bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Programmable Logic Arrays
Authors: Damaj Issam W.
Published: January 2008

Programmable logic arrays (PLAs) are traditional digital electronic devices. A PLA is a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) used to implement combinational logic circuits. A PLA has a set of programmable AND gates, which link to a set of programmable OR gates to produce an output. The AND–OR layout of a PLA allows for implementing logic functions that are in a sum‐of‐products form. PLAs are available in the market in different types. PLAs could be stand alone chips, or parts of bigger processing systems. Stand alone PLAs are available as mask programmable (MPLAs) and field programmable (FPLAs) devices. The attractions of PLAs that brought them to mainstream engineers include their simplicity, relatively small circuit area, predictable propagation delay, and ease of development. The powerful‐but‐simple property brought PLAs to rapid prototyping, synthesis, design optimization techniques, embedded systems, traditional computer systems, hybrid high‐performance computing systems, etc. Indeed, there has been renewable interests in working with the simple AND‐to‐OR PLAs.
Data Handling in Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Dillenburg John F. , Nelson Peter C.
Published: January 2008

Within the domain of computer science, data handling is the coordinated movement of data within and between computer systems. The format of the data may be changed during these movements, possibly losing information during conversions. The data may also be filtered for privacy, security, or efficiency reasons. For instance, some information transmitted from an accident site may be filtered for privacy purposes before being presented to the general public (e.g., license numbers and names). Intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) apply computer, communication, and sensor technologies in an effort to improve surface transportation. In this article, data handling within ITS is discussed.
Edge Detection in Grayscale, Color, and Range Images
Authors: Park Jung Me , Murphey Yi Lu
Published: January 2008

Edges are commonly defined as significant local changes in an image. Edge provides an indication of the physical extent of objects in the image. Edge detection is viewed as an information reduction process that provides boundary information of regions by filtering out unnecessary information for the next steps of processes in a computer vision system. Thus, edge detection is one of the most essential steps for extracting structural features for human and machine perception. The success of high‐level computer vision processes heavily relies on the good output from the lower level processes such as edge detection. Many edge detection algorithms have been proposed in the last 50 years. This article presents the fundamental theories and the important edge detection techniques for grayscale, color, and range images.
Virtual Clothing
Authors: Volino Pascal , Luible Christiane , Magnenat‐Thalmann Nadia
Published: January 2008

The challenges of virtual garment simulation are numerous and have attracted research efforts for more than a decade. First dedicated to the realistic simulation of the mechanical behavior of cloth, virtual garment simulation soon evolved toward the simulation of virtual garments on synthetic characters. Although the computer graphics industry reaps the most obvious benefits from garment simulation on animated virtual characters, virtual prototyping of garment models is another major application field for the garment industry.
Volume Graphics and Volume Visualization
Authors: Chen Min
Published: January 2008

Volume graphics is concerned with graphics scenes, where models are defined using volume representations instead of, or in addition to, traditional surface representations. It is a study of the input, storage, construction, manipulation, display, and animation of volume models in a true three‐dimensional form. Its primary aim is to create realistic and artistic computer‐generated imagery from graphics scenes comprising volume objects, and to facilitate the interaction with these objects in graphical virtual environments. Volume visualization is also concerned with volume data representations that are used to store measured physical attributes of real‐world objects or phenomena or to represent computer‐generated models and their attributes in volumetric forms. Its main aim is to extract important information from acquired volume data and to convey such information visually to reviewers. This article provides an introduction to these two interrelated fields and examines several fundamental aspects common to both fields.
Software Effort Prediction
Authors: Lim Hojung , Goel Amrit L.
Published: January 2008

The development of effort models has been an area of considerable research in software engineering. Most early models were algorithmic and derived relationships empirically between effort and project characteristics, mostly using regression analysis. Recently, they have been complemented by machine learning and by neural net techniques. Various comparative studies have also been pursued to evaluate the predictive performance of different approaches. This article first highlights the main effort‐prediction techniques and comparative studies and then discusses the model development process and some relevant issues. An illustrative example is employed to develop support vector prediction models for data from several industrial projects.
Information Technology
Authors: Sage Andrew P. , Rouse William B.
Published: January 2008

This article provides a brief account of information technology, including historical evolution, the influence it has had and will have on organizations, and the way this influence will affect the engineering of information technology products and services. A presentation of the major challenges for information technology in the 21st century is also given.
Impaired cervical homeostasis upon selective ablation of RXRα in epithelial cells
Authors: Ocadiz‐Delgado R. , Castaneda‐Saucedo E. , Indra A.K. , Hernandez‐Pando R. , Gariglio P.
Published: January 2008

Retinoids play critical regulatory roles in the maintenance of mammalian epithelia and exert pleiotropic effects through nuclear receptors. RXRα, which is a ligand‐dependent transcription factor, is the most abundant RXR isotype expressed in cervical epithelia, and may play a crucial role in cervix development and homeostasis. We have previously described a mouse model to induce the temporally controlled epithelia‐specific somatic mutagenesis of RXRα alleles in epidermis. To study the role of RXRα in cervical homeostasis, we ablated RXRα in cervix epithelial cells of adult mice. We found that such mutant mice develop ectocervical atrophy with moderate epidermoid metaplasia. In addition, we report a simultaneous increase of cell proliferation and apoptosis levels accompanied by alteration in the expression of genes involved in both processes. genesis 46:19–28, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A transport‐distance approach to scaling erosion rates: 2. sensitivity and evaluation of Mahleran
Authors: Wainwright John , Parsons Anthony J. , Müller Eva N. , Brazier Richard E. , Powell D. Mark , Fenti Bantigegne
Published: January 2008

In the first paper in this series, we demonstrated that most process‐based erosion models have a series of in‐built assumptions that led us to question their true process basis. An alternative soil‐erosion model (Mahleran – Model for Assessing Hillslope‐Landscape Erosion, Runoff And Nutrients) based upon particle‐travel distance has been presented in the first paper in this series and this paper presents the first of two evaluations of the model. Here, a sensitivity analysis shows that the numerical model is consistent with the analytical model of Parsons et al. (2004) and demonstrates that downslope patterns of sediment flux on hillslopes are a complex interaction of rainfall intensity, duration and pattern; hillslope gradient; surface roughness and sediment size. This result indicates that the spatial scaling of sediment transfers on hillslopes is a non‐trivial problem and will vary from point to point and from event to event and thus from year to year. The model is evaluated against field data from a rainfall‐simulation experiment on an 18 m × 35 m plot for which there are sub‐plot‐scale data on runoff hydraulics and sediment flux. The results show that the model is capable of reproducing the sedigraph with an overall normalized root‐mean‐square error of 18·4% and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0·90. Spatial and temporal patterns of particle‐size distributions of the eroded sediment are also reproduced very well, once erosion parameters have been optimized for the specific soil conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A transport‐distance approach to scaling erosion rates: 1. Background and model development
Authors: Wainwright John , Parsons Anthony J. , Müller Eva N. , Brazier Richard E. , Powell D. Mark , Fenti Bantigegne
Published: January 2008

The process basis of existing soil‐erosion models is shown to be ill‐founded. The existing literature builds directly or indirectly on Bennett's (1974) paper, which provided a blueprint for integrated catchment‐scale erosion modelling. Whereas Bennett recognized the inherent assumptions of the approach suggested, subsequent readings of the paper have led to a less critical approach. Most notably, the assumption that sediment movement could be approximated by a continuity equation that related to transport in suspension has produced a series of submodels that assume that all movement occurs in suspension. For commonly occurring conditions on hillslopes, this case is demonstrably untrue both on theoretical grounds and from empirical observations. Elsewhere in the catchment system, it is only partially true, and the extent to which the assumption is reasonable varies both spatially and temporally. A second ground‐breaking paper – that of Foster and Meyer (1972) – was responsible for subsequent uncritical application of a first‐order approximation to deposition based on steady‐state analysis and again a weak empirical basis. We describe in this paper an alternative model (Mahleran – Model for Assessing Hillslope‐Landscape Erosion, Runoff And Nutrients) based upon particle‐travel distance that overcomes existing limitations by incorporating parameterizations of the different detachment and transport mechanisms that occur in water erosion in hillslopes and small catchments. In the second paper in the series, we consider the sensitivity and general behaviour of Mahleran, and test it in relation to data from a large rainfall‐simulation experiment. The third paper of the sequence evaluates the model using data from plots of different sizes in monitored rainfall events. From this evaluation, we consider the scaling characteristics of the current form of Mahleran and suggest that integrated modelling, laboratory and field approaches are required in order to advance the state of the art in soil‐erosion modelling. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear signal processing schemes for OFDM modulations within conventional or LINC transmitter structures
Authors: Dinis Rui , Gusmão António
Published: January 2008

This paper considers two classes of digital signal processing schemes, recently proposed by the authors, both combining a nonlinear operation in the time domain with a linear operation in the frequency domain, so as to reduce the envelope fluctuations and allow good power/bandwidth tradeoffs with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) transmission. These classes can be adopted within both conventional and two‐branch, LInear amplification with Nonlinear Components (LINC) transmitter structures . The paper addresses the statistical characterisation of the transmitted frequency‐domain blocks, so as to evaluate performances by analytical means, in a unified manner. A set of numerical results, which have been obtained with the help of this analytical method, is presented and discussed. These results allow a comparison between the two classes of signal processing schemes, namely for nonlinear operations of the ‘clipping’ type, when a conventional transmitter structure is employed. They also allow an accurate evaluation of the phase and gain imbalance effects in the two‐branch power amplification case. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assembly, tuning, and transfer of action systems in infants and robots
Authors: Berthouze Luc , Goldfield Eugene C.
Published: January 2008

This paper seeks to foster a discussion on whether experiments with robots can inform theory in infant motor development and specifically (1) how the interactions among the parts of a system, including the nervous and musculoskeletal systems and the forces acting on the body, induce organizational changes in the whole, and (2) how exploratory behaviour and selective informational signals at the timescale of skill learning may allow behaviour to become stabilized at the longer timescale of development. The paper describes how three generative principles, inspired from developmental biology and shown to underlie the dynamics of infants learning to bounce in a Jolly Jumper, were broken into a set of mechanisms suitable for controlling a robotic system and resulted in a similar developmental profile. A comparison of infant and robot data leads to a set of criteria for improving the usefulness of robotic studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The robot in the crib: a developmental analysis of imitation skills in infants and robots
Authors: Demiris Yiannis , Meltzoff Andrew
Published: January 2008

Interesting systems, whether biological or artificial, develop. Starting from some initial conditions, they respond to environmental changes, and continuously improve their capabilities. Developmental psychologists have dedicated significant effort to studying the developmental progression of infant imitation skills, because imitation underlies the infant's ability to understand and learn from his or her social environment. In a converging intellectual endeavour, roboticists have been equipping robots with the ability to observe and imitate human actions because such abilities can lead to rapid teaching of robots to perform tasks. We provide here a comparative analysis between studies of infants imitating and learning from human demonstrators, and computational experiments aimed at equipping a robot with such abilities. We will compare the research across the following two dimensions: (a) initial conditions—what is innate in infants, and what functionality is initially given to robots, and (b) developmental mechanisms—how does the performance of infants improve over time, and what mechanisms are given to robots to achieve equivalent behaviour. Both developmental science and robotics are critically concerned with: (a) how their systems can and do go ‘beyond the stimulus’ given during the demonstration, and (b) how the internal models used in this process are acquired during the lifetime of the system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational models in the debate over language learnability
Authors: Kaplan Frederic , Oudeyer Pierre‐Yves , Bergen Benjamin
Published: January 2008

Computational models have played a central role in the debate over language learnability. This article discusses how they have been used in different ‘stances’, from generative views to more recently introduced explanatory frameworks based on embodiment, cognitive development and cultural evolution. By digging into the details of certain specific models, we show how they organize, transform and rephrase defining questions about what makes language learning possible for children. Finally, we present a tentative synthesis to recast the debate using the notion of learning bias. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The positive group affect spiral: a dynamic model of the emergence of positive affective similarity in work groups
Authors: Walter Frank , Bruch Heike
Published: January 2008

This conceptual paper seeks to clarify the process of the emergence of positive collective affect. Specifically, it develops a dynamic model of the emergence of positive affective similarity in work groups. It is suggested that positive group affective similarity and within‐group relationship quality are reciprocally interrelated in the form of a self‐reinforcing spiral, which is driven by mechanisms of affective sharing and affective similarity‐attraction between group members. We label this spiraling relationship ‘Positive Group Affect Spiral.’ This spiral is proposed to continuously strengthen both the similarity of group members' positive affect and the quality of their interpersonal relationships in a dynamic process. Further, we embed the Positive Group Affect Spiral into a framework of contextual factors that may diminish or strengthen its functioning, considering the potential impacts of charismatic leadership, individuals' or subgroups' organizational cynicism, group and organizational emotion norms, and organizational identity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mediating role of psychological capital in the supportive organizational climate—employee performance relationship
Authors: Luthans Fred , Norman Steven M. , Avolio Bruce J. , Avey James B.
Published: January 2008

Although the value of a supportive organizational climate has been recognized over the years, there is a need for better understanding of its relationship with employee outcomes. This study investigates whether the recently emerging core construct of positive psychological capital (consisting of hope, resilience, optimism, and efficacy) plays a role in mediating the effects of a supportive organizational climate with employee outcomes. Utilizing three diverse samples, results show that employees' psychological capital is positively related to their performance, satisfaction, and commitment and a supportive climate is related to employees' satisfaction and commitment. The study's major hypothesis that employees' psychological capital mediates the relationship between supportive climate and their performance was also supported. The implications of these findings conclude the article. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contours and consequences of compassion at work
Authors: Lilius Jacoba M. , Worline Monica C. , Maitlis Sally , Kanov Jason , Dutton Jane E. , Frost Peter
Published: January 2008

This paper describes two studies that explore core questions about compassion at work. Findings from a pilot survey indicate that compassion occurs with relative frequency among a wide variety of individuals, suggesting a relationship between experienced compassion, positive emotion, and affective commitment. A complementary narrative study reveals a wide range of compassion triggers and illuminates ways that work colleagues respond to suffering. The narrative analysis demonstrates that experienced compassion provides important sensemaking occasions where employees who receive, witness, or participate in the delivery of compassion reshape understandings of their co‐workers, themselves, and their organizations. Together these studies map the contours of compassion at work, provide evidence of its powerful consequences, and open a horizon of new research questions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening for Wound‐induced Oxylipins in Arabidopsis thaliana by Differential HPLC‐APCI/MS Profiling of Crude Leaf Extracts and Subsequent Characterisation by Capillary‐scale NMR
Authors: Thiocone Aly , Farmer Edward E. , Wolfender Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2008

A simple non‐targeted differential HPLC‐APCI/MS approach has been developed in order to survey metabolome modifications that occur in the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana following wound‐induced stress. The wound‐induced accumulation of metabolites, particularly oxylipins, was evaluated by HPLC‐MS analysis of crude leaf extracts. A generic, rapid and reproducible pressure liquid extraction procedure was developed for the analysis of restricted leaf samples without the need for specific sample preparation. The presence of various oxylipins was determined by head‐to‐head comparison of the HPLC‐MS data, filtered with a component detection algorithm, and automatically compared with the aid of software searching for small differences in similar HPLC‐MS profiles. Repeatability was verified in several specimens belonging to different series. Wound‐inducible jasmonates were efficiently highlighted by this non‐targeted approach without the need for complex sample preparation as is the case for the ‘oxylipin signature’ procedure based on GC‐MS. Furthermore this HPLC‐MS screening technique allowed the isolation of induced compounds for further characterisation by capillary‐scale NMR (CapNMRTM) after HPLC scale‐up. In this paper, the screening method is described and applied to illustrate its potential for monitoring polar and non‐polar stress‐induced constituents as well as its use in combination with CapNMR for the structural assignment of wound‐induced compounds of interest. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of ethnic residential segregation in Göteborg, Sweden, 1995–2000
Authors: Bråmå Åsa
Published: January 2008

Most explanatory frameworks within segregation research interpret patterns of ethnic residential segregation as the result of how members of different ethnic groups have moved (or not moved) within the city and to the city from the surrounding world. Yet, few attempts have been made to proceed beyond relatively static accounts based on descriptions and analysis of patterns of segregation, to address more directly the dynamics behind the patterns. In this article, a longitudinal, individual‐based data‐set is used in order to analyse the dynamics, in terms of migration and natural population change, that have reproduced and transformed patterns of segregation in Göteborg (Gothenburg), Sweden, between 1995 and 2000. The analysis deals with questions concerning changes in the degree of concentration and dispersal of different minority groups, and the role of the minority enclaves as ports of entry to the local housing market for different groups. The findings have relevance for wider theoretical issues related to the interpretation and explanation of ethnic residential segregation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of iron nitrides. An XRD, Mössbauer, RBS and XPS characterization
Authors: Prieto P. , Marco J. F. , Sanz J. M.
Published: January 2008

In this work, we demonstrate the capability of a dual ion beam sputtering method to obtain iron nitride thin films, FeNx, in a wide composition range (0.1 < x < 0.5) and structures (α′, γ′, ε, ζ, γ″ and γ″′) by controlling the deposition conditions (i.e. deposition rate, flux and energy of the assisting nitrogen ions and substrate temperature). The average composition of the films has been determined by resonant RBS to enhance the nitrogen signal, whereas the structural characterization and the phase identification have been carried out by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. We present a thorough and complementary analysis of the XRD and Mössbauer data as a function of the composition of the film for all the iron nitride phases. Furthermore, it is shown that the iron Auger parameter (AP) increases up to 0.8 eV with respect to that for pure α‐Fe when the nitrogen concentration increases up to 46 at.% (i.e. γ″ and γ″′ phases) so that it might serve to analyze samples of unknown composition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of 178 Penetrating Stomach and Small Bowel Injuries
Authors: Salim Ali , Teixeira Pedro G. R. , Inaba Kenji , Brown Carlos , Browder Timothy , Demetriades Demetrios
Published: January 2008

Surgical site infections (SSIs), such as wound infection, fascial dehiscence, and intraabdominal abscess, commonly occur following penetrating abdominal trauma. However, most of the literature involves penetrating colon injuries. There are few reports describing complications following penetrating stomach and small bowel injuries. Based on the hypothesis that SSIs are commonly found following penetrating stomach and small bowel trauma, a prospective observational study was performed at an academic Level I trauma center from March 1, 2004 until August 31, 2006. The subjects were patients who had sustained a penetrating injury to the stomach or small bowel. Patients were followed for the development of an SSI, defined as wound infection, fascial dehiscence, or intraabdominal abscess. A total of 178 patients were admitted with penetrating stomach or small bowel injuries over the 29‐month period. There were 121 (68%) gunshot injuries and 57 (32%) stab wounds. Associated intraabdominal injuries occurred in 74% of patients. Overall, SSIs occurred in 20% of cases. Risk factors for SSI included associated duodenal or colon injury, whereas time to operating room, blood loss, and type and duration of antibiotic use were not. When associated colon injuries were excluded, SSIs occurred in 16% of patients with gastric injuries and 13% of those with small bowel injuries. SSIs commonly follow penetrating stomach and small bowel trauma. Risk factors for SSI include associated duodenal or colon injury. Delay to operating room, blood loss, and type and length of antibiotic prophylaxis were not associated with an increased risk of SSI.
Sigmoid Volvulus in the Middle East
Authors: Heis Hussein A. , Bani‐Hani Kamal E. , Rabadi Daher K. , Elheis Mwaffaq A. , Bani‐Hani Bayan K. , Mazahreh Tagleb S. , Bataineh Ziyad A. , Al‐Zoubi Nabeil A. , Obeidallah Mohammed S.
Published: January 2008

Little is known about sigmoid volvulus in the Middle East despite textbooks referring to the region as part of the “volvulus belt.” Our objectives were to assess the prevalence, clinical presentations, radiological findings, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes of patients managed for sigmoid volvulus in Jordan as a model for the region. The medical records of patients with large bowel obstruction who were managed at King Abdullah University Hospital and its affiliated institutes, northern Jordan, over a 6‐year period between January 2001 and January 2007 were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with a confirmed diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus. Sigmoid volvulus was responsible for 9.2% of all cases of large bowel obstruction seen during the study period. There were 32 patients with sigmoid volvulus, 24 (75%) of whom were men. The median age of the patients was 59 years (range 21–83 years). Abdominal pain and distention were the main presentations. Colonoscopic detorsion was applied in 25 patients, which was achieved in 17 (68%) of them after the first attempt. Six patients had a gangrenous sigmoid colon, four of which required resection and a Hartmann procedure. Sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis was performed in 28 patients, including 2 with a gangrenous colon. Postoperative complications were observed in five patients, including one patient with viable colon who develop an anastomotic leak. Two patients died, making the mortality rate 6%. Sigmoid volvulus is uncommon in Jordan. Resection of the sigmoid colon with primary anastomosis appears to be the preferred procedure.
Carotenoid‐based plumage coloration is not affected by vitamin E supplementation in male greenfinches
Authors: Karu Ulvi , Saks Lauri , Hõrak Peeter
Published: January 2008

Carotenoid‐based colours have become an important model of honest signalling as carotenoids are suggested to play vital roles in several physiological functions including antioxidants and immunostimulators, while they are also required for sexual displays. However, it has been recently suggested that carotenoid‐based signals may be used mainly as reflectors of the systems that prevent their oxidation (mainly the amount of other non‐pigmented antioxidants) rather than the antioxidative properties of carotenoids themselves. We tested this hypothesis by examining the effect of simultaneous supplementation of carotenoids and an uncoloured antioxidant—vitamin E—on the coloration of growing tail feathers in captive male greenfinches (Carduelis chloris chloris L.). While carotenoid supplementation enhanced the coloration of the feathers, manipulation of dietary vitamin E had no effect. Thus, our results do not support the idea that carotenoids are mainly used as indicators of the abundance of other antioxidants.
Cerebral O2 consumption in young Eker rats, effects of GABA blockade: implications for autism
Authors: Weiss Harvey R. , Liu Xia , Chi Oak Z.
Published: January 2008

Since there is a strong correlation between tuberous sclerosis and autism, we used a tuberous sclerosis model (Eker rat) to test the hypothesis that the increased regional cerebral O2 consumption in the Eker rat might be associated with autism. We also examined whether this increased cerebral O2 consumption was related to changes in the activity of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory system. Young (4 weeks) male control Long Evans (n = 14) and Eker (n = 14) rats (70–100 g) were divided into control and bicuculline (1 mg/kg/min for 2 min then 0.1 mg/kg/min for 13 min, GABAA receptor antagonist) treated animals. Cerebral regional blood flow (14C‐iodoantipyrine) and O2 consumption (cryomicrospectrophotometry) were determined in isoflurane anesthetized rats. We found significantly increased basal O2 consumption in the cortex (6.3 ± 0.7 ml O2/min/100 g Eker vs. 5.1 ± 0.2 ml O2/min/100 g control), hippocampus and cerebellum, but not the pons. Regional cerebral blood flow was also elevated in the cortex and hippocampus in Eker rats at baseline, but cerebral O2 extractions were similar. Bicuculline significantly increased O2 consumption in the cortex (6.5 ± 0.3) and all other regions of the control rats, but had no effect on cortex (5.9 ± 1.5) or other regions of the Eker rats. Cerebral blood flow followed a similar pattern. In conclusion, Eker rats had significantly elevated cerebral O2 consumption and blood flow, but this was not affected by GABA receptor blockade. This suggested a reduced activity of the GABAA receptor in the brains of Eker rats. This may have important implications in the treatment of autism.
An isoenergetic high-protein, moderate-fat diet does not compromise strength and fatigue during resistance exercise in women
Authors: Dipla Konstantina , Makri Maria , Zafeiridis Andreas , Soulas Dimitrios , Tsalouhidou Sofia , Mougios Vassilis , Kellis Spyros
Published: January 2008

Resistance exercise is recommended to individuals following high-protein diets in order to augment changes in body composition. However, alterations in macronutrient composition may compromise physical performance. The present study investigated the effects of an isoenergetic high-protein diet on upper and lower limb strength and fatigue during high-intensity resistance exercise. Ten recreationally active women, aged 25–40 years, followed a control diet (55, 15 and 30 % of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat, respectively) and a high-protein diet (respective values, 30, 40 and 30) for 7 d each in a random counterbalanced design. Each participant underwent strength testing of upper limb (isometric handgrip strength and endurance) and lower limb (four sets of sixteen maximal knee flexions and extensions on an isokinetic dynamometer) before and after applying each diet. Body weight, body fat and RER were significantly reduced following the high-protein diet (P < 0·05). No differences were found between diets in any of the strength performance parameters (handgrip strength, handgrip endurance, peak torque, total work and fatigue) or the responses of heart rate, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure, blood lactate and blood glucose to exercise. Women on a short-term isoenergetic high-protein, moderate-fat diet maintained muscular strength and endurance of upper and lower limbs during high-intensity resistance exercise without experiencing fatigue earlier compared with a control diet.
THE ART OF THE CONDUCTOR: PIERRE BOULEZ IN CONVERSATION
Authors: Ponsonby Robert
Published: January 2008

In 1986 I made six programmes about The Mysterious Art of the Conductor for the BBC's World Service. These derived from Interviews with nine conductors, among them Pierre Boulez, Colin Davis, Bernard Haitink and Charles Mackerras. Each programme lasted half-an-hour and included music examples. The interviews were much longer, but each was filleted and spliced so as to juxtapose – and sometimes contrast – the views of different conductors on particular aspects of their art. The interview with Pierre Boulez, reproduced here in full, was recorded in Broadcasting House on 25 October 1986. It gave me special pleasure and is, I believe, of special interest.
A NEW VOICE, A NEW 20TH CENTURY? AN EXPERIMENT WITH SÁNDOR VERESS
Authors: Willson Rachel Beckles
Published: January 2008

The project of introducing an unknown repertory into discourses on music can be approached in a range of ways. The writer can make a case about its regrettable neglect and its unjustified exclusion from a historical canon, or can argue for its (political) relevance to the present. Or s/he can simply try to persuade readers of its aesthetic qualities: this third desire might well drive the first two, however covertly. The path I take here is unabashedly more ambitious. In attempting to open the hearts and minds of the uninitiated reader to a composer little-known outside Switzerland and Hungary, I will suggest that he offers us a significantly new way of thinking about music history in the 20th century as a whole.
Potential glacial‐interglacial changes in stable carbon isotope ratios of methane sources and sink fractionation
Authors: Schaefer Hinrich , Whiticar Michael J.
Published: January 2008

Past atmospheric methane emissions can be constrained by δ13CH4 records from ice cores only if changes to source δ13CH4 signatures and sink isotope effects with varying environmental and climatic conditions are accurately known. We present reconstructions of such changes based on paleodata and recent systems observations. The results are specific for budget scenarios and are reported here for two alternative types of budgets, one including aerobic methane emissions (AMP) from plants and the other type without AMP. Shifting atmospheric δ13CO2 potentially led to 13CH4 enrichment by 0.8‰ in the preindustrial Holocene (PIH) (∼150–11,000 years (a) B.P.) and ∼0.3–0.6‰ at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) (∼18,000 a B.P.) relative to today. Differing distribution of C3 and C4 plant precursor material may account for 13CH4 enrichment of ∼0.4‰ (PIH) and ∼0.6–1.1‰ (LGM). Temperature‐dependent fractionation and varying methanogenic pathways in wetlands may lead to atmospheric 13CH4 depletion by ∼0.1–1.2‰. Sink fractionation today (7.4‰) is higher than during the PIH (∼7.0‰) and the LGM (∼5.7‰). The cumulative effect of all processes is ∼0.8‰ 13CH4 enrichment in the PIH and ∼1–1.2‰ 13CH4 depletion at the LGM. Budget reconstructions will be inaccurate if these changes are not included.
Grenville Front zone, Gagnon terrane, southwestern Labrador: Configuration of a midcrustal foreland fold‐thrust belt
Authors: van Gool J. A. M. , Rivers T. , Calon Tom
Published: January 2008

Evolution of a metamorphic fold‐thrust belt in Archean and Proterozoic rocks in the Gagnon terrane, northwestern Grenville province, involved underthrusting beneath a crustal‐scale, orogenic wedge and metamorphism ranging from upper greenschist facies (∼600 ± 100 MPa/450 ± 50°C) to upper amphibolite facies (∼1100 ± 100 MPa/750 ± 50°C) during the terminal stages of the Grenvillian Orogeny. Structural and metamorphic data indicate that D1 structures formed at peak pressures during basal accretion to the overriding orogenic wedge, whereas D2 structures developed within the wedge during its displacement toward the foreland in a sinistral transpressive setting. The fold‐thrust belt developed sequentially on two levels: a thin‐skinned, cover‐dominated thrust system preceded and overlies a thick‐skinned, basement‐dominated system. The D3 cross‐folds postdated normal faulting at the top of the wedge and formed during gravitational collapse. On the basis of this study, characteristic features of midcrustal, metamorphic, thrust wedges include growth by basal accretion, polyphase ductile deformation and noncoaxial strain, dual‐level development, extensive basement involvement, and terminal gravitational collapse associated with cross‐folding.
Magnetic complexity in eruptive solar active regions and associated eruption parameters
Authors: Georgoulis Manolis K.
Published: January 2008

Using an efficient magnetic complexity index in the active‐region solar photosphere, we quantify the preflare strength of the photospheric magnetic polarity inversion lines in 23 eruptive active regions with flare/CME/ICME events tracked all the way from the Sun to the Earth. We find that active regions with more intense polarity inversion lines host statistically stronger flares and faster, more impulsively accelerated, CMEs. No significant correlation is found between the strength of the inversion lines and the flare soft X‐ray rise times, the ICME transit times, and the peak Dst indices of the induced geomagnetic storms. Corroborating these and previous results, we speculate on a possible interpretation for the connection between source active regions, flares, and CMEs. Further work is needed to validate this concept and uncover its physical details.
Cyclonic and anticyclonic motion in the upper ocean
Authors: Griffa Annalisa , Lumpkin Rick , Veneziani Milena
Published: January 2008

Upper ocean variability is highly energetic and contributes to key processes such as heat transport and water mass formation. Here, the distribution of ocean surface cyclonic and anticyclonic motion is computed from global drifter observations for scales from large eddies to submesoscale. Two zonal bands of small‐scale motion are recovered: a known anticyclonic band at 30°–40° latitude, mostly wind‐induced, and an unexpected cyclonic band at 10°–20° latitude. It is suggested that this is due to submesoscale processes related to salinity front instabilities. These results provide a first global view of the upper ocean including these motions.
Combining constraints from tsunami modeling and sedimentology to untangle the 1969 Ozernoi and 1971 Kamchatskii tsunamis
Authors: Martin M. Elizabeth , Weiss Robert , Bourgeois Joanne , Pinegina Tatiana K. , Houston Heidi , Titov Vasily V.
Published: January 2008

Large tsunamigenic earthquakes occurred in 1969 (Mw 7.7) and 1971 (Mw 7.8) along the Bering Sea and northernmost Pacific coast of Kamchatka. Both resultant tsunamis were recorded on tide gauges, but only the 1969 tsunami has cataloged observations of runup, and these observations are limited and questionable. We used a combination of field mapping of tsunami deposits and tsunami modeling to augment this historical record. We mapped tsunami deposits above A.D. 1956 and 1964 volcanic ash layers, along more than 200 km of shoreline. However, the 1969 and 1971 tsunami deposits are not distinguishable in the field. The distribution of tsunami‐deposit elevation has two latitudinal peaks. From 58° to 57° sediment runup typically ranges from 2 to 4 m, decreasing to the south. From 57° to 56° sediment runup typically ranges from 3 to 6 m (maximum more than 10 m), increasing to the south. Models of local runup for the 1969 and 1971 tsunamis explain most of the sediment distribution, differentiate the two tsunamis in some localities, and elucidate the earthquakes' focal mechanisms and rupture areas.
Sources of stream water sulfate during the spring snowmelt in boreal streams: Evidence from δ34S isotope measurements
Authors: Mörth Carl‐Magnus , Laudon Hjalmar , Mellqvist Elin , Torssander Peter , Giesler Reiner
Published: January 2008

Episodic hydrological events, such as snowmelt during spring, have a marked effect on stream water chemistry. Here we investigated how spring snowmelt affected δ34S values of sulfate in six streams situated in northern Sweden. Four streams had high δ34SSO4 values during base flow with values ranging from +11.9 to +8.6‰. During snowmelt the δ34SSO4 decreased to around +6‰. In one of the streams and in the forested upper reaches of a second stream, δ34SSO4 values were close to +5‰ during base flow and decreased to about +3.8‰ during the spring snowmelt. One stream, which drained cultivated postglacial sediments dominated by acid sulfuric soils, was differentiated from the other streams by low δ34SSO4 values (−5.0‰ to −0.5‰). We could identify two stream water SO4 sources: sedimentary sulfides and anthropogenic S. Bacterial dissimilatory sulfate reduction was identified as an important process affecting stream water δ34SSO4 values and suggests that in this boreal landscape, peatlands and possibly riparian zones have a large influence on the biogeochemistry of SO42− during base flow conditions. Our results suggest that during the spring snowmelt, snow S and desorbing SO4 of mainly anthropogenic origin are the two major S sources in four of the investigated streams. Two streams in forested areas also indicate that reoxidation of reduced S may be released during the spring flood. The stream in the cultivated area was found to be strongly influenced by the acid sulfuric soils independent of stream flow conditions.
Warm Atlantic surface water inflow to the Nordic seas 34–10 calibrated ka B.P.
Authors: Rasmussen Tine L. , Thomsen Erik
Published: January 2008

A number of short‐lasting warm periods (interstadials) interrupted the otherwise cold climate of the last glacial period. These events are supposedly linked to the inflow of the warm Atlantic surface water to the Nordic seas. However, previous investigations of planktonic foraminifera from the Nordic seas have not been able to resolve any significant difference between the interstadials and intervening cold stadials, as the faunas are continuously dominated by the polar species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma s. Here we examine the planktonic foraminifera assemblages from a high‐resolution core, LINK17, taken at 1500 m water depth off northern Scotland below the warmest part of the inflowing Atlantic water. The core comprises the time period 34–10 calibrated ka B.P., the coldest period of the last glaciation and the deglaciation. The results reveal a hitherto unknown faunistic variability indicating significant fluctuations in both surface water inflow and in summer sea surface temperatures. During the interstadials, relatively warm Atlantic surface water (4–7°C) flowed north into the eastern Norwegian Sea. During the stadials and Heinrich events the surface inflow stopped and the temperatures in the study area dropped to <2°C. The Last Glacial Maximum was nearly as warm as the interstadials, but the inflow was much more unstable. The data reveal two previously unrecognized warming events each lasting more than 1600 years and preceding Heinrich events HE3 and HE2, respectively. By destabilizing the ice sheets on the shelves the warmings may have played a crucial role for the development of Heinrich events HE2 and HE3.
Toll‐like receptor 2 mediates the induction of IL‐10 in corneal fibroblasts in response to Fusarium solu
Authors: Guo Hui , Wu Xinyi , Yu Fu‐shin X , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2008

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are key components of the innate immune system that detect microbial infection and trigger antimicrobial host responses. To determine the role of TLR2 in the expression of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in corneal fibroblasts challenged by fungi, we used siRNA specific for TLR2 to knockdown TLR2 expression in telomerase‐immortalized human stroma fibroblasts (THSF). TLR2 expression was assessed by immunocytochemistry, reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR and western blotting analyses, and we found that THSF transfected with TLR2‐siRNA plasmid exhibited a reduced level of TLR2 when compared with the control cells transfected with empty plasmid. Then the transfected and control cells were stimulated by hyphae or conidia of Fusarium solu and mRNA levels of IL‐1β and IL‐10 were measured by real‐time RT‐PCR. We observed that stimulation of control cells with F. solu resulted in elevation of IL‐1β and IL‐10 mRNA with hyphae being more stimulatory than conidia. In contrast, F. solu‐stimulated IL‐10 production by transfected THSF was severely impaired (with a decrease of approximately 82% in hyphae and 70% in conidia stimulation), while IL‐1β production was partially inhibited (with a reduction of 60 and 54% in hyphae and conidia stimulations). Our results suggested that TLR2 is a major pattern recognition receptor able to detect F. solu in vitro and may play the anti‐inflammatory role through the induction of IL‐10. This may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of cornea fungal infections and immune evading.
Ctr2 is partially localized to the plasma membrane and stimulates copper uptake in COS-7 cells
Authors: Bertinato Jesse , Swist Eleonora , Plouffe Louise J. , Brooks Stephen P. J. , L'Abbé Mary R.
Published: January 2008

Ctr1 (copper transporter 1) mediates high-affinity copper uptake. Ctr2 (copper transporter 2) shares sequence similarity with Ctr1, yet its function in mammalian cells is poorly understood. In African green monkey kidney COS-7 cells and rat tissues, Ctr2 migrated as a predominant band of ∼70 kDa and was most abundantly expressed in placenta and heart. A transiently expressed hCtr2–GFP (human Ctr2–green fluorescent protein) fusion protein and the endogenous Ctr2 in COS-7 cells were mainly localized to the outer membrane of cytoplasmic vesicles, but were also detected at the plasma membrane. Biotinylation of Ctr2 with the membrane-impermeant reagent sulfo-NHS-SS-biotin [sulfosuccinimidyl-2-(biotinamido)ethyl-1,3-dithiopropionate] confirmed localization at the cell surface. Cells expressing hCtr2–GFP hyperaccumulated copper when incubated in medium supplemented with 10 μM CuSO4, whereas cells depleted of endogenous Ctr2 by siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) accumulated lower levels of copper. hCtr2–GFP expression did not affect copper efflux, suggesting that hCtr2–GFP increased cellular copper concentrations by promoting uptake at the cell surface. Kinetic analyses showed that hCtr2–GFP stimulated saturable copper uptake with a Km of 11.0±2.5 μM and a K0.5 of 6.9±0.7 μM when data were fitted to a rectangular hyperbola or Hill equation respectively. Competition experiments revealed that silver completely inhibited hCtr2–GFP-dependent copper uptake, whereas zinc, iron and manganese had no effect on uptake. Furthermore, increased copper concentrations in hCtr2–GFP-expressing cells were inversely correlated with copper chaperone for Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase protein expression. Collectively, these results suggest that Ctr2 promotes copper uptake at the plasma membrane and plays a role in regulating copper levels in COS-7 cells.