bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat use by five sympatric Australian freshwater crayfish species (Parastacidae)
Authors: JOHNSTON KERRYLYN , ROBSON BELINDA J.
Published: March 2009

1. The Grampians National Park in Victoria is a ‘hot spot’ for freshwater crayfish diversity, with seven species from six genera occurring in sympatry. Few studies have examined how multiple species of freshwater crayfish co‐exist across landscapes consisting of a mosaic of perennial and seasonal habitats. Despite their endemicity and likely key role in freshwaters, the ecology and biology of these crayfish remains unknown.

2. This study determined the distribution and habitat use of five crayfish species (Euastacus bispinosus, Cherax destructor, Geocharax falcata, Gramastacus insolitus and Engaeus lyelli). Seasonal sampling surveys ascertained whether crayfish distribution was related to habitat type, environmental or physicochemical variables, catchment or season.

3. Distribution was directly related to habitat type and the environmental and physicochemical variables that characterised habitats. Engaeus lyelli, G. falcata and G. insolitus occurred predominantly in floodplain wetlands and flooded vegetation habitats, E. bispinosus occurred only in flowing soft‐sediment channels and C. destructor was found in all catchments and habitat types studied. Gramastacus insolitus co‐occurred with G. falcata at all sites except two, so no distinct habitat separations were apparent for these two species.

4. A high percentage cover of boulders was the best indicator of crayfish absence, and discriminated between habitat types and crayfish species: it was probably a surrogate for a larger range of environmental and physicochemical variables. Catchment and season did not affect crayfish distribution.

5. These crayfish species varied in their degree of habitat specialisation from strongly generalist (C. destructor) to occupying only a specific habitat type (E. bispinosus). Some species appeared specialised for seasonal wetlands (G. insolitus and G. falcata). Overlap in site occupancy also varied: G. insolitus and G. falcata distributions were strongly associated, whereas C. destructor appeared to occur opportunistically across habitats, both alone and co‐occurring with all the other species.

6. Management strategies to conserve multiple species of crayfish co‐existing within landscapes will need to incorporate a range of perennial and seasonal habitat types to ensure sufficient space is available for species to maintain different occupancy patterns. Given that water resources are under increasing pressure and are strongly regulated within the Grampians National Park, this may present a conservation challenge to water managers in this location.
DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION INDUCED BY REPETITIVE TRANSIENT MYOCARDIAL ISCHAEMIA IS INHIBITED BY EDARAVONE IN CONSCIOUS RATS
Authors: Toyota Eiji , Miyamoto Yoshinori , Imai Koichiro , Neishi Yoji , Kawamoto Takahiro , Okura Hiroyuki , Yoshida Kiyoshi
Published: March 2009

In the present study, we investigated the effects of treatment with the hydroxyl radical scavenger 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one (edaravone) on myocardial dysfunction induced by transient but frequent ischaemia in conscious rats.

Conscious male Wistar rats were subjected to repetitive ischaemia (RI; 40 s ischaemia every 20 min for 72 h). After the ninth episode of RI, edaravone (1 mg/kg, i.v., at each ischaemic event) or vehicle control (acetate buffer solution, i.v.) was administered. Dilation of the left ventricle (LV) after the eighth RI (fractional area change; %FACinitial) and after the final RI (%FACfinal) was determined by comparing measurements (12 MHz echocardiogram) at these time‐points with baseline LV area prior to RI.

In controls, %FACfinalwas correlated with %FACinitial(r = 0.98;P < 0.0001), making %FACinitiala predictor of %FACfinal. Edaravone treatment shifted the %FACinitial–%FACfinalrelationship downward (P < 0.0001), indicating that edaravone inhibited progression of LV dilation. In addition, %FACfinalwas correlated with myocardial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in control samples (r = 0.88,P = 0.008), although both %FACfinaland ROS were suppressed by edaravone treatment (P = 0.016).

We conclude that repetitive transient ischaemia in conscious rats induced development of cardiac dysfunction and that this phenomenon was inhibited by edaravone. We speculate that edaravone is a potential therapeutic agent that may interfere with the progression of cardiac dysfunction in high‐risk patients with RI.
LEARNING BAYESIAN NETWORK PARAMETERS FROM SOFT DATA
Authors: XIAO XU HONG , LEE HIAN BENG , NG GEE WAH
Published: March 2009

Bayesian networks have been known as a powerful knowledge representation model and a computational architecture for reasoning under uncertainty. However, there are still some obstacles in applying them for practical applications. Among them are learning parameters, or the conditional probability tables from data. Much work in the field focuses on handling incomplete data, i.e. data with missing values. In this paper, we propose an approach for learning parameters of Bayesian networks from soft data, the values of which may be imprecise or uncertain, given by beliefs or confidence scales. Theoretical justification of the approach is given, and experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach.
Intragastric layering of lipids delays lipid absorption and increases plasma CCK but has minor effects on gastric emptying and appetite
Authors: Foltz Martin , Maljaars Jeroen , Schuring Ewoud A. H. , van der Wal Robert J. P. , Boer Theo , Duchateau Guus S. M. , Peters Harry P. F. , Stellaard Frans , Masclee Ad A.
Published: March 2009

Intestinal intubation studies have demonstrated that lipids induce satiety, but the contribution of lipid processing by the stomach on satiety remains poorly understood. In this explorative, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study we tested whether delayed lipid absorption, increased cholecystokinin (CCK), decelerated gastric emptying (GE), and increased satiety can be achieved by controlling lipid distribution in the stomach. Six healthy men were intubated nasogastrically. Two treatments were performed and repeated in duplicate. In the oil-on-top treatment (OT), subjects received a fat-free liquid meal (LM, 325 ml, 145 kcal) followed by intragastric infusion of 4 g of high-oleic-acid rapeseed oil (4.6 ml, 36 kcal) labeled with 77 mg glyceryl-[13C]trioleate. In the emulsion treatment (EM, control), 4 g of labeled rapeseed oil was incorporated into the LM (325 ml, 181 kcal); 4.6 ml of saline was infused as a control. In OT and EM a second LM was consumed at time t = 270 min. Plasma13C-C18:1, CCK and satiety were measured over 480 min. GE was determined by the paracetamol absorption test. OT delayed oleic acid absorption shown by an increased lag time of absorption (EM: 37 ± 7 min; OT: 75 ± 10 min; P < 0.01) and time at maximum concentration (EM: 162 ± 18 min; OT: 280 ± 33 min; P = 0.01). OT released more CCK than EM ( P = 0.03), including increased CCK after the second meal. OT accelerated initial GE until 30 min postprandial. OT showed a tendency ( P = 0.06) to suppress hunger and increase satiety and fullness 120–270 min postprandially. The results demonstrate that low amounts of lipids, when separated from the aqueous phase of a meal, delay lipid absorption and increase CCK. An escalating-dose study should determine whether this could have implications for the development of weight-control foods.
Eicosanoid Actions in Insect Immunity
Authors: Stanley David , Miller Jon , Tunaz Hasan
Published: March 2009

Insects express 3 lines of protection from infections and invasions. Their cuticles and peritrophic membranes are physical barriers. Infections and invasions are quickly recognized within insect bodies, and recognition launches 2 lines of innate immune reactions. Humoral reactions involve induced synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, the bacteriolytic enzyme lysozyme and activation of the prophenoloxidase system. Cellular immune reactions include phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation. These reactions entail direct interactions between circulating hemocytes and the invaders. Cellular immune reactions begin immediately after an invasion is detected while antimicrobial peptides typically appear in the hemolymph some hours after infection. Microaggregation is a step in the nodulation process, which is responsible for clearing the bulk of bacterial infections from circulation. Coordinated cellular actions lead to encapsulation of invaders, such as parasitoid eggs, that are very much larger than individual hemocytes. In this paper, we review the roles of eicosanoids as central mediators of insect immune reactions, particularly cellular reactions. We briefly describe insect immune functions, outline eicosanoid biosynthesis and treat eicosanoid actions in cellular immunity of insects. Eicosanoids act in several cellular defense functions, including phagocytosis, microaggregation, nodulation, encapsulation, cell spreading and hemocyte migration toward a source of a bacterial peptide. We also describe our most recent work on the influence of one group of eicosanoids, prostaglandins, on gene expression in an established insect cell line.
Relationships of HDL Cholesterol, ApoA-I, and ApoA-II With Homocysteine and Creatinine in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Fenofibrate
Authors: Taskinen Marja-Riitta , Sullivan David R. , Ehnholm Christian , Whiting Malcolm , Zannino Diana , Simes R. John , Keech Anthony C. , Barter Philip J.
Published: March 2009

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to determine fenofibrate-induced changes in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apoliprotein (apo) A-I, and apolipoprotein (apo) A-II and how they relate to changes in plasma homocysteine and creatinine.

Methods and Results—

FIELD was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial done in Australia, New Zealand, and Finland. All FIELD subjects were included except those who started statin therapy or permanently discontinued fenofibrate. Patients were randomized to receive daily micronised fenofibrate (200 mg) or matching placebo and were followed up for a median of 5 years. Plasma HDL-C, apoA-I, apoA-II, homocysteine, and creatinine were measured. There was an inverse relationship between baseline homocysteine levels and HDL-C in the placebo (
P
=0.07 for linear trend) and fenofibrate groups (
P
<0.0001) and apoA-I (
P
<0.001, both groups). The increases in homocysteine and creatinine in the fenofibrate group correlated positively (
P
<0.0001). The greater the increase in homocysteine induced by fenofibrate, the smaller the increases in HDL-c and apoA-I (
P
<0.0001 for linear trends). There was a highly significant and positive relationship between fenofibrate-induced changes in homocysteine and apoA-II levels.

Conclusions—

PPARα agonists that have a more robust effect on HDL-C and apoA-I would be desirable.
An Internal Model for Acquisition and Retention of Motor Learning During Arm Reaching
Authors: Lonini Luca , Dipietro Laura , Zollo Loredana , Guglielmelli Eugenio , Krebs Hermano Igo
Published: March 2009

Humans have the ability to learn novel motor tasks while manipulating the environment. Several models of motor learning have been proposed in the literature, but few of them address the problem of retention and interference of motor memory. The modular selection and identification for control (MOSAIC) model, originally proposed by Wolpert and Kawato, is one of the most relevant contributions; it suggests a possible strategy on how the human motor control system learns and adapts to novel environments. MOSAIC employs the concept of forward and inverse models. The same group later proposed the hidden Markov model (HMM) MOSAIC, which affords learning multiple tasks. The significant drawback of this second approach is that the HMM must be trained with a complete data set that includes all contexts. Since the number of contexts or modules is fixed from the onset, this approach does not afford incremental learning of new tasks. In this letter, we present an alternative architecture to overcome this problem, based on a nonparametric regression algorithm, named locally weighted projection regression (LWPR). This network structure develops according to the contexts allowing incremental training. Of notice, interaction force is used to disambiguate among different contexts. We demonstrate the capability of this alternative architecture with a simulated 2 degree-of-freedom representation of the human arm that learns to interact with three distinct objects, reproducing the same test paradigm of the HMM MOSAIC. After learning the dynamics of the three objects, the LWPR network successfully learns to compensate for a novel velocity-dependent force field. Equally important, it retains previously acquired knowledge on the interaction with the three objects. Thus, this architecture allows both incremental learning of new tasks and retention of previously acquired knowledge, a feature of human motor learning and memory.
Orthodontic Force Stimulates eNOS and iNOS in Rat Osteocytes
Authors: Tan S. D. , Xie R. , Klein-Nulend J. , van Rheden R. E. , Bronckers A. L. J. J. , Kuijpers-Jagtman A. M. , Von den Hoff J. W. , Maltha J. C.
Published: March 2009

Mechanosensitive osteocytes are essential for bone remodeling. Nitric oxide, an important regulator of bone remodeling, is produced by osteocytes through the activity of constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) or inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). We hypothesized that these enzymes regulate the tissue response to orthodontic force, and therefore we investigated eNOS and iNOS expression in osteocytes during orthodontic force application. The upper rat molars were moved mesially by NiTi coil springs (10 cN, 120 hrs) in a split-mouth design. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that, in the tension area, eNOS-positive osteocytes increased from 24 hrs on, while iNOS-positive osteocytes remained largely constant. In the compression area, iNOS-positive osteocytes increased after 6 hrs, while eNOS- positive osteocytes increased after 24 hrs. This suggests that eNOS mediates bone formation in the tension area, while iNOS mediates inflammation-induced bone resorption in the compression area. Both eNOS and iNOS seem to be important regulators of bone remodeling during orthodontic force application.
Victimizing the Children of Immigrants
Authors: Peguero Anthony A.
Published: March 2009

Recent demographic changes have supported the emerging research on one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population: the children of immigrants. Because victimization adversely affects youth development, understanding the victimization of the children of immigrants are of special interest because they are part of this country’s future—its parents, its labor force, and its voters. In addition, segmented assimilation theory guides this study’s examination about the victimization that the children of Latino and Asian American immigrants endure in U.S. public schools. Analyses, which draw from the restricted-use Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002, indeed reveal some important results. For instance, first-generation immigrant students are afraid of the schools they attend. Furthermore, Latino third-plus generation immigrant students have increased risk of victimization by violence at school. This article also discusses the importance of understanding the schooling of the children of immigrants in the U.S. educational system.
Minimally cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate fibrotic lung injury
Authors: Kumamoto M. , Nishiwaki T. , Matsuo N. , Kimura H. , Matsushima K.
Published: March 2009

Clinical use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) holds great promise for regenerative medicine in intractable lung diseases, such as lung fibrosis or acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, a severe obstacle to the clinical application of BMMSC transplantation is the time-consuming, laborious processes required for cell culture. In order to evaluate the clinical applicability of BMMSC transplantation, we tested whether engraftment of minimally cultured BMMSCs ameliorates progressive fibrotic lung injury.

Differences between murine BMMSCs cultured for 2 h (2-h adherent BMMSCs) and conventionally (9-day) cultured BMMSCs were examinedin vitro. The effects of grafting either type of BMMSCs on fibrotic lung injury were then assessed by transfer experiments in a murine bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model, in which donor cells were administered 3 days after challenge.

2-h adherent BMMSCs were smaller, less granular, possessed higher proliferative capacity and expressed higher levels of several stem cell markers and chemokine receptors than 9-day cultured BMMSCs, but lower type I procollagen, α-smooth muscle actin, tumour necrosis factor-β and oncogenic transcription factor c-Myc, suggesting that they may be advantageous for cell-based therapy compared with 9-day cultured BMMSCs. Grafting 2-h adherent BMMSCs ameliorated inflammatory and fibrotic lung disorders, and reduced mortality equally well or better than 9-day cultured BMMSCs.

Minimally cultured BMMSCs can substitute for conventionally cultured BMMSCs and will be a promising cell source for the treatment of acute fibrotic lung injury.
Pulmonary arterial pressure during rest and exercise in healthy subjects: a systematic review
Authors: Kovacs G. , Berghold A. , Scheidl S. , Olschewski H.
Published: March 2009

According to current guidelines, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is diagnosed when mean pulmonary arterial pressure (P̄pa) exceeds 25 mmHg at rest or 30 mmHg during exercise. Issues that remain unclear are the classification ofP̄pavalues <25mmHg and whetherP̄pa>30 mmHg during exercise is always pathological.

We performed a comprehensive literature review and analysed all accessible data obtained by right heart catheter studies from healthy individuals to determine normalP̄paat rest and during exercise. Data on 1,187 individuals from 47 studies in 13 countries were included. Data were stratified for sex, age, geographical origin, body position and exercise level.

P̄paat rest was 14.0±3.3 mmHg and this value was independent of sex and ethnicity. RestingP̄pawas slightly influenced by posture (supine 14.0±3.3 mmHg, upright 13.6±3.1 mmHg) and age (<30 yrs: 12.8± 3.1mmHg; 30–50 yrs: 12.9±3.0 mmHg; ≥50 yrs: 14.7±4.0 mmHg).P̄paduring exercise was dependent on exercise level and age. During mild exercise,P̄pawas 19.4±4.8 mmHg in subjects aged <50 yrs compared with 29.4±8.4 mmHg in subjects ≥50 yrs (p<0.001).

In conclusion, whileP̄paat rest is virtually independent of age and rarely exceeds 20 mmHg, exerciseP̄pais age-related and frequently exceeds 30 mmHg, especially in elderly individuals, which makes it difficult to define normalP̄pavalues during exercise.
PKCα and PKCϵ differentially regulateLegionella pneumophila-induced GM-CSF
Authors: Vardarova K. , Scharf S. , Lang F. , Schmeck B. , Opitz B. , Eitel J. , Hocke A. C. , Slevogt H. , Flieger A. , Hippenstiel S. , Suttorp N. , N'Guessan P. D.
Published: March 2009

Legionella pneumophilais an important causative agent of severe pneumonia in humans. The human alveolar epithelium is an effective barrier for inhaled microorganisms and actively participates in the initiation of innate host defense. Although secretion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is essential for the elimination of invadingLegionellaspp., mechanisms ofLegionella pneumophila-induced release of this cytokine are widely unknown.

In this study, we have demonstrated a toll-like receptor (TLR)2- and TLR5-dependent release of GM-CSF inL. pneumophila-infected human alveolar epithelial cells. GM-CSF secretion was not dependent on the bacteria type II or type IV secretion system. Furthermore, an increase in protein kinase C (PKC) activity, particularly PKCα and PKCϵ, was noted. Blocking of PKCα and PKCϵ activity or expression, but not of PKCβ, PKCδ, PKCη, PKCθ, and PKCζ, significantly reduced the synthesis of GM-CSF in infected cells. While PKCα was critical for the initiation of a nuclear factor-κB-mediated GM-CSF expression, PKCϵ regulated GM-CSF productionviaactivator protein 1.

Thus, differential regulation of GM-CSF, production by PKC isoforms, contributes to the host response in Legionnaires' disease.
Growth factors and interleukin-6 across the lung circulation in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Selimovic N. , Bergh C-H. , Andersson B. , Sakiniene E. , Carlsten H. , Rundqvist B.
Published: March 2009

The aim of our study was to assess the levels of growth factors and interleukin (IL)-6 across the pulmonary circulation in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and correlate them with clinical and haemodynamic data and outcome.

Simultaneous arterial and pulmonary arterial blood samples in patients with PAH (n = 44) and controls (n = 20) were obtained during right heart catheterisation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and IL-6 were measured using ELISA.

Arterial median (interquartile range) values for VEGF, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1 and IL-6 were significantly higher in patients (377 (218–588)versus9.0 pg·mL−1; 1,955 (1,371–2,519)versus306 (131–502) pg·mL−1; 26.42 (11.3–41.1)versus7.0 (1.8–18.4) ng·mL−1; and 3.98 (0.7–8.1)versus0.7 pg·mL−1, respectively; p<0.001 for all variables). There was a consistent step-up of VEGF, PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 across the lungs in PAH patients (p<0.001, p = 0.002 and p<0.001, respectively), whereas in controls, arterial and pulmonary arterial serum levels of IL-6 and growth factors were similar (statistically nonsignificant). In multivariate analysis, increased IL-6 levels predicted mortality (hazard ratio 1.08 (95% confidence interval 1.02–1.15); p = 0.012).

Our findings indicate increased release and/or decreased clearance of growth factors at the lung vascular level, which may contribute to vascular remodelling in PAH.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations associated with migraine with aura
Authors: Post M. C. , van Gent M. W. F. , Plokker H. W. M. , Westermann C. J. J. , Kelder J. C. , Mager J. J. , Overtoom T. T. , Schonewille W. J. , Thijs V. , Snijder R. J.
Published: March 2009

Migraine with aura (MA) is associated with cardiac right-to-left shunt. We prospectively studied the association between pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) and MA in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

All 220 consecutive HHT patients who underwent high-resolution chest computed tomography for PAVM screening were included prospectively. Prior to screening, a structured validated headache questionnaire was completed by 196 patients (57% female; mean±sd age 44.6±15.2 yrs). Two neurologists diagnosed migraine according to the International Headache Society Criteria.

A PAVM was present in 70 (36%) patients. The prevalence of MA was 24% in the presence of a PAVM compared with 6% in the absence of a PAVM (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.84–11.2; p = 0.001), and MA was an independent predictor for the presence of PAVM using multivariate analysis (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.21–10.5; p = 0.02). A PAVM was present in 68% of the patients with MA compared with 32% in the non-migraine controls (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.84–11.2; p = 0.001), and a PAVM was an independent predictor for MA using multivariate analysis (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.00–9.20; p = 0.05).

In conclusion, PAVMs are associated with MA in HHT patients.
Bone morphogenetic protein signalling in heritableversusidiopathic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Dewachter L. , Adnot S. , Guignabert C. , Tu L. , Marcos E. , Fadel E. , Humbert M. , Dartevelle P. , Simonneau G. , Naeije R. , Eddahibi S.
Published: March 2009

Mutations in the gene encoding bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor type 2 (BMPR-2) have been reported in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but their functional relevance remains incompletely understood.

BMP receptor expression was evaluated in human lungs and in cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) isolated from 19 idiopathic PAH patients and nine heritable PAH patients with demonstratedBMPR-2mutations. BMP4-treated PASMCs were assessed for Smad and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling associated with mitosis and apoptosis.

Lung tissue and PASMCs from heritable PAH patients presented with decreased BMPR-2 expression and variable increases in BMPR-1A and BMPR-1B expression, while a less important decreased BMPR-2 expression was observed in PASMCs from idiopathic PAH patients. Heritable PAH PASMCs showed no increased phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 in the presence of BMP4, which actually activated the p38MAPK pathway. Individual responses varied from one mutation to another. PASMCs from PAH patients presented with anin vitroproliferative pattern, which could be inhibited by BMP4 in idiopathic PAH but not in heritable PAH. PASMCs from idiopathic PAH and more so from heritable PAH presented an inhibition of BMP4-induced apoptosis.

Most heterogeneousBMPR-2mutations are associated with defective Smad signalling compensated for by an activation of p38MAPK signalling, accounting for PASMC proliferation and deficient apoptosis.
Manufacturing capability networks: A case study on production allocation decision in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Chai K-H , Yap C-M , Pellerin M
Published: March 2009

This study aims to identify and understand the key factors that need to be considered when deciding production allocation in the pharmaceutical industry as well as to develop a managerial framework to guide the location decision in the same industry. A total of ten case studies have been performed in an international pharmaceutical company based in Singapore over an 8-month period. The case studies revealed that production allocation decisions are largely driven by the desire to maximize benefits through the exploitation as well as the development of manufacturing capabilities at both the plant and network level. The study also identified and detailed the influence of legislation requirements, market, and product specifications on these decisions. It was observed that the degree of influence varies from case to case, resulting in two categories of decision criteria: qualifying (i.e. must meet) and ranking (differentiation) criteria. A framework is created to aid managers to decide the best location, maximizing the overall manufacturing network as well as the single plant capabilities.
MDA-based ontology infrastructure
Authors: Djuric Dragan
Published: March 2009

The paper presents Ontology Definition Metamodel (ODM) and Ontology UML Profile that enables using Model Driven Architecture (MDA) standards in ontological engineering. Other similar metamodels are based on ontology representation languages, such as RDF(S), DAML+OIL, etc. However, none of these other solutions uses the recent W3C effort-The Web Ontology Language (OWL). In our approach, we firstly define the ODM and Ontology UML Profile place in the context of the MDA four-layer architecture and identify the main OWL concepts. Then, we define ODM using Meta-Object Facility (MOF). The relations between similar MOF and OWL concepts are discussed in order to show their differences (e.g. MOF or UML Class and OWL Class). The proposed ODM is used as a starting point for defining Ontology UML profile that enables using the well-known UML notation in ontological engineering more extensively.
Towards a methodology to estimate cost of object-oriented software development projects
Authors: Rakovic Radoslav
Published: March 2009

Successful management of a software project, besides a well-defined project development process, requires an early estimate of project complexity. In a prevailing practice, software development costs usually have been determined a posteriori i.e. after software project implementation. It is essential however, to know this estimate a priori, i.e., before commencement of works. This paper presents an attempt to construct a methodology that would enable an early estimate of software development cost and its refinements during subsequent development phases. The methodology assumes an object-oriented approach based on the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Unified Software Development Process (USDP). It outlines an Use Case Driven Architecture-Centric, Iterative and Incremental estimate process that could significantly improve and simplify early cost estimates. The presented methodology is illustrated on example of the POST software development project.
A model for data mining system in financial crisis management based on data warehouse concept
Authors: Kascelan Ljiljana , Becejski-Vujaklija Dragana
Published: March 2009

This paper deals with identification and analyses of business decision processes in financial crisis management and appropriate relational data warehouse design for this processes. Also, here a model for financial crises symptoms is proposed and a data mining algorithm for automatic detection of those symptoms is developed. Finally, paper presents the concept for realization of target data mining system, using Oracle tools.
Multi-paradigm design with feature modeling
Authors: Vranic Valentino
Published: March 2009

In this article, a method for selecting paradigms, viewed as solution domain concepts, appropriate for given application domain concepts is proposed. In this method, denoted as multi-paradigm design with feature modeling, both application and solution domain are modeled using feature modeling. The selection of paradigms is performed in the process of feature modeling based transformational analysis as a paradigm instantiation over application domain concepts. The output of transformational analysis is a set of paradigm instances annotated with the information about the corresponding application domain concepts and features. According to these paradigm instances, the code skeleton is being designed. The approach is presented in conjunction with its specialization to AspectJ programming language. Transformational analysis performed according to the AspectJ paradigm model enables an early aspect identification.
A design of interaction model among pedagogical agents in collaborative teaching process
Authors: Takaoka Ryo , Okamoto Toshio
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study is to design and develop an interaction model to perform the collaborative teaching process among pedagogical agents. A pedagogical agent has a role in a situation of the teaching process. However, the role is not fixed, but dynamically changed according to the learner's understanding. So, in this paper, we have analyzed the collaborative teaching process between one learner and two teachers for the subject of multiple fraction in elementary school, and extracted communication per formatives and protocols for interaction required in this process as an interaction model. Moreover, we describe an example of a collaborative teaching process by using the extracted communication per formatives and protocols.
Web-based performance support system for school-based curriculum development: SBCDSS
Authors: Juang Yih-Ruey , Liu Tzu-Chien , Chan Tak-Wai
Published: March 2009

School-based curricula are seen as the important strategy to facilitate educational reforms and are spread in many countries, especially in Asia. However, the efficiency of developing and implementing school-based curricula in most schools are very low because the tasks those need to be dealt with are very complex and difficult. How to develop and apply the electronic performance support system (EPSS) to simplify the complexity and to improve the efficiency of school" based curriculum development and implementation becomes the important research and practical issue. In our prior work, a web-based computer-assisted instructional planning system IPASS, was designed to provide a set of tools for individual teachers efficiently designing instructional plans. However, the system was dedicated for the design phase of curriculum development and did not support for all participants in different levels of school-based curriculum development working on curriculum analysis, design, implementation and evaluation. This study designs and develops a novel web-based performance support system SBCDSS, to assist the whole process of school-based curriculum development and implementation. The proposed system has been adopted in an elementary school in Taiwan and has received useful feedback regarding the usability and performance support for SBCD. Evaluation results and possible future work are discussed herein.
INCA: A cognitive multi-agents architecture for designing intelligent & adaptive learning systems
Authors: Nabeth Thierry , Razmerita Liana , Angehrn Albert , Roda Claudia
Published: March 2009

This paper presents a cognitive multi-agents architecture called Intelligent Cognitive Agents (InCA) that was elaborated for the design of Intelligent Adaptive Learning Systems. The InCA architecture relies on a personal agent that is aware of the user's characteristics, and that coordinates the intervention of a set of expert cognitive agents (such as story telling agents, assessment agents, stimulation agents or help agents). This InCA architecture has been applied for the design of K"InCA, an e-learning system aimed at helping people to learn and adopt knowledge-sharing management practices.
On the quantitative estimation of abstraction level increase in metaprograms
Authors: Damasevicius Robertas
Published: March 2009

Higher-level programming such as metaprogramming introduces a layer of abstraction above the domain language programs. Metaprogramming allows describing generic components and managing variability in a domain. It is especially useful for developing program generators for domains, where a great deal of commonalties exists. It allows increasing the level of abstraction and hiding details that are unnecessary to the designer. Information abstraction and hiding reduces the amount of 'user-visible' information. In this paper, we estimate the increase of abstraction by evaluating the information content at the lower (domain) and higher (meta) layers of abstraction. The estimation method is based on the Kolmogorov complexity and uses a common compression algorithm. The method is evaluated experimentally on families of DSP components.
Simulation analysis of protected B2B e-commerce processes
Authors: Zivkovic Zoran , Stanojevic Milorad
Published: March 2009

In this paper a simulation analysis of certain trust models (complex PKI architectures) with regard to the security support of B2B applications on the Internet is presented. The objective of such an analysis has been the choice of the most efficient PKI architecture and a solution of the cryptographic interoperability problem. A simulation model of protected B2B e-commerce has also been presented, based on the chosen PKI architecture. This paper has shown the significance of the up-to-date cryptographic mechanisms: digital signature and digital certificate to deliver the main security services based on PKI.
Holistic approach to Wep protocol in securing wireless network infrastructure
Authors: Prodanovic Radomir , Simic Dejan
Published: March 2009

Constant increase in use of wireless infrastructure networks for business purposes created a need for strong safety mechanisms. This paper describes WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) protocol for the protection of wireless networks, its security deficiencies, as well as the various kinds of attacks that can jeopardize security goals of WEP protocol: authentication confidentiality and integrity. The paper, also, gives a summary of security improvements of WEP protocol that can lead to the higher level of wireless network infrastructure protection. Comparative analysis shows the advantages of the new 802.11i standard in comparison to the previous security solutions. A proposal of possible security improvements of RSNA (Robust Security Network Association) is presented.
Elimination of generalized ping-pong effects using triple-layers of location areas in cellular networks
Authors: Fan Guangbin , Stojmenovic Ivan , Zhang Jingyuan
Published: March 2009

Location-areas is a popular location management scheme in cellular networks In the location areas scheme, a service area is partitioned into location areas, each consisting of contiguous cells. A mobile terminal updates its location whenever it moves into a cell that belongs to a new location area. However, no matter how the location areas are designed, the ping-pong location update effect exists when a mobile terminal moves back and forth between two location areas. The paper defines a new kind of ping-pong effect referred to as the generalized ping-pong effect, and shows that it accounts for a nonnegligible portion of the total location update cost. Although several strategies have been proposed to reduce the ping-pong effect in the literature, they either eliminate no generalized ping-pong effect or introduce a larger paging cost. This paper proposes a triple-layer location management strategy to eliminate the generalized ping-pong effect, therefore greatly reducing the total location update cost. Simulation results show that the triple-layer strategy outperforms the existing schemes designed to reduce the ping-pong effect.
Using code generation approach in developing kiosk applications
Authors: Zivanov Zarko , Rakic Predrag , Hajdukovic Miroslav
Published: March 2009

Today, kiosk automata (kiosks, for short) are used for variety of services from all sort of kiosks for providing information's, to kiosks for paying tickets and ATM's. Kiosks are usually programmed either using high level programming languages, like C++, or using HTML in conjunction with web browser. In this paper, we analyzed a vast range of kiosk automata and derived common characteristics. We present approach for programming kiosk applications based on Domain Specific Language (DSL), designed specifically to meet the needs of developing kiosk applications that are usually programmed using high level programming languages and are deployed on kiosks with touch-screen monitors. Our goal is to make development of such kiosk applications more rapid, while minimizing number of programming errors.
ALMA versus DDD
Authors: da Cruz , Henriques Pedro , Pereira Maria
Published: March 2009

To be a debugger is a good thing! Since the very beginning of the programming activity, debuggers are the most important and widely used tools after editors and compilers; we completely recognize their importance for software development and testing. Debuggers work at machine level, after the compilation of the source program; they deal with assembly, or binary-code, and are mainly data structure inspectors. ALMA is a program animator based on its abstract representation. The main idea is to show the algorithm being implemented by the program, independently from the language used to implement it. To say that ALMA is a debugger, with no value added, is not true! ALMA is a source code inspector but it deals with programming concepts instead of machine code. This makes possible to understand the source program at a conceptual level, and not only to fix run time errors. In this paper we compare our visualizer/animator system, ALMA, with one of the most well-known and used debuggers, the graphical version of GDB, the DDD program. The aim of the paper is twofold: the immediate objective is to prove that ALMA provides new features that are not usually offered by debuggers; the main contribution is to recall the concepts of debugger and animator, and clarify the role of both tools in the field of program understanding, or program comprehension. .
Kinetische Untersuchungen zur heterogen katalysierten Metathese von 1‐Penten: Entwicklung einer optimierten Reaktorfahrweise
Authors: Behr A. , Schüller U.
Published: March 2009

Für die Petrochemie stellt die Alkenmetathese eine interessante Methode zur Variation der Kettenlänge von Kohlenwasserstoffen dar. Für unfunktionalisierte Alkene können heterogene Metathese‐Katalysatoren eingesetzt werden, die sich vom Reaktionsmedium einfach abtrennen lassen. Ein Beispiel ist die durch Re2O7/γ‐Al2O3 katalysierte Metathese von 1‐Penten zu 4‐Octen und Ethen. Diese Reaktion gehört zu einem mehrstufigen Verfahren, das auf Basis des C4‐Schnitts des Steamcrackers Weichmacheralkohole produziert. Zur Auslegung der benötigten Reaktoren sind kinetische Daten erforderlich, deren Ermittlung in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt werden. Hierzu zählen sowohl die Reaktions‐ als auch die Desaktivierungskinetik. Basierend auf diesen Ergebnissen werden anschließend Berechnungen von Temperaturprogrammen dargelegt, die trotz fortschreitender Katalysator‐Desaktivierung einen über lange Zeit konstanten Reaktorumsatz ermöglichen.
Sample data proportional control comparison between half and zero‐order hold
Authors: Okorafor O. C. , Pinder K. L.
Published: March 2009

Design techniques are presented for choosing the loop gain and sampling time for feed‐back proportional control of a sample data process with half‐order hold. The response of a second order process with transport lag when controlled by an algorithm chosen by this technique was compared to that for a process with zero‐order hold. The design technique may be used for a process of any order of complexity as long as it can be adequately modeled as a second order overdamped system with pure delay.

The control algorithm was experimentally tested on a fourth‐order heat transfer process which was modeled as a second‐order overdamped process with pure delay. A new performance index was used in the design of the control parameters. Bother zero‐order and half‐order holds were tested experimentally and the controlled and manipulated variable responses were compared.
Catalysis, molecular weight change and fossil fuels
Authors: Ternan Marten
Published: March 2009

Hydrocracking and gasification are processes which decrease the molecular weight of fossil fuel feedstocks. The conversion of natural gas to hydrocarbon liquids involves an increase in molecular weight. The reaction sites of the catalysts used to accomplish these molecular weight changes are described. Since changes in the valence electrons are responsible for the cleavage and formation of the chemical bonds in hydrocarbon molecules, the solid catalyst has also been described in terms of its electronic characteristics. The description of a catalyst in these terms is able to provide a qualitative explanation for its function in molecular weight change reactions. Changes in conversion caused by variations in catalyst composition are also explained.
Interparticulate coke formation during hydrocarbon cracking on zeolite catalysts
Authors: Shiring F. J. , Venkatadri R. , Goodwin J. G.
Published: March 2009

A thermogravimetric study of coking of various C6–C7 hydrocarbons on HY and REY zeolites was performed using a Cahn microbalance modified to allow in‐situ measurements of catalyst weight changes during reaction under flow conditions. Mass transfer effects during the reaction were found to play an important role in the coking process of the static catalyst bed. The results indicate that catalytic coke can form in the void space between zeolite particles in such a way as to deter molecular diffusion through the catalyst bed.
Analysis of gas absorption by turbulent liquid jets
Authors: Obot N. T.
Published: March 2009

A predictive method is provided for liquid phase mass transfer coefficients when a gas is absorbed by a turbulent liquid jet. The proposed correlation has been verified using the available experimental data. The universal character of the correlation has been demonstrated for a strikingly different flow situation involving gas absorption into freely falling turbulent liquid films.
Particle size and density changes during fluidized‐bed combustion
Authors: Jung K. , La Nauze R. D.
Published: March 2009

Experiments have been performed which demonstrate that petroleum coke particles (initial diameters between 7 and 13 mm) and brown coal char (initial diameter between 3.5 and 6.4 mm) burn in a manner close to that of an ideal shrinking sphere. These observations confirm the previously assumed mode of burning for particles in fluidized‐bed combustors. Analysis of the data for petroleum coke indicates that pore diffusion may become increasingly significant for particles less than 5 mm in diameter. The method of data presentation provides a sensitive means of demonstrating the effect of particle attrition.
Particle segregation in spouted beds
Authors: Kutluoglu E. , Grace J. R. , Murchie K. W. , Cavanagh P. H.
Published: March 2009

Particle segregation in spouted beds is shown to result from different trajectories of heavy and light particles in the fountain region, lighter particles tending to scatter more in the radial direction than heavier ones. Some desegregation occurred due to rolling along the inclined annulus surface and due to mixing processes in the spout. Segregation is less severe for overdeveloped fountains, where the particles bounce off the outer wall, and for low bed depths, where the fountain is dilute. Segregation can also be countered by a conical baffle which deflects particles outwards from the core of the fountain.
Wall‐to‐bed heat transfer characteristics of spout‐fluid beds
Authors: Chatterjee Asok , Adusumilli R. S. S. , Deshmukh A. V.
Published: March 2009

Wall‐to‐bed heat transfer characteristics have been investigated in a rectangular spout‐fluid (S–F) bed segment column (20 cm length, 5 cm width and 50 cm height) utilizing glass beads (Dp = 0.254, 0.388 and 0.461 mm) and air as fluid. Results indicate that h values in the S–F bed increase with increasing air mass velocity and particle diameter, and decrease with increasing bed height. Under identical flow conditions h values in the S–F bed were about 30% more than for the corresponding fluidized bed.
Heat transfer in a novel type spouted bed
Authors: Németh J. , Pallai E. , Péter M. , Törös R.
Published: March 2009

A new method for spouted bed drying of coarse and even fine particulate solids involves introducing the gas tangentially and maintaining the uniform particle recirculation by a conveyor screw. Some flow characteristics are compared with those of a conventional spouted bed. The particle‐fluid heat transfer was investigated in the annulus and spout respectively.
Hydrodynamics, heat and mass transfer during coating of tablets in a spouted bed
Authors: Kucharski J. , Kmiec A.
Published: March 2009

The results of experimental investigations on the hydrodynamics of flows through conical beds of tablets are presented. An equation for predicting the minimum spouting flow rate, developed earlier on the basis of the Ergun equation, has been verified applying a known equation for tablets. The results of investigations on fluid‐to‐particle heat and mass transfer coefficients are in agreement with theoretical values obtained from correlation equations describing drying kinetics.
Laboratory studies on sulphur‐coating urea by the spouted bed process
Authors: Weiss Phillippe J. , Meisen Axel
Published: March 2009

A spouted bed facility, which includes a 0.154 m ID x 0.91 m high bed with a 60° conical bottom, was used for the batch‐wise production of sulphur coated urea. Molten sulphur was sprayed into the cone and the droplets froze upon impact with the cooler urea particles thereby forming coats which increased with time.

The quality of the coated urea was studied as a function of bed temperature (48–86 C), sulphur flow rate (34–260 g/min), atomizing air flow rate (0.402–0.785 m3/hr) and bed depth (0.28–0.47 m). No attempt was made to seal the product with wax or other materials. Bed temperature had the greatest effect on product quality, with quality improving up to approximately 80 C and then decreasing again. The quality also increased with the sulphur flow rate and decreased with the atomizing air flow rate. These measurements are explained in terms of the phase transition from monoclinic to orthorhombic sulphur and the sulphur droplet size which influences the spreading of liquid sulphur on impact with the urea particles. Electronmicrographs are presented in support of these explanations and the implications of the results for commercial sulphur coating facilities are discussed.