bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification of the Decomposition of Perfluoropolyether Fluid Due to Tribomicroplasma
Authors: Nakayama Keiji , Mirza Shamim Md.
Published: January 2009

Recently, tribomicroplasma has been discovered around sliding contacts. This must be the unknown high energetic state that has been sought after for many years as the source of tribochemical reaction. On the other hand, the mechanism of tribochemical decomposition of the perfluoropolyether (PFPE) fluid, Z-dol, used as hard disk drive lubricant, is not fully explained by traditional reaction mechanisms. A mixture of volatile decomposition products evolved from lubricated sliding contacts is collected by a sampling tube packed with an adsorbent and separated by gas chromatography (GC) into individual components, the chemical structures of which are determined by a Quadra pole mass spectrometer (Q-MS). The volatile products at the sliding contact coincided completely with that of the gas-discharge plasma decomposition product. These results verify that PFPE fluid is decomposed by triboplasma. This verification opens a new mechanism of tribomicroplasma reaction in the field of tribochemistry.
Effects of End-Group Functionality and Molecular Weight of Ultra-Thin Liquid Lubricant Films on Contact Slider Dynamics in Hard Disk Drives
Authors: Tagawa Norio , Tashiro Yoshiaki , Mori Atsunobu
Published: January 2009

This paper describes the effect of end-group functionality and molecular weight of ultra-thin liquid lubricant films on contact slider dynamics in hard disk drives. In the experiments, the contact slider dynamics as well as ultra-thin liquid lubricants behavior are investigated using three kinds of lubricants which have different end-groups and molecular weight as a function of lubricant film thickness. The dynamics of a contact slider is mainly monitored using Acoustic Emission (AE). The disks are also examined with a scanning micro-ellipsometer before and after contact slider experiments. It is found that the lubricant film thickness instability due to de-wetting occurs as a result of slider-disk contacts, when the lubricant film thickness is thicker than one monolayer. Their unstable lubricant behavior depends on the chemical structure of functional end-groups and molecular weight. In addition, it is also found that the AE RMS values, which indicate the contact slider dynamics, are almost equivalent, independent of the end-groups and molecular weight for the lubricants, when the lubricant film thickness is around one monolayer. The molecular weight, however, affects the contact slider dynamics, when the lubricant film thickness is less than one monolayer. In other words, the AE RMS values increase remarkably as the molecular weight for the lubricant increases. When the lubricant film thickness is more than one monolayer, the AE RMS values decrease because of the effect of mobile lubricant layer, while the lubricant de-wetting instability affects the contact slider dynamics. Therefore, it would be concluded that the lubricant film thickness should be designed to be around one monolayer thickness region in order to achieve contact recording for future head-disk interface.
O
2
and Reactive Oxygen Species Detoxification Complex, Composed of O
2
-Responsive NADH:Rubredoxin Oxidoreductase-Flavoprotein A2-Desulfoferrodoxin Operon Enzymes, Rubperoxin, and Rubredoxin, in
Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Kawasaki Shinji , Sakai Yu , Takahashi Tohru , Suzuki Ippei , Niimura Youichi
Published: January 2009

Clostridium acetobutylicum
, an obligate anaerobe, grows normally under continuous-O
2
-flow culture conditions, where the cells consume O
2
proficiently. An O
2
-responsive NADH:rubredoxin oxidoreductase operon composed of three genes (
nror
,
fprA2
, and
dsr
), encoding NROR, functionally uncharacterized flavoprotein A2 (FprA2), and the predicted superoxide reductase desulfoferrodoxin (Dsr), has been proposed to participate in defense against O
2
stress. To functionally characterize these proteins, native NROR from
C. acetobutylicum
, recombinant NROR (rNROR), FprA2, Dsr, and rubredoxin (Rd) expressed in
Escherichia coli
were purified. Purified native NROR and rNROR both exhibited weak H
2
O
2
-forming NADH oxidase activity that was slightly activated by Rd. A mixture of NROR, Rd, and FprA2 functions as an efficient H
2
O-forming NADH oxidase with a high affinity for O
2
(the

K
m

for O
2
is 2.9 ± 0.4 μM). A mixture of NROR, Rd, and Dsr functions as an NADH-dependent O
2
−
reductase. A mixture of NROR, Rd, and rubperoxin (Rpr, a rubrerythrin homologue) functions as an inefficient H
2
O-forming NADH oxidase but an efficient NADH peroxidase with a low affinity for O
2
and a high affinity for H
2
O
2
(the

K
m

s for O
2
and H
2
O
2
are 303 ± 39 μM and ≤1 μM, respectively). A gene encoding Rd is dicistronically transcribed with a gene encoding a glutaredoxin (Gd) homologue, and the expression levels of the genes encoding Gd and Rd were highly upregulated upon exposure to O
2
. Therefore,
nror
operon enzymes, together with Rpr, efficiently function to scavenge O
2
, O
2
−
, and H
2
O
2
by using an O
2
-responsive rubredoxin as a common electron carrier protein.
Transfer Rates of Enteric Microorganisms in Recycled Water during Machine Clothes Washing
Authors: O'Toole Joanne , Sinclair Martha , Leder Karin
Published: January 2009

Approximately 15% of overall Australian household water usage is in the laundry; hence, a significant reduction in household drinking water demand could be achieved if potable-quality water used for clothes washing is replaced with recycled water. To investigate the microbiological safety of using recycled water in washing machines, bacteriophages MS-2 and PRD-1,
Escherichia coli
, and
Cryptosporidium parvum
oocysts were used in a series of experiments to investigate the transfer efficiency of enteric microorganisms from washing machine water to objects including hands, environmental surfaces, air, and fabric swatches. By determining the transference efficiency, it is possible to estimate the numbers of microorganisms that the user will be exposed to if recycled water with various levels of residual microorganisms is used in washing machines. Results, expressed as transfer rates to a given surface area per object, showed that the mean transfer efficiency of
E. coli
, bacteriophages MS-2 and PRD-1, and
C. parvum
oocysts from seeded water to fabric swatches ranged from 0.001% to 0.090%. Greatest exposure to microorganisms occurred through direct contact of hands with seeded water and via hand contact with contaminated fabric swatches. No microorganisms were detected in the air samples during the washing machine spin cycle, and transfer rates of bacteriophages from water to environmental surfaces were 100-fold less than from water directly to hands. Findings from this study provide relevant information that can be used to refine regulations governing recycled water and to allay public concerns about the use of recycled water.
Environmental Poliovirus Surveillance during Oral Poliovirus Vaccine and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine Use in Córdoba Province, Argentina
Authors: Mueller Judith E. , Bessaud Maël , Huang Q. Sue , Martinez Laura C. , Barril Patricia A. , Morel Viviane , Balanant Jean , Bocacao Judy , Hewitt Joanne , Gessner Brad D. , Delpeyroux Francis , Nates Silvia V.
Published: January 2009

This study compares the presence of environmental poliovirus in two Argentinean populations using oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). From January 2003 to December 2005, Córdoba City used IPV in routine infant immunizations, with the exception of intermittent OPV use in August 2005. Between May 2005 and April 2006, we collected weekly wastewater samples in Córdoba City and the province's three major towns, which continued OPV use at all times. Wastewater samples were processed and analyzed for the presence of poliovirus according to WHO guidelines. During the months of IPV use in Córdoba City, the overall proportion of poliovirus-positive samples was 19%. During an intermittent switch from IPV to OPV, this proportion increased to 100% within 2 months. During the 3 months when IPV was reintroduced to replace OPV, a substantial proportion of samples (25%) remained positive for poliovirus. In the OPV-using sites, on average, 54% of samples were poliovirus positive. Seventy-seven percent of poliovirus isolates showed at least one mutation in the VP1-encoding sequence; the maximum genetic divergence from the Sabin strain was 0.7%. Several isolates showed mutations on attenuation markers in the VP1-encoding sequence. The frequency or type of virus mutation did not differ between periods of IPV and OPV use or by virus serotypes. This study indicates that the sustained transmission of OPV viruses was limited during IPV use in a middle-income country with a temperate climate. The continued importation of poliovirus and genetic instability of vaccine strains even in the absence of sustained circulation suggest that high poliovirus vaccine coverage has to be maintained for all countries until the risk of reintroduction of either wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus is close to zero worldwide.
Pattern of developing the performance template
Authors: Foster C , Hendrickson K J , Peyer K , Reiner B , deKoning J J , Lucia A , Battista R A , Hettinga F J , Porcari J P , Wright G
Published: January 2009

Background:

The pattern of energy expenditure during sustained high-intensity exercise is influenced by several variables. Data from athletic populations suggest that a pre-exercise conceptual model, or template, is a central variable relative to controlling energy expenditure.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to make systematic observations regarding how the performance template develops in fit individuals who have limited specific experience with sustained high-intensity exercise (eg, time trials).

Methods:

The study was conducted in four parts and involved measuring performance (time and power output) during: (A) six 3 km cycle time trials, (B) three 2 km rowing time trials, (C) four 2 km rowing time trials with a training period between trials 2 and 3, and (D) three 10 km cycle time trials. All time trials were self-paced with feedback to the subjects regarding previous performances and momentary pace.

Results:

In all four series of time trials there was a progressive pattern of improved performance averaging 6% over the first three trials and 10% over six trials. In all studies improvement was associated with increased power output during the early and middle portions of the time trial and a progressively greater terminal rating of perceived exertion. Despite the change in the pattern of energy expenditure, the subjects did not achieve the pattern usually displayed by athletes during comparable events.

Conclusions:

This study concludes that the pattern of learning the performance template is primarily related to increased confidence that the trial can be completed without unreasonable levels of exertion or injury, but that the process takes more than six trials to be complete.
Impact of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) on phosphorus cycling and chlorophyll in lakes
Authors: Mellina Eric , Rasmussen Joseph B. , Mills Edward L.
Published: January 2009

We determined the effects of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) on water column phosphorus (P) and chlorophyll a levels and algal community size structure as well as rates of P excretion in laboratory experiments. Zebra mussel at a threshold density of 0.25/L were able to decouple the nutrient–chlorophyll relationship, to induce erratic patterns in P and chlorophyll a trends, and to decrease mean algal cell sizes. Using shell length we explained 75 and 71% of the variability in P excretion rates in trials held at 17 and 22 °C. Using mass balance modeling, we examined the effects of zebra mussel growth and mortality on mean annual steady-state P levels as functions of hydraulic flushing and P loadings for the western basin of Lake Erie, for Lake St. Clair, and for Oneida Lake. Zebra mussel affected water column P levels only when the annual P accumulated into mussel biomass represented >20% of the lake's annual P loading. The mussel populations in all three lakes did not substantially affect water column P levels but decoupling of the nutrient–chlorophyll relationship was observed in lakes Erie and St. Clair. No evidence was found for increased decoupling of this relationship with increasing zebra mussel density in European lakes.
Relationships between estimates of ringed seal (Phoca hispida) and polar bear (Ursus maritimus) populations in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Stirling Ian , Øritsland Nils Are
Published: January 2009

Analysis of estimates of population size of ringed s,eals (Phoca hispida) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from several areas indicated that estimates of one predicted the range of expected population size of the other in areas where ringed seals constitute the primary prey. In some areas, the closeness of this relationship indicates where estimates of either seals or bears may be inaccurate. The number of seals required to support a population of polar bears of predetermined size was estimated independently using both behavioral and energetic data. Behavioral estimates of the number of seals killed may overestimate energetic requirements and vice versa. Predation and energy matrices indicated that high levels of predation on seals are sustainable only if most animals killed are young-of-the-year. The field metabolic rate of the polar bear appears to be about twice the basal metabolic rate. Densities of seals vary in response to overall productivity of the ecosystem in different areas, and fluctuations in their numbers and reproductive rates between years can be used to monitor changes in productivity of the ecosystem. These changes also cause variation in productivity of bears, which indicates the sensitivity, at the population level, of the relationship between ringed seals and polar bears.
Effects of size and spring growth on sexual maturation in 1+ Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) male parr: interactions with smoltification
Authors: Berglund Ingemar
Published: January 2009

Individually identified 1-year-old Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr of Baltic origin were subjected to four different restricted feeding regimes during May and June, and the effects of feeding regime and fish length on the probability of sexual maturation in males were evaluated using logistic regression. Food restriction in June decreased specific growth in weight during June to ca. 22% of that in the control. On average, the maturation rate was reduced from 60% in controls to 48, 45, and 36% in groups on restricted rations. Furthermore, the positive effect of initial length on the probability of maturation was depressed in groups on restricted food in June or May and June. The results of this study show that food restriction in spring has a significant negative effect on the probability of maturation in male salmon parr, but maturation seems to be suppressed in only a small part of the experimental populations. The occurrence of maturing males among fish with a very low or negative growth rate during June and poor condition by the end of June implies, however, that high growth rate in June is not necessary for the onset of rapid gonadal growth in early summer.
A short note on the surface area of star graphs
Authors: Cheng Eddie , Qiu Ke , Shen Zhizhang
Published: January 2009

In this short note, we use a generating function to give an explicit formula for the surface area of the star graphs.
TOWARDS A FRAMEWORK FOR INTUITIVE PROGRAMMING OF CELLULAR AUTOMATA
Authors: TORBEY SAMI
Published: January 2009

The ability to obtain complex global behaviour from simple local rules makes cellular automata an interesting platform for massively parallel computation. However, manually designing a cellular automaton to perform a given computation can be extremely difficult, and automated design techniques such as genetic programming have their limitations because of the absence of human intuition. In this paper, we propose elements of a framework whose goal is to make the manual synthesis of cellular automata rules exhibiting desired global characteristics more programmer-friendly, while maintaining the simplicity of local processing elements. Although many of the framework elements that we describe here are not new, we group them into a consistent framework and show that they can all be implemented on a traditional cellular automaton, which means that they are merely more human-friendly ways of describing simple cellular automata rules, and not foreign structures that require changing the traditional cellular automaton model.
THE COEFFICIENTS OF THE ω(q) MOCK THETA FUNCTION
Authors: GARTHWAITE SHARON ANNE
Published: January 2009

In 1920, Ramanujan wrote to Hardy about his discovery of the mock theta functions. In the years since, there has been much work in understanding the transformation properties and asymptotic nature of these functions. Recently, Zwegers proved a relationship between mock theta functions and vector-valued modular forms, and Bringmann and Ono used the theory of Maass forms and Poincaré series to prove a conjecture of Andrews, yielding an exact formula for the coefficients of the f(q) mock theta function. Here we build upon these results, using the theory of vector-valued modular forms and Poincaré series to prove an exact formula for the coefficients of the ω(q) mock theta function.
Delayed Enhancement Morphology on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging is Correlated with Signal-averaged Electrocardiogram and QT Dispersion in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Takase Bonpei , Nagata Masayoshi
Published: January 2009

Background

In patients with myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia is related with nonconductive ventricular scar. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is an excellent modality to evaluate myocardial scars in myocardial infarction. Furthermore, late potential obtained from signal-averaged electrocardiogram and QT dispersion are both well-known parameters for predicting lethal arrhythmias.

Methods and Results

To investigate whether the pattern of necrotic scar tissue visualized by delayed enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is associated with late potential and QT dispersion, we measured late potential and QT dispersion in 27 patients (68 ± 8 years old) with a prior myocardial infarction. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was also obtained using a 1.5-tesla cardiac magnetic resonance scanner, and delayed enhancement was analyzed in the short axis of the left ventricle. By conducting this, we tried to determine whether the pattern of necrotic scar tissue predicts lethal ventricular arrhythmias. Semiquantitative patchy scores were identified as the mean patchy score and the maximum patchy score in each patient. There were 9 patients with a positive late potential and 18 patients with a negative late potential. Patients with positive late potentials had significantly larger mean (1.7 ± 0.3) and maximum (2.2 ± 0.6) patchy scores than patients with negative late potentials (mean, 1.3 ± 0.2, P < .05; maximum, 1.7 ± 0.4, P < .05). QT dispersion was significantly correlated with the number of slices showing delayed enhancement, which reflects the size of necrotic scar tissue ( r = .59, P < .05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the pattern of necrotic scar tissue visualized by delayed enhancement with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was correlated to the predictive indices of lethal ventricular arrhythmias.
Educational Resilience Among African Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in South Africa
Authors: Phasha Tlakale Nareadi
Published: January 2009

The literature covering child sexual abuse within the South African context, though substantial, has ignored issues of resilience, especially relating to the victim’s racial background. Particular reference is made to the victim’s ability to draw on elements relating to his or her cultural upbringing—socialization and identification. Using three cases (ages 16 to 23 years old) drawn from a major study that investigated the educational implications of child sexual abuse in South Africa, the article presents Black female survivors who experienced educational resilience regardless of having been sexually abused, and other contributory factors that could have driven them to react otherwise. Educational resilience is evident in the following ways: (a) participants’ interpretations of their experience, (b) behavior exhibited at school, (c) determination to succeed, and (d) educational and career aspirations. These responses are then related to the identification and socialization of people of African ancestry living in South Africa. Data were obtained by means of a series of in-depth interviews conducted with each participant, conducted on a one-on-one basis.
Improving Bible Translations: The Example of Sickness and Healing
Authors: Pilch John J.
Published: January 2009

Every scholar and teacher has a list of infelicitous translations which misrepresent or distort the meaning intended by biblical authors. The time has come to prepare new translations that are more respectful to the ancient author, what the author intended to say, and actually said. Such a translation should also respectfully report what the original audience understood. Ideally, this translation should also make sense to the modern reader in another culture. In the matter of sickness and healing, medical anthropology has provided an excellent set of terms and definitions that fulfill all these hopes.
Networks and Exchanges: Ephesians 4:7-16 and the Community Function of Teachers
Authors: Gosnell Peter W.
Published: January 2009

Though often recognized as part of a discussion on unity, Ephesians 4:7-16 is seldom considered for its contributions to that discussion. Deviating from the usual focus on possible leadership structures in post-Pauline churches, this study focuses attention on what the passage says about the function of certain individuals in promoting unity. When social network and exchange theories are brought to bear on Ephesians 4:7-16, they illuminate strategies in the passage that underscore the role of teachers who protect the community from "false" information on the one hand and strengthen the community with "true" information on the other. Those strategies coordinate with the overt behavioral message of the passage. When community members respond as they should to those teachers, they are said to promote beneficial behavior that results in a more unified community. The net effect of such analysis is to de-emphasize Ephesians 4:7-16 as a reflector of ecclesiastical practices while re-focusing attention on what the passage is overtly trying to convey.
An Extended Book Review: The Critic of Biblical Theologians: A Review of James Barr's THE CONCEPT OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY: AN OLD TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Gnuse Robert
Published: January 2009

James Barr offers critical insight on the craft of writing First Testament theologies, as well as the contributions of significant authors in the field. He addresses issues such as these: (1) the relationship of biblical theology to Christian doctrine, evolutionary concepts, the History of Religions, the Historical Critical Method, and other scholarly research; (2) the relationship of First and Second Testaments; (3) the question of objectivity versus faith commitment; (4) the relation of First Testament theologies to Jewish thought; (5) the choice between historical or systematic evaluations of the First Testament; (6) Canonical Criticism; (7) narrative analysis; (8) the question of Apocrypha; and (9) natural theology and biblical thought. He also critically reviews the work of numerous significant biblical theologians, including Brevard Childs and Walter Brueggemann in particular.
The Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33) : A Problematic Wedding
Authors: Osiek Carolyn
Published: January 2009

The passage in Ephesians that compares the union of husband and wife to that of Christ and the church is a favorite ecclesial image, yet it has always been problematic. It is not clear what is the intended function of the household codes, and this passage in particular is open to a variety of misinterpretations. The effects of the way in which simile and metaphor function in the passage extend beyond ecclesiology in ways that suit certain interests. A feminist analysis indicates some interpretive mistakes and suggests some criteria for approaching this beautiful but dangerous text.
Interpreting the Bible with the Value Orientations Model: History and Prospects
Authors: Pilch John J.
Published: January 2009

This article summarizes the Value Orientations Model developed by Florence Kluckhohn and Fred Strodtbeck (1961) and surveys publications in which the model has been used as an aid to cross-cultural interpretation of the New Testament (History). Like the Documentary Hypothesis and the Two-Source Hypothesis, this social science model has weathered challenges and proved itself adaptable to modifications and innovative applications especially in conjunction with other models (Prospects).
"Thus Faith Comes from What Is Heard" (Romans 10:17): How Much of the Bible Do People Hear?
Authors: Sloyan Gerard S.
Published: January 2009

This article is more concerned with the way the Bible is proclaimed publicly and preached than with its treatment as the object of study and teaching in the academy. That is entirely fitting in an issue devoted to commemorating the life and work of Leland J.White. For, while his career in the seminary, college and university classroom absorbed most of his energies, when he did not have another foot in the pulpit he was always concerned with how the Bible is heard or, tragically, not heard by Christian believers. Because this is true of so many BTB readers, they will readily understand the approach taken here.
Physical Space, Imagined Space, and "Lived Space" in Ancient Israel
Authors: Matthews Victor H.
Published: January 2009

One way in which to analyze biblical narrative is by examining the ways in which the ancient Israelites perceived and used space. This includes theological concepts like the "Promised Land," political dimensions such as "from Dan to Beersheba," and "lived space" such as the village gate or the threshing floor. By placing an emphasis on where events occur and on how kings, prophets or other characters use significant space/place to their advantage, and by noting the impact that space has on the development of tradition and local custom (hospitality, use of boundary stones) it is possible to better understand the social world of ancient Israel.
"Outside Are the Dogs and the Sorcerers ..." (Revelation 22:15)
Authors: Strelan Rick
Published: January 2009

Scholars usually understand the "dogs." listed among those outsiders to the holy city in Revelation 22:14-15, as a metaphor for false teachers or immoral practitioners. I suggest that they might also be understood in relation to the next category on the list, the "sorcerers" who, in fact, can be understood as scapegoats. The article examines the role of dogs in rituals of purification, especially those used in the cult of Hecate, an underworld goddess often associated with dogs. I suggest that Revelation 22 rejects her cult and claims that purification is only through those who have washed their clothes in the blood of the Lamb.
Israel as Son of God in Torah
Authors: Schmitt John J.
Published: January 2009

In Exodus 4:22, God declares, “Israel is my first-born son.” This image of the individual, Israel, continues through this and the remaining books of Torah. The masculine singular for Israel, the son, occurs repeatedly. No imperative is addressed to Israel other than in the form of the masculine singular. There is no hint in any passage that the reader should think of Israel as feminine. The book of Deuteronomy brings to fullness the theme of Israel as the son of God. The focus on sonship suggests responsibility and growth for the individual, Israel.
“Let Them Renounce Themselves and Take up Their Cross”
Authors: Dewey Joanna
Published: January 2009

Christians today, especially Christian women, often interpret Mark 8:34 as a call to sacrifice self—to be subservient and to endure suffering that could be alleviated—as a demand of Christian discipleship. This is a fundamental misreading of Mark. The argument is placed in the context of the development of feminist biblical criticism these last thirty years and then of Mark's social and narrative world. When read in the context of the first-century cultural world and the larger narrative of Mark, Mark 8:34 is not an exhortation to suffering in general. General human suffering-hunger, illness, etc.—is overcome with Jesus' inauguration of God's rule. Rather, to renounce self is to renounce one's kinship group and join the followers of Jesus. It is an exhortation to remain faithful to Jesus and the rule of God in the face of persecution by political authorities.
The Radical Jesus: You Cannot Serve God and Mammon
Authors: Oakman Douglas E.
Published: January 2009

Based on philological considerations and contextualization of the very earliest Jesus traditions, especially Luke 16:13, this article argues that at the core of the concern of Jesus of Nazareth was a critique of Mammon, carried on under the proclamation of God's ruling power, that may still today leave Christians in an Age of Mammon with an uneasy conscience.
The Generative Force of Memory: Early Christian Traditions as Processes of Remembering
Authors: Kelber Werner H.
Published: January 2009

This article seeks to carry forward recent work on social or cultural memory in relation to the early Christian tradition. It develops the concept of a memorially empowered tradition which operates less as transmission of traditions, and more precisely as a functioning social memory, e.g., as a dynamic driven by the desire to keep Jesus' words alive by making them communicate to the present. Memory understood as a continual process of commemorating activities, intent on remembering the past while simultaneously addressing social identity in the present, is seen as the grand motivating force of tradition.
Flute Players, Death, and Music in the Afterlife (Matthew 9:18—19, 23—26)
Authors: Pilch John J.
Published: January 2009

Insights from ethnomusicology and psychological anthropology suggest a new perspective on the flute players mentioned only by Matthew at the wake service of a twelve year old girl. This paper was read at the International Meeting of the Context Group at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain, July 2006.
In Conclusion. . . . John 12 as a Rhetorical Peroratio
Authors: Neyrey Jerome H.
Published: January 2009

Most commentators on John 12:37—50 label it a “conclusion” or “epilogue.” By this they mean that this part of John 12 contains two differing sets of information: a “summary” of (1) the ministry of Jesus and its non-reception or (2) review of major motifs and themes. This study argues that John 12 is a precise rhetorical conclusio/peroratio. Rhetoricians identify two purposes in a conclusion: (1) recapitulation of topics discussed, albeit selectively, and (2) arousal of emotions toward topics or persons. Emotions in rhetoric are binary: love vs. hate, confidence vs. fear, emulation vs. envy, etc. John 12 is recognized as repeating judgment materials from John 3, the critical behavior urged in John 12. Many other topics are also recapitulated. Moreover most of the Johannine characters reappear before the audience a judgment of whom is to be rendered in virtue of the emotion evoked, either love or hate.
Genre and Point of View in Luke's Gospel
Authors: Frein Brigid Curtin
Published: January 2009

This study examines how the relationships between Luke's Gospel and other extant literary works shape the Gospel's narrative point of view. It discusses and evaluates the major proposals for identifying the genre of Luke-Acts and shows that none of the proposed genres alone can account for the all the major literary characteristics of the Gospel. The second section considers how the genre characteristics of Gospel, Hellenistic historical/biographical narrative, and biblical narrative each convey elements of the ideological, spatial/temporal and psychological aspects of point of view of Luke's Gospel.
Creation's Praise of God in the Book of Revelation
Authors: Bauckham Richard
Published: January 2009

This paper argues that in depicting the worship of God by all creatures the book of Revelation recognizes the value of the whole creation for God. In Revelation's vision of heaven, the twenty-four elders are heavenly rulers, while the four living creatures are heavenly priests whose existence is wholly taken up in worship. Closer than any to the throne of God, they worship representatively, on behalf of the whole animate creation, human and non-human, as their forms indicate.
The Perennial Relevance of Saint Paul: Paul's Understanding of Christ and a Time of Radical Pluralism
Authors: Oakman Douglas E.
Published: January 2009

This article examines Pauline christology through a series of five theses and argues that Paul saw in Christ the fulness of the human rather than the fulness of the divine. Paul's christology inspired his openness as an apostle to the gentiles; it did not effect a “Christian particularism” as later exclusivist christologies would do. Paul's work of embracing pluralism was done under an inclusive symbol of salvation that could underwrite respect for difference and at the same time articulate a community within a common humanity. A return to Paul's christology today could provide for Christians a constructive and critical basis for the encounter with modern religious pluralism.
Matthew 18:15-17: Conflict, Confrontation, and Conflict Resolution in a "Fictive Kin" Association
Authors: Duling Dennis C.
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study is to establish a plausible scenario for Matthean conflict resolution and to further clarify the stage of group formation of the Matthean group. It defends the thesis that the Matthean author modifies, and thereby intentionally obscures, a more sharply developed disciplinary process that existed in the Matthean fictive kin association, one that is analogous to processes such as those in the groups mentioned below. Matthew 18:15-17 thus reveals the tip of a developing organizational iceberg. After opening with a brief hermeneutical statement about writers, texts, and readers, this study explores the three-step process in Matthew 18:15-18 in relation to similar processes of analogous groups, especially voluntary associations, in the ancient Mediterranean. It includes analysis of (a) the tradents of the "reproof" exegetical traditions stemming from Leviticus 19:15-17, (b) the group(s) behind the Dead Sea Scrolls, (c) the Iobakchoi, (d) comments representing Rabbinical debates, and (e) the virtue of "frank speech" in certain philosophical schools.
Intertextuality and Dialogue
Authors: Sanders James A.
Published: January 2009

The Bible, both Jewish and Christian, is a dialogical literature. It is a compilation of many different human expressions of and responses to divine revelations over fifteen hundred years from the Bronze Age to the Greco-Roman. The Bible is also very intertextual; it is full of itself. From the earliest literary forms to the latest, earlier traditions and texts, national and international, are interwoven developing new meanings out of old ideas. Critically trained rabbis and pastors in all the major seminaries know these things about the Bible but do not always share them with their parishioners. Intense interest in the Dead Sea Scrolls has brought such critical issues out into the open, even as serious study of the Scrolls has confirmed critical readings of the Bible. How can the Scriptures of Early Judaism give rise to two such distinct religions as Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity? The Bible, one testament or two, in effect mandates dialogue between the two similar but disparate faiths if either is interested in a valid, postmodern search for truth.
Satan Talk in Corinth: The Rhetoric of Conflict
Authors: Johnson Lee A.
Published: January 2009

The purpose of this essay is to take seriously Paul's references to Satan in their contexts. This language has generally been appropriated by scholars who posit that merely by the mention of Satan Paul's cosmology is radically dualistic, despite the fact that these references to Satan are neither consistent with that portrait of Satan as the antithesis of God, nor do they appear in cosmological discourses. Furthermore, Paul rarely mentions Satan outside of the Corinthian correspondence, where, in each instance, the rhetoric is invoked in light of the disobedience or disloyalty of the community. Witchcraft language is similarly appropriated in various cultural situations, leading to the conclusion that Paul's Satan talk is a phenomenon arising out of social conflict over Paul's authority in Corinth, rather than a reflection of Paul's cosmology.
Frequency of Different Estrous Stages in Purpose-bred Beagles: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chandra Sundeep A. , Adler Rick R.
Published: January 2009

The beagle is a monoestric, nonseasonal breeder with a long estrous cycle. Owing to lengthy stages in individual phases of the estrous cycle, limited group size, and typical group assignment focused on homogenized body weight, dogs in the same stage of the cycle can be inadvertently assigned to one treatment group in toxicity studies potentially leading to erroneous interpretation. This study was conducted to better understand the frequency of the different stages of the cycle and review the associated histological features. Histologic sections of reproductive tissues were reviewed from 102 control dogs from thirty-two GLP studies. The average age of dogs at necropsy was 14.38 months, and the mean terminal body weight was 6.87 kg. Based on histological classification, fifty-five dogs were in anestrus, twenty-eight in diestrus, nine in estrus, five in proestrus, and five were classified as immature. Mean ovarian weights were higher in the estrus stage. This review indicates that more than 80% of the dogs in this study were in the anestrus-diestrus stage, and a small percentage of dogs were immature. Interpretation of drug-induced effects on the morphologic changes in the reproductive tract should be performed with due consideration given to the stage of the cycle and the potential for nonuniform assignment to drug treatment groups.
Can Peace Be Marketed? a Preliminary Analysis of Israelis and Palestinians
Authors: Astorino-Courtois Allison
Published: January 2009

This study integrates elements of marketing theory, framing research and consumer choice theory to examine the prospects for marketing peace to Israelis and Palestinians. Results of tests of the impact of dimensional and presentational framing and an individual's initial pcacc orientation on support for a settlement are reported. The analyses reveal strong peace dimension effects and moderate presentation and orientation effects on support for a peace accord. Notably, security-related information expressed in terms of in-group safety was most likely to encourage support for a settlement among both Palestinian and Israeli participants. Corroborating the findings of Geva and Mintz (1997), Astorino-Courtois (1996), and Geva, Astorino-Courtois and Mintz (1996), the results provide further indication of the feasibility of framing peace-related communications and marketing these in order to encourage domestic support for an internationally-negotiated accord.
Mapping the Probability of War and Analyzing the Possibility of Peace: the Role of Territorial Disputes
Authors: Vasquez John A.
Published: January 2009

It is argued that scholars should supplement the search for correlates of war with a search for factors that increase the probability of war. Territorial disputes are seen as one such factor. The analysis maps their probability of going to war and then examines the possibility of peace in light of the results. It is found that states that participate in territorial disputes have a higher probability of going to war than expected by chance. It is also found that dyads that have more than 25% of their disputes over territory have a high probability of having at least one war with each other, but those dyads that have fewer territorial disputes have a comparatively low probability of having a war with one another. Objections to the territorial explanation of war that it is not relevant to the current era or that contiguity is a more important factor are tested. Evidence shows that wars do not seem to occur because states are contiguous; rather states that have disputes over territory (whether or not they are contiguous) have a higher probability of war. Territorial disputes, however, do not make war inevitable. When major states establish rules of the game to manage their relations, the number of territorial disputes on the global agenda goes down, as does their probability of going to war. Conversely, if territorial disputes are coupled with power politics practices, like arms races, the probability of war increases.
Chasing Headlines: Setting the Research Agenda On War
Authors: Diehl Paul F.
Published: January 2009

This article explores the claim that scholars and policy analysts should direct their attention to understanding new and contemporary conflict phenomena . The idea that contemporary political events should dictate research agendas is something of an anathema to most scholars. In contrast, theory is supposed to stand the test of time, and theoretically drirell research is thought to be the purest form of research, unsullied by the passing headlines of contemporary events. Nenertheless, much scholarly research on international conflict has been driven by coterminous political events. Indeed, sysrematic empirical research can have important rhings to say about allegedly new and emerging conflict phenomena. The first section of this article briefly reviews the evolution of research agendas on international conflict, noting in particular how political events have shaped such changes. Concern is also directed to the other influences on what scholars study. Next is a discussion of the relative merits and disadvantages of "chasing headlines" in research. Finally, and the main focus of the article, is a delineation of four major themes or topics suggested by contemporary political events that could produce fruitful lines of research for international conflict scholars: environmental conflict, ethnic conflict, conflict management and resolution, and internationalized civil conflict.
The Political Future of Afghanistan and Its Implications for US Policy
Authors: Kugler Jacek , Yesilada Birol , Efird Brian
Published: January 2009

This paper provides a forecast of the likely consequences of ongoing US military activity in Afghanistan, and assesses the implications of a change in the current US policy toward that nation. We use a game theoretic, bounded rationality model, called the Expected Utility model, to analyze the stability of the political and economic systems in Afghanistan, given both the domestic and international context. We undertook two analyses, one in December 2001 and a second in June 2002. Thus far all forecasts appear to be in line with our observations on the current sequence of events. Furthermore, we found that a continued, robust US military presence in Afghanistan is necessary to assure political and economic stability. Without continued, substantial US support for the current regime, it is likely that an Islamic dictatorship, with the potential to support terrorist activities, will replace the current semi-democratic system.
Environmental Scarcity and International Conflict
Authors: Stalley Phillip
Published: January 2009

Since the end of the Cold War, scholars have increasingly tumed their attention to examining the link between depletion of renewable resources and conflict. Within this environmental security literature, academic opinion varies across a wide spectrum with some predicting a dark future of environmental "resource wars" both between and within nations, while others question the extent to which environmental variables play any role in inducing conflict. This paper builds on the findings of previous case and statistical studies and presents a cross-national, time-series multivariate analysis of the relationship between militarized international disputes and the environmental variables most commonly cited in the qualitative literature-freshwater, soil, fish, and population. These environmental variables are tested individually and in combination, while controlling for other conflict-generating factors. The general finding is that states suffering from greater levels of environmental scarcity are more likely to be involved in a militarized international dispute.
Culture and Negotiation in Militarized Interstate Disputes
Authors: Regan Patrick , Leng Russell J.
Published: January 2009

The paper describes the research design and presents some preliminary findings from an extended investigation of the role played by cultural similarities and differences between participants in the evolution of militarized interstate disputes, particularly in the parties' uses of negotiation and negotiation outcomes. The authors employ three typologies of social culture, which are based on the works of Huntington, regional geographers, and the intercultural communication work of Hall and Hofstede, as well as indicators of shared democracy drawn from POLITY IV data. Negotiation descriptors have been generated from a random sample of 294 MIDs during the period between 1945 and 1992. The findings support the proposition that cultural similarities reduce the likelihood of MID involvement, increase the use of negotiation in MIDs, and improve the chances that negotiations will produce successful outcomes.
Learning and the Evolution of Enduring International Rivalries: a Strategic Approach
Authors: Mor Ben D. , Maoz Zeev
Published: January 2009

Enduring international rivalries represent a set of relationships between states characterized by repeated conflict. This study explores their strategic evolution. We develop a game-theoretic model in which preferences of actors for any given situation are determined by two factors: satisfaction with the status quo and a perceived capability to change it or defend it. We explore patterns of strategic evolution based on learning and misperception of the opponent. This allows us to make a meaningful substantive distinction among three types of dyadic relations: (a) peaceful relations, which are characterized by the stable absence of conflict; (b) proto-rivalries, which are characterized by brief but non-recurrent conflict encounters that stabilize into a given status quo; and (c) enduring rivalries, which are characterized by recurrent conflict spirals and by the stability of conflict outcomes. We show that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, learning does not necessarily promote peace. Neither does misperception necessarily promote protracted conflict. The implications of these and other findings with respect to the study of enduring rivalries are explored.