bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundamentals of Nuclear Physics
Authors: Jelley N. A.
Published: June 2012

Fundamentals of Nuclear Physics is a textbook on nuclear physics aimed at undergraduates in their final year, designed to give the student a thorough understanding of the principal features of nuclei, nuclear decays and nuclear reactions. The book covers the elementary concepts of the subject necessary for introductory courses and also explores more advanced topics, suitable for graduate courses. Initially several models are described and used to explain nuclear properties with many illustrative examples. Sections follow on a-, B- and y-decay, fission, thermonuclear fusion, reactions, nuclear forces and nuclear collective motion. In each case many examples are discussed, and the student should gain a thorough grounding in knowledge of the nucleus. The presentation is quantitative and short derivations are given in full to enable the student to make predictions about nuclear phenomena. This book will be of value to all undergraduates studying nuclear physics, as well as to first-year graduates. The level of the presentation bridges the gap between introductory undergraduate and the more advanced graduate textbooks.
The End of Ancient Christianity
Authors: Markus R. A.
Published: June 2012

This book is concerned with one central historical problem: the nature of the changes that transformed the intellectual and spiritual horizons of the Christian world from its establishment in the fourth century to the end of the sixth. The End of Ancient Christianity examines how Christians, who had formerly constituted a threatened and beleaguered minority, came to define their identity in a changed context of religious respectability in which their faith had become a source of privilege and power.
Electricity and Magnetism
Authors: Cottingham W. N. , Greenwood D. A.
Published: June 2012

This is an undergraduate textbook on the physics of electricity, magnetism and electromagnetic fields and waves. It is written mainly with the physics student in mind, although it will also be of use to students of electrical and electronic engineering. The approach is concise but clear, and the authors have assumed that the reader will be familiar with the basic phenomena. The theory, however, is set out in a completely self-contained and coherent way, is developed to the point where the reader can appreciate the beauty and coherence of the Maxwell equations, and is applied to a wide range of topics. Each chapter ends with a set of problems, answers to which are also provided. The authors have extensive experience of teaching physics to undergraduate students at the University of Bristol. The clarity of the mathematical treatment they provide will facilitate a thorough grasp of the subject, and makes this a highly attractive text.
Problems in Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Squires Gordon Leslie
Published: June 2012

Many students find quantum mechanics conceptually difficult when they first encounter the subject. In this book, the postulates and key applications of quantum mechanics are well illustrated by means of a carefully chosen set of problems, complete with detailed, step-by-step solutions. Beginning with a chapter on orders of magnitude, a variety of topics are then covered, including the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics, Schrödinger's equation, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, the harmonic oscillator, spin, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, the variational method, multielectron atoms, transitions and scattering. Throughout, the physical interpretation or application of certain results is highlighted, thereby providing useful insights into a wide range of systems and phenomena. This approach will make the book invaluable to anyone taking an undergraduate course in quantum mechanics.
An Introduction to Genetic Engineering
Authors: Nicholl Desmond S. T.
Published: June 2012

Des Nicholl presents here a new, fully revised, and expanded edition of his popular undergraduate-level textbook. Many of the features of the original edition have been retained; the book still offers a concise technical introduction to the subject of genetic engineering. However, the book is now divided into three main sections: the first introduces students to basic molecular biology, the second section explains the methods used to manipulate genes, and the third deals with modern applications of genetic engineering. A whole chapter is now devoted to the polymerase chain reaction. Applications covered in the book include genomics, protein engineering, gene therapy, cloning, and transgenic animals and plants. A final chapter discusses the ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering in general. An Introduction to Genetic Engineering is essential reading for undergraduate students of biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry.
Human Reproduction
Authors: Baggott L. M.
Published: June 2012

This introductory textbook examines the issues of human reproduction common to a variety of advanced school and beginning university courses. It covers in detail the physiology of the human reproductive system, the production of gametes, fertilisation, pregnancy, birth, lactation and contraception. Sensitive issues such as infertility, abortion and embryo research are discussed with careful consideration of the moral and ethical issues involved.
Presentations of Groups
Authors: Johnson D. L.
Published: June 2012

The aim of this book is to provide an introduction to combinatorial group theory. Any reader who has completed first courses in linear algebra, group theory and ring theory will find this book accessible. The emphasis is on computational techniques but rigorous proofs of all theorems are supplied. This new edition has been revised throughout, including new exercises and an additional chapter on proving that certain groups are infinite.
The Frankenstein Syndrome
Authors: Rollin Bernard E.
Published: June 2012

This book is a philosophically sophisticated and scientifically well-informed discussion of the moral and social issues raised by genetically engineering animals, a powerful technology which has major implications for society. Unlike other books on this emotionally charged subject, the author attempts to inform, not inflame, the reader about the real problems society must address in order to manage this technology. Bernard Rollin is both a professor of philosophy, and physiology and biophysics, and writes from a uniquely well-informed perspective on this topic. The style is non-technical and anecdotal and will ensure that the book can be used on a wide range of courses on bioethics, biotechnology, veterinary medicine and public policy. The book could also appeal to a general, non-academic reader with a serious interest in genetic engineering.
Rescission or Variation of Children's Court Orders: A Study of Section 90 Applications in New South Wales
Authors: Hansen Patricia
Published: June 2012

This article reports on a study of Children's Court files relating to completed applications for variation of care orders (section 90 applications) in three specialised Children's Courts in New South Wales. All files that could be located for completed applications were reviewed and nonidentifying data was recorded. The study attempted to examine the type of applications, the characteristics of applicants and the outcomes of the applications. One hundred and seventeen applications were reviewed: almost half of these were made by the then Department of Community Services (DoCS), and about the same proportion of applications were made by parents. After the section 90 applications were determined there was an increase in care orders allocating parental responsibility to the Minister for Community Services with 73% of the children placed under the care of the minister to age 18.
The Relationship of Computer Games and Reported Anger in Young People
Authors: Demirok Mukaddes , Ozdamli Fezile , Hursen Cigdem , Ozcinar Zehra , Kutguner Muge , Uzunboylu Huseyin
Published: June 2012

Playing computer games is a routine activity for most young people today. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of time spent playing computer games, the violence of the game, and self-reported anger of students in North Cyprus. Four hundred participants between the ages of 15–18 completed the State-Trait Anger and the Anger Expression questionnaire, together with a section on gaming. The results showed that most (43%) students played computer games 3–4 days a week, with many (31.5%) playing every day. It was found that students who played computer games for 2–3 hours a day scored higher on expressed anger than those who played for less than half an hour a day. Those young people who preferred to play action, adventure, fight and strategy games were found to have reported higher levels of anger than those who played other types of computer games. The implications for guidance counsellors, parents and teachers are discussed.
The Introduction of Keyboarding to Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders With Handwriting Difficulties: A Help or a Hindrance?
Authors: Ashburner Jill , Ziviani Jenny , Pennington Ana
Published: June 2012

This study explored the utility of using keyboarding as an alternative to handwriting for students with ASD who experience handwriting difficulties. Participants included 22 students with ASD (Mage = 10.83 ± 1.4 years) who had been using portable word processors in mainstream classrooms for at least 6 months to circumvent handwriting difficulties. Teacher, parent and student questionnaires rated perceptions of students’ motivation, ability, preferences and frequency of use of keyboarding as compared to handwriting, helpfulness of portable word processors and factors contributing to or limiting their use. Keyboarding and handwriting speeds were measured in letters per minute. Two short compositions using handwriting and keyboarding were compared in length and quality. Handwriting legibility was also rated. The teacher, parent and student questionnaires indicated that students’ motivation was generally rated as much higher for keyboarding than for handwriting. Teachers and parents predominantly perceived portable word processors as helpful. The group mean scores for keyboarding speed, and length and quality of keyboarded compositions were greater than comparable group mean scores for handwriting. These differences, however, did not reach statistical significance. Keyboarding, nevertheless, was effective in overcoming difficulties experienced by many students in respect of legibility.
The Education of Australian School Students With the Most Severe Intellectual Disabilities: Where Have We Been and Where Could We Go? A Discussion Primer
Authors: Lyons Gordon , Cassebohm Michele
Published: June 2012

The education of Australian students with the most severe intellectual disabilities continues to present substantial challenges to policymakers, practitioners and families. These are complex and involve philosophy and ethics generally, and curriculum assessment and pedagogy specifically. In light of the various phases of development for an Australian Curriculum, the authors advocate for broad-based debate about the nature of education for these students. To prime discussion, this paper looks at the past, present and possible futures with respect to the education of Australian students with the most severe intellectual disabilities.
JUDGES AND LEGISLATURE: VALUES INTO LAW
Authors: Sales Philip
Published: June 2012

The legislature gives effect to the values of democracy and compromise in a pluralist society, but the legislation it produces is mediated in its application by the values inherent in the legal culture into which it is received. The judges complete the law promulgated by Parliament by applying it. In articulating the common law also, the judges act within the bounds of objective standards supplied by legal and political traditions, with a limited legislative role. The legislative role of the judges in applying statutes has been enhanced by the interpretive obligations applicable in areas where EU and ECHR law operates.
Novel connexin 30 and connexin 26 mutational spectrum in patients with progressive sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Battelino S , Repič Lampret B , Žargi M , Podkrajšek K Trebušak
Published: June 2012

Objective:

Mutations in the gap junction protein beta-2 gene (‘GJB2’) are known to be responsible for mild to profound congenital and late-onset hearing loss. This study aimed to investigate the molecular basis of progressive hearing loss compared with non-progressive hearing loss.

Methods:

Following clinical otorhinolaryngological evaluation, a genetic analysis was performed in a cohort of 72 patients with progressive sensorineural hearing loss.

Results:

Pathological genotypes were established in 16 patients (22.2 per cent). Six different gap junction protein beta-2 gene mutations were detected in 15 patients, with the c.35delG mutation responsible for 56 per cent of the mutated alleles. A novel gap junction protein beta-6 gene (‘GJB6’) mutation (p.Met203Val) was observed in one patient with mild progressive hearing loss.

Conclusion:

Analyses of gap junction protein beta-2 and -6 genes revealed that similar pathological genotypes, occurring with similar frequencies, were responsible for progressive hearing loss, compared with reported genotypes for non-progressive hearing loss patients. Thus, genotype cannot be used to differentiate non-progressive from progressive hearing loss cases; in this study, patients both with and without an established pathological genotype had a similar clinical course.
Plasmacytoma of the atlas presenting as hoarseness: a rare cause of unilateral vocal fold palsy
Authors: Kapoor J , Trinidade A , Mochloulis G , Mohamid W
Published: June 2012

Introduction:

Solitary bone plasmacytoma is a rare haematological malignancy that can present in a variety of ways. This study aimed to present a case of plasmacytoma of the atlas, as a rare cause of unilateral vocal fold palsy.

Method:

Case report.

Results:

Following diagnosis via imaging and direct biopsy through the posterior pharyngeal wall, the patient was referred to the haematologists for further treatment of his plasmacytoma.

Conclusion:

Solitary bony plasmacytoma of the cervical spine is a rare haematological malignancy. Its presentation with a unilateral vocal fold palsy has not been previously described.
When the river started underneath the land: social constructions of a ‘severe’ weather event in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Spinney Jennifer A. , Pennesi Karen E.
Published: June 2012

In June 2008, the community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada experienced a rainstorm that caused structural damage to the community's bridge and extensive permafrost erosion along the Duval River. The local government characterised the event as ‘severe’ and focused their attention on the bridge collapse, in contrast to the residents, who described this particular consequence as inconvenient at worst and at best, exciting. Instead residents expressed greater concern for the permafrost erosion and the uncertainty this posed for community well-being. This article follows an 11 week anthropological field trip to Pangnirtung in the summer of 2009 and is based on 31 semi-structured interviews, two focus group discussions, and participant observation. We explore how social processes influence subjective constructions of what constitutes ‘severe’ weather in the community, and attempt to explain how such constructions lead to differing perceptions of vulnerability to ‘severe’ weather events. Contributing factors including the normalisation of threat, local beliefs regarding change and uncertainty, as well as the communication of risk information are discussed along with the different coping strategies used by government and residents in managing their perceived levels of vulnerability. The research shows the importance of understanding the role social processes play in shaping local conceptions of ‘severe’ and perceptions of vulnerability to ‘severe’ weather events. This study enhances understandings of difference within populations and adds to the growing body of literature that demonstrates the need to incorporate locally relevant indices when conducting vulnerability assessment.
Anterior cingulate cortical thickness is a stable predictor of recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Dickie E. W. , Brunet A. , Akerib V. , Armony J. L.
Published: June 2012

Background

Decreased cortical thickness in frontal and temporal regions has been observed in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to healthy controls and trauma-exposed participants without PTSD. In addition, individual differences, both functional and structural, in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) have been shown to predict symptom severity reduction. Although there is some evidence suggesting that activity in this region changes as a function of recovery, it remains unknown whether there are any structural correlates of recovery from PTSD.

Method

Thirty participants suffering from moderate to severe PTSD underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan following an initial clinical assessment. A second assessment took place 6–9 months later. In addition, a subgroup of 25 participants completed a second MRI scan at that time. PTSD symptom severity changes over time were regressed against vertex-based cortical thickness.

Results

We found that cortical thickness in the right subgenual ACC (sgACC) predicted symptom improvement. Moreover, cortical thickness within this region of the ACC, measured 6–9 months later (n = 25), was also correlated with the same measure of symptom improvement. By contrast, no relationship was found between change in cortical thickness in this area and current PTSD symptom levels or degree of recovery.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that sgACC thickness may be a stable marker of recovery potential in PTSD.
Cathedrals, symphony orchestras, and iPhones: The cultural basis of modern technology
Authors: Moerman Daniel E.
Published: June 2012

The distinctions drawn by Vaesen are plausible when we are comparing chimpanzees and human beings somewhere between the middle Paleolithic and the Neolithic. But since then new kinds of organization have vastly outstripped these neurological differences to account for the enormous advancement of human technology – from cuneiform to the iPhone – leaving our remarkable evolutionary cousins far behind.
Evidence from convergent evolution and causal reasoning suggests that conclusions on human uniqueness may be premature
Authors: Taylor Alex H. , Clayton Nicola S.
Published: June 2012

We agree with Vaesen that there is evidence for cognitive differences between humans and other primates. However, it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the uniqueness of the cognitive mechanisms underlying human tool use. Tests of causal understanding are in their infancy, as is the study of animals more distantly related to humans.
Human tool behavior is species-specific and remains unique
Authors: Cachel Susan
Published: June 2012

Human tool behavior is species-specific. It remains a diagnostic feature of humans, even when comparisons are made with closely related non-human primates. The archaeological record demonstrates both the deep antiquity of human tool behavior and its fundamental role in distinguishing human behavior from that of non-human primates.
Foresight, function representation, and social intelligence in the great apes
Authors: Osvath Mathias , Persson Tomas , Gärdenfors Peter
Published: June 2012

We find problems with Vaesen's treatment of the primatological research, in particular his analysis of foresight, function representation, and social intelligence. We argue that his criticism of research on foresight in great apes is misguided. His claim that primates do not attach functions to particular objects is also problematic. Finally, his analysis of theory of mind neglects many distinctions.
Research at the Centre for Applied Linguistics, University of Warwick, UK
Authors: Sanchez Hugo Santiago
Published: June 2012

Established in 1983, the Centre for Applied Linguistics (CAL) at the University of Warwick is committed to a wide range of teaching, research and consultancy activities which focus on language use, language analysis, language learning and language teaching. It is also engaged in the development of multimedia, teaching and research materials and in a number of joint projects with national and international institutions. Its activities are supported by a variety of resources: staff and student expertise, facilities, equipment and materials including collections such as the British Academic Spoken English (BASE) and the British Academic Written English (BAWE) and the Warwick ELT Archive.
Professional writing: Description of the writings of social workers in Botswana
Authors: Nkateng Unity , Wharton Sue
Published: June 2012

The main purpose of this study is to identify the professional writing needs of undergraduate students studying social work in the University of Botswana. In order to do this, it seeks to analyse the types of texts produced by social workers in their professional setting, to find out what relationship exists between the writing done by professional social workers and the writing taught in the dedicated English Language Support unit at the University of Botswana, and to explore the similarities and differences between the documents written by the students and those produced by professional social workers. It also examines current approaches to teaching writing in the University, with the aim of identifying the writing needs of social work students and exploring how these can be effectively addressed.
An autoethnographic exploration of my professional experiences as teacher trainer and principal at two international schools in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijayatilake Claire
Published: June 2012

My research represents an application of the method of autoethnography to the field of teacher education. According to one definition, autoethnography is ‘an autobiographical genre of writing and research that displays multiple layers of consciousness connecting the personal to the cultural’ (Ellis & Bochner 2000: 739). It is associated with the growing acceptance of the use of the self in research which is characteristic of the postmodern era (Muncey 2010: xii). One of its advantages is that it allows voices that are normally hidden to be heard, including those which are deviant in some way or differ from the official explanations given for a phenomenon (ibid.: 110). Any situation that involves human beings is complex, and the opportunities offered by autoethnography allow the researcher to engage productively with this complexity.
Plasma source development for the NDCX-I and NDCX-II neutralized drift compression experiments
Authors: Gilson E.P. , Davidson R.C. , Efthimion P.C. , Gleizer J.Z. , Kaganovich I.D. , Krasik Ya.E.
Published: June 2012

Compressed ion beams are being studied as a driver for inertial confinement fusion energy and for the creation of matter in the high-energy-density regime. In order to facilitate compression of a positive ion charge bunch longitudinally and transversely beyond the limit determined by the space-charge field of the bunch, a source of charge-neutralizing electrons must be provided. Plasma sources have been developed for the NDCX-I and NDCX-II experimental facilities, both for the 2-m-long, field-free drift regions, and for the small-diameter interior of the multi-Tesla final focus solenoid. Barium titanate based cylinders with a high dielectric coefficient are used to line the wall of the 2-m-long drift region and by applying a 9 kV pulse between the inner and outer surfaces of the cylinders, plasma with a density in the 1010 cm−3 range is formed. Results are presented from experiments using this plasma source on NDCX-I. A compact plasma source 5.1 cm long and 3.8 cm in diameter, also made using the barium titanate based material, has been developed for use in the bore of the final focus solenoid. Plasma generated near the wall of the plasma source will follow the fringing magnetic field lines of the solenoid and help to fill the bore of the magnet with plasma. Improved designs for the barium titanate plasma sources are being considered that use different inner-surface electrode materials and structures, and also use a modified electrical driver employing a spark gap crowbar switch. In addition, plasma source designs using so-called flashboard technology have been developed. In the flashboard plasma source, high density plasma is formed when the applied high voltage pulse causes a series of breakdowns between isolated copper patches aligned in rows along the surface of the 0.2 mm thick flashboard.
Relativistic channeling of a linearly polarized laser pulse in overdense plasma
Authors: Hur Min Sup , Kim Young-Kuk , Kulagin Victor V. , Suk Hyyong
Published: June 2012

We investigated a dynamic procedure for relativistic channeling by a linearly polarized ultraintense laser pulse in overdense plasma, subsequently determining a phenomenological formula for the channel-digging speed. Channeling of the linearly polarized pulse usually results in a sharp-cut (non-adiabatic) pulse front, since the pulse is continuously reflected on the transparency-opacity interface during the channeling process. Using the novel formula for the channel-digging speed, it was possible to analytically predict where such a sharp-cut occurs longitudinally.
Multivariate statistical analysis of micro-X-ray fluorescence spectral images
Authors: Rodriguez Mark A. , Kotula Paul G. , Griego James J. M. , Heath Jason E. , Bauer Stephen J. , Wesolowski Daniel E.
Published: June 2012

Multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) is applied to the extraction of chemically relevant signals acquired with a micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) mapping (full-spectral imaging) system. The separation of components into individual histograms enables separation of overlapping peaks, which is useful in qualitatively determining the presence of chemical species that have overlapping emission lines, and holds potential for quantitative analysis of constituent phases via these same histograms. The usefulness of MSA for μ-XRF analysis is demonstrated by application to a geological rock core obtained from a subsurface compressed air energy storage (CAES) site. Coupling of the μ-XRF results to those of quantitative powder X-ray diffraction analysis enables improved detection of trace phases present in the geological specimen. The MSA indicates that the spatial distribution of pyrite, a potentially reactive phase by oxidation, has low concentration and thus minimal impact on CAES operations.
Electrolytic phase extraction: a useful technique to evaluate precipitates in nitinol
Authors: Baggerly Roy G.
Published: June 2012

Nitinol is a shape memory alloy based on the inter-atomic compound having a composition of 50  at% each of Ni and Ti, NiTi. The shape memory effect results from a reversible martensitic phase transformation. An increasing solubility range with temperature on the Ni-rich side can produce a precipitation reaction resulting in a slight matrix composition adjustment with appropriate heat treatment. Electrolytic phase extraction (Andrews and Hughes, 1957) is used to evaluate the secondary phases in the alloy and Ti2Ni and TiC are positively identified using powder wide-angle X-ray diffraction procedures. Two samples of an Ni-rich alloy at 57 and 60 at% are also analyzed. These Ni-rich samples show Ti2Ni and an additional phase, Ni3Ti.
Development of X-ray 2D dispersive device for WD-XRF imaging spectrometer
Authors: Ohmori Takashi , Hatayama Masatoshi , Ohchi Tadayuki , Ito Hisashi , Takenaka Hisataka , Tsuji Kouichi
Published: June 2012

Micro-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis provides us with elemental maps that are very useful for understanding the samples under test. Usually, scanning-type elemental mapping is performed. That means a sample stage is scanned to a fixed X-ray microbeam. XRF analysis is performed at the scanned points, leading to 2D elemental mapping. One of the drawbacks of this technique is the long acquisition time depending on the area being mapped and the lateral resolution required. Thus, projection-type elemental mapping has been studied. We have studied the projection type XRF imaging by using a straight polycapillary optic combined with an X-ray CCD camera. To obtain the elemental map, we applied a wavelength dispersive spectrometer (WDS). In this paper, we report a newly developed 2D dispersive device. The construction and analytical performance of this X-ray optic will be explained.
Epidemiological investigation of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Christchurch, New Zealand: the value of spatial methods for practical public health
Authors: WHITE P. S. , GRAHAM F. F. , HARTE D. J. G. , BAKER M. G. , AMBROSE C. D. , HUMPHREY A. R. G.
Published: June 2012

Between April and August 2005 Christchurch, New Zealand experienced an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. There were 19 laboratory-confirmed case including three deaths.Legionella pneumophilaserogroup 1 (Lpsg1) was identified as the causative agent for all cases. A case-control study indicated a geographical association between the cases but no specific common exposures. Rapid spatial epidemiological investigation confirmed the association and identified seven spatially significant case clusters. The clusters were all sourced in the same area and exhibited a clear anisotropic process (noticeable direction) revealing a plume effect consistent with aerosol dispersion from a prevailing southwesterly wind. Four out of five cases tested had indistinguishable allele profiles that also matched environmental isolates from a water cooling tower within the centre of the clusters. This tower was considered the most probable source for these clusters. The conclusion would suggest a maximum dispersal distance in this outbreak of 11·6 km. This work illustrated the value of geostatistical techniques for infectious disease epidemiology and for providing timely information during outbreak investigations.
RATIONAL APPROXIMATIONS TO VALUES OF BELL POLYNOMIALS AT POINTS INVOLVING EULER’S CONSTANT AND ZETA VALUES
Authors: HESSAMI PILEHROOD KH. , HESSAMI PILEHROOD T.
Published: June 2012

In this paper we present new explicit simultaneous rational approximations which converge subexponentially to the values of the Bell polynomials at the points where m=1,2,…,a, a∈ℕ, γ is Euler’s constant and ζ is the Riemann zeta function.
No peace without injustice: Hobbes and Locke on the ethics of peacemaking
Authors: Mayerfeld Jamie
Published: June 2012

Is the demand for justice likelier to cause or to prevent war? Hobbes expresses sympathy for the former view and Locke for the latter. However, they both reason their way toward an intermediate position, symbolized by the impartial judge in Locke's theory and the arbitrator in Hobbes's theory. Peace is possible when we create a process that resolves disputes according to widely intuitive principles of equality and reciprocity. This requires, however, that we refrain from imposing our particular interpretations of justice, and that we tolerate the possibility of unjust outcomes. Hobbes and Locke's reasoning shows us why international institutions are needed to serve as an impartial judge for the resolution of civil and international conflicts. They rebut persistent skepticism about the fitness of international institutions to promote peace and justice. Recent scholarship on ethno-political conflict confirms the wisdom of their analysis.
Reconstructing responsibility and moral agency in world politics
Authors: Hoover Joseph
Published: June 2012

Assigning responsibility is increasingly common in world politics, from the United Nation's assertion that sovereignty entails a ‘responsibility to protect’ to the International Criminal Court's attempts to hold individuals responsible for international crimes. This development is welcome but problematic as the model of moral agency that our contemporary practices of responsibility are based on leads to a number of problematic consequences that impede efforts to make world politics more just. In particular, our contemporary practices of responsibility are excessively focused on the obligations of individual and collective actors, at the expense of enabling conditions, and on holding specific perpetrators accountable, neglecting the need for wider social transformations in response to mass violence and suffering. Alternative understandings of moral agency, which better serve international/global practices of responsibility, are possible and here I defend an understanding of moral agency based on the philosophy of John Dewey. The critical insights and practical possibilities of this alternative understanding of moral agency are explored with reference to international interventions in Sierra Leone and Uganda.
Solvent Exposure and Parkinson's Disease: Co-Twin Control Study/ Twin Research Reports / Human Interest Stories
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: June 2012

Naturally occurring co-twin control designs can assess associations between environmental hazards and disease risk because the genotypes of monozygous twins are the same. The first population-based study to explore links between solvent exposure and Parkinson's disease used 49 discordant monozygous twin pairs, as well as a comparison group of 50 discordant dizygous twin pairs. The methods, findings and implications from this important study are reviewed. Reviews of twin research concerning gender identity disorder, prenatal development and the VATER syndrome follow. A sampling of engaging and informative twin-related news items is also presented.
Pyrite alteration and neoformed magnetic minerals in the fault zone of the Chi‐Chi earthquake (Mw7.6, 1999): Evidence for frictional heating and co‐seismic fluids
Authors: Chou Yu‐Min , Song Sheng‐Rong , Aubourg Charles , Song Yen‐Fang , Boullier Anne‐Marie , Lee Teh‐Quei , Evans Mark , Yeh En‐Chao , Chen Yi‐Ming
Published: June 2012

During an earthquake, physical and chemical transformations lead to alteration and formation of minerals in the gouge layer. Altered and neoformed minerals can be used as tracers of some earthquake processes. In this study, we investigate pyrite and magnetic minerals within the host Chinshui siltstone and the 16‐cm‐thick gouge. This gouge hosts the principal slip zone of Chi‐Chi earthquake (Mw7.6, 1999). In the Chinshui siltstone, pyrite framboids of various sizes and euhedral pyrite are observed. The magnetic mineral assemblage comprises stoichiometric magnetite, greigite, and fine‐grained pyrrhotite. The pyrite content is generally reduced in the gouge compared to the wall rock. The magnetic mineral assemblage in the gouge consists of goethite, pyrrhotite, and partially oxidized magnetite. The pyrrhotite, goethite and some magnetite are neoformed. Pyrrhotite likely formed from high temperature decomposition of pyrite (>500°C) generated during co‐seismic slip of repeated earthquakes. Goethite is inferred to have formed from hot aqueous co‐seismic fluid (>350°C) in association with the 1999 Chi‐Chi event. Elevated fluid temperatures can also explain the partial alteration of magnetite and the retrograde alteration of some pyrrhotite to pyrite. We suggest that characterization of neoformed magnetic minerals can provide important information for studying earthquake slip zones in sediment‐derived fault gouge.
Topography‐based modeling of large rockfalls and application to hazard assessment
Authors: Hergarten S.
Published: June 2012

Rockfalls are among the most important natural hazards in mountainous regions. Similarly to earthquakes and wildfires, their sizes follow a power‐law distribution covering an enormous range of sizes. In this paper, the presumably first modeling approach that explains this power‐law distribution quantitatively is presented. Applied to the European Alps, the Himalayas and the Rocky Mountains, the model suggests that a power‐law exponent of 1.35 with respect to the detached volume is a universal property of rockfalls. Beyond reproducing and explaining existing statistical data, the model allows an estimate on size and frequency of the largest possible rockfalls in a region, which cannot be derived from available rockfall inventories so far.
Correlation between present‐day model simulation of Arctic cloud radiative forcing and sea ice consistent with positive winter convective cloud feedback
Authors: Leibowicz Benjamin D. , Abbot Dorian S. , Emanuel Kerry , Tziperman Eli
Published: June 2012

A positive feedback on winter sea‐ice loss, based on warming due to radiative forcing caused by the onset of convective clouds in response to sea‐ice loss, has recently been proposed. This feedback has thus far been investigated using a hierarchy of climate models in high CO2 scenarios. This paper examines the possibility that such feedback may be active within present‐day like Arctic variability, using model output from two reanalysis models. It is emphasized that Arctic surface fluxes, radiative fluxes and clouds are effectively unconstrained by observations in reanalysis products. Consequently, the results here should be viewed only as a model study of the feedback in present‐day model climate variability. Model winter sea ice and cloud radiative forcing are found to co‐vary strongly and locally, consistent with a strong convective cloud feedback, which may contribute to sea ice variability. Furthermore, the anti‐correlation between the two variables is found to be as strong in the model output analyzed here as in the IPCC global climate models that simulate the convective cloud feedback most strongly at high CO2. In those IPCC models the convective cloud feedback contributes to a total loss of winter sea ice in a CO2 quadrupling scenario. These results do not necessarily prove that this feedback exists in the present‐day Arctic and demonstrating this will require further study using actual Arctic observations.
Impacts of ionospheric scintillations on GPS receivers intended for equatorial aviation applications
Authors: Akala A. O. , Doherty P. H. , Carrano C. S. , Valladares C. E. , Groves K. M.
Published: June 2012

This study examines the impacts of ionospheric scintillations on GPS receivers that are intended for equatorial or transequatorial aviation applications. We analyzed GPS data that were acquired at Ascension Island during the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) campaign of the solar maximum year of 2002. Strong scintillations impacted the receiver‐satellite geometry, leading to poor dilution of precisions and positioning accuracy. In addition, deep signal fades (>20 dB‐Hz), leading to navigation outages were observed during most of the nights of the campaign. Under quiescent conditions, the C/No of satellites fluctuated slowly between 50 dB‐Hz and 35 dB‐Hz baselines for both L1 (1.5754 GHz) and L2 (1.2276 GHz) signals, depending on the satellite's elevation angle. The satellite's elevation angle and the effective scan velocity of the satellite's ionospheric penetration point (IPP) with respect to the magnetic field and plasma drift influenced the rate of fading of satellite signals.
Tankyrase 1 regulates centrosome function by controlling CPAP stability
Authors: Kim Mi Kyung , Dudognon Charles , Smith Susan
Published: June 2012

CPAP—a gene mutated in primary microcephaly—is required for procentriole formation. Here we show that CPAP degradation and function is controlled by the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase tankyrase 1. CPAP is PARsylated by tankyrase 1 in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of tankyrase 1 leads to CPAP proteasomal degradation, preventing centriole duplication, whereas depletion of tankyrase 1 stabilizes CPAP in G1, generating elongated procentrioles and multipolarity. Tankyrase 1 localizes to centrosomes exclusively in G1, coinciding with CPAP degradation. Hence, tankyrase 1‐mediated PARsylation regulates CPAP levels during the cell cycle to limit centriole elongation and ensure normal centrosome function.
On promiscuity, changing environments and the possibility of replaying the molecular tape of life
Authors: Sanchez-Ruiz Jose M.
Published: June 2012

The consequences for organism fitness of mutations in a given protein are often thought to be determined to a significant extent by epistasis, that is, by the fact that the effect of a mutation may be strongly dependent on the previous mutational background. Actually, a given mutation could be deleterious or beneficial depending on the background, a situation known as ‘sign epistasis’. Under pervasive sign epistasis, many mutational trajectories towards a ‘fitter protein’ will show a ‘dip’ in fitness and, it has been previously suggested, only a few trajectories will be available to Darwinian selection. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Zhang et al. explore how this simple picture needs to be modified when two rather general and important features are taken into account, namely that many proteins are promiscuous and that living organisms must survive and thrive in environments that change continuously. The multidimensional nature of epistasis for a protein involved in several tasks, together with the fact that different tasks may become critical for organism survival as environmental conditions change, is shown by Zhang et al. to contribute to eliminating fitness dead-ends in protein sequence space. Consequently, many alternative mutational trajectories should allow protein optimization for enhanced organism fitness under changing environmental conditions.
Cloaked electromagnetic, acoustic, and quantum amplifiers via transformation optics
Authors: Greenleaf Allan , Kurylev Yaroslav , Lassas Matti , Leonhardt Ulf , Uhlmann Gunther
Published: June 2012

The advent of transformation optics and metamaterials has made possible devices producing extreme effects on wave propagation. Here we describe a class of invisible reservoirs and amplifiers for waves, which we refer to asSchrödinger hats. The unifying mathematical principle on which these are based admits such devices for any time harmonic waves modeled by either the Helmholtz or Schrödinger equation, e.g., polarized waves in electromagnetism, acoustical waves and matter waves in quantum mechanics. Schrödinger hats occupy one part of a parameter-space continuum of wave-manipulating structures which also contains standard transformation optics based cloaks, resonant cloaks and cloaked sensors. Possible applications include near-field quantum microscopy.
Observation of a superfluid Hall effect
Authors: LeBlanc Lindsay J. , Jiménez-García Karina , Williams Ross A. , Beeler Matthew C. , Perry Abigail R. , Phillips William D. , Spielman Ian B.
Published: June 2012

Measurement techniques based upon the Hall effect are invaluable tools in condensed-matter physics. When an electric current flows perpendicular to a magnetic field, a Hall voltage develops in the direction transverse to both the current and the field. In semiconductors, this behavior is routinely used to measure the density and charge of the current carriers (electrons in conduction bands or holes in valence bands)—internal properties of the system that are not accessible from measurements of the conventional resistance. For strongly interacting electron systems, whose behavior can be very different from the free electron gas, the Hall effect’s sensitivity to internal properties makes it a powerful tool; indeed, the quantum Hall effects are named after the tool by which they are most distinctly measured instead of the physics from which the phenomena originate. Here we report the first observation of a Hall effect in an ultracold gas of neutral atoms, revealed by measuring a Bose–Einstein condensate’s transport properties perpendicular to a synthetic magnetic field. Our observations in this vortex-free superfluid are in good agreement with hydrodynamic predictions, demonstrating that the system’s global irrotationality influences this superfluid Hall signal.
Exact solutions of a
q
-discrete second Painlevé equation from its iso-monodromy deformation problem. II. Hypergeometric solutions
Authors: Joshi Nalini , Shi Yang
Published: June 2012

This is the second part of our study of the solutions of a
q
-discrete second Painlevé equation (
q
-P
II
) of type (
A
2
+
A
1
)
(1)
via its iso-monodromy deformation problem. In part I, we showed how to use the
q
-discrete linear problem associated with
q
-P
II
to find an infinite sequence of exact rational solutions. In this paper, we study the case giving rise to an infinite sequence of
q
-hypergeometric-type solutions. We find a new determinantal representation of all such solutions and solve the iso-monodromy deformation problem in closed form.
Diel vertical migration of European hake Merluccius merluccius and associated temperature histories: insights from a pilot data‐storage tagging (DST) experiment
Authors: De Pontual H. , Jolivet A. , Bertignac M. , Fablet R.
Published: June 2012

A pioneering experiment of archival tagging of European hake Merluccius merluccius provided evidence of a diel vertical migration pattern which was analysed using an automatic method, developed and validated through time‐frequency analyses. Frequent vertical movements across the thermocline were observed and fish experienced rapid temperature changes >7° C. These tagging–recapture data also suggested a homing behaviour to feeding grounds.
Relationship between the receptor occupancy profile and pleiotropic effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers
Authors: Ando Hitoshi , Ushijima Kentarou , Hosohata Keiko , Saito Tetsuo , Fujimura Akio
Published: June 2012

Aim

To investigate whether (i) angiotensin receptor occupying profiles of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) vary among the drugs and (ii) such differences contribute to the degree of their pleiotropic effects.

Methods

In a randomized, three phase crossover study, nine hypertensive patients received repeated doses (each recommended starting dose for 7 days and then each maximum recommended dose for 20 days) of irbesartan, valsartan and candesartan. The time course profiles and trough level of receptor occupancy were determined on days 7 and 28, respectively. The pleiotropic effect related parameters were measured on days 0 and 28 in each trial.

Results

Of the pleiotropic effect related parameters investigated, urinary 8‐isoprostane, fasting serum insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index were more suppressed after 4 weeks treatment with irbesartan than after candesartan and valsartan therapy, respectively. The maximum, area under the curve and trough values of receptor occupancy significantly differed between the ARBs [geometric mean (and 95% CI) of trough value 18.1 (12.9, 25.3) for irbesartan, 9.6 (6.0, 15.3) for valsartan and 5.5 (2.8, 10.8) for candesartan, respectively] and were negatively correlated with the change in urinary 8‐isoprostane (r = −0.46 − −0.55, P < 0.05), but not the markers of insulin resistance (r = 0.02–0.15, P = 0.46–0.94).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the receptor occupying profiles are different among the ARBs. This class of drugs might have both receptor occupancy dependent and independent pleiotropic effects.