‘atonality’ and the ‘atonal’ movement in music remained notoriously imprecise. Six months before Rosenberg's address, for example, Hitler's Propaganda Minister Goebbels had erroneously denounced Hindemith as an ‘atonal musician’ who had succumbed to the ‘biting dissonances of musical bankruptcy’. Similarly, in 1938 Hans Severus Ziegler, organiser of the Degenerate Music Exhibition, had singled out the unequivocally tonal music of Hermann Reutter for particular criticism, claiming that it manifested severe symptoms of constructivism.
A Conversation with Kalevi Aho
Authors: Anderson Martin
Published: February 2010

At the relatively young age of 43 (which his schoolboyish looks nonetheless belie), Kalevi Aho is one of the best-known of Finnish composers, with a substantial corpus of music to his credit – seven symphonies and other orchestral pieces, two operas and several smaller vocal works, three concertos (for violin, cello and for piano), and a healthy amount of chamber and instrumental music. I visited him in Helsinki last summer, in the offices of the Helsinki Festival, where he has a hand in the planning of the programmes, and remarked first on the richness and sheer vigour of Finnish musical life; anyone visiting Finland will be struck by the fact that it seems to have an awful lot of composers.
Sessions's Concertino
Authors: Cone Edward T.
Published: February 2010

‘A concerto of relatively small dimensions’ is Roger Sessions's own characterization of his Concertino for Chamber Orchestra. In a programme note accompanying the recording and (in slightly abridged form) the score, the composer explains how his conception of the work arose largely from practical, though artistically relevant, circumstances. The Concertino, written in 1971–72, had been commissioned by the Fromm Foundation for The Contemporary Chamber Players of the University of Chicago, a group directed by the wellknown composer and conductor Ralph Shapey:

… Mr. Shapey's organization is composed of players who, especially among the woodwinds, are accustomed to playing several instruments in their chosen categories. Since this work, designed as it is for an orchestra of chamber dimension, … by conception as well as by the demands of the medium itself, emphasizes solo performance, I decided to avail myself of the players' versatility and give each of the various available instruments a significant role to play.
Luigi Dallapiccola. The Complete Works: a catalogue
Authors: MacDonald Calum
Published: February 2010

This catalogue is designed to set out the basic information about every piece of music, published or unpublished, which Luigi Dallapiccola is known to have written, arranged or edited. The order is chronological, and date of completion, rather than commencement, is the determining factor.
Schnittke in Context
Authors: Webb John
Published: February 2010

Generally, I find Alfred Schnittke's music rewarding and refreshing; however, I cannot help treating certain aspects of it with some suspicion. The elements which form the basis of my doubts are cogently summed up by Hugh Collins Rice:

Structures are often the most basic of designs, thematic techniques appear unsophisticated (transformations, canons, simple heterophonic devices). Climaxes are achieved by extravagant instrumental gestures, long pedal points are used to unify paragraphs…and serial devices amount to the simplest chromatic formations.
The Music of George Nicholson
Authors: Simmonds Adam
Published: February 2010

George Nicholson (b.1949) is one of the generation of composers who emerged in the early 1970s from York University, where he read Music and English. He studied composition under Bernard Rands and, after a period of school teaching, returned to undertake postgraduate composition studies with David Blake, gaining a PhD in 1979. The earliest influence on his work, and probably the most significant in terms of musical philosophy, was Henri Pousseur. Like Pousseur, Nicholson has looked to Schoenberg for a means of finding a path toward a synthesis of old and new, and an awareness of his position in the wider context of musical history.
Jean Wiéner Redivivus
Authors: Mellers Wilfrid
Published: February 2010

More than half a century ago I published, while still a student, an essay about the music of Jean Wiéner. When, ten years later, some of my adolescent journalism was collected into book form I omitted the Wiéner piece, partly because by then it seemed to me rather ‘young mannish’, partly because by then the composer appeared to have become a casualty of oblivion's poppy. So it was surprising, early this year, to light upon a new French double album recording of Wiéner's piano works. Listened to, the music turned out to retain the oddity and charm I'd recognized in it as a young man. It seems that although Wiéner virtually relinquished ‘serious’ composition around 1930, he did not in fact retire, but rather diverted his energies into popular music and film scores: fields for which his natural talents, as hinted in my original article, admirably fitted him. Moreover, he occasionally emerged from those more commercial worlds to compose another ‘art’ work, always of retrospective and usually of elegiac caste. These discs embrace two of the 1920s pieces I'd written about so many years ago; two sizeable sonata-style works written in the 1970s; and two small samplings of his film and pop music, pianistically arranged by the talented young player Omar Yagoubi, who seems to have been the instigator of the project. He plays the music with appropriate verve, though without scrupulous attention to the composer's notations. One might argue that that is acceptable because Wiéner is so quixotic a temperament; on the other hand one might also say that his notations wouldn't have been so meticulous had he not intended them to be respected.
Roger Sessions: a Discography
Authors: Rapoport Paul
Published: February 2010

This discography includes all the gramophone records I have been able to trace which contain music by Roger Sessions and were issued before September 1978 for sale or for broadcast. If there are errors or omissions, I will be grateful to those who will notify me of them via the editor of TEMPO.

The compositions are numbered in alphabetical order. The dates of compositions are approximate: it is often difficult to determine when works by Sessions were begun. Some of the dates include a certain amount of ‘gestation’ and sketching while others may not.
Messiaen and Carter on their Birthdays
Authors: Rorem Ned
Published: February 2010

Are they suddenly both seventy? If time flies while art stands still, never was the paradox more positive. Though fruitful years may still attend them, their catalogues are history now, open to flows of reinterpretation—as opposed to mere misinterpretation. I love the music of each, with a need met by quite separate responses. Thus on this anniversary how can I compare them so much as contrast them: they have little in common beyond a grandeur joined to the special madness that forms greatness, which is always incomparable. (By greatness I mean unique, extreme, persuasive and permanent daring—the risk that counts.)
Dallapiccola and the Organ
Authors: Shackelford Rudy
Published: February 2010

Early in the Summer of 1969, having just completed an organ transcription of Quaderno Musicale di Annalibera (‘Musical Notebook of Annalibera’) by Luigi Dallapiccola, I wrote to the composer—who was then in residence at the Dartmouth Congregation of the Arts in Hanover, New Hampshire—describing my work and seeking his advice for revisions. His reply, written in English and dated 9 July 1969, stated in part:

It is very interesting to know that you saw some possibilities of an organ transcription of the Quaderno Musicale di Annalibera, but since I do not play the organ it would be very difficult for me to judge the real value and importance of your transcription.