bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observer bias and random variation in vegetation monitoring data
Authors: Milberg Per , Bergstedt Johan , Fridman Jonas , Odell Gunnar , Westerberg Lars 
Published: April 2008

AbstractQuestion:Detecting species presence in vegetation and making visual assessment of abundances involve a certain amount of skill, and therefore subjectivity. We evaluated the magnitude of the error in data, and its consequences for evaluating temporal trends.Location:Swedish forest vegetation.Methods:Vegetation data were collected independently by two observers in 342 permanent 100‐m2 plots in mature boreal forests. Each plot was visited by one observer from a group of 36 and one of two quality assessment observers. The cover class of 29 taxa was recorded, and presence/absence for an additional 50.Results:Overall, one third of each occurrence was missed by one of the two observers, but with large differences among species. There were more missed occurrences at low abundances. Species occurring at low abundance when present tended to be frequently overlooked. Variance component analyses indicated that cover data on 5 of 17 species had a significant observer bias. Observer‐explained variance was < 10% in 15 of 17 species.Conclusion:The substantial number of missed occurrences suggests poor power in detecting changes based on presence/absence data. The magnitude of observer bias in cover estimates was relatively small, compared with random error, and therefore potentially analytically tractable. Data in this monitoring system could be improved by a more structured working model during field work.
Expert Systems
Authors: O′Leary Daniel E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this chapter is to review key concepts in expert systems, across the life cycle of expert system development. As a result, we will analyze the choice of the application area for system development, gathering knowledge through so‐called knowledge acquisition, choosing a knowledge representation, building in explanation and verifying and validating the system.In addition, we analyze a number of different applications of expert systems across a broad base of application areas, including medicine, geology and business. Further, we investigate some of the extensions to and emerging areas associated with expert systems.
Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Yau Stephen S. , Huang Dazhi , Gao Wei , Yin Yin 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe development of wireless communication technology and portable computing devices has led to mobile and ubiquitous computing, which has many applications from intelligent environmental control and smart home appliances, to interactive workspaces, mobile patient‐care systems, context‐aware tourist guides, and smart classrooms. In this article, an overview of mobile and ubiquitous computing is presented. The current state of research is summarized as follows wireless ad hoc networks, context‐and situation‐awareness in mobile and ubiquitous computing environments, and techniques for developing mobile and ubiquitous computing software.
Formal Program Verification
Authors: Harton Heather K. , Sitaraman Murali , Krone Joan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractUsing formal program verification, it is possible to prove mathematically and mechanically that software behaves correctly as specified. For verification to scale up to software built from components, components must have formal specifications and the verification process must be modular. Unlike testing that can only reveal the presence of errors, formal varification can guarantee correctness.
Software Performance Evaluation
Authors: Kounev Samuel 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Modern software systems are expected to satisfy increasingly stringent requirements for performance and scalability. To avoid the pitfalls of inadequate quality of service, it is important to evaluate the expected performance and scalability characteristics of systems during all phases of their lifecycle. At every stage, performance evaluation is conducted out with a specific set of goals and constraints. In this article, we present an overview of the major methods and techniques for software performance evaluation. We start by considering the different types of workload models that are typically used in performance evaluation studies. We then discuss performance measurement techniques, including platform benchmarking, application profiling, and system load testing. Following this, we survey the most common methods and techniques for performance modeling of software systems. We consider the major types of performance models used in practice and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we briefly discuss operational analysis as an alternative to queueing theoretic methods.
In the Mi(d)st Of
Authors: Preston Julieanna 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIt's in the air. The first thing that the term atmosphere evokes is in the air, the intangibility of air. A gaseous layer enveloping the planet, a zone where clouds move about, atmosphere is the invisible shroud around each object emanating (such is the meaning that the word has taken on over time) a sort of fragrance or warmth. Atmosphere is created by the particular subject matter or place – it is given off from it – and corresponds to it like a sort of spirit that floats around, revealing, betraying a certain essence of the place or subject matter, but remaining ever visible.Michel Orsoni, ‘Point of view: A question of atmosphere’, 19981. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Walter Pichler's House Next to the Smithy: Atmosphere and Ground
Authors: James Paul 
Published: April 2008

AbstractApproaching atmosphere from a cultural perspective, Paul James explores conceptions of ground in a work by the Austrian architect, sculptor and draughtsman Walter Pichler. Where atmosphere relates to the critical strategy of clouding, to render obscure, to resist rhetorical clarity, Pichler's House Next to the Smithy, documented in drawings and photographs, highlights a link between weather and atmosphere, and darkness and interiority. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Off the Peg: The Bespoke Interiors of Ben Kelly
Authors: Brooker Graeme , Stone Sally 
Published: April 2008

AbstractKnown for his unique ability to assemble disparate materials, colours and textures, interior designer Ben Kelly speaks with Graeme Brooker and Sally Stone about the ideas and intentions behind his work. His thoughts and works indicate a respect for revealing the underlying qualities of existing spaces and serving new programmatic needs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Living with Freud
Authors: Chee Lilian 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLilian Chee introduces several art installations displayed at the Freud Museum in north London. While each individually opens up further critique of Freud's practice and its cultural impact, collectively they measure the ability of objects to charge interior atmospheres with provocations of gender, modernity, ethnicity, objectivity and domesticity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An approach of segregation in modeling continuous flow tank bioleach systems
Authors: Kotsiopoulos Athanasios , Hansford Geoffrey S. , Rawatlal Randhir 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPublished models apply particle size to predict bioleaching reactor performance. In this study mathematical models predicting the overall reaction rate of a bioleach reactor system are developed to establish which particle parameters are necessary to describe reactor performance. Since the intrinsic leaching rate is surface area dependent, the inlet particle size and residence time are model inputs. Three models, distinguished by the incorporation of age and/or size distributions, were developed from first principles through a segregation approach. Explicit dependence on the age distribution, allows the model extension to unsteady state behavior and imperfect mixing. The models are validated against pilot plant data for pyrite‐arsenopyrite concentrates obtained from the Fairview Mine in South Africa. Simulation results indicate that only a model that considers both the particle age and size distribution is in good agreement with the data. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds on manganese and copper oxides supported on titania
Authors: Vu Van Hinh , Belkouch Jamal , Ould‐Dris Aïssa , Taouk Bechara 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA series of mixed oxides supported on TiO2 (Mn1−yCuyOx/TiO2) synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation method have been characterized and tested for toluene oxidation volatile organic compounds (model). For all catalysts, the total conversion (100%) of toluene into CO2 was obtained at temperatures higher than 240°C with no catalyst deactivation. At lower temperatures, a gradual deactivation was observed. The most efficient catalyst was Mn0.5Cu0.5Ox/TiO2 (noted MnCuOx/T). Several characterization techniques, XRD, TPR, BET, and TG/DT analysis, were used to explain the catalytic performances. The results allowed attributing the higher activity of MnCuOx/T to the formation of Mn1.6Cu1.4O4 spinel phase. It has been also demonstrated that the mobility of the catalyst network oxygen is a determining parameter of the catalytic activity. The decrease of activity at a low temperature is related to the adsorption of high molecular weight carbonaceous compounds. However, the catalytic activity is easily regenerated by heating in air flow at 300°C. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Synthesis, photochromic mechanism and properties of a novel biindenylidenedione compound containing ferrocene units
Authors: Liu Juyan , Han Jie , Wei Yongheng , Yao Fei , Pang Meili , Meng Jiben 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA novel biindenylidenedione compound, [2,2′‐bi‐1H‐indene]‐3,3′‐bis [(4‐oxo‐4‐ferrocenylbutanoyloxy)propyl]‐3,3′‐ dihydroxy‐1,1′‐dione was synthesized and characterized fully by 1H NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis. The photochromic and photo‐induced radical properties were investigated by means of UV–vis and electron spin resonance spectroscopy, respectively. The results show that the title compound simultaneously exhibits photochromism in the solid state as well as generating stable free radicals under irradiation with 330 nm light. This fact provides evidence for the photochromic mechanism of this kind of compounds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Palladaphosphacyclobutenes as catalysts in Heck and Suzuki reactions
Authors: Yan Xiaoyu , Liu Yundong , Xi Chanjuan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHeck reactions of aryl halides with various olefins and Suzuki reactions of aryl halides with phenylboronic acid catalyzed by palladaphosphacyclobutene have been investigated. The scope of the Heck reaction has been investigated in N,N‐dimethylacetamide at 140 °C using NaOAc as base. Using 0.1% molar ratio of palladaphosphacyclobuyenes, aryl bromides were converted into 1,2‐substitutedethene products in good to high yields through coupling with both vinylarenes and acrylates. Actived aryl chloride reacted with styrene to afford 1,2‐substitutedethene products in moderate yields. The scope of the Suzuki reaction has been conducted in toluene at 110 °C using Cs2CO3 as base. Using 0.1% molar ratio of palladaphosphacyclobutene, aryl bromides reacted with phenylboronic acid to afford diaryl derivatives in excellent yield. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strengthening and stiffening of ramie yarns by applying cyclic load treatment
Authors: Zhu Lu , Goda Koichi 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA cyclic load treatment was developed by applying a load on ramie yarns up to a proper value and then unloading for different number of cycles under high temperature or wet state. The results of tensile tests revealed that compared to the untreated yarns, a significant increase of around 20–50% in tensile strength was obtained for the cyclic load‐treated yarns. Young's modulus of cyclic load‐treated yarns was increased drastically, one to two times higher than the initial value. The number of cycles had an influence on improving the tensile properties of ramie yarns. After the individual heat or wet treatment without cyclic load, it was found that tensile strength of treated yarns remained unchanged as the original value while Young's modulus was decreased remarkably, which implies that the introduction of cyclic load to individual heat or wet treatment plays a crucial role in strengthening and stiffening of ramie yarns. It was considered that the improved effect was correlated with the decreased microfibrillar angle and the increased orientation of amorphous region in fiber microstructure because the crystallinity and crystalline orientation of ramie yarns calculated from X‐ray diffraction diagrams showed little change after cyclic load treatment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Monitoring of South Sinai coral reefs: influence of natural and anthropogenic factors
Authors: Tilot V. , Leujak W. , Ormond R. F. G. , Ashworth J. A. , Mabrouk A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
To monitor any impacts to coral reefs related to the exponential growth of tourism in the South Sinai region of the Egyptian Red Sea, nine stations were established at key reef sites over 2002–2003. At each station coral cover was determined using a video survey method at depths of 3, 7 and 16 m, and fish abundance by underwater visual census at depths of 3 and 10 m.
Mean total coral cover (hard plus soft) ranged from 58% to 23% at 3 m, 50% to 14% at 7 m, and 52% to 13% at 16 m, and hard coral cover from 37.5% to 15.7% at 3 m, 32.8% to 7.0% at 7 m, and 17.8% to 2.2% at 16 m. Analyses confirmed differences in coral assemblage related to depth and wave exposure.
Fish abundances and assemblages also varied with depth and proximity of deep water. Also the one site subject to fishing had lower abundances of some commercial fish families and greater abundances of some herbivores.
Transects subject to greater tourist use did not segregate from those subject to less tourist use, despite evidence from other work of an effect from visitor damage to corals at some sites. This may be because visitors were more attracted to sites that had higher coral cover.
Comparison of the present data with that from past studies is difficult because of the differences in sites and method employed, but several observations suggest a moderate decline in coral cover during recent decades. Such a decline would be compatible with the recorded impact of an outbreak of crown‐of‐thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, as well as with other evidence of accumulating damage by visitors.
Further monitoring using the same stations and consistent protocols is urgently required.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of 8,9‐epoxy brevifolin in rats, a hepatoprotective constituent isolated from Phyllanthus simplex Retz by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method
Authors: Niu Xiaofeng , Li Weifeng , He Langchong 
Published: April 2008

Abstract8,9‐Epoxy brevifolin (EBF) is a novel compound isolated from Phyllanthus simplex Retz (P. simplex) and has been demonstrated to possess a hepatoprotective effect. The purposes of the present study were to examine the in vivo pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of EBF in rats using a liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry quantitative detection method (LC‐MS/MS), with luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside being employed as an internal standard (IS). The method was validated within the concentration range 20–15 000 ng/ml, and the calibration curves were linear with correlation coefficients of >0.999. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for EBF was 20 ng/ml. The intra‐assay accuracy and precision ranged from 98.7% to 100.2% and 2.19% to 6.25%, respectively, while the inter‐assay accuracy and precision ranged from 97.5% to 100.3% and 3.35% to 7.28%, respectively. The method was further applied to assess the pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of EBF after intravenous and oral administration in rats. The oral bioavailability of EBF was 12.46 ± 2.31%. In the tissue distribution assay, its concentration was higher in the heart (13.2 ± 0.24 µg/g) and liver (14.5 ± 0.19 µg/g) than in other tissues. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain, mind and limitations of a scientific theory of human consciousness
Authors: Gierer Alfred 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn biological terms, human consciousness appears as a feature associated with the functioning of the human brain. The corresponding activities of the neural network occur strictly in accord with physical laws; however, this fact does not necessarily imply that there can be a comprehensive scientific theory of consciousness, despite all the progress in neurobiology, neuropsychology and neurocomputation. Predictions of the extent to which such a theory may become possible vary widely in the scientific community. There are basic reasons—not only practical but also epistemological—why the brain–mind relation may never be fully “decodable” by general finite procedures. In particular self‐referential features of consciousness, such as self‐representations involved in strategic thought and dispositions, may not be resolvable in all their essential aspects by brain analysis. Assuming that such limitations exist, objective analysis by the methods of natural science cannot, in principle, fully encompass subjective, mental experience. BioEssays 30:499–505, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cupiennius salei and Achaearanea tepidariorum: Spider models for investigating evolution and development
Authors: McGregor Alistair P. , Hilbrant Maarten , Pechmann Matthias , Schwager Evelyn E. , Prpic Nikola‐Michael , Damen Wim G.M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe spiders Cupiennius salei and Achaearanea tepidariorum are firmly established laboratory models that have already contributed greatly to answering evolutionary developmental questions. Here we appraise why these animals are such useful models from phylogeny, natural history and embryogenesis to the tools available for their manipulation. We then review recent studies of axis formation, segmentation, appendage development and neurogenesis in these spiders and how this has contributed to understanding the evolution of these processes. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of comparisons of silk production between Cupiennius and Achaearanea to investigate the origins and diversification of this evolutionary innovation. We suggest that further comparisons between these two spiders and other chelicerates will prove useful for understanding the evolution of development in metazoans. BioEssays 30:487–498, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The reality and importance of founder speciation in evolution
Authors: Templeton Alan R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA founder event occurs when a new population is established from a small number of individuals drawn from a large ancestral population. Mayr proposed that genetic drift in an isolated founder population could alter the selective forces in an epistatic system, an observation supported by recent studies. Carson argued that a period of relaxed selection could occur when a founder population is in an open ecological niche, allowing rapid population growth after the founder event. Selectable genetic variation can actually increase during this founder‐flush phase due to recombination, enhanced survival of advantageous mutations, and the conversion of non‐additive genetic variance into additive variance in an epistatic system, another empirically confirmed prediction. Templeton combined the theories of Mayr and Carson with population genetic models to predict the conditions under which founder events can contribute to speciation, and these predictions are strongly confirmed by the empirical literature. Much of the criticism of founder speciation is based upon equating founder speciation to an adaptive peak shift opposed by selection. However, Mayr, Carson and Templeton all modeled a positive interaction of selection and drift, and Templeton showed that founder speciation is incompatible with peak‐shift conditions. Although rare, founder speciation can have a disproportionate importance in adaptive innovation and radiation, and examples are given to show that “rare” does not mean “unimportant” in evolution. Founder speciation also interacts with other speciation mechanisms such that a speciation event is not a one‐dimensional process due to either selection alone or drift alone. BioEssays 30:470–479, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keeping your vascular integrity: What can we learn from fish?
Authors: Luttun Aernout , Verhamme Peter 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe cardiovascular system has the life‐providing task of delivering oxygen and any flaw in this system can be life‐threatening. This has encouraged extensive studies to elucidate the mechanisms behind cardiovascular development/homeostasis. The zebrafish has emerged as a formidable tool to speed up this quest, as illustrated in a recent issue of Nature Genetics.1 Baculovirus IAP repeat c2 (BIRC2), also termed cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP)‐1, was found to specifically prevent endothelial cells (ECs, lining the inside of vessels) from going into suicide mode (‘apoptosis’) and so preserve vessel integrity. Here, we summarize the factors determining vascular integrity and elaborate on the suitability of the zebrafish to study this phenomenon. BioEssays 30:418–422, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pygopus and the Wnt signaling pathway: A diverse set of connections
Authors: Jessen Shannon , Gu Bingnan , Dai Xing 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIdentification of Pygopus in Drosophila as a dedicated component of the Wg (fly homolog of mammalian Wnt) signaling cascade initiated many inquiries into the mechanism of its function. Surprisingly, the nearly exclusive role for Pygopus in Wg signal transduction in flies is not seen in mice, where Pygopus appears to have both Wnt‐related and Wnt‐independent functions. This review addresses the initial findings of Pygopus as a Wg/Wnt co‐activator in light of recent data from both fly and mammalian studies. We compare and contrast the developmental phenotypes of pygopus mutants to those characterized for known Wg/Wnt transducers and explore the data regarding a role for mammalian Pygopus 2 in tumorigenesis. We further analyze the roles of the two conserved domains of Pygopus proteins in transcription, and propose a model for the molecular mechanism of Pygopus function in both Wg/Wnt signaling and Wnt‐independent transcriptional regulation. BioEssays 30:448–456, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential effect of oxidative stress on the apoptosis of early and late passage human diploid fibroblasts: implication of heat shock protein 60
Authors: Lee Young‐Hee , Lee Jung‐Chang , Moon Hyun‐Ju , Jung Ji‐Eun , Sharma Manju , Park Byung‐Hyun , Yi Ho‐Keun , Jhee Eun‐Chung 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSince an attenuated response to stress is a characteristic of senescence, a cellular senescence model was used to examine the mechanism of resistance against oxidative stress using human diploid fibroblasts (HDF). With increasing passage, the HDF showed increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Late passage HDF were resistant to the lethal effects of oxidative stress, showing less cleavage of pro‐caspase‐3 and PARP than those of early ones. Since heat shock proteins (Hsps) are not only cytoprotective but also interfere with the apoptotic cascade, the expression patterns of Hsps during cellular senescence were next examined. Oxidative stress induced a decrease in the mitochondrial Hsp60 levels with a concomitant increase in the cytosolic Hsp60 levels in the early passage HDF, but not in late ones. To show that the resistance to oxidative stress is a specific effect of Hsp60, the levels of Hsp60 were knocked down by siRNA. As expected the Hsp60 knock‐down cells were more resistant to oxidative stress. These findings show that Hsp60 is a key player in the resistance mechanism against oxidative stress and aging. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.