bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composable M&S Web Services for Net-Centric Applications
Authors: Tolk Andreas , Turnitsa Charles D. , Diallo Saikou Y. , Winters Leslie S.
Published: June 2009

Service-oriented architectures promise easier integration of functionality in the form of web services into operational systems than is the case with interface-driven system-oriented approaches. Although the Extensible Markup Language (XML) enables a new level of interoperability among heterogeneous systems, XML alone does not solve all interoperability problems users contend with when integrating services into operational systems. To manage the basic challenges of service interoperation, we developed the Levels of Conceptual Interoperability Model (LCIM) to enable a layered approach and gradual solution improvements. Furthermore, we developed methods of model-based data engineering (MBDE) for semantically consistent service integration as a first step. These methods have been applied in the U.S. in collaboration with industry resulting in proofs of concepts. The results are directly applicable in a net-centric and net-enabled environment.
An Integrated Systems Architecture to Provide Maritime Domain Protection
Authors: McCarthy Chris , Wyllie Russ , Vaidyanathan Ravi , Paulo Eugene P.
Published: June 2009

The focus of this research is to address the criticality and vulnerability of commercial shipping in the Straits of Mallacca by designing and evaluating competing systems architectures that could provide sufficient maritime domain protection. The category of primary concern was the introduction of a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) in a cargo container. The Maritime Domain Protection (MDP) physical architecture alternatives combined five separate systems: 1) a land-based cargo inspection system, 2) a sensor system, 3) a C3I (command and control, communications, and intelligence) system, 4) a force response system, and 5) a sea-based cargo inspection system. Individual models for each system were developed and combined into an overarching integrated architecture model to evaluate overall performance. Study results based on current technology showed that while solutions were found to effectively reduce risk in the WMD threat scenario, effective suppression came at great expense and included the participation of commercial shipping companies. A range of alternative cost-effective solutions were also found, but with limited performance. Future work involves using the developed architecture as a test bed for evaluating the overall impact and effectiveness of new technologies and research (such as “smart containers”) on MDP and homeland security.
Applying a Methodology to Identify Structural Variances in Interoperations
Authors: Muguira James A. , Tolk Andreas
Published: June 2009

Specification of the interoperation of components in a system-of-systems is a current research problem. Though the literature has identified several means of breaking this problem into levels, the literature also reveals that no single specification scheme can cover all levels of interoperability well. The base to be covered is broad: one needs an overarching model, such as the DoDAF for the military domain, to guide the capture of conceptual detail and at the same time provide a low-level base set of implementation specific details, such as DEVS, and protocols, like HLA, that create the study system.

This paper will describe a framework that will merge the various specification schemes and apply a methodology to define the structural variances between components. An example of multiresolution modeling will demonstrate the application of the methodology.
Extending DoDAF to Allow Integrated DEVS-Based Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Mittal Saurabh
Published: June 2009

A recent DoD mandate requires that the DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) be adopted to express high-level system and operational requirements and architectures. DoDAF is the basis for integrated architectures and provides broad levels of specification related to operational, system, and technical views. The combination of DoDAF operational views, which capture the requirements of the architecture, and systems views, which provide its technical attributes, forms the basis for semi-automated construction of the needed simulation models. Unfortunately, DoDAF doesn't mandate any simulation methodology to analyze the system or perform any pre-design feasibility studies. In this paper, we describe an approach to support specification of DoDAF architectures within a development environment based on DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification). The result is an enhanced system life cycle development process that includes both development and testing in an integral manner. We introduce two new operational views (OVs) in the current DoDAF making way for modeling and simulation as a part of the design process. We illustrate the process to build these new OVs from the existing OVs and their impact on the overall DoDAF system development process. We discuss automated model generation using XML through the introduced OVs, which paves the way for OVs to become service-providing components in the web services architecture.
A Conceptual Model for Interoperable Command and Control Acquisition
Authors: Hamilton John A.
Published: June 2009

Interoperability is a hard problem and there has been no shortage of searches for quick fixes. Comparatively easy problems are fixed as “proofs of concept,” which then wither when unable to scale up to the huge size of the DoD enterprise. In order to perform a meaningful analysis of individual interoperability tools, we developed a methodology (the Rosen-Parenti Model) and analyzed the domain against which the tools were to be evaluated. We next mapped the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System against that domain.

The results were and are instructive. The research team determined that in many cases, the tools themselves were driving processes. In our view, tools should be developed to support processes, not drive processes. First, we will describe the methodology developed and then move into the domain analysis. Although we will briefly report the results of our tool analysis, we stress that our findings indicate that the tools themselves are not terribly important. What is important is the domain model itself. The domain model provides an effective means of developing useful DoD Architecture Framework-compliant architectures. Most importantly, the domain model addresses the very real differences in perspective when implementing a DoDAF-compliant architecture.
SEAS ISR Architect: Mapping Department of Defense Architecture Views to Military Outcome
Authors: Saulson Brian
Published: June 2009

The SEAS ISR Architect maps Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) views to military outcome and demonstrates a quick turnaround tool for the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) phase of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process. The SEAS ISR Architect allows the user to reconfigure intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) architectures within the DoD Architecture Framework, to parameterize a Systems Effectiveness and Analysis Simulation (SEAS) with a pre-loaded scenario and present a comparison of the warfighting effectiveness of a range of architectural alternatives based on multiple simultaneous theater simulations.
DEVS-Based Dynamic Model Reconfiguration and Simulation Control in the Enhanced DoDAF Design Process
Authors: Mittal Saurabh , Mak Eddie , Nutaro James J.
Published: June 2009

The combination of DoDAF operational views, which capture the requirements of an architecture, and System views, which provide its technical attributes, forms the basis for semi-automated construction of simulation models. In this paper, we describe an enhanced Model-View-Controller paradigm that works in tandem with the DEVS M&S framework. We also employ the recently introduced DoDAF extensions that incorporate new operational views to allow DoDAF specifications to be written in the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism and, in the process, refine these new extensions. This paper describes a DEVS-based network modeling and simulation environment with dynamic reconfiguration and simulation control. The DEVS modeling and simulation framework with its separation of model, experimental frame, and simulator facilitates the development of a simulation framework supporting run-time simulation tuning. We present a layered simulation architecture that provides the capability to control and reconfigure simulation on-the-fly and steer it toward the desired performance parameters. The rapid feedback cycle supported by “real-time” intervention allows experimentation with parameters and structures and results in effective model configuration that is difficult to achieve when turnaround requires hours or days. We explore the area of system reconfiguration further by providing enhanced capabilities to control the parameters for system design and performance evaluation with respect to Net-Ready Key Performance Parameters (NR-KPP) and the way in which the refined DoDAF extensions can expedite the development of Key Interface Profile (KIP) for any DoDAF architecture. We demonstrate the enhanced capabilities with an example of the development of a simulation environment for the Systems Capable of Planned Expansion (SCOPE) command.
Mathematical and Computer Modeling of Electro-Optic Systems Using a Generic Modeling Approach
Authors: Smith M. I. , Murray-Smith D. J. , Hickman D.
Published: June 2009

The conventional approach to modeling electro-optic sensor systems is to develop separate models for individual systems or classes of system, depending on the detector technology employed in the sensor and the application. However, this ignores commonality in design and in components of these systems. A generic approach is presented for modeling a variety of sensor systems, operating in the infrared waveband, that also allows systems to be modeled with different levels of detail and at different stages of the product life cycle. The provision of different model types (parametric and image-flow descriptions) within the generic framework can allow valuable insights to be gained.
Design of an Online Decision-Making Support System for Joint Training Simulation
Authors: Huang Jiung-yao
Published: June 2009

This paper describes the design of an online decision-making support system for a distributed operational training environment. The goal of this research is to allow the user to interactively actuate an analytical simulation system to perform online decision assessment while he is playing in the operational training simulation. The interoperability between these two heterogeneous simulation systems is an important issue for this research. This paper presents an approach using High Level Architecture (HLA) standards to achieve this interoperation. This paper explores the rationale of interoperating an event-driven analytical system and a time-stepped operational training system. From this investigation, this paper identifies the interoperation interval, called the assessment era, between these two heterogeneous systems that can execute asynchronously while interacting cooperatively. Furthermore, the process of computing such an assessment era is fully discussed with a demonstration scenario. Our experimental exercise shows that the presented method is a more feasible and efficient way to improve the training effect than a traditional joint training environment.
Training “Shoot House” Tactics Using a Game
Authors: Proctor Michael D. , Woodman Michael D.
Published: June 2009

Since the time of Ed Link, interactive simulators that replicated the critical components of the task and its environment have been cornerstones of highly specialized task training, such as pilot training. Today commercial off-the-shelf games promise similar realism. Yet, because of the dissimilarity between the traditional gaming interface and actual human motor activities, games have had only limited application to training where human motor skills are the dominant means of propulsion through manipulation of, and communications within, the environment. This research explores the possibility of expanding the paradigm of using games with traditional interfaces for these serious tasks. Specifically this research evaluates the training transfer associated with the game Close Combat: First to Fight™ as part of a “shoot house” training regime for Marine Corps infantry. The research explores whether or not traditional field training is equivalent to field training combined with virtual training. Results include the measurements of the subjects' objective performance in live training and self assessment questionnaires.
Polymorphisms in multidrug resistance-associated protein gene 4 is associated with outcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ansari Marc , Sauty Géraldine , Labuda Malgorzata , Gagné Vincent , Laverdière Caroline , Moghrabi Albert , Sinnett Daniel , Krajinovic Maja
Published: June 2009

Methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine, important components of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment, are substrates for multidrug resistance-associated protein MRP4. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms were analyzed in MRP4 gene, and 4 variants were identified as tagSNPs with frequency more than or equal to 5%. They were investigated for association with treatment responses in 275 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The TC genotype of the regulatory T-1393C polymorphism was associated with better event-free survival (P = .02) and lower methotrexate plasma levels (P = .01). The CA genotype of A934C (Lys304Asn) substitution correlated in contrast with lower event-free survival (P = .02) and higher frequency of high-grade thrombocytopenia (P = .01). Gene reporter assay showed that the promoter haplotype uniquely tagged by the C-1393 allele conferred higher promoter activity compared with remaining haplotypes (P < .001). Further analyses are needed to replicate this pilot study and get closer insight into the functional effect of these polymorphisms.
Genome wide expression analysis of CBS domain containing proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh and Oryza sativa L. reveals their developmental and stress regulation
Authors: Kushwaha Hemant R , Singh Anil K , Sopory Sudhir K , Singla-Pareek Sneh L , Pareek Ashwani
Published: June 2009

Background

In Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh and Oryza sativa L., a large number of genes encode proteins of unknown functions, whose characterization still remains one of the major challenges. With an aim to characterize these unknown proteins having defined features (PDFs) in plants, we have chosen to work on proteins having a cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) domain. CBS domain as such has no defined function(s) but plays a regulatory role for many enzymes and thus helps in maintaining the intracellular redox balance. Its function as sensor of cellular energy has also been widely suggested.

Results

Our analysis has identified 34 CBS domain containing proteins (CDCPs) in Arabidopsis and 59 in Oryza. In most of these proteins, CBS domain coexists with other functional domain(s), which may indicate towards their probable functions. In order to investigate the role(s) of these CDCPs, we have carried out their detailed analysis in whole genomes of Arabidopsis and Oryza, including their classification, nomenclature, sequence analysis, domain analysis, chromosomal locations, phylogenetic relationships and their expression patterns using public databases (MPSS database and microarray data). We have found that the transcript levels of some members of this family are altered in response to various stresses such as salinity, drought, cold, high temperature, UV, wounding and genotoxic stress, in both root and shoot tissues. This data would be helpful in exploring the so far obscure functions of CBS domain and CBS domain-containing proteins in plant stress responses.

Conclusion

We have identified, classified and suggested the nomenclature of CDCPs in Arabidopsis and Oryza. A comprehensive analysis of expression patterns for CDCPs using the already existing transcriptome profiles and MPSS database reveals that a few CDCPs may have an important role in stress response/tolerance and development in plants, which needs to be validated further through functional genomics.
Role of potassium and calcium channels in sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation in the foeto-placental circulation
Authors: Jarman James , Maharaj Chrisen H , Higgins Brendan D , Farragher Rachel F , Laffey Christopher D , Flynn Noel M , Laffey John G
Published: June 2009

Background

Sevoflurane has been demonstrated to vasodilate the foeto-placental vasculature. We aimed to determine the contribution of modulation of potassium and calcium channel function to the vasodilatory effect of sevoflurane in isolated human chorionic plate arterial rings.

Methods

Quadruplicateex vivohuman chorionic plate arterial rings were used in all studies.Series 1 and 2examined the role of the K+channel in sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation. Separate experiments examined whether tetraethylammonium, which blocks large conductance calcium activated K+(KCa++) channels (Series 1A+B) or glibenclamide, which blocks the ATP sensitive K+(KATP) channel (Series 2), modulated sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation.Series 3 – 5examined the role of the Ca++channel in sevoflurane induced vasodilation. Separate experiments examined whether verapamil, which blocks the sarcolemmal voltage-operated Ca++channel (Series 3), SK&F 96365 an inhibitor of sarcolemmal voltage-independent Ca++channels (Series 4A+B), or ryanodine an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca++channel (Series 5A+B), modulated sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation.

Results

Sevoflurane produced dose dependent vasodilatation of chorionic plate arterial rings in all studies. Prior blockade of the KCa++and KATPchannels augmented the vasodilator effects of sevoflurane. Furthermore, exposure of rings to sevoflurane in advance of TEA occluded the effects of TEA. Taken together, these findings suggest that sevoflurane blocks K+channels. Blockade of the voltage-operated Ca++channels inhibited the vasodilator effects of sevoflurane. In contrast, blockade of the voltage-independent and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca++channels did not alter sevoflurane vasodilation.

Conclusion

Sevoflurane appears to block chorionic arterial KCa++and KATPchannels. Sevoflurane also blocks voltage-operated calcium channels, and exerts a net vasodilatory effect in thein vitrofoeto-placental circulation.
Delayed formation of pulmonary artery stump thrombus: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Joshi Monika , Farooq Umar , Mehrok Sandeep , Srouji Nadine
Published: June 2009

Pulmonary artery stump thrombosis is a recognized complication after pneumonectomy. However, to our knowledge, there is only one case report of delayed development of this complication. We report the case of a 68 year-old man who presented with chest pain nearly ten years after undergoing a right pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Workup identified a pulmonary artery stump thrombosis. Due to the acute onset of his symptoms, the patient was anticoagulated, and his chest pain resolved. While the literature suggests that anticoagulation is not generally required for stump thromboses, we highlight features of this case that may indicate an increased risk of clinically important sequelae. Taking previous reports into account, we argue that a specific subset of patients with stump thrombosis may benefit from systemic anticoagulation.
Anti-C1q antibodies antedate patent active glomerulonephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Meyer Olivier C , Nicaise-Roland Pascale , Cadoudal Nolwenn , Grootenboer-Mignot Sabine , Palazzo Elisabeth , Hayem Gilles , Dieudé Philippe , Chollet-Martin Sylvie
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Autoantibodies against C1q correlate with lupus nephritis. We compared titers of anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA in 70 systemic lupus erythematosus patients with (n = 15) or without (n = 55) subsequent biopsy-proven lupus nephritis.

Methods

The 15 patients with subsequent lupus nephritis had anti-C1q assays during clinical flares (mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), 10.0 ± 4.7; range, 3 to 22) before the diagnosis of lupus nephritis (median, 24 months; range 3 to 192). Among the 55 others, 33 patients had active lupus (mean SLEDAI, 10.3 ± 6.2; range, 4 to 30) without renal disease during follow-up (median 13 years; range 2 to 17 years) and 22 had inactive lupus (mean SLEDAI, 0; range, 0 to 3).

Results

Anti-C1q titers were elevated in 15/15 (100%) patients who subsequently developed nephritis (class IV, n = 14; class V, n = 1) and in 15/33 (45%) patients without renal disease (P < 0.001). The median anti-C1q titer differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.003). Anti-C1q titers were persistently positive at the time of glomerulonephritis diagnosis in 70% (7/10) of patients, with no difference in titers compared with pre-nephritis values (median, 147 U/ml; interquartile range (IQR), 69 to 213 versus 116 U/ml; 50 to 284, respectively). Titers decreased after 6 months' treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids (median, 76 U/ml; IQR, 33 to 106) but remained above normal in 6/8 (75%) patients. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were increased in 14/15 (93.3%) patients with subsequent nephritis and 24/33 (72.7%) patients without nephritis (P = ns). Anti-C1q did not correlate with anti-dsDNA or the SLEDAI in either group.

Conclusions

Anti-C1q elevation had 50% positive predictive value (15/30) and 100% (18/18) negative predictive value for subsequent class IV or V lupus nephritis.
Functional homology of mammalian syntaxin 16 and yeast Tlg2p reveals a conserved regulatory mechanism
Authors: Struthers Marion S. , Shanks Scott G. , MacDonald Chris , Carpp Lindsay N. , Drozdowska Alicja M. , Kioumourtzoglou Dimitrios , Furgason Melonnie L. M. , Munson Mary , Bryant Nia J.
Published: June 2009

Membrane fusion in all eukaryotic cells is regulated by the formation of specific SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complexes. The molecular mechanisms that control this process are conserved through evolution and require several protein families, including Sec1p/Munc18 (SM) proteins. Here, we demonstrate that the mammalian SNARE protein syntaxin 16 (Sx16, also known as Syn16) is a functional homologue of the yeast SNARE Tlg2p, in that its expression fully complements the mutant phenotypes of tlg2Δ mutant yeast. We have used this functional homology to demonstrate that, as observed for Tlg2p, the function of Sx16 is regulated by the SM protein Vps45p. Furthermore, in vitro SNARE-complex assembly studies demonstrate that the N-terminal domain of Tlg2p is inhibitory to the formation of SNARE complexes, and that this inhibition can be lifted by the addition of purified Vps45p. By combining these cell-biological and biochemical analyses, we propose an evolutionarily conserved regulatory mechanism for Vps45p function. Our data support a model in which the SM protein is required to facilitate a switch of Tlg2p and Sx16 from a closed to an open conformation, thus allowing SNARE-complex assembly and membrane fusion to proceed.
The NIMA-family kinase Nek3 regulates microtubule acetylation in neurons
Authors: Chang Jufang , Baloh Robert H. , Milbrandt Jeffrey
Published: June 2009

NIMA-related kinases (Neks) belong to a large family of Ser/Thr kinases that have critical roles in coordinating microtubule dynamics during ciliogenesis and mitotic progression. The Nek kinases are also expressed in neurons, whose axonal projections are, similarly to cilia, microtubule-abundant structures that extend from the cell body. We therefore investigated whether Nek kinases have additional, non-mitotic roles in neurons. We found that Nek3 influences neuronal morphogenesis and polarity through effects on microtubules. Nek3 is expressed in the cytoplasm and axons of neurons and is phosphorylated at Thr475 located in the C-terminal PEST domain, which regulates its catalytic activity. Although exogenous expression of wild-type or phosphomimic (T475D) Nek3 in cultured neurons has no discernible impact, expression of a phospho-defective mutant (T475A) or PEST-truncated Nek3 leads to distorted neuronal morphology with disturbed polarity and deacetylation of microtubules via HDAC6 in its kinase-dependent manner. Thus, the phosphorylation at Thr475 serves as a regulatory switch that alters Nek3 function. The deacetylation of microtubules in neurons by unphosphorylated Nek3 raises the possibility that it could have a role in disorders where axonal degeneration is an important component.
Deduced RNA binding mechanism of ThiI based on structural and binding analyses of a minimal RNA ligand
Authors: Tanaka Yoshikazu , Yamagata Shiori , Kitago Yu , Yamada Yoko , Chimnaronk Sarin , Yao Min , Tanaka Isao
Published: June 2009

ThiI catalyzes the thio-introduction reaction to tRNA, and a truncated tRNA consisting of 39 nucleotides, TPHE39A, is the minimal RNA substrate for modification by ThiI from Escherichia coli. To examine the molecular basis of the tRNA recognition by ThiI, we have solved the crystal structure of TPHE39A, which showed that base pairs in the T-stem were almost completely disrupted, although those in the acceptor-stem were preserved. Gel shift assays and isothermal titration calorimetry experiments showed that ThiI can efficiently bind with not only tRNAPhe but also TPHE39A. Binding assays using truncated ThiI, i.e., N- and C-terminal domains of ThiI, showed that the N-domain can bind with both tRNAPhe and TPHE39A, whereas the C-domain cannot. These results indicated that the N-domain of ThiI recognizes the acceptor-stem region. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the C-domain also affects RNA binding by its enthalpically favorable, but entropically unfavorable, contribution. In addition, circular dichroism spectra showed that the C-domain induced a conformation change in tRNAPhe. Based on these results, a possible RNA binding mechanism of ThiI in which the N-terminal domain recognizes the acceptor-stem region and the C-terminal region causes a conformational change of RNA is proposed.
Demonizing the tyrant: Saddam Hussein's image in Spanish news programs during the Second Persian Gulf War
Authors: Paz Mara Antonia , Garca Avils Jos Alberto
Published: June 2009

This article analyzes Saddam Hussein's image as portrayed by the three leading Spanish television prime-time newscasts during the Iraq war, from 24 February to 1 May 2003. The television channels involved are the public broadcaster, TVE-1, and two commercial stations, Antena 3 and Telecinco.
On one hand, the characteristics attributed to Saddam Hussein as a leader and his relationship with the Iraqi people as well as the elements that define his personality are examined: his way of living, of being, his behaviour, and so forth. On the other hand, the resources used in the building
of this image are taken into account, both in terms of televised journalism as well as propaganda techniques. The scarcity of information coming from Iraq and the difficulties encountered by special correspondents many of which were technical in nature forced television stations to depend,
in large part, on Allied audiovisual sources. The nature of broadcast news its fragmentation, brevity, reiteration and the lack of contextualization favoured the Allied position on Hussein. The need to show entertainment information was also an important factor in their effort to achieve the
highest possible ratings. The conclusions show the extent to which Spanish television broadcasters demonized Hussein, notwithstanding the editorial opinions of each particular station. One of the most striking aspects of news coverage was the disproportionate importance attributed by the Spanish
networks to insignificant events. On the whole, such reportage bordered on propaganda, as the events covered came to accrue more significance than news which might have challenged the official government line, including Iraqi victim statistics and the nearly unanimous opposition by Spaniards
to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Likewise typical of television news practice, and similar to the strategy of supplying balance, was the Spanish networks' deployment of a contradictory rhetorical structure evocative of tragedy.
Emerson's Atom and the Matter of Suffering
Authors: Noble Mark
Published: June 2009

This essay argues that Ralph Waldo Emerson's interest in the cutting-edge science of his generation helps to shape his understanding of persons as fluid expressions of power rather than solid bodies. In his 1872 "Natural History of Intellect," Emerson correlates the constitution of the individual mind with the tenets of Michael Faraday's classical field theory. For Faraday, experimenting with electromagnetism reveals that the atom is a node or point on a network, and that all matter is really the arrangement of energetic lines of force. This atomic model offers Emerson a technology for envisioning a materialized subjectivity that both unravels personal identity and grants access to impersonal power. On the one hand, adopting Faraday's field theory resonates with many of the affirmative philosophical and ethical claims central to Emerson's early essays. On the other hand, however, distributing the properties of Faraday's atoms onto the properties of the person also entails moments in which materialized subjects encounter their own partiality, limitation, and suffering. I suggest that Emerson represents these aspects of experience in terms that are deliberately discrepant from his conception of universal power. He presumes that if every experience boils down to the same lines of force, then the particular can be trivialized with respect to the general. As a consequence, Emerson must insulate his philosophical assertions from contamination by our most poignant experiences of limitation. The essay concludes by distinguishing Emersonian "Necessity" from Friedrich Nietzsche's similar conception of amor fati, which routes the affirmation of fate directly through suffering.
The Lighting Design of Hardy's Novels
Authors: Yeazell Ruth Bernard
Published: June 2009

This essay argues that the phenomenology of light in Thomas Hardy's novels affords a key to his representation of subjectivity. The lighting of most scenes in nineteenth-century fiction is never specified. But from the spectacular lighting effects of Hardy's early sensation novel, Desperate Remedies (1871), to the futile quest for the "City of Light" in Jude the Obscure (1895) and the burned-out pyrotechnics of his last narrative, The Well-Beloved (1897), the light of Hardy's fiction is marked in a double sense—both described in detail and registered as exceptional. Rather than a figure for enlightenment, as in the realist novels of George Eliot and others, Hardy's light is the medium of subjectivity, and it characteristically occludes and distorts as much as it illuminates. Like the painter J.M.W. Turner, whose art the novelist excitedly recognized as an analogue of his own, Hardy represents light not as an absence to be looked through but as something to be looked at and closely observed in all its varieties.
The Womb, Infertility, and the Vicissitudes of Kin-Relatedness in Vietnam
Authors: Pashigian Melissa J.
Published: June 2009

This article explores the significance of the womb as an organizing principle for relatedness in Vietnam. It argues that contemporary individual and collective responses to in vitro fertilization bring into sharp relief the enduring importance of gestation and the mother-child bond for kinship formation. The author traces the womb as a site for determining maternal relatedness in contemporary assisted reproduction policy through cultural beliefs about gestation, popular legend, and contemporary and historical forms of polygamy and surrogacy, drawing attention to the continuities between past and current practices surrounding infertility and indigenous solutions to the challenges infertility poses in forming kin-relatedness.
Species-Wide Genetic Variation and Demographic History of Drosophila sechellia, a Species Lacking Population Structure
Authors: Legrand Delphine , Tenaillon Maud I , Matyot Pat , Gerlach Justin , Lachaise Daniel , Cariou Marie-Louise
Published: June 2009

Long-term persistence of species characterized by a reduced effective population size is still a matter of debate that would benefit from the description of new relevant biological models. The island endemic specialist Drosophila sechellia has received considerable attention in evolutionary genetic studies. On the basis of the analysis of a limited number of strains, a handful of studies have reported a strikingly depleted level of genetic variation but little is known about its demographic history. We extended analyses of nucleotide polymorphism in D. sechellia to a species-wide level using 10 nuclear genes sequenced in 10 populations. We confirmed that D. sechellia exhibits little nucleotide-sequence variation. It is characterized by a low effective population size, >10-fold lower than that of D. simulans, which ranks D. sechellia as the least genetically diverse Drosophila species. No obvious population subdivision was detected despite its fragmented geographic distribution on different islands. We used approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to test for demographic scenarios compatible with the geological history of the Seychelles and the ecology of D. sechellia. We found that while bottlenecks cannot account for the pattern of molecular evolution observed in this species, scenarios close to the null hypothesis of a constant population size are well supported. We discuss these findings with regard to adaptive features specific to D. sechellia and its life-history strategy.
Efficient Approximate Bayesian Computation Coupled With Markov Chain Monte Carlo Without Likelihood
Authors: Wegmann Daniel , Leuenberger Christoph , Excoffier Laurent
Published: June 2009

Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) techniques permit inferences in complex demographic models, but are computationally inefficient. A Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach has been proposed (Marjoram  et al. 2003), but it suffers from computational problems and poor mixing. We propose several methodological developments to overcome the shortcomings of this MCMC approach and hence realize substantial computational advances over standard ABC. The principal idea is to relax the tolerance within MCMC to permit good mixing, but retain a good approximation to the posterior by a combination of subsampling the output and regression adjustment. We also propose to use a partial least-squares (PLS) transformation to choose informative statistics. The accuracy of our approach is examined in the case of the divergence of two populations with and without migration. In that case, our ABC–MCMC approach needs considerably lower computation time to reach the same accuracy than conventional ABC. We then apply our method to a more complex case with the estimation of divergence times and migration rates between three African populations.
Evolutionary History of GS3, a Gene Conferring Grain Length in Rice
Authors: Takano-Kai Noriko , Jiang Hui , Kubo Takahiko , Sweeney Megan , Matsumoto Takashi , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Padhukasahasram Badri , Bustamante Carlos , Yoshimura Atsushi , Doi Kazuyuki , McCouch Susan
Published: June 2009

Unlike maize and wheat, where artificial selection is associated with an almost uniform increase in seed or grain size, domesticated rice exhibits dramatic phenotypic diversity for grain size and shape. Here we clone and characterize GS3, an evolutionarily important gene controlling grain size in rice. We show that GS3 is highly expressed in young panicles in both short- and long-grained varieties but is not expressed in leaves or panicles after flowering, and we use genetic transformation to demonstrate that the dominant allele for short grain complements the long-grain phenotype. An association study revealed that a C to A mutation in the second exon of GS3 (A allele) was associated with enhanced grain length in Oryza sativa but was absent from other Oryza species. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was elevated and there was a 95.7% reduction in nucleotide diversity (θπ) across the gene in accessions carrying the A allele, suggesting positive selection for long grain. Haplotype analysis traced the origin of the long-grain allele to a Japonica-like ancestor and demonstrated introgression into the Indica gene pool. This study indicates a critical role for GS3 in defining the seed morphologies of modern subpopulations of O. sativa and enhances the potential for genetic manipulation of grain size in rice.
Hydrogen peroxide induces DNA single- and double-strand breaks in thyroid cells and is therefore a potential mutagen for this organ
Authors: Driessens Natacha , Versteyhe Soetkin , Ghaddhab Chiraz , Burniat Agnès , De Deken Xavier , Van Sande Jacqueline , Dumont Jacques-Emile , Miot Françoise , Corvilain Bernard
Published: June 2009

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are considered as one of the primary causes of cancer but their induction by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is still controversial. In this work, we studied whether the high levels of H2O2 produced in the thyroid to oxidize iodide could induce DNA modifications. Scores of DNA damage, in terms of strand breaks, were obtained by comet assay (alkaline condition for single-strand breaks (SSBs) and neutral condition for DSBs). We demonstrated that in a rat thyroid cell line (PCCl3), non-lethal concentrations of H2O2 (0.1–0.5 mmol/l) as well as irradiation (1–10 Gy) provoked a large number of SSBs (∼2–3 times control DNA damage values) but also high levels of DSBs (1.2–2.3 times control DNA damage values). We confirmed the generation of DSBs in this cell line and also in human thyroid in primary culture and in pig thyroid slices by measuring phosphorylation of histone H2AX. l-Buthionine-sulfoximine, an agent that depletes cells of glutathione, decreased the threshold to observe H2O2-induced DNA damage. Moreover, we showed that DNA breaks induced by H2O2 were more slowly repaired than those induced by irradiation. In conclusion, H2O2 causes SSBs and DSBs in thyroid cells. DSBs are produced in amounts comparable with those observed after irradiation but with a slower repair. These data support the hypothesis that the generation of H2O2 in thyroid could also play a role in mutagenesis particularly in the case of antioxidant defense deficiency.
Invigorating an Honest Giant: How Integrated Studies Reduced UTCs and Improved Profitability in the Amin Field, South Oman
Authors: McKim N.B. , Jones B.H. , Ghammary A. , Al-Mufarji S. , Ormerod M.D. , Kuilman L.W.
Published: June 2009

The Amin Field is a large (120 km2) structure that contains 181MM m3STOIIP with an ultimate recovery of 18.4 MM m3. The field produces under strong bottom water drive, has dense and viscous crude and thin oil columns. Owing to the relatively poor production behaviour (rates from horizontal wells vary from <10m3/d to 200m3/d)this field retained unit technical costs which made it uneconomic to develop. However, owing to its large STOIIP, appraisal drilling coupled with integrated studies of this strategic asset have been undertaken in order to improve its development economics. Organic geochemical analysis of well head samples showed the field to contain crudes with a markedly different degree of biodegradation, related to the timing of charge and proximity to the oil water contact. These data, combined with petrographic analyses of cores and side wall samplesdemonstrated a link between diagenesis, reservoir quality and hydrocarboncharge history. Seismic backstripping of the Amin Field highlighted areas of early closure that correspond to areas of good reservoir quality and high productivity wells. In other areas, where oil fill occurred later, enhanced diagenetic alteration of the sandstones resulted in the formation of smectitic clays that have severely reduced the reservoir quality and consequently well productivity. Collation of oil quality data has shown the field to be density/viscosity stratified, and oil quality maps, combined with reservoir quality maps from seismic backstripping, have been produced to allow the most profitable areas to be targetted. By a combination of appraisal drilling and integrated study work, UTCs of the Amin Field have been reduced by 50%, and full development of this major asset is now ongoing.
Employee Assistance Programs: A Global Behavioral Health Initiative and Business Strategy
Authors: Burgess Kenneth M. , von Vietinghoff-Scheel Konstantin
Published: June 2009

With the global expansion of U.S. companies, employee assistance programs (EAPs) are becoming increasingly recognized as effective in moving troubled workers to seek help. Many of these programs began as support services for U.S. expatriates and families, but rapid expansion to the national workforce is occurring in Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, the Caribbean, and Asia. The common denominator appears to be the recognition that workers in all cultures experience personal problems at quite similar rates, and that EAP is an effective business strategy for managing many types of personnel problems. Occupational physicians have played a significant role in the introduction and expansion of these services and many EAPs today are offered through their company's Medical Division.

The EAP movement began in North America. The name employee assistance program was coined by occupational alcoholism counselors hoping to decrease the stigma associated with their services (1972). Today's EAPs, though, are by no means a North American phenomenon. In fact, while the United States is credited with their origin, some of the most successful (best practice) EAPs are now found in other areas of the world.

This presentation will bring attendees up-to-date on developments in EAP and behavioral healthcare around the world, the cultural significance of this movement, as well as the health and business reasons behind it. Your authors will present a proven model for program implementation. This model takes cultural differences into consideration, yet provides a general template for those interested in implementing a program at their work site. A number of "best practice" approaches to employee assistance programming have been identified.
Effect of Oil Sand on the Growth of Corn
Authors: Yunshi Xiong
Published: June 2009

The oil sand is a byproduct in the exploitation of oil fields and how to make rational use of the oil sand is of great importance for the environmental protection because at present time a lot of oil sand exists in oil fields and remains useless.

A new method has been found to reuse the oil sand in this work. A series of comparison experiments have been done in sandy soil fields different amounts of oil sand were sprayed into cultivation soil and well-distributed by ploughing, then corn was planted. In the blank experiment corn was planted in the field of sandy soil without addition of oil sand.

The germination rate of corn increases with the increase of oil sand and is about twice as much as that of the blank experiment when the adding dose is less than 5 tons and the oil concentration in soil is less than 148.9 mg/kg. Then the germination rate of corn shows a decrease tendency with further addition of oil sand when its concentration is more than 148.9 mg/kg.

The growth height and yield of corn in small zone with suitable addition of oil sand (less than 3.33 tons per mu) achieved 1.4 times as much as that of the blank. Meanwhile, the growth height and yield of corn is only about 50–70% in contrast with the blank when adding dose is greater than 3.33 tons per mu.

The above-mentioned experimental results show that the growth of corn is accelerated by suitable addition of soil sand and inhibited by the existence of too much of oil sand. These results suggests that the oil sand can be reused effectively as an additive for the growth of corn.
Field Test of a Unique Phosphonate Scale Inhibitor for Extended-Life Squeeze Treatment in Sandstone
Authors: Przybylinski J. L. , Nguyen R. H. , Ruggeri J. W.
Published: June 2009

The Chevron field at Rangely Colorado is a mature field that is currently under water alternating gas (WAG) Carbon Dioxide flood. There is continuing concern that barium sulfate may form in the wells and calcite may form in surface facilities. Squeezing the wells to protect them from barium sulfate scale has been the best method of controlling the barium sulfate problem. Production is from sandstone, which makes it difficult to obtain optimal performance from scale squeeze treatments. For ten years these wells have been treated with good success using an acidic Diethylene Triamine PentaMethylene Phosponic Acid (DETPMP) type inhibitor. Likewise good squeeze results had been obtained in the North Sea sandstones for many years using DETPMP type inhibitors, but improved results were seen with PhosphonoMethylated PolyAmines (PMPA). Therefore it seemed logical to try the PMPA in this Colorado sandstone.

Four wells were squeezed with PMPA. Initial return curves were very promising. No large return spikes were seen, indicating that the inhibitor adsorbed very well. Within a few weeks residual levels fell to a very desirable level of 10 mg/l. Residuals then continued to fall to levels below the target level of about 5 ppm. However, there are no reports of scale in the well indicating that sufficient inhibitor is returning to control scale. By mass balance, 20 to 30% of the squeezed chemical returned after nine months. Most of that returned in the first few months after the squeeze. At current return levels, inhibitor could return for many years.
Innovative Method To Determine The Wax Content And The Wax Precipitation Temperature Simultaneously For Crude Oils At Pipeline Pressures
Authors: Davidsen S. , Hamouda A. A.
Published: June 2009

Wax content in oil and wax appearance temperature are important factors for simulation of the wax deposition profiles in pipelines. Standard acetone method (UOP method 46–64) or other slightly modified methods of this standard are traditionally used to determine the wax content in the oil. However, in order to determine the wax content at different temperatures, several runs have to be made. This is considered to be time consuming. This paper presents a new method / approach to determine the wax content of oil at different temperatures as well as the wax precipitation temperature from a single run. In this approach a correlation between the change in the density, due to the formation of the solid phase, and the weight fractions of different binary systems was made. For validation purpose of the developed method, a pure normal paraffin (> 95) is prepared from different mixtures of the following components, n-C6, n-CIO, n-C20, n-C22, n-C24, n-C28, n-C32 andn-C36. A comparison between the standard method (UOP Method 46–64) and the developed method shows that the difference between the two methods is within 1–2 wt %. However, several runs are necessary for the standard method to quantify the wax content at different temperatures. While for the developed method the information is obtained from one run. From the same run, the wax precipitation temperature at the operation pressure can, also, be obtained. A good agreement (within 1–2°C) between predicted and measured WPT for defined binary systems above n-C17 is obtained. However, for crude oil systems, it was difficult to establish good correlation with the tested software and it was shown, in general not reported here, to be for most crude oils higher than that obtained by the viscometer.