bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulations of Plume Dispersion in Urban Oklahoma City
Authors: Flaherty Julia E. , Stock David , Lamb Brian
Published: January 2008

A 3D computational fluid dynamics study using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes modeling was conducted and validated with field data from the Joint Urban 2003 dispersion study in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The modeled flow field indicated that the many short buildings in this domain had a relatively small effect on the flow field, whereas the few tall buildings considerably influenced the transport and diffusion of tracer gas through the domain. Modeled values were compared with observations along a vertical profile located about 500 m downwind of the source. The isothermal base case using the standard k–ɛ closure model was within 50% of the concentration measurements, and a convective case with ground and building surfaces 10°C hotter than ambient temperatures improved the modeled profile to within 30% of observations. Varying wind direction and source location had a marked effect on modeled concentrations at the vertical profile site. Ground-level concentrations were 6 times the observed values when the approach flow wind direction was changed by +15° and were nearly zero when the wind direction was changed by −15°. Similar results were obtained when the source was moved 50 m to the east and to the west, respectively. All cases underestimated wind speed and turbulent kinetic energy near the surface, although adding heat significantly improved the magnitude of the modeled turbulent kinetic energy. Model results based upon a Reynolds stress closure scheme were also compared with the vertical concentration profiles. Neither the isothermal case nor the thermal buoyancy case resulted in an improvement over the standard k–ɛ model.
A Validation of FEM3MP with Joint Urban 2003 Data
Authors: Chan Stevens T. , Leach Martin J.
Published: January 2008

Under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for simulating airflow and dispersion of chemical/biological agents released in urban areas has recently been developed. This model, the Finite Element Model in 3-Dimensions and Massively Parallelized (FEM3MP), is based on solving the three-dimensional, time-dependent Navier–Stokes equations with appropriate physics submodels on massively parallel computer platforms. It employs finite-element discretization for effective treatment of complex geometries and a semi-implicit projection scheme for efficient time integration. A simplified CFD approach, using both explicitly resolved and virtual buildings, was implemented to improve further the model’s efficiency. Results from our model are continuously being verified against measured data from wind-tunnel and field studies. Herein, this model is further evaluated using observed data from intensive operation periods (IOP) 3 and 9 of the Joint Urban 2003 field study conducted in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in July 2003. The model simulations of wind and concentration fields in the near and intermediate regions, as well as profiles of wind speed, wind direction, friction velocity, and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in the urban wake region, are generally consistent with and compared reasonably well to field observations. In addition, this model was able to reproduce the observed split plume of IOP 3 and the end vortices along Park Avenue in IOP 9. The dispersion results and TKE profiles at the crane station indicate that the effects of convective mixing are relatively important for the daytime release of IOP 3 but that the stable effects are relatively unimportant for the nighttime release of IOP 9. Results of this study also suggest that the simplified CFD approach implemented in FEM3MP can be a cost-effective tool for simulating urban dispersion problems.
Rethinking international social work
Authors: Mohan Brij
Published: January 2008

English>

This article challenges contemporary professional culture to rethink international social work as a liberating praxis and a discipline of academic significance. Currently international social work tends to spatialize its objects of study. Since humankind's wellbeing is intrinsically linked with science and social transformation, the vocabularies of change merit meaningful contextualization.

French

Cet article met au défi la culture professionnelle contemporaine de repenser le travail social international pour en faire une praxis libératoire et une discipline académique significative. Le travail social international a tendance à spacialiser les objets de son étude. Comme le bien-être de l'humanité est intimement lié aux transformations scientifiques et sociales, les vocabulaires du changement méritent une mise en contexte significative.

Spanish

Este artículo desafía la cultura profesional contemporánea para repensar el trabajo social internacional como una práctica liberadora y una disciplina de significación académica. Actualmente, el Trabajo Social Internacional tiende a especializar sus objetos de estudio. Desde que el bienestar de la humanidad está intrínsecamente vinculado con la ciencia y la transformación social, los vocabularios de cambio merecen contextualizar sus significados.
Community in a diverse society
Authors: Haijing Dai
Published: January 2008

English

In this article three different perspectives on community organization in a Western context – structural, cultural, and critical cultural approaches – are described in order to shed light on the discussion of community development in post-socialist urban China, where the decline of socialist communities has caused increasing concerns about rediscovering community attachment.

French

Cette étude passe en revue trois différentes perspectives sur l'organisation communautaire dans un contexte occidental – approches structurelle, culturelle et culturelle critique – et les applique pour jeter de la lumière sur la question du développement communautaire de la Chine urbaine post-socialiste où le déclin des communautés suscite des préoccupations croissantes sur la façon de redécouvrir l'attachement communautaire.

Spanish

En este trabajo se investigan tres perspectivas diferentes de organización comunitaria en el contexto estructural occidental, cultural y los acercamientos culturales críticos y se utilizan para iluminar la discusión del desarrollo comunitario en la china urbana post-socialista, donde la declinación de las comunidades socialistas ha generado una creciente preocupación sobre el re-descubrimiento del apego a la comunidad.
What difference does it make?
Authors: Carey Malcolm
Published: January 2008

English

The article explores the privatization of social work in both England and Canada. Although differences persist in the structural organization of social services in both countries, it is argued that such disparities are increasingly blurred by radical market reforms of the social work labour process (among other changes).

French

Cet article étudie la privatisation du travail social en Angleterre et au Canada. Même s'il subsiste des différences quant à l'organisation des services sociaux dans ces deux pays, cette étude soutient que ces différences s'estompent de plus en plus en raison des réformes de marché radicales qui s'opèrent notamment en ce qui concerne le traitement de la main-d'œuvre en travail social.

Spanish

Se explora la privatización en Inglaterra y Canadá. Aunque perduran las diferencias respecto a la organización estructural de los servicios sociales en ambos países, se arguye que tales diferencias se oscurecen cada vez más por las reformas radicales derivadas del mercado de los procesos laborales del trabajo social (entre otros cambios).
Bones of Contention
Authors: Hensel Paul R. , McLaughlin Mitchell Sara , Sowers Thomas E. , Thyne Clayton L.
Published: January 2008

Contentious issues are important sources of militarized conflict. This article advances an issue-based approach to world politics, focusing on disagreements over territory, maritime zones, and cross-border rivers. We characterize militarized conflict and peaceful techniques as substitutable foreign policy tools that states can adopt to resolve disagreements over issues, and we present hypotheses to account for issue management based on issue salience and recent interaction over the same issue. Empirical analyses reveal that states are more likely to use both militarized conflict and peaceful methods when the issue at stake is more salient, both when the general issue type is considered more salient and when the specific issue under contention has greater within-issue salience. Recent issue management also plays an important role, as histories of both militarized conflict and failed peaceful settlements increase pressure to take further action to settle the issue.
Tourism: A Critical Business
Authors: Tribe John
Published: January 2008

A research and practice gap is identified demonstrating tourism to be an insufficiently critical business. Initially the idea of critical tourism is addressed in two ways. First, an array of meanings is exposed from which the idea of critical theory is developed. Next, discussion turns to how critical approaches can contribute to good management and governance of tourism by providing understandings that technical rationality can overlook. Finally, the limited extent of critical tourism research is established. The article concludes that tourism should be a critical business and offers pointers for such an agenda. For although positivist research informed by technical rationality is crucial to the better operational management of tourism, critical research is essential for setting an agenda for ethical management, governance and coexistence with the wider world. Indeed it is critical to deep, long-term sustainability and even the survival of tourism.
Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Dashtipour Khashayar , Barahimi Mandana , Karkar Samia
Published: January 2008

Cervical dystonia, which is the most common form of focal dystonia, presents with sustained neck spasms, abnormal head posture, head tremor, and pain. One of the interesting and unique features of cervical dystonia is the geste antagoniste. There is not a well-described pathophysiology for cervical dystonia, but several hypotheses report involvement at the central and peripheral level. Treatment options include: oral medical therapy, botulinum toxin injection, and surgery. Oral medical therapy has limited efficacy in control of the symptoms of cervical dystonia. Two types of botulinum toxin, types A and B, are being used for treatment of cervical dystonia, with equivalent benefit. Surgery is an option when other treatments fail or become ineffective. The surgical procedures are brain lesioning, brain stimulation, and peripheral surgical intervention. Several trials are currently ongoing in the United States and Europe to evaluate the efficacy of deep brain surgery in cervical dystonia.
Perspective Making
Authors: Lainema Timo
Published: January 2008

Constructivism has recently gained popularity, although it is not a completely new learning paradigm. Much of the work within e-learning, for example, uses constructivism as a reference “discipline” (explicitly or implicitly). However, some of the work done within the simulation gaming (SG) community discusses what the basic assumptions and implications of constructivism for SG are. Constructivism provides one theoretical approach to the use of computer-based systems and, as such, deserves careful consideration. The author's view is that SG researchers—as SG is a transdisciplinary field—should seek to do research that is acceptable in terms of other disciplines and need to go back to the original texts in the reference discipline to gain genuine appreciation of the arguments being proposed. This is an aim of this article. Another aim of this article is to provide theoretical tools with which to enhance SG argumentation development and debriefing.
Narrative Accounts of Volunteers in Palliative Care Settings
Authors: Guirguis-Younger Manal , Grafanaki Soti
Published: January 2008

The long and evolving tradition of palliative care has always had a strong volunteer dimension. The difficult nature of palliative care invites questions around why volunteers choose this particular line of contribution. To expand our knowledge of the elements that create meaning and capture the essence of volunteer experience, we asked volunteers to share the rewards and the challenges of their work and its personal meaning. Significant themes emerged around what volunteers considered the most valuable aspects of their experience. Volunteers identified freedom of choice and the ability to use their natural gifts as an important condition for satisfaction. In addition, they perceived emotional resilience and personal hardiness as important dimensions of their suitability for working in palliative care. Finally, volunteers felt that their approach must be one of a balanced perspective, with an understanding of life and death as part of the human condition.
Line Movements and Market Timing in the Baseball Gambling Market
Authors: Paul Rodney J. , Weinbach Andrew P.
Published: January 2008

This article analyzes betting strategies based on line movements in Major League Baseball and tests for possible evidence of informed bettors. Overall line movements from open to close, first movements, and last movements are studied for the 2003 season for a Las Vegas sportsbook and for the 2006 season for an offshore sportsbook. In the Las Vegas sportsbook, betting against first movements to favorites and betting with last movements to underdogs generates statistically significant profits. The offshore sportsbook appears to be efficient, with the only strategy generating positive, but insignificant returns, being betting against first movements to favorites. Differences between the offshore and Las Vegas betting markets are discussed.
Role of Insulin Metabolism Disturbances in the Development of Alzheimer Disease: Mini Review
Authors: Sabayan Behnam , Foroughinia Farzaneh , Mowla Arash , Borhanihaghighi Afshin
Published: January 2008

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Different pathogenic processes have been studied that underlie characteristic changes of AD, including Aβ protein aggregation, tau phosphorylation, neurovascular dysfunction, and inflammatory processes. Insulin exerts pleiotropic effects in neurons, such as the regulation of neural proliferation, apoptosis, and synaptic transmission. In this setting, any disturbance in the metabolism of insulin in the central nervous system (CNS) may put unfavorable effects on CNS function. It seems that disturbances in insulin metabolism, especially insulin resistance, play a role in most pathogenic processes that promote the development of AD. In this article, the relationships of disturbances in the metabolism of insulin in CNS with Aβ peptides aggregation, tau protein phosphorylation, inflammatory markers, neuron apoptosis, neurovascular dysfunction, and neurotransmitter modulation are discussed, and future research directions are provided.
Changes in Dietary or Eating Behavior in Frontotemporal Dementia Versus Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Mendez Mario F. , Licht Eliot A. , Shapira Jill S.
Published: January 2008

Background: Changes in dietary or eating behavior are common in dementia and may help distinguish between different dementing illnesses. Objective: To evaluate and characterize differences in dietary and eating behavior among patients with early frontotemporal dementia (FTD) versus Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: This study administered the Food-Related Problems Questionnaire (FRPQ) to caregivers of 16 patients with FTD and 16 comparable patients with AD. The FRPQ was evaluated at initial presentation when patients presented for a diagnostic evaluation. Results: Compared with the AD patients, the FTD patients had significantly more changes on the FRPQ. Subscale analysis indicated that the FTD patients showed impairment of observed satiety, improper taking of food, and inappropriate responses when food was not available. Conclusions: The use of food-related questionnaires, such as the FRPQ, can help distinguish FTD patients, early in their course, from those with AD and can further characterize the altered dietary and eating behavior.
Crosstalk between the α2β1 integrin and c-met/HGF-R regulates innate immunity
Authors: McCall-Culbreath Karissa D. , Li Zhengzhi , Zutter Mary M.
Published: January 2008

Data from several investigators suggest that the α2β1 integrin, a receptor for collagens, laminins, decorin, E-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-1, endorepellin, and several viruses, is required for innate immunity and regulation of autoimmune/allergic disorders. We demonstrated that the innate immune response to Listeria monocytogenes required α2β1 integrin expression by peritoneal mast cells (PMCs). Ligation of the α2β1 integrin by C1q contained in immune complexes comprised of Listeria and antibody was required for PMC activation in vitro and in vivo. However, ligation of the α2β1 integrin alone was insufficient to activate cytokine secretion, suggesting that one or more additional signals emanating from a coreceptor were required for PMC activation. Here, we demonstrate that C1q, but neither other complement proteins nor FcRγ, is required for early innate immune response to Listeria. The binding of Listeria's Internalin B (InlB) to hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGF-R)/c-met provides the costimulatory function required for PMC activation. Either HGF or Listeria InlB bound to c-met and either C1q or type I collagen bound to α2β1 integrin stimulates PMC activation. These findings suggest that crosstalk between c-met and the α2β1 integrin may contribute to mast-cell activation in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Epidermal growth factor receptor structural alterations in gastric cancer
Authors: Moutinho Cátia , Mateus Ana R , Milanezi Fernanda , Carneiro Fátima , Seruca Raquel , Suriano Gianpaolo
Published: January 2008

Background

EGFR overexpression has been described in many human tumours including gastric cancer. In NSCLC patients somatic EGFR mutations, within the kinase domain of the protein, as well as gene amplification were associated with a good clinical response to EGFR inhibitors. In gastric tumours data concerning structural alterations of EGFR remains controversial. Given its possible therapeutic relevance, we aimed to determine the frequency and type of structural alterations of the EGFR gene in a series of primary gastric carcinomas.

Methods

Direct sequencing of the kinase domain of the EGFR gene was performed in a series of 77 primary gastric carcinomas. FISH analysis was performed in 30 cases. Association studies between EGFR alterations and the clinical pathological features of the tumours were performed.

Results

Within the 77 primary gastric carcinomas we found two EGFR somatic mutations and several EGFR polymorphisms in exon 20. Six different intronic sequence variants of EGFR were also found. Four gastric carcinomas showed balanced polysomy or EGFR gene amplification. We verified that gastric carcinoma with alterations of EGFR (somatic mutations or copy number variation) showed a significant increase of tumour size (p = 0.0094) in comparison to wild-type EGFR carcinomas.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that EGFR structural alterations are rare in gastric carcinoma, but whenever present, it leads to tumour growth. We considered that searching for EGFR alterations in gastric cancer is likely to be clinically important in order to identify patients susceptible to respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Nitrous Oxide sedation for intra-articular injection in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Uziel Yosef , Chapnick Gil , Rothschild Michal , Tauber Tsivia , Press Joseph , Harel Liora , Hashkes Philip J
Published: January 2008

Background

Intra-articular corticosteroid injection in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is often associated with anxiety and pain. Recent reports advocate the use of nitrous oxide (NO), a volatile gas with analgesic, anxiolytic and sedative properties.

Objective

To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of NO analgesia for intra-articular corticosteroid injection in JIA, and to assess patients and staff satisfaction with the treatment.

Methods

NO was administered to JIA patients scheduled for joint injection. The patient, parent, physician and nurse completed visual-analog scores (VAS) (0–10) for pain, and a 5-point satisfaction scale. Change in heart rate (HR) during the procedure was recorded in order to examine physiologic response to pain and stress. Patient's behavior and adverse reactions were recorded.

Results

54 procedures (72 joints) were performed, 41 females, 13 males; 39 Jewish, 13 Arab; mean age was 12.2 ± 4.7 year. The median VAS pain score for patients, parents, physicians and nurses was 3. The HR increased ≥ 15% in 10 patients. They had higher VAS scores as evaluated by the staff. The median satisfaction level of the parents and staff was 3.0 and 5.0 respectively. Adverse reactions were mild.

Conclusion

NO provides effective and safe sedation for JIA children undergoing intra-articular injections.
A benchmarking study of two trauma centres highlighting limitations when standardising mortality for comorbidity
Authors: Budd Henry R , Almond Laurence M , Oakley Peter A , McKenzie Gilbert , Danne Peter
Published: January 2008

Introduction

A continuous process of trauma centre evaluation is essential to ensure the development and progression of trauma care at regional, national and international levels. Evaluation may be by comparison between pooled datasets or by direct benchmarking between centres. This study attempts to benchmark mortality at two trauma centres standardising this for multiple case-mix factors, which includes the prevalence of individual background pre-existing diseases within the study population.

Methods

Trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15 admitted to the two centres in 2001 and 2002 were included in the study with the exception of those who died in the emergency department. Patient characteristics were analysed in terms of 18 case-mix factors including Glasgow Coma Scale on arrival, Injury Severity Score and the presence or absence of 9 co-morbidity types, and patient outcome was compared based on in-hospital mortality before and after standardisation.

Results

Crude mortality was greater at UHNS (18.2 vs 14.5%) with a non-significant odds ratio of 1.31 prior to adjusting for case-mix (P = 0.171). Adjustment for case mix using logistic regression analysis altered the odds ratio to 1.64, which was not significant (P = 0.069).

Discussion

This study did not demonstrate any significant difference in the outcome of patients treated at either hospital during the study period. More importantly it has raised several important methodological issues pertinent to researchers undertaking registry based benchmarking studies. Data at the two registries was collected by personnel with differing backgrounds, in formats that were not completely compatible and was collected for patients that met different admissions criteria. The inclusion of a meaningful analysis of pre-existing disease was limited by the availability of robust data and sample size. We suggest greater communication between trauma research coordinators to ensure equivalent data collection and facilitate future benchmarking studies.
The SeqFEATURE library of 3D functional site models: comparison to existing methods and applications to protein function annotation
Authors: Wu Shirley , Liang Mike P , Altman Russ B
Published: January 2008

Structural genomics efforts have led to increasing numbers of novel, uncharacterized protein structures with low sequence identity to known proteins, resulting in a growing need for structure-based function recognition tools. Our method, SeqFEATURE, robustly models protein functions described by sequence motifs using a structural representation. We built a library of models that shows good performance compared to other methods. In particular, SeqFEATURE demonstrates significant improvement over other methods when sequence and structural similarity are low.
Platelet–lymphocyte cross-talk
Authors: Li Nailin
Published: January 2008

Platelets and lymphocytes reciprocally regulate mutual functions, i.e., platelet–lymphocyte cross-talk. The heterotypic interactions have emerged as important regulatory mechanisms in the pathophysiological processes of thrombosis, inflammation, immunity, and atherosclerosis. Platelets influence lymphocyte function via direct cell–cell contact and/or soluble mediators. Hence, platelets enhance adhesion and cell migration of TH, T cytolytic (TC), NK, and B cells. Platelets affect other functional aspects of lymphocyte subpopulations in a complex manner. They may attenuate cytokine secretion and immunosuppressive responses of TH cells and enhance TC cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Platelets promote isotype shifting and antibody production of B cells but ameliorate cytolytic activity of NK cells. On the other hand, lymphocytes can also regulate platelet aggregation and secretion, as well as the effector cell function of platelets in immune defense. The two cell types collaborate in transcellular phospholipid metabolism, CD40–CD40 ligand-mediated intercellular signaling, and their involvements in atherogenesis. The research perspectives of platelet–lymphocyte cross-talk have also been addressed.
TFF3-Based Candidate Gene Discrimination of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Tumors in a Region with Borderline Iodine Deficiency
Authors: Krause Kerstin , Eszlinger Markus , Gimm Oliver , Karger Stefan , Engelhardt Cornelia , Dralle Henning , Fuhrer Dagmar , Führer-Sakel Dagmar
Published: January 2008

Background: With the advent of microarray technology, increasing numbers of marker genes are proposed to distinguish benign and malignant thyroid lesions. However, most markers await confirmation through independent studies. In this paper, we re-evaluate the diagnostic potential of 10 proposed candidate genes in benign and malignant thyroid pathologies in a region with borderline iodine deficiency.

Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was performed for CCND2, PLAB, PCSK2, HGD1, TFF3, B4GALT, LGALS3, ETS1, ADM3, and TG in 150 thyroid specimens, including 52 benign thyroid nodules (28 follicular adenoma and 24 adenomatous nodules), 52 corresponding normal thyroid tissues, 20 follicular carcinomas, 20 papillary carcinomas, and six undifferentiated carcinomas.

Results: On a single-gene basis, significant differences in mRNA expression were found for TFF3, PLAB, and ADM3 in benign thyroid nodules and thyroid malignancy. Using two-marker gene sets, we identified 11 combinations, which allowed both a distinction of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and a discrimination of follicular adenoma and carcinoma. However, for cancer prediction, analysis of a minimum of six genes per sample was necessary and allowed correct prediction of a benign thyroid lesion and thyroid cancer with 94% accuracy in the most discriminative set (TFF3/PLAB/TG/ADM3/HGD1/LGALS3).

Conclusion: We confirm the applicability of a number of recently proposed marker genes for the distinction of benign and malignant thyroid tumor and suggest that their diagnostic usefulness is independent of the iodide supply. We propose that the most discriminative marker set identified in our validation study together with marker combinations proposed by other investigators should now be evaluated in multicenter trials.
On weak stationarity and weak isotropy of processes of convex bodies and cylinders
Authors: Hoffmann Lars Michael
Published: January 2008

Generalized local mean normal measures μz,z∈Rd, are introduced for a nonstationary processXof convex particles. For processes with strictly convex particles it is then shown thatXis weakly stationary and weakly isotropic if and only if μzis rotation invariant for allz∈Rd. The paper is concluded by extending this result to processes of cylinders, generalizing Theorem 1 of Schneider (2003).
On the correlation between the volumes of the typical Poisson-Voronoi cell and the typical Stienen sphere
Authors: Olsbo Viktor
Published: January 2008

In this paper we consider a tessellation V generated by a homogeneous Poisson process Φ in Rd and, furthermore, the random set of spheres with centres being the points in Φ and having radii equal to half the distance to their closest neighbouring point in Φ. In Rd we give an integral formula for the correlation between the volume of the typical cell and the volume of the sphere in the typical cell, and we also show that this correlation is strictly positive. Furthermore, on the real line we give an analytical expression for the correlation, and in the plane and in space we give simplified integral formulae. Numerical values for the correlation for d = 2,…,7 are also given.
Bartlett spectrum and mixing properties of infinitely divisible random measures
Authors: Roy Emmanuel
Published: January 2008

We prove that the Bartlett spectrum of a stationary, infinitely divisible (ID) random measure determines ergodicity, weak mixing, and mixing. In this context, the Bartlett spectrum plays the same role as the spectral measure of a stationary Gaussian process.
Success run statistics defined on an urn model
Authors: Makri Frosso S. , Philippou Andreas N. , Psillakis Zaharias M.
Published: January 2008

Statistics denoting the numbers of success runs of length exactly equal and at least equal to a fixed length, as well as the sum of the lengths of success runs of length greater than or equal to a specific length, are considered. They are defined on both linearly and circularly ordered binary sequences, derived according to the Pólya-Eggenberger urn model. A waiting time associated with the sum of lengths statistic in linear sequences is also examined. Exact marginal and joint probability distribution functions are obtained in terms of binomial coefficients by a simple unified combinatorial approach. Mean values are also derived in closed form. Computationally tractable formulae for conditional distributions, given the number of successes in the sequence, useful in nonparametric tests of randomness, are provided. The distribution of the length of the longest success run and the reliability of certain consecutive systems are deduced using specific probabilities of the studied statistics. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the theoretical results.
Wave intensities and slopes in Lagrangian seas
Authors: Åberg Sofia
Published: January 2008

In many applications, such as remote sensing or wave slamming on ships and offshore structures, it is important to have a good model for wave slope. Today, most models are based on the assumption that the sea surface is well described by a Gaussian random field. However, since the Gaussian model does not capture several important features of real ocean waves, e.g. the asymmetry of crests and troughs, it may lead to unconservative safety estimates. An alternative is to use a stochastic Lagrangian wave model. Few studies have been carried out on the Lagrangian model; in particular, very little is known about its probabilistic properties. Therefore, in this paper we derive expressions for the level-crossing intensity of the Lagrangian sea surface, which has the interpretation of wave intensity, as well as the distribution of the wave slope at an arbitrary crossing. These results are then compared to the corresponding intensity and distribution of slope for the Gaussian model.
A Weakest Link Marked Stopping Problem
Authors: Lippman Steven A. , Ross Sheldon M. , Seshadri Sridhar
Published: January 2008

We consider a model in which we have k items to be sold. Potential buyers make offers in a sequential fashion. Once made, the offer is either rejected or marked for acceptance. Once k items have been marked, the items are then sold to the buyers whose offers were marked, but at a price equal to the minimum of the k marked offers. Assuming that the successive offers are independent and identically distributed according to a specified distribution and that there is a fixed cost incurred whenever an offer is rejected, we determine structural results about the optimal policy, present computational approaches for finding the optimal policy, and give some heuristic policies.
On a Model for the Storage of Files on a Hardware. II. Evolution of a Typical Data Block
Authors: Bansaye Vincent
Published: January 2008

We consider the generalized version in continuous time of the parking problem of Knuth introduced in Bansaye (2006). Files arrive following a Poisson point process and are stored on a hardware identified with the real line, at the right of their arrival point. Here we study the evolution of the endpoints of the data block straddling 0, which is empty at time 0 and is equal to R at a deterministic time.
Fixation in Conditional Branching Process Models in Population Genetics
Authors: Prince Thomas , Weber Neville
Published: January 2008

An alternative version of the necessary and sufficient condition for almost sure fixation in the conditional branching process model is derived. This formulation provides an insight into why the examples considered in Buckley and Seneta (1983) all have the same condition for fixation.
Membrane targeting of WAVE2 is not sufficient for WAVE2-dependent actin polymerization: a role for IRSp53 in mediating the interaction between Rac and WAVE2
Authors: Abou-Kheir Wassim , Isaac Beth , Yamaguchi Hideki , Cox Dianne
Published: January 2008

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)-family verprolin homologous (WAVE) proteins play a major role in Rac-induced actin dynamics, but Rac does not bind directly to WAVE proteins. It has been proposed that either the insulin receptor substrate protein 53 (IRSp53) or a complex of proteins containing Abelson interactor protein 1 (Abi1) mediates the interaction of WAVE2 and Rac. Depletion of endogenous IRSp53 by RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) in a RAW/LR5 macrophage cell line resulted in a significant reduction of Rac1Q61L-induced surface ruffles and colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1)-induced actin polymerization, protrusion and cell migration. However, IRSp53 was not essential for Fcγ-R-mediated phagocytosis, formation of podosomes or for formation of Cdc42V12-induced filopodia. IRSp53 was found to be present in an immunoprecipitable complex with WAVE2 and Abi1 in a Rac1-activation-dependent manner in RAW/LR5 cells in vivo. Importantly, reduction of endogenous IRSp53 or expression of IRSp53 lacking the WAVE2-binding site (IRSp53ΔSH3) resulted in a significant reduction in the association of Rac1 with WAVE2 and Abi1, indicating that the association of Rac1 with WAVE2 and Abi1 is IRSp53 dependent. While it has been proposed that WAVE2 activity is regulated by membrane recruitment, membrane targeting of WAVE2 in RAW/LR5 and Cos-7 cells did not induce actin polymerization or protrusion, suggesting that membrane recruitment was insufficient for regulation of WAVE2. Combined, these data suggest that IRSp53 links Rac1 to WAVE2 in vivo and its function is crucial for production of CSF-1-induced F-actin-rich protrusions and cell migration in macrophages. This study indicates that Rac1, along with IRSp53 and Abi1, is involved in a more complex and tight regulation of WAVE2 than one operating solely through membrane localization.
The density of small tight junction pores varies among cell types and is increased by expression of claudin-2
Authors: Van Itallie Christina M. , Holmes Jennifer , Bridges Arlene , Gookin Jody L. , Coccaro Maria R. , Proctor William , Colegio Oscar R. , Anderson James M.
Published: January 2008

Epithelial tight junctions contain size- and charge-selective pores that control the paracellular movement of charged and noncharged solutes. Claudins influence the charge selectivity and electrical resistance of junctions, but there is no direct evidence describing pore composition or whether pore size or density differs among cell types. To characterize paracellular pores independent of influences from charge selectivity, we profiled the `apparent permeabilities' (Papp) of a continuous series of noncharged polyethylene glycols (PEGs) across monolayers of five different epithelial cell lines and porcine ileum. We also characterized Papp of high and low electrical resistance MDCK cell monolayers expressing heterologous claudins. Papp profiling confirms that the paracellular barrier to noncharged solutes can be modeled as two distinct pathways: high-capacity small pores and a size-independent pathway allowing flux of larger solutes. All cell lines and ileum share a pore aperture of radius 4 Å. Using Papp of a PEG of radius 3.5 Å to report the relative pore number provides the novel insight that pore density along the junction varies among cell types and is not necessarily related to electrical resistance. Expression of claudin-2 results in a selective increase in pore number but not size and has no effect on the permeability of PEGs that are larger than the pores; however, neither knockdown of claudin-2 nor overexpression of several other claudins altered either the number of small pores or their size. We speculate that permeability of all small solutes is proportional to pore number but that small electrolytes are subject to further selectivity by the profile of claudins expressed, explaining the dissociation between the Papp for noncharged solutes and electrical resistance. Although claudins are likely to be components of the small pores, other factors might regulate pore number.
Cytokinetic furrowing in toroidal, binucleate and anucleate cells inC. elegansembryos
Authors: Baruni Jalal K. , Munro Edwin M. , von Dassow George
Published: January 2008

Classical experimental studies on echinoderm zygotes concluded that the juxtaposition of two astral microtubule arrays localizes the stimulus for cytokinetic furrowing. However, recent experimental and genetic studies in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila and mammalian cultured cells implicate microtubules of the central spindle, and regulatory proteins associated with this structure, suggesting that the essential conditions for furrow induction may differ from one animal cell to another. We used micromanipulation and laser microsurgery to create, in three ways, the juxtaposition of astral microtubules in C. elegans embryonic cells. In toroidal cells we observe that furrows initiate both where astral microtubule arrays are juxtaposed, and where the cortex most closely approaches the central spindle. We find that binucleate cells successfully furrow not only across the spindles, but also between unconnected spindle poles. Finally, we find that anucleate cells containing only a pair of centrosomes nevertheless attempt to cleave. Therefore, in C. elegans embryonic cells, as in echinoderms, juxtaposition of two asters suffices to induce furrowing, and neither the chromatin nor the physical structure of the central spindle are indispensable for furrow initiation. However, furrows that cross a central spindle are more likely to complete than those that do not.
Substance Abuse: New Numbers Are a Cause for Action
Authors: Jr William A Kehoe
Published: January 2008

Substance abuse is a highly prevalent problem. Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions show that about 1 in 10 Americans will have a substance use disorder in their lifetime. Pharmacists are critical professionals in addressing this problem; they will care for patients with substance use issues on nearly a daily basis. Prescription drug abuse is epidemic. Because substance abuse and dependence are complex problems and treatment requires a multifaceted approach, long-term treatment plans that often require psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherappeutic interventions are now being used. Armed with treatment guidelines and other available information, pharmacists need to play a central role. The results of this recent study are described here and suggestions for educational efforts and interventions are provided to help pharmacists address this national problem.
Cell Design for Picosecond Time-Resolved Infrared Spectroscopy in High-Pressure Liquids and Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Sun Xue-Zhong , Portius Peter , Grills David C. , Cowan Alexander J. , George Michael W.
Published: January 2008

The design of a new high-pressure infrared (IR) cell for carrying out picosecond time-resolved infrared ( ps-TRIR) spectroscopy in supercritical fluids is described. We have employed thin (2 mm) MgF2 windows in order to overcome possible undesirable nonlinear optical effects caused by the extremely high peak powers of ultrashort ultraviolet (UV)/visible pulses. The design of our cell allows for the study of systems at pressures of up to 5500 psi at temperatures of up to approximately 50 °C. The MgF2 windows enable the excitation of samples with both UV and visible light pulses and these windows are transparent across much of the mid-infrared region. We have demonstrated the use of this cell by examining the photochemistry of Fe(CO)5 in supercritical Kr ( scKr).
Development of a Rapid On-Line Acetylene Sensor for Industrial Hydrogenation Reactor Optimization Using Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy
Authors: Le Linh D. , Tate J. D. , Seasholtz Mary Beth , Gupta Manish , Owano Thomas , Baer Doug , Knittel Trevor , Cowie Alan , Zhu Jie
Published: January 2008

A spectroscopic analyzer has been developed for rapid, accurate quantification of acetylene and methyl acetylene in hydrocarbon cracked gas processing plants. The system utilizes off-axis integrated output cavity spectroscopy to measure the near-infrared, cavity-enhanced absorption spectrum of ethylene, methyl acetylene, and acetylene and employs a chemometric data analysis strategy to quantify the respective constituents. Initial tests verified that the instrument is capable of measuring <0.050 ppmv of acetylene, has a precision of ±0.025 ppmv, and can accurately determine acetylene concentrations with comparable accuracy to a gas chromatograph (±0.1 ppmv) in an actual process stream composition matrix under plant operating conditions. Subsequently, the prototype analyzer was installed in a hydrocarbon facility for field-trials, where its rapid response (≤30 seconds or better) allowed it to measure transient acetylene and methyl acetylene fluctuations that were too fast for conventional methodologies. Moreover, the analyzer showed an extended dynamic range that enabled measurement of very high acetylene levels (0–1000 ppmv) during abnormal plant operations. Finally, two commercial acetylene analyzer systems with stream-switching capabilities were implemented in an industrial facility and initial results are presented.
Nutritive Evaluation of Olive Tree Leaves by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Effect of Soil Contamination and Correction with Spectral Pretreatments
Authors: Fernández-Cabanás V. M. , Garrido-Varo A. , Delgado-Pertiñez M. , Gómez-Cabrera A.
Published: January 2008

Olive leaves obtained as a byproduct in the Mediterranean region could play an important role in the nutrition of extensive ruminant systems. However, the reported variation in their nutritive value, among other reasons due to discrepancies in mineral content, is considered an important obstacle for their common use. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could fulfill the requirements of these productive systems, providing analytical information in a rapid and economic way. In this work, the effect of soil contamination on NIR spectra has been studied, as well as its correction with some of the most commonly used spectral pretreatments (derivatives, multiplicative scatter correction, auto scaling, detrending, and a combination of the last two transforms). Effects were evaluated by visual inspection of the transformed spectra and comparison of the calibration statistics obtained to estimate acid insoluble ash and total ash contents and in vitro pepsin cellulase digestibility of organic and dry matter. The incidence of spectral curvature effects caused by soil contamination that can be conveniently corrected with pretreatments such as derivatives was confirmed.
Colorquest: A museum pedagogy on ethnic self-identity, representation and cultural histories at the Boston MFA
Authors: Chandler Robin M
Published: January 2008

Museums, especially the larger urban visual arts institutions established in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries serve as repositories of global history, Empire and cultural memory, even as they shape identity. When students of colour come to museums, they frequently only see
their ancestors depicted in classic portrayals of pre-twentieth century figuration framed by the white imagination and often without any mediated interpretation that confronts racialized visual texts and unpleasant histories. How should scholars and teachers interpret and mediate this space
for all students one that confronts our deepest fears about cultural authenticity, hegemony, self-representation, narratives and story telling, prejudice and the passage of time? This article shares excerpts from an educational game the author has used at secondary and college level for over
a decade. In Colorquest students explore the cultural and intellectual space that museum collections and accessioning practices provide for interpreting how people of colour are represented in their artefacts; and the xenophobic gaze shaping their representation. The pedagogical site
for Colorquest is the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Climbing to reach the sunset: an inquiry into the representation of narrative structures in Greek children's drawings
Authors: Labitsi Vasiliki
Published: January 2008

Visual narrative construction plays a key role in how children develop their understanding of the world and communicate ideas and meanings. In this visual text I examine how a small sample of 8-year-old children from Greece employed narrative structures to represent unfolding actions
and processes of change in narrative drawings. Aided by a set of categories developed by Kress and van Leeuwen (1996), I discuss the four main types of narrative structure the children employed and the difficulties they experienced drawing characters in action.
Art Lunch Project: an international collaboration among art teachers
Authors: Fukumoto Kinichi
Published: January 2008

The Art Lunch Project is a pilot study involving international collaboration of art educators and teachers. The main aim was to compare approaches to teaching the common theme of an art lunch. Lessons organized around this theme took place in both art and interdisciplinary lessons in
schools in nine countries. The majority of children recreated traditional food and meals in a range of art media and materials and only a few created fantastic art meals. This project is still under way and the participant teachers are discussing the issues that arise. They understand this
international project as positive in that it functions as advocacy for the subject of art in their school curricula as well as facilitating pupils' creative skills.
Book Reviews
Authors: Moura Anabela , Pearse Harold
Published: January 2008

Artes Visuais: Da Exposio Sala de Aula (Visual Arts: From Exhibition To Classroom), Ana Mae Barbosa, Rejane Galvo Coutinho and Helosa Margarida Sales, (2005) So Paulo: Edusp-principlesEditora da Universidade de So Paulo, 216 pp. ISBN 85-314-0935-7 (pbk), Real(Bzl)62.00

Histories
of Art and Design Education: Collected Essays, Mervyn Romans (ed), (2005) Bristol, UK and Portland, OR: Intellect Books, for the National Society for Education in Art and Design. 243 pp. ISBN 1- 84150-131-X (hbk), 24.95