bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allelic Designation
Authors: Krane Dan E.
Published: September 2009

Short tandem repeat (STR)‐based DNA profiling is an exceptionally sensitive analytical technique that is often used to obtain results at the very limits of its sensitivity. The first step in the DNA profiling process, once PCR‐amplification products are separated on the basis of their size, is to attempt to establish whether a bump on the graph is really a peak at all, and whether it is in the appropriate place to count as an allele—this is “allelic designation”. Deciding what is and is not a “real” peak, and where it lies on the graph, is often not a trivial exercise. Some peaks are visible but not very large or not of the expected shape. Many laboratories have subjective, “by eye”, methods to establish whether a peak is a true allele or not. These peaks, regardless of the uncertainty associated with their designation, are treated as if they are certainties for the purpose of generating match statistics.

Minimum thresholds established during laboratory validation studies have become thede factofirst line of defense against confusing noise/technical artifacts as being signal originating from DNA associated with a sample. These minimum peak height thresholds generally fail to consider variability in the sensitivity of instruments, reagents, and the skill of human analysts involved in the DNA profiling process over the course of time. Adaptation of an analytical chemistry approach to distinguishing between signal and noise, specifically a limit of detection (the average amount of background noise plus three standard deviations) or quantitation (the average amount of background noise plus 10 standard deviations), provides a statistically based means of objectively determining run‐specific thresholds for use in forensic DNA casework. Means of reducing or at least identifying most common technical artifacts such as stutter, pull‐up, spikes, and blobs are known or could be developed when their levels do rise above a laboratory's peak height threshold. Some method must be found to decide whether a peak is caused by the random variation within the machine or amplification process, or is caused by the presence of a piece of DNA. The work (among others) of Gilderet al.(2007) is directed at a solution to this question in the context of DNA profiling.
Expert Witness: Who Is?
Authors: Moenssens Andre
Published: September 2009

To be designated an expert in a forensic discipline requires that a person be trained to such a level that he may be considered qualified to offer opinion evidence in court. This article explains what the distinction is between ordinary fact witnesses and witnesses who possess a special understanding of a professional matter that will be helpful to the court and who will therefore be permitted to assist the tribunal by offering opinion evidence that is relevant to the issues before a court.
Biological Agents
Authors: Roffey Paul E. , Morrish Bronwyn C.
Published: September 2009

Bioterrorism is among the most feared of all crimes. This is understandable given human history is peppered with descriptions of disease epidemics, which have killed millions of people at a time; plague and mallpox are probably the most notable of all epidemic causing agents. Not surprisingly, these organisms feature high on the list of potential biological agents that could be used for acts of bioterrorism and biocrime. This article examines a range of biological agents that may be used, the technologies available for the detection and identification of bioagents, and the science behind the forensic investigation of such crimes.
Chemical Warfare Agents
Authors: Norman Keith W. , Gillman Victoria C.
Published: September 2009

This article covers what chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are and the most appropriate methods for presumptive and confirmatory analysis. There are also two examples of the synthesis routes for the production of the CWAs sarin and mustard and how these two CWAs degrade in the presence of water.
Nuclear Forensics
Authors: George Koperski J. , Abbondante Serena F.
Published: September 2009

Nuclear forensics seeks to examine the nature, use, and origin of nuclear and radioactive materials. It produces a characteristic “signature” for the material, thus providing major evidence for nuclear attribution. It assists in the fight against illicit trafficking of those materials in order to prevent their use for terrorist or criminal purposes. Such use may take the form of an improvised nuclear device (IND), a radiological dispersion device (RDD), or a radiological emission device (RED). Nuclear forensic analysis involves physical characterization and interpretation of the material. The former determines chemical and physical signatures of the material. The latter matches analytical data to existing information about the origin of similar types of materials, the production and processing techniques, as well as identifying potential similarities with previously investigated cases involving the illicit use of materials. Nuclear attribution is divided into source attribution and route attribution. It enables the identification of sources of an interdicted nuclear or radioactive material in order to determine its origin, intended or original use, the routes of transfer between the point where legitimate control over the material was lost and the point where the material was intercepted, and the perpetrators responsible for the illicit dealings with the material.
Deception: Truth Serum
Authors: Edwards Carl N. , Miles Samuel I. , Piper August
Published: September 2009

“Truth” substances are one member of a class of techniques and technologies that maximize suggestibility and facilitate persuasion. Although these all may make a subject or suspect more talkative or tractable, there is no scientific basis for the belief that statements made under their influence are necessarily true. Truth and memory are complex topics, and involve fragile mental processes. There is also no basis for believing that memories of distant events reflect historical truth or can be “recovered” from the subconscious. Although “truth” drugs can lower inhibition and reduce cognitive control, these effects are not the same as loss of self‐control. Subjects can still lie, fantasize, and even provide deliberately misleading information, although they can also be more easily manipulated into telling falsehoods by an interviewer's suggestions and cues. The use of these substances is considered torture under international law, and evidence obtained through or as a result of their use is legally inadmissible in virtually all courts of law.
Time‐Domain Probabilistic Risk Assessment Method for Interdependent Infrastructure Failure and Recovery Modeling
Authors: Baker George H. , Mo Charles T. C.
Published: September 2009

For critical infrastructure, survivability and recovery in all‐hazard environments are issues of concern, and pose extremely difficult modeling challenges. Model capabilities must encompass cascading failures of interdependent, interconnected infrastructures. A major recent research emphasis on community resiliency has emerged due to the recognition that it is not enough to model the initial failure of infrastructure systems. To understand and improve system resilience, it is also necessary to model the postfailure, recovery phase of infrastructure debilitation. A method that holds great promise for such modeling involves extending the probabilistic risk analysis technique into the time domain. The method computes the time evolution of overall mission failure probability by evaluating initial mission failure probability, effects onset times, and system repair times for single or combinations of critical infrastructure systems. The approach involves the aggregation of scenario and facility functional diagram inputs into an overall evaluation of system viability. A bottom‐up fault‐tree analysis is used. The approach is unique in that time evolution of the probability of outage is built‐in as a stochastic finite difference equation with initial deterministic and stochastic conditions, and includes subsystem damage threshold probability distributions and time constants of effects and repairs. Output is provided in the form of system mission conditional outage probability versus time. The approach is useful for identifying high consequence infrastructure system failure points and the most effective system protection measures in terms of limiting both the incidence and duration of system debilitation. The method can also be used to evaluate the efficacy of alternative system recovery options.
Defending Against Malevolent Insiders Using Access Control
Authors: Murray Dale W. , Biringer Betty E.
Published: September 2009

Determining the insider adversary potential or insider threat spectrum is the first step in designing or evaluating the effectiveness against insider adversaries of an access control system. An insider adversary has knowledge, access, and authority that is not available to the outsider adversary. The single malevolent insider, the most probable insider threat, may be active or passive, violent or nonviolent, and motivated by a broad variety of drivers. Access control allows authorized individuals into a secured area while preventing entry by unauthorized individuals. Two primary tools of access control, contraband detection and tamper‐indicating devices, are directed to thwarting insider adversaries as they are deployed in restricted areas accessible only to authorized and identified personnel. Additional elements of access control systems that reduce the likelihood of insider adversary success include entry/exit logs, antipassback features, two‐person rule enforcement, and compartmentalization. These features can deter, deny, or dramatically reduce the effect of the malevolent insider. The unique characteristics of the insider threat and the access control features that are likely to affect this adversary are discussed.
Challenges to
CBRN
Medical Countermeasures Development
Authors: Meyerhoff Andrea
Published: September 2009

The public health threat of biological and chemical agents has persisted for centuries; that of radiation‐emitting and nuclear agents for more than a half‐century. But it is only in the past decade that the pace of efforts to address these threats has accelerated to the point where we might now take a step back and evaluate what has been accomplished and, based on what we have learned, how we might proceed. This article first recognizes the unique challenges presented by the need for medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents and then examines early twenty‐first century efforts to develop them. Because of both the 2001 occurrence of an anthrax release in the United States and the subsequent robust investment in medical countermeasures for this and other biothreat agents, a focus on biodefense will provide useful examples. Nonetheless the issues raised, with necessary modifications, pertain equally to other threat agents as well. The subsequent discussion of future directions for CBRN drugs and vaccine research is based on unanswered questions regarding countermeasure safety and efficacy.
The Eden Homeland Security Project: Educational Opportunities in Food and Agrosecurity
Authors: Cain Steve
Published: September 2009

The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Homeland Security Project provides research, materials, and education courses to enhance Extension's abilities to deliver disaster and emergency management education. This article offers an overview of those efforts, provides insight into key issues, and information on who helped EDEN Homeland Security information and educational products. Eden reduces the impact of disasters through education and provides Extension nationwide with a network of specialists and a shared database of educational tools. Since 1993, EDEN, as a collaborative multistate effort, has improved delivery of services to citizens affected by disaster. EDEN primarily functions as a network of professionals with more than 75 subject matter specialties, ranging from human development to crop and livestock development.
Cyber Security Education, Training, and Awareness
Authors: Kissel Richard , Wilson Mark
Published: September 2009

Cyber security education, training, and awareness (ETA) program is a critical component of a cyber security program. It is
the
vehicle for disseminating cyber security information that the workforce, including managers, need to do their jobs. In terms of the total security solution, the importance of the workforce in achieving cyber security goals and the importance of learning as a countermeasure cannot be overstated. Establishing and maintaining a robust and relevant ETA program as part of the overall cyber security program is the primary conduit for providing the workforce with the information and tools needed to protect an organization's vital information resources. These programs will ensure that personnel at all levels of the organization understand their cyber security responsibilities to properly use and protect the information and resources entrusted to them.
Design Considerations in Development and Application of Chemical and Biological Agent Detectors
Authors: Shandle Donna C.
Published: September 2009

The up‐front systems analysis including consideration or development of a use concept as related to the threat of interest is essential in the initiation of the acquisition process for a detector for chemical and/or biological warfare agents. The analysis must address not only the application of a given technology, but also topics such as the employment concept, human factors considerations, and the performance envelope specifically focused on the threat. The analysis results in a series of requirements against which the system can be evaluated for effectiveness and utility. This case study will discuss the differences in design considerations of a handheld point chemical vapor detector and a man‐portable, vehicle‐mounted standoff chemical vapor detector as developed for the uniformed services of the Department of Defense as compared to the application for use by Homeland Security personnel. The article will focus on the differences and similarities in requirements and performance testing to illustrate how the intended use influences design and system qualification.

The essential initial step in the development of any system is requirements definition. In this study, the primary discussion pertains to design, development, testing, production, and fielding of threat chemical vapor detectors. However, it is a significant point to make that development of any piece of equipment begins with an accurate requirements definition. The process is initiated when a user identifies a need in the field. In the case of equipment for Homeland Security, the “field” is wherever the user employs the equipment, such as at an airport security checkpoint, on a civil support team, or special team assigned to protect a unique asset. The need could be defined in terms of a complete void of capability, additional performance required as a result of a new threat, or perhaps a lower detection limit of a given material, for example. Several chemical agent detection systems fielded by the Department of Defense have immediate application to the Homeland Security mission. However, in order to ensure that the current system performance envelopes satisfy the requirements of the Homeland Security, the considerations such as use scenarios, detection limits, response to potential interferents, target materials detected, and life cycle costs must be addressed against the Homeland Security‐unique requirements. The involvement of the developer with the customer, tester/evaluator, and any additional parties that influence requirements is the key to ensuring that the end product will provide the desired capability.
Hybrid ZnAl‐LDH/CNTs nanocomposites: Noncovalent assembly and enhanced photodegradation performance
Authors: Wang Hui , Xiang Xu , Li Feng
Published: September 2009

In this article, we reported a facile and effective strategy for assembling hybrid ZnAl‐layered double hydroxide/carbon nanotubes (ZnAl‐LDH/CNTs) nanocomposites through noncovalent bonds, for the first time, in the presence of L‐cysteine molecules. The materials have been characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC), X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and specific surface area measurement. The results indicate that L‐cysteine as bridging linker plays a key role for enhancing both adhesion and dispersion of LDH nanocrystallites onto the surface of CNTs matrix through the interfacial interaction, and effectively inhibits the in situ growth of LDH crystallites, thus resulting in remarkably reduced LDH crystallite sizes; the Eu(III) fluorescence quenching in intercalated‐Eu(III)complex LDH/CNTs nanocomposite can occur because of the interaction between LDH crystallites and CNTs matrix. Furthermore, it is found that as‐assembled hybrid LDH/CNTs nanocomposites exhibit excellent performance for photodegradation of methyl orange molecules under UV irradiation, which is closely related to the unique hybrid nanostructure and composition of composites. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Efficient synthesis of ethanol and acetic acid from methane and carbon dioxide with a continuous, stepwise reactor
Authors: Huang W. , Sun W. Z. , Li F.
Published: September 2009

The synthesis of C2‐oxygenates such as ethanol and acetic acid accomplished by CH4 dissociation and subsequent CO2 insertion onto methyl radicals, named the stepwise reaction technology, has been demonstrated to be both feasible and efficient through initial experiments conducted in microreactor units. This article describes the development of this technology, highlighting the aforementioned stepwise technology using a dual‐reactor system, which can ensure that two raw gases enter the reactor uninterruptedly and are not mixed after reaction. The system productivity for acetic acid and ethanol displayed efficiencies greater than 5–10 times that of previous microreactor units. The investigation of mechanism indicates that acetic acid arises from insertion of CO2 into MCHx, while ethanol is formed either by hydrogenation of acetic acid or by hydration of C2H4, which results from homo‐coupling of CH4. The latter route is the preferred of the two. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Proteasomal degradation of β‐carotene metabolite—Modified proteins
Authors: Sommerburg Olaf , Karius Nicole , Siems Werner , Langhans Claus‐Dieter , Leichsenring Michael , Breusing Nicolle , Grune Tilman
Published: September 2009

Free radical attack on β‐carotene results in the formation of high amounts of carotene breakdown products (CBPs) having biological activities. As several of the CBPs are reactive aldehydes, it has to be considered that these compounds are able to modify proteins. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate whether CBP‐modification of proteins is leading to damaged proteins recognized and degraded by the proteasomal system. We used the model proteins tau and ferritin to test whether CBPs will modify them and whether such modifications lead to enhanced proteasomal degradation. To modify proteins, we used crude CBPs as a mixture obtained after hypochloric acid derived BC degradation, as well as several single compounds, as apo8′‐carotenal, retinal, or β‐ionone. The majority of the CBPs found in our reaction mixture are well known metabolites as described earlier after BC degradation using different oxidants. CBPs are able to modify proteins, and in in vitro studies, we were able to demonstrate that the 20S proteasome is able to recognize and degrade CBP‐modified proteins preferentially. In testing the proteolytic response of HT22 cells toward CBPs, we could demonstrate an enhanced protein turnover, which is sensitive to lactacystin. Interestingly, the proteasomal activity is resistant to treatment with CBP. On the other hand, we were able to demonstrate that supraphysiological levels of CBPs might lead to the formation of protein‐CBP‐adducts that are able to inhibit the proteasome. Therefore, the removal of CBP‐modified proteins seems to be catalyzed by the proteasomal system and is effective, if the formation of CBPs is not overwhelming and leading to protein aggregates. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Probing nanostructures of bacterial extracellular polymeric substances versus culture time by Raman microspectroscopy and atomic force microscopy
Authors: McEwen Gerald D. , Wu Yangzhe , Zhou Anhong
Published: September 2009

The structure of a bacterial cell wall may alter during bacterial reproduction. Moreover, these cell wall variations, on a nanoscale resolution, have not yet fully been elucidated. In this work, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique are applied to evaluate the culture time‐dependent cell wall structure variations of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 at a quorum and single cell level. The Raman spectra indicate that the appearance of DNA/RNA, protein, lipid, and carbohydrates occurs till 6 h of cultivation time under our experimental conditions. AFM characterization reveals the changes of the cellular surface ultrastructures over the culture time period, which is a gradual increase in surface roughness during the time between the first two and eight hours cultivation time. This work demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing a combined Raman spectroscopy and AFM technique to investigate the cultivation time dependence of bacterial cellular surface biopolymers at single cell level. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 171–177, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Effects from shear stress on morphology and growth of early stages of Norway spruce somatic embryos
Authors: Sun Hong , Aidun Cyrus K. , Egertsdotter Ulrika
Published: September 2009

The shear stress effect on directional expansion of pro embryogenic masses (PEMs) and suspensor cell development of somatic embryos of Norway spruce (Picea abies) at the proliferation stage was studied by a direct and quantitative image analysis system. The experimental system allowed for detailed observations of the effect of hydrodynamic shear stress in rotating and deforming liquid cultures of proliferating Norway spruce somatic embryos. Briefly, somatic embryos at an early development stage comprised only of clusters of meristematic cells without suspensor cells were fixed on an alginate film. The alginate film was affixed on the bottom of a flow cell and the somatic embryos were subjected to laminar flow through the chamber of the flow cell. Magnified images of the cell clusters were collected every 24 h. The image data was processed based on a normalized cross‐correlation method, capable of measuring morphological and size features of individual cell clusters in both temporal and spatial domains. No suspensor cells developed in the cell clusters under shear stress of 140 s−1for the duration of the experiments. Cell clusters in the control cultured in stationary liquid conditions developed suspensor cells after 5–9 days in culture. Furthermore, the radial growth of meristematic cell clusters was inhibited by shear rates of 86 and 140 s−1, corresponding to shear stress of 0.086 and 0.14 N/m2, compared to growth under stationary conditions. The shear rate showed a significant negative correlation to growth rate. Control group showed no preference for direction during growth under static conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 105: 588–599. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic and epigenetic classifications define clinical phenotypes and determine patient outcomes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sanchez J A , Krumroy L , Plummer S , Aung P , Merkulova A , Skacel M , DeJulius K L , Manilich E , Church J M , Casey G , Kalady M F
Published: September 2009

Background

A molecular classification of colorectal cancer has been proposed based on microsatellite instability (MSI), CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), and mutations in the KRAS and BRAF oncogenes. This study examined the prevalence of these molecular classes, and differences in clinical presentation and outcome.

Methods

Demographics, tumour characteristics and survival were recorded for 391 subjects with colorectal cancer. Tumour DNA was analysed for MSI (high (MSI-H) or microsatellite stable (MSS)), CIMP (high (CIMP-H) or no (CIMP-neg)) and BRAF and KRAS mutations. Clinical differences between four phenotypes were examined.

Results

Most tumours were MSS/CIMP-neg (69·8 per cent), with a nearly equal distribution of MSI-H/CIMP-H, MSI-H/CIMP-neg and MSS/CIMP-H types. MSS/CIMP-neg tumours were less likely to be poorly differentiated (P = 0·009). CIMP-H tumours were more common in older patients (P < 0·001). MSI-H/CIMP-H tumours had a high frequency of BRAF mutation and a low rate of KRAS mutation; the opposite was true for MSS/CIMP-neg tumours (P < 0·001). The four molecular phenotypes tended towards divergent survival (P = 0·067 for stages 1–III). MSI-H cancers were associated with better disease-free survival (hazard ratio 2·00 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·03 to 3·91); P = 0·040).

Conclusion

Colorectal cancers are molecularly and clinically heterogeneous. These different molecular phenotypes may reflect variable prognosis.
Cellular mechanisms of injury after major trauma
Authors: Chaudry I H , Bland K I
Published: September 2009

This is the Fourth article in the Journal's series on major trauma. Chaudry and Bland, leading experts in the field, consider the cellular implications of injury.
Locally recurrent rectal cancer in Norway
Authors: Hansen M H , Balteskard L , Dørum L M , Eriksen M T , Vonen B
Published: September 2009

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe management and outcome in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer based on data from the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry.

Methods

This was a prospective national cohort study of 577 patients with local recurrence after major resection (R0/R1) for rectal cancer between November 1993 and December 2001 (initial cohort of 4504 patients).

Results

Of the 577 patients, 185 (32·1 per cent) had curative resections (R0/R1), 203 (35·2 per cent) had palliative radiotherapy with or without palliative surgery and chemotherapy, and 189 (32·8 per cent) received no treatment at all or only palliative surgery or chemotherapy. The overall 5-year survival rate was 14·9 per cent. Ninety-seven patients had an R0 resection, and 88 had an R1 resection, with 5-year overall survival of 55 and 20 per cent respectively. This outcome reflected surgical treatment in 33 different hospitals. Some 274 patients (47·5 per cent) had metastases. The 5-year survival rate after R0 resection was 62 per cent in patients without metastases.

Conclusion

Obtaining an R0 resection is the most important prognostic factor in treating recurrent rectal cancer.
Therapeutic delay reduces survival of rectal cancer but not of colonic cancer
Authors: Iversen L H , Antonsen S , Laurberg S , Lautrup M D
Published: September 2009

Background

The relationship between therapeutic delay and long-term survival from colorectal cancer is unclear. This association was examined prospectively among patients with colorectal cancer in Denmark.

Methods

A total of 740 patients with colorectal cancer were included in a prospective, population-based study in three Danish counties from 1 January 2001 to 31 July 2002. Delay was determined by self-report during a standardized interview. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compute the hazard ratio (HR) associated with delay, while adjusting for age, sex and co-morbidity, and also for urgency of surgery in patients with colonic cancer.

Results

For rectal cancer only, a time span of at least 60 days from the onset of symptoms until treatment (total therapeutic delay) was associated with a 69 per cent higher risk of mortality compared with a total therapeutic delay of less than 60 days (HR 1·69 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·01 to 2·83)). Provider delay (interval from first physician contact until treatment) and hospital delay (interval from referral to a hospital until treatment) of at least 60 days had no impact on survival from colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

A total therapeutic delay of at least 60 days was a negative prognostic factor for long-term survival from rectal cancer.
A novel tool to facilitate the learning of thermodynamic principles by undergraduate students of the biological area
Authors: Carvalho Eduardo O. , Araki Marcelo K. , Freitas Sérgio F. , de Godoy Carlos M. G. , Faljoni‐Alario Adelaide , Frare‐Junior Pedro L. , Nantes Iseli L.
Published: September 2009

This study describes the application and evaluation of a novel didactic tool (thermodynamic device) developed for students in the area of biology who have conceptual deficiencies that render the learning of thermodynamic principles difficult. Systems of communicant vessels with equal and different compartments were constructed to correlate the equilibrium constant of the reactions and reagent/product ratios with the concept of standard and nonstandard Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG° and ΔG, respectively). The communicating vessels were filled respectively with equal and different volumes of a dye aqueous solution followed by the opening of a faucet that coupled the vessels. This procedure allows liquid flux leading to the movement of internal propellers. The movement of the propellers turns on an electronic circuit that processes the information to exhibit the energy released by the movement of the solution toward equilibrium. The thermodynamic device was evaluated regarding the efficiency of content comprehension and retention of the gain by challenging students to answer five subjective questions 1 week after a regular teaching module about thermodynamics. The overall mean score obtained by the students who accessed the thermodynamic device (7.0) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than the mean score of the control group (3.4). The thermodynamic device increased twofold the percentage of students who gave more than 50% correct answers. The efficiency of the didactic tool was also evaluated and corroborated by objective questions. In conclusion, the use of the thermodynamic device was highly effective in improving the understanding of thermodynamic principles by undergraduate biology students.
Teaching expression proteomics: From the wet‐lab to the laptop
Authors: Teixeira Miguel C. , Santos Pedro M. , Rodrigues Catarina , Sá‐Correia Isabel
Published: September 2009

Expression proteomics has become, in recent years, a key genome‐wide expression approach in fundamental and applied life sciences. This postgenomic technology aims the quantitative analysis of all the proteins or protein forms (the so‐called proteome) of a given organism in a given environmental and genetic context. It is a challenge to provide effective training in this area due to its demanding laboratory procedures and laborious computational data analysis. However, the effective training of undergraduates and postgraduates in this field is highly recommended to prepare them for the challenges of postgenomic research and of medical, industrial and other economical activities. Since 2004, the area of Biological Sciences at the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering of Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) has been teaching Expression Proteomics to undergraduate and postgraduate students in three formats: 1) as modules of curricular units (CU), in particular of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics (FGB), offered as a mandatory CU to IST Biological Engineering or Biotechnology Master courses students, or as an elective CU to other MSc courses with a biological component and to the MSc in Information Systems and Computer Engineering; the topic is also part of the PhD program in Biotechnology; 2) as mentored coaching, in which IST students integrate ongoing research programs at the Biological Sciences Research Group of IBB at IST; and 3) as intensive thematic courses open to the external community. In this article, educational programs and teaching methodologies and tools that we have been using are outlined, from the wet‐lab to the laptop. The current role of quantitative proteomics in biological research, with emphasis on microbial stress response and on biomedical and biotechnological applications, is addressed, as a case‐study, anchored on our group research activities.
Problem‐solving test: In vitro protein kinase a reaction*
Authors: Szeberényi József
Published: September 2009

Terms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test. Protein kinases, protein phosphorylation, protein kinase A, tyrosine‐ and serine/threonine‐specific kinases, extracellular signal‐regulated kinases, Cyclin/Cdk complexes, SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, diacylglycerol, adrenaline, autophosphorylation.
Marginal relevance of disorder for pinning models
Authors: Giacomin Giambattista , Toninelli Fabio , Lacoin Hubert
Published: September 2009

The effect of disorder on pinning and wetting models has attracted much attention in theoretical physics. In particular, it has been predicted on the basis of the Harris criterion that disorder is relevant (annealed and quenched models have different critical points and critical exponents) if the return probability exponent α, a positive number that characterizes the model, is larger than ½. Weak disorder has been predicted to be irrelevant (i.e., coinciding critical points and exponents) if α < ½. Recent mathematical work has put these predictions on firm ground. In renormalization group terms, the case α = ½ is a marginal case, and there is no agreement in the literature as to whether one should expect disorder relevance or irrelevance at marginality. The question is also particularly intriguing because the case α = ½ includes the classical models of two‐dimensional wetting of a rough substrate, of pinning of directed polymers on a defect line in dimension (3 + 1) or (1 + 1), and of pinning of an heteropolymer by a point potential in three‐dimensional space. Here we prove disorder relevance both for the general α = ½ pinning model and for the hierarchical pinning model proposed by Derrida, Hakim, and Vannimenus, in the sense that we prove a shift of the quenched critical point with respect to the annealed one. In both cases we work with Gaussian disorder and we show that the shift is at least of order exp(−1/β4) for β small, if β2 is the disorder variance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A New Polynuclear Coordination Type for (Salicylaldoxime)copper(II) Complexes: Structure and Magnetic Properties of an (Oxime)Cu6 Cluster
Authors: Wenzel Marco , Forgan Ross S. , Faure Anaëlle , Mason Kevin , Tasker Peter A. , Piligkos Stergios , Brechin Euan K. , Plieger Paul G.
Published: September 2009

A previously unseen coordination mode is reported for (salicylaldoxime)copper complexes utilising a linked zwitterionic NO22– donor set. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Insight into Unusual Downfield NMR Shifts in the Inclusion Complex of Acridine Orange with Cucurbit[7]uril (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 29/2009)
Authors: Liu Jinshui , Jiang Nan , Ma Jing , Du Xuezhong
Published: September 2009

The cover picture shows the formation of the inclusion complex of acridine orange (AO) with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and the unusual downfield NMR shifts of the proton resonances. This shift is the net result of large downfield shifts arising from the deaggregation of AO aggregates followed by small upfield shifts resulting from the inclusion of AO into the CB[7] cavity. The background shows the color change of the aqueous AO solution from yellow to green in the absence and presence of CB[7]. Details are discussed in the article by J. Ma, X. Du et al. on p.4931 ff.
Influence of A‐Site Variation and B‐Site Substitution on the Physical Properties of (La,Sr)FeO3Based Perovskites
Authors: Vogt U. F. , Holtappels P. , Sfeir J. , Richter J. , Duval S. , Wiedenmann D. , Züttel A.
Published: September 2009

Perovskite‐type materials have been synthesised and investigated with regards to their physical properties including specific surface area (BET), phase purity, sinter behaviour, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and electrical conductivity. We investigated the effect of Sr variation on La1–xSrxFeO3–δthe influence of A‐site stoichiometry on (La0.8Sr0.2)yFeO3–δand the impact of substitution of iron by nickel or copper up to 20 mol%. The over‐stoichiometric compositions indicate secondary phases independent of the calcination temperature. Stoichiometric and understoichiometric compositions become single phase perovskites after calcination at 1,200 °C. The substitution of Fe by Ni or Cu on the B‐site, (La0.2Sr0.8)0.95Ni/CuxFe1–xO3, is viable, but limited to 20 mol%. Cu substitution and under‐stoichiometry lower the melting point and thus consequently influence the sintering temperature.

The diverse LSF composition as well as Ni/Cu substitutions affects the CTE. The CTE matches quite well with YSZ, by a 15% A‐site deficiency, as well as with Ni substitution on the B‐site. Compatibility tests at 1,000 °C prove that Ni increases the reactivity of LSF with YSZ. In case of the CGO, no indication of reactions or interdiffusion could be observed. The substitution of iron by 20 mol% nickel or copper significantly enhances the electrical conductivity of the basic composition (La0.8Sr0.2)0.95FeO3–δ.
Carnegie's new community engagement classification: Affirming higher education's role in community
Authors: Driscoll Amy
Published: September 2009

The new Carnegie classification of community engagement provides a unique opportunity for campuses to embrace their responsibilities to society.
Leading the engaged institution
Authors: Sandmann Lorilee R. , Plater William M.
Published: September 2009

This chapter examines the characteristics and choices of leaders in Carnegie community‐engaged classified institutions.
Innovative practices in service‐learning and curricular engagement
Authors: Bringle Robert G. , Hatcher Julie A.
Published: September 2009

This chapter summarizes institutional best practices in the assessment of service‐learning.
Engagement and institutional advancement
Authors: Weerts David , Hudson Elizabeth
Published: September 2009

The Carnegie data offer important information about how institutions allocate funding for engagement and develop marketing and fundraising campaigns to support engagement activities.
The intercultural communication motivation scale: An instrument to assess motivational training needs of candidates for international assignments
Authors: Kupka Bernd , Everett André M. , Atkins Stephen G. , Mertesacker Marion , Walters Lynne , Walters Tim , Graf Andrea , Brooks Hill L. , Dodd Carley , Bolten Jürgen
Published: September 2009

The Intercultural Communication Motivation Scale (ICMS) is a tool to assess the intercultural communication motivation of candidates for international assignments. The ICMS performed well in four studies conducted with undergraduate students in New Zealand, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany. Generally showing a stable fi ve‐factor structure, high test‐retest correlations, very high Cronbach's alphas, and almost no social desirability bias in self and peer evaluations, the ICMS is sensitive enough to detect test‐retest differences. Thus, socially responsible strategic international HR programs can use this scale to reliably evaluate employees and their families for specifi c international locations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental studies of rotating heat pipes
Authors: Shukla K.N. , Solomon A. Brusly , Pillai B.C.
Published: September 2009

Thermal characteristics of a rotating heat pipe were measured under steady state at moderate rotational speeds. Copper‐water rotating heat pipe with copper screen mesh wick was fabricated for testing at various heat loads. An experimental test rig with a water‐cooled condenser section was fabricated to study the heat transfer in the rotating heat pipe (RHP) for various heat loads and various rotational speeds ranging from 1000 rpm to 2000 rpm. A heat transfer correlation was developed for the condensing heat transfer coefficient and compared with the experimental results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20265
Heat transfer on tube bundles embedded vertically in liquid‐fluidized beds
Authors: Hashizume Kenichi , Shirai Akira , Fukai Koichi , Fukagawa Akihiro
Published: September 2009

Bed voidage was measured in liquid‐fluidized beds having tube bundles embedded vertically in beds, and the heat transfer coefficient was measured on the outer surface of the tube. There were six kinds of test channels used, and a total of nine types of particles of glass and ceramics were tested. The measured bed voidage agreed well with those developed for in‐column fluidization, when the hydraulic equivalent diameter was used. Measured heat transfer coefficients on the vertically embedded tube bundles were higher than those on the vertically embedded single tubes, the calculated values for the in‐column fluidization, and the calculated values for the horizontally embedded tube bundles. Correlations for predicting the heat transfer coefficient were derived for the vertically embedded tube bundles and single tubes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20267
Numerical simulation of methane– air filtration combustion in porous media for hydrogen production
Authors: Xie Maozhao , Dong Ming , Lu Ning , Shi Junrui
Published: September 2009

The conversion of methane to hydrogen by partial oxidation in a porous media reactor was investigated over a range of large fuel– air equivalence by numerical simulation. A one‐dimensional two‐temperature model was presented and the detailed GRI 1.2 mechanism was used for methane oxidation. The simulation predicted distributions of peak combustion temperatures, flame structure, and main chemical species as well as the percent conversion of CH4 to H2. The influences of parameters affecting combustion characteristics, i.e., the inlet gas velocity and equivalence ratio of the porous media, were examined. The computational results were validated against the experimental data of Kennedy et al., and reasonable agreement was observed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20273
Sea‐tide effects on flows in the lower reaches of the Amazon River
Authors: Kosuth Pascal , Callède Jacques , Laraque Alain , Filizola Naziano , Guyot Jean Loup , Seyler Patrick , Fritsch Jean Marie , Guimarães Valdemar
Published: September 2009

The physical influence of sea tides on the lower reaches of the Amazon River can be identified more than 1000 km upstream from the sea. Analysis of upstream tidal wave propagation on the Amazon River contributes to the understanding of the hydrodynamics of the lower reaches and to the quantification of the influence of sea level on sedimentation rates. Continuous over‐the‐year recording of water levels has been undertaken at eight locations along the lower reaches of the Amazon River and flow measurement campaigns have been organized for different river discharge rates (100 000 m3 s−1, 190 000 m3 s−1 and 250 000 m3 s−1) and sea‐tide amplitudes (2–3·5 m). Damping, time‐delay and deformation of the tidal wave signals, depending on water regimes and distances from the sea, have been analyzed. The physical processes of wave propagation and cyclic water storage and release have been investigated both through data analysis and the application of mathematical hydrodynamic models. The impact of tidal pulses on sediment transport to the sea has been assessed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximum flood regionalization in large basins: study case of the Alto São Francisco region—Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Versiani Bruno Rabelo , de Melo Franco Carneiro Rafael , Amaral Iara Righi , Finzi Quintão Cristiane Medina
Published: September 2009

This paper describes a regionalization method, based on the TCEV (two‐component extreme value) distribution function, and its application to annual maximum flood series for the São Francisco River, in Minas Gerais State (Brazil). This statistical model is equivalent to the product of two exponentials, both representing a Poisson process: the first corresponding to the most frequent floods and the second to the rare floods. The theoretical aspects of the model and the regionalization method are briefly presented. The study region is a 50 870 km2 river basin, located in the southeast region of Brazil, characterized by a tropical climate. In applying the technique, two homogeneous regions were identified, dividing the basin into southern and northern parts with respect to the annual maximum floods. To validate the TCEV regionalization model, a stream gauge with a short of maximum floods that was not used in the fitting procedure was selected. The TCEV regionalized model fitted well, showing that the method can be used for prediction across the entire basin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrologic model calibration using discontinuous data: an example from the upper Blue Nile River Basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Kim Ungtae , Kaluarachchi Jagath J.
Published: September 2009

Hydrologic models using water balance approaches typically use continuously observed streamflow data for calibration. Many large river basins in developing countries such as the upper Blue Nile River Basin of Ethiopia have discontinuous hydrographs that contain short continuous periods. Therefore, the efficient use of observed hydrographs for calibration of a hydrologic model is important to improve model performance. The goal of this study is to assess how limitations of continuity and duration in data affect hydrologic model calibration. A previously developed water balance model for the upper Blue Nile River basin was calibrated here using continuous and discontinuous (randomly sampled) data of different lengths. The performance of both methods was then compared each other in terms of parameter uncertainty and model efficiency. The results revealed that randomly sampled data require a shorter calibration length than continuous data to reach good model performance, about 36 and 120 months, respectively. This fact implies that discontinuous hydrographs can be useful in calibration. However, the number of high flow months included in the calibration data greatly affects model efficiency. This study suggests that randomly sampled calibration data should include at least 30% of high flow months of sufficient quality. The findings of this study will be essential to develop a hydrologic monitoring strategy for remote basins of the upper Blue Nile River basin and other similar basins where continuous observations are limited. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.