bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Costing the distribution of insecticide-treated nets: a review of cost and cost-effectiveness studies to provide guidance on standardization of costing methodology
Authors: Kolaczinski Jan , Hanson Kara
Published: May 2006

Background

Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are an effective and cost-effective means of malaria control. Scaling-up coverage of ITNs is challenging. It requires substantial resources and there are a number of strategies to choose from. Information on the cost of different strategies is still scarce. To guide the choice of a delivery strategy (or combination of strategies), reliable and standardized cost information for the different options is required.

Methods

The electronic online database PubMed was used for a systematic search of the published English literature on costing and economic evaluations of ITN distribution programmes. The keywords used were: net, bednet, insecticide, treated, ITN, cost, effectiveness, economic and evaluation. Identified papers were analysed to determine and evaluate the costing methods used. Methods were judged against existing standards of cost analysis to arrive at proposed standards for undertaking and presenting cost analyses.

Results

Cost estimates were often not readily comparable or could not be adjusted to a different context. This resulted from the wide range of methods applied and measures of output chosen. Most common shortcomings were the omission of certain costs and failure to adjust financial costs to generate economic costs. Generalisability was hampered by authors not reporting quantities and prices of resources separately and not examining the sensitivity of their results to variations in underlying assumptions.

Conclusion

The observed shortcomings have arisen despite the abundance of literature and guidelines on costing of health care interventions. This paper provides ITN specific recommendations in the hope that these will help to standardize future cost estimates.
Interleukin-15 and interferon-γ participate in the cross-talk between natural killer and monocytic cells required for tumour necrosis factor production
Authors: González-Álvaro Isidoro , Domínguez-Jiménez Carmen , Ortiz Ana M , Núñez-González Vanessa , Roda-Navarro Pedro , Fernández-Ruiz Elena , Sancho David , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco
Published: May 2006

We have characterized the lymphocyte subset and the receptor molecules involved in inducing the secretion of TNF by monocytic cells in vitro. The TNF secreted by monocytic cells was measured when they were co-cultured with either resting or IL-15-stimulated lymphocytes, T cells, B cells or natural killer (NK) cells isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy subjects and from the synovial fluid from patients with inflammatory arthropathies. Co-culture with IL-15-activated peripheral blood or synovial fluid lymphocytes induced TNF production by monocytic cells within 24 hours, an effect that was mainly mediated by NK cells. In turn, monocytic cells induced CD69 expression and IFN-γ production in NK cells, an effect that was mediated mainly by β2 integrins and membrane-bound IL-15. Furthermore, IFN-γ increased the production of membrane-bound IL-15 in monocytic cells. Blockade of β2 integrins and membrane-bound IL-15 inhibited TNF production, whereas TNF synthesis increased in the presence of anti-CD48 and anti-CD244 (2B4) monoclonal antibodies. All these findings suggest that the cross-talk between NK cells and monocytes results in the sustained stimulation of TNF production. This phenomenon might be important in the pathogenesis of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis in which the synthesis of TNF is enhanced.
Local treatment with the selective IκB kinase β inhibitor NEMO-binding domain peptide ameliorates synovial inflammation
Authors: Tas Sander W , Vervoordeldonk Margriet J , Hajji Najat , May Michael J , Ghosh Sankar , Tak Paul P
Published: May 2006

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is a key regulator of synovial inflammation. We investigated the effect of local NF-κB inhibition in rat adjuvant arthritis (AA), using the specific IκB kinase (IKK)-β blocking NF-κB essential modulator-binding domain (NBD) peptide. The effects of the NBD peptide on human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and macrophages, as well as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whole-tissue biopsies, were also evaluated. First, we investigated the effects of the NBD peptide on RA FLS in vitro. Subsequently, NBD peptides were administered intra-articularly into the right ankle joint of rats at the onset of disease. The severity of arthritis was monitored over time, rats were sacrificed on day 20, and tissue specimens were collected for routine histology and x-rays of the ankle joints. Human macrophages or RA synovial tissues were cultured ex vivo in the presence or absence of NBD peptides, and cytokine production was measured in the supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The NBD peptide blocked interleukin (IL)-1-β-induced IκBα phosphorylation and IL-6 production in RA FLS. Intra-articular injection of the NBD peptide led to significantly reduced severity of arthritis (p < 0.0001) and reduced radiological damage (p = 0.04). This was associated with decreased synovial cellularity and reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1-β in the synovium. Incubation of human macrophages with NBD peptides resulted in 50% inhibition of IL-1-β-induced TNF-α production in the supernatant (p < 0.01). In addition, the NBD peptide decreased TNF-α-induced IL-6 production by human RA synovial tissue biopsies by approximately 42% (p < 0.01). Specific NF-κB blockade using a small peptide inhibitor of IKK-β has anti-inflammatory effects in AA and human RA synovial tissue as well as in two important cell types in the pathogenesis of RA: macrophages and FLS. These results indicate that IKK-β-targeted NF-κB blockade using the NBD peptide could offer a new approach for the local treatment of arthritis.
Kinetic bed therapy to prevent nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Delaney Anthony , Gray Hilary , Laupland Kevin B , Zuege Danny J
Published: May 2006

Introduction

Nosocomial pneumonia is the most important infectious complication in patients admitted to intensive care units. Kinetic bed therapy may reduce the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients. The objective of this study was to investigate whether kinetic bed therapy reduces the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia and improves outcomes in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and AMED for studies, as well as reviewed abstracts of conference proceedings, bibliographies of included studies and review articles and contacted the manufacturers of medical beds. Studies included were randomized or pseudo-randomized clinical trials of kinetic bed therapy compared to standard manual turning in critically ill mechanically ventilated adult patients. Two reviewers independently applied the study selection criteria and extracted data regarding study validity, type of bed used, intensity of kinetic therapy, and population under investigation. Outcomes assessed included the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, mortality, duration of ventilation, and intensive care unit and hospital length of stay.

Results

Fifteen prospective clinical trials were identified, which included a total of 1,169 participants. No trial met all the validity criteria. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia (pooled odds ratio (OR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28 to 0.53), but no reduction in mortality (pooled OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.66 to1.14), duration of mechanical ventilation (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.14 days, 95%CI, -0.29 to 0.02), duration of intensive care unit stay (pooled SMD -0.064 days, 95% CI, -0.21 to 0.086) or duration of hospital stay (pooled SMD 0.05 days, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.27).

Conclusion

While kinetic bed therapy has been purported to reduce the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients, the overall body of evidence is insufficient to support this conclusion. There appears to be a reduction in the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, but no effect on mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, or intensive care or hospital length of stay. Given the lack of consistent benefit and the poor methodological quality of the trials included in this analysis, definitive recommendations regarding the use of this therapy cannot be made at this time.
Phase III Study Comparing Oral Topotecan to Intravenous Docetaxel in Patients With Pretreated Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ramlau Rodryg , Gervais Radj , Krzakowski Maciej , von Pawel Joachim , Kaukel Eckhard , Abratt Raymond P. , Dharan Bernie , Grotzinger Kelly M. , Ross Graham , Dane Graham , Shepherd Frances A.
Published: May 2006

Purpose

This open-label, randomized, multicenter, phase III study compared oral topotecan versus intravenous (IV) docetaxel in patients with previously treated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

Patients with stage III or IV NSCLC, performance status ≤ 2, who had received only one prior chemotherapy regimen, were randomly assigned to treatment with oral topotecan 2.3 mg/m2/d on days 1 to 5 or IV docetaxel 75 mg/m2 day 1 every 21 days.

Results

A total of 829 patients were randomly assigned. In intent-to-treat analysis, 1-year survival rates were 25.1% with topotecan and 28.7% with docetaxel. The difference of −3.6% (95% CI, −9.59% to 2.48%) met the predefined criteria for noninferiority of topotecan relative to docetaxel because the lower limit of the 95% CI was above −10%. Median survival was 27.9 weeks with topotecan and 30.7 weeks with docetaxel. Although not statistically significant (log-rank P = .057), the higher survival rate with docetaxel was maintained across the entire treatment period. The median time to progression was 11.3 weeks with topotecan versus 13.1 weeks with docetaxel (log-rank P = .02). The overall response rate was 5% in each group. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred more frequently with docetaxel (60% v 50%). Grade 3/4 anemia and thrombocytopenia occurred more frequently with topotecan (26% v 10% and 26% v 7%, respectively).

Conclusion

Oral topotecan provides activity in the treatment of relapsed, locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC. Both regimens were well tolerated with differing safety profiles. Topotecan may provide an option for patients who desire an orally available treatment after relapse.
Colorectal Cancer Model of Health Disparities: Understanding Mortality Differences in Minority Populations
Authors: Polite Blase N. , Dignam James J. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I.
Published: May 2006

African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with and die as a result of colorectal cancer than white patients. This review briefly documents these differences and explores the factors that may contribute to advanced stage at diagnosis and reduced survival once African Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Attention is focused on what is known about the role of socioeconomic status, cancer screening, comorbidities and lifestyle factors, tumor biology and genetics, and the differences in the receipt of and benefit of appropriate therapy. Finally, areas of ongoing and future research and policy initiatives aimed at reducing disparities are discussed.
Three Dimensional Stereolithography Models of Cancellous Bone Structures From μCT Data: Testing and Validation of Finite Element Results
Authors: Dobson C A , Sisias G , Phillips R , Fagan M J , Langton C M
Published: May 2006

Stereolithography (STL) models of complex cancellous bone structures have been produced from three-dimensional micro-computed tomography data sets of human cancellous bone histological samples from four skeletal sites. The STL models have been mechanically tested and the derived stiffness compared with that predicted by finite element analysis. The results show a strong correlation ( R2 = 0.941) between the predicted and calculated stiffnesses of the structures and show promise for the use of STL as an additional technique to complement the use of finite element models, for the assessment of the mechanical properties of complex cancellous bone structures.
A Review of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Compatible Manipulators in Surgery
Authors: Elhawary H , Zivanovic A , Davies B , Lampérth M
Published: May 2006

Developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), coupled with parallel progress in the field of computer-assisted surgery, mean that an ideal environment has been created for the development of MRI-compatible robotic systems and manipulators, capable of enhancing many types of surgical procedure. However, MRI does impose severe restrictions on mechatronic devices to be used in or around the scanners. In this article a review of the developments in the field of MRI-compatible surgical manipulators over the last decade is presented. The manipulators developed make use of different methods of actuation, but they can be reduced to four main groups: actuation transmitted through hydraulics, pneumatic actuators, ultrasonic motors based on the piezoceramic principle and remote manual actuation. Progress has been made concerning material selection, position sensing, and different actuation techniques, and design strategies have been implemented to overcome the multiple restrictions imposed by the MRI environment. Most systems lack the clinical validation needed to continue on to commercial products.
The predictive Power of Surface Profile Parameters on the Amount of Wear Measured In Vitro on Metal-On-Polyethylene Artificial Hip Joints
Authors: Affatato S , Bersaglia G , Junqiang Yin , Traina F , Toni A , Viceconti M
Published: May 2006

Various studies report a weak correlation between the average surface roughness Ra of metallic ballheads and the observed wear rate of the polyethylene cups coupled to them. The aim of this study is to verify, with controlled in vitro experiments, whether other parameters such as the total roughness Rt, and the skewness Rsk are better predictors of the polyethylene wear when the metallic heads present a surface conditioning that varies substantially from specimen to specimen, as is usually the case with retrieved specimens. Twelve CoCrMo (cobalt-chromium-molybdenum) ballheads were intentionally damaged in order to reproduce a wide spectrum of surface conditioning and were then subjected to the standard wear test against polyethylene cups, using a hip joint wear simulator. After 2 × 106 cycles the weight lost by the cups was assessed with a gravimetric procedure, and the surface roughness of the metallic ballheads was qualified in terms of Ra, Rt, and Rsk. The various parameters were correlated to the weight loss using a linear regression analysis. The skewness Rsk showed a coefficient linear regression R2 = 0.80, while the average roughness Ra, used in most previous studies, presented an R2 = 0.56. It was concluded that when specimens with substantially different surface conditioning are compared, as in retrievals analysis, it is also important to report the skewness Rsk so that qualify the surface roughness of the specimens can be qualified.
On the Passivity of a Galerkin Finite Element Model for Transient Flow in Hydraulic Pipelines
Authors: Manhartsgruber B
Published: May 2006

The Galerkin finite method for the simulation of transient, laminar flow in hydraulic pipelines with an interlacing grid has gained considerable popularity because of the relatively good accuracy achieved with a moderate model order. However, the implementation used in a number of software packages has recently been shown not to guarantee model passivity. This paper reviews the concept of using an interlacing grid. Two modifications of the previously published interlacing grid method are proposed and the resulting model is shown to fulfil the passivity requirement in an example where the previously published method fails. The new model also improves the approximation error in terms of the deviation of the frequency response from the theoretical frequency response given by the transcendental transfer functions of the well-known ‘frequency-dependent friction’ model. This improvement is bought at the expense of a slight increase in model order due to additional nodal values for the friction model at the boundary nodes. Furthermore, the new model is given in the form of a descriptor system in order to maintain the sparse structure of the system matrices.
Modelling and Control of An Electromechanical Steering System in Full Vehicle Models
Authors: Du Y , Lion A , Maißer P
Published: May 2006

In the automotive industry, electrical and electromechanical components and systems become more and more important. In comparison with commonly used mechanical and hydraulic systems they offer a large number of advantages with respect to efficiency and flexibility, for example. Therefore, conventional hydraulic steering systems are increasingly being replaced with electromechanical ones. Currently, different concepts of electromechanical steering systems are being developed. In this work an electromechanical steering system with double pinions is modelled based on a uniform theory for discrete electromechanical systems. This steering system is implemented into a multi-body full vehicle model and a control scheme has been developed. Subsequently, the performance of the whole electromechanical system, and especially the behaviour of the controller, has been tested with different handling manoeuvres.
Diesel Spray Analysis by Means of Planar Laser-Induced Exciplex Fluorescence
Authors: Payri F , Pastor J V , Pastor J M , Juliá J E
Published: May 2006

The planar laser-induced exciplex fluorescence (PLIEF) technique has been used to visualize and measure the fuel/air concentration fields in both liquid and vapour phases of direct injection (DI) diesel sprays. Experiments have been performed in a hot rig, which provides a thermodynamic environment realistic for current DI diesel engines, using a blend of 90 per cent hexadecane, 9 per cent α-methyl-naphthalene, and 1 per cent N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl- p-phenylenediamine to separate spectrally the fluorescence signal from the liquid and vapour phases of the diesel.

In this paper, measurements have been performed for three injection pressures and three combustion chamber density values. The results on penetration and fuel concentration in liquid and vapour phases are analysed, providing evidence of the similarities between diesel sprays and gaseous turbulent jets.
One-Pot Synthesis of α-Chloro Ketones from Secondary Alcohols Using N,N-Dichloro-p-toluenesulfonamide
Authors: Kim Yong Hae , Lee In Sang , Lim Sang Chul
Published: May 2006

Various alkyl aryl secondary alcohols reacted with N,N-dichloro-p-toluenesulfonamide (N,N-dichloramine-T) in CH3CN at 35 °C to give the corresponding α-chloro ketones in excellent yields under mild and neutral conditions.
In situ Analysis of Products in Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 with Ni-cyclam by Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectroscopy during Cyclic Voltammetry on an Amalgamated-Gold Mesh Electrode
Authors: Hirata Yoshiki , Suga Kosaku , Fujihira Masamichi
Published: May 2006

The products of electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 with Ni(II)-cyclam on Hg were analyzed in situ during cyclic voltammetry by Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectroscopy (DEMS) using an amalgamated gold mesh electrode in contact with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) inlet membrane.
Oriented Thin Layer Crystalline Films of Poly(1,4-phenylene)
Authors: Yamamoto Takakazu , Kanbara Takaki , Mori Chiaki
Published: May 2006

Evaporation of poly(1,4-phenylene) on heated carbon and gold substrates under vacuum affords oriented thin layer crystalline film of the polymer with its c-axis (the polymer chain axis) essentially perpendicular to the surface of the substrates as revealed by electron diffraction method.
First Synthesis of Aminobisabolene
Authors: Ichikawa Yoshiyasu
Published: May 2006

Two routes for the synthesis of aminobisabolenes were developed. One is the divergent course which completes the first synthesis of the target molecules. Another synthetic route is the biomimetic approach based on the hypothesis of biosynthesis.
Enantioselective Synthesis of (−)-Boschnialactone
Authors: Arai Yoshitsugu , Kawanami Saburo , Koizumi Toru
Published: May 2006

An enantioselective synthesis of (−)-boschnialactone was accomplished starting from a chiral fused bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane lactone readily available via an asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction.
Miltipolone, a New Diterpenoid Tropolone Possessing Cytotoxic Activities from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge
Authors: Haro Ginda , Kakisawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2006

A potent cytotoxic compound, miltipolone, isolated from the fresh root of Salvia miltiorrhiza has been determined to have a novel tropolonoid norditerpene structure.
Epoxidation of Olefms with Molecular Oxygen and Alcohol Catalyzed by Bis(2-alkyl-1,3-diketonato)oxovanadium(IV)
Authors: Takai Toshihiro , Yamada Tohru , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: May 2006

By combined use of molecular oxygen (oxidant) and secondary or primary alcohol (reductant) in the presence of a catalytic amount of bis(2-alkyl-1,3-diketonato)oxovanadium(IV) complexes, norbornene analogues are monooxygenated into the corresponding epoxides in good yields.
Synthesis of a New Dibenzobicyclic Stiborane by Way of 10-Sb-4 Hypervalent Intermediate. 1,1-Diaryl-5-aza-2,8-dioxa-1-stibaV-dibenzo[c,f]bicyclo[3,3]octadiene
Authors: Ohkata Katsuo , Yano Tomoyuki , Kuwaki Tetsuo , Akiba Kin-ya
Published: May 2006

New title dibenzobicyclic stiboranes and related phosphoranes were prepared by means of tridentate 2,2′-diphenolamines. Coordination number of the central pnictogen atoms (Sb and P) changed from three into five during the reaction.
On the Role of Silver Salts in Asymmetric Heck-type Reaction. A Greatly Improved Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of cis-Decalin Derivatives
Authors: Sato Yoshihiro , Sodeoka Mikiko , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: May 2006

A greatly improved catalytic asymmetric synthesis of the cis-decalin derivatives as well as an important role of silver salts in asymmetric Heck-type reaction is described.
A Convenient Method for Stereoselective Synthesis of β-Aminoesters. Iron(II) Iodide or Trityl Hexachloroantimonate as an Effective Catalyst in the Reaction of Ketene Silyl Acetals with Imines
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Akamatsu Hidekazu , Han Jeong Sik
Published: May 2006

In the presence of a catalytic amount of iron(II) iodide or trityl hexachloroantimonate, ketene silyl acetals smoothly react with imines to afford the corresponding β-aminoesters in good yields with anti-selectivities.
The “Digital Year for Architects” – Experiences with an Integrated Teaching Concept
Authors: Kieferle Joachim B. , Herzberger Erwin
Published: May 2006

The “digital year for architects” is an integrated course for graduate architecture students that has been running since 1997, at Stuttgart University. Its concept is to link together traditional design teaching and working with computers. Three seminar classes and one design project form the framework of the course. In it the students are taught the design of, for example, image and space composition, typography, video, and using virtual reality. Additionally we cover theoretical basics for the final design project, such as information management or working environments. The course takes in approximately a dozen software packages and ends with a visionary design project.

The products have shown the advantage of an integrated course compared to separate courses. The course proves to be more intensive in dealing with the project as well as achieving better skills when learning the associated new digital media. An important feature is that because the project topics are different from conventional architectural schemes, and tend to be more abstract, a key effect is to widen the students' way of thinking about designing.
Architectural-IT and Educational Curriculumns – A European Overview
Authors: Pentillä Hannu
Published: May 2006

The paper summarizes the analysis of data on european architecture schools, collected in the eCAADe-conferences during the 1990s. Computer-Aided Design has developed into architectural information and communication technology (ICT), to become commonplace in architectural education. However, the general held views on new media use in the schools seems to be slightly optimistic. On the other hand, the invisible more common ICT use (writing, surfing, emailing) accounts for a lot more of the volume of activity than generally appreciated.

The major hardware platform in european architecture schools is PC/Windows (90–95%) with Linux and Unix commonly used in servers (25–35%). Macintoshes are also widely used (50–55%). MS Office (90–95%) and PhotoShop (85–90%), are used widely in the schools. The Graphic and DTP tools PageMaker, QuarkXpress, Illustrator, Freehand are also common (30–50%). AutoCAD is the market leader in CAD platforms (80–90%), followed by ArchiCAD. MicroStation/Bentley also has a significant presence in the schools (35–40%). 3DStudio is the most common 3D-modelling tool (80–85%), followed by formZ (35–40%). Less common (15–25%) are Rhino, Maya, Alias, Lightscape and Radiance.
Space, Place and Digital Media: Towards a Better Simulation of a City that has now Disappeared
Authors: Liu Yu-Tung , Tang Shen-Kai
Published: May 2006

Digital media enable researchers and designers to derive better informed processes in solving problems of historical architectural restoration and virtual archaeology. However, recently insufficiencies have been found in the main technologies often applied in such techniques, such as 3D modeling, high-quality rendering and animation. Given these problems, this paper attempts to explore a digital reconstruction procedure for historical architecture and cities using 3D scanning, Virtual Reality cave technology and motion capture technology. This case study is based on a collaborative project in conjunction with the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, and the China Times, Taiwan. The five steps involved in this project include data collection and analysis, three-dimensional digital inferences, digital reconstruction of static and moving models, scenario dynamics (by integrating the two kinds of models), and visual-spatial immersion using a VR-cave representation. Finally, a preliminary digital reconstruction procedure is presented.
The Digital Environment of Urban Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Rall Juan Carlos
Published: May 2006

Urban sprawl and complexity are increasing at an alarming rate causing huge energetic waste and affecting the quality of life of people and life on earth in general. This paper proposes Urban Dynamic Analysis as a feasible approach to address this negative phenomenon. Urban Dynamic Analysis is a multidisciplinary holistic method that inquires into temporal relations between structures and related characteristics in cities. A range of simulation tools are being adapted and developed aiming to assess different morphological configurations of urban spaces, to improve the welfare of citizens and to optimise energy consumption. All these tools are based on digital image utilization, with simple computational techniques.
Cumulative Index of CAAD: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Martens Bob , Turk Ziga
Published: May 2006

This article discusses the Cumulative Index of CAAD ( CUMINCAD.SciX.net ) – a digital library set up in 1998 serving the CAAD-community as an important source of scientific information. During the first stage, the metadata of CAAD-related conference proceedings were compiled and published on-line, including all abstracts and approximately 50 % of the full-texts. In a subsequent step a Citation Index was created. Currently, theses and dissertations are being added to the library. Furthermore, a hierarchical topic structure was developed for automated classification of publications in the future, with topics being defined by keywords and characteristic papers. The next version of CUMINCAD, expected to be released later this year, will also feature a discussion forum, an event calendar, an option for commenting on and ranking publications as well as creating an on-line personal bibliographic review. CUMINCAD is a unique digital library in the field of CAAD serving a growing user-community. Younger doctoral degree students and junior researchers will benefit most from this edited, structured collection freely available via Internet.
The VR-Desktop: An Accessible Approach to VR Environments in Teaching and Research
Authors: Otto George , Kalisperis Loukas N. , Gundrum Jack , Muramoto Katsuhiko , Burris Gavin , Masters Ray , Slobounov Elena , Heilman Jamie , Agarwala Vijay
Published: May 2006

The VR-Desktop initiative is an effort to bring key benefits of projection-based virtual reality into the mainstream of teaching and research at the Pennsylvania State University, through the deployment of comparatively low cost and easy to use virtual reality and integrated multimedia display systems within a variety of contexts. Recent experiences with design and implementation of single- and multi-screen VR systems for teaching and research are described. The systems discussed employ low cost and readily available hardware components, familiar desktop computing environments, and open-source VR development toolkits. The approach is modular and easily adaptable to various applications in research or instruction.
A Grammar for the Dynamic Design of Virtual Architecture Using Rational Agents
Authors: Gu Ning , Maher Mary Lou
Published: May 2006

Virtual Architecture is a virtual place that uses the metaphor of architecture and provides an online environment for various human activities. While Virtual Architecture inherits many of the characteristics of physical architecture, it is possible to reconsider the virtual in terms of flexibility and autonomy. This paper presents a User-centred Virtual Architecture (UcVA) Agent; a kind of rational agent capable of representing a person in virtual worlds and designing virtual worlds based on current needs. The UcVA agent model has a design component that uses the shape grammar formalism. This model and a sample grammar are demonstrated for a meeting room scenario.
Notes on the Structure of Design Space
Authors: Woodbury Robert F. , Burrow Andrew L.
Published: May 2006

Design space exploration is a long-standing focus in computational design research. Its three main threads are accounts of designer action, development of strategies for amplification of designer action in exploration and discovery of computational structures to support exploration. Chief amongst such structures is the design space – the network structure of related designs that are visited in an exploration process. There is relatively little research on design spaces to date. This paper sketches a partial account of the structure of both design spaces and research to develop them. It focuses largely on the implications of designers acting as explorers.
Determining the Suitability of Computer-Aided Daylight Simulation Method in the Design Process
Authors: Sarawgi Tina
Published: May 2006

The successful use of daylight in a building requires that the associated forms and devices be conceived as an integral part of the architectural design. The popular methods of simulation for daylighting design: manual methods, physical scale model and computer graphics based rendering do not provide a robust model for daylighting decision-making during the design process due to their individual limitations. The recent advances in computer-aided design and rendering compel another look at visually simulating daylight. This paper discusses a project undertaken to test a computer-aided daylight simulation program's accuracy and ability to allow quick iterative daylight explorations, essential to any design decision-making process. Real buildings with their existing complexities are selected as case studies. The outcomes are discussed and recommendations for future daylight simulation software programs to be suitable in the design process are suggested.
Resisting the Seamless Interface
Authors: Coyne Richard , Parker Martin , Rebelo Pedro
Published: May 2006

In this paper we examine the quest for seamless computer interaction from the point of view of cultural theory, in so far as this study draws on Freud and his critics. The paper adopts Ricoeur's critical stance, examining the roles of metaphor, repetition, resistance and a time-based perturbation, as means of challenging the imperative towards the seamless interface. We also draw on our experience in teaching and creating interactive digital media works.
Architecture as a Digital Diagram
Authors: Sperling David M.
Published: May 2006

This paper results from interdisciplinary research about dynamic and transformational processes of conception, representation and spatial construction in Architecture. This work systematizes the common bases of the diagram offered by disciplines that deal with processes of representation, such as Cognitive Science, Logical Semiotics, Mathematical Logic and Philosophy, and of spatial investigation such as Topology and Architecture. It outlines operative components (trans, inter and intra-diagrams) and the diagram's phenomenological variables (thought, space, time) and establishes mutual relationships between it, digital media and Architecture, with the intent of developing the understanding of the digital diagram as an enhanced way of placing information in time and space.
Perceptual and Cognitive Factors That Influence Orientation in Computer Generated Real Architectural Space
Authors: Pechlivanidou Anastasia Liakata , Zerefos Stylianos C. , Zerefos Stylianos N.
Published: May 2006

This study presents results from an experiment that concerns spatial perception and cognition in virtual environments. It also includes the effects of how the development of a simulated virtual space can change perception and cognition of a real building perceived only through architectural drawings and photographs. In the experiment each student was shown external and internal 360° images, representing nodes in virtual space, of the same virtual building. Two different groups of students were formed. The first group was shown photorealistic rendered images, while the other group the same images with non-photorealistic representation. Differences in orientation tendencies of the participating students, as well as statistical results from these experiments were tested and are presented in this paper. It was found that there was a statistically significant tendency of the students towards larger scatter in more luminous virtual space as well as a tendency to visit lit parts of virtual space.
Learning Design Sketching from Animations and Storyboards
Authors: Cheng Nancy Yen-Wen
Published: May 2006

A digital pen-and-paper system that generates stroke-by-stroke animations was used to compare the perception of interactive animations versus printed storyboards. Design students studied a space-planning example as either an animation or a storyboard and then emulated the example in doing a similar problem. Students viewing the animations rather than the storyboards performed marginally better in terms of matching the example steps and meeting design quality criteria. Students may understand the process of design sketching, but may lack the skills to copy the steps. Emulating the solution requires both cognitive skills and graphic facility. While beginners could logically organize spatial adjacencies, they often radically resized required program areas to streamline geometry. After organizing building spaces, they lacked the graphic conventions to articulate architectural features, so they could not copy refinement steps. Subjects at all levels used approximately the same number of strokes, with more productive sketching from advanced subjects.
Close spacing of AUG initiation codons confers dicistronic character on a eukaryotic mRNA
Authors: Matsuda Daiki , Dreher Theo W.
Published: May 2006

TYMV RNA supports the translation of two proteins, p69 and p206, from AUG initiation codons 7 nucleotides apart. We have studied the translation of this overlapping dicistronic mRNA with luciferase reporter RNAs electroporated into cowpea protoplasts and in toe-printing studies that map ribosomes stalled during initiation in wheat germ extracts. Agreement between these two assays indicates that the observed effects reflect ribosome initiation events. The robust expression from the downstream AUG206 codon was dependent on its closeness to the upstream AUG69 codon. Stepwise separation of these codons resulted in a gradual increase in upstream initiation and decrease in downstream initiation, and expression was converted from dicistronic to monocistronic. Selection by ribosomes for initiation between the nearby AUG codons was responsive to the sequence contexts that govern leaky scanning, but the normally strong position effect favoring upstream initiation was greatly diminished. Similar dicistronic expression was supported for RNAs with altered initiation sequences and for RNAs devoid of flanking viral sequences. Closely spaced AUG codons may thus represent an under-recognized strategy for bicistronic expression from eukaryotic mRNAs. The initiation behavior observed in these studies suggests that 5′–3′ ribosome scanning involves backward excursions averaging about 15 nucleotides.
Analysis of a 3′-translation enhancer in a tombusvirus: A dynamic model for RNA–RNA interactions of mRNA termini
Authors: Fabian Marc R. , White K. Andrew
Published: May 2006

Tomatobushy stunt virus is a (+)-strand RNA virus that is neither 5′-capped nor 3′-polyadenylated. Translation of viral proteins is instead mediated by an RNA element, the 3′-cap–independent translational enhancer (3′CITE), which is located in its 3′ untranslated region (UTR). The 3′CITE is proposed to recruit the translational machinery to the viral message, while a long-distance RNA–RNA interaction between the 3′CITE and 5′ UTR is thought to deliver the 43S ribosomal subunit to the 5′ end of the viral mRNA. Here we provide the first evidence that the 5′ UTR and 3′CITE interact physically. Mutational analysis showed that formation of this RNA–RNA interaction in vitro correlates well with efficient translation in vivo, thus supporting its functional relevance. Other analyses of the 3′CITE confirmed an overall Y-shaped RNA secondary structure and demonstrated the importance of numerous minor structural features for efficient translation of viral mRNAs. Functional studies on the role of the 5′ UTR revealed that despite the absence of a cap structure, 43S subunits load at the very 5′ end and scan in a 3′ direction. These results indicate that the 5′–3′ RNA–RNA interaction is likely disrupted by scanning ribosomal subunits and suggest a dynamic model for the interaction of mRNA termini during active translation.
Exploiting Knowledge About Future Demands for Real-Time Vehicle Dispatching
Authors: Ichoua Soumia , Gendreau Michel , Potvin Jean-Yves
Published: May 2006

An important, but seldom investigated, issue in the field of dynamic vehicle routing and dispatching is how to exploit information about future events to improve decision making. In this paper, we address this issue in a real-time setting with a strategy based on probabilistic knowledge about future request arrivals to better manage the fleet of vehicles. More precisely, the new strategy introduces dummy customers (representing forecasted requests) in vehicle routes to provide a good coverage of the territory. This strategy is assessed through computational experiments performed in a simulated environment.
Online Routing Problems: Value of Advanced Information as Improved Competitive Ratios
Authors: Jaillet Patrick , Wagner Michael R.
Published: May 2006

We consider online versions of the traveling salesman problem (TSP) and traveling repairman problem (TRP) where instances are not known in advance. Cities (points) to be visited are revealed over time, while the server is en route serving previously released requests. These problems are known in the literature as the online TSP (TRP, respectively). The corresponding offline problems are the TSP (TRP) with release dates, problems where each point has to be visited at or after a given release date. In the current literature, the assumption is that a request becomes known at the time of its release date. In this paper we introduce the notion of a request’s disclosure date, the time when a city’s location and release date are revealed to the server. In a variety of disclosure date scenarios and metric spaces, we give new online algorithms and quantify the value of this advanced information in the form of improved competitive ratios. We also provide a general result on polynomial-time online algorithms for the online TSP.
Credibility and credibility work in knowledge transfer
Authors: Jacobson Nora , Goering Paula
Published: May 2006

English

This study explores the dimensions and attributes of credibility in knowledge transfer. It finds that there are four dimensions: ‘scientific credibility’, expertise, authority and stance. Credibility is characterised by several attributes: it is transferable; it is context-dependent; and it is subject to constant assessment. The notion of ‘credibility work’ describes the ways in which credibility in knowledge transfer is not an inherent or static characteristic of persons, but rather an achieved and actively constructed result of specific actions taken by knowledge producers and knowledge users in their social contexts. Many knowledge transfer practices can be framed as credibility work.
The promotion of creativity in learners: theory and practice
Authors: Dineen Ruth , Samuel Elspeth , Livesey Kathryn
Published: May 2006

This study investigates the promotion of learner creativity in the United Kingdom's post-compulsory art and design education sector. The impetus for the research came in part from Teresa Amabile's suggestion that a bridge was needed between conceptual and operational definitions of creativity (Amabile, 1996). Traditionally, art and design educators gain their understanding of teaching creativity from reflective experience rather than empirical research. Conversely, the majority of research studies into learner creativity are laboratory-based, producing results which are reliable and valid in their own terms but which are seldom tested within the complex richness of a real-world learning environment. The intention, therefore, was to cross-reference psychological and sociological theories of learner creativity against the evidence from pedagogic practice, and vice versa. The findings suggest that there is substantial agreement between theoreticians and practitioners regarding the factors that promote, or inhibit, learner creativity. These findings are further supported by evidence from learners and from material outcomes.
Interactions between vegetation development and island formation in the Alpine river Tagliamento
Authors: Kollmann J. , Vieli M. , Edwards P.J. , Tockner K. , Ward J.V.
Published: May 2006

Abstract. Early‐successional stages of woody vegetation on gravel bars were studied in an island‐braided section of the River Tagliamento in northeastern Italy. We mapped landscape‐level changes in the study area (125 ha) by GIS‐based analysis of aerial photographs for two time periods (1984–1986, 1986–1991); we surveyed island vegetation, and estimated island age by tree ring analysis. The study area experienced considerable changes between 1984 and 1991 due to at least two major floods in 1987 and 1990. The development of woody vegetation on bars follows three distinct phases: (1) gravel bars plus large woody debris (LWD), (2) pioneer islands, and (3) established islands. Established islands have sections dominated by shrubs of Salix elaeagnos, S. purpurea, S. daphnoides and S. triandra, and tree‐dominated sections with Populus nigra, Salix alba and Alnus incana. Large woody debris seems to play a key role for plant colonization on gravel bars. The succession from bars to established islands took about 10 ‐ 20 yr, and the probability of an island being washed away decreased with island age. Erosion produced new LWD which again initiated successional processes in the active zone of the river. Most species were already present in the early‐successional stages, although the number of species increased with island development. Established islands were characterized by a distinctive species composition, including an assemblage of species less tolerant of inundation. The results are discussed within the framework of island dynamics and its significance for restoration of early‐successional habitats in more regulated rivers.
Wetland restoration in Central Europe: aims and methods
Authors: Pfadenhauer Jörg , Grootjans Ab
Published: May 2006

Abstract. Wetlands have always been of particular significance for mankind. While originally attractive as hunting grounds, they were later cultivated and modified from sinks into sources. Today, great efforts are being made to restore disturbed or destroyed wetland areas.

Different models and goals for wetland restoration exist. From a global point of view, reduction of climatically relevant trace gas emissions is relevant, especially in the case of fens. Regionally and locally, the creation of retention basins for water and compounds or the establishment of characteristic fen species and communities may have high priority. In order to avoid goal conflicts, nature development plans are required which consider not just the wetland to be restored, but the entire catchment area. Such plans should include spatially and temporally differentiated recommendations for implementation of restoration measures and a proper land use system. When it comes to defining concrete aims, the participation of local people should be encouraged.

Rewetting and oligotrophication are the most common approaches to boost biodiversity in fen ecosystems in Central and Western Europe. Rewetting includes both quantitative and qualitative aspects, requiring quantitative hydrological models and chemical analyses of the groundwater in the region. In addition, re‐introduction of species is often necessary, at least in heavily fragmented cultural landscapes. Transfer of hay from donor areas to severely damaged, seed‐depleted peatland to restore fen meadows, was successful. However, despite short‐term successes, complete restoration of wetland areas requires a long period of time.
Population dynamics of Gentiana pneumonanthe and Rhynchospora fusca during wet heathland restoration
Authors: Kesel Raimund , Urban Katharina
Published: May 2006

Abstract. The population dynamics and reproductive strategies of two rare wet heathland species, Gentiana pneumonanthe and Rhynchospora, were studied in experimental permanent plots in a wet heathland near Bremen, NW Germany, to assess how effective sod cutting and mowing are in promoting these species. In one experiment, small plots (0.25 m2 ‐ 4 m2) were sod‐cut or mown; in the second, one large plot 30 mx 50m) was sod‐cut. The development of the vegetation and the number of shoots of the two target species were recorded annually.

Sod cutting lead to the highest shoot numbers of Gentiana in the long run, whilst mowing was more effective at the beginning of the experiment. Seedlings and adult shoots slowly became more and more abundant after sod cutting. In contrast, Rhynchospora soon formed closed stands after sod‐cutting, first through seed germination and then through fast clonal growth of the established individuals. Moist soil or short inundations promoted the germination and seedling establishment of Gentiana, whereas drought negatively affected seedling recruitment. Long periods of inundation severely reduced the population at first, but high numbers of seedlings were found in the following growing season. For the disturbance‐dependent Gentiana and Rhynchospora, the availability of gaps within the vegetation is of crucial importance. To promote existing populations, we suggest small‐scale sod cuttings which create gaps without disturbing existing flowering individuals too much. For degenerated stands of wet heathland we recommend large‐scale sod cutting to activate the seed bank. Additionally, seed introduction may be helpful to encourage the development of a wet heathland with characteristic floristic composition.