bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple stressor effects of high light irradiance and photosynthetic herbicides on growth and survival of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Fischer Beat B. , Rüfenacht Karin , Dannenhauer Kerstin , Wiesendanger Manuela , Eggen Rik I.L.
Published: May 2010

Exposure of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dangeard to a combination of environmental stress by high light irradiance and chemical stress by each of the three herbicides paraquat, atrazine, and norflurazon resulted in diverse multiple stressor effects on growth and survival of the cells. Under low light conditions, growth analyzed by cell numbers was generally more sensitive to herbicide treatment than optical density–based growth rates or colony-forming unit endpoints, which both also analyzed the viability of the cells. However, growth analyzed by optical density and colony-forming units in herbicide-treated cultures was affected much more strongly by high light irradiance, as shown by reduced 50% effective concentrations, indicating extensive multiple stressor effects of the combined treatment on the viability of the cells. None of the currently used concepts for mixture toxicity (concentration addition, independent action, or effect summation) could accurately describe the effects measured by the two stressors in combination. Both synergistic and antagonistic interactions seem to occur depending on the light conditions and the parameter analyzed. The strong stimulation of toxicity by the combined stresses can be explained by the similar mode of toxic action of the treatments, all increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Antagonistic effects, conversely, are probably attributable to the various protection mechanisms of photosynthetic organisms to increased light irradiance, which help the cells acclimate to specific light conditions and defend against the deleterious effects of excess light. These protection mechanisms can affect growth and viability under increased light conditions and also might influence the toxicity of the photosynthetic herbicides. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2211–2219. © 2010 SETAC
A dynamic CVaR‐portfolio approach using real options: an application to energy investments
Authors: Szolgayová Jana , Fuss Sabine , Khabarov Nikolay , Obersteiner Michael
Published: May 2010

Even though portfolio theory has increasingly been applied to analyze large‐scale investments under uncertainty—and especially so in the electricity sector—most analysis so far has been based on the static mean‐variance approach. Such an approach has two shortcomings: on the one hand, it fails to take into account irreversibility in the form of high sunk costs and the associated implications for optimal dynamic behavior. On the other hand, variance is not always the ideal risk measure, given that return or cost distributions are not necessarily normal. In fact, if large, potential losses are involved, it makes more sense to adopt a risk measure that can also take into account fat tails. In this paper, we generate these distributions arising from the investment behavior optimized in a real options model, thus accounting for uncertainty and irreversibility at the plant level, and use them in a dynamic portfolio model, where the conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR) is the risk measure. More specifically, we look at the dynamics of the (CVaR‐) optimal technology mix over a future time period conditional on the initial distribution of technologies, such that given energy demand is met. The application to investment in the electricity sector with uncertain climate change policy shows that this approach is not only useful from the aggregate investment point‐of‐view but also for the purpose of evaluating the effects of policy on investment patterns and the resulting energy mix. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of TVD‐limiters—well‐known limiters and an introduction of new ones
Authors: Kemm Friedemann
Published: May 2010

This paper gives a comparative study of TVD‐limiters for standard explicit Finite Volume schemes. In contrast to older studies, it includes also unsymmetrical limiter functions that depend on the local CFL‐number. We classify the limiters and show how to extend these families of limiters. We introduce a new member of the Superbee family, which is adapted to Roe's linear third‐order scheme. Based on an idea by Serna and Marquina, new smooth limiters are introduced, which turn the van Leer and van Albada limiters into complete classes of limiters. The comparison of the limiters is done with some standard test cases. The results clarify the influence of the chosen limiter on the quality of the numerical results. Compared with ENO or WENO schemes, they also show the high resolution, which can be obtained by a CFL‐number‐dependent limiter when the grid is not highly refined. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient‐specific arterial fluid–structure interaction modeling of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Takizawa Kenji , Moorman Creighton , Wright Samuel , Purdue John , McPhail Travis , Chen Peng R. , Warren Joe , Tezduyar Tayfun E.
Published: May 2010

We address the computational challenges related to the extraction of the arterial‐lumen geometry, mesh generation and starting‐point determination in the computation of arterial fluid–structure interactions (FSI) with patient‐specific data. The methods we propose here to address those challenges include techniques for constructing suitable cutting planes at the artery inlets and outlets and specifying on those planes proper boundary conditions for the fluid mechanics, structural mechanics and fluid mesh motion and a technique for the improved calculation of an estimated zero‐pressure arterial geometry. We use the stabilized space–time FSI technique, together with a number of special techniques recently developed for arterial FSI. We focus on three patient‐specific cerebral artery segments with aneurysm, where the lumen geometries are extracted from 3D rotational angiography. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sodium Borohydride Hydrolysis as Hydrogen Generator: Issues, State of the Art and Applicability Upstream from a Fuel Cell
Authors: Demirci U. B. , Akdim O. , Andrieux J. , Hannauer J. , Chamoun R. , Miele P.
Published: May 2010

Today there is a consensus regarding the potential of NaBH4 as a good candidate for hydrogen storage and release via hydrolysis reaction, especially for mobile, portable and niche applications. However as gone through in the present paper two main issues, which are the most investigated throughout the open literature, still avoid NaBH4 to be competitive. The first one is water handling. The second one is the catalytic material used to accelerate the hydrolysis reaction. Both issues are objects of great attentions as it can be noticed throughout the open literature. This review presents and discusses the various strategies which were considered until now by many studies to manage water and to improve catalysts performances (reactivity and durability). Published studies show real improvements and much more efforts might lead to significant overhangs. Nevertheless, the results show that we are still far from envisaging short‐term commercialisation.
Stable ‘Floating' Air Diffusion Biocathode Based on Direct Electron Transfer Reactions Between Carbon Particles and High Redox Potential Laccase
Authors: Shleev S. , Shumakovich G. , Morozova O. , Yaropolov A.
Published: May 2010

We report on the assembly and characterisation of a high potential, stable, mediator‐less and cofactor free biocathode based on a fungal laccase (Lc), adsorbed on highly dispersed carbonaceous materials. First, the stability and activity of Trametes hirsuta Lc immobilised on different carbon particles were studied and compared to the solubilised enzyme. Based on the experimental results and a literature analysis, the carbonaceous material BM‐4 was chosen to design efficient and stable biocatalysts for the production of a ‘floating' air diffusion Lc‐based biocathode. Voltammetric characteristics and operational stability of the biocathode were investigated. The current density of oxygen reduction at the motionless biocathode in a quiet, air saturated citrate buffer (100 mM, pH 4.5, 23 °C) reached values as high as 0.3 mA cm–2 already at 0.7 V versus NHE. The operational stability of the biocathode depended on the current density of the device. For example, at low current density (20 μA cm–2), the biocathode lost only 5× of its initial power after 1 month of continuous operation. However, when the device was polarised at 150 mV it lost more than 32× of its initial power in just 10 min. We also found that co‐immobilisation of Lc and peroxidase on highly dispersed carbon materials could protect the biocatalyst from rapid inactivation by hydrogen peroxide produced during electrocatalytic reactions at high‐current densities.
Effects of caffeine and glucose, alone and combined, on cognitive performance
Authors: Adan Ana , Serra‐Grabulosa Josep Maria
Published: May 2010

Objective

To study the effects of consuming caffeine and glucose, alone and combined, on cognitive performance.

Methods

Seventy‐two healthy subjects (36 women; age range 18–25) were tested early in the morning, having fasted overnight. Using a double‐blind, randomised design, subjects received one of the following beverages: water (150 ml); water plus 75 mg of caffeine; water plus 75 g of glucose; water plus and 75 mg of caffeine and 75 g of glucose. Attention, manual dexterity, visuo‐spatial and frontal functions, memory (immediate, consolidation and working) and subjective state were all assessed.

Results

The combination of caffeine and glucose had beneficial effects on attention (sequential reaction time tasks) and on learning and consolidation of verbal memory, effects not being observed when either substance was administered alone. Caffeine only showed improvement in simple reaction time and glucose in simple and one sequential reaction time tasks and in the manual dexterity assembly task.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the synergistic effects of caffeine and glucose can benefit sustained attention and verbal memory, even with adequate levels of activation of the subjects. However, further studies are required, controlling for different levels of cognitive effort and also considering measurements of neural activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of an acute challenge with d‐amphetamine to model cognitive improvement in chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Pietrzak Robert H. , Snyder Peter J. , Maruff Paul
Published: May 2010

There is general agreement that pharmacologic improvement of cognition in chronic schizophrenia is a worthwhile therapeutic goal. Accordingly, there has been careful consideration about how neuropsychological methods can be used to detect improvement in cognition in people with schizophrenia. However, little data are available on the nature and magnitude of cognitive improvement that can occur with adjunctive therapeutic interventions.

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study examined the nature and magnitude of cognitive enhancement associated with a single‐dose administration of d‐amphetamine in 32 adult men with schizophrenia using a set of tasks developed specifically for detecting treatment‐related change in cognitive function. Relative to placebo, acute d‐amphetamine administration was associated with clinically meaningful improvement on measures of executive function and visual attention and vigilance, and with modest improvements on a measure of speed of processing. These results suggest that a brief computerized cognitive test battery designed for repeat administration, in combination with a statistical approach that emphasizes individual‐level change, provides a sensitive approach to detecting the effect of cognitive‐enhancing medications in people with chronic schizophrenia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the functional significance of ecstasy‐related memory deficits using a virtual paradigm
Authors: Montgomery Catharine , Hatton Nicholas P. , Fisk John E. , Ogden Ruth S. , Jansari Ashok
Published: May 2010

Rationale/Objectives

Previous research shows that the use of ecstasy results in working memory and executive impairments in some users. The present study sought to assess the functional significance of such deficits using a virtual reality task.

Methods

Twenty‐three ecstasy‐polydrug users and 26 nonusers were recruited. Individuals completed a drug use questionnaire measures of sleep quality and fluid intelligence. Participants also completed a virtual reality executive function task in which they play the role of an office worker for the day completing predefined tasks such as prioritising different activities according to their importance, organising the physical office environment and managing the outgoing mail in accordance with a delivery schedule.

Results

MANOVA revealed that ecstasy users performed worse on the virtual reality task overall, and this was due to poorer performance on the planning and selection subscales. Contrary to expectations, ecstasy‐polydrug users performed better on the time‐based prospective memory subscale. Indices of ecstasy use were correlated with the planning subscale of the virtual task.

Conclusions

The present study provides further support for ecstasy/polydrug related deficits in executive functioning. As it is possible that this task is more ecologically valid and relevant to day‐to‐day activities of many users, previous research finding null results on executive function tasks may have underestimated the impact of ecstasy‐polydrug use on executive functioning. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of statistical approaches used to evaluate change in cognitive function following pharmacologic challenge: an example with lorazepam
Authors: Pietrzak Robert H. , Fredrickson Amy , Snyder Peter J. , Maruff Paul
Published: May 2010

Background

Neuropsychological tests are commonly used in psychopharmacological research to understand the nature and the magnitude of cognitive effects of licensed and novel compounds. While the science of cognitive change assessment has advanced considerably, statistical techniques used to guide inferences about differences in cognitive change have not been considered in the same detail, especially in light of recent advances in modeling repeated data.

Methods

Data from a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study of the effect of an acute dose of lorazepam on cognitive function in healthy adults were analyzed using five statistical approaches (paired sample t‐test, area under curve (AUC), repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), change from baseline, and linear mixed models (LMM)). Results of significance tests and effect sizes were compared at maximum concentration (Cmax) and over the ascending slopes of cognitive performance.

Results

LMM approaches were superior to other statistical approaches with respect to results of significance testing and magnitudes of estimated effect size change.

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that employment of LMM, which permit examination of specific fixed effects (e.g., time, treatment, treatment × time) and that are not confounded by between‐subject variability, provide a sensitive approach to detecting the cognitive effects of pharmacologic challenges, even with small samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between the daily dose, the plasma concentration of blonanserin, and its plasma anti‐dopamine D2and anti‐serotonin 5‐HT2Aactivity
Authors: Suzuki Hidenobu , Gen Keishi
Published: May 2010

Objective

Blonanserin (BNS) possesses anti‐serotonin 5‐HT2Aactivity in addition to anti‐dopamine D2activity, which is characteristic of second‐generation antipsychotics, little information is available on its pharmacologic profilein vivo. We investigated the BNS daily dose, plasma concentration, plasma anti‐D2activity, and plasma anti‐5‐HT2Aactivity in schizophrenia in a total of 14 subjects.

Methods

Blood samples were taken 14 days after the BNS dose was fixed, and the plasma concentration was measured by means of high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. In addition, the plasma anti‐D2activity and anti‐5‐HT2Aactivity were measured by means of radioreceptor assays in which [3H]‐spiperone and [3H]‐ketanserin were used.

Results

The results revealed a statistically significant correlation between the daily dose and the plasma concentration (p = 0.04). Statistically significant correlations were also observed between the plasma concentration and the anti‐D2activity and between the plasma concentration and the anti‐5‐HT2Aactivity (p = 0.003 and 0.04).

Conclusions

It is therefore believed that both the anti‐D2activity in plasma and the anti‐5‐HT2Aactivity in plasma are regulated almost solely by the unchanged principal. Moreover, the mean plasma serotonin/dopamine (S/D) ratio was 0.9 and BNS exhibited both anti‐D2activity and also anti‐5‐HT2Aactivityin vivo, as well, so it was clear that thein vitropharmacological profile was retainedin vivo. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and determination of the saikosaponins in Radix bupleuri by accelerated solvent extraction combined with rapid‐resolution LC‐MS
Authors: Yang Yun‐Yun , Tang You‐Zhi , Fan Chun‐Lin , Luo Hui‐Tai , Guo Peng‐Ran , Chen Jian‐Xin
Published: May 2010

A method based on accelerated solvent extraction combined with rapid‐resolution LC–MS for efficient extraction, rapid separation, online identification and accurate determination of the saikosaponins (SSs) in Radix bupleuri (RB) was developed. The RB samples were extracted by accelerated solvent extraction using 70% aqueous ethanol v/v as solvent, at a temperature of 120°C and pressure of 100 bar, with 10 min of static extraction time and three extraction cycles. Rapid‐resolution LC separation was performed by using a C18 column at gradient elution of water (containing 0.5% formic acid) and acetonitrile, and the major constituents were well separated within 20 min. A TOF‐MS and an IT‐MS were used for online identification of the major constituents, and 27 SSs were identified or tentatively identified. Five major bioactive SSs (SSa, SSc, SSd, 6″‐O‐acetyl‐SSa and 6″‐O‐acetyl‐SSd) with obvious peak areas and good resolution were chosen as benchmark substances, and a triple quadrupole MS operating in multiple‐reaction monitoring mode was used for their quantitative analysis. A total of 16 RB samples from different regions of China were analyzed. The results indicated that the method was rapid, efficient, accurate and suitable for use in the quality control of RB.
Amino acids stimulate Akt phosphorylation, and reduce IL‐8 production and NF‐κB activity in HepG2 liver cells
Authors: van Meijl Leonie E. C. , Popeijus Herman E. , Mensink Ronald P.
Published: May 2010

Hepatic insulin resistance and inflammatory cytokine production contribute to the manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. As amino acids have been implicated in modulating insulin signaling and inflammation, we have investigated the effects of glutamine, leucine and proline on markers of inflammation and insulin sensitivity in HepG2 liver cells. Cells were incubated with IL‐1β (5 ng/mL) to stimulate IL‐8 production. After 24 h, glutamine inhibited IL‐8 production significantly (p<0.05) at 2, 5 and 10 mM (to 82, 73 and 72% of control), whereas leucine reduced IL‐8 production significantly only at 10 mM (66%) and proline at 5 and 10 mM (71 and 52%). Glutamine, leucine and proline all reduced NF‐κB activity after 3 h of IL‐1β stimulation at 2, 5 and 10 mM (p<0.001). Insulin‐induced (1 nM) Akt phosphorylation was reduced in cells treated with tumour necrosis factor‐α (10 ng/mL) for 24 h, but was partly restored by simultaneous incubation with glutamine, leucine and proline (25 mM). Phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β was unaffected by insulin stimulation and amino acid treatment. Our results indicate that glutamine, leucine and proline attenuate IL‐8 production, probably through inhibition of NF‐κB, and that they increase Akt phosphorylation in HepG2 cells.
Craniocervical posture and bruxism in children
Authors: Motta Lara Jansiski , Martins Manoela Domingues , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Mesquita‐Ferrari Raquel Agnelli , Biasotto‐Gonzalez Daniela Aparecida , Bussadori Sandra Kalil
Published: May 2010

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate, using photogrammetry, the relationship between head posture and bruxism in children with complete deciduous dentition. Material and Methods. Forty‐two children aged between 3 and 6 years, with complete deciduous dentition, participated in the study. Twenty‐one children diagnosed with bruxism according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine were selected for the bruxism group, and 21 children without bruxism were selected for the control group. Markers were placed on three anatomical landmarks (spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra, manubrium of the sternum and mental protuberance) and photographic measurements were made to evaluate head posture. Angles between markers were determined using the ALCimagem® software for quantitative image analysis. The Student's t‐test was used at a significance level of 0.05 for the comparison of head posture (mean cervical angle) between the bruxism and control groups. Results. There was a significant difference (p < 0.005) in the mean cervical angle between the control (89.58° ± 8.03°) and bruxism (98.99° ± 8.15°) groups. Conclusion. In the present study, children with bruxism showed greater alterations in head posture than controls. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of a‐Si:H bulk in surface passivation of c‐Si wafers
Authors: Illiberi A. , Sharma K. , Creatore M. , van de Sanden M. C. M.
Published: May 2010

The low thermal stability of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) thin films limits their widespread use for surface passivation of c‐Si wafers on the rear side of solar cells. We show that the thermal stability of a‐Si:H surface passivation is increased significantly by a hydrogen rich a‐Si:H bulk, which acts as a hydrogen reservoir for the a‐Si:H/c‐Si interface. Based on this mechanism, an excellent lifetime of 5.1 ms (at injection level of 1015 cm–3) is achieved after annealing at 450 °C for 10 min. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence properties of GaAs nanowire ensembles with zincblende and wurtzite crystal structure
Authors: Novikov B. V. , Serov S. Yu. , Filosofov N. G. , Shtrom I. V. , Talalaev V. G. , Vyvenko O. F. , Ubyivovk E. V. , Samsonenko Yu. B. , Bouravleuv A. D. , Soshnikov I. P. , Sibirev N. V. , Cirlin G. E. , Dubrovskii V. G.
Published: May 2010

Self‐standing III–V nanowires (NWs) are promising building blocks for future optoelectronic devices such as LEDs, lasers, photodetectors and solar cells. In this work, we present the results of low temperature photoluminescence (PL) characterization of GaAs NWs grown by Au‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), coupled with the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) structural analysis. PL spectra contain exci‐ ton peaks from zincblende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ) crystal structures of GaAs. The peaks are influenced by the quantum confinement effects. PL bands corresponding to the exciton emission from ZB and WZ crystal phases are identified, relating to the PL peaks at 1.519 eV and 1.478 eV, respectively. The obtained red shift of 41 meV for WZ GaAs should persist in thin NWs as well as in bulk materials. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Kinematics of a robotic 3UPS1S spherical wrist designed for laparoscopic applications
Authors: Navarro Jose Sabater , Garcia Nicolas , Perez Carlos , Fernandez Eduardo , Saltaren Roque , Almonacid Miguel
Published: May 2010

Background

Current robotic orientation surgical devices used to be large, in order to cover the needed workspace and to be rigid enough to resist the forces that occur during surgery. The disadvantages of the large size of the devices are the ergonomics, collisions and interference with the surgeons. This paper presents the first steps that have been carried out on the development of a small spherical wrist for laparoscopic applications.

Methods

Screw theory for kinematic analysis and the design of parallel robots have been used for choosing the kinematic architecture of the first prototype of the laparoscopic wrist. The kinematic equations of the platform are described and the Jacobian matrix calculated.

Results

The kinematics of this device is a 3UPS‐1S parallel architecture. The work presented here shows the concept of the device, its design, that it was made under intrinsic safety criteria, its kinematic analysis and the first results and images of the built prototype. The kinematic analysis is made using screw theory and it is used to verify the optimization of the design.

Conclusions

A new design for a smart and small spherical wrist is developed. Ergonomics for the surgical team is a design criterion that should be introduced to the design process for an operating‐room robotic tool. Parallel robots architecture can contribute to new devices that fit this criterion. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting employees' well‐being using work–family conflict and job strain models
Authors: Karimi Leila , Karimi Hamidreza , Nouri Aboulghassem
Published: May 2010

The present study examined the effects of two models of work–family conflict (WFC) and job‐strain on the job‐related and context‐free well‐being of employees. The participants of the study consisted of Iranian employees from a variety of organizations. The effects of three dimensions of the job‐strain model and six forms of WFC on affective well‐being were assessed. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that the number of working hours, strain‐based work interfering with family life (WIF) along with job characteristic variables (i.e. supervisory support, job demands and job control) all make a significant contribution to the prediction of job‐related well‐being. On the other hand, strain‐based WIF and family interfering with work (FIW) significantly predicted context‐free well‐being. Implications are drawn and recommendations made regarding future research and interventions in the workplace. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation recall: psychophysiological response‐patterns in an attachment‐related short‐term stressor
Authors: Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Friederich Hans‐Christoph , Schauenburg Henning
Published: May 2010

Attachment theory is a conceptual framework for emotional‐motivational behaviour and stress regulation in social relationships. However, few experimental studies have investigated attachment‐related autonomic stress responses in adults. In a sample of 50 healthy subjects, we investigated autonomic cardiovascular reactions and subjective stress‐load to a newly developed, attachment‐related short‐term stressor (separation recall, SR). The overall magnitude of the cardiovascular response to SR was comparable to the well established mental arithmetic (MA) stress test. However, the SR induced higher levels of sadness and impaired diastolic blood pressure recovery, whereas MA was associated with higher levels of anger and greater heart rate increase. Recovery scores to the attachment‐stressor but not the mental arithmetic were related to attachment avoidance as measured by self‐report, especially when taking into account the content of the reported episodes of the SR. In sum, our newly developed attachment‐related short‐term stressor has proven good performance in a first study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking household income and work–family conflict: a moderated mediation study
Authors: Ford Michael T.
Published: May 2010

Research on the work–family interface has not often explored the role of structural characteristics such as income in the associations among work stressors, work–family conflict and family stressors. The goal of this study was to examine household income as a moderator of the relations among these variables. Results from a nationally (US) representative sample of 1472 employed individuals who were married with children indicate that the relations between work‐to‐family interference and family strain were stronger for individuals with lower household incomes than for those with higher household incomes. Furthermore, family strain was more strongly associated with family‐to‐work interference for individuals in low‐income households. Household income did not moderate other relations examined in the study. Potential explanations for these moderating effects are discussed, along with their implications for the generalizability of findings in the work–family literature across contexts. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using classification methods to label tasks in process mining
Authors: Buffett Scott , Geng Liqiang
Published: May 2010

We investigate a method designed to improve the accuracy of process mining in scenarios where the identification of task labels for log events is uncertain. Such situations are prevalent in business processes where events consist of communications between people, such as email messages. We examine how the accuracy of an independent task identifier, such as a classification or clustering engine, can be improved by examining the currently mined process model. First, a classification scheme based on identifying the keywords in each message is presented to provide an initial labeling. We then demonstrate how these labels can be refined by considering the likelihood that the event represents a particular task as obtained via an analysis of the current representation of the process model. This process is then repeated a number of times until the model is sufficiently refined. Results show that both keyword classification and the current process model analysis can be significantly effective on their own, and when combined have the potential to correct virtually all errors when noise is low (less than 20%), and can reduce the error rate by about 85% when noise is in the 30–40% range. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada.
Balancing uncertainty of context in ERP project estimation: an approach and a case study
Authors: Daneva Maya
Published: May 2010

The increasing demand for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions as well as the high rates of troubled ERP implementations and outright cancellations calls for developing effort estimation practices to systematically deal with uncertainties in ERP projects. This paper describes an approach—and a case study—to balancing uncertainties of context in the very early project stages, when an ERP adopter initiates a request‐for‐proposal process and when alternative bids are to be compared for the purpose of choosing an implementation partner. The proposed empirical approach leverages the complementary application of three techniques, an algorithmic estimation model, Monte Carlo simulation, and portfolio management. Our case study findings show how the ability of our approach to model uncertainty allows practitioners to address the challenging question of how to adjust project context factors so that chances of project success are increased. We also include a discussion on the implications of our approach for practice as well as on the possible validity threats and what the practitioner could do to counterpart them. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Low‐Valent Group 14 Element Compounds
Authors: Johnson Brian P. , Almstätter Stefan , Dielmann Fabian , Bodensteiner Michael , Scheer Manfred
Published: May 2010

The tetravalent germanium and tin compounds of the general formulae Ph*EX3 (Ph* = C6H3Trip‐2,6, Trip = C6H2iPr3‐2,4,6; E = Sn, X = Cl (1a), Br (1b); E = Ge, X = Cl (2)) are synthesized by reaction of Ph*Li·OEt2 with EX4. The subsequent reaction of 1a,b with LiP(SiMe3)2 leads to Ph*EP(SiMe3)2 (E = Sn (3), Ge (4)) and the diphosphane (Me3Si)2PP(SiMe3)2 by a redox reaction. In an alternative approach 3 and 4 are synthesized by using the corresponding divalent compounds Ph*ECl (E = Ge, Sn) in the reaction with LiP(SiMe3)2. The reactivity of Ph*SnCl is extensively investigated to give with LiP(H)Trip a tin(II)‐phosphane derivative Ph*SnP(H)Trip (6) and with Li2PTrip a proposed product [Ph*SnPTrip]– (7) with multiple bonding between tin and phosphorus. The latter feature is confirmed by DFT calculations on a model compound [PhSnPPh]–. The reaction with Li[H2PW(CO)5] gives the oxo‐bridged tin compound [Ph*Sn{W(CO)5}(μ‐O)2SnPh*] (8) as the only isolable product. However, the existence of 8 as the bis‐hydroxo derivative [Ph*Sn{W(CO)5}(μ‐OH)2SnPh*] (8a) is also possible. The SnIV derivatives Ph*Sn(OSiMe3)2Cl (9) and [Ph*Sn(μ‐O)Cl]2 (10) are obtained by the oxidation of Ph*SnCl with bis(trimethylsilyl)peroxide and with Me3NO, respectively. Besides the spectroscopic characterization of the isolated products compounds 1a, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10 are additionally characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Do tigers displace leopards? If so, why?
Authors: Odden Morten , Wegge Per , Fredriksen Trude
Published: May 2010

We investigated predictions concerning the competitive relationships between tigers Panthera tigris and leopards Panthera pardus in Bardia National Park, Nepal, based on spatial distributions of scats and territorial markings (sign), analyses of scat content and census of wild ungulate prey. Medium‐sized ungulates, in particular chital Axis axis, was the main food of both predators, but leopards consumed significantly larger proportions of domestic animals, small mammals, and birds than tigers. Tiger sign were never found outside the park, while leopard sign occurred both inside and outside, and were significantly closer to the park border than tiger sign. Significantly higher prey densities at locations of tiger sign than that of leopards were mainly due to a preference of the latter species for the park border areas. Our results imply that interference competition––and not competition for food––was a limiting factor for the leopard population, whose distribution was restricted to the margins of the tiger territories. We suggest that the composition of the prey base is a key factor in understanding the different results and interpretations reported in studies on tiger/leopard coexistence. There are two potential mechanisms that link interference competition and prey: (1) low abundance of large ungulate prey decreases foraging efficiency of tigers, leading to increased energetic stress and aggression towards leopards; and (2) increased diet overlap due to scarcity of large prey leads to increased encounter rates and increased levels of interference competition.
Secretion of human tau fragments resembling CSF‐tau in Alzheimer's disease is modulated by the presence of the exon 2 insert
Authors: Kim WonHee , Lee Sangmook , Hall Garth F.
Published: May 2010

Abnormal tau cleavage is prominent in the neurofibrillary degeneration characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. We recently showed that cleaved human tau is secreted by specific mechanisms when overexpressed. Here we examined the effect of expressing N‐terminal and full length tau constructs in transiently and stably transfected neuronal lines. We show that secreted tau exhibits a cleavage pattern similar to CSF‐tau from human AD patients and that tau secretion is specifically inhibited by the presence of the exon 2 insert. These results suggest that tau secretion may play a hitherto unsuspected role in AD and related tauopathies.
Lean, leaner, too lean? The inventory‐performance link revisited
Authors: Eroglu Cuneyt , Hofer Christian
Published: May 2010

While firms increasingly adopt lean inventory practices, there is limited evidence that inventory leanness leads to improved firm performance. This study reexamines this relationship in an attempt to overcome some shortcomings of previous research. To that end, a theory‐based measure of inventory leanness, which takes into account industry‐specific inventory management characteristics, is proposed. The analysis of a large panel data set of U.S. manufacturing companies reveals that the significance and shape of the inventory–performance relationship varies substantially across industries. This relationship is significant in two‐thirds of the 54 industries studied. In most of these instances, the relationship is concave, suggesting that there is an optimum level of inventory leanness beyond which firm performance deteriorates. A post‐hoc analysis is conducted to identify industry‐level characteristics that may determine the nature the inventory–performance relationship. Managerial implications are discussed and several opportunities for future research are outlined.
Le Bon, la Brute et le Raciste. Analyse de la couverture médiatique de l'opinion publique pendant la «crise» des accommodements raisonnables au Québec
Authors: Giasson Thierry , Brin Colette , Sauvageau Marie-Michele
Published: May 2010

Résumé.De mars 2006 à décembre 2007, le Québec a été secoué par un débat sociétal sur la question de la gestion de la diversité culturelle. Cette «crise» aurait été alimentée par untsunami médiatiquetraitant de divers cas d'accommodements juridiques ou d'ajustements administratifs accordés dans les services publics à des citoyens québécois issus de l'immigration dans la grande région de Montréal (Giasson et coll., 2008). Par le biais d'une couverture étendue, les médias ont attiré l'attention de la population sur ces pratiques d'accommodement. L'article présente les données exploratoires d'une analyse de contenu de la couverture faite par onze journaux québécois du climat de l'opinion des Québécois en matière de diversité et d'immigration pendant la phase intensive de développement du débat. L'étude montre que dans leur analyse des sondages d'opinion et dans la présentation générale des tendances de l'opinion publique sur les accommodements raisonnables, les journaux ont mis l'accent sur l'évaluation du malaise des répondants envers l'immigration et la diversité religieuse plutôt que sur l'ouverture de la population québécoise envers la diversité et sur l'apport social de l'immigration, renforçant ainsi davantage l'impression populaire qu'une crise sociale majeure se déroulait et qu'il existait un fossé entre les Québécois «de souche», les Québécois issus de l'immigration et les autres Canadiens.

Abstract.From March 2006 to December 2007, the province of Quebec experienced a contentious public debate on diversity. The “crisis” was fueled by a “media tsunami” during which news outlets actively reported on numerous cases of reasonable accommodation practices or administrative agreements in public services granted in the Greater Montreal region to citizens of immigrant background (Giasson et al., 2008). Through this extensive coverage, the media brought these instances of accommodation to the public's attention. The research studies the press coverage that 11 daily newspapers dedicated to the state of public opinion in Quebec during the active and intense development phase of the “crisis”. The study shows that in their analysis of polls and their general framing of the mood of public opinion towards reasonable accommodation, newspapers focused mostly on the malaise in the population toward immigration and religious diversity rather than on its openness to diversity and to the positive social outcomes of immigration. In doing so, the media further anchored the popular impression that a serious social crisis was ongoing and that a wide gap in tolerance existed between Francophone Quebeckers, Quebeckers of recent immigrant background and other Canadians.
The Accommodations of Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem: Κατάλυμα in Luke 2.7
Authors: Carlson Stephen C.
Published: May 2010

The identity of the κατάλυμα in Luke 2.7 has been debated among Western scholars for over five hundred years. Proposals have ranged from an inn to a guest room. This article argues that the term κατάλυμα has a generic sense of ‘place to stay’ and that the final clause of Luke 2.7 should be rendered ‘because they had no space in their place to stay’. Moreover, three clues in the context—Joseph's compliance with the census order, the betrothal of Mary, and the manger—suggest that the accommodations presupposed by Luke are a marital chamber too small for giving birth.
The Narrative Structures of Glory and Glorification in the Fourth Gospel
Authors: Nielsen Jesper Tang
Published: May 2010

This article takes part in the reopened discussion of the Johannine δόξα/δοξάζϵιν by interpreting the concept in light of the narrative structures in the Fourth Gospel. On the basis of Aristotle's definition of a whole and complete μῦθος and his distinction between πϵριπϵ́τϵια and ἀναγνώρισις it is shown that the main structure in the Johannine narrative concerns humans' recognition of Jesus' identity as son of God. As a consequence of being firmly integrated in this narrative structure, the Johannine concept δόξα/δοξάζϵιν basically denotes divine identity and recognition. Opposing a contemporary trend in Johannine studies it is finally argued that δόξα/δοξάζϵιν in the Fourth Gospel should be understood within the normal narrative sequence.
Papias as Rhetorician: Ekphrasis in the Bishop's Account of Judas' Death
Authors: Zeichmann Christopher B.
Published: May 2010

Despite this renewed attention, scholars have avoided situating their analyses of this pericope within the major debates about Papias' work. The question of whether Papias employed the methods of Greek rhetoric sits as the most relevant issue for this discussion. Though many scholars champion rhetorical readings of Papias, detractors contend that they overstate his ostensibly technical vocabulary (e.g., τάξις, συντάσσω, χρεία, διάλεκτος, ἑρμηνευτής inFrag.2). They generally construe these as Papias' colloquial or historical characterizations of Gospel narratives. Whether and how Papias testifies to source-critical concerns for Synoptic studies—such as the Sayings Gospel Q, a proto-Matthew, and the oral transmission of Jesus' life—depends on their interpretation. Opposition primarily disputes the meaning of individual words in the context Papias provides them, so that his rhetorical forms and flourishes remain relatively unscathed from criticism. Papias' death of Judas has never figured into this discussion, but it nonetheless points in favor of a rhetorical backdrop.
The usage guide: its birth and popularity
Authors: Tieken-Boon van Ostade Ingrid
Published: May 2010

The most proscriptive eighteenth-century grammar of English, according to Sundby et al. (1991), is Knowles's Principles of English Grammar (1796). With 722 comments in which grammatical mistakes are criticised, Knowles heads the list which Sundby et al. compiled for their Dictionary of Normative Grammar. The copy of Knowles's grammar which Sundby et al. analysed was the fourth edition; the grammar had first come out in 1785 in Liverpool, and it enjoyed a moderate popularity (Alston, 1965:78–9). The fourth edition of Knowles's grammar consists of 144 pages, which makes it considerably longer than the first edition (36 pp.) (Alston, 1965:79). Fifteen pages of the book are devoted to a section called ‘Of Verbal Criticism’. This section includes according to Sundby et al. (1991:8) ‘some 460 “improper” sentences [which] are presented in alphabetical order …, the “proper” form of (the relevant part of) each sentence being given on the right’. In addition, the book contains an appendix with ‘Exercises of False Construction’, which are included to ‘afford the schoolboys and teachers for whom the grammar was intended ample opportunity for testing their linguistic ability, improved (it may be supposed) by diligent study of the first two lists’.
The Land of the Free and The Elements of Style
Authors: Pullum Geoffrey K.
Published: May 2010

The Elements of Style (henceforth, Elements) is a slender book of advice on usage and writing, revised by the admired novelist and essayist E. B. White from a book by his former English professor. White did well to accept Macmillan's suggestion that he should revise and expand his former professor's book for commercial republication: successive editions of the revision sold over ten million copies. Many college-educated Americans revere Elements, swear by it, carry it around with them. It was reissued in in April 2009 to a chorus of approval from famous American literary figures. One fan has published a whole book about its history (Garvey, 2009).

The title of Elements suggests a focus on style, but in fact much of it concerns grammar. The final chapter, ‘An Approach to Style’, opens by characterizing the earlier parts of the book as ‘concerned with what is correct, or acceptable, in the use of English’, and not with ‘style in its broader meaning’; and indeed, Elements is frequently cited as an authority on questions of grammar.

I believe the success of Elements to be one of the worst things to have happened to English language education in America in the past century. The book's style advice, largely vapid and obvious (‘Do not overwrite’; ‘Be clear’), may do little damage; but the numerous statements about grammatical correctness are actually harmful. They are riddled with inaccuracies, uninformed by evidence, and marred by bungled analysis. Elements is a dogmatic bookful of bad usage advice, and the people who rely on it have no idea how badly off-beam its grammatical claims are. In this essay I provide some illustrations, and a review of some of the book's most striking faults.
The grocer's apostrophe: popular prescriptivism in the 21st century
Authors: Beal Joan C.
Published: May 2010

“Some shops use an apostrophe, wrongly, to indicate an plural (‘pea's’), but will generally omit the apostrophe when one is actually required (‘new seasons asparagus’), a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the greengrocer's (or grocer's) apostrophe. Try to avoid this.” (Marsh & Hodsdon (eds), 2008: 5)

In this article, I shall examine a range of evidence from printed and web-based sources to gauge the extent of interest in punctuation, and the kinds of discourse employed in discussion of these matters. I shall also compare this with the comparative lack of attention paid to punctuation by 18th-century ‘prescriptivists’. I shall also consider why prescriptivism has returned with such a vengeance in the 21st century, and why punctuation is a focus of attention.
Running for office
Authors: Tulloch Alexander
Published: May 2010

By the time you read this article we in Great Britain will probably have been through the process (or should that be charade?) of a general election when we will all be expected to choose who will represent (or misrepresent) us in Parliament. Any day now politicians will start running around kissing babies and turning up on our doorsteps asking for our support. Currying favour with the electorate they will even offer to take the old and infirm to the polling stations in the hope that such beneficence will encourage their charges to cast their votes for them. And of course they will attempt to persuade us that their party is the only one with the policies necessary to get us out of the economic mire we find ourselves in, omitting to say that politicians helped put us there in the first place. O tempora, o mores!

For the origins of the terminology we use in politics we must turn, as is so often the case, to ancient Greek and Latin for the answers to our questions.