bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normal and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Nitroazobenzene Submonolayers and Multilayers on Carbon and Silver Surfaces
Authors: Liang Haihe , Tian Hong , McCreery Richard L.
Published: July 2007

Raman and ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra were obtained for nitroazobenzene (NAB) chemisorbed on smooth and rough silver, and they were compared to published spectra for NAB on sp2 hybridized pyrolyzed photoresist film (PPF) surfaces. High signal-to-noise ratio Raman spectra were obtained for 4.5 nm thick NAB films on PPF and smooth Ag due to significant enhancement of the NAB scattering relative to that observed in solution. The UV-Vis spectra of chemisorbed NAB exhibited a significant shift toward longer wavelength, thus bringing the NAB absorption closer to the 514.5 nm laser wavelength. The red shift was larger for PPF than for smooth Ag, consistent with the ∼5× stronger Raman signal obtained on PPF. Deposition of Ag onto quartz without a chromium adhesion layer produced a rough Ag surface that enhanced the Raman spectrum of chemisorbed NAB by a factor of ∼1000, as expected for roughened Ag due to electromagnetic field enhancement. The strong Raman signal permitted observation of NAB at low coverage and revealed changes in the NAB spectrum as the film progressed from submonolayer to multilayer thicknesses. Finally, deposition of Ag onto PPF/NAB samples through a metal grid produced Ag squares on top of the NAB, which enhanced the Raman scattering of the NAB layer by a factor of ∼100. Deposition of a final conducting film on the Ag squares should permit in situ observation of a wide range of molecules in operating molecular electronic junctions.
Enhancement of the Raman Scattering Signal Due to a Nanolens Effect
Authors: Desmedt A. , Talaga D. , Bruneel J. L.
Published: July 2007

The Raman scattering signal of a substrate is investigated using a polystyrene nanolens of a few hundred nanometers inserted within the light path of a confocal microspectrometer. As observed in solid immersion microscopy, the nanolens is at the origin of the improvement of the spatial resolution. Furthermore, enhancement of the Raman scattering signal of the substrate is observed when measuring through the polystyrene bead. The enhancement factors have been measured for silicon, highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, and gallium arsenide substrates. This setup provides a new way of enhancing the Raman signal by means of a nanolens.
Liquid-Phase Broadband Cavity-Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy Measurements in a 2 mm Cuvette
Authors: Islam Meez , Seetohul L. Nitin , Ali Zulfiqur
Published: July 2007

A novel implementation of broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (BBCEAS) has been used to perform sensitive visible wavelength measurements on liquid-phase solutions in a 2 mm cuvette placed at normal incidence to the cavity mirrors. The overall experimental methodology was simple, low cost, and similar to conventional ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. The cavity was formed by two concave high reflectivity mirrors. Three mirror sets with nominal reflectivities ( R) of R = 0.99, 0.9945, and 0.999 were used. The light source consisted of a high intensity red, green, blue, or white LED. The detector was a compact charge-coupled device (CCD) spectrograph. Measurements were made on the representative analytes, Ho3+, and the dyes brilliant blue-R, sudan black, and coumarin 334 in appropriate solvents. Cavity enhancement factors (CEF) of up to 104 passes for the high reflectivity mirrors were obtained. The number of passes was limited by relatively high scattering and absorption losses in the cavity, of ∼1 × 10−2 per pass. Measurements over a wide wavelength range (420–670 nm) were also obtained in a single experiment with the white LED and the R = 0.99 mirror set for Ho3+ and sudan black. The sensitivity of the experimental setup could be determined by calculating the minimum detectable change in the absorption coefficient αmin. The values ranged from 5.1 × 10−5 to 1.2 × 10−3 cm−1. The limit of detection (LOD) for the strong absorber brilliant blue-R was 620 pM. A linear dynamic range of measurements of concentration over about two orders of magnitude was demonstrated. The overall sensitivity of the experimental setup compared very favorably with previous generally more experimentally complex and expensive liquid-phase cavity studies. Possible improvements to the technique and its applicability as an analytical tool are discussed.
Continuous Wave Achromatic Thermal Lens Spectroscopy
Authors: Marcano O.A. , Melikechi N.
Published: July 2007

We present a mode-mismatched continuous wave (cw) achromatic thermal lens experiment in which the pump beam is focused in the presence of a collimated probe beam. This scheme presents a distinct advantage over mode-matched thermal lens experimental methods in that it considerably reduces chromatic aberrations. Further, using the proposed method, we measure the near infrared spectrum of distilled water. The results are in good agreement with previous transmission measurements.
Fluorescence Rejection in Resonance Raman Spectroscopy Using a Picosecond-Gated Intensified Charge-Coupled Device Camera
Authors: Efremov Evtim V. , Buijs Joost B. , Gooijer Cees , Ariese Freek
Published: July 2007

A Raman instrument was assembled and tested that rejects typically 98–99% of background fluorescence. Use is made of short (picosecond) laser pulses and time-gated detection in order to record the Raman signals during the pulse while blocking most of the fluorescence. Our approach uses an ultrafast-gated intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera as a simple and straightforward alternative to ps Kerr gating. The fluorescence rejection efficiency depends mainly on the fluorescence lifetime and on the closing speed of the gate (which is about 80 ps in our setup). A formula to calculate this rejection factor is presented. The gated intensifier can be operated at 80 MHz, so high repetition rates and low pulse energies can be used, thus minimizing photodegradation. For excitation we use a frequency-tripled or -doubled Ti: sapphire laser with a pulse width of 3 ps; it should not be shorter in view of the required spectral resolution. Other critical aspects tested include intensifier efficiency as a function of gate width, uniformity of the gate pulse across the spectrum, and spectral resolution in comparison with ungated detection. The total instrumental resolution is 7 cm−1 in the blue and 15 cm−1 in the ultraviolet (UV) region. The setup allows one to use resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) for extra sensitivity and selectivity, even in the case of strong background fluorescence. Excitation wavelengths in the visible or UV range no longer have to be avoided. The effectiveness of this setup is demonstrated on a test system: pyrene in the presence of toluene fluorescence (λexc = 257 nm). Furthermore, good time-gated RRS spectra are shown for a strongly fluorescent flavoprotein (λexc = 405 nm). Advantages and disadvantages of this approach for RRS are discussed.
Remote Monitoring of Multi-Gas Mixtures by Passive Standoff Fourier Transform Infrared Radiometry
Authors: Thériault Jean-Marc , Puckrin Eldon , Lavoie Hugo
Published: July 2007

The passive remote monitoring of multi-gas mixtures was experimentally investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) radiometry. The spectral radiance data were collected using a dual-port radiometrically balanced interferometer for a variety of multi-gas plumes at a standoff distance of 60 m. Two basic sets of mixtures were studied. The first set corresponded to mixtures consisting of three gases with no overlapping spectral bands (C2H2, C2H4, and R14). The second set corresponded to mixtures of three gases having significant spectral overlap (C2H4, R114, and R134a). For each mixture the flow rates of individual constituents were adjusted to yield specific constituent optical-density (CL) ratios. These ratios were compared to the optical-density ratios retrieved from the measured infrared radiance spectra. Results of this study indicated that for both sets of multi-gas mixtures the optical-density ratios retrieved by the passive remote monitoring technique were in good agreement with those derived from the release flow rates, provided that a simple correction scheme was introduced to compensate for the limited accuracy of the fast radiance model implemented in the monitoring algorithm.
Diet and prey selection in the Mediterranean horseshoe bat Rhinolophus euryale
(Chiroptera, Rhinolophidae) during the pre-breeding season
Authors: Goiti Urtzi , Aihartza Jose Ramon , Garin Inazio
Published: July 2007

In May 2001 we collected droppings of Rhinolophus euryale from a colony
located in the Basque Country (souhtwestern Europe). Simultaneously, we
used Malaise traps to determine prey availability in different habitats, weighting
it according to the habitat use of bats. Prey categories found in droppings
were then compared to availability to perform the selection analysis. The
main consumed prey were by far small lepidopterans (5-11 mm long), followed
by tipulids, and scarabaeid beetles (entirely Rhizotrogus sp.). Moths and
beetles were selected positively, whereas the other categories were underrepresented
in the diet. These results suggest the importance of small moths
in the pre-breeding diet of this species, although other items might seasonally
play an important role.
Programmieren durch Vormachen für Assistenzsysteme – Schweiß- und Klebebahnen intuitiv programmieren (Programming by Demonstration for Assistive Systems – Intuitive Programming of Welding and Gluing Trajectories)
Authors: Meyer Christian , Hollmann Rebecca , Parlitz Christopher , Hägele Martin
Published: July 2007

Assistenzsysteme, seien sie mobil oder stationär, unterstützen den Werker im Produktionsprozess, beispielsweise bei Schweißarbeiten in kleinen Losgrößen. Für die Programmierung dieser Prozesse existiert keine etablierte Lösung, da die Vorgehensweisen der Industrierobotik nicht übertragbar sind. Das Konzept des Programmierens durch Vormachen ist ein Lösungsansatz, der mit der Programmierumgebung InTeach verfolgt wird. Die Komponenten des Systems und die damit mögliche schnelle und intuitive Programmierung werden am Beispiel von zwei Assistenzsystemen vorgestellt.
Rapid diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Hadzsiev Kinga , Czakó Márta , Veszprémi Béla , Kosztolányi György
Published: July 2007

A Down-kór noninvazív, maternális szűrése során azonosított fokozott kockázatú esetekben a magzati aneuploidiák diagnosztizálására gyors molekuláris módszerek állnak rendelkezésre, ezek diagnosztikus értéke azonban vitatott.
Célkitűzés:
A szerzők a prospektív vizsgálattal adatokat kívántak szerezni arra a kérdésre, hogy milyen a megbízhatósága az egyik gyors tesztnek, az interfázis fluoreszcens in situ hibridizációnak (FISH).
Módszerek:
2002. május és 2006. szeptember között az összes beérkezett 1279 magzati mintát megvizsgálták mind interfázis-FISH-sel, mind tenyésztést követő kariotipizálással.
Eredmények:
Interfázis-FISH-vizsgálattal 47 esetben (3,7%) észleltek többlet- vagy hiányzó szignált (32 esetben 21-triszómia, 15 esetben egyéb számbeli rendellenesség), ezek mindegyike megegyezett a tenyésztés során talált eredménnyel. Tizenkilenc esetben interfázis-FISH-sel normális eredményt kaptak, azonban a tenyésztés után nyert készítményekben rendellenesség mutatkozott (a 19-ből 12-ben kiegyensúlyozott transzlokáció). Tovább elemezve ezeket az eseteket, azt az eredményt kapták, hogy az 1279 terhességből 4 (0,3%) volt olyan (3 magzat szám feletti kromoszómával, 1 kiegyensúlyozatlan de novo transzlokációval), amelyből új mutációval rendellenes fenotípusú újszülött született volna, ha nem készül metafázisos vizsgálat. A 4-ből kettőben kóros magzati ultrahangjelek mutatkoztak.
Következtetés:
Noha további összehasonlító elemzésekre van szükség, a szerzők véleménye szerint a Down-szindróma szűrési protokolljában az interfázis-FISH kizárólagos alkalmazása a diagnosztikus fázisban elfogadható lehet, ha ezt csupán emelkedett anyai életkor és az anyai szérummarkerek alapján kiszűrt esetekben alkalmazzák. Amennyiben az indikáció familiáris transzlokáció vagy 2. trimeszterbeli kóros ultrahanglelet, a metafázisos készítmények értékelésére van szükség.
What is the role of the allergic sensitization in Graves’ disease?
Authors: Molnár Ildikó
Published: July 2007

A legújabb irodalmi adatok alapján a Graves-kór és az allergiás betegségek immunválaszában a T helper 2-dominancia érvényesül. Ezt bizonyítja a regulatorikus T-sejteknek az antigén- (vagy allergén-) specifikus immunválaszban igazolt közös szerepe.
Célok:
Felvetődik, hogy az allergiás tünetek az autoimmun Graves-kórban betegséget kiváltó vagy progressziót okozó tényezők lehetnek. A szezonális allergiák előfordulása megmagyarázhatja a Graves-kór megjelenésében mutatkozó fluktuációt.
Módszerek:
A szerző 327 pajzsmirigybetegnél (Graves-kór, Hashimoto-thyreoiditis, euthyreoid struma) vizsgálta 20 inhalatív allergénnel szemben a specifikus IgE-szintek előfordulását. Az allergénspecifikus IgE-szintek mérése Western blot-módszerrel és denzitometriás kiértékeléssel történt.
Eredmények:
88 (58%) Graves-kóros, 51 (46%) Hashimoto-thyreoiditises és 31 (55%) euthyreoid strumás betegnél lehetett az allergénekkel szemben sensitisatiót kimutatni. Szignifikáns különbség csak az egyes allergének esetében mutatkozott a Graves-kóros (ophthalmopathiától függően), illetve az euthyreoid strumás csoportok között, pl. penicillinum notatum, lisztatka, éger-, rozspollen. Az allergének szezonális hónapja alapján képzett 4 csoportban a Graves-kór megjelenésének hónapja szoros összefüggést mutatott a korai fák és a gyomnövények szezonjával (P < 0,019 a Graves-kór és a Hashimoto-thyreoiditis között). Graves-kórban 17 betegnél és Hashimoto-thyreoiditisben 7 betegnél egyezett meg a betegség megjelenésének hónapja az allergén szezonjával (P < 0,028).
Következtetések:
Összegezve megállapítható, hogy az allergiás sensitisatio gyakoribb előfordulást mutat Graves-kórban, és e pajzsmirigybetegség megjelenésében megfigyelhető fluktuáció hátterében az allergénekre jellemző szezonalitás is érvényesül.
Increased Neurogenesis and Astrogenesis from Neural Progenitor Cells Grafted in the Hippocampus of GFAP−/−Vim−/− Mice
Authors: Widestrand Åsa , Faijerson Jonas , Wilhelmsson Ulrika , Smith Peter L. P. , Li Lizhen , Sihlbom Carina , Eriksson Peter S. , Pekny Milos
Published: July 2007

After neurotrauma, ischemia, or neurodegenerative disease, astrocytes upregulate their expression of the intermediate filament proteins glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin (Vim), and nestin. This response, reactive gliosis, is attenuated in GFAP−/−Vim−/− mice, resulting in the promotion of synaptic regeneration after neurotrauma and improved integration of retinal grafts. Here we assessed whether GFAP−/−Vim−/− astrocytes affect the differentiation of neural progenitor cells. In coculture with GFAP−/−Vim−/− astrocytes, neural progenitor cells increased neurogenesis by 65% and astrogenesis by 124%. At 35 days after transplantation of neural progenitor cells into the hippocampus, adult GFAP−/−Vim−/− mice had more transplant-derived neurons and astrocytes than wild-type controls, as well as increased branching of neurite-like processes on transplanted cells. Wnt3 immunoreactivity was readily detected in hippocampal astrocytes in wild-type but not in GFAP−/−Vim−/− mice. These findings suggest that GFAP−/−Vim−/− astrocytes allow more neural progenitor cell-derived neurons and astrocytes to survive weeks after transplantation. Thus, reactive gliosis may adversely affect the integration of transplanted neural progenitor cells in the brain.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Off‐Highway Vehicle Trail Impacts on Breeding Songbirds in Northeastern California
Authors: BARTON DANIEL C. , HOLMES AARON L.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Rapid growth in off‐highway vehicle (OHV) use in North America leads to concerns about potential impacts on wildlife populations. We studied the relationship between distance to active OHV trail and songbird nesting success and abundance in northeastern California, USA, from 2002 to 2004. We found evidence of greater nest desertion and abandonment and reduced predation on shrub nests <100 m from OHV trails than at nests >100 m from OHV trails. Two of 18 species studied were less abundant at sites on trails than at sites 250 m from trails, and no species were more abundant on trails. Management of OHV trail development should consider possible negative impacts on nesting success and abundance of breeding birds.
Evaluation of Noninvasive Genetic Sampling Methods for Felid and Canid Populations
Authors: RUELL EMILY W. , CROOKS KEVIN R.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Noninvasive sampling methods provide a means for studying species such as large mammalian carnivores that are difficult to survey using traditional techniques. Focusing on bobcat (Lynx rufus), we compared the effectiveness of noninvasive hair and scat genetic sampling in terms of field sample collection, species identification, and individual identification. We describe a novel hair‐snare design and sampling protocol that successfully sampled 4 sympatric carnivore species, bobcat, mountain lion (Felis concolor), coyote (Canis latrans), and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), in 3 habitat blocks in coastal southern California, USA. Scat surveys were also successful at sampling bobcats and other carnivores in the area. Hair and scat sampling methods had similar species identification success (81% and 87%, respectively) using mitochondrial DNA amplification and restriction enzyme digestion patterns. Therefore, for studies focused on the distribution and activity of a suite of carnivore species, we recommend a combination of noninvasive methodologies, for example, targeting hair and scat surveys toward species and sites where they are most effective. Because of a higher success rate for scat (85%) than for hair samples (10%) when using 4 microsatellite loci and a multiple‐tubes approach to verify individual genotypes, we suggest scat sampling is a better choice for studies that require individual identification of bobcats.
Mute Swans’ Impact on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: TATU KETAN S. , ANDERSON JAMES T. , HINDMAN LARRY J. , SEIDEL GEORGE
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Mute swans (Cygnus olor) are poorly studied despite their potential to impact submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). We measured vegetation characteristics (i.e., percent cover, shoot density, and canopy ht) of SAV beds in controls (unfenced), 2‐year exclosures, and 1‐year exclosures at 18 sites in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA, to quantify the impact of herbivory by mute swans on SAV during 2003 and 2004. Mute swan herbivory had a substantial adverse impact on percent cover, shoot density, and canopy height of SAV. At the end of the study mean percent cover, shoot density, and canopy height in the controls were lower by 79%, 76%, and 40%, respectively, as compared to those in 2‐year exclosures. During 2004, percent cover, shoot density, and canopy height increased by 26%, 15%, and 22%, respectively, between early and late seasons of SAV growth in exclosures, but they decreased by 36%, 41%, and 18%, respectively, in the controls. Paired mute swans predominantly occupied 6 of 7 moderate‐depth sites (0.76‐0.99 m), and these sites experienced less (i.e., 32‐75%) SAV reduction. All (n = 7) shallow water sites (0.50‐0.75 m) were predominantly occupied by mute swan flocks, and percent cover reduction of SAV was as high as 75‐100% at these sites. Mute swan flocks also predominantly occupied 3 of the 5 deep‐water sites (≥1 m) and 1 of 7 moderate‐depth sites, wherein we recorded considerable (i.e., 77‐93%) SAV reduction. Thus, considering that flocks are more detrimental to SAV as compared to paired mute swans, we recommend that initial emphasis primarily be placed on controlling mute swans in flocks and secondarily on pairs.
Components of Grizzly Bear Habitat Selection: Density, Habitats, Roads, and Mortality Risk
Authors: CIARNIELLO LANA M. , BOYCE MARK S. , HEARD DOUGLAS C. , SEIP DALE R.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: We used resource selection functions (RSF) to estimate the relative probability of use for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) adjacent to the Parsnip River, British Columbia, Canada, 1998‐2003. We collected data from 30 radiocollared bears on a rolling plateau where a large portion of the landscape had been modified by human activities, primarily forestry. We also monitored 24 radiocollared bears in mountain areas largely inaccessible to humans. Bears that lived on the plateau existed at less than one‐quarter the density of bears in the mountains. Plateau bears ate more high‐quality food items, such as meat and berries, leading us to conclude that food limitation was not responsible for the differences in densities. We hypothesized that plateau bears were limited by human‐caused mortality associated with roads constructed for forestry activities. Independent estimates of bear population size from DNA‐based mark‐recapture techniques allowed us to link populations to habitats using RSF models to scale habitat use patterns to population density. To evaluate whether differences in land‐cover type, roads, or mortality risk could account for the disparity in density we used the mountain RSF model to predict habitat use and number of bears on the plateau and vice versa. We predicted increases ranging from 34 bears to 96 bears on the plateau when switching model coefficients, excluding land‐cover types; when exchanging land‐cover coefficients, the model predicted that the plateau population would be 9 bears lower than was observed. Large reductions in the numbers of mountain bears were predicted by habitat‐selection models of bears using the plateau landscape. Although RSF models estimated in mountain and plateau landscapes could not predict bear use and abundance in the other areas, contrasts in models between areas provided a useful tool for examining the effects of human activities on grizzly bears.
Effects of Habitat on Competition Between Kit Foxes and Coyotes
Authors: NELSON JULIA L. , CYPHER BRIAN L. , BJURLIN CURTIS D. , CREEL SCOTT
Published: July 2007

Abstract: San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica) are an endangered species with a narrow geographic range whose natural populations are limited by predation by coyotes (Canis latrans). In the warm, arid grassland and shrubland habitats where kit foxes occur, coyotes are more cover dependent than kit foxes, creating the possibility of habitat segregation. Effects of habitat variation on coyote and kit fox competition are unknown. We assessed exploitation and interference competition between coyotes and kit foxes in grassland and shrubland habitats to determine if such competition varies among habitats. With respect to exploitation competition, we evaluated habitat and spatial partitioning, diet, prey abundance, and survival for kit foxes and coyotes at the Lokern Natural Area in central California, USA, from January 2003 through June 2004. Kit foxes partitioned habitat, space, and diet with coyotes. Coyotes primarily used shrubland habitats whereas kit foxes selectively used burned grasslands. Kit foxes and coyotes had high dietary overlap with regards to items used, but proportional use of items differed between the 2 species. Kit foxes selected for Heermann's kangaroo rats (Dipodomys heermanni), which were closely tied to shrub habitats. With respect to interference competition, predation was the primary source of mortality for kit foxes, and survival of individual kit foxes was inversely related to proportion of shrub habitat within their home ranges. Our results suggest that a heterogeneous landscape may benefit kit foxes by providing habitat patches where predation risk may be lower.
The Impact of White‐Tailed Deer on Agricultural Landscapes in 3 National Historical Parks in Maryland
Authors: STEWART CHAD M. , MCSHEA WILLIAM J. , PICCOLO BRIAN P.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:The legislative authorization of some United States national historical parks (NHP) includes maintaining an agricultural landscape as a management objective. This management objective can prove difficult to accomplish in some NHP given increasing white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) densities. Our goal was to quantify the impact of white‐tailed deer foraging on agricultural landscapes in forested NHPs in Maryland, USA. We monitored 12 and 13 corn (Zeamays) fields at 3 NHP during the 2003 and 2004, respectively. Each field had ***3 5 × 5‐m fenced and unfenced plots along the edge and a similar set within the interior of the field. Within each plot we examined the number of stalks with corn, corn ear quality, and field weight prior to harvest. Fenced plots had higher weights of corn, more stalks with corn ears, and higher quality corn than unfenced plots. Estimates of silage yield based on crop weights indicate deer reduced silage yield in individual fields by 5‐43% during the study period. Crop loss differed between years and fields, with plots in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP sustaining the highest crop weight loss (28%). Eventual crop loss was correlated with proportion of corn plants browsed within 2 weeks of emergence. Some variability in loss between fields was due to landscape metrics, as fields surrounded by more forest experienced the highest loss. Our results indicate the NHP agriculture fields we studied receive significant deer damage to corn crops and may not be able to maintain mandated management without regulating deer numbers.
Physics Computing
Authors: Nakano Aiichiro
Published: July 2007

Setting up a computer simulation involves a number of design steps: 1) Formulate a mathematical model to describe the physical phenomenon of interest; 2) discretize the model, which often consists of continuous differential or integral equations (i.e., calculus), into algebraic forms in order to allow numerical solution on digital computers; 3) select numerical algorithms to solve the algebraic equations efficiently; 4) translate the algorithms into a set of instructions, which constitute a computer program; and 5) perform a computer experiment by executing the program on a computer. Parallel computing has become an essential part of high‐performance computer simulations that require massive computations. Basic ingredients of physics computing thus include mathematical models, numerical algorithms, and parallel computing.

Introduction

Mathematical Models in Physics

Parallel Computing

Supporting Technologies
Radionuclide Imaging
Authors: Madsen Mark T.
Published: July 2007

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Radioactive Decay

Counting Statistics

γ Ray Interactions with the Matter

Scintillators

Emission Tomography

Image Quality

Applications
Genochondromatosis type II: Report of a new patient and further delineation of the phenotype
Authors: Isidor Bertrand , Guillard Sophie , Hamel Antoine , Le Caignec Cedric , David Albert
Published: July 2007

Enchondromas are common intraosseous usually benign cartilaginous tumors that develop in close proximity to growth plate cartilage. Genochondromatosis is a familial skeletal condition with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genochondromatosis type I is a skeletal disorder characterized by symmetrical chondromatosis with characteristic localization: clavicle, upper end of humerus, and lower end of femur. The condition shows a benign course and is clearly different from metachondromatosis, generalized enchondromatosis, and spondyloenchondrodysplasia. In contrast, genochondromatosis type II is characterized by normal clavicles, but metaphyseal involvement of the hands, feet, knees, and wrists. To date, one family has been described with two affected individuals and possibly a second one with seven affected individuals. We report here on a boy with radiographic features of genochondromatosis type II. This report confirms that this disorder represents a separate clinical entity distinguishable for genochondromatosis type I. In addition, this report confirms the benign course of this rare disorder and will help accurate genetic counseling. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variant Klinefelter syndrome 47,X,i(X)(q10),Y and normal 46,XY karyotype in monozygotic adult twins
Authors: Stemkens D. , Broekmans F.J. , Kastrop P.M.M. , Hochstenbach R. , Smith B.G. , Giltay J.C.
Published: July 2007

Klinefelter syndrome (KS; 47, XXY) is characterized by increased body height, hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism, and infertility. We describe a patient with a variant KS (47,X,i(Xq),Y) who has a twin brother with a 46,XY karyotype. Molecular studies showed that the twins were monozygotic. The presence of an isochromosome Xq in one of two monozygotic twins allows precise investigation of its phenotypic effect. The patient was somewhat shorter (3.5 cm) and had a smaller volume of the testes (8 vs. 18 ml) as compared to his twin brother. Furthermore he had increased gonadotrophin levels and an extreme oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). These data support the view that genes on Xp cause increased body height and genes on Xq cause infertility in KS. To our knowledge this is the first report on a heterokaryotypic monozygotic twin with a variant KS. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An 11q11–q13.3 duplication, including FGF3 and FGF4 genes, in a patient with syndromic multiple craniosynostoses
Authors: Jehee Fernanda S. , Bertola Débora R. , Yelavarthi Krishna K. , Krepischi‐Santos Ana C.V. , Kim Chong , Vianna‐Morgante Angela M. , Vermeesch Joris R. , Passos‐Bueno Maria Rita
Published: July 2007

Interstitial duplications of 11q are very rare and seldom reported. In this paper we describe the first case of a duplication involving bands 11q11 and 11q12. This newly described patient has multiple craniosynostoses, congenital heart defect and developmental delay, and is a carrier of a mosaic duplication: 46,XY,dup(11)(q11→q13.3)(29)/46,XY(6). The breakpoints were further delimited by comparative genomic hybridization microarray. We also performed fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis to determine the extension of the duplication in a patient described earlier with a duplication 11q13.5–q21. An overlapping region of less than 1.2 Mb was identified and included the duplication of genes FGF3 and FGF4 in both individuals. We discuss the possible implications of dosage effects of these genes in the onset of craniosynostosis. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dental health indicators of hunter–gatherer adaptation and cultural change in Siberia's Cis‐Baikal
Authors: Lieverse Angela R. , Link David W. , Bazaliiskiy Vladimir Ivanovich , Goriunova Olga Ivanovna , Weber Andzrej W.
Published: July 2007

This investigation of the Cis‐Baikal dental record focuses on health and lifestyle reconstruction of the region's mid‐Holocene foragers, with particular interest in an apparent fifth millennium BC biocultural hiatus. The four cemetery populations considered represent two distinct biological and cultural groups separated by an apparent 700‐year hiatus: the late Mesolithic‐early Neolithic Kitoi culture (6800–4900 BC) and the middle Neolithic‐early Bronze Age Serovo–Glaskovo cultural complex (4200–1000 BC). Research focuses on the frequency and severity of seven dental health indicators: enamel hypoplasia, caries, alveolar defects, periodontitis, antemortem tooth loss, dental calculus, and dental attrition. Together, these seven indicators provide a basis not only for better understanding mid‐Holocene lifeways in the Cis‐Baikal but also for independently assessing the relative effectiveness of the different adaptive strategies employed by pre‐ and posthiatus peoples. Results reveal some discrepancies between the Kitoi and Serovo–Glaskovo, specifically in their relative vulnerability to physiological stress, providing evidence to support previous interpretations of their distinct adaptive regimes (namely the narrower resource base and decreased mobility of the former). Results also suggest that some of the differences observed among the four sites may reflect geographical or environmental factors rather than simply cultural ones. However, despite these distinctions, the overriding trend appears to be one of general continuity, social equality, and good health among all mid‐Holocene occupants of the Cis‐Baikal, pre‐ and posthiatus alike. Am J Phys Anthropol 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anwendung des ultraroten Spektrums in der chemischen Industrie
Authors: Luft K. F.
Published: July 2007

Der vorliegende Aufsatz soll einen Überblick über den Stand der Anwendung des ultraroten Spektrums In der chemischen Industrie geben. Es werden die beiden Entwicklungsrichtungen dargestellt, die durch die Namen Registrierspektrograph und Ultrarotabsorptionsschreiber gekennzeichnet sind. Es sei jedoch betont, daß diese Übersicht keineswegs Vollständigkelt erstrebt, sondern die bei uns entwickelten Verfahren und Erfahrungen in den Vordergrund der Betrachtung stellt und andere, vorwiegend im Ausland durchgeführte Arbeiten nur soweit erwähnt, wie es zur Ergänzung und Abrundung notwendig erscheint.
Characterization of immunophilins in the silkmoth Bombyx mori
Authors: Somarelli J.A. , Coll J.L. , Velandia A. , Martinez L. , Herrera R.J.
Published: July 2007

The FK506‐binding proteins (FKBPs) perform an extensive variety of functions in numerous organisms from archaea to humans. The FKBPs are distinguished by their peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase (PPIase) activity and ability to bind the immunosuppressive drugs FK506 and rapamycin. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of FKBP45, a novel member of the FKBP family obtained from U1 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) binding assays using Bombyx mori nuclear extracts. The protein, an apparent orthologue of FKBP46 from the armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, was found to associate with U1 stem‐loop I RNA in vitro. The FKBP45 cDNA was isolated and the genomic sequence was characterized, including the positions of exon/intron junctions and consensus splice sites. Using bioinformatics, transcription factor consensus binding sites were identified and subsequent Western blotting from developing eggs indicate that FKBP45 is differentially expressed during embryogenesis. A database was assembled using more than 1,800 available FKBP amino acid sequences and pairwise sequence alignments revealed several putative FKBP45 orthologues in various species. Analysis of these sequences revealed the position of an RNA binding domain within this new protein. In addition, FKBP45 possesses similar characteristics to several potential orthologues, including the presence of bipartite nuclear localization signals (NLSs) and phosphorylation sites. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 65:195–209, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of heat shock protein genes from cultured cells of the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae, in response to heavy metals
Authors: Sonoda Shoji , Ashfaq Muhammad , Tsumuki Hisaaki
Published: July 2007

Heat shock protein (HSP) genes, hsp90, hsp70, hsc70, hsp20.7, and hsp19.7, were cloned and sequenced from cultured cells of the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae. Analyses of the cDNA sequences revealed open reading frames of 2,151, 1,914, 1,962, 540, and 465 bp in lengths, which encode proteins with calculated molecular weights of 82.5, 69.9, 71.6, 20.7, and 19.7 kDa, respectively. An increased expression was observed in all five genes after exposure to a high temperature. The induction of gene expression was not observed during a low temperature exposure, but was observed when the cells were recovered at ambient temperature. Expression of hsp90, hsp70, and hsp20.7 was induced after exposure to 2 μM of cadmium, while the minimum cadmium concentration for induction of hsp19.7 was 5 μM. The induction of hsp90 expression was somewhat masked by basal levels of expression. Only hsp20.7 expression was induced by exposure to copper. Lead did not induce expression of any of the HSP genes tested. Cadmium‐induced up‐regulation of hsp70 expression was lasted longer than heat‐induced one. These results suggest that hsp70 could be useful to assess the cellular distress or injury induced by cadmium. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 65:210–222, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hetero Analogues of the Antimicrobial Alkaloids Cleistopholine and Sampangine
Authors: Mink Kathrin , Bracher Franz
Published: July 2007

Hetero analogues of the alkaloids cleistopholine and sampangine were prepared in order to investigate the significance of the (aza)quinoid partial structures for antimicrobial activity. Several analogues containing amino or sulfone groups showed high antimicrobial activities, indicating that the (aza)quinoid partial structures of the alkaloids are not an indispensable requisite for antimicrobial activity.
Synthesis and Anti‐Tumor Activities of a Novel Series of Tricyclic 1‐Anilino‐5H‐pyridazino[4,5‐b]indoles
Authors: Li Rong Dong , Zhai Xin , Zhao Yan Fang , Yu Shuang , Gong Ping
Published: July 2007

A novel series of 1‐anilino‐5H‐pyridazino[4,5‐b]indoles was designed and synthesized in order to find novel potent anti‐tumor compounds. Their structures were confirmed by MS, 1H‐NMR, and elemental analysis. All compounds were screened for their cytotoxic activity against two human cancer cell lines (Bel‐7420, HT‐1080). The compounds 8, 9, and 17 showed 50% growth inhibitory activity in low micromolar concentration (IC50 = 7.7∼︁12.8 μM). Among them, compound 17 displayed the most potent anti‐tumor activity with IC50 values of 8.2 μM and 7.9 μM against Bel‐7402 and HT‐1080, respectively.
Matrix comparison, Part 2: Measuring the resemblance between proximity measures or ordination results by use of the mantel and procrustes statistics
Authors: Schneider Jesper W. , Borlund Pia
Published: July 2007

The present two‐part article introduces matrix comparison as a formal means for evaluation purposes in informetric studies such as cocitation analysis. In the first part, the motivation behind introducing matrix comparison to informetric studies, as well as two important issues influencing such comparisons, matrix generation, and the composition of proximity measures, are introduced and discussed. In this second part, the authors introduce and thoroughly demonstrate two related matrix comparison techniques the Mantel test and Procrustes analysis, respectively. These techniques can compare and evaluate the degree of monotonicity between different proximity measures or their ordination results. In common with these techniques is the application of permutation procedures to test hypotheses about matrix resemblances. The choice of technique is related to the validation at hand. In the case of the Mantel test, the degree of resemblance between two measures forecast their potentially different affect upon ordination and clustering results. In principle, two proximity measures with a very strong resemblance most likely produce identical results, thus, choice of measure between the two becomes less important. Alternatively, or as a supplement, Procrustes analysis compares the actual ordination results without investigating the underlying proximity measures, by matching two configurations of the same objects in a multidimensional space. An advantage of the Procrustes analysis though, is the graphical solution provided by the superimposition plot and the resulting decomposition of variance components. Accordingly, the Procrustes analysis provides not only a measure of general fit between configurations, but also values for individual objects enabling more elaborate validations. As such, the Mantel test and Procrustes analysis can be used as statistical validation tools in informetric studies and thus help choosing suitable proximity measures.
Matrix comparison, Part 1: Motivation and important issues for measuring the resemblance between proximity measures or ordination results
Authors: Schneider Jesper W. , Borlund Pia
Published: July 2007

The present two‐part article introduces matrix com‐parison as a formal means of evaluation in informetric studies such as cocitation analysis. In this first part, the motivation behind introducing matrix comparison to informetric studies, as well as two important issues influencing such comparisons, are introduced and discussed. The motivation is spurred by the recent debate on choice of proximity measures and their potential influence upon clustering and ordination results. The two important issues discussed here are matrix generation and the composition of proximity measures. The approach to matrix generation is demonstrated for the same data set, i.e., how data is represented and transformed in a matrix, evidently determines the behavior of proximity measures. Two different matrix generation approaches, in all probability, will lead to different proximity rankings of objects, which further lead to different ordination and clustering results for the same set of objects. Further, a resemblance in the composition of formulas indicates whether two proximity measures may produce similar ordination and clustering results. However, as shown in the case of the angular correlation and cosine measures, a small deviation in otherwise similar formulas can lead to different rankings depending on the contour of the data matrix transformed. Eventually, the behavior of proximity measures, that is whether they produce similar rankings of objects, is more or less data‐specific. Consequently, the authors recommend the use of empirical matrix comparison techniques for individual studies to investigate the degree of resemblance between proximity measures or their ordination results. In part two of the article, the authors introduce and demonstrate two related statistical matrix comparison techniques the Mantel test and Procrustes analysis, respectively. These techniques can compare and evaluate the degree of monotonicity between different proximity measures or their ordination results. As such, the Mantel test and Procrustes analysis can be used as statistical validation tools in informetric studies and thus help choosing suitable proximity measures.
Illusory correlations in perceptions and predictions of organizational traits
Authors: Camerer Colin
Published: July 2007

People often believe in ‘illusory’ correlations between variables that are similar, but not actually correlated. This study suggests that judgments of organizational traits reflect illusory correlations, because subjects' perceptions of correlations between traits, and the predictions of Hage's (1965) ‘axiomatic’ theory, were more highly correlated with independent similarity ratings than with actual correlations between traits. Some methodological reasons why organizational‐trait theories might unwittingly produce illusory correlation predictions are discussed, along with possible remedies.
Decisions, actions, and the appropriateness of confidence in knowledge
Authors: Paese Paul W. , Feuer Michael A.
Published: July 2007

This research examines the appropriateness of confidence (i.e., subjective probability judgments) in knowledge associated with decisions and actions of social importance. One hundred and thirty seven participants completed a 50 item questionnaire assessing their knowledge of the two leading candidates in the 1988 presidential election in the U.S.A. Ninety one of the respondents completed the questionnaire one week prior to the election, whereas the other 46 completed the questionnaire on election day shortly after voting. After each item in the questionnaire, all respondents indicated whether or not the item content represented a reason why they voted (or intended to vote) for or against the candidate to whom the item referred. Within‐person results indicated that, in comparison to items that were not cited as reasons for voting intentions or voting behavior, items endorsed as reasons were characterized by better accuracy and resolution, but worse overconfidence. Between groups, decision makers were significantly more accurate and better calibrated than those who had not made a decision between the candidates. Implications of inappropriate confidence on decision making effectiveness are discussed.
Judgment in a dynamic task: Microburst forecasting
Authors: Lusk Cynthia M. , Hammond Kenneth R.
Published: July 2007

The major goals of this research are to (a) study professionals engaging in dynamic, representative task conditions, (b) apply lens model theory to these conditions, (c) learn how judgments are changed in response to changing conditions, and (d) utilize a hierarchical judgment model to investigate the judgment process from perception of data to final judgment. The results indicate that (a) agreement regarding inferred cue values is modest, not because of differences in perception of proximal, directly observed cue values but because of differences in inferences drawn from them, (b) agreement in probability judgments is higher when inferred cue values are specified, (c) little change in judgments occurred over time, and (d) confidence increased over time. The results regarding agreement and accuracy over time were ambiguous.
The effects of screening and task partitioning upon evaluations of decision options
Authors: Van Zee Emily H. , Paluchowski Thaddeus F. , Beach Lee Roy
Published: July 2007

Seven experiments examined how information used to screen options is used subsequently in evaluating the survivors before a choice of the best survivor is made and showed the following. (1) In general, information receiver early in the task had a smaller impact upon pre‐choice evaluations of options than information received later, whether or not screening had taken place. (2) However, early information had virtually no impact upon pre‐choice evaluations when various events partitioned the task into two distinct parts. This was called the ‘task‐partitioning effect’. This effect was, however, labile and could be eliminated by repeating the early information at the time that the pre‐choice evaluations were made. (3) In contrast, when the partitioning event consisted specifically of screening out unattractive options, early information had virtually no impact on evaluations and its repetition did not increase its use. This was called the ‘screening effect’. This effect was observed even when someone other than the subject carried out the screening.
The effect of constant outcome value on judgments and decision making given linguistic probabilities
Authors: Cohen Brent L , Wallsten Thomas S.
Published: July 2007

Two experiments were performed to determine whether judgments of the relative chances of two independent events occurring are biased by constant outcome values contingent on the events when the uncertainties are specified by linguistic expressions (e.g. doubtful). In Experiment 1, subjects directly judged the relative chances of the two events, of which one was represented by a spinner and the other by a linguistic probability expression. In Experiment 2, only linguistic probability expressions were used to describe the two events and a betting procedure was used. A bias was evident in both studies, such that the relative judgments tended to favour the event with the positive rather than the negative contingent outcome. The bias was smaller for the low‐ than for the high‐probability phrases. Individual differences were great, with the bias appearing strongly in only about one‐third of the population. Theoretical implications of the present and related results are discussed.