bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Oriental, the Ancient and the Primitive
Authors: Goody Jack
Published: February 2010

In The Oriental, the Ancient and the Primitive one of the world's most foremost anthropologists looks in depth at kinship practice in Asia, and continues the comparative survey of pre-industrial family formation undertaken in The Development of Family and Marriage in Europe (1983) and elsewhere. Professor Goody's findings cause him to question many traditional assumptions about the 'primitive' east, and he suggests that, in contrast to pre-colonial Africa, kinship practice in Asia has much in common with that prevailing in parts of pre-industrial Europe. Goody examines the transmission of productive and other property in relation both to the prevailing political economy and to family and ideological structures, and then explores the distribution of mechanisms and strategies of management across cultures. He concludes that notions of western 'uniqueness' are often misplaced, and that much previous work on Asian kinship has been unwittingly distorted by the application of concepts and approaches derived from other, inappropriate, social formations, simple or post-industrial.
Fossils as Information
Authors: Hughes Norman F.
Published: February 2010

This book discusses procedures for handling information derived from the fossil record, and the application of this information to solving problems in geological succession and earth history. The main purpose of the book is to analyse shortcomings of the existing procedures, and to propose in their place an alternative set of data-handling arrangements of much greater simplicity and efficiency. The author argues that the procedures in current use are cumbersome and inefficient, and that, partly as a consequence of these information-handling methods, palaeontology has failed to make advances commensurate with technological improvements. In this book he proposes a system which could make possible the integrated use of every detail of geological information taken from the rocks. This would achieve better resolution in sequence correlation, in paleoecologic interpretation and in logging the course of evolution. Compatibility of style with existing records has been maintained to avoid any danger of loss of valuable data, and to simplify the process of reevaluating old records. The book will be of interest to all paleontologists, particularly those dealing with microfossils, and is intended to stimulate discussion and criticism of both the analysis and the proposals.
An Introduction to the Mechanical Properties of Ceramics
Authors: Green David J.
Published: February 2010

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the mechanical properties of ceramics, and is designed primarily as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in materials science and engineering. Over the past 25 years ceramics have become key materials in the development of many new technologies as scientists have been able to design these materials with new structures and properties. An understanding of the factors that influence their mechanical behavior and reliability is essential. This book will introduce the reader to current concepts in the field. It contains problems and exercises to help readers develop their skills. Although designed principally as a textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this book will also be of value as a supplementary text for more general courses and to industrial scientists and engineers involved in the development of ceramic-based products, materials selection and mechanical design.
Wavelets and Operators
Authors: Meyer Yves
Published: February 2010

Over the last two years, wavelet methods have shown themselves to be of considerable use to harmonic analysts and, in particular, advances have been made concerning their applications. The strength of wavelet methods lies in their ability to describe local phenomena more accurately than a traditional expansion in sines and cosines can. Thus, wavelets are ideal in many fields where an approach to transient behaviour is needed, for example, in considering acoustic or seismic signals, or in image processing. Yves Meyer stands the theory of wavelets firmly upon solid ground by basing his book on the fundamental work of Calderón, Zygmund and their collaborators. For anyone who would like an introduction to wavelets, this book will prove to be a necessary purchase.
An Introduction to Twistor Theory
Authors: Huggett S. A. , Tod K. P.
Published: February 2010

This book is an introduction to twistor theory and modern geometrical approaches to space-time structure at the graduate or advanced undergraduate level. The choice of material presented has evolved from graduate lectures given in London and Oxford and the authors have aimed to retain the informal tone of those lectures. The book will provide graduate students with an introduction to the literature of twistor theory, presupposing some knowledge of special relativity and differential geometry. It would also be of use for a short course on space-time structure independently of twistor theory. The physicist could be introduced gently to some of the mathematics which has proved useful in these areas, and the mathematician could be shown where sheaf cohomology and complex manifold theory can be used in physics.
God's Just Vengeance
Authors: Gorringe Timothy
Published: February 2010

This 1996 book examines the relationship between the theologies of atonement and penal strategies. Christian theology was potent in Western society until the nineteenth century, and the so-called 'satisfaction theory' of atonement interacted and reacted with penal practice. Drawing on the work of Norbert Elias and David Garland, the author argues that atonement theology created a structure of affect which favoured retributive policies. He ranges freely between Old Testament texts, St Anselm, and eighteenth- and nineteenth-century British social history, to show the integral connection between sin and crime, the legal and the moral. The question arises if the preaching of the cross not only desensitised us to judicial violence but even lent it sanction. The last two chapters review theory and practice in the twentieth century, and Timothy Gorringe makes concrete proposals for both theology and criminal and societal violence.
The Formation of International Organizations and India: A Historical Study
Authors: ANAND R. P.
Published: February 2010

As the clash of aspirations increased among European countries, a European ‘civil war’ started in 1914, which engulfed the whole world. With all the terrible destruction and loss of life, it was felt that an international organization must be established to avert war in future. At the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, the British government succeeded in gaining separate representation for its dominions, including India. This created a rather anomalous situation, since a dependency of a foreign power, a colony which could not control its internal affairs, was accepted as a sovereign state by an international treaty. Europe had hardly recovered from the First World War in the late 1920s when it drifted towards a second holocaust in 1939. India became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945, even though it was still under British rule, participating in the historic founding conference. But Indian national public opinion was neither very hopeful nor enthusiastic about the conference on the new international organization. Not only India, which was not even independent at that time, but Asian countries as such played a very small and insignificant role in the formulation of the UN Charter.
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURTS ROUND-UP
Authors: Guellali Amna , Rojo Enrique Carnero
Published: February 2010

The International Criminal Courts Round-Up reports on the most interesting judgements and decisions rendered by international(ized) criminal courts and tribunals during the reporting period. In addition, important developments within the various organs of the courts are highlighted, such as the appointment of new judges and significant amendments to the procedural rules of the courts. The Round-Up presently covers issues concerning the International Criminal Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
SOME CONTRARIAN REFLECTIONS ON ADVERTISING
Authors: Machan Tibor R.
Published: February 2010

Among business ethics teachers, as reflected in their books and papers, advertising is deemed anything but honorable. Quite the opposite.  This is mainly because so many business ethicists are convinced that altruism is the proper ethics for people to practice and, of course, advertising is far from altruistic. The following will be a presentation of a position that finds advertising ethical but also rejects altruism as the proper ethics by which human beings should live.
PHENOMENOLOGICAL EXISTENTIALISM
Authors: Roy Manas
Published: February 2010

As good a place to begin as any is the meaning of the term ‘phenomenology’ itself. It is indeed a reasoned inquiry which discovers the inherent essences of appearances. But what is an appearance? The answer to this question leads to one of the major themes of phenomenology: an appearance is anything of which one is conscious. Anything at all which appears to consciousness is a legitimate area of philosophical investigation. Moreover, an appearance is a manifestation of the essence of that of which it is the appearance. Surprising as it may sound, other philosophic points of view have refused to make this move. One can characterize phenomenological philosophy as centering on the following basic themes: a return to the traditional tasks of philosophy, the search for a philosophy without presuppositions, the intentionality of consciousness, and the rejection of the subject–object dichotomy.
MUST YOU REALLY HAVE YOUR HEAD EXAMINED? – NEUROIMAGING AND ITS PLACE IN MODERN-DAY PSYCHIATRY
Authors: Sunley Johnathan
Published: February 2010

If recent reports in the media are anything to go by, we now know why some people crave chocolate, why teenagers tend to be moody and – most impressively of all, perhaps – which parties voters will opt for in elections. Findings like these, we are assured, have the backing of science. We owe them to advances in brain-scanning technology that have enabled researchers to pinpoint the brain's ‘pleasure centre’ or ‘thinking area’, and so to achieve mind-reading powers that have hitherto been the stuff of fantasy. There is even some site in the brain that might be called a ‘God spot’.
RACE, CLASS, AND ONTOLOGY
Authors: Williams Reginald
Published: February 2010

Many who write on race consider it an ‘illusion’. Others argue that race is real, even if socially constructed, because the notion of race, and the categorizing of people in terms of race, has greatly affected their lives. This paper criticizes a reason that is often given for thinking that race is an illusion: the fact that there is no biological basis of race. I defend two primary claims. First, while there is no biological basis for membership in a socio-economic class, by which I mean one's being relatively affluent or poor in a particular society, no one takes socio-economic class to be an illusion. Second, race is arguably a more fundamental reality than is socio-economic class. For one's racial identity can causally contribute to, and account at least partly for, one's membership in a socio-economic class. But membership in a socio-economic class does not thus contribute to, or account for, people's racial identities.
Observations of high concentrations of I2 and IO in coastal air supporting iodine‐oxide driven coastal new particle formation
Authors: Huang R. J. , Seitz K. , Neary T. , O'Dowd C. D. , Platt U. , Hoffmann T.
Published: February 2010

Theoretical studies have predicted that concentrations of gaseous I2 and IO of the order of 80–100 ppt and 40–50 ppt, respectively, are required in coastal air to account for photochemically‐driven coastal new‐particle formation events to occur. However, measurements reported to date (i.e., ∼20 ppt I2, ≤ 10 ppt IO) have not supported the required model predictions. Here, we present measurements of high concentrations of I2 and IO in N.E. Atlantic marine air on the west coast of Ireland. The maximum mixing ratios of daytime I2 and IO over the seaweed beds during low tide were 302 ppt and 35 ppt, respectively. The I2 distribution was rather inhomogeneous, even at the inter‐tidal zone, but closely related to the macroalgae biomass abundance. New particle formation bursts were frequently observed during daytime hours with the concentrations up to 4.5 × 105 particles cm−3 during low‐tide conditions, and the concentrations of ultra‐fine particles were positively correlated with the IO concentrations. Considering the constraints set out in theoretical studies for new particle formation via condensation of condensable iodine oxide vapours, the results reported here clearly demonstrate that the molecular iodine and iodine monoxide concentrations in coastal air are sufficient to meet the theoretical precursor concentrations required to drive intensive coastal new‐particle formation from higher order condensable iodine oxides.
Satellite‐based measurements of surface deformation reveal fluid flow associated with the geological storage of carbon dioxide
Authors: Vasco D. W. , Rucci A. , Ferretti A. , Novali F. , Bissell R. C. , Ringrose P. S. , Mathieson A. S. , Wright I. W.
Published: February 2010

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data, gathered over the In Salah CO2 storage project in Algeria, provide an early indication that satellite‐based geodetic methods can be effective in monitoring the geological storage of carbon dioxide. An injected mass of 3 million tons of carbon dioxide from one of the first large‐scale carbon sequestration efforts, produces a measurable surface displacement of approximately 5 mm/year. Using geophysical inverse techniques, we are able to infer flow within the reservoir layer and within a seismically detected fracture/fault zone intersecting the reservoir. We find that, if we use the best available elastic Earth model, the fluid flow need only occur in the vicinity of the reservoir layer. However, flow associated with the injection of the carbon dioxide does appear to extend several kilometers laterally within the reservoir, following the fracture/fault zone.
Effects of white roofs on urban temperature in a global climate model
Authors: Oleson K. W. , Bonan G. B. , Feddema J.
Published: February 2010

Increasing the albedo of urban surfaces has received attention as a strategy to mitigate urban heat islands. Here, the effects of globally installing white roofs are assessed using an urban canyon model coupled to a global climate model. Averaged over all urban areas, the annual mean heat island decreased by 33%. Urban daily maximum temperature decreased by 0.6°C and daily minimum temperature by 0.3°C. Spatial variability in the heat island response is caused by changes in absorbed solar radiation and specification of roof thermal admittance. At high latitudes in winter, the increase in roof albedo is less effective at reducing the heat island due to low incoming solar radiation, the high albedo of snow intercepted by roofs, and an increase in space heating that compensates for reduced solar heating. Global space heating increased more than air conditioning decreased, suggesting that end‐use energy costs must be considered in evaluating the benefits of white roofs.
A physical mechanism of positive ionospheric storms at low latitudes and midlatitudes
Authors: Balan N. , Shiokawa K. , Otsuka Y. , Kikuchi T. , Vijaya Lekshmi D. , Kawamura S. , Yamamoto M. , Bailey G. J.
Published: February 2010

A physical mechanism of the positive ionospheric storms at low latitudes and midlatitudes is presented through multi‐instrument observations, theoretical modeling, and basic principles. According to the mechanism, an equatorward neutral wind is required to produce positive ionospheric storms. The mechanical effects of the wind (1) reduce (or stop) the downward diffusion of plasma along the geomagnetic field lines, (2) raise the ionosphere to high altitudes of reduced chemical loss, and hence (3) accumulate the plasma at altitudes near and above the ionospheric peak centered at around ±30° magnetic latitudes. Daytime eastward prompt penetration electric field (PPEF), if it occurs, also shifts the equatorial ionization anomaly crests to higher than normal latitudes, up to approximately ±30° latitudes. The positive ionospheric storms are most likely in the longitudes where the onset of the geomagnetic storms falls in the ionization production dominated morning‐noon local time sector when the plasma accumulation due to the mechanical effects of the wind largely exceeds the plasma loss due to the chemical effect of the wind. The mechanism agrees with the multi‐instrument observations made during the supergeomagnetic storm of 7–8 November 2004, with 18 h long initial phase (IP) and 10 h long main phase (MP). The observations, which are mainly in the Japanese‐Australian longitudes where the MP onset was in the morning (0600 LT, 2100 UT), show (1) strong positive ionospheric storms (in Ne, Nmax, hmax, Global Positioning System–total electron content (GPS‐TEC), and 630 nm airglow intensity) in both Northern and Southern hemispheres started at the morning (0600 LT) MP onset and lasted for a day, (2) repeated occurrence of strong eastward PPEF events penetrated after the MP onset and superposed with westward electric field started before the MP onset, and (3) storm time equatorward neutral winds (inferred from 1 and 2). Repeated occurrence of an unusually strong F3 layer with large density depletions around the equator was also observed during the morning‐noon MP.
Carbon dioxide retrievals from Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment solar occultation measurements
Authors: Rinsland Curtis P. , Chiou Linda S. , Boone Chris , Bernath Peter
Published: February 2010

The Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) satellite (SCISAT‐1) was launched into an inclined orbit on 12 August 2003 and is now recording high signal‐to‐noise 0.02 cm−1 resolution solar absorption spectra covering 750–4400 cm−1 (2.3–13 μm). A procedure has been developed for retrieving average dry air CO2 mole fractions in the altitude range 7–10 km from the SCISAT‐1 spectra. Using the N2 continuum absorption in a window region near 2500 cm−1, altitude shifts are applied to the tangent heights retrieved in version 2.2 SCISAT‐1 processing, while cloudy or aerosol‐impacted measurements are eliminated. Monthly mean covering 60°S to 60°N latitude for February 2004 to March 2008 has been analyzed with consistent trends inferred in both hemispheres. The ACE time series have been compared with previously reported surface network measurements, predictions based on upper tropospheric aircraft measurements, and space‐based measurements. The retrieved from the ACE‐FTS spectra are higher on average by a factor of 1.07 ± 0.025 in the Northern Hemisphere and by a factor of 1.09 ± 0.019 on average in the Southern Hemisphere compared to surface station measurements covering the same time span. The ACE‐derived trend is ∼0.2% per year higher than measured at surface stations during the same observation period.
TLR4: the receptor bridging Acanthamoeba challenge and intracellular inflammatory responses in human corneal cell lines
Authors: Ren Meiyu , Gao Li , Wu Xinyi
Published: February 2010

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a painful, vision‐threatening infection caused by pathogenic strains of the protozoan, Acanthamoeba. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), which are important components of innate immunity, have an important role in the detection of foreign pathogens and the signaling cascades in host cells. However, no report on the interaction between Acanthamoeba and TLR has been found. In this study we analyzed the role of the TLR and its signaling pathway in human telomerase‐immortalized corneal epithelial cells (HUCLs) and stromal fibroblasts (THSFs) challenged by Acanthamoeba. We show that the expressions of TLR4, myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, phospho‐IκB, phospho‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (p‐Erk1/2) and the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN)‐β were significantly increased in Acanthamoeba‐treated cells. Pretreatment with anti‐TLR antibodies or the specific inhibitors pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) (for the NF‐κB pathway) and U0126 (for the ERK pathway) was conducted. It was found that anti‐TLR4 antibody attenuated the production of cytokines induced by Acanthamoeba infection. PDTC inhibited the production of IL‐8 and TNF‐α whereas U0126 inhibited the synthesis of IFN‐β. Thus, TLR4 is a receptor for Acanthamoeba and exerts an effect through TLR4–MyD88–NF‐κB and TLR4–ERK1/2 pathways to induce the secretion of cytokines in human corneal cell lines challenged by Acanthamoeba.
The Relationship between Physical Activity and Body Mass Index: Issues in Model Specification
Authors: Tiruneh Gizachew
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To investigate the best statistical models that describe the effect of physical activity on BMI.*Design*: Cross-sectional analyses of physical activity and BMI data. *Subjects*: 107 obese, overweight, and healthy college students (mean duration of physical activity for the normal, overweight, and obese students: 89, 59, and 24 months, respectively; mean BMI for the normal, overweight, and obese students: 21.61, 27.07, and 35.54 kg/m2, respectively).*Measurements*: Inverse linear, inverse logarithmic, and inverse logistics models were used to analyze survey data for physical activity (measured by both frequency and duration of exercise) and BMI. Gender, age, and physical intensity variables were also statistically controlled. *Results*: Coefficients of determination, r-squared, showed the inverse logarithmic model is more accurate in describing the effect of physical activity on BMI than is the inverse linear model. The inverse logistic method also showed physical activity affects BMI.

Conclusions:

Although the inverse logarithmic method can be used in some cases, the inverse logistic model seems to be theoretically and empirically best suited in describing the relationship between physical activity and body weight.
Electronic transport behaviors of Ni–Nb–Zr–H glassy alloys
Authors: Fukuhara M. , Yoshida H. , Koyama K. , Inoue A. , Miura Y.
Published: February 2010

The electronic transport behaviors of (Ni0.36Nb0.24Zr0.40)100−yHy (0≤y≤20) glassy alloys with distorted nanostructural icosahedral Zr5Nb5Ni3 clusters have been studied as a function of hydrogen content. These alloys show semiconducting, room-temperature superior electric transport, superconducting (onset temperature of 10 K) and electron avalanche behaviors, and electric current-induced voltage (Coulomb) oscillation, as hydrogen content increases. These results suggest that the localization effect of hydrogen at the outside and inside space of the clusters plays important roles in various electron transport phenomena.
Dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and electrostrictive properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 single crystals
Authors: Uršič Hana , Benčan Andreja , Škarabot Miha , Godec Matjaž , Kosec Marija
Published: February 2010

The dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and electrostrictive properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 single crystals (KNN s.c.) prepared by solid-state crystal growth are reported. The dielectric constant (ε), dielectric losses (tan δ), remanent polarization (Pr), and coercive field (Ec) for KNN s.c. in the [13¯1] direction at room temperature are 1015, 1%, 17 μC/cm2, and 24 kV/cm, respectively. The influence of 180° domains to the linear piezoelectric response and quadratic electrostrictive response of KNN s.c. is discussed. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 and the electrostrictive coefficient M33 of KNN s.c. measured using atomic force microscopy at 2 Hz was 80 pm/V and 2.59×10−14 m2/V2, respectively. The extremely high M33 value can be explained by the extrinsic strain from the domain-wall motion. The properties of the surrounding polycrystalline KNN ceramic are added for comparison.
Nanoscale resistive memory with intrinsic diode characteristics and long endurance
Authors: Kim Kuk-Hwan , Hyun Jo Sung , Gaba Siddharth , Lu Wei
Published: February 2010

We report studies on nanoscale resistive memory devices that exhibit diodelike I-V characteristics at on-state with reverse bias current suppressed to below 10−13 A and rectifying ratio >106. The intrinsic diodelike characteristics are robust during device operation and can survive >108 write/erase programming cycles. The devices can be programmed at reduced programming voltages compared to earlier studies without the initial high-voltage forming process. Multibit storage capability was also reported. The intrinsic diode characteristics provide a possible solution to suppress crosstalk in high-density crossbar memory or logic arrays particularly for those based on bipolar resistive switches (memristors).
Enhancement of ferromagnetism in Pd nanoparticle by swift heavy ion irradiation
Authors: Kulriya P. K. , Mehta B. R. , Avasthi D. K. , Agarwal D. C. , Thakur P. , Brookes N. B. , Chawla A. K. , Chandra R.
Published: February 2010

In this study, the effect of swift heavy ion irradiation on the magnetic properties of the Pd nanoparticles has been investigated. Structural investigations along with superconducting quantum interface device measurements show that ferromagnetic properties of the Pd nanoparticles are due to the deviation of their electronic structure from that of bulk. The electronic structure is further modified due to the creation of defects on ion irradiation, which results in 20 times increase in the saturation magnetization. The present study establishes that the defect induced modification of Pd 4d electronic structure is responsible for the ferromagnetic properties of the Pd nanoparticles.
Strong tensile strain induced charge/orbital ordering in (001)-La7/8Sr1/8MnO3 thin film on 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3
Authors: Wang J. , Hu F. X. , Li R. W. , Sun J. R. , Shen B. G.
Published: February 2010

The substrate-induced strain effect in La7/8Sr1/8MnO3 (LSMO) thin films grown on (001)-oriented SrTiO3 and ferroelectric 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) substrates was investigated. A metal-insulator transition was observed at low temperature in LSMO/PMN-PT, which was ascribed to charge/orbital ordering (COO) formation due to a large tensile strain. The impact of strain modification on the transport properties around COO transition was investigated by using converse piezoelectric effect in PMN-PT. We found the magnetoresistance reduction due to the strain modification at COO state was much larger than that at disordering one, indicating the sensitivity of the COO phase to strain state. This fact presents a collateral evidence for the tensile strain origin of the COO transition.
The preparation and ferroelectric properties of defect-free ultrathin films of vinylidene fluoride oligomer
Authors: Xu Haisheng , Li Guobing , Zhang Yanni , Zhang Xiuli , Gu Yingjun , Shen Dong , Meng XiangJian
Published: February 2010

The ultrathin, defect-free ferroelectric films of vinylidene fluoride oligomer were fabricated by vapor deposition. A narrow substrate temperature window was found to get high quality ferroelectric films. Ferroelectric phase was obtained when the substrate temperature was −90 °C. The ferroelectric phase is stable at room temperature, even after annealing at 120 °C for 30 min. A full memory stack based on the ferroelectric VDF oligomer may work as nonvolatile random access memory with superhigh density due to the smaller crystal grain comparing with that of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] copolymers. The cell shows prominent ferroelectric properties even as the thickness of VDF oligomer film is down to 60 nm with a coercive field of 95 MV/m and a remnant polarization of 125 mC/m2. After 1×105 cycles of switching, no ferroelectric degradation was observed, the ratio of polarization before and after fatigue is close to 1, which is in contrast to P(VDF-TrFE) thin film where the ferroelectric degradation starts after 1×104 times of switching. The pulse polarization test shows that switching takes place as fast as a few microseconds to reach 90% of the saturated polarization. At 60 °C and 8 V operating voltage, the cell still shows excellent fatigue property.
Thermal stability of organic thin-film transistors with self-assembled monolayer dielectrics
Authors: Fukuda Kenjiro , Yokota Tomoyuki , Kuribara Kazunori , Sekitani Tsuyoshi , Zschieschang Ute , Klauk Hagen , Someya Takao
Published: February 2010

We have investigated the annealing effects on 2 V-operation pentacene organic thin-film transistors (TFTs) with self-assembled monolayer-based gate dielectrics. When pentacene TFTs without passivation layers are annealed at 100 °C, the pentacene crystal structure changes to the bulk phase, resulting in an irreversible degradation of electronic performances. This degradation is suppressed by a 2.5-μm-thick passivation layer. The mobility of the encapsulated TFTs decreases by only 12% upon annealing at 140 °C. We have also investigated the bias-stress effect and found the drain current of low-voltage pentacene TFTs annealed at 70 °C decreases by 1% during continuous bias stress for 1 h.
Energy transfer and magnetic field generation via ion-beam driven instabilities in an electron-ion plasma
Authors: Park Jaehong , Ren Chuang , Blackman Eric G. , Kong Xianglong
Published: February 2010

Whether an efficient collisionless temperature equilibration mechanism exists for a two-temperature ion-electron plasma, with Ti>Te, is important for understanding astrophysical phenomena such as two-temperature accretion flows and collisionless shocks in supernova remnants or gamma-ray bursts. In this paper, counter-streaming ion beam-driven two-stream, Weibel (or filamentation), and oblique instabilities are studied using two-dimensional (2D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations as a possible plasma instability that could operate in such astrophysical objects. The PIC simulations show interplay among these instabilities and that distinct stages with different dominant modes occur during the nonlinear evolution period. Although the 2D results show stronger electron-ion coupling than the one-dimensional (1D) instabilities, it is still too weak to rule out existing two-temperature accretion solutions. The nonrelativistic quasilinear equations for the 1D Weibel plus 1D two-stream modes are numerically solved to compare the results with the 2D PIC simulations and qualitative similarities were found. The equations also show that the magnetic fields generated by the Weibel instability decay to zero in the end.
Splintering Spheres of Security: Peter Sloterdijk and the Contemporary Fortress City
Authors: Klauser Francisco R
Published: February 2010

The paper brings together Peter Sloterdijk's ‘theory of spheres' with urban studies literature on the forms and effects of the contemporary urban security agenda, in order to investigate the relationships between the material and (atmo)spherical dimensions of the splintering spaces of security in the contemporary fortress city. The paper hence seeks to conceptualise securitisation strategies not only as spatially articulated measures of surveillance and separation but also as sphere-creating forces in their own right. In this view the paper places particular emphasis on Sloterdijk's conceptualisation of ‘foam’, thus elucidating the contemporary fortress city as a highly fragmented, polyspherical patchwork of more or less hermetically enclosed and purified security spheres. These spheres are bound together by relations of cofragility and reciprocal implications, and are to different degrees oriented towards the more or less economically motivated collection and management of co-isolated individuals.
Contesting Identities, Differences, and a Unified Palestinian Community
Authors: Mavroudi Elizabeth
Published: February 2010

This paper is located within attempts to debate the contested notion of community and its relevance to diasporic/migrant communities. In particular, this paper furthers such debates by exploring how those in diaspora negotiate the politics of identity, belonging, and unity within their daily lives. It stresses the importance of considering diasporic communities as fluid, positioned, and symbolic, in which negotiations of identity are actively carried out. In the process, it considers not only the importance of community as a unifying space, but also its potential for tensions and constructions of difference. It does this using an in-depth qualitative case study of diasporic Palestinians living in Athens, Greece.
Perceptual Artifacts in Random-Dot Stereograms
Authors: Tsirlin Inna , Wilcox Laurie M , Allison Robert S
Published: February 2010

Unrestricted positioning of elements in random-dot stereograms with steep disparity gradients, such as stereo-transparent stereograms depicting overlaid surfaces, can produce perceptual artifacts similar to disparity noise. It is shown that these artifacts hinder the segregation of overlaid surfaces in transparent random-dot stereograms and thus disrupt the perception of stereo-transparency. This effect is intensified with increases in the overall element density of the stimuli. We outline the origin of this phenomenon and discuss techniques to prevent such artifacts.
The Role of Remote Closure in the Perception of Occlusion at Junctions and Illusory Contours
Authors: Gillam Barbara J , Grove Philip M , Layden Jessica
Published: February 2010

Perceived occlusion at T-junctions or illusory contours at implicit T-junctions are often modelled by using edge information without surface context. We explored the effect of closure on perceived occlusion at T-junctions. Two vertical lines separated by a gap each had six abutting horizontal lines on opposite sides forming T-junctions. These lines were either closed or not closed into pairs at the stem ends of the Ts. In experiment 1, closed T-junction stems gave a much stronger sense of occlusion at the vertical lines than unclosed ones, even though closure information was remote from the putative occlusion and local T-junction information remained constant. When the outer two T-junctions were converted to L-junctions, perceived occlusion considerably diminished. The effect of closure on illusory-contour strength for stimuli like those of experiment 1 but with the vertical lines omitted was explored in experiment 2. The two sets of horizontal lines, separated by a gap, were either closed or not closed into pairs at their outer ends. Illusory-contour strength along the vertical alignments was much greater for closed pairs. Line terminations on both sides of the gap enhanced illusory-contour strength, but whether they were collinear or not had little effect.
Electric field enhanced hydrogen storage on polarizable materials substrates
Authors: Zhou J. , Wang Q. , Sun Q. , Jena P. , Chen X. S.
Published: February 2010

Using density functional theory, we show that an applied electric field can substantially improve the hydrogen storage properties of polarizable substrates. This new concept is demonstrated by adsorbing a layer of hydrogen molecules on a number of nanomaterials. When one layer of H
2
molecules is adsorbed on a BN sheet, the binding energy per H
2
molecule increases from 0.03 eV/H
2
in the field-free case to 0.14 eV/H
2
in the presence of an electric field of 0.045 a.u. The corresponding gravimetric density of 7.5 wt% is consistent with the 6 wt% system target set by Department of Energy for 2010. The strength of the electric field can be reduced if the substrate is more polarizable. For example, a hydrogen adsorption energy of 0.14 eV/H
2
can be achieved by applying an electric field of 0.03 a.u. on an AlN substrate, 0.006 a.u. on a silsesquioxane molecule, and 0.007 a.u. on a silsesquioxane sheet. Thus, application of an electric field to a polarizable substrate provides a novel way to store hydrogen; once the applied electric field is removed, the stored H
2
molecules can be easily released, thus making storage reversible with fast kinetics. In addition, we show that materials with rich low-coordinated nonmetal anions are highly polarizable and can serve as a guide in the design of new hydrogen storage materials.
Enhancement of fruit shelf life by suppressingN-glycan processing enzymes
Authors: Meli Vijaykumar S. , Ghosh Sumit , Prabha T. N. , Chakraborty Niranjan , Chakraborty Subhra , Datta Asis
Published: February 2010

In a globalized economy, the control of fruit ripening is of strategic importance because excessive softening limits shelf life. Efforts have been made to reduce fruit softening in transgenic tomato through the suppression of genes encoding cell wall–degrading proteins. However, these have met with very limited success.N-glycans are reported to play an important role during fruit ripening, although the role of any particular enzyme is yet unknown. We have identified and targeted two ripening-specificN-glycoprotein modifying enzymes, α-mannosidase (α-Man) and β-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase (β-Hex). We show that their suppression enhances fruit shelf life, owing to the reduced rate of softening. Analysis of transgenic tomatoes revealed ≈2.5- and ≈2-fold firmer fruits in the α-Man and β-Hex RNAi lines, respectively, and ≈30 days of enhanced shelf life. Overexpression of α-Man or β-Hex resulted in excessive fruit softening. Expression of α-Man and β-Hex is induced by the ripening hormone ethylene and is modulated by a regulator of ripening,rin(ripening inhibitor). Furthermore, transcriptomic comparative studies demonstrate the down-regulation of cell wall degradation- and ripening-related genes in RNAi fruits. It is evident from these results thatN-glycan processing is involved in ripening-associated fruit softening. Genetic manipulation ofN-glycan processing can be of strategic importance to enhance fruit shelf life, without any negative effect on phenotype, including yield.
The transition state for folding of an outer membrane protein
Authors: Huysmans Gerard H. M. , Baldwin Stephen A. , Brockwell David J. , Radford Sheena E.
Published: February 2010

Inspired by the seminal work of Anfinsen, investigations of the folding of small water-soluble proteins have culminated in detailed insights into how these molecules attain and stabilize their native folds. In contrast, despite their overwhelming importance in biology, progress in understanding the folding and stability of membrane proteins remains relatively limited. Here we use mutational analysis to describe the transition state involved in the reversible folding of the β-barrel membrane protein PhoPQ-activated gene P (PagP) from a highly disordered state in 10 M urea to a native protein embedded in a lipid bilayer. Analysis of the equilibrium stability and unfolding kinetics of 19 variants that span all eight β-strands of this 163-residue protein revealed that the transition-state structure is a highly polarized, partly formed β-barrel. The results provide unique and detailed insights into the transition-state structure for β-barrel membrane protein folding into a lipid bilayer and are consistent with a model for outer membrane protein folding via a tilted insertion mechanism.
A fast, single-vesicle fusion assay mimics physiological SNARE requirements
Authors: Karatekin Erdem , Di Giovanni Jérôme , Iborra Cécile , Coleman Jeff , O'Shaughnessy Ben , Seagar Michael , Rothman James E.
Published: February 2010

Almost all known intracellular fusion reactions are driven by formation of
trans
-SNARE complexes through pairing of vesicle-associated v-SNAREs with complementary t-SNAREs on target membranes. However, the number of SNARE complexes required for fusion is unknown, and there is controversy about whether additional proteins are required to explain the fast fusion which can occur in cells. Here we show that single vesicles containing the synaptic/exocytic v-SNAREs VAMP/synaptobrevin fuse rapidly with planar, supported bilayers containing the synaptic/exocytic t-SNAREs syntaxin-SNAP25. Fusion rates decreased dramatically when the number of externally oriented v-SNAREs per vesicle was reduced below 5–10, directly establishing this as the minimum number required for rapid fusion. Docking-to-fusion delay time distributions were consistent with a requirement that 5–11 t-SNAREs be recruited to achieve fusion, closely matching the v-SNARE requirement.
Inhibitory role for GABA in autoimmune inflammation
Authors: Bhat Roopa , Axtell Robert , Mitra Ananya , Miranda Melissa , Lock Christopher , Tsien Richard W. , Steinman Lawrence
Published: February 2010

GABA, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, has a parallel inhibitory role in the immune system. We demonstrate that immune cells synthesize GABA and have the machinery for GABA catabolism. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) express functional GABA receptors and respond electrophysiologically to GABA. Thus, the immune system harbors all of the necessary constituents for GABA signaling, and GABA itself may function as a paracrine or autocrine factor. These observations led us to ask further whether manipulation of the GABA pathway influences an animal model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Increasing GABAergic activity ameliorates ongoing paralysis in EAE via inhibition of inflammation. GABAergic agents act directly on APCs, decreasing MAPK signals and diminishing subsequent adaptive inflammatory responses to myelin proteins.
Mutual regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase and the mitotic exit network
Authors: König Cornelia , Maekawa Hiromi , Schiebel Elmar
Published: February 2010

The mitotic exit network (MEN) is a spindle pole body (SPB)–associated, GTPase-driven signaling cascade that controls mitotic exit. The inhibitory Bfa1–Bub2 GTPase-activating protein (GAP) only associates with the daughter SPB (dSPB), raising the question as to how the MEN is regulated on the mother SPB (mSPB). Here, we show mutual regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) and the MEN. In early anaphase Cdk1 becomes recruited to the mSPB depending on the activity of the MEN kinase Cdc15. Conversely, Cdk1 negatively regulates binding of Cdc15 to the mSPB. In addition, Cdk1 phosphorylates the Mob1 protein to inhibit the activity of Dbf2–Mob1 kinase that regulates Cdc14 phosphatase. Our data revise the understanding of the spatial regulation of the MEN. Although MEN activity in the daughter cells is controlled by Bfa1–Bub2, Cdk1 inhibits MEN activity at the mSPB. Consistent with this model, only triple mutants that lack BUB2 and the Cdk1 phosphorylation sites in Mob1 and Cdc15 show mitotic exit defects.
Jarid2 and PRC2, partners in regulating gene expression
Authors: Li Gang , Margueron Raphael , Ku Manching , Chambon Pierre , Bernstein Bradley E. , Reinberg Danny
Published: February 2010

The Polycomb group proteins foster gene repression profiles required for proper development and unimpaired adulthood, and comprise the components of the Polycomb-Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) including the histone H3 Lys 27 (H3K27) methyltransferase Ezh2. How mammalian PRC2 accesses chromatin is unclear. We found that Jarid2 associates with PRC2 and stimulates its enzymatic activity in vitro. Jarid2 contains a Jumonji C domain, but is devoid of detectable histone demethylase activity. Instead, its artificial recruitment to a promoter in vivo resulted in corecruitment of PRC2 with resultant increased levels of di- and trimethylation of H3K27 (H3K27me2/3). Jarid2 colocalizes with Ezh2 and MTF2, a homolog of Drosophila Pcl, at endogenous genes in embryonic stem (ES) cells. Jarid2 can bind DNA and its recruitment in ES cells is interdependent with that of PRC2, as Jarid2 knockdown reduced PRC2 at its target promoters, and ES cells devoid of the PRC2 component EED are deficient in Jarid2 promoter access. In addition to the well-documented defects in embryonic viability upon down-regulation of Jarid2, ES cell differentiation is impaired, as is Oct4 silencing.
Functional regions of the N‐terminal domain of the antiterminator RfaH
Authors: Belogurov Georgiy A. , Sevostyanova Anastasia , Svetlov Vladimir , Artsimovitch Irina
Published: February 2010

RfaH is a bacterial elongation factor that increases expression of distal genes in several long, horizontally acquired operons. RfaH is recruited to the transcription complex during RNA chain elongation through specific interactions with a DNA element called ops. Following recruitment, RfaH remains bound to RNA polymerase (RNAP) and acts as an antiterminator by reducing RNAP pausing and termination at some factor‐independent and Rho‐dependent signals. RfaH consists of two domains connected by a flexible linker. The N‐terminal RfaH domain (RfaHN) recognizes the ops element, binds to the RNAP and reduces pausing and termination in vitro. Functional analysis of single substitutions in this domain reported here suggests that three separate RfaHN regions mediate these functions. We propose that a polar patch on one side of RfaHN interacts with the non‐template DNA strand during recruitment, whereas a hydrophobic surface on the opposite side of RfaHN remains bound to the β′ subunit clamp helices domain throughout transcription of the entire operon. The third region is apparently dispensable for RfaH binding to the transcription complex but is required for the antitermination modification of RNAP.
Chronic alcoholism associated with diabetes impairs erectile function in rats
Authors: Lizarte Fermino S. , Morgueti Marcelo , Tirapelli Carlos R. , Claudino Mario A. , Evora Paulo R. B. , Novais Paulo C. , Tirapelli Daniela P. C. , Celotto Andrea C. , Capellini Verena K. , Celini Fabia P. M. , Tucci Jr Silvio , Cologna Adauto J. , Antunes Edson , Martins Antonio C. P. , Tirapelli Luis F.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of chronic ethanol consumption and diabetes on nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated relaxation of cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, isocaloric, diabetic and ethanol‐diabetic. The CSMs were mounted in organ chambers for measurement of isometric tension. Contraction of the strips was induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS, 1–32 Hz) and phenylephrine. We also evaluated the effect of ethanol consumption on the relaxation induced by acetylcholine (ACh; 0.01–1000 µmol/L), sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.01–1000 µmol/L) or EFS (1–32 Hz) in strips pre‐contracted with phenylephrine (10 µmol/L). Immunoexpression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) was also accessed.

RESULTS

The endothelium‐dependent relaxation induced by ACh was decreased in CSM from ethanol‐diabetic rats when compared with the controls, with a mean (sem) of 21 (4) vs 37 (2)%. Similarly, the potency and maximal responses induced by SNP were reduced in the ethanol‐diabetic [3.97 (0.38) and 85 (1)%, respectively] and diabetic groups [3.78 (0.56) and 81 (2)%, respectively] when compared with the controls [5.3 (0.22) and 90 (3)%, respectively] and isocaloric [5.3 (0.19) and 92 (1)%, respectively] groups. Noradrenergic nerve‐mediated contractions of CSM in response to EFS were increased in rats from ethanol‐diabetic and diabetic groups when compared with the control and isocaloric groups. Conversely, there were no differences in EFS‐induced relaxation among the groups. The immunostaining assays showed overexpression of eNOS and iNOS in the CSM from diabetic and ethanol‐diabetic rats when compared with the control and isocaloric rats.

CONCLUSION

There was an impairment of relaxation of CSM from ethanol‐diabetic and diabetic rats that involved a decrease in the NO‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling pathway by endothelium‐dependent mechanisms accompanied by a change in the CSM contractile sensitivity.