bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable development indicators for major infrastructure projects
Authors: Gilmour Daniel , Blackwood David , Banks Les , Wilson Fergus
Published: June 2011

The paper presents ongoing research to develop a sustainability enhancement framework for the major Dundee Central Waterfront urban re-development project. The enhancement concept recognises a need to ensure that sustainability is considered in decision-making at all stages of major projects to ensure a more sustainable outcome overall. The paper describes a set of procedures, developed by the authors and drawn from IT and knowledge management fields, to identify appropriate indicators and ensure the effective incorporation of sustainability issues throughout the Central Waterfront project decision-making processes. The procedures include the production of information flow diagrams to identify the wide range of stakeholders involved in the project and their means of interaction, and decision flow maps to identify and categorise use of the information by the stakeholders. The paper reviews current sustainability indicators related to infrastructure provision in the UK and Europe, emerging indicators from Scottish government, EU commission and research groups, and presents a set of strategic ‘sustainable development benchmark indicators’ suitable for enhancing the sustainability of the Central Waterfront project. Conclusions are drawn on the appropriateness of the indicators for assessing sustainable infrastructure provision.
Modelling the mode choice behaviour of visitors to Expo 2010
Authors: Du Yuchuan , Jiang Shengchuan , Sun Lijun , Wong Sze-Chun
Published: June 2011

The purpose of the present study was to obtain a better understanding of the mode choice behaviour of visitors to Expo 2010 Shanghai and the effectiveness of various traffic management policies to reduce private transport use. Due to the possible range of survey respondents, a two-stage gradual stated preference survey method was used. Based on a large-scale stated preference survey conducted among tourists in an airport, a train station and highway service stations in Shanghai, three versions of a mixed logit model for local and out-of-town visitors were developed. The results suggest that local visitors were more sensitive to travel cost than total travel time, whereas out-of-town visitors were particularly concerned about total travel time. A scenario analysis reveals that establishing a restricted traffic zone, adjusting parking rates and providing priority lanes for Expo buses had different effects on trip mode choice. These policies should thus be implemented in combination to achieve the aim of reducing private transport use to less than 10%. An additional finding is that the Expo shuttle bus is a more attractive public transport mode than the subway among Expo visitors.
A local scour prediction method for pile caps in complex piers
Authors: Ata Amini S. , Mohammad Thamer Ahmed , Aziz Azlan Abdul , Ghazali Abdul H. , Huat Bujang B. K.
Published: June 2011

The outcomes of an experimental study on local scour at a pile cap are presented. Experiments were conducted with the approaching flow having an undisturbed flow depth and a threshold flow velocity. The main variables investigated were pile cap dimensions and location relative to the streambed. According to the rate of change in scour depth, the scour at a pile cap for different cap levels was divided into four cases. Equations for a correction factor for these four cases are derived. The correction factor Kc has the effect of reducing the scour depth from a corresponding full-depth pier of the same width as the pile cap. A new methodology is presented to estimate local scour depth at a pile cap as a component of a complex pier. The proposed method was evaluated with the results from this experimental study and historical measurements. The proposed method, which corresponds closely to the observations, can be used to predict local scour at a pile cap as a component of a complex pier in the superposition method. It is also applicable to the prediction of local scour due to a caisson being sunk onto a mobile bed in a current.
Combating Long‐Term Global Poverty: A Thought Piece
Authors: Williams Reginald M
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a new account of how to reduce global poverty, and of the moral basis for doing so. I argue that if humans have a right not to be severely poor, as Pogge has helped to establish in philosophical literature, the world's severely poor should be relocated to nearby societies with existing infrastructure which can be expanded, and affluent nations should finance this as much as they can. To defend this position, I present an analogy, according to which the world's severely poor should be seen as economic refugees and thus assisted in relocating to societies that will respect their right not to be severely poor.
Poverty, Inequality and Subjective Quality of Life in Rural Russia during the Transition to a Market Economy: 1991‐2006
Authors: O'Brien David John , Wegren Stephen K. , Patsiorkvosky Valery V.
Published: June 2011

Abstract Survey data is used to examine the relationship between changes in indicators of poverty and inequality in Russia and the subjective quality of life and mental health of rural residents in that country from 1991 to 2006. The effect of changes in incidences of poverty and inequality on the overall mental health of the rural population is straightforward, with a substantial lowering of symptoms of depression following the economic stabilization of Russia after 2000. The relationship between changing material conditions and average subjective assessments of quality of life during this same time period is more complex, with gains in material quality of life associated with gains in some life domains, not much change in others and in a loss in satisfaction with village life. Within the sample of households in the 2006 survey, incremental gains in income are associated with substantial gains in mental health outcomes. The effect of gains of income on subjective quality of life indicators also is positive but not as strong as in the case of mental health.
The Two Poverty Enlightenments: Historical Insights from Digitized Books Spanning Three Centuries
Authors: Ravallion Martin
Published: June 2011

Word searches of Google's library of digitized books suggest that there have been two “Poverty Enlightenments” since 1700, one near the end of the 18th century and the second near the end of the 20th. The historical literature suggests that only the second came with a widespread belief that poverty could and should be eliminated. After the first Poverty Enlightenment, references to “poverty” (as a percentage of all words) were on a trend decline until 1960, after which there was a striking resurgence of interest, which came with rising attention to economics and more frequent references to both general and specific policies relevant to poverty. Developing countries also became more prominent in the literature. Both Enlightenments came with greater attention to human rights. The written record reflects the push‐back against government intervention and the retreat from leftist economics and politics since the late 1970s. Although many debates from 200 years ago continue today, there is little sign that the modern revival of the classical 19th century views on the limitations of government has come with a revival of the complacency about poverty that was common early in that century.
Uses of Informatics to Solve Real World Problems in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Santamaria Suzanne L. , Zimmerman Kurt L.
Published: June 2011

Veterinary informatics is the science of structuring, analyzing, and leveraging information in an effort to advance animal health, disease surveillance, research, education, and business practices. Reference and terminology standards are core components of the informatics infrastructure. This paper focuses on three current activities that use reference standards in veterinary informatics: (1) the construction of a messaging standard in a national animal health laboratory network, (2) the creation of breed and species terminology lists for livestock disease surveillance, and (3) the development of a standardized diagnoses list for small animal practices. These and other endeavors will benefit from research conducted to identify innovative and superior tools, methods, and techniques. The authors believe there are many areas requiring study and special focus in order to advance veterinary informatics, and this paper highlights some of the needs and challenges surrounding these areas.
The Information Infrastructure that Supports Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine: A Comparison with Human Medicine
Authors: Toews Lorraine
Published: June 2011

In human medicine, the information infrastructure that supports the knowledge translation processes of exchange, synthesis, dissemination, and application of the best clinical intervention research has developed significantly in the past 15 years, facilitating the uptake of research evidence by clinicians as well as the practice of evidence-based medicine. Seven of the key elements of this improved information infrastructure are clinical trial registries, research reporting standards, systematic reviews, organizations that support the production of systematic reviews, the indexing of clinical intervention research in MEDLINE, clinical search filters for MEDLINE, and point-of-care decision support information resources. The objective of this paper is to describe why these elements are important for evidence-based medicine, the key developments and issues related to these seven information infrastructure elements in human medicine, how these 7 elements compare with the corresponding infrastructure elements in veterinary medicine, and how all of these factors affect the translation of clinical intervention research into clinical practice. A focused search of the Ovid MEDLINE database was conducted for English language journal literature published between 2000 and 2010. Two bibliographies were consulted and selected national and international Web sites were searched using Google. The literature reviewed indicates that the information infrastructure supporting evidence-based veterinary medicine practice in all of the 7 elements reviewed is significantly underdeveloped in relation to the corresponding information infrastructure in human medicine. This lack of development creates barriers to the timely translation of veterinary medicine research into clinical practice and also to the conduct of both primary clinical intervention research and synthesis research.
The Motivations and Practice-Area Interests of First-Year French Veterinary Students (2005–2008)
Authors: Sans Pierre , Mounier Luc , Bénet Jean-Jacques , Lijour Béatrice
Published: June 2011

Concerns about new trends in the veterinary profession in several industrialized countries have received significant attention recently. We conducted an online survey among first-year veterinary students enrolled between 2005 and 2008 in France's four National Veterinary Schools (Ecoles Nationales Vétérinaires [ENV]) to inquire into what determined future graduates' practice-area interests and how they built a concept of their future work. A total of 1,080 students—or 70% of first-year students—responded to the survey. These students were predominantly of middle and higher social classes and most of them lived in urban areas. About 96% of the respondents had made the ENV their first choice when taking the entrance examination. In total, 39.7% declared “vocation” as the leading factor influencing their career choice. Together, the three leading practice types (wild animals, pets, and mixed) contemplated by students after graduating amount to 64.7% of the points awarded. Practice types that are not directly related to animal health were disregarded in this analysis. The results convey both how early and how firmly the choice of the veterinary career is made. They highlight the preponderance of the image of the veterinarian as an “animal doctor,” the gap between the respective proportions of practice areas in the current employment pattern of veterinarians, and the aspirations of students upon admission to the ENV. A longitudinal study after one year is needed to test whether or not these career choices change during the five years of the ENV program under the influence of teaching and extramural studies.
Simulation of Injection Molding Using a Model with Delayed Fiber Orientation
Authors: Vélez-García G. M. , Mazahir S. M. , Wapperom P. , Baird D. G.
Published: June 2011

Delay in fiber orientation evolution based on the Folgar-Tucker model with a slip parameter correction has been proposed as a simple alternative to improve predictions of fiber orientation in injection molded parts. Predictions based on this model and model parameters fitted to data from simple shear experiments were compared with experimentally determined fiber orientation in a center-gated disk. Three methods of fitting to simple shear data were assessed to obtain the isotropic diffusivity and the slip parameter. The model parameters and orientation data evaluated at the entry, lubrication and near-end-of fill regions in a center-gated disk for 30 wt.% short glass fiber-filled polybutylene terephtalate (PBT) were obtained from earlier efforts in our laboratory. Simulation results based on the Folgar-Tucker model with the slip correction using customarily assumed inlet orientation being random and experimentally measured at the gate disagreed with measured orientation values at certain positions along the disk. However, improvement in the prediction of orientation due the slip correction was found at the core and transition layers in the lubrication region. The use of inlet conditions washes out quickly in the absence of the slip correction and induced a general reduction of orientation towards the center of the sample causing underestimation of orientation at the entry and lubrication region. Model predictions combining the slip correction and experimentally determined orientation at the gate are in agreement with the experimental data for the core layers near the end-of-fill region.
On the nature of particle energization via resonant wave-particle interaction in the inhomogeneous magnetospheric plasma
Authors: Shklyar D. R.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. When a quasi-monochromatic wave propagating in an inhomogeneous magnetoplasma has sufficiently large amplitude, there exist phase-trapped resonant particles whose energy increases or decreases depending on the "sign" of inhomogeneity. The variation of energy density of such particles can greatly exceed the wave energy density which contradicts energy conservation under the prevalent assumption that the wave serves as the energy source or sink. We show that, in fact, the energy increase (or decrease) of phase-trapped particles is related to energy transfer from (to) phase untrapped particles, while the wave basically mediates the energization process. Virtual importance of this comprehension consists in setting proper quantitative constraints on attainable particle energy. The results have immediate applications to at least two fundamental problems in the magnetospheric physics, i.e. particle dynamics in the radiation belts and whistler-triggered emissions.
Ecological research and large scale land-atmosphere feedbacks: lesson from the Bouchet's complementary relationship
Authors: Lugato E. , Alberti G. , Gioli B. , Kaplan J. O. , Peressotti A. , Miglietta F.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Acceleration of the global water cycle over recent decades, which is hypothesized by several studies, remains uncertain because of the high inter-annual variability of its components. Observations of pan evaporation (Epan), a proxy of potential evapotranspiration (ETp), may help to identify trends in the water cycle over long time periods. The complementary relation (CR; Bouchet, 1963) states ETp and actual evapotranspiration (ETa) depend on each other in a complementary manner, through land-atmosphere feedbacks in water limited environments. Using a long time series of Epan observations in Australia, we estimated monthly ETa values using the CR and compared our estimates with ETa measured at eddy covariance stations in Fluxnet. Our results confirm that CR can be reliably applied to estimate ETa and produces better results than a global vegetation model run without specific calibration. In addition, our analysis indicated that, on average, ETa did not show any significant trend between 1975 and 2009 in Australia, but short-term analysis including anomaly periods may give the idea of a rapid climate change that is not perceived in a long-term perspective.
Analysis of the Round-Trip Cost of Road Container Transportation in China
Authors: Wang Ling , Su Shong-Iee Ivan , Ruamsook Kusumal
Published: June 2011

With the rapid growth of China's foreign trade, the cargo consolidation and distribution through ports has created increasing demands on road container transportation. Road container transportation, however, has not played a big role in supporting the inland economy as expected, and some large companies have even exited the market. This study develops a roundtrip cost model to investigate the cost impact on road container transportation. Study results showed that freight rates have remained low, while fuel prices, which are one of the most important cost factors, have soared in recent years. The average cost per ton-kilometer (ton-km) under normal transportation conditions is almost equal to or even higher than the average freight rate. The fundamental issues of Chinese road container transportation are twofold. First, the fixed (regulated) freight rates prohibit road container transportation companies from raising revenue. Second, the continual rising cost factors have squeezed the profit margin of container trucking operators to zero or even negative levels. To increase their revenues, the road container transportation companies should develop more value-added services for customers or engage in industry alliances, rather than focusing on cutting their operational costs.
Camel Milk Is a Safer Choice than Goat Milk for Feeding Children with Cow Milk Allergy
Authors: Ehlayel Mohammad , Bener Abdulbari , Abu Hazeima Khalid , Al-Mesaifri Fatima
Published: June 2011

Background. Various sources of mammalian milk have been tried in CMA.
Objectives. To determine whether camel milk is safer than goat milk in CMA.
Methods. Prospective study conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation between April 2007 and April 2010, on children with CMA. Each child had medical examination, CBC, total IgE, cow milk-specific IgE and SPT. CMA children were tested against fresh camel and goat milks.
Results. Of 38 children (median age 21.5 months), 21 (55.3%) presented with urticaria, 17 (39.5%) atopic dermatitis, 10 (26.3%) anaphylaxis. WBC was 10,039±4,735 cells/μL, eosinophil 1,143±2,213 cells/μL, IgE 694±921 IU/mL, cow's milk-specific-IgE 23.5±35.6 KU/L. Only 7 children (18.4%) tested positive to camel milk and 24 (63.2%) to goat milk. 6 (15.8%) were positive to camel, goat, and cow milks. Patients with negative SPT tolerated well camel and goat milks.
Conclusions. In CMA, SPT indicates low cross-reactivity between camel milk and cow milk, and camel milk is a safer alternative than goat milk.
Synergistic and antagonistic effects in flame retardancy of an intumescent epoxy resin
Authors: Gérard Caroline , Fontaine Gaëlle , Bourbigot Serge
Published: June 2011

Phosphorus‐based products are able to strongly reduce the flammability of epoxy resins. In order to further improve their fire behavior, combinations of a conventional flame retardant (ammonium polyphosphate [APP]) and two other particles have been investigated. The partial substitution of APP by carbon nanotubes reveals an antagonism between these two compounds in terms of heat release rate measured by mass‐loss calorimetry. On the contrary, the combination with octamethyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane leads to a huge synergistic effect. These effects are mainly attributed to the char structures. Furthermore, the two systems were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, and they exhibit modifications of the degradation temperatures. The existence of different stabilization effects was also revealed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Holocene Vegetation and Climate of South Tripura Based on Palynological Analysis
Authors: Bhattacharyya Amalava , Mehrotra Nivedita , Shah Santosh K.
Published: June 2011

Palynological analysis of sub surface samples at 1.20 m deep sediment profile from Srinagar, southwest Tripura, provides information on vegetation and climate during 7000-3000 years B.P. During this time span, the area is occupied by moist deciduous forest under warm humid climate with intermittent changes in precipitation regime i.e., comparatively less humid around 6.8 Kyr B.P. and 3.7-3.8 Kyr B.P.
Interpretation of Intensity Attenuation Relation of 1905 Kangra Earthquake with Epicentral Distance and Magnitude in the Northwest Himalayan Region
Authors: Ghosh G. K. , Mahajan A. K.
Published: June 2011

Seismic intensity information of historical earthquake of NW Himalayas has been utilized for evaluating the attenuation of the intensity with the epicentral distance. Purposefully, the observed intensity of big historical earthquake may implicitly incorporate some site effects arising due to the near surface geology or deposited soil. The isoseismal map of the 1905 Kangra earthquake yields an area of perceptibility defined by the intensity VII (RF Scale), which is mainly elongated in the NNW-SSE direction. However, the higher isoseismals of intensity VIII and IX are more symmetrical and elongated in the SE direction. These isoseismals are more compressed in the northeast and northwest direction indicating fast attenuation characteristics, which may be either due to the presence of any transverse geotectonic feature or change in lithology. In the present study the regression relation has been derived to incorporate the attenuation of intensity with variable magnitudes at different epicentral distances. The derived attenuation relation is useful for assessing damage of a potential future earthquake (earthquake scenario-based planning purposes) for the Kangra region, Northwest Himalaya. The derived relation is mentioned below: I (R, Ms) = 2.856 + 1.31 * Ms - 0.0017 * R–0.9598*ln(R)

The decrease in intensity with distance has been used to calculate the PGA using the relation of Atkinson and Sonley (2000). The calculated values are quite in agreement with the values obtained by others around its epicentral zone. Another derived relation is used to calculate the size of the Kangra earthquake (Mw = 8.4) using intensity attenuation characteristic.
Recombinant human cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain 1 and 2: Observation of dynein‐2 motor activity in vitro
Authors: Ichikawa Muneyoshi , Watanabe Yuta , Murayama Takashi , Toyoshima Yoko Yano
Published: June 2011

DYNC2H1 (Homo sapiens)
binds to
DYNC2H1 (Homo sapiens)
by electron microscopy (View interaction)
Neither height nor depth: discerning the cosmology of Romans
Authors: Gaventa Beverly Roberts
Published: June 2011

Although the term cosmos in Romans is largely used in a neutral fashion to refer to humanity, as has been demonstrated by Edward Adams, the cosmos is nevertheless the location of a conflict between God and anti-God powers, most prominently the powers of Sin and Death. This conflict comes into view in Paul's repeated use of the language drawn from the arenas of slavery, statecraft and the military (especially in Romans 5–8). In the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Sin and Death are themselves defeated (5:12–21; 6:8–11), but they are not yet destroyed. The conflict continues in the present as comes to expression in Romans 8, where Paul claims that the whole of creation (both human and non-human) waits for deliverance. And the conflict continues especially in 8:31–9, with its strong assertions that no power is powerful enough to separate humanity from its rightful Lord, assertions that would be unnecessary apart from the conviction that there are indeed anti-God powers whose goal is to reclaim human lives. Paul's cosmology, then, is less concerned with the order and wonder of the cosmos than with its need of redemption, a redemption begun but not yet complete. Cosmology and soteriology are inextricably connected to one another.
The Big Bang, modern cosmology and the fate of the Universe: impacts upon culture
Authors: Krauss Lawrence M.
Published: June 2011

Cosmological discoveries over the past century have completely changed our picture of our place in the universe. New observations have a realistic chance of probing nature on heretofore unimaginable scales, and as a result are changing the nature of fundamental science. Perhaps no other domain of science has an equal capacity to completely change our perspective of the world in which we live.
Cultural heritage of astronomical observatories
Authors: Wolfschmidt Gudrun
Published: June 2011

We present the results of the ICOMOS international symposium “Cultural Heritage of Astronomical Observatories (around 1900) – From Classical Astronomy to Modern Astrophysics” (Oct. 2008). The objective of the symposium was to discuss the relevance of modern observatories to the cultural heritage of humankind and to select partner observatories which, due to the date of their construction or to their architectural or scientific importance are comparable to Hamburg Observatory, as international cooperation partners for a serial trans-national application.
Desire of stars – poems
Authors: Benest Daniel
Published: June 2011

A sample of poems about astronomy, written in French by the author.
Planetariums, theatres of the Universe
Authors: Acker Agnès
Published: June 2011

The history of this magic instrument is complex, and the teaching goal was never forgotten. Technological developments of the planetarium enable it now to treat the major topics of astronomy and astrophysics. But by simplifying too much or badly, one is likely to bring confusion in the spirits. The development of the planetarium is a continual challenge, as long as the scientific culture is not integrated perfectly in the cultural landscape. In several countries, planetariums link their knowledge and their know-how, for better resisting to economic difficulties, and better speaking about astronomy to their public. In particular the great project ALMA will be celebrated in a show for the International Year of Astronomy. Today's planetarium works as a theater for all sciences, and can issue a passport to the various scales of the universe
Astronomy at the service of the Islamic society
Authors: Fernini Ilias M.
Published: June 2011

The Islamic society has great ties to astronomy. Its main religious customs (start of the Islamic month, direction of prayer, and the five daily prayers) are all related to two main celestial objects: the Sun and the Moon. First, the start of any Islamic month is related to the actual seeing of the young crescent after the new Moon. Second, the direction of prayer, i.e., praying towards Mecca, is related to the determination of the zenith point in Mecca. Third, the proper time for the five daily prayers is related to the motion of the Sun. Everyone in the society is directly concerned by these customs. This is to say that the major impetus for the growth of Islamic astronomy came from these three main religious observances which presented an assortment of problems in mathematical astronomy. To observe these three customs, a new set of astronomical observations were needed and this helped the development of the Islamic observatory. There is a claim that it was first in Islam that the astronomical observatory came into real existence. The Islamic observatory was a product of needs and values interwoven into the Islamic society and culture. It is also considered as a true representative and an integral par of the Islamic civilisation. Since astronomy interested not only men of science, but also the rulers of the Islamic empire, several observatories have flourished. The observatories of Baghdad, Cairo, Córdoba, Toledo, Maragha, Samarqand and Istanbul acquired a worldwide reputation throughout the centuries. This paper will discuss the two most important observatories (Maragha and Samarqand) in terms of their instruments and discoveries that contributed to the establishment of these scientific institutions.
Introducing Astronomy into Mozambican Society
Authors: Ribeiro V. A. R. M. , Paulo C. M. , Besteiro A. M. A. R. , Geraldes H. , Maphossa A. M. , Nhanonbe F. A. , Uaissine A. J. R.
Published: June 2011

Mozambique has been proposed as a host for one of the future Square Kilometre Array stations in Southern Africa. However, Mozambique does not possess a university astronomy department and only recently has there been interest in developing one. South Africa has been funding students at the MSc and PhD level, as well as researchers. Additionally, Mozambicans with Physics degrees have been funded at the MSc level. With the advent of the International Year of Astronomy, there has been a very strong drive, from these students, to establish a successful astronomy department in Mozambique. The launch of the commemorations during the 2008 World Space Week was very successful and Mozambique is to be used to motivate similar African countries who lack funds but are still trying to take part in the International Year of Astronomy. There hare been limited resources and funding, however there is a strong will to carry this momentum into 2009 and, with this, influence the Government to introduce Astronomy into its national curriculum and at University level. Mozambique's motto for the International Year of Astronomy is “Descobre o teu Universo”.
Interpersonal Violence Victimization and Suicidal Ideation
Authors: You Sungeun , Swogger Marc T. , Cerulli Catherine , Conner Kenneth R.
Published: June 2011

Background: Offenders are at elevated risk for interpersonal violence victimization (IVV), which is a risk factor for suicide-related outcomes in some populations, suggesting the importance of examining risk associated with IVV in offenders. Aims: The present study examined the association between IVV and suicidal ideation (SI) among criminal offenders in a pretrial jail diversion program in the United States. Methods: 266 offenders were screened for ten common Axis I psychiatric disorders along with current SI and past-year IVV. Results: Past-year IVV was significantly associated with current SI, and the association remained significant after adjusting for symptoms of ten Axis I psychiatric disorders, respectively and simultaneously. Gender did not moderate the IVV-SI association. Conclusions: The findings support a connection between IVV and SI in criminal offenders.
Suicide Announcement on Facebook
Authors: Ruder Thomas D. , Hatch Gary M. , Ampanozi Garyfalia , Thali Michael J. , Fischer Nadja
Published: June 2011

Background: The media and the Internet may be having an influence on suicidal behavior. Online social networks such as Facebook represent a new facet of global information transfer. The impact of these online social networks on suicidal behavior has not yet been evaluated. Aims: To discuss potential effects of suicide notes on Facebook on suicide prevention and copycat suicides, and to create awareness among health care professionals. Methods: We present a case involving a suicide note on Facebook and discuss potential consequences of this phenomenon based on literature found searching PubMed and Google. Results: There are numerous reports of suicide notes on Facebook in the popular press, but none in the professional literature. Online social network users attempted to prevent planned suicides in several reported cases. To date there is no documented evidence of a copycat suicide, directly emulating a suicide announced on Facebook. Conclusions: Suicide notes on online social networks may allow for suicide prevention via the immediate intervention of other network users. But it is not yet clear to what extent suicide notes on online social networks actually induce copycat suicides. These effects deserve future evaluation and research.
Coordination as a Crucial Component of Performance on a Sustained Attention Test
Authors: Krumm Stefan , Schmidt-Atzert Lothar , Bracht Maren , Ochs Lisa
Published: June 2011

Coordination is a well-known concept in experimental psychology. The coordination of action patterns was also proposed as a key determinant in paper-pencil sustained attention/concentration tests. To date, however, no studies have tried to prove the relevance of coordination ability in sustained attention tests. We conducted two studies (n = 199 and n = 132) to experimentally vary a prominent sustained attention tests: the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test. Using an approach derived from multitasking research, we extracted a residual that presumably comprised variance due to coordination. This presumption was confirmed in Study 1: The coordination ability was stable, correlated significantly with other paper-pencil sustained attention tests, and was also related to the executive function switching. In Study 2, a different approach led to similar results: We could show that practice gains can be attributed to an improved ability to coordinate basic action patterns. It is concluded that coordination is a core element of sustained attention/concentration.
Specialized proresolving mediator targets for RvE1 and RvD1 in peripheral blood and mechanisms of resolution
Authors: Fredman Gabrielle , Serhan Charles N.
Published: June 2011

Inflammation when unchecked is associated with many prevalent disorders such as the classic inflammatory diseases arthritis and periodontal disease, as well as the more recent additions that include diabetes and cardiovascular maladies. Hence mechanisms to curtail the inflammatory response and promote catabasis are of immense interest. In recent years, evidence has prompted a paradigm shift whereby the resolution of acute inflammation is a biochemically active process regulated in part by endogenous PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid)-derived autacoids. Among these are a novel genus of SPMs (specialized proresolving mediators) that comprise novel families of mediators including lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins. SPMs have distinct structures and act via specific G-protein seven transmembrane receptors that signal intracellular events on selective cellular targets activating proresolving programmes while countering pro-inflammatory signals. An appreciation of these endogenous pathways and mediators that control timely resolution opened a new terrain for therapeutic approaches targeted at stimulating resolution of local inflammation. In the present review, we provide an overview of the biosynthesis and actions of resolvin E1, underscoring its protective role in vascular systems and regulating platelet responses. We also give an overview of newly described resolution circuitry whereby resolvins govern miRNAs (microRNAs), and transcription factors that counter-regulate pro-inflammatory chemokines, cytokines and lipid mediators.
Hexokinase II acts through UCP3 to suppress mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and maintain aerobic respiration
Authors: Mailloux Ryan J. , Dumouchel Tyler , Aguer Céline , deKemp Rob , Beanlands Rob , Harper Mary-Ellen
Published: June 2011

UCP3 (uncoupling protein-3) mitigates mitochondrial ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Previous studies have also examined UCP3 effects, including decreased ROS production, during metabolic states when fatty acid oxidation is high (e.g. a fasting state). However, the role of UCP3 when carbohydrate oxidation is high (e.g. fed state) has remained largely unexplored. In the present study, we show that mitochondrial-bound HK (hexokinase) II curtails oxidative stress and enhances aerobic metabolism of glucose in the fed state in a UCP3-dependent manner. Genetic knockout or inhibition of UCP3 significantly decreased mitochondrial-bound HKII. Furthermore, UCP3 was required for the HKII-mediated decrease in mitochondrial ROS emission. Intriguingly, the UCP3-mediated modulation of mitochondria-associated HKII was only observed in cells cultured under high-glucose conditions. UCP3 was required to maintain high rates of aerobic metabolism in high-glucose-treated cells and in muscle of fed mice. Deficiency in UCP3 resulted in a metabolic shift that favoured anaerobic glycolytic metabolism, increased glucose uptake and increased sensitivity to oxidative challenge. PET (positron emission tomography) of [18F]fluoro-deoxyglucose uptake confirmed these findings in UCP3-knockout and wild-type mice. Collectively, our findings link the anti-oxidative and metabolic functions of UCP3 through a surprising molecular connection with mitochondrial-bound HKII.
Protein kinase Cζ phosphorylates occludin and promotes assembly of epithelial tight junctions
Authors: Jain Suneet , Suzuki Takuya , Seth Ankur , Samak Geetha , Rao Radhakrishna
Published: June 2011

Protein kinases play an important role in the regulation of epithelial tight junctions. In the present study, we investigated the role of PKCζ (protein kinase Cζ) in tight junction regulation in Caco-2 and MDCK (Madin–Darby canine kidney) cell monolayers. Inhibition of PKCζ by a specific PKCζ pseudosubstrate peptide results in redistribution of occludin and ZO-1 (zona occludens 1) from the intercellular junctions and disruption of barrier function without affecting cell viability. Reduced expression of PKCζ by antisense oligonucleotide or shRNA (short hairpin RNA) also results in compromised tight junction integrity. Inhibition or knockdown of PKCζ delays calcium-induced assembly of tight junctions. Tight junction disruption by PKCζ pseudosubstrate is associated with the dephosphorylation of occludin and ZO-1 on serine and threonine residues. PKCζ directly binds to the C-terminal domain of occludin and phosphorylates it on threonine residues. Thr403, Thr404, Thr424 and Thr438 in the occludin C-terminal domain are the predominant sites of PKCζ-dependent phosphorylation. A T424A or T438A mutation in full-length occludin delays its assembly into the tight junctions. Inhibition of PKCζ also induces redistribution of occludin and ZO-1 from the tight junctions and dissociates these proteins from the detergent-insoluble fractions in mouse ileum. The present study demonstrates that PKCζ phosphorylates occludin on specific threonine residues and promotes assembly of epithelial tight junctions.
On the topology of synchrony optimized networks of a Kuramoto-model with non-identical oscillators
Authors: Kelly David , Gottwald Georg A.
Published: June 2011

We study synchrony optimized networks. In particular, we focus on the Kuramoto model with non-identical native frequencies on a random graph. In a first step, we generate synchrony optimized networks using a dynamic breeding algorithm, whereby an initial network is successively rewired toward increased synchronization. These networks are characterized by a large anti-correlation between neighbouring frequencies. In a second step, the central part of our paper, we show that synchrony optimized networks can be generated much more cost efficiently by minimization of an energy-like quantity E and subsequent random rewires to control the average path length. We demonstrate that synchrony optimized networks are characterized by a balance between two opposing structural properties: A large number of links between positive and negative frequencies of equal magnitude and a small average path length. Remarkably, these networks show the same synchronization behaviour as those networks generated by the dynamic rewiring process. Interestingly, synchrony-optimized network also exhibit significantly enhanced synchronization behaviour for weak coupling, below the onset of global synchronization, with linear growth of the order parameter with increasing coupling strength. We identify the underlying dynamical and topological structures, which give rise to this atypical local synchronization, and provide a simple analytical argument for its explanation.
Synchronization in interdependent networks
Authors: Um Jaegon , Minnhagen Petter , Kim Beom Jun
Published: June 2011

We explore the synchronization behavior in interdependent systems, where the one-dimensional (1D) network (the intranetwork coupling strength JI) is ferromagnetically intercoupled (the strength J) to the Watts-Strogatz (WS) small-world network (the intranetwork coupling strength JII). In the absence of the internetwork coupling (J=0), the former network is well known not to exhibit the synchronized phase at any finite coupling strength, whereas the latter displays the mean-field transition. Through an analytic approach based on the mean-field approximation, it is found that for the weakly coupled 1D network (JI≪1) the increase of J suppresses synchrony, because the nonsynchronized 1D network becomes a heavier burden for the synchronization process of the WS network. As the coupling in the 1D network becomes stronger, it is revealed by the renormalization group (RG) argument that the synchronization is enhanced as JI is increased, implying that the more enhanced partial synchronization in the 1D network makes the burden lighter. Extensive numerical simulations confirm these expected behaviors, while exhibiting a reentrant behavior in the intermediate range of JI. The nonmonotonic change of the critical value of JII is also compared with the result from the numerical RG calculation.
Experimental study on the role of a resistor in the filter of Hall thrusters
Authors: Liqiu Wei , Chunsheng Wang , Zhongxi Ning , Weiwei Liu , ChaoHai Zhang , Daren Yu
Published: June 2011

A filter is a mainly component applied to reduce the discharge current low frequency oscillation in the range of 10–100 kHz. The only form of the filter in actual use involves RLC networks, whose design originates from the 1970s, but even now, researchers are unaware of the actual primary motivations for the resistor’s presence [S. Barral et al., AIAA Paper 2008-4632, 2008]. Therefore, the role of the resistor in the filter is experimentally studied and discussed through the analysis of control system and electric circuit theory. Experimental results and analysis indicate that the presence of a resistor makes the filter having the phase compensation function. The proper phase-angle and amplitude provided by the filter would increase or decrease the ion mobility and be helpful to balance the ion production in the discharge channel and then to decrease the fluctuation of the plasma density and lower the low frequency oscillation.
Noise in metamaterials
Authors: Syms R. R. A. , Solymar L.
Published: June 2011

Metamaterials made up of resonant elements containing lossy metallic conductors will invariably give rise to Johnson noise. A model based on nearest neighbor interaction of magnetically coupled elements is shown to predict the propagation of noise waves and the excitation of resonances in regular arrays. The power spectral density (PSD) of the noise is calculated for rectangular arrays of different dimension. It is shown that the effect of coupling is to alter the PSD, leaving the noise bandwidth unaltered. The implications for passive and active devices are examined using the simple model of a lossy one-dimensional interconnect with distributed parametric amplification, and it is shown that the improvements to the noise factor offered by amplification are limited.
Comparison of two adaptive temperature-based replica exchange methods applied to a sharp phase transition of protein unfolding-folding
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Olson Mark A.
Published: June 2011

Temperature-based replica exchange (T-ReX) enhances sampling of molecular dynamics simulations by autonomously heating and cooling simulation clients via a Metropolis exchange criterion. A pathological case for T-ReX can occur when a change in state (e.g., folding to unfolding of a protein) has a large energetic difference over a short temperature interval leading to insufficient exchanges amongst replica clients near the transition temperature. One solution is to allow the temperature set to dynamically adapt in the temperature space, thereby enriching the population of clients near the transition temperature. In this work, we evaluated two approaches for adapting the temperature set: a method that equalizes exchange rates over all neighbor temperature pairs and a method that attempts to induce clients to visit all temperatures (dubbed “current maximization”) by positioning many clients at or near the transition temperature. As a test case, we simulated the 57-residue SH3 domain of alpha-spectrin. Exchange rate equalization yielded the same unfolding-folding transition temperature as fixed-temperature ReX with much smoother convergence of this value. Surprisingly, the current maximization method yielded a significantly lower transition temperature, in close agreement with experimental observation, likely due to more extensive sampling of the transition state.
The metallic interface between the two band insulators LaGaO3 and SrTiO3
Authors: Nazir S. , Singh N. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: June 2011

The formation of metallic interface states between the two band insulators LaGaO3 and SrTiO3 is studied by the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method based on density functional theory. Structural optimization of the atomic positions points to only small changes of the chemical bonding at the interface. The n-type (LaO/TiO2) and p-type (GaO2/SrO) interfaces turn out to be metallic. Reduction of the O content increases the conductivity of the n-type interface, while the p-type interface can be turned gradually from a hole doped into an electron doped state.
The holomorphy conjecture for ideals in dimension two
Authors: Lemahieu Ann , Van Proeyen Lise
Published: June 2011

The holomorphy conjecture predicts that the topological zeta function associated to a polynomial

f
∈

C

[

x
1

,
…
,

x
n

]

f \in \mathbb {C}[x_1,\ldots ,x_n]

and an integer

d
>
0

d > 0

is holomorphic unless

d
d

divides the order of an eigenvalue of local monodromy of

f
f

. In this paper, we generalise the holomorphy conjecture to the setting of arbitrary ideals in

C

[

x
1

,
…
,

x
n

]

\mathbb {C}[x_1,\ldots ,x_n]

, and we prove it when

n
=
2

n=2

.
Subunit Stoichiometry, Evolution, and Functional Implications of an Asymmetric Plant Plastid ClpP/R Protease Complex in Arabidopsis
Authors: Olinares Paul Dominic B. , Kim Jitae , Davis Jerrold I. , van Wijk Klaas J.
Published: June 2011

The caseinolytic protease (Clp) protease system has been expanded in plant plastids compared with its prokaryotic progenitors. The plastid Clp core protease consists of five different proteolytic ClpP proteins and four different noncatalytic ClpR proteins, with each present in one or more copies and organized in two heptameric rings. We determined the exact subunit composition and stoichiometry for the intact core and each ring. The chloroplast ClpP/R protease was affinity purified from clpr4 and clpp3 Arabidopsis thaliana null mutants complemented with C-terminal StrepII-tagged versions of CLPR4 and CLPP3, respectively. The subunit stoichiometry was determined by mass spectrometry-based absolute quantification using stable isotope-labeled proteotypic peptides generated from a synthetic gene. One heptameric ring contained ClpP3,4,5,6 in a 1:2:3:1 ratio. The other ring contained ClpP1 and ClpR1,2,3,4 in a 3:1:1:1:1 ratio, resulting in only three catalytic sites. These ClpP1/R1-4 proteins are most closely related to the two subunits of the cyanobacterial P3/R complex and the identical P:R ratio suggests conserved adaptation. Furthermore, the plant-specific C-terminal extensions of the ClpP/R subunits were not proteolytically removed upon assembly, suggesting a regulatory role in Clp chaperone interaction. These results will now allow testing ClpP/R structure–function relationships using rationale design. The quantification workflow we have designed is applicable to other protein complexes.