bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transferability in the natural linear-scaled coupled-cluster effective Hamiltonian approach: Applications to dynamic polarizabilities and dispersion coefficients
Authors: Hughes Thomas F. , Bartlett Rodney J.
Published: August 2008

A natural linear-scaled coupled-cluster (CC) method has been developed to calculate the response properties of large molecules, for example, dynamic polarizabilities and dispersion coefficients. The method is based on the transferability of the CC effective Hamiltonian from the equation-of-motion (EOM)-CC methods, subject to its representation in terms of highly transferable natural localized molecular orbitals. This transferability allows the interactions among regions in a molecule to be classified according to their important inter-region excitations and de-excitations. Dynamic polarizabilities determined in this way provide insight into calculating the excited states of large molecules using localized orbital concepts. Dispersion coefficients for the interactions within large molecules can be similarly determined. These could be useful in constructing corrective long-range potentials. Applications to alkanes, tryptophan, and polyglycine are presented. For those cases which are possible, conventional results can be reproduced. Dynamic polarizabilities of tryptophan indicate that the first excited state is localized to the indole group, while the second is localized to the carboxyl group.
Evidence for neutron production in deuterium gas with a pyroelectric crystal without tip
Authors: Tornow W. , Shafroth S. M. , Brownridge J. D.
Published: August 2008

We present evidence for the production of H2(d,n)3He neutrons in gaseous deuterium by using a pyroelectric crystal as positive ion accelerator. In contrast to previous studies, neutrons were generated without a tip attached to the crystal and without using a solid deuterated target. The deuterium gas provided both the projectile and target nuclei. On the average, 1 neutron/s was obtained in our “hot fusion” experimental setup. No neutrons were detected when a tip was used.
Photoelectron spectroscopy of europium-silicon cluster anions, EuSin− (3⩽n⩽17)
Authors: Grubisic Andrej , Wang Haopeng , Ko Yeon Jae , Bowen Kit H.
Published: August 2008

We report the photoelectron spectra of EuSin− cluster anions (3⩽n⩽17). They reveal dramatic electronic rearrangements over the size range n=10–12. In particular, a marked increase in the adiabatic electron affinity of EuSi12 (2.8eV) compared to its stoichiometric neighbor, EuSi11 (1.9eV), is observed. We propose that a significant geometric reorganization due to the encapsulation of a europium atom occurs in this size range and is responsible for the detected changes in the electronic structure. In light of this interpretation, EuSi12 is the smallest fully endohedral europium-silicon cluster.
High repetition rate pseudospark trigger generator
Authors: Chatzakis J. , Hassan S. M. , Clark E. L. , Petridis C. , Lee P. , Tatarakis M.
Published: August 2008

We report the design and development of a high repetition rate pseudospark trigger generator for operating pseudospark switches with a low impedance of approximately 50Ω between the trigger pins. The trigger generator can be operated from a single-shot mode up to a repetition rate of 1kHz. It produces 3kV, 1μs pulses into a 100Ω load to trigger a single pseudospark gap. Also, with the addition of a self-break spark gap and pulse forming network, the trigger generator can be used to trigger a pseudospark gap with low jitter. In this configuration, it produces 300ns, 3kV pulses with rise time of 10ns. The jitter between trigger pulses applied to the pseudospark is less than 1ns.
Random parameter-switching synthesis of a class of hyperbolic attractors
Authors: Danca Marius-F.
Published: August 2008

The parameter perturbation methods (the most known being the OGY method) apply small wisely chosen swift kicks to the system once per cycle, to maintain it near the desired unstable periodic orbit. Thus, one can consider that a new attractor is finally generated. Another class of methods which allow the attractors born, imply small perturbations of the state variable [see, e.g., J. Güémez and M. A. Matías, Phys. Lett. A 181, 29 (1993)]. Whatever technique is utilized, generating any targeted attractor starting from a set of two or more of any kind of attractors (stable or not) of a considered dissipative continuous-time system cannot be achieved with these techniques. This kind of attractor synthesis [introduced in M.-F. Danca, W. K. S. Tang, and G. Chen, Appl. Math. Comput. 201, 650 (2008) and proved analytically in Y. Mao, W. K. S. Tang, and M.-F. Danca, Appl. Math. Comput. (submitted)] which starts from a set of given attractors, allows us, via periodic parameter-switching, to generate any of the set of all possible attractors of a class of continuous-time dissipative dynamical systems, depending linearly on the control parameter. In this paper we extend this technique proving empirically that even random manners for switching can be utilized for this purpose. These parameter-switches schemes are very easy to implement and require only the mathematical model of the underlying dynamical system, a convergent numerical method to integrate the system, and the bifurcation diagram to choose specific attractors. Relatively large parameter switches are admitted. As a main result, these switching algorithms (deterministic or random) offer a new perspective on the set of all attractors of a class of dissipative continuous-time dynamical systems.
Nonlinear finite-Larmor-radius effects in reduced fluid models
Authors: Brizard A. J. , Denton R. E. , Rogers B. , Lotko W.
Published: August 2008

The polarization magnetization effects associated with the dynamical reduction leading to the nonlinear gyrokinetic Vlasov–Maxwell equations are shown to introduce nonlinear finite-Larmor-radius (FLR) effects into a set of nonlinear reduced-fluid equations previously derived by the Lagrangian variational method [A. J. Brizard, Phys. Plasmas 12, 092302 (2005)]. These intrinsically nonlinear FLR effects, which are associated with the transformation from guiding-center phase-space dynamics to gyrocenter phase-space dynamics, are different from the standard FLR corrections associated with the transformation from particle to guiding-center phase-space dynamics. We also present the linear dispersion relation results from a nonlinear simulation code using these reduced-fluid equations. The simulation results (in both straight dipole geometries) demonstrate that the equations describe the coupled dynamics of Alfvén sound waves and that the total simulation energy is conserved.
Confocal laser scanning microscopy using a frequency doubled vertical external cavity surface emitting laser
Authors: Esposito Elric , Keatings Stefanie , Gardner Kyle , Harris John , Riis Erling , McConnell Gail
Published: August 2008

We report on a frequency doubled 980 nm vertical external cavity surface emitting laser for applications in confocal laser scanning microscopy. The beam quality, wavelength flexibility, and low noise characteristics of this compact source make this prolific imaging technique an exemplary tool. Single pass frequency doubling via KNbO3 was demonstrated, yielding 1.8 mW at 490 nm with a near diffraction limited beam quality. Detailed analysis and comparison of the laser performance with the current standard argon ion laser revealed clear advantages of the solid-state source for confocal imaging. Imaging of fluorescein and eGFP labeled biological samples using the attenuated solid-state source provided high-resolution images at lower cost and with improved reliability.
Epitaxial growth of aluminum nitride on AlGaN by reactive sputtering at low temperature
Authors: Duquenne C. , Djouadi M. A. , Tessier P. Y. , Jouan P. Y. , Besland M. P. , Brylinski C. , Aubry R. , Delage S.
Published: August 2008

We report the synthesis of 1μm thick single crystalline aluminum nitride films by dc magnetron sputtering on AlGaN∕GaN layer grown on sapphire substrate at low temperature (substrate temperature <250°C). The microstructure of c-axis oriented AlN films deposited on Si (100) and AlGaN ⟨0001⟩ substrates was studied by x-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The optimization of process parameters, involving low energetic ion bombardment on film surface (20–30eV) during the growth, leads to an increase in the surface mobility and thus promotes AlN epitaxial growth on AlGaN substrate at 250°C.
Laser microfabrication and rotation of ship-in-a-bottle optical rotators
Authors: Matsuo Shigeki , Kiyama Satoshi , Shichijo Yoshinori , Tomita Takuro , Hashimoto Shuichi , Hosokawa Yoichiroh , Masuhara Hiroshi
Published: August 2008

We have fabricated optical rotators inside a silica substrate and rotated them by a laser trapping technique. The fabrication method used was femtosecond laser-assisted etching, i.e., modification of the host material by irradiation with femtosecond laser pulses along a predesigned pattern, followed by selective chemical etching. The rotators, which consist of the same material as the substrate, can move inside the microcavity but cannot get out. The rotation speed was proportional to the trapping laser power, and the maximum achieved was about 100rpm. Such rotators will be applicable to micro-total-analysis systems and microfluidics.
The Benefits of Learning in Clusters: Analyzing Upward Mobility for Skilled Workers in the Cebu Furniture Cluster
Authors: Beerepoot Niels
Published: August 2008

Recent debates emphasize the role of collective learning as a major factor in facilitating and maintaining competitiveness for clusters of small enterprises in developing countries. However, few studies on learning in industrial clusters in developing countries have analyzed the benefits from learning by looking at improved workers' positions and conditions in the cluster. This paper fills this gap in the existing literature by focusing on whether workers in the furniture cluster in Metro Cebu (the Philippines) have access to upward mobility within employment in the cluster, based on their formal and informal learning. This paper demonstrates that their ‘embodied expertise’ is rewarded only to a small extent and labour movements are more the result of job insecurity than of pursuing opportunities for upward mobility within employment.
Control by Containment: The Politics of Institutionalizing Pollution Disputes in Taiwan
Authors: Ho Ming-Sho , Su Feng-San
Published: August 2008

Democratization entails the political incorporation of pollution victims whose subsistence rights have been sacrificed in the single-minded pursuit of economic growth. Newly democratized regimes have instituted mechanisms of environmental governance with varying degrees of success. This paper analyzes the process in which pollution disputes are channeled through legal procedures, by looking at Taiwan's Public Nuisance Disputes Mediation Act (PNDM). This system was enacted in 1992 to reduce the disruptiveness and politicization of protests after the failure of preemption and repression strategies. Contrary to the official claims, I find the PNDM produced limited absorption because its restrictive design was unfavorable to pollution victims. The institutional failure led to the widespread implementation of good-neighbor policies by business. With this undemocratic system of material payoffs to affected communities, business succeeded in reducing protest potentials by co-opting community leadership.
Evaluation of sustainability of mixed food crop fields by monitoring particulate organic matter (POM) status and nutrient concentrations
Authors: Koutika Lydie-Stella , Yemefack Martin , Folefoc Daniel
Published: August 2008

Particulate organic matter (POM) status is a useful indicator to assess labile soil organic matter (SOM) and to evaluate soil fertility under different agricultural systems, mainly in low-input agriculture as practiced in most of the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Total POM (53–4000 µm), different sized POM fraction characteristics (mass, C and N contents), and nutrient concentrations of soils were evaluated under 2 mixed food crop field types: a preceding forest fallow (forest) and a preceding fallow dominated by Chromolaena odorata (King & Robinson) (Chromolaena spp.) in the 0–0.10 m horizon of Rhodic Kandiudult, Typic Kandiudult, and Typic Kandiudox soils.
The mass and C and N contents of total POM were higher in the Typic Kandiudox than in the Typic Kandiudult, while the Rhodic Kandiudult was intermediate. The pH was lower in the Typic Kandiudox (4.67). Forest had higher pH, Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations, and effective cation exchange capacity, while Chromolaena had higher C content in medium (2000–250 µm) and fine (250–53 µm) POM fractions and higher N content in coarse POM (4000–2000 µm). Considering nutrient concentrations, forest appears to be more suitable for a mixed-crop field-crop system than Chromolaena; however, the opposite was found when considering POM status.
Soil quality assessed by carbon management index in a subtropical Acrisol subjected to tillage systems and irrigation
Authors: De Bona F. D. , Bayer C. , Dieckow J. , Bergamaschi H.
Published: August 2008

The combined influence of no-till and irrigation on soil quality in tropical and subtropical regions is still to be better clarified. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of sprinkler irrigation on soil quality of a southern Brazilian sandy loam Paleudult subjected to conventional tillage and no-till for 8 years. The soil quality indicator was the carbon management index (CMI), based on variations in the total C stock (expressed by the C pool index, CPI) and in the C lability (expressed by the C lability index, LI) related to the reference native grassland soil. The C lability was given by the ratio between the concentration of labile C, separated with NaI solution (1.8 Mg/m3), and non-labile C, obtained from the difference between total C and labile C. The total C stock, and thus the CPI, in the 0–200 mm layer were affected neither by tillage system nor by irrigation. On the other hand, the concentration of labile C, and thus the C lability and LI, were lower in conventional tillage than in no-till, and in irrigated than in non-irrigated systems. The effect of irrigation in decreasing the C lability was more pronounced in no-till than in conventional tillage soil. A combination of residue accumulation and greater water availability on the no-till soil surface probably provided suitable conditions to increase microbial mineralisation activity on the light fraction of the organic matter. The results of CMI, whose variations were caused mainly by LI, indicate that soil quality was improved with adoption of no-till in substitution of conventional tillage, but not with adoption of irrigation. No-till soils subjected to irrigation require a higher phytomass addition than non-irrigated soils.
Capillarity-like growth of protein folding nuclei
Authors: Qi Xianghong , Portman John J.
Published: August 2008

A full structural description of transition state ensembles in protein folding includes the specificity of the ordered residues composing the folding nucleus as well as spatial density. To our knowledge, the spatial properties of the folding nucleus and interface of specific nuclei have yet to receive significant attention. We analyze folding routes predicted by a variational model in terms of a generalized formalism of the capillarity scaling theory that assumes the volume of the folded core of the nucleus grows with chain length as
V

f

≈
N
3ν
. For 27 two-state proteins studied, the scaling exponent ν ranges from 0.2 to 0.45 with an average of 0.33. This average value corresponds to packing of rigid objects, although generally the effective monomer size in the folded core is larger than the corresponding volume per particle in the native-state ensemble. That is, on average, the folded core of the nucleus is found to be relatively diffuse. We also study the growth of the folding nucleus and interface along the folding route in terms of the density or packing fraction. The evolution of the folded core and interface regions can be classified into three patterns of growth depending on how the growth of the folded core is balanced by changes in density of the interface. Finally, we quantify the diffuse versus polarized structure of the critical nucleus through direct calculation of the packing fraction of the folded core and interface regions. Our results support the general picture of describing protein folding as the capillarity-like growth of folding nuclei.
Deletion of the mouse RegIIIβ (Reg2) gene disrupts ciliary neurotrophic factor signaling and delays myelination of mouse cranial motor neurons
Authors: Tebar L. A. , Géranton S. M. , Parsons-Perez C. , Fisher A. S. , Bayne R. , Smith A. J. H. , Turmaine M. , Perez-Luz S. , Sheasby A. , De Felipe C. , Ruff C. , Raivich G. , Hunt S. P.
Published: August 2008

A large number of cytokines and growth factors support the development and subsequent maintenance of postnatal motor neurons. RegIIIβ, also known as Reg2 in rat and HIP/PAP1 in humans, is a member of a family of growth factors found in many areas of the body and previously shown to play an important role in both the development and regeneration of subsets of motor neurons. It has been suggested that RegIIIβ expressed by motor neurons is both an obligatory intermediate in the downstream signaling of the leukemia inhibitory factor/ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) family of cytokines, maintaining the integrity of motor neurons during development, as well as a powerful influence on Schwann cell growth during regeneration of the peripheral nerve. Here we report that in mice with a deletion of the RegIIIβ gene, motor neuron survival was unaffected up to 28 weeks after birth. However, there was no CNTF-mediated rescue of neonatal facial motor neurons after axotomy in KO animals when compared with wild-type. In mice, RegIIIβ positive motor neurons are concentrated in cranial motor nuclei that are involved in the patterning of swallowing and suckling. We found that suckling was impaired in RegIIIβ KO mice and correlated this with a significant delay in myelination of the hypoglossal nerve. In summary, we propose that RegIIIβ has an important role to play in the developmental fine-tuning of neonatal motor behaviors mediating the response to peripherally derived cytokines and growth factors and regulating the myelination of motor axons.
Vibrational vs. translational energy in promoting a prototype metal–hydrocarbon insertion reaction
Authors: Proctor David L. , Davis H. Floyd
Published: August 2008

The reaction Y + CH
4
→ HYCH
3
→ YCH
2
+ H
2
is initiated by C–H insertion involving a 20 ± 3 kcal/mol potential energy barrier. The reaction is studied in crossed molecular beams under two different conditions with nearly the same total energy. One experiment is carried out at a collision energy of 15.1 kcal/mol with one quantum of CH
4
antisymmetric (ν
3
) stretching vibrational excitation (8.63 kcal/mol), the other at a collision energy of 23.8 kcal/mol. The reaction cross-section for C–H stretch excited methane (σ
s
) is found to be at least a factor of 2.2 times larger than for ground-state methane (σ
g
) at the same total energy.
Pharmacologic doses of ascorbate act as a prooxidant and decrease growth of aggressive tumor xenografts in mice
Authors: Chen Qi , Espey Michael Graham , Sun Andrew Y. , Pooput Chaya , Kirk Kenneth L. , Krishna Murali C. , Khosh Deena Beneda , Drisko Jeanne , Levine Mark
Published: August 2008

Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient commonly regarded as an antioxidant. In this study, we showed that ascorbate at pharmacologic concentrations was a prooxidant, generating hydrogen-peroxide-dependent cytotoxicity toward a variety of cancer cells
in vitro
without adversely affecting normal cells. To test this action
in vivo
, normal oral tight control was bypassed by parenteral ascorbate administration. Real-time microdialysis sampling in mice bearing glioblastoma xenografts showed that a single pharmacologic dose of ascorbate produced sustained ascorbate radical and hydrogen peroxide formation selectively within interstitial fluids of tumors but not in blood. Moreover, a regimen of daily pharmacologic ascorbate treatment significantly decreased growth rates of ovarian (
P
< 0.005), pancreatic (
P
< 0.05), and glioblastoma (
P
< 0.001) tumors established in mice. Similar pharmacologic concentrations were readily achieved in humans given ascorbate intravenously. These data suggest that ascorbate as a prodrug may have benefits in cancers with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.
GABA
A
transmission is a critical step in the process of triggering homeostatic increases in quantal amplitude
Authors: Wilhelm Jennifer C. , Wenner Peter
Published: August 2008

When activity levels are altered over days, a network of cells is capable of recognizing this perturbation and triggering several distinct compensatory changes that should help to recover and maintain the original activity levels homeostatically. One feature commonly observed after activity blockade has been a compensatory increase in excitatory quantal amplitude. The sensing machinery that detects altered activity levels is a central focus of the field currently, but thus far it has been elusive. The vast majority of studies that reduce network activity also reduce neurotransmission. We address the possibility that reduced neurotransmission can trigger increases in quantal amplitude. In this work, we blocked glutamatergic or GABA
A
transmission
in ovo
for 2 days while maintaining relatively normal network activity. We found that reducing GABA
A
transmission triggered compensatory increases in both GABA and AMPA quantal amplitude in embryonic spinal motoneurons. Glutamatergic blockade had no effect on quantal amplitude. Therefore, GABA binding to the GABA
A
receptor appears to be a critical step in the sensing machinery for homeostatic synaptic plasticity. The findings suggest that homeostatic increases in quantal amplitude may normally be triggered by reduced levels of activity, which are sensed in the developing spinal cord by GABA, via the GABA
A
receptor. Therefore, GABA appears to be serving as a proxy for activity levels.
GSTand its relatives do not measure differentiation
Authors: JOST LOU
Published: August 2008

GSTand its relatives are often interpreted as measures of differentiation between subpopulations, with values near zero supposedly indicating low differentiation. However,GSTnecessarily approaches zero when gene diversity is high, even if subpopulations are completely differentiated, and it is not monotonic with increasing differentiation. Likewise, when diversity is equated with heterozygosity, standard similarity measures formed by taking the ratio of mean within‐subpopulation diversity to total diversity necessarily approach unity when diversity is high, even if the subpopulations are completely dissimilar (no shared alleles). None of these measures can be interpreted as measures of differentiation or similarity. The derivations of these measures contain two subtle misconceptions which cause their paradoxical behaviours. Conclusions about population differentiation, gene flow, relatedness, and conservation priority will often be wrong when based on these fixation indices or similarity measures. These are not statistical issues; the problems persist even when true population frequencies are used in the calculations. Recent advances in the mathematics of diversity identify the misconceptions, and yield mathematically consistent descriptive measures of population structure which eliminate the paradoxes produced by standard measures. These measures can be directly related to the migration and mutation rates of the finite‐island model.
Production of reactive species and modulation of antioxidant network in response to heat shock: a critical balance for cell fate
Authors: LOCATO VITTORIA , GADALETA COSIMO , DE GARA LAURA , DE PINTO MARIA CONCETTA
Published: August 2008

Exposure to adverse temperature conditions is a common stress factor for plants. In order to cope with heat stress, plants activate several defence mechanisms responsible for the control of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox homeostasis. Specific heat shocks (HSs) are also able to activate programmed cell death (PCD). In this paper, the alteration of several oxidative markers and ROS scavenging enzymes were studied after subjecting cells to two different HSs. Our results suggest that, under moderate HS, the redox homeostasis is mainly guaranteed by an increase in glutathione (GSH) content and in the ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activities. These two enzymes undergo different regulatory mechanisms. On the other hand, the HS‐induced PCD determines an increase in the activity of the enzymes recycling the ascorbate‐ and GSH‐oxidized forms and a reduction of APX; whereas, CAT decreases only after a transient rise of its activity, which occurs in spite of the decrease of its gene expression. These results suggest that the enzyme‐dependent ROS scavenging is enhanced under moderate HS and suppressed under HS‐induced PCD. Moreover, the APX suppression occurring very early during PCD, could represent a hallmark of cells that have activated a suicide programme.
THE VAGARIES OF VEGETARIANISM
Authors: Harrison Jonathan
Published: August 2008

The following was meant to be a ‘fun paper’, which the author's honesty and natural seriousness of mind prevented from coming off well. Its main theme is that it is not wrong to eat meat provided the animals eaten are painlessly killed or – usually in the case of human animals – already dead. In the course of his remarks the author touches on: the bearing of affluence on vegetarianism; animal rights; child eating; treating animals as ends and with due Kantian respect; the inadequacy of the word ‘duty’; aesthetics and morals; the distinction between private behaviour – say driving on the left hand side of the road – and public duty – say advocating or legislating for driving on the right hand side of the road; our duties to vegetables, snakes, flying ants and Martians; and the desirability of irrationality in matters of duty; stealing and eating as much meat as possible as a way of bringing the meat industry to its knees; the contribution that animals should make to animal welfare, viz. allowing themselves to be eaten. He ends by emphasising the likeness of non‐human animals to human animals.1
SAMPLES AS SYMBOLS
Authors: Textor Mark
Published: August 2008

Nelson Goodman and, following him, Catherine Z. Elgin and Keith Lehrer have claimed that sometimes a sample is a symbol that stands for the property it is a sample of. The relation between the sample and the property it stands for is called ‘exemplification’ (Goodman, Elgin) or ‘exemplarisation’ (Lehrer). Goodman and Lehrer argue that the notion of exemplification sheds light on central problems in aesthetics and the philosophy of mind. However, while there seems to be a phenomenon to be captured, Goodman's account of exemplification has several flaws. In this paper I will offer an alternative account of exemplification that is inspired by Grice's idea that one can communicate something by providing one's audience with intention‐independent evidence and letting them draw the obvious conclusion for themselves. This explication of exemplification will solve the problems that arose for Goodman's theory in the spirit of his approach.1
Path Dependence and Public Sector Innovation in Regulatory Regimes
Authors: Veggeland Noralv
Published: August 2008

The overarching theme of this article is institutional analysis of modernization and innovation in the regulatory state, and in pursuing this, the concepts of ‘path dependence’ and ‘administrative traditions’ are used throughout. Self‐reinforcing or positive feedback processes in political systems represent a basic framework. The empirical point of departure is the EU public procurement directive linked to OECD data concerning use of outsourcing among Member States. The question is asked: What has caused the Nordic countries, traditionally not belonging to the Anglo‐Saxon market‐centred administrative tradition, to be ranked so high as users of the Market‐Type Mechanism (MTM) of outsourcing in the public sector versus inhouse provision of services? The reason may be complex, but might be found in an innovative Scandinavian regulatory approach rooted in a ‘small is beautiful’, small and medium‐seized businesses, and local and regional development planning tradition.
A Kinder, Gentler Democracy? The Consensus Model and Swedish Disability Politics
Authors: Lewin Leif , Lewin Barbro , Bäck Hanna , Westin Lina
Published: August 2008

Arend Lijphart's seminal consensus model of democracy does not only try to explain how democracy actually works. It also purports to be a ‘kinder, gentler’ form of democracy with regard to e.g. unemployment, disability, illness and old age. So far, this conjecture has not been brought to a systematic test which is the purpose of this article. We look into the consequences for one of the areas Lijphart singles out: disability. Does consensus democracy promote a more generous policy towards disabled people than majoritarian democracy? We transfer Lijphart's theory to municipality level. In Sweden, disability care is namely the responsibility for the municipalities, which are comparatively large and independent and with the right to tax their citizens; they are like small nation‐states. There is, however, a considerable variation in disability support between them. Some give ten times as much support than others. Is it those governed according to the consensus model? Our approach helps controlling for the variation in political and cultural context and expands the number of observations. The statistical comparison of Swedish municipalities does not, however, lend any confirmation of the famous theory. Instead, there are reasons to doubt that consensus democracy promotes more generous policies.
Prey selection of the black stork in the African wintering area
Authors: Chevallier D. , Baillon F. , Robin J.‐P. , Le Maho Y. , Massemin‐Challet S.
Published: August 2008

To determine what kind of factors are implied in the decline of long‐distance birds, knowledge on feeding ecology in breeding and wintering areas is essential. We present the first study recording the quantity and quality of food eaten by a population of black storks Ciconia nigra in the Africa wintering zone, as well as prey abundance in the field by testing an eventual foraging strategy based on the selection of biotic parameters of fish prey (body size, energy gain, swimming speed and fish armaments). Black storks preferentially selected two fish species of Siluriforms that were not the most abundant species in the field. Storks carried out interspecific selection according to the swimming speed of fish species and intraspecific selection depending on prey size, probably to avoid defensive armaments of the preferred fish prey. Small fishes consumed by the birds constituted 91% of the diet and 45% of the total food energy intake. Small fishes were more frequently caught than large ones, even if the storks sometimes took the opportunity to catch large fishes that provided a high energy gain. Energy assimilation of black storks is almost twofold higher than the estimated daily energy expenditure. This study suggests that the quantity of food would satisfy the energy requirements of the species during the winter in Africa, enable them to store reserves and ensure their survival in the African areas.
Ranking Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism Scenarios: The Italian Case
Authors: Tofani Alessandro , Bartolozzi Massimiliano
Published: August 2008

A quantitative criterion for ranking the different scenarios of nuclear and radiological terrorism has been developed. The aim of the model is not to predict terroristic events but only to indicate which scenario has the higher utility from the point of view of a terroristic organization in terms of balance between factors favoring and discouraging the attack, respectively. All these factors were quantified according to a scoring system that takes into account the logarithmic relationship between perceptions and stimuli. The criterion was applied to several scenarios, each of which was modeled in a simple but not trivial way in order to estimate the expected damage in terms of probable life losses from both radiative and nonradiative effects. The outcome from the ranking method indicates that the attractive scenario appears to be the detonation of a low yield improvised nuclear device in the metropolitan area of a major city.
Political Participation and Cumulative Disadvantage: The Impact of Economic and Social Hardship on Young Citizens
Authors: Pacheco Julianna Sandell , Plutzer Eric
Published: August 2008

In this article, we seek to provide the most comprehensive exploration to date of the effects of economic and social disadvantage on young citizens' voter turnout. We look at four overlapping domains of hardship—those rooted in (a) the family context, (b) the community context, (c) the school context, and (d) major events and life transitions. Our conceptual model of cumulative advantage/disadvantage identifies the different ways in which disadvantages can have cumulative effects on social outcomes generally and on civic participation in particular. Our framework also suggests how patterns of advantage and disadvantage may be mediated by social institutions. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Survey, we show that disadvantages rooted in the family have major impact on all groups of young citizens and that family disadvantage interacts with school disadvantage for whites. We also show that the effects of early parenthood, being arrested, and dropping out of school have differential effects depending on race. We also show that community colleges function as civic leveling institutions—especially for African American youth.
The Administrators of Democracy: A Research Note on Local Election Officials
Authors: Moynihan Donald P. , Silva Carol L.
Published: August 2008

Local election officials are the administrators of democracy, but we know little about their views. This paper draws from two national surveys of local election officials. The authors find that local election officials generally support the goals of the federal Help America Vote Act but are less enthusiastic about the actual impact of the legislation. Implementation theory helps explain their evaluation of federal reforms. Goal congruence with reform mandates, resource availability, and a willingness to accept federal involvement predicts support for these reforms. Federal policy changes have promoted electronic systems, and some of the authors’ findings are relevant to research on e‐government. Users of electronic voting machines tend to have high confidence in them despite the significant criticism the machines have faced. Local election officials who support e‐government generally are more likely to more positively evaluate federal reforms.
Building Secure and Transparent Elections through Standard Operating Procedures
Authors: Alvarez R. Michael , Hall Thad E.
Published: August 2008

Election reform has evolved since the 2000 presidential election. One issue that has remained at the forefront of public debate is how to build confidence in the election process. The foundation for confidence is based on procedures for electoral security and transparency. In this article, the authors use legal theories of evidence and public administration theories related to standard operating procedures to consider how election fraud—and claims of fraud—can be prevented by having effective and rigorous chain of custody procedures. Using case studies, they show how such chains of custody can be implemented and examine which states have processes and procedures that promote the transparency that is critical for public examination of the electoral process. They conclude with a consideration of best practices in this area.
Regulation of B‐cell entry into the cell cycle
Authors: Richards Sabrina , Watanabe Chie , Santos Lorna , Craxton Andrew , Clark Edward A.
Published: August 2008

Summary:B cells are induced to enter the cell cycle by stimuli including ligation of the B‐cell receptor (BCR) complex and Toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists. This review discusses the contribution of several molecules, which act at distinct steps in B‐cell activation. The adapter molecule Bam32 (B‐lymphocyte adapter of 32 kDa) helps promote BCR‐induced cell cycle entry, while the secondary messenger superoxide has the opposite effect. Bam32 and superoxide may fine tune BCR‐induced activation by competing for the same limited resources, namely Rac1 and the plasma membrane phospholipid PI(3,4)P2. The co‐receptor CD22 can inhibit BCR‐induced proliferation by binding to novel CD22 ligands. Finally, regulators of B‐cell survival and death also play roles in B‐cell transit through the cell cycle. Caspase 6 negatively regulates CD40‐ and TLR‐dependent G1entry, while acting later in the cell cycle to promote S‐phase entry. Caspase 6 deficiency predisposes B cells to differentiate rather than proliferate after stimulation. Bim, a pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family member, exerts a positive regulatory effect on cell cycle entry, which is opposed by Bcl‐2. New insights into what regulates B‐cell transit through the cell cycle may lead to thoughtful design of highly selective drugs that target pathogenic B cells.
Negative signaling by inhibitory receptors: the NK cell paradigm
Authors: Long Eric O.
Published: August 2008

Summary: Receptors carrying immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibition motifs (ITIMs) in their cytoplasmic tail control a vast array of cellular responses, ranging from autoimmunity, allergy, phagocytosis of red blood cells, graft versus host disease, to even neuronal plasticity in the brain. The inhibitory function of many receptors has been deduced on the basis of cytoplasmic ITIM sequences. Tight regulation of natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production by inhibitory receptors specific for major histocompatibility complex class I molecules has served as a model system to study the negative signaling pathway triggered by an ITIM‐containing receptor in the physiological context of NK–target cell interactions. Advances in our understanding of the molecular details of inhibitory signaling in NK cells have provided a conceptual framework to address how ITIM‐mediated regulation controls cellular reactivity in diverse cell types.
Cropping system influences Tomato spotted wilt virus disease development, thrips population and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)
Authors: Ramkat R.C. , Wangai A.W. , Ouma J.P. , Rapando P.N. , Lelgut D.K.
Published: August 2008

Yield of tomato is limited by many diseases including Tomato spotted wilt virus disease. This study was conducted in the field at Kenya Agriculture Research Institute Njoro, Kenya, in 2004 and 2006 to determine the effect of intercropping on disease development, thrips population and yield of tomato variety Cal J grown under four intercrop systems involving kale, onion, maize and sole tomato. The experimental design was a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Disease scores on tomato–maize differed significantly from tomato–kale and tomato–onion in both years of the study. Maize cropping system had a low significant thrips population from the other cropping systems. Tomato–maize intercrop produced the lowest fruit weights and marketable yield in 2004 and 2006, while yield of onion, kale and maize in intercrops were not significantly different from their monocrops. Land equivalent ratio was >1 in all the cropping systems.
Plasma Exchange‐based Plasma Recycling Dialysis System as an Artificial Liver Support
Authors: Takahashi Kentaro , Umehara Yutaka , Umehara Minoru , Nishimura Akimasa , Narumi Shunji , Toyoki Yoshikazu , Hakamada Kenichi , Yoshihara Syuichi , Sasaki Mutsuo
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  We developed a plasma recycling dialysis (PRD) system based on plasma exchange (PE). In this system, rapid reduction of toxic substances and restitution of deficient essential substances are performed by PE and subsequent blood purification is performed by dialysis between separated plasma recycled over a purification device and the patient's blood across the membrane of a plasma separator. To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this system, we used a pig model of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) and anion exchange resin, activated charcoal and hemodialysis for the purification device. FHF was induced by intraportal administration of α‐amanitine (0.1 mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharides (1 µg/kg) in pigs. Three groups of animals were studied: group 1, diseased controls (N = 4); group 2, PE group (N = 4), 16 h after drug infusion the pigs underwent PE of approximately 1.2 L for 2 h; and group 3, PE + PRD group (N = 4), the pigs underwent PE followed by PRD for 6 h. The hemodynamic status of all animals was stable during the procedure. In group 3, the values of ammonia, total bile acid and total bilirubin continuously decreased and were significantly lower than those of the animals in group 2 24 h after the induction of FHF. The Fischer ratio was significantly higher than in group 2 after 24 h. Group 3 pigs maintained a higher level of consciousness and survived longer than group 2 pigs. Safety of this PE‐based PRD system was demonstrated and the removal of toxic substances was significant. This study confirmed the clinical utility of this system as an artificial liver support.
Criteria for Direct Hemoperfusion With an Immobilized Polymyxin B Fiber Column Based on Oxygen Metabolism
Authors: Kushi Hidehiko , Miki Takahiro , Sakagami Yuichiro , Saito Takeshi , Tanjoh Katsuhisa
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  The optimum time for commencement of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B immobilized fiber column (DHP‐PMX) in patients with sepsis remains unclear. We retrospectively studied the response to DHP‐PMX in relation to parameters of oxygen metabolism in 48 patients with sepsis who were divided into two groups. In the effective group (N = 36), the mean blood pressure increased by at least 10 mm Hg after DHP‐PMX. Patients who did not show such a blood pressure elevation were assigned to the non‐effective group (N = 12). Before the start of therapy, various parameters (mixed venous oxygen saturation, oxygen delivery index, oxygen consumption index (VO2I), oxygen extraction ratio, gastric mucosal–arterial PCO2 difference, age, systemic vascular resistance index, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were measured in both groups. These parameters were then compared between the two groups. Only VO2I showed a significant difference between the two groups, and all patients in the effective group had a VO2I of 100 mL/min/m2 or more. Based on these results, DHP‐PMX should be introduced during the period when VO2I is still equal to or greater than 100 mL/min/m2.
Adult onset acquired myasthenia gravis in three great dane littermates
Authors: Kent M. , Glass E. N. , Acierno M. , Shelton G. D.
Published: August 2008

Acquired canine myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease in which autoantibodies are directed against muscle postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Three adult great dane littermates were evaluated over a four month time period for an acute onset of generalised neuromuscular signs. All three dogs had elevated serum acetylcholine receptor antibody titres, which were considered diagnostic for acquired myasthenia gravis. Identification of three littermates with acquired myasthenia gravis in a breed with a low relative risk of developing the disease suggests a familial and possibly a genetic predisposition to myasthenia gravis in this family of dogs.
Self‐Sacrifice of the Bodhisatta in the Paññāsa Jātaka
Authors: Sheravanichkul Arthid
Published: August 2008

Although Buddhist traditions do not promote martyrdom, giving one's body as a gift is an ideal found in many Buddhist narratives. This article studies the gift of limbs and body of the bodhisatta in the Paññāsa Jātaka, a collection of 61 non‐canonical jātakas, in comparison with such gifts in the Jātaka‐aṭṭhakathā. Since these two collections of stories are immensely popular in Southeast Asia, with dozens of ‘complete’ and incomplete manuscript recensions found through out the region, we will see clearly that self‐sacrifice was not a rouge or esoteric practice, but a sign of virtue. In the Pāli canon, the gift of the body is not found in the suttas of the first four nikāyas where the discourse of meritorious gift giving is elaborated. Also, in the Vinaya it is discouraged by the Buddha. In the early commentaries like the Jātaka‐aṭṭhakathā, self‐sacrifice is found only in seven jātakas of 547 (1.28%), whereas in the Paññāsa Jātaka the self‐sacrifice is found in 14 stories from 61 jātakas (22.95%). The bodhisatta in the Paññāsa Jātaka sacrifices his body or parts of his body in order to save others’ lives and sacrifices it to Sakka who comes to test him like in the Jātaka‐aṭṭhakathā. However, some plotlines and details are found only in the Paññāsa Jātaka. This significant difference reveals a particular Southeast Asian value in the bodhisatta practice of self‐sacrifice and devotion to parents and the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha.
Large Eddy Simulation Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer in a Channel With Dimples and Protrusions
Authors: Elyyan Mohammad A. , Tafti Danesh K.
Published: August 2008

Large eddy simulation calculations are conducted for flow in a channel with dimples and protrusions on opposite walls with both surfaces heated at three Reynolds numbers, ReH=220, 940, and 9300, ranging from laminar, weakly turbulent, to fully turbulent, respectively. Turbulence generated by the separated shear layer in the dimple and along the downstream rim of the dimple is primarily responsible for heat transfer augmentation on the dimple surface. On the other hand, augmentation on the protrusion surface is mostly driven by flow impingement and flow acceleration between protrusions, while the turbulence generated in the wake has a secondary effect. Heat transfer augmentation ratios of 0.99 at ReH=220,2.9 at ReH=940, and 2.5 at ReH=9300 are obtained. Both skin friction and form losses contribute to pressure drop in the channel. Form losses increase from 45% to 80% with increasing Reynolds number. Friction coefficient augmentation ratios of 1.67, 4.82, and 6.37 are obtained at ReH=220, 940, and 9300, respectively. Based on the geometry studied, it is found that dimples and protrusions may not be viable heat transfer augmentation surfaces when the flow is steady and laminar.
Numerical Study of Turbulent-Spot Development in a Separated Shear Layer
Authors: McAuliffe Brian R. , Yaras Metin I.
Published: August 2008

The development of turbulent spots in a separation bubble under elevated freestream turbulence levels is examined through direct numerical simulation. The flow Reynolds number, freestream turbulence level, and streamwise pressure distribution are typical of the conditions encountered on the suction side of low-pressure turbine blades of gas-turbine engines. Based on the simulation results, the spreading and propagation rates of the turbulent spots and their internal structure are documented, and comparisons are made to empirical correlations that are used for predicting the transverse growth and streamwise propagation characteristics of turbulent spots. The internal structure of the spots is identified as a series of vortex loops that develop as a result of low-velocity streaks generated in the shear layer. A frequency that is approximately 50% higher than that of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability is identified in the separated shear layer, which is shown to be associated with the convection of these vortex loops through the separated shear layer. While freestream turbulence is noted to promote breakdown of the laminar separated shear layer into turbulence through the generation of turbulent spots, evidence is found to suggest coexistence of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, including the possibility of breakdown to turbulence through this mechanism.