Muslim Integration into Western Cultures: Between Origins and Destinations

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/91196/1/j.1467-9248.2012.00951.x.pd

Mechanical properties of mammalian single smooth muscle cells. III. Passive properties of pig detrusor and human a terme uterus cells.

Cells isolated from pig urinary bladders and pregnant full term human uteruses were attached longitudinally between a microforce transducer and a length displacement apparatus. Cells were stretched by applying a series of ramp-like length changes of 0.2 s duration and 10.0 microns amplitude at intervals of 15 min. Passive forces upon straining were as high as 70-100 microNs. Following these peak forces stress relaxation occurred, levelling off approximately 50% of the maximum peak force. The maximum elastic modulus estimated for single cells was found to be at least a tenfold higher than was previously estimated from intact bladder strips. The relation between the increase in length and the increase in initial force increment was found to be approximately linear. An exponential equation was fitted to a selected number of stress relaxation curves. Relaxation curves of bladder cells show a clearly different time course as compared to bladder tissue strips, suggesting that a significant amount of relaxation in strips has to be contributed to the connective tissue components or to structural changes in these strips

The Bilateral Relations of the Benelux Countries with Russia: Between Rhetorical Engagement and Competitive Business Interests

This article explores the willingness of the Benelux countries to coordinate Russia related policies at EU level, contrasting their traditional pro-integrationist disposition and national economic interests. At rhetorical level all three states display a willingness to coordinate policies within the EU. In practice, however, this is dependent on the individual country’s economic interests, with energy being of particular importance in Dutch-Russian relations. There appears to be considerable inter-state competition in obtaining lucrative commercial contracts, undermining a coherent EU approach towards Russia. The traditional sources of influence of small states in the EU are limited in the case of the Benelux and Russia. With their traditional pro-integrationist attitudes having undergone substantial change, the Benelux states lack the leadership and the credibility to be seen as impartial brokers of a coalition for a coherent Russia strategy. Ad hoc coalitions on the basis of converging economic interests appear to be more determining for the coordination of Russia policies within the EU