bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SYNTHESIS OF DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON FILMS USING A BI-MODAL SPUTTER DEPOSITION WITH Xe IONS
Authors: RYBACHUK MAKSYM , BELL JOHN M.
Published: September 2007

An alternative approach to a sputtering process was examined where a single incident beam of Xe ions was used to simultaneously sputter a carbon target and bombard a growing film. The hypothesis that by positioning a substrate at grazing angles to the central axis of the ion beam, the additional energy provided will be beneficial to the formation of sp3 bonding. Amorphous carbon (a- C ) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were synthesized by sputtering a graphite target from a Kaufmann-type ion source. Experimental results revealed that when a substrate was placed at grazing angles due to a secondary resputtering process, it was not possible to fabricate DLCs but only sp2-rich polymeric a- C . For DLC synthesis the optimal angles of the target and the substrate to the ion flux were found to be 30° and 0°, respectively, and the ion energies of 0.8–1 keV.
MORPHOLOGY, THERMAL STABILITY, AND SOLDERABILITY OF ELECTROLESS NICKEL–PHOSPHORUS PLATING LAYER
Authors: YOON JEONG-WON , CHUN HYUN-SUK , KANG HAN-BYUL , PARK MIN-HO , YANG CHEOL-WOONG , LEE HOO-JEONG , JUNG SEUNG-BOO
Published: September 2007

We studied the growth kinetics and characteristics of electroless nickel–phosphorus (EN–P) deposition layer on Cu substrate in an acid plating bath with sodium hypophosphite as the reducing agent. The individual nodules of the EN–P layer increased in size but decreased in number with increasing plating time and pH, i.e. the root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of the EN deposit decreased. In addition, the plating rate of the EN layer increased with increasing plating bath pH. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that the as-plated deposit was in an amorphous phase, while the heat-treated layer was composed of crystallized Ni and Ni 3 P compound. The solderability of the EN layer increased with decreasing P content. In addition, the wetting force increased with increasing surface roughness. The present study clearly showed that the solderability behavior of the EN layer is affected by both surface composition ( P content) and morphology.
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF RELAXATION IN AlGaN/GaN HETEROSTRUCTURES
Authors: JIANG Z. S. , ZHANG W. , JI Q. , XU J. , CHEN D. J. , SHEN B. , WU X. S. , ZHANG A. M. , ZHANG K. X. , YIN S. L.
Published: September 2007

Effects of Si 3 N 4 passivation layer on the lattice strain of Al 0.22 Ga 0.78 N layer with the thickness of 100 nm has been studied by in situ X-ray diffraction by the temperature range of 25°C–550°C. Results show that the temperature dependence of the strain relaxations can be separated into three linear regions. After passivation, an additional in-plane tensile strain is observed. The residual tensile strain increases with increasing temperature at low temperature, while at higher temperature the residual tensile strain decreases slightly. There is clear influence when a passive layer is deposited on the surface of the heterostructures. The linear regions in the temperature dependence of strain vary after the passive layer deposited on the heterostructure. These results indicate that the variation of the lattice strain relates to the difference in thermal stability between the epitaxy layer and the substrate.
SUBSTRATE EFFECTS ON SURFACE MORPHOLOGY IN (La2/3-xYx) (Ca1/3-ySry) MnO3 FILMS
Authors: CAI H. L. , ZHANG Y. M. , WU X. S. , LU X. M. , GAO J.
Published: September 2007

( La 2/3-x Y x) ( Ca 1/3-y Sr y) MnO 3 (LYCSMO) thin films with x = 0.08 and y = 0.0868 deposited on SrTiO 3 (STO), Yttrium-stabilized ZrO 2 (YSZ), LaAlO 3 (LAO), and MgO substrates are fabricated. Atomic force microscopy measurements reveal that the morphology is quite different for all films. A two-dimensional growth mode is suitable for LYCSMO film on STO, while on LAO, YSZ, and MgO , an island growth mode may be a good description for the growth of LYCSMO films. X-ray diffraction studies show that the films epitaxially grow along c axis on STO, LAO, and MgO substrates, while grows along a axis on YSZ substrate. The in-plane and out-of-plane lattice parameters are also obtained for films grown on all substrates.
SURFACE MODIFICATION OF PLASMA TREATMENT ON SiO2 LAYER WITH UNDERFILL
Authors: NOH BO-IN , JUNG SEUNG-BOO
Published: September 2007

The plasma treatment on SiO 2 substrate surfaces increased the oxygen-containing functional groups or the polar component of the surface free energy and, the wetting characteristics of the underfills/ SiO 2. The plasma treatment condition which gave the smallest contact angle between the underfills and SiO 2 was an operating time of 60 sec under O 2 gas atmosphere and a power of 200 W.
NOVEL SUPERSTRUCTURES OF ALKALI-DOPED C60 FILMS ON Cu(111) AND Ag(111) SURFACES
Authors: KUO C. C. , LIN C. H. , PAI WOEI WU , LIN K. C. , TANG T. B.
Published: September 2007

We report a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) study of potassium ( K )-doped C 60 ( K x C 60) on Cu (111) and Ag (111), with focus on the observation of novel K -induced superstructures. On Cu (111), K -intercalation leads to various superstructures, i.e., p(3 × 3), p(2 × 2), and a disordered "maze-like" structure. Concomitant removal of C 60-induced substrate reconstruction was also observed. On Ag (111), K -doping induces C 60 reorientation and results in a p(2 × 2) superstructure. All observed superstructures suggest intrinsic inhomogeneity of K -doping in fullerene materials, which must be further understood.
FABRICATION AND PROPERTIES OF La0.8Ca0.2MnO3 FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS
Authors: FENG WANG LI , WEI ZHANG WEI , QING ZHOU YU , MING ZHU
Published: September 2007

The inverted-gate colossal magnetoresistance-field-effect-transistors (CMR-FETs) were designed and successfully fabricated on the Si substrate by using semiconductor techniques. The studies on the capacitance properties were carried out under different temperatures, different frequencies, and different gate biases. The results indicate that La 0.8 Ca 0.2 MnO 3 is the typical p-type semiconductor. It was shown that the capacitance increases with the increasing of the temperature under certain gate bias. The sudden increase of the capacitance at 160 K was observed and needeed to be studied further. Meanwhile the capacitance decreased as the frequency increased with first order exponential decay fitting.
TEM STUDY OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND INTERFACES IN YBa2Cu3Oy THIN FILMS GROWN ON SILICON WITH A Eu2CuO4/Y-ZrO2 BI-LAYER BUFFER
Authors: GAO J. , FU E. G. , LUO Z. , WANG Z. , YU D. P.
Published: September 2007

The microstructures in the YBa 2 Cu 3 O y films grown on Eu 2 CuO 4/ Y-ZrO 2(YSZ) buffered silicon were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy. Our effort was emphasized on the influence of the interfacial microstructures on the formation and epitaxy of the grown layer. It was found that a native Si -oxide layer ~ 5 nm was formed at the boundary between YSZ and silicon. Such an intermediate layer should be formed after the initial formation of the grown YSZ layer as the epitaxy of YSZ still remain. The epitaxy can be kept through all layers without the formation of big grain boundaries. No amorphous layers and secondary phases were observed at the interfaces of YSZ/ECO and YBCO/ECO. The results demonstrate that the crystallinity and the epitaxy of YBCO have been greatly improved by the bi-layer buffer.
NANO-ORDERED PALPUS-LIKE CRYSTALS IN La1/3Ca2/3MnO3 FILMS
Authors: XING J. H. , QIAN B. , FENG J. F. , JIANG X. F. , WU X. S. , ZHANG Y. M. , JI Q. , GAO J.
Published: September 2007

The surface of La 1/3 Ca 2/3 MnO 3 (LCMO) films with thickness, t, ranging from 4 to 150 nm has been studied. Highly ordered palpus-like crystals induced by strain are observed in the films grown on the substrate of SrTiO 3 (with thickness t ranging from 20 to 50 nm) and on sapphire (with thickness t ranging from 30 to 50 nm). The strain is identified to result from thermal expansion mismatch between the substrate and the film, and thermal expansion anomaly may exist at a high temperature induced by possible phase transition in LCMO with t = 30 nm. Such a phenomenon may arrest the film growth and the understanding of colossal magnetoresistance materials as well as provide a new way to make ordered structures for applications.
STRUCTURAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF ZnO THIN FILMS GROWN ON FLEXIBLE POLYIMIDE SUBSTRATES
Authors: SON DONG ICK , LEE JUNG WOOK , LEE DEA UK , KIM TAE WHAN , CHOI WON KOOK
Published: September 2007

Nominally undoped ZnO thin films were grown on polyimide (PI) substrates at various temperatures by using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. Atomic force microscopy images showed that the root mean squares of the average surface roughnesses for the ZnO thin films grown on the PI substrates at 27°C, 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C were 4.08, 4.50, 4.18, and 3.89 nm, respectively. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the crystallinity of the ZnO films had a preferential (0001) direction and that the full width at half-maxima for the (0002) ZnO diffraction peak for the ZnO thin films grown on the PI substrates at 27°C, 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C were 0.22, 0.22, 0.22, and 0.23, respectively. The average optical transmittances in the visible ranges between 550 and 750 nm for the ZnO /PI heterostructures grown at 27°C, 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C were 87%, 83%, 87%, and 78%, respectively.
ON THE COMPUTATION OF MOLECULAR SURFACE CORRELATIONS FOR PROTEIN DOCKING USING FOURIER TECHNIQUES
Authors: SAKK ERIC
Published: September 2007

The computation of surface correlations using a variety of molecular models has been applied to the unbound protein docking problem. Because of the computational complexity involved in examining all possible molecular orientations, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) (a fast numerical implementation of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT)) is generally applied to minimize the number of calculations. This approach is rooted in the convolution theorem which allows one to inverse transform the product of two DFTs in order to perform the correlation calculation. However, such a DFT calculation results in a cyclic or "circular" correlation which, in general, does not lead to the same result as the linear correlation desired for the docking problem. In this work, we provide computational bounds for constructing molecular models used in the molecular surface correlation problem. The derived bounds are then shown to be consistent with various intuitive guidelines previously reported in the protein docking literature. Finally, these bounds are applied to different molecular models in order to investigate their effect on the correlation calculation.
SPOT INTENSITY RATIO STATISTICS IN TWO-CHANNEL MICROARRAY EXPERIMENTS
Authors: PARK TAESUNG , KIM KIWOONG , YI SUNG-GON , KIM JIN HYUK , LEE YONG-SUNG , LEE SEUNGYEOUN
Published: September 2007

In two-channel microarray experiments, the image analysis extracts red and green fluorescence intensities. The ratio of the two fluorescence intensities represents the relative abundance of the corresponding DNA sequence. The subsequent analysis is performed by taking a log-transformation of this ratio. Therefore, the statistical analyses depend on accuracy of the ratios calculated from the image analysis. However, not many studies have been proposed for developing more reliable ratio statistics. In this paper, we consider a new type of log-transformed ratio statistic. We compare the new ratio statistic with the conventional ratio statistic commonly used in two-channel microarray experiments. First, under the specific log-normal distributional assumption, we compare analytically the new statistics with the conventional ratio statistic. Second, we compare those ratio statistics using a two-channel microarray data obtained by hybridizing a mixture of mouse RNA and yeast in vitro transcript (IVT). Both comparisons show that the proposed ratio statistic performs better than the conventional one.
EVALUATION OF NORMALIZATION AND PRE-CLUSTERING ISSUES IN A NOVEL CLUSTERING APPROACH: GLOBAL OPTIMUM SEARCH WITH ENHANCED POSITIONING
Authors: TAN MENG P. , BROACH JAMES R. , FLOUDAS CHRISTODOULOS A.
Published: September 2007

We study the effects on clustering quality by different normalization and pre-clustering techniques for a novel mixed-integer nonlinear optimization-based clustering algorithm, the Global Optimum Search with Enhanced Positioning (EP_GOS_Clust). These are important issues to be addressed. DNA microarray experiments are informative tools to elucidate gene regulatory networks. But in order for gene expression levels to be comparable across microarrays, normalization procedures have to be properly undertaken. The aim of pre-clustering is to use an adequate amount of discriminatory characteristics to form rough information profiles, so that data with similar features can be pre-grouped together and outliers deemed insignificant to the clustering process can be removed. Using experimental DNA microarray data from the yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, we study the merits of pre-clustering genes based on distance/correlation comparisons and symbolic representations such as {+, o, -}. As a performance metric, we look at the intra- and inter-cluster error sums, two generic but intuitive measures of clustering quality. We also use publicly available Gene Ontology resources to assess the clusters' level of biological coherence. Our analysis indicates a significant effect by normalization and pre-clustering methods on the clustering results. Hence, the outcome of this study has significance in fine-tuning the EP_GOS_Clust clustering approach.
PROTEIN COMPLEX PREDICTION USING AN INTEGRATIVE BIOINFORMATICS APPROACH
Authors: VAN BERLO ROGIER J. P. , WESSELS LODEWYK F. A. , DE RIDDER DICK , REINDERS MARCEL J. T.
Published: September 2007

Since protein complexes play a crucial role in biological cells, one of the major goals in bioinformatics is the elucidation of protein complexes. A general approach is to build a prediction rule based on multiple data sources, e.g. gene expression data and protein interaction data, to assess the likelihood of two proteins having complex association.a

We critically revisit the step of predictor construction, i.e. the determination of a proper training set, an optimal classifier, and, most importantly, an optimal feature set. We use an exhaustive set of features, which includes the 2hop-feature as introduced by Wong et al.23 for predicting synthetic sick or lethal interactions. Post-processing of the likelihoods of protein interaction is then required to extract protein complexes. We propose a new protocol for combining these likelihood estimates. The protocol interprets the probabilities of complex association as output by the prediction rule as distances and employs hierarchical clustering to find groups of interacting proteins. In contrast to the computationally expensive search-and-score approach of Sharan et al.,19 this protocol is very fast and can be applied to fully connected graphs.

The protocol identifies trusted protein complexes with high confidence. We show that the 2hop-feature is relevant for predicting protein complexes. Furthermore, several interesting hypotheses about new protein complexes have been generated. For example, our approach linked the protein FYV4 to the mitochondrial ribosomal subunit. Interestingly, it is known that this protein is located in the mitochondrion, but its biological role is unknown. Vid22 and YGR071C were also linked, which corresponds to the new TAP data of Krogan et al.14
COMMENTS ON PROBABILISTIC MODELS BEHIND THE CONCEPT OF FALSE DISCOVERY RATE
Authors: QIU XING , YAKOVLEV ANDREI
Published: September 2007

This commentary is concerned with a formula for the false discovery rate (FDR) which frequently serves as a basis for its estimation. This formula is valid under some quite special conditions, motivating us to further discuss probabilistic models behind the commonly accepted FDR concept with a special focus on problems arising in microarray data analysis. We also present a simulation study designed to assess the effects of inter-gene correlations on some theoretical results based on such models.
Effects of Stress and Neuropeptides on Airway Responses in Ovalbumin-Sensitized Rats
Authors: Portela Carlos P. , Leick-Maldonado Edna A. , Kasahara David I. , Prado Carla M. , Calvo-Tibério Iolanda F.L. , Martins Milton A. , Palermo-Neto João
Published: September 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of stress and neuropeptides on airway responses in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rats. Methods: Three experimental conditions were employed: neonatal capsaicin treatment, foot shock stress and OVA sensitization. For neuropeptide depletion, male Wistar rats were neonatally treated with capsaicin (50 mg/kg) or with control solution 2 days after birth. Ninety days later, they were injected with OVA and aluminum hydroxide (ED0) or no injection. Thereafter, rats of the stressed groups were individually placed in a shuttle box where they received 50 mild escapable foot shocks/day; the stressful stimuli were repeated until ED14, when the animals received OVA aerosol. Pulmonary mechanic function was measured before and after OVA challenge in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated rats. Results: Data on ultrasonic vocalizations and corticosterone showed high levels of anxiety in stressed animals. As expected, a significant increment in airway elastance and resistance after the OVA challenge was found in sensitized rats compared to non-sensitized ones. Capsaicin treatment decreased the values of elastance in sensitized and non-stressed rats; however, after the OVA challenge, elastance was increased in stressed animals. No differences were found in the levels of resistance among sensitized and non-stressed rats; however, a reduced increment in resistance was verified in capsaicin-treated, stressed animals. Conclusions: Our results suggest that neurokinin depletion and stress may affect smooth muscle tonus around the airways during an anaphylactic reaction. These data suggest that stress and neuropeptides play a significant role in pulmonary function in OVA-sensitized rats.
The Vicenza Wearable Artificial Kidney for Peritoneal Dialysis (ViWAK PD)
Authors: Ronco Claudio , Fecondini Luciano
Published: September 2007

Background: The study describes the structure and operational characteristics of a new wearable system for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for chronic kidney disease patients. Methods: We designed a wearable system consisting of: (1) a double lumen peritoneal catheter; (2) a dialysate outflow line; (3) a miniaturized rotary pump; (4) a circuit for dialysate regeneration featuring a waterproof container with 4 cartridges in parallel with a mixture of activated carbon and polystyrenic resins; (5) a filter for deaeration and microbiological safety; (6) a dialysate inflow line, and (7) a handheld computer as a remote control. The system has been tested circulating 12 liters of exhausted PD solution through the experimental adsorption unit at a rate of 20 ml/min. Creatinine, β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and angiogenin were measured before and after the adsorption unit at baseline, and after 4 and 10 h of use. Results: The cartridges containing polystyrenic resin completely removed β2-MG and angiogenin from the fluid batch. Those with the activated carbon removed completely urea and creatinine. The final result was 11.2 liters of net solute clearance. The system is designed to be used as follows: The peritoneal cavity is loaded in the morning with 2 liters of fresh PD solution. After 2 h, when dialysate/plasma equilibration at approximately 50% has occurred, recirculation is activated for 10 h at a rate of 20 ml/min. After this period, recirculation stops and glucose is optionally added to the peritoneal cavity to achieve ultrafiltration if needed. After 2 h the fluid is drained and a 2-liter icodextrin exchange is performed overnight to achieve further ultrafiltration. The clearance provided by the minicycler is further increased by the 2-liter exchange and the overnight exchange. Therefore, the system operates 24 h/day and provides creatinine and β2-MG clearance in the range of 15–16 liters/day, corresponding to a weekly clearance of 100–110 liters. The patient reduces the number of exchanges compared to CAPD and uses less fluid than in automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). Furthermore, the handheld computer allows for prescription and assessment of the therapy providing information on cartridge saturation, flow and pressure conditions and offering the possibility of remote wireless control of operations. Some problems still remain to be solved in the present configuration including the addition of an injection system for glucose and bicarbonate when needed, a system to reduce fibrin delivery to the sorbent and finally a more complex mixture of sorbents to make sure a complete removal of small molecules including urea is achieved. Conclusion: The wearable PD system may become a possible alternative to APD or CAPD reducing the time dedicated to perform exchanges and improving peritoneal dialysis adequacy and patient’s rehabilitation.
Using T3, an Improved Decision Tree Classifier, for Mining Stroke-related Medical Data
Authors: Saraee M. , Theodoulidis B. , Keane J. A. , Tjortjis C.
Published: September 2007

Objectives:
Medical data are a valuable resource from which novel and potentially useful knowledge can be discovered by using data mining. Data mining can assist and support medical decision making and enhance clinical managementand investigative research. The objective of this work is to propose a method for building accurate descriptive and predictive models based on classification of past medical data. We also aim to compare this method with other well established data mining methods and identify strengths and weaknesses.

Method:
We propose T3, a decision tree classifier which builds predictive models based on known classes, by allowing for a certain amount of misclassification error in training in order to achieve better descriptive and predictive accuracy. We then experiment with a real medical data set on stroke, and various subsets, in order to identify strengths and weaknesses. We also compare performance with a very successful and well established decision tree classifier.

Results:
T3 demonstrated impressive performance when predicting unseen cases of stroke resulting in as little as 0.4% classification error while the state of the art decision tree classifier resulted in 33.6% classification error respectively.

Conclusions:
This paper presents and evaluates T3, a classification algorithm that builds decision trees of depth at most three, and results in high accuracy whilst keeping the tree size reasonably small. T3 demonstrates strong descriptive and predictive power without compromising simplicity and clarity. We evaluate T3 based on real stroke register data and compare it with C4.5, a well-known classification algorithm, showing that T3 produces significantly more accurate and readable classifiers.
Comparing Properties of Audit Data and Routinely Collected Register Data in Case of Performance Assessment of Hip Fracture Treatment in Finland
Authors: Nurmi-Lüthje I. , Lüthje P. , Tanninen S. , Narinen A. , Keskimäki I. , Sund R.
Published: September 2007

Objectives:
To compare prospective audit data and secondary administrative register data in the production of performance assessment information in the case of hip fracture treatment, and to cross-validate the quality of information.

Methods:
First, a conceptual model for the performance assessment of hip fracture treatment was defined. This model was then utilized in comparisons between the prospective audit data concerning 106 consecutive hip fracture patients from the Kuusankoski Regional Hospital and corresponding register data from the Finnish Health Care Register and the Causes of Death Register. We examined the completeness of registration of patients and also the accuracy and degree of completeness of the registered data. Observed differences were checked against the medical records.

Results:
Register data lack clinical detail, but outperform prospective data in the recording of inpatient care history. Completeness of the register data is very good. The accuracy of easily measurable variables in the register is at least 95%. The agreement between register and audit data was 86.3% for detailed hip fracture diagnosis. Polyserial correlation between the functional dependency variables was 0.68.

Conclusions:
Register and audit data have certain limitations and problems, but both seem to be suitable for the performance assessment of hip fracture treatment. To improve the feasibilityof the administrative register data, the voluntary input of additional hip fracture event data to the register should be made possible. Standardized instructions that guide the use of available register classifications in a sensible way would improvethe quality of data.
A Study of Trained Clinicians’ Blood Glucose Predictions Based on Diaries of People with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Randløv J. , Poulsen J. U. , Hejlesen O. , Kildegaard J.
Published: September 2007

Objectives:
How accurate can trained clinicians predict blood glucose concentrations? Good clinical treatment is, among other things, related to understanding the factors influencing blood glucose level. We analyze trained clinician’s prediction accuracy in comparison with selected computer-implemented prediction algorithms and models.

Methods:
We have in this study included diaries of 12 people with type 1 diabetes. This test group consists of seven males and five females, ages 24 to 60, HbA1c 6.0 to 8.9 and a BMI between 20 and 28 kg/m2. Eight experienced clinicians tried to predict the blood glucose measurements based on minimum three days of diary history. Selected prediction algorithms and models were used for comparison. The reason we focus on type 1 diabetes is that it has the most critical insulin requirement, so accurate prediction can be more critical than for type 2.

Results:
An accuracy of 28.5% and an error of 26.7% were found from predictions made by the clinicians. A physiological model and an artificial intelligence model showed higher accuracy of 32.2% and 34.2% in comparison with the clinicians (p < 0.05). A simple predictor algorithm based on the mean blood glucose history showed significant (p < 0.05) lower total root mean square error compared to predictions made by the clinicians.

Conclusion:
To predict blood glucose level from diaries has shown to be profoundly difficult even for experienced clinicians in comparison with predictions from computer algorithms and models. This suggests that computer-based systems incorporating predicting algorithms and models are likely to contribute positively to the day-to-day treatment of people with diabetes.
Analysis of Differences in Proportions from Clustered Data with Multiple Measurements in Diagnostic Studies
Authors: Busse R. , Schwenke C.
Published: September 2007

Objectives:
In diagnostic studies, proportions such as sensitivities are often to be calculated and to be compared between different diagnostic procedures. As statistical unit of analysis, multiple observational units may be assessed within each patient, i.e., multiple lesions in an organ. As a requirement, these are to be assessed by multiple blinded readers. In this paper we propose a method to cover correlations between units within patients, correlations between procedures and correlations between different raters assessing each observational unit.

Methods:
The proposed approach is a two-step method to analyze clustered data with multiple measurements to compare diagnostic procedures in a paired modality design and the correlation between the readers in a paired reader design. The performance of the approach was compared to a generalized estimation equations model (GEEs) by power simulations.

Results:
Power simulations suggest, that the two-step approach is not inferior to GEEs with regard to the single readers as well as with regard to the average reader.

Conclusions:
An intuitive approach was developed next to established methods to analyze “paired modality, paired reader” and “unpaired modality, paired reader” studies with binary endpoints when estimating proportions and differences in proportions for clustered data with multiple measurements. This two-step approach is an alternative method to cover routine designs of diagnostic studies where the difference of proportions is to be estimated directly along with confidence intervals.
Right Ventricular Assistance by Continuous Flow Device
Authors: Ferrari G. , Lazzari C. De
Published: September 2007

Objectives·.
This work is another step in the development of the circulatory model CARDIOSIM® and of its model library. Continuous flow assistance is often used to support the right ventricular failure. Computer simulation is one of the methods to study the effect of this assistance on the failing ventricle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of this support on some hemodynamic variables, when different right ventricular end-systolic elastance and pump speed values were applied.

Methods:
The rotary blood pump model was included into the software package CARDIOSIM®, which reproduces the cardiovascular system. Lumped parameters models were used to reproduce the circulatory phenomena. Variable elastance models reproduced the Starling’s law of the heartfor both ventricles. In the study right ventricular end-systolic elastance (EmaxraT) and the rotational speed of the pumptookthree different values. All the other parameters of the model were constants.

Results:
The rotational speed of the pump had a significant influence on right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, right atrial pressure (Pra), right ventricular (Qro) and pump flows. The effects on pulmonary arterial pressure (Pap) were more evident when the right ventricular end-systolic elastance was low. When the speed of the device increased the mean value of Pra decreased for each value of EmaxMT. The total flow (Qro + pump flow) increased when the speed of the pump increased.

Conclusions:
Our simulation (in good agreement with the results presented in literature) showed that Hemo-pump produces a rise in total flow, a drop in blood flow pumped out by the right ventricle and a drop in right atrial pressure.
The Rhône-Alpes Health Platform
Authors: Durand T. , Spacagna H. , Biron P. , Flory A. , Verdier C.
Published: September 2007

Objectives:
The purpose of this workis to develop a health information platform connecting most health facilities in the Rhône-Alpes region. The health platform called SIS-RA is used through a Web interface. An iconic interface is dedicated to the platform and presents information in a unique way for all users.

Methods:
Newtechniques have been used to develop this platform which will be used by a great number of Rhône-Alpes doctors in the future. We chose a user-centered design which takes into account doctors’ requirements (hospital and GP). We also consider that no system has to be rebuilt, but a direct connection to the legacysystems should be provided.

Results:
The platform permits fast and more appropriate medical decisions than those made without this information system. The iconic interface presents all medical documents in a uniform way. Currently, 11 healthcare facilities and 15 community health networks are connected to SIS-RA sharing more than 60,000 records with 1.2 million indexed items. 3200 doctors use the system.

Conclusion:
The platform is approved by French supervision authorities (regional hospitals association (ARH)), regional practitioners union (URML) and Rhônes-Alpes region administration and is known as the official shared health record.
Clinical Pathways in General Surgery
Authors: Richter S. , Folz J. , Pham P.-T. , Jacob P. , Schilling M. K. , Graeber S.
Published: September 2007

Objectives:
To emphasize the importance of the view of business process management for development and implementation of clinical pathways, and to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing cost and effort as well as enhancing patient satisfaction.

Methods:
We describe the development and implementation of pathways with methods of process management and the design and realization of an evaluation study in the setting of a surgical department. For this study 67 patients treated without clinical pathways were compared with 62 patients treated using pathways.

Results:
The approach explicitly enhances the development and implementation of clinical pathways. The introduction of pathways reduces length of hospital stay, number of laboratory tests, number of consultations, and number of imaging procedures. Patient satisfaction is improved.

Conclusions:
Depending on design and setting, the introduction of clinical pathways may be a very promising method to improve the inpatient service at a hospital and so to react to the challenges of increasing competition in medical care.
Experiences with an Interoperable Data Acquisition Platform for Multi-centric Research Networks Based on HL7 CDA
Authors: Prokosch H.-U. , Müller M. , Ganslandt T. , Klein A.
Published: September 2007

Objectives:
Today’s increasing specialization of medicine necessitates the integration oftelematic platforms for cross-institutional cooperation. In orderto leverage the strengths of each cooperating institution a centralized unified storage using shared electronic patient records (EPRs) as well as secured remote data entry capabilities for supporting collaborative clinical research and care is essential. The objective of this project was to develop and introduce into routine use such a shared remote data entry (RDE) platform for the German multicentric Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) network.

Methods:
An existing telematic application was extended by a remote data entry (RDE) module enabling thestorage of structured data and pedigrees. HL7 Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) was chosen as a suitable standardized storage format that provides flexibility and future interoperability. Flexible data entry forms adaptable to distinct medical domains were implemented using XML-based technologies.

Results:
A flexible and comprehensive ePR/RDE platform was successfully implemented in the German EB network. A set of specific data entry forms was created to fully cover the network’s documentation needs. The platform has been in productive use since 2005.

Conclusions:
Standardized documentation by using HL7 CDA to store the medical research data as an EPR can contribute to high interoperability and an easier integration of heterogeneous health care information systems. Existing XML technologies offer a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to distinct medical domains. The ongoing development of standards (e.g. HL7 CDA R2) and interfaces (CDA/CDISC bridge) could further improve semantic and syntactic interoperability.
Integrated Information Systems for Translational Medicine
Authors: Funkat G. , Haeber A. , Mauz-Koerholz C. , Pommerening K. , Smers S. , Stausberg J. , Winter A.
Published: September 2007

Objectives:
Translational medicine research needs a two-way information highway between ‘bedside’ and ‘bench’. Unfortunately there are still weak links between successfully integrated information roads for bench, i.e. research networks, and bedside, i.e. regional or national health information systems. The question arises, what measures have to be taken to overcome the deficiencies.

Methods:
It is examined how patient care-related costs of clinical research can be separated and shared by health insurances, whether quality of patient care data is sufficient for research, how patient identity can be maintained without conflict to privacy, how care and research records can be archived, and how information systems for care and research can be integrated.

Results:
Since clinical trials improve quality of care, insurers share parts of the costs. Quality of care data has to be improved by introducing minimum basic data sets. Pseudonymization solves the conflict between needs for patient identity and privacy. Archiving patient care records and research records is similar and XML and CDISC can be used. Principles of networking infrastructures for care and research still differ. They have to be bridged first and harmonized later.

Conclusions:
To link information systems for care (bed) and for research (bench) needs technical infrastructures as well as economic and organizational regulations.
Development and Implementation of an Analysis Tool for Array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization
Authors: Rosolowski M. , Berger H. , Schwaenen C. , Wessendorf S. , Loeffler M. , Hasenclever D. , Kreuz M.
Published: September 2007

Objectives:
Array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a high-throughput method to detect and map copy number aberrations in the genome. Multi-step analysis of high-dimensional data requires an integrated suite of bioinformatic tools. In this paperwe detail an analysis pipeline for array CGH data.

Methods:
We developed an analysis tool for array CGH data which supports single and multi-chip analyses as well as combined analyses with paired mRNA gene expression data. The functions supporting relevant steps of analysis were implemented using the open source software R and combined as package aCGHPipeline. Analysis methods were illustrated using 189 CGH arrays of aggressive B-cell lymphomas.

Results:
The package covers data input, quality control, normalization, segmentation and classification. For multi-chip analysis aCGHPipeline offers an algorithm for automatic delineation of recurrent regions. This task was performed manuallyup to now. The package also supports combined analysis with mRNA gene expression data. Outputs consist of HTML documents to facilitate communication with clinical partners.

Conclusions:
The R package aCGHPipeline supports basic tasks of single and multi-chip analysis of array CGH data.
The History of Israel — Or: Twos into One Won't Go
Authors: Williamson Professor H.G.M.
Published: September 2007

The key to understanding the history of Israel is to ask the right questions of the texts in the Bible that cover the relevant periods. It needs to be recognized that these are not continuous narratives of comprehensive and complete history, but rather, they report significant episodes at various moments in Israel's past. Although the evidence is not complete, this does not mean it is devoid of historical value. While there are many theological perspectives that pervade the surviving written sources, these are not necessarily antithetical to historical reliability. The basic historical framework that the Bible provides for Israelite history should not be cast aside in favour of sensational and counterintuitive readings.
“Turn Your Watch Upside Down in Bombay and You See the Time in London”: Catoptric Urban Configurations in Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses
Authors: Parashkevova Vassilena
Published: September 2007

This article reassesses the counter-discursive significance of the urban problematic in Rushdie's The Satanic Verses. It argues that cities in the text unsettle the ideas of historical fixity and geographical location by continually reconfiguring each other and that urban spatialities and temporalities and urban identities are di-versified, rearticulated and displaced through the production of “satanic”, or erosive, migrant verses, spells and stories that undermine official metropolitan narratives. Such di-versifications involve strategies that I have termed “catoptric” (from “catoptrics”, a term which designates the study of images and light) in order to encompass a variety of mirror effects and illusions and the ways in which they bear on subjectivities, cartographic discourse and travel. Like Lewis Carroll's Alice, Rushdie's characters cross and thus subvert a number of looking-glass frontiers. These catoptric itineraries compromise the concepts of origin, teleological directionality and cultural purity and have cities reflect each other in new ways.
Escaping the Molar: Excavating Territories in Manzu Islam's Burrow
Authors: McIntyre-Bhatty Karen
Published: September 2007

This paper explores the complex configuration and negotiation of notions of ethical nomadism and deterritorialization as manifested in Manzu Islam's novel Burrow. Burrow is predicated on a sophisticated and intricate engagement with writers and theorists as diverse as Forster, Dante, Conrad, Rushdie, Harris and Deleuze and on an intricate interweaving and fusion of cross-cultural philosophical, historical and spiritual experiences and imperatives. Islam's novel, this paper suggests, works to instigate a new ethical deterritorializing aesthetic that, while informed by these sometimes competing, often intersecting, cross-cultural philosophical, religious and theoretical narratives, is not limited or restricted by them. Focussing primarily on Tapan Ali's series of interrogative rhizomic journeys, the paper examines how Burrow disrupts and undermines linear and fixed determinations of historical, geographical, cultural and even spatial specificity, thereby dismantling notions of molar subjectivity, and enabling the emergence of a uniquely deterritorialized, molecular self that repudiates any attempted discursive containment of the subject without, however, losing sight of the importance of the subject as an historical-political presence.
“We Are Only What We Remember, Nothing More”: History and Healing in Romesh Gunesekera's Reef
Authors: Mallot J. Edward
Published: September 2007

Following the rise of memory studies, several scholars have investigated the terrain between (and dividing) memory and history. Romesh Gunesekera's Booker-shortlisted 1994 novel Reef presents a fictional meditation on this issue, heavily wrapped in metaphor. The work has been criticized for its narrative perspective: following the experiences of a young chef and his marine biologist employer, ultimately forced to leave an increasingly violent Sri Lanka. First-person protagonist Triton, eschewing extended discussion about this unfolding political crisis, focuses instead on lengthy descriptions of the food he prepares and the cycles of the nearby sea. But these seemingly “unnecessary” and even “exoticized” passages offer a complex metaphorical comparison between memory and history. Consistently, ocean waves reflect a relentless, terrifying progression of history, the current tide threatening to drown national plurality. Triton's flight to the kitchen counters the sea's “history” by considering cooking and consumption a project of alternative historiography and healing.
Evolving Masculinities in Recent Stories by South Asian American Women
Authors: Zare Bonnie
Published: September 2007

South Asian American women's stories are primarily written from one female character's point of view; few stories by these writers have explored Indian men's conflicts as they work through internalized colonialist, consumerist and patriarchal norms. Two recent exceptions are Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies (1999) and Meera Nair's Video and Other Stories (2002). These authors depict middle-class male householders struggling amidst the invasion of Western and hypercapitalist assumptions. Lahiri and Nair lead readers to admire men who question traditional precepts and thus make a new contribution to South Asian American feminist literature.
Dr Schizo
Authors: Morrey Douglas
Published: September 2007

The contemporary writer and critic Maurice G. Dantec is among those French intellectuals accused of forming part of a `new reactionary' movement. This article sets out Dantec's political position based on a close reading of Laboratoire de catastrophe générale (2001) and focusing in particular on his militaristic view of international relations, his condemnation of the European socialist left and his `evolutionist' account of the history of ideas. The sources of Dantec's thought are located, principally, in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and in a radical Christianity. It is finally argued, from a Nietzschean perspective, that Dantec's `post-human' somatic and dietary regime tends to give his writing a hyperbolic tone and an ironically self-centred focus, even as his implacable morality bears comparison to other thinkers situated broadly on the left, for instance the Christian-structured ethics of Alain Badiou.
Modern life is still rubbish Houellebecq and the refiguring of `reactionary' retro
Authors: Michallat Wendy
Published: September 2007

In 1998 Michel Houellebecq's novel Les Particules élémentaires provocatively sketched a causal link between the ills of modern-day society and the political legacy of May 1968. The author focused his critique primarily on the liberalization of sexual `mœurs', popularly seen as one of the few tangible achievements of May but denounced by Houellebecq as a pernicious determiner of social exclusion. The discourse used by Houellebecq to attack the legacy of `68 is not, however, altogether new; it finds expression in the popular media he both extols and denigrates in Les Particules élémentaires. Houellebecq uses comic-book art to evoke an idyllic faith in `pure', `universal' (pre-'68) values and the article traces a right-wing lineage for these `lost' moralities from children's comics of the 1960s back to the Vichy period. Highlighted also are similarities between Les Particules élémentaires and the anti-consumer culture ideology of the 1960s satirical magazine Hara-Kiri. The article pays particular attention to how both novel and magazine communicate disaffection through a nihilist discourse characterized by taboo-breaking caricature. Finally Houellebecq's depiction of the 1968 generation as dysfunctional and deluded can be seen in new social comment emerging in French cartoon art of the 1970s and 1980s.
Global Rule-Setting for Business: A Critical Analysis of Multi-Stakeholder Standards
Authors: Fransen Luc W. , Kolk Ans
Published: September 2007

In the field of global rule-setting for responsible business behaviour, multi-stakeholder standards have emerged in recent years because of their potential for effective consensus-building, knowledge-sharing and interest representation. Proponents also hold that multi-stakeholder standards could address problems related to other forms of global rule-setting for business. Despite alleged advantages, however, analyses of multi-stakeholder initiatives, considering benefits and drawbacks, have been lacking. This article examines multi-stakeholder standards compared to other collaborative standards adopted in the past decade, and focuses subsequently on the peculiarities of multi-stakeholder standards regarding participation, governance and implementation. Multi-stakeholder standards, which involve business and NGOs, and sometimes also governments, are more specific and well-elaborated than other types of standards. But monitoring and implementation are rarely used as means for increasing participation from multiple stakeholders, including most notably those from developing countries. The article also discusses the implications of the current lack of specificity of the (multi-)stakeholder concept and suggests refinement of multi-stakeholder standards in terms of narrow versus broad inclusiveness.