bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Domain Method for Precise Estimation of Sinusoidal Model Parameters of Co‐Channel Speech
Authors: Mahgoub Y. A. , Dansereau R. M.
Published: March 2008

A time domain method to precisely estimate the sinusoidal model parameters of cochannel speech is presented. The method does not require the calculation of the Fourier transform nor the multiplication by a window function. It incorporates a least‐squares estimator and an iterative technique to model and separate the cochannel speech into its individual speakers. The application of this method on speech data demonstrates the effectiveness of this method in separating cochannel speech signals in different target‐to‐interference ratios. This method is capable of producing accurate and robust parameter estimation in low signal‐to‐noise ratio situations compared to other existing algorithms.
Hexarelin Signaling to PPARγ in Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Demers Annie , Rodrigue-Way Amélie , Tremblay André
Published: March 2008

Investigating the metabolic functions of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been extremely rewarding over the past years.
Uncovering the biologic roles of PPARγ and its mechanism of action has greatly advanced our understanding of the transcriptional control of lipid and glucose metabolism, and compounds such as thiazolidinediones which directly regulate PPARγ have proven to exhibit potent insulin‐sensitizer effects in the treatment of diabetes. We review here recent advances on the emerging role of growth hormone releasing peptides in regulating PPARγ through interaction with scavenger receptor CD36 and ghrelin GHS‐R1a receptor. With the impact that these peptides exert on the metabolic pathways involved in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis, it is hoped that the development of novel approaches in the regulation of PPAR functions will bring additional therapeutic possibilities to face problems related to metabolic diseases.
Nanomaterials Enhanced Gene Expression in Yeast Cells
Authors: Chien Su-Fang , Chen Shi-Hui , Lin Chhiu-Tsu
Published: March 2008

Metal nanomaterials are shown to enhance gene expression for rice α‐galactosidase gene (α‐Gal) in yeast cells. Au and Ag nanoparticles and their nanocomposites, silica‐Au and silica‐Ag, were prepared and characterized by UV‐vis spectroscopy and TEM technique. The rice α‐galactosidase gene was cloned into the yeast chromosome, where the cloned cells were precultured and induced into a medium containing each of the testing nanomaterials. The nanomaterials were observed to incorporate inside the cells, and no cell death has been detected during the course of gene expression. The enzyme activity was determined by a synthetic substrate, p‐nitrophenyl‐α‐D‐galctopyranoside, and the yellow product yield was recorded in a spectrophotometer at 400 nm. When Au and Ag nanoparticles were incorporated with the culture, a 3–5 fold enhancement in α‐galactosidase was observed for intracellular activity as well as the secreted activity into the medium. The secreted protein was analyzed to have a pure form and displayed as a single protein band in the SDS‐gel electrophoresis. The effects of size and chemical nature of nanomaterials on gene expression for the rice α‐galactosidase gene in yeast cells are discussed.
Coexistence of Two Rare Sarcomas: Primary Leiomyosarcoma of Bone and Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the Liver
Authors: Gonzalez-Billalabeitia E. , Quintela-Fandino M. , Alemany I. , López-Alonso G. , Ruiz-Ollero A. , Martinez-Tello F. , Hitt R.
Published: March 2008

A 33-year-old woman sought medical attention for a painful swelling of the left ankle. Plain radiographs revealed an osteolytic lesion involving the left distal tibia. An excisional biopsy provided the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma in the tibia. A staging work-up was performed and an abdominal CT showed 4 liver hypodense lesions in both lobes with peripheral contrast enhancement. A liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the liver. No association between these two entities has been described before. This case introduces the importance of the pathological confirmation of apparent metastatic lesions in low grade sarcomas and provides a review of the literature of both tumours.
Diophantine Frequency Synthesizer Design for Timekeeping Systems
Authors: Sotiriadis Paul P. , Weaver Gregory L.
Published: March 2008

Diophantine Frequency Synthesis (DFS), a number‐theoretic approach to the design of very high resolution frequency synthesizers, was introduced in 2006. Further work concerning the impact of controlling mixing products for high‐spectral purity was addressed and reported at the 2007 European Frequency and Time Forum. The focus of this paper is on the implementation of nested DFS architectures targeting microphase‐type applications for precision timekeeping systems.
We have shown that DFS does not impart any extraordinary design constraints on spectral purity in comparison to commonly used high resolution frequency synthesis techniques such as DDS or fractional N. Here we describe a design approach for
10 MHz synthesizers with 1E‐13 fractional resolution in consecutive steps ranging ±10 Hz. The synthesizers generate their output from a 10 MHz reference standard. Such synthesizers are essential to accomplishing precision frequency correction in timekeeping systems.
Remarks on Weakly KKM Maps in Abstract Convex Spaces
Authors: Park Sehie
Published: March 2008

A KKM space is an abstract convex space satisfying the KKM principle. We obtain variants of the KKM principle for KKM spaces related to weakly KKM maps and indicate some applications of them. These results properly generalize the corresponding ones in G‐convex spaces and ϕA‐spaces . Consequently, results by Balaj 2004, Liu
1991, and Tang et al. 2007 can be properly generalized and
unified.
A Hybrid Fuzzy ANN System for Agent Adaptation in a First Person Shooter
Authors: El Rhalibi Abdennour , Merabti Madjid
Published: March 2008

The aim of developing an agent, that is able to adapt its actions in response to their effectiveness within the game, provides the basis for the research presented in this paper. It investigates how adaptation can be applied through the use of a hybrid of AI technologies. The system developed uses the predefined behaviours of a finite‐state machine and fuzzy logic system combined with the learning capabilities of a neural computing. The system adapts specific behaviours that are central to the performance of the bot (a computer‐controlled player that simulates a human opponent) in the game, with the paper’s main focus being on that of the weapon selection behaviour; selecting the best weapon for the current situation. As a development platform, the project makes use of the Quake 3 Arena engine, modifying the original bot AI to integrate the adaptive technologies.
Fuzzy Inverse Compactness
Authors: Aygün Halis , Bural A. Arzu , Kudri S. R. T.
Published: March 2008

We introduce definitions of fuzzy inverse compactness, fuzzy inverse countable compactness, and fuzzy inverse Lindelöfness on arbitrary L‐fuzzy sets in L‐fuzzy topological spaces. We prove that the proposed definitions are good extensions of the corresponding concepts in ordinary topology and obtain different characterizations of fuzzy inverse compactness.
An Improved Particle Swarm Optimizer for Placement Constraints
Authors: Hsieh Sheng-Ta , Sun Tsung-Ying , -Liu Chan-Cheng , Lin Cheng-Wei
Published: March 2008

This paper presents a macrocell placement constraint and overlap removal methodology using an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO). Several techniques have been proposed to improve PSO, such as methods to prevent the floorplan from falling into the local minimum and to assist in finding the global minimum. The proposed method can deal with various kinds of placement constraints and can process them simultaneously. Experiments employing MCNC and GSRC benchmarks show the difference in the efficiency and robustness of proposed method in the exploration for more optimal solutions through restricted placement and overlap removal compared with other methods. The proposed approach exhibits rapid convergence and leads to more optimal solutions than other related approaches; furthermore, it displays efficient packing with all the constraints satisfied.
Preparation of Fluorine‐Doped TiO2 Photocatalysts with Controlled Crystalline Structure
Authors: Todorova N. , Giannakopoulou T. , Romanos G. , Vaimakis T. , Yu Jiaguo , Trapalis C.
Published: March 2008

Nanocrystalline F‐doped TiO2 powders were prepared by sol‐gel route. The thermal behavior of the powders was recorded by DTA/TG technique. The crystalline phase of the fluorinated TiO2 powders was determined by X‐ray diffraction technique. It was demonstrated that F‐doping using CF3COOH favors the formation of rutile along with anatase phase even at low temperature. Moreover, the rutile′s phase content increases with the increase of the quantity of the fluorine precursor in the starting solution. The surface area of the powders and the pore size distribution were studied by N2 adsorption‐desorption using BET and BJH methods. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the fluorine is presented in the TiO2 powders mainly as metal fluoride in quantities ∼16 at %. The F‐doped TiO2 showed a red‐shift absorption in UV‐vis region which was attributed to the increased content of rutile phase in the powders. The powders exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in decomposition of acetone.
Analysis of Gene Expression in Normal and Cancer Cells Exposed to γ‐Radiation
Authors: Chaudhry M. Ahmad
Published: March 2008

The expression of many genes is modulated after exposure to ionizing radiation. Identification of specific genes may allow the determination of pathways important in radiation responses. We previously identified modulation of the expression of several genes in response to ionizing radiation treatment. In the present study, we monitored the expression of RGS1, CC3, THBS1, vWF, MADH7, and a novel gene encoding a secreted protein in irradiated Jurkat, TK6, HeLa, and HFL1 cells. The RGS1 is involved in G‐protein signaling pathway, CC3 belongs to the complement system, THBS1 is a component of the extracellular matrix, vWF takes part in blood coagulation, and MADH7 is a member of the TGF‐β signal transduction pathway. Our objective was to find similarities and differences in the expression of these genes in ionizing radiation‐exposed diverse cell types. RGS1 was downregulated in Jurkat cells but was upregulated in TK6 and HFL1 cells. The expression of CC3 was repressed in Jurkat and HFL1 cells but was induced in TK6 and HeLa cells. THBS1 was downregulated in irradiated TK6 and HFL1 cells. vWF was induced in radiation‐exposed HeLa cells, but its expression was downregulated in Jurkat cells. The expression of MADH7 was induced in all the cell types examined. These results indicate cell specific modulation of gene expression and suggest the involvement of different pathways in cellular response to radiation treatment in different cells.
Passivity‐Based Synchronization of Unified Chaotic System
Authors: Kemih K. , Benslama M. , Baudrand H.
Published: March 2008

This letter further improves and extends the work of Kemih et al. In detail, feedback passivity synchronization with only one controller for a unified chaotic system is discussed here. It is noticed that the unified system contains the noted Lorenz, Lu, and Chen systems. Numerical simulations are given to show the effectiveness of these methods.
Quantum Transitions by Change of Parameters and in Noninertial Motion
Authors: Apostol M.
Published: March 2008

As it is well known, a quantum system depending on parameters exhibits the (geometric) Berry phase when parameters
are varying in the adiabatic limit. A generalization of the Berry phase is given in the present paper for a nonadiabatic
change of parameters, which leads to quantum transitions in the system. This generalization is applied to
noninertial motions and it is shown that such motions may induce quantum transitions for a system in an external
field governed by Schrodinger′s equation.
Performance Testing of Twisted Pair Cables
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed F. , Abdallah Mahmoud I.
Published: March 2008

This work introduces characteristics of twisted pair cables which play an important role in transferring data. In this paper, category 5 enhanced as a type of unshielded twisted pair cables was selected to verify all tests on it according to ISO/IEC 11801 as one of international standard specifications. Random samples were selected from cables market. All tests were done on these samples to make sure of using validity and complying with the international standard. After testing the selected samples, it is found that 4% are not satisfying the international standard specification while as 96% are satisfying the international standard specification.
The Charge Transport Properties of a HWCVD a-Si:H Thin Film under Bending Pressure
Authors: Boshta M. , Morchshakov V. , Bärner K. , Braunstein R.
Published: March 2008

The transient thermoelectric effects (TTEs) method is used to measure the ambipolar space charge built up in a low-pressure hot wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) technique a-Si:H layer deposited on a glass substrate. The stage 2 TTE-transients yield the trap state density difference with and without bending pressure up to 9 bars. The a-Si:H sample shows a reduction of the negative storage peaks at 0.045 eV and 0.026 eV with increasing pressure, while the positive (hole trap) peak and the zero crossing practically do not change with the pressure. At the maximum bending pressure, the negative peaks are almost zero and shifted into the band gap or toward the conduction band. Our result shows that it is necessary to produce and mount hydrogenated thin film solar cell stress-free.
Updating Large Scale Topographic Databases in Italian Urban Areas with Submeter QuickBird Images
Authors: Gianinetto Marco
Published: March 2008

This paper presents some tests for the updating of the Italian Raster Regional
Technical Map (RRTM) at 1: 10000 scale and of the Italian Vector Technical Map (VTM) at
1: 5000 scale using a submeter Quickbird imagery collected in a near flat urban area of the
Northern Italy. Results show that the updating of the 1: 10000 scale cartography was always
possible, while a rigorous updating of 1: 5000 scale cartography was possible only in few
situations. Results are discussed with reference to the specifications required for the 1: 10000
scale and 1: 5000 scale topographic databases (DBs) production of the Lombardia Region,
which is a reference for metric mapping purposes in Italy.
On the Power Dissipation of Embedded Memory Blocks Used to Implement Logic in Field-Programmable Gate Arrays
Authors: Chin Scott Y. L. , Lee Clarence S. P. , Wilton Steven J. E.
Published: March 2008

We investigate the power and energy implications of using embedded FPGA memory blocks to implement logic. Previous studies have shown that this technique provides extremely dense implementations of some types of logic circuits, however, these previous studies did not evaluate the impact on power. In this paper, we measure the effects on power and energy as a function of three architectural parameters: the number of available memory blocks, the size of the memory blocks, and the flexibility of the memory blocks. We show that although embedded memories provide area efficient implementations of many circuits, this technique results in additional power consumption. We also show that blocks containing smaller-memory arrays are more power efficient than those containing large arrays, but for most array sizes, the memory blocks should be as flexible as possible. Finally, we show that by combining physical arrays into larger logical memories, and mapping logic in such a way that some physical arrays can be disabled on each access, can reduce the power consumption penalty. The results were obtained from place and routed circuits using standard experimental physical design tools and a detailed power model. Several results were also verified through current measurements on a 0.13 μm CMOS FPGA.
Integral Averages of Two Generalizations of the Poisson Kernel by Haruki and Rassias
Authors: Bulut Serap
Published: March 2008

In \tccheck{1997}, Haruki and Rassias introduced two generalizations of the Poisson kernel in two dimensions and discussed integral formulas for them.
Furthermore, they presented an open problem.
In \tccheck{1999},
Kim gave a solution to that problem.
Here, we give a solution to this
open problem by means of a different method.
The purpose of this paper is to give integral
averages of two generalizations of
the Poisson kernel, that is, we generalize the open problem.
The Analysis of Contour Integrals
Authors: Tanriverdi Tanfer , Mcleod JohnBryce
Published: March 2008

For any n, the contour integral s2 = −λ, is associated with differential equation d2y(x)/dx2 + (λ + n(n + 1)/cosh2x)y(x) = 0. Explicit solutions for n = 1 are obtained. For n = 1, eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, spectral function, and eigenfunction expansions are explored. This differential equation which does have
solution in terms of the trigonometric functions does not seem to have been explored and it is also one of the purposes of this
paper to put it on record.
The Connectivity of the Human Pulvinar: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography Study
Authors: Leh Sandra E. , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Ptito Alain
Published: March 2008

Previous studies in nonhuman primates and cats have shown that the pulvinar receives input from various cortical and subcortical areas involved in vision. Although the contribution of the pulvinar to human vision remains to be established, anatomical tracer and electrophysiological animal studies on cortico‐pulvinar circuits suggest an important role of this structure in visual spatial attention, visual integration, and higher‐order visual processing. Because methodological constraints limit investigations of the human pulvinar′s function, its role could, up to now, only be inferred from animal studies. In the present study, we used an innovative imaging technique, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) tractography, to determine cortical and subcortical connections of the human pulvinar. We were able to reconstruct pulvinar fiber tracts and compare variability across subjects in vivo. Here we demonstrate that the human pulvinar is interconnected with subcortical structures (superior colliculus, thalamus, and caudate nucleus) as well as with cortical regions (primary visual areas (area 17), secondary visual areas (area 18, 19), visual inferotemporal areas (area 20), posterior parietal association areas (area 7), frontal eye fields and prefrontal areas). These results are consistent with the connectivity reported in animal anatomical studies.
On the Optimum Sampling Time for the Measurement of Pollutants in Ambient Air
Authors: Brown Richard J. C. , Hood Daniel , Brown Andrew S.
Published: March 2008

No measurement result of any kind is complete without an associated statement of uncertainty. In general, the aim is to minimise this measurement uncertainty to the extent that the measurement made is fit for purpose, or the uncertainty meets an acceptable level such as a ‘‘data quality objective’’. This paper demonstrates how the sampling time used to measure a pollutant in ambient air over a given time period, particularly with automatic instruments, can affect the uncertainty of the measurement result. It is shown that the uncertainty of the overall result depends critically on how the precision characteristics of the measuring instrumentation vary with analyte abundance. An example of the determination of these characteristics for mercury vapour measurement and the conclusions that may be drawn about optimum sampling times to minimise uncertainty are presented. For situations where uncertainty is minimised by the use of long sampling periods, the implications of this strategy on the ‘‘information richness’’ of the data and on the detection of short-term episodes, as well as peak concentrations, are discussed.
A Role for PPARβ/δ in Ocular Angiogenesis
Authors: Bishop-Bailey David
Published: March 2008

The uses of highly selective PPARβ/δ ligands and PPARβ/δ knockout mice have shown a direct ability of PPARβ/δ to regulate angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo in animal models. PPARβ/δ ligands induce the proangiogenic growth factor VEGF in many cells and tissues, though its actions in the eye are not known. However, virtually, all tissue components of the eye express PPARβ/δ. Both angiogenesis and in particular VEGF are not only critical for the development of the retina, but they are also a central component in many common pathologies of the eye, including diabetic retinopathy and age‐related macular degeneration, the most common causes of blindness in the Western world. This review, therefore, will discuss the recent evidence of PPARβ/δ‐mediated angiogenesis and VEGF release in the context of ocular disorders.
Effect of Ge Addition on the Optical Band Gap and Refractive Index of Thermally Evaporated Thin Films
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Katyal S. C.
Published: March 2008

The present paper reports the effect of Ge addition on the optical band gap and refractive index of thin films. Thin films of and were prepared by thermal evaporation technique at base pressure  Pa. Optical band gap and refractive index were calculated by analyzing the transmission spectrum in the spectral range 400–1500 nm. The optical band gap decreases while the refractive index increases with the addition of Ge to . The decrease of optical band gap has been explained on the basis of density of states; and the increase in refractive index has been explained on the basis increase in disorder in the system.
Direct Oxidation Growth of CuO Nanowires from Copper‐Containing Substrates
Authors: Hansen Benjamin J. , Lu Ganhua , Chen Junhong
Published: March 2008

Controlling the growth of semiconducting nanowires with desired properties on a reproducible basis is of particular importance in realizing the next‐generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here, we investigate the growth of cupric oxide (CuO) nanowires by direct oxidation of copper‐containing substrates at 500∘C for 150 minutes at various oxygen partial pressures. The substrates considered include a low‐purity copper gasket, a high‐purity copper foil, compacted CuO and Cu2O thin layers, and layered Cu/CuO and Cu/Cu2O substrates. The morphology, composition, and structure of the product CuO nanowires were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X‐ray diffraction, and UV‐Visible absorption. Selected oxidation processes have been monitored using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The layering structure of the substrate after oxidation was analyzed to elucidate the growth mechanism of CuO nanowires.
Platelet Counts and Platelet Activation Markers in Obese Subjects
Authors: Samocha-Bonet Dorit , Justo Dan , Rogowski Ori , Saar Nili , Abu-Abeid Subchi , Shenkerman Galina , Shapira Itzhak , Berliner Shlomo , Tomer Aaron
Published: March 2008

Objective. In this work we studied the correlation between platelet count, platelet activation, and systemic inflammation in overweight, obese, and morbidly obese individuals.
Methods and subjects. A total of 6319 individuals participated in the study. Complete blood counts, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) serum levels, and body mass index (BMI) were measured during routine checkups. Platelet activation markers were studied among 30 obese (BMI = 41 ± 8 kg/m2) and 35 nonobese (BMI = 24 ± 3 kg/m2) individuals. Platelet activation status was evaluated by flow cytometry using specific antibodies against the activated platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, p‐selectin (CD‐62 p), and binding of Annexin‐V to platelet anionic phospholipids.
Results. Overweight, obese, and morbidly obese females had significantly elevated platelet counts (P < .0001) compared with normal‐weight females. No significant elevation of platelet counts was observed in the male subgroups. A significant age adjusted correlation between BMI and platelet counts (P < .0001) was found among females. This correlation was attenuated (P = .001) after adjustment for hs‐CRP concentrations. The flow cytometry analysis of platelets showed no significant differences in activation marker expression between nonobese and obese individuals.
Discussion. Obesity may be associated with elevated platelet counts in females with chronic inflammation. Obesity is not associated with increased platelet activation.
Receptor Guided 3D‐QSAR: A Useful Approach for Designing of IGF‐1R Inhibitors
Authors: Muddassar M. , Pasha F. A. , Chung H. W. , Yoo K. H. , Oh C. H. , Cho S. J.
Published: March 2008

Research by other investigators has established that insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) is a key oncological target, and that derivatives of 1, 3‐disubstituted‐imidazo[1,5‐α] pyrazine are potent IGF‐1R inhibitors. In this paper, we report on our three‐dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) studies for this series of compounds. We validated the 3D‐QSAR models by the comparison of two major alignment schemes, namely, ligand‐based (LB) and receptor‐guided (RG) alignment schemes. The latter scheme yielded better 3D‐QSAR models for both comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) (q2 = 0.53, r2 = 0.95) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) (q2 = 0.51, r2 = 0.86). We submit that this might arise from the more accurate inhibitor alignment that results from using the structural information of the active site. We conclude that the receptor‐guided 3D‐QSAR may be helpful to design more potent IGF‐1R inhibitors, as well as to understand their binding affinity with the receptor.
An Algorithm for Finding Functional Modules and Protein Complexes in Protein‐Protein Interaction Networks
Authors: Cui Guangyu , Chen Yu , Huang De-Shuang , Han Kyungsook
Published: March 2008

Biological processes are often performed by a group of proteins rather than by individual proteins, and proteins
in a same biological group form a densely connected subgraph in a protein‐protein interaction network. Therefore,
finding a densely connected subgraph provides useful information to predict the function or protein complex of uncharacterized proteins in the highly connected subgraph. We have developed an efficient algorithm and program for finding cliques and near‐cliques in a protein‐protein interaction network. Analysis of the interaction network of yeast proteins using the algorithm demonstrates that 59% of the near‐cliques identified by our algorithm have at least one function shared by all the proteins within a near‐clique, and that 56% of the near‐cliques show a good agreement with the experimentally determined protein complexes catalogued in MIPS.
Noninvasive Model Independent Noise Control with Adaptive Feedback Cancellation
Authors: Yuan Jing
Published: March 2008

An active noise control (ANC) system is model dependent/independent if its controller transfer function is dependent/independent on initial estimates of path models in a sound field. Since parameters of path models in a sound field will change when boundary conditions of the sound field change, model‐independent ANC systems (MIANC) are able to tolerate variations of boundary conditions in sound fields and more reliable than model‐dependent counterparts. A possible way to implement MIANC systems is online path modeling. Many such systems require invasive probing signals (persistent excitations) to obtain accurate estimates of path models. In this study, a noninvasive MIANC system is proposed. It uses online path estimates to cancel feedback, recover reference signal, and optimize a stable controller in the minimum
H2 norm sense, without any forms of persistent excitations. Theoretical analysis and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the stable control performance of the proposed system.
Myofascial Force Transmission via Extramuscular Pathways Occurs between Antagonistic Muscles
Authors: Huijing Peter A. , Baan Guus C.
Published: March 2008

Most often muscles (as organs) are viewed as independent actuators. To test if this is true for antagonistic muscles, force was measured simultaneously at: (1) the proximal and distal tendons of the extensor digitorum muscle (EDL) to quantify any proximo-distal force differences, as an indicator of myofascial force transmission, (2) at the distal tendons of the whole antagonistic peroneal muscle group (PER) to test if effects of EDL length changes are present and (3) at the proximal end of the tibia to test if myofascially transmitted force is exerted there. EDL length was manipulated either at the proximal or distal tendons. This way equal EDL lengths are attained at two different positions of the muscle with respect to the tibia and antagonistic muscles. Despite its relatively small size, lengthening of the EDL changed forces exerted on the tibia and forces exerted by its antagonistic muscle group. Apart from its extramuscular myofascial connections, EDL has no connections to either the tibia or these antagonistic muscles. Proximal EDL lengthening increased distal muscular forces (active PER ΔF ≈ +1.7%), but decreased tibial forces (passive from 0.3 to 0 N; active ΔF ≈ –5%). Therefore, it is concluded that these antagonistic muscles do not act independently, because of myofascial force transmission between them. Such a decrease in tibial force indicates release of pre-strained connections. Distal EDL lengthening had opposite effects (tripling passive force exerted on tibia; active PER force ΔF ≈ –3.6%). It is concluded that the length and relative position of the EDL is a co-determinant of passive and active force exerted at tendons of nearby antagonistic muscle groups. These results necessitate a new view of the locomotor apparatus, which needs to take into account the high interdependence of muscles and muscle fibres as force generators, as well as proximo-distal force differences and serial and parallel distributions of sarcomere lengths that are consequences of such interaction. If this is done properly, the effects of integrating a muscle fibre, muscle or muscle group into higher levels of organisation of the body will be evident.
Effect of Nutrition Intervention on Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors among Tehranian Adults: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Mirmiran P. , Ramezankhani A. , Hekmatdoost A. , Azizi F.
Published: March 2008

Background/Aim: Several epidemiologic studies have shown that many nutritional and non-nutritional risk factors for non-communicable diseases are modifiable. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of nutrition intervention on non-communicable disease risk factors among Tehranian urban adults. Methods: In the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), 1,474 subjects, aged 3 years and over, were selected for dietary assessment; nutrition intervention was implemented for one third through pamphlets, posters, nutritional consultations, educational courses, and demonstration of films in the community health medical centers, schools, and other public places. After a 3.8-year follow-up period, data were collected for 578 subjects, aged 18–74 years, who participated in the second phase of the study; there were 356 subjects in the control group and 222 in the intervention group. Mean body mass index, energy intake, macronutrients, fibre, micronutrients, serum lipids, fasting blood sugar, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were determined in both groups. Results: The mean fasting blood sugar concentrations increased significantly in the control group and decreased significantly in the intervention group. Mean diastolic blood pressure and total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased in both groups. However, the body mass index showed a significant increase in both groups. Adjusted for age, sex, and baseline variables, the cholesterol intake (214 vs. 232 mg/day, p < 0.05) was significantly lower in the intervention as compared with the control group. Conclusions: The present study shows decreases in fasting blood sugar, total serum cholesterol, and daily cholesterol intake after nutrition interventions. Specific intervention measures, keeping in mind cultural and socio-economic factors, could modify dietary patterns and are effective in the primary pre- vention of non-communicable diseases.
Observations of Turbulence Mixing and Vorticity in a Littoral Surface Boundary Layer
Authors: Lien R-C. , Sanford B. , Tsai W-T.
Published: March 2008

Measurements of small-scale vorticity, turbulence velocity, and dissipation rates of turbulence kinetic energy ɛ were taken in a littoral fetch-limited surface wave boundary layer. Drifters deployed on the surface formed convergence streaks with ∼1-m horizontal spacing within a few minutes. In the interior, however, no organized pattern of velocity, vorticity, or turbulence mixing intensity was found at a similar horizontal spatial scale. The turbulent Langmuir number La was 0.6–1.3, much larger than the 0.3 of the typical open ocean, suggesting comparable importance of wind-driven turbulence and Langmuir circulation. Observed ɛ are explained by the wind-driven shear turbulence. The production rate of turbulence kinetic energy associated with the vortex force is about 10−7 W kg−1, slightly smaller than that generated by the wind-driven turbulence. The rms values of the streakwise component of vorticity σζ|| and the vertical component of vorticity σζz have a similar magnitude of ∼0.02 s−1. Vertical profiles of ɛ, σζ||, and σζz showed a monotonic decrease from the surface. Traditionally, surface convergence streaks are regarded as signatures of Langmuir circulation. Two large-eddy simulations with and without Stokes drift were performed. Both simulations produced surface convergence streaks and vertical profiles of ɛ, vorticity, and velocity consistent with observations. The observations and model results suggest that the presence of surface convergence streaks does not necessarily imply the existence of Langmuir circulation. In a littoral surface boundary layer where surface waves are young, fetch-limited, and weak, and La = O(1), the turbulence mixing in the surface mixed layer is primarily due to the wind-driven shear turbulence, and convergence streaks exist with or without surface waves.
A Global View of Non-Gaussian SST Variability
Authors: Sura Philip , Sardeshmukh Prashant D.
Published: March 2008

The skewness and kurtosis of daily sea surface temperature (SST) variations are found to be strongly linked at most locations around the globe in a new high-resolution observational dataset, and are analyzed in terms of a simple stochastically forced mixed layer ocean model. The predictions of the analytic theory are in remarkably good agreement with observations, strongly suggesting that a univariate linear model of daily SST variations with a mixture of SST-independent (additive) and SST-dependent (multiplicative) noise forcing is sufficient to account for the skewness–kurtosis link. Such a model of non-Gaussian SST dynamics should be useful in predicting the likelihood of extreme events in climate, as many important weather and climate phenomena, such as hurricanes, ENSO, and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), depend on a detailed knowledge of the underlying local SSTs.
Nonnormal Thermohaline Circulation Dynamics in a Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere GCM
Authors: Tziperman Eli , Zanna Laure , Penland Cecile
Published: March 2008

Using the GFDL coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model CM2.1, the transient amplification of thermohaline circulation (THC) anomalies due to its nonnormal dynamics is studied. A reduced space based on empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of temperature and salinity anomaly fields in the North Atlantic is constructed. Under the assumption that the dynamics of this reduced space is linear, the propagator of the system is then evaluated and the transient growth of THC anomalies analyzed. Although the linear dynamics are stable, such that any initial perturbation eventually decays, nonnormal effects are found to result in a significant transient growth of temperature, salinity, and THC anomalies. The growth time scale for these anomalies is between 5 and 10 yr, providing an estimate of the predictability time of the North Atlantic THC in this model. There are indications that these results are merely a lower bound on the nonnormality of THC dynamics in the present coupled GCM. This seems to suggest that such nonnormal effects should be seriously considered if the predictability of the THC is to be quantitatively evaluated from models or observations. The methodology presented here may be used to produce initial perturbations to the ocean state that may result in a stricter estimate of ocean and THC predictability than the common procedure of initializing with an identical ocean state and a perturbed atmosphere.
Winter Eddy Genesis in the Eastern South China Sea due to Orographic Wind Jets
Authors: Wang Guihua , Chen Dake , Su Jilan
Published: March 2008

Generation of mesoscale eddies in the eastern South China Sea (SCS) in winters during August 1999 to July 2002 is studied with a reduced-gravity model. It is found that the orographic wind jets associated with the northeast winter monsoon and the gaps in the mountainous island chain along the eastern boundary of the SCS can spin up cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies over the SCS. Results suggest that direct wind forcing could be an important generation mechanism for the rich eddy activity in the SCS, and that to simulate this mechanism the resolution of the wind forcing has to be high enough to resolve the local wind jets induced by orographic effects.
Aquaplanets, Climate Sensitivity, and Low Clouds
Authors: Medeiros Brian , Stevens Bjorn , Held Isaac M. , Zhao Ming , Williamson David L. , Olson Jerry G. , Bretherton Christopher S.
Published: March 2008

Cloud effects have repeatedly been pointed out as the leading source of uncertainty in projections of future climate, yet clouds remain poorly understood and simulated in climate models. Aquaplanets provide a simplified framework for comparing and understanding cloud effects, and how they are partitioned as a function of regime, in large-scale models. This work uses two climate models to demonstrate that aquaplanets can successfully predict a climate model’s sensitivity to an idealized climate change. For both models, aquaplanet climate sensitivity is similar to that of the realistic configuration. Tropical low clouds appear to play a leading role in determining the sensitivity. Regions of large-scale subsidence, which cover much of the tropics, are most directly responsible for the differences between the models. Although cloud effects and climate sensitivity are similar for aquaplanets and realistic configurations, the aquaplanets lack persistent stratocumulus in the tropical atmosphere. This, and an additional analysis of the cloud response in the realistically configured simulations, suggests the representation of shallow (trade wind) cumulus convection, which is ubiquitous in the tropics, is largely responsible for differences in the simulated climate sensitivity of these two models.
United Nations Peace Missions in Africa
Authors: Bariagaber Assefaw
Published: March 2008

The author examines the trajectory that United Nations (UN) peace operations in Africa have taken over the past 10 years and provides an answer to the following interrelated questions: Why have UN peace missions in Africa dramatically grown in frequency and scope in the past 10 years, when Africa has become increasingly peaceful, and which variables have been critical to this dramatic growth? The author (a) empirically demonstrates the quantitative and qualitative growth of UN peace missions in Africa and (b) identifies systemic-, continental-, and individual-level variables that contributed to this growth. The author argues that the convergence of these variables at different levels has provided the conditions necessary and sufficient for changes in the frequency, nature, and scope of UN peace missions in Africa over the past 10 years.
Van Doorn and Beyond
Authors: Moelker René , Soeters Joseph
Published: March 2008

In the 1960s, Jacques van Doorn started teaching (military) sociology as a formal, scientific discipline at the Netherlands Military Academy. Since then, the way military sociology was taught at the academy has seen a great number of developments; the philosophy of education at the academy changed into an interdisciplinary and problem-based learning approach. These changes evolved into military sociology becoming a recognized perspective for analyzing military operations while being valued for its contribution to the functioning of future officers. With this shift, military sociology has developed a more pragmatic character. Even though theoretical development has sometimes been hampered by this preoccupation with pragmatics, in most times the blending of theory and praxis has stimulated the development in this field of knowledge.
Relationships Between Exposure to Rap Music Videos and Attitudes Toward Relationships Among African American Youth
Authors: Bryant Yaphet
Published: March 2008

The purpose of the study is to (a) predict adversarial attitudes toward male-female relationships and (b) explore the relationships between traditional agents of socialization and personal acceptance of negative images in rap videos by African American adolescents. Participants completed psychosocial measures, viewed videos, and completed surveys about the videos. Higher levels of adversarial attitudes toward male-female relationships and exposure to rap videos were associated with acceptance of negative images of women in the videos. Participants who reported watching rap videos because their friends watched them held less adversarial attitudes toward male-female relationships than did those who reported watching because they were fun to watch or to find out the latest trends. Furthermore, higher levels of spiritual or religious coping and higher socioeconomic status were associated with rejection of negative images of women in rap videos. Last, higher levels of spiritual or religious coping were associated with the rejection of negative images of men and male-female interactions in rap videos. Implications for clinicians and parents are outlined, and recommendations for future research are provided.
HIV/AIDS Prevention in the Nepalese Context
Authors: Pokhrel Pallav , Regmi Shekhar , Piedade Erica
Published: March 2008

With their numbers now approaching almost 30 million, Nepalese feature importantly in the South Asian demography. Yet, it has been only 60 years since Nepal gained international recognition as a nation-state. Nepal at present is one of the world's poorest countries and is in dire need of development, especially in the area of health. Given the current civil instability coupled with rapid modernization, the health and well-being of the Nepalese people have been increasingly affected by newer threats, such as HIV/AIDS. The present study discusses the uniqueness of the Nepalese context in relation to HIV/AIDS prevention. The authors suggest that HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Nepal should now focus more on adolescents from rural regions. The authors also suggest the ways one may approach the task of developing a prevention program targeting rural youths.
Isoproterenol-induced Cardiotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley Rats: Correlation of Reversible and Irreversible Myocardial Injury with Release of Cardiac Troponin T and Roles of iNOS in Myocardial Injury
Authors: Zhang Jun , Knapton Alan , Lipshultz Steven E. , Weaver James L. , Herman Eugene H.
Published: March 2008

The present study was undertaken to characterize myocardial lesions in the rat induced by low doses of isoproterenol (Iso) and to correlate lesion severity with release of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and changes in myocyte iNOS expression. Two types of cardiac injury patterns were observed. A Type I response, noted 3 or 6 hours postdosing with 8, 16, 32, or 64 μg/kg Iso, included potential reversible myocardial alterations associated with slight increases in serum cTnT (< 0.3 ng/mL) and a slight reduction in myocyte cTnT immunoreactivity. The second type of response noted 3, 6, 12, 24 or 48 hours postdosing with 125, 250, or 500 μg/kg Iso consisted of irreversible myocyte alterations, together with significant increases in serum cTnT (3–14 ng/mL) and a marked reduction of cTnT immunoreactivity. By 48 hours the hearts of rats dosed with 125–500 μg/kg Iso had developed interstitial fibrosis, and serum cTnT had declined to near control levels (0.06–0.18 ng/mL). Increases in iNOS immunoreactivity correlated with the lesion severity. These findings suggest that low doses of Iso exert complex effects on the myocardium and that the generation of NO through increased expression of iNOS could be an important factor in the pathogenesis of myocyte injury.
Long-term Air Pollution Exposure Is Associated with Neuroinflammation, an Altered Innate Immune Response, Disruption of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Ultrafine Particulate Deposition, and Accumulation of Amyloid β-42 and α-Synuclein in Children and Young Adults
Authors: Calderón-Garcidueñas Lilian , Solt Anna C. , Henríquez-Roldán Carlos , Torres-Jardón Ricardo , Nuse Bryan , Herritt Lou , Villarreal-Calderón Rafael , Osnaya Norma , Stone Ida , García Raquel , Brooks Diane M. , González-Maciel Angelica , Reynoso-Robles Rafael , Delgado-Chávez Ricardo , Reed William
Published: March 2008

Air pollution is a serious environmental problem. We investigated whether residency in cities with high air pollution is associated with neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration in healthy children and young adults who died suddenly. We measured mRNA cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-1β, and CD14 in target brain regions from low (n = 12) or highly exposed residents (n = 35) aged 25.1 ± 1.5 years. Upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-1β, and CD14 in olfactory bulb, frontal cortex, substantia nigrae and vagus nerves; disruption of the blood-brain barrier; endothelial activation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cell trafficking were seen in highly exposed subjects. Amyloid β42 (Aβ42) immunoreactivity was observed in 58.8% of apolipoprotein E (APOE) 3/3 < 25 y, and 100% of the APOE 4 subjects, whereas α-synuclein was seen in 23.5% of < 25 y subjects. Particulate material (PM) was seen in olfactory bulb neurons, and PM < 100 nm were observed in intraluminal erythrocytes from lung, frontal, and trigeminal ganglia capillaries.

Exposure to air pollution causes neuroinflammation, an altered brain innate immune response, and accumulation of Aβ42 and α-synuclein starting in childhood. Exposure to air pollution should be considered a risk factor for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and carriers of the APOE 4 allele could have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease if they reside in a polluted environment.