bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AMAzing Results — Bestimmung der Eigenkapitalunterlegung von Operationalen Risiken mit Hilfe des Ambitionierten Messansatzes (AMA) bei der Hannoverschen Volksbank
Authors: Eggers Holger , Angerer Christian 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDie Hannoversche Volksbank hat ein Risikomanagement‐System eingeführt und die dafür notwendigen Prozesse sowie eine Standardsoftware erfolgreich implementiert. Dieses Projekt ist Teil der Vorbereitung des Kreditinstitutes auf die mit Basel II einhergehende Neuorientierung der Risiko‐Steuerung im Gesamtkontext von Marktpreis‐, Adress‐, und Operationalen Risiken. Es wurden so die Voraussetzungen für eine erfolgreiche Einführung des Ambitionierten Messansatzes (Advanced Measurement Approach, AMA) zur Bewertung Operationaler Risiken geschaffen. Das Institut mit einer Bilanzsumme von 2, 5 Milliarden EUR (2003) kann nun eine um den Faktor sechs geringere Unterlegung des Eigenkapitals für Operationale Risiken ansetzen und das freigewordene Kapital für gewinnbringende Investitionen nutzen.
Combinatorial dimension in fractional Cartesian products
Authors: Blei Ron , Gao Fuchang 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe combinatorial dimension relative to an arbitrary fractional Cartesian product is defined. Relations between dimensions in certain archetypal instances are derived. Random sets with arbitrarily prescribed dimensions are produced; in particular, scales of combinatorial dimension are shown to be continuously and independently calibrated. A combinatorial concept of cylindricity is key. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2005
Summarizing data through a piecewise linear growth curve model
Authors: Chandrasekaran V. , Gopal G. , Thomas A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMost of the research in clinical trials is based on longitudinal designs, which involve repeated measurements of a variable of interest. Such designs are very powerful, both statistically and scientifically. Recent advances in statistical theory and software development incorporate the covariance structures such as unstructured, compound symmetry, auto‐regressive and random effects, etc., for analysing longitudinal data. Hathaway et al. propose a technique for summarizing longitudinal data using linear growth curve model and establish that the number of summary statistics is fixed as four irrespective of the length of study. In this paper, we develop a procedure for analysing the longitudinal data through a piecewise linear growth curve model on the lines of Hathaway et al. Under different covariance structures, the linear model is fitted for Leprosy data and the residual sum of squares computed. Goodness of fit has also been considered for various models. In order to prove that the proposed method is robust and better than the others in terms of goodness of fit, simulation studies are carried out and the results presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A practical application of the IDEAL model
Authors: Casey Valentine , Richardson Ita 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe focus of this research is to outline the experience of a small‐to‐medium‐sized European‐based software development organization, utilizing the IDEALSMmodel while implementing a tailored Capability Maturity Model®(CMM®) software process improvement (SPI) program.[CMM is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office by Carnegie Mellon University.] The goal of the approach undertaken was to achieve process improvement rather than a specific CMM®maturity level. In doing this, the IDEALSMmodel was extensively researched and employed. The benefits and limitations of the use of the IDEALSMmodel are presented as experienced.Research was carried out on a number of software process improvement paradigms prior to the final selection of the CMM®. The approach employed as far as possible remained true to the spirit of the CMM®. A key element of this strategy was to see the requirements of the organization as paramount and immediate. It was deemed important for the organization to achieve specific Key Process Areas regardless of their position in the CMM®. The approach provided the organization with the flexibility to invest in the achievement of specific maturity levels at some future date and thereby capitalize on their current process improvement work. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introducing a process framework for implementing models of large‐scale real‐world systems in software
Authors: Andreou Andreas S. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe analysis and modeling of difficult, complex systems of the real world is nowadays feasible because of major advances in the computer science field and in mathematical models and theories that provide a reliable study framework of nonlinear, nondeterministic behavior in nature and society. The development of software products for the study of this behavior is growing fast, aiming at completing the required scientific framework and at providing a computationally powerful environment. A software process for modeling such large‐scale, complex systems is proposed and analyzed in the present work, and a consistent methodology is described through a series of steps for handling the peculiarities and difficulties observed in these systems. The proposed framework is demonstrated through modeling and software implementation of a system that serves as a predictor of the Greek currency market. The methodology is quite simple and straightforward, while its use can be easily extended to a wide variety of complex systems analysis and modeling. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hourly wind power variations in the Nordic countries
Authors: Holttinen Hannele 
Published: November 2004

AbstractStudies of the effects that wind power production imposes on the power system involve assessing the variations of large‐scale wind power production over the whole power system area. Large geographical spreading of wind power will reduce variability, increase predictability and decrease the occasions with near zero or peak output. In this article the patterns and statistical properties of large‐scale wind power production data are studied using the data sets available for the Nordic countries. The existing data from Denmark give the basis against which the data collected from the other Nordic countries are benchmarked. The main goal is to determine the statistical parameters describing the reduction of variability in the time series for the different areas in question. The hourly variations of large‐scale wind power stay 91%–94% of the time within ±5% of installed capacity in one country, and for the whole of the Nordic area 98% of the time. For the Nordic time series studied, the best indicator of reduced variability in the time series was the standard deviation of the hourly variations. According to the Danish data, it is reduced to less than 3% from a single site value of 10% of capacity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of non‐logarithmic wind speed profiles on potential power output at Danish offshore sites
Authors: Motta M. , Barthelmie R. J. , Vølund P. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDetailed knowledge of mean wind speed profiles is essential for properly assessing the power output of a potential wind farm. Since atmospheric stratification plays a crucial role in affecting wind speed profiles, obtaining a detailed picture of the climatology of stability conditions at a given site is very important. In the present study, long time series from offshore measurement sites around Denmark are analysed, with the aim of quantifying the role of atmospheric stability in wind speed profiles and in our ability to model them. A simple method for evaluating stability is applied, and the resulting statistics of the atmospheric stratification is thoroughly studied. A significant improvement in the mean wind speed profile prediction is obtained by applying a stability correction to the logarithmic profiles suitable for neutral conditions. These results are finally used to estimate power densities at different heights. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Epidemiology of the Comorbidity of Epilepsy in the General Population
Authors: Gaitatzis Athanasios , Carroll Kevin , Majeed Azeem , Sander Josemir W. 
Published: November 2004

Summary: Purpose:To describe the epidemiology of somatic and psychiatric conditions in adults with epilepsy in the community and compare it to that of people without epilepsy.Methods:A cross‐sectional population‐based study extracting data from the UK General Practice Research Database for the period 1995–1998. Age‐ and sex‐standardized prevalence rates were estimated for selected conditions and groups of conditions (categorized by ICD‐9 chapters) in adults with epilepsy registered with primary care physicians. Results were compared with those in adults without epilepsy in the cohort, and prevalence ratios were calculated according to two broad age groups (16–64 and older than 64 years).Results:Conditions common in the general population also were common in adults with epilepsy. Psychiatric disorders occurred twice as often, and the risk of somatic disorders was increased in people with epilepsy, with the exception of musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders in older adults. The prevalence ratio of neoplasia, excluding intracranial tumors, was not increased in epilepsy. The prevalence ratio of brain tumors was particularly increased in young adults [prevalence ratio (PR), 70.7] and of meningiomas in older adults (PR, 91.9). Neurodegenerative conditions, particularly dementias and Alzheimer' disease (PR, 6.3 and 8, respectively) and Parkinson' disease (PR, 3.2), appeared more frequently in people with epilepsy. Upper gastrointestinal bleed occurred more frequently in epilepsy (PR, 4.3), as did cardio‐ and cerebrovascular disorders, fractures, pneumonia and chronic lung diseases, and diabetes. Eczema, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis did not occur more frequently in epilepsy.Conclusions:The prevalence ratio of many common psychiatric and somatic conditions is increased in adults with epilepsy who consult a primary care physician in the U.K. These findings may have implications in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy and coexisting conditions, as well as in health care provision.
Are “Generalized” Seizures Truly Generalized? Evidence of Localized Mesial Frontal and Frontopolar Discharges in Absence
Authors: Holmes Mark D. , Brown Micah , Tucker Don M. 
Published: November 2004

Summary:  Purpose: To determine whether specific regions of cerebral cortex are activated at the onset and during the propagation of absence seizures. Methods: Twenty‐five absence seizures were recorded in five subjects (all women; age 19–58 years) with primary generalized epilepsy. To improve spatial resolution, all studies were performed with dense‐array, 256‐channel scalp EEG. Source analysis was conducted with equivalent dipole (BESA) and smoothed linear inverse (LORETA) methods. Analyses were applied to the spike components of each spike–wave burst in each seizure, with sources visualized with standard brain models. Results: For each patient, the major findings were apparent on inspection of the scalp EEG maps and waveforms, and the two methods of source analysis gave generally convergent results. The onset of seizures was typically associated with activation of discrete, often unilateral areas of dorsolateral frontal or orbital frontal lobe. Consistently across all seizures, the negative slow wave was maximal over frontal cortex, and the spike that appeared to follow the slow wave was highly localized over frontopolar regions of orbital frontal lobe. In addition, sources in dorsomedial frontal cortex were engaged for each spike–wave cycle. Although each patient showed unique features, the absence seizures of all patients showed rapid, stereotyped evolution to engage both mesial frontal and orbital frontal cortex sources during the repeating cycles of spike–wave activity. Conclusions: These data suggest that absence seizures are not truly “generalized,” with immediate global cortical involvement, but rather involve selective cortical networks, including orbital frontal and mesial frontal regions, in the propagation of ictal discharges.
Expression and Cellular Distribution of Major Vault Protein: A Putative Marker for Pharmacoresistance in a Rat Model for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Van Vliet Erwin A. , Aronica Eleonora , Redeker Sandra , Gorter Jan A. 
Published: November 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Because drug transporters might play a role in the development of multidrug resistance (MDR), we investigated the expression of a vesicular drug transporter, the major vault protein (MVP), in a rat model for temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods: By using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and immunocytochemistry, we quantified MVP mRNA and protein from the dentate gyrus (DG) and parahippocampal cortex (PHC) taken from EEG‐monitored rats at 1 week after electrically induced status epilepticus (SE) and at 5–9 months after SE, when rats exhibit spontaneous seizures. Results: Within 1 week after SE, MVP mRNA levels increased in both DG and PHC compared with those in controls. In chronic epileptic rats, MVP mRNA was still significantly upregulated in the PHC, whereas in the DG, the expression returned to control levels. MVP protein increased within 1 day after SE in reactive microglial cells within most limbic regions; the hippocampus showed the highest expression at 1 week after SE. In chronic epileptic rats, MVP protein expression was largely decreased in most brain regions, but it was still high, especially in the piriform cortex. The occurrence of SE was a prerequisite for increased MVP expression, because no increase was found in electrically stimulated rats that did not exhibit SE. Conclusions: MVP expression is upregulated in chronic epileptic rats and may contribute to the development of pharmacoresistance.
Seizures in the Developing Brain Cause Adverse Long‐term Effects on Spatial Learning and Anxiety
Authors: Sayin Umit , Sutula Thomas P. , Stafstrom Carl E. 
Published: November 2004

Summary: Purpose: Seizures in the developing brain cause less macroscopic structural damage than do seizures in adulthood, but accumulating evidence shows that seizures early in life can be associated with persistent behavioral and cognitive impairments. We previously showed that long‐term spatial memory in the eight‐arm radial‐arm maze was impaired in rats that experienced a single episode of kainic acid (KA)‐induced status epilepticus during early development (postnatal days (P) 1–14). Here we extend those findings by using a set of behavioral paradigms that are sensitive to additional aspects of learning and behavior.Methods: On P1, P7, P14, or P24, rats underwent status epilepticus induced by intraperitoneal injections of age‐specific doses of KA. In adulthood (P90–P100), the behavioral performance of these rats was compared with that of control rats that did not receive KA. A modified version of the radial‐arm maze was used to assess short‐term spatial memory; the Morris water maze was used to evaluate long‐term spatial memory and retrieval; and the elevated plus maze was used to determine anxiety.Results: Compared with controls, rats with KA seizures at each tested age had impairedshort‐termspatial memory in the radial‐arm maze (longer latency to criterion and more reference errors), deficientlong‐termspatial learning and retrieval in the water maze (longer escape latencies and memory for platform location), and a greater degree of anxiety in the elevated plus maze (greater time spent in open arms).Conclusions: These findings provide additional support for the concept that seizures early in life may be followed by life‐long impairment of certain cognitive and behavioral functions. These results may have clinical implications, favoring early and aggressive control of seizures during development.
Application of Fourier transform and autocorrelation to cluster identification in the three‐dimensional atom probe
Authors: VURPILLOT F. , DE GEUSER F. , DA COSTA G. , BLAVETTE D. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBecause of the increasing number of collected atoms (up to millions) in the three‐dimensional atom probe, derivation of chemical or structural information from the direct observation of three‐dimensional images is becoming more and more difficult. New data analysis tools are thus required. Application of a discrete Fourier transform algorithm to three‐dimensional atom probe datasets provides information that is not easily accessible in real space. Derivation of mean particle size from Fourier intensities or from three‐dimensional autocorrelation is an example. These powerful methods can be used to detect and image nano‐segregations. Using three‐dimensional ‘bright‐field’ imaging, single nano‐segregations were isolated from the surrounding matrix of an iron–copper alloy. Measurement of the inner concentration within clusters is, therefore, straightforward. Theoretical aspects related to filtering in reciprocal space are developed.
Investigation of quantitative secondary electron imaging of semiconducting polymer materials using environmental scanning electron microscopy
Authors: WILLIAMS S. J. , DONALD A. M. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe development of environmental scanning electron microscopy has opened the way for the examination of a wide variety of new sample types that were previously inaccessible to conventional scanning electron microscope techniques. With the advent of such a new methodology comes also the potential for new contrast mechanisms. We investigated the use of environmental scanning electron microscopy on semiconducting organic polymer materials. We observed contrast from these materials in secondary electron images, this contrast being attributed to differences in electron yield due to the polymer's electronic structure. Further study of these materials, and specifically the influence of film thickness on signal, has indicated a significant effect as the secondary electrons move through the sample. Systematic studies such as these are needed for a full understanding of the relationship between electronic properties and signal and, hence, the ability to probe structure–property relationships in greater depth.
A BROAD SPECTRUM ARTIFICIAL SEA WATER MEDIUM FOR COASTAL AND OPEN OCEAN PHYTOPLANKTON1
Authors: Harrison Paul J. , Waters Rosemary E. , Taylor F. J. R. 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACTA new artificial seawater medium has been tested with 83 strains of coastal and open ocean phytoplankton from 11 different algal classes. The cultures were carried through four transfers, representing a period of eight weeks for most species. Only three species could not be maintained in the enriched artificial seawater, and 16 species, mainly from the Prymnesiophyceae and Dinophyceae, had reduced final cell yields compared to those grown in enriched natural seawater. Since 77% of the species tested grew equally well in enriched artificial or natural seawater and more than 95% could be maintained in the artificial medium, this recipe is useful over a broad spectrum of species. The artificial seawater base was enriched with a modified ES enrichment solution; the primary modifications were the omission of Tris and the addition of Si. Enriched medium was autoclaved without precipitation by lowering the pH before autoclaving. This was accomplished by adding equimolar amounts of Na‐HCO3 and HCl which produced NaCl and CO2 during the heating process. When no pH buffer was used, precipitation could only be avoided by autoclaving the artificial seawater base as two separate salt solutions (with Ca and Sr separated from CO3−2 and SO4−2), cooling, mixing and aseptically adding the sterilized enrichment solution.
Role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in response to hypertonic saline loading in rats
Authors: Wangensteen R. , Rodríguez‐Gomez I. , Moreno J. M. , Chamorro V. , Osuna A. , Vargas F. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAims:  This study analyses the influence of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) blockade with 7‐nitroindazole (7NI) on the haemodynamic and renal response to a hypertonic saline load (HSL). We also evaluated the effects of non‐specific NOS inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME).Methods:  The following groups were used: controls, rats treated with 7NI at 0.5 or 5 mg kg−1, and rats treated with l‐NAME at 0.5 or 5 mg kg−1. A further five groups received an isotonic saline load (ISL).Results:  Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly increased in control rats after HSL. MAP was further increased in both 7NI‐treated groups, and the l‐NAME groups showed marked dose‐related pressor responses. During ISL, MAP was only significantly increased in the group treated with 5 mg kg−1 of l‐NAME. The pressure–natriuresis relationship during the experimental period after the HSL was reduced in the 7NI group treated with 5 mg kg−1 and severely attenuated in both l‐NAME groups. The increase in plasma sodium was significantly greater after the HSL in both 7NI groups and both l‐NAME groups compared with controls.Conclusions:  The present results suggest that nNOS and other NOS isozymes play a counter‐regulatory role in the pressor response to HSL. Moreover, the blockade of nNOS with the higher dose of 7NI produces a blunted pressure–natriuresis relationship in response to the HSL. Finally, it is concluded that nNOS participates in the homeostatic cardiovascular and renal response to hypertonic saline loading by attenuating the blood pressure increase and hypernatremia, and facilitating natriuresis.
The behaviour of the flow‐mediated brachial artery vasodilatation during orthostatic stress in normal man
Authors: Guazzi M. , Lenatti L. , Tumminello G. , Puppa S. , Fiorentini C. , Guazzi M. D. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAims:  Flow‐mediated brachial artery vasodilatation is an index of endothelial function. Published literature describes only supine data and no study has been performed during vertical displacement. This subject deserves investigation for two main reasons: humans spend the larger part of their life in the upright position; this position has significant effects on neural vascular regulation.Methods:  In 21 healthy men (25 ± 2 years) the flow‐dependent brachial artery vasodilating response to distal circulatory arrest was assessed by Doppler ultrasound imaging, while supine and during 20° and 60° head‐up tilting (HUT). In 11 of these subjects the vasodilating response to nitroglycerine was also explored.Results:  Absolute and percentage increments in brachial calibre during hyperaemia after deflation of the occluding cuff became increasingly greater at 20° (+0.44 mm) and 60° (+0.92 mm) HUT (P < 0.01), compared with the horizontal position (+0.27 mm), and the arterial dilatation for an increase in flow (0.98 ± 0.08 and 1.68 ± 0.06 mm mL−1 min−1 × 1000, respectively) was larger (P < 0.01) than occurred while supine (0.41 ± 0.05 mm mL−1 min−1 × 1000). Nitroglycerine‐mediated vasodilatation at 60° HUT was similar to that in the supine position.Conclusion:  The orthostatic stimulus is associated with an increase of the flow‐mediated brachial artery vasodilatation, which is proportional to the degree of displacement. The mechanism of this effect does not consist of changes in nitric oxide sensitivity.