julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Threats to religious freedom in Nigeria - analysis of a complex scenario
2012-01-01

Nigeria currently grapples with an unprecedented spate of sectarian violence, which continues to take a debilitating toll on the people. Although the country is no stranger to communal violence related to religion, which in the last twelve years has claimed thousands of lives, the present situation is unique in terms of the nature, geographical scope and terrorist dimension of the violent insurrection led by, but not limited to, the militant Islamist sect Boko Haram. The mass exodus of people from the troubled northern areas to the southern region and the mounting clamour by mostly southerners for a Sovereign National Conference, in which the different ethnic and religious groups would come together to reassess the basis of their living together, are indications that the ongoing sectarian violence is a sign of a national tragedy with far-reaching ramifications. The purpose of this article is to show that the present sectarian crisis in Nigeria is a part of an enduring and evolving wave of religious rights violations that continue to thrive unabated. We argue that both structural and direct violence against Christians in northern Nigeria are linked. The article also highlights the responses of the Nigerian Christian community to persecution. In the final analysis, it is important to acknowledge that there are many among Christians and Muslims who share the vision of living in peace with one another. This can be encouraged if the two religions work to discard stereotypes against each other. By doing so, the clamour for greater religious freedom is likely to become a joint project for adherents of both religions and other citizens who embrace the possibility of peaceful coexistence.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Fibroblasts
2012-01-01

Adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), also referred to as mesenchymal stem cells, were detected almost half a century ago in bone marrow and have been studied intensively in the last decade.Different aspects of MSC biology were explored and published.Studies pointed to their localization in different organs during development and in adulthood and described their characteristics in experimental or clinical investigations.Despite intensive research in the field and in sharp contrast to hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), it has become more and more clear that MSC lack a unique cell surface marker.MSC not only share cell surface markers with other types of cells, they also share many features with pericytes and fibroblasts, including their capability to differentiate into, for instance, osteoblasts or adipocytes.In this review we therefore screen the current literature to disclose differences between MSC and fibroblasts and also report on common qualities.
Isospin Decomposition of the Basic Double-Pionic Fusion in the Region of the ABC Effect
2012-01-01

With a proton beam of Tp = 1.2 GeV incident on the deuterium pellet target of the WASA detector setup all three basic double-pionic fusion reactions have been measured simultaneously. By use of quasifree kinematics the energy range 2.3 GeV ≤ √s &lt; 2.5 GeV could be covered, which just coincides with the energy region, where the ABC effect and its associated resonance structure has been observed. From the isospin decomposition we see that the resonance effect is solely in the isoscalar part of the reaction process, whereas the isovector part exhibits a monotonic smoothly rising energy dependence and no ABC effect.\\n
Stable Isotope Composition of Hydrothermally Altered Rocks and Hydrothermal Minerals at the Los Azufres Geothermal Field, Mexico
2012-01-01

The Los Azufres geothermal field is the second most important geothermal field for electricity production in Mexico, with a total installed capacity of 188 MW. Hydrothermal alteration studies have been an important tool for geothermal exploration and development of the field, but little attention has been given to the geochemical and isotopic characterization of hydrothermal minerals. d18O, d2H, and d13C systematics at Los Azufres geothermal field were investigated using whole rock samples, as well as hydrothermal minerals separates, obtained from different depths in the wells Az-26 and Az-52. Most d18O values reproduce well the present in-situ field temperatures and isotopic composition of geothermal fluids or local meteoric water. Temperature seems to be the most important factor controlling the oxygen isotope composition of reservoir rocks. A vertical correlation with decreasing d18O values and increasing temperature is given for both well profiles. Most analyzed calcites have isotope ratios close to or in isotopic equilibrium with present geothermal or meteoric water at in-situ temperatures. A good correlation between lower calcite d18O values and high W/R ratios indicate that oxygen isotopic composition of calcite might constitute a tool for identifying areas of high permeability in the geothermal system of Los Azufres. In contrast, the disequilibrium for some quartz samples suggests the presence of reservoir fluids significantly enriched in 18O (d18O values about 8%o higher than those of present geothermal fluids) at the time of quartz deposition.
Recovery of residual curarization after red blood cell transfusion
2012-01-01

Pregnancy, blood loss and genetic variation contributed to impairment of plasma cholinesterase. Due to high-speed red blood cell transfusion, hemolytic release of erythrocyte cholinesterase might have terminated the neuromuscular blocking succinylcholine effect.
A new workflow for carbonate reservoir modelling based on MPS: shoal bodies in outcrop analogues (Triassic, SW Germany)
2012-01-01

Abstract This study presents a workflow for 3D modelling of carbonate reservoirs using multiple-point statistics (MPS) in the framework of a pre-existing model. It consists of the following steps: (1) applying a hierarchical classification scheme for carbonate geobodies; (2) based on this classification, retrieval of relevant data from Carbdb, a novel software to manage a database of analogue studies; (3) construction of training images based on the retrieved data from Carbdb; and (4) using the training images when building a 3D reservoir model with MPS. MPS makes use of training images to capture depositional patterns, which will then be reproduced during the stochastic simulations. Carbdb provides a library of quantitative data such as dimensions, geometries and the distribution pattern of geobody analogues necessary for building training images. The MPS workflow was applied to carbonate shoal bodies from a reservoir analogue, the Muschelkalk in SW Germany. Present-day shoal bodies from the Arabian Gulf were retrieved from Carbdb as possible modern analogues to generate training images. The realizations of this MPS approach are compared with a previously established 3D geocellular model that was built deterministically by interactive facies modelling. The MPS simulations produced geologically more realistic facies distributions with higher facies heterogeneity, similar to the depositional patterns observed in modern analogues.
Strategy for catch and release of azide-tagged biomolecules utilizing a photolabile strained alkyne construct
2012-01-01

A photolabile o-nitrobenzyl linker-cyclooctyne conjugate was prepared, immobilized on poly(methacrylate) beads and utilized as a trap for azide-functionalized compounds. These could be released by 365 nm UV light irradiation in high yield and purity. The "reagent-free" and time economic catch and release protocol was deemed useful for chemical proteomics applications.
Wavefronts and Light Cones for Kerr Spacetimes
2012-01-01

We investigate the light propagation by means of simulations of wavefronts\\nand light cones for Kerr spacetimes. Simulations of this kind give us a new\\ninsight to better understand the light propagation in presence of massive\\nrotating black holes. A relevant result is that wavefronts are back scattered\\nwith winding around the black hole. To generate these visualizations, an\\ninteractive computer program with a graphical user interface, called JWFront,\\nwas written in Java.\\n
The value(s) of sustainability within a pragmatically justified theory of values: considerations in the context of climate change
2012-01-01

Forced by, among others, climate change land-use practices and food production are in the stage of ongoing transformation. For instance, the development of agricultural production systems reducing greenhouse gases now is regarded as a reaction to climate change and its consequences. As different adaptation options arise, sustainability is considered as a normative key concept giving orientation for decisions in the mentioned contexts. Apart from well-known terminological and theoretical problems, in practical perspectives the concept of sustainability underwent a great success story. We endorse the approach to understand sustainability as a deontological ethical approach ultimately based on intra- and intergenerational justice. At the same time, one can speak about sustainability as a general moral value or value set guiding individual and collective decision-making. The situation is getting complicated when several other values are accepted in the relevant contexts at the same time (e.g. progress, social justice, nutrition). For the solution of arising value conflicts, an approach to values is required which allows weighing and trading off competing values. In the first step, a pragmatically justified theory of values is introduced that takes contemporary value pluralism seriously. Although values cannot be regarded as independent of time and space, historically contingent values are employed as valid and binding by agents. Out of consensual compliance patterns follows the possibility to contrast and relate values within a value system. In the second step, an ‘acid test’ of the value theory is made: It is practised in the context of climate change where sustainability is immersed in competing values and value sets. In that way, the suggested theory is pragmatically justified by successful application options.
Educational Expansion and the Role of Demographic Factors: The Case of West Germany
2012-01-01

To what degree and extent is the educational distribution in successive generations affected by parental differential fertility and social inequalities in educational attainment? Lower educated women, for example, are likely to have more children than higher educated women, and the children of lower educated mothers are more likely to attain less education than the children of higher educated mothers. This may lead to a downward pressure on the average level of education in the next generation. The aim of this article is to quantify the role of these mechanisms for West Germany in the 20 th century. This is done by simulating the distribution of education under different scenarios: a reference scenario in which all rates correspond to the empirically observed rates, a scenario that completely removes differential fertility, a scenario that completely removes inequality of educational opportunity, and a scenario that greatly increases the amount of differential fertility. The main finding is that the observed levels of inequality of educational opportunity and differential fertility are too small to result in a meaningful impact on the distribution of education in the subsequent generation. Both the first and the second scenario lead to only minor changes in the distribution of education compared with the reference scenario. However, in principle differential fertility could have a noticeable effect. This is illustrated by the results from the last scenario in which fertility of the lowest educated women is greatly increased. In such an extreme but not impossible society the average education would be considerably lower than in the reference scenario.
Immune Responses to Candida albicans in Models of In Vitro Reconstituted Human Oral Epithelium
2012-01-01

In this protocol, we describe the application of commercially available three-dimensional organotypic tissues of human oral mucosa to study the interaction between Candida albicans and epithelial cells. Infection experiments show high reproducibility and can be used to analyse directly pathogen/epithelial cell interactions. However, the system is also very flexible. Using histological, biochemical, immunological, and molecular methods, it is possible to analyse several stages of infection by C. albicans wild type or mutant strains and demonstrate the consequence of disrupting genes encoding putative virulence factors required for host cell invasion and immune defence induction. This model provides information about host and pathogen protein and gene expression during direct interactions with each other. It can additionally be supplemented with other host factors, such as immune cells, saliva, and probiotic bacteria, which are relevant for host immune defence in the oral cavity.
Towards a value-reflexive governance of water
2012-01-01

Climate change, agriculture and food production are closely interlinked by the issue of water. While heavy precipitation events destroy yields and land, adaptation and mitigation measures to counter climate change might themselves put stress on water resources. Managing water can help to manage climate change consequences. So far, there exists much instrumental knowledge on how to technically deal with water issues. In spite of that, many management approaches fail mainly because they ignore the political dimension of water management processes. This failure concerns issues of rule-setting and rule-enforcement but also the question of values. This paper draws on results of the FP7-EU project ‘Value Isobars’, especially of a part elaborated by the authors. It will be argued that a more value-reflexive governance can contribute to overcome some of the shortcomings in current water governance. It suggests (1) value-dialogue as a low-threshold entry into ethical questions of water governance; and (2) an ethical approach to deal with values in an argumentative way. The paper does not elaborate specific methods for deliberation and participation but aims at giving the choice and design of such methods an ethical grounding.
A Unitary or Multiple Representations of Numerical Magnitude? – the Case of Structure in Symbolic and Non-Symbolic Quantities
2012-01-01

Currently, there is a controversial debate on whether there is an abstract representation of number magnitude, multiple different ones, or multiple different ones that project onto a unitary representation. The current study aimed at evaluating this issue by means of a magnitude comparison task involving Arabic numbers and structured as well as unstructured non-symbolic patterns of squares. In particular, we were interested whether a specific numerical effect, the unit-decade compatibility effect reflecting decomposed processing of tens and units complying with the place-value structure of the Arabic number system, is affected by input notation. Indeed, a reliable unit-decade compatibility effect was observed in the symbolic-digital notation condition but was absent for unstructured non-symbolic notation. However, for structured non-symbolic notation a - albeit negative - compatibility effect was observed as well. Theses results are hard to reconcile with the notion of an abstract representation of number magnitude. Instead, our data support the existence of multiple representations of numerical magnitude. In addition, the current data indicate that it may not be a question of symbolic vs. non-symbolic notation only but also an issue of the structuring of the input notation. While unstructured non-symbolic quantities seemed to be processed holistically we found evidence suggesting at least partially decomposed processing not only for symbolic Arabic numbers but also for structured non-symbolic quantities.
Growth Behavior of DyBa2Cu3O7-δ Thin Films Deposited by Inclined Substrate Deposition for Coated Conductors
2012-01-01

DyBa2Cu3O7-δ (DyBCO) films were grown on biaxially-textured MgO buffer layers deposited on Hastelloy substrates, typical critical current densities (Jc) were 2.1 MA cm-2 at 77 K in self-field. Biaxial texturing and the orientation relationship of DyBCO films with respect to the Inclined Substrate Deposition MgO buffer layer were investigated using plan-view and cross-section Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). A detailed analysis of the microstructural parameters will be summarized. Despite the large lattice mismatch (8.5%) the DyBCO grows epitaxially on the MgO buffer layer and the biaxial texture of the MgO is well transferred to the DyBCO. A growth model for the DyBCO is presented.
Selenium adducts of germa- and stanna-closo-dodecaborate: coordination at platinum, structural studies and NMR spectroscopy
2012-01-01

The selenium adducts of germa- and stanna-closo-dodecaborate can coordinate at platinum via the selenium atom and result in the products [Pt(dppp)(Se-TB(11)H(11))(2)](2-) (T = Ge, Sn) (dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane). The monomeric tin compound [Pt(dppp)(Se-SnB(11)H(11))(2)](2-) is converted to a dimeric complex [Pt(2)(dppp)(2)(μ(2),μ'(2)-η(2)-Se(2)SnB(11)H(11))]. The new compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy in solution ((1)H, (11)B, (13)C, (31)P, (77)Se, (119)Sn, (195)Pt), elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Extended hepatic resection in advanced hepatoblastoma
2012-01-01

Complete surgical resection of the primary tumor is one of the most important prognostic factors for hepatoblastoma (HB). This goal can mean a relevant challenge in some cases of advanced HB, especially since an anatomical resection should be realised. Over recent years several surgical techniques for advanced liver resections in children have been developed and refined. In this article the authors summarize their own experience with advanced liver resections for HB and give an overview over indications and specifications for the different approaches.
Die Kooperation zwischen Haus- und Betriebsärzten in Deutschland: Wo befinden sich Defizite und Barrieren?: Eine qualitative Analyse anhand von Fokusgruppeninterviews
2012-01-01

The inability to markedly attenuate cholesterol levels in chicken eggs has led to speculation that cholesterol is essential for yolk formation and that egg production would cease when yolk cholesterol deposition was inadequate for embryonic survival. However, this critical level hypothesis remains unproven. Here, we determine the relative responsiveness of laying hens to three select inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis. A control diet, either alone or supplemented with one of two dietary levels (0.03 or 0.06%) of atorvastatin, lovastatin, or simvastatin, was fed to White Leghorn hens for 5 wk. Liver cholesterol concentrations (mg/g tissue) were decreased (P </= 0.05) by each HMGR inhibitor; however, total liver cholesterol (mg) did not differ among treatments. Microsomal hepatic HMGR activities were increased one- to twofold in all HMGR inhibitor-treated groups, while HMGR mRNA levels were unaffected. Diameters of plasma VLDL particles, the main cholesterol-carrying yolk precursor macromolecules, were reduced (P </= 0.05) only in hens fed 0.06% atorvastatin, and the particles contained 38% less total cholesterol (P </= 0.05) than controls. Plasma total cholesterol concentrations were lowered (P </= 0.05) by both doses of atorvastatin (-56, -63%) and simvastatin (-36,-45%). Egg cholesterol contents were maximally reduced by 46% (P </= 0.05), 7% (P > 0.05), and 22% (P </= 0.05) in hens fed the 0.06% level of atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, respectively, while overall egg production [-19% (P </= 0.05), +4% (P > 0.05), and -3% (P > 0.05)], was much less affected. We concluded that cholesterol per se may not be an obligatory component for yolk formation in chickens and, as such, may be amenable to further pharmacological manipulation
Some hadronic properties from light front holography
2012-01-01

Using ideas from Light Front Holography, we discuss the calculation of\\nhadronic properties. In this talk I will pay special attention to hadronic\\nmasses and the nucleon helicity-independent generalized parton distributions of\\nquarks in the zero skewness case\\n
Cryodynamics can solve the energy problem by stabilizing ITER: A prediction
2012-01-01

An optimistic scenario is sketched which only at first sight appears unrealistic. The ingredients go back to the names of Zwicky and Chandrasekhar. Thermodynamics is not the only basis on which to build macroscopic machines. The recently described sister discipline of cryodynamics is characterized by a decrease in entropy and enables thereby, in conjunction with the entropy increase of thermodynamics, an eternally recycling cosmos. A first down-to-earth application is proposed that would be highly beneficial in stabilizing hot fusion. Skepticism and hope still are in balance but a new industrial age with unlimited energy is proposed to be dawning.
Enhancing the Signal of Corticomuscular Coherence
2012-01-01

The availability of multichannel neuroimaging techniques, such as MEG and EEG, provides us with detailed topographical information of the recorded magnetic and electric signals and therefore gives us a good overview on the concomitant signals generated in the brain. To assess the location and the temporal dynamics of neuronal sources with noninvasive recordings, reconstruction tools such as beamformers have been shown to be useful. In the current study, we are in particular interested in cortical motor control involved in the isometric contraction of finger muscles. To this end we are measuring the interaction between the dynamics of brain signals and the electrical activity of hand muscles. We were interested to find out whether in addition to the well-known correlated activity between contralateral primary motor cortex and the hand muscles, additional functional connections can be demonstrated. We adopted coherence as a functional index and propose a so-called nulling beamformer method which is computationally efficient and addresses the localization of multiple correlated sources. In simulations of cortico-motor coherence, the proposed method was able to correctly localize secondary sources. The application of the approach on real electromyographic and magnetoencephalographic data collected during an isometric contraction and rest revealed an additional activity in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the hand involved in the task.
Microstructure of BaZrO3-Doped DyBa2Cu3O7-x Coated Conductors Deposited by Inclined Substrate Deposition
2012-01-01

Microstructure engineering provides an effective way to improve the vortex pinning via addition of nano precipitates in a superconducting matrix. Precise control of these nano precipitates, including their dimensions and alignment, is critical to obtain optimal pinning. DyBa2Cu3O7-x (DyBCO) films with BaZrO3 nano precipitates (BZO-NPs) were grown on biaxially-textured MgO buffer layers deposited by Inclined Substrate Deposition (ISD) on Hastelloy substrates. A critical current density (Jc) of 0.9 MA cm-2 was obtained at 77 K in self-field. Orientation and size of the BZO-NPs were investigated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The BZO-NPs were aligned along the (a,b)-plane of DyBCO and thus was greatly affected by the faceted geometry of the ISD MgO buffer layer.