bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Wave Spectrum Formulation on the Dynamics of a Turret-Moored Tanker
Authors: de Kat J. O. , Dercksen A.
Published: June 2008

The objective of this paper is to provide physical insights into the response of a turret-moored tanker in a severe sea state as a function of spectral wave characteristics. For one sea state various realizations of the wave process are applied to investigate the effect on maximum turret and anchor chain forces. Use is made of a validated mathematical model that accounts for the high and low-frequency dynamics of coupled tanker and anchor chains. Its predictions are compared with a simpler method and conclusions are drawn with respect to the significance of peak wave period, spectrum type, and chain damping.
Topographical Evaluation of Subsea Defects in Offshore Structures Using a Shadow Moire´ Technique
Authors: MacKenzie P. M. , Walker C. A.
Published: June 2008

Optical techniques based on the moire´ phenomenon are powerful tools with applications over a range of engineering inspection/measurement problems. A study of the application of the shadow moire´ method in connection with detailed examination of replicas taken from damaged subsea zones of offshore structures has been performed. Measurements of the surface profiles of areas altered by processes such as corrosion pitting, and remedial grinding of cracks, were obtained using the technique. This method offers a convenient “real-time” approach to visualizing height contours.
Stress Intensity Factors for Fully Interacting Cracks in a Multicrack Solid
Authors: Binienda W. K.
Published: June 2008

An essential part of describing the damage state and predicting the damage growth in a multicracked plate is the accurate calculation of stress intensity factors (SIF). Here, a methodology and rigorous solution formulation for SIF of a multicracked plate, with fully interacting cracks, subjected to a far-field arbitrary stress state is presented. The fundamental perturbation problem is derived, and the steps needed to formulate the system of singular integral equations whose solution gives rise to the evaluation of the SIF are identified. This analytical derivation and numerical solution are obtained by using intelligent application of symbolic computations and automatic FORTRAN generation capabilities in form of symbolic/FORTRAN package, named SYMFRAC, that is capable of providing accurate SIF at each crack tip. The accuracy of the results has been validated for the two parallel interacting crack problem. Limits and sensitivity of the results for the problem of a horizontal notch interacting with ten microcracks have been analyzed.
Hydrodynamic Loads on a Three-Dimensional Body in a Narrow
Tank
Authors: Vazquez J. H. , Williams A. N.
Published: June 2008

An integral equation approach is utilized to investigate the influence of tank walls on the hydrodynamic forces experienced by an arbitrary three-dimensional body situated in a narrow wave tank. An appropriate three-dimensional Green function which satisfies the tank-wall boundary conditions is developed to facilitate the solution. Numerical results are presented for truncated cylinders of circular and elliptic cross section which illustrate the effect of the tank walls on the wave-induced forces. The numerical results indicate that the hydrodynamic loads on a three-dimensional body in a narrow tank may be quite different from those on the same body in the open sea.
Approximate Methods for Fracture Analysis of Tubular Members Subjected to Combined Tensile and Bending Loads
Authors: Brust F. W. , Gilles P.
Published: June 2008

This paper presents an analytical method for predicting the J-integral for tubular members subjected to combined tension and bending loads. The estimation method is capable of predicting J in the entire range between elastic and fully plastic conditions and is written in closed form. This makes it quite convenient for placing the elastic-plastic fracture in a probabilistic framework. This has been done in another publication. Finally, comparison is made between predictions using the current method and experimental data.
Predictive Models of Forest Dynamics
Authors: Purves Drew , Pacala Stephen
Published: June 2008

Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) have shown that forest dynamics could dramatically alter the response of the global climate system to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide over the next century. But there is little agreement between different DGVMs, making forest dynamics one of the greatest sources of uncertainty in predicting future climate. DGVM predictions could be strengthened by integrating the ecological realities of biodiversity and height-structured competition for light, facilitated by recent advances in the mathematics of forest modeling, ecological understanding of diverse forest communities, and the availability of forest inventory data.
Recognition Dynamics Up to Microseconds Revealed from an RDC-Derived Ubiquitin Ensemble in Solution
Authors: Lange Oliver F. , Lakomek Nils-Alexander , Farès Christophe , Schröder Gunnar F. , Walter Korvin F. A. , Becker Stefan , Meiler Jens , Grubmüller Helmut , Griesinger Christian , de Groot Bert L.
Published: June 2008

Protein dynamics are essential for protein function, and yet it has been challenging to access the underlying atomic motions in solution on nanosecond-to-microsecond time scales. We present a structural ensemble of ubiquitin, refined against residual dipolar couplings (RDCs), comprising solution dynamics up to microseconds. The ensemble covers the complete structural heterogeneity observed in 46 ubiquitin crystal structures, most of which are complexes with other proteins. Conformational selection, rather than induced-fit motion, thus suffices to explain the molecular recognition dynamics of ubiquitin. Marked correlations are seen between the flexibility of the ensemble and contacts formed in ubiquitin complexes. A large part of the solution dynamics is concentrated in one concerted mode, which accounts for most of ubiquitin's molecular recognition heterogeneity and ensures a low entropic complex formation cost.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF COUPLED MAP LATTICE MODELS FOR AUTONOMOUS CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORK PATTERNS
Authors: PAN Y. , BILLINGS S. A. , ZHAO Y.
Published: June 2008

The identification problem for spatiotemporal patterns which are generated by autonomous Cellular Neural Networks (CNN) is investigated in this paper. The application of traditional identification algorithms to these special spatiotemporal systems can produce poor models due to the inherent piecewise nonlinear structure of CNN. To solve this problem, a new type of Coupled Map Lattice model with output constraints and corresponding identification algorithms are proposed in the present study. Numerical examples show that the identified CML models have good prediction capabilities even over the long term, and the main dynamics of the original patterns appears to be well represented.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF COMPLEX SPATIOTEMPORAL PATTERNS USING COUPLED MAP LATTICE MODELS
Authors: PAN Y. , BILLINGS S. A.
Published: June 2008

Many complex and interesting spatiotemporal patterns have been observed in a wide range of scientific areas. In this paper, two kinds of spatiotemporal patterns including spot replication and Turing systems are investigated and new identification methods are proposed to obtain Coupled Map Lattice (CML) models for this class of systems. Initially, a new correlation analysis method is introduced to determine an appropriate temporal and spatial data sampling procedure for the identification of spatiotemporal systems. A new combined Orthogonal Forward Regression and Bayesian Learning algorithm with Laplace priors is introduced to identify sparse and robust CML models for complex spatiotemporal patterns. The final identified CML models are validated using correlation-based model validation tests for spatiotemporal systems. Numerical results illustrate the identification procedure and demonstrate the validity of the identified models.
SINGULAR PERTURBATIONS OF zn WITH MULTIPLE POLES
Authors: MAROTTA SEBASTIAN M.
Published: June 2008

We study the dynamics of the family of complex maps given by fλ(z) = zn + λ/((z - a)da(z - b)db) where n ≥ 2 is an integer and λ is an arbitrarily small complex parameter. We focus on the topological characteristics of the Julia set and the Fatou set of fλ(z). We prove that despite the large amount of possibilities there are only four different cases that correspond to different positions and orders of the poles a and b.
MODE SYNCHRONIZATION OF EXTERNAL CAVITY SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS
Authors: WEDEKIND IMMO , PARLITZ ULRICH
Published: June 2008

Experimental investigations and simulations of synchronization phenomena of individual longitudinal optical modes of unidirectionally light injection coupled semiconductor lasers are presented and compared with the (anti-)synchronization of the corresponding full intensity fluctuations.
COLOR EDGE DETECTIONS BASED ON CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: LI GUODONG , MIN LEQUAN , ZANG HONGYAN
Published: June 2008

Color edge detection is one of the most important steps for RGB image recognition. In this paper, we first present two robustness design theorems for the Edgegray Detection Cellular Neural Network (EDGE CNN) and the counter detection (CD) CNN. Second, based on a color plane transform of RGB image and the two theorems, we design a color EDGE CNN and a CD CNN. As applications, the two CNNs detect successfully the edges of a standard color edge test pattern, and two popular RGB images, respectively. Our findings show that CNN may provide a useful tool for color image processing.
BURST SYNCHRONIZATION AND CHAOTIC PHENOMENA IN TWO STRONGLY COUPLED RESONATE-AND-FIRE NEURONS
Authors: NAKADA KAZUKI , MIURA KEIJI , HAYASHI HATSUO
Published: June 2008

In this paper, we address the synchronization properties of two pulse-coupled resonate-and-fire neuron (RFN) models. The RFN model is a spiking neuron model that has second-order membrane dynamics with a threshold and a firing reset value. Due to such dynamics, the RFN model exhibits subthreshold oscillation of the membrane potential, and is sensitive to the timing of stimuli. So far the existence of anti-phase synchronization states and their stability in a system of two pulse-coupled RFN models have been reported. However, the effects of the reset value after firing on such synchronization states have not been considered. The reset value may affect the sensitivity to the input timing, leading to change in synchronization properties in the pulse-coupled RFN models. We newly found out-of-phase burst synchronization states and related bifurcation phenomena depending on the coupling strength in the system as the reset value was changed. Focusing on the symmetry of the system, we analyzed the stability of such phenomena by using a firing time difference map constructed from 1D return maps with respect to firing time difference between two neurons. The analyses revealed the global stability of the out-of-phase synchronization states and the existence of the type I intermittency chaotic behavior.
LOCAL CORRECTIONS OF DISCRIMINANT BOUNDS AND SMALL DEGREE EXTENSIONS OF QUADRATIC BASE FIELDS
Authors: BRUEGGEMAN SHARON , DOUD DARRIN
Published: June 2008

Using analytic techniques of Odlyzko and Poitou, we create tables of lower bounds for discriminants of number fields, including local corrections for ideals of known norm. Comparing the lower bounds found in these tables with upper bounds on discriminants of number fields obtained from calculations involving differents, we prove the nonexistence of a number of small degree extensions of quadratic fields having limited ramification. We note that several of our results require the locally corrected bounds.
A NEW INEQUALITY FOR THE HERMITE CONSTANTS
Authors: BACHER ROLAND
Published: June 2008

We describe continuous increasing functions Cn(x) such that γn ≥ Cn(γn-1) where γm is Hermite's constant in dimension m. This inequality yields a new proof of the Minkowski–Hlawka bound Δn ≥ ζ(n)21-n for the maximal density Δn of n-dimensional lattice packings.
EXPLICIT EVALUATION OF TRIPLE EULER SUMS
Authors: ONG YAO LIN , EIE MINKING , LIAW WEN-CHIN
Published: June 2008

The triple Euler sum defined by [Formula: see text] with positive integers p, q, r, p ≥ 2, has not been fully evaluated yet except for the case of q = r = 1 and some particular cases such as p + q + r ≤ 10 or p = q = r. With the general theory developed for double Euler sums, we are able to produce identities among triple Euler sums with a variable or two when q = r =. Performing differentiations with respect to the specified variable gives the explicit evaluations of ζ(p, q, r) for general p, q, r. In particular, the values of ζ(n, 1, 1), ζ(2n + 1, 1, 2), ζ(2n + 1, 2, 1) and ζ(2n, 2, 2) are given explicitly in terms of classical double Euler sums. Also ζ(2n, 1, 2m + 1) and ζ(2n + 1, 1, 2m) are obtained for all positive integers m and n.
Effects of different intermittent peptide YY (3-36) dosing strategies on food intake, body weight, and adiposity in diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Reidelberger Roger D. , Haver Alvin C. , Chelikani Prasanth K. , Buescher James L.
Published: June 2008

Chronic administration of anorexigenic substances to experimental animals by injections or continuous infusion typically produces either no effect or a transient reduction in food intake and body weight. Our aim here was to identify an intermittent dosing strategy for intraperitoneal infusion of peptide YY(3-36) [PYY(3-36)] that produces a sustained reduction in daily food intake and adiposity in diet-induced obese rats. Rats (665 ± 10 g body wt, 166 ± 7 g body fat) with intraperitoneal catheters tethered to infusion swivels had free access to a high-fat diet. Vehicle-treated rats ( n = 23) had relatively stable food intake, body weight, and adiposity during the 9-wk test period. None of 15 PYY(3-36) dosing regimens administered in succession to a second group of rats ( n = 22) produced a sustained 15–25% reduction in daily food intake for >5 days, although body weight and adiposity were reduced across the 9-wk period by 12% (594 ± 15 vs. 672 ± 15 g) and 43% (96 ± 7 vs. 169 ± 9 g), respectively. The declining inhibitory effect of PYY(3-36) on daily food intake when the interinfusion interval was ≥3 h appeared to be due in part to an increase in food intake between infusions. The declining inhibitory effect of PYY(3-36) on daily food intake when the interinfusion interval was < 3 h suggested possible receptor downregulation and tolerance to frequent PYY(3-36) administration; however, food intake significantly increased when PYY(3-36) treatments were discontinued for 1 day following apparent loss in treatment efficacies. Together, these results demonstrate the development of a potent homeostatic response to increase food intake when PYY(3-36) reduces food intake and energy reserves in diet-induced obese rats.
Independence of Anticipatory Signals for Spatial Attention From Number of Nontarget Stimuli in the Visual Field
Authors: Sestieri C. , Sylvester C. M. , Jack A. I. , d'Avossa G. , Shulman G. L. , Corbetta M.
Published: June 2008

Covertly attending to a location modulates the activity of visual areas even in the absence of visual stimulation. These effects are widespread, being found in the cortical representations of both attended and unattended portions of the visual field. It is not clear, however, whether preparatory modulations depend on subjects' expectation regarding the presence of additional nontarget stimuli in the visual field. Here, we asked subjects to endogenously direct attention to a peripheral location in the upper visual field, to identify the orientation of a low-contrast target stimulus, and we manipulated the number and behavioral relevance of other low-contrast nontarget stimuli in the visual field. Anticipatory (i.e., prestimulus) blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) signal increments in visual cortex were strongest at the contralateral attended location, whereas signal decrements were strongest at the unattended mirror-opposite ipsilateral location/region of visual cortex. Importantly, these strong anticipatory decrements were not related to the presence/absence of nontarget low-contrast stimuli and did not correlate with either weaker target-evoked responses or worse performance. Second, the presence of other low-contrast stimuli in the visual field, even when potential targets, did not modify the anticipatory signal modulation either at target or nontarget locations. We conclude that the topography of spatial attention–related anticipatory BOLD signal modulation across visual cortex, specifically decrements at unattended locations, is mainly determined by processes at the cued location and not by the number or behavioral relevance of distant low-contrast nontarget stimuli elsewhere in the visual field.
Sexual Dimorphism of the Aging Kidney: Role of Nitric Oxide Deficiency
Authors: Baylis Chris
Published: June 2008

GFR falls with aging in humans and rats due to renal vasoconstriction and structural damage. The rate of deterioration is influenced by race/genetic background, environment, and sex, with females protected. Part of the female advantage relates to protective effects of estrogens. There is little information on impact of aging on the distribution/cardiovascular actions of the estrogen receptor subtypes. In rats, androgens may contribute to injury, but in men, high testosterone levels predict cardiovascular health. In women, the association is controversial. Nitric oxide deficiency contributes to the hypertension and renal dysfunction of aging, which may be delayed in the female.
The Role of Calmodulin Kinase II in Myocardial Physiology and Disease
Authors: Couchonnal Luis F. , Anderson Mark E.
Published: June 2008

The multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulates a rich variety of downstream targets in heart. Ca2+homeostatic proteins are important CaMKII targets that support myocardial excitation-contraction coupling. Under stress conditions, excessive CaMKII activity promotes heart failure and arrhythmias, in part through actions at Ca2+homeostatic proteins. Here, we briefly review the molecular and cellular physiology of CaMKII in myocardium.
Wiener′s Loop Filter for PLL‐Based Carrier Recovery of OQPSK and MSK‐Type Modulations
Authors: Spalvieri Arnaldo , Magarini Maurizio
Published: June 2008

This letter considers carrier recovery for offset
quadrature phase shift keying (OQPSK) and minimum shift
keying‐type (MSK‐type) modulations based on phase‐lock loop
(PLL). The concern of the letter is the optimization of the loop
filter of the PLL. The optimization is worked out in the light of
Wiener′s theory taking into account the phase noise affecting the
incoming carrier, the additive white Gaussian noise that is present
on the channel, and the self‐noise produced by the phase detector.
Delay in the loop, which may affect the numerical implementation
of the PLL, is also considered. Closed‐form expressions for the
loop filter and for the mean‐square error are given for the case
where the phase noise is characterized as a first‐order process.
The Role of the 14–20 Domain of the Islet Amyloid Polypeptide in Amyloid Formation
Authors: Gilead Sharon , Gazit Ehud
Published: June 2008

The molecular mechanism of amyloid formation by the islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) has been intensively studied since its identification in the late 1980s. The IAPP(20–29) region is considered to be the central amyloidogenic module of the polypeptide. This assumption is mainly based on the amyloidogenic properties of the region and on the large sequence diversity within this region between the human and mouse IAPP, as the mouse IAPP does not form amyloids. A few years ago, another region within IAPP was identified that seems to be at least as important as IAPP(20–29) in facilitation of molecular recognition that leads to amyloid formation. Here, we reinforce our and others′ previous findings by analyzing supporting evidence from the recent literature. Moreover, we provide new proofs to our hypothesis by comparing between the amyloidogenic properties of the two regions derived from the IAPP of cats, which is also known to form amyloid fibrils.
On Existence of Solution for a Class of Semilinear Elliptic Equations with Nonlinearities That Lies between Different Powers
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , Souto Marco A. S.
Published: June 2008

We prove that the semilinear elliptic equation −Δu = f(u), in Ω, u = 0, on ∂Ω has a positive solution when the nonlinearity f belongs to a class which
satisfies μtq ≤ f(t) ≤ Ctp at infinity and behaves like tq near the origin, where 1 < q < (N + 2)/(N − 2) if N ≥ 3 and 1 < q < +∞ if N = 1, 2. In our approach,
we do not need the Ambrosetti‐Rabinowitz condition, and the nonlinearity
does not satisfy any hypotheses such those required by the blowup method.
Furthermore, we do not impose any restriction on the growth of p.
Wastes Management Through Transmutation in an ADS Reactor
Authors: Calgaro Barbara , Vezzoni Barbara , Cerullo Nicola , Forasassi Giuseppe , Verboomen Bernard
Published: June 2008

The main challenge in nuclear fuel cycle closure is the reduction of the potential radiotoxicity, or of the time in which that possible hazard really exists. Probably, the transmutation of minor actinides with fast fission processes is the most effective answer. This work, performed in (Belgium) and DIMNP Pisa University, is focused on preliminary evaluation of industrial scale ADS (400 MWth, 2.5 mA) burning capability. An inert matrix fuel of minor actinides, 50% vol. MgO and 50% vol. (Pu,Np,Am,Cm), core content, with 150 GWd/ton discharge burn up, is used. The calculations were performed using ALEPH-1.1.2, MCNPX-2.5.0, and ORIGEN2.2. codes.
Exploring the Gulf of Kachh: Regional Economy and Trade in the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Nadri Ghulam
Published: June 2008

This paper explores the economic dynamics of the Gulf of Kachh littoral in the eighteenth century. First, the region's production and trade potential is foregrounded by examining the scale and scope of its major products—cotton and textiles—and by tracking the inland and overseas commercial networks. The politico-economic crisis in Gujarat and the ensuing relocation of merchants and manufacturers combined with the rise of the Omani commercial empire served as the context for the mid-century expansion in the commerce of the Gulf of Kachh. Second, the development of the Dutch commercial interaction with this region will be analyzed from the perspective of the Dutch East India Company's trade at Surat in connection with the growing English influence in the Arabian Sea. Cette contribution explore deux principaux aspects de la vitalité économique du littoral du Golfe de Cutch au dix-huitième siècle. Premièrement, le potentiel de production et de commerce de la région est souligné en examinant l'importance et l'éventail des produits principaux échangés, notamment des cotons et des tissus, et en suivant les réseaux d'échanges terrestres et maritimes La crise socio-économique qui frappe le Gujarat au début de ce siècle et le déplacement des marchands et manufacturiers qui en découle, mais également la montée de la puissance commerciale omanaise, permettent en effet l'essor commercial du Golfe de Cutch au milieu du siècle. Deuxièmement, le développement de l'interaction commerciale entre cette région et la Compagnie néerlandaise des Indes orientales est relevé. La présence de cette compagnie au Golfe est mise en perspective avec ses activités à Surat et l'influence anglaise grandissante en mer d'Arabie.
Amos vii 10-17 and Royal Attitudes Toward Prophecy in the Ancient Near East
Authors: Couey J. Blake
Published: June 2008

This study examines the confrontation between the priest Amaziah and the prophet Amos in Amos vii 10-17 against the background of selected ancient Near Eastern texts that deal with royal attitudes toward prophecy. Texts from Mari, Nineveh, and Lachish all provide evidence for the role of royal officials, including priests, in reporting prophecy to the king in the ancient world. In light of this evidence, Amaziah's actions in this narrative appear to be motivated by state interests more than specifically cultic interests, as suggested in the text by his appeal to the royal sponsorship of the Bethel shrine (v. 13). Read in this way, the narrative points to the complexity of the relationship among priests, prophets, and kings in ancient Israel.
Salomon, ou le modèle de l'homme heureux (Prov. iii 13-18)
Authors: Marx Alfred
Published: June 2008

Prov. iii 13-18 alludes to the story of Solomon's dream in 1 King iii 4-15 // 2 Chr. i 6-13 and extends to every wise the promise given there to king Solomon's.
Joshua's Double Demise (Josh. xxiv 28-31; Judg. ii 6-9): Making Sense of a Repetition
Authors: Frolov Serge
Published: June 2008

The article argues that the text's syntax militates against the common interpretations of the duplicate account of Joshua's departure in Judg. ii 6-9 as a redactional byproduct or a flashback and identifies it instead as a pivotal element of a complex narrative trajectory that has Judg. i 27-ii 5 revisit, and substantially re-evaluate, the period covered by Joshua xiv-xxiv. This temporal loop plays, in its turn, a major role in the rhetorical strategy of the Former Prophets.
A Counterradicalization Strategy for a New U.S. Administration
Authors: von Hippel Karin
Published: June 2008

The U.S. government needs a new, two-pronged approach to counter radicalization in many parts of the world, particularly when confronting the “enabling environment.” Those inhabiting this environment include potential sympathizers in the Arab and Muslim world who may not themselves use violence but either endorse the arguments and platforms of the terrorists or are intimidated into silence. This wider community needs to be won over so that they oppose terrorism in their neighborhoods, cities, and states and, critically, in the virtual world, where many of the battles are taking place. Appealing to the enabling environment may be the only way in the long term to isolate terrorists and end terrorism. This two-part approach includes (1) a prioritized development strategy (with an emphasis on good governance, anticorruption, and social service provision) and (2) innovative tools and new partners to implement and disseminate it.
The Conundrum of Iran: Strengthening Moderates without Acquiescing to Belligerence
Authors: Brennan John
Published: June 2008

After nearly three decades of antagonistic rhetoric and diplomatic estrangement between the United States and Iran, the next president has the opportunity to set a new course for relations between the two countries. When the next president takes up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Iranian officials will be listening. The president must implement a policy of engagement that encourages moderates in Iran without implying tolerance for Tehran's historic support of terrorist activities. This strategy will require patience and sensitivity to the complex political realities inside Iran. To successfully chart a new course for U.S.-Iranian relations, the next president must (1) tone down rhetoric; (2) establish a direct dialogue with Tehran, including comprehensive, private discussions and deployment of a special envoy; (3) encourage greater assimilation of Hezbollah into Lebanon's political system; and (4) offer carrots in addition to sticks, including consideration of legitimate Iranian concerns on regional security issues.
Iraq's Long-Term Impact on Jihadist Terrorism
Authors: Byman Daniel L. , Pollack Kenneth M.
Published: June 2008

This article argues that the problems facing Iraq could have tremendous consequences for the broader “war on terror,” particularly if they return to or exceed levels seen at the height of the violence in 2006. Salafi militants, followers of an extreme interpretation of Islam who want to use violence to unite Muslims under religious rule, have been fighting in Iraq and may use the country as a base for operations and attacks elsewhere in the region. In addition, refugees from Iraq might spread terrorism, radicalize neighboring populations, and contribute to strife and instability throughout the region. While a U.S. troop withdrawal may inspire fewer young men to take up terrorism against the United States, it would also increase militants' operational freedom in Iraq itself, allowing terrorist groups to recruit, train, and plan with relative impunity. As a result, if the United States withdraws from Iraq without leaving behind a stable Iraqi government, it should still maintain a regional military presence and help bolster other regimes in the Middle East from the threat of terrorism from Iraq.
Mutually Assured Support: A Security Doctrine for Terrorist Nuclear Weapon Threats
Authors: Fischhoff Baruch , Atran Scott , Sageman Marc
Published: June 2008

If the United States were subject to a terrorist nuclear attack, its president would face overwhelming political pressure to respond decisively. A well-prepared response could help both to prevent additional attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice. An instinctive response could be cataclysmically ineffective, inflicting enormous collateral damage without achieving either deterrence or justice. An international security doctrine of Mutually Assured Support can make the response to such attacks more effective as well as less likely—by requiring preparations that reduce the threat. The doctrine requires all subscribing nations to mobilize fully in support of the attacked nation, in return for a promise of nonretaliation. It provides a vehicle for domestic and international leadership, allowing the president to engage the American people, from a position of strength, around an issue that has had little public discussion. The authors describe its rationale, implications, and implementation.
A Social Networks Approach to Migrant Mobilization in Southern Europe
Authors: Poros Maritsa V.
Published: June 2008

Migration is challenging the meaning of residency and citizenship in Southern Europe today. Migrants are contesting the ethnic model of citizenship in Spain, Italy, and Greece by becoming increasingly engaged in social movements to make existence and program claims on the state for residency and citizenship rights. As such, migration processes interfere with the way that migrant social movements can be enacted and sustained and with the potential for successful claim making. The selectivity of migration flows, the migrant networks at origin and destination countries, and the patterns of flows between the home and host countries can affect the stability and continuity of sustained networks of actors involved in social movements and in claim making on the state. This article focuses on the theoretical issues involved in migration flows, network change, and state responses to claim making to explore the potential for sustained changes in the meaning of citizenship in southern Europe.
Emotions in Everyday Social Encounters
Authors: Nezlek John B. , Kafetsios Konstantinos , Smith C. Veronica
Published: June 2008

Relationships between self-construal and emotion experiences in social interactions were examined in two countries. Participants in Greece (a more collectivist culture) and the United Kingdom (a more individualist culture) described the social interactions they had each day for 7 days using a variant of the Rochester Interaction Record. For UK participants, independent self-construal was positively related to positive affect, whereas for Greek participants, independent self-construal was negatively related to positive affect. There were few relationships between interdependent self-construal and affect in either study. The results point to the interplay of cultural values and individual differences in self-construal and their relationships to people's affective experiences.
Use of a Colorimetric Carbon Dioxide Sensor for Nasoenteric Feeding Tube Placement in Critical Care Patients Compared With Clinical Methods and Radiography
Authors: Munera‐Seeley Verónica , Ochoa Juan B. , Brown Nefertiti , Bayless Angela , Correia M. Isabel T. D. , Bryk Jodie , Zenati Mazen
Published: June 2008

Background: Misplacement of nasoenteric feeding tubes (NFTs) into the airway instead of the esophagus leads to complications. Healthcare providers have relied on clinical methods, devices such as carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors, and radiography (the gold standard) to evaluate NFT placements. Most institutions include radiographs in their protocols for NFT insertions, making it expensive and cumbersome. A new commercial CO2 sensor was developed to assist in these procedures, and the authors evaluated its use. Methods: Nurses performing NFT placement completed questionnaires following each procedure. The nurses recorded the clinical methods used to determine proper insertion and, based on them, where the NFT was located. Nurses then evaluated NFT insertion with the CO2 sensor; from the readings, they recorded where the tube was located. Confirmation of tube placement was performed radiographically. Results: The authors evaluated 424 NFT insertions. Of these, 15 (3.5%) were incorrectly placed into the airway, and 409 were correctly placed into the esophagus. The CO2 sensor correctly assessed NFT placement in 421 (99%) of the 424 cases. The authors found the device to have a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 99.8%. Conclusions: The CO2 sensor is a helpful bedside tool to use in conjunction with clinical methods during NFT insertions. However, there is insufficient evidence to abandon the use of radiographs to confirm tube placement.
Accountability Arrangements in Non-State Standards Organizations: Instrumental Design and Imitation
Authors: Gulbrandsen Lars H.
Published: June 2008

This paper analyses accountability arrangements in the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and other organizations that set standards for certification and eco-labelling. It focuses on two types of accountability that are likely to be achievable and important to non-state standards organizations: control and responsiveness. In setting a global standard based on a multi-stakeholder governance structure, FSC established a model for other certification schemes, specifically within the forestry and fisheries sectors. By creating the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), FSC-supporters exported the certification model to the fisheries sector. Industry-led forest certification schemes that were initiated to compete with FSC and offer an industry-dominated model have come to mimic procedural accountability arrangements initially established by their competitor. However, they have carefully filtered out the prescriptions that could reduce their influence in standard-setting processes. The paper argues that while certification schemes could enhance control of corporate environmental and social performance, some of the industry-dominated schemes adopt popular and fashionable accountability recipes to divert criticism of their activities instead of acting responsively to external constituents such as environmental and social groups.
An Integrative Model for Developing Transition-Based Dormitory Experiences for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities on College Campuses
Authors: Shields Bruce A. , Saladino Albert , Proctor-Szilagyi Alicia-Marie F. , Doueck Howard J.
Published: June 2008

This article explores the efficacy of placing individuals with developmental disabilities into college campus dormitories in the interest of facilitating transition into adulthood. Developmental challenges for participants and families are addressed, in addition to concerns for normalization, self-determination, and the broader concepts of social inclusion and community integration. An interactive model that incorporates the perspectives of participants, parents, local agency providers, and the hosting college is recommended.
Critical Media Literacy and Transformative Learning
Authors: Tisdell Elizabeth J.
Published: June 2008

The media has a powerful influence on all of us, and has been discussed by critical media literacy scholars largely in K-12 settings. This article explores how, and to what extent, adult educators can draw on popular culture and entertainment media to develop critical media literacy and to facilitate transformative learning around diversity and equity issues, primarily in adult higher education classroom-based settings. It presents a cross-case analysis of the findings related to critical media literacy and transformative learning of three research studies of adult learners and the role of media in higher education around: the notion of pleasure, finding alternative narratives, expanded thinking about marginalized “Others” and hegemonic processes, and new insights through facilitated discussion.
Genomic mid-range inhomogeneity correlates with an abundance of RNA secondary structures
Authors: Bechtel Jason M , Wittenschlaeger Thomas , Dwyer Trisha , Song Jun , Arunachalam Sasi , Ramakrishnan Sadeesh K , Shepard Samuel , Fedorov Alexei
Published: June 2008

Background

Genomes possess different levels of non-randomness, in particular, an inhomogeneity in their nucleotide composition. Inhomogeneity is manifest from the short-range where neighboring nucleotides influence the choice of base at a site, to the long-range, commonly known as isochores, where a particular base composition can span millions of nucleotides. A separate genomic issue that has yet to be thoroughly elucidated is the role that RNA secondary structure (SS) plays in gene expression.

Results

We present novel data and approaches that show that a mid-range inhomogeneity (~30 to 1000 nt) not only exists in mammalian genomes but is also significantly associated with strong RNA SS. A whole-genome bioinformatics investigation of local SS in a set of 11,315 non-redundant human pre-mRNA sequences has been carried out. Four distinct components of these molecules (5'-UTRs, exons, introns and 3'-UTRs) were considered separately, since they differ in overall nucleotide composition, sequence motifs and periodicities. For each pre-mRNA component, the abundance of strong local SS (< -25 kcal/mol) was a factor of two to ten greater than a random expectation model. The randomization process preserves the short-range inhomogeneity of the corresponding natural sequences, thus, eliminating short-range signals as possible contributors to any observed phenomena.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the excess of strong local SS in pre-mRNAs is linked to the little explored phenomenon of genomic mid-range inhomogeneity (MRI). MRI is an interdependence between nucleotide choice and base composition over a distance of 20–1000 nt. Additionally, we have created a public computational resource to support further study of genomic MRI.
Uracil within DNA: an actor of antiviral immunity
Authors: Sire Joséphine , Quérat Gilles , Esnault Cécile , Priet Stéphane
Published: June 2008

Uracil is a natural base of RNA but may appear in DNA through two different pathways including cytosine deamination or misincorporation of deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nucleotide (dUTP) during DNA replication and constitutes one of the most frequent DNA lesions. In cellular organisms, such lesions are faithfully cleared out through several universal DNA repair mechanisms, thus preventing genome injury. However, several recent studies have brought some pieces of evidence that introduction of uracil bases in viral genomic DNA intermediates during genome replication might be a way of innate immune defence against some viruses. As part of countermeasures, numerous viruses have developed powerful strategies to prevent emergence of uracilated viral genomes and/or to eliminate uracils already incorporated into DNA. This review will present the current knowledge about the cellular and viral countermeasures against uracils in DNA and the implications of these uracils as weapons against viruses.
Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. in Brazil and the impact of the Sao Francisco River in the speciation of this sand fly vector
Authors: Coutinho-Abreu Iliano V , Sonoda Ivan V , Fonseca Jose A , Melo Marcia A , Balbino Valdir Q , Ramalho-Ortigão Marcelo
Published: June 2008

Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the principal vector of Leishmania infantum chagasi in the Americas, and constitutes a complex of species. Various studies have suggested an incipient speciation process based on behavioral isolation driven by the chemotype of male sexual pheromones. It is well known that natural barriers, such as mountains and rivers can directly influence population divergence in several organisms, including insects. In this work we investigated the potential role played by the Sao Francisco River in eastern Brazil in defining the current distribution of Lu. longipalpis s.l. Our studies were based on analyses of polymorphisms of the cytochrome b gene (cyt b) sequences from Lu. longipalpis s.l. available in public databases, and from additional field-caught individuals. Altogether, 9 distinct populations and 89 haplotypes were represented in the analyses. Lu. longipalpis s.l. populations were grouped according to their distribution in regards to the 10°S parallel: north of 10°S (<10°S); and south of 10°S (>10°S). Our results suggest that although no polymorphisms were fixed, moderate genetic divergences were observed between the groups analyzed (i.e., F

ST
= 0.184; and Nm = 2.22), and were mostly driven by genetic drift. The population divergence time estimated between the sand fly groups was about 0.45 million years (MY), coinciding with the time of the change in the course of the Sao Francisco River, during the Mindel glaciation. Overall, the polymorphisms on the cyt b haplotypes and the current speciation process detected in Lu. longipalpis s.l. with regards to the distribution of male sexual pheromones suggest a role of the Sao Francisco River as a significant geographical barrier in this process.
Faster clearance of omeprazole in rats with acute renal failure induced by uranyl nitrate: contribution of increased expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A1 and intestinal CYP1A and 3A subfamilies
Authors: Lee Dae Y , Jung Young S , Shin Hyun S , Lee Inchul , Kim Young C , Lee Myung G
Published: June 2008

It has been reported that omeprazole is mainly metabolized via hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1/2, CYP2D1 and CYP3A1/2 in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and the expression of hepatic CYP3A1 is increased in male Sprague-Dawley rats with acute renal failure induced by uranyl nitrate (U-ARF rats). Thus, the metabolism of omeprazole would be expected to increase in U-ARF rats. After intravenous administration of omeprazole (20 mgkg−1) to U-ARF rats, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC) was significantly reduced (371 vs 494 μg min mL−1), possibly due to the significantly faster non-renal clearance (56.6 vs 41.2 mL min−1 kg−1) compared with control rats. This could have been due to increased expression of hepatic CYP3A1 in U-ARF rats. After oral administration of omeprazole (40 mg kg−1) to U-ARF rats, the AUC was also significantly reduced (89.3 vs 235 μg min mL−1) compared with control rats. The AUC difference after oral administration (62.0% decrease) was greater than that after intravenous administration (24.9% decrease). This may have been primarily due to increased intestinal metabolism of omeprazole caused by increased expression of intestinal CYP1A and 3A subfamilies in U-ARF rats, in addition to increased hepatic metabolism.
Evolution of oxidative stress parameters and response to oral vitamins E and C in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Rupérez Francisco J , García-Martínez Diana , Baena Beatriz , Maeso Nuria , Cifuentes Alejandro , Barbas Coral , Herrera Emilio
Published: June 2008

Type I diabetes in humans and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats has been associated with oxidative stress, but antioxidant therapy has given contradictory results, in part related to the absence of common conditions used to evaluate in-vivo antioxidant properties. This prompted the study of an experimental model of antioxidant therapy in STZ-treated rats. Adult female rats received STZ (50 mgkg−1) and were studied 7 or 14 days later. Adipose tissue weight progressively decreased with the time of treatment, whereas plasma triglycerides increased at 7 days, before returning to control values at 14 days after STZ treatment. STZ diabetic rats had increased plasma thiobarbituric acid reacting substances and α-tocopherol levels, but the latter variable was decreased when corrected for total lipids. STZ diabetic rats showed a higher GSSG/GSH ratio at Day 14 and lower GSH + GSSG at Day 7 in liver. To evaluate the effect of short-term antioxidant therapy, rats received 5 doses of vitamins C and E over 3 days before being killed on Day 14. Treatment with antioxidants decreased plasma lactic acid and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, as well as urine 8-isoprostane, and decreased plasma uric acid in controls. Vitamins increased the plasma α-tocopherol/lipids ratio only in control rats, although the plasma and liver α-tocopherol concentration increased in both groups. STZ diabetic rats showed moderate oxidative stress and treatment with antioxidant vitamins caused a significant change in a selected group of oxidative stress markers, which reflected an improvement in some of the complications associated with this disease. The present experimental conditions can be used as a sensitive experimental model to study the responsiveness of diabetes to other antioxidant interventions.
Glycine decreases developmental damage induced by hyperglycaemia in mouse embryos
Authors: Martínez-Galero E , Paniagua-Castro N , Pérez-Pastén R , Madrigal-Bujaidar E , Chamorro-Cevallos G
Published: June 2008

Hyperglycaemia induces neural tube defects and growth retardation in cultured mouse and rat embryos. In this study the possibility that glycine could prevent hyperglycaemia-induced embryopathy was researched. Early somite mouse embryos were cultured in normal medium, hyperglycaemic medium (50 mmol L−1 glucose), or with glycine (1 mmol L−1) supplementation of normal and hyperglycaemic rat serum for 48 h. The embryo growth and differentiation were determined to estimate developmental and congenital malformations as well as lipid peroxidation levels. Adding glycine to the control culture medium did not affect embryonic development. Whereas the amino acid protected against telencephalon dysmorphogenesis, the decreased DNA content and number of somites, and the morphological score affectation induced by the hyperglycaemic medium, it had no preventive effect on the retarded differentiation of the otic system. Moreover, it prevented the high hyperglycaemia-induced lipoperoxidation levels of embryonic tissues. Embryos were partially protected from the hyperglycaemia-induced teratogenesis due to the antioxidative effect of glycine. As no other mechanisms related to the antiglycation or other protective effects of glycine were examined, the mechanism whereby it acted as an antiteratogenic agent needs further study.