bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can multi‐model combination really enhance the prediction skill of probabilistic ensemble forecasts?
Authors: Weigel A. P. , Liniger M. A. , Appenzeller C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe success of multi‐model ensemble combination has been demonstrated in many studies. Given that a multi‐model contains information from all participating models, including the less skilful ones, the question remains as to why, and under what conditions, a multi‐model can outperform the best participating single model. It is the aim of this paper to resolve this apparent paradox.The study is based on a synthetic forecast generator, allowing the generation of perfectly‐calibrated single‐model ensembles of any size and skill. Additionally, the degree of ensemble under‐dispersion (or overconfidence) can be prescribed. Multi‐model ensembles are then constructed from both weighted and unweighted averages of these single‐model ensembles.Applying this toy model, we carry out systematic model‐combination experiments. We evaluate how multi‐model performance depends on the skill and overconfidence of the participating single models. It turns out that multi‐model ensembles can indeed locally outperform a ‘best‐model’ approach, but only if the single‐model ensembles are overconfident. The reason is that multi‐model combination reduces overconfidence, i.e. ensemble spread is widened while average ensemble‐mean error is reduced. This implies a net gain in prediction skill, because probabilistic skill scores penalize overconfidence. Under these conditions, even the addition of an objectively‐poor model can improve multi‐model skill. It seems that simple ensemble inflation methods cannot yield the same skill improvement.Using seasonal near‐surface temperature forecasts from the DEMETER dataset, we show that the conclusions drawn from the toy‐model experiments hold equally in a real multi‐model ensemble prediction system. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Morphological and photoluminescence study of porous thin SiC layer grown onto silicon
Authors: Bourenane K. , Keffous A. , Kechouache M. , Nezzal G. , Boukezzata A. , Kerdja T. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA porous SiC layer was fabricated by anodization of a 1.6 µm‐thin SiC layer deposited onto p‐type Si(100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), using a hot‐pressed 6H‐SiC(p) as sputtered target. P‐type porous SiC layers were realized by anodization in HF/ethylene glycol (ETG) electrolyte (1:1 by vol.) at different etching times. The properties of the porous SiC layer formed by this method were investigated by SIMS, SEM, Fourier transform Infra‐Red spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and photoluminescence (PL). The results show that the growth layer was crystalline, with the photoluminescent spectra showing a blue band emission. In addition, the results clearly indicate an increase in PL intensity by 10 times of magnitude compared to that exhibited by the unetched sample. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of methods to enhance the secondary ion yields in TOF‐SIMS of organic samples
Authors: Heile A. , Lipinsky D. , Wehbe N. , Delcorte A. , Bertrand P. , Felten A. , Houssiau L. , Pireaux J.‐J. , De Mondt R. , Van Royen P. , Van Vaeck L. , Arlinghaus H. F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn addition to structural information, detailed knowledge of the local chemical environment proves to be of ever greater importance, for example for the development of new types of materials as well as for specific modifications of surfaces and interfaces in multiple fields of materials science, or various biomedical and chemical applications. But the ongoing miniaturization, and therefore, reduction of the amount of material available for analysis constitute a challenge to the detection limits of analytical methods.In the case of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS), several methods of secondary ion yield enhancement have been proposed. This article focuses on the investigation of the effects of two of these methods, metal‐assisted SIMS and polyatomic primary ion (PI) bombardment. For this purpose, thicker layers of organic molecules (polymers and dyes), both pristine, and metallized with different amounts of gold, were analyzed using monoatomic (Ar+, Ga+, Xe+, Bi+) and polyatomic (SF5+, Bi3+, C60+) PIs. It was found that polyatomic ions generally induce a significant increase of the secondary ion yield. On the other hand, with gold deposition, a yield enhancement can only be detected for monoatomic ion bombardment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Burnout, critical incidents and social support in security guards
Authors: Vanheule Stijn , Declercq Frederic , Meganck Reitske , Desmet Mattias 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe present study examines whether the experience of a critical incident (CI) is associated with higher burnout scores; whether strong social support is associated with reduced burnout scores; and whether social support moderates the relationship between a CI and burnout scores. Security guards (n = 530) filled out the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Self‐Rating Inventory for Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder and the Social Support List. The experience of a CI was reported by 41.1 per cent of the participants, which explained a significant amount of variance in the participants' burnout scores. Everyday emotional support and social companionship were negatively related to burnout. Emotional support with problems showed a positive association with burnout. The authors suggest that the first two forms of social support may function as buffers, whereas the latter could have an aggravating effect on burnout complaints. No significant interaction effects between social support and CI were present. This indicates that, in the present study, social support did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between a CI and burnout. Relations between social support and burnout are discussed, as are limitations of this study and suggestions for further research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shift between carnivory and omnivory in stream stonefly predators
Authors: Miyasaka Hitoshi , Genkai‐Kato Motomi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOmnivory can have profound effects on the trophic dynamics of communities and ecosystems, as they may interact with multiple trophic levels simultaneously. Some species of large‐bodied stoneflies may be viewed as omnivores rather than true carnivores even at later nymphal stages. We evaluated the seasonal change in the diet of stonefly predators by analyzing their stable isotope ratio, gut contents, physiological activity, and food availability. A two‐source‐based mixing model based on stable isotope analysis revealed that stoneflies shifted their diet between carnivory in summer and omnivory in winter—despite the higher availability of animal prey in winter. The gut content analysis showed that swift prey (mayflies) were consumed in the summer, whereas sluggish prey (Chironomidae) were consumed in the winter. The physiological activity of stoneflies also declined markedly in winter. These results suggest that, in winter, stoneflies foraged on a mixture of Chironomidae and algae. It appears that omnivory in some stream consumers is related to the seasonal change in temperature‐dependent physiological activity, rather than prey availability.
New classification and score for tibial hemimelia
Authors: Weber Michael 
Published: March 2008

Purpose Previous classifications of tibial malformations are no longer sufficient and practical for clinics and treatment. They are not precisely defined, include incorrect pathological–anatomical definitions, are related to X-ray diagnosis only, miss complete formal types of malformation, or describe too complex concepts not useful for clinical applications (Jones et al., J Bone Joint Surg B 60:31–39, 1978; Kalamchi and Dawe, J Bone Joint Surg B 67:581–584, 1985; Henkel et al., Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 93:1–19, 1978). More precise preoperative diagnosis, including by sonography and MRI and experienced intraoperative analysis of anatomical structures ensure exact description of the pathological–anatomical situation which can be used because of new potential in therapy. Until now, no score was available for detection of additional limb malformations and, therefore, clinical and scientific comparison of the different tibial reduction deficiencies, especially in respect to the success of therapy, was not sufficiently realisable. A new classification and score is presented reflecting the improved therapy currently available. Methods In this classification and score the main pathological findings of the complete leg are included (coxa–femur–patella–tibia–fibula–pes), with specific importance of the tibia. Tibial malformations are divided into seven main groups and five of them into two subgroups. The cartilaginous anlage of the tibia which has not yet received much attention in the literature plays an important role in this classification. Only seven main types of tibial defect have to be recognized and, if necessary, additional defects of the whole leg, including the function of the affected parts, can be summarized in a-five-class-system. Results With this classification and this score system which was evaluated on 95 affected limbs, with a sex ratio of 51%:49% (male:female), right:left affection, and unilateral:bilateral affection also, we found the sequence of the distribution of types as follows: 61% of cases with type-VII, 15% with type-III, 6% with type-I, 6% with type-V, 5% with type-II, 3% with type-IV, and 3% with type-VI. In comparison with the Jones et al. (J Bone Joint Surg B 60:31–39, 1978), Kalamchi and Dawe (J Bone Joint Surg B 67:581–584, 1985) and Henkel et al. (Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 93:1–19, 1978) classifications the tibial defects in the presented classification are detected more precisely, the pathological anatomical terms are correctly used, the whole leg and all main functions are included and, thus, reference to therapeutical possibilities is given. Conclusions The new classification and the score system allow simple, therapeutically relevant, and comprehensive classification and, additionally, scientific comparison of the different pattern of defects described by diverse authors. For daily clinical use the tibial classification only is preferred.
Children's daily living activities during immobilization of upper-limb fractures with an above- or below-elbow cast
Authors: Aviv Barak , Bar-On Elhanan , Weigl Daniel , Becker Tal , Katz Kalman 
Published: March 2008

Background The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the impact of cast immobilization on the activities of daily living in children with fractured upper limbs. Methods Using the Activities Scale for Kids (ASK), 52 consecutive children (17 girls, 35 boys), aged 5–15 years (mean, 9 years), with upper limb fractures treated by means of above- or below-elbow casts were assessed. The files were reviewed for background and fracture-related data. Results Mean score of the above-elbow group was 65.4 ± 15.5 points on the ASK capability domain (ASK-c) (with cast) and 98.7 ± 3 points on the ASK-performance domain (without cast). Corresponding scores for the below-cast group were 89.8 ± 13 and 99.5 ± 2. Factors that positively affected overall function were older age, male sex, shorter duration of pain, and less displacement. On multivariate analysis, only age proved to be a potential predictive factor. Cast position and hand dominance had no effect. The specific activities affected were personal hygiene, dressing, making a snack, and reaching high objects. Conclusions To ease their children's adjustment to forearm cast immobilization after fractures, parents should be educated in the areas of daily living that may be affected. This is particularly true for younger children with more displaced fractures that cause more pain.
Expression of recombinant anticoagulant hirudin in the differentiated cultures of the porcine mammary epithelial cell line SI‐PMEC
Authors: Sun Y.L. , Chou Y.C. , Kuan T.C. , Tu C.F. , Lin C.S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo express recombinant proteins in the spontaneously immortalized porcine mammary epithelial cell line (SI‐PMEC) currently established in our laboratory, a chemically synthesized DNA fragment encoding the anticoagulant hirudin was used to construct a mammalian expression vector under the control of the goat β‐casein regulatory sequence. The vector, named pGB562/Hi, was transfected into the SI‐PMEC cells to yield pGB562/Hi/SI‐PMEC. The pGB562/Hi/SI‐PMEC cells expressed recombinant hirudin only when they were differentiated into functional structures by growth on a Matrigel‐coated petri dish supplemented with the lactogenic hormone prolactin. The differentiated pGB562/Hi/SI‐PMEC cells produced about 0.5–0.6 μg of recombinant hirudin/mg of total cellular protein. These results suggest that the established SI‐PMEC cells have pharmaceutical potential to inducibly express bioactive heterogeneous proteins.
Hyperthermia in combination with oxidative stress induces autophagic cell death in HT‐29 colon cancer cells
Authors: Chen Fei , Wang Chia‐Chi , Kim Eugene , Harrison Lawrence E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of ROS‐induced hyperthermic cell death in a colon cancer cell line. HT‐29 colon cancer cells were exposed to heat (43 °C) in the presence of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BOOH). t‐BOOH combined with hyperthermia significantly decreased cell viability as compared with t‐BOOH or hyperthermia alone. This decrease in cell numbers was associated with retardation in the S phase transit and not through apoptosis. Cell death was noted to be accompanied by specific features characteristic of autophagy: the presence of cytoplasmic autophagic vacuoles; autophagosome membrane association of microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3; accumulation of acidic vesicular organelles; and increased incorporation of MDC in the autophagosome. Thermal sensitization through modulation of cellular ROS may represent a novel approach to increase the efficacy of hyperthermia as an anticancer modality.
The effect of prenatal nicotine on mRNA of central cholinergic markers and hematological parameters in rat fetuses
Authors: Mao Caiping , Yuan Xin , Zhang Hong , Lv Juanxiu , Guan Junchang , Miao Liyan , Chen Linqi , Zhang Yuying , Zhang Lubo , Xu Zhice 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA number of studies have demonstrated the influence of nicotine on fetal development. This study determined the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), and high‐affinity choline transporter (CHT1) in the forebrain and hindbrain following chronic prenatal nicotine exposure in the rat fetus (maternal rats were subcutaneously injected with nicotine at different gestation periods). We also measured the effect of chronic nicotine exposure on fetal blood pO2, pCO2, pH, Na+ and K+ concentrations, as well as lactic acid levels. Maternal nicotine exposure during pregnancy was associated with a decrease in fetal pO2 coupled with a significant increase in pCO2 and lactic acid as well as restricted fetal growth. Additionally, maternal nicotine administration also reduced ChAT, VAChT, and CHT1 mRNA levels in the fetal brain. Nicotine‐induced fetal hypoxic responses and reduced cholinergic marker expression in the brain were more severe when nicotine was started in early gestation. Our results provide new information about the effects of repeated exposure to nicotine in utero on the expression of central ChAT, VAChT, and CHT1 in the rat fetus. These results indicate that repeated hypoxic episodes or/and a direct effect of nicotine on the central cholinergic system during pregnancy may contribute to brain developmental problems in fetal origin.
RNAi‐induced down‐regulation of Mecp2 expression in the rat brain
Authors: Jin Jing , Bao Xinhua , Wang Hansen , Pan Hong , Zhang Yuzhi , Wu Xiru 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe MECP2 (methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2) gene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Rett Syndrome. A rat model with a down‐regulated Mecp2 was established using a recombinant lentiviral vector expressing small hairpin RNA of the rat Mecp2 gene. Four recombinant vectors were constructed by inserting sequences of small hairpin RNA targeting the rat Mecp2 gene. To determine which vector resulted in optimal down‐regulation, rat skin fibroblasts were transfected with four recombinant vectors, respectively. The recombinant vector mecp2‐sh‐1 decreased expression of Mecp2 mRNA and protein relative to the Control group. 12–24 h after birth, neonatal rat pups were divided into three groups, Re‐Lenti group (injected with recombinant lentiviral vector, mecp2‐sh‐1), Lenti group (injected with lentivirus containing no inserted sequences) and a non‐injected Control group (Control group). Rats in the injection groups were given intraventricular injections. 7 days and 21 days following injection, no inflammation was observed in the rat brain in the two injected groups, whereas EGFP expression was readily detectable. Sensory‐motor reflexes were transiently abnormal in Re‐Lenti group, whereas no abnormality was observed in either Control group. Mecp2 mRNA was lower in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in the Re‐Lenti group relative to the Lenti and Control groups. Although no typical RTT like symptoms were observed, the neonatal rats injected with recombinant lentivirus displayed some transient neurobehavioral abnormalities during early development. Bdnf mRNA expression decreased in the hippocampus, supporting the hypothesis that Bdnf may be a target gene of MeCP2 in the CNS.
PINCHING THEOREMS FOR A COMPACT MINIMAL SUBMANIFOLD IN A COMPLEX PROJECTIVE SPACE
Authors: KON MAYUKO 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe give a formula for the Laplacian of the second fundamental form of an n-dimensional compact minimal submanifold M in a complex projective space CPm. As an application of this formula, we prove that M is a geodesic minimal hypersphere in CPm if the sectional curvature satisfies K≥1/n, if the normal connection is flat, and if M satisfies an additional condition which is automatically satisfied when M is a CR submanifold. We also prove that M is the complex projective space CPn/2 if K≥3/n, and if the normal connection of M is semi-flat.
ON THE METHOD OF APPROXIMATION FOR EVOLUTIONARY INCLUSIONS OF PSEUDOMONOTONE TYPE
Authors: KASYANOV PAVLO , MELNIK VALERY , VALERO JOSÉ 
Published: March 2008

AbstractFor a large class of operator inclusions, including those generated by maps of pseudomonotone type, we obtain a general theorem on existence of solutions. We apply this result to some particular examples. This theorem is proved using the method of difference approximations.
ON THE STABILITY OF A MIXED-TYPE LINEAR AND QUADRATIC FUNCTIONAL EQUATION
Authors: NAKMAHACHALASINT PAISAN 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe give the general solution of the n-dimensional mixed-type linear and quadratic functional equation, where $P_m=\{A\subset \{1,2,\ldots ,n\}: |A|=m\}$, and 1<m<n are integers.
Multiple-Labelled Transition Systems for nominal calculi and their logics
Authors: DE NICOLA ROCCO , LORETI MICHELE 
Published: March 2008

Action-labelled transition systems (LTSs) have proved to be a fundamental model for describing and proving properties of concurrent systems. In this paper we introduce Multiple-Labelled Transition Systems (MLTSs) as generalisations of LTSs that enable us to deal with system features that are becoming increasingly important when considering languages and models for network-aware programming. MLTSs enable us to describe not only the actions that systems can perform but also their usage of resources and their handling (creation, revelation . . .) of names; these are essential for modelling changing evaluation environments. We also introduce MoMo, which is a logic inspired by Hennessy–Milner Logic and the μ-calculus, that enables us to consider state properties in a distributed environment and the impact of actions and movements over the different sites. MoMo operators are interpreted over MLTSs and both MLTSs and MoMo are used to provide a semantic framework to describe two basic calculi for mobile computing, namely μKlaim and the asynchronous π-calculus.
A review of outcomes of individualised nursing interventions on adult patients
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Välimäki Maritta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: March 2008

Aims and objectives.  This review describes the outcomes of individualised nursing interventions on adult patients.Background.  Although the delivery of individualised nursing interventions is important there is limited evidence about how these interventions enhance patient outcomes.Methods.  A computerised search was undertaken using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The selection criteria chosen were: reports of individualised nursing interventions focusing on adult patients in a variety of health care settings and using experimental designs. These involved randomised controlled trials, clinical controlled trials and pre‐ and posttest controlled studies. After a four‐stage inclusion strategy 31 documents were accepted for the review.Results.  The studies were mostly focused in preventative arenas such as health promotion and counselling. Others were care of older people in the community and in hospital and patients with chronic diseases. Over half of the nursing interventions (58%) involved educational or counselling activities which seem to be more effective than ordinary, standardised or routine education and counselling. Overall, 81% of the studies reported a positive impact of individualised interventions on patient outcomes showing that there is evidence, though limited, that individualised interventions can produce positive patient outcomes.Conclusions.  There is sufficient evidence, especially in specific areas such as patient education and counselling, to acknowledge that individualised interventions are superior to non‐individualised interventions. Evidence for this effect within clinical nursing interventions on patient outcomes was limited by the scarcity of research in this area. There is a need for additional intervention studies to determine the effect of individualised interventions in a wide variety of contexts.Relevance to clinical practice.  Experience of health is individual. Therefore, nursing interventions should also be individualised to each patient. These findings show some promise that individualised interventions may be useful in delivering positive patient outcomes.