bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical study of racemization in chiral alkenylidene truxenes
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Blanco Fernando , Elguero José
Published: April 2008

DFT based methods have been used to study the racemization process of chiral truxene derivatives. Four minima and the transition state connecting them have been characterized. It has been found that the energetic results for the transition states are correlated for each compound and also among the different systems considered. Thus, a unique equation has been found to fit all the values obtained. Model systems have shown that the calculated barriers are not inherent to the truxene structure. The AIM analysis has shown the presence of a large number of intramolecular closed‐shell interactions while electron density and Laplacian at the bond critical points are exponentially correlated with the interatomic distance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of electron–phonon interaction on Fano interference in the parallel double quantum dot structure
Authors: Gong Weijiang , Zheng Yisong , Wang Jie , Lü Tianquan
Published: April 2008

The effect of electron–phonon interaction on the Fano lineshape in the linear conductance spectrum in the parallel double quantum dot structure is studied. The local and non‐local phonon modes are considered and the corresponding electron transport formulae are derived on an equal footing. It is found that the inelastic conductance vanishes in the zero bias and zero temperature case. The local and non‐local phonon modes influence the Fano lineshape distinctly. The non‐local phonon can change the Fano lineshape effectively, while the local phonon mainly shifts the initial Fano lineshape. These properties are still distinct for the finite temperature case when the inelastic scattering process is more complex. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Induction of G2/M arrest and apoptosis by water extract of Strychni Semen in human gastric carcinoma AGS cells
Authors: Lee Sang Man , Kwon Jae Im , Choi Yung Hyun , Eom Hyun Sup , Chi Gyoo Yong
Published: April 2008

The seed of Strychnos nux‐vomica (Loganiaceae) has been used in traditional Oriental medicine as a folk remedy for the treatment of cancer. However, the mechanism responsible for the anticancer effects of Strychni Semen is not clearly understood.

The study tested whether and how the water extract of Strychni Semen (ESS) treatment would affect the growth of AGS human gastric carcinoma cells. ESS was found to inhibit the growth of AGS cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis showed G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in AGS cells following ESS treatment. ESS‐mediated G2/M arrest was found to be associated with up‐regulation of cyclin A, Cdc2, tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21(WAF1/CIP1), whereas the expressions of other G2/M regulatory proteins, including cyclin B1 and Cdk2, were down‐regulated compared with the control. The induction of apoptotic cell death by ESS was associated with down‐regulation of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and up‐regulation of pro‐apoptotic Bax expression. Further results indicate that caspase‐3, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 are all activated by ESS, together with cleavage of downstream caspase‐3 target proteins. Taken together, the results of this study suggest the involvement of multiple signaling pathways targeted by ESS in mediating G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in AGS cells, and warrant further investigation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A combined extract of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Alpiniae Officinari Rhizoma suppresses production of nitric oxide by inhibiting NF‐κB activation in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Jeong Mi‐Young , Lee Ji‐Suk , Lee Jae‐Dong , Kim Nam‐Jae , Kim Jin‐Woo , Lim Sabina
Published: April 2008

An herbal mixture prepared with Cinnamomi Ramulus, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Alpiniae Officinari Rhizoma (CAA) is used in oriental medicine for treating several ailments. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms by which CAA elicits an antiinflammatory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells. The results indicated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced NO production was inhibited by CAA in a dose‐dependent manner. Western blotting and RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that CAA decreased LPS‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein and gene expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, CAA inhibited the LPS‐induced DNA binding activity of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and this effect was mediated through inhibiting the degradation of inhibitory factor‐κBα (IκBα). Therefore, the results demonstrate that CAA inhibits LPS‐induced production of NO and expression of iNOS by blocking NF‐κB activation. CAA might be a potential therapeutic candidate for treating inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of dietary composition on the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope ratios of milk
Authors: Camin Federica , Perini Matteo , Colombari Gianni , Bontempo Luana , Versini Giuseppe
Published: April 2008

The stable isotope ratios (13C/12C, 15N/14N, 18O/16O, D/H) of animal feed and milk were investigated, considering cows stabled in two farms and fed with diets made up of different kinds of C3 plants and different amounts of maize. Maize was characterised by δ13C, δ18O and δD values significantly higher than those of the C3 plants, while, for the C3 plants, Festuca arudinacea had significantly higher content of 13C and 15N. The δ13C and δ18O values of the overall diet and the δ13C of milk casein and lipids were shown to be significantly correlated with the percentage of maize in the animal diet. On the other hand, the δ18O values of milk water and the δ18O, δD and δ15N values of casein were shown to be only slightly influenced by the amount of maize in the feed, being probably more closely correlated with the geo‐climatic and pedological characteristics of the area of origin and with the presence of fresh plant or silage in the ration. The δ13C value of casein was shown to be a suitable parameter for evaluating the amount of maize in the diet: each 10% increase in the maize content corresponded to a shift of 0.7‰ to 1.0‰ in the δ13C of casein. A threshold value of −23.5‰ for δ13C in milk casein, above which it is not possible to exclude the presence of maize in the diet, was suggested. The results obtained could be useful for determining mislabelling of dairy products declared to have been produced by pastured animals or of PDO cheeses with an established amount of maize in the diet and for verifying the unpermitted addition of exogenous components to milk. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in a porcine controlled dietary study
Authors: Tuross Noreen , Warinner Christina , Kirsanow Karola , Kester Cynthia
Published: April 2008

Controlled feeding studies have been useful in assessing the relationship between isotope values from dietary sources and consumer tissues. We report the organic oxygen and hydrogen values of animal tissue from a porcine controlled dietary study. A complex mixture of fractionation and incorporation is revealed. In both δD and δ18O, differences in the absolute values and the amount of variation between and within consumer tissue are documented. Significant differences in δD and δ18O are observed between protein sources such as keratin and collagen. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Housing Problems and Prospects for Blacks in Houston
Authors: Bullard Robert D.
Published: April 2008

Houston was considered the premier Sunbelt city in the 1970s. Much of the growth during this boom period was fueled by the oil industry. The city led the nation in new jobs created and housing starts. The economic growth, however, was not uniformly distributed to all segments of the population—specifically, a large segment of the black community was passed over during the city's housing boom.

Many of the housing problems facing black Houstonians can be traced to the city's anti-public housing sentiment, policies that create and perpetuate racial segregation, and the dismantling of the fair housing enforcement mechanism. Housing discrimination, residential segregation, and other institutional barriers all limit the mobility options for a sizable segment of the black Houston community.
Determination of foreign materials of plant origin in cotton linters
Authors: Jurbergs K. A. , Dowling D. J.
Published: April 2008

The present article describes a test procedure which can be used for determination of foreign materials of plant origin in raw cotton linters. Laboratories that perform the cellulose yield test require very little additional equipment to carry out this test. A portion of the dry cellulose sample, remaining after the completion of the AOCS Official Cellulose Yield Method Bb 3舑47 is bleached, formed into a hand sheet and the total projected area of the visible dirts is determined on both sides of the hand sheet. The determination of the dirts is patterned according to principles used in Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industries Standard Procedures T213 M‐43 and T437 M‐43.

There are three main groups of foreign materials encountered: stalks, cockle burs and cotton seed hulls. The numbers and distribution of these particles vary with the general geographic locality and individual shipments of cotton linters. The test procedure described considers only those dirt particles which survive the major purification steps in the manufacturing of pulp from linters, and are undesirable from the quality point of view of the finished product. Prior to the development of the test only visual grading estimations have been used for this purpose.
Fatty acids of pimiento pepper seed oil
Authors: Marion J. E. , Dempsey A. H.
Published: April 2008

Pimiento pepper (Capsicum annum L.) seed oil was shown to contain 66舑71% linoleic acid with smaller quantities of 16 and 18 carbon saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Neither geographical location nor location within pimiento processing plants influenced the level or composition of the seed oil. Two varieties of bell‐type peppers were shown to have essentially the same seed oil composition as that of pimientos. Oil extracted from the fruit wall and placenta of pimientos was red and contained high levels of linolenic and small quantities of very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Genetic causes of hypercalciuric nephrolithiasis
Authors: Stechman Michael J. , Loh Nellie Y. , Thakker Rajesh V.
Published: April 2008

Renal stone disease (nephrolithiasis) affects 3–5% of the population and is often associated with hypercalciuria. Hypercalciuric nephrolithiasis is a familial disorder in over 35% of patients and may occur as a monogenic disorder that is more likely to manifest itself in childhood. Studies of these monogenic forms of hypercalciuric nephrolithiasis in humans, e.g. Bartter syndrome, Dent’s disease, autosomal dominant hypocalcemic hypercalciuria (ADHH), hypercalciuric nephrolithiasis with hypophosphatemia, and familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria have helped to identify a number of transporters, channels and receptors that are involved in regulating the renal tubular reabsorption of calcium. Thus, Bartter syndrome, an autosomal disease, is caused by mutations of the bumetanide-sensitive Na–K–Cl (NKCC2) co-transporter, the renal outer-medullary potassium (ROMK) channel, the voltage-gated chloride channel, CLC-Kb, the CLC-Kb beta subunit, barttin, or the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Dent’s disease, an X-linked disorder characterized by low molecular weight proteinuria, hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis, is due to mutations of the chloride/proton antiporter 5, CLC-5; ADHH is associated with activating mutations of the CaSR, which is a G-protein-coupled receptor; hypophosphatemic hypercalciuric nephrolithiasis associated with rickets is due to mutations in the type 2c sodium–phosphate co-transporter (NPT2c); and familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria is due to mutations of paracellin-1, which is a member of the claudin family of membrane proteins that form the intercellular tight junction barrier in a variety of epithelia. These studies have provided valuable insights into the renal tubular pathways that regulate calcium reabsorption and predispose to hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis.
Chromosome damage in mitosis induces BubR1 activation and prometaphase arrest
Authors: Choi Eunhee , Lee Hyunsook
Published: April 2008

The effect of double‐strand DNA breaks (DSBs) on the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) has important implications with respect to the relationship between SAC function and chromosome instability of cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that induction of DSBs in mitosis results in prolonged hyper‐phosphorylation of the SAC protein BubR1 and association of BubR1 with kinetochores in mammalian cells. Combining single cell time‐lapse microscopy with immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis in synchronized cells, we provide evidence that DSBs activate BubR1, leading to prometaphase arrest. Accordingly, elimination of BubR1 expression by siRNA resulted in the abrogation of mitotic delay in response to chromosome damage. These results suggest that BubR1 links DNA damage to kinetochore‐associated SAC function.
Chromatin remodelling and actin organisation
Authors: Farrants Ann-Kristin Östlund
Published: April 2008

Chromatin remodelling is a prerequisite for nuclear processes, and cells have several different ways of remodelling the chromatin structure. The ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelling complexes are large multiprotein complexes that use ATP to change DNA–histone contacts. These complexes are classified into 4 sub‐families depending on the central ATPase. The switch mating type/sucrose non‐fermenting (SWI/SNF) complexes are mainly involved in transcriptional regulation, and this means that they are involved in many processes, such as the formation of actin filaments in the cytoplasm. SWI/SNF complexes are involved in the regulation of genes expressing cell adhesion proteins and extracellular matrix proteins. Actin is also present in the nucleus, affecting transcription, RNA processing and export. In addition, actin and actin‐related proteins are subunits of SWI/SNF complexes and the INO80‐containing complexes, another subfamily of ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelling complexes. Not all functions of the actin and actin‐related proteins in the complexes are yet clear: it is known that they play important roles in maintaining the stability of the proteins, possibly by bridging subunits and recruiting the complexes to chromatin.
Investigating the nucleic acid interactions and antimicrobial mechanism of buforin II
Authors: Uyterhoeven Erika T. , Butler Chase H. , Ko Danette , Elmore Donald E.
Published: April 2008

Buforin II (BF2) is an antimicrobial peptide that is hypothesized to kill bacteria by entering cells and binding nucleic acids. To further investigate this proposed mechanism, we used computer modeling and experimental measurements to consider the interactions between BF2 and DNA. Computational and experimental results imply that the peptide forms specific interactions with DNA. Moreover, we observe a general correlation between DNA affinity and antimicrobial activity for a series of BF2 variants. Thus, our results support the proposed mechanism for BF2 and provide a useful approach for evaluating the nucleic acid interactions of other antimicrobial peptides.
Geochronology of Ailuropoda–Stegodon fauna andGigantopithecus in Guangxi Province, southern China
Authors: Rink W.J. , Wei W. , Bekken D. , Jones H.L.
Published: April 2008

Pleistocene faunas from south China are difficult to subdivide based on the long temporal ranges of many taxa and a reduced number of genera in comparison to faunas from temperate north China. In south China, theAiluropoda–Stegodonfauna is a very general one and includes a relatively stable suite of genera that apparently persisted for long periods of time. These attributes have made constraining its time range difficult. Application of electron spin resonance (ESR) dating of tooth enamel constrains the ages well where uranium uptake was minor. Where uranium uptake into teeth was significant, an approach combining ESR and230Th/234U isotopic analysis also yields excellent ages. Previous estimates of early, middle and late Pleistocene time ranges previously determined by biostratigraphic seriation for theAiluropoda–Stegodonfauna are confirmed in all cases but are made more precise with our approach, including specific time ranges for certain archaic taxa. Absolute dating also yields an extended time range forGigantopithecus blackiof 1200 to 310 ka.
Evaluation of the preventative effects exerted byLactobacillus fermentumin an experimental model of septic shock induced in mice
Authors: Arribas Belén , Elena Rodríguez-Cabezas Maria , Comalada Mònica , Bailón Elvira , Camuesco Desireé , Olivares Mónica , Xaus Jordi , Zarzuelo Antonio , Gálvez Julio
Published: April 2008

The preventative effects of the probioticLactobacillus fermentumCECT5716 were evaluated in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of septic shock in mice. The probiotic was administered suspended in drinking water at the final concentration of 108colony-forming units/ml for 2 weeks before the induction of an endotoxic shock by an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (400 μg/200 μl per mouse). Blood and different organs were collected after 24 h to evaluate the severity of the endotoxic shock and the preventative effects of the probiotic.L. fermentumreduced TNF-α levels in blood, which promotes the major alterations observed during septic shock, as well as the infiltration of activated neutrophils into the lungs. Furthermore, free radical overproduction and oxidative stress were associated with a significant decrease in hepatic glutathione levels in septic mice, and with an excessive NO production attributed to the induction of the inducible isoform of NO synthase (iNOS). In fact, hepatic glutathione levels were significantly increased in the group of mice receiving the probiotic, and the increased iNOS expression both in the colon and lungs was down-regulated in those mice treated withL. fermentum. Finally, pre-treatment withL. fermentummay also exert its protective action modulating the expression of different cytokines in splenocyte-derived T cells such us IL-2, IL-5, IL-6 or IL-10. In conclusion, pre-treatment withL. fermentummay exert its protective action against LPS-induced organ damage in mice by a combination of several actions including its antioxidant properties and by reduction of the synthesis of the pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6.
The Dynamics of Poverty in Chile
Authors: NEILSON CHRISTOPHER , CONTRERAS DANTE , COOPER RYAN , HERMANN JORGE
Published: April 2008

This paper uses the 1996–2001 National Socioeconomic Survey panel database to analyse poverty dynamics in Chile, drawing a distinction between chronic and transient poverty. We found that while 20 per cent of the population was living below the official poverty line both in 1996 and 2001, only 9 per cent of the population was poor at both dates. We also found that when the poverty line was raised, the amount of households which could be considered chronically poor rose steadily, whereas the transitory component of poverty remained more or less stable. Analysis of the direct reasons for changes in household poverty status leads us to the conclusion that labour dynamics are far more relevant than demographic changes. Household heads who suffered health problems are significantly less likely to leave poverty. Household human and physical capital are also relevant, as well as the sector in which the household head works. Simulating this exercise using different poverty lines reveals that some variables are not robust to changes in the definition of poverty, while others which originally appeared to be insignificant become so for most other possible poverty lines.
Godparents and Trading Partners: Social and Economic Relations in Peruvian Amazonia
Authors: KILLICK EVAN
Published: April 2008

Through an ethnographic account of contemporary relations between Ashéninka men and mestizos on the Ucayali River in Eastern Peru, this article examines how individuals use specific cultural idioms in their attempts to counteract the exploitative nature of economic relations. Specifically the article considers how the institutions of ayompari trading partners and compadrazgo (godparenthood) are used by Ashéninka and mestizo individuals respectively to understand and try to control their relationships within the local economic system of habilitación. The article concludes by noting the continued importance of these individual relationships in light of recent changes to Peru's forestry laws.
Spatial transportation networks with transfer costs: asymptotic optimality of hub-and-spoke models
Authors: ALDOUS DAVID J.
Published: April 2008

Consider networks onnvertices at average density 1 per unit area. We seek a network that minimizes total length subject to some constraint on journey times, averaged over source-destination pairs. Suppose journey times depend on both route-length and number of hops. Then for the constraint corresponding to an average of 3 hops, the length of the optimal network scales asn13/10. Alternatively, constraining the average number of hops to be 2 forces the network length to grow slightly faster than ordern3/2. Finally, if we require the network length to beO(n) then the mean number of hops grows as order log logn. Each result is an upper bound in the worst case (of vertex positions), and a lower bound under randomness or equidistribution assumptions. The upper bounds arise in simple hub and spoke models, which are therefore optimal in an order of magnitude sense.
Tonal accents and rhyme in 18th-century Swedish
Authors: Jönsson-Steiner Elisabet , Lahiri Aditi
Published: April 2008

In Modern Swedish certain groups of morphemes are systematically involved in word forms that would be expected to get Accent 2 but that surface with Accent 1. Thus, Swedish infinitives usually get Accent 2 (grip-a‘seize’), but in combination with certain prefixes, that were borrowed from Middle Low German, infinitives will always be Accent 1 (be-grip-a‘comprehend’). The dominance and systematic occurrence of Accent 1 suggests viewing it as the lexically specified accent. In this article we are looking for historical facts about these types of words and morphemes to see if we can draw any conclusions concerning lexical accent specification for native vs. non-native morphemes. By investigating the comments on rhymes and accents in the 18th-century poetic manual by Anders Nicander (1707–1781) in combination with his own rhymed verse we can provide information about 18th-century and modern tonal oppositions in Swedish.
Call for papers: NJL Special Issue on Sociolinguistics
Authors: Gregersen Frans , Røyneland Unn
Published: April 2008

The second issue of Volume 32 (December 2009) of the Nordic Journal of Linguistics will be a special issue devoted to sociolinguistics, edited by Frans Gregersen and Unn Røyneland.
Epilepsy in the older patient
Authors: Johnston Ann , Smith Phil
Published: April 2008

The world population is aging rapidly. The post World War II ‘baby boomers’ have benefited from improved medical science, sanitation, political freedom, and social and economic development, resulting in the knock-on demographic trend of an aging population. From a health-economic perspective, this places increasing demands on society and on health services to meet evolving medical and social needs. By 2025, over 30% of the populations of developed countries will be aged over 60 years (US Bureau of Census 2004).
Accurate and efficient expression evaluation and linear algebra
Authors: Demmel James , Dumitriu Ioana , Holtz Olga , Koev Plamen
Published: April 2008

We survey and unify recent results on the existence of accurate algorithms for evaluating multivariate polynomials, and more generally for accurate numerical linear algebra with structured matrices. By ‘accurate’ we mean that the computed answer has relative error less than 1,i.e., has some correct leading digits. We also address efficiency, by which we mean algorithms that run in polynomial time in the size of the input. Our results will depend strongly on the model of arithmetic: most of our results will use the so-calledtraditional model(TM), where the computed result of op(a,b), a binary operation likea+b, is given by op(a,b) * (1+δ) where all we know is that |δ| ≤ ε ≪ 1. Here ε is a constant also known as machine epsilon.

We will see a common reason for the following disparate problems to permit accurate and efficient algorithms using only the four basic arithmetic operations: finding the eigenvalues of a suitably discretized scalar elliptic PDE, finding eigenvalues of arbitrary products, inverses, or Schur complements of totally non-negative matrices (such as Cauchy and Vandermonde), and evaluating the Motzkin polynomial. Furthermore, in all these cases the high accuracy is ‘deserved’,i.e., the answer is determined much more accurately by the data than the conventional condition number would suggest.

In contrast, we will see that evaluating even the simple polynomialx+y+zaccurately is impossible in the TM, using only the basic arithmetic operations. We give a set of necessary and sufficient conditions to decide whether a high accuracy algorithm exists in the TM, and describe progress toward a decision procedure that will take any problem and provide either a high-accuracy algorithm or a proof that none exists.

When no accurate algorithm exists in the TM, it is natural to extend the set of available accurate operations by a library of additional operations, such asx+y+z, dot products, or indeed any enumerable set which could then be used to build further accurate algorithms. We show how our accurate algorithms and decision procedure for finding them extend to this case.

Finally, we address other models of arithmetic, and the relationship between (im)possibility in the TM and (in)efficient algorithms operating on numbers represented as bit strings.
Bioseparation in Antibody Manufacturing: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Authors: Gottschalk Uwe
Published: April 2008

Improvements in upstream production have boosted productivity in the biomanufacturing industry, but this is leading to bottlenecks in downstream processing as current technology platforms reach their limits of throughput and scalability. Although chromatography remains an indispensible component of downstream processing due to its simplicity and high resolving power (The Good), there is virtually no economy of scale effect so more product translates almost linearly into greater production costs. Bind‐and‐elute processes (such as the initial capture step in antibody manufacturing) are volume‐driven and therefore have knock‐on effects that impact on the entire production facility since the space required for preparation, storage, and cleaning steps has to be similarly adapted (The Bad). During long‐term operations with multiple cycles, thorough cleaning is necessary to prevent progressive fouling and microbial contamination (The Ugly). Innovative solutions are required, which may include revisiting simpler and less expensive separation technologies, the use of disposable modules, and the integration of improved processes that are scalable to cope with increased demands. Among the alternatives that have been put forward, membrane adsorbers are beginning to make a real impact on the industry, particularly for flow‐through applications such as polishing and viral clearance.
Justification of War and Terrorism
Authors: Halverscheid Susanne , Witte Erich H.
Published: April 2008

Abstract. In this study, examples of war and terrorism from both Western and Arab countries were examined with respect to the underlying ethical positions of justifications that have been publicized. In a rating process, we analyzed speeches and explanations of (1) the American government justifying the military strikes in Afghanistan (2001-) and the war in Iraq (2003-), (2) the Red Army Faction justifying terrorist attacks they perpetrated in Germany (1972-1984), (3) the former President of Iraq justifying the war against Iran (1980-1988), and (4) members of Al Qaeda justifying terrorist acts (2001-2004). The ethical justification patterns are presented, compared, and discussed with respect to the influences of culture and type of political violence. The results reveal significant differences between the kinds of aggression as well as between Western and Arab countries, with the cultural factor proving to be more essential.
Human Rights Education
Authors: Stellmacher Jost , Sommer Gert
Published: April 2008

Abstract. Human rights have advanced to an important category of peace and international politics in recent decades. The reference document for human rights is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which emphasizes, among other things, the relevance of human rights education. However, this topic has been largely neglected in empirical research until now. Peace psychology might contribute to a better understanding of human rights education. The present article examines effects of human rights education on knowledge, attitudes, and commitment concerning human rights. Three university seminars dealing with human rights as one of two principal topics formed the background for three quasiexperimental studies with pre-/posttest designs. All studies demonstrate that even short-time human rights education can increase the knowledge about human rights and enhance positive attitudes and commitment concerning human rights. The discussion stresses the importance of further empirical studies on human rights education for a culture of peace.
Evolving east Asian river systems reconstructed by trace element and Pb and Nd isotope variations in modern and ancient Red River‐Song Hong sediments
Authors: Clift Peter D. , Long Hoang Van , Hinton Richard , Ellam Robert M. , Hannigan Robyn , Tan Mai Thanh , Blusztajn Jerzy , Duc Nguyen Anh
Published: April 2008

Rivers in east Asia have been recognized as having unusual geometries, suggestive of drainage reorganization linked to Tibetan Plateau surface uplift. In this study we applied a series of major and trace element proxies, together with bulk Nd and single K‐feldspar grain Pb isotope ion probe isotope analyses, to understand the sediment budget of the modern Red River. We also investigate how this may have evolved during the Cenozoic. We show that while most of the modern sediment is generated by physical erosion in the upper reaches in Yunnan there is significant additional flux from the Song Lo, draining Cathaysia and the SW Yangtze Block. Nd isotope data suggest that 40% of the modern delta sediment comes from the Song Lo. Carbonates in the Song Lo basin make this a major control on the Red River Sr budget. Erosion is not a simple function of monsoon precipitation. Active rock uplift is also required to drive strong erosion. Single grain Pb data show a connection in the Eocene between the middle Yangtze and the Red River, and probably with rivers draining the Songpan Garze terrane. However, the isotope data do not support a former connection with the upper Yangtze, Mekong, or Salween rivers. Drainage capture appears to have occurred throughout the Cenozoic, consistent with surface uplift propagating gradually to the southeast. The middle Yangtze was lost from the Red River prior to 24 Ma, while the connection to the Songpan Garze was cut prior to 12 Ma. The Song Lo joined the Red River after 9 Ma. Bulk sample Pb analyses have limited provenance use compared to single grain data, and detailed provenance is only possible with a matrix of different proxies.
Comparison of ozone profiles by the Umkehr measurements taken at Belsk (52°N, 21°E) with the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder overpasses: 2004–2006
Authors: Krzyścin J. W. , Jarosławski J. , Rajewska‐Więch B. , Sobolewski P. S. , Froidevaux L.
Published: April 2008

A comparison of ozone profile measurements by the Umkehr observations taken at Belsk (52°N, 21°E) by the Dobson spectrophotometer and collocated Earth Observing System (EOS) Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) aboard the Aura platform during 2004–2006 site overpasses is presented. The MLS ozone vertical profiles from 1.5 and 2.2 retrieval algorithms and various Umkehr retrievals are considered. There is a good agreement between the ozone content in Umkehr layers. The mean difference ∼ ±5%, standard deviation of the relative differences < 10%, and the correlation coefficient > 0.5 are found in the midstratosphere (Umkehr layers 5–7) and in the upper stratosphere (combined layers 8, 9, and 10). In the lower stratosphere (combined layers 2 and 3 and layer 4) the mean difference and/or standard deviation are larger but the correlation coefficient is still high (∼0.8). Ozone content in Umkehr layers by integration of MLS version 1.5 and 2.2 ozone mixing ratio profiles behaves very similarly in the comparisons with the ground‐based data.
Retrieval of vegetative fluid resistance terms for rigid stems using airborne lidar
Authors: Antonarakis A. S. , Richards K. S. , Brasington J. , Bithell M. , Muller E.
Published: April 2008

Hydraulic resistance of riparian forests is an unknown but important term in flood conveyance modeling. Lidar has proven to be a very important new data source to physically characterize floodplain vegetation. This research outlines a recent campaign that aims to retrieve vegetation fluid resistance terms from airborne laser scanning to parameterize trunk roughness. Information on crown characteristics and vegetation spacing can be extracted for individual trees to aid in the determining of trunk stem morphology. Airborne lidar data were used to explore the potential to characterize some of the prominent tree morphometric properties from natural and planted riparian poplar zones such as tree position, tree height, trunk location, and tree spacing. Allometric equations of tree characteristics extrapolated from ground measurements were used to infer below‐canopy morphometric variables. Results are presented from six riparian‐forested zones on the Garonne and Allier rivers in southern and central France. The tree detection and crown segmentation (TDCS) method identified individual trees with 85% accuracy, and the TreeVaW method detected trees with 83% accuracy. Tree heights were overall estimated at both river locations with an RMSE error of around 19% for both methods, but crown diameter at the six sites produced large deviations from ground‐measured values of above 40% for both methods. Total height‐derived trunk diameters using the TDCS method produced the closest roughness coefficient values to the ground‐derived roughness coefficients. The stem roughness values produced from this method fell within guideline values.
History of glacial terminations from the Tiber River, Rome: Insights into glacial forcing mechanisms
Authors: Marra Fabrizio , Florindo Fabio , Boschi Enzo
Published: April 2008

We document the aggradational history of the Tiber River delta through the last 17,000 years by means of 17 new 14C ages from peat or wood collected from the delta sediment. An abrupt change in sediment clast size, grading from gravel to clay, occurred between 13.63 (±0.20) and 12.80 (±0.15) ka, indicating that it was synchronous with the last glacial termination, with no appreciable phase lag. Knowing this phase relationship enables us to reduce the magnitudes of age uncertainties for aggradational sections corresponding to glacial terminations IX through III, which we had dated previously by 40Ar/39Ar methods. Glacial terminations VIII, VI, and IV precede beyond 95% confidence the ages predicted by Northern Hemisphere summer insolation maxima. Additionally, we find that each of these seven glacial terminations follows particularly mild insolation minima, which we suggest may be regarded as the preconditioning factor to trigger a glacial termination.
Simulation of surface radiation balance on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Hong Jinkyu , Kim Joon
Published: April 2008

Tibetan Plateau is vulnerable to climate changes. At the same time, an altered surface radiation balance on the Plateau due to its rapid development would contribute to feedback and causes of global climate changes, particularly the Asian summer monsoon. In this study, we investigated surface radiation balance on the Tibetan Plateau by comparative analysis of two land surface models with the in‐situ observation data. Our scrutiny reveals that radiative coupling, which has been neglected over low elevation region, is important in simulating surface energy balance on the Tibetan Plateau. For a proper assessment of surface radiation balance and hydrologic cycle on the Plateau, surface albedo and emissivity should be also correctly incorporated into land surface models and remote sensing algorithm.
Stimulation of mitochondrial proton conductance by hydroxynonenal requires a high membrane potential
Authors: Parker Nadeene , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Brand Martin D.
Published: April 2008

Mild uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, caused by a leak of protons back into the matrix, limits mitochondrial production of ROS (reactive oxygen species). This proton leak can be induced by the lipid peroxidation products of ROS, such as HNE (4-hydroxynonenal). HNE activates uncoupling proteins (UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3) and ANT (adenine nucleotide translocase), thereby providing a negative feedback loop. The mechanism of activation and the conditions necessary to induce uncoupling by HNE are unclear. We have found that activation of proton leak by HNE in rat and mouse skeletal muscle mitochondria is dependent on incubation with respiratory substrate. In the presence of HNE, mitochondria energized with succinate became progressively more leaky to protons over time compared with mitochondria in the absence of either HNE or succinate. Energized mitochondria must attain a high membrane potential to allow HNE to activate uncoupling: a drop of 10–20 mV from the resting value is sufficient to blunt induction of proton leak by HNE. Uncoupling occurs through UCP3 (11%), ANT (64%) and other pathways (25%). Our findings have shown that exogenous HNE only activates uncoupling at high membrane potential. These results suggest that both endogenous HNE production and high membrane potential are required before mild uncoupling will be triggered to attenuate mitochondrial ROS production.
Three-dimensional modeling of laser-plasma interaction: Benchmarking our predictive modeling tools versus experiments
Authors: Divol L. , Berger R. L. , Meezan N. B. , Froula D. H. , Dixit S. , Michel P. , London R. , Strozzi D. , Ross J. , Williams E. A. , Still B. , Suter L. J. , Glenzer S. H.
Published: April 2008

New experimental capabilities [Froula et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 085001 (2007)] have been developed to study laser-plasma interaction (LPI) in ignition-relevant condition at the Omega laser facility (LLE/Rochester). By shooting an interaction beam along the axis of a gas-filled hohlraum heated by up to 17kJ of heater beam energy, a millimeter-scale underdense uniform plasma at electron temperatures above 3keV was created. Extensive Thomson scattering measurements allowed to benchmark hydrodynamic simulations performed with HYDRA [Meezan et al., Phys. Plasmas 14, 056304 (2007)]. As a result of this effort, these simulations can be used with much confidence as input parameters for the LPI simulation code PF3D [Berger et al., Phys. Plasmas 5, 4337 (1998)]. In this paper, it is shown that by using accurate hydrodynamic profiles and full three-dimensional simulations including a realistic modeling of the laser intensity pattern generated by various smoothing options, whole beam three-dimensional linear kinetic modeling of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) reproduces quantitatively the experimental measurements (SBS thresholds, reflectivity values, and the absence of measurable stimulated Raman scattering). This good agreement was made possible by the recent increase in computing power routinely available for such simulations. These simulations accurately predicted the strong reduction of SBS measured when polarization smoothing is used.
A theoretical study of the excited states of AmO2n+, n=1,2,3
Authors: Notter François-Paul , Dubillard Sébastien , Bolvin Hélène
Published: April 2008

The ground and excited states of the AmO2+, AmO22+, and AmO23+ ions have been studied using the four-component configuration interaction singles doubles, spin-orbit complete active space self-consistent field, and spin-orbit complete active space-order perturbation theory methods. The roles of scalar relativistic effects and spin-orbit coupling are analyzed; results with different methods are carefully compared by a precise analysis of the wave functions. A molecular spinor diagram is used in relation to the four-component calculations while a ligand field model is used for the two-step method. States with the same number of electrons in the four nonbonding orbitals are in very good agreement with the two methods while ligand field and charge transfer states do not have the same excitation energies.
Exact, Born–Oppenheimer, and quantum-chemistry-like calculations in helium clusters doped with light molecules: The He2N2(X) system
Authors: Roncero O. , de Lara-Castells M. P. , Delgado-Barrio G. , Villarreal P. , Stoecklin T. , Voronin A. , Rayez J. C.
Published: April 2008

Helium clusters doped with diatomic molecules, HeN–BC, have been recently studied by means of a quantum-chemistry-like approach. The model treats He atoms as “electrons” and dopants as “nuclei” in standard electronic structure calculations. Due to the large mass difference between He atoms and electrons, and to the replacement of Coulomb interactions by intermolecular potentials, it is worth assessing up to what extent are the approximations involved in this model, i.e., decoupling of the BC rotation from the He-atom orbital angular momenta and Born–Oppenheimer separation of the BC stretch versus the He motions, accurate enough. These issues have been previously tackled elsewhere for the He24–Br2(X) system, which contains a heavy dopant [Roncero et al., Int. J. Quantum Chem. 107, 2756 (2007)]. Here, we consider a similar cluster but with a much lighter dopant such as N2(X). Although the model does not provide the correct energy levels for the cluster, positions and intensities of the main detectable lines of the vibrotational Raman spectrum at low temperature are accurately reproduced.
Microstrip superconducting quantum interference device radio-frequency amplifier: Scattering parameters and input coupling
Authors: Kinion D. , Clarke John
Published: April 2008

The forward scattering parameters of an amplifier based on a dc superconducting quantum interference device are directly measured at 4.2K as functions of the applied magnetic flux. These parameters are equivalent to the real and imaginary components of the input impedance and forward gain of the amplifier. The results can be described using an equivalent circuit model of the fundamental resonance of the microstrip resonator which forms the input of the amplifier. The circuit model is used to determine the series capacitance required for critical coupling of the microstrip to the input circuit.
Stability of n-channel a-Si:H∕nc-Si:H bilayer thin-film transistors under dynamic stress
Authors: Hatzopoulos A. T. , Tassis D. H. , Arpatzanis N. , Dimitriadis C. A. , Templier F. , Oudwan M. , Kamarinos G.
Published: April 2008

The stability of n-channel bottom-gated thin-film transistors (TFTs), fabricated using as channel material hydrogenated amorphous silicon∕nanocrystalline silicon bilayers, is investigated by applying on the gate pulses in the on-state and off-state regions of operation and dc bias on the drain electrode. Dynamic gate stress, with the source and drain electrodes grounded, were also performed to avoid the effect of dc stress during the dynamic stress. The degradation mechanisms are thoroughly studied for each type of stress conditions, including carrier injection in the SiNx gate insulator and generation of traps at the gate insulator∕channel interface and in the active channel material. The common features and the differences in the TFT degradation behavior under different bias stress conditions are discussed.
Stopping power and range of energetic electrons in dense plasmas of fast-ignition fusion targets
Authors: Solodov A. A. , Betti R.
Published: April 2008

Current theoretical predictions of the stopping range of fast electrons in the dense cores of fast-ignition fusion targets differ by about a factor of 2. Inconsistencies in the previous derivations are discussed and correct values of the stopping power, scattering coefficients, and ranges of fast electrons are obtained. Such more-accurate results can be used in theoretical studies of the ignition conditions and particles-in-cell and Monte Carlo simulations of the collisional electron transport in the plasma of fast-ignition targets. Convenient approximate relations for the stopping range and angular moments of the hot-electron distribution function are also obtained.
Novel setups for extremely high power single-cycle terahertz pulse generation by optical rectification
Authors: Pálfalvi L. , Fülöp J. A. , Almási G. , Hebling J.
Published: April 2008

Recently, the generation of near-single-cycle terahertz pulses with 10μJ energy was demonstrated by optical rectification of ultrashort laser pulses with tilted pulse front in LiNbO3. Here, an optimized imaging setup is proposed for the creation of the tilted pulse front inside the LiNbO3 crystal. Furthermore, a compact setup is proposed which creates the tilted pulse front without imaging, where there is no principal limitation on the pump spot size and, hence, on the terahertz energy. According to model calculations, application of these setups can increase the efficiency by one order of magnitude for 5mm spot size.
Measurement of incident position of hypervelocity particles on piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate detector
Authors: Takechi Seiji , Onishi Toshiyuki , Minami Shigeyuki , Miyachi Takashi , Fujii Masayuki , Hasebe Nobuyuki , Nogami Ken-ichi , Ohashi Hideo , Sasaki Sho , Shibata Hiromi , Iwai Takeo , Grün Eberhard , Srama Ralf , Okada Nagaya
Published: April 2008

A cosmic dust detector for use onboard a satellite is currently being developed by using piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The characteristics of the PZT detector have been studied by bombarding it with hypervelocity iron (Fe) particles supplied by a Van de Graaff accelerator. One central electrode and four peripheral electrodes were placed on the front surface of the PZT detector to measure the impact positions of the incident Fe particles. It was demonstrated that the point of impact on the PZT detector could be identified by using information on the time at which the first peak of the output signal obtained from each electrode appeared.
Energy transfer of highly vibrationally excited naphthalene. III. Rotational effects
Authors: Liu Chen-Lin , Hsu Hsu Chen , Ni Chi-Kung
Published: April 2008

The rotational effects in the energy transfer between Kr atoms and highly vibrationally excited naphthalene in the triplet state were investigated using crossed-beam/time-sliced velocity map ion imaging at various translational collision energies. As the initial rotational temperature changes from less than 10to∼350K, the ratio of vibrational to translational (V→T) energy transfer cross section to translational to vibrational/rotational (T→VR) energy transfer cross section increases, but the probability of forming a complex during the collisions decreases. Significant increases in the large V→T energy transfer probabilities, termed supercollisions, at high initial rotational temperature were observed.