bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern Animals: From Subjects to Agents in Literary Studies
Authors: McHugh Susan
Published: August 2009

Advancing theories of literature and animality requires both recognizing the failures of traditional humanist models that separate and elevate people over all "things" animal as well as identifying and developing alternative forms. Along with providing fresh readings and important insights about representative texts in the literary canon, two new books—Carrie Rohman's Stalking the Subject: Modernism and the Animal (2009) and Philip Armstrong's What Animals Mean in the Fiction of Modernity (2008)—illustrate how this challenge is being addressed. Strategically, Rohman works within established textual forms of modern humanity to expand the parameters of who counts as a subject in literature. Armstrong takes a more tactical approach, extending ideas of nonhuman agency in order to frame this very discourse of representation itself as a problem that modern narrative forms bring to a crisis. What thus emerges is a range of textual actions and actors that exceed traditional humanist calculations of the subject. Together these studies frame questions with broader implications for humanistic scholarship: how do textual forms of subjectivity, even of discourse, become historical, and historically flexible, through animal involvements in literary representations?
Considerations on Life and Death: Medieval Asceticism and the Dissolution of the Self
Authors: Newman Martha
Published: August 2009

This essay explores the question of whether medieval asceticism is annihilation of the self or a means of constituting the self. It reads Gary Lease's conclusion, that religion is programmed suicide, against studies of medieval asceticism that argue for an understanding of religion as an embodied discipline which forms the subject and provides a means of resisting social norms. It suggests that the project of understanding the forms of power embedded in particular concepts of religion requires not only historicizing the term "religion" but also analyzing concepts of self, body, and agency. Drawing on the writings of the twelfth-century monk Bernard of Clairvaux as a case study, it argues that Bernard's conception of religion described a variety of ways in which embodied discipline could form a subject, and that he employed these variations ideologically to define the boundaries of his community and Church.
The Excremental Vision and the Study of Religion: An Afterword
Authors: Day Matthew
Published: August 2009

Gary Lease often deployed a Swiftian "excremental vision" to upend the liberal pretensions of "religion" and religious studies. However, this essay argues that there is far more to say about the relationship between religion and defecation. Indeed, the inescapable fact of human excrement should be viewed as an under-utilized site for academic theorizing about the power of "religion."
An Algorithm for Classification and Outlier Detection of Time-Series Data
Authors: Weekley R. Andrew , Goodrich Robert K. , Cornman Larry B.
Published: August 2009

An algorithm to perform outlier detection on time-series data is developed, the intelligent outlier detection algorithm (IODA). This algorithm treats a time series as an image and segments the image into clusters of interest, such as “nominal data” and “failure mode” clusters. The algorithm uses density clustering techniques to identify sequences of coincident clusters in both the time domain and delay space, where the delay-space representation of the time series consists of ordered pairs of consecutive data points taken from the time series. “Optimal” clusters that contain either mostly nominal or mostly failure-mode data are identified in both the time domain and delay space. A best cluster is selected in delay space and used to construct a “feature” in the time domain from a subset of the optimal time-domain clusters. Segments of the time series and each datum in the time series are classified using decision trees. Depending on the classification of the time series, a final quality score (or quality index) for each data point is calculated by combining a number of individual indicators. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated via analyses of real and simulated time-series data.
Explaining Daughter Devaluation and the Issue of Missing Women in South Asia and the UK
Authors: Gill Aisha , Mitra-Kahn Trishima
Published: August 2009

Women in South Asia have a biologically abnormal chance of mortality from conception until their mid-thirties. This phenomenon (known as ‘missing women’) is related to son preference and daughter devaluation, which manifests itself in sex-selective abortions and gender-biased allocations of healthcare and nutrition. This article examines putative underlying determinants of the missing women phenomenon in South Asia (primarily India, but touching upon Pakistan and Bangladesh) and determines which of them are operative. It is found that these underlying determinants persist in migrant communities in the UK, though there is evidence that they find expression in different ways. The article presents an agenda for researching the phenomenon of missing women in the UK and suggests ways in which it might be eliminated.
Are Sports Overemphasized in the Socialization Process of African American Males? A Qualitative Analysis of Former Collegiate Athletes’ Perception of Sport Socialization
Authors: Beamon Krystal K.
Published: August 2009

Scholars have noted that an elevated level of sports socialization in the family, neighborhood, and media exists within the African American community, creating an overrepresentation of African American males in certain sports. As a result, African American males may face consequences that are distinctly different from the consequences of those who are not socialized as intensively toward athletics, such as lower levels of academic achievement, higher expectations for professional sports careers as a means to upward mobility, and lower levels of career maturity. This study examines the sport socialization of African American male former collegiate athletes through in-depth ethnographic interviews. The results show that the respondents’ perceptions were that their socializing agents and socializing environment emphasized athletics above other roles, other talents, and the development of other skills.
An Approach to Detection of High Impedance Fault Using Discrete Wavelet Transform and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Vahidi Behrooz , Ghaffarzadeh Navid , Hosseinian Sayed Hosein , Ahadi Seyed Mohammad
Published: August 2009

High impedance faults (HIF) are faults that are difficult to detect by conventional protection relays. In this paper, a new HIF model is introduced and a novel methodology is presented to detect HIF by means of discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and artificial neural network (ANN). The distorted waveforms (HIF, load switching, line switching, capacitor switching and non-linear loads that behave similar to HIF current) are generated using PSCAD/EMTDC, captured with a sampling rate of 20 kHz and de-noised using DWT to obtain signals with higher signal-to-noise ratio. DWT is used to decompose the distorted signal and to extract its useful information. Appropriate feature vectors are created and applied in training the ANN. The effectiveness of the proposed method was tested using a wide spectrum of disturbances. Simulations are carried out to confirm the suitability and capability of the proposed method in HIF detection.
Single‐ and Multiple‐Dose Pharmacokinetics and Dose Proportionality of the Psychotropic Agent Paliperidone Extended Release
Authors: Boom Sandra , Talluri Krishna , Janssens Luc , Remmerie Bart , De Meulder Marc , Rossenu Stefaan , van Osselaer Nancy , Eerdekens Marielle , Cleton Adriaan
Published: August 2009

Paliperidone extended‐release tablet (paliperidone ER) is a centrally active dopamine D2‐ and serotonergic 5‐HT2A‐receptor antagonist that is registered for the treatment of schizophrenia. The controlled rate of release of paliperidone from the ER formulation is designed to have a slower absorption rate, which results in gradual ascending plasma concentrations with observed maximum plasma concentrations occurring at 24 hours after dosing on the first dosing day. On subsequent treatment days, the ER formulation provides minimal fluctuations in plasma concentrations. Paliperidone is eliminated with a terminal half‐life of approximately 24 hours. Steady state is achieved after 4 daily doses. Paliperidone ER exhibits time‐invariant pharmacokinetics. It shows a 3.5‐fold accumulation upon steady state, mainly caused by the controlled release characteristics of the formulation. Paliperidone ER displays dose proportionality over the dose range of 3 to 15 mg; the 90% confidence intervals of the pairwise dose comparisons are all included in the 80% to 125% bioequivalence limits.
Simultaneous Estimation of Overall and Domain Abilities: A Higher-Order IRT Model Approach
Authors: de la Torre Jimmy , Song Hao
Published: August 2009

Assessments consisting of different domains (e.g., content areas, objectives) are typically multidimensional in nature but are commonly assumed to be unidimensional for estimation purposes. The different domains of these assessments are further treated as multi-unidimensional tests for the purpose of obtaining diagnostic information. However, when the domains are disparate, assuming a single underlying ability across the domains is not tenable. Moreover, estimating domain proficiencies based on short tests can result in unreliable scores. This article presents a higher-order item response theory framework where an overall and multiple domain abilities are specified in the same model. Using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method in a hierarchical Bayesian framework, the overall and domain-specific abilities, and their correlations, are estimated simultaneously. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model are investigated under varied conditions in a simulation study and illustrated using actual assessment data. Implications of the model for future test analysis and ability estimation are also discussed. Index terms: higher-order ability estimation, item response theory, multidimensionality, domain scoring, Markov chain Monte Carlo
Early Adolescents’ Participation in Bullying: Is ToM Involved?
Authors: Caravita Simona C. S. , Di Blasio Paola , Salmivalli Christina
Published: August 2009

The present study investigated the role of theory of mind (ToM) skills in three forms of involvement in bullying: ringleader bullying, defending the victim(s), and victimization. Individual (affective empathy) and interpersonal variables (social preference and perceived popularity) were assumed to moderate the associations between ToM and the ways of being involved in bullying. Moderation effects by gender were also explored. Participants were 211 primary school pupils (average age = 10 years and 2 months, SD = 6 months), who took part in a ToM interview and filled in self- and peer-report questionnaires on empathy, social status, and involvement in bullying. ToM skills were positively linked to defending, and among boys this association was further strengthened by social preference. Practical implications include the need to focus on both peer relationships (i.e., status) and emotional characteristics (i.e., empathy) when trying to motivate youth with good cognitive skills to actively defend their victimized classmates.
Predictors of Psychological Sequelae of Torture Among South African Former Political Prisoners
Authors: Halvorsen Joar Øveraas , Kagee Ashraf
Published: August 2009

The present study investigated potential predictors of the psychological sequelae of torture among 143 former political activists who had been detained during the apartheid era in South Africa. Using multiple regression analyses, the authors found that the number of times detained for political reasons, negative social support, strong religiousness, female gender, and number of days detained significantly predicted psychological distress and symptoms of traumatization as measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (adjusted R2 = .183) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (adjusted R2 = .152). The number of times detained for political reasons, negative social support, strong religiousness, and female gender emerged as salient risk factors for psychological distress, whereas duration of imprisonment appeared to protect against posttraumatic symptoms. This article discusses these results in terms of the current research on factors associated with traumatization.
The Effects of Bilateral Electric and Bimodal Electric—Acoustic Stimulation on Language Development
Authors: Nittrouer Susan , Chapman Christopher
Published: August 2009

There is no doubt that cochlear implants have improved the spoken language abilities of children with hearing loss, but delays persist. Consequently, it is imperative that new treatment options be explored. This study evaluated one aspect of treatment that might be modified, that having to do with bilateral implants and bimodal stimulation. A total of 58 children with at least one implant were tested at 42 months of age on four language measures spanning a continuum from basic to generative in nature. When children were grouped by the kind of stimulation they had at 42 months (one implant, bilateral implants, or bimodal stimulation), no differences across groups were observed. This was true even when groups were constrained to only children who had at least 12 months to acclimatize to their stimulation configuration. However, when children were grouped according to whether or not they had spent any time with bimodal stimulation (either consistently since their first implant or as an interlude to receiving a second) advantages were found for children who had some bimodal experience, but those advantages were restricted to language abilities that are generative in nature. Thus, previously reported benefits of simultaneous bilateral implantation early in a child's life may not extend to generative language. In fact, children may benefit from a period of bimodal stimulation early in childhood because low-frequency speech signals provide prosody and serve as an aid in learning how to perceptually organize the signal that is received through a cochlear implant.
Ecologically Unequal Exchange and Deforestation: A Cross-National Analysis of Forestry Export Flows
Authors: Shandra John M. , Leckband Christopher , London Bruce
Published: August 2009

The theory of ecologically unequal exchange suggests that rich nations are able to externalize their resource demands and environmental degradation onto the poor nations of the world through the vertical flow of exports. However, there has been no cross-national research that examines if forestry export flows from poor to rich nations is associated with higher rates of deforestation in poor nations. As such, we seek to address this gap in the literature by constructing cross-national regression models of forest loss from 1990 to 2005 for a sample of 60 poor nations. In doing so, we find substantial support for ecologically unequal exchange theory that poor nations with higher levels of forestry export flows to rich nations tend to have higher rates of deforestation.We also find that a number of other factors are related to deforestation. These include international nongovernmental organizations, democracy, total forestry production, total population growth, rural population growth, and tropical climate. We conclude with a discussion of the findings, theoretical implications, methodological implications, policy suggestions, and possible directions for future research.
Extracorporeal Life Support: Utilization, Cost, Controversy, and Ethics of Trying to Save Lives
Authors: Crow Sheri , Fischer Anne C. , Schears Raquel M.
Published: August 2009

Since the first successful application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in 1972, ECMO’s role in the management of respiratory and circulatory collapse continues to be refined and debated. Randomized clinical trials aimed at establishing efficacy and patient selection criteria have been fraught with ethical challenges. Growing concerns over rising health care costs require that careful evaluations of cost, utilization, and ethical issues surrounding heroic life-saving interventions such as ECMO are undertaken. Continued analyses of ECMO’s place in the medical management of respiratory and circulatory failure will help ensure that ECMO is used for not only prolonging life but also for providing a chance for “quality of life” following recovery from near-fatal illnesses.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for the Treatment of Neonatal Respiratory Failure
Authors: Carey William A. , Colby Christopher E.
Published: August 2009

This review discusses the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the treatment of respiratory failure in neonates. After briefly reviewing the early history of neonatal ECMO, the authors describe the respiratory diagnoses most often treated with ECMO and the manner in which affected neonates are deemed to have “failed” conventional therapies and thus require ECMO. After reviewing the most common indications for ECMO, factors that influence the timing of conversion to extracorporeal life support, as well as criteria that may exclude patients from receiving ECMO therapy, are described. At the conclusion of this article, the authors discuss the long-term outcomes of neonates whose respiratory disease was treated with ECMO and the costs associated with that care.
Who Do We Inform? The Role of Status and Target in Intergroup Whistle-blowing
Authors: Hopman Petra , van Leeuwen Esther
Published: August 2009

In two experiments ( n = 87 and n = 90), we showed that strongly identifying members of a low status group are more likely to actively inform the ingroup rather than the outgroup about an outgroup transgression, and consider it as more loyal to the ingroup to do so. Moreover, strongly identifying members of a high status group are more likely to actively inform the outgroup rather than the ingroup about an outgroup transgression, and consider this to be more loyal to the ingroup. The results are in support of the notion that, depending on a group’s existing status position, negative outgroup information can be used to enhance or confirm the ingroup’s standing, affecting whether the ingroup or the outgroup will initially be informed about an outgroup transgression.
Eager to be the Best, or Vigilant Not to Be the Worst: The Emergence of Regulatory Focus in Disjunctive and Conjunctive Group Tasks
Authors: Faddegon Krispijn , Ellemers Naomi , Scheepers Daan
Published: August 2009

In two experiments we examined the emergence of regulatory focus in group members resulting from the characteristics of a group task (disjunctive vs. conjunctive). Our central hypothesis was that disjunctive group tasks lead group members to adopt a promotion focus, and conjunctive group tasks lead group members to adopt a prevention focus. In Experiment 1, we used virtual groups to manipulate the interdependence structure of a group task (disjunctive vs. conjunctive). We assessed participants’ self-reported regulatory focus, and examined their task behavior. Experiment 2 addressed face-to-face interacting groups and examined the regulatory focus-specific emotions participants experienced as a result of the interdependence structure of the task, as well as their task performance. Results were partly in line with predictions demonstrating the emergence of a promotion focus in disjunctive group tasks, but no parallel effects for conjunctive group tasks. We connect our findings to the literature on regulatory focus theory and group dynamics and discuss the practical implications for team functioning and performance.
Review: The varied attractions of the diabetic foot
Authors: Leese Graham P
Published: August 2009

Various advances have been seen in the management of the diabetic foot. In some areas the rate of diabetes-related major amputations is declining. Duloxetine, pregabalin, venlafaxine and oxycodone are all well proven to help alleviate the pain of diabetic neuropathy. Negative pressure wound therapy has been shown to accelerate the healing of foot ulcers. New antibiotic policies designed to reduce Clostridium difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections focus on narrow spectrum short duration antibiotics, and 80% of osteomyelitis can be successfully treated without surgery. Foot screening identifies patients who will ulcerate, with high-risk patients being up to 83 times more likely to ulcerate than low-risk patients. The ‘holiday foot’ and distal peripheral vascular disease remain as major risk factors for foot ulcer development and non-healing. The diabetic foot provides many interesting and varied challenges for the interested clinician.

Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2009;9:155—159
The family of vascular access devices
Authors: Kelly Linda J
Published: August 2009

dequate intravenous access is of paramount importance for patients in both acute and community care. Advances in catheter materials and techniques have resulted in a range of vascular access devices being available for use in clinical settings. This article will present an overview of vascular access devices and provide the most relevant information regarding the indications for the use of each device. For the purpose of this article the devices will be divided into short-term, intermediate-term or long-term devices.
Extensive intraclonal diversification in a subgroup of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with stereotyped IGHV4-34 receptors: implications for ongoing interactions with antigen
Authors: Sutton Lesley-Ann , Kostareli Efterpi , Hadzidimitriou Anastasia , Darzentas Nikos , Tsaftaris Athanasios , Anagnostopoulos Achilles , Rosenquist Richard , Stamatopoulos Kostas
Published: August 2009

Several studies indicate that the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may be influenced by antigen recognition through the clonotypic B-cell receptors (BCRs). However, it is still unclear whether antigen involvement is restricted to the malignant transformation phase or whether the putative antigen(s) may continuously trigger the CLL clone and affect not only the progenitor cell but also the leukemic cells themselves. To address this issue, we conducted a large-scale subcloning study of rearranged immunoglobulin heavy variable (IGHV) genes of diverse mutational status from 71 CLL cases (total, 1496 subcloned sequences), belonging to both the common IgM/IgD variant and the rare IgG-positive variant. Although most cases showed no or low levels of intraclonal diversification (ID), we report intense ID in the IGHV genes of selected cases, especially a subgroup of 13 IgG-switched cases expressing stereotyped, mutated IGHV4-34 rearrangements (subset 4). We demonstrate that the ID evident in subset 4 cases cannot be attributed to IGHV4-34 usage, IGHV gene-mutated status, class-switch recombination, or BCR stereotypy in general; rather, it represents a unique phenomenon strongly correlated with the distinctive BCR of subset 4. In such cases, the observed ID patterns may imply a stereotyped response to an active, ongoing interaction with antigen(s).
Acute graft-versus-host disease: from the bench to the bedside
Authors: Socié Gerard , Blazar Bruce R.
Published: August 2009

During the past decade, progress in basic immunology has been impressive. In parallel, whereas our understanding of the pathophysiology of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) has greatly improved, so has our knowledge of the complexities of the immune system. Much of the immunobiology of acute GVHD has been gleaned from preclinical models and far less from correlations with clinical observations or therapeutic interventions. In this review, we summarize some of the major advances in GVHD pathophysiology, including the translation of these from the bench to the bedside, and discuss preclinical approaches that warrant further exploration in the clinic.
B-cell follicle development remodels the conduit system and allows soluble antigen delivery to follicular dendritic cells
Authors: Bajénoff Marc , Germain Ronald N.
Published: August 2009

Afferent lymph is transported throughout lymph nodes (LNs) by the conduit system. Whereas this conduit network is dense in the T-cell zone, it is sparse in B-cell follicles. In this study, we show that this differential organization emerges during lymph node development. Neonatal LNs lack B follicles, but have a developed T-cell zone and a dense conduit network. As new T and B cells enter the developing LN, the conduit network density is maintained in the T, but not the B zone, leading to a profound remodeling of the follicular network that nevertheless maintains its connectivity. In adults, the residual follicular conduits transport soluble antigen to deep regions, where follicular dendritic cells are abundant and appear to replace the fibroblastic reticular cells that enwrap conduits in the T zone. This strategic location correlates with the capacity of the follicular dendritic cells to capture antigen even in the absence of antigen-specific antibodies. Together, these results describe how the stromal organization of the T and B regions of LNs diverges during development, giving rise to distinct antigen transport and delivery modes in the 2 compartments.
Bortezomib, tacrolimus, and methotrexate for prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease after reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation from HLA-mismatched unrelated donors
Authors: Koreth John , Stevenson Kristen E. , Kim Haesook T. , Garcia Michael , Ho Vincent T. , Armand Philippe , Cutler Corey , Ritz Jerome , Antin Joseph H. , Soiffer Robert J. , Alyea Edwin P.
Published: August 2009

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a significant complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has immunomodulatory properties of potential benefit for GVHD control. We undertook a phase 1 trial of bortezomib, tacrolimus, and methotrexate for GVHD prophylaxis after reduced-intensity conditioning alloSCT using human leukocyte antigen–mismatched unrelated donors. Twenty-three patients were enrolled. Bortezomib dose levels of 1, 1.3, and 1.5 mg/m2 were evaluated with 5, 3, and 5 patients, respectively. Ten additional patients were accrued at the 1.3 mg/m2 bortezomib dose level. Bortezomib-related toxicity was minimal. With a 12-month median follow-up, grade II-IV acute GVHD occurred in 3 patients, a 180-day cumulative incidence of 13%. Chronic GVHD occurred in 9 patients, a 1-year cumulative incidence of 41%. At 1-year, the nonrelapse mortality was zero, cumulative incidence of relapse/progression was 29%, and overall, progression-free, and event-free survival were 75%, 64%, and 59%, respectively. Bortezomib is a promising novel immunomodulatory agent in allogeneic transplantation. This study was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00369226.
Inferring polyploid phylogenies from multiply-labeled gene trees
Authors: Lott Martin , Spillner Andreas , Huber Katharina T , Petri Anna , Oxelman Bengt , Moulton Vincent
Published: August 2009

Background

Gene trees that arise in the context of reconstructing the evolutionary history of polyploid species are often multiply-labeled, that is, the same leaf label can occur several times in a single tree. This property considerably complicates the task of forming a consensus of a collection of such trees compared to usual phylogenetic trees.

Results

We present a method for computing a consensus tree of multiply-labeled trees. As with the well-known greedy consensus tree approach for phylogenetic trees, our method first breaks the given collection of gene trees into a set of clusters. It then aims to insert these clusters one at a time into a tree, starting with the clusters that are supported by most of the gene trees. As the problem to decide whether a cluster can be inserted into a multiply-labeled tree is computationally hard, we have developed a heuristic method for solving this problem.

Conclusion

We illustrate the applicability of our method using two collections of trees for plants of the genusSilene, that involve several allopolyploids at different levels.
Golgi localisation of GMAP210 requires two distinct cis-membrane binding mechanisms
Authors: Cardenas Jesus , Rivero Sabrina , Goud Bruno , Bornens Michel , Rios Rosa M
Published: August 2009

Background

The Golgi apparatus in mammals appears as a ribbon made up of interconnected stacks of flattened cisternae that is positioned close to the centrosome in a microtubule-dependent manner. How this organisation is achieved and retained is not well understood. GMAP210 is a long coiled-coil cis-Golgi associated protein that plays a role in maintaining Golgi ribbon integrity and position and contributes to the formation of the primary cilium. An amphipathic alpha-helix able to bind liposomes in vitro has been recently identified at the first 38 amino acids of the protein (amphipathic lipid-packing sensor motif), and an ARF1-binding domain (Grip-related Arf-binding domain) was found at the C-terminus. To which type of membranes these two GMAP210 regions bind in vivo and how this contributes to GMAP210 localisation and function remains to be investigated.

Results

By using truncated as well as chimeric mutants and videomicroscopy we found that both the N-terminus and the C-terminus of GMAP210 are targeted to the cis-Golgi in vivo. The ALPS motif was identified as the N-terminal binding motif and appeared concentrated in the periphery of Golgi elements and between Golgi stacks. On the contrary, the C-terminal domain appeared uniformly distributed in the cis-cisternae of the Golgi apparatus. Strikingly, the two ends of the protein also behave differently in response to the drug Brefeldin A. The N-terminal domain redistributed to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites, as does the full-length protein, whereas the C-terminal domain rapidly dissociated from the Golgi apparatus to the cytosol. Mutants comprising the full-length protein but lacking one of the terminal motifs also associated with the cis-Golgi with distribution patterns similar to those of the corresponding terminal end whereas a mutant consisting in fused N- and C-terminal ends exhibits identical localisation as the endogenous protein.

Conclusion

We conclude that the Golgi localisation of GMAP210 is the result of the combined action of the two N- and C-terminal domains that recognise different sub-regions of the cis-GA. Based on present and previous data, we propose a model in which GMAP210 would participate in homotypic fusion of cis-cisternae by anchoring the surface of cisternae via its C-terminus and projecting its distal N-terminus to bind the rims or to stabilise tubular structures connecting neighbouring cis-cisternae.
Mastery of the Mind East and West
Authors: Brown Daniel
Published: August 2009

Western psychological research on positive psychology and Buddhism have recently converged in their emphasis on the development of positive states, like states of excellence and everyday happiness. Yet, these traditions differ in their approaches to positive states, with respect to a state‐trait and doing‐being distinction. Western scientific research on peak performance emphasizes discontinuous, time‐limited peak performance states wherein individuals do things extraordinarily well in sports and in the arts. The Eastern spiritual traditions emphasize continuous excellence of being, in the form of traits or character strengths. In both traditions mental imagery is a key ingredient to excellence training. With respect to everyday happiness, Western psychological research has focused on the role of meaning systems in the transformation of flow states into vital engagement in everyday life, while Buddhism stresses the role of meditation training to gain mastery over all levels of mind that leads to everyday happiness. Rorschach and tachistoscopic research on advanced meditators suggests that advance meditators have gained unusual mastery over states of mind not yet documented in the Western psychological research on positive psychology.
The Energy Body and Its Functions
Authors: Brown Daniel
Published: August 2009

There are three interrelated levels of a macromolecular energy‐information relay system in the human body, each generated by a specific type of semiconductant tissue and each with a specific function. The surface layer of the energy body, generated by fluid connective tissue and known as the ordinary channel system or meridian system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), functions in the service of immunosurveillance through detection of distress signals and transmitting energy‐information regarding immunoresponse. The middle layer of the energy body, generated by semiconductant hard and spongy bone tissue, known as the extraordinary channel system in TCM, functions in the service of longevity and regeneration, as described in Bodhidharma's classic, Bone Marrow Washing. The bone marrow energy‐information system has direct relevance to modern stem‐cell research on the role of stem cells in regeneration of injured tissue. The deepest layer of the energy body generated by semiconductant nervous system tissue notably the vagus nerve and spinal column, functions in the service of awakening consciousness and in immortality. This system is described in the Tibetan Inner Fire meditations as well as in the Taoist shen breathing practices. There is very little scientific understanding of the central channel system.
Buckling and layering transitions in confined colloids
Authors: Satapathy D. K. , Nygård K. , Bunk O. , Jefimovs K. , Perret E. , Diaz A. , Pfeiffer F. , David C. , van der Veen J. F.
Published: August 2009

We report layering transitions within a charged silica colloidal dispersion confined by two opposite like-charged dielectric walls. The ensemble-averaged concentration profiles of the colloids (radius 60±2 nm) along the confinement direction have been determined using synchrotron X-ray diffraction from microfluidic arrays of channels of different widths. For small channel widths up to a critical value of 300 nm, the channel can accommodate just one layer of colloids which is stabilized against buckling by the confining charged walls. For channel widths larger than this critical value, a buckling of the single layer is observed. These phenomena are explained using a theoretical analysis of buckling instabilities due to Chou and Nelson, and a value for the charge density on the stabilizing charged walls is derived. At still larger channel widths a sequence of complex layering transitions is observed which involve the splitting and merging of individual layers.
Good Neighbor/Bad Neighbor: Boltonian Americanism and Hemispheric Studies
Authors: BARRENECHEA ANTONIO
Published: August 2009

This essay locates the intellectual origins of comparative American studies in Herbert Eugene Bolton's “The Epic of Greater America” (1931). Bolton argued for a hemispheric approach to the study of history and laid the groundwork for a comparative practice with plural perspectives and points of entry. His legacy is not without controversy. In the 1950s the distinguished Mexican historiographer, Edmundo O'Gorman, engaged Bolton in heated debate regarding their different conceptions of the “invention of America,” to use O'Gorman's phrase. Nonetheless, Bolton's work underpins the current practice of Latin American history, U.S./Mexico border studies (particularly as developed by U.S. academics), and, since the 1980s, comparative American studies. The essay concludes by outlining a Boltonian approach to teaching the literature and history of the Americas and calling for a return to a comparative model that foregrounds languages and literary histories.
Cyborgs, Post-Punk, and the Neobaroque: Ricardo Piglia'sLa Ciudad Ausente
Authors: BROWN J. ANDREW
Published: August 2009

This essay focuses on Ricardo Piglia's use of cyborgs and post-punk music to generate the “proliferating nuclei” that Alejo Carpentier identifies as basic to baroque and neobaroque expressive structures. Brown traces the link between cyborgs and the New World baroque from Diego Rivera's mural Pan American Unity (1939) to La ciudad ausente (1992), arguing that Piglia's blend of science fiction, literary canons, and popular culture creates a model for understanding the neobaroque tendencies of a hemispheric American literature that includes Neal Stephenson, William Gibson, Jonathan Lethem, Edmundo Paz Soldán, Rodrigo Fresán, and Alberto Fuguet.
Accenting the French in Comparative American Studies
Authors: GREEN MARY JEAN
Published: August 2009

Although the field of American Studies has expanded beyond the borders of the United States, it continues to marginalize French-speaking cultures in the Americas: Québec, the Francophone islands in the Caribbean, and even Franco-Americans in the U.S. Although this marginalization has been the consequence of historical processes, contemporary francophone theorists in Canada and the Caribbean are now energetic participants in comparative American Studies, remapping their cultures within the Americas and providing a welcome accent to the transcultural process.
Infection by a symbiotic polydnavirus induces wasting and inhibits metamorphosis of the mothPseudoplusia includens
Authors: Pruijssers A. J. , Falabella P. , Eum J. H. , Pennacchio F. , Brown M. R. , Strand M. R.
Published: August 2009

Insect pathogens and parasites often affect the growth and development of their hosts, but understanding of these processes is fragmentary. Among the most species-rich and important mortality agents of insects are parasitoid wasps that carry symbiotic polydnaviruses (PDVs). Like many PDV-carrying wasps, Microplitis demolitor inhibits growth and pupation of its lepidopteran host, Pseudoplusia includens, by causing host hemolymph juvenile hormone (JH) titers to remain elevated and preventing ecdysteroid titers from rising. Here we report these alterations only occurred if P. includens was parasitized prior to achieving critical weight, and were fully mimicked by infection with only M. demolitor bracovirus (MdBV). Metabolic assays revealed that MdBV infection of pre-critical weight larvae caused a rapid and persistent state of hyperglycemia and reduced nutrient stores. In vitro ecdysteroid assays further indicated that prothoracic glands from larvae infected prior to achieving critical weight remained in a refractory state of ecdysteroid release, whereas infection of post-critical weight larvae had little or no effect on ecdysteroid release by prothoracic glands. Taken together, our results suggest MdBV causes alterations in metabolic physiology, which prevent the host from achieving critical weight. This in turn inhibits the endocrine events that normally trigger metamorphosis.
Buccal neurons activate ciliary beating in the foregut of the pteropod molluskClione limacina
Authors: Malyshev Aleksey Y. , Balaban Pavel M.
Published: August 2009

Beating of cilia lining the foregut of gastropods facilitates the swallowing of food and, therefore, plays a role in feeding behavior. Despite the fact that neural control of feeding is well studied in mollusks, no neurons controlling ciliary beating in the foregut have been identified to date. Here we describe for the first time a pair of buccal neurons innervating the foregut of Clione. Intracellular stimulation of these neurons induced vigorous activation of cilia lining the foregut in a semi-intact preparation. Using immunochemistry labeling, buccal foregut cells were found to contain peptides similar to CNP neuropeptides of the terrestrial snail Helix lucorum. Application of DYPRL-amide, a member of the Helix CNP peptide family, mimicked the effect of buccal foregut cell stimulation on ciliary activity. Induction of fictive feeding in an isolated CNS preparation resulted in the activation of buccal foregut cells suggesting that these cells control ciliary beating in the foregut during feeding. Thus,cilia-activating buccal neurons may represent a new intrinsic element of the neural control of feeding in gastropods.
A strong magnetic anomaly affects pigeon navigation
Authors: Wiltschko Roswitha , Schiffner Ingo , Wiltschko Wolfgang
Published: August 2009

Pigeons were released in a strong magnetic anomaly with fast changes in intensity and gradients directions, about 60 km from their loft, and, for comparison, at the border of the anomaly and at a control site. The vanishing bearings were found to be closely related to the home direction, but unrelated to the local gradient directions. The vector lengths and the vanishing intervals, however, were significantly correlated with the maximum difference in intensity within a 2.5 km radius around the release site. This correlation was negative for the vector lengths and positive for the vanishing intervals,indicating that steep local gradients increase scatter between pigeons and delay their departure. These findings suggest that an irregular, fast changing magnetic field as found in the anomaly leads to confusion during the navigational processes. This, in turn, implies that pigeons can sense the respective changes in magnetic intensity. Magnetic cues seem to be included in the normal navigational processes that determine the departure direction.
Activity of trunk muscles during aquatic and terrestrial locomotion inAmbystoma maculatum
Authors: Deban Stephen M. , Schilling Nadja
Published: August 2009

The activity of seven trunk muscles was recorded at two sites along the trunk in adult spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, during swimming and during trotting in water and on land. Several muscles showed patterns of activation that are consistent with the muscles producing a traveling wave of lateral bending during swimming and a standing wave of bending during aquatic and terrestrial trotting: the dorsalis trunci,subvertebralis lateralis and medialis, rectus lateralis and obliquus internus. The interspinalis showed a divergent pattern and was active out of phase with the other muscles suggesting that it functions in vertebral stabilization rather than lateral bending. The obliquus internus and rectus abdominis showed bilateral activity indicating that they counteract sagittal extension of the trunk that is produced when the large dorsal muscles are active to produce lateral bending. Of the muscles examined, only the obliquus internus showed a clear shift in function from lateral bending during swimming to resistance of long-axis torsion during trotting. During terrestrial trotting, muscle recruitment was greater in several muscles than during aquatic trotting,despite similar temporal patterns of muscle activation, suggesting that the trunk is stiffened during terrestrial locomotion against greater gravitational forces whereas the basic functions of the trunk muscles in trotting are conserved across environments.
Correcting Heterogeneous and Biased Forecast Error at Intel for Supply Chain Optimization
Authors: Manary Matthew P. , Willems Sean P. , Shihata Alison F.
Published: August 2009

In 2007, Intel's Channel Supply Demand Operations launched an initiative to improve its supply chain performance. To ensure success, the process had to fit within the existing planning processes. In practice, this meant that setting service-level and inventory targets, which had previously been external inputs to the process, had to become part of the structured decision-making process. Although other Intel business units had achieved success implementing a multiechelon inventory optimization model, the boxed processor environment posed some unique challenges. The primary technical challenge required correcting for the impact of forecast bias, nonnormal forecast errors, and heterogeneous forecast errors. This paper documents the procedure and algorithms that Intel developed and implemented in 2008 to counter the impact of forecast imperfections. The process resulted in safety stock reductions of approximately 15 percent. At any given time, Intel applies this process to its 20–30 highest-volume boxed processors, determining an on-hand inventory commitment between $50 million and $75 million.
Introduction
Authors: Bennett Dwight G.
Published: August 2009

Porcelain enamels and ceramic coatings have established their usefulness in many areas of engineering application and their further development is proceeding apace. It must be recognized, however, that ceramic technology is a specialized field with which the average engineer is not very familiar. As in other branches of science, there is inevitably a “ceramic language” that may fall painfully on the ear of one who might wish to understand it but cannot readily do so. Nevertheless, there are many specialists, groups, and organizations who are prepared to bridge the gap between development and commercial application. It was due to such considerations that the symposium was set up as a carefully planned and thorough effort to make “working engineers” better acquainted with the very useful and available subject materials. Such acquaintance should result in even greater use and more widespread application of porcelain enamel. In the program itself, due attention was given to a number of important but diversified fields to which such coatings are particularly adapted. These fields cover areas wherein an attractive and easily maintained surface is desired or where metal is subject to deterioration by such things as heat, abrasion, vibration, or close contact with corrosive liquids and gases of many kinds. It is quite possible that some of the greatest financial savings to be gained by use of ceramic coatings will be made in areas where ordinary uncoated steel is used at moderately high temperatures and has heretofore been frequently replaced as a matter of course.
Some Examples of the Functional Use of Porcelain Enamel and Ceramic Coatings for Steel
Authors: Spencer-Strong G. H.
Published: August 2009

Porcelain enamels are fundamentally very superior protective coatings which combine with their protective characteristics a highly decorative finish. The porcelain enameling art, that is, the application of glass to metals for decorative effect, has been practiced for several thousand years. The industrial application of porcelain enamels, taking advantage of their protective characteristics, is an achievement of recent origin begun during the last of the nineteenth century and approaching its modern status only during the past thirty years. It is no wonder, therefore, that those not acquainted with the material tend to consider only the decorative properties of the product and largely ignore its characteristics as an engineering material. The general public is, therefore, prone to accept the application of porcelain enamel coatings to sanitary ware and home appliances as an advance in the decorative improvement of the kitchen and the bathroom. They do not realize that these coatings were chosen, in fact often specially developed for the specific end uses, to provide protective qualities enabling the appliances and sanitary ware to give them long-lasting, satisfactory service. Similarly, in architectural applications the public does not usually recognize that this finish provides not only a highly decorative building but also a very economical structure that can be readily erected and maintained for years with a minimum expenditure. In all of these cases, porcelain enamel has been chosen and applied chiefly because of its quality as a protective finish. The highly decorative aspects—valuable and not to be overlooked—are somewhat incidental to the utilitarian properties of the material. It is the purpose of this Symposium to consider the merits of porcelain enamels and ceramic coatings fundamentally as engineering materials. This paper is concerned with a general correlation between the general physical properties of porcelain enamels and ceramic coatings and past and present uses of the coatings as engineering materials.