bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delaunay triangulations in
O
(sort(
n
)) time and more
Authors: Buchin Kevin , Mulzer Wolfgang
Published: April 2011

We present several results about Delaunay triangulations (DTs) and convex hulls in transdichotomous and hereditary settings: (i) the DT of a planar point set can be computed in expected time
O
(sort(
n
)) on a word RAM, where sort(
n
) is the time to sort
n
numbers. We assume that the word RAM supports the
shuffle
operation in constant time; (ii) if we know the ordering of a planar point set in
x
- and in
y
-direction, its DT can be found by a randomized algebraic computation tree of expected
linear
depth; (iii) given a universe
U
of points in the plane, we construct a data structure
D
for
Delaunay queries
: for any
P
⊆
U
,
D
can find the DT of
P
in expected time
O
(|
P
| log log |
U
|); (iv) given a universe
U
of points in 3-space in general convex position, there is a data structure
D
for
convex hull queries
: for any
P
⊆
U
,
D
can find the convex hull of
P
in expected time
O
(|
P
| (log log |
U
|)
2
); (v) given a convex polytope in 3-space with
n
vertices which are colored with χ ≥ 2 colors, we can split it into the convex hulls of the individual color classes in expected time
O
(
n
(log log
n
)
2
).

The results (i)--(iii) generalize to higher dimensions, where the expected running time now also depends on the complexity of the resulting DT. We need a wide range of techniques. Most prominently, we describe a reduction from DTs to nearest-neighbor graphs that relies on a new variant of randomized incremental constructions using
dependent
sampling.
The One-second War (What Time Will You Die?)
Authors: Kamp Poul-Henning
Published: April 2011

Thanks to a secretive conspiracy working mostly below the public radar, your time of death may be a minute later than presently expected. But don’t expect to live any longer, unless you happen to be responsible for time synchronization in a large network of computers, in which case this coup will lower your stress level a bit every other year or so. We’re talking about the abolishment of leap seconds, a crude hack added 40 years ago, to paper over the fact that planets make lousy clocks compared with quantum mechanical phenomena.
Mobile Application Development: Web vs. Native
Authors: Charland Andre , LeRoux Brian
Published: April 2011

A few short years ago, most mobile devices were, for want of a better word, "dumb." Sure, there were some early smartphones, but they were either entirely e-mail focused or lacked sophisticated touch screens that could be used without a stylus. Even fewer shipped with a decent mobile browser capable of displaying anything more than simple text, links, and maybe an image. This meant if you had one of these devices, you were either a businessperson addicted to e-mail or an alpha geek hoping that this would be the year of the smartphone. Then Apple changed everything with the release of the iPhone, and our expectations for mobile experiences were completely reset.
Coordination operators and their composition under the actor-role-coordinator (ARC) model
Authors: Song Miao , Ren Shangping
Published: April 2011

For large open and distributed real-time applications, coordination constraints among concurrent, spatially distributed and autonomous entities can be complex. The Actor-Role-Coordinator (ARC) model we developed earlier [1] introduced the concept of
roles
which are abstractions of behaviors that are to be coordinated. Each role's behaviors may be shared by many concurrent entities, or played by many
actors
. Based on the role concept, coordination activities in large systems are partitioned into inter-role and intra-role coordinations to mitigate the coordination complexity. This paper focuses on coordination primitives and the composition of these primitives in forming more complex intra-role and inter-role coordination constraints. In particular, we define two primitive coordination operators, i.e.,
precede
(≺

t

) and
select
(⊵

p

), and use them to express temporal and spacial (with respect to actor system's behavioral space) coordination constraints among concurrent and autonomous actors. We further provide an operational semantics for these operators under the ARC model and provide case studies to illustrate their expressiveness in specifying complex coordination constraints.
A preliminary idea for an 8-competitive, log
2
DMAX + log
2
log
2
1/U asymptotic-space, interface generation algorithm for two-level hierarchical scheduling of constrained-deadline sporadic tasks on a uniprocessor
Authors: Andersson Björn
Published: April 2011

Consider a single processor and a software system. The software system comprises components and interfaces where each component has an associated interface and each component comprises a set of constrained-deadline sporadic tasks. A scheduling algorithm (called global scheduler) determines at each instant which component is active. The active component uses another scheduling algorithm (called local scheduler) to determine which task is selected for execution on the processor. The interface of a component makes certain information about a component visible to other components; the interfaces of all components are used for schedulability analysis. We address the problem of generating an interface for a component based on the tasks inside the component. We desire to (i) incur only a small loss in schedulability analysis due to the interface and (ii) ensure that the amount of space (counted in bits) of the interface is small; this is because such an interface hides as much details of the component as possible. We present an algorithm for generating such an interface.
Toward probabilistic real-time calculus
Authors: Santinelli Luca , Cucu-Grosjean Liliana
Published: April 2011

A challenging research issue in analyzing probabilistic real-time systems is to model the tasks composing the system and the resource provided to the system. In this paper we propose a solution based on a probabilistic component-based model that abstracts the functional and non-functional requirements of real-time components. The obtained interfaces encode timing requirements and probability information of the component in a probabilistic version of the real-time calculus.

Besides, it has been derived probabilistic scheduling and compositional guarantees to provide real-time analyses of probabilistic real-time systems. Finally, a test case illustrates the potentialities of the proposed model and its applicability in a large variety of problems within the probabilistic real-time scenario.
From composable design models to schedulability analysis with UML and the UML profile for MARTE
Authors: Medina Julio L. , Cuesta Álvaro García
Published: April 2011

Consider the design of hard real-time distributed systems using a model-based and composable approach, in which their specification is made using a high level modelling language like UML. This demo abstract, presents a tool-aided methodology to enable the composition and transformation of such design intended models into also composable schedulability analysis models usable in the verification of the timing properties of the fully composed and loaded systems. In order to annotate the required non-functional properties and state other real-time enabling features, the UML profile for Modeling and Analysis of Real-Time and Embedded systems (MARTE), a recent modeling standard of the OMG, has been used. The methodology comprises several methodological guidelines, specific model transformations, and finally the generation as an output of the concrete schedulability analysis models used by the MAST set of tools, whose results are back annotated into the high level design UML models.
Modeling the Electrochemical Impedance Spectra of Electroactive Pseudocapacitor Materials
Authors: Nilson Robert H. , Brumbach Michael T. , Bunker Bruce C.
Published: April 2011

Measured electrochemical impedance spectra of porous electrodes comprised of redox-active ruthenium oxide and inert niobium hydroxide are compared with the results of structurally consistent mathematical models describing coupled processes of electron transport in the solid matrix, ion transport in the electrolyte, proton transport within the ruthenium oxide particles, and redox reaction on particle surfaces. Addition of moderate amounts of niobium to crystalline ruthenium oxide is found to improve the frequency response due to enhanced intraparticle proton transport. However, excessive niobium reduces ion and electron transport through the electrode thickness, reducing the available capacitance. Thus, an optimum composition is needed to achieve the best balance in transport properties. Near this optimum, the intraparticle proton transport undergoes a transition from a constant phase element (CPE) response for Ru-rich materials to a classical Warburg diffusion response for Nb-rich compositions. The CPE regime is analyzed in detail to identify fractal-like structures as well as alternative radial distributions of intraparticle proton diffusivity consistent with measured response. The models involving variations in radial diffusivity appear most probable and have nearly exponential decreases in radial diffusivity with distance from particle surfaces similar to a Debye distribution of charge carriers in an electric double layer.
Electroplated Nickel Permanent Magnetic Films over Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Campos C. D. M , Flacker A. , Vaz A. R. , Moshkalev S. A. , Nobrega E. G. O.
Published: April 2011

The influence of a magnetic field on electrodeposition of nickel films over polymeric substrates, which renders flexible membranes with a permanent magnet layer, has been studied. Samples of membranes with nickel deposited by electroplating in presence and absence of magnetic field are compared. The electroplated layer is deposited over an electroless contact layer, after a wet pre-treatment to improve adherence. Mechanical and magnetic properties of the samples were measured as function of process parameters. Experimental results confirm that the magnetic field has a positive impact over properties of deposited films. Pre-treatment using different process times influences uniformity and adherence of the deposited films. Results show also that films electroplated in presence of magnetic field outperformed those deposited in its absence, with enhanced maximum energy product and reduced surface roughness. On the other hand, films electroplated in presence of magnetic field tend to be less resistant to fracture during flexure tests.
Chemical Deposition of Ni/Pt Bi-Layer on Polyimide Film as Flexible Counterelectrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Cherng Sheng-Jye , Chen Chih-Ming , Dow Wei-Ping , Lin Ching-Hsuan , Chen Sinn-Wen
Published: April 2011

A metalized plastic substrate made of a polyimide film coated with a Ni/Pt bi-layer is prepared as counterelectrode for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Surface metallization of Ni/Pt on polyimide is carried out via a chemical process, where top Pt acts as the catalyst and bottom Ni is the conduction/light-reflection layer. This counterelectrode possesses superior sheet resistance (0.173 Ω/□) and charge transfer resistance (0.38 Ω cm2). The DSSC based on this metalized polyimide counterelectrode exhibits an enhanced fill factor (0.7), and accordingly its energy conversion efficiency achieves 7.12%, which is better than those assembled with other platinized counterelectrodes prepared by sputtering.
Improved Survival with Therapeutic Hypothermia after Cardiac Arrest with Cold Saline and Surfacing Cooling: Keep It Simple
Authors: Granja Cristina , Ferreira Pedro , Ribeiro Orquídea , Pina João
Published: April 2011

Aim. To evaluate whether the introduction of a therapeutic hypothermia (TH) protocol consisting of cold saline infusion and surface cooling would be effective in targeting mild therapeutic hypothermia (32–34∘C). Additionally, to evaluate if TH would improve survival after cardiac arrest.Design. Before-after design.Setting. General Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at an urban general hospital with 470 beds.Patients and Methods. Patients admitted in the ICU after cardiac arrest between 2004 and 2009 were included. Effectiveness of the TH protocol to achieve the targeted temperature was evaluated. Hospital mortality was compared before (October 2004–March 2006) and after (April 2006–September 2009) the protocol implementation.Results. Hundred and thirty patients were included, 75 patients were not submitted to TH (before TH group), and 55 were submitted to TH (TH group). There were no significant differences concerning baseline, ICU, and cardiac arrest characteristics between both groups. There was a significant reduction in hospital mortality from 61% () in the before TH group to 40% () in the TH group.Conclusion. Our protocol consisting of cold saline infusion and surface cooling might be effective in inducing and maintaining mild therapeutic hypothermia. TH achieved with this protocol was associated with a significant reduction in hospital mortality.
Combustion Synthesis of Large Bulk Nanostructured Ni65Al21Cr14Alloy
Authors: Ma Jiqiang , Yang Jun , Bi Qinling , Fu Licai , Kang Yonghai , Liu Weimin
Published: April 2011

A large bulk nanostructured Ni65Al21Cr14alloy with dimensions of Φ 100 mm × 6 mm was produced by combustion synthesis technique followed with rapid solidification. The Ni65Al21Cr14alloy was composed of γ′-Ni3Al/γ-Ni(Al, Cr) eutectic matrix and γ-Ni(Al, Cr) dendrite. The eutectic matrix consisted of 80–150 nm cuboidal γ′-Ni3Al and 2–5 nm γ-Ni(Al, Cr) boundary. The dentrite was comprised of high-density growth twins with about 3–20 nm in width. The nanostructured Ni65Al21Cr14alloy exhibited simultaneously high fracture strength of 2200 MPa and good ductility of 26% in compression test.
Erlotinib-Mediated Inhibition of EGFR Signaling Induces Metabolic Oxidative Stress through NOX4
Authors: Orcutt Kevin P. , Parsons Arlene D. , Sibenaller Zita A. , Scarbrough Peter M. , Zhu Yueming , Sobhakumari Arya , Wilke Werner W. , Kalen Amanda L. , Goswami Prabhat , Miller Francis J. , Spitz Douglas R. , Simons Andrean L.
Published: April 2011

Redox regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling helps protect cells against oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether the cytotoxicity of an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, erlotinib (ERL), was mediated by induction of oxidative stress in human head and neck cancer (HNSCC) cells. ERL elicited cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo while increasing a panel of oxidative stress parameters which were all reversible by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine. Knockdown of EGFR by using siRNA similarly increased these oxidative stress parameters. Overexpression of mitochondrial targeted catalase but not superoxide dismutase reversed ERL-induced cytotoxicity. Consistent with a general role for NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes in ERL-induced oxidative stress, ERL-induced cytotoxicity was reversed by diphenylene iodonium, a NOX complex inhibitor. ERL reduced the expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX5 but induced the expression of NOX4. Knockdown of NOX4 by using siRNA protected HNSCC cells from ERL-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Our findings support the concept that ERL-induced cytotoxicity is based on a specific mechanism of oxidative stress mediated by hydrogen peroxide production through NOX4 signaling. Cancer Res; 71(11); 3932–40. ©2011 AACR.
Assessment of Chk1 Phosphorylation as a Pharmacodynamic Biomarker of Chk1 Inhibition
Authors: Parsels Leslie A. , Qian Yushen , Tanska Daria M. , Gross Marisa , Zhao Lili , Hassan Maria C. , Arumugarajah Sankari , Parsels Joshua D. , Hylander-Gans Linda , Simeone Diane M. , Morosini Deborah , Brown Jeffrey L. , Zabludoff Sonya D. , Maybaum Jonathan , Lawrence Theodore S. , Morgan Meredith A.
Published: April 2011

Purpose: Chk1 inhibitors, such as AZD7762, are in clinical development in combination with cytotoxic agents for the treatment of solid tumors, including pancreatic cancers. To maximize the likelihood of their clinical success, it is essential to optimize drug scheduling as well as pharmacodynamic biomarkers in preclinical models.

Experimental Design: We tested multiple schedules of administration of gemcitabine and AZD7762 on the survival of pancreatic cancer cells. Potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers including pChk1, pChk2, pHistone H3, and caspase-3 were evaluated in vitro, followed by assessment of promising candidate biomarkers in vivo. We then went on to determine the contributions of PP2A and DNA damage to the mechanism(s) of induction of the identified biomarker, pS345 Chk1.

Results: AZD7762 given during and after or after gemcitabine administration produced maximum chemosensitization. In vivo, AZD7762 significantly inhibited the growth of pancreatic tumor xenografts in response to gemcitabine. Of the biomarkers assessed, pS345 Chk1 was most consistently increased in response to gemcitabine and AZD7762 in tumors and normal tissues (hair follicles). pS345 Chk1 induction in response to gemcitabine and AZD7762 occurred in the presence of PP2A inhibition and in association with elevated γH2AX, suggesting that DNA damage is an underlying mechanism.

Conclusions: AZD7762 sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells and tumors to gemcitabine in association with induction of pS345 Chk1. Together these data support the clinical investigation of AZD7762 with gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer under a dosing schedule in which gemcitabine is administered concurrent with or before AZD7762 and in conjunction with skin biopsies to measure pS345 Chk1. Clin Cancer Res; 17(11); 3706–15. ©2011 AACR.
Ridaforolimus (AP23573; MK-8669), a Potent mTOR Inhibitor, Has Broad Antitumor Activity and Can Be Optimally Administered Using Intermittent Dosing Regimens
Authors: Rivera Victor M. , Squillace Rachel M. , Miller David , Berk Lori , Wardwell Scott D. , Ning Yaoyu , Pollock Roy , Narasimhan Narayana I. , Iuliucci John D. , Wang Frank , Clackson Tim
Published: April 2011

The mTOR pathway is hyperactivated through oncogenic transformation in many human malignancies. Ridaforolimus (AP23573; MK-8669) is a novel rapamycin analogue that selectively targets mTOR and is currently under clinical evaluation. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic basis for the antitumor activity of ridaforolimus in a range of human tumor types, exploring potential markers of response, and determining optimal dosing regimens to guide clinical studies. Administration of ridaforolimus to tumor cells in vitro elicited dose-dependent inhibition of mTOR activity with concomitant effects on cell growth and division. We showed that ridaforolimus exhibits a predominantly cytostatic mode of action, consistent with the findings for other mTOR inhibitors. Potent inhibitory effects on vascular endothelial growth factor secretion, endothelial cell growth, and glucose metabolism were also observed. Although PTEN and/or phosphorylated AKT status have been proposed as potential mTOR pathway biomarkers, neither was predictive for ridaforolimus responsiveness in the heterogeneous panel of cancer cell lines examined. In mouse models, robust antitumor activity was observed in human tumor xenografts using a series of intermittent dosing schedules, consistent with pharmacodynamic observations of mTOR pathway inhibition for at least 72 hours following dosing. Parallel skin-graft rejection studies established that intermittent dosing schedules lack the immunosuppressive effects seen with daily dosing. Overall these findings show the broad inhibitory effects of ridaforolimus on cell growth, division, metabolism, and angiogenesis, and support the use of intermittent dosing as a means to optimize antitumor activity while minimizing systemic effects. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(6); 1059–71. ©2011 AACR.
Wrist Circumference Is a Clinical Marker of Insulin Resistance in Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Capizzi Marco , Leto Gaetano , Petrone Antonio , Zampetti Simona , Papa Raffaele Edo , Osimani Marcello , Spoletini Marialuisa , Lenzi Andrea , Osborn John , Mastantuono Marco , Vania Andrea , Buzzetti Raffaella
Published: April 2011

Background—

Excess fat is one of the main determinants of insulin resistance, representing the metabolic basis for developing future cardiovascular disease. The aim of the current study was to find an easy-to-detect clinical marker of insulin resistance which can be used to identify young subjects at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results—

Four-hundred and seventy-seven overweight/obese children and adolescents (mean age 10.31±2.80 years) were consecutively enrolled. Standard deviation score body mass index, fasting biochemical parameters, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were evaluated. Statistical differences were investigated using multiple linear regression analysis. Manual measure of wrist circumference was evaluated in all children and adolescents. Fifty-one subjects, randomly selected, underwent nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist to evaluate transversal wrist area at the Lister tubercle level. A statistically significant association was found between manual measure of wrist circumference and insulin levels or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (β=0.34 and 0.35, respectively;
P
<10
−5
for both comparisons). These associations were more significant than those between SD score body mass index and insulin levels or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (β=0.12 and 0.10, respectively; P≤0.02 for both comparisons). Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging acquisition clarified that the association between wrist circumference and insulin levels or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance reflected the association with bone tissue-related areas (P≤0.01 for both) but not with the adipose tissue ones (
P
>0.05), explaining 20% and 17% of the variances of the 2 parameters.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest a close relationship among wrist circumference, its bone component, and insulin resistance in overweight/obese children and adolescents, opening new perspectives in the prediction of cardiovascular disease.
Particle Traps Prevent Adverse Vascular and Prothrombotic Effects of Diesel Engine Exhaust Inhalation in Men
Authors: Lucking Andrew J. , Lundbäck Magnus , Barath Stefan L. , Mills Nicholas L. , Sidhu Manjit K. , Langrish Jeremy P. , Boon Nicholas A. , Pourazar Jamshid , Badimon Juan J. , Gerlofs-Nijland Miriam E. , Cassee Flemming R. , Boman Christoffer , Donaldson Kenneth , Sandstrom Thomas , Newby David E. , Blomberg Anders
Published: April 2011

Background—

In controlled human exposure studies, diesel engine exhaust inhalation impairs vascular function and enhances thrombus formation. The aim of the present study was to establish whether an exhaust particle trap could prevent these adverse cardiovascular effects in men.

Methods and Results—

Nineteen healthy volunteers (mean age, 25±3 years) were exposed to filtered air and diesel exhaust in the presence or absence of a particle trap for 1 hour in a randomized, double-blind, 3-way crossover trial. Bilateral forearm blood flow and plasma fibrinolytic factors were assessed with venous occlusion plethysmography and blood sampling during intra-arterial infusion of acetylcholine, bradykinin, sodium nitroprusside, and verapamil. Ex vivo thrombus formation was determined with the use of the Badimon chamber. Compared with filtered air, diesel exhaust inhalation was associated with reduced vasodilatation and increased ex vivo thrombus formation under both low- and high-shear conditions. The particle trap markedly reduced diesel exhaust particulate number (from 150 000 to 300 000/cm
3
to 30 to 300/cm
3
;
P
<0.001) and mass (320±10 to 7.2±2.0 μg/m
3
;
P
<0.001), and was associated with increased vasodilatation, reduced thrombus formation, and an increase in tissue-type plasminogen activator release.

Conclusions—

Exhaust particle traps are a highly efficient method of reducing particle emissions from diesel engines. With a range of surrogate measures, the use of a particle trap prevents several adverse cardiovascular effects of exhaust inhalation in men. Given these beneficial effects on biomarkers of cardiovascular health, the widespread use of particle traps on diesel-powered vehicles may have substantial public health benefits and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00745446.
Contrary Effects of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Vandetanib on Constitutive and Flow-Stimulated Nitric Oxide Elaboration in Humans
Authors: Mayer Erica L. , Dallabrida Susan M. , Rupnick Maria A. , Redline Whitney M. , Hannagan Keri , Ismail Nesreen S. , Burstein Harold J. , Beckman Joshua A.
Published: April 2011

Vascular endothelial growth factor regulates neoplastic angiogenesis through production of endothelium-derived NO. We performed a prospective evaluation of vascular function during treatment with vandetanib, a vascular endothelial growth receptor 2 and 3 receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, to determine the effects of vascular endothelial growth receptor signal interruption on endothelial function in humans. Seventeen patients with stage IV breast cancer received dose-escalated vandetanib in combination with low-dose oral chemotherapy. We measured blood pressure, systemic nitrate/nitrite levels, and brachial artery vascular function. In vitro analyses of cultured endothelial cells were performed to determine the effect of vandetanib on NO production, akt
473
phosphorylation, and endothelial NO synthase protein content and membrane localization. Vandetanib treatment for 6 weeks significantly increased blood pressure, decreased resting brachial artery diameter, and decreased plasma systemic nitrate/nitrite levels compared with baseline. Flow-mediated vasodilation was preserved, and no change was noted in nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation. In vitro, endothelial cell nitrite levels and akt
473
phosphorylation were reduced and vascular endothelial growth receptor 2 levels did not change, but endothelial NO synthase membrane concentration doubled. Vandetanib reduces constitutive NO production and increases blood pressure, yet flow-stimulated NO bioavailability was preserved. Changes in vascular function with tyrosine kinase inhibition are complex and require further study in humans.
From Problem-Solving Paradigm to Co-Ontogenic Drift: How Do Learning Narratives Self-Generate?
Authors: van der Merwe Johann , Brewis Julia
Published: April 2011

It is now an accepted maxim in design theory and practice that real-world problems needing the attention of design practitioners are not neat and well-structured, but ill-structured and “wicked”—part of a larger, complex social situation. For design education, then, to take its lead from contemporary social, political and economic structures, it will have to seriously re-think its problem-solving paradigms. The authors investigate the use of self-generating learning narratives in the classroom and contrast the approach they introduce with the still-too-prevalent notion that knowledge can be transferred from teacher to student. Their methodology draws from ideas formulated by Maturana and Varela on autopoiesis, specifically the notion of co-ontogenic drift.
Beyond Calligraphy: Reading Wang Xizhi's Letters
Authors: Richter Antje
Published: April 2011

The extant calligraphy ascribed to Wang Xizhi consists mainly of short letters that have hitherto been discussed mostly in terms of their calligraphic value, authenticity, and as sources of historical information. This article focuses on the textual properties of the approximately seven-hundred transmitted notes of Wang Xizhi, especially on their communicative functions for the perpetuation of personal relationships among family members and friends. Although these texts are characterized by an overwhelming topicality, this does not impair their epistolary efficacy. Even letters that seemingly lack any particular message and consist of nothing but epistolary conventions have the potential to fulfill genuine communicative functions, to a great extent independently of their calligraphic appeal. Les calligraphies attribuées à Wang Xizhi qui ont été conservées consistent essentiellement en courtes lettres auxquelles ont s'est intéressé jusqu'ici pour leur valeur calligraphique, leur authenticité, et en tant que sources historiques. Cet article se concentre sur les propriétés textuelles des quelque sept cents notes de Wang Xizhi qui nous sont parvenues, en particulier sur les fonctions de communication dont l'objet est de perpétuer des liens personnels entre membres d'une famille ou entre amis. Bien que ces textes se caractérisent par la domination des formules toutes faites, cela ne diminue pas leur efficacité épistolaire. Même des lettres apparemment dénuées de tout message particulier et ne consistant qu'en conventions épistolaires sont capables de remplir de véritables fonctions de communication, largement indépendantes de leur intérêt calligraphique.
Problems in the Text of Juvencus
Authors: Green R. P. H.
Published: April 2011

There are still many problems and uncertainties in the text of Juvencus’ poetic rendering of the New Testament accounts of Christ. The relative value of the manuscripts is unclear, and one of the problems with the text of Huemer (1891), which is still the standard text, is excessive reliance on a manuscript outstanding for its antiquity but not always for its Latinity, and which in fact Huemer knew at secondhand. The fact that Juvencus is a thoughtful and imaginative paraphraser of his Biblical models, far from making it possible to use the gospel texts as an extra witness, demands extra care from the critic. This article considers more than twenty passages, outlining problems and suggesting remedies; in so doing it also brings out in a small way the qualities of Juvencus as poet and his attitudes to exegesis.
Filled with the Spirit: A Synopsis and Explication
Authors: Buchanan Alaine Thomson , Donaldson Amy M.
Published: April 2011

This review essay of John Levison’s Filled with the Spirit (Eerdmans, 2009) introduces his book to readers of Pneuma so that even if they have not read it, they can better appreciate the critical analyses in the following roundtable devoted to interacting with him. The two parts include a broad overview for main themes (authored primarily by Donaldson) and a more detailed iteration of the specifics of the argument (Buchanan).
Private Bodies as Public Authorities under International, European, English and German Environmental Information Laws
Authors: Bünger Dirk , Schomerus Thomas
Published: April 2011

The Aarhus Convention, the Directive 2003/4/EC and national legislation, respectively, give citizens a right of access to environmental information as held by either public authorities or private bodies. For such information to be accessible, the body in question must have public responsibilities or functions or provide public services such as natural gas, electricity, sewerage and water services etc. The United Kingdom (UK) Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs) and the federal German Environmental Information Act (EIA), however, provide insufficient definitions of the private bodies in question. The parallel existence of the EIRs/EIA and Freedom of Information Acts (FOIAs) in the UK and in Germany adds further complexity to the situation. Unlike the UK implementation under which there is specific guidance which gives relatively good advice, the situation in Germany is pitiable. A more citizen-friendly solution to these problems could be the creation of a joint statute. This joint statute would provide for a comprehensive list of covered authorities.
Under A Red Veil: Staging Afghan Emancipation in Moscow
Authors: Nunan Timothy
Published: April 2011

This article explores the Soviet mission to emancipate Afghan women during the Soviet war in Afghanistan through a detailed reading of the stenogram of a 1982 seminar in Moscow designed as an exchange of ideas and experiences between leading members of the Committee for Soviet Women and the Democratic Organization of Women of Afghanistan. Approaching this episode as a moment in the quest to find new forms of modernity – Communist, Islamic, or Western – in Afghanistan, the article shows how Soviet women's representatives repeatedly played up the important of the hujum in 1930s Soviet Central Asia as a model program for Afghan and, to some extent, all Third World societies. At the same time, however, the Afghan women at the conference, while avid Communists, articulated their own vision of women's emancipation for Afghanistan which did not reject the veil, a vision at odds with that articulated by their Soviet 'teachers.'
Interannual Variation of the Late Spring–Early Summer Monsoon Rainfall in the Northern Part of the South China Sea
Authors: Chen Tsing-Chang , Huang Wan-Ru , Yen Ming-Cheng
Published: April 2011

Major rainfall (≥60%) in the northern part of the South China Sea (between North Vietnam and Taiwan) during May–June (the mei-yu season—the first phase of the Southeast–East Asian monsoon) is produced by rainstorms originating over the northern Vietnam–southwestern China region and the northern part of the South China Sea. As observed in this study, the occurrence frequency of rainstorms and rainfall contribution by these rainstorms undergoes a distinct interannual variation, in-phase with those of monsoon westerlies in northern Indochina and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the NOAA Niño-3.4 region ΔSST (Niño-3.4). This in-phase relationship between monsoon westerlies and the ΔSST (Niño-3.4) anomalies is a result of the filling (deepening) of the subtropical Asian continental thermal low in response to the ΔSST (Niño-3.4) warm (cold) anomalies. Accompanied with this response is a slight southward (northward) shift of the North Pacific convergence zone (NPCZ), which extends from southern China to the North Pacific east of Japan. Thus, a favorable environment that meets the Charney–Stern instability criterion in initiating rainstorm genesis is enhanced (suppressed) by the intensification (weakening) of the monsoon shear flow formed by the midtropospheric northwesterly flow around the northeast periphery of the Tibetan Plateau and the monsoon westerlies. The meridional shift of the NPCZ established an elongated anomalous convergence (divergence) zone of water vapor flux along rainstorm tracks to increase (reduce) the rain-producing efficiency of rainstorms. Consequently, this interannual rainfall variation between northern Vietnam and Taiwan is primarily caused by rainstorm genesis and rain-producing efficiency.
Modulation of Cold-Season U.S. Daily Precipitation by the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Becker Emily J. , Berbery Ernesto Hugo , Higgins R. Wayne
Published: April 2011

This study examines the characteristics of cold-season (November–March) daily precipitation over the contiguous United States during active periods of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). A large response in the precipitation rate anomaly is found over the eastern United States when MJO-related enhanced tropical convection is moving through the far western to central Pacific (conventionally known as phases 5, 6, and 7 of the MJO). Positive anomalies occur in the region of the eastern Mississippi River basin, and negative anomalies occur in the Southeast. The relative stability of this pattern throughout the three phases suggests that they can be considered together. During phases 5–7, the central United States has a daily precipitation rate between 110% and 150% of normal, while the precipitation rate over much of Florida is less than 70% of normal. Much of the lower Mississippi River basin region receives somewhat more frequent daily precipitation during MJO phases 5–7, but a greater increase is found in the daily precipitation intensity, suggesting more intense storms. On the other hand, Florida has substantially fewer daily precipitation events, with a smaller decrease in the intensity.

To understand the atmospheric mechanisms related to the above shifts in daily precipitation, elements of the atmospheric circulation were examined. Positive moisture flux convergence anomalies, which have been linked to increased precipitation rate and intensity, are found in the region of increased precipitation rate during MJO phases 5–7. During those phases, the North American jet stream is shifted northward, likely leading to a higher incidence of storms over the lower Mississippi River basin and fewer storms over Florida. This is supported by the fact that the storm track also shows increased activity over the central United States during MJO phases 5–7.
Changes in Zonal Surface Temperature Gradients and Walker Circulations in a Wide Range of Climates
Authors: Merlis Timothy M. , Schneider Tapio
Published: April 2011

Variations in zonal surface temperature gradients and zonally asymmetric tropical overturning circulations (Walker circulations) are examined over a wide range of climates simulated with an idealized atmospheric general circulation model (GCM). The asymmetry in the tropical climate is generated by an imposed ocean energy flux, which does not vary with climate. The range of climates is simulated by modifying the optical thickness of an idealized longwave absorber (representing greenhouse gases).

The zonal surface temperature gradient in low latitudes generally decreases as the climate warms in the idealized GCM simulations. A scaling relationship based on a two-term balance in the surface energy budget accounts for the changes in the zonally asymmetric component of the GCM-simulated surface temperature.

The Walker circulation weakens as the climate warms in the idealized simulations, as it does in comprehensive simulations of climate change. The wide range of climates allows a systematic test of energetic arguments that have been proposed to account for these changes in the tropical circulation. The analysis shows that a scaling estimate based on changes in the hydrological cycle (precipitation rate and saturation specific humidity) accounts for the simulated changes in the Walker circulation. However, it must be evaluated locally, with local precipitation rates. If global-mean quantities are used, the scaling estimate does not generally account for changes in the Walker circulation, and the extent to which it does is the result of compensating errors in changes in precipitation and saturation specific humidity that enter the scaling estimate.
Large-Scale Control of Summer Precipitation in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Ming-Dah , Wu Chi-Hua , Kau Wen-Shung
Published: April 2011

Taiwan is located at the western stretch of the North Pacific high pressure (NP high) ridge in boreal summer, and its climate is highly sensitive to the NP high. By grouping years of anomalously high and low summer precipitation in Taiwan, this study investigated the large-scale atmospheric circulation and the land–sea temperature contrast during these two groups of years and identified the control of summer precipitation in Taiwan. It is found that in years when summer precipitation in Taiwan is anomalously high, the western stretch of the NP high weakens. Weakening of the western stretch of the NP high induces strengthened southerly wind and enhanced vertical motion in East Asia and the western NP (EA–WNP) region, which is essentially an invigorated summer monsoon circulation. Corresponding to the invigorated circulation, precipitation increases in the southern section of the EA–WNP but decreases in the midlatitude section of the EA–WNP. It is further found that in those wet years, the land–sea temperature contrast between Asia and the surrounding seas is anomalously large and that the westerly wind in the tropical Indian Ocean and the southerly wind in the South China Sea and the subtropical East Asia are strengthened, which is an accelerated cyclonic circulation surrounding South and Southeast Asia. Coincident with the invigorated monsoon circulation in the EA–WNP region is a weakened Asian high pressure (Asian high). This is in variance with the expectation that the invigorated monsoon circulation in the EA–WNP region is related to a strengthened Asian high. The weakened Asian high is related to the weakened monsoon circulation in South and Southeast Asia. It is suggested that these unexpected results might be due to the interannual time scale of this study as opposed to either climatological or decadal scales of previous studies.
Dynamics of Interannual Variability in Summer Precipitation over East Asia*
Authors: Kosaka Yu , Xie Shang-Ping , Nakamura Hisashi
Published: April 2011

The summertime mei-yu–baiu rainband over East Asia displays considerable interannual variability. A singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis for interannual variability reveals that precipitation anomalies over the mei-yu–baiu region are accompanied by in situ anomalies of midtropospheric horizontal temperature advection. Anomalous warm (cool) advection causes increased (decreased) mei-yu–baiu precipitation locally by inducing adiabatic ascent (descent). The anomalous precipitation acts to reinforce the vertical motion, forming a feedback system. By this mechanism, the remotely forced anomalous atmospheric circulation can induce changes in mei-yu–baiu precipitation. The quasi-stationary precipitation anomalies induced by this mechanism are partially offset by transient eddies.

The SVD analysis also reveals the association of mei-yu–baiu precipitation anomalies with several teleconnection patterns, suggesting remote induction mechanisms. The Pacific–Japan (PJ) teleconnection pattern, which is associated with anomalous convection over the tropical western North Pacific, contributes to mei-yu–baiu precipitation variability throughout the boreal summer. The PJ pattern mediates influences of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation in preceding boreal winter on mei-yu–baiu precipitation. In early summer, the leading covariability pattern between precipitation and temperature advection also features the Silk Road pattern—a wave train along the summertime Asian jet—and another wave train pattern to the north along the polar-front jet that often leads to the development of the surface Okhotsk high.
Probabilistic Projections of Climate Change over China under the SRES A1B Scenario Using 28 AOGCMs
Authors: Chen Weilin , Jiang Zhihong , Li Laurent
Published: April 2011

Probabilistic projection of climate change consists of formulating the climate change information in a probabilistic manner at either global or regional scale. This can produce useful results for studies of the impact of climate change impact and change mitigation. In the present study, a simple yet effective approach is proposed with the purpose of producing probabilistic results of climate change over China for the middle and end of the twenty-first century under the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A1B (SRES A1B) emission scenario. Data from 28 coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs) are used. The methodology consists of ranking the 28 models, based on their ability to simulate climate over China in terms of two model evaluation metrics. Different weights were then given to the models according to their performances in present-day climate. Results of the evaluation for the current climate show that five models that have relatively higher resolutions—namely, the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia ECHAM4 (INGV ECHAM4), the third climate configuration of the Met Office Unified Model (UKMO HadCM3), the CSIRO Mark version 3.5 (Mk3.5), the NCAR Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3), and the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate 3.2, high-resolution version [MIROC3.2 (hires)]—perform better than others over China. Their corresponding weights (normalized to 1) are 0.289, 0.096, 0.058, 0.048, and 0.044, respectively. Under the A1B scenario, surface air temperature is projected to increase significantly for both the middle and end of the twenty-first century, with larger magnitude over the north and in winter. There are also significant increases in rainfall in the twenty-first century under the A1B scenario, especially for the period 2070–99. As far as the interannual variability is concerned, the most striking feature is that there are high probabilities for the future intensification of interannual variability of precipitation over most of China in both winter and summer. For instance, over the Yangtze–Huai River basin (28°–35°N, 105°–120°E), there is a 60% probability of increased interannual standard deviation of precipitation by 20% in summer, which is much higher than that of the mean precipitation. In general there are small differences between weighted and unweighted projections, but the uncertainties in the projected changes are reduced to some extent after weighting.
The Impact of Tropical Indian Ocean Variability on Summer Surface Air Temperature in China
Authors: Hu Kaiming , Huang Gang , Huang Ronghui
Published: April 2011

Evidence is presented that the boreal summer surface air temperature over south China and northeast China is remotely influenced by the Indian Ocean Basin mode (IOBM) sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Above-normal temperature in south China and below-normal temperature in northeast China correspond to a simultaneous Indian Ocean Basin warming. The teleconnection from Indian Ocean SST anomalies to China summer surface air temperature is investigated using observations and an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM). The results herein indicate that the tropical Indian Ocean Basin warming can trigger a low-level anomalous anticyclone circulation in the subtropical northwest Pacific and an anomalous cyclone circulation in midlatitude East Asia through emanating a baroclinic Kelvin wave. In south China, the reduced rainfall and downward vertical motion associated with the anomalous low-level anticyclone circulation lead to above-normal summer surface air temperature. In northeast China, by contrast, upward vertical motion associated with the anomalous cyclone leads to below-normal summer surface air temperature.