bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Downscaling of Daily Rainfall Occurrence over Northeast Brazil Using a Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Robertson Andrew W. , Kirshner Sergey , Smyth Padhraic 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
A hidden Markov model (HMM) is used to describe daily rainfall occurrence at 10 gauge stations in the state of Ceará in northeast Brazil during the February–April wet season 1975–2002. The model assumes that rainfall occurrence is governed by a few discrete states, with Markovian daily transitions between them. Four “hidden” rainfall states are identified. One pair of the states represents wet-versus-dry conditions at all stations, while a second pair of states represents north–south gradients in rainfall occurrence. The estimated daily state-sequence is characterized by a systematic seasonal evolution, together with considerable variability on intraseasonal, interannual, and longer time scales. The first pair of states are shown to be associated with large-scale displacements of the tropical convergence zones, and with teleconnections typical of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the North Atlantic Oscillation.
A nonhomogeneous HMM (NHMM) is then used to downscale daily precipitation occurrence at the 10 stations, using general circulation model (GCM) simulations of seasonal-mean large-scale precipitation, obtained with historical sea surface temperatures prescribed globally. Interannual variability of the GCM's large-scale precipitation simulation is well correlated with seasonal- and spatial-averaged station rainfall-occurrence data. Simulations from the NHMM are found to be able to reproduce this relationship. The GCM-NHMM simulations are also able to capture quite well interannual changes in daily rainfall occurrence and 10-day dry spell frequencies at some individual stations. It is suggested that the NHMM provides a useful tool (a) to understand the statistics of daily rainfall occurrence at the station level in terms of large-scale atmospheric patterns, and (b) to produce station-scale daily rainfall sequence scenarios for input into crop models, etc.
An Efficient Dye-sensitized Photoelectrochemical Solar Cell Made from CaCO3-coated TiO2 Nanoporous Film
Authors: Okada Nobuhiro , Karuppuchamy Subbian , Kurihara Masaaki 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
A convenient —and quick to realize— approach for the synthesis of an ultrathin overlayer of CaCO3 on TiO2 thin films is suggested. Since dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical investigations on CaCO3-thin-layer-coated TiO2 nanoporous films are hitherto unreported, we performed such investigations by sensitizing our TiO2–CaCO3 films with tetrabutylammonium cis-di(thiocyanato)-N,N′-bis(4-carboxylato-4′-carboxylic acid-2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenate(II) and achieved power conversion efficiencies over 9.3% under illumination of AM 1.5 simulated sunlight (95 mW/cm2).
Single Crystal Ni5Zn21 Nanowire Arrays Fabricated by Electrodeposition in Anodic Alumina Membranes
Authors: Jia Chong , Liu Weifeng , Zhang Bei , Jin Chuangui , Yao Lianzeng , Cai Weili , Li Xiaoguang 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Large-area, high-filling rate, uniform, and single-crystal Ni5Zn21 nanowire arrays have successfully been synthesized by dc electrodeposition into the nanochannels of anodic alumina membranes (AAM).
Chlorophyll Chemiluminescence Emitted by Chlorin Ring Cleavage with Acetonitrile and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Nagoshi Toshimasa , Igarashi Shukuro 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
In the presence of acetonitrile and NaOH, when H2O2 was added to the solution containing chlorophyll, it was found that a strong chemiluminescence (CL) was emitted. The blue light was emitted with the decomposition of chlorophyll. It is considered that the emitter contains the decomposition products of chlorophyll based on the following measurement results, such as the reduction of absorbance for chlorophyll and the difference of the spectral form between fluorescence and CL. The CL of the chlorines, such as chlorophyll, and the porphyrin analogue compounds were compared under the same conditions. Consequently, the obtained CL was strong in the chlorin complex which contains Mg or Zn. On the other hand, the CL was not strongly observed with porphyrin compounds. In the chlorophyll CL, when the chlorin ring is oxidized by the generated •O2−, the excited molecule would be produced in the process of ring cleavage, and then CL is emitted to the outside.
A One-pot Synthesis of Terminal Alkynes from anti-3-Aryl-2,3-dibromopropanoic Acids under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Kuang Chunxiang , Senboku Hisanori , Tokuda Masao 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
A facile one-pot synthesis of terminal alkynes was achieved by microwave irradiation of a mixture of anti-3-aryl-2,3-dibromopropanoic acids, Et3N and DMF and subsequent irradiation in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU). This method requires short reaction time (1–2 min) and gives terminal alkynes in high yields.
A Mechanistic Approach to Conductivity Relaxation in Ionic Glasses
Authors: Ingram Malcolm D. , Banhatti R. D. , Konidakis Ioannis 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
A mechanism is proposed for conductivity relaxation in ionic glasses, based on the operation of a memory effect (as postulated in the dynamic structure model) that provides the necessary synergy for ‘pair-wise’ coupling of ionic motions in single cation glasses. It is suggested that this mechanism (which resembles in some respects the older ‘interstitialcy’ process) constitutes an essential component of the single and many-particle reaction route’ in Funke’s concept of mismatch and relaxation (CMR). This coupling is also present in mixed cation glasses, but the appearance of a site mismatch effect and the consequent disappearance of synergy leads to anomalous behaviours typical of the mixed cation effect, including recently reported increases in activation volume.
How Relevant is the Network Dynamics for the Alkali Diffusion in Alkali Silicate Glasses?
Authors: Heuer Andreas , Lammert Heiko , Kunow Magnus 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The relevance of network dynamics in a disordered alkali silicate ion conductor is studied via computer simulations. It is shown that the network dynamics below the glass transition is very localized and does not give rise to major fluctuations of ionic sites. These local network fluctuations are, however, very important to understand the alkali dynamics. After immobilising the network the activation energy roughly doubles. Furthermore dynamic heterogeneities as well as backdragging forces are much stronger. Qualitatively, these observations can be rationalized by a scenario similar to the Anderson-Stuart model of ion dynamics.
On the Early Stages of the Formation Reaction of Cementite, Fe3C
Authors: Constantinescu A. , Buryy O. A. , Kipp S. , Becker K. D. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The formation of cementite, Fe3C, in thin iron foils has been studied under in-situ conditions in the temperature range from 500 °C to 600 °C by means of Mössbauer spectroscopy in time-resolved experiments at different carbon activities. Overall, the reaction shows a two-step process exhibiting two different kinetic regimes, which can be well described on the basis of a modified Johnson–Mehl–Avrami kinetics with a characteristic parameter n = 3/2. Deviations from this behaviour, occurring in the early stages of the reaction, are discussed.
Pharmacogenomics in Cardiovascular Medicine
Authors: Carlquist John F. , Anderson Jeffrey L. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) holds promise for further insight into how genetic differences contribute to an individual's response to a medicine(s). Even before the completion of the HGP, cardiovascular medicine was thrust into the arena of pharmacogenomics by the observation that many drugs, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular, promote cardiac arrhythmias. It is now recognized that these adverse responses as well as beneficial responses to cardiovascular medicines can be influenced by alterations in the genes for metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, and drug targets. To the present, much basic information regarding gene–drug interactions has accumulated, but translation to clinical care has been slow. It is anticipated that the pace of clinical cardiovascular pharmacogenomics will increase as the result of better‐designed studies and technological advances. The final adoption of this area of investigation into clinical practice will also be influenced by financial, psychosocial, and legal factors. Drug Dev. Res. 62:180–190, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New insights on attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder pharmacogenomics
Authors: Rohde Luis Augusto , Zeni Cristian , Polanczyk Guilherme , Hutz Mara H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAlthough there is an impressive literature documenting both a strong participation of genetics in the etiology of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a high rate of response to stimulants and atomoxetine, surprisingly few studies on the pharmacogenomics of ADHD were conducted. This review aims to present a critical discussion of findings from recent investigations on this emerging new area of research. We performed a systematic computer review of the literature on ADHD pharmacogenomics. In addition, we contacted some research centers involved in research on ADHD genetics, asking for any kind of nonpublished data relevant for the topic of this revision. This review strategy identified only seven papers presenting nonduplicated research findings on ADHD pharmacogenomics. Contact with other investigators resulted in five more studies presented in medical meetings or still nonpublished. The majority of investigations are on dopaminergic genes, especially on polymorphisms at the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1). Although there were some instigating preliminary results suggesting the association between the homozygosity for the 10‐repeat allele at DAT1 gene and response to methylphenidate, recent studies were not able to replicate these previous findings. Very few investigations addressed the role of nondopaminergic genes, or gene‐to‐gene interactions in ADHD pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomic studies of ADHD are in their infancy. We presented a discussion on the limitations and possible future directions of the research in the field. Drug Dev. Res. 62:172–179, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brokerless trust and reputation implementation for intelligent community spaces
Authors: Yamada Masashi , Hoshiai Takashige , Kimura Shoji 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAn intelligent community spaces architecture (COMNet), which supports the activation of communities through the application of P2P network technology, is proposed. COMNet can form network communities without requiring a broker. We call this a broker‐less model. In this paper, we propose a distributed trust‐control technology as one of the component groups of COMNet. This technology is important to the formation of reliable network communities. We propose a few trust algorithms and two types of reputation algorithm using information from other entities as elements of distributed trust‐control technology. Copyright © 2004 AEI
Implied correlation index: A new measure of diversification
Authors: Skintzi Vasiliki D. , Refenes Apostolos‐Paul N. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMost approaches in forecasting future correlation depend on the use of historical information as their basic information set. Recently, there have been some attempts to use the notion of “implied” correlation as a more accurate measure of future correlation. This study proposes an innovative methodology for backing‐out implied correlation measures from index options. This new measure called implied correlation index reflects the market view of the future level of the diversification in the market portfolio represented by the index. The methodology is applied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average index, and the statistical properties and the dynamics of the proposed implied correlation measure are examined. The evidence of this study indicates that the implied correlation index fluctuates substantially over time and displays strong dynamic dependence. Moreover, there is a systematic tendency for the implied correlation index to increase when the market index returns decrease and/or the market volatility increases, indicating limited diversification when it is needed most. Finally, the forecast performance of the implied correlation index is assessed. Although the implied correlation index is a biased forecast of realized correlation, it has a high explanatory power, and it is orthogonal to the information set compared to a historical forecast. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 25:171–197, 2005
Evapotranspiration of Caragana korshinskii communities in a revegetated desert area: Tengger Desert, China
Authors: Wang Xin‐Ping , Brown‐Mitic Constance M. , Kang Er‐Si , Zhang Jing‐Guang , Li Xin‐Rong 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMore than 40 years of revegetation using mainly Caragana korshinskii at Shapotou Desert Experimental Research Station in China has established a dwarf‐shrub and herbaceous cover on the stabilized sand dunes. The evapotranspiration (ET) of the dwarf‐shrub C. korshinskii community and the evaporation (E) of the bare soil were measured by the auto‐weighing lysimeter method during the growing seasons from 1990 to 1995. The average ET rate was 0·83 mm d−1, which varied from 0·71 to 1·06 mm d−1 during the 6‐year period. Monthly ET ranged from 0·14 to 2·35 mm d−1, with a monthly precipitation (P) range of 0 to 3·12 mm d−1. Monthly ET/P ratios varied from 0·94 to 1·28 and averaged 97·4% overall. Most of the precipitation in this area usually falls between June and September. The lowest precipitation was recorded in 1991, with most of it falling during April and May. This temporal anomaly in the precipitation resulted in the highest ET/P ratio (by 0·33) and soil moisture depletion (ΔS = −31·5 mm) for the 6‐year period. ET from the revegetated sand dunes around Shapotou under natural precipitation may account for 12·2% of the potential evaporation. Cumulative P and cumulative ET and E were highly correlated, with a well‐defined linear relationship of ET = 0·80P + 10·0 and E = 0·55P + 5·89, with regression R2 ranging from 0·953 to 0·985. In 1991, however, the regression equations for both ET and E were considerably different than the other years, with a steeper slope and a negative intercept resulting from the anomaly in the precipitation pattern. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forgiving our debtors: a Scottish perspective on a fresh start for debtors
Authors: McKenzie Skene Donna W. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAgainst a background of rising debt levels, this article examines the range of solutions available to a debtor in financial difficulty in Scots law and the recent proposals for reform of bankruptcy law in Scotland brought forward by the Scottish Executive as part of its new approach to debt management and enforcement in Scotland and considers the extent to which they may accord an over‐burdened debtor the opportunity for a fresh start. It concludes that while the emphasis on providing appropriate solutions for over‐burdened debtors with a view to enabling them to make a fresh start evidenced by these proposals is to be welcomed, they may not yet have struck quite the right balance in this respect. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of bovine and novel interferon‐τ alleles in the American plains bison (bison bison) by analysis of hybrid cattle x bison blastocysts
Authors: Rasmussen Terri A. , Ealy Alan D. , Kubisch H. Michael 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe objective of this study was to generate bison x cattle hybrid embryos by in vitro fertilization, to assess their developmental potential, to determine the pattern of secretion of the embryonic signaling molecule interferon‐τ (IFN‐τ), and to identify novel IFN‐τ mRNA polymorphism in the American plains bison. A total of 600 bovine oocytes were inseminated with frozen‐thawed bison semen. Of these, 40.7% cleaved and 14.8% proceeded to the blastocyst stage. Individual blastocysts were cultured on a basement membrane (Matrigel) and their ability to attach and form outgrowths was monitored. A total of 36 blastocysts were cultured of which 22 formed outgrowths. During individual culture, medium samples were collected and their IFN‐τ concentration was measured. On day 6 after onset of individual culture, attached outgrowths produced significantly more IFN‐τ than unattached viable or degenerate blastocysts. At this time, female conceptuses also produced significantly more IFN‐τ than their male cohorts. However, by day 12 this difference had disappeared. Total mRNA was extracted from three individual outgrowths and analyzed by RT‐PCR. Subsequent sequencing of 28 clones showed several known bovine IFN‐τ sequences as well as two novel sequences termed bisIFN‐τ1 and 2. To determine the origin of these, DNA was extracted from bison semen and analyzed by PCR. One bovine IFN‐τ sequence (bovIFN‐τ1d) as well as bisIFN‐τ2 and a third novel sequence bisIFN‐τ3 were detected. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using hybrid embryos for the analysis of developmentally regulated gene expression in species where embryos may not be available. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 70: 228–234, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies of the oxidation of iron by air after being exposed to water vapour using angle‐resolved x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and QUASES™
Authors: Grosvenor A. P. , Kobe B. A. , McIntyre N. S. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAir oxidation of Fe was compared with and without a pre‐exposure to water vapour. Angle‐resolved x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) and QUASES™ were used to determine the thickness of the oxide layer formed and its composition. The extent of oxidation was found to be much less if the surface was pre‐exposed to water rather than air alone. Studies performed using ARXPS were able to show that the hydroxyl‐containing layer located at the surface after Fe was exposed to water vapour was located below the surface after exposure to air. This observation suggested that the oxidation of Fe in air is mediated by cation diffusion. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Mechanism of Neuroprotection by Topiramate in an Animal Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Kudin Alexei P. , Debska‐Vielhaber Grazyna , Vielhaber Stefan , Elger Christian E. , Kunz Wolfram S. 
Published: November 2004

Summary:  Purpose: For the antiepileptic drug (AED) topiramate (TPM), neuroprotective effects have been reported in models of focal cerebral ischemia and experimental status epilepticus, but the putative mechanism of action has remained elusive. Methods: We studied the effects of TPM on mitochondrial function in the pilocarpine rat model of chronic epilepsy and in isolated mitochondria from rat brain. Results: TPM treatment in status epilepticus at doses ranging from 20 to 100 mg/kg considerably improved the survival of rats and improved CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cell survival in a dose‐dependent manner. This treatment increased the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I in the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal subfields and resulted in lower seizure frequencies in chronic epileptic rats. In vitro investigations of the action of TPM on isolated rat brain mitochondria ruled out any direct effects of the drug on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation but revealed a protective effect on hippocampal mitochondria against an external calcium challenge. This can explain its observed neuroprotective action in the concentration range tested. The in vitro effects of TPM on the calcium handling of isolated brain mitochondria was found to be comparable to the action of cyclosporin A. Conclusions: The neuroprotective action of TPM seems to be directly related to its inhibitory effect on the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.
Neurotoxicity Induced by Antiepileptic Drugs in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons: A Comparative Study between Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, and Two New Putative Antiepileptic Drugs, BIA 2‐024 and BIA 2‐093
Authors: Araújo Inês M. , Ambrósio António Francisco , Leal Ermelindo C. , Verdasca Maria João , Malva João Oliveira , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício , Carvalho Arsélio Pato , Carvalho Caetana Monteiro 
Published: November 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Newly designed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are being evaluated for their efficacy in preventing seizures and for their toxic profiles. We investigated and compared the toxic effects of two dibenz[b,f]azepine derivatives with anticonvulsant activity, 10,11‐dihydro‐10‐hydroxyimino‐5H‐dibenz[b,f]azepine‐5‐carboxamide (BIA2‐024) and (S)‐(‐)‐10‐acetoxy‐10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenz[b,f] azepine‐5‐carboxamide (BIA2‐093), with the structurally related compounds carbamazepine (CBZ) and oxcarbazepine (OXC), both in current use for the treatment of epilepsy. Methods: Primary rat hippocampal neurons were used to evaluate neuronal morphology and biochemical changes induced by the AEDs used in this study. Immunocytochemical staining against MAP‐2 was used to evaluate neuronal morphology. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm) were measured by fluorescence techniques. Intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Hippocampal neurons treated for 24 h with CBZ or OXC (300 μM) showed degeneration and swelling of neurites, but this effect was not observed in neurons treated with BIA 2‐024 or BIA 2‐093 (300 μM). ROS production also was increased in neurons treated with OXC, but not in neurons treated with the other AEDs. ATP levels were significantly decreased only in neurons treated with OXC, although the energy charge was not altered. Furthermore, OXC led to a decrease of Ψm. Conclusions: In all parameters assayed, OXC was more toxic than the other AEDs used. Because the new putative AEDs have previously been shown to have an efficacy in preventing seizures similar to that of CBZ and OXC, and are less toxic to neuronal cells, they may be considered as alternatives to the current available therapies for the treatment of epilepsy.
Reduced sympathetic responsiveness as well as plasma and tissue noradrenaline concentration in growth hormone transgenic mice
Authors: Andersson I. J. , Barlind A. , Nyström H. C. , Olsson B. , Skøtt O. , Mobini R. , Johansson M. , Bergström G. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAims:  Acromegaly [overproduction of growth hormone (GH)] and GH deficiency have both been associated with alterations in autonomic nervous system function. The aim of this study was to investigate autonomic nervous system influence on heart rate (HR) in transgenic mice overexpressing bovine GH (bGH).Methods:  HR and HR variability (HRV) were measured in conscious young (8–13 weeks) and old (5–6 months) female bGH and control mice using telemetry. HR control was studied using antagonists and an agonist of adrenergic and muscarinic receptors. Noradrenaline was measured in plasma, heart and kidney using high performance liquid chromatography.Results:  Average 24 h resting HR did not differ between bGH and control mice. After saline injection and after muscarinic blockade with methylscopolamine HR increase was blunted (in old) or absent (in young) bGH mice compared with control mice (P < 0.05). Phenylephrine caused a baroreflex mediated decrease in HR from around 550 to 300–350 beats min−1, not different between bGH and control mice. Time‐ and frequency‐domain measures of HRV were reduced in old bGH compared with control mice (P < 0.05). Noradrenaline concentrations were reduced by 25–49% in plasma and tissue of bGH compared with control mice (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The current study suggests reduced autonomic modulation of HR in bGH transgenic mice. Thus, GH appears to have marked effects on autonomic tone, reducing sympathetic nervous system function possibly via reduced noradrenaline stores.