bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SMALL GLOBAL SOLUTIONS FOR NONLINEAR COMPLEX GINZBURG–LANDAU EQUATIONS AND NONLINEAR DISSIPATIVE WAVE EQUATIONS IN SOBOLEV SPACES
Authors: NAKAMURA MAKOTO
Published: September 2011

The Cauchy problems for nonlinear complex Ginzburg–Landau equations and nonlinear dissipative wave equations are considered in Sobolev spaces. The relation between the order of the nonlinear terms and the regularity of solutions is considered in terms of the scaling arguments, and the existence of local solutions and small global solutions is shown in Sobolev and Besov spaces.
RESPONSIVE NEUROMODULATORS BASED ON ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS USED TO CONTROL SEIZURE-LIKE EVENTS IN A COMPUTATIONAL MODEL OF EPILEPSY
Authors: COLIC SINISA , ZALAY OSBERT C. , BARDAKJIAN BERJ L.
Published: September 2011

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been noted for its potential to suppress epileptic seizures. To date, DBS has achieved mixed results as a therapeutic approach to seizure control. Using a computational model, we demonstrate that high-complexity, biologically-inspired responsive neuromodulation is superior to periodic forms of neuromodulation (responsive and non-responsive) such as those implemented in DBS, as well as neuromodulation using random and random repetitive-interval stimulation. We configured radial basis function (RBF) networks to generate outputs modeling interictal time series recorded from rodent hippocampal slices that were perfused with low Mg2+/high K+solution. We then compared the performance of RBF-based interictal modulation, periodic biphasic-pulse modulation, random modulation and random repetitive modulation on a cognitive rhythm generator (CRG) model of spontaneous seizure-like events (SLEs), testing efficacy of SLE control. A statistically significant improvement in SLE mitigation for the RBF interictal modulation case versus the periodic and random cases was observed, suggesting that the use of biologically-inspired neuromodulators may achieve better results for the purpose of electrical control of seizures in a clinical setting.
AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF EPILEPTIC EEG SIGNALS USING HIGHER ORDER CUMULANT FEATURES
Authors: ACHARYA U. RAJENDRA , SREE S. VINITHA , SURI JASJIT S.
Published: September 2011

The unpredictability of the occurrence of epileptic seizures makes it difficult to detect and treat this condition effectively. An automatic system that characterizes epileptic activities in EEG signals would allow patients or the people near them to take appropriate precautions, would allow clinicians to better manage the condition, and could provide more insight into these phenomena thereby revealing important clinical information. Various methods have been proposed to detect epileptic activity in EEG recordings. Because of the nonlinear and dynamic nature of EEG signals, the use of nonlinear Higher Order Spectra (HOS) features is a seemingly promising approach. This paper presents the methodology employed to extract HOS features (specifically, cumulants) from normal, interictal, and epileptic EEG segments and to use significant features in classifiers for the detection of these three classes. In this work, 300 sets of EEG data belonging to the three classes were used for feature extraction and classifier development and evaluation. The results show that the HOS based measures have unique ranges for the different classes with high confidence level (p-value < 0.0001). On evaluating several classifiers with the significant features, it was observed that the Support Vector Machine (SVM) presented a high detection accuracy of 98.5% thereby establishing the possibility of effective EEG segment classification using the proposed technique.
ARTIN COVERS OF THE BRAID GROUPS
Authors: AMRAM MEIRAV , LAWRENCE RUTH , VISHNE UZI
Published: September 2011

Computation of fundamental groups of Galois covers recently led to the construction and analysis of Coxeter covers of the symmetric groups [L. H. Rowen, M. Teicher and U. Vishne, Coxeter covers of the symmetric groups, J. Group Theory8 (2005) 139–169]. In this paper we consider analog covers of Artin's braid groups, and completely describe the induced geometric extensions of the braid group.
A DETERMINANT FORMULA FOR THE JONES POLYNOMIAL OF PRETZEL KNOTS
Authors: COHEN MOSHE
Published: September 2011

This paper presents an algorithm to construct a weighted adjacency matrix of a plane bipartite graph obtained from a pretzel knot diagram. The determinant of this matrix after evaluation is shown to be the Jones polynomial of the pretzel knot by way of perfect matchings (or dimers) of this graph. The weights are Tutte's activity letters that arise because the Jones polynomial is a specialization of the signed version of the Tutte polynomial. The relationship is formalized between the familiar spanning tree setting for the Tait graph and the perfect matchings of the plane bipartite graph above. Evaluations of these activity words are related to the chain complex for the Champanerkar–Kofman spanning tree model of reduced Khovanov homology.
THE COLUMN GROUP AND ITS LINK INVARIANTS
Authors: HENNIG JOHANNA , NELSON SAM
Published: September 2011

The column group is a subgroup of the symmetric group on the elements of a finite birack generated by the column permutations in the birack matrix. We use subgroups of the column group associated to birack homomorphisms to define an enhancement of the integral birack counting invariant and give examples which show that the enhanced invariant is stronger than the unenhanced invariant.
THE ARGO-YBJ EXPERIMENT PROGRESSES AND FUTURE EXTENSION
Authors: CAO ZHEN
Published: September 2011

Gamma ray source detection above 30 TeV is an encouraging approach for finding galactic cosmic ray origins. All sky survey for gamma ray sources using wide field of view detector is essential for population accumulation for various types of sources above 100 GeV. To target the goals, the ARGO-YBJ experiment has been established. Significant progresses have been made in the experiment. A large air shower detector array in an area of 1 km2 is proposed to boost the sensitivity. Hybrid detections with multi-techniques will allow a good discrimination between different types of primary particles, including photons and protons, thus enable an energy spectrum measurement for individual species. Fluorescence light detector array will extend the spectrum measurement to 100 PeV and higher where the second knee is located. An energy scale determined by balloon experiments at 10 TeV will be propagated to ultra high energy cosmic ray experiments.
MASS QUADRUPOLE AS A SOURCE OF NAKED SINGULARITIES
Authors: QUEVEDO HERNANDO
Published: September 2011

We investigate the gravitational field of a static mass with quadrupole moment in empty space. It is shown that in general this configuration is characterized by the presence of curvature singularities without a surrounding event horizon. These naked singularities generate an effective field of repulsive gravity which, in turn, drastically changes the behavior of test particles. As a possible consequence, the accretion disk around a naked singularity presents a particular discontinuous structure.
THE USE OF SUPERNOVA NEUTRINOS TO MONITOR THE COLLAPSE, TO SEARCH FOR GRAVITY WAVES, TO PROBE NEUTRINO MASSES
Authors: VISSANI F. , PAGLIAROLI G. , TORRES F. ROSSI
Published: September 2011

Although there is a general understanding of the core collapse supernovae, a definitive microscopic model is still to come. We discuss the usefulness of neutrino observations. We analyze the SN1987A observations of Kamiokande-II, IMB and Baksan and show that they provide a 2.5σ support to the standard scenario for the explosion. In this context, we discuss the neutrinos as trigger for the search of the gravity wave impulsive emission. We bound the neutrino mass using the SN1987A data and argue, using simulated data, that a future galactic supernova could probe the sub-eV region.
OVERCOMING BLACK DROP EFFECT IN HIGH RESOLUTION ASTROMETRY: THE CASE OF SEA SUNSETS
Authors: SIGISMONDI COSTANTINO
Published: September 2011

Planetary transits on the Sun have been used to recover past values of the solar diameter. These results, as in 1832 Mercury transit, are different when different observers and instruments are considered, because of the black drop phenomenon. Sunsets above sea surface (near-zero almucantarat transit) show it clearly: the first contact between solar disk and the horizon is anticipated by luminous connections. The last instant of light is independent on detector's optics when the atmosphere is clear. The first contact time is obtained by fitting to data the analytical function of the intersection between Sun and sea horizon. This correction overcomes the black drop effect almost completely, the last residual error remains below the diffraction limit, as demonstrated by sunset timings.
KLEIN–NISHINA EFFECTS IN THE PROMPT AND EXTENDED HIGH-ENERGY GAMMA-RAY EMISSION OF GAMMA-RAY BURSTS
Authors: WANG XIANG-YU , HE HAO-NING , LI ZHUO
Published: September 2011

Prompt and extended high-energy (> 100 MeV) gamma-ray emission has been observed from more than ten gamma-ray bursts by Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). Such emission is likely to be produced by synchrotron radiation of electrons accelerated in internal or external shocks. We show that IC scattering of these electrons with synchrotron photons are typically in the Klein–Nishina (KN) regime. For the prompt emission, the KN effect can suppress the IC component and as a result, one single component is seen in some strong bursts. The KN inverse-Compton cooling may also affect the low-energy electron number distribution and hence result in a hard low-energy synchrotron photon spectrum. During the afterglow, KN effect makes the Compton-Y parameter generally less than 1 in the first seconds for a wide range of parameter space. Furthermore, we suggest that the KN effect can explain the somewhat faster-than-expected decay of the early-time high-energy emission observed in GRB090510 and GRB090902B.
CONSTRAINTS OF NEUTRON STAR MASS BY THE kHz QPO FREQUENCY
Authors: ZHANG C. M. , PAN Y. Y. , ZHAO Y. H. , CAI Y. , WANG J. , WEI Y. C. , TAANI ALI
Published: September 2011

Twin kHz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) have been found in the emission spectra of about thirty X-ray neuron star systems, where the upper ones of twin QPOs are often interpreted as the Keplerian frequencies of the accreting matter orbiting around the central stars. The observations of the kHz QPOs can be used to constrain the masses of neutron stars (NSs), and in particular to imply the properties of the matters at nuclear densities. By the way, we discuss the preferences of some kHz QPO models that constrain the NS parameters.
ANALYTICAL SPECTRA OF RGWs AND ITS INDUCED CMB ANISOTROPIES AND POLARIZATION
Authors: ZHANG YANG
Published: September 2011

We present our results from a series of analytical studies on the relic gravitational waves (RGW). Influences of various cosmological parameters and processes, possible detections of, and constraints on RGWs are examined. With the resulting RGW, we present the analytical spectra [Formula: see text] of CMB anisotropies and polarizations, particularly, reionization is also included.
The PD‐1/PD‐L1 (B7‐H1) Pathway in Chronic Infection‐Induced Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Exhaustion
Authors: Hofmeyer Kimberly A. , Jeon Hyungjun , Zang Xingxing
Published: September 2011

Cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a pivotal role in the control of infection. Activated CTLs, however, often lose effector function during chronic infection. PD‐1 receptor and its ligand PD‐L1 of the B7/CD28 family function as a T cell coinhibitory pathway and are emerging as major regulators converting effector CTLs into exhausted CTLs during chronic infection with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and other pathogens capable of establishing chronic infections. Importantly, blockade of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway is able to restore functional capabilities to exhausted CTLs and early clinical trials have shown promise. Further research will reveal how chronic infection induces upregulation of PD‐1 on CTLs and PD‐L1 on antigen‐presenting cells and other tissue cells and how the PD‐1/PD‐L1 interaction promotes CTLs exhaustion, which is crucial for developing effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination against chronic infections.
Bioactive Pigments from Marine Bacteria: Applications and Physiological Roles
Authors: Soliev Azamjon B. , Hosokawa Kakushi , Enomoto Keiichi
Published: September 2011

Research into natural products from the marine environment, including microorganisms, has rapidly increased over the past two decades. Despite the enormous difficulty in isolating and harvesting marine bacteria, microbial metabolites are increasingly attractive to science because of their broad‐ranging pharmacological activities, especially those with unique color pigments. This current review paper gives an overview of the pigmented natural compounds isolated from bacteria of marine origin, based on accumulated data in the literature. We review the biological activities of marine compounds, including recent advances in the study of pharmacological effects and other commercial applications, in addition to the biosynthesis and physiological roles of associated pigments. Chemical structures of the bioactive compounds discussed are also presented.
Associative Memory Storage and Retrieval: Involvement of Theta Oscillations in Hippocampal Information Processing
Authors: Stella Federico , Treves Alessandro
Published: September 2011

Theta oscillations are thought to play a critical role in neuronal information processing, especially in the hippocampal region, where their presence is particularly salient. A detailed description of theta dynamics in this region has revealed not only a consortium of layer-specific theta dipoles, but also within-layer differences in the expression of theta. This complex and articulated arrangement of current flows is reflected in the way neuronal firing is modulated in time. Several models have proposed that these different theta modulators flexibly coordinate hippocampal regions, to support associative memory formation and retrieval. Here, we summarily review different approaches related to this issue and we describe a mechanism, based on experimental and simulation results, for memory retrieval in CA3 involving theta modulation.
System Identification of MEMS Vibratory Gyroscope Sensor
Authors: Fei Juntao , Yang Yuzheng
Published: September 2011

Fabrication defects and perturbations affect the behavior of a vibratory MEMS gyroscope sensor, which makes it difficult to measure the rotation angular rate. This paper presents a novel adaptive approach that can identify, in an online fashion, angular rate and other system parameters. The proposed approach develops an online identifier scheme, by rewriting the dynamic model of MEMS gyroscope sensor, that can update the estimator of angular rate adaptively and converge to its true value asymptotically. The feasibility of the proposed approach is analyzed and proved by Lyapunov′s direct method. Simulation results show the validity and effectiveness of the online identifier.
Tree-Dwelling Ants: Contrasting Two Brazilian Cerrado Plant Species without Extrafloral Nectaries
Authors: Maravalhas Jonas , Delabie Jacques H. C. , Macedo Rafael G. , Morais Helena C.
Published: September 2011

Ants dominate vegetation stratum, exploiting resources like extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) and insect honeydew. These interactions are frequent in Brazilian cerrado and are well known, but few studies compare ant fauna and explored resources between plant species. We surveyed two cerrado plants without EFNs,Roupala montana(found on preserved environments of our study area) andSolanum lycocarpum(disturbed ones). Ants were collected and identified, and resources on each plant noted. Ant frequency and richness were higher onR. montana(67%; 35 spp) thanS. lycocarpum(52%; 26), the occurrence of the common ant species varied between them, and similarity was low. Resources were explored mainly byCamponotus crassusand consisted of scale insects, aphids, and floral nectaries onR. montanaand two treehopper species onS. lycocarpum. Ants have a high diversity on cerrado plants, exploring liquid and prey-based resources that vary in time and space and affect their presence on plants.
Communication in Fungi
Authors: Cottier Fabien , Mühlschlegel Fritz A.
Published: September 2011

We will discuss fungal communication in the context of fundamental biological functions including mating, growth, morphogenesis, and the regulation of fungal virulence determinants. We will address intraspecies but also interkingdom signaling by systematically discussing the sender of the message, the molecular message, and receiver. Analyzing communication shows the close coevolution of fungi with organisms present in their environment giving insights into multispecies communication. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial communication will promote our understanding of the “fungal communicome.”
Utility of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: From Concept to Application
Authors: Amini Afshin , Masoumi Moghaddam Samar , Morris David L. , Pourgholami Mohammad H.
Published: September 2011

Despite recent advances in the management of ovarian cancer, it remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to play a pivotal role in the progression of ovarian cancer leading to the eventual development of malignant ascites. On this basis, agents rendering VEGF ineffective by neutralizing VEGF (bevacizumab), blocking its receptors (aflibercept), or interfering with the postreceptor signaling pathways (sunitinib) provide us with the rational treatment options. These agents are generally used in combination with the standard chemotherapeutic drugs. Here, we discuss the basis of and the logic behind the use of these agents in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer, as well as their evaluation in different preclinical and clinical studies.
Normal Range of Maternal Serum Vitamin D at 11–13 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Yu Christina K.H. , Ertl Rebecca , Samaha Robert , Akolekar Ranjit , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: September 2011

Objective: To establish a normal range of maternal serum levels of total vitamin D at 11–13 weeks’ gestation and examine factors from maternal characteristics and obstetric history affecting these levels. Methods: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in 1,000 singleton pregnancies with normal outcome. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors from maternal characteristics and obstetric history affecting the measured 25(OH)D levels and the regression model was used to convert each measurement into a multiple of the median (MoM). Results: Serum 25(OH)D increased with maternal age, decreased with body mass index (BMI), it was higher in the summer than other months and when conception was assisted than spontaneous and it was lower in cigarette smokers and in women of African and Asian racial origin compared to Caucasians. In Caucasian, non-smoking women, with BMI below 25, conceiving spontaneously and sampled in the summer months the estimated 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 95th percentiles of 25(OH)D were 10.8, 14.7, 30.7, 48.2 and 55.7 ng/ml, respectively. Conclusion: Maternal serum 25(OH)D concentration at 11–13 weeks is affected by season of blood sampling and maternal characteristics.
Maternal Serum α-Fetoprotein at 11–13 Weeks’ Gestation in Spontaneous Early Preterm Delivery
Authors: Beta Jarek , Bredaki Foteini E. , Rodriguez Calvo Jesus , Akolekar Ranjit , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: September 2011

Objective: To examine the potential value of maternal serum level of α-fetoprotein (AFP) in the first trimester of pregnancy in the prediction of spontaneous early preterm delivery. Methods: Maternal serum concentration of AFP at 11–13 weeks’ gestation was measured in a case-control study of singleton pregnancies delivering phenotypically normal neonates, including 33 cases with spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks and 99 matched controls delivering after 37 weeks. The median multiple of the median (MoM) serum AFP in the two outcome groups was compared and the bivariate gaussian distributions were simulated in a previously described screened population of 33,370 pregnancies to estimate the performance of screening for early delivery by a combination of maternal characteristics and obstetric history with serum AFP. Results: In the preterm delivery group compared to the term delivery group, the median serum AFP MoM was higher (1.33 vs. 0.97, p = 0.006). The estimated detection rate of preterm delivery, at a false-positive rate of 10%, from maternal characteristics and obstetric history was 27.5% and this increased to 36.0% with the addition of serum AFP. Conclusions: Measurement of serum AFP at 11–13 weeks improves the prediction of early preterm delivery provided by maternal characteristics and obstetric history.
Impact of Intrauterine Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty on Gestational Outcome in a Fetal Goat Model
Authors: Hua Yimin , Yang Sen , Zhou Kaiyu , Guo Nan , Zhu Qi , Zhou Rong , Mu Dezhi , Jiang Xiaoqin
Published: September 2011

Objective: Intrauterine balloon aortic valvuloplasty (IUBAV) has been used to correct critical aortic valve stenosis. Evaluation of the intervention-related risk is necessary. The purpose of this study was to establish an experimental goat model for ultrasound-guided IUBAV intervention and investigate the immediate and long-term effects of IUBAV on the fetus, gestational outcome and mother’s safety. Study Design: Fifteen pregnant goats with twin gestation in the 2nd and 3rd trimester were anesthetized to establish the surgical procedure. One fetus of the twins received IUBAV intervention, the other served as a control. The data were collected at three time points: immediately before and after IUBAV, and 24 h after birth. Critical organs including the heart, brain, lung and liver from the fetuses/newborns were collected after IUBAV or 24 h after birth. Results: IUBAV intervention immediately induced a significant decrease of pH and Ca2+, as well as an increase of blood glucose and lactic acid levels (p < 0.05). IUBAV also caused an increase in stress hormones (epinephrine 1-fold, norepinephrine 4-fold, and cortisol 1-fold; p < 0.05). Following the operation, all of the mother goats recovered, but in 60% (6/10) preterm delivery occurred. Neither pathological changes in fetal critical organs nor a significant difference in metabolism or growth parameters were detected between IUBAV and control kids. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided IUBAV intervention induced a strong but transient stress response in the operated fetus, which did not result in irreversible histological changes in the fetus or the mother, but may disrupt the continuation of normal gestation in the long term. Preterm delivery is the major risk in this goat IUBAV model.
Criteria for Screening and Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Plasencia Walter , Garcia Raquel , Pereira Susana , Akolekar Ranjit , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: September 2011

Objective: To propose new cutoffs in plasma glucose levels in screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: A 50-gram oral glucose challenge test (GCT) was performed in 1,716 singleton pregnancies at 6–14 weeks’ gestation. In those with a positive GCT, a 100-gram glucose tolerance test (GTT) was carried out. The GCT and as necessary the GTT were repeated at 20–30 weeks. The relation of the results of the GCT and GTT at 6–14 weeks to that at 20–30 weeks was examined. Results: The diagnosis of GDM was made in 85 cases. In the GCT, there was a significant association between 1-hour plasma glucose levels at 6–14 weeks and at 20–30 weeks (r = 0.558, p < 0.0001), and in all cases of GDM, the level was 130 mg/dl or more at 6–14 weeks and 140 mg/dl or more at 20–30 weeks. In the GTT, the plasma glucose 1, 2 and 3 h after the 100-gram glucose load at 6–14 weeks was, respectively, 18, 29 and 35% lower than at 20–30 weeks. Conclusion: Effective diagnosis of GDM in the first trimester can be achieved by lowering the GCT and GTT plasma glucose cutoffs.
Reducing Inter-Rater Variability in the Assessment of Nuchal Translucency Image Quality
Authors: Nisbet D. , McLennan A. , Robertson A. , Schluter P.J. , Hyett J.
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Standardization of first-trimester nuchal translucency (NT) image acquisition is crucial to the success of screening for Down syndrome. Rigorous audit of operator performance and constructive feedback from assessors maintain standards. This process relies on good inter-rater agreement on image assessment. We describe the Australian approach to NT image assessment and evaluate the impact of a targeted intervention on inter-rater agreement. Methods: Between 2002 and 2008 a group of experienced practitioners met nine times to compare their assessment of a series of NT images. Each assessor had previously scored the images according to a system described in 2002. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated before and after an intervention where the assessors were required to refer to a detailed resource manual designed to reduce the subjectivity inherent in image assessment. Results: There was a statistical improvement in inter-rater agreement for all elements of image assessment (original scores and individual component scores) after the intervention, apart from horizontal fetal position. However, even after the intervention, inter-rater agreement levels generally remained moderate (kappa range: 0.14–0.58). Conclusions: This study has shown that provision of detailed resource documentation to experienced assessors can significantly improve inter-rater agreement in all facets of NT image assessment. It also highlights areas of image assessment that require critical review. It is recommended that all audit bodies regularly review their inter-rater agreement to ensure consistent feedback to operators who submit images for expert peer review.
Prenatal and Postnatal Imaging of Multiple Intracranial Lipomas: Report of a Case
Authors: Nanni M. , Bellussi F. , Youssef A. , Arcangeli T. , Maroni E. , De Musso F. , Vasapollo B. , Valensise H. , Manganaro L. , Masini L. , Pilu G. , Rizzo N. , Ghi T.
Published: September 2011

Objectives: To report the antenatal pictures of a fetus with multiple intracranial lipomas. Methods: A 36-year-old primigravida, 33 weeks of gestation, was referred to our ultrasound laboratory due to sonographic suspicion of an intracranial hemorrhage. Results: At 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging, three separated round-shaped hyperechoic intracranial masses compatible with multiple lipomas were documented. Absence of corpus callosum was associated. Sonographic findings were confirmed by antenatal and postnatal MRI. Conclusions: Multiple intracranial lipomas in a fetus with absent corpus callosum have been infrequently described. Prognostic implications remain uncertain.
Current Experience and Prospect of Internet Consultation in Fetal Cardiac Ultrasound
Authors: Viñals Fernando
Published: September 2011

Objective: Internet consultation with volume ultrasound is one of the strategies studied to attempt to improve prenatal detection of congenital heart defects (CHD). Methods: This methodology is a form of telemedicine in which a volume block of the fetal heart (either static 3D or STIC volume dataset) is acquired by an operator (non-expert) and transmitted via internet for remote consultation. Naturally, this methodology is suitable for remote locations or those with less access to specialists able to confirm or rule out a prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Results: The use of internet consultation demonstrates that some intracardiac anomalies can be ruled out and others confirmed, thus enabling the parents to prepare for the likely outcome of the pregnancy and to modify the perinatal management. Conclusion: Internet consultation offers a good alternative for fetuses from more isolated locations with a high risk of CHD. Moreover, this methodology could become an interesting tool for distance learning and training.
Four New Records of Caridean Shrimps (Decapoda: Palaemonidae, Alpheidae) in Mexican Pacific Waters
Authors: Martínez-Guerrero Betel , Hendrickx Michel E.
Published: September 2011

New records are provided for four species of caridean shrimp (Alpheidae and Palaemonidae) from Sonora, Sinaloa, and Oaxaca, along the west coast of Mexico. Alpheus tenuis Kim & Abele, 1988 extends its northern range to Puerto Peñasco, Sonora. Alpheus martini Kim & Abele, 1988 is recorded for the first time outside of Panama (Alcatraz Island, Sonora). Pontonia simplex Holthuis, 1951 is recorded from Teacapan, Sinaloa, in the pen shell Atrina maura (Sowerby, 1835), which constitutes a new host record; additionally, its live colour pattern is described. The range of Pontonia margarita Smith, 1869 is extended along the Mexican coast south to Oaxaca.
The Philosophy behind the Movement: Animal Studies versus Animal Rights
Authors: Aaltola Elisa
Published: September 2011

Recently, many pro-animal thinkers have expressed critical views on the animal rights movement. In particular, the movement has been criticized for being philosophically uninformed, politically regressive, and practically unpersuasive. This paper investigates these criticisms and seeks to map out the philosophy behind the grassroots animal rights movement, specifically. It concludes that the criticism presented by animal studies scholars is often misplaced due to a lack of understanding of the philosophical notions within the movement, but that the critics are right to argue that the movement needs to place more emphasis on persuasion.
The Influence of Cultural Activity Types on Buyer-Seller Negotiations: A Game Theoretical Framework for Intercultural Negotiations
Authors: Ott Ursula F.
Published: September 2011

This article uses an intercultural bargaining framework to analyze cooperation and conflict between buyers and sellers in intercultural negotiations. On the basis of game theoretical reasoning, culturally embedded bargaining patterns are transformed into culturally determined strategies in intercultural negotiations. The cultural differences of the players can be seen in the initial offer, the strategic approach, the valuation of time, the frequency of rejection and the objectives of the negotiation. In order to provide prescriptions for cross-cultural bargaining, the clash of cultures is dealt with in nine scenarios to show potential conflicts and cooperation between the players.
The Display of “Dominant” Nonverbal Cues in Negotiation: The Role of Culture and Gender
Authors: Adair Wendi L. , Semnani-Azad Zhaleh
Published: September 2011

The current study extends prior negotiation research on culture and verbal behavior by investigating the display of nonverbal behaviors associated with dominance by male and female Canadian and Chinese negotiators. We draw from existing literature on culture, gender, communication, and display rules to predict both culture and gender variation in negotiators’ display of three nonverbal behaviors typically associated with dominance: relaxed posture, use of space, and facial display of negative emotion. Participants engaged in a dyadic transactional negotiation simulation which we videotaped and coded for nonverbal expression. Our findings indicated that male Canadian negotiators engaged in more relaxed postures and displayed more negative emotion, while male Chinese negotiators occupied more space at the negotiation table. In addition, use of space and negative emotion partially mediated the relationship between culture and joint gains, as well as satisfaction with negotiation process. We discuss contributions to cross-cultural negotiation literature, implications for cross-cultural negotiation challenges, as well as future studies to address cultural variation in the interpretation of nonverbal cues.
The Interplay between Culturally- and Situationally-based Mental Models of Intercultural Dispute Resolution: West Meets Middle East1
Authors: Turan Nazli , Tinsley Catherine H. , Weingart Laurie R. , Aslani Soroush
Published: September 2011

When involved in disputes, people’s stereotypes about one another and the situation can influence their attributions of motives and effectiveness at resolving the dispute. Stereotypes may be of particular concern when disputing parties have little knowledge about the individual across the table. In this study, we examined how respondents from different cultures evaluated the economic and relational goals of two disputing merchants - one from the West and the other from the Middle East. We tested the extent to which respondents’ expectations of the targets’ goals were driven by: 1) cultural information about each disputant (whether the merchant-disputant comes from the West or from the Middle East) and 2) the respondent’s own culturally-based mental model for approaches to resolving work-related disputes. We found very little evidence of cultural stereotyping in that respondents views of the Target Merchants’ goals were largely independent of the said culture of the Target Merchant. We did however find strong evidence that respondents from the United States, Turkey and Qatar hold different mental models about the goals a party has when resolving a work-related dispute. In particular, US respondents had a more variable-sum orientation than the other cultural groups, especially Qataris, whose mental model evidenced a fixed pie assumption regarding economic and relational goals. For example, Qataris and Turks viewed a goal of Maximizing one’s Own Gain as impeding a goal of Maximizing the Other Party’s Gain. Similarly, Qataris viewed Defending Honor as incompatible to the goals of Relationship Building and Giving Face, whereas Americans and Turks did not hold such a view. These differences, based on the country of the respondent, are discussed in detail.
'The Apostolicity of the Church' in Light of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Consensus on Justification
Authors: De Witte Pieter
Published: September 2011

The fourth phase of the international Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue resulted in a final report, The Apostolicity of the Church (AC), which was published in 2006. The convergences described in this document are best understood in light of the earlier stages in the Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue, especially in relation to the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ). AC seems to move beyond the 'differentiated consensus' of the JDDJ as it aims at some form of 'differentiated participation' of Lutheran and Roman Catholic ministers in the same apostolic ministry. A careful study of the way the topic of apostolic succession is dealt with in AC shows that a central aspect of the Roman Catholic concept of apostolic succession remains somewhat invisible in the document. This aspect can be made explicit in terms of the relation between faith and institution. The fact that this issue remains unaddressed may hinder the very attempt to determine the content of the proposed 'differentiated participation'.
The Reception of the Truth at Baptism and the Church as Epistemological Principle in the Work of Irenaeus of Lyons
Authors: Smit Peter-Ben
Published: September 2011

This article explores the meaning of the statement made by Irenaeus of Lyons that the truth (i.e. the faith) is received at baptism. It is argued that what is meant here is the reception of true 'first principles' that allow the newly baptized to see the world fully as it is; the shape of these first principles is understood as integration into the church and its tradition. In this way, the integration of the newly baptized into a community of interpretation is the way in which s/he learns to see the world anew, namely from the perspective of the community of faith.
Building a Pan-Soviet Past: The Soviet War Cult and the Turn Away from Ethnic Particularism
Authors: Brunstedt Jonathan
Published: September 2011

This article examines the evolution of official Soviet remembrance of the Second World War in the decades that followed 1945. Focusing on elite discourse and Komsomol military-patriotic curricula associated with the state cult of the war, the article argues that Soviet remembrance promoted the war as a fundamentally supranational experience and the basis for a transcendent, pan-Soviet imagined community. The article questions an influential scholarly position that emphasizes the party leadership's reliance on pre-socialist, russocentric imagery for popular mobilization. In fact, official remembrance practices after Stalin were most striking in the extent to which they consistently downplayed Russian exceptionalism for the sake of the paramount Soviet whole. The article proposes that this tendency should be viewed as part of a larger, internally contested effort to move away from a distinct ethnic hierarchy, and toward a picture of non-ethnic, pan-Soviet uniformity.
Effects of Sound on the Tactile Perception of Roughness in Peri-Head Space
Authors: Gyoba Jiro , Suzuki Yuika
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not spatial congruency between tactile and auditory stimuli would influence the tactile roughness discrimination of stimuli presented to the fingers or cheeks. In the experiment, when abrasive films were passively presented to the participants, white noise bursts were simultaneously presented from the same or different side, either near or far from the head. The results showed that when white noise was presented from the same side as the tactile stimuli, especially from near the head, the discrimination sensitivity on the cheeks was higher than when sound was absent or presented from a different side. A similar pattern was observed in discrimination by the fingers but it was not significant. The roughness discrimination by the fingers was also influenced by the presentation of sound close to the head, but significant differences between conditions with and without sounds were observed at the decisional level. Thus, the spatial congruency between tactile and auditory information selectively modulated the roughness sensitivity of the skin on the cheek, especially when the sound source was close to the head.
Colour Constancy as Measured by Least Dissimilar Matching
Authors: Logvinenko Alexander D. , Tokunaga Rumi
Published: September 2011

Although asymmetric colour matching has been widely used in experiments on colour constancy, an exact colour match between objects lit by different chromatic lights is impossible to achieve. We used a modification of this technique, instructing our observers to establish the least dissimilar pair of differently illuminated coloured papers. The stimulus display consisted of two identical sets of 22 Munsell papers illuminated independently by neutral, yellow, blue, green and red lights. The lights produced approximately the same illuminance. Four trichromatic observers participated in the experiment. The proportion of exact matches was evaluated. When both sets of papers were lit by the same light, the exact match rate was 0.92, 0.93, 0.84, 0.78 and 0.76 for the neutral, yellow, blue, green and red lights, respectively. When one illumination was neutral and the other chromatic, the exact match rate was 0.80, 0.40, 0.56 and 0.32 for the yellow, blue, green and red lights, respectively. When both lights were chromatic, the exact match rate was found to be even poorer (0.30 on average). Yet, least dissimilar matching was found to be rather systematic. Particularly, a statistical test showed it was symmetric and transitive. The exact match rate was found to be different for different papers, varying from 0.99 (black paper) to 0.12 (purple paper). Such a variation can hardly be expected if observers' judgements were based on an illuminant estimate. We argue that colour constancy cannot be achieved for all the reflecting objects because of mismatching of metamers. We conjecture that the visual system might have evolved to have colour constant perception for some ecologically valid objects at a cost of colour inconstancy for other types of objects.
Estimating Sea Spray Volume with a Laser Altimeter
Authors: Toffoli A. , Babanin A. V. , Donelan M. A. , Haus B. K. , Jeong D.
Published: September 2011

Down-looking laser altimeters are commonly used to measure the sea surface elevation. However, because the laser radiation is attenuated by spray droplets suspended along the transmission path, it is presumed that altimeters may also provide an indirect measure of the sea spray volume. Here, this conjecture is discussed by means of laboratory experiments, which have been conducted in a wind-wave flume. A large number of wind conditions were considered between equivalent 10-m wind speeds of 20 and 60 m s−1 in order to generate different spray volumes above the water surface. The facility was equipped with a laser and side-looking camera system to estimate the spray volume as well as a nearby down-looking laser altimeter. Results confirm that there is a robust degradation of the laser intensity for increasing wind speed and hence the amount of spray droplets above the water surface. A simple regression model to extract spray volume from the average intensity of the laser radiation is presented, demonstrating the promise of laser altimeters for making in situ spray observations. Additional observations will be required to calibrate the altimeters for applications in the open ocean marine environment.
Diurnal and Seasonal Cycles of Cloud Occurrences, Types, and Radiative Impact over West Africa
Authors: Bouniol Dominique , Couvreux Fleur , Kamsu-Tamo Pierre-Honoré , Leplay Madeleine , Guichard Françoise , Favot Florence , O’Connor Ewan J.
Published: September 2011

This study focuses on the occurrence and type of clouds observed in West Africa, a subject that has been neither much documented nor quantified. It takes advantage of data collected above Niamey, Niger, in 2006 with the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Mobile Facility. A survey of cloud characteristics inferred from ground measurements is presented with a focus on their seasonal evolution and diurnal cycle. Four types of clouds are distinguished: high-level clouds, deep convective clouds, shallow convective clouds, and midlevel clouds. A frequent occurrence of the latter clouds located at the top of the Saharan air layer is highlighted. High-level clouds are ubiquitous throughout the period whereas shallow convective clouds are mainly noticeable during the core of the monsoon. The diurnal cycle of each cloud category and its seasonal evolution are investigated. CloudSat and Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) data are used to demonstrate that these four cloud types (in addition to stratocumulus clouds over the ocean) are not a particularity of the Niamey region and that midlevel clouds are present over the Sahara during most of the monsoon season. Moreover, using complementary datasets, the radiative impact of each type of clouds at the surface level has been quantified in the short- and longwave domains. Midlevel clouds and anvil clouds have the largest impact, respectively, in longwave (about 15 W m−2) and shortwave (about 150 W m−2) radiation. Furthermore, midlevel clouds exert a strong radiative forcing during the spring at a time when the other cloud types are less numerous.
Comparing Aerosol and Low-Level Moisture Influences on Supercell Tornadogenesis: Three-Dimensional Idealized Simulations
Authors: Lerach David G. , Cotton William R.
Published: September 2011

Four three-dimensional, nested-grid numerical simulations were performed using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) to compare the effects of aerosols acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) to those of low-level moisture [and thus convective available potential energy (CAPE)] on cold-pool evolution and tornadogenesis within an idealized supercell storm. The innermost grid possessed horizontal grid spacing of 111 m. The initial background profiles of CCN concentration and water vapor mixing ratio varied among the simulations (clean versus dusty and higher-moisture versus lower-moisture simulations). A fifth simulation was performed to factor out the impact of CAPE. The higher-moisture simulations produced spatially larger storms with stronger peak updrafts and low-level downdrafts, heavier precipitation, greater evaporative cooling, and stronger cold pools within the forward and rear flank downdrafts. Each simulated supercell produced a tornado-like vortex. However, the lower-moisture simulations produced stronger, longer-lived vortices, as they were associated with weaker cold pools and less negative buoyancy within the rear flank downdraft. Raindrop and hailstone concentrations (sizes) were reduced (increased) in the dusty simulations, resulting in less evaporative cooling and weaker cold pools compared to the clean simulations. With greater terminal fall speeds, the larger hydrometeors in the dusty simulations fell nearer to the storm’s core, positioning the cold pool closer to the main updraft. Tornadogenesis was related to the size, strength, and location of the cold pools produced by the forward and rear flank downdrafts. Not surprisingly, while the aerosol effect was evident, the influences of low-level moisture and CAPE had markedly larger impacts on tornadogenesis.
Toward Automated Identification of Sea Surface Temperature Front Signatures in Radarsat-2 Images
Authors: Jones Chris T. , Sikora Todd D. , Vachon Paris W. , Wolfe John
Published: September 2011

The Canadian Forces Meteorology and Oceanography Center produces a near-daily ocean feature analysis, based on sea surface temperature (SST) images collected by spaceborne radiometers, to keep the fleet informed of the location of tactically important ocean features. Ubiquitous cloud cover hampers these data. In this paper, a methodology for the identification of SST front signatures in cloud-independent synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is described. Accurate identification of ocean features in SAR images, although attainable to an experienced analyst, is a difficult process to automate. As a first attempt, the authors aimed to discriminate between signatures of SST fronts and those caused by all other processes. Candidate SST front signatures were identified in Radarsat-2 images using a Canny edge detector. A feature vector of textural and contextual measures was constructed for each candidate edge, and edges were validated by comparison with coincident SST images. Each candidate was classified as being an SST front signature or the signature of another process using logistic regression. The resulting probability that a candidate was correctly classified as an SST front signature was between 0.50 and 0.70. The authors concluded that improvement in classification accuracy requires a set of measures that can differentiate between signatures of SST fronts and those of certain atmospheric phenomena and that a search for such measures should include a wider range of computational methods than was considered. As such, this work represents a step toward the goal of a general ocean feature classification algorithm.