bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
V2O3 Anode Catalyst for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell using H2S-containing Hydrogen
Authors: Xu Zhengrong , Luo Jinli , Chuang Karl T.
Published: April 2008

A new vanadium oxide based anode catalyst V2O3-YSZ was developed for the purpose of direct use of hydrogen sulfide-containing hydrogen in solid oxide fuel cell systems. H2S-containing hydrogen (H2 balanced with 5000 ppmv H2S) and air were used as anode and cathode feed gas, respectively. The V2O3-YSZ catalyst showed good catalytic activity for conversion of H2S-containing hydrogen in the SOFC systems. Current density over 450 mA/cm2 at 0.5 V and maximum power density of 160 mW/cm2 (at 400 mA/cm2) were obtained at 900åC. Conductivity tests showed that the V2O3 catalyst had good electronic conductivity in hydrogen atmosphere. XRD and XPS analysis showed that the new catalyst was stable in the environment of H2S-rich hydrogen, and this was confirmed experimentally in fuel cell tests.
Activated Carbon Open Circuit Potential Shifts in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Goldin Mikhail M. , Blanchard Gary J. , Volkov Alexander G. , Khubutiya Mogely S. , Kolesnikov Vladimir A. , Evseev Anatoly K. , Goldin Mark M.
Published: April 2008

Interaction of certain inorganic and organic compounds with activated carbon and the effect of such interaction on open circuit potential of activated carbon were studied. Open circuit potential shifts were observed for an overwhelming majority of the substances and brands of activated carbons investigated. Both negative and positive potential shifts were observed. It was shown that open circuit potential shifts for organic substances depend on degree of coverage of the activated carbon surface. Whereas adsorption of investigated organic compound on activated carbon led to positive potential shifts, desorption of adsorbates from the activated carbon surface led to potential shifts in the opposite direction. Furthermore, time dependencies of open circuit potential shifts were similar for different carbon brands. The magnitude of the shifts depended on the adsorbate, adsorption activity of the adsorbent, and the sterics of potential-determinative pores and adsorbate molecules.
Synthesis and Characterization of Luminescent [Tb(HMAP)3(Bipy)] Complex
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Khatkar Satyender P.
Published: April 2008

The complex [Tb(HMAP)3(bipy)] (where HMAP=2'-Hydroxy-4'-methoxyacetophenone and bipy = 2, 2'-Bipyridine) was synthesized and characterized by infra red spectroscopy, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDX and elemental analysis. The synthesized complex emits green luminescent with main peak at 546nm on exposure to U.V. light at 354nm. The complex emitting bright green color might be promisingly applicable for various optical devices.
Surface Modification of Carbon Fiber by Electroless Deposition of Cu, Ni, and Ag
Authors: Lai Chun-Han , Wu Pu-Wei , Chou Chao-Ling , Chiu Yu-Fan
Published: April 2008

Surface modification of carbon fibers (CFs) was performed by electroless depositions of Ni, Cu, and Ag. The electrical and mechanical properties of the resulting fibers were improved after uniform metallic depositions were achieved. Materials characterizations of the deposited layers were conducted using SEM and XRD. We determined that Cu-plated CFs exhibited better electrical conductivity than that of Ni-plated one. However, the latter showed better mechanical properties than that of the former. Under proper oxidizing heat treatment, the carbon core of the plated CF was evaporated forming an oxide tube with excellent structural integrity. The oxide tube was successfully transformed into a metallic tube after hydrogen reduction treatment.
Effect of Thin Film of Molybdenum Compound on Corrosion of Tinplate
Authors: Kiyota Yasuhiro , Matsunaga Morio
Published: April 2008

Corrosion behavior of tinplates covered with the molybdenum compound film was investigated in organic acid solution. Specimens treated by pulsed current in the molybdate solution inhibited anodic and cathodic reactions in organic acid solution. Corrosion current densities of these specimens were lower than the specimen without treatment. Anodic or cathodic polarization, however, caused the pitting corrosion on surface of these specimens covered with molybdenum compounds.
Effects of Preparation Procedures and Structure of IrO2-Ta2O5 Coated Insoluble Anodes on Durability
Authors: Matsuo Mikio , Matsunaga Morio
Published: April 2008

The IrO2-Ta2O5 anodes for copper foil production were studied. As the thermal decomposition temperature of the catalytic layers becomes lower such as 613 K, no PbO2 deposits from the sulfuric solution containing lead ions. The short lifetime of these anodes can be improved by inserting the IrO2-Ta2O5 interlayer prepared at 743 K, because the adhesiveness between the catalytic layer and the titanium substrate becomes stronger. Another method to improve the lifetime is the etching process of the titanium substrate. New etching method in sulfuric acid also provides longer lifetime of the catalytic layer prepared at 613 K, on which no PbO2 deposits.
Electrochemical Deposition in RF-Irradiated Solutions - A Manifestation of Induced Long Range Order?
Authors: Katsir Yael , Miller Lior , Scolnik Yosef , Aharonov Yakir , Ben Jacob Eshel
Published: April 2008

Electrochemical deposition (ECD) in radio frequency (RF)-irradiated ZnSO4 solutions is similar to that in solutions prepared from nanoparticles doped (NPD) water and both are very different from that in control (RO water) solutions. It was found that RF and doping treatments have dramatic effects on the deposition morphologies from microns to centimeters. Here we examine the idea that the observations resulted from long range order induced by the treatments. We reason that the long range order is mediated by the formation of network of nanobubbles (and nanoparticles for the NPD water) with a non random organization, and propose that the network is the outcome of bubble-bubble exchange interactions, resulted from water order around the bubbles. To further test the idea of induced long range order we present preliminary results of Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) experiments of mixing of NPD solutions with control solutions, and of optical activity of the NPD water.
Effects of a supraphysiological dose of testosterone on physical function, muscle performance, mood, and fatigue in men with HIV-associated weight loss
Authors: Knapp Philip E. , Storer Thomas W. , Herbst Karen L. , Singh Atam B. , Dzekov Connie , Dzekov Jeanne , LaValley Michael , Zhang Anqi , Ulloor Jagadish , Bhasin Shalender
Published: April 2008

Testosterone increases fat-free mass (FFM) in men infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but its effects on muscle performance, physical function, mood, and quality of life are poorly understood. Sixty-one HIV-infected men with weight loss were randomized to receive weekly intramuscular injections of 300 mg of testosterone enanthate or placebo for 16 wk. The primary outcome of interest was physical function (walking speed, stair-climbing power, and load-carrying ability). Secondary outcome measures included body weight and composition, muscle performance, sexual function, mood, and quality of life. Serum nadir free and total testosterone levels increased (+188.0 ± 29.6 and +720 ± 86 ng/dl) in the testosterone, but not placebo, group. Testosterone administration was associated with increased FFM (2.8 ± 0.5 kg), which was significantly greater than in the placebo group ( P < 0.0001). Leg press strength increased significantly in testosterone-treated ( P = 0.027), but not placebo-treated, men; the difference between groups was not significant. Other measures of muscle performance and physical function did not change significantly in either group. Men receiving testosterone demonstrated significantly greater improvements in mental health and quality-of-life scores than those receiving placebo and improvements in fatigue/energy and mood scores that were not significantly different from those receiving placebo. Sexual function scores did not change in either group. In HIV-infected men with weight loss, a supraphysiological dose of testosterone significantly increased FFM but did not improve self-reported or performance-based measures of physical function. Improvements in mood, fatigue, and quality-of-life measures in the testosterone group, although clinically important, need further confirmation.
TGFβ-induced RhoA activation and fibronectin production in mesangial cells require caveolae
Authors: Peng Fangfang , Zhang Baifang , Wu Dongcheng , Ingram Alistair J. , Gao Bo , Krepinsky Joan C.
Published: April 2008

Glomerular sclerosis of diverse etiologies is characterized by mesangial matrix accumulation, with transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) an important pathogenic factor. The GTPase RhoA mediates TGFβ-induced matrix accumulation in some settings. Here we study the role of the membrane microdomain caveolae in TGFβ-induced RhoA activation and fibronectin upregulation in mesangial cells (MC). In primary rat MC, TGFβ1 time dependently increased RhoA and downstream Rho kinase activation. Rho pathway inhibition blocked TGFβ1-induced upregulation of fibronectin transcript and protein. TGFβ1-induced RhoA activation was prevented by disrupting caveolae with cholesterol depletion and rescued by cholesterol repletion. Compared with wild types, RhoA/Rho kinase activation was absent in MC lacking caveolae. Reexpression of caveolin-1 (and caveolae) restored these responses. Phosphorylation of caveolin-1 on Y14, effected by Src kinases, has been implicated in signaling responses. Overexpression of nonphosphorylatable caveolin-1 Y14A prevented TGFβ1-induced RhoA activation. TGFβ1 also activated Src, and its inhibition blocked RhoA activation. Furthermore, TGFβ1 led to association of RhoA and caveolin-1. This was prevented by Src or TGFβ receptor I inhibition, and by caveolin-1 Y14A overexpression. Last, fibronectin upregulation by TGFβ1 was blocked by Src inhibition, not seen in caveolin-1 knockout MC, and restored by caveolin-1 reexpression in the latter. TGFβ1-induced collagen I accumulation also required caveolae. TGFβ1-mediated Smad2/3 activation, however, did not require caveolae. We conclude that RhoA/Rho kinase mediates TGFβ-induced fibronectin upregulation. This requires caveolae and caveolin-1 interaction with RhoA. Interference with caveolin/caveolae or RhoA signaling thus represents a potential target for the treatment of fibrotic renal disease.
Nonnegative Matrix Factorization with Gaussian Process Priors
Authors: Schmidt Mikkel N. , Laurberg Hans
Published: April 2008

We present a general method for including prior knowledge in a nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF), based on Gaussian process priors. We assume that the nonnegative factors in the NMF are linked by a strictly increasing function to an underlying Gaussian process specified by its covariance function. This allows us to find NMF decompositions that agree with our prior knowledge of the distribution of the factors, such as sparseness, smoothness, and symmetries. The method is demonstrated with an example from chemical shift brain imaging.
Bayesian Time Delay Estimation of GNSS Signals in Dynamic Multipath Environments
Authors: Lentmaier Michael , Krach Bernhard , Robertson Patrick
Published: April 2008

A sequential Bayesian estimation algorithm for multipath mitigation is presented, with an underlying movement model that is especially designed for dynamic channel scenarios. In order to facilitate efficient integration into receiver tracking loops, it builds upon complexity reduction concepts that previously have been applied within maximum likelihood (ML) estimators. To demonstrate its capabilities under different GNSS signal conditions, simulation results are presented for both BPSK‐modulated and BOC‐(1,1) modulated navigation signals.
Archimedean Spiral Antenna Calibration Procedures to Increase the Downrange Resolution of a SFCW Radar
Authors: Nicolaescu Ioan , van Genderen Piet
Published: April 2008

This paper deals with the calibration procedures of an Archimedean spiral antenna used for a stepped frequency continuous wave radar (SFCW), which works from 400 MHz to 4845 MHz. Two procedures are investigated, one based on an error‐term flow graph for the frequency signal and the second based on a reference metallic plate located at a certain distance from the ground in order to identify the phase dispersion given by the antenna. In the second case, the received signal is passed in time domain by applying an ifft, the multiple reflections are removed and the phase variation due to the time propagation is subtracted. After phase correction, the time domain response as well as the side lobes level is decreased. The antenna system made up of two Archimedean spirals is employed by SFCW radar that operates with a frequency step of 35 MHz.
Comments on the Rate of Convergence between Mann and Ishikawa Iterations Applied to Zamfirescu Operators
Authors: Qing Yuan , Rhoades B. E.
Published: April 2008

In the work of Babu and Vara Prasad (2006), the claim is made that Mann iteration converges faster than Ishikawa iteration when applied to Zamfirescu operators. We provide an example to demonstrate that this claim is false.
Reduced‐Order Model Development for Airfoil Forced Response
Authors: Brown Jeffrey M. , Grandhi Ramana V.
Published: April 2008

Two new reduced‐order models are developed to accurately and rapidly predict geometry
deviation effects on airfoil forced response. Both models have significant application to improved
mistuning analysis. The first developed model integrates a principal component analysis
approach to reduce the number of defining geometric parameters, semianalytic eigensensitivity
analysis, and first‐order Taylor series approximation to allow rapid as‐measured airfoil
response analysis. A second developed model extends this approach and quantifies both random
and bias errors between the reduced and full models. Adjusting for the bias significantly
improves reduced‐order model accuracy. The error model is developed from a regression analysis
of the relationship between airfoil geometry parameters and reduced‐order model error,
leading to physics‐based error quantification. Both models are demonstrated on an advanced
fan airfoil′s frequency, modal force, and forced response.
Alternative Parametric Boundary Reconstruction Method for Biomedical Imaging
Authors: Kolibal Joseph , Howard Daniel
Published: April 2008

Determining the outline or boundary contour of a two‐dimensional object, or the surface of a
three‐dimensional object poses difficulties particularly when there is substantial measurement noise or uncertainty. By adapting the mathematical approach of stochastic function recovery to this task, it is possible to obtain usable estimates for these boundaries, even in the presence of large amounts of noise. The technique is applied to parametric boundary data and has potential applications in biomedical imaging. It should be considered as one of several techniques to improve the visualization of images.
Observation of Quantum Confinement Effects with Ultrashort Excitation in the Vicinity of Direct Critical Points in Silicon Nanofilms
Authors: Othonos Andreas , Tsokkou Demetra , Lioudakis Emmanouil
Published: April 2008

We report on the observation of quantum confinement effects and the
influence of surface‐related states due to the formation of nanograins on ultrashort
relaxation near the direct critical points of silicon nanofilms following UV‐excitation.
Direct photoexcitation of the samples in the vicinity of the Γ critical points of the first
Brillouin zone has been achieved using femtosecond pulses in the spectra range of
290–400 nm. Transient absorption measurements show a substantial enhancement of
state filling with decreasing the film thickness down to 5 nm due to quantum confinement
in the z‐direction. Furthermore, the state filling of surface‐related states of nanograins
suggests that the critical points of these states follow the ellipsometry extracted energy‐curve.
A Time‐Consistent Video Segmentation Algorithm Designed for Real‐Time Implementation
Authors: El Hassani M. , Jehan-Besson S. , Brun L. , Revenu M. , Duranton M. , Tschumperlé D. , Rivasseau D.
Published: April 2008

We propose a time‐consistent video segmentation algorithm designed for real‐time implementation.
Our algorithm is based on a region merging process that combines both spatial and motion information.
The spatial segmentation takes benefit of an adaptive decision rule and a specific order of merging.
Our method has proven to be efficient for the segmentation of natural images with few parameters to be set.
Temporal consistency of the segmentation is ensured by incorporating motion information through the use of an improved change‐detection mask. This mask is designed using both illumination differences between frames and region segmentation of the previous frame. By considering both pixel and region levels, we obtain a particularly efficient algorithm at a low computational cost, allowing its implementation in real‐time on the TriMedia processor for CIF image sequences.
Antioxidant Gene Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Levonen Anna-Liisa , Vähäkangas Elisa , Koponen Jonna K. , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: April 2008

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species has been implicated to play an important role in a number of cardiovascular pathologies, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and restenosis after angioplasty or venous bypass grafting. The formation of reactive oxygen species is balanced out by antioxidant defenses, and augmenting this defense by antioxidant therapies could therefore provide a potential means to treat conditions in which the formation of reactive oxygen species exceeds the capability of natural protective mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the studies in which antioxidant gene therapy has been used successfully to treat cardiovascular diseases. We also discuss the current limitations of antioxidant gene therapy and envision future therapeutic targets and methodological approaches for an improved outcome.
Relations of Inflammatory Biomarkers and Common Genetic Variants With Arterial Stiffness and Wave Reflection
Authors: Schnabel Renate , Larson Martin G. , Dupuis Josée , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Lipinska Izabella , Meigs James B. , Yin Xiaoyan , Rong Jian , Vita Joseph A. , Newton-Cheh Christopher , Levy Daniel , Keaney John F. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Mitchell Gary F. , Benjamin Emelia J.
Published: April 2008

Inflammation causes vascular dysfunction and perpetuates proatherosclerotic processes. We hypothesized that a broad panel of inflammatory biomarkers and single nucleotide polymorphisms in inflammatory genes is associated with vascular stiffness. We assessed 12 circulating inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 [mass and activity], monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, myeloperoxidase, CD40 ligand, osteoprotegerin, P-selectin, and tumor necrosis factor receptor-II) in relation to tonometry variables (central pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, forward pressure wave, reflected pressure wave, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and augmentation index) measured in 2409 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age: 60 years; 55% women; 13% ethnic/racial minorities). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (n=2195) in 240 inflammatory candidate genes were related to tonometry measures in 1036 white individuals. In multivariable analyses, biomarkers explained <1% of any tonometry measure variance. Applying backward elimination, markers related to tonometry (
P
<0.01) were as follows: tumor necrosis factor receptor-II (inversely) with mean arterial pressure; C-reactive protein (positively) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 (inversely) with reflected pressure wave; and interleukin-6 and osteoprotegerin (positively) with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. In genetic association analyses, lowest
P
values (false discovery rate <0.50) were observed for rs10509561 (
FAS
),
P
=6.6×10
−5
for central pulse pressure and rs11559271 (
ITGB2
),
P
=1.1×10
−4
for mean arterial pressure. These data demonstrate that, in a community-based sample, circulating inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor receptor-II (mean arterial pressure), C-reactive protein, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 activity (reflected pressure wave), interleukin-6, and osteoprotegerin (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) were significantly but modestly associated with measures of arterial stiffness and wave reflection. Additional studies are needed to determine whether variation in inflammatory marker genes is associated with tonometry measures.
Hypertension Impairs Postnatal Vasculogenesis
Authors: You Dong , Cochain Clément , Loinard Céline , Vilar José , Mees Barend , Duriez Micheline , Lévy Bernard I. , Silvestre Jean-Sébastien
Published: April 2008

We analyzed the effect of hypertension on postischemic vasculogenesis. Ischemia was induced by right femoral artery ligature in Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) or spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) treated with or without angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (Perindopril, 0.76 mg/kg/d) and angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker (losartan, 30 mg/kg/d). Basal postischemic neovascularization was reduced in SHR compared to WKY (
P
<0.05, n=8). Treatment with ACE inhibitor or angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker decreased blood pressure levels by 1.4- and 1.3-fold (
P
<0.001), respectively and restored vessel growth in SHR to WKY levels. Interestingly, 14 days after bone-marrow mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) transfusion, angiographic scores, capillary density, and foot perfusion were decreased by 1.4-, 1.5-, and 1.2-fold, respectively in SHR transfused with BM-MNCs isolated from SHR compared to those receiving BM-MNCs of WKY (
P
<0.05, n=6). Alteration in BM-MNCs proangiogenic potential was likely related to the reduction in their ability to mobilize into peripheral circulation, as revealed by the 2.9-fold decrease in number of circulating CD34+/CD117+ cells (
P
<0.001) and to differentiate into cells with endothelial phenotype, as revealed by the 2.1-fold reduction in percentages of DilLDL/BS-1 lectin positive cells (
P
<0.001). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were increased by 2.2-fold in SHR BM-MNCs compared to WKY BM-MNCs (
P
<0.01), as assessed by L-012 luminescence. Cotreatment with ACE inhibitor, angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker, or antioxidants (NAC 3 mmol/L, Apocynin 200 μmol/L) reduced ROS levels, improved the number of DilLDL/BS-1 lectin-positive cells by around 1.5-fold, and restored BM-MNCs proangiogenic effects in ischemic hindlimb. In conclusion, alteration in progenitor cell proangiogenic function may participate to the hypertension-induced impairment in postischemic revascularization.
Las estrategias de aculturación de los inmigrantes: su significado psicológico
Authors: Zlobina Anna , Basabe Nekane , Páez Darío
Published: April 2008

Este trabajo estudia la asociación entre las estrategias de aculturación de los inmigrantes extranjeros en España y sus valores personales, intentando comprender el significado psicológico de dichas estrategias. Se utilizan los datos de una muestra de 1252 inmigrantes provenientes de distintas regiones del mundo (Brasil = 98, Colombia = 296, Ecuador = 325, Europa del Este = 76, Países Árabes = 365, África Subsahariana = 92) con un tiempo de residencia medio de 4,3 años y una edad media de 32,6 años.

Se compara la predominancia de distintos tipos de valores en las cuatro estrategias de aculturación—integración, separación, asimilación y marginalización—en los planos actitudinal y conductual. Los análisis revelan que la estrategia de separación se describiría mejor como una postura de conservación grupal sin promocionar el grupo etnocultural propio en la sociedad de acogida; la integración podría describirse como una estrategia de promoción, y la asimilación aparece claramente como una estrategia de movilidad individual y apertura a la nueva cultura. No se ha podido establecer un perfil motivational o de valores de marginalización, probablemente debido a que el instrumento utilizado no diferencia entre el subtipo “cosmopolita” de esta estrategia y el subtipo que describe el estado de anomia y de exclusión social.
Variables psicosociales y acoso escolar: el papel de las normas de grupo y la identificación grupal
Authors: Bustillos Antonio , Silván-Ferrero María del Prado , Gaviria Elena , Morales J. Francisco
Published: April 2008

Se presenta un trabajo que tuvo como objetivo principal analizar distintas características de naturaleza grupal de las que depende el acoso sufrido por algunos integrantes de un grupo. De esta forma, nuestro estudio se centra en demostrar que el grado de identificación con el grupo es clave a la hora de entender cómo se expresan las conductas de exclusión y acoso, si se percibe un ambiente normativo que posibilita la expresión de este tipo de conductas. Asimismo, mostramos cómo las situaciones de exclusión social son predictoras del bullying. Concretamente encontramos que los participantes que manifestaron ser acosados también eran excluidos; sin embargo, no todos los alumnos que indicaron ser excluidos eran acosados por sus compañeros. La importancia de este resultado es central para comprender la dinámica de la agresión sistemática entre iguales que ocurre en los centros educativos, ya que parte de la literatura considera que las situaciones de exclusión social que sufren los alumnos acosados son consecuencia del propio bullying y no viceversa.
El prejuicio hacia las mujeres: ¿infrahumanización o infravaloración?
Authors: Quiles Ma Nieves , Morera Ma Dolores , Correa Ana D. , Navas Marisol , Gómez-Berrocal Carmen , Cuadrado Isabel
Published: April 2008

Tradicionalmente se ha conceptualizado el sexismo como una hostilidad genérica hacia las mujeres. Sin embargo, éste puede manifestarse conjuntamente con actitudes benevolentes y con el reconocimiento de características “positivas” del estereotipo femenino. La respuesta a esta contradicción está en la naturaleza de estas características: no se puede infrahumanizar a las mujeres negándoles la capacidad de experimentar sentimientos, pero sí se las puede infravalorar atribuyéndoles sentimientos o características “devaluadas”. El sexismo se caracteriza también por la falta de homogeneidad en la percepción del grupo “mujeres”. Podemos hablar de subtipos específicos: tradicional (ama de casa), independiente (profesional) y sexy. Con el fin de analizar las diferencias existentes en la atribución de características a estos tres modelos de mujer, así como las diferencias en la valoración de las mismas, se elaboró un cuestionario con tres versiones. Los participantes (hombres y mujeres) debían calificar el tipo de mujer correspondiente en un listado de 24 rasgos asociados a tres dimensiones: competencia-sociabilidad, sentimiento-emoción, natural-cultural. Los resultados indican que el tipo de rasgos asignados, así como la valoración de los mismos, varía en función del tipo de mujer y del sexo del participante.
La atribución de sentimientos en situaciones críticas: humanos, infrahumanos y demonios
Authors: Delgado Naira , Pacios Alberto , Rodríguez Armando , Betancor Verónica
Published: April 2008

El sesgo de infrahumanización consiste en la tendencia a reservar para el endogrupo los rasgos exclusivamente humanos, como los sentimientos, rechazando su asociación con el exogrupo. Esta investigación se propone profundizar en el estudio de esta forma de prejuicio, analizando si el contenido de los sentimientos afecta a dicha atribución diferencial. Concretamente, se analiza la atribución de tres tipos de sentimientos: sentimientos positivos, sentimientos relacionados con el sufrimiento y sentimientos relacionados con la maldad. Los resultados señalan que las personas utilizan una distribución de sentimientos diferente para distinguir a su endogrupo de un exogrupo de alto y bajo estatus cuando se infiere su reacción emocional ante una situación crítica. Los efectos encontrados muestran la conveniencia de distinguir entre sentimientos positivos, de sufrimiento y de maldad al investigar el sesgo de infrahumanización, ya que el contenido de los sentimientos que se niegan o se otorgan al exogrupo puede dar cuenta de nuevas formas de infrahumanización que enriquezcan el marco de análisis de esta teoría.
Comportamiento proambiental: estudio del comportamiento de queja ciudadana. Implementación de un sistema participativo de gestión ambiental en Madrid
Authors: Palavecinos Sonia-Mireya , Martín Rocio , Díaz Ma José , Piñeiro Concepción , Benayas Javier , Alonso Luis Enrique , Jiménez Amanda
Published: April 2008

La presente investigación tiene como objetivos comprender las variables involucradas en el comportamiento de queja ciudadana respecto del estado de la limpieza urbana. Se analizaron 932 fichas de quejas y sugerencias enviadas por los ciudadanos al Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Se buscaba comprobar si esta conducta de queja es un tipo de comportamiento proambiental y/o una expresión de participación ciudadana. La metodología utilizada mezcla técnicas cualitativas (entrevistas y categorización de datos) y cuantitativas. Los resultados permiten elaborar un mapa diagnóstico de los problemas de limpieza en la ciudad. También se describen las características del comportamiento de queja y la conformación de perfiles de comportamiento específicos para cada tipo de problema ambiental identificado. Concretamente se analiza qué mueve a actuar las personas, a qué atribuyen la causa de los problemas, a quiénes creen afectan las consecuencias, así como las soluciones planteadas. Finalmente, se reflexiona sobre el aporte que esta información entrega al estudio del comportamiento proambiental y participativo, así como las ventajas de elaborar programas de gestión ambiental que favorezcan comportamientos sostenibles en instituciones públicas.
Retrievals of Thick Cloud Optical Depth from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) by Calibration of Solar Background Signal
Authors: Yang Yuekui , Marshak Alexander , Chiu J. Christine , Wiscombe Warren J. , Palm Stephen P. , Davis Anthony B. , Spangenberg Douglas A. , Nguyen Louis , Spinhirne James D. , Minnis Patrick
Published: April 2008

Laser beams emitted from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS), as well as other spaceborne laser instruments, can only penetrate clouds to a limit of a few optical depths. As a result, only optical depths of thinner clouds (< about 3 for GLAS) are retrieved from the reflected lidar signal. This paper presents a comprehensive study of possible retrievals of optical depth of thick clouds using solar background light and treating GLAS as a solar radiometer. To do so one must first calibrate the reflected solar radiation received by the photon-counting detectors of the GLAS 532-nm channel, the primary channel for atmospheric products. Solar background radiation is regarded as a noise to be subtracted in the retrieval process of the lidar products. However, once calibrated, it becomes a signal that can be used in studying the properties of optically thick clouds. In this paper, three calibration methods are presented: (i) calibration with coincident airborne and GLAS observations, (ii) calibration with coincident Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) and GLAS observations of deep convective clouds, and (iii) calibration from first principles using optical depth of thin water clouds over ocean retrieved by GLAS active remote sensing. Results from the three methods agree well with each other. Cloud optical depth (COD) is retrieved from the calibrated solar background signal using a one-channel retrieval. Comparison with COD retrieved from GOES during GLAS overpasses shows that the average difference between the two retrievals is 24%. As an example, the COD values retrieved from GLAS solar background are illustrated for a marine stratocumulus cloud field that is too thick to be penetrated by the GLAS laser. Based on this study, optical depths for thick clouds will be provided as a supplementary product to the existing operational GLAS cloud products in future GLAS data releases.
Changes in ENSO and Associated Overturning Circulations from Enhanced Greenhouse Gases by the End of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Ye Zhengqing , Hsieh William W.
Published: April 2008

With data from 12 coupled models in the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate under year 2000 greenhouse gas (GHG) + aerosol forcing was compared with climate under preindustrial conditions. In the tropical Pacific, the warming in the mean sea surface temperatures (SST) was found to have an El Niño–like pattern, while both the equatorial zonal overturning circulation and the meridional overturning circulation weakened under increased GHG forcing.

For the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the asymmetry in the SST anomalies between El Niño and La Niña was found to be enhanced under increased GHG, for both the ensemble model data and the observed data (1900–99). Enhanced asymmetry between El Niño and La Niña was also manifested in the anomalies of the zonal wind stress, the equatorial undercurrent, and the meridional overturning circulation in the increased GHG simulations. The enhanced asymmetry in the model SST anomalies was mainly caused by the greatly intensified vertical nonlinear dynamic heating (NDH) anomaly (i.e., product of the vertical velocity anomaly and the negative vertical temperature gradient anomaly) during El Niño (but not during La Niña). Under increased GHG, the enhanced positive NDH anomalies during El Niño, when time averaged over the whole record, would change the SST mean state by an El Niño–like pattern.
Impact of the Incremental Analysis Updates on a Real-Time System of the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Benkiran M. , Greiner E.
Published: April 2008

Incremental analysis updates (IAUs) are a procedure by which analysis increments can be incorporated into a model hindcast and forecast in a smooth manner. It is similar to nudging but has a better response, particularly in regions of missing data. The IAU procedure was popular in the late 1990s in weather forecasting centers, because it acts as a low-pass filter. The impact of the IAU is examined in the context of a real-time, eddy-permitting ocean forecasting system in the North Atlantic from Mercator Océan. Forecast scores and ocean physics are compared for the following three companion runs: a forced mode, a sequential analysis, and IAU. These comparisons confirm that the IAU is beneficial because it removes spinup effects such as spurious waves and tropical convective cells. Forecast scores are also slightly improved. In addition, contrary to the weather forecasting case where the model and data are fairly unbiased, the IAU has the advantage of correcting the systematic biases in the ocean data assimilation system.
Estimation of the Minimum Canopy Resistance for Croplands and Grasslands Using Data from the 2002 International H2O Project
Authors: Alfieri Joseph G. , Niyogi Dev , Blanken Peter D. , Chen Fei , LeMone Margaret A. , Mitchell Kenneth E. , Ek Michael B. , Kumar Anil
Published: April 2008

Vegetated surfaces, such as grasslands and croplands, constitute a significant portion of the earth’s surface and play an important role in land–atmosphere exchange processes. This study focuses on one important parameter used in describing the exchange of moisture from vegetated surfaces: the minimum canopy resistance (rcmin). This parameter is used in the Jarvis canopy resistance scheme that is incorporated into the Noah and many other land surface models. By using an inverted form of the Jarvis scheme, rcmin is determined from observational data collected during the 2002 International H2O Project (IHOP_2002). The results indicate that rcmin is highly variable both site to site and over diurnal and longer time scales. The mean value at the grassland sites in this study is 96 s m−1 while the mean value for the cropland (winter wheat) sites is one-fourth that value at 24 s m−1. The mean rcmin for all the sites is 72 s m−1 with a standard deviation of 39 s m−1. This variability is due to both the empirical nature of the Jarvis scheme and a combination of changing environmental conditions, such as plant physiology and plant species composition, that are not explicitly considered by the scheme. This variability in rcmin has important implications for land surface modeling where rcmin is often parameterized as a constant. For example, the Noah land surface model parameterizes rcmin for the grasslands and croplands types in this study as 40 s m−1. Tests with the coupled Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)–Noah model indicate that the using the modified values of rcmin from this study improves the estimates of latent heat flux; the difference between the observed and modeled moisture flux decreased by 50% or more. While land surface models that estimate transpiration using Jarvis-type relationships may be improved by revising the rcmin values for grasslands and croplands, updating the rcmin will not fully account for the variability in rcmin observed in this study. As such, it may be necessary to replace the Jarvis scheme currently used in many land surface and numerical weather prediction models with a physiologically based estimate of the canopy resistance.
Security, Stability, and International Order
Authors: Morgan Glyn
Published: April 2008

This article assesses the pros and cons of Amitai Etzioni's security first grand strategy. It argues that such a grand strategy is not much less ambitious than the Bush doctrine that it seeks to replace. The article is especially critical of Etzioni's proposals for forcible deproliferation. Rather than a security first grand strategy, the article defends a stability-first grand strategy that relies on the Westphalian state system, nuclear deterrence, the United Nations, and a U.S. grand strategy of measured restraint.
Complexity, Contextualism, and Multiculturalism
Authors: O'Neil James M.
Published: April 2008

The author reacts to three reviews by Carolyn Enns, Stephen Wester, and P. Paul and Mary Heppner on The Counseling Psychologist Major Contribution “Summarizing 25 Years of Research on Men's Gender Role Conflict Using the Gender Role Conflict Scale: New Research Paradigms and Clinical Implications.” The reviews provide support for assessing the complexity and diversity of men's gender role conflict. The author comments on the reviewers' most critical points in four areas: (a) endorsing contextual, multicultural, and cross-cultural dimensions of gender role conflict; (b) the gap between gender role conflict and career psychology; (c) integrating feminist theory and the macrosocietal perspectives of gender role conflict and sexism; and (d) qualitative and developmental research, societal needs, and social activism. The author recommends further theory development, research, and activism in combating and preventing sexism and gender role conflict.
Why Is Economic Content Missing From African American Studies?
Authors: Malveaux Julianne
Published: April 2008

Most African American Studies programs have little or no economic content despite the presence of an economics program at the institution. Proper research and evaluation of the works of current African American economists and intellectuals is needed at the institutions that elect to combine the two. This article introduces several options for developing a synergy, beginning with the study of the saturation of slavery by profit and, in its later years, by race then proceeding to programs that detail state set-aside procurement opportunities specifically for minorities. The article also explores policy implications and the development and disintegration of Black entrepreneurship. The educational and analytical goals of economics and African American Studies require a practical, activist component that has, as its goal, an improvement of the status of African American people.
An Invitation To Support Diverse Students Through Teacher Education
Authors: Sleeter Christine
Published: April 2008

This article invites candidates for president to strengthen teaching and teacher education for diverse students. The article first describes two remarkable teachers in California to illustrate what strong teaching of diverse students looks like. It then discusses what the diverse students of this nation need of teachers, including teachers with high expectations for student learning regardless of students' current performance, teachers who can engage students academically by building on what they know and what interests them, teachers who can relate to their families and communities and read students in culturally accurate ways, and teachers who can envision diverse students as constructive participants in a multicultural democracy. The article concludes by outlining three ways in which the president can support excellent teaching by recognizing the value of teacher professional development and by strengthening funding for teacher education in various areas.
The Over- or the Undersocialized Conception of Man? Practice Theory and the Problem of Intersubjectivity
Authors: Gronow Antti
Published: April 2008

In recent years practice theory has challenged the leading position of social constructionism within action and social theory. This challenge has mainly come from realist thinkers in practice theory. One such thinker is Margaret Archer, who has argued that pre-social practices constitute selfhood independent of social factors. While welcoming critiques of constructionism, I maintain that realist practice theory gives an undersocialized picture of selfhood at the expense of intersubjectivity, which is a founding feature of proper agency and selfhood. The private realm of selfhood nevertheless exists, and it can be theorized as consisting of internal conversations. These conversations are a mediating factor between action and social structures. However, in the maintenance of structures the role of reflexive deliberation is subordinate to habitual dispositions because the former is usually present in situations of crisis, whereas habitual action is the normal state of affairs.
Small-World Networks, Complex Systems and Sociology
Authors: Crossley Nick
Published: April 2008

This article engages with the current literature on `small world networks'. I argue that this literature could be very important for sociology but that much of the sociological content and purchase of early work has been overlooked in recent contributions. I then reflect upon four social systems which appear to manifest small worldliness, arguing that small-world issues and concepts acquire significance and value when considered in relation to these (and other) systems.The aim of the article is to consider how and in what ways current discussions of the small-world problem could be of significance to sociology.
The `Lifeworld' as a Resource for Social Movement Participation and the Consequences of its Colonization
Authors: Edwards Gemma
Published: April 2008

Habermas may be best known for a `structural strain' approach to movement mobilization, but he also offers an untapped `resource' focused appproach which this article seeks to unearth. Social networks, collective identities, and cultural formations have been seen as key resources shaping participation in social movements. These three types of resources map on to what Habermas calls `the lifeworld': society, personality, and culture. Combining theoretical and empirical observations, I look at how the lifeworld can be viewed as a resource for social movement participation, and the consequences of its colonization. I draw upon a case study of the UK National Union of Teachers (NUT) and use interview data (N = 45), and Labour Research Department survey data (N = 1252), to argue that the colonization of schools results in an erosion of `lifeworld resources' necessary for the mobilization of trade unionists in the current UK context.
Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) in Britain: Contextualizing Risk and Reflexive Modernization
Authors: Donoghue Jane
Published: April 2008

This article proposes a (re)consideration of antisocial behaviour control informed by an analysis of the seminal work of sociologists of `reflexive modernity' (Beck, 1992, 1994; Giddens, 1990, 1991; Lash, 1994). It is hoped that the arguments advanced within this article will prompt further consideration of the following questions: What does the relative neglect of the reflexive modernity thesis tell us about the domain conjecture(s) of sociological theory on antisocial behaviour policy and the use of ASBOs? And can a focus upon reflexive modernity theory help to construct a more proportionate account of ASBOs as a form of social control? Hence, it is the purpose of this article to consider critically the implications of Beck's `risk society' to our understandings and explanations of antisocial behaviour, ASBOs and social control, by linking the late modern (re)formatting of antisocial behaviour(s) and the creation of ASBOs to the new parameters of the `risk society'.
Testing the Stability of an Acquiescence Style Factor Behind Two Interrelated Substantive Variables in a Panel Design
Authors: Billiet Jaak B. , Davidov Eldad
Published: April 2008

This article addresses the question of to what extent one type of response style, called acquiescence (or agreeing response bias), is stable over time. A structural equation modeling approach is applied to measure the stability of one acquiescence factor behind two concepts among the same respondents for a 4-year period. The data used are representative population surveys in 1995 and 1999 from the Belgian Election Study in which balanced sets of items are used for measuring two interrelated constructs: perceived ethnic threat and distrust in politics. This study provides empirical support that acquiescence is stable and consistent for a 4-year period.
Effects of Acid‐Reducing Agents on the Pharmacokinetics of Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Ritonavir‐Boosted Atazanavir
Authors: Klein Cheri E. , Chiu Yi‐Lin , Cai Yan , Beck Katrin , King Kathryn R. , Causemaker Sonja J. , Doan Thao , Esslinger Hans‐Ulrich , Podsadecki Thomas J. , Hanna George J.
Published: April 2008

A total of 71 HIV‐negative healthy adults were randomized to 1 of 6 regimens to receive lopinavir/ritonavir tablets 400/100 mg twice daily (bid) or 800/200 mg once daily (qd) or atazanavir 300 mg + ritonavir 100 mg qd from study days 1 to 15 with a moderate‐fat meal. One hour before breakfast, either omeprazole 40 mg qd was administered on study days 11 through 15, or a single dose of ranitidine 150 mg was administered on study day 11. Lopinavir, atazanavir, and ritonavir pharmacokinetics were determined on study days 10, 11, and 15 and compared using point estimates and 90% confidence intervals (CIs). The point estimates for lopinavir Cmax and AUCτ were in the range of 0.92 to 1.08, with 90% CI contained within the range of 0.80 to 1.25 after coadministration of omeprazole or ranitidine. The point estimates for atazanavir Cmax and AUCτ were decreased by 48% to 62% with the upper bound of the 90% CI 0.55 after coadministration of omeprazole or ranitidine. The results indicated that lopinavir bioavailability was not affected by the coadministration of omeprazole or ranitidine. In contrast, atazanavir bioavailability was decreased by 48% to 62% when coadministered with ritonavir and either omeprazole or ranitidine.