bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PS‐TR3 Spectroscopyof S1Cis‐Stilbene in Solution
Authors: Matousek P. , Gaborel G. , Parker A. W. , Phillips D. , Scholes G. D. , Toner W. T. , Towrie M.
Published: September 2007

Picosecond time‐resolved resonance Raman (TR3) spectrum with ∼1 ps lifetime has been
observed when probing under intense transient S1cis‐stilbene absorption band at 630 nm
and photoexciting at 267 nm. The spectrum, ascribed to S1cis‐stilbene, is notable for
high intensity of low‐frequency bands (243, 475 and 742 cm-1).
CO Photolysis of CytochromeOxidase Investigated by PsResonance Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Schelvis Johannes P. M. , Varotsis Costas , Deinum Geurt , Babcock Gerald T.
Published: September 2007

Low‐power picosecond resonance Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the
identity of the axial ligand of heme a3
and relaxation processes in the heme a3 pocket of
cytochrome oxidase after CO photolysis. Our results show that the proximal histidine
remains ligated to heme a3 after CO photolysis excluding the transient ligation of a
photolabile, endogenous ligand. Furthermore, the relaxation of the heme a3 macrocycle
modes occurs on the sub ps time scale, while relaxation of the heme pocket to its
equilibrium conformation takes place on the μs time scale.
Theoretical Simulationof the Zeke Spectra ofNaphthalene From SingleVibronic Levels of S1
Authors: Negri Fabrizia , Zgierski Marek Z.
Published: September 2007

We present the simulations and analysis of the two‐color ZEKE spectra of naphthalene,
performed with the help of quantum chemical calculations of molecular parameters
followed by the modelling of vibronic intensities. Ab initio and semi‐empirical
calculations were carried out to obtain molecular structures of neutral and ionic
naphthalene, and vibronic perturbations that couple the electronic states. It is shown
that the intensities, simulated with a model based on the perturbative expansion of
vibronic states, nicely reproduce the observed spectra and contribute to reassign some of
the ground state frequencies of naphthalene cation.
Picosecond Transient InfraredSpectroscopy of 4‐Dimethylamino‐4′‐Nitrostilbene in the FingerprintRegion
Authors: Okamoto Hiromi , Tasumi Mitsuo
Published: September 2007

A picosecond infrared spectrometer covering nearly the whole fingerprint region has
been constructed. The infrared absorption spectrum of electronically excited 4‐
dimethylamino‐4′‐nitrostilbene, which has an intramolecular charge‐transfer character,
has been recorded. The observed infrared intensities are generally very strong (molar
absorption coefficients as high as 3×103 mol-1 dm3 cm-1). The infrared spectral pattern
of the excited species is similar to that of the Raman spectrum. It is suggested that such
features can be explained in terms of strong vibronic coupling in the observed excited
species. Polarization measurements have also been performed.
Incoherent Mid‐Infrared PhotonEchoes With ParametricallyDownconverted Light
Authors: Woutersen Sander , Bonn Mischa , Emmerichs Uli , Bakker Huib J.
Published: September 2007

We present a simple method to generate mid‐infrared photon echoes, using
parametrically downconverted incoherent light. The photon echoes generated in this
way enable the study of the dynamics of vibrations in the 1.5–4.0 μm wavelength region
with subpicosecond time resolution.
Time‐Resolved InfraredSpectroscopy in SupercriticalFluids
Authors: George Michael W. , Poliakoff Martyn , Sun Xue-Zhong , Grills David C.
Published: September 2007

We have used fast Time‐resolved Infrared Spectroscopy (TRIR) to probe organometallic
reactions in supercritical fluids on the nanosecond time‐scale. This has allowed us to
identify, for the first time in solution at room temperature, organometallic noble gas
complexes which are formed following irradiation of metal carbonyls in supercritical
noble gas solution. We have found that these complexes are surprisingly stable and have
comparable reactivity to organometallic alkane complexes. We have also studied the coordination
of CO2 to metal centres in supercritical CO2 (scCO2) and provide the first
evidence for the formation and reactivity of ɳ1‐O bound metal CO2 complexes in
solution at or above room temperature.
Time‐Resolved Resonance RamanSpectroscopy of Excited‐StatePorphyrins
Authors: Bell S. E. J. , Rice J. H. , McGarvey J. J. , Hester R. E. , Moore J. N. , Perutz R. N. , Ye T.-Q. , Mizutani Y. , Kitagawa T.
Published: September 2007

Time‐resolved resonance Raman (TR3) and absorbance difference studies of the excited
states of Cu(TPP) (TPP=5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin) have been carried out with
< 10 ps times resolution in THF and pyridine solvents. In THF the distinctive transient
Raman bands in the ν2 and ν4 regions, previously observed with ns laser pulses, grow in
the first 55 ps before decaying in 100′s of ps. The ∆A spectra also show biphasic decay.
This behaviour is associated with attack by solvent on the 4‐coordinate excited state to
form the longer lived species observed in TR3 experiments.

In pyridine two component decay is also observed but it is the shorter‐lived species
which gives the transient Raman bands seen previously with ns laser excitation. This
state is different from that seen in THF. At 5 ps delay ν4 is broader than in the ground
state and, more importantly, there is a significant shift in the two pyridine bands at ca.
1000 cm-1. This implies a significant involvement of the pyridine‐based orbitals in the
excited state.
Myoglobin Dynamics MeasuredWith Vibrational EchoExperiments
Authors: Rector K. D. , Fayer M. D.
Published: September 2007

Ps infrared vibrational echo experiments on myoglobin and myoglobin mutants are
presented. The vibrational dephasing experiments examine the influence of protein
dynamics on the CO ligand, at the active site of myoglobin, from low temperature to
physiologically relevant temperatures. The vibrational echo results are combined with
measurements of the CO vibrational lifetime to yield the homogeneous pure dephasing.
The pure dephasing is the Fourier transform of the homogeneous linewidth with the
lifetime contribution removed. The mutant H64V protein′s CO vibrational pure
dephasing rate is ∼20% slower (narrower pure dephasing linewidth) than the native
protein at all temperatures, although the only difference between the two proteins is the
replacement of the native’s polar distal histidine by a non‐polar valine. The mutant
H93G(N‐MeIm) pure dephasing is identical to the native′s, despite the severing of the
only covalent bond between the heme and the globin. These results provide insights into
the mechanisms of the transmission of protein fluctuations to the CO ligand bound at
the active site.
Collision‐Induced E(0g+)−D(0u+) State‐to‐State Energy Transfer in I2
Authors: Teule R. , Stolte S. , Ubachs W.
Published: September 2007

Electronic energy transfer in the system of I2 is investigated in an experiment,
where single rovibrational quantum states are prepared, single collision conditions
prevail, and the final states have been determined from dispersed fluorescence. In
the collisional decay is found to be governed by minimum
energy transfer. With (X=I2) an anomalous behaviour is found for the initially
prepared E, ν = 8, J = 56 level, which is tentatively ascribed to vibrational excitation of
the collision partner.
Resonance Raman and OpticalDephasing Study of Hitci
Authors: Kummrow A. , Ashworth S. H. , Lenz K.
Published: September 2007

Line shape analysis based on resonance Raman spectra of HITCI is used to determine
the details of the vibrational part of the line broadening function. Forced Light
Scattering with 20 fs pulses from a Ti: sapphire laser measured optical dephasing probing
with an Ar+ laser. The observed response is well described by the line broadening
function derived from the fluorescence line shape.
Spectral Hole Burning andEvidence for Vibrational EnergyMigration of H‐Bonded MoleculesObserved With Transient InfraredSpectroscopy
Authors: Laenen R. , Rauscher C.
Published: September 2007

Via intense ps‐excitation of the OH‐stretching vibration of ethanol diluted in CCl4 we
succeed in spectral hole burning within the inhomogeneously broadened oligomer band.
The lifetime of the transient hole and the v=1‐level of the OH‐stetch of associated
ethanol molecules are determined to be about 1.2 and 1.7 ps, respectively. Further
dynamical features are discussed which give evidence for energy migration within the
H‐bonded ethanol chains and subsequent breaking of the oligomers into shorter
fragments.
Tunable Picosecond OpticalParametric Amplifiers for TimeResolved Resonance RamanSpectroscopy
Authors: Towrie M. , Gaborel G. , Matousek P. , Parker A. W. , Shaikh W. , Bisby R. H.
Published: September 2007

A picosecond optical parametric amplifier, OPA, system suitable for pump and probe
spectroscopy has been developed. Two OPAs are simultaneously pumped by a titanium
sapphire regenerative amplifier to produce several microjoules output over the 470 to
2000 nm wavelength range. One OPA used as the probe operates with c. 25 cm-1
linewidth over this tuning range. The system is optimised for TR3 spectroscopy. Some
preliminary experiments on Trolox, a water soluable Vitamin E derivative, are presented.
Ultrafast Photodissociation ofHydrogen From Ru(PPh3)3(CO)(H)2:A Time‐Resolved Infrared Study
Authors: Colombo M. G. , George M. W. , Moore J. N. , Pattison D. I. , Perutz R. N. , Virrels I. G. , Ye T.-Q.
Published: September 2007

Microsecond and picosecond time‐resolved infrared studies of Ru(PPh3)3(CO)(H)2 have
demonstrated that reductive elimination of H2 is complete within 5 ps of UV photolysis.
Solvent‐Dependent ResonanceRaman Excitation Profiles of9,9′‐Bianthryl
Authors: Scholes Gregory D. , Fournier Thierry , Phillips David , Parker Anthony W.
Published: September 2007

Dynamics subsequent to the electronic excitation of 9,9′‐bianthryl produce a polar
emissive excited state for which the symmetry of the bichromophore is broken by a
dynamic solvent stabilisation of one of the two, otherwise degenerate, charge transfer
configurations which contribute to the excited electronic state. The initial state created
upon excitation is examined here by analysis of ground state resonance Raman
excitation profiles (REPs) and electronic absorption spectra in solvents of various
polarities. The results suggest that the REPs are signalling electronic differences between
the initially excited state in the various solvents. We suggest that this is related to the
bianthryl excited state being responsive to the disordered solvent environment.
Time‐Resolved UltravioletResonance Raman of ProteinStructural Changesin The KI‐IntermediateOf Bacteriorhodopsin
Authors: Kaminaka Shoji , Mathies Richard A.
Published: September 2007

To obtain high quality time‐resolved ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectra of
transient intermediates in the bacteriorhodopsin (BR) photocycle, we developed a new
UVRR spectrometer. A home‐made F=3.5 prism prefilter was used in front of a 50 cm
CCD detected spectrograph to give high throughput, wide tunability, and excellent stray
light rejection along with low dispersion. Using this system, we obtained 239.5 nm
excited time‐resolved UVRR spectra of BR which revealed small but significant features
associated with the formation of the KL‐intermediate at 10 ns delays. This difference
spectrum exhibits intensity decreases at 1624, 1561, 1012 and 763cm-1 due to an altered
environment of one or more Trp residues and a frequency shift of the Tyr ʋ8b band at
1602 cm-1. These signals show that the photoisomerization of retinal from all‐trans to
13‐cis induces significant changes in the structure and environment of aromatic residues
that line the retinal binding pocket in only 10 ns.
Vibrational Dynamicsin Molecular Condensed PhasesWith The Clio Free Electron Laser
Authors: Crépin C. , Broquier M. , Dubost H. , L′hermite D. , Tramer A. , Galaup J. P. , Berset J. M. , Ortega J. M.
Published: September 2007

Single color pump‐probe and photon‐echo experiments have been performed on the CO
stretching mode of W(CO)6 at about 1983 cm-1 in various liquids and solid
environments. Combined with absorption data, the measured T1 and T2 times suggest
the following conclusions: in all liquids studied, the IR absorption band is
homogeneously broadened, whereas, inhomogeneous broadening is observed in solid
matrices and in a xerogel. At low temperature, the echo decay is much faster in methane
than in argon host.
Femtosecond Time ResolvedInfrared Spectroscopy of theEthylenic Stretch VibrationDuring the all‐Trans to 13‐CisIsomerization ofBacteriorhodopsin
Authors: Dziewior Reiner , Romey Karsten , Diller Rolf
Published: September 2007

We report on room temperature infrared transient absorption experiments on
Bacteriorhodopsin concerning the early picosecond dynamics of the all trans to 13‐cis
isomerization of the retinal chromophore. The absorption band of the all‐trans
chromophore ethylenic stretch vibration bleaches concomitantly to photoexcitation
whereas new absorption strength is created redshifted within less than 1 ps. the initial
bleach recovers partly according to the non unity quantum yield of the photoisomerization
within 2 ps. With a time constant of 3ps the low energy absorption band is
downshifled 5–10 cm-1. Thus, vibrational relaxation and cooling processes appear to
have ended within a few ps and on the time scale of 20 ps a stationary BR‐K difference
spectrum is obtained.
Investigating the Environment‐dependentPhotophysics ofChlorine Dioxide With ResonanceRaman Intensities
Authors: Esposito Anthony P. , Foster Catherine E. , Reid Philip J.
Published: September 2007

The condensed‐phase excited‐state reaction dynamics of chlorine dioxide are investigated
using resonance Raman intensity analysis. Absolute Raman intensities are
measured on resonance with the 2B2–2A2 electronic transition and used to establish the
excited‐state structural evolution which occurs on the 2A2 surface following
photoexcitation. Analysis of the intensities demonstrates that excited‐state relaxation
occurs along all three normal coordinates; however, only modest evolution is observed
along the asymmetric stretch. This limited relaxation stands in contrast to the extensive
motion along this coordinate in the gas phase. It is proposed that the initial excited‐state
structural relaxation serves to define the symmetry of the reaction coordinate and thus
the mechanism of Cl production following photolysis of OClO.
Laser Desorption Dynamics of Carbendazim on a Glass Surface
Authors: Bescós B. , Orea J. M. , Ureña A. Gonzláez
Published: September 2007

A study on the desorption of carbendazim (methyl‐2‐benzimidazolecarbamate, mass = 191 amu) from a glass surface (Pyrex) has been carried out using an experimental set‐up
based on laser desorption and laser post‐ionization followed by time‐of‐flight mass
spectrometry. After optimization of the experimental conditions a resolution of ca. 850
was achieved at the mass of the pesticide (191 amu). All measured time‐of‐flight mass
spectra showed not only an excellent signal to noise ratio, but also the lack of significant
molecular fragmentation, except for a mass of 71 amu which was attributed to the lateral
chain of the carbendazim. Neutral time‐of‐flight yields were measured for several desorption
energies. Analysis of the corresponding velocity distributions suggests a thermal
mechanism dominating the laser‐induced desorption. Finally the capability of the
present technique for analytical applications is also discussed.
Determination of Branching Ratios in a Kinetic Investigation of the Atomic Resonance Fluorescence and Molecular Chemiluminescence, CaCl(A2Π1/2,3/2,  B2Σ+  → X2Σ+), Resulting From the Reaction of Ca[4s4p(3PJ)] With CH3Cl Following Pulsed Dye Laser Excitation of Atomic Calcium
Authors: Husain D. , Geng J. , Castano F. , Rayo M. N. Sanchez
Published: September 2007

Measurements in the time‐domain of molecular chemiluminescence from CaCl(A2Π1/2,  A2Π2/3,  B2Σ+  → X2Σ+)and atomic resonance fluorescence from Ca(43P1 →  41S0) have
been made in order to determine electronic branching ratios to yield CaCl(A1/2,  A2/3,  B)
following the Cl‐atom abstraction reaction of electronically excited calcium atoms,
Ca[4s4p(3PJ)]
, 1.888 eV above the 4s2(1S0) ground state, with CH3Cl. Ca[4s4p(3P1)] was
generated by the pulsed dye‐laser excitation ofground state calcium atoms at λ = 657.3 nm
21, {Ca[4s4p(n3P1)]  ← Ca[4s2(1S0)]} at elevated temigeratures in the presence of CH3Cl and
excess helium buffer gas in a slow flow system, kinetically equivalent to a static system.
Atomic and molecular emissions were recorded following rapid Boltzmann equilibration
within the Ca(43P0,1.2) spin‐orbit manifold, atomic emission being restricted to
the 3P1 state as the 3P0 and 3P2 states are long‐lived, being so called ‘reservoir states’. Atomic fluorescence emission profiles at the resonance wavelength together with the molecular chemiluminescence emissions CaCl (A2Π1/2 → X2Σ+,  Δν = 0,  λ = 621nm),CaClA2Π3/2 → X2Σ+,  Δν = 0,  λ = 618nm and CaCl(B2Σ+ → X2Σ+,  Δν = 0,   λ = 593nm)
were recorded. The atomic and molecular emissions demonstrated exponential
decays characterised by decay coefficients which were equal under identical chemical
conditions thus demonstrating the production of CaCl(A2Π1/2,3/2,  B2Σ+) by direct
reaction of Ca(3pJ) with CH3Cl. The combination of the time‐dependences of the atomic and molecular profiles as a function of the concentration of CH3Cl together with the integrated atomic and molecular intensities, placed on a common intensity scale by calibration of the optical system against a spectral radiometer, yielded branching ratios into the A2Π1/2, A2Π3/2 and B2Σ+ states of CaCl. These were found to be as follows: A1/
2 (2.6 ± 1.1) × 10−3; A2/3(1.9 ± 0.8) × 10−3 and B(3.6 ± 2.0) × 10−4. To the best of our
knowledge, these data represent the first measurements of electronic branching ratios of
calcium chlorides into specific molecular states for reactions of Ca(3pJ) determined in the time‐domain. The results are compared with various related data for total branching ratios into electronic states studied in the single collision condition for this atomic state
with CH3Cl using molecular beams. These are also compared with branching ratios of
SrCl(A2Π1/2,  A2Π2/3,  B2Σ+)
following the reaction of Sr[5s5p(3pJ)]+ CH2Cl2 investigated following pulsed dye‐laser excitation where the yields of SrCl(A1/2,  A3/2,  B)were of similar low magnitudes.
Scanning‐Fit Analysis of fs‐Spectroscopic Data
Authors: Bischoff Mark , Stobrawa Gregor , Rentsch Sabine
Published: September 2007

The scanning‐fit method was developed for the global data analysis of pump‐probe data.
This method is useful in cases when pulse durations are adjusted to be short compared
with nuclear dynamics and long compared with the dephasing timescales. Then multiexponential
functions can be used to describe the mono molecular relaxation processes
and the scanning‐fit method increases the accuracy of the calculated time constants,
yields detailed information about their ranges of confidence and their dependency from
each other. In this paper we describe the method in detail and demonstrate its application
to simulated data. Additionally, we report about the results which were obtained
from scanning‐fit analysis in case of the photoisomerization of pinacyanol and the light
induced processes in phycocyanobilin.
Pressure Dependence of Degenerate Four‐Wave Mixing in SO2: Effect of the ThermalGratings
Authors: Shi Shiming , Chen Deying , Zheng Qike , Person Maria , Qin Qizong
Published: September 2007

The degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) spectrum of the A(1A2) ←  X(1A1) and
B(1B1) ←  X(1A1) transitions of SO2 in the 299.5–305 nm region is presented. It has been
found that the DFWM signal intensities are proportional to the cube of laser intensity
and the square of SO2 pressure. The DFWM signal increases dramatically with the
pressure of N2 as a buffer gas. The enhancement of the DFWM signal can be mainly
attributed to the thermal grating contribution.
Chronic Fluoxetine Treatment Induces Brain Region-Specific Upregulation of Genes Associated with BDNF-Induced Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Alme Maria Nordheim , Wibrand Karin , Dagestad Grethe , Bramham Clive R.
Published: September 2007

Several lines of evidence implicate BDNF in the pathogenesis of stress-induced depression and the delayed efficacy of antidepressant drugs. Antidepressant-induced upregulation of BDNF signaling is thought to promote adaptive neuronal plasticity through effects on gene expression, but the effector genes downstream of BDNF has not been identified. Local infusion of BDNF into the dentate gyrus induces a long-term potentiation (BDNF-LTP) of synaptic transmission that requires upregulation of the immediate early gene Arc. Recently, we identified five genes (neuritin, Narp, TIEG1, Carp, and Arl4d) that are coupregulated with Arc during BDNF-LTP. Here, we examined the expression of these genes in the dentate gyrus, hippocampus proper, and prefrontal cortex after antidepressant treatment. We show that chronic, but not acute, fluoxetine administration leads to upregulation of these BDNF-LTP-associated genes in a brain region-specific pattern. These findings link chronic effects of antidepressant treatment to molecular mechanisms underlying BDNF-induced synaptic plasticity.
Transition Metal Complexes of Quinolino[3,2-b]benzodiazepine and Quinolino[3,2-b]benzoxazepine: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Studies
Authors: Basavaraju B. , Bhojya Naik Halehatty S. , Prabhakara Mustur C.
Published: September 2007

The synthesis and characterization of title complexes of the ligand Quinolino[3,2-b]benzodiazepine (QBD) and Quinolino[3,2-b]benzoxazepine (QBO) are reported. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic studies, IR,HNMR, and UV-visible studies. They have the stoichiometry [ML2C12], where M=Co(II)/Ni(II), L=QBD/QBO, and [MLC12], where M=Zn(II)/Cd(II), L=QBD/QBO. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the metal complexes has been investigated. The complexes were found to have higher antimicrobial activity than the parent ligand.
Generation of Nanostructures by the Aggregation of Porphyrin Derivatives with Long Alkane Chain in Mix-Solvent
Authors: Ghosh Amrita , Selvamani T. , Jose D. Amilan , Das Amitava , Mukhopadhyay I.
Published: September 2007

Controlled aggregation of tetrakis-(4-(hexadecyl oxy)-phenyl) porphyrin and its copper(II)-complex was studied in mix-solvent system at room temperature. Structure of the aggregates was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible spectroscopy. TEM results indicated the formation of organized nanostructures from the porphyrin derivative and its corresponding copper(II)-complex. XRD results showed that the bulk and nanostructured free porphyrin derivatives had the similar crystalline morphology. UV-visible-NIR spectroscopic data showed broad red-shifted Soret band, indicating JJ aggregation among the monomer units. Conjugate effect of lateralπ-πinteraction among the tetrapyrrole cores and hydrophobic interaction among the long alkane chains substituted in the peripheral phenyl rings is believed to lead to the organized nanostructures. Effect of solvent ratio on the aggregate structure is also revealed.
On the Consistency of Bayesian Function Approximation Using Step Functions
Authors: Lian Heng
Published: September 2007

We consider the problem of estimating a step function with an unknown number of jumps under noisy observations on a grid. Under mild assumptions, the Bayesian approach is shown to produce a consistent estimate, even when the underlying true function is not piecewise constant. A simple prior is constructed to illustrate our assumptions.
Learning Real-World Stimuli in a Neural Network with Spike-Driven Synaptic Dynamics
Authors: Brader Joseph M. , Senn Walter , Fusi Stefano
Published: September 2007

We present a model of spike-driven synaptic plasticity inspired by experimental observations and motivated by the desire to build an electronic hardware device that can learn to classify complex stimuli in a semisupervised fashion. During training, patterns of activity are sequentially imposed on the input neurons, and an additional instructor signal drives the output neurons toward the desired activity. The network is made of integrate-and-fire neurons with constant leak and a floor. The synapses are bistable, and they are modified by the arrival of presynaptic spikes. The sign of the change is determined by both the depolarization and the state of a variable that integrates the postsynaptic action potentials. Following the training phase, the instructor signal is removed, and the output neurons are driven purely by the activity of the input neurons weighted by the plastic synapses. In the absence of stimulation, the synapses preserve their internal state indefinitely. Memories are also very robust to the disruptive action of spontaneous activity. A network of 2000 input neurons is shown to be able to classify correctly a large number (thousands) of highly overlapping patterns (300 classes of preprocessed Latex characters, 30 patterns per class, and a subset of the NIST characters data set) and to generalize with performances that are better than or comparable to those of artificial neural networks. Finally we show that the synaptic dynamics is compatible with many of the experimental observations on the induction of long-term modifications (spike-timing-dependent plasticity and its dependence on both the postsynaptic depolarization and the frequency of pre- and postsynaptic neurons).
Tight Data-Robust Bounds to Mutual Information Combining Shuffling and Model Selection Techniques
Authors: Montemurro M. A. , Senatore R. , Panzeri S.
Published: September 2007

The estimation of the information carried by spike times is crucial for a quantitative understanding of brain function, but it is difficult because of an upward bias due to limited experimental sampling. We present new progress, based on two basic insights, on reducing the bias problem. First, we show that by means of a careful application of data-shuffling techniques, it is possible to cancel almost entirely the bias of the noise entropy, the most biased part of information. This procedure provides a new information estimator that is much less biased than the standard direct one and has similar variance. Second, we use a nonparametric test to determine whether all the information encoded by the spike train can be decoded assuming a low-dimensional response model. If this is the case, the complexity of response space can be fully captured by a small number of easily sampled parameters. Combining these two different procedures, we obtain a new class of precise estimators of information quantities, which can provide data-robust upper and lower bounds to the mutual information. These bounds are tight even when the number of trials per stimulus available is one order of magnitude smaller than the number of possible responses. The effectiveness and the usefulness of the methods are tested through applications to simulated data and recordings from somatosensory cortex. This application shows that even in the presence of strong correlations, our methods constrain precisely the amount of information encoded by real spike trains recorded in vivo.
Model-Based Reinforcement Learning for Partially Observable Games with Sampling-Based State Estimation
Authors: Fujita Hajime , Ishii Shin
Published: September 2007

Games constitute a challenging domain of reinforcement learning (RL) for acquiring strategies because many of them include multiple players and many unobservable variables in a large state space. The difficulty of solving such realistic multiagent problems with partial observability arises mainly from the fact that the computational cost for the estimation and prediction in the whole state space, including unobservable variables, is too heavy. To overcome this intractability and enable an agent to learn in an unknown environment, an effective approximation method is required with explicit learning of the environmental model. We present a model-based RL scheme for large-scale multiagent problems with partial observability and apply it to a card game, hearts. This game is a well-defined example of an imperfect information game and can be approximately formulated as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) for a single learning agent. To reduce the computational cost, we use a sampling technique in which the heavy integration required for the estimation and prediction can be approximated by a plausible number of samples. Computer simulation results show that our method is effective in solving such a difficult, partially observable multiagent problem.
Clustering Based on Gaussian Processes
Authors: Kim Hyun-Chul , Lee Jaewook
Published: September 2007

In this letter, we develop a gaussian process model for clustering. The variances of predictive values in gaussian processes learned from a training data are shown to comprise an estimate of the support of a probability density function. The constructed variance function is then applied to construct a set of contours that enclose the data points, which correspond to cluster boundaries. To perform clustering tasks of the data points, an associated dynamical system is built, and its topological invariant property is investigated. The experimental results show that the proposed method works successfully for clustering problems with arbitrary shapes.
Gifted Education Meets Reggio Emilia: Visions for Curriculum in Gifted Education for Young Children
Authors: Barbour Nancy E. , Shalilee Beverly D.
Published: September 2007

The purpose of this article is to explore the relationships in curriculum thinking, development, and implementation between gifted education and early childhood education. Young gifted children (ages birth to eight) are among the most underserved populations of gifted children; yet, we know that early intervention has a significant effect on their continued development. In this article, we provide a review of the current curriculum models used in gifted child education and early childhood education, focusing on a comparison of the two. We examine the role of the child in the curriculum making, the voice of the parents, and the responsibilities of the teacher. Finally, we turn our attention to the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education as a means to expand our view of "curriculum," the importance of the environment, and the crucial need to use the child's needs, interests, and abilities as the initial and sustaining focus of curriculum development.
The influence of microcystin-LR on fish phagocytic cells
Authors: Sierosławska A. , Rymuszka A. , Bownik A. , Skowroński T.
Published: September 2007

The in vitro influence of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on rainbow trout phagocytic cell functions was studied. The cells isolated from the fish blood were exposed on MC-LR at the concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 20 μg/mL. The viability of the cells after 2, 4 and 24 hour incubation with MC-LR was studied as well as phagocytic cell ability measured as zymozan particle phagocytosis and metabolic activity measured as respiratory burst activity. The toxin caused time- and dose-dependent viability decrease, the strongest after cell exposure on 10 and 20 μg/mL and observed only after 24 hours incubation when 1 μg/mL was applied. The phagocytic ability was elevated in the presence of MC-LR at the dose of 5 μg/mL. MC-LR had also modulatory influence on respiratory burst activity. While the two lower doses caused the stimulation of the parameter, the two higher ones diminished superoxide anion production in the triggered cells. The results show the potency of the toxin to influence the fish phagocytic cell functions. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26: 603—607.
Prognostic factors in methanol poisoning
Authors: Hassanian-Moghaddam H. , Pajoumand A. , Dadgar S.M. , Shadnia Sh.
Published: September 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and laboratory factors in methanol poisoned patients to determine the prognosis of their toxicity. This survey was done as a prospective cross-sectional study in methanol-poisoned patients in Loghman-Hakim hospital poison center during 9 months from October 1999—June 2000. During this time 25 methanol-poisoned patients were admitted. The mortality rate was 12 (48%). Amongst survivors, three (23%) of the patients developed blindness due to their poisoning and the other 10 (77%) fully recovered without any complication. The mortality rate in comatose patients was nine (90%) while in non-comatose patients it was three (20%) ( P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in mean pH in the first arterial blood gas of patients who subsequently died (6.82 ± 0.03) and survivors (7.15 ± 0.06) ( P < 0.001, M-W). The mean time interval between poisoning and ED presentation in deceased patients were (46 ± 15.7) hours, in survived with sequelae were (16.7 ± 6.7) and in survived without sequelae were (10.3 ± 7.2) hours ( P < 0.002, K-W). We found no significant difference between the survivors versus the patients who died regarding methanol. Simultaneous presence of ethanol and opium affected the outcome of the treatment for methanol intoxication favourably and unfavourably, respectively. In our study, poor prognosis was associated with pH < 7, coma on admission and >24 hours delay from intake to admission. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26: 583—586.
Adult glyburide ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers, 1998—2005
Authors: Forrester MB
Published: September 2007

Limited information exists on potentially adverse adult glyburide ingestions reported to poison control centers. Using adult glyburide ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers during 1998—2005, the proportion of cases involving serious outcomes was determined for selected variables and evaluated for statistical significance by calculating the rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 126 cases identified, 49 (39%) involved serious outcomes. Serious outcomes were significantly more likely to occur with a maximum dose > 24 mg (RR 4.74, 95% CI 1.74—14.90) or >4 tablets (RR 3.27, CI 1.57—7.31), where the circumstances of the exposures involved self-harm or malicious intent (RR 2.44, CI 1.33—4.46), or the patient was already at or en route to a health care facility when the poison control center was contacted (RR 12.89, CI 4.00—66.12) or referred to a health care facility by the poison control center (RR 12.21, CI 3.53—65.01). The severity of the outcome associated with adult glyburide ingestions depended on the dose and the circumstances of the ingestion. The management of patients with severe outcomes was more likely to involve health care facilities. Such information is useful for creating triage guidelines for the management of adult glyburide ingestions. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26: 563—571.
Effects of amphetamine and cocaine on the development of acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats
Authors: Núñez María J , Balboa José , Rey-Méndez Manuel , Brenlla Julio , González-Peteiro Mercedes , Rodrigo Elena , Freire-Garabal Manuel
Published: September 2007

The present experiment deals with the effects of amphetamine and cocaine on the development and course of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced in Lewis rats. Rats were immunized at the age of eight weeks with purified myelin basic protein isolated from guinea pig brain in complete Freund's adjuvant. Drug administration and recording of EAE clinical signs was performed daily since day 1 post-immunization (PI). On day 14 and 28 PI, six rats per group were bled and sacrificed. Spinal cord was examined histologically for EAE lesions. In vivo administration of 0.5 and 1 mg/Kg of amphetamine or cocaine resulted in a dose-related enhancement of neurological and histological signs of acute EAE in comparison with control rats. Both drugs caused a reduction of latent period together with a delayed regression of neurological signs along with an increase in inflammation in the central nervous system in comparison with placebo. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 637—643
Massive intoxication involving unusual high concentration of amitriptyline
Authors: Margalho Cláudia , Barroso Mário , Gallardo Eugenia , Monsanto Paula , Vieira Duarte Nuno
Published: September 2007

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant widely used in the treatment of depression. Antidepressant drugs are among the most commonly encountered causes of self-poisoning, as illustrated by several published cases in the literature. This investigation reports a case of massive amitriptyline intoxication, involving a 44-year old female found dead in bed. The presence of this tricyclic antidepressant was revealed by a routine screening procedure. The concentration was calculated by gas chromatography/ electron ionization-mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode after solid-phase extraction using proadifen as internal standard and was in the post-mortem whole blood sample 85.9 μg/mL. This value was much higher than the reported toxic values ever found in the literature, and may therefore have caused the victim's death. Nortriptyline was also detected in the toxic concentration range, as well as therapeutic levels of diazepam and nor-diazepam. Taking into account both the available circumstantial information and toxicological results, it is very likely that death was caused by self-poisoning. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 667—670
Time dependent effect of gentamicin on enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and terminal digestion in rat intestine
Authors: Farooq N. , Priyamvada S. , Khan F. , Yusufi A.N.K.
Published: September 2007

Gentamicin (GM) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic commonly used against life threatening gram negative bacterial infections, however, nephrotoxicity remains the major concern for its long term use. Although its effects on kidney are well characterized but there have been no studies regarding its effects on intestine. We hypothesize that GM causes adaptive coordinated effect on enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and terminal digestion/ absorption in rat intestine. Rats were administerd a nephrotoxic dose of GM (80 mg /kg body weight) daily for 15 days and a time dependent effect was observed on various enzyme activities. Activities of lactate (LDH), malate (MDH) and isocitrate (ICDH) dehydrogenases, significantly increased and peaked at different time intervals of GM treatment. Whereas LDH activity remained higher, MDH and ICDH activity slowly declined from their peak values. Activities of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase increased but malic enzyme decreased in a time dependent manner. Activity of alkaline phosphatase and sucrase significantly increased but γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity decreased. GM administration increased lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase but decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The results indicate that GM treatment selectively upregulated certain enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and terminal digestion/absorption and perturbed antioxidant defenses. Human & Experimental Taxicology, ( 2007) 26, 587—593.
Reissner Mixed Theorem Applied to Static Analysis of Piezoelectric Shells†
Authors: Carrera E. , Brischetto S.
Published: September 2007

This article addresses the static analysis of multilayered shells with embedded piezoelectric materials. The Reissner Mixed Variational Theorem (R MVT) is applied to derive governing differential equations of doubly curved shells by referring to Gibbs free energy G and Electric Gibbs energy G2. Interlaminar continuity of transverse stress (both shear and normal components) is a priori fulfilled by RMVT applications which permits to assume two independent fields for displacement and transverse stress variables. Two-dimensional approximations in the shell thickness direction z are introduced by application of Unified Formulation and a number of advanced mixed theories are extended to piezoelectric shells. Both Layer-Wise and Equivalent Single Layer models have been addressed. Up-to-forth order expansion in z have been implemented in the numerical investigation. Closed form solutions have been obtained in the case of simply supported, orthotropic shells subject to harmonic distribution of electric and mechanical loadings. Classical shell theories with only displacement unknowns have been included in the numerical discussion for comparison purpose. Numerical analysis have first considered plate and shell problems for 3D exact solution has been provided. Two benchmarks have been then proposed which refer to a shell panel and to a cylindrical shell, respectively. Both actuator and sensor case have been analyzed. The obtained results have confirmed the superiority of RMVT application with respect to classical shell theories as well as the importance to refer to Layer-Wise modeling if accurate description of mechanical and electrical field is required in the various layers.
Experiential Learning Through Interactive Drama: An Alternative To Student Role Plays
Authors: Boggs James G. , Mickel Amy E. , Holtom Brooks C.
Published: September 2007

This article introduces interactive drama as an alterative to student role-plays. Interactive drama increases student engagement and explores complex issues in management. It features scenes from organizational life being performed live by trained actors before a student audience, stopping at pivotal points so the audience can interact with the actors. These sessions result in highly energized students wanting to participate in lively discussions. Because the vivid scenes are so memorable, the students are able later to connect them effectively to management theory or their own experiences in reflective journals or other written assessments. After describing why instructors should consider using interactive drama, the article explains how to use it in the management classroom and concludes by providing five detailed examples of interactive drama scenes.
American Hegemony and Business Education in the Arab World
Authors: Neal Mark , Finlay Jim L.
Published: September 2007

To what extent is American business education “hegemonic” in the Arab world? To answer this, the authors examine whether Lebanese people exposed to American-style business education share the values implicit in their textbooks and teaching resources. Finding evidence for such values among Lebanese business students and working people alike, they argue that American business education is not only externally dominant; it is also internally hegemonic in its influences on local Arab values. The authors examine the problems American hegemony causes in Arab classrooms and discuss how problem-based learning provides an alternative and more relevant learning experience for Arab students.
“Why Are There So Many Theories?” a Classroom Exercise To Help Students Appreciate the Need for Multiple Theories of a Management Domain
Authors: Anderson Marc H.
Published: September 2007

Management educators teaching topics such as motivation and leadership face the challenge of clearly explaining why so many diverse theories exist and why each represents a useful tool worth learning. The large number of “core” theories in these and other management domains often frustrates students, who see the lack of a single, comprehensive theory as indicating that academics do not truly understand the topic. Because students generally evaluate theories according to whether the theories match their personal experience, they may appreciate only one or two as being “correct” or “useful” and dismiss the others as invalid. Building on a “conceptual toolbox” metaphor of education, this article presents a classroom exercise that vividly illustrates why each of the many theories in a management domain is valuable and worth learning. The exercise involves the specific topic of work motivation but can be adapted to any domain involving a large number of core theories.
Ethics Review for Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Connolly Kate , Reid Adela
Published: September 2007

In many institutions, the institutional review board/research ethics board (IRB/REB) uses the traditional audit approach that emerged from the biomedical community (e.g., Nuremburg Code, Belmont Report) to review the ethical acceptability of research using humans as participants. This approach is guided by participant protection and risk management concerns. This article discusses the approach to ethics review currently being adopted at a large Canadian university in transition from a teaching to a research institution. It articulates the values that guide the REB in its deliberations and explores how these values support a facilitative—rather than an audit—approach to ethics review. Two case studies of innovative qualitative inquiry are discussed to demonstrate how Concordia University (Montreal, Canada) has adopted an approach to ethics review that attempts to encourage, engage, and support qualitative researchers in their research initiatives, while respecting established legal and ethical guidelines targeted primarily at clinical research.
Houses, Swimming Pools, and Thin Blonde Women
Authors: Huss Ephrat
Published: September 2007

This article presents drawings and explanations of marginalized Bedouin women within the welfare system in Israel as a speech act that captures the lacks, pain, struggles, and integrations or solutions that they experience during cultural transition. One focus is the experience of rapid transition to modernity of marginalized women. Another is the theoretical challenge of finding a form of arts-based research in which to capture this. The article shows how the art captures not a dual but a multifaceted reality, conveying the emotional pain of economic and social lacks and a constant wish for and struggle toward physical and emotional spaces. The article presents the outcome of a theoretical model to analyze the art and explanations that relates both to the art as an inherent expression of self (according to humanistic and arts-based paradigms) and to art as a culturally embedded expression of self in context (according to critical theories).
Fear of falling and associated activity curtailment among middle aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Peterson E.W. , Cho C.C. , Finlayson M.L.
Published: September 2007

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with increased likelihood of reporting fear of falling (FoF) among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and factors associated with activity curtailment among the subset of individuals reporting FoF. Cross-sectional data from telephone interviews with 1064 individuals with MS, aged 45—90 years living in the Midwestern United States were used. Logistic regression models examined factors associated with FoF and with activity curtailment among individuals reporting FoF. Of the participants, 63.5% reported FoF. Increased likelihood of reporting FoF was associated with being female, experiencing greater MS symptom interference during everyday activities, history of a fall in the past 6 months, and using a walking aid. Among participants reporting FoF, 82.6% reported curtailing activity. Increased likelihood of activity curtailment among people reporting FoF was associated with using a walking aid, needing moderate or maximum assistance with instrumental activities of daily living, and having less than excellent self-reported mental health. We concluded that FoF and associated activity curtailment are common among people aged 45—90 with MS. While FoF and associated activity curtailment may be appropriate responses to fall risk, the findings suggest that factors beyond realistic appraisal of fall risk may be operating. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1168—1175. http://msj.sagepub.com