bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure‐induced changes in the solution structure of the GB1 domain of protein G
Authors: Wilton David J. , Tunnicliffe Richard B. , Kamatari Yuji O. , Akasaka Kazuyuki , Williamson Mike P.
Published: December 2007

The solution structure of the GB1 domain of protein G at a pressure of 2 kbar is presented. The structure was calculated as a change from an energy‐minimised low‐pressure structure using 1H chemical shifts. Two separate changes can be characterised: a compression/distortion, which is linear with pressure; and a stabilisation of an alternative folded state. On application of pressure, linear chemical shift changes reveal that the backbone structure changes by about 0.2 Å root mean square, and is compressed by about 1% overall. The α‐helix compresses, particularly at the C‐terminal end, and moves toward the β‐sheet, while the β‐sheet is twisted, with the corners closest to the α‐helix curling up towards it. The largest changes in structure are along the second β‐strand, which becomes more twisted. This strand is where the protein binds to IgG. Curved chemical shift changes with pressure indicate that high pressure also populates an alternative structure with a distortion towards the C‐terminal end of the helix, which is likely to be caused by insertion of a water molecule. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting protein interaction interfaces from protein sequences: Case studies of subtilisin and phycocyanin
Authors: Xie Bin‐Bin , Chen Xiu‐Lan , Zhang Xi‐Ying , He Hai‐Lun , Zhang Yu‐Zhong , Zhou Bai‐Cheng
Published: December 2007

Identification of protein interaction interfaces is very important for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying biological phenomena. Here, we present a novel method for predicting protein interaction interfaces from sequences by using PAM matrix (PIFPAM). Sequence alignments for interacting proteins were constructed and parsed into segments using sliding windows. By calculating distance matrix for each segment, the correlation coefficients between segments were estimated. The interaction interfaces were predicted by extracting highly correlated segment pairs from the correlation map. The predictions achieved an accuracy 0.41–0.71 for eight intraprotein interaction examples, and 0.07–0.60 for four interprotein interaction examples. Compared with three previously published methods, PIFPAM predicted more contacting site pairs for 11 out of the 12 example proteins, and predicted at least 34% more contacting site pairs for eight proteins of them. The factors affecting the predictions were also analyzed. Since PIFPAM uses only the alignments of the two interacting proteins as input, it is especially useful when no three‐dimensional protein structure data are available. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complex assembly mechanism and an RNA‐binding mode of the human p14‐SF3b155 spliceosomal protein complex identified by NMR solution structure and functional analyses
Authors: Kuwasako Kanako , Dohmae Naoshi , Inoue Mio , Shirouzu Mikako , Taguchi Seiichi , Güntert Peter , Séraphin Bertrand , Muto Yutaka , Yokoyama Shigeyuki
Published: December 2007

The spliceosomal protein p14, a component of the SF3b complex in the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP), is essential for the U2 snRNP to recognize the branch site adenosine. The elucidation of the dynamic process of the splicing machinery rearrangement awaited the solution structural information. We identified a suitable complex of human p14 and the SF3b155 fragment for the determination of its solution structure by NMR. In addition to the overall structure of the complex, which was recently reported in a crystallographic study (typical RNA recognition motif fold β1‐α1‐β2‐β3‐α2‐β4 of p14, and αA‐βA fold of the SF3b155 fragment), we identified three important features revealed by the NMR solution structure. First, the C‐terminal extension and the nuclear localization signal of p14 (α3 and α4 in the crystal structure, respectively) were dispensable for the complex formation. Second, the proline‐rich segment of SF3b155, following βA, closely approaches p14. Third, interestingly, the β1‐α1 loop and the α2‐β4 β‐hairpin form a positively charged groove. Extensive mutagenesis analyses revealed the functional relevance of the residues involved in the protein–protein interactions: two aromatic residues of SF3b155 (Phe408 and Tyr412) play crucial roles in the complex formation, and two hydrophobic residues (Val414 and Leu415) in SF3b 155 serve as an anchor for the complex formation, by cooperating with the aromatic residues. These findings clearly led to the conclusion that SFb155 binds to p14 with three contact points, involving Phe408, Tyr412, and Val414/Leu415. Furthermore, to dissect the interactions between p14 and the branch site RNA, we performed chemical‐shift‐perturbation experiments, not only for the main‐chain but also for the side‐chain resonances, for several p14‐SF3b155 complex constructs upon binding to RNA. These analyses identified a positively charged groove and the C‐terminal extension of p14 as RNA‐binding sites. Strikingly, an aromatic residue in the β1‐α1 loop, Tyr28, and a positively charged residue in the α2‐β4 β‐hairpin, Agr85, are critical for the RNA‐binding activity of the positively charged groove. The Tyr28Ala and Arg85Ala point mutants and a deletion mutant of the C‐terminal extension clearly revealed that their RNA binding activities were independent of each other. Collectively, this study provides details for the protein‐recognition mode of p14 and insight into the branch site recognition. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In meso crystal structure and docking simulations suggest an alternative proteoglycan binding site in the OpcA outer membrane adhesin
Authors: Cherezov Vadim , Liu Wei , Derrick Jeremy P. , Luan Binquan , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Katritch Vsevolod , Caffrey Martin
Published: December 2007

OpcA is an integral outer membrane adhesin protein from Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. It binds to sialic acid (SA)‐containing polysaccharides on the surface of epithelial cells. The crystal structure of OpcA showed that the protein adopts a 10‐stranded β‐barrel structure, with five extensive loop regions on the extracellular side of the membrane. These form a crevice structure, lined with basic residues, which was hypothesized to act as the binding site for polysaccharide ligands. In the current study, a distinctly different OpcA structure has been obtained using crystals grown from a lipidic mesophase. Comparison of the two structures shows that the largest loop (L2), which closes over the end of the β‐barrel in the original crystal form, adopts a much more extended structure by reaching outward and away from the protein. The difference in conformation may be attributable to the absence of zinc ions from the crystallization conditions for the in meso crystal form: in the original structure, two zinc ions were bound to the external loops. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed on the two OpcA models in a lipid bilayer environment demonstrated pronounced loop mobility. These observations support the view that the loop regions of OpcA are capable of a high degree of conformational flexibility. The original binding site for polysaccharide is not present in the in meso crystal form, and is disrupted during MD simulations. Docking analysis suggests a putative alternative location for the SA ligand in the new crystal form of OpcA. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional and structural features of the oxyanion hole in a thermophilic esterase from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius
Authors: Mandrich Luigi , Menchise Valeria , Alterio Vincenzo , De Simone Giuseppina , Pedone Carlo , Rossi Mosè , Manco Giuseppe
Published: December 2007

Recent mutagenic and molecular modelling studies suggested a role for glycine 84 in the putative oxyanion loop of the carboxylesterase EST2 from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius. A 114 times decrease of the esterase catalytic activity of the G84S mutant was observed, without changes in the thermal stability. The recently solved three‐dimensional (3D) structure of EST2 in complex with a HEPES molecule permitted to demonstrate that G84 (together with G83 and A156) is involved in the stabilization of the oxyanion through a hydrogen bond from its main chain NH group. The structural data in this case did not allowed us to rationalize the effect of the mutation, since this hydrogen bond was predicted to be unaltered in the mutant. Since the mutation could shed light on the role of the oxyanion loop in the HSL family, experiments to elucidate at the mechanistic level the reasons of the observed drop in k cat were devised. In this work, the kinetic and structural features of the G84S mutant were investigated in more detail. The optimal temperature and pH for the activity of the mutated enzyme were found significantly changed (T = 65°C and pH = 5.75). The catalytic constants K M and Vmax were found considerably altered in the mutant, with ninefold increased K M and 14‐fold decreased Vmax, at pH 5.75. At pH 7.1, the decrease in k cat was much more dramatic. The measurement of kinetic constants for some steps of the reaction mechanism and the resolution of the mutant 3D structure provided evidences that the observed effects were partly due to the steric hindrance of the S84‐OH group towards the ester substrate and partly to its interference with the nucleophilic attack of a water molecule on the second tetrahedral intermediate. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical nonlinear observers using pseudo‐Newton‐type solvers
Authors: Hanba Shigeru
Published: December 2007

In constructing a globally convergent numerical nonlinear observer of Newton‐type for a continuous‐time nonlinear system, a globally convergent nonlinear equation solver with a guaranteed rate of convergence is necessary. In particular, the solver should be Jacobian free, because an analytic form of the state transition map of the nonlinear system is generally unavailable. In this paper, two Jacobian‐free nonlinear equation solvers of pseudo‐Newton type that fulfill these requirements are proposed. One of them is based on the finite difference approximation of the Jacobian with variable step size together with the line search. The other uses a similar idea, but the estimate of the Jacobian is mostly updated through a BFGS‐type law. Then, by using these solvers, globally stable numerical nonlinear observers are constructed. Numerical results are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tensile Tests of Polymers at Low Temperatures in the Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope: An Improved Cooling Platform
Authors: Zankel A. , Poelt P. , Gahleitner M. , Ingolic E. , Grein C.
Published: December 2007

The investigation of the fracture behavior of polymers in the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) can provide information about the correlation between the microstructure of a specimen and the macroscopic stress–strain characteristic. As the mechanical properties of polymers change dramatically at the glass transition temperature, cooling of the specimens during the tensile tests can yield very valuable information about the influence of individual components of polymer blends on the fracture behavior of the material. A serious problem in this connection is the poor heat conductivity of polymers. A commercially available cooling platform, which can be mounted on the tensile stage used for the tests was substantially modified to both enhance the heat transfer between platform and specimen, and to minimize the temperature gradient along the specimen.

The first experiments on modified polypropylene specimens already delivered some unexpected results. Fibril‐like structures appeared at the crack tip that would not be expected at temperatures below the glass transition temperature of the polymer blend. SCANNING 29: 261–269, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Surface Conjugation Chemistry on the Sensitivity of Microcantilever Sensors
Authors: Kim Dae Jung , Weeks Brandon L. , Hope‐Weeks Louisa J.
Published: December 2007

Microcantilever sensors are an offshoot of atomic force microscopy and are useful tools for effectively detecting a target biomolecule. The recognition of the target molecule on the biosensor is based on the physical bending of the microcantilever, which is driven by a specific molecular interaction between the target molecule and the sensor surface. In this study, to enhance the sensitivity of the microcantilever sensor, the sensor surface was modified through a surface conjugation method using self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) and heterobifunctional cross‐linkers. After the surface modification of the microcantilever sensor, the sensitivity for L‐cysteine was recorded. The detection of L‐cysteine was influenced by the active site and the molecular size of the cross‐linked compound attached onto the surface of the microcantilever. SCANNING 29: 245–248, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Sikh spiritual model of counseling
Authors: Singh Kala
Published: December 2007

In accordance with the holistic principles of modern medicine, this paper will present the Sikh religious and spiritual view of mental health. With the continuing migration of a large number of South Asians, especially the Sikhs, to Western countries, mental health professionals should be aware of their clients' world‐view and cultural/religious specific models of counseling. Use of Sikh spirituality can reduce stress; help in treating psychosomatic disorders; and improve mental health of the individual and of the community. This paper will conclude that as the Sikh religion is a universal religion, everyone can use Sikh spirituality. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early childhood teachers' views of nature of science: The influence of intellectual levels, cultural values, and explicit reflective teaching
Authors: Akerson Valarie L. , Buzzelli Cary A. , Donnelly Lisa A.
Published: December 2007

This study tracked the influence of explicit reflective instructional methods on cultural values, ethical and intellectual development, and the relationship of these with preservice teachers' views of nature of science (NOS). The researchers used the Views of Nature of Science Form B (VNOS B) to describe NOS views, the Learning Context Questionnaire (LCQ) to classify preservice teachers' ethical and intellectual positions using Perry's scheme, and the Schwartz Values Inventory (SVI) to measure preservice teachers' cultural values. The interventions took place in two concurrent courses: a science methods course, and a foundations of early childhood course. The science methods course explicitly emphasized NOS throughout the semester, and the foundations of early childhood course reinforced these ideas through cultural activities that stressed empirical evidence. Analysis of data showed relationships between preservice teachers' Perry positions and responses on the VNOS B with those at higher positions exhibiting more informed NOS views. Relationships between preservice teachers' NOS views and their cultural values were identified, such as those at the dualism position holding achievement more highly for scientists than those at other Perry positions. The values preservice teachers held personally were different from those they held as important for scientists. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 748–770, 2008
Factors influencing elementary and secondary teachers' views on the nature of science
Authors: Morrison Judith A. , Raab Fred , Ingram Dale
Published: December 2007

To explore how elementary teachers may differ from secondary teachers in their views about NOS, a professional development experience involving explicit reflective instruction on NOS, discussions about science with scientists, and exposing the teachers to the practices, techniques, and collaborations fundamental to scientific research was designed. The goal of this professional development project was to immerse the teachers in an environment where science was going on all around them and where they could hear and discuss ideas about NOS, science concepts, and teaching science with scientists and engineers. Data on teachers' views were collected through interviews, questionnaires, reflective papers, and taped class discussions. The findings indicate that secondary teachers with previous experiences in research did not change their views of scientists or NOS; all but one of the elementary and middle school teachers improved in these areas. The factors most influential in affecting teachers' views were the one‐on‐one interviews teachers held with scientists, job shadowing experiences, and explicit, reflective instruction presented on the NOS. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 384–403, 2009
The use of photographs to portray urban ecosystems in six introductory environmental science textbooks
Authors: Sullivan John P.
Published: December 2007

This study examined how photographs in six introductory environmental science texts portrayed the urban environments in which most U.S. students lived. All photographs from all texts were coded to determine whether they depicted urban areas. The urban photographs were then coded to determine what they communicated about the urban environment. The analysis suggested that the texts in this study, though varied in their portrayal of urban ecosystems, did address many of the environmental issues that affected the city. However, urban examples were rarely used to illustrate general ecological concepts that applied to all ecosystems (i.e., biodiversity or evolution). The author contended that “sense of place” theories indicated that more photographs should be dedicated to portraying urban environments as functioning ecosystems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 1003–1020, 2008
Overlay, Borůvka‐based, Ad‐hoc multicast Protocol: description and performance analysis
Authors: Detti Andrea , Blefari‐Melazzi Nicola
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a novel Mobile Ad‐hoc NETworks (MANET) multicast protocol, named Overlay Borůvka‐based Ad‐hoc Multicast Protocol (OBAMP), and evaluates its performance. OBAMP is an overlay protocol: it runs only in the end‐systems belonging to the multicast group. OBAMP has three distinctive features, which give to the protocol a good performance in terms of distribution efficiency: (i) its distribution tree closely resembles the minimum spanning tree; (ii) it exploits broadcast communications; (iii) its design limits not only overlay signaling but also network‐layer signaling. In addition, OBAMP can cope with node failures in a very short time. As a consequence, OBAMP has a low latency and a high delivery ratio, even when the group size increases. To prove these statements, we analyze the performance of OBAMP with ns‐2 and compare it with three state‐of‐the‐art protocols, namely ODMRP (a network‐layer protocol), ALMA, and AMRoute (two overlay protocols). The overlay protocols are assumed to use AODV as underlying routing protocol. Also, we stress that we have implemented OBAMP, in Java, and we have tested it on the field, to prove its feasibility; to allow fellow researchers to reproduce and test our work we published all simulation and implementation codes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making the Connections: Community Capacity for Tobacco Control in an Urban African American Community
Authors: Merzel Cheryl , Moon-Howard Joyce , Dickerson Dawn , Ramjohn Destiny , VanDevanter Nancy
Published: December 2007

Developing community capacity to improve health is a cornerstone of community‐based public health. The concept of community capacity reflects numerous facets and dimensions of community life and can have different meanings in different contexts. This paper explores how members of one community identify and interpret key aspects of their community's capacity to limit the availability and use of tobacco products. Particular attention is given to examining the interrelationship between various dimensions of community capacity in order to better understand the processes by which communities are able to mobilize for social change. The study is based on qualitative analysis of 19 in‐depth interviews with key informants representing a variety of community sectors in Harlem, New York City. Findings indicate that the community is viewed as rich in human and social resources. A strong sense of community identity and connectedness underlies this reserve and serves as a catalyst for action.
Postoperative Fever: To What Is the Body Really Responding?
Authors: Ballestas Helen C.
Published: December 2007

THE PRESENCE OF A POSTOPERATIVE FEVER is not always indicative of an infectious process. Mild temperature elevation may be transient in nature and may arise from the body's response to tissue injury. Fevers that present from two to more than seven days after a surgical procedure may be caused by other physiological responses.

PERIOPERATIVE NURSES can target nursing assessments according to the postoperative day on which the fever presents. AORN J 86 (December 2007) 983–988. © AORN, Inc, 2007.
A Team Training Program Using Human Factors to Enhance Patient Safety
Authors: Marshall David A. , Manus Danae A.
Published: December 2007

BEGINNING IN 2005, THE AORN FOUNDATION and Safer Healthcare implemented a human factors program based on Crew Resource Management training in five diverse surgical facilities across the United States.

HIGHLY INTERACTIVE, CUSTOMIZED training sessions were designed to help clinicians standardize communication, enhance teamwork, implement preprocedure briefings and postprocedure debriefings, maintain situational awareness, and recognize red flags in the workplace. Pretraining and post‐training surveys were used to determine the effectiveness of the program.

BRIEF OVERVIEWS from the participating facilities detail specific issues encountered in each setting. AORN J 86 (December 2007) 994‐1011. © AORN, Inc, 2007.
Calmodulin interacts with angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2) and inhibits shedding of its ectodomain
Authors: Lambert Daniel W. , Clarke Nicola E. , Hooper Nigel M. , Turner Anthony J.
Published: December 2007

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2) is a regulatory protein of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and a receptor for the causative agent of severe‐acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the SARS‐coronavirus. We have previously shown that ACE2 can be shed from the cell surface in response to phorbol esters by a process involving TNF‐α converting enzyme (TACE; ADAM17). In this study, we demonstrate that inhibitors of calmodulin also stimulate shedding of the ACE2 ectodomain, a process at least partially mediated by a metalloproteinase. We also show that calmodulin associates with ACE2 and that this interaction is decreased by calmodulin inhibitors.
The nucleoporin Nup358 associates with and regulates interphase microtubules
Authors: Joseph Jomon , Dasso Mary
Published: December 2007

The nucleoporin Nup358 resides on the cytoplasmic face of the interphase nuclear pore complex (NPC). During metaphase, its recruitment to kinetochores is important for correct microtubule‐kinetochore attachment. Here, we report that a fraction of endogenous Nup358 interacts with interphase microtubules through its N‐terminal region (BPN). Cells overexpressing the microtubule targeting domain of Nup358 displayed dramatic alteration in the microtubule organization including increased microtubule bundling and stability. Ectopic expression of BPN and full‐length Nup358 exhibited significantly higher levels of acetylated microtubules that were resistant to nocodazole, a microtubule depolymerizing agent. Furthermore, RNAi mediated depletion of Nup358 affected polarized stabilization of microtubules during directed cell migration, confirming the in vivo role of Nup358 in regulating interphase microtubules.
Quantitative studies of ribosome conformational dynamics
Authors: Fraser Christopher S. , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: December 2007

The ribosome is a dynamic machine that undergoes many conformational rearrangements during the initiation of protein synthesis. Significant differences exist between the process of protein synthesis initiation in eubacteria and eukaryotes. In particular, the initiation of eukaryotic protein synthesis requires roughly an order of magnitude more initiation factors to promote efficient mRNA recruitment and ribosomal recognition of the start codon than are needed for eubacterial initiation. The mechanisms by which these initiation factors promote ribosome conformational changes during stages of initiation have been studied using cross-linking, footprinting, site-directed probing, cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, fluorescence spectroscopy and single-molecule techniques. Here, we review how the results of these different approaches have begun to converge to yield a detailed molecular understanding of the dynamic motions that the eukaryotic ribosome cycles through during the initiation of protein synthesis.
Lexical acquisition over time in minority first language children learning English as a second language
Authors: GOLBERG HEATHER , PARADIS JOHANNE , CRAGO MARTHA
Published: December 2007

The English second language development of 19 children (mean age at outset = 5 years, 4 months) from various first language backgrounds was examined every 6 months for 2 years, using spontaneous language sampling, parental questionnaires, and a standardized receptive vocabulary test. Results showed that the children's mean mental age equivalency and standard scores on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test—Third Edition nearly met native-speaker expectations after an average of 34 months of exposure to English, a faster rate of development than has been reported in some other research. Children displayed the phenomenon of general all-purpose verbs through overextension of the semantically flexible verb do, an indicator of having to stretch their lexical resources for the communicative context. Regarding sources of individual differences, older age of second language onset and higher levels of mother's education were associated with faster growth in children's English lexical development, and nonverbal intelligence showed some limited influence on vocabulary outcomes; however, English use in the home had no consistent effects on vocabulary development.
Answering hard questions:Wh-movement across dialects and disorder
Authors: DE VILLIERS JILL , ROEPER THOMAS , BLAND-STEWART LINDA , PEARSON BARBARA
Published: December 2007

A large-scale study of complexwh-questions with 1,000 subjects aged 4–9 years is reported. The subjects' dialects were Mainstream American English or African American English, and approximately one-third were language impaired. The study examined when children permit long distancewh-movement, and when they respect a variety of syntactic barriers to movement. Thirteen different structures were compared, and the results suggest that typically developing children and disordered children at all the ages studied are capable of long-distance movement and obedience to abstract barriers. In no case was dialect a significant factor in the children's linguistic performance on these tasks.
Language and thought in bilinguals: The case of grammatical number and nonverbal classification preferences
Authors: ATHANASOPOULOS PANOS , KASAI CHISE
Published: December 2007

Recent research shows that speakers of languages with obligatory plural marking (English) preferentially categorize objects based on common shape, whereas speakers of nonplural-marking classifier languages (Yucatec and Japanese) preferentially categorize objects based on common material. The current study extends that investigation to the domain of bilingualism. Japanese and English monolinguals, and Japanese–English bilinguals were asked to match novel objects based on either common shape or color. Results showed that English monolinguals selected shape significantly more than Japanese monolinguals, whereas the bilinguals shifted their cognitive preferences as a function of their second language proficiency. The implications of these findings for conceptual representation and cognitive processing in bilinguals are discussed.
Editorial
Authors: Crago Martha
Published: December 2007

I am pleased to announce recent changes to Applied Psycholinguistics. Twenty-nine people from 10 countries have joined the Editorial Board. They are scholars and scientists who represent the spectrum of disciplines and theoretical perspectives that inform the research in the Journal. Both you, the readers, and I, the Editor, owe a debt of gratitude to the excellent members who have terminated their mandates and to those who have agreed to stay on as Board members for another term. Their guidance and contributions have helped to make Applied Psycholinguistics the journal that it is today.
The routine design–modular distributed modeling platform for distributed routine design and simulation-based testing of distributed assemblies
Authors: Eskil M. Taner , Sticklen Jon , Radcliffe Clark
Published: December 2007

In this paper we describe a conceptual framework and implementation of a tool that supports task-directed, distributed routine design (RD) augmented with simulation-based design testing. In our research, we leverage the modular distributed modeling (MDM) methodology to simulate the interaction of design components in an assembly. The major improvement we have made in the RD methodology is to extend it with the capabilities of incorporating remotely represented off-the-shelf components in design and simulation-based testing of a distributed assembly. The deliverable of our research is the RD-MDM platform, which is capable of automatically selecting intellectually protected off the shelf design components over the Internet, integrating these components in an assembly, running simulations for design testing, and publishing the approved design without disclosing the proprietary information.
Aesthetic evolutionary algorithm for fractal-based user-centered jewelry design
Authors: Wannarumon Somlak , Bohez Erik L.J. , Annanon Kittinan
Published: December 2007

This paper proposes an aesthetic-driven evolutionary algorithm for user-centered design. The evolutionary algorithm is based on a genetic algorithm (GA). It is developed to work as an art form generator that enhances user's productivity and creativity through reproduction, evaluation, and selection. Users can input their preferences and guide the generating direction to the system. A two-step fitness function is developed to evaluate morphology and aesthetics of the generated art forms. Fractals created by an iterated function system are used for representing art forms in our process. Algorithmic aesthetics are developed based on the aesthetic measure theory, surveys of human preferences, and popular long-lasting symbols. The algorithmic aesthetics is used for evaluating aesthetics of art forms together with subjective nonquantifiable aspects, and placed in the fitness function. The GA basically creates two-dimensional art forms. However, any two-dimensional image can be included through the property of a condensation set of fractals. The proposed GA can increase design productivity by about 80%. Examples of jewelry designs and physical prototypes created by the proposed system are included.
THE CALCULATION OF THE LUNAR SERIES ON CLASSIC MAYA MONUMENTS
Authors: Fuls Andreas
Published: December 2007

Archaeological and historical evidence clearly shows that the Lunar Series of mythical dates were calculated backward—that is, they were often determined from the date on which the monument was erected using a specific formula to calculate the age of the moon. In this article, I present a high-precision adjustment technique that confirms the “Palenque formula” using Lunar Series data from recent excavations. I show that the Palenque formula was also used at Tikal on 9.16.15.0.0 to backward calculate the Lunar Series of 5.0.0.0.0 12 Ahaw 3 Sak. At Coba, the backward calculation of the Lunar Series of the Era base date used a less precise 29.5-day lunar month. I also discuss the relationship between rulers of specific sites and the lunar-month count at those sites, finding that there was no “Period of Uniformity” in lunar calculation, as proposed by John Teeple (1930). Although a uniform six-month count was used during the reign of several rulers, in many cases the month count changed after a new ruler came to throne. I propose a month count related to a cycle of eight tropical years for the Lunar Series of K'inich Yo'nal Ahk I and Yo'nal Ahk III at the site of Piedras Negras.
Onkologie für den Grundversorger – Stand 2007
Authors: Cathomas
Published: December 2007

Trotz vieler Anstrengungen stellen maligne Erkrankungen weiterhin die Haupttodesursache bei Personen mittleren Alters dar. In diesem Artikel sollen einige aktuelle Richtlinien und Neuerungen bei Prävention, Früherkennung und Diagnostik von Krebskrankheiten dargelegt werden. Zudem wird ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die neue Generation von onkologischen Behandlungsmöglichkeiten gelegt sowie auf die damit verbundenen Nebenwirkungen. Im Vordergrund steht dabei die Hauttoxizität, welche unter der Therapie mit Inhibitoren des epidermalen Wachstumsfaktor-Rezeptors (EGFR) auftritt. Daneben wird auf die Therapie von Chemotherapie-induzierter Emesis, Diarrhoe und Myelosuppression eingegangen. Abschliessend wird die Nachsorge von Patienten mit Malignomen in der Praxis nach erfolgter Behandlung besprochen.
Palliative Care
Authors: Wieland
Published: December 2007

Palliative Care ist laut WHO-Definition der Ansatz zur Verbesserung der Lebensqualität von Patienten, die mit einer lebensbedrohlichen Krankheit konfrontiert sind. Schmerzen und andere Symptome werden unter Berücksichtigung von psychosozialen und spirituellen Bedürfnissen erfasst und behandelt. Eine enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen Hausarzt, klinischen Zentren, Spitex-, Sozial- und seelsorgerischen Diensten und psychologischen Fachleuten ist gefordert. Um Symptome wie Schmerz, Atemnot, Schluckstörungen, Übelkeit und Erbrechen, Obstipation und Ileus, Ernährung, Angst, Depression und Fatigue erfolgreich lindern zu können, muss der betreuende Hausarzt eine grosse Palette von Interventionen zur Verfügung haben. Diese umfasst neben Medikamenten auch palliative Interventionen (Bestrahlung, Stenteinlagen in Gallenwege, Ösophagus oder Kolon, palliative Hormontherapien etc.). Der korrekte Einsatz von Nichtopioiden, Opioiden und Co-Analgetika muss beherrscht werden für eine erfolgreiche Schmerzkontrolle. Eine besondere Herausforderung ist die Organisation der terminalen Phase zu Hause.
Schnittbilddiagnose der ektopen Pankreatitis
Authors: Wiesner  , Schwizer  , Steinbrich
Published: December 2007

Wir präsentieren zwei Patienten mit ektopem Pankreas und Pancreas divisum. Beim ersten Patienten zeigte die CT-Untersuchung eine Insel von solidem Pankreasgewebe innerhalb der anterioren Wand des Bulbus duodeni, welche auch endoskopisch bestätigt werden konnte. Der andere Patient, welcher klinisch und laborchemisch unter einer akuten Pankreatitis litt, zeigte computertomographisch ein absolut unauffälliges Pankreas. Die einzige Abnormität in der Computertomographie fand sich hier in einer fokalen Region mit entzündlich infiltriertem Gewebe ventrolateral der Pars descendens duodeni, welche aber vom übrigen Pankreas vollständig separiert war. Während diese CT-Befunde an sich noch unspezifisch waren, erlaubte es die anschliessende MR-Tomographie innerhalb dieser fokalen Entzündungsreaktion solides Pankreasgewebe zu erkennen. Zusätzlich fand sich bei beiden Patienten ein Pancreas divisum. Diese zwei Fälle zeigen eindrücklich, dass ektopes Pankreasgewebe mittels CT meist nachgewiesen werden kann. Die Vertrautheit mit der Embryologie des Pankreas und das Wissen über eine mögliche Assoziation zwischen Pancreas divisum und ektopem Pankreas können zudem hilfreich sein hinsichtlich der korrekten Beurteilung solcher Befunde. In Fällen von ektoper Pankreatitis, wo die Computertomographie oft lediglich unspezifische entzündliche Infiltrationen zeigt, ist jedoch eine Weiterabklärung mittels MRT meist notwendig, um die Insel von ektopem Pankreasgewebe als solche erkennen zu können.
High‐resolution regional climate modeling for the Volta region of West Africa
Authors: Jung Gerlinde , Kunstmann Harald
Published: December 2007

The Volta region is a climate‐sensitive semiarid to subhumid region in West Africa. To investigate the impact of expected global climate change on regional water availability, regional climate modeling was performed. Two time slices (1991–2000 and 2030–2039) of the ECHAM4 scenario IS92a were dynamically downscaled with MM5 to a spatial resolution of 9 km. The quality of MM5 simulations in reproducing regional climate was assessed using reanalysis data for initial and boundary conditions. Although an underestimation of coastal rainfall was detected, sufficient accuracy in the Volta Basin could be achieved. The regional climate simulations show an annual mean temperature increase of 1.2–1.3°C in the Volta region. This temperature change significantly exceeds interannual variability. A mean annual change in precipitation from −20% to +50% (∼ −150 to +200 mm) is simulated, with a spatial mean increase of 5% (∼45 mm). In the rainy season, rainfall predominantly increases, whereas a strong decrease is found for April, which is connected to a delay in the onset of the rainy season. In addition, interannual variability in the Volta region increases in the early stage of the rainy season. The climate change signals in infiltration excess and evapotranspiration show a nonlinear response to precipitation change. Aridity, expressed by the de Martonne aridity index, does not change significantly. The change signal in precipitation predominantly lies within the range of interannual variability. In contrast, the decrease in April exceeds interannual variability in the Sahel region.
Modeling the whole atmosphere response to solar cycle changes in radiative and geomagnetic forcing
Authors: Marsh D. R. , Garcia R. R. , Kinnison D. E. , Boville B. A. , Sassi F. , Solomon S. C. , Matthes K.
Published: December 2007

The NCAR Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model, version 3 (WACCM3), is used to study the atmospheric response from the surface to the lower thermosphere to changes in solar and geomagnetic forcing over the 11‐year solar cycle. WACCM3 is a general circulation model that incorporates interactive chemistry that solves for both neutral and ion species. Energy inputs include solar radiation and energetic particles, which vary significantly over the solar cycle. This paper presents a comparison of simulations for solar cycle maximum and solar cycle minimum conditions. Changes in composition and dynamical variables are clearly seen in the middle and upper atmosphere, and these in turn affect terms in the energy budget. Generally good agreement is found between the model response and that derived from satellite observations, although significant differences remain. A small but statistically significant response is predicted in tropospheric winds and temperatures which is consistent with signals observed in reanalysis data sets.
Redox microniches in groundwater: A model study on the geometric and kinetic conditions required for concomitant Fe oxide reduction, sulfate reduction, and methanogenesis
Authors: Jakobsen Rasmus
Published: December 2007

A pore‐scale model using PHAST is used to study the distribution of redox processes and other geochemical processes in intergranular and intragranular microniches in a groundwater system. The goal is to determine the geometric and kinetic conditions that may give rise to the presence of methane under Fe oxide and sulfate reducing conditions. The model includes FeS precipitation, calcite dissolution and precipitation, and an extended partial equilibrium description of the redox processes: Fe oxide reduction, sulfate reduction, and methanogenesis/methane oxidation, which takes the microbial energy requirements into account. The model indicates that a separation of redox processes within the pore space is possible, if the stagnant pores are deep and narrow and the rate of organic matter decomposition is fast. However, in most aquifers the organic matter reactivity will be so low that isolated lumps or actual layers of organic matter rather than particles or intragranular coatings of organic matter are required in order to produce methanogenic conditions; otherwise sulfate reduction will take place in the stagnant parts. In the model, the redox processes lead to localized secondary processes occurring at the grain scale; for example, the oxidation of organic matter in a microniche releases CO2 which dissolves calcite, which is reprecipitated where the Fe oxides are being dissolved and reduced because of the locally increased pH.
An oceanic composition on early and today's Enceladus
Authors: Zolotov Mikhail Y.
Published: December 2007

The oceanic composition on Saturn's moon Enceladus is evaluated through calculations of thermochemical equilibria at hydrothermal and freezing settings. Conditions of rock alteration are constrained from assumptions and models for the moon's interior composition and thermal evolution, and from the composition of Enceladus' plume. Results show that an early ocean was an alkaline Na+‐Cl−‐HCO3− solution. Underlying altered rocks consisted of Mg‐phyllosilicates, magnetite, Fe and Ni sulfides, and carbonates. Subsequent freezing of oceanic water caused the deposition of a NaCl hydrate, Na, K and Ca carbonates, and the formation of a salt‐free ice shell. If an aqueous phase exists on today's Enceladus, it could consist of eutectic Na‐Cl‐HCO3− brine that at least locally decouples the ice shell and facilitates tidal heating. A lack of firm detection of Na and Cl at Enceladus is consistent with the accumulation of salts at the ice‐rock boundary and implies the plume formation via sublimation in the ice shell.
Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation effects of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption
Authors: Robock Alan , Adams Tyler , Moore Mary , Oman Luke , Stenchikov Georgiy
Published: December 2007

Global average cooling and Northern Hemisphere winter warming are well‐known climatic responses to the June 15, 1991 eruption of the Mount Pinatubo volcano in the Philippines. Here we investigate the Southern Hemisphere response. Using National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis, European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting Reanalysis, and simulations with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE climate model, we find that, in contrast to the Northern Hemisphere, there were no strong significant anomalies in atmospheric circulation in the Southern Hemisphere. We examined 50 mb and 500 mb circulation patterns, as well as the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode index, and found no consistent significant anomalies associated with the volcanic eruption, or the previous large volcanic eruptions of the past 50 years, the 1963 Agung and 1982 El Chichón eruptions. The few anomalies that occurred after Pinatubo are consistent with patterns found during an El Niño event, which took place that same year.
Spatial clustering and repeating of seismic events observed along the 1976 Tangshan fault, north China
Authors: Li Le , Chen Qi‐Fu , Cheng Xin , Niu Fenglin
Published: December 2007

Spatial and temporal features of the seismicity occurring along the Tangshan fault in 2001–2006 were investigated with data recorded by the Beijing metropolitan digital Seismic Network. The relocated seismicity with the double difference method clearly exhibits a dextral bend in the middle of the fault. More than 85% of the earthquakes were found in the two clusters forming the northern segment where relatively small coseismic slips were observed during the 1976 M7.8 earthquake. The b values calculated from the seismicity occurring in the northern and southern segment are 1.03 ± 0.02 and 0.85 ± 0.03, respectively. The distinct seismicity and b values are probably the collective effect of the fault geometry and the regional stress field that has an ENE‐WSW oriented compression. Using cross‐correlation and fine relocation analyses, we also identified a total of 21 doublets and 25 multiplets that make up >50% of the total seismicity. Most of the sequences are aperiodic with recurrence intervals varying from a few minutes to hundreds of days. Based on a quasi‐periodic sequence, we obtained a fault slip rate of ≤2.6 mm/yr at ∼15 km, which is consistent with surface GPS measurements.
Impacts of increasing anthropogenic aerosols on the atmospheric circulation trends of the Southern Hemisphere: An air‐sea positive feedback
Authors: Cai Wenju , Cowan Tim
Published: December 2007

A recent model study shows that in response to an increasing aerosol forcing, the Southern Hemisphere (SH) ocean circulation, including the Agulhas outflow, its retroflection, and the entire subtropical gyre circulation intensify and shift polewards. Are these oceanic responses manifested in the SH atmospheric circulation? We demonstrate that as a result of the poleward shift, maximum sea surface temperature (SST) gradients, midlatitude storms and the westerly jet shift southward, intensifying the trend of the southern annular mode (SAM). Because the response of the atmospheric circulation to the underlying oceanic anomalies is equivalent barotropic, a poleward shift and intensification in zonal wind and vertical velocities are generated from the atmosphere‐ocean interface to the middle troposphere. These atmospheric circulation responses, in turn, reinforce the ocean circulation changes. This constitutes an air‐sea positive feedback. Our results illustrate an impact of Northern Hemisphere (NH) aerosols on the SH atmospheric circulation trends through a SH ocean circulation response.
Aerosol partitioning between the interstitial and the condensed phase in mixed‐phase clouds
Authors: Verheggen Bart , Cozic Julie , Weingartner Ernest , Bower Keith , Mertes Stephan , Connolly Paul , Gallagher Martin , Flynn Michael , Choularton Tom , Baltensperger Urs
Published: December 2007

The partitioning of aerosol particles between the cloud and the interstitial phase (i.e., unactivated aerosol) has been investigated during several Cloud and Aerosol Characterization Experiments (CLACE‐3, CLACE‐3 and CLACE‐4) conducted in winter and summer 2004 and winter 2005 at the high alpine research station Jungfraujoch (3580 m altitude, Switzerland). Ambient air was sampled using different inlets in order to determine the activated fraction of aerosol particles, FN, defined as the fraction of the total aerosol number concentration (with particle diameter dp > 100 nm) that has been incorporated into cloud particles. The liquid and ice water content of mixed‐phase clouds were characterized by analyzing multiple cloud probes. The dependence of the activated fraction on several environmental factors is discussed on the basis of more than 900 h of in‐cloud observations and parameterizations for key variables are given. FN is found to increase with increasing liquid water content and to decrease with increasing particle number concentration in liquid clouds. FN also decreases with increasing cloud ice mass fraction and with decreasing temperature from 0 to −25°C. The Wegener‐Bergeron‐Findeisen process probably contributed to this trend, since the presence of ice crystals causes liquid droplets to evaporate, thus releasing the formerly activated particles back into the interstitial phase. Ice nucleation could also have prevented additional cloud condensation nuclei from activating. The observed activation behavior has significant implications for our understanding of the indirect effect of aerosols on climate.