bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of Orientation Vectors of Otolith-Related Central Vestibular Neurons to Gravity
Authors: Eron Julia N. , Cohen Bernard , Raphan Theodore , Yakushin Sergei B.
Published: May 2008

Behavioral experiments indicate that central pathways that process otolith-ocular and perceptual information have adaptive capabilities. Because polarization vectors of otolith afferents are directly related to the electro-mechanical properties of the hair cell bundle, it is unlikely that they change their direction of excitation. This indicates that the adaptation must take place in central pathways. Here we demonstrate for the first time that otolith polarization vectors of canal-otolith convergent neurons in the vestibular nuclei have adaptive capability. A total of 10 vestibular-only and vestibular-plus-saccade neurons were recorded extracellularly in two monkeys before and after they were in side-down positions for 2 h. The spatial characteristics of the otolith input were determined from the response vector orientation (RVO), which is the projection of the otolith polarization vector, onto the head horizontal plane. The RVOs had no specific orientation before animals were in side-down positions but moved toward the gravitational axis after the animals were tilted for extended periods. Vector reorientations varied from 0 to 109° and were linearly related to the original deviation of the RVOs from gravity in the position of adaptation. Such reorientation of central polarization vectors could provide the basis for changes in perception and eye movements related to prolonged head tilts relative to gravity or in microgravity.
Differentiating Between Two Models of Motor Lateralization
Authors: Shabbott Britne A. , Sainburg Robert L.
Published: May 2008

This study was designed to differentiate between two models of motor lateralization: “feedback corrections” and dynamic dominance. Whereas the feedback correction hypothesis suggests that handedness reflects a dominant hemisphere advantage for visual-mediated correction processes, dynamic dominance proposes that each hemisphere has become specialized for distinct aspects of control. This model suggests that the dominant hemisphere is specialized for controlling task dynamics, as required for coordinating efficient trajectories, and the nondominant hemisphere is specialized for controlling limb impedance, as required for maintaining stable postures. To differentiate between these two models, we examined whether visuomotor corrections are mediated differently for the nondominant and dominant arms. Participants performed targeted reaches in a virtual reality environment in which visuomotor rotations occurred in two directions that elicited corrections with different coordination requirements. The feedback correction model predicts a dominant arm advantage for the timing and accuracy of corrections in both directions. Dynamic dominance predicts that correction timing and accuracy will be similar for both arms, but that interlimb differences in the quality of corrections will depend on the coordination requirements, and thus, direction of corrections. Our results indicated that correction time and accuracy did not depend on arm. However, correction quality, as reflected by trajectory curvature, depended on both arm and rotation direction. Nondominant trajectories were systematically more curvilinear than dominant trajectories for corrections with the highest coordination requirement. These results support the dynamic dominance hypothesis.
Excitatory GABA in Rodent Developing Neocortex In Vitro
Authors: Rheims Sylvain , Minlebaev Marat , Ivanov Anton , Represa Alfonso , Khazipov Rustem , Holmes Gregory L. , Ben-Ari Yehezkel , Zilberter Yuri
Published: May 2008

GABA depolarizes immature cortical neurons. However, whether GABA excites immature neocortical neurons and drives network oscillations as in other brain structures remains controversial. Excitatory actions of GABA depend on three fundamental parameters: the resting membrane potential ( Em), reversal potential of GABA ( EGABA), and threshold of action potential generation ( Vthr). We have shown recently that conventional invasive recording techniques provide an erroneous estimation of these parameters in immature neurons. In this study, we used noninvasive single N-methyl-d-aspartate and GABA channel recordings in rodent brain slices to measure both Emand EGABAin the same neuron. We show that GABA strongly depolarizes pyramidal neurons and interneurons in both deep and superficial layers of the immature neocortex (P2–P10). However, GABA generates action potentials in layer 5/6 (L5/6) but not L2/3 pyramidal cells, since L5/6 pyramidal cells have more depolarized resting potentials and more hyperpolarized Vthr. The excitatory GABA transiently drives oscillations generated by L5/6 pyramidal cells and interneurons during development (P5–P12). The NKCC1 co-transporter antagonist bumetanide strongly reduces [Cl−]i,GABA-induced depolarization, and network oscillations, confirming the importance of GABA signaling. Thus a strong GABA excitatory drive coupled with high intrinsic excitability of L5/6 pyramidal neurons and interneurons provide a powerful mechanism of synapse-driven oscillatory activity in the rodent neocortex in vitro. In the companion paper, we show that the excitatory GABA drives layer-specific seizures in the immature neocortex.
Layer-Specific Generation and Propagation of Seizures in Slices of Developing Neocortex: Role of Excitatory GABAergic Synapses
Authors: Rheims Sylvain , Represa Alfonso , Ben-Ari Yehezkel , Zilberter Yuri
Published: May 2008

The neonatal period is critical for seizure susceptibility, and neocortical networks are central in infantile epilepsies. We report that application of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) to immature (P6–P9) neocortical slices generates layer-specific interictal seizures (IISs) that transform after recurrent seizures to ictal seizures (ISs). During IISs, cell-attached recordings show action potentials in interneurons and pyramidal cells in L5/6 and interneurons but not pyramidal neurons in L2/3. However, L2/3 pyramidal neurons also fire during ISs. Using single N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) channel recordings for measuring the cell resting potential ( Em), we show that transition from IISs to ISs is associated with a gradual Em depolarization of L2/3 and L5/6 pyramidal neurons that enhances their excitability. Bumetanide, a NKCC1 co-transporter antagonist, inhibits generation of IISs and prevents their transformation to ISs, indicating the role excitatory GABA in epilepsies. Therefore deep layer neurons are more susceptible to seizures than superficial ones. The initiating phase of seizures is characterized by IISs generated in L5/6 and supported by activation of both L5/6 interneurons and pyramidal cells. IISs propagate to L2/3 via activation of L2/3 interneurons but not pyramidal cells, which are mostly quiescent at this phase. In superficial layers, a persistent increase in excitability of pyramidal neurons caused by Em depolarization is associated with a transition from largely confined GABAergic IIS to ictal events that entrain the entire neocortex.
Controlled Fabrication of High‐Yield CdS Nanostructures by Compartment Arrangement
Authors: Green Joshua M. , Lawrance Juno , Jiao Jun
Published: May 2008

High‐yield, high‐purity CdS nanostructures were synthesized in a turf‐like configuration using an improved vapor‐liquid‐solid method. To increase the yield, a compartment arrangement was employed. The specific kind of nanostructure fabricated was found to be directly dependent on the temperature in the compartment. Along with the high‐yield growth of CdS nanorods, nanowires, and nanobelts, intertwined structures were also observed, and the electron field emission property of the intertwined structures was investigated and compared with that of other type of nanostructures. Photoluminescence measurements at 10 K showed a peak emission from the CdS nanostructures at 485 nm.
Constrained Delaunay Triangulation for Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Satyanarayana D. , Rao S. V.
Published: May 2008

Geometric spanners can be used for efficient routing in wireless ad hoc networks. Computation of existing spanners for ad hoc networks primarily focused on geometric properties without considering network requirements. In this paper, we propose a new spanner called constrained Delaunay triangulation (CDT) which considers both geometric properties and network requirements. The CDT is formed by introducing a small set of constraint edges into local Delaunay triangulation (LDel) to reduce the number of hops between nodes in the network graph. We have simulated the CDT using network simulator (ns‐2.28) and compared with Gabriel graph (GG), relative neighborhood graph (RNG), local Delaunay triangulation (LDel), and planarized local Delaunay triangulation (PLDel). The simulation results show that the minimum number of hops from source to destination is less than other spanners. We also observed the decrease in delay, jitter, and improvement in throughput.
Influence of Muscle‐Tendon Wrapping on Calculations of Joint Reaction Forces in the Equine Distal Forelimb
Authors: Merritt Jonathan S. , Davies Helen M. S. , Burvill Colin , Pandy Marcus G.
Published: May 2008

The equine distal forelimb is a common location of injuries related to mechanical overload. In this study, a two‐dimensional model of the musculoskeletal system of the region was developed and applied to kinematic and kinetic data from walking and trotting horses. The forces in major tendons and joint reaction forces were calculated. The components of the joint reaction forces caused by wrapping of tendons around sesamoid bones were found to be of similar magnitude to the reaction forces between the long bones at each joint. This finding highlighted the importance of taking into account muscle‐tendon wrapping when evaluating joint loading in the equine distal forelimb.
Convergence on Composite Iterative Schemes for Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Jung Jong Soo
Published: May 2008

Let "Equation missing" be a reflexive Banach space with a uniformly Gâteaux differentiable norm. Suppose that every weakly compact convex subset of "Equation missing" has the fixed point property for nonexpansive mappings. Let "Equation missing" be a nonempty closed convex subset of "Equation missing", "Equation missing" a contractive mapping (or a weakly contractive mapping), and "Equation missing" nonexpansive mapping with the fixed point set "Equation missing". Let "Equation missing" be generated by a new composite iterative scheme: "Equation missing", "Equation missing", "Equation missing". It is proved that "Equation missing" converges strongly to a point in "Equation missing", which is a solution of certain variational inequality provided that the sequence "Equation missing" satisfies "Equation missing" and "Equation missing", "Equation missing" for some "Equation missing" and the sequence "Equation missing" is asymptotically regular.
Generalized Truncated Methods for an Efficient Solution of Retrial Systems
Authors: Domenech-Benlloch Ma Jose , Gimenez-Guzman Jose Manuel , Pla Vicent , Martinez-Bauset Jorge , Casares-Giner Vicente
Published: May 2008

We are concerned with the analytic solution of multiserver retrial queues including the impatience phenomenon. As there are not closed‐form solutions to these systems, approximate methods are required. We propose two different generalized truncated methods to effectively solve this type of systems. The methods proposed are based on the homogenization of the state space beyond a given number of users in the retrial orbit. We compare the proposed methods with the most well‐known methods appeared in the literature in a wide range of scenarios. We conclude that the proposed methods generally outperform previous proposals in terms of accuracy for the most common performance parameters used in retrial systems with a moderated growth in the computational cost.
Optimization of Gain, Impedance, and Bandwidth of Yagi‐Uda Array Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Rattan Munish , Patterh Manjeet Singh , Sohi B. S.
Published: May 2008

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a new, high‐performance evolutionary technique, which has recently been used for optimization problems in antennas and electromagnetics. It is a global optimization technique‐like genetic algorithm (GA) but has less computational cost compared to GA. In this paper, PSO has been used to optimize the gain, impedance, and bandwidth of Yagi‐Uda array. To evaluate the performance of designs, a method of moments code NEC2 has been used. The results are comparable to those obtained using GA.
Surface and Interface Properties of 10–12 Unit Cells Thick Sputter Deposited Epitaxial CeO2Films
Authors: Saraf L. V. , Wang C. M. , Engelhard M. H. , Nachimuthu P.
Published: May 2008

Ultrathin and continuous epitaxial films with relaxed lattice strain can potentially maintain more of its bulk physical and chemical properties and are useful as buffer layers. We study surface, interface, and microstructural properties of ultrathin (∼10–12 unit cells thick) epitaxial ceria films grown on single crystal YSZ substrates. The out-of -plane and in-plane lattice parameters indicate relaxation in the continuous film due to misfit dislocations seen by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and substrate roughness of∼1-2 unit cells, confirmed by atomic force microscopy and HRTEM. A combination of secondary sputtering, lattice mismatch, substrate roughness, and surface reduction creating secondary phase was likely the cause of surface roughness which should be reduced to a minimum level for effective use of it as buffer layers.
Optical Clearing of Cranial Bone
Authors: Genina Elina A. , Bashkatov Alexey N. , Tuchin Valery V.
Published: May 2008

We present experimental results on optical properties of cranial bone controlled by administration of propylene glycol and glycerol. Both transmittance and reflectance spectra of human and porcine cranial bone in vitro were measured. For estimation of absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of the bone, the inverse adding‐doubling method was used. The decrease of reflectance of the samples under action of the immersion agents was demonstrated. The experiments have shown that administration of the immersion liquids allows for effective controlling of tissue optical characteristics that makes bone more transparent, thereby increasing the ability of light penetration through the tissue. The presented results can be used in developing of functional imaging techniques, including OCT.
On Self‐Adaptive Method for General Mixed Variational Inequalities
Authors: Bnouhachem Abdellah , Noor Muhammad Aslam , Al-Shemas Eman H.
Published: May 2008

We suggest and analyze a new self‐adaptive method for solving general mixed variational inequalities, which can be viewed as an improvement of the method of (Noor 2003). Global convergence of the new method is proved under the same assumptions as Noor′s method. Some preliminary computational results are given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method. Since the general mixed variational inequalities include general variational inequalities, quasivariational inequalities, and nonlinear (implicit) complementarity problems as special cases, results proved in this paper continue to hold for these problems.
Synthesis of Planar Reflective Gratings for Silicon Interconnects
Authors: Millett Ronald , Ramsey Jamie , Bock Przemek , Nkanta Julie , Schriemer Henry , Hall Trevor J. , Bidnyk Serge
Published: May 2008

The design and simulations of planar reflective gratings for building optical interconnects in silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) were studied for a range of silicon core thicknesses of 0.1 to 10 μm. The verticality of the grating facets has been shown to be the main contributing factor to the cumulative
crosstalk in thick silicon cores. The dispersion property of the slab was found to limit the minimal thickness of the core for polarization‐insensitive gratings. The effects of polarization‐dependent confinement on optical crosstalk were studied. The findings were used to design and simulate a polarization‐insensitive 18‐channel coarse wavelength division demultiplexer (CWDM) with a free spectral range of over 600 nm. The CWDM demultiplexer uses a 1.7 μm silicon core and combines a shallow‐etch tapered rib structure and multimode silicon channels to produce box‐like passbands for integrated receiver applications. The diffraction grating was constructed using double astigmatic point design with phase‐corrected grating facets to reduce astigmatism. Optical properties of the planar gratings have been simulated using quasivectorial diffraction grating theory. The simulation results confirm that there is high diffraction efficiency and low optical crosstalk over the entire range of operation. Applications of planar silicon gratings to the synthesis of silicon interconnects are discussed.
Optimal Scheduling of Material Handling Devices in a PCB Production Line: Problem Formulation and a Polynomial Algorithm
Authors: Che Ada , Chu Chengbin
Published: May 2008

Modern automated production lines usually use one or multiple computer‐controlled robots or hoists for material handling between workstations. A typical application of such lines is an automated electroplating line for processing printed circuit boards (PCBs). In these systems, cyclic production policy is widely used due to large lot size and simplicity of implementation. This paper addresses cyclic scheduling of a multihoist electroplating line with constant processing times. The objective is to minimize the cycle time, or equivalently to maximize the production throughput, for a given number of hoists. We propose a mathematical model and a polynomial algorithm for this scheduling problem. Computational results on randomly generated instances are reported.
Active and Passive Realization of Fractance Device of Order 1/2
Authors: Krishna B. T. , Reddy K. V. V. S.
Published: May 2008

Active and passive realization of Fractance device of order1/2is presented. The crucial point in the realization of fractance device is finding the rational approximation of its impedance function. In this paper, rational approximation is obtained by using continued fraction expansion. The rational approximation thus obtained is synthesized as a ladder network. The results obtained have shown considerable improvement over the previous techniques.
CPW‐Fed Slot Antenna for Wideband Applications
Authors: Shanmuganantham T. , Balamanikandan K. , Raghavan S.
Published: May 2008

A new coplanar waveguide (CPW)‐fed wideband printed slot antenna is presented, and the impedance characteristics of this antenna with different sizes of tapers are discussed. The effect of tapering angle with the resonant frequency is also observed. The fundamental parameters of the antenna such as bandwidth, return loss, gain, radiation pattern, and polarization are obtained. All meets the acceptable antenna standards. The measured input impedance bandwidth (return loss < −10 dB) of the prototype antenna is 52% (4.27–7.58 GHz). The radiation patterns are bidirectional in both planes. This antenna can be part of various wireless communication systems.
On a Generalization of Hilbert‐Type Integral Inequality
Authors: Baoju Sun
Published: May 2008

By introducing some parameters, we establish generalizations of the Hilbert‐type inequality. As applications, the reverse and its equivalent form are considered.
The Effect of Indentation Angle of Koch Fractal Boundary on the Performance of Microstrip Antenna
Authors: Rao P. Nageswara , Sarma N. V. S. N.
Published: May 2008

The effect of indentation angle of Koch fractal boundary applied to a triangular patch on the resonant behavior and bandwidth is presented. It is shown that the resonant frequency can be controlled by changing the indentation angle of the boundary. With the experimental verification, it is established that for an indentation angle of
30∘
more bandwidth is obtained compared to conventional 60∘.
Investigation on Harmonic Tuning for Active Ku‐Band Rectangular Dielectric Resonator Antennas
Authors: Guraliuc Anda , Manara Giuliano , Nepa Paolo , Pelosi Giuseppe , Selleri Stefano
Published: May 2008

A slot‐coupled rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) operating in the 14–14.5 GHz frequency band is investigated as a possible radiating element for an active integrated antenna of a transmitting phased array. The effectiveness of the resonator shape factor on achieving harmonic tuning is addressed. Simulation results show that the DRA shape factor can be used to provide a fine tuning of the DRA input impedance both at the fundamental frequency and its first harmonics, so synthesizing the proper load for the optimization of the microwave amplifier power‐added efficiency (PAE).
Multivariate Nonlinear Analysis and Prediction of Shanghai Stock Market
Authors: Ma Junhai , Liu Lixia
Published: May 2008

This study attempts to characterize and predict stock returns series in Shanghai stock exchange using the concepts of nonlinear dynamical theory. Surrogate data method of multivariate time series shows that all the stock returns time series exhibit nonlinearity. Multivariate nonlinear prediction methods and univariate nonlinear prediction method, all of which use the concept of phase space reconstruction, are considered. The results indicate that multivariate nonlinear prediction model outperforms univariate nonlinear prediction model, local linear prediction method of multivariate time series outperforms local polynomial prediction method, and BP neural network method. Multivariate nonlinear prediction model is a useful tool for stock price prediction in emerging markets.
Citrus Genomics
Authors: Talon Manuel , Gmitter Fred G.
Published: May 2008

Citrus is one of the most widespread fruit crops globally, with great economic and health value. It is among the most difficult plants to improve through traditional breeding approaches. Currently, there is risk of devastation by diseases threatening to limit production and future availability to the human population. As technologies rapidly advance in genomic science, they are quickly adapted to address the biological challenges of the citrus plant system and the world's industries. The historical developments of linkage mapping, markers and breeding, EST projects, physical mapping, an international citrus genome sequencing project, and critical functional analysis are described. Despite the challenges of working with citrus, there has been substantial progress. Citrus researchers engaged in international collaborations provide optimism about future productivity and contributions to the benefit of citrus industries worldwide and to the human population who can rely on future widespread availability of this health-promoting and aesthetically pleasing fruit crop.
Experimental Investigation into the Tractive Prerolling Behavior of Balls in V‐Grooved Tracks
Authors: De Moerlooze Kris , Al-Bender Farid
Published: May 2008

In a rolling element
system, the period of transition between motion
commencement and the attainment of steady state,
gross rolling, and termed prerolling is of common
concern to many engineering applications. This
region is marked by hysteresis friction
behavior, with a characteristic
friction‐displacement curve, which is in
particular relevant to motion characterization
and control issues. In a previous paper, the authors carried out a
theoretical analysis of tractive prerolling,
leading to a model for simulating this
phenomenon. The present paper is dedicated to
the experimental investigation of tractive
prerolling friction behavior, including
validation of the theoretical model. Firstly, a
kinematic analysis of the rolling motion in
V‐grooved tracks is carried out. Secondly, the
influence of the normal load on the frictional
behavior, in prerolling up to the attainment of
gross rolling, is investigated on a dedicated
test setup. Finally, the newly developed
theoretical model is validated by comparison
with the experimental results. Satisfactory
agreement is obtained between theory and
experiment.
Subcellular Localization and RNA Interference of an RNA Methyltransferase Gene from Silkworm,Bombyx Mori
Authors: Nie Zuoming , Zhou Ruobing , Chen Jian , Wang Dan , Lv Zhengbing , He Pingan , Wang Xuedong , Shen Hongdan , Wu Xiangfu , Zhang Yaozhou
Published: May 2008

RNA methylation, which is a form of posttranscriptional modification, is catalyzed by S-adenosyl-L-methionone-dependent RNA methyltransterases (RNA MTases). We have identified a novel silkworm gene,BmRNAMTase, containing a 369-bp open reading frame that encodes a putative protein containing 122 amino acid residues and having a molecular weight of 13.88 kd. We expressed a recombinant His-tagged BmRNAMTase inE. coliBL21 (DE3), purified the fusion protein by metal-chelation affinity chromatography, and injected a New Zealand rabbit with the purified protein to generate anti-BmRNAMTase polyclonal antibodies. Immunohistochemistry revealed that BmRNAMTase is abundant in the cytoplasm ofBm5cells. In addition, using RNA interference to reduce the intracellular activity and content of BmRNAMTase, we determined that this cytoplasmic RNA methyltransferase may be involved in preventing cell death in the silkworm.
The Creatine Transporter Gene Paralogous at 16p11.2 Is Expressed in Human Brain
Authors: Bayou Nadia , M'rad Ridha , Belhaj Ahlem , Daoud Hussein , Zemni Ramzi , Briault Sylvain , Helayem M. Béchir , Ben Jemaa Lamia , Chaabouni Habiba
Published: May 2008

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment of social interaction, language, communication, and stereotyped, repetitive behavior. Genetic predisposition to autism has been demonstrated in families and twin studies. About 5–10% of autism cases are associated with chromosomal abnormalities or monogenic disorders. The identification of genes involved in the origin of autism is expected to increase our understanding of the pathogenesis. We report on the clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular findings in a boy with autism carrying a de novo translocation t(7;16)(p22.1;p11.2). The chromosome 16 breakpoint disrupts the paralogous SLC6A8 gene also called SLC6A10 or CT2. Predicted translation of exons and RT-PCR analysis reveal specific expression of the creatine transporter paralogous in testis and brain. Several studies reported on the role of X-linked creatine transporter mutations in individuals with mental retardation, with or without autism. The existence of disruption in SLC6A8 paralogous gene associated with idiopathic autism suggests that this gene may be involved in the autistic phenotype in our patient.
Electrochemical Investigation of Doped Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Hamilton J. W. J. , Byrne J. A. , McCullagh C. , Dunlop P. S. M.
Published: May 2008

Thin films of transition‐metal doped (0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 atom%) TiO2 were prepared on titanium foil using a sol‐gel route catalyzed by ammonium acetate. Dopants investigated were the fourth‐period transition metals. The prepared films were characterised by Raman spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical methods. The films doped with transition metals showed a lower photocurrent response than undoped samples. No major red shift in the photocurrent response spectra of the doped films was observed. A photocurrent response was observed under visible light irradiation of the samples and was potential dependent peaking around −0.3 V (SCE), which is indicative of electron promotion from a filled defect level. Examination of the defect level potential dependence by analysis of the current‐time response under chopped illumination at fixed potential (−0.8 V–+1.07 V) gave a good correlation with the potential dependence observed in the visible light irradiation studies.
A Novel Cellular Handset Design for an Enhanced Antenna Performance and a Reduced SAR in the Human Head
Authors: Al-Mously Salah I. , Abousetta Marai M.
Published: May 2008

This paper presents a novel cellular handset design with a bottom‐mounted
short loaded‐whip antenna. This new handset design is modeled and simulated
using a finite difference time‐domain (FDTD)‐based platform
SEMCAD. The proposed handset is based on a current commercially
available bar‐phone type with a curvature shape, keypad positioned above the
screen, and top‐mounted antenna. The specific absorption rates (SARs) are
determined computationally in the specific anthropomorphic mannequin
(SAM) and anatomically correct model of a human head when exposed
to the EM‐field radiation of the proposed cellular handset and the handset
with top‐mounted antenna. The two cellular handsets are simulated to operate at
both GSM standards, 900 MHz as well as 1800 MHz, having different
antenna dimensions and intput power of 0.6 W and 0.125 W,
respectively. The proposed human hand holding the two handset models is
a semirealistic hand model consists of three tissues: skin, muscle, and bone.
The simulations are conducted with handset positions based on the IEEE
standard 1528‐2003. The results show that the proposed handset has a
significant improvement of antenna efficiency when it is hand‐held close to head,
as compared with the handset of top‐mounted antenna. Also, the results show that
a significant reduction of the induced SAR in the human head‐tissues can be
achieved with the proposed handset.
A Deterministic Simulation Model for Sojourn Time in Urban Cells with Square Street Geometry
Authors: Paschos Georgios S. , Tsoulos Ioannis G. , Vagenas Efstathios D. , Kotsopoulos Stavros A. , Karagiannidis George K.
Published: May 2008

A deterministic simulation model for the calculation
of sojourn time statistics is proposed. The model is designed for
urban cells taking into account city movement in street pattern,
traffic lights, and crossings. Sojourn time and remaining sojourn
time are assumed to be random variables that follow a gamma
distribution. The parameters of gamma are found for a range of
the chosen cell parameters (road length, probability of stopping
at a crossing and cell radius) using Monte Carlo simulation.
Then, the values are fitted to the empirical model using genetic
algorithms with grammatical evolution. The model can be used
to calculate sojourn time statistical parameters for any urban
circular cell with square street pattern.
Rapid and Sensitive Determination of Trace Chloride Ion in Drinks Using Resonance Light Scattering Technique
Authors: Cao Hui , Wu Dong Hui
Published: May 2008

A resonance light scattering (RLS) technique to determine chloride ions in drinks was developed. Chloride ions were found to bindAg+forming AgCl aggregates that produced intense resonance scattering light. Effects of factors such as acidity, ionic strength, and coexistent interferents on the RLS of AgCl aggregates were investigated. The pH of solution almost did not affect the production of RLS and few foreign species interfered with the detection of chloride ions. The resonance scattering light intensity at the maximum peak of 571 nm was linear to the concentration of chloride ions in the range of 1.42–8.52 ng mL-1with a detection limit of 0.71 ng mL-1. To determine the feasibility of the proposed method, some samples of water and drinks were analyzed. The attained results were in agreement with that of ion-selective electrode method. Good recovery results were also obtained with the range of 94.08–105.63%. The sensitivity and selectivity of the RLS method are high enough to determine trace amounts of chloride ions without any significant interference from high concentration of other components such as common anions and cations.
A Class of Nonlinear Integral Operators Preserving Double Subordinations
Authors: Kwon Oh Sang , Cho Nak Eun
Published: May 2008

The purpose of the present paper is to investigate some subordination‐ and superordination‐preserving
properties of certain integral operators defined on the space of meromorphic functions in the punctured open unit disk. The sandwich‐type theorem for these integral
operators is also considered.
Wheat Genomics: Present Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Gupta P. K. , Mir R. R. , Mohan A. , Kumar J.
Published: May 2008

Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), with a large genome (16000 Mb) and high proportion (∼80%) of repetitive sequences, has been a difficult crop for genomics research. However, the availability of extensive cytogenetics stocks has been an asset, which facilitated significant progress in wheat genomic research in recent years. For instance, fairly dense molecular maps (both genetic and physical maps) and a large set of ESTs allowed genome-wide identification of gene-rich and gene-poor regions as well as QTL including eQTL. The availability of markers associated with major economic traits also allowed development of major programs on marker-assisted selection (MAS) in some countries, and facilitated map-based cloning of a number of genes/QTL. Resources for functional genomics including TILLING and RNA interference (RNAi) along with some new approaches like epigenetics and association mapping are also being successfully used for wheat genomics research. BAC/BIBAC libraries for the subgenome D and some individual chromosomes have also been prepared to facilitate sequencing of gene space. In this brief review, we discuss all these advances in some detail, and also describe briefly the available resources, which can be used for future genomics research in this important crop.
A New Semiempirical Mathematical Model for Prediction of Internal Filtration in Hollow Fiber Hemodialyzers
Authors: Fiore Gianfranco B. , Guadagni Gualtiero , Lupi Andrea , Ricci Zaccaria , Ronco Claudio
Published: May 2008

The potential of convective solute transport for blood purification has been widely explored. New techniques (such as hemodiafiltration), based on a combination of diffusion and convection techniques, have been developed. Owing to the internal filtration/backfiltration (IF/BF) phenomenon, high-flux dialysis also relies on a convective component, which, however, is hard to quantify and thus optimize. In this work, we developed a mathematical model designed to supply the clinician with a quantification of the IF/BF fluxes taking place during high-flux dialysis. IF fluxes are predicted based on the machine settings and blood hematocrit/protein concentration. The hydraulic characteristics of commercial dialyzers were derived from bloodless bench tests. Moreover, an in vitro blood test was conducted on a 1.8 m2 polysulfone dialyzer using an established scintigraphic analysis, for verification of model prediction accuracy. Results of simulations show that the IF/BF rate is sensitive to the blood flow rate and (to a lesser extent) to the dialysate flow rate. Increasing net ultrafiltration rates resulted in parallel increases of direct filtration and simultaneous decreases of BF. IF/BF is rather influenced by blood composition, due to the complex dependence of oncotic pressure and blood viscosity upon hematocrit and plasma protein concentration. Simulation results showed an excellent agreement with the experimental results obtained with scintigraphy, with only a 3% prediction error. With respect to some previous works, this model is simpler in its theoretical approach. It allows implementation into a user-friendly software tool and might be used to predict the convective component in high-flux dialysis and possibly to optimize it.
Notch Signaling in Cardiac Development
Authors: Niessen Kyle , Karsan Aly
Published: May 2008

The Notch signaling pathway has been demonstrated to play a critical role during mammalian cardiac development based on recent findings from gene-targeted mice. In addition, mutations in the Notch signaling pathway have been associated with human congenital heart defects such as Alagille syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve disease, calcification of the heart valves, and ventricular septal defects. Recently, it was demonstrated that Notch activation in the endocardium regulates ventricular myocardial development and that the Notch downstream target genes
Hey1
and
Hey2
are required for the establishment of the atrioventricular canal myocardial boundary. The Notch pathway has previously been implicated in regulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition during development of the heart valves, and recent reports further dissect the role of individual Notch downstream target genes during this process. In addition, a role for the Notch pathway during cardiac neural crest cell development has been identified, which provides a potential mechanism for the findings seen in Alagille syndrome. This review focuses on recently reported findings that elucidate mechanisms regulated by the Notch pathway during ventricular, atrioventricular canal, and outflow tract development.
The Stem Cell Movement
Authors: Smart Nicola , Riley Paul R.
Published: May 2008

Stem or progenitor cell–based strategies to combat ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction, whether autologous transplantation or stimulation of resident populations, not only require detailed insight into transdifferentiation potential and functional coupling, but the efficacy of this approach is underpinned by the need to induce appropriate migration and homing to the site of injury. This review focuses on existing insights into the trafficking of stem cells in the context of cardiac regenerative therapy, with particular focus on the wide variety of potential sources of cells, critical factors that may regulate their migration, and how extrapolating from embryonic stem/progenitor cell behavior during cardiogenesis may reveal pathways implicit in the adult heart postinjury.
Conscientious Objection in Reproductive Health Care: Analysis of Pichon and Sajous v. France
Authors: Lamačková Adriana
Published: May 2008

This article explores the issue of conscientious objection invoked by health professionals in the reproductive and sexual health care context and its impact on women's ability to access health services. The right to exercise conscientious objection has been recognized by many international and European scholars as being derived from the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It is not, however, an absolute right. When the exercise of conscientious objection conflicts with other human rights and fundamental freedoms, a balance must be struck between the right to conscientious objection and other affected rights such as the right to respect for private life, the right to equality and non-discrimination, and the right to receive and impart information. Particularly in the reproductive health care context, states that allow health professionals to exercise conscientious objection must accommodate this in such a way that its exercise does not compromise women's access to health services. This article analyses the European Court of Human Rights' decision on admissibility in Pichon and Sajous v. France (2001) and argues that a balancing approach should be applied in cases of conscientious objection in the sexual and reproductive health care context.
Regulating Medical Futility: Neither Excessive Patient's Autonomy Nor Physician's Paternalism
Authors: Bagheri Alireza
Published: May 2008

In the era of an aging population and escalating healthcare costs, the futility debate has become the object of extended critical attention. The issue has divided experts in relevant fields into two camps. The proponents of medical futility defend the physician's exclusive right to determine the futility of treatment and decide whether treatment should be withheld or withdrawn. On the other hand, opponents believe that a discourse of power lies at the heart of the futility debate. They believe that medical futility was constructed, in part, as a means of enhancing the physician's domination in a context wherein medical authority was threatened. This paper presents some current approaches to the futility debate and highlights positions taken by physicians and bioethicists. It concludes that establishing an operational guideline, either at hospital or national level, is a critical requirement for resolving problems posed by futility. It suggests that policies should not be based on either excessive patient's autonomy or physician's paternalism.
Back-channel Communication in the Settlement of Conflict
Authors: Pruitt Dean
Published: May 2008

Secret back-channel communication is often employed in severe conflict to explore the feasibility of front-channel negotiation. It can also be used as an adjunct to front-channel negotiation when talks become deadlocked or as a substitute for front-channel negotiation. Its value lies partly in the flexibility and future orientation it brings to talks. In the prenegotiation phase, it also provides political cover, is cost-effective, does not require formal recognition of the adversary, and allows communication with adversaries who do not meet preconditions for negotiation such as a cease-fire. Intermediaries and intermediary chains are sometimes used in back-channel communication. Heavy reliance on back-channel communication can produce flimsy agreements that are too narrowly based or fail to deal with major issues. But this problem can be avoided if enough time is spent assembling a broad central coalition.
Negotiation, Exclusion and Durable Peace: Dialogue and Peacebuilding in Tajikistan
Authors: Zartman Jonathan
Published: May 2008

Peace negotiators concentrate their mediation efforts on leaders of armed factions in their pursuit of political agreements to stop a civil war, and they exclude noncombatants and interest groups that can "spoil" the bargaining. This practice of exclusion often creates agreements that fail during implementation. Track two diplomacy efforts can overcome this failure by providing channels to include other interest groups and active parties. In Tajikistan, participants in a sustained dialogue intervention provided crucial influence to the negotiation of a civil war settlement, but the agreement itself only created a greater centralization of political power and institutions that excluded public political participation. However, participation in the dialogue transformed members and even some observers into effective practitioners developing a large number of public associations committed to conflict resolution. Therefore, the Inter-Tajik Dialogue in Tajikistan illustrates a successful strategy for overcoming the dynamics of exclusion that drive political settlements between military leaders. More importantly, sustained dialogue demonstrates possible strategies for building peace by stimulating the development of a more inclusive civic culture.
Managing the Tension between Inclusionary and Exclusionary Processes: Building Peace in Burundi
Authors: McClintock Elizabeth , Nahimana Térence
Published: May 2008

The tension between inclusive and exclusive approaches is present throughout peace processes. The challenge of facilitators, mediators, and parties alike is to determine how to manage these tensions, how to integrate various processes into a comprehensive whole and ensure that those required to implement the peace agreement have access to the process that creates the peace agreement. In particular, how can civil society, an actor of ever-increasing importance in the implementation of peace agreements, be effectively included in the design of the accords? This article examines the tension between inclusive and exclusive processes within the context of the Burundi peace process and the development of the Arusha Peace Accords.
Conflict Resolution in a Network Society
Authors: Allen Nan Susan
Published: May 2008

This article explores the import of the network society for conflict resolution, broadly defined. Defining networks as social structures which connect people to each other, the article highlights the dual potential impacts of networks on participation in conflict resolution processes. Network society discourse creates a discourse of inclusion while also offering opportunities for exclusion. Conflict resolution theory has embraced the inclusive potential of network dynamics both implicitly and explicitly. Peacebuilders use networks, with their potential for participation and connecting conflict resolution processes, levels, and sectors, in efforts to do their peacebuilding work better. However, not all networks support conflict resolution. Networks can also reinforce conflicts, institutionalize exploitation, exacerbate inequalities, and strengthen violent conflict movements. Networks can be distinguished as inclusive or exclusive. Inclusive networks are more suitable for supporting meaningful participation in conflict resolution processes, while exclusive networks entrench conflict. Vibrant networks incorporate more inclusive and more exclusive dynamics in network vitality that allows both flexibly incorporating diversity and developing clarity of focus that inevitably delineates areas (or people or activities) outside the area of focus. Meaningful inclusion and participation in conflict resolution negotiations is broadly possible through inclusive networks, but forms of exclusion from conflict resolution negotiations are equally possible outgrowths of exclusive networks.
Looking Lesbian at the Bathing Bathsheba
Authors: Guest Deryn
Published: May 2008

The variety of approaches to interpreting scripture emerging in the late twentieth century has demonstrated how well known texts can yield different and surprising interpretations when the interpretational frame of enquiry is differently angled. Feminists and womanists have done sterling work, shedding light on the role and status of scriptural women, asking new questions, modifying and challenging existing methodologies, raising issues not traditionally incorporated within historical critical exegesis. However, almost the entirety of this work has taken place within a heterocentric frame of reference, one that assumes the heterosexuality of the scriptural women themselves and one that appears to presuppose a heterosexual academic community, since lesbian-related concerns and issues have hardly been given a sentence until very recently. This paper will outline the contribution that a lesbian-identied perspective to the Hebrew Bible can offer and query whether feminism is the best 'home' for under taking this work.
Nonlinear Advection Schemes on the Octagonal Grid
Authors: Rančić Miodrag , Zhang Hai , Savic-Jovcic Verica
Published: May 2008

Successful treatment of nonlinear momentum advection is one of the outstanding challenges for the application of rectangular quasi-uniform spherical grids in global circulation models. Quasi-uniform grids (e.g., cubic and octagonal), which are virtually assembled by connecting a set of regional domains along their boundaries, appear to be an excellent choice for the expansion of regional atmospheric models to global coverage. However, because of an unavoidable lack of orthogonality of these grids in the proximity of the singular points (i.e., the corner points connecting three neighboring rectangular tiles), a common-sense approach is to first generalize underlying numerical schemes to the general curvilinear coordinates, and then to apply globalization. In this procedure, assuming that a “weak conservative formulation” for the generalization is applied, the advective formalism of the Arakawa-type momentum schemes and some of their properties, especially those important for the long-term “climate type” simulations, may be lost. This paper discusses challenges faced in the application of Arakawa-type nonlinear advection schemes on the quasi-uniform semistaggered grids and suggests a solution that is based on discretization of the momentum equation in the vector form. Both the second- and the fourth-order energy-conserving nonlinear advection schemes are considered. The potential merits of this approach are demonstrated in a series of benchmark test integrations of a shallow-water model on the octagonal quasi-uniform grid.