bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical puzzle: Barrett’s oesophagus
Authors: di Pietro Massimiliano , Peters Christopher J. , Fitzgerald Rebecca C.
Published: August 2008

The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma has increased dramatically in the Western world over the past two decades. Owing to its dismal 5-year prognosis in advanced stages, early diagnosis is required in order to improve survival rates. Barrett’s oesophagus (Barrett’s) has been recognised as a pre-cancerous condition generally associated with chronic and severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Barrett’s is defined as the substitution of the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the oesophagus with a columnar cell lining with intestinal-type differentiation; a phenomenon commonly referred to as intestinal metaplasia. Clinical challenges include finding cost-effective ways to identify patients with Barrett’s, stratifying them according to their cancer risk and improving the diagnostic potential of endoscopic sampling. Research has generally focused on identifying tissue biomarkers to predict cancer risk in these patients. The oesophagus is easily accessible, making it possible to work with human samples, but most studies have been retrospective and underpowered. Endoscopic surveillance programmes are problematic due to sampling bias and the subjective grading of dysplasia. The lack of an animal model has hampered studies to elucidate markers of the transition from Barrett’s to cancer and to test potential therapeutics. However, a number of in vitro model systems are ripe for further development into more physiologically complete systems.
Models of infectious diseases in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Dionne Marc S. , Schneider David S.
Published: August 2008

We examined the immune response of a fly as physicians might, by looking at the genesis of diseases caused by microorganisms. Fly infections are complex and there are few simple rules that can predict how an infected fly might fare. As we observed the finer details of the infections, we found that almost every microbe caused a different type of pathology in the fly. Two pattern recognition pathways, Toll and immune deficiency (Imd), were found to detect, and respond to, infections. The physiological response of the fly was modified further by Eiger, insulin, Wnt inhibitor of dorsal (WntD) and nitric oxide (NO) signaling. As in humans, some of the damage that occurred during the fly immune response was caused by an over-aggressive response rather than by the microbes themselves. When looking at the matrix of signaling pathways and the microbes being tested, it was immediately obvious that most of the pathways would need to be studied in more detail before defining the rules that govern their role in pathogenesis. This detailed analysis of signaling and pathogenesis has the potential to allow the fly to be used as a model patient instead of as simply an innate immune system model.
Aberrant RNA splicing and its functional consequences in cancer cells
Authors: Fackenthal James D. , Godley Lucy A.
Published: August 2008

Among the myriad of alterations present in cancer cells are an abundance of aberrant mRNA transcripts. Whether abnormal gene transcription is a by-product of cellular transformation or whether it represents an inherent element that contributes to the properties of cancer cells is not yet clear. Here, we present growing evidence that in many cases, aberrant mRNA transcripts contribute to essential phenotypes associated with transformed cells, suggesting that alterations in the splicing machinery are common and functionally important for cancer development. The proteins encoded by these abnormal transcripts are often truncated or missing domains, thereby altering protein function or conferring new functions altogether. Thus, aberrant splicing regulation has genome-wide effects, potentially altering gene expression in many cancer-associated pathways.
Establishing career platforms for postdocs through individual development plans
Authors: Gitlin Jonathan
Published: August 2008

Jonathan Gitlin is a member of the National Postdoctoral Association and currently serves on their Board of Directors as Vice Chair. He is a postdoc at the University of Kentucky, where he is studying the role of COX-2 in cardiovascular disease. Here he discusses the Association and some issues addressed at its recent national meeting in Boston, MA, USA.
Comments from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Authors: Mattaj Iain
Published: August 2008

Iain Mattaj is the Director General of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), which is a publicly funded basic research and molecular biology laboratory in Europe. EMBL consists of approximately 85 independent research groups contained in five separate facilities throughout Europe. In this brief interview with DMM, Dr Mattaj presents some of EMBL’s approaches to advancing scientific research.
Using yeast to understand protein folding diseases: an interview with Susan Lindquist
Authors: Kain Kristin
Published: August 2008

Susan Lindquist is a founding editor of DMM, whose pioneering work in yeast has advanced our understanding of protein folding in disease, including Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and prion diseases. Here, she discusses her personal approach to model organism research and scientific leadership.
Putting molecular disease research into physiological context
Authors: Garbarini Nicole
Published: August 2008

Researchers seek novel ways to promote whole animal physiology and link molecular studies of disease with systems biology. Nicole Garbarini investigates.
Template-free Hydrothermal Preparation of Mesoporous TiO2 Microspheres on a Large Scale
Authors: Ye Miao-Miao , Chen Zhong-Lin , Wang Wen-Shou , Zhen Liang , Shen Ji-Min
Published: August 2008

Mesoporous TiO2 microspheres have been made on a large scale by a simple hydrothermal method without using any surfactants or templates. The products were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, SAED, nitrogen adsorption, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Results indicate that the TiO2 microspheres, with a diameter of 0.8–1.2 μm, are composed of numerous TiO2 nanocrystals with an average diameter of 5.6 nm. The average pore size, BET surface area, and optical band-gap energy of the microspheres are 4.0 nm, 185.6 m2/g, and 3.42 eV, respectively.
Enhanced Photocurrent in Nanocomposite of Dye-doped Titania Gel and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Itai Hiroyuki , Nishikiori Hiromasa , Tanaka Nobuaki , Endo Morinobu , Fujii Tsuneo
Published: August 2008

A photocurrent was observed in a nanocomposite electrode consisting of an unheated dye-doped titania gel and carbon nanotubes. The electrode was prepared by the electrophoresis of carbon nanotubes and a simple dip-coating with a titanium isopropoxide sol containing fluorescein on ITO–glass plates at room temperature. The shape of the photocurrent action spectra was similar to that of the absorption spectrum of fluorescein. The photocurrent was generated by excitation of the dye and was enhanced by the carbon nanotubes.
Formation of Carbon Nanotubes through Ethylene Decomposition over Supported Platinum Catalysts: Effects of Silica Coating on Catalytic Performance of Platinum
Authors: Takenaka Sakae , Iguchi Toshiyuki , Tanabe Eishi , Matsune Hideki , Kishida Masahiro
Published: August 2008

Pt metal particles supported on carriers such as MgO and SiO2 showed high activity for the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through ethylene decomposition at 973 K. However, these CNTs were not uniform in diameter because of the sintering of Pt metal particles during the reaction. Covering Pt catalysts with silica prevented the sintering of Pt metal particles during ethylene decomposition, resulting in the formation of CNTs with a uniform diameter.
Acid-catalyzed Reaction Behavior of 1-Phenylselenocyclopropylmethanols
Authors: Honda Mitsunori , Nishizawa Toshiaki , Nishii Yuko , Segi Masahito
Published: August 2008

The reaction of 1-phenylselenocyclopropylmethanols with TsOH in methanol proceeded smoothly to afford the homoallylic ethers, ring-enlargement products, and ring-opening products depending upon the kind of substituent on the cyclopropane ring or α-carbon. On the other hand, in the case of the absence of methanol as nucleophile, 4H-selenochromene derivatives were obtained exclusively.
Efficient Reductive Alkylation of Aniline with Acetone over Pt Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Hollow Porous Carbon
Authors: Harada Takashi , Ikeda Shigeru , Okamoto Natsumi , Ng Yun Hau , Higashida Suguru , Torimoto Tsukasa , Matsumura Michio
Published: August 2008

Reductive alkylation of aniline with acetone over various Pt catalysts was studied under atmospheric pressure of hydrogen at room temperature. It was found that our newly designed Pt catalyst, i.e., Pt nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow porous carbon, showed excellent catalytic activity in comparison with activities of other Pt catalysts. Moreover, one-pot reductive alkylation of nitrobenzene with acetone proceeded smoothly over the catalyst.
High Throughput On-line Preconcentration Using “Spongy-monolith” Prepared by Pore Templates
Authors: Kubo Takuya , Watanabe Fuminori , Kaya Kunimitsu , Hosoya Ken
Published: August 2008

We developed novel spongy-monolith which had several dozen micron pore size and is suitable for high throughput analyses. The results of liquid chromatographic evaluations suggested that the spongy-monolith showed excellent performance as preconcentration column for on-line liquid chromatographic system with low pressure drop.
Enzymatic Production of Bio-Diesel from Waste Cooking Oil Using Lipase
Authors: Al-Zuhair Sulaiman
Published: August 2008

The applications of lipase immobilized on ceramic beads and entrapped in sol-gel matrix, in the production of
bio-diesel from waste cooking oil, are compared to that of free lipase. Experimental determination of the effect of molar
equivalent of methanol, to moles of ester bond in the triglyceride, on the rate of the enzymatic trans-esterification was experimentally
determined. It was found that for the same weight of lipase used, the production of bio-diesel was much
higher using lipase immobilized on ceramic beads in comparison to that using lipase entrapped in sol-gel and in free form.
Substrates inhibition effect was observed in all cases, which agrees with previous results found in literature. The optimum
methanol:oil molar ratio was found to be 0.87 for immobilized lipase from yeast source, C. antartica and 1.00 for free lipase
from the same yeast source and immobilized lipase from bacterial source, P. cepacia. On the other hand, it was
shown that biodieasel can be produced in considerable amounts, with yield reaching 40%, in absence of organic solvent
using immobilized lipase, from P. cepacia, on ceramic beads. The results of this study can be used to determine the kinetics
parameters of mathematical models which describe the system.
Analysis of Turbulence Profiles from Three Tall Towers: Departure from Similarity Theory in Near-Neutral and Stable Conditions
Authors: Bowen Brent M.
Published: August 2008

Long-term wind and turbulence profiles were analyzed for all stability conditions at three tall, multi-level towers located at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Rocky Flats Environmental Plant (RF), and the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory (BAO). The LANL and RF sites are located in complex terrain and the BAO is located over relatively simple terrain, but within 3 to 5 km of an abrupt 20 to 30 m increase in terrain. Results indicate that normalized turbulence parameter profiles at all three sites agree well with widely used empirical relationships during unstable conditions.

During near neutral conditions, σu parameter profiles are also well behaved at all three sites while σw increases with height for complex fetch (BAO downwind of bluff, LANL, and RF) while σw remains nearly constant up to 200 m AGL at BAO with simple fetch. The σw /u* values at 10-m AGL are close to one at all sites and they increase by an order of 50% in the lowest 60 to 200 m for complex fetch and remain approximately constant in the lowest 200 m with simple fetch.

During very stable conditions, typical values of σu and σ v range between 0.4 to 0.6 ms-1 and increase slightly with height while median σw values nearly double from about 0.1 to 0.2 ms-1 between the 10- and 100 to 200-m levels. A comparison of predicted with measured u* values at two of the sites shows generally good agreement over 6 stability categories. It is suggested that M-O similarity theory will usually greatly underestimate vertical diffusivity and dispersion during very stable conditions, especially at larger heights, based on idealized Kz profiles calculated from measured σw values. Finally, rules of thumb are formulated to describe departure from similarity theory during near-neutral and stable conditions.
Desynchronizing Plasmodium Cell Cycle Increases Chloroquine Protection at Suboptimal Doses
Authors: Bagnaresi Piero , Markus Regina P. , Hotta Carlos T. , Pozzan Tulio , Garcia Célia R.S.
Published: August 2008

We have previously shown that in vivo and in vitro the hormone melatonin is responsible for the synchronous
development of Plasmodia. Melatonin can also mobilize calcium from internal stores in these parasites and this response
is abolished by luzindole, a melatonin antagonist. We here demonstrate that in vivo alteration of parasite synchronous development,
using luzindole, partially improves survival of infected mice and dramatically increases the antimalarial activity
of chloroquine. The data presented may lead to a conceptually new paradigm for malaria infection therapy and provide
novel evidence suggesting that the malaria parasite uses the cell cycle synchrony as one of the strategies to evade the
host immune system.
Food Allergy in Children with Asthma: Prevalence and Correlation with Clinical Severity of Respiratory Disease
Authors: Calamelli E. , Ricci G. , Dell’Omo V. , Bendandi B. , Masi M.
Published: August 2008

Epidemiological evidence suggests that there is a link between asthma and food allergy. The aim of this study
was to estimate the prevalence of food allergy in asthmatic children and to evaluate a possible impact of food allergy on
asthma severity. The study enrolled 103 asthmatic children (mean age: 11 years). Skin prick-test, dosage of specific IgE to
a standardized panel of inhalant and food allergens and spirometric evaluation was made for each patient. Twenty-four
(23%) patients presented food allergy, 75 (77%) were sensitized to at least one food. A lower rate of children with controlled
symptoms was found in children with food allergy and a higher rate of persistent asthma was found in children
sensitized to at least 4 foods. In conclusion, food allergy/sensitization should always be investigated in asthmatic children
for its association with increasing severity (only in food sensitized patients) and reduced control of asthmatic symptoms.
A Methodology to Validate the InSAR Derived Displacement Field of the September 7th, 1999 Athens Earthquake Using Terrestrial Surveying. Improvement of the Assessed Deformation Field by Interferometric Stacking
Authors: Kotsis Ioannis , Kontoes Charalabos , Paradissis Dimitrios , Karamitsos Spyros , Elias Panagiotis , Papoutsis Ioannis
Published: August 2008

The primary objective of this paper is the evaluation of the InSAR derived displacement field caused by the 07/09/1999 Athens earthquake, using as reference an external data source provided by terrestrial surveying along the Mornos river open aqueduct. To accomplish this, a processing chain to render comparable the leveling measurements and the interferometric derived measurements has been developed. The distinct steps proposed include a solution for reducing the orbital and atmospheric interferometric fringes and an innovative method to compute the actual InSAR estimated vertical ground subsidence, for direct comparison with the leveling data. Results indicate that the modeled deformation derived from a series of stacked interferograms, falls entirely within the confidence interval assessed for the terrestrial surveying data.
Optical Algorithms at Satellite Wavelengths for Total Suspended Matter in Tropical Coastal Waters
Authors: Ouillon Sylvain , Douillet Pascal , Petrenko Anne , Neveux Jacques , Dupouy Cécile , Froidefond Jean-Marie , Andréfouët Serge , Muñoz-Caravaca Alain
Published: August 2008

Is it possible to derive accurately Total Suspended Matter concentration or its proxy, turbidity, from remote sensing data in tropical coastal lagoon waters? To investigate this question, hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance, turbidity and chlorophyll pigment concentration were measured in three coral reef lagoons. The three sites enabled us to get data over very diverse environments: oligotrophic and sediment-poor waters in the southwest lagoon of New Caledonia, eutrophic waters in the Cienfuegos Bay (Cuba), and sediment-rich waters in the Laucala Bay (Fiji). In this paper, optical algorithms for turbidity are presented per site based on 113 stations in New Caledonia, 24 stations in Cuba and 56 stations in Fiji. Empirical algorithms are tested at satellite wavebands useful to coastal applications. Global algorithms are also derived for the merged data set (193 stations). The performances of global and local regression algorithms are compared. The best one-band algorithms on all the measurements are obtained at 681 nm using either a polynomial or a power model. The best two-band algorithms are obtained with R412/R620, R443/R670 and R510/R681. Two three-band algorithms based on Rrs620.Rrs681/Rrs412 and Rrs620.Rrs681/Rrs510 also give fair regression statistics. Finally, we propose a global algorithm based on one or three bands: turbidity is first calculated from Rrs681 and then, if < 1 FTU, it is recalculated using an algorithm based on Rrs620.Rrs681/Rrs412. On our data set, this algorithm is suitable for the 0.2-25 FTU turbidity range and for the three sites sampled (mean bias: 3.6 %, rms: 35%, mean quadratic error: 1.4 FTU). This shows that defining global empirical turbidity algorithms in tropical coastal waters is at reach.
Kernel Based Nonlinear Dimensionality Reduction and Classification for Genomic Microarray
Authors: Li Xuehua , Shu Lan
Published: August 2008

Genomic microarrays are powerful research tools in bioinformatics and modern medicinal research because they enable massively-parallel assays and simultaneous monitoring of thousands of gene expression of biological samples. However, a simple microarray experiment often leads to very high-dimensional data and a huge amount of information, the vast amount of data challenges researchers into extracting the important features and reducing the high dimensionality. In this paper, a nonlinear dimensionality reduction kernel method based locally linear embedding(LLE) is proposed, and fuzzy K-nearest neighbors algorithm which denoises datasets will be introduced as a replacement to the classical LLE’s KNN algorithm. In addition, kernel method based support vector machine (SVM) will be used to classify genomic microarray data sets in this paper. We demonstrate the application of the techniques to two published DNA microarray data sets. The experimental results confirm the superiority and high success rates of the presented method.
On the Soil Roughness Parameterization Problem in Soil Moisture Retrieval of Bare Surfaces from Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Verhoest Niko E.C , Lievens Hans , Wagner Wolfgang , Álvarez-Mozos Jesús , Moran M. Susan , Mattia Francesco
Published: August 2008

Synthetic Aperture Radar has shown its large potential for retrieving soil moisture maps at regional scales. However, since the backscattered signal is determined by several surface characteristics, the retrieval of soil moisture is an ill-posed problem when using single configuration imagery. Unless accurate surface roughness parameter values are available, retrieving soil moisture from radar backscatter usually provides inaccurate estimates. The characterization of soil roughness is not fully understood, and a large range of roughness parameter values can be obtained for the same surface when different measurement methodologies are used. In this paper, a literature review is made that summarizes the problems encountered when parameterizing soil roughness as well as the reported impact of the errors made on the retrieved soil moisture. A number of suggestions were made for resolving issues in roughness parameterization and studying the impact of these roughness problems on the soil moisture retrieval accuracy and scale.
Cross-Layer Adaptive Feedback Scheduling of Wireless Control Systems
Authors: Xia Feng , Ma Longhua , Peng Chen , Sun Youxian , Dong Jinxiang
Published: August 2008

There is a trend towards using wireless technologies in networked control systems. However, the adverse properties of the radio channels make it difficult to design and implement control systems in wireless environments. To attack the uncertainty in available communication resources in wireless control systems closed over WLAN, a cross-layer adaptive feedback scheduling (CLAFS) scheme is developed, which takes advantage of the co-design of control and wireless communications. By exploiting crosslayer design, CLAFS adjusts the sampling periods of control systems at the application layer based on information about deadline miss ratio and transmission rate from the physical layer. Within the framework of feedback scheduling, the control performance is maximized through controlling the deadline miss ratio. Key design parameters of the feedback scheduler are adapted to dynamic changes in the channel condition. An eventdriven invocation mechanism for the feedback scheduler is also developed. Simulation results show that the proposed approach is efficient in dealing with channel capacity variations and noise interference, thus providing an enabling technology for control over WLAN.
Protein Detection with Aptamer Biosensors
Authors: Strehlitz Beate , Nikolaus Nadia , Stoltenburg Regina
Published: August 2008

Aptamers have been developed for different applications. Their use as new biological recognition elements in biosensors promises progress for fast and easy detection of proteins. This new generation of biosensor (aptasensors) will be more stable and well adapted to the conditions of real samples because of the specific properties of aptamers.
Detection of Hidden Hostile/Terrorist Groups in Harsh Territories by Using Animals as Mobile Biological Sensors
Authors: Sahin Yasar Guneri , Ercan Tuncay
Published: August 2008

Terrorism is the greatest threat to national security and cannot be defeated by conventional military force alone. In critical areas such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Turkey, regular forces cannot reach these hostile/terrorist groups, the instigators of terrorism. These groups have a clear understanding of the relative ineffectiveness of counter-guerrilla operations and rely on guerrilla warfare to avoid major combat as their primary means of continuing the conflict with the governmental structures. In Internal Security Operations, detection of terrorist and hostile groups in their hiding places such as caves, lairs, etc. can only be achieved by professionally trained people such as Special Forces or intelligence units with the necessary experience and tools suitable for collecting accurate information in these often harsh, rugged and mountainous countries. To assist these forces, commercial micro-sensors with wireless interfaces could be utilized to study and monitor a variety of phenomena and environments from a certain distance for military purposes. In order to locate hidden terrorist groups and enable more effective use of conventional military resources, this paper proposes an active remote sensing model implanted into animals capable of living in these environments. By using these mobile sensor devices, improving communications for data transfer from the source, and developing better ways to monitor and detect threats, terrorist ability to carry out attacks can be severely disrupted.
PAU/RAD: Design and Preliminary Calibration Results of a New L-Band Pseudo-Correlation Radiometer Concept
Authors: Bosch-Lluis Xavier , Camps Adriano , Ramos-Perez Isaac , Marchan-Hernandez Juan Fernando , Rodriguez-Alvarez Nereida , Valencia Enric
Published: August 2008

The Passive Advanced Unit (PAU) for ocean monitoring is a new type of instrument that combines in a single receiver and without time multiplexing, a polarimetric pseudo-correlation microwave radiometer at L-band (PAU-RAD) and a GPS reflectometer (PAU-GNSS/R). These instruments in conjunction with an infra-red radiometer (PAU-IR) will respectively provide the sea surface temperature and the sea state information needed to accurately retrieve the sea surface salinity from the radiometric measurements. PAU will consist of an array of 4x4 receivers performing digital beamforming and polarization synthesis both for PAU-RAD and PAU-GNSS/R. A concept demonstrator of the PAU instrument with only one receiver has been implemented (PAU-One Receiver or PAU-OR). PAU-OR has been used to test and tune the calibration algorithms that will be applied to PAU. This work describes in detail PAU-OR’s radiometer calibration algorithms and their performance.
Nanobioengineering and Characterization of a Novel Estrogen Receptor Biosensor
Authors: Berthier Alexandre , Elie-Caille Céline , Lesniewska Eric , Delage-Mourroux Régis , Boireau Wilfrid
Published: August 2008

We constructed an original supramolecular assembly on a surface of sensor composed of an innovative combination of an engineered cytochrome b5 and a modified nucleic acid bound to a synthetic lipid hemimembrane. The protein/DNA block, called (PDNA) 2, was synthesized and purified before its immobilization onto a hybrid bilayer reconstituted on a gold surface. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were engaged in parallel on the same substrates in order to better understand dynamic events that occur at the surface of the biosensor. Good correlations were obtained in terms of specificity and reversibility. These findings allow us to present a first application of such biosensor in the study of the interaction processes between nuclear receptor and DNA.
Integrating Remote Sensing Information Into A Distributed Hydrological Model for Improving Water Budget Predictions in Large-scale Basins through Data Assimilation
Authors: Qin Changbo , Jia Yangwen , Su Z. , Zhou Zuhao , Qiu Yaqin , Suhui Shen
Published: August 2008

This paper investigates whether remote sensing evapotranspiration estimates can be integrated by means of data assimilation into a distributed hydrological model for improving the predictions of spatial water distribution over a large river basin with an area of 317,800 km2. A series of available MODIS satellite images over the Haihe River basin in China are used for the year 2005. Evapotranspiration is retrieved from these 1×1 km resolution images using the SEBS (Surface Energy Balance System) algorithm. The physically-based distributed model WEP-L (Water and Energy transfer Process in Large river basins) is used to compute the water balance of the Haihe River basin in the same year. Comparison between model-derived and remote sensing retrieval basin-averaged evapotranspiration estimates shows a good piecewise linear relationship, but their spatial distribution within the Haihe basin is different. The remote sensing derived evapotranspiration shows variability at finer scales. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) data assimilation algorithm, suitable for non-linear problems, is used. Assimilation results indicate that remote sensing observations have a potentially important role in providing spatial information to the assimilation system for the spatially optical hydrological parameterization of the model. This is especially important for large basins, such as the Haihe River basin in this study. Combining and integrating the capabilities of and information from model simulation and remote sensing techniques may provide the best spatial and temporal characteristics for hydrological states/fluxes, and would be both appealing and necessary for improving our knowledge of fundamental hydrological processes and for addressing important water resource management problems.
DataLink Record Linkage Software Applied to the Cancer Registry of Murcia, Spain
Authors: Chirlaque M. D. , Navarro C. , Márquez Cid M.
Published: August 2008

Objectives:
Record linkage between data sets is relatively simple when unique, universal, permanent, and common variables exist in each data set. This situation occurs infrequently; thus, there is a need to apply probabilistic methods to identify corresponding records. DataLink has been tested to determine if the use of clustering techniques will improve performance with a minimum decrease in accuracy.

Methods:
The study uses cancer registry data which includes hospital discharge and pathology reports from two hospitals in the Murcia Region for the years 2002-2003. These data are standardized prior to running DataLink. The original version of DataLink compares all of the records one by one, and in two later versions of the software clustering is applied which filters for one or more variables. Computing time and the proportion of detected matches have been investigated with each version.

Results:
The clustering versions achieve 96.1% and 96.2% accuracy, respectively. An improvement in the computational time of 97.3% and 98.6% is achieved for the two clustering versions compared with the original. The clustering versions lose 0.36% and 1.07% of real duplicates, respectively.

Conclusions:
DataLink implements deterministic and probabilistic record linkage to eliminate duplicates and to merge new information with existing cases. The standardization of variables to a common format has been adapted to the characteristics of Spanish language data. Clustering techniques minimize computational time and maximize accuracy in the detection of corresponding records.
Remembering when we last remembered our childhood experiences: Effects of age and context on retrospective metamemory judgments
Authors: Abenavoli Rachel , Henkel Linda A.
Published: August 2008

People sometimes exhibit a ‘forgot‐it‐all‐along bias’ in which they claim that they have gone for months or years without thinking about certain childhood experiences despite recently recalling those memories. The present study examines memory for memories of childhood experiences, expanding on prior work by using manipulations that require greater reflection when thinking about remembered experiences and when making retrospective metamemory judgments. Age‐related differences in memory‐for‐memory accuracy were also examined. Young (18–20) and older adults (63–89) recalled various events while focusing on emotional or perceptual details for some, and several weeks later were asked to indicate the last time they had remembered various events. Results showed that young adults were more accurate than older adults overall, though both age groups still exhibited a forgot‐it‐all‐along bias that was reduced but not eliminated when a contextual reminder was provided. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do the estrogen receptors 1 gene variants influence the temperament and character inventory scores in suicidal attempters and healthy subjects?
Authors: Giegling Ina , Chiesa Alberto , Calati Raffaella , Hartmann Annette M. , Möller Hans‐Jürgen , De Ronchi Diana , Rujescu Dan , Serretti Alessandro
Published: August 2008

Several studies investigated possible associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and the temperament and character inventory (TCI) scores. The possible association between TCI scores and the estrogen receptors 1 (ESR1) polymorphisms, which are expressed in cerebral regions that are involved in the development of temperament and character, has not been investigated yet. The aim of the present study is to investigate possible associations between specific ESR1 polymorphisms and TCI scores. Two hundred eighty‐nine healthy subjects and 111 suicide attempters were enrolled in the study. All subjects compiled TCI. Rs827421, rs1913474, rs1801132, rs722207, rs974276, and rs910416 in ESR1 were genotyped. Rs722207 was associated with Harm Avoidance (HA) in the healthy sample (P = 0.003). Further associations have been found for two HA subscales, HA2 and HA3, in the healthy sample. Additionally, the haplotype rs722207–rs974276 showed an association with HA (P = 0.0003) and HA2 (P = 0.0002) in the global sample and in healthy volunteers and HA3 showed an association in the global sample. Our study showed a moderate association between ESR1 variants and TCI scores. The main finding concerns the association between rs722207 and HA in the healthy sample. Further research is needed to replicate our findings and to investigate further ESR1 polymorphisms. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Supercritical water gasification
Authors: Kruse Andrea
Published: August 2008

This article reviews the work relating to the supercritical water gasifi cation of biomass with a focus on hydrogen production. The high hydrogen yield predicted by thermodynamic calculations and the special properties of near‐ and supercritical water support the biomass degradation; these were the main reasons why the process of = supercritical water gasifi cation was investigated. The main advantage is that biomass, with a natural water content of 80 wt.% or more, can be converted without drying before. The energy required for heating up the relatively high water amount can be recovered by a compact heat exchanger, which is very important for the overall energy balance. The chemistry of biomass degradation is rather complex: from experiments with model compounds, the main reaction pathways and their dependencies on reaction conditions are identifi ed. This knowledge was applied in studies of biomass conversion. Biomass may include proteins and salts, which have a signifi cant infl uence on the gasifi cation: salts increase and proteins decrease the gas yield at comparable reactions conditions. In addition, the heating‐up rate and the reactor type used infl uence the results. For the scale‐up in view of a technical application, a bench‐scale plant is necessary. This plant exists for some years and demonstrates the process feasibility also in the scale of 100 kg/h. Still challenges for a technical application, like corrosion and solid handling, exist. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Re‐interpretation of NIPALS results solves PLSR inconsistency problem
Authors: Ergon R.
Published: August 2008

The well‐known nonlinear iterative partial least squares (NIPALS) algorithm is commonly used for computation of components in partial least squares regression (PLSR) with orthogonalized score vectors. Based on generalized inverse formalism, Pell et al.[1] have recently claimed that the NIPALS results are inconsistent with respect to model spaces for residual‐based outlier detection and prediction purposes. This theoretically important result is supported by the present paper, where it is also shown that a simple re‐interpretation of the results from the NIPALS algorithm solves the problem. This is valid for cases with both one and several response variables (PLS1 and PLS2). It is also shown, however, that the price to pay for this solution is that the latent variables in the model will no longer be completely independent of the residual noise. Since the original PLSR model with non‐orthogonal score vectors does not have the same inconsistency, a method for orthogonalization of this model is also included. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterolytic Cleavage of Peroxide by a Diferrous Compound Generates Metal‐Based Intermediates Identical to Those Observed with Reactions Utilizing Oxygen‐Atom‐Donor Molecules
Authors: Rowe Gerard T. , Rybak‐Akimova Elena V. , Caradonna John P.
Published: August 2008

Under cryogenic stopped‐flow conditions, addition of 2‐methyl‐1‐phenylprop‐2‐yl hydroperoxide (MPPH) to the diiron(II) compound, [Fe2(H2Hbamb)2(NMeIm)2] (1; NMeIm=N‐methylimidazole; H4HBamb: 2,3‐bis(2‐hydroxybenzamido)dimethylbutane) results in heterolytic peroxide OO bond cleavage, forming a high‐valent species, 2. The UV/Vis spectrum of 2 and its kinetic behavior suggest parallel reactivity to that seen in the reaction of 1 with oxygen‐atom‐donor (OAD) molecules, which has been reported previously. Like the interaction with OAD molecules, the reaction of 1 with MPPH proceeds through a three step process, assigned to oxygen‐atom transfer to the iron center to form a high‐valent intermediate (2), ligand rearrangement of the metal complex, and, finally, decay to a diferric μ‐oxo compound. Careful examination of the order of the reaction with MPPH reveals saturation behavior. This, coupled with the anomalous non‐Arrhenius behavior of the first step of the reaction, indicates that there is a preequilibrium peroxide binding step prior to OO bond cleavage. At higher temperatures, the addition of the base, proton sponge, results in a marked decrease in the rate of OO bond cleavage to form 2; this is assigned as a peroxide deprotonation effect, indicating that the presence of protons is an important factor in the heterolytic cleavage of peroxide. This phenomenon has been observed in other iron‐containing enzymes, the catalytic cycles of which include peroxide OO bond cleavage.
A Structure‐Consistent Mechanism for Dioxygen Formation in Photosystem II
Authors: Siegbahn Per E. M.
Published: August 2008

In recent DFT studies a new mechanism for OO bond formation at the oxygen evolving center (OEC) in photosystem II has been suggested. With the structure of the S4 state required for that mechanism, the structures of the lower S states are investigated herein by adding protons and electrons. A model was used including the full amino acids for the ones ligating the OEC, and in which the backbone positions were held fixed from the X‐ray structure. The only charged second‐shell ligand Arg357 was also included. An optimized structure for the S1 state was reached with a large similarity to one of those suggested by EXAFS. A full catalytic cycle was derived which can rationalize the structural relaxation in the S2 to S3 transition, and the fact that only an electron leaves in the transition before. Water is suggested to bind to the OEC in the S2 to S3, and S4 to S0 transitions. A new possibility for water exchange is suggested from the final energy diagram. The optimal OO bond formation occurs between an oxygen radical and an oxo ligand. The alternative mechanism, where the oxygen radical reacts with an external water, has a barrier about 20 kcal mol−1 higher.
Novel Hybrid Materials Consisting of Regioregular Poly(3‐octylthiophene)s Covalently Attached to Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Stefopoulos Andreas A. , Chochos Christos L. , Prato Maurizio , Pistolis George , Papagelis Kostas , Petraki Foteini , Kennou Stella , Kallitsis Joannis K.
Published: August 2008

Facile routes for the synthesis of hybrid materials consisting of regioregular poly(3‐octylthiophene)s covalently attached to single‐wall carbon nanotubes are presented for the first time. These materials are easily processable using common organic solvents, and at the same time combine the properties of regioregular poly(3‐alkylthiophene)s with those of single‐wall carbon nanotubes. Moreover, studies of the properties of these materials have provided strong evidence for an electron transfer from the regioregular poly(3‐octylthiophene) to the single‐wall carbon nanotube.
Development of Palladium–Carbene Catalysts for Telomerization and Dimerization of 1,3‐Dienes: From Basic Research to Industrial Applications
Authors: Clement Nicolas D. , Routaboul Lucie , Grotevendt Anne , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: August 2008

The following account summarises recent developments in the area of palladium‐catalysed telomerisation and dimerisation reactions of 1,3‐dienes. The most active types of catalyst, palladium–carbene complexes, were tested in pilot plant and proved to be industrially viable.
Localization of Kv2.2 protein in Xenopus laevis embryos and tadpoles
Authors: Gravagna Nicole G. , Knoeckel Christopher S. , Taylor Alison D. , Hultgren Barbara A. , Ribera Angeles B.
Published: August 2008

Voltage‐gated potassium (Kv) channels sculpt neuronal excitability and play important developmental roles. Kv channels consist of pore‐forming α‐ and auxiliary subunits. For many Kv α‐subunits, existing mRNA probes and antibodies have allowed analysis of expression patterns, typically during adult stages. Here, we focus on the Kv2.2 α‐subunit, for which the mRNA shows broad expression in the embryo and adult. A lack of suitable antibodies, however, has hindered detailed analysis of Kv2.2 protein localization, especially during development. We developed an antibody that specifically recognizes Kv2.2 protein in Xenopus laevis, a vertebrate well suited for study of early developmental stages. The Kv2.2 antibody recognized heterologously expressed Kv2.2 but not the closely related Kv2.1 protein. Immunodetection of the protein showed its presence at St 32 in ventrolateral regions of the hindbrain and spinal cord. At later stages, several sensory tissues (retina, otic, and olfactory epithelia) also expressed Kv2.2 protein. As development progressed in the central nervous system, Kv2.2 protein distribution expanded in close association with the cytoskeletal marker α‐tubulin, consistent with growth of neuronal tracts. We analyzed the subcellular distribution of Kv2.2 protein within single cultured neurons. In addition to a surface membrane presence, Kv2.2 protein also resided intracellularly closely associated with α‐tubulin, as in vivo. Furthermore, in contrast to Kv2.1, Kv2.2 protein localized to long, axonal‐like processes, consistent with its in vivo location in tracts. Despite their primary sequence similarity, the contrasting localizations of Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 support different roles for the two during development and neuronal signaling. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:508–524, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gauss‐Green theorem for weakly differentiable vector fields, sets of finite perimeter, and balance laws
Authors: Chen Gui‐Qiang , Ziemer William P. , Torres Monica
Published: August 2008

We analyze a class of weakly differentiable vector fieldsF: ℝn→ ℝnwith the property thatF∈L∞and divFis a (signed) Radon measure. These fields are calledbounded divergence‐measure fields. The primary focus of our investigation is to introduce a suitable notion of the normal trace of any divergence‐measure fieldFover the boundary of an arbitrary set of finite perimeter that ensures the validity of the Gauss‐Green theorem. To achieve this, we first establish a fundamental approximation theorem which states that, given a (signed) Radon measure μ that is absolutely continuous with respect to ℋ︁N− 1on ℝN, any set of finite perimeter can be approximated by a family of sets with smooth boundary essentially from the measure‐theoretic interior of the set with respect to the measure ||μ||, the total variation measure. We employ this approximation theorem to derive the normal trace ofFon the boundary of any set of finite perimeterEas the limit of the normal traces ofFon the boundaries of the approximate sets with smooth boundary so that the Gauss‐Green theorem forFholds onE. With these results, we analyze the Cauchy flux that is bounded by a nonnegative Radon measure over any oriented surface (i.e., an (N− 1)‐dimensional surface that is a part of the boundary of a set of finite perimeter) and thereby develop a general mathematical formulation of the physical principle of the balance law through the Cauchy flux. Finally, we apply this framework to the derivation of systems of balance laws with measure‐valued source terms from the formulation of the balance law. This framework also allows the recovery of Cauchy entropy flux through the Lax entropy inequality for entropy solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the parallel complexity of hierarchical clustering and CC‐complete problems
Authors: Greenlaw Raymond , Kantabutra Sanpawat
Published: August 2008

Complex data sets are often unmanageable unless they can be subdivided and simplified in an intelligent manner. Clustering is a technique that is used in data mining and scientific analysis for partitioning a data set into groups of similar or nearby items. Hierarchical clustering is an important and well‐studied clustering method involving both top‐down and bottom‐up subdivisions of data. In this article we address the parallel complexity of hierarchical clustering. We describe known sequential algorithms for top‐down and bottom‐up hierarchical clustering. The top‐down algorithm can be parallelized, and when there arenpoints to be clustered, we provide an O(logn)‐time, n2‐processor Crew Pram algorithm that computes the same output as its corresponding sequential algorithm. We define a natural decision problem based on bottom‐up hierarchical clustering, and add this HIERARCHICALCLUSTERINGPROBLEM(HCP) to the slowly growing list of CC‐complete problems, thereby showing that HCP is one of the computationally most difficult problems in the COMPARATORCIRCUITVALUEPROBLEMclass. This class contains a variety of interesting problems, and now for the first time a problem from data mining as well. By proving that HCP is CC‐complete, we have demonstrated that HCP is very unlikely to have an NC algorithm. This result is in sharp contrast to the NC algorithm which we give for the top‐down sequential approach, and the result surprisingly shows that the parallel complexities of the top‐down and bottom‐up approaches are different, unless CC equals NC. In addition, we provide a compendium of all known CC‐complete problems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008
Circuit synthesis of passive descriptor systems—a modified nodal approach
Authors: Reis Timo
Published: August 2008

In this work we consider the problem of multiport passive reciprocal network synthesis by descriptor systems. A numerical method is presented that leads to circuit equations in modified nodal analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fachkommission Bautechnik der Bauministerkonferenz: Auslegungsfragen zur Energieeinsparverordnung – Teil 9
Authors: Achelis Justus
Published: August 2008

Der Bund hat auf Grund des § 1 Abs. 2, des § 2 Abs. 2 und 3, des § 3 Abs. 2, des § 4, jeweils in Verbindung mit § 5, sowie des § 5a Satz 1 und 2 des Energieeinsparungsgesetzes die “Verordnung über energieeinsparenden Wärmeschutz und energieeinsparende Anlagentechnik bei Gebäuden (Energieeinsparverordnung – EnEV)” erlassen (BGBl. I 2007, S. 1519 ff).

Die Energieeinsparverordnung ist am 01.10.2007 in Kraft getreten.

Um im Vollzug eine möglichst einheitliche Anwendung der Energieeinsparverordnung zu ermöglichen, hat die Fachkommission “Bautechnik” der Bauministerkonferenz beschlossen, eine Arbeitsgruppe einzurichten, die die in den Ländern eingehenden Anfragen mit allgemeinem Interesse beantworten soll.

Die Entwürfe der Arbeitsgruppe werden dann in den Sitzungen der Fachkommission beraten.
Spontaneous Resolution of a Triple‐Stranded Dinickel(II) Helicate Generated via Intermolecular Transamination Reaction ofS‐Methylisothiocarbohydrazide in the Presence of Ni2+
Authors: Dobrov Anatoly , Arion Vladimir B. , Shova Sergiu , Roller Alexander , Rentschler Eva , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: August 2008

The reaction ofS‐methylisothiocarbohydrazide hydroiodide [H2NNHC(SCH3)NNH2·HI] with NiCl2·6H2O in water at room temperature yielded a triple‐stranded dinickel(II) helicate [NiII(L1–L1)3NiII]I4·4H2O (14+·4I–·4H2O), where L1–L1= H2NNHC(SCH3)NNC(SCH3)NHNH2, in 35 % yield, which spontaneously separates in enantiomers upon crystallization. The enantiomers do not racemize at room temperature, even not after 15 h of heating at 90 °C. X‐ray diffraction structures of both enantiomers, chiroptical and magnetic properties of14+·4I–·4H2O are reported. Demetallation of the complex by treatment with S2–resulted in 3,6‐bis(methylthio)‐1,4‐dihydro‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (2). Compound2undergoes 2‐e–oxidation in air to give the known 3,6‐bis(methylthio)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (3). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)