bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactions of aniline in acetic acid solutions containing cyanuric chloride and hydrogen chloride acceptors
Authors: Kolmakov Kirill A
Published: November 2007

Two reaction pathways in acetic acid solution containing cyanuric chloride, aniline, and some hydrogen chloride acceptors (triethylamine, sodium acetate, pyridine) were studied. Both aryl amination and acylation can be performed with high yields under proper reaction conditions. Contrary to the only known literature report on the reactions between carbonic acids and cyanuric chloride in the presence of a hydrogen chloride acceptor (triethylamine), it was established that acid chlorides are not formed. A scheme involving the replacement of chlorine atoms by acetate ion in the initial stage was proposed for the acylation of aniline promoted by cyanuric chloride.Key words: acetic acid, acylation, aniline, cyanuric chloride, aryl amination.
A GENERALIZATION OF SMOOTH CHUA'S EQUATIONS UNDER LAGRANGE STABILITY
Authors: DUAN ZHISHENG , WANG JINZHI , LI RONG , HUANG LIN
Published: November 2007

In this paper, smooth Chua's equation is generalized to a higher order system from a special viewpoint of interconnected systems. Simple conditions for Lagrange stability are established. And a detailed Lagrange stable region analysis is given for the canonical Chua's oscillator. In addition, a new nonlinearly coupled Chua's circuit that appeared in the recent literature is also discussed and a Lagrange stability condition is presented. Several examples are presented to illustrate the results.
ON THE CENTERS OF PLANAR ANALYTIC DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEMS
Authors: GINÉ JAUME
Published: November 2007

In this work we continue the study of the centers which are limits of linear type centers. It is proved that if a degenerate center has an inverse integrating factor V(x, y) with V(0, 0) ≠ 0, then this degenerate center is also the limit of linear type centers. Moreover, we show that the degenerate centers with characteristic directions that are the limits of degenerate centers without characteristic directions are also detectable, from a theoretical point of view, with the Bautin method.
COMPLEX BIFURCATION STRUCTURES IN THE HINDMARSH–ROSE NEURON MODEL
Authors: GONZÀLEZ-MIRANDA J. M.
Published: November 2007

The results of a study of the bifurcation diagram of the Hindmarsh–Rose neuron model in a two-dimensional parameter space are reported. This diagram shows the existence and extent of complex bifurcation structures that might be useful to understand the mechanisms used by the neurons to encode information and give rapid responses to stimulus. Moreover, the information contained in this phase diagram provides a background to develop our understanding of the dynamics of interacting neurons.
EXPONENTIAL STABILITY OF REACTION–DIFFUSION FUZZY RECURRENT NEURAL NETWORKS WITH TIME-VARYING DELAYS
Authors: ZHOU QINGHUA , WAN LI , SUN JIANHUA
Published: November 2007

Exponential stability of reaction–diffusion fuzzy recurrent neural networks (RDFRNNs) with time-varying delays are considered. By using the method of variational parameters, M-matrix properties and inequality technique, some delay-independent or delay-dependent sufficient conditions for guaranteeing the exponential stability of an equilibrium solution are obtained. One example is given to demonstrate the theoretical results.
ROBUST TEMPLATE DECOMPOSITION WITH RESTRICTED WEIGHTS FOR CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS IMPLEMENTING AN ARBITRARY BOOLEAN FUNCTION
Authors: LIN YIH-LON , HSIEH JER-GUANG , JENG JYH-HORNG
Published: November 2007

In this paper, a general problem of the robust template decomposition with restricted weights for cellular neural networks (CNNs) implementing an arbitrary Boolean function is investigated. First, the geometric margin of a linear classifier with respect to a training data set is used to define the robustness of an uncoupled CNN implementing a linearly separable Boolean function. Second, maximal margin classifiers, i.e. robust CNNs, for such Boolean functions can be designed via support vector machines (SVMs). Third, some general properties of robust CNNs with or without restricted weights are discussed. Moreover, all robust CNNs with restricted weights are characterized. Finally, for an arbitrarily given Boolean function, we propose an algorithm, which is the generalized version of the well-known CFC algorithm, to find a sequence of robust uncoupled CNNs implementing the given Boolean function. Several illustrative examples demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method. It will be seen that, in general, the tradeoff between the complexity regarding the number of terms in the decomposition and the guaranteed robustness regarding the geometric margins of the resulting CNNs must be made in the robust template decomposition with restricted weights.
MEAN VALUE EXPONENTIAL STABILITY OF STOCHASTIC REACTION–DIFFUSION GENERALIZED COHEN–GROSSBERG NEURAL NETWORKS WITH TIME-VARYING DELAY
Authors: WAN LI , ZHOU QINGHUA , SUN JIANHUA
Published: November 2007

Stochastic effects on the stability property of reaction–diffusion generalized Cohen–Grossberg neural networks (GDCGNNs) with time-varying delay are considered. By skillfully constructing suitable Lyapunov functionals and employing the method of variational parameters, inequality technique and stochastic analysis, the delay independent and easily verifiable sufficient conditions to guarantee the mean-value exponential stability of an equilibrium solution associated with temporally uniform external inputs to the networks are obtained. One example is given to illustrate the theoretical results.
CHAOTIC BEATS IN A NONAUTONOMOUS SYSTEM GOVERNING SECOND-HARMONIC GENERATION OF LIGHT
Authors: ŚLIWA I. , SZLACHETKA P. , GRYGIEL K.
Published: November 2007

This letter proposes a procedure for generation and control of chaotic beats in a dynamical system that is initially in the periodic state. The dynamical system describes a simple nonlinear optical process — second-harmonic generation of light. The periodic states of the system are found to be in analytical forms. We also investigate some aspects of synchronization of chaotic beats in two systems, detuned in the pump fields.
FORMAL SOLUTIONS OF THE CVITANOVIC–FEIGENBAUM EQUATION
Authors: BARBARO G.
Published: November 2007

The so-called renormalization group equation or Cvitanovic–Feigenbaum (CF) equation arises in the universal scaling theory of iterated maps. In this Letter, a set of formal analytic solutions of this equation is obtained by assuming that the solutions have a particular functional form.
DETECTION OF MOVING OBJECT USING REMAINED BACKGROUND UNDER MOVING CAMERA
Authors: KIM TAEHO , JO KANG-HYUN
Published: November 2007

A background is a part that does not vary too much or change frequently in an image sequence. Using this assumption, an algorithm of reconstructing remained background and detecting moving objects for static and also moving camera is presented. For generating background, we detect regions that have high correlation coefficient compared within prior pyramid images from the current image. These detected regions are used for two process. First, we calculate the temporal displacement vector of each detected regions and classify clusters of pixel intensity based on camera movement. Second, we calculate temporally principal displacement vector using histogram of displacement vectors. Temporally principal displacement vector indicates camera movement. Finally we eliminate clusters which have lower weight than threshold, and combine remained clusters for each pixel to generate multiple background clusters. Experimental results show that remained background model and detected moving object under camera moving.
DISEASES DETECTION IN WIRELESS CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY IMAGES WITH COLOR FEATURE
Authors: LI BAOPU , MENG MAX Q.-H.
Published: November 2007

Due to a few great advantages such as viewing the entire small intestine with almost non-invasiveness and no sedation over traditional endoscopies and other imaging techniques for gastrointestinal tract diseases, the wireless capsule endoscopy invented by Given Imaging has found its gradually wide applications in hospitals. However, one major issue concerning this new technology is that too many images to be examined by naked eyes cause a huge burden to physicians, so it is very necessary to ease the physician if we can do diseases detection using computerized methods. In this paper, we develop a new method by making use of color feature, also a very important clue for diagnosis by physicians, to discriminate between normal region and abnormal region. Exploiting the color histogram of the image, we can get the distribution of the color in the image. Then we use the minimum distance classifier to judge the status of the regions. Experimental results on our present data prove promising performance of the proposed scheme in detecting bleeding and ulcers.
ADAPTIVE SENSING SCHEDULE MECHANISM CONSIDERING NEIGHBOR NODE IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK
Authors: LEE JEONG-AH , LEE DONG-WOOK , KIM JAI-HOON , CHO WE-DUKE , PAJAK JAN
Published: November 2007

There are many schemes to increase energy efficiency in wireless sensor network as energy is a precious resource. We focus on improving energy efficiency in sensing module while most of the previous works focus on the energy saving in communication module. When a sensor network continuously senses wide area, energy consumption is needed largely in the sensing module. We consider a change rate of sensed data and adjust sensing period to reduce energy consumption while minimizing average delay between change of field and detection. Additionally, cooperation among neighbor nodes is essential to reduce energy consumption and the delay. Our dynamic sensing algorithm reduces the energy consumption and delay between change of field and detection. Our scheme controls sensing cycle based on change of sensing data and information of neighbor nodes such as sensing cycle and number of cooperative nodes. It improves energy efficiency up to 90% comparing with the static sensing method, and reduces the delay up to 84% comparing to the previous works.
APPLICATION OF RELEVANCE VECTOR MACHINE IN SEISMIC ATTENUATION PREDICTION
Authors: SAMUI PIJUSH
Published: November 2007

The recently introduced relevance vector machine (RVM) technique is applied to predict seismic attenuation based on rock properties. The RVM provides much sparser regressors without compromising performance, and kernel bases give a small but worthwhile improvement in performance. It evades complexity by producing models that have structure and as a result parameterization process that is appropriate to the information content of the data. Sensitivity analysis has been also performed to investigate the importance of each of the input parameters. The results show that RVM approach has the potential to be a practical tool for determination of seismic attenuation.
USE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR GEOSEISMIC HAZARDS
Authors: NIKOLAOU SISSY
Published: November 2007

This paper presents integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) developed to perform seismic hazard and risk assessment. The systems can perform complex interactive computations which would be difficult and time-consuming to carry out manually, such as: (i) deterministic and probabilistic earthquake hazard analysis; (ii) evaluation of different ground motion and seismic source models; (iii) assessment of the effect of local geology; (iv) generation of design-compatible time histories; and (v) damage assessment of spatially distributed structural systems. An application for the New York City metropolitan area demonstrates that despite the scarcity of recorded data, incomplete knowledge of seismic wave propagation characteristics, and sometimes insufficient geologic data, it is possible to arrive at a rational estimate of the seismic risk potential in a probabilistic manner, combining available information and uncertainties in the GIS environment.
ROCKING OF LARGE BRIDGE CAISSONS DUE TO SEISMIC EXCITATION
Authors: SHAMA AYMAN A.
Published: November 2007

Caisson foundations are massive structures that respond to seismic loads in a primarily rocking mode. This paper presents a case study on an existing bridge caisson where the capacity spectrum approach was used to evaluate the performance for a specific seismic event. The deformation capacity curve was evaluated from nonlinear static pushover of a three dimensional finite element model of the caisson embedded in the surrounding soil. The model included interface elements to capture gapping, sliding, and rocking of the caisson during the analysis. The nonlinear behavior of the soil was represented by a cap plasticity model, which is based on the well known Drucker–Prager yield condition and a non-associated flow rule. Alternatively, a theoretical approach was developed, using basic principles of structural mechanics and the half-space theory, to determine the capacity curve. Results of nonlinear static pushover methods compared favorably to nonlinear time history analyses.
Perception-based contrast enhancement of images
Authors: Majumder Aditi , Irani Sandy
Published: November 2007

Study of contrast sensitivity of the human eye shows that our suprathreshold contrast sensitivity follows the Weber Law and, hence, increases proportionally with the increase in the mean local luminance. In this paper, we effectively apply this fact to design a contrast-enhancement method for images that improves the local image contrast by controlling the local image gradient with a single parameter. Unlike previous methods, we achieve this without explicit segmentation of the image, either in the spatial (multiscale) or frequency (multiresolution) domain. We pose the contrast enhancement as an optimization problem that maximizes the average local contrast of an image strictly constrained by a perceptual constraint derived directly from the Weber Law. We then propose a greedy heuristic, controlled by a single parameter, to approximate this optimization problem.
Minimizing weighted flow time
Authors: Bansal Nikhil , Dhamdhere Kedar
Published: November 2007

We consider the problem of minimizing the total weighted flow time on a single machine with preemptions. We give an online algorithm that is
O
(
k
)-competitive for
k
weight classes. This implies an
O
(log
W
)-competitive algorithm, where
W
is the maximum to minimum ratio of weights. This algorithm also implies an
O
(log
n
+ log
P
)-approximation ratio for the problem, where
P
is the ratio of the maximum to minimum job size and
n
is the number of jobs. We also consider the nonclairvoyant setting where the size of a job is unknown upon its arrival and becomes known to the scheduler only when the job meets its service requirement. We consider the resource augmentation model, and give a (1 + ε)-speed, (1 +1/ε)-competitive online algorithm.
The
k
-traveling repairmen problem
Authors: Fakcharoenphol Jittat , Harrelson Chris , Rao Satish
Published: November 2007

We consider the
k
-traveling repairmen problem, also known as the minimum latency problem, to multiple repairmen. We give a polynomial-time 8.497α-approximation algorithm for this generalization, where α denotes the best achievable approximation factor for the problem of finding the least-cost rooted tree spanning
i
vertices of a metric. For the latter problem, a (2 + ε)-approximation is known. Our results can be compared with the best-known approximation algorithm using similar techniques for the case
k
= 1, which is 3.59α. Moreover, recent work of Chaudry et al. [2003] shows how to remove the factor of α, thus improving all of these results by that factor. We are aware of no previous work on the approximability of the present problem. In addition, we give a simple proof of the 3.59α-approximation result that can be more easily extended to the case of multiple repairmen, and may be of independent interest.
Evaluating area and performance of hybrid FPGAs with nanoscale clusters and CMOS routing
Authors: Rad Reza M.P. , Tehranipoor Mohammad
Published: November 2007

Advances in fabrication technology of nanoscale devices such as nanowires, carbon nanotubes and molecular switches provide new opportunities for implementing cluster-based FPGAs. Extensive research is needed to evaluate area and performance of FPGAs made from these devices and compare with their CMOS counterparts. In this work, we propose a hybrid FPGA that uses nanoscale clusters with a functionality similar to the clusters of traditional CMOS FPGAs. The proposed cluster is constructed by a crossbar of nanowires and can be configured to implement the required LUTs and intracluster MUXes. A CMOS interface is also proposed to provide configuration and memory elements for the nanoscale cluster. In the proposed architecture, inter-cluster routing remains at CMOS scale. We have developed models for area and delay of clusters and interconnects of the proposed hybrid FPGA. FPGA tools are configured with these models and used to synthesize and configure the benchmark circuits onto the hybrid FPGAs with NiSi nanowires or nanotubes. Experiments are conducted to evaluate and compare area and performance of the hybrid FPGA and traditional CMOS FPGA (scaled to 22nm). Up to 82% area reduction was obtained from implementing MCNC benchmarks on the hybrid FPGA. Performance of the hybrid FPGA is shown to be close to that of CMOS FPGA.
Performance modeling of location tracking systems
Authors: Lin Yi-Bing , Lin Phone
Published: November 2007

A location system utilizes sensors to track the locations of mobile users with badges. A badge periodically transmits location messages to the sensor in the room. Based on a location message, the system updates or re-confirms the position of the badge. A major performance issue of the location system is the determination of the frequency that a badge transmits the location messages (or the registration message).

In this paper, we propose an analytic model to study this performance issue. Our study indicates that in many cases, by decreasing the registration frequency (and consequently saving battery power), the location system may still maintain low lost-call probability. We also observe an interesting phenomenon that if the user movement pattern is highly irregular, the opportunity of losing a call becomes smaller.
Mobile Ad Hoc networking and the IETF
Authors: Macker Joseph P. , Corson M. Scott
Published: November 2007

This article provides a snapshot of work underway within the Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANET) Working Group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The article summarizes the proceedings of the last MANET WG meeting, presents some issues currently under discussion on the MANET mailing list
(manet@itd.nrl.navy.mil)
, and gives some rationale behind the architectural design approach being promoted within the group.
The ATM Forum
Authors: Rajagopalan Bala
Published: November 2007

In the February meeting in Los Angeles, the WATM working group was embroiled in a rather unproductive debate on the signaling mechanisms for handover at the network edge, i.e., between the mobile terminal and the edge switch. The debate was in determining the role of radio layer signaling in accomplishing handover of ATM connections. Some participants actually suggested eliminating any ATM layer signaling related to handover at the UNI, based on rather poorly conceived notions of efficiency. These arguments essentially blocked progress in consolidating the partially developed ATM handover signaling model in the baseline specifications. Thus, little progress was made in the February meeting in advancing the Release 1.0 specifications.
The impact of software radio on wireless networking
Authors: Bose Vanu G.
Published: November 2007

A software radio is a wireless communications device in which some or all of the physical layer functions are implemented in software. The flexibility provided by the software implementation enables a single device to interoperate with other devices using different wireless physical layer technologies, by simply invoking the appropriate software. A mobile computing device equipped with a software radio would have access to a wide range of connectivity options including cellular, wireless LAN and satellite systems. This would not only enable seamless anytime, anywhere connectivity, but also provide users the flexibility of choosing from the available connectivity options to best suit their price/performance requirements.

Most software radio research to date has been driven by military and commercial cellular applications. Mobile networking applications require additional functionality present new software radio design constraints. This paper reviews existing software radio research, describes the SpectrumWare software radio system and identifies some important research challenges that must be addressed in order to apply software radio research to mobile networking applications.
Tracing variations in software product families
Authors: Mohan Kannan , Ramesh Balasubramaniam
Published: November 2007

When one size doesn't fit all, what type of knowledge best helps manage variability in product family engineering?
Self-organization in manufacturing operations
Authors: Schild Klaus , Bussmann Stefan
Published: November 2007

Giving workpieces an active role in searching for processing steps by available machines in a manufacturing system.
Fix IT-business relationships through better decision rights
Authors: Grover Varun , Henry Raymond M. , Thatcher Jason B.
Published: November 2007

"The perils of screwing up (with technology) are greater every year, making the stakes for effective communication even higher."---Stan Lepeak, VP of technology research services at MetaGroup.
Simultaneous deletion of ghrelin and its receptor increases motor activity and energy expenditure
Authors: Pfluger Paul T. , Kirchner Henriette , Günnel Susanne , Schrott Brigitte , Perez-Tilve Diego , Fu Sheng , Benoit Stephen C. , Horvath Tamas , Joost Hans-Georg , Wortley Katherine E. , Sleeman Mark W. , Tschöp Matthias H.
Published: November 2007

Administration of chemically synthesized ghrelin (Ghr) peptide has been shown to increase food intake and body adiposity in most species. However, the biological role of endogenous Ghr in the molecular control of energy metabolism is far less understood. Mice deficient for either Ghr or its receptor (the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R1a) seem to exhibit enhanced protection against high-fat diet-induced obesity but do not show a substantial metabolic phenotype on a standard diet. Here we present the first mouse mutant lacking both Ghr and the Ghr receptor. We demonstrate that simultaneous genetic disruption of both genes of the Ghr system leads to an enhanced energy metabolism phenotype. Ghr/Ghr receptor double knockout (dKO) mice exhibit decreased body weight, increased energy expenditure, and increased motor activity on a standard diet without exposure to a high caloric environment. Mice on the same genetic background lacking either the Ghr or the Ghr receptor gene did not exhibit such a phenotype on standard chow, thereby confirming earlier reports. No differences in food intake, meal pattern, or lean mass were observed between dKO, Ghr-deficient, Ghr receptor-deficient, and wild-type (WT) control mice. Only dKO showed a slight decrease in body length. In summary, simultaneous deletion of Ghr and its receptor enhances the metabolic phenotype of single gene-deficient mice compared with WT mice, possibly suggesting the existence of additional, as of yet unknown, molecular components of the endogenous Ghr system.
Peripheral changes above and below injury level lead to prolonged vascular responses following high spinal cord injury
Authors: Laird A. S. , Finch A. M. , Waite P. M. E. , Carrive P.
Published: November 2007

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a debilitating disorder producing episodes of extreme hypertension in patients with high-level spinal cord injury (SCI). Factors leading to AD include loss of vasomotor baroreflex control to regions below injury level, changes in spinal circuitry, and peripheral changes. The present study tested for peripheral changes below and above injury level 6 wk after a transection at the fourth thoracic spinal level. Changes in vascular conductance were recorded in the femoral, renal, brachial, and carotid arteries in response to intravenous injections of two α-adrenergic agonists, phenylephrine (PE; 0.03–100 μg/kg) and methoxamine (Meth; 1–300 μg/kg). Unlike PE, Meth is not subject to neuronal reuptake. Ganglionic blockade (0.6 mg/kg chlorisondamine) was used to eliminate the central component of the cardiovascular response. After ganglionic blockade, SCI animals exhibited prolonged vasoconstriction in response to PE in all blood vessels measured compared with those in intact animals (all, P < 0.035). However, the PE dose-response curves obtained after ganglionic blockade revealed no significant difference in the potency between the two groups (all, P > 0.06), indicating that the prolonged vasoconstriction was not due to supersensitivity to PE. In contrast to PE, vascular responses to Meth did not vary between intact and SCI groups (all P > 0.108). These results show the development of a widespread peripheral change producing prolonged vasoconstriction in response to PE, but not Meth, possibly due to reduced neuronal reuptake of PE after SCI. This is the first study to report such a change in blood vessels not only below but also above injury level. Interventions to correct this reduced reuptake may help limit the development of AD.
Slc26a6 (PAT1) Deletion Downregulates the Apical Na+/H+ Exchanger in the Straight Segment of the Proximal Tubule
Authors: Petrovic Snezana , Barone Sharon , Wang Zhaohui , McDonough Alicia A. , Amlal Hassane , Soleimani Manoocher
Published: November 2007

Background/Aim: Slc26a6 (PAT1, CFEX) is a major chloride/base exchanger located on the apical membrane of the kidney proximal tubule. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of Slc26a6 deletion on the apical Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) in the straight segment (S3) of the proximal tubule, which is the major site for the reabsorption of filtered chloride in the kidney. Methods: The proximal tubule S3 segment was perfused and the intracellular pH and apical Na+/H+ exchanger activity and expression were measured. Results: In the proximal tubule straight segments that were microperfused in vitro, baseline intracellular pH, measured by BCPCF-AM, was 7.10 ± 0.02 in Slc26a6–/– and 7.33 ± 0.02 in Slc26a6+/+ animals, a significant reduction in Slc26a6 mutant mice (p < 0.00001). The activity of the apical Na+/H+ exchanger was 0.49 ± 0.02 pH units/min in Slc26a6+/+ and 0.26 ± 0.03 pH units/min in Slc26a6–/– animals, a significant reduction in Slc26a6–/– mice (p < 0.0001). Formate-induced intracellular alkalinization, which is mediated via NHE3, was significantly blunted in Slc26a6–/– animals, with an alkalinization magnitude of 0.16 pH unit in Slc26a6–/– versus 0.37 in Slc26a6+/+ animals (p < 0.00001, n = 5 separate animals). Angiotensin II stimulation of NHE3 activity was intact in Slc26a6–/– animals. Buffering capacity was comparable in Slc26a6+/+ and Slc26a6–/– mice. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescent labeling demonstrated comparable NHE3 abundance and distribution in kidney proximal tubules of Slc26a6+/+ and Slc26a6–/– mice. Conclusion: In conclusion, Slc26a6 deletion downregulates the apical Na+/H+ exchanger activity in the straight segment of the proximal tubule. The absence of a significant renal sodium loss in Slc26a6-null mice, despite NHE3 downregulation in the in vitro perfused tubules, points to possible activation of signaling pathways that can stimulate the apical Na+/H+ exchanger in vivo.
CXCR3 Antagonist NBI-74330 Attenuates Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation in LDL Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: van Wanrooij Eva J.A. , de Jager Saskia C.A. , van Es Thomas , de Vos Paula , Birch Helen L. , Owen David A. , Watson Robbert J. , Biessen Erik A.L. , Chapman Gayle A. , van Berkel Theo J.C. , Kuiper Johan
Published: November 2007

Objective—

The chemokine receptor CXCR3 is implicated in migration of leukocytes to sites of inflammation. Antagonizing CXCR3 may be a strategy to inhibit inflammation-induced leukocyte migration and subsequently reduce atherosclerosis. We used the CXCR3 specific antagonist NBI-74330 to block CXCR3-mediated signaling in peritonitis and diet-induced atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Antagonizing CXCR3 with NBI-74330 resulted in a significant reduction in CD4
+
T cell and macrophage migration to the peritoneal cavity, which was as shown in
ex vivo
migration studies totally CXCR3 dependent. Atherosclerotic lesion formation in the aortic valve leaflet area and the entire aorta was significantly inhibited in NBI-74330 treated mice. Lymph nodes draining from the aortic arch were significantly smaller in treated mice and were enriched in regulatory T cells and contained fewer activated T cells, whereas the markers for regulatory T cells within the lesion were enhanced after NBI-74330 treatment.

Conclusion—

This study shows for the first time that treatment with a CXCR3 antagonist results in attenuating atherosclerotic lesion formation by blocking direct migration of CXCR3
+
effector cells from the circulation into the atherosclerotic plaque and by beneficially modulating the inflammatory response in the lesion and the lymph nodes draining from the atherosclerotic lesion.
Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer (CD147) Is a Novel Receptor on Platelets, Activates Platelets, and Augments Nuclear Factor κB–Dependent Inflammation in Monocytes
Authors: Schmidt Roland , Bültmann Andreas , Fischel Sina , Gillitzer Angelika , Cullen Paul , Walch Axel , Jost Philipp , Ungerer Martin , Tolley Neal D. , Lindemann Stephan , Gawaz Meinrad , Schömig Albert , May Andreas E.
Published: November 2007

In atherosclerosis, circulating platelets interact with endothelial cells and monocytes, leading to cell activation and enhanced recruitment of leukocytes into the vascular wall. The invasion of monocytes is accompanied by overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are thought to promote atherosclerosis and trigger plaque rupture. Following interaction with itself, the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) induces MMP synthesis via a little-known intracellular pathway. Recently, we showed upregulation of EMMPRIN on monocytes during acute myocardial infarction. EMMPRIN also stimulates secretion of MMP-9 by monocytes and of MMP-2 by smooth muscle cells, indicating that it may be an important regulator of MMP activity. Expression of EMMPRIN on platelets has not been described until now. Here, we demonstrate that resting platelets show low surface expression of EMMPRIN, which is upregulated by various platelet stimulators (flow cytometry). EMMPRIN is located in the open canalicular system and in α granules of platelets (according to electron microscopy and sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation). Platelet stimulation with recombinant EMMPRIN-Fc induced surface expression of CD40L and P-selectin (according to flow cytometry), suggesting that EMMPRIN-EMMPRIN interaction activates platelets. Coincubation of platelets with monocytes induced EMMPRIN-mediated nuclear factor κB activation (according to Western blot) in monocytes with increased MMP-9 (zymography), interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α secretion (according to ELISA) by monocytes. In conclusion, EMMPRIN displays a new platelet receptor that is upregulated on activated platelets. Binding of EMMPRIN to platelets fosters platelet degranulation. Platelet–monocyte interactions via EMMPRIN stimulate nuclear factor κB–driven inflammatory pathways in monocytes, such as MMP and cytokine induction. Thus, EMMPRIN may represent a novel target to diminish the burden of protease activity and inflammation in atherosclerosis.
Prevalence and Clinicoepidemiological Features of Moyamoya Disease in Japan
Authors: Kuriyama Shinichi , Kusaka Yasuko , Fujimura Miki , Wakai Kenji , Tamakoshi Akiko , Hashimoto Shuji , Tsuji Ichiro , Inaba Yutaka , Yoshimoto Takashi
Published: November 2007

Background and Purpose—

The objectives of the present study were to estimate an annual number of patients with moyamoya disease in Japan and to describe the clinicoepidemiological features of the disease.

Methods—

The study consisted of 2 questionnaire surveys, which were distributed to randomly selected departments of neurosurgery, internal medicine, neurology, cerebrovascular medicine, and pediatrics in hospitals throughout Japan. The first survey inquired about the number of the patients treated in 2003, and the second requested additional detailed clinicoepidemiological information about each patient identified in the first survey.

Results—

In 2003, the total number of patients treated in Japan was estimated at 7700 (95% confidence interval, 6300 to 9300). Sex ratio (women to men) of the patients was 1.8. For men, the peak of moyamoya disease was observed in patients aged 10 to 14 years and for women aged 20 to 24 years. Annual rate of newly diagnosed cases in 2003 was 0.54 per 100 000 population. Family history of moyamoya disease was found in 12.1% of the patients. The majority (77.9%) were treated as outpatients.

Conclusions—

Although the clinicoepidemiological features of the patients in the present study were almost similar to those obtained in previous ones, the estimated prevalence of moyamoya disease in Japan has almost doubled during the recent decade (3900 in 1994 and 7700 in 2003). The increase could partly be explained by the increase in newly diagnosed cases (0.35 in 1994 and 0.54 in 2003 per 100 000 population).
The First Shāfiī: The Traditionalist Legal Thought of Abū Ya qūb al-Buwaytī (d. 231/846)
Authors: El Shamsy Ahmed
Published: November 2007

Abū Ya qūb al-Buwaytī, the first successor of Muhammad b. Idrīs al-Shāfiī, made an important but hitherto unappreciated contribution to the formation of the Shāfiī school of law and the convergence of the rival legal approaches of the traditionalists (ahl al- hadīth) and the rationalists (ahl al-ra'y) over the course of the 3d/9th century. An analysis of the content and transmission history of al-Buwaytī's recently discovered Mukhtasar, the earliest work of secondary Shāfiī scholarship, demonstrates that (1) the particular interpretation of al-Shāfiī's teaching developed and transmitted by al-Buwaytī was marked by a characteristically traditionalist emphasis on hadith; (2) al-Buwaytī's Shāfiīsm was ultimately methodological in nature, rooted in al-Shāfiī's legal hermeneutic and the central "hadith principle"; and (3) al-Buwaytī's hadith-oriented approach found its most enthusiastic audience among the ahl al-hadīth, to whom it offered a way of engaging in juristic reasoning (ra'y ) while maintaining the supremacy of hadith.
Merchants in Safavid Iran: Participants and Perceptions
Authors: Matthee Rudi
Published: November 2007

When dealing with the domestic merchants of Safavid Iran, modern scholarship has largely confined itself to Armenians. But Armenians were by no means the only indigenous traders to engage in commercial and financial transactions. This article looks at Armenians along with the other merchant groups active in Iran's domestic trade-Jews, Banians, and Muslims-from three different angles. Part one, an overview of the types of activities these groups were involved in, finds that, while Jews acted as bankers, they also were active in the long-distance commodity trade. Muslims played a crucial role in the transportation business, but also provided credit to foreign merchants operating in Iran. Part two discusses a topic that has received a great deal of attention in Mughal studies, but that remains neglected in the Safavid context: the position of merchants in society, in particular their relationship with the state. Were merchants an integral part of the state, or did they operate as an autonomous class whose interests differed from those of the political elite? Part three probes this issue further by examining how the state perceived merchants and the group consciousness of merchants themselves. The Safavid state had an eye for trade and its benefits, but there was no fundamental convergence of interests between politics and trade. Merchants, in turn, achieved high levels of status and wealth, yet were not holders of power. Though vulnerable to oppression by local officials, they often offered stiff resistance to those who contravened them.
Multiethnicity in Muscovy: a Consideration of Christian and Muslim Tatars in the 1550s-1580s
Authors: Martin Janet
Published: November 2007

As persistent territorial expansion transformed the predominantly Slavic, Orthodox Christian Muscovite state into a multiethnic empire by the mid-16th century, the Church articulated an ideology that set adoption of the Orthodox faith as the fundamental criterion for admission and assimilation into Muscovite society. An examination of Tatars in Muscovite service during the 1550s-1580s, however, reveals that in practice religious affiliation was not the sole factor determining acceptance into Muscovite society. Orthodox Christian Tatars, both members of the Chingissid elite and common servicemen, entered Muscovite society, but their ethnic Tatar identity continued to distinguish them from their Muscovite peers and inhibit their complete assimilation. Muslim Tatars, also represented at both elite and common levels, were not excluded from Muscovite society, but also found positions in it and were treated in a manner similar to that of their Orthodox brethren.
Active Dead or Alive: Some Kenyan Views About the Agency of Luo and Luyia Women Pre- and Post-Mortem
Authors: Schwartz Nancy
Published: November 2007

Paying attention to burial disputes can help us to understand better matters relating to gender, kinship, community, agency, and power. Since Luo and Luyia believe that life after death is a significant part of a person's life, paying attention to 'the hold death has' upon people is important, as are the writing of 'life-and-death histories.' The paper presents three cases, one involving a Luyia woman and two involving Luo women in which the women involved have, in the views of community members, shown the ability to manipulate kinship structures and strictures pre- and post-mortem. The paper seeks to challenge views that have depicted women in western Kenya as passive pawns of a particularly patriarchal form of patriliny. The paper discusses the effect religion has on views about death and burial, and examines the influence of indigenous religion, Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Legio Maria on these cases.
Christian Base Communities in Burkina Faso: Between Church and Politics
Authors: Somé Magloire , Bennett Cecily
Published: November 2007

During the last decade, Christian Base Communities (Communautés chrétiennes de base, CCBs), which first emerged in Burkina Faso (then Upper Volta) in 1970, have played an important part in the strategy for pastoral work and evangelisation of the Catholic Church's hierarchy in that country. The article examines the origins and development of the CCBs, their relationship with Burkina Faso's political, educational and social structures, the contribution they could make to a renewed and distinctively African Church. It concludes that, largely because of a lack of autonomy, they have not yet achieved their aims either within the Church or in the promotion of democracy, though these remain real possibilities.
Christiana Dicnitas: New Christian Criteria for Citizenship in the Late Roman Empire1
Authors: Lo Nero Carolina
Published: November 2007

The following article focuses on the influence of Christian thought on imperial Roman law towards non-Christian subjects. In particular Theodosian and Justinian Codes show a certain discrimination based on status regarding Jews, heretics, and apostates. Under the influence of Christianity a new system of values was attributed to classical legal terms. This process also involved the concept of citizen, and inequalities of prestige were associated with people's religious creeds. What in Roman law was previously understood as civis was now transferred to the Christianus civis.
Contrapuntal Composition in a Muwashshah Family, or Variations On a Panegyric Theme'
Authors: Elinson Alexander Eben
Published: November 2007

The unique structural qualities of the Andalusi strophic poem (muwashshah or zajal) lent itself to a type of poetic interaction called muārada, commonly translated as "literary imitation." By composing within the parameters of an already established metrical, rhythmic, and melodic scheme, as well as sometimes sharing the final lines of the poem (the kharja), poets opened up a dialogue with their audience, and/or their fellow poets. However, these "imitations" were more than simplistic copies of of one another composed for virtuosic show. When executed well, a muārada provided a variation, praise, parody, response, or combination of these, of the original work, which would not be lost on the audience familiar with the form. In this paper, I will examine three strophic pocms that share a common kharja, in addition to elements of thematic development, rhyme scheme, and metrical patterns. In our set, we have what appears to be three panegyrics -a muwashshah composed in classical Arabic, a muwashshah-like zajal in Andalusī colloquial Arabic, and a muwashshah in Hebrew. Through a close reading of the poems, I will show that despite their shared features and surface similarities, they are, in fact, quite distinct in language, tone, and purpose, thus calling into question their generic designation as panegyric poems.
Coping with an Uncertain Future: Religiosity and Millenarianism
Authors: Zwingmann Christian , Murken Sebastian
Published: November 2007

In a variety of ways, religiosity can help maintain or restore one's future capacity to act. Broadening the coping perspective for the psychology of religion (Pargament, 1997) seems to be an adequate theoretical framework for a differentiated analysis of who uses religiosity at what point, in what manner, and with which kind of outcomes in the process of coping with the future. We will introduce this approach and summarize the empirical results that are available up to now. Subsequently, we will be occupied with religious cognitions about the future in a narrower sense: with the so-called millenarian or chiliastic ideas of some religious communities about the imminent end of this world. First, we will work out the specific criteria of such cognitions. Based on the approach of religious coping we will then examine whether millenarianism can be helpful in coping with the future. Our functional analysis proposes that central elements of chiliastic ideas serve to convince the believer that his life has meaning and purpose despite the obvious suffering and evil in the world. However, specific difficulties and risks are intertwined with chiliastic forms of coping with the future, namely: the derogation of this world, the problems arising from a prediction of explicit dates for the end of the world, and the connection between millenarianism and violence.
Violated and Desecrated
Authors: Ganzevoort R. Ruard
Published: November 2007

The impact of sexual abuse on religious functioning is an underresearched area, notably with male victims. We are in need of comprehensive theories and sound research. Based on research by the author on religious coping and the religious dynamics in male survivors, this article outlines parts of a narrative theory, provides a case study, and concludes with implications for research on religious coping with sexual abuse. It is claimed that research should take into account the effect of sexual abuse on religious constructions and the plurivocal nature of the personal narratives.
Religious Resources of Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Pieper J.Z.T.
Published: November 2007

In this paper some results of a study among psychiatric patients in a large mental hospital in the Netherlands are presented. We focus on the following issues:

– the religious and spiritual beliefs and activities of the inpatients;

– both the positive and the negative influence of their religion and their religious coping on their mental problems as well as on their existential well-being.

The results are discussed briefly within the theoretical notions of religious coping, adressing the positive influence especially of religious beliefs, relying on God and religious social support in psychological and existential times of crisis.
Oser/Gmünder's Developmental Theory of Religious Judgement: Status and Outlook
Authors: Schenker Dominik , Reich K. Helmut
Published: November 2007

The first publication of “Stages of Religious Judgement” (RJ) dates back two decades (Oser, 1980). This, then, is an appropriate time to review major milestones reached since, and to attempt a look into the future. The reception of Oser's writings on psychology of religion and religious education in the English, French, and German literature was reported previously (Bucher & Reich, 1999). We assume here that RJ theory is familiar (Oser & Gmünder, [1984], 1991; updated summary in Oser & Reich, 1996). The present three parts are: A. Empirical studies, B. Cognitive development and religious stages, and C. Conclusions.
Theodicy Models, Religious Coping Strategies, Self-Image and Post Critical Belief
Authors: Hutsebaut Dirk
Published: November 2007

In this study we relate four different measures: the theodicy models proposed by van der Ven, the coping strategies proposed by Pargament, a measure of positive or negative self-image and the post critical belief scales we ourselves have developed.

We analysed the data of 251 Dutch-speaking Belgians. In the analysis we focus on the relation of the different measures with the post critical belief scales. Different types of believers are using different theodicy models, somewhat different coping strategies and we observe some differences in self-image, where believers have a more positive self-image than non-believers. We could suggest that there is a specific theodicy model used by symbolic believers and another theodicy model used by more literal believers. The former could be interpreted as more developed and perhaps more religiously mature.
The Therapeutic Process in the Religious Context
Authors: Borgen Berit
Published: November 2007

The article is based on selected findings from a study in the field of rehabilitation in a religious context viewed from the perspective of cognitive psychology and psychology of religion. The study shows how a therapeutic process can be facilitated in cases where the psychotherapeutic intervention is co-ordinated with a creative, sound religious activity. One central phenomenon that emerged from the study was the experience of a therapeutic dialogue with the divine person God and/or Jesus being apprehended as a crucial therapeutic agent. The material is analysed focusing on criteria for creative persons and products. A basic mechanism of creativity is hypothesised by Martindale (1991) to be defocused attention. The greater the spread of the attention capacity, the more likely the combinational leap, giving the rich possibility of combining elements in new ways. Religion can extend the perspective and thereby increase the possibilities of finding new and appropriate emotional and cognitive combinations. The analysis shows significant creative qualities in the treatment model studied.