bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Optimal Static Task Scheduling for Realistic Machine Models: Theory and Practice
Authors: Boeres Cristina , Rebello Vinod E. F.
Published: June 2003

Task scheduling is a key element in achieving high performance from multicomputer systems. Efficient scheduling algorithms reduce the interprocessor communication and improve processor utilization. To do so effectively, such algorithms must be based on a communication cost model appropriate for computing systems in use. The optimal scheduling of tasks is NP-hard, and a large number of heuristic algorithms have been proposed for a range of differing scheduling conditions (graph types, granularities and cost or architectural models). Unfortunately, due both to the variety of systems available and the rate at which these systems evolve, an appropriate representative cost model has yet to be established. In this paper we study the problem of task scheduling under a LogP-type model and we present both theoretical and experimental results for a cluster-based, task duplication methodology. The model is not only representative of parallel systems but also incorporates the traditional model used by the scheduling community. Results show that, for this model, an algorithm based on this LogP scheduling methodology can generate good makespans.
Rapid prototyping using direct laser deposition—the effect of powder atomization type and flowrate
Authors: Pinkerton A J , Li L
Published: June 2003

For rapid prototyping and tooling, direct laser deposition (DLD) is one of the most promising techniques. The method can be used to produce fully dense metallic parts in a single stage, can be applied to a wide range of metals and metal alloys and, when a coaxial deposition head is used, is flexible enough to allow complex parts to be built. So far, however, almost all the powders chosen for use as the build material in this field have been of the gas-atomized (GA) type, and research has generally been confined to this field. The present paper considers the use of water-atomized (WA) 316L stainless steel powder by comparing it with the more conventional gas-atomized powder used during the laser deposition process. Analysis of the characteristics of multiple-layer clads produced by the two powders reveals some potential benefits of using water-atomized powder: results show that the sidewall finish is smoother and the microstructure finer and more textured, although the deposition rate is considerably lower. Other disparities between parts built using the two powder types are demonstrated, and reasons for the final differences are explored.
Modelling the manufacturing parameters in electrical discharge machining of siliconized silicon carbide
Authors: Puertas I , Perez C J Luis
Published: June 2003

The correct selection of production conditions is one of the most important aspects to take into consideration in processes related to the electrical discharge machining (EDM) of conductive ceramic materials, as it is these conditions that determine such important characteristics as surface roughness, material removal rate and the wear on the electrode. In the present work, a study has been made of the influence of the factors of the intensity supplied by the generator, the pulse time and the duty cycle on the given technological characteristics. The ceramic material used in the electrical discharge tests here was siliconized silicon carbide. This material is used in high-temperature gas turbines as well as in bearings, seals and furnaces. In this way, a series of mathematical models will be obtained using the technique of design of experiments (DOE) which makes it possible, by only performing a small number of experiments, to select the optimal machining conditions for finishing.
Optimization of trench filling during copper electrodeposition by additives and pulse plating
Authors: Georgiadou M , Veyret D
Published: June 2003

Optimization of copper electrodeposition for microtrench filling was studied numerically by a method which includes adaptive meshing capabilities for modelling the shape evolution. The cases of electrodeposition by additives in the electrolytic solution and by pulse plating were investigated. The mathematical model includes fluid flow, transport by diffusion, migration and convection, multiple species, reactions, moving boundaries and three-dimensional capabilities. For electrodeposition by additives the chemistry mechanism was based on additive competition for free sites on the active surface, thus suppressing copper kinetics. In pulse plating, transient behaviour was simulated with time. Two numerical codes, ERMES and FIDIPIDDIS, based on finite difference for general curvilinear coordinates, were developed. The process parameters, such as additive compositions and pulse plating parameters, were optimally adjusted to minimize the void.
Vision-based measurement of weld pool geometry in constant-current gas tungsten arc welding
Authors: Wu C S , Gao J Q , Liu X F , Zhao Y H
Published: June 2003

The common commercial charge coupled device (CCD) camera is combined with a composite light filter to form a vision sensing system of low cost. It can capture the whole image of a weld pool clearly during constant-current gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Based on the image-processing algorithm, the edges of the weld pool under different welding conditions can be extracted. Calibration is made to obtain the weld pool geometry in real size. The measured results are useful for developing a welding process control system and verifying the mathematical models of weld pool behaviours.
Telephone triage by nurses in primary care: what is it for and what are the consequences likely to be?
Authors: Charles-Jones Huw , May Carl , Latimer Joanna , Roland Martin
Published: June 2003

Objectives: To examine the perceptions that those working in primary care have about the purpose and impact that telephone triage by nurses may have on their clinical roles and identities.

Methods: Twenty-six semi-structured interviews were carried out with general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses and practice managers from a purposive sample of nine practices in one health district in the North West of England. Analysis drew on the techniques of constant comparison and discourse analysis.

Results: Four themes emerged from the data: justifying triage - the respondents justify the introduction of telephone triage by emphasising the managerial benefits of controlling access and by suggesting the benefits this may bring to the patient-clinician relationship; categorising patients - patients are categorised and allocated on the basis of their biomedical diagnoses to the nurses or GPs in the practice; changing roles and identities - the hierarchy of patients and conditions created by allocating patients in this way strengthens and extends the professional hierarchy within a practice; and achieving a balance between conflicting aims - there is tension between the managerial need to triage patients according to their biomedical diagnosis and the aspirations that health care professionals have to personal and patient-centred care.

Conclusion: Telephone triage by nurses may be effective at managing patient access to GPs but the need to categorise patients according to biomedical and managerial criteria needs to be balanced against the professional roles and identities that those working in general practice aspire to.
Privacy and the secondary use of data in health research in Scotland
Authors: Fraser Andrew
Published: June 2003

In response to new data protection legislation for the UK and widespread concern about its implications, the Scottish Executive set up the Confidentiality and Security Advisory Group for Scotland (CSAGS) to place the use of personal health information in a modern setting. The group affirmed the principle of consent and, more broadly, the importance of involving patients and the public in decisions about their health information. It promoted methods of acceptable anonymisation of data, and the need for good stewardship and disclosure of data uses to the greatest extent possible, where explicit individual consent and anonymisation were not practicable. They did not recommend pursuit of legislation, preferring consensus, informed debate and widespread acceptance of the proposed arrangements. The Scottish Executive is now responding to the work of CSAGS to develop systems that command public and patient confidence, promote good practice for clinicians and researchers, and preserve important public health and research functions.
Bayesian strategy assessment in multi‐attribute decision making
Authors: Bröder Arndt , Schiffer Stefanie
Published: June 2003

Behavioral Decision Research on multi‐attribute decision making is plagued with the problem of drawing inferences from behavioral data on cognitive strategies. This bridging problem has been tackled by a range of methodical approaches, namely Structural Modeling (SM), Process Tracing (PT), and comparative model fitting. Whereas SM and PT have been criticized for a number of reasons, the comparative fitting approach has some theoretical advantages as long as the formal relation between theories and data is specified. A Bayesian method is developed that is able to assess, whether an empirical data vector was most likely generated by a ‘Take The Best’ heuristic (Gigerenzer et al., 1991), by an equal weight rule, or a compensatory strategy. Equations are derived for the two‐ and three‐alternative cases, respectively, and a simulation study supports its validity. The classification also showed convergent validity with Process Tracing measures in an experiment. Potential extensions of the general approach to other applications in behavioral decision research are discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing Remote Metal Binding Sites in Heteropolymolybdates
Authors: Marcoux Pierre R. , Hasenknopf Bernold , Vaissermann Jacqueline , Gouzerh Pierre
Published: June 2003

Anderson‐type polyoxomolybdates [MMo6O18{(OCH2)3CNH2}2]3− (M = MnIII, FeIII) were prepared and structurally characterized. The tris(alkoxo) ligands are bound to the central heteroatom via their oxygen atoms. The corresponding compounds with M = NiII or ZnII are not accessible since these cations have a preference for the amino functionality. The pendant amino groups of the manganese‐containing derivative react with pyridinecarbaldehydes to give the corresponding imines. This provides new mono‐ and bidentate binding sites for metal cations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Performance and normative values of a concise neuropsychological test (CAMCOG) in an elderly population sample
Authors: Williams Joanna G. , Huppert Felicia A. , Matthews Fiona E. , Nickson Judith
Published: June 2003

Background

CAMCOG is a widely used brief neuropsychological test. To date no normative values are available for English speaking individuals representative of the general population.

Objectives

The aims of the study were to describe the population distribution of performance on CAMCOG, and to provide normative data derived from a representative population sample.

Methods

CAMCOG was administered at the assessment stage of the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. MRC CFAS is a multi‐centre population‐based study in England and Wales in respondents aged 65 years and older. Initial screening provided provisional identification of cognitive impairment. The subsequent assessment interview provided an algorithmic diagnosis of dementia, or other disorders, in a 20% sub‐sample.

Results

There were large differences between demented and non‐demented groups on the CAMCOG total score and on all CAMCOG subscales. Charts of normative values for CAMCOG are presented by age group, sex and education for the non‐demented population (n = 1 914, representing 11 008 individuals screened).

Conclusions

Population‐derived normative data are valuable for comparing an individual's score to the score which would be expected of the general population, given the individual's specific demographic characteristics. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuropsychological performance in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: comparisons in a memory clinic population
Authors: Baillon Sarah , Muhommad Saquib , Marudkar Mangesh , Suribhatla Srinivas , Dennis Michael , Spreadbury Christine , Munro Dena , Lindesay James
Published: June 2003

Objectives

To compare the performances of two matched groups of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) on a battery of neuropsychological tests.

Methods

325 patients attending a memory clinic were given a detailed multi‐disciplinary diagnostic assessment, including a battery of neuropsychological tests administered by a psychologist and a speech and language therapist. The performances of two groups of patients meeting ICD‐10 criteria for AD (n = 103) and VaD (n = 68) were compared, adjusting for age, gender, dementia severity and pre‐morbid IQ. Patients with co‐morbid depression and mixed AD+VaD were excluded.

Results

After adjustment, the AD and VaD groups differed significantly on the Graded Naming Test (VaD superior), AMIPB Complex Design immediate and delayed recall (VaD superior), the Trail Making Test error score (Part B) (VaD superior), and Verbal Picture Description (VaD superior).

Conclusions

These findings support previous evidence that language function and non‐verbal memory are selectively more impaired in AD. The better performance by VaD patients on the Trail Making Test (B) runs counter to previous suggestions that there is an excess of frontal executive dysfunction in this disorder. It may be that this test is more sensitive to the early impairment of concurrent manipulation of information in AD. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Residual cognitive impairment in late‐life depression after a 12‐month period follow‐up
Authors: Portella M. J. , Marcos T. , Rami L. , Navarro V. , Gastó C. , Salamero M.
Published: June 2003

Objectives

This study investigated cognitive impairment in late‐life depression in a follow‐up design. The main objective was to assess the most important cognitive domains implicated in late‐life depression, in patients who underwent pharmacological treatment, in the acute phase and twelve months after.

Methods

Neuropsychological and clinical data were used from the baseline of patients and controls, to determine the cognitive impairment in the acute phase. Patients repeated the neuropsychological assessment at twelve months.

Results

There were significant differences between patients and controls at baseline. But in the patients there was no change over twelve months. There were no differences between remitted and non‐remitted patients on neuropsychological scores.

Conclusions

The cognitive impairment seen in the elderly depressed patients seems to be a trait characteristic of this mental disease, even when the depressive episode has remitted. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A finite‐sample hierarchical analysis of wage variation across public high schools: evidence from the NLSY and high school and beyond
Authors: Tobias Justin L. , Li Mingliang
Published: June 2003

Using data from both the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) and High School and Beyond (HSB), we investigate if public high schools differ in the “production” of earnings and if rates of return to future education vary with public high school attended. Given evidence of such variation, we seek to explain why schools differ by proposing that standard measures of school “quality” as well as proxies for community characteristics can explain the observed parameter variation across high schools. Since analysis of widely‐used data sets such as the NLSY and HSB necessarily involves observing only a few students per high school, we employ an exact finite sample estimation approach. We find evidence that schools differ and that most proxies for high school quality play modest roles in explaining the variation in outcomes across public high schools. We do find evidence that the education of the teachers in the high school as well as the average family income associated with students in the school play a small part in explaining variation at the school‐level. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recalcitrant soil organic materials mineralize more efficiently at higher temperatures
Authors: Bol Roland , Bolger Thomas , Cully Raymond , Little Declan
Published: June 2003

As concentrations of atmospheric CO2increase, it is important to know whether this may result in feedbacks that could modify the rate of increase of CO2in the atmosphere. Soil organic matter (SOM) represents one of the largest pools of C and mineralization rates are known to be temperature dependent. In this study, we investigated whether different OM fractions present in a forest soil (F/A1 horizon) would respond in a similar manner to elevated temperatures. We examined the trends in isotopic content (12C,13C, and14C) of soil respired CO2at various temperatures (10, 20, and 350C) over a two year period in the laboratory. We also examined the total C, total N, and C : N ratio in the remaining soil and isolated humic fractions, and the distribution of the individual amino acids in the soil after 5 years of laboratory incubation at the various temperatures. We found that the rate at which C mineralization increases with temperature was occasionally greater than predicted by most models, more C from recalcitrant OM pools being mineralized at the higher temperature. This confirmed that the relationship between soil organic matter decomposition and temperature was complex and that the different pools of organic matter did respond in differing ways to elevated temperatures.
Preparation and characteristics of nitrile rubber (NBR) nanocomposites based on organophilic layered clay
Authors: Kim Jin‐tae , Oh Taeg‐su , Lee Dong‐ho
Published: June 2003

The effect of clay modification on organo‐montmorillonite/NBR nanocomposites has been studied. Organo‐montmorillonite/NBR nanocomposites were prepared through a melt intercalation process. NBR nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and a universal testing machine (UTM). XRD showed that the basal spacing in the clay increased, which means that the NBR matrix was intercalated in the clay layer galleries. On TEM images, organo‐montmorillonite (MMT) particles were clearly observed, having been exfoliated into nanoscale layers of about 10–20 nm thickness from their original 40 µm particle size. These layers were uniformly dispersed in the NBR matrix. The DMTA test showed that for these nanocomposites the plateau modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) increased with respect to the corresponding values of pure NBR (without clay). UTM test showed that the nanocomposites had superior mechanical properties, ie strength and modulus. These improved properties are due to the nanoscale effects and strong interactions between the NBR matrix and the clay interface. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimized condition for grafting reaction of poly(butyl acrylate) onto oil palm empty fruit bunch fibre
Authors: Ibrahim NA , Yunus WMZ Wan , Abu‐Ilaiwi FAF , Rahman MZA , Ahmad MB , Dahlan KZM
Published: June 2003

Preparation of poly(butyl acrylate)‐grafted oil palm empty fruit bunch fibre (OPEFB) has been successfully carried out using H2O2/Fe2+ as a redox initiator in aqueous solution. The effects of reaction temperature and period, as well as the amount of monomer, initiator and nitric acid, on the percentage of grafting were investigated. The percentage of grafting increases with amount of monomer and can be controlled by setting the appropriate reaction conditions. The maximum percentage of grafting (about 265%) was obtained when the reaction was carried out without acid under optimum conditions (reaction period: 2 h, reaction temperature: 55 °C, amount of H2O2: 5.88 mmol) with 42.2 mmol of monomer. Mechanisms of grafting of butyl acrylate onto OPEFB were proposed. Characterization of the grafted OPEFB was done by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved proteome analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria by free‐flow electrophoresis
Authors: Zischka Hans , Weber Gerhard , Weber Peter J. A. , Posch Anton , Braun Ralf J. , Bühringer Dietmute , Schneider Ulrich , Nissum Mikkel , Meitinger Thomas , Ueffing Marius , Eckerskorn Christoph
Published: June 2003

The analysis of complex cellular proteomes by means of two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) is significantly limited by the power of resolution of this technique. Although subcellular fractionation can be a fundamental first step to increase resolution, it frequently leads to preparations contaminated with other cellular structures. Here, we chose mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to demonstrate that an integrated zone‐electrophoretic purification step (ZE), with a free‐flow electrophoresis device (FFE), can assist in overcoming this problem, while significantly improving their degree of purity. Whereas mitochondrial preparations isolated by means of differential centrifugation include a considerable degree of non‐mitochondrial proteins (16%), this contamination could be effectually removed by the inclusion of a ZE‐FFE purification step (2%). This higher degree of purity led to the identification of many more proteins from ZE‐FFE purified mitochondrial protein extracts (n = 129), compared to mitochondrial protein extracts isolated by differential centrifugation (n = 80). Moreover, a marked decrease of degraded proteins was found in the ZE‐FFE purified mitochondrial protein extracts. It is noteworthy that even at a low 2‐DE resolution level, a four‐fold higher number (17 versus 4) of presumably low abundance proteins could be identified in the ZE‐FFE purified mitochondrial protein extracts. Therefore these results represent a feasible approach for an in‐depth proteome analysis of mitochondria and possibly other organelles.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐ quadrupole ion trap‐time of flight mass spectrometry sequencing resolves structures of unidentified peptides obtained by in‐gel tryptic digestion of haptoglobin derivatives from human plasma proteomes
Authors: Koy Cornelia , Mikkat Stefan , Raptakis Emmanuel , Sutton Chris , Resch Martin , Tanaka Koichi , Glocker Michael O.
Published: June 2003

Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis‐separated and excised haptoglobin α2‐chain protein spots were subjected to in‐gel digestion with trypsin. Previously unassigned peptide ion signals observed in mass spectrometric fingerprinting experiments were sequenced using the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐quadrupole ion trap‐time of flight (MALDI‐QIT‐TOF) mass spectrometer and showed that the haptoglobin α‐chain derivative under study was cleaved by trypsin unspecifically. Abundant cleavages occurred C‐terminal to histidine residues at H23, H28, and H87. In addition, mild acidic hydrolysis leading to cleavage after aspartic acid residues at D13 was observed. The uninterpreted tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectrum of the peptide with ion signal at 2620.19 was submitted to database search and yielded the identification of the corresponding peptide sequence comprising amino acids (aa) aa65–87 from the haptoglobin α‐chain protein. Also, the presence of a mixture of two tryptic peptides (mass to charge ratio m/z 1708.8; aa40–54, and aa99–113, respectively), that is caused by a tiny sequence variation between the two repeats in the haptoglobin α2‐chain protein was resolved by MS/MS fragmentation using the MALDI‐QIT‐TOF mass spectrometer instrument. Advantageous features such as (i) easy parent ion creation, (ii) minimal sample consumption, and (iii) real collision induced dissociation conditions, were combined successfully to determine the amino acid sequences of the previously unassigned peptides. Hence, the novel mass spectrometric sequencing method applied here has proven effective for identification of distinct molecular protein structures.
The effect of oxidation or alkylation on the separation of wool keratin proteins by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Plowman Jeffrey E. , Flanagan Leanne M. , Paton Louise N. , Fitzgerald Anna C. , Joyce Nigel I. , Bryson Warren G.
Published: June 2003

Comparative two‐dimensional electrophoretic (2‐DE) studies were performed over a time‐course to examine the effect of oxidation or alkylation on the separation of wool keratin proteins. The effect of oxidation was followed by treating scoured wool fibres with increasing levels of hydrogen peroxide, ranging from 0–12 g/L, using conditions mimicking the industrial wool bleaching process. Peroxide treatment was found to have only a minor effect on the 2‐DE separation of the intermediate filament protein (IFP) class. Conversely, peroxide treatment of the 24–28 kDa high sulphur protein (HSP) class, which contains up to 40 cysteine residues per protein, resulted in the gradual disappearance of the major HSP spots correlated with the appearance of a few discrete spots at lower isoelectric point (pI). This suggested that only a few specific cysteine residues were being oxidized to cysteic acid by treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide treatment also appeared to have affected a discrete number of cysteine residues among proteins in the high glycine‐tyrosine protein (HGTP) class, reducing the intensity of the high pI spots, while correspondingly increasing the intensity of those at lower pI. In a separate study, wool proteins were alkylated with iodoacetamide (1 M, pH 8) for periods ranging from 10 min to 48 h. In contrast to treatment with peroxide, the pI values of the HSP spots were unaffected by alkylation, irrespective of the length of this treatment. Alkylation resulted in a shift to lower pI and a loss of resolution of individual spots in the Type I and II IFP trains, to the extent that after 24 h alkylation individual spots in these trains merged. In addition after 1 h the intensity of the high pI Type II IFPs decreased until they were no longer visible on the 2‐DE map after 24 h. Similarly as alkylation time increased, the major, high pI HGTP spots decreased in intensity. In unison with their decrease, some of the lower pI spots increased in intensity, while new spots appeared at more acidic pIs. Mass spectral studies indicated that cysteine alkylation was relatively fast, with 70–95% of the cysteines in the keratin proteins being alkylated within the first 10 min, while in the case of the HGTPs there was evidence for noncysteine alkylation occurring within this period. Alkylation of proteins for periods of up to 6 h prior to electrofocusing is being promoted as a better alternative to the current 2‐DE protocol of the inclusion of a reductant in the immobilized pH gradient rehydration solution. This study has clearly demonstrated that long alkylation times do not suit all protein types or classes.
Parents' decision‐making preferences in pediatric oncology: The relationship to health care involvement and complementary therapy use
Authors: Gagnon Elizabeth M. , Recklitis Christopher J.
Published: June 2003

This study investigated how parents' preferred level of control in treatment decision‐making is related to their personal health care involvement and to their decision to use complementary therapies (CTs) for their child. One hundred‐eighteen parents of pediatric oncology patients completed an anonymous CT survey. The Krantz Health Opinion Survey (KHOS) was used to determine parents' preferred involvement in personal health care, and the Control Preferences Scale for Pediatrics (CPS‐P) measured preferred role in pediatric treatment decision‐making. Unlike previous studies of adult cancer patients, most parents preferred active or collaborative decision‐making. The KHOS and CPS‐P were significantly correlated, indicating that parents' preferred role in children's treatment decisions was related to their own personal health care involvement. Forty‐six percent of parents used CTs for their child, and 33% began using a new CT after diagnosis. The hypothesized relationship between CT use and parents' own health care involvement was partially supported. Preference for control in decision‐making was not associated with CT use. These findings provide validation for the newly developed CPS‐P and indicate that parents' decisions to use CT for their child are related in part to individual health care preferences. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An algorithm for sampling descent graphs in large complex pedigrees efficiently
Authors: HENSHALL JOHN M. , TIER BRUCE
Published: June 2003

No exact method for determining genotypic and identity-by-descent probabilities is available for large complex pedigrees. Approximate methods for such pedigrees cannot be guaranteed to be unbiased. A new method is proposed that uses the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm to sample a Markov chain of descent graphs which fit the pedigree and known genotypes. Unknown genotypes are determined from each descent graph. Genotypic probabilities are estimated as their means. The algorithm is shown to be unbiased for small complex pedigrees and feasible and consistent for moderately large complex pedigrees.
The PAAD/PYRIN-only protein POP1/ASC2 is a modulator of ASC-mediated nuclear-factor-kappaB and pro-caspase-1 regulation
Authors: STEHLIK Christian , KRAJEWSKA Maryla , WELSH Kate , KRAJEWSKI Stanislaw , GODZIK Adam , REED John C.
Published: June 2003

Proteins containing PAAD {pyrin, AIM (absent-in-melanoma), ASC [apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (caspase-recruitment domain)] and DD (death domain)-like} (PYRIN, DAPIN) domains are involved in innate immunity, regulating pathways leading to nuclear-factor-κB (NF-κB) and pro-caspase-1 activation. Many PAAD-family proteins have structures reminiscent of Nod-1, a putative intracellular sensor of lipopolysaccharide. Hereditary mutations in some of the PAAD-family genes are associated with auto-inflammatory diseases. Several of these proteins utilize the bipartite PAAD- and CARD-containing adapter protein ASC/TMS-1 (target of methylation-induced silencing) for linking to downstream signalling pathways. In the present paper, we describe characterization of human PAAD-only protein-1 (POP1)/ASC2, which is highly homologous with the PAAD domain of ASC, and which probably originated by gene duplication on chromosome 16. We demonstrate that POP1/ASC2 associates with ASC via PAAD–PAAD interactions and modulates NF-κB and pro-caspase-1 regulation by this adapter protein. In gene transfer experiments, POP1/ASC2 suppressed cytokine-mediated NF-κB activation similar to other PAAD-family proteins previously tested. Immunohistochemical studies showed expression of POP1/ASC2 predominantly in macrophages and granulocytes. We propose that POP1/ASC2 functions as a modulator of multidomain PAAD-containing proteins involved in NF-κB and pro-caspase-1 activation and innate immunity.
MEASURING THE FRACTAL DIMENSION OF THE MICROVASCULAR NETWORK OF THE CHORIOALLANTOIC MEMBRANE
Authors: ARLT CHRISTIAN , SCHMID-SCHÖNBEIN HOLGER , BAUMANN MARTIN
Published: June 2003

The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the avian chick is an often used in vivo model to investigate angiogenesis. An image processing was developed to detect the vessels and especially the capillaries of the CAM. The result is a binary image of the microvascular network. To quantify the angiogenesis, the fractal dimension was calculated by the box-, information- and correlation-dimensions. The influence of noise on the result was investigated. The stability criterion for the fractal dimension was used to evaluate the most suitable dimension. The correlation-dimension has due to its definition the best properties in regards to the box- and information-dimensions. A native CAM possesses a box-dimension of 1.8606 ± 0.0093, an information-dimension of 1.853 ± 0.018 and a correlation-dimension of 1.844 ± 0.021.
MESOBIOTIC EMERGENCE: MOLECULAR AND ENSEMBLE COMPLEXITY IN EARLY EVOLUTION
Authors: SHENHAV BARAK , SEGRÈ DANIEL , LANCET DORON
Published: June 2003

In addition to the visible complexity expressed in the morphogenesis of multicellular organisms, two levels of microscopic complexity may be discerned within every living cell. The first level is related to covalently bonded structures, namely molecules. The second level has to do with the generation of non-covalent molecular assemblies. Origin of life research has largely focused on the first complexity level, i.e. the appearance of covalent biopolymers. We present a life emergence scenario based mainly on the second complexity level. We argue that homeostatic molecular ensembles, for which we have coined the term "mesobiotic," have assumed a half-way position between prebiotic organic synthesis and full-fledged cellular (biotic) life.
The Design of the Expand Parallel File System
Authors: Garcia-Carballeira Félix , Calderon Alejandro , Carretero Jesus , Fernandez Javier , Perez Jose M.
Published: June 2003

This article describes an implementation of MPI-IO using a new parallel file system, called Expand (Expandable Parallel File System), which is based on NFS servers. Expand combines multiple NFS servers to create a distributed partition where files are striped. Expand requires no changes to the NFS server and uses RPC operations to provide parallel access to the same file. Expand is also independent of the clients, because all operations are implemented using RPC and NFS protocols. Using this system, we can join heterogeneous servers (Linux, Solaris, Windows 2000, etc.) to provide a parallel and distributed partition. The article describes the design, implementation and evaluation of Expand with MPI-IO. This evaluation has been made in Linux clusters and compares Expand and PVFS.
Dealing with Memory Constraints in a Non-Dedicated Linux Cluster
Authors: Giné Francesc , Solsona Francesc , Hernández Porfidio , Luque Emilio
Published: June 2003

Our research is focused on keeping both local and parallel jobs together in a non-dedicated cluster and scheduling them efficiently. In such a system, memory becomes a critical resource for both kinds of job. Thus, the minimization of the impact caused by the overflow of physical into virtual memory on the performance of distributed jobs together with the development of an efficient memory management adapted to the needs of NOWs (Networks of Workstations) are major issues in this kind of environment. An algorithm is presented to adjust time slices dynamically to the necessities of distributed and local tasks in order to reduce the number of page faults across the cluster. Additionally, a memory management policy aimed at preserving enough memory for both workloads is evaluated. Our proposals are implemented in a Linux cluster and compared with alternative algorithms.
A Parallel Solution to Infer Genetic Network Architectures in Gene Expression Analysis
Authors: Ruchkys D. P. , Song S. W.
Published: June 2003

With the recent DNA-microarray technology, it is possible to measure the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously in the same experiment. A genetic network is a model that describes how the expression level of each gene is affected by the expression levels of other genes in the network. In this paper we explore the use of parallel computers to infer genetic network architectures in gene expression analysis. Given the results of an experiment with n genes and m measures over time ( m [UNKNOWN] n), we consider the problem of finding a subset of genes ( k genes, where k [UNKNOWN] n) that explain the expression level of a given target gene under study. We consider the coarse-grained multicomputer (CGM) model, with p processors. We first present a sequential approximation algorithm of O( m4 n) time and O( m2 n) space. The main result is a new parallel approximation algorithm that determines the k genes in O( m4 n/p) local computing time plus O( k) communication rounds, and with space requirement of O( m2 n/p). The p factor in the parallel time and space complexities indicates a good parallelization. To our knowledge there are no CGM algorithms for the problem considered in this paper. We also show promising experimental results on a Beowulf machine. As will be shown in our experiments, we observe very promising speedups results, especially in the cases where the number of genes studied exceeds 4000. Notice that even with current microarray technology, microchips with around 15,000 spots are already possible. The proposed parallel method constitutes thus an excellent example of application of high-performance computing in this important field.
Religion and Nationalism
Authors: Rieffer Barbara-Ann J.
Published: June 2003

This article offers a first attempt to understand the relationship between religion and nationalism. It first addresses the absence of a discussion of religion in the literature on nationalism. Some of the most prominent authors, including Ernest Gellner, Benedict Anderson and Eric Hobsbawm, have all largely neglected the role of religion in their discussions of the rise of nationalism by focussing on economic factors. A proper understanding of the development of nationalism should incorporate the direct and indirect influences of religion. Second, this article lays out an initial classification of the different ways in which religion and nationalism interact. I identify a number of degrees of influence which religion has on nationalism. In the first case, religious nationalism, religion and nationalism are inseparable. In other national movements, religion plays a less dominant role, merely assisting the more prominent nationalist movement as a cohesive element. This article concludes with an explanation of the importance of this relationship. Ultimately, the type of religious nationalism affects what type of nation state develops. The stronger the religious influence on the national movement, the greater the likelihood that discrimination and human rights violations will occur.
Marital Rape
Authors: Bennice Jennifer A. , Resick Patricia A.
Published: June 2003

Despite the increased recognition that the topic of marital rape has generated in the past 2 decades, the literature in this area remains sparse. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current state of the marital rape literature. First, the lengthy history of legal, cultural, and professional invalidation of marital rape victims, and the resulting negative treatment implications, is discussed. Second, marital rape research is reviewed, including prevalence, descriptive, and comparison studies. This review highlights the seriousness of marital rape, in terms of prevalence and posttrauma distress, as well as the limitations of extant research. Finally, barriers to treatment and recommendations for professionals are discussed.
Hyperbaric oxygenation upregulates rat lung Na,K-ATPase
Authors: Harris ZL , Ridge KM , Gonzalez-Flecha B , Gottlieb L , Zucker A , Sznajder JI
Published: June 2003

Exposure of rats to hyperoxia is associated with increased active Na+ transport in rat lungs and increased Na,K-adenosine triphosphate (ATPase) expression in alveolar epithelial cells. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) has been reported to act as an accelerated model of hyperoxic cell damage. Sublethal and intermittent exposure to HBO, however, has been suggested to upregulate endogenous protective mechanisms. In the present study, we tested whether short-term HBO, prior to inducing lung injury, would upregulate lung Na,K-ATPase. The results show that HBO, either intermittent or single 2.5 h exposure, increased lung Na,K-ATPase alpha-1 and beta-1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) transcript levels up to fourfold. Na,K-ATPase activity in lungs of rats exposed to HBO increased twofold during the first 2 h following removal from the hyperbaric chamber, and remained elevated for up to 6 h following HBO. Conceivably, the increase in Na,K-ATPase activity following HBO is due to an increase in activity from a basal to a higher rate, or possibly due to recruitment/translocation of Na,K-ATPases from inner membranes to the plasma membrane.
Effects of moguisteine, a peripheral nonnarcotic antitussive agent, on airway inflammation in guinea-pigs in vivo
Authors: Gallico L , Oggioni N , Dalla Rosa C , Ceserani R , Tognella S
Published: June 2003

Cough is a common symptom of respiratory diseases associated with irritation or inflammation of the airways, and symptomatic antitussive drugs are frequently prescribed to control an abnormal cough reflex. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of moguisteine, a novel, peripheral, nonnarcotic antitussive agent, on airway inflammation induced in guinea-pigs with a variety of stimuli. These stimuli included exposure to tobacco smoke for 10 min, to elicit airway hyperreactivity, eosinophil recruitment in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), airway epithelial damage and plasma exudation; graded platelet-activating factor (PAF) infusion (600 ng.kg-1 over one h), to induce airway hyperreactivity; 2% ovalbumin (OA) aerosol challenge in 1% OA-sensitized animals, to induce late-phase (17 and 72 h) airway leucocyte accumulation. We also assessed the activity of moguisteine on plasma leakage induced by capsaicin, on bronchoconstriction induced by acetylcholine (ACh), histamine (H) and PAF, and on leukotriene mediated allergic bronchospasm in OA-sensitized guinea-pig. Moguisteine (p.o. and i.m.) and dexamethasone (p.o. and i.m.) dose-dependently reduced tobacco smoke-induced bronchial hyperreactivity. Moguisteine and dexamethasone abolished eosinophil recruitment in BAL, prevented the sloughing of the epithelium and significantly reduced airway microvascular leakage. Both agents were also highly effective in reducing bronchial hyperreactivity elicited by PAF infusion. In addition, moguisteine was active in inhibiting airway neutrophil and eosinophil accumulation in BAL observed 17 and 72 h after OA challenge in sensitized guinea-pigs. In contrast to dexamethasone, moguisteine did not prevent capsaicin-induced plasma leakage. It was also ineffective against bronchoconstriction as induced by ACh, H, and PAF and failed to inhibit leukotriene-dependent bronchospasm. Our data suggest that moguisteine represents an antitussive compound endowed with interesting airway anti-inflammatory properties in guinea-pigs in vivo. Its mechanism of action remains to be elucidated.
Bronchodilator delivery with metered-dose inhalers in mechanically-ventilated patients
Authors: Dhand R , Tobin MJ
Published: June 2003

Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) provide several advantages over nebulizers, including ease of administration, decreased cost, reliability of dosing, and freedom from contamination. However, this method of aerosol delivery has been considered ineffective in mechanically-ventilated patients because most of the aerosol deposits in the endotracheal tube and ventilator circuit. A smaller amount of aerosol from a MDI is deposited in the lower respiratory tract of mechanically-ventilated patients than in ambulatory patients, although recent studies show that a significant bronchodilator effect can still be achieved. When employed optimally, significant bronchodilation occurs with as little as 4 puffs of a sympathomimetic aerosol. Multiple factors influence the efficacy of MDIs in mechanically-ventilated patients. The method of connecting the MDI canister to the ventilator circuit has a marked effect on aerosol delivery, and other factors include the timing of MDI actuation, ventilator mode, tidal volume, circuit humidity, and duty cycle. With a proper technique of administration, a MDI serves as an effective, convenient, and safe method for delivering bronchodilator aerosols in mechanically-ventilated patients.
Three-dimensional transient finite element analysis of the laser enamelling process and moving heat source and phase change considerations
Authors: Nisar A , Schmidt M J J , Sheikh M A , Li L
Published: June 2003

A finite element model has been developed to determine the temperature distribution generated during a high power diode laser (HPDL) tile grout sealing process. Because of the complexity of the process, which involves five different materials in a complicated geometrical arrangement, finite element (FE) numerical simulation using ADINA rather than an analytical system has been used to model the temperature profile. The analysis has involved simulation of the three-dimensional transient temperature field produced by a laser beam with constant power scanning over the glazed enamel surface at constant speeds. Latent heat effects due to melting and solidification of the glazed enamel have been taken into account in the FE model, thereby facilitating a more realistic thermal analysis. Experimental validation of the FE predicted temperature profile has also been presented. The results show that both the FE predicted temperatures and those determined experimentally are in close agreement with each other. The effect of varying process parameters on temperature profiles is discussed to facilitate prediction of optimized process parameters.
Implementation strategies for design for manufacture methodologies
Authors: Swift K G , Brown N J
Published: June 2003

The paper touches on the experience gained from numerous applications of design for manufacture (DFM) techniques, across a wide range of business sectors and production volumes. It describes the benefits that have accrued in terms of part count reduction and savings in component manufacture and assembly costs. The paper also focuses on implementation strategies for DFM. It describes the way businesses have approached the issue, the problems faced, the processes involved and the planning and organizational aspects that need to be addressed in order to maximize the benefits from the technology.
Mechatronic design of a flexible vibratory feeding system
Authors: Han L , Tso S K
Published: June 2003

This paper describes the development of a sensor-based flexible vibratory feeding system (SBFVFS) for agile manufacturing, which when fully developed will consist of a decoupled vibratory feeder, a machine vision system, displacement sensors, power amplifiers and a computer system. Its major feeding parameters such as the vibration angle, frequency, acceleration amplitude and phase difference can all be easily adjusted online by software means. Consequently, the system can not only feed a wide range of parts without any retooling of the feeder but can also feed various parts made of different materials in a way close to the optimal state. The SBFVFS also has some built-in intelligence. It can find out the natural frequencies of the decoupled vibratory feeder by means of an automatic frequency response analysis and hence determine the best frequency for the driving signals. It can also find out by machine inspection whether any parts are jamming and eliminate them by making the parts move in reverse directions. A prototype of the SBFVFS has been successfully developed. Experimental investigation is carried out based on the prototype and the results are promising.
Contribution to the integration of the process: Process planning competence in non-hierarchical production networks
Authors: Mehnert J , Därr H
Published: June 2003

The advantages of the non-hierarchical networking model are the elimination of the dominance of single companies and the creation of more intelligibility with regard to yield and customer communication within the network. One result is the reduction of costs for administration and coordination. When realizing the demands of the non-hierarchical network model and at the same time considering the structure of the competence cell therein, questions for necessary development of the competence cell process planning arise for this form of cooperation. This contribution introduces initial results of research concerning the structuring of process planning competence in non-hierarchical production networks.