bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Method to Solve Systems of Nonlinear Equations with Singularities
Authors: Schulze R.
Published: May 2007

We investigate a fast‐convergent derivation‐free method for computing zeros of systems of nonlinear equations with singularities which, in general, needs fewer assumptions than the Newton‐like methods applied usually, and which has proved to be highly efficient by lots of examples. First we transform an arbitrary zero problem into an equivalent, in general under‐determined, zero problem. Then we consider a possibility to transform a zero problem into a possibly globally convergent fixed point form by means of a suitable matrix. We show several possibilities to characterize this matrix. Since the pure Banach iteration provides only linear convergence order of the iterated sequence, we speed up the procedure by means of limit value extrapolation so that we finally obtain a quadratic order of convergence.
On a Numerical Method for Coercive Parabolic Boundary Control Problems
Authors: Tröltzsch F.
Published: May 2007

In this paper a method for the numerical solution of coercive parabolic boundary control problems is presented. Its main idea consists in finding certain switching points for the optimal control of an approximating control problem. The convergence of the method is proved, and some numerical examples are given.
Berechenbare Fehlerschranken für ein Eigenpaar unter Einschluß von Rundungsfehlern bei Verwendung des genauen Skalarprodukts
Authors: Alefeld G.
Published: May 2007

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird, ausgehend von einer Näherung für ein Matrizeneigenpaar mit einem algebraisch einfachen Eigenwert, zunächst eine Einschließung für den Eigenwert und für die Komponenten des dazugehörigen Eigenvektors berechnet. Daran anschließend wird ein Verfahren eingeführt, welches es gestattet, diese Schranken (bei rundungsfehlerfreier Rechnung) beliebig genau zu verbessern. Schließlich wird diskutiert, wie sich dieses Verfahren bei Berücksichtigung von Rundungsfehlern verhält. Dabei setzen wir voraus, daß das von U. Kulisch [3] eingeführte genaue Skalarprodukt zur Verfügung steht. Zwei numerische Beispiele schließen die Arbeit ab.
Zur Konstruktion vollständiger Folgen von Näherungsräumen für Galerkin‐Differenzenverfahren
Authors: Prochnow D.
Published: May 2007

In Hinsicht auf die Galerkin‐Differenzenmethode zur Lösung partieller Differentialgleichungen werden Bedingungen für die Konstruktion vollständiger Folgen von Näherungsräumen angegeben. Die Vollständigkeitsdefinition von Krasnoselsky wird auf den Fall nichtkonformer Approximation ausgedehnt. Zerlegungstheoreme werden bewiesen und Vollständigkeitsresultate in Hilbert‐Räumen bei nichtkonformer Approximation diskutiert. Zur Veranschaulichung der erzielten Resultate werden divergenzfreie Vektorfelder konstruiert.
Konvergenzfaktoren von Mehrgitterverfahren für Probleme der ebenen, linearen Elastizitätstheorie
Authors: Jung M.
Published: May 2007

Es wird ein Mehrgitter‐Algorithmus zur Lösung ebener linearer Elastizitätsprobleme vorgeschlagen. Dabei gelingt es, für die Zweigittermethode den Konvergenzfaktor zu berechnen und seine Abhängigkeit von der Poissonschen Querkontraktionszahl sowohl für den ebenen Spannungs‐ als auch für den ebenen Verzerrungszustand anzugeben. Weiter werden Abschätzungen für die Konvergenzrate des Mehrgitter‐Algorithmus dargelegt.
Finite Compression of a Foam Rubber Support System Subjected to Impact Loading
Authors: Tait R. J. , Haddow J. B.
Published: May 2007

The impact loading of a highly compressible hyperelastic layer in uniaxial compression is considered. The problem is applicable to the use of a foam rubber layer attached to a package to prevent damage when the package is dropped. A constitutive equation, proposed by Blatz and Ko [1], for foam rubber is assumed for the layer. Wave propagation effects are neglected.
Motorrechnung im X1+3+3
Authors: Heinz C.
Published: May 2007

Es wird ein leicht handzuhabender, der Vektorrechnung nachgebildeter Kalkül für die Motorrechnung in einem metrischen Raum M1+3+3 mit 1 + 3 translatorischen und drei komplexen (d. h. sechs reellen) rotatorischen Dimensionen entwickelt. Die Ergebnisse werden zur Bildung einer Analysis in einem Punktraum X1+3+3 verwendet. Anwendungen auf die Mechanik werden in späteren Arbeiten gegeben werden.
Lower Bounds for the Resonant Frequencies of Nonuniform Frame Structures
Authors: Beattie C.
Published: May 2007

The theory and practice of computing rigorous lower bounds to eigenvalues through the methodology of intermediate problems is extended to general frame structures with nonprismatic beam elements. Intermediate operator constructions for each substructure are used to ensure bounding of the actual resonances from below. The assembly of the elemental intermediate problems into a global dynamic stiffness matrix is discussed together with computational results that illustrate the method applied to a simple planar frame.
An Adaptive Method for Linear Parabolic Differential Equations
Authors: Reiher Th.
Published: May 2007

In the numerical solution of partial differential equations the problem of finding a suitable grid arises. In this paper an adaptive algorithm for the solution of one linear parabolic equation is proposed. This algorithm is based on the result, that the local error of the method can be represented as the sum of the local error in the time variable and that one in the space variable and that both can be estimated separately. So the method works with separated mesh refinement of the space and error control of the time stepsize.
Accurate Numerical Approximations of Eigenfrequencies and Eigenfunctions of Elliptic Membranes
Authors: Hettich R. , Haaren E. , Ries M. , Still G.
Published: May 2007

In earlier papers [3, 4] a defect‐minimization method was proposed to compute approximate eigenfunctions of membranes by means of a parametric semi‐infinite optimization problem. The method gives approximations and error bounds of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. An algorithm based on this method has been implemented for the special case of elliptic membranes with variable eccentricity. In this paper we show that by this method we obtain very accurate results even for eccentricities near one. In addition the method is very appropriate to study the behavior of eigenfunctions.
Approximation der Verteilung linearer Funktionale schwach korreliert verbundener Vektorprozesse – Anwendung auf Schwingungsdifferentialgleichungen
Authors: vom Scheidt J. , Wöhrl U.
Published: May 2007

Schwach korreliert verbundene Vektorprozesse haben die Eigenschaft, daß deren Werte in einem festen Beobachtungspunkt nur die Werte des Prozesses beeinflussen, deren Argumente in einer ε‐Umgebung dieses festen Punktes enthalten sind. In dieser Arbeit werden lineare Funktionale solcher Vektorprozesse untersucht. Die Momente und die Verteilungsdichten der Funktionale werden als Entwicklungen nach Potenzen der Korrelationslänge ε berechnet. In erster Näherung erhält man Gaußsche Verteilungen. Die Resultate werden auf Schwingungsdifferentialgleichungssysteme mit stochastischer Erregung angewendet.
On Optimal Control of Vehicle Vibration by Varying Traversal Velocity
Authors: Zayats O. , Palmov V. , Saranchuk V.
Published: May 2007

The paper investigates optimal changing laws for traversal vehicle velocity, which ensure maximum (minimum) of vertical vibration variance. The solution is given in detail for a one‐degree‐of‐freedom model when the road undulation is a stationary normal exponential‐correlated process. The results obtained enable to choose the velocity rationally and to establish variance changing limits in common case.
Non‐Equidistant Generalizations of the Gushchin‐Shchennikov Scheme
Authors: Vulanović R.
Published: May 2007

The numerical solution of singularly perturbed boundary value problems with turning points is considered. Some modifications and non‐equidistant generalizations of the Gushchin‐Shchennikov finite‐difference scheme are introduced. Both, the stability and the second order consistency are proved. Numerical examples are given.
Ergänzungen zur Lösung des turbulenten Freistrahlproblems der Grenzschichttheorie
Authors: Schultz‐Piszachich W.
Published: May 2007

Die Lösung des Freistrahlproblems nach der asymptotischen Theorie von H. Schlichting wird durch Berechnung der turbulenten Normalspannungen, des mittleren Druckes und der turbulenten Energiedissipationsrate ergänzt. Eine verallgemeinerte Lösung von G. Seifert wird durch Einführung expliziter Ausdrücke für die Achsengeschwindigkeit und Halbwertbreite konkretisiert. Damit können die mittleren Geschwindigkeiten und die turbulente Schubspannung auch im Übergangsbereich hinter dem Strahlkern vollständig berechnet werden. Die Grundgleichungen der turbulenten Strahlströmung werden im Rahmen der Grenzschichttheorie formuliert und integriert. Der Theorie der ähnlichen Lösungen, wo keine Stromfunktion angegeben wird, wird neu das selbstkonsistente Strömungsfeld als theoretische Grundlage zur Berechnung der mittleren Geschwindigkeitsprofile gegenübergestellt. Die so ermittelte Stromfunktion stellt bereits die Problemlösung dar. Die Stromlinien der im Mittel stationären Strömung können damit neu berechnet werden.
On the Stability of Plane Motion of Heavy Rigid Body about a Fixed Point
Authors: Yehia H. M.
Published: May 2007

The plane (pendulum‐like) motions of a heavy rigid body about a fixed point are considered. The shape of zones of stability and instability is illustrated in the three‐dimensional space of parameters.
Attraktorlokalisierung des Lorenz‐Systems
Authors: Leonov G. A. , Bunin A. I. , Koksch N.
Published: May 2007

In the present paper that region, in which the (minimal) attractor [2, 3] is situated, is localized in the phase space of the Lorenz system [1, 2] by means of Lyapunov's second method. Being based on these estimations and the results of paper [4] a sufficient condition is given that separatrix loops of the saddle x = y = z = 0 are missing. Comparison of the bounds for the attractor obtained analytically in this paper with the numerical results by E. Lorenz [1] shows that for certain parameter regions these estimations practically can not be augmented.
Finite‐Difference Schemes for Parabolic Problems with First and Mixed Second Derivatives
Authors: Voigt W.
Published: May 2007

For a half‐linear parabolic differential equation with first derivatives and mixed second derivatives a finite‐difference scheme is proposed which does not need a bound for the step‐size h but has approximation of order two. The principle is based on the introduction of an artificial Reynolds‐number. A numerical example is given, where a comparison of the given method with an already known method is provided.
The Solution of Plane Problems of Wave Loaded Cracks by an Integral Equation Method
Authors: Zhang Ch. , Gross D.
Published: May 2007

The plane problem of straight cracks in an infinite elastic region loaded by time harmonic waves is considered. Using the representation theorem for the displacements the problem is formulated in terms of integral equations for the unknown displacement discontinuity along the cracks. They can be solved by a suitable Galerkin method. Numerical results for the dynamic stress intensity factors of various P‐ or SV‐wave loaded crack configurations are presented and discussed.
Determination of anisidine value in thermally oxidized palm olein by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Che Man Y. B. , Setiowaty G.
Published: May 2007

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with transmission cell is described to predict anisidine value of palm olein. The calibration set was prepared by mixing the thermally oxidized palm olein and the unoxidized palm olein with certain ratios (w/w) covering a wide range of anisidine values. A partial least square (PLS) regression technique was employed to construct a calibration model. This model was further accomplished by a validation step. The standard error of prediction found was 0.51. The precision of this method was shown to be comparable to the accuracy of the American Oil Chemists’ Society method used for measurement of anisidine value, with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.99. The study showed that mid‐band FTIR spectroscopy combined with a PLS calibration technique is a versatile, efficient, and accurate technique for the estimation of anisidine value of palm olein within about 2 min with less than 2 mL of sample.
Chimeric retrogenes suggest a role for the nucleolus in LINE amplification
Authors: Buzdin Anton , Gogvadze Elena , Lebrun Marc-Henri
Published: May 2007

Chimeric retrogenes, found in mammalian and fungal genomes, are bipartite elements composed of DNA copies of cellular transcripts either directly fused to each other or fused to the 3′ part of a LINE retrotransposon. These cellular transcripts correspond to messenger RNAs, ribosomal RNAs, small nuclear RNAs and 7SL RNA. The chimeras are likely formed by RNA template switches during reverse transcription of LINE elements by their retrotranspositional machinery. The 5′ part of chimeras are copies of nucleolar RNAs, suggesting that the nucleolus plays a significant role in LINE retrotransposition. RNAs from the nucleolus might have protective function against retroelement invasion or, alternatively, the nucleolus may be required for retrotranspositional complex assembly and maturation. These hypotheses will be discussed in this review.
Calpastatin simultaneously binds four calpains with different kinetic constants
Authors: Hanna Rachel A. , Garcia-Diaz Beatriz E. , Davies Peter L.
Published: May 2007

Calpastatin is the endogenous, specific protein inhibitor of the calcium‐dependent protease, calpain. Using an active site knock‐out m‐calpain mutant we have studied the enzyme's calcium‐dependent binding to calpastatin by surface plasmon resonance without the complication of proteolysis. Calpastatin was capable of simultaneously binding four molecules of calpain. Its four inhibitory domains (CAST1, 2, 3, and 4) were individually expressed in Escherichia coli and the kinetics of their interaction with calpain was separately compared. Their K
d values ranged from picomolar to nanomolar in the order CAST1 > 4 > 3 > 2. They have similar k
on values but the k
off values ranged over three orders of magnitude and can account for the differences in affinity.
Molecular chaperones regulate p53 and suppress senescence programs
Authors: Sherman Michael , Gabai Vladimir , O'Callaghan Cornelia , Yaglom Julia
Published: May 2007

Many types of cancer cells constitutively express major molecular chaperones at high levels. Recent findings demonstrate that specific depletion of individual chaperones, including various members of the Hsp70 family, small heat shock proteins, or VCP/p97, leads to activation of p53 pathway and subsequently triggers cellular senescence. Here, we discuss a possibility that in cancer cells high levels of chaperones serve to keep the p53 signaling under control, thus allowing cancer cells to evade the default senescence and form tumors.
Inhibition of microglial fatty acid amide hydrolase modulates LPS stimulated release of inflammatory mediators
Authors: Tham Chui-Se , Whitaker John , Luo Lin , Webb Michael
Published: May 2007

Anandamide and other fatty acid amides are metabolised by the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which thereby regulates their endogenous levels. Here we demonstrate that cultured rat cortical microglia express FAAH at low levels. The potent FAAH inhibitor URB597 reduced the LPS stimulated microglial expression of cyclo‐oxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide, with concomitant attenuation of the release of PGE2 and NO. Additional of supplemental exogenous anandamide did not increase the magnitude of attenuation of mediator release. The effect of URB597 on LPS stimulated PGE2 release was not blocked by selective CB1 or CB2 receptor antagonists.
The heat shock protein 70 family: Highly homologous proteins with overlapping and distinct functions
Authors: Daugaard Mads , Rohde Mikkel , Jäättelä Marja
Published: May 2007

The human heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family contains at least eight homologous chaperone proteins. Endoplasmatic reticulum and mitochondria have their specific Hsp70 proteins, whereas the remaining six family members reside mainly in the cytosol and nucleus. The requirement for multiple highly homologous although different Hsp70 proteins is still far from clear, but their individual and tissue‐specific expression suggests that they are assigned distinct biological tasks. This concept is supported by the fact that mice knockout for different Hsp70 genes display remarkably discrete phenotypes. Moreover, emerging data suggest that individual Hsp70 proteins can bring about non‐overlapping and chaperone‐independent functions essential for growth and survival of cancer cells. This review summarizes our present knowledge of the individual members of human Hsp70 family and elaborate on the functional differences between the cytosolic/nuclear representatives.
Inhibitors of the heat shock response: Biology and pharmacology
Authors: Powers Marissa V. , Workman Paul
Published: May 2007

A number of human diseases can be linked to aberrations in protein folding which cause an imbalance in protein homeostasis. Molecular chaperones, including heat shock proteins, act to assist protein folding, stability and activity in the cell. Attention has begun to focus on modulating the expression and/or activity of this group of proteins for the treatment of a wide variety of human diseases. This review will describe the progress made to date in developing pharmacological modulators of the heat shock response, including both agents which affect the entire heat shock response and those that specifically target the HSP70 and HSP90 chaperone families.
Carboxy terminal extended phytocystatins are bifunctional inhibitors of papain and legumain cysteine proteinases
Authors: Martinez Manuel , Diaz-Mendoza Mercedes , Carrillo Laura , Diaz Isabel
Published: May 2007

Plant legumains are cysteine proteinases putatively involved in processing endogenous proteins. Phytocystatins (PhyCys) have been described as plant inhibitors of papain‐like cysteine proteinases. Some PhyCys contain a carboxy terminal extension with an amino acid motif (SNSL) similar to that involved in the inhibition of legumain‐like proteins by human cystatins. The role of these carboxy terminal extended PhyCys as inhibitors of legumain‐like cysteine proteinases is here shown by in vitro inhibition of human legumain and legumain‐like activities from barley extracts. Moreover, site‐directed mutagenesis has demonstrated that the asparagine of the SNSL motif is essential in this inhibition. We prove for first time the existence of legumain inhibitors in plants.
Cannabidiolic‐acid synthase, the chemotype‐determining enzyme in the fiber‐type Cannabis sativa
Authors: Taura Futoshi , Sirikantaramas Supaart , Shoyama Yoshinari , Yoshikai Kazuyoshi , Shoyama Yukihiro , Morimoto Satoshi
Published: May 2007

Cannabidiolic‐acid (CBDA) synthase is the enzyme that catalyzes oxidative cyclization of cannabigerolic‐acid into CBDA, the dominant cannabinoid constituent of the fiber‐type Cannabis sativa. We cloned a novel cDNA encoding CBDA synthase by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reactions with degenerate and gene‐specific primers. Biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme demonstrated that CBDA synthase is a covalently flavinylated oxidase. The structural and functional properties of CBDA synthase are quite similar to those of tetrahydrocannabinolic‐acid (THCA) synthase, which is responsible for the biosynthesis of THCA, the major cannabinoid in drug‐type Cannabis plants.
Genome‐wide screening of genes affecting glycogen metabolism in Escherichia coli K‐12
Authors: Eydallin Gustavo , Viale Alejandro M. , Morán-Zorzano María Teresa , Muñoz Francisco José , Montero Manuel , Baroja-Fernández Edurne , Pozueta-Romero Javier
Published: May 2007

A systematic and comprehensive gene‐disrupted mutant collection of E. coli K‐12 was used to identify genes whose deletions affect glycogen accumulation. Of the 3985 non‐essential gene mutants of the collection, 35 displayed a glycogen‐excess phenotype, whereas 30 displayed either glycogen‐less or glycogen‐deficient phenotypes. The genes whose deletions affect glycogen accumulation were classified into various functional categories, including energy production, envelope composition and integrity, protein translation and stability, transport of inorganic ions and nucleotides, and metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. The overall data indicate that glycogen metabolism is highly interconnected with a wide variety of cellular processes in E. coli.
An Assessment of the Effects of Exposure to Vibration, Smoking, Alcohol and Diabetes on the Prevalence of Dupuytren’s Disease in 97,537 Miners
Authors: BURKE F. D. , PROUD G. , LAWSON I. J. , MCGEOCH K. L. , MILES J. N. V.
Published: May 2007

A consecutive sample of 97,537 miners seeking compensation for Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome were examined in a medical assessment process which included documentation of age, hand dominance, Dupuytren’s disease, years of vibration exposure, history of diabetes, smoking habits and units of alcohol consumption per week. The prime determinant of prevalence of Dupuytren’s disease was age, and all other factors investigated were corrected for age. There was no statistically significant correlation between years of exposure to vibration and the prevalence of Dupuytren’s disease. There was a statistically significant association with smoking, alcohol consumption and diabetes mellitus, with the heaviest smokers having an odds ratio (OR) of 1.31 (95% CI, 1.17, 1.47), the heaviest drinkers (in excess of 22 units a week) having an OR of 1.59 (95% CI, 1.47, 1.72) and diabetes mellitus patients having an increase in the odds of having Dupuytren’s disease of 1.52 (95% CI 1.30, 1.77).
Dorsal Dimelia in Patau Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: FATTAH A. , PICKFORD M. A.
Published: May 2007

We present a case of a child with Patau syndrome that exhibits features consistent with congenital palmar nail syndrome. The literature is reviewed and evidence presented to demonstrate that this is a defect in the dorso-ventral patterning of the limb and thus a form of dorsal dimelia. In order to differentiate this from other instances of ectopic nail tissue we suggest congenital palmar nail syndrome should be more specifically defined as duplicated nails, absent flexion creases, non-glabrous skin on the palmar surface, reduced movement at the interphalangeal joints and hypoplastic terminal phalanges.
Restoration of Elbow Function by Intercostal Nerve Transfer for Obstetrical Paralysis with Co-Contraction of the Biceps and the Triceps
Authors: KAWANO K. , NAGANO A. , OCHIAI N. , KONDO T. , MIKAMI Y. , TAJIRI Y.
Published: May 2007

Among the conservatively treated patients with obstetrical paralysis after delivery in the vertex presentation, cross reinnervation sometimes occurs in the course of their recovery and co-contraction of multiple muscles impairs smooth upper limb motion. Such co-contraction of the biceps and the triceps inhibits normal elbow motion, making it impossible to use the elbow effectively in daily activities, despite adequate strength in these muscles. To overcome biceps/triceps co-contraction, we performed intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve for three patients of age 11 months, 6 years and 9 years, respectively, and to the motor branches of the triceps for two patients of age 4 and 14 year-old, respectively. During the average follow-up period of 5.6 (range 1–11.5) years, the power of the reinnervated muscle improved to more than M3, and smooth motion of the elbow independently of shoulder motion was restored.
One-Year Results of Use of Poly-L/D-Lactic Acid Joint Scaffolds and Bone Packing in Revision Metacarpophalangeal Arthroplasty
Authors: IKÄVALKO M. , SKYTTÄ E. T. , BELT E. A.
Published: May 2007

Revision metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty after silicone implant arthroplasty is frequently complicated by severe bone loss, osteolysis and diaphyseal perforations. Impacted, morselised allografts are frequently used to treat bone loss in revision surgery. A new method of treatment using bioreconstructive poly-L/D-lactic acid (PLDLA) joint scaffold and allograft bone packing, after complete removal of the original silicone implants, allows recovery of bony deficiencies, correction of malalignment and improves function of the hand. This article presents the one-year results of a prospective, non-randomised clinical and radiographic follow-up study of 21 patients with 52 revision metacarpophalangeal arthroplasties using the PLDLA implants and allograft bone packing.
Subungual Carcinomas in Multiple Digits
Authors: POREMBSKI M. A. , RAYAN G. M.
Published: May 2007

We report a patient with subungual squamous cell carcinoma arising in more than one digit who also had positive immunostaining for human papillomavirus (HPV). The patient worked for a wastewater utility company for 22 years and placed his hands in stagnant wastewater daily.
Trigger Fingers Requiring Simultaneous Division of the A1 Pulley and the Proximal Part of the A2 Pulley
Authors: AL-QATTAN M. M.
Published: May 2007

In a prospective study of 50 adult patients with primary idiopathic trigger finger, four patients (8%) required simultaneous division of the proximal 3 to 4 mm of the A2 pulley as well as the A1 pulley in order to completely resolve the triggering. At final follow up at 6 to 12 months, all patients were symptom-free with a full range of motion of the fingers. This entity is discussed.
A Method for Optimising Excision of the Nail Bed Matrix
Authors: GORE S. M. , SKILLMAN J. M. , SABBAGH W.
Published: May 2007

This paper describes a useful way of ensuring complete surgical ablation of the germinal matrix of the nail bed by staining the proximal envelope with Bonney’s Blue dye.
Central Asia: Managing the delicate balance between the “discourse of danger,” the “Great Game,” and regional problem solving
Authors: Sandole Dennis J.D.
Published: May 2007

This article concludes this special issue of Communist and Post-Communist Studies by summarizing the various contributions and noting their commonalties as well as dissimilarities. The primary themes are the various problems in need of solution in Central Asia and the surrounding “neighborhood” (e.g., Afghanistan), including identity-driven conflicts and various ways of handling them.

The article reaches out from the academic researchers who have contributed the articles, to policymakers, especially in the U.S., who may be concerned with identifying and solving the problems of Central Asia and its neighborhood, noting the “unintended consequences” that may befall them for what they do or do not do in the region.
The shifting baseline of northern fur seal ecology in the northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Newsome Seth D. , Etnier Michael A. , Gifford-Gonzalez Diane , Phillips Donald L. , van Tuinen Marcel , Hadly Elizabeth A. , Costa Daniel P. , Kennett Douglas J. , Guilderson Tom P. , Koch Paul L.
Published: May 2007

Historical data provide a baseline against which to judge the significance of recent ecological shifts and guide conservation strategies, especially for species decimated by pre-20th century harvesting. Northern fur seals (NFS;
Callorhinus ursinus
) are a common pinniped species in archaeological sites from southern California to the Aleutian Islands, yet today they breed almost exclusively on offshore islands at high latitudes. Harvest profiles from archaeological sites contain many unweaned pups, confirming the presence of temperate-latitude breeding colonies in California, the Pacific Northwest, and the eastern Aleutian Islands. Isotopic results suggest that prehistoric NFS fed offshore across their entire range, that California populations were distinct from populations to the north, and that populations breeding at temperate latitudes in the past used a different reproductive strategy than modern populations. The extinction of temperate-latitude breeding populations was asynchronous geographically. In southern California, the Pacific Northwest, and the eastern Aleutians, NFS remained abundant in the archaeological record up to the historical period ≈200 years B.P.; thus their regional collapse is plausibly attributed to historical hunting or some other anthropogenic ecosystem disturbance. In contrast, NFS populations in central and northern California collapsed at ≈800 years B.P., long before European contact. The relative roles of human hunting versus climatic factors in explaining this ecological shift are unclear, as more paleoclimate information is needed from the coastal zone.
Observation of the density minimum in deeply supercooled confined water
Authors: Liu Dazhi , Zhang Yang , Chen Chia-Cheng , Mou Chung-Yuan , Poole Peter H. , Chen Sow-Hsin
Published: May 2007

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) is used to measure the density of heavy water contained in 1D cylindrical pores of mesoporous silica material MCM-41-S-15, with pores of diameter of 15 ± 1 Å. In these pores the homogenous nucleation process of bulk water at 235 K does not occur, and the liquid can be supercooled down to at least 160 K. The analysis of SANS data allows us to determine the absolute value of the density of D
2
O as a function of temperature. We observe a density minimum at 210 ± 5 K with a value of 1.041 ± 0.003 g/cm
3
. We show that the results are consistent with the predictions of molecular dynamics simulations of supercooled bulk water. Here we present an experimental report of the existence of the density minimum in supercooled water, which has not been described previously.
Relation between the Widom line and the breakdown of the Stokes–Einstein relation in supercooled water
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Buldyrev S. V. , Becker S. R. , Poole P. H. , Starr F. W. , Stanley H. E.
Published: May 2007

Supercooled water exhibits a breakdown of the Stokes–Einstein relation between the diffusion constant
D
and the alpha relaxation time τ
α
. For water simulated with two different potentials, TIP5P and ST2, we find that the temperature of the decoupling of diffusion and alpha relaxation correlates with the temperature of the maximum in specific heat that corresponds to crossing the Widom line
T
W
(
P
). Specifically, we find that our results for
D
τ
α
/
T
collapse onto a single “master curve” if temperature is replaced by
T
−
T
W
(
P
). We further find that the size of the mobile molecule clusters (dynamical heterogeneities) increases sharply near
T
W
(
P
). Moreover, our calculations of mobile particle cluster size <
n
(
t
*)>
w
for different pressures, where
t
* is the time for which the mobile particle cluster size is largest, also collapse onto a single master curve if
T
is replaced by
T
−
T
W
(
P
). The crossover to a more locally structured low density liquid (LDL) as
T
→
T
W
(
P
) appears to be well correlated both with the breakdown of the Stokes–Einstein relation and with the growth of dynamic heterogeneities. Our results are consistent with the possibility that the breakdown of the SE relation in supercooled water at low pressures is associated with the hypothesized liquid–liquid phase transition.
Abkhazia: Patronage and Power in the Stalin Era
Authors: Blauvelt Timothy
Published: May 2007

Abkhazia during the Stalin era was at the same time a subtropical haven where the great leader and his lieutenants built grand dachas and took extended holidays away from Moscow, and also a key piece in the continuing chess match of Soviet politics. This paper will examine how and why this small, sunny autonomous republic on the Black Sea, and the political networks that developed there, played a prominent role in the politics of the south Caucasus region and in Soviet politics as a whole during the Stalin period.
The Politicization of the Environmental Issue in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh's Nationalist Movement in the South Caucasus 1985–1991
Authors: Geukjian Ohannes
Published: May 2007

This research examines and analyzes how the politicization of the environmental issue in Armenia led to the emergence of the Nagorno-Karabakh (N-K) nationalist movement in Azerbaijan as the USSR went into terminal decline in 1991. It is important to stress that the Karabakh movement that emerged in Armenia in February 1988 with a clear agenda on serious ecological problems escalated quickly in the subsequent weeks and months to demand the preservation of the cultural identity of Karabakh Armenians in Azerbaijan. Air pollution of Yerevan, Ashdarag, Yegheknatsor, and later Sdepanavan and Ghapan was a significant threat to the existence of the Armenian people. For the Armenians, air pollution was ecological genocide, and cultural discrimination against Karabakh Armenians was cultural genocide. The Armenians associated ecological and cultural genocides with the 1915 genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenian nation. This study shows that initially the Karabakh movement did not have political goals. However, as it intensified with an enormous consciousness it transformed to a nationalist movement with a political and ecological agenda. This study also analyzes ethnic mobilization by activists in Armenia and the emergence of the N-K nationalist movement from 1985 to 1991 in light of Soviet nationalities policy and the window of opportunity caused by the political transformation at the center (Moscow). The activists of the environmental and nationalist movements were the same.
Renegotiating Stability, Security and Identity in the Post-Soviet Borderlands: The Experience of Russian Communities in Uzbekistan
Authors: Flynn Moya
Published: May 2007

In 1991 the ethnic Russian and Russian-speaking communities, who had migrated to and been resident in the non-Russian regions of both the tsarist empire and Soviet Union, found themselves located beyond the borders of the newly independent Russian Federation. Despite an absence of actual, physical movement, the communities experienced a form of stationary or figurative displacement as the Soviet Union broke up and political borders demarcating their homelands moved over them. This displacement was furthered in subsequent years due to the nature and security of the environment where they lived and their often secure sense of ethnocultural and socio-economic identity being challenged through processes of political and economic transformation and increased levels of instability and uncertainty. This article focuses on members of those Russian communities who are living in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Through an analysis of narratives of their everyday lives it explores how they perceive and understand the “displacement” which has occurred, and how they are responding and actively renegotiating relationships with both their physical homeland—Uzbekistan—and their “historical” homeland—Russia. Furthermore, the article assesses how through these processes of displacement and renegotiation they are reshaping their own identities in the post-Soviet period.
Germany as a Kin-State: The Development and Implementation of a Norm-Consistent External Minority Policy towards Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Cordell Karl , Wolff Stefan
Published: May 2007

Germany's role as a kin-state of ethnic German minorities in Central and Eastern Europe stems from a number of factors. At one level it is part and parcel of a unique historical legacy. It is also inextricably linked with the country's foreign policy towards this region. The most profound policy that the Federal Republic of Germany developed in this context after the early 1960s was Ostpolitik, which contributed significantly to the peaceful end of the Cold War, but has remained relevant thereafter despite a fundamentally changed geopolitical context, as Germany remains a kin-state for hundreds of thousands of ethnic Germans across Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the former Soviet Union, in Poland, Romania, and Hungary. As such, a policy towards these external minorities continues to form a significant, but by no means the only, manifestation of Ostpolitik.
National Minorities and the Milošević Regime
Authors: Clark Janine
Published: May 2007

In April 1994, the Croatian government of the late Franjo Tudjman demanded that all “non white” UN troops be removed from Croatia, claiming that only “first-world troops” were sufficiently sensitized to Croatia's problems. In Western circles, however, it was Tudjman's Serbian counterpart, Slobodan Milosevic, who was often portrayed as a racist. Ramet, for example, argues that “Milosevic built his power on a foundation of hatred and xenophobia …”; Zimmermann refers to “the ethnic hatred sown by Milosevic and his ilk …”; and Duncan and Holman compare Milosevic to Russia's Vladimir Zhirinovsky, claiming that the latter's “blatant appeals to racism bear a striking resemblance to those of Milosevic's Serbia.” For her part, Madeleine Albright, speaking on national television as US Secretary of State in February 2000, described Milosevic as a man “who decides that if you are not of his ethnic group, you don't have a right to exist.”
Greek University Students Describe the Role of Greece in the Balkans: From Equality to Superiority
Authors: Zagkos Christos , Kyridis Argyris , Golia Paraskevi , Vamvakidou Ifigenia
Published: May 2007

The role of Greece in the Balkans has been a rather ambiguous but extremely interesting issue for both Greek and European diplomacy for more than 15 years, since the fall of the Communist regimes in Eastern Europe. As with every phenomenon associated with that “dangerous” and “explosive” part of the European Continent, the Greek position in thespecificregion should be discussed and analysed thoroughly and comprehensively rather than partially.
The Decembrists and the Concept of a Civic Nation
Authors: Rabow-Edling Susanna
Published: May 2007

Long live the constitution! Long live the republic! Long live the people! Perish the nobility and the rank of the czar!

Nationalism in the East has long been considered to be different from nationalism in the West. Although Hans Kohn's famous dichotomy has been challenged, it still determines the way most people look at Eastern nationalism. Nationalism in the East is seen as authoritarian, ethnic and cultural in contrast to the democratic, civic and political nationalism of the West. According to the common view, Western nationalism is based on modern liberal, constitutional ideas, which makes it democratic, while Eastern nationalism is based on cultural belonging, which makes it conservative or regressive and hostile to foreign influence.
Validation of the Abuse Screening Inventory (ASI)
Authors: Swahnberg Katarina , Wijma Klaas
Published: May 2007

Aims: To assess the test—retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Abuse Screening Inventory (ASI) in a female sample. Method: The ASI comprises 16 items concerning four kinds of abuse: psychological, physical, and sexual abuse, and abuse in healthcare. A randomized sample of 699 women answered the ASI once. Six months later 53 of them answered the ASI again and were interviewed. To assess concurrent validity, answers in the interviews were considered as the gold standard and the ASI as the diagnostic test. Results: The ASI presented good overall test—retest reliability ranging from 81% to 96% for separate items. The ASI separated very well abused from non-abused women. No false positive answers were found. Sensitivity ranged from 72% to 82% for items concerning abuse. Conclusion: The ASI is a short abuse screening questionnaire that had acceptable validity and test—retest reliability in a random female Swedish sample.
Birth-spacing patterns in Huaning County, Yunnan Province, PRC: Is the adoption of a small family norm sustainable?
Authors: Löfstedt Petra , Ghilagaber Gebrenegus , Johansson Annika
Published: May 2007

China's family planning programs have emphasized delayed marriage and longer spacing between births. Since 1970, the fertility has declined from 6 to 1.8 births and the mean age at first marriage has gone up but the recommended spacing intervals have not been fully realized. Despite the fertility decline it is being debated among scholars whether China has completed a sustainable demographic transition or not, especially in rural areas. The aim of this study was to analyze trends in the timing and patterns of marriage and childbearing in relation to successive family planning policies. A cluster random sample of 1,336 women aged 15—64 at the time of the survey (2000) was selected in one rural county in Yunnan province. Life-table techniques were used to analyze the cumulative proportion of women marrying and having a certain number of births. Cox's hazard regression model was used to estimate the effects of various covariates on the ``hazard'' for a woman to have a second birth. Our findings demonstrate how childbearing patterns have changed in the direction of delayed marriage, a decreased interval between first marriage and first child, and significantly longer spacing between the first and second child. This transformation of childbearing patterns corresponds well with the requirements of the policies. Considering the characteristics of Yunnan, it seems likely that the changing fertility behavior has been more influenced by a strictly enforced family planning policy than by societal changes leading to the adoption of a new, smaller family norm.
The impact of psychosocial work conditions on attempted and completed suicide among western Canadian sawmill workers
Authors: Ostry Aleck , Maggi Stefania , Tansey James , Dunn James , Hershler Ruth , Chen Lisa , Louie A.M. , Hertzman Clyde
Published: May 2007

Background: Using a large cohort of western Canadian sawmill workers (n=28,794), the association between psychosocial work conditions and attempted and completed suicide was investigated. Methods: Records of attempted and completed suicide were accessed through a provincial hospital discharge registry to identify cases that were then matched using a nested case control method. Psychosocial work conditions were estimated by expert raters using the demand—control model. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between work conditions and suicide. Results: In multivariate models, controlling for sociodemographic (marital status, ethnicity) and occupational confounders (job mobility and duration), low psychological demand was associated with increased odds for completed suicide, and low social support was associated with increased odds for attempted suicides. Conclusions: This study indicates that workers with poor psychosocial working conditions may be at increased risk of both attempted and completed suicide.
The Childcare Database: a valuable register linkage
Authors: Kamper-Jørgensen Mads , Wohlfahrt Jan , Simonsen Jacob , Benn Christine S.
Published: May 2007

Rationale: To assess the impact of childcare attendance on morbidity for an entire country the Childcare Database was created by linking person-identifiable data from several Danish national data sources. The present paper describes the creation, characteristics, and potential of the Childcare Database. Design and measurement: Based on the unique Danish Civil Registration System (DCRS) identification number register data were linked regarding childcare attendance, child and family characteristics, childcare facility characteristics, and hospitalizations for children aged 0 to 5 years in the period from 1989 to 2004. Population and sample size: The number of children in the database increased in the period from 1989 to 1998 as more municipalities started registering childcare, whereafter it stabilized. The maximum number of children in the database was 373,142 in 2000. From 1999 to 2004 the Childcare Database covered more than 90% of all 0- to 5-year-old children in Denmark. At age 1 year 53% of children were enrolled in a childcare facility and approximately 75% were enrolled from 3 to 5 years of age. Potential: The Childcare Database offers a unique potential for epidemiological research within the area of childcare and morbidity. Future updates and linkages with other data sources will further expand the potential of the database. Due to the high quality of the linked nationwide register data, the Childcare Database enables conduction of epidemiological studies of high internal and external validity.
Eight-year change in functional ability among 70- to 95-year-olds
Authors: Holstein Bjørn E. , Due Pernille , Almind Gert , Avlund Kirsten
Published: May 2007

Aim: To describe stability and change in functional ability among non-institutionalized old people in relation to sex, age, and household composition during two subsequent four-year observation periods. The study describes stability and change in total functional ability as well as in specific daily activities. Methods: The study population included a random sample of non-institutionalized 70+-year-olds studied in 1986 with follow-up in 1990 and 1995. The number of participants in the three surveys were 1,231 (participation rate 67%), 911 (90% of 1,008 survivors), and 542 (77% of 706 survivors). Functional ability was measured at all three surveys. There is a considerable health selection from survey 1 to 2 to 3 because of a high mortality among participants with poor health. Results: The proportions with unchanged, improved, and deteriorated functional ability were 51%, 13%, and 37% during the first four years and 50%, 9%, and 42% during the following four years. These changes were not related to age and sex. Major variations were seen with regard to change in individual daily activities with most deterioration in mobility and the more outgoing IADL activities (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living). Relatively large proportions of elderly people demonstrated at the same time improvements in some functions and deterioration in others. Conclusions: A notable minority of the population improved in functional ability and a large proportion was stable over time. These observations suggest a potential for health promotion among elderly persons, which up to now has been more or less neglected in health policy.
Health-related physical fitness among schoolchildren in Lithuania: A comparison from 1992 to 2002
Authors: Volbekienė Vida , Griciūtė Aušra
Published: May 2007

Aim: Socioeconomic transformation over the previous decade may have created a less active lifestyle and a decline in fitness among Lithuanian children. The aim of this study was to analyse the differences in health-related fitness among 12-, 14-, and 16-year-old Lithuanian boys and girls from 1992 to 2002. Methods: The height and weight of the children were measured, and the Eurofit test battery was used to analyse the children's fitness. For the analyses of differences, 2,009 children aged 12 (n=697), 14 (n=733), and 16 (n=579) years were tested. Results: Boys and girls of all three age groups performed better in the sit and reach test (12.4—19.8%, p<0.001) and in the 20 m shuttle run test (30.0—46.0%, p<0.001) but did fewer sit-ups (3.5—7.3%, p<0.05) in 1992 compared with the results in 2002. The girls' performance was better in the long broad jump test (4.9—5.5%, p<0.001) in 1992 than in 2002. These differences were not significantly influenced by weight, body mass index (BMI), and ``height+BMI''. Conclusions: There was a marked decrease in aerobic fitness and flexibility and a slight increase in abdominal muscle endurance among Lithuanian schoolchildren. Leg muscular power decreased slightly in girls but remained unchanged in boys. A decrease in daily physical activity is the most likely contributing factor to the decrease in aerobic fitness and flexibility and PE reform has not been able to compensate for this effect.