bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An OPM conceptual model‐based executable simulation environment: Implementation and evaluation
Authors: Yaroker Yevgeny , Perelman Valeriya , Dori Dov
Published: January 2013

Conceptual design is a crucial system lifecycle stage; but systematic methods for conceptual design evaluation are not well developed, and existing approaches are not satisfactory. In this work we describe implementation and assessment of an advanced simulation environment that can serve conceptual design evaluation purposes using Object‐Process Methodology (OPM). The simulation exploits two major advantages of the OPM modeling language: its integration of the structural and behavioral aspects of the system in a single type of diagram and the hierarchical organization of the model diagrams. Simulation of the system model is instrumental in understanding and exploring the behavioral aspects of the system under study and uncovering logical and conceptual problems, such as incorrect control flow, logical errors, and missing structural relations among objects. Understanding the model and correcting it are achieved via an intuitive user interface and a host of debugging capabilities, including “lifespan” and “Debug Info” components. Using these components, one can explore the state of any OPM entity and be aware of a variety of potential problems that are manifested during the simulation process. © 20133 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
The integration of diversely redundant designs, dynamic system models, and state estimation technology to the cyber security of physical systems
Authors: Horowitz Barry M. , Pierce Katherine M.
Published: January 2013

As exemplified in the 2010 Stuxnet attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, cyber attackers have capabilities to embed disruptive infections into equipment that is employed within physical systems. This paper presents a cyber security design approach that addresses cyber attacks that include modification of operator displays used for support in managing software controlled automated systems. This class of problems is especially important because our nation's critical infrastructures include such systems. In addition, many other systems, such as surveillance systems, navigation systems, and communications systems, are candidates for such solutions as they continue to become more and more automated. The suggested design approach builds upon fault–tolerant and automatic control system techniques that, with important and necessary modifications, are the basis for providing improved cyber security. In particular, the appropriate combination of diversely redundant security designs coupled with system dynamics models and state estimation techniques provide a potential means for detecting purposeful adjustments to operator displays. This paper provides a theoretical approach for designing such solutions and a corresponding set of examples with simulation–based results. In addition, the paper includes a discussion of important implementation requirements for greater assurance of such physical system security solutions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
Improving Project–Product Lifecycle Management with Model–Based Design Structure Matrix: A joint project management and systems engineering approach
Authors: Sharon Amira , de Weck Olivier L. , Dori Dov
Published: January 2013

We investigate potential benefits of employing the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) in the context of Model–Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for the purposes of analyzing and improving the design of a product–project ensemble. Focusing on process DSM, we present an algorithm for a bidirectional transformation framework between a product–project system model and its corresponding Model–Based DSM (MDSM). Using Object–Process Methodology (OPM) as the underlying modeling language, we examine and characterize useful and insightful relationships between the system model and its MDSM. An unmanned aerial vehicle case study demonstrates the semantics of and analogy between various types of relationships as they are reflected in both the OPM system model and the MDSM derived from it. We conclude with further research direction on showing how clustering of DSM processes can be reflected back as an improvement of the OPM model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
The role of transition contracts in performance‐based logistics initiatives
Authors: Sols Alberto , Johannesen Line Holm
Published: January 2013

Logistics support activities have long been part of any industrial enterprise. The increasing complexity of many systems dictated the need for outsourcing logistics support activities to specialized firms. The perceived deficiencies in many programs in the effectiveness and efficiency of that support approach motivated, a decade and a half ago, the transition to a new paradigm: instead of contracting logistics support resources as a means to achieving the desired system performance goals, customers started contracting directly the delivery of performance results. The initiative was called Performance‐Based Logistics (PBL). Experience shows also that customers and contractors face a serious challenge when trying to define all the terms and conditions of a PBL contract, such as its scope, the definition of responsibilities, the metrics to be measured, the way of measuring them, the translation of measurements to rewards, and the like. This paper illustrates, based on the experience gathered by the authors, how transition contracts can play a determinant role in effectively paving the way for a migration from conventional logistics support outsourcing to performance‐based logistics, reducing risks to both parties and enhancing the likelihood of their mutual satisfaction and reward. The paper captures the lessons learned in several programs and reflects them in the form of a list of issues to be validated in a transition contract, before a PBL one is entered into. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
Ecosystem requirements for composability and reuse: An investigation into ecosystem factors that support adoption of composable practices for engineering design
Authors: Oster Christopher , Wade Jon
Published: January 2013

Composability is a systems architecture and design concept focusing on composing new systems from known components, designs, product lines, and reference architectures as opposed to focusing on “blank sheet” designs based on requirements decomposition alone. The concept of composability has been a goal of the US Department of Defense (DoD) for many years, most recently taking the form of Platform‐based Engineering. Despite this focus, the goal of effective modularity and design reuse has been somewhat elusive in the aerospace and defense sectors. This paper describes an ecosystem construct which incorporates market factors, business practices, and trends that occur in industries where composability and reuse have taken hold in order to identify a path forward for effective adoption of composability in the aerospace and defense marketplace. A number of examples of composable design are described, followed by proposals for necessary changes within the DoD ecosystem to facilitate its support. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
An efficient class association rule‐pruning method for unified intrusion detection system using genetic algorithm
Authors: Lu Nannan , Mabu Shingo , Wang Tuo , Hirasawa Kotaro
Published: January 2013

Genetic network programming (GNP)‐based class association rule mining has been demonstrated to be efficient for misuse and anomaly detection. However, misuse detection is weak in detecting brand new attacks, while anomaly detection has a defect of high positive false rate. In this paper, a unified detection method is proposed to integrate misuse detection and anomaly detection to overcome their disadvantages. In addition, GNP‐based class association rule mining method extracts an overwhelming number of rules which contain much redundant and irrelevant information. Therefore, in this paper, an efficient class association rule‐pruning method is proposed based on matching degree and genetic algorithm (GA). In the first stage, a matching degree‐based method is applied to preprune the rules in order to improve the efficiency of the GA. In the second stage, the GA is implemented to pick up the effective rules among the rules remaining in the first stage. Simulations on KDDCup99 show the high performance of the proposed method. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
PVDF actuator for high‐frequency fatigue test of thin‐film metals
Authors: Tamjidi Nastaran , Sato Kohei , Sakurai Junpei , Hata Seiichi
Published: January 2013

This paper suggests a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) piezoelectric diaphragm actuator used in a novel fatigue test method for thin metal films. A thin‐film metal specimen is stamped on top of the actuator using a stamping epoxy. As the actuator vibrates, the stress in the specimen increases until it fails under fatigue. A finite element model of the actuator is built, and its vibration amplitude is confirmed to be in a good agreement with experiment. Then, a model of the specimen is added to this model to simulate the vibration of the specimen for fatigue test. Stress analysis of the specimen at a driving voltage of 200 V0−p confirms that this actuator can increase the stress in the specimen to near 1 GPa, which is high enough for the fatigue test of metals such as titanium. In the experiment, a thin‐film titanium specimen is stamped on top of the actuator which is then vibrated. The stress in the fatigue gauge on thin‐film specimen increased until the specimen failed under fatigue. This shows that the proposed PVDF actuator is suitable for the fatigue test of thin‐film metals such as titanium. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Bayesian belief network models for species assessments: An example with the Pacific walrus
Authors: MacCracken James G. , Garlich‐Miller Joel , Snyder Jonathan , Meehan Rosa
Published: January 2013

In 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was petitioned to list the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Research into stressors that may be negatively affecting walruses is incomplete. We developed a Bayesian belief network model structured around the ESA 5‐factor analysis during a workshop attended by walrus and ESA experts to 1) elicit expert opinion on important stressors and their effects, 2) develop the model, and 3) develop and analyze plausible future scenarios. The listing factors and associated stressors were organized as sub‐models, capturing the cumulative effects of the factors through model output, which was the probability of negative, neutral, or positive effects. We found that in a time‐constrained workshop, the graphical display of Bayesian belief networks allowed for rapid development, assessment, and revision of model structure and parameters. We modeled up to 3 scenarios (most likely‐, worst‐, and best‐case) for each of 4 time periods (recent past, contemporary, mid‐century, and late‐century). Model output for the recent past (reference condition) was consistent with observations and provided a baseline for comparison of the outcomes of other periods and scenarios; stressor effects became increasingly negative with time. However, scenario analyses indicated that mitigation of relatively few stressors could reduce the cumulative effects of the listing factors. Uncertainty in model output was lowest for the past but differed by only 7% among the other time periods. We used 4 types of sensitivity analyses to identify explanatory variables that had the greatest influence on model outcomes. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A technique to discriminate Canis mitochondrial DNA of New World and Old World origins using specific primers
Authors: Tessier Nathalie , Stronen Astrid V. , Lapointe François‐Joseph
Published: January 2013

Genetic markers play an important role in elucidating taxonomic uncertainties for a wide range of organisms. We present a set of specific primers to distinguish between Canis mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of New World (North American) and Old World (Eurasian) origin using the ATP‐8 region and gel electrophoresis. We amplified mtDNA from Old World (gray wolves [Canis lupus L., 1758]) and New World canids (coyotes [C. latrans Say, 1823] and eastern wolves [C. lycaon Schreber, 1775 or C. lupus lycaon]) collected during 2003–2009 in Québec, Canada, using a multiplexed primer triplet. The results showed a standard band of 150 base pairs (bp) for New World and Old World mtDNA. In addition, Old World mtDNA displayed a second band of 100 bp. The range extent of wolves with New World mtDNA has important implications for canid conservation. The new method can assist conservation managers with rapid and cost‐effective screening to monitor 1) the distribution and abundance of wolves with New World and Old World mtDNA, and 2) wolf–coyote hybridization, when used in combination with morphological information and other nuclear markers. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Comparison of indirect and direct methods of distance sampling for estimating density of white‐tailed deer
Authors: Anderson Charles W. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Hester Cyrus M. , Hubbard Ryan D. , Stroud Janice K. , Schauber Eric M.
Published: January 2013

Although wildlife biologists need reliable estimates of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) density to facilitate management, few studies have examined distance sampling as a density estimation technique for this species. We compared direct (i.e., spotlighting from road transects) and indirect (i.e., counting pellets on randomly placed transects) distance‐sampling techniques for estimating deer densities in east‐central Illinois, southern Illinois, and northern Michigan (USA) during 2007–2008. Density estimates (95% CI) from indirect distance sampling for northern Michigan, east‐central Illinois, and southern Illinois were 6.1–12.7 deer/km2, 11.2–15.8 deer/km2, and 15.4 deer/km2, respectively. Density estimates from direct distance sampling for northern Michigan, east‐central Illinois, and southern Illinois were 18.3–25.2 deer/km2, 14.4–18.1 deer/km2, and 19.0 deer/km2, respectively. Although density estimates did not differ between techniques in east‐central Illinois and southern Illinois, density estimates derived by direct sampling were slightly higher than those derived by indirect sampling. Estimates of density from direct distance sampling were higher than indirect distance sampling in northern Michigan. The difference in estimates among study areas may be due to landscape‐specific differences in the behavioral response of deer to roads and the representativeness of road transects. In landscapes containing more agriculture, roads tend to be systematically distributed and forest edges are independent of road placement, which may explain why both distance‐sampling methods provided similar results in Illinois. However, in more forested landscapes such as Michigan, roads tend to follow streams and may provide forest edges that are relatively scarce on the landscape. Deer in forested landscapes may be attracted to roadsides, resulting in higher density estimates not indicative of surrounding forested areas. Therefore, use of road transects for direct distance sampling may be more applicable in non‐forested landscapes. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
An electronic system to collect distance‐sampling data during helicopter surveys of northern bobwhite
Authors: Schnupp Matthew J. , Hernández Fidel , Redeker Eric J. , Bryant Fred C. , Rusk Joshua P. , Demaso Stephen J. , Sands Joseph P. , Teinert Trent W. , Brennan Leonard A. , Rollins Dale , Perez Robert M.
Published: January 2013

Distance sampling during aerial surveys has been used extensively to estimate the density of many wildlife species. However, practical issues arise when using distance sampling during aerial surveys, such as obtaining accurate perpendicular distances. We assembled a computerized, electronic system to collect distance‐sampling data (e.g., transect length, detection location, and perpendicular distance) during aerial surveys. We tested the accuracy of the system in a controlled trial and a mock survey. We also evaluated the electronic system during field surveys of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) conducted in the Rio Grande Plains and Rolling Plains ecoregions of Texas, USA, during December 2007–2008. For comparison, we evaluated the accuracy of visual estimation of distance during a mock survey. A strong linear relationship existed between estimated and actual distances for the controlled trial (r2 = 0.99) and mock survey (r2 = 0.98) using the electronic system. Perpendicular‐distance error (i.e., absolute difference between estimated distance and actual distance) for the electronic system was low during the controlled trial (1.4 ± 0.4 m;  ± SE) and mock survey (3.0 ± 0.5 m) but not during the visual estimation of distance (10 ± 1.5 m). Estimates of bobwhite density obtained using the electronic system exhibited reasonable precision for each ecoregion during both years (CV < 20%). Perpendicular‐distance error slightly increased with target distance (0.7‐m increase in error for every 10‐m increase in target distance). Overall, the electronic system appears to be a promising technique to estimate density of northern bobwhite and possibly other terrestrial species for which aerial‐based distance sampling is appropriate. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
Body condition and dosage effects on ketamine–xylazine immobilization of female white‐tailed deer
Authors: Duquette Jared F. , Belant Jerrold L. , Beyer Dean E. , Svoboda Nathan J.
Published: January 2013

Ketamine and xylazine are an effective chemical combination for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) immobilization, but the effects of body condition on ketamine–xylazine efficacy have not been examined. We assessed the influence of ketamine dosage, xylazine dosage, body condition, age class, and injection site on successful adult female deer chemical immobilization. From January to March 2009–2011, we captured 87 deer (age ≥1.5 yr) in Clover traps and immobilized them using ketamine–xylazine ratios of 400 mg (n = 58) or 300 mg (n = 29) of ketamine to 100 mg of xylazine. Mean deer body mass was 67.8 kg (SD = 12.3, range = 43.0–93.0). We considered immobilization successful if deer induction was achieved ≤15 minutes from first ketamine–xylazine injection. Seventy‐five percent of injected deer (81% with 400:100 mg ketamine:xylazine; 62% with 300:100 mg ketamine:xylazine) achieved successful induction. We recorded deer heart rate, respiration rate and rectal temperature at 0 minutes, 10 minutes, and 20 minutes post‐induction. Comparison of 7 generalized linear models indicated that the probability of successful induction increased by about 6.7% with every 1.0 mg/kg increase in ketamine dosage and by about 0.7% with every 1‐unit decrease in body‐condition index. The remaining parameters did not influence the success of deer induction. Deer heart rate, respiration rate, and rectal temperature decreased over time post‐induction, with >95% within reported ranges for ketamine–xylazine immobilization. We suggest that deer weighing ≤93.0 kg be injected with 5.8 mg/kg ketamine and 1.6 mg/kg xylazine to produce satisfactory induction when using similar capture methods during winter. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Factors shaping private landowner engagement in wildlife management
Authors: Golden Katherine E. , Peterson M. Nils , DePerno Christopher S. , Bardon Robert E. , Moorman Christopher E.
Published: January 2013

The changing demographics of rural landowners have the potential to affect wildlife management on private land and therefore, there is a need to determine what factors influence landowner participation in wildlife management. We surveyed 1,368 North Carolina, USA, private landowners to determine socio‐demographic factors predicting participation in a variety of wildlife management practices. Wildlife management practices most commonly implemented by landowners were providing supplemental feed (21.8%), mowing to improve habitat (16.2%), erecting nesting boxes (14.7%), and planting food plots (14.6%). Ecologically valuable management activities such as prescribed burning (2.3%) were among the least practiced. Hunting or having a family member that hunted was the most consistent predictor of participation in wildlife management practices. Landowners who hunted, resided on their property, were younger and were male were more likely to implement wildlife management practices than their counterparts. Resident landowners, especially those who hunt, may be the most receptive to outreach efforts promoting wildlife habitat management on private lands. Our results indicate outreach efforts should target habitat management practices with longer term wildlife benefits (e.g., prescribed fire, controlling invasive plants), because practices with immediate short‐term benefits (e.g., food plots, supplemental feeding, mowing) are currently 3–4 times more prevalent. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Evaluation of organized hunting as a management technique for overabundant white‐tailed deer in suburban landscapes
Authors: Williams Scott C. , Denicola Anthony J. , Almendinger Thom , Maddock Jody
Published: January 2013

Hunting has been the primary white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) management tool for decades. Regulated hunting has been effective at meeting management objectives in rural areas, but typical logistical constraints placed on hunting in residential and urban areas can cause deer to become overabundant and incompatible with other societal interests. Deer–vehicle collisions, tick‐associated diseases, and damage to residential landscape plantings are the primary reasons for implementing lethal management programs, often with objectives of <10 deer/km2. There are limited data demonstrating that hunting alone in suburban landscapes can reduce densities sufficiently to result in adequate conflict resolutions or a corresponding density objective for deer. We present data from 3 controlled hunting programs in New Jersey and one in Pennsylvania, USA. Annual or periodic population estimates were conducted using aerial counts and road‐based distance sampling to assess trends. Initial populations, some of which were previously subjected to regulated unorganized hunting, ranged from approximately 30–80 deer/km2. From 3 years to 10 years of traditional hunting, along with organized hunting and liberalized regulations, resulted in an estimated 17–18 deer/km2 at each location. These projects clearly demonstrate that a reduction in local deer densities using regulated hunting can be achieved. However, the sole use of existing regulated hunting techniques in suburban areas appears insufficient to maintain deer densities <17 deer/km2 where deer are not limited by severe winter weather. Additional measures, such as sharpshooting or other strategic adjustments to regulations and policies, may be needed if long‐term deer‐management objectives are much below this level. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
Using structured decision making to manage disease risk for Montana wildlife
Authors: Mitchell Michael S. , Gude Justin A. , Anderson Neil J. , Ramsey Jennifer M. , Thompson Michael J. , Sullivan Mark G. , Edwards Victoria L. , Gower Claire N. , Cochrane Jean Fitts , Irwin Elise R. , Walshe Terry
Published: January 2013

We used structured decision‐making to develop a 2‐part framework to assist managers in the proactive management of disease outbreaks in Montana, USA. The first part of the framework is a model to estimate the probability of disease outbreak given field observations available to managers. The second part of the framework is decision analysis that evaluates likely outcomes of management alternatives based on the estimated probability of disease outbreak, and applies managers' values for different objectives to indicate a preferred management strategy. We used pneumonia in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) as a case study for our approach, applying it to 2 populations in Montana that differed in their likelihood of a pneumonia outbreak. The framework provided credible predictions of both probability of disease outbreaks, as well as biological and monetary consequences of management actions. The structured decision‐making approach to this problem was valuable for defining the challenges of disease management in a decentralized agency where decisions are generally made at the local level in cooperation with stakeholders. Our approach provides local managers with the ability to tailor management planning for disease outbreaks to local conditions. Further work is needed to refine our disease risk models and decision analysis, including robust prediction of disease outbreaks and improved assessment of management alternatives. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
Population demographics of translocated northern bobwhites on fragmented habitat
Authors: Scott Jason L. , Hernández Fidel , Brennan Leonard A. , Ballard Bart M. , Janis Michael , Forrester N. David
Published: January 2013

Habitat fragmentation is considered a contributing factor to declining populations of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Some population strongholds exist within large expanses of habitat; however, many regions of the species' range have become fragmented and populations therein have become nearly extirpated. Our objectives were to determine whether combined habitat management and bobwhite translocation could restore bobwhite populations in habitat patches within a fragmented landscape. We translocated 550 bobwhites to 2 sites (≥660 ha; Caldwell and Fayette counties) in the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion of Texas, USA, during 2004–2006. We compared survival, home‐range size, and reproduction between translocated bobwhites in a fragmented landscape and resident bobwhites in contiguous habitat (Brooks County). Pooled over the 3‐year study, translocated bobwhites had lower survival (6 Apr–15 Aug, 2004–2006; Ŝ = 0.35; n = 165 bobwhites) than did resident bobwhites (Ŝ = 0.56; n = 224 bobwhites; P < 0.001). Translocated bobwhites also had larger home ranges ( = 398.1 ha; n = 55 bobwhites) than resident bobwhites ( = 10.9 ha; n = 28 bobwhites; P = 0.003). Moreover, percent of hens nesting (95% CI = 36 ± 16.4%) and nesting rate (95% CI = 1.1 ± 0.2 nests/hen) were lower for translocated bobwhites than for resident bobwhites (79 ± 12.4% and 1.6 ± 0.3 nests/hen, respectively). Our restoration efforts were unsuccessful; relative abundance of bobwhites remained low (≤1.0 covey heard/point) on translocation sites despite intensive translocation efforts. Restoring bobwhite populations in areas with few remaining bobwhites may be beyond the realm of practical management in this fragmented ecoregion. © 2012 The Wildlife Society
Single perturbative splitting diagrams in double parton scattering
Authors: Gaunt Jonathan R.
Published: January 2013

Abstract

We present a detailed study of a specific class of graph that can potentially contribute to the proton-proton double parton scattering (DPS) cross section. These are the ‘2v1’ or ‘single perturbative splitting’ graphs, in which two ‘nonperturbatively generated’ ladders interact with two ladders that have been generated via a perturbative 1 → 2 branching process. Using a detailed calculation, we confirm the result written down originally by Ryskin and Snigirev — namely, that the 2v1 graphs in which the two nonperturbatively generated ladders do not interact with one another do contribute to the leading order proton-proton DPS cross section, albeit with a different geometrical prefactor to the one that applies to the ‘2v2’/‘zero perturbative splitting’ graphs. We then show that 2v1 graphs in which the ‘nonperturbatively generated’ ladders exchange partons with one another also contribute to the leading order proton-proton DPS cross section, provided that this ‘crosstalk’ occurs at a lower scale than the 1 → 2 branching on the other side of the graph. Due to the preference in the 2v1 graphs for the x value at which the branching occurs, and crosstalk ceases, to be very much larger than the x values at the hard scale, the effect of crosstalk interactions is likely to be a decrease in the 2v1 cross section except at exceedingly small x values (≲ 10−6). At moderate x values ≃ 10−3 −10−2, the x value at the splitting is in the region ≃ 10−1 where PDFs do not change much with scale, and the effect of crosstalk interactions is likely to be small. We give an explicit formula for the contribution from the 2v1 graphs to the DPS cross section, and combine this with a suggestion that we made in a previous publication, that the ‘double perturbative splitting’/‘1v1’ graphs should be completely removed from the DPS cross section, to obtain a formula for the DPS cross section. It is pointed out that there are two potentially concerning features in this equation, that might indicate that our prescription for handling the 1v1 graphs is not quite correct.
Synthesis and Surface Tension Study of the Spacer Chain Length Effect on the Adsorption and Micellization Properties of a New Kind of Carboxylate Gemini Surfactant
Authors: Chen Minggui , Luo Lijuan , Hu Xingqi , Yang Jitao
Published: January 2013

A series of carboxylate gemini surfactants, which contain two hydrocarbon chains linked by amide groups, two carboxylate groups, a flexible alkane spacer were synthesized by three‐step reactions and named alkylidene–bis‐(N,N′‐dodecyl‐carboxypropylamides) (2C12H25CnAm; n = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 is the number of methylene groups of the spacer), their structures were confirmed by FTIR,1H NMR, and LC–MS/TOF, and their purity checked by HPLC. The micellar properties with increasing spacer chain length of these gemini surfactants were determined by surface tension methods. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) varies slightly with spacer chain length; surface tension at CMC(γCMC), the tendency of micellization versus adsorption, CMC/C20, the minimum area per surfactant molecule at the air/solution interface (ACMC), all decrease with increasing spacer chain length; surface reduction efficiency, pC20, the surface excess at the air/solution interface (ГCMC) increase with increasing spacer chain length. The results probably indicate that increasing spacer chain length of these carboxylate gemini surfactants will increase spacer incorporation into the double hydrophobic chain.
Ukraine twenty years after independence: Concept models of the society
Authors: Korostelina Karina V.
Published: January 2013

This paper attempts to create an overview of the Ukraine twenty years after independence by presenting prevailing conceptual narrative models of Ukraine employed by Ukrainian and foreign experts. Based on the analysis of 58 interviews of Ukrainian political and intellectual elites and foreign experts, the study revealed several categories of conceptual narrative models employed by respondents: (1) a state without a national idea and a common identity; (2) a country in an unfinished transition and degradation; (3) a divided society; and (4) Ukraine as a colony or “wild capitalism”. The analysis of these categories helps to assess conflict potential in Ukraine and discuss some ideas for conflict prevention and resolution.
Fluxes through steady chimneys in a mushy layer during binary alloy solidification
Authors: Rees Jones David W. , Worster M. Grae
Published: January 2013

Solute transport within solidifying binary alloys occurs predominantly by convection from narrow liquid chimneys within a porous mushy layer. We develop a simple model that elucidates the dominant structure and driving forces of the flow, which could be applied to modelling brine fluxes from sea ice, where a cheaply implementable approach is essential. A horizontal density gradient within the mushy layer in the vicinity of the chimneys leads to baroclinic torque which sustains the convective flow. In the bulk of the mushy layer, the isotherms are essentially horizontal. In this region, we impose a vertically linear temperature field and immediately find that the flow field is a simple corner flow. We determine the strength of this flow by finding a similarity solution to the governing mushy-layer equations in an active region near the chimney. We also determine the corresponding shape of the chimney, the vertical structure of the solid fraction and the interstitial flow field. We apply this model first to a periodic, planar array of chimneys and show analytically that the solute flux through the chimneys is proportional to a mush Rayleigh number. Secondly we extend the model to three dimensions and find that an array of chimneys can be characterized by the average drainage area alone. Therefore we solve the model in an axisymmetric geometry and find new, sometimes nonlinear, relationships between the solute flux, the Rayleigh number and the other dimensionless parameters of the system.
Post-secularity and (global) politics: a need for radical redefinition
Authors: DALLMAYR FRED
Published: January 2013

The past two decades have produced a bulky literature on religion and politics, with many writers being influenced by Habermas's notion of ‘post-secularity’. However, despite the vast amount of literature, there is still little agreement on the meaning of this term. The article explores two main directions in which the expression has been interpreted: one direction where religious faith is in a way ‘secularised’ by being adapted to modern secular discourse; and another where faith triumphs over secularity by expunging its modern corollaries. What surfaces behind this divergence is a version of the immanence/transcendence conundrum which accentuates a presumed contrast of language games in which one linguistic idiom is said to be more readily accessible than the other. In agreement with Charles Taylor, this article challenges the assumption of an ‘epistemic break’ between secular reason and ‘non-rational’ religious discourse. Once this challenge is taken seriously, a new and more radical redefinition of ‘post-secularity’ comes into view: a definition where the prefix ‘post’ signifies neither a secular nor a religious triumphalism, but rather an ethical-political task: the task of liberating public life from its attachment to ‘worldly’ self- interest and the unmitigated pursuit of wealth, power, and military adventures.
Computational Photochemistry and Photophysics: the state of the art
Authors: Liu Ya-Jun , Roca-Sanjuán Daniel , Lindh Roland
Published: January 2013

This review starts with the most basic concepts in photochemistry and photophysics, followed by a chronological introduction of theoretical methods and relevant applications in the history of computational photochemistry, along with the authors’ comments on the methodologies currently available for photochemical studies. Recent advances in the field are next summarized and discussed, focusing separately on methodology and computational techniques and some highlighted applied works carried out during the last two years on the topics of photodissociations, photostability, photodimerizations, photoisomerizations, proton/hydrogen transfer, photodecarboxylations, charge transport, bioexcimers, chemiluminescence and bioluminescence. We finish this review by conclusions and an outlook of the future.
Photochemistry of aromatic compounds
Authors: Mizuno Kazuhiko
Published: January 2013

This chapter deals with the photoisomerization, photoaddition and cycloaddition, photosubstitution, intramolecular photocyclization, intra- and inter-molecular photodimerization, photorearrangement reactions of aromatic compounds and related photoreactions.
The history of the European Photochemistry Association
Authors: Mazzucato Ugo
Published: January 2013

The aim of this review is to outline the history of the first four decades of the European Photochemistry Association (EPA) after its foundation in 1970. The review is divided into different sections. The first one covers the preparatory work done by leading photochemists to lay the bases for the creation of the new Association under the auspices of the Council of Europe. The second section describes the foundation of the new Association and its first three biennia of life (when the author was directly involved). The third and fourth sections summarize the progress made in the following decades and the main events that characterized the life of the Association. An Appendix illustrates in detail the history of the EPA Newsletter (with which the author collaborated until 2004). For the first period this review article is based on documentation found in the author's files and on his memory and the remaining parts are based on the reports published in the Newsletter. The pictures are taken from the EPA-Newsletter and the EPA archive with very few exceptions, as specified. It is difficult to survey the history of forty years of life of an Association without making mistakes or omissions. Many apologies to the readers for any inexactness.
Finite-time mixed outer synchronization of complex networks with coupling time-varying delay
Authors: He Ping , Ma Shu-Hua , Fan Tao
Published: January 2013

This article is concerned with the problem of finite-time mixed outer synchronization (FMOS) of complex networks with coupling time-varying delay. FMOS is a recently developed generalized synchronization concept, i.e., in which different state variables of the corresponding nodes can evolve into finite-time complete synchronization, finite-time anti-synchronization, and even amplitude finite-time death simultaneously for an appropriate choice of the controller gain matrix. Some novel stability criteria for the synchronization between drive and response complex networks with coupling time-varying delay are derived using the Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequalities. And a simple linear state feedback synchronization controller is designed as a result. Numerical simulations for two coupled networks of modified Chua's circuits are then provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed complex networks control and synchronization schemes and then compared with the proposed results and the previous schemes for accuracy.
Development of polystyrene-based scintillation materials and its mechanisms
Authors: Nakamura Hidehito , Kitamura Hisashi , Shinji Osamu , Saito Katashi , Shirakawa Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Sentaro
Published: January 2013

Scintillation materials based on polystyrene (PS) have been investigated. Para-terphenyl was employed as a fluorescent molecule (fluor) that functions as a wavelength shifter. A clear increase in photon yield of the scintillation materials relative to the pure PS was observed, which cannot be explained by the conventional theory of scintillation mechanism. Furthermore, the photon yield increased with flour concentration in accordance with a power-law. Here we reveal the emergence of a luminescence of PS-based scintillation materials and demonstrate that their photon yields can be controlled by the fluor concentration.
The skin and hair of the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina (Linn.). IV. Annual cycle of pelage follicle activity and moult
Authors: Ling John K.
Published: January 2013

Hair growth stages, anagen, catagen and telogen, were diagnosed histologically in skin samples taken at Macquarie Island from 103 southern elephant seals – 11 pups, 56 immatures, 23 adult females and 13 adult males – in order to correlate hair follicle activity with field observations of this species’ unusual type of moult. The duration of the hair growth cycle in fully developed follicles is ~12 weeks. Hair follicles are active for 2–3 months before, during and after the moult haul-out and are resting at other times of the year. A high proportion of adult females appear to commence hair growth between 4 January and 2 February. While implantation of the blastocyst may be triggered by some astral event, such as daylength, it does not depend on completion of the moult, as suggested by previous authors. The pelage cycle is possibly controlled by an endogenous rhythm established during follicle development and subsequent growth and shedding of the natal coat, but the timing and duration of the moult haul-out may depend on the nutritional status of seals within each particular age–sex class. In adult seals this will be governed by terrestrial activities that involve fasting during the breeding and moulting seasons, whereas immature seals haul out and fast, not only to moult but some also come ashore and rest during winter. There may also be metabolic demands for materials for the complete replacement of the pelage, and much of the stratum corneum.
Energetic cost of protein import across the envelope membranes of chloroplasts
Authors: Shi Lan-Xin , Theg Steven M.
Published: January 2013

Chloroplasts are the organelles of green plants in which light energy is transduced into chemical energy, forming ATP and reduced carbon compounds upon which all life depends. The expenditure of this energy is one of the central issues of cellular metabolism. Chloroplasts contain ∼3,000 proteins, among which less than 100 are typically encoded in the plastid genome. The rest are encoded in the nuclear genome, synthesized in the cytosol, and posttranslationally imported into the organelle in an energy-dependent process. We report here a measurement of the amount of ATP hydrolyzed to import a protein across the chloroplast envelope membranes—only the second complete accounting of the cost in Gibbs free energy of protein transport to be undertaken. Using two different precursors prepared by three distinct techniques, we show that the import of a precursor protein into chloroplasts is accompanied by the hydrolysis of ∼650 ATP molecules. This translates to a ΔG
protein
transport
of some 27,300 kJ/mol protein imported. We estimate that protein import across the plastid envelope membranes consumes ∼0.6% of the total light-saturated energy output of the organelle.
Functioning of a metabolic flux sensor in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Kochanowski Karl , Volkmer Benjamin , Gerosa Luca , Haverkorn van Rijsewijk Bart R. , Schmidt Alexander , Heinemann Matthias
Published: January 2013

Regulation of metabolic operation in response to extracellular cues is crucial for cells’ survival. Next to the canonical nutrient sensors, which measure the concentration of nutrients, recently intracellular “metabolic flux” was proposed as a novel impetus for metabolic regulation. According to this concept, cells would have molecular systems (“flux sensors”) in place that regulate metabolism as a function of the actually occurring metabolic fluxes. Although this resembles an appealing concept, we have not had any experimental evidence for the existence of flux sensors and also we have not known how these flux sensors would work in detail. Here, we show experimental evidence that supports the hypothesis that
Escherichia coli
is indeed able to measure its glycolytic flux and uses this signal for metabolic regulation. Combining experiment and theory, we show how this flux-sensing function could emerge from an aggregate of several molecular mechanisms: First, the system of reactions of lower glycolysis and the feedforward activation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate on pyruvate kinase translate flux information into the concentration of the metabolite fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. The interaction of this “flux-signaling metabolite” with the transcription factor Cra then leads to flux-dependent regulation. By responding to glycolytic flux, rather than to the concentration of individual carbon sources, the cell may minimize sensing and regulatory expenses.
Genetic heterogeneity of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Jenny , Grubor Vladimir , Love Cassandra L. , Banerjee Anjishnu , Richards Kristy L. , Mieczkowski Piotr A. , Dunphy Cherie , Choi William , Au Wing Yan , Srivastava Gopesh , Lugar Patricia L. , Rizzieri David A. , Lagoo Anand S. , Bernal-Mizrachi Leon , Mann Karen P. , Flowers Christopher , Naresh Kikkeri , Evens Andrew , Gordon Leo I. , Czader Magdalena , Gill Javed I. , Hsi Eric D. , Liu Qingquan , Fan Alice , Walsh Katherine , Jima Dereje , Smith Lisa L. , Johnson Amy J. , Byrd John C. , Luftig Micah A. , Ni Ting , Zhu Jun , Chadburn Amy , Levy Shawn , Dunson David , Dave Sandeep S.
Published: January 2013

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of lymphoma in adults. The disease exhibits a striking heterogeneity in gene expression profiles and clinical outcomes, but its genetic causes remain to be fully defined. Through whole genome and exome sequencing, we characterized the genetic diversity of DLBCL. In all, we sequenced 73 DLBCL primary tumors (34 with matched normal DNA). Separately, we sequenced the exomes of 21 DLBCL cell lines. We identified 322 DLBCL cancer genes that were recurrently mutated in primary DLBCLs. We identified recurrent mutations implicating a number of known and not previously identified genes and pathways in DLBCL including those related to chromatin modification (
ARID1A
and
MEF2B
), NF-κB (
CARD11
and
TNFAIP3
), PI3 kinase (
PIK3CD
,
PIK3R1
, and
MTOR
), B-cell lineage (
IRF8
,
POU2F2
, and
GNA13
), and WNT signaling (
WIF1
). We also experimentally validated a mutation in
PIK3CD
, a gene not previously implicated in lymphomas. The patterns of mutation demonstrated a classic long tail distribution with substantial variation of mutated genes from patient to patient and also between published studies. Thus, our study reveals the tremendous genetic heterogeneity that underlies lymphomas and highlights the need for personalized medicine approaches to treating these patients.
Widespread horizontal transfer of retrotransposons
Authors: Walsh Ali Morton , Kortschak R. Daniel , Gardner Michael G. , Bertozzi Terry , Adelson David L.
Published: January 2013

In higher organisms such as vertebrates, it is generally believed that lateral transfer of genetic information does not readily occur, with the exception of retroviral infection. However, horizontal transfer (HT) of protein coding repetitive elements is the simplest way to explain the patchy distribution of BovB, a long interspersed element (LINE) about 3.2 kb long, that has been found in ruminants, marsupials, squamates, monotremes, and African mammals. BovB sequences are a major component of some of these genomes. Here we show that HT of BovB is significantly more widespread than believed, and we demonstrate the existence of two plausible arthropod vectors, specifically reptile ticks. A phylogenetic tree built from BovB sequences from species in all of these groups does not conform to expected evolutionary relationships of the species, and our analysis indicates that at least nine HT events are required to explain the observed topology. Our results provide compelling evidence for HT of genetic material that has transformed vertebrate genomes.