bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light extraction improvement by forming volcanic crater on N‐polar GaN emitting surface
Authors: Chang You‐Hsien , Yang Chun‐Ting , Liu Cheng‐Yi
Published: January 2012

By lifting‐off the patterned sapphire substrate of flip‐chip GaN‐based light emitting diodes, a 2‐D periodic pattern of inverted circular cavities was created on the N‐polar GaN (N‐GaN) surface. The inverted circular cavities on the N‐GaN surface evolve to discrete volcanic craters by wet etching in hot KOH solution. The formation of volcanic craters greatly enhances the light extraction efficiency on the patterned GaN surface by 27%. In addition, a correlation is observed between the threading dislocation distribution and the etching pattern on the N‐GaN surface, which implies that the threading dislocation seemingly guides the etching on the N‐GaN surface. A dislocation‐orientated etching mechanism on the N‐GaN surface is proposed in this study.
Piezoelectric properties of PbHfO3–PbTiO3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 ternary ceramics
Authors: Wang Dawei , Cao Maosheng , Zhang Shujun
Published: January 2012

(1 – x)Pb(Hf1–yTiy)O3–x Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (x = 0.1 ∼ 0.25, y = 0.555) ternary piezoelectric ceramics were prepared using the two‐step precursor method. Morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) compositions, located at x = 0.18 ∼ 0.22, were confirmed using X‐ray diffraction and by their dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties. The optimum dielectric and piezoelectric properties were achieved for the MPB composition 0.8Pb(Hf0.445Ti0.555)O3–0.2Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3, with dielectric permittivity εr, piezoelectric coefficient d33, planar electromechanical coupling kp and Curie temperature TC being on the order of 2800, 680 pC/N, 70% and 276 °C, respectively. Of particular significance is that the new ternary ceramics exhibit comparable piezoelectric and electromechanical properties to commercial PZT5H ceramics, but with much improved TC, showing a potential for applications at elevated temperature. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An Overview of Optimization Formulations for Multiresponse Surface Problems
Authors: Ardakani Mostafa K. , Wulff Shaun S.
Published: January 2012

Many industrial applications involve more than one quality characteristic. For example, in robust parameter design, the quality characteristics include the process mean and process variance. Such applications lead to multiresponse surface problems in which it is necessary to determine optimal operating conditions according to some specified optimization criterion involving the quality characteristics. The purpose of this article is to address this problem from a multiobjective decision‐making framework. The foremost approaches in multiresponse optimization are categorized and integrated. Guidelines are presented to help select appropriate formulations. Moreover, the applicability and computational aspects of the methods in various decision‐making contexts are discussed. Numerical examples are also provided. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐linearity cannot help RFID resist full‐disclosure attacks and terrorist fraud attacks
Authors: Chien Hung‐Yu , Yang Chu‐Sing , Hou Hung‐Pin
Published: January 2012

As the concept of radio‐frequency identification (RFID) relay attack has been successfully implemented and demonstrated, the research of RFID distance‐bounding protocols to deter RFID relay attacks has drawn much attention from both the industry and academia. Conventionally, researchers adopted linear composition of secrets to resist terrorist fraud attacks. Recently, Peris‐Lopez et al. studied the weaknesses of previous RFID distance‐bounding protocols and proposed that non‐linear composition of secrets and inclusion of more random nonce could help RFID resist key disclosure attack and terrorist fraud attack. In this paper, we will show that non‐linear composition of secrets cannot help enhance the security actually. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XFPM‐RBAC: XML‐based specification language for security policies in multidomain mobile networks
Authors: Unal Devrim , Caglayan M. Ufuk
Published: January 2012

We present XFPM‐RBAC (XML‐based formal policy language for mobility with role‐based access control), an XML‐based specification language for specification of domain and interdomain security policies with location and mobility constraints based on role‐based access control. XFPM‐RBAC supports specification of locations, mobility, interdomain access rights, role mapping, and separation of duty (SOD) aspects of security policies. XFPM‐RBAC builds upon the FPM‐RBAC security policy model that we have recently proposed. XFPM‐RBAC consists of XML schemas, which define domain security policy, interdomain security policy, locations, mobility, and SOD constructs. A Security Policy Management Interface application is also developed for specification and administration of security policies as a prototype implementation of XFPM‐RBAC. XFPM‐RBAC supports extraction of formal specifications from security policies for the purpose of automated verification of security policies. Automated extraction of formal specifications is based on XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations). Formal specification of security policies together with location and mobility constraints within security policy rules are based on ambient calculus and ambient logic. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement on the fault‐tolerant group key agreement protocol of Zhao et al.
Authors: Wang Zhiwei
Published: January 2012

In 2010, Zhao et al. proposed a fault‐tolerant group key agreement protocol based on RSA cryptosystem. In their protocol, malicious participants can be detected in the fault detection phase. Thus, they do not disrupt the key agreement process. However, there exists a drawback in the protocol of Zhao et al. After two rounds of trying, an adversary can impersonate any other group member in the third round. We propose an improved protocol to overcome this drawback. The efficiency and security analysis of our improved protocol are also provided in detail. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revisiting network scanning detection using sequential hypothesis testing
Authors: Alsaleh Mansour , van Oorschot Paul C.
Published: January 2012

Network scanning is a common, effective technique to search for vulnerable Internet hosts and to explore the topology and trust relationships between hosts in a target network. Given that the purpose of scanning is to search for responsive hosts and network services, behavior‐based scanning detection techniques based on the state of inbound connection attempts remain effective against evasion. Many of today's network environments, however, feature a dynamic and transient nature with several network hosts and services added or stopped (either permanently or temporarily) over time. In this paper, working with recent network traces from two different environments, we re‐examine the Threshold Random Walk (TRW) scan detection algorithm, and we show that the number of false positives is proportional to the transiency of the offered services. To address the limitations found, we present a modified algorithm (Stateful Threshold Random Walk (STRW) algorithm) that utilizes active mapping of network services to take into account benign causes of failed connection attempts. The STRW algorithm eliminates a significant portion of TRW false positives (e.g., 29% and 77% in two datasets studied). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance enhancement of TinyECC based on multiplication optimizations
Authors: Seo Hwajeong , Shim Kyung‐Ah , Kim Howon
Published: January 2012

Because wireless sensor network (WSN), which is composed of a large number of low‐cost and resource‐constrained devices, communicates on the basis of wireless protocols such as IEEE 802.15.4, ZigBee, and DASH‐7, it is easily vulnerable to eavesdropping, illegal modification, privacy infringement and denial‐of‐service attacks. These attacks destroy the data integrity, confidentiality, and authentication of the basic WSN security requirements and then the reliability and security of the WSN‐based applications are deteriorated. There have been many research efforts to make secure WSN environments. Among these efforts, TinyECC is one of outstanding works. It provides several security protocols such as Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman, Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm, and Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme, based on the Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). TinyECC is basically a well‐written TinyOS‐based code and is optimized to resource‐constrained environments. The Barrett reduction, hybrid multiplication, and several optimization techniques are also used for high performance even with low‐energy consumption. However, the hybrid multiplication technique used in TinyECC is known to be not suitable for 16‐bit processor, MSP430, which is a familiar processor for sensor node. This is due to the fact that the MSP 430 processor does not provide enough number of registers for hybrid multiplication techniques. Because the multiplication operation over the finite field is a major operation of the ECC, it causes a high latency of multiplication operations and eventually degrades the performance of the ECC operation. In this paper, we propose a novel multiplication operation based on the cached operands and reordered partial products. The proposed method shows that the latency of the polynomial multiplication, which is the core operation of the ECC, is 6% smaller than previously known results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Cu(InGa)Se2 (CIGS) thin films in solar cell devices
Authors: Lim Weon Cheol , Lee Jihye , Won Sungok , Lee Yeonhee
Published: January 2012

Cu(InGa)Se2 (CIGS) thin‐film solar cells are expected to be the next generation of solar cells because of their economical manufacturing cost and high yield process. In order to develop an efficient thin‐film CIGS structure, however, a quantitative composition analysis of major elements is necessary. Quantitative analysis of CIGS was carried out by means of inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES), x‐ray fluorescence, a wavelength‐dispersed electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and dynamic SIMS. The ratio of each element that comprises CIGS was determined by an ICP‐AES analysis, which was performed by dissolving the entire CIGS sample. A reproducible and rapid semi‐quantified analysis of CIGS can be conducted by using x‐ray fluorescence and electron probe microanalysis and comparing the results to the certified composition of ICP‐AES. Quantitative analysis data for CIGS were also obtained from SIMS depth profiling, and the relative sensitivity factor value was calculated by using the mole fraction of ICP‐AES as a reference value for the composition. The atomic force microscopy results indicate that the reproducibility of the SIMS analysis was related to the surface roughness of the CIGS sample. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental capabilities and corporate strategy: exploring acquisitions among US manufacturing firms
Authors: Berchicci Luca , Dowell Glen , King Andrew A.
Published: January 2012

In this article, we investigate whether environmental capabilities influence firms' corporate strategies, a topic that has received little attention to date. We hypothesize that firms are more likely to acquire facilities when ownership facilitates the transfer of capabilities either to or from the facility. Using a panel from the U.S. government's Toxics Release Inventory Program, we find firms with superior environmental capabilities are significantly more likely to acquire physically proximate facilities with inferior environmental capabilities and vice versa. Our results extend theories of both corporate and environmental strategy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding Dissipative Tip–Molecule Interactions with Submolecular Resolution on an Organic Adsorbate
Authors: Langewisch Gernot , Kamiński Wojciech , Braun Daniel‐Alexander , Möller Rolf , Fuchs Harald , Schirmeisen André , Pérez Rubén
Published: January 2012

Three‐dimensional force spectroscopy measurements on 3,4,9,10‐perylene‐tetra‐carboxylic dianhydride adsorbed on Ag(111) are combined with first‐principles calculations to characterize the dissipative tip–molecule interactions with submolecular resolution. The experiments reveal systematic differences between the energy dissipation at the end groups and the center of the molecules that change with the tip–sample distance. Guided by the strength of the experimental conservative forces, an Ag‐contaminated Si tip is identified as the likely tip termination in the experiments. Based on this tip configuration, the energy dissipation in the tip–sample contact is determined from the approach and retraction force curves calculated as a function of distance for different molecule sites. These calculations provide an explanation for the experimental trends in terms of the competition between localized dissipation mechanisms involving the quite mobile oxygen atoms on the sides of the molecule, and global molecular deformations involving the more rigid perylene core. The results confirm that the observed dissipation can be explained in terms of adhesion hysteresis and show the power of combined experimental–theoretical spectroscopy studies in the characterization of the underlying microscopic mechanisms.
Cucurbit[8]uril as Building Block for Facile Fabrication of Well‐Defined Organic Crystalline Nano‐objects with Multiple Morphologies and Compositions
Authors: An Qi , Dong Cheng , Zhu Wei , Tao Cheng‐an , Yang Haowei , Wang Yingxia , Li Guangtao
Published: January 2012

Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) have great potential in material and medical applications due to their advantageous molecular recognition properties. Despite organic microcrystals being highly desirable in materials science and the medical industry, CB[n]‐based micro‐ and nanocrystals have not been reported. A facile and efficient approach for producing CB[8]‐based organic crystals with well‐defined micro‐ and nanostructures is described, based on the unique host–guest chemistry of CB[8] macrocycle with small guest molecules. The described strategy allows fabrication of micro‐ and nanocrystals with multiple morphologies and compositions by simply adjusting the preparation conditions and the type of guest molecules. The mechanisms for the formation of the micro/nanocrystals are studied, and morphology‐dependent optical and thermal properties typical of organic micro/nanocrystals are described. Additionally, attractive potentials of the prepared microcrystals are shown upon storing small molecules, and in optical applications. The molecular recognition abilities of CB[8] are highlighted in both its preparation process and potential application.
Validating quality attribute requirements via execution‐based model checking
Authors: Drusinsky Doron , Shing Man‐Tak
Published: January 2012

This paper is concerned with the correct specification and validation of quality attribute requirements (QARs) that crosscut through a diverse set of complex system functions. These requirements act as modifiers of system level functional requirements and thus have substantial influence on the eventual architectural selection. Because system designers traditionally address these requirements one quality attribute at a time, the process frequently results in QARs that contain subtle conflicting behaviors. This paper presents an approach to QAR‐induced behavior validation and conflict detection via execution‐based model checking early in the software development process. It explores the concept of conflicts between requirements with temporal and sequencing behaviors and presents an automated approach for discovering such conflicts. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Ladle Furnace Steel Temperature Prediction Model Based on Partial Linear Regularization Networks with Sparse Representation
Authors: Lv Wu , Mao Zhizhong , Yuan Ping
Published: January 2012

Partial linear regularization networks (PLRN) combined with sparse representation technique is developed to establish the steel temperature prediction model for LF. Parametric linear part is introduced into the classical regularization networks in order to fit the partial linear structured temperature model, which is obtained by analyzing the mechanism of LF thermal system in detail. Improvement in prediction accuracy is achieved due to the well learning performance of regularization networks and the modification according to the special structure. Furthermore, sparse representation technique is adopted on original PLRN for the sake of reducing computational cost and further improving the generalization performance. Learning scheme of recursive version is designed to train the sparsely represented PLRN, in which support vectors is selected one‐by‐one and recursive algorithm is adopted for computational efficiency. The proposed method is examined by practical data. The experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method can both improve the prediction accuracy and lead to sparse solution, so that it reduce the storage need and the prediction time for practical application.
Nematode model systems in evolution and development
Authors: Sommer Ralf J. , Bumbarger Daniel J.
Published: January 2012

The free‐living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is one of the most important model organisms in all areas of modern biology. Using the knowledge about C. elegans as a baseline, nematodes are now intensively studied in evolution and development. Evolutionary developmental biology or for short, ‘evo‐devo’ has been developed as a new research discipline during the last two decades to investigate how changes in developmental processes and mechanisms result in the modification of morphological structures and phenotypic novelty. In this article, we review the concepts that make nematode evo‐devo a successful approach to evolutionary biology. We introduce selected model systems for nematode evo‐devo and provide a detailed discussion of four selected case studies. The most striking finding of nematode evo‐devo is the magnitude of developmental variation in the context of a conserved body plan. Detailed investigation of early embryogenesis, gonad formation, vulva development, and sex determination revealed that molecular mechanisms evolve rapidly, often in the context of a conserved body plan. These studies highlight the importance of developmental systems drift and neutrality in evolution. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 1:389–400. doi: 10.1002/wdev.33

This article is categorized under:

Comparative Development and Evolution > Model Systems

Comparative Development and Evolution > Regulation of Organ Diversity

Comparative Development and Evolution > Evolutionary Novelties
On the computation of hadron-to-hadron transition matrix elements in lattice QCD
Authors: Bulava John , Donnellan Michael , Sommer Rainer
Published: January 2012

Abstract

We discuss the accurate determination of matrix elements 〈f |ĥ
w|i〉 where neither |i〉 nor |f〉 is the vacuum state and ĥ
w is some operator. Using solutions of the Generalized Eigenvalue Problem (GEVP) we construct estimators for matrix elements which converge rapidly as a function of the Euclidean time separations involved. |i〉 and |f〉 may be either the ground state in a given hadron channel or an excited state. Apart from a model calculation, the estimators are demonstrated to work well for the computation of the B* Bπ-coupling in the quenched approximation. They are also compared to a standard ratio as well as to the “summed ratio method” of [1–3]. In the model, we also illustrate the ordinary use of the GEVP for energy levels.
Perceptions of Family Environment and Wraparound Processes: Associations with Age and Implications for Serving Transitioning Youth in Systems of Care
Authors: Haber Mason G. , Cook James R. , Kilmer Ryan P.
Published: January 2012

Addressing the unique needs of youth transitioning to adulthood has long been viewed as a priority in implementation of systems of care (SOCs) and wraparound. Developmental research and “practice‐based evidence” suggest that there are differences between transitioning youth and their younger peers in family environment and wraparound team processes. Although these differences are thought to have significant implications for wraparound practice, few studies have examined them empirically. The present research involves two studies examining differences across several age cohorts (i.e., 10–12, 13, 14, 15, 16–17 year‐olds) ranging from early adolescent to transitioning youth in: (1) caregiver perceptions of role‐related strain and family environment quality, and (2) facilitator, caregiver, and youth perceptions of wraparound processes. In Study #1, older age was associated with higher levels of caregiver strain. In Study #2, age was associated with differences between youth and other team members’ perceptions of wraparound processes, such that older youth perceived teams as less cohesive than others on their teams. These findings suggest that transitioning youth and their families merit special consideration in wraparound implementation and underscore the importance of considering the perceptions of transitioning youth in system change and practice improvement efforts (192 words).
Detecting Treatment Effects with Small Samples: The Power of Some Tests Under the Randomization Model
Authors: Keller Bryan
Published: January 2012

Randomization tests are often recommended when parametric assumptions may be violated because they require no distributional or random sampling assumptions in order to be valid. In addition to being exact, a randomization test may also be more powerful than its parametric counterpart. This was demonstrated in a simulation study which examined the conditional power of three nondirectional tests: the randomization t test, the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney (WMW) test, and the parametric t test. When the treatment effect was skewed, with degree of skewness correlated with the size of the effect, the randomization t test was systematically more powerful than the parametric t test. The relative power of the WMW test under the skewed treatment effect condition depended on the sample size ratio.
A Heterogeneous Bayesian Regression Model for Cross-sectional Data Involving a Single Observation per Response Unit
Authors: Fong Duncan K. H. , Ebbes Peter , DeSarbo Wayne S.
Published: January 2012

Multiple regression is frequently used across the various social sciences to analyze cross-sectional data. However, it can often times be challenging to justify the assumption of common regression coefficients across all respondents. This manuscript presents a heterogeneous Bayesian regression model that enables the estimation of individual-level-regression coefficients in cross-sectional data involving a single observation per response unit. A Gibbs sampling algorithm is developed to implement the proposed Bayesian methodology. A Monte Carlo simulation study is constructed to assess the performance of the proposed methodology across a number of experimental factors. We then apply the proposed method to analyze data collected from a consumer psychology study that examines the differential importance of price and quality in determining perceived value evaluations.
Effect of Temperature, Salts and Ureas on the Association Behavior of an Amphiphilic Phenothiazine Drug Promethazine Hydrochloride
Authors: Kabir‐ud‐Din  , Rub Malik Abdul , Naqvi Andleeb Z.
Published: January 2012

Association behavior of an amphiphilic phenothiazine drug promethazine hydrochloride in the presence of inorganic salts (LiCl, NaF, NaCl, NaBr, and KCl) and ureas (urea and thiourea) has been studied conductometrically at different additive concentrations (0–100 mmol kg−1) and temperatures (293.15–308.15 K). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values showed an inverted U‐shaped behavior with temperature; the maximum being at 298.15 K with or without additives. The inorganic salts decreased the CMC which is explained on the basis of nature and ion size. Ureas decreased the CMC at low concentration (0.2 mmol kg−1 urea and 0.1 mmol kg−1 thiourea) but, at higher concentrations, an increase in CMC was observed with both the additives. Relevant thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated and discussed on the basis of the nature of particular types of the additives. The thermodynamic parameters suggest dehydration of the hydrophobic part of the drug at higher temperatures.
Resilient dependable cyber-physical systems: a middleware perspective
Authors: Denker Grit , Dutt Nikil , Mehrotra Sharad , Stehr Mark-Oliver , Talcott Carolyn , Venkatasubramanian Nalini
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we address the role of middleware in enabling robust and resilient cyber-physical systems (CPSs) of the future. In particular, we will focus on how adaptation services can be used to improve dependability in instrumented cyber-physical systems based on the principles of “computational reflection.” CPS environments incorporate a variety of sensing and actuation devices in a distributed architecture; such a deployment is used to create a digital representation of the evolving physical world and its processes for use by a broad range of applications. CPS applications, in particular, mission critical tasks, must execute dependably despite disruptions caused by failures and limitations in sensing, communications, and computation. This paper discusses a range of applications, their reliability needs, and potential dependability holes that can cause performance degradation and application failures. In particular, we distinguish between the notion of infrastructure and information dependability and illustrate the need to formally model and reason about a range of CPS applications and their dependability needs. Formal methods based tools can help us design meaningful cross-layer adaptation techniques at different system layers of the CPS environment and thereby achieve end-to-end dependability at both the infrastructure and information levels.
The β1 domain of protein G can replace the chorismate mutase domain of the T‐protein
Authors: Osuna Joel , Flores Humberto , Saab-Rincón Gloria
Published: January 2012

T‐protein is composed of chorismate mutase (AroQT) fused to the N‐terminus of prephenate dehydrogenase (TyrA). Here, we report the replacement of AroQTwith the β1‐domain of protein G (Gβ1). The TyrA domain shows a strong dehydrogenase activity within the context of this fusion, and our data indicate that Gβ1‐TyrA folds into a dimeric conformation. Amino acid substitutions in the Gβ1 domain of Gβ1‐TyrA identified residues involved in stabilizing the TyrA dimeric conformation. Gβ1 substitutions in the N‐terminal β‐hairpin eliminated Gβ1‐TyrA expression, whereas Gβ1‐TyrA tolerated Gβ1 substitutions in the C‐terminal β‐hairpin and in the α‐helix. All of the characterized variants folded into a dimeric conformation. The importance of the β2‐strand in forming a Gβ1 homo‐dimerization interface explains the relevance of the first‐β‐hairpin in stabilizing the dimeric TyrA protein.
Isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation hot spots in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and oral cancer
Authors: Tang Jen‐Yang , Chang Chun‐Chi , Lin Pei‐Chin , Chang Jan‐Gowth
Published: January 2012

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) encodes a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate+‐dependent enzyme for oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate and has an essential role in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Mutations of IDH1 and IDH2 have been identified in patients with glioma, leukemia, and other cancers. However, the incidence of IDH mutations in acute myeloid leukemia in Taiwan is much lower than that reported in Western countries. The reason for the difference is unknown and its clinical implications remain unclear. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a heterogenous hematopoietic malignancy. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) results from chronic carcinogen exposures and is highly prevalent in trucking workers, especially in southern Taiwan. Subtypes of both diseases require specific treatments, and molecular markers for developing tailored treatments are limited. High‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis is now a widely used methodology for rapid, accurate, and low‐cost mutation scanning. In this study, 90 adults with OSC and 31 children with ALL were scanned by HRM analysis for IDH1 and IDH2 mutation hot spots. In ALL, the allele frequency was 3.23% in both IDH1 and IDH2. In OSCC, the allele frequency was 2.22% in IDH2. A synonymous mutation over pG313 (c.939A > G) of IDH2 was found in both pediatric ALL and adult OSCC. Therefore, we concluded that mutations of IDH are uncommon in ALL and OSCC and are apparently not a major consideration when selecting treatment modalities.
Population genetic structure and secondary endosymbionts of QBemisia tabaci(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from Greece
Authors: Tsagkarakou A. , Mouton L. , Kristoffersen J.B. , Dokianakis E. , Grispou M. , Bourtzis K.
Published: January 2012

We investigated the molecular diversity of the major agricultural pestBemisia tabaciand of its associated secondary endosymbionts in Greece. Analyzing mitochondrial DNA, we found that the Q1 (=Q west) is predominant. We used eight microsatellite polymorphic markers to study the genetic structure of 37 populations from mainland and insular Greece, collected on different host species from outdoor and protected crops as well as from non-cultivated plants. In some cases, gene flow was found to be low even between populations separated by just a few kilometres. Bayesian analysis identified two main genetic groups, the first encompassing populations from south Crete and the second composed of populations from north Crete, two other Aegean islands and mainland Greece. Genetic differentiation was not correlated with different host plant species or habitat, or greenhouse versus open environment populations. Gene flow significantly decreased with geographic distance, but no isolation by distance existed when only the samples from mainland Greece or only the samples from Crete were considered. The secondary symbiontsWolbachiaandHamiltonellawere present at high frequencies whileArsenophonus, CardiniumandRickettsiawere absent from Greek populations. Multilocus sequence typing ofWolbachiaidentified twoWolbachiastrains. These two strains were found together in most of the populations studied but never in the same host individual. Their role on the observed population structure is discussed.
Quick detection of Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) in chestnut dormant buds by nested PCR
Authors: Sartor C. , Marinoni D. Torello , Quacchia A. , Botta R.
Published: January 2012

Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) develops in chestnut buds that remain asymptomatic from oviposition (June–July) until budburst; it is, thus, easily spread by plant material used in propagation. Therefore, it is particularly interesting to identify infested plant batches before their movement. Unfortunately, a non-destructive method for checking buds has not yet been developed, and the only technique available is the screening of a bud sample. The visual investigation is long and requires highly skilled and trained staff. The purpose of this work was to set up an effective and fast method able to identify the presence of first instar larvae of D. kuriphilus in a large number of chestnut buds by PCR. Four primer pairs were designed on nuclear and mitochondrial sequences of a set of seven gall wasp taxa and tested on five different cynipid's DNA. Nested diagnostic PCR was carried out on DNA extracted from samples of 2 g buds simulating four levels of infestation (larvae were added to uninfested buds); 320 bp amplicon of 28S sequence was chosen as a marker to detect one larva out of 2 g buds. The method showed a potential efficiency of 5000 to 15,000 buds per week, depending on bud size.
EXPERIMENTS IN DEVOTION ONLINE: THE YOUTUBEKHUṬBA
Authors: Hirschkind Charles
Published: January 2012

This paper explores what I call “online experiments in ethical affect” through an analysis of one popular Islamic genre: the short video segments of Friday sermons (khuṭub, s.khuṭba) placed on the video-sharing website YouTube. In my discussion of this media form, I give particular attention to the kind of devotional discourse and ethical socius that is enacted online around these taped performances: notably, the practices of appending written comments to specific videos, offering responses to comments left by others or criticisms directed at either the preacher or other commentators, and the act of creating links betweenkhuṭbapages and other web-based content. In examining these practices, I want to look at the way some of the norms of ethical and devotional comportment associated with thekhuṭbain the mosque carry over to the Internet context ofkhuṭbalistening/viewing while also engendering novel forms of pious interaction, argument, and listening.
DIS/EMBODYING AUTHORITY: FEMALE RADIO “PREACHERS” AND THE AMBIVALENCES OF MASS-MEDIATED SPEECH IN MALI
Authors: Schulz Dorothea
Published: January 2012

This article explores how the introduction of sound reproduction technologies inflects what were previously considered authoritative, standardized, and gender-specific forms of religious leadership and how these changes affect in turn the (gendered) subjects of media practice. Examining the recent, controversial public presence of female radio preachers in Mali, the article elucidates the often ambivalent reactions to their radio-mediated dissociation of voice and physical presence, ambivalences that are expressed in the form of gender-specific evaluations of the acceptability of preaching on radio. The article thus argues that analyses of the controversial position of Muslim women in religious debates might benefit from a close scrutiny of the media technologies that enable these women's public mediation and also from paying sustained attention to cultural constructions of the voice as a medium of transmitting religious knowledge.
THE CONSUMER JIHAD: BOYCOTT FATWAS AND NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
Authors: Halevi Leor
Published: January 2012

This article deals with the origins, development, and popularity of boycott fatwas. Born of the marriage of Islamic politics and Islamic economics in an age of digital communications, these fatwas targeted American, Israeli, and Danish commodities between 2000 and 2006. Muftis representing both mainstream and, surprisingly, radical tendencies argued that jihad can be accomplished through nonviolent consumer boycotts. Their argument marks a significant development in the history of jihad doctrine because boycotts, construed as jihadi acts, do not belong to the commonplace categories of jihad as a “military” or a “spiritual” struggle. The article also demonstrates that boycott fatwas emerged, to a large degree, from below. New media, in particular interconnected computer networks, made it easier for laypersons to drive the juridical discourse. They did so before September 11 as well as, more insistently, afterward. Their consumer jihad had some economic impact on targeted multinationals, and it provoked corporate reactions.
The Spring of Hope and Winter of Despair
Authors: Amanat Abbas
Published: January 2012

For the majority of Iranians who went through the Islamic Revolution of 1979 with high hopes, the “Spring of Freedom” (Bahar-i Azadi) never really bloomed except perhaps on the specially minted gold coins issued in March 1979 by the Provisional Government of Mahdi Bazargan. Revolutionary optimism quickly died out and gave way to a long winter of discontent. For the peoples of the Arab world who are presently witnessing an “Arab Spring,” the turn of events may be different. Though the current movement has yet to fully unfold, potentially taking months or even years, and though it is unrealistic to generalize about all Arab countries as if they were one monolithic unit, there are features that set today's movements apart from the 1979 Iranian Revolution as much as there are striking parallels.
Arab and Iranian Revolts 1979–2011: Influences or Similar Causes?
Authors: Keddie Nikki R.
Published: January 2012

In the thirty-two years from 1979 to 2011 there have been numerous mass movements in Iran and several Arab countries that have overthrown or threatened rulers who seemed secure for several decades. By September 2011, the shah of Iran and the presidents of Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya had been overthrown; of those, only the anti-Qaddafi revolt had outside (NATO) help. Major popular movements had also threatened the rulers of Bahrain, Yemen, and Syria. Iran had seen the massive Green Movement in 2009, aimed primarily at fraud in that year's presidential elections. Among the questions that emerge regarding these movements are the following: Why did they arise when they did? Why were they not predicted? How much influence did one or more of these movements have on the others? Why were some movements successful and others, thus far, not? Some of these questions will demand long study and analysis, which may not lead to a consensus. Here will be a preliminary brief discussion of a few of them, with stress on the question of influence.
The Arab Spring: Ideals of the Iranian Green Movement, Methods of the Iranian Revolution
Authors: Kurzman Charles
Published: January 2012

Which Iranian uprising does the Arab Spring bring to mind? The Green Movement of 2009, which challenged the pillars of the Islamic Republic of Iran, or the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which brought the Islamic Republic to power?
An association analysis between OXT genotype and milk yield and flow in Italian Mediterranean river buffalo
Authors: Pauciullo Alfredo , Cosenza Gianfranco , Steri Roberto , Coletta Angelo , Jemma Lazzaro , Feligini Maria , Di Berardino Dino , Macciotta Nicolò P. P. , Ramunno Luigi
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible associations between three SNPs at the oxytocin locus (AM234538: g.28C>T; g.204A>G and g.1627G>T) and two productive traits, milk yield and milkability, in Italian Mediterranean river buffaloes. Effects of parity, calving season and month of production were also evaluated. A total of 41 980 test-day records belonging to 219 lactations of 163 buffalo cows were investigated. The allele call rate was 98·8% and the major allele frequency for all the investigated loci was 0·76. The OXT genotype was significantly associated with milk yield (P=0·029). The TT genotype showed an average daily milk yield approximately 1·7 kg higher than GT buffaloes. Such a difference represents about 23% more milk/d. A large dominance effect (−1·17±0·43 kg) was estimated, whereas the contribution of OXT genotype (r2OXT) to the total phenotypic variance in milk yield was equal to 0·06. The TT genotype showed higher values also for the milk flow, even though the estimated difference did not reach a level of statistical significance (P=0·07). Such an association, among the first reported for the oxytocin locus in ruminants, should be tested on a population scale and possible effects on milk composition traits should be evaluated in order to supply useful indications for the application of marker-assisted selection programmes in river buffaloes.
Introduction: Witness to Disaster: Comparative Histories of Earthquake Science and Response
Authors: Coen Deborah R.
Published: January 2012

For historians of science, earthquakes may well have an air of the exotic. Often terrifying, apparently unpredictable, and arguably even more deadly today than in a pre-industrial age, they are not a phenomenon against which scientific progress is easy to gauge. Yet precisely because seismic forces seem so uncanny, even demonic, naturalizing them has been one of the most tantalizing and enduring challenges of modern science. Earthquakes have repeatedly shaken not just human edifices but the foundations of human knowledge. They have been known to cast doubt on divine providence, on the predictive ability of the sciences, and on the capacity of the human mind to learn from an experience of sheer terror. Most recently, the Japanese earthquake and tsunami of 2011 have forced nuclear experts around the world to confront the limits of their knowledge and the vulnerability of their best-laid plans.
The Tongues of Seismology in Nineteenth-Century Switzerland
Authors: Coen Deborah R.
Published: January 2012

Argument

Between 1878 and 1880, Switzerland, Italy, and Japan initiated the world's first national earthquake commissions, but only the Swiss made ordinary citizens a vital part of this undertaking. This paper examines the texture of communication between Swiss scientists and lay observers and traces the development of a language for seismology that was simultaneously scientific and vernacular. This is the story of an aborted dialogue between scientists and citizens about living with environmental risk, an alternative abandoned on the way to the increasingly technical science of the twentieth century.
The effects of basic fibroblast growth factor in an animal model of acute mechanically induced right ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Vida Vladimiro L. , Dedja Arben , Faggin Elisabetta , Speggiorin Simone , Padalino Massimo A. , Boccuzzo Giovanna , Pauletto Paolo , Angelini Annalisa , Milanesi Ornella , Thiene Gaetano , Stellin Giovanni
Published: January 2012

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a continuous infusion of basic fibroblast growth factor on the adaptive potential of the right ventricular myocardium after 30 days of mechanically induced overload in rats.

Materials and methods

We banded the pulmonary trunk, so as to increase the systolic workload of the right ventricle, in six Lewis/HanHsd rats at the age of 11 weeks, using six adult rats as controls. The six adult rats were also banded and received an additional continuous infusion of basic fibroblastic growth factor, using six rats with a continuous infusion of basic fibroblastic growth factor only as controls. We analysed the functional adaptation and structural changes of the right ventricular myocardium, blood vessels, and interstitial tissue 30 days after the increased afterload.

Results

The pulmonary artery banding induced an increase in the right ventricular free wall thickness of banded rats when compared with controls, which was mainly justified by an increase in cardiomyocyte area and in the percentage of extracellular fibrosis. The infusion of basic fibroblastic growth factor promotes a more extensive capillary network in banded rats (p < 0.001), which modulates the compensatory response of the right ventricle, promoting the hypertrophy of contractile elements and limiting the areas in which fibrosis develops (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The subcutaneous infusion with osmotic pumps was a valid and reproducible method of delivering basic fibroblast growth factor to heart tissue. This infusion contributed to better preserve the right ventricular capillary network, hampering the development of interstitial fibrosis.
Mothers’ experience of fathers’ support for breast-feeding
Authors: Nickerson Lauren E , Sykes Abby C , Fung Teresa T
Published: January 2012

Objective

To examine mothers’ experience of support received from fathers for breast-feeding.

Design

We conducted in-depth in-person interviews with women with recent breast-feeding experience. Interview transcripts were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Interviews were designed to explore the mothers’ perception of role of fathers in breast-feeding, education on breast-feeding that fathers received and their perception of the fathers’ view on breast-feeding.

Setting

Urban and suburban community.

Subjects

Nineteen women from a metropolitan area in the north-eastern USA.

Results

Ten themes emerged, these involved practical and emotional support provided by fathers, especially during times of unexpected breast-feeding challenges. In addition, mothers perceived fathers may benefit from more peer and professional support, lactation consultant service and breast-feeding education.

Conclusions

Mothers appreciated the support from fathers for breast-feeding continuation, including encouragement and understanding. These results may be useful for health-care practitioners to promote breast-feeding continuation by supporting fathers in their role in the breast-feeding process.
What is the cell hydration status of healthy children in the USA? Preliminary data on urine osmolality and water intake
Authors: Stookey Jodi D. , Brass Bernie , Holliday Ava , Arieff Allen
Published: January 2012

Objective

Hyperosmotic stress on cells limits many aspects of cell function, metabolism and health. International data suggest that schoolchildren may be at risk of hyperosmotic stress on cells because of suboptimal water intake. The present study explored the cell hydration status of two samples of children in the USA.

Design

Cross-sectional study describing the urine osmolality (an index of hyperosmotic cell shrinkage) and water intake of convenience samples from Los Angeles (LA) and New York City (NYC).

Setting

Each participant collected a urine sample at an outpatient clinic on the way to school on a weekday morning in spring 2009. Each was instructed to wake, eat, drink and do as usual before school, and complete a dietary record form describing the type and amounts of all foods and beverages consumed after waking, before giving the sample.

Subjects

The children (9–11 years) in LA (n337) and NYC (n211) considered themselves healthy enough to go to school on the day they gave the urine sample.

Results

Elevated urine osmolality (>800 mmol/kg) was observed in 63 % and 66 % of participants in LA and NYC, respectively. In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, elevated urine osmolality was associated with not reporting intake of drinking water in the morning (LA: OR = 2·1, 95 % CI 1·2, 3·5; NYC: OR = 1·8, 95 % CI 1·0, 3·5). Although over 90 % of both samples had breakfast before giving the urine sample, 75 % did not drink water.

Conclusions

Research is warranted to confirm these results and pursue their potential health implications.
‘Presidentialism’ in the Ex-Soviet Union
Authors: BLONDEL J.
Published: January 2012

When the Soviet Union fell in 1990, three of its 15 components, the Baltic States, joined the European Union, and a fourth, Moldova, may well join in the future. The other 11 quickly became presidential republics, following the lead given by Boris Yeltsin, the president of the largest among them, Russia. By 1994, all 11 were headed by a president elected by universal suffrage. These ex-Soviet countries contribute significantly to the number of presidential republics in the world. Presidential republics form a clear majority, being predominant in Latin America and Africa, alongside the ex-Soviet Union. They are rare in Europe, the main cases being France, Romania, and, though seemingly temporarily, some Balkan states; in Asia, outside the ex-Soviet Union, they are a small minority.

Like many presidential republics elsewhere, those in the ex-Soviet Union are mostly authoritarian, but with variations: this is primarily so in Central Asia, as well as in Azerbaijan and Belarus. These presidencies have been very stable, with some of their leaders, especially in Central Asia, being repeatedly re-elected, often without opposition. There has been a regular turnover in Armenia (but less so in Georgia) and in Ukraine (but not in Belarus). The Russian case is peculiar, as is well known: Putin became prime minister because he could no longer be constitutionally re-elected as president, at least without a break. The power of these presidents has varied over time: outside Central Asia (except Kyrgyzstan) and Azerbaijan, where they have been uniformly strong, their strength has declined in Georgia, increased in Russia and Belarus, and had ups and downs in Armenia and Ukraine.