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Terms modified by Multi Selected AbstractsUncertainty and multiple objective calibration in regional water balance modelling: case study in 320 Austrian catchmentsHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 4 2007J. Parajka Abstract We examine the value of additional information in multiple objective calibration in terms of model performance and parameter uncertainty. We calibrate and validate a semi-distributed conceptual catchment model for two 11-year periods in 320 Austrian catchments and test three approaches of parameter calibration: (a) traditional single objective calibration (SINGLE) on daily runoff; (b) multiple objective calibration (MULTI) using daily runoff and snow cover data; (c) multiple objective calibration (APRIORI) that incorporates an a priori expert guess about the parameter distribution as additional information to runoff and snow cover data. Results indicate that the MULTI approach performs slightly poorer than the SINGLE approach in terms of runoff simulations, but significantly better in terms of snow cover simulations. The APRIORI approach is essentially as good as the SINGLE approach in terms of runoff simulations but is slightly poorer than the MULTI approach in terms of snow cover simulations. An analysis of the parameter uncertainty indicates that the MULTI approach significantly decreases the uncertainty of the model parameters related to snow processes but does not decrease the uncertainty of other model parameters as compared to the SINGLE case. The APRIORI approach tends to decrease the uncertainty of all model parameters as compared to the SINGLE case. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Reputation Formalization for an Information,Sharing Multi,Agent SystemCOMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Issue 4 2002Jonathan Carter We propose that through the formalization of concepts related to trust, a more accurate model of trust can be implemented. This paper presents a new model of trust that is based on the formalization of reputation. A multidisciplinary approach is taken to understanding the nature of trust and its relation to reputation. Through this approach, a practical definition of reputation is adopted from sociological contexts and a model of reputation is designed and presented. Reputation is defined as role fulfillment. To formalize reputation, it is necessary to formalize the expectations placed upon an agent within a particular multi,agent system (MAS). In this case, the agents are part of an information,sharing society. Five roles are defined along with the ways in which these roles are objectively fulfilled. Through the measurement of role fulfillment, a vector representing reputation can be developed. This vector embodies the magnitude of the reputation and describes the patterns of behavior associated with the direction of the vector. Experiments are conducted to verify the sensibility of the proposed models for role fulfillment and overall reputation. The simulation results show that the roles, defined for building reputation in an information,sharing MAS environment, react to different agent and user actions in a manner consistent with the formal definitions. [source] A survey on vertex coloring problemsINTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS IN OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010Enrico Malaguti Abstract This paper surveys the most important algorithmic and computational results on the Vertex Coloring Problem (VCP) and its generalizations. The first part of the paper introduces the classical models for the VCP, and discusses how these models can be used and possibly strengthened to derive exact and heuristic algorithms for the problem. Computational results on the best performing algorithms proposed in the literature are reported. The second part of the paper is devoted to some generalizations of the problem, which are obtained by considering additional constraints [Bandwidth (Multi) Coloring Problem, Bounded Vertex Coloring Problem] or an objective function with a special structure (Weighted Vertex Coloring Problem). The extension of the models for the classical VCP to the considered problems and the best performing algorithms from the literature, as well as the corresponding computational results, are reported. [source] DIESEL-MP2: A new program to perform large-scale multireference-MP2 computations,JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2006Patrick Musch Abstract This article presents a new MR-MP2 code (Multi- Reference Møller,Plesset 2nd order) suitable for the computation MR-MP2 energies of extended systems with strong near degeneracy effects (e.g., open shell systems). It is based on the DIESEL program package developed by Hanrath and Engels. Due to improved algorithms the new code is able to handle systems with 400,500 basis functions and more than 100 electrons. The code is made for parallel computers with distributed memory, but can also be run on local machines. It possesses two integral interfaces (MOLCAS, TURBOMOLE). The algorithms are briefly introduced and timings for the Neocarzinostatin chromophore are presented. The efficiencies of the codes obtained with Intel or GNU compilers are compared. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 1055,1062, 2006 [source] Modeling of Thermal Stresses in Joining Two Layers with Multi- and Graded InterlayersJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 1 2006C. H. Hsueh The technique of introducing interlayers has been used extensively to mitigate residual thermal stresses in joining dissimilar materials. Finite-element analyses have often been used to quantify thermal stresses in these layered structures in case-by-case studies. Recently, simple analytical models containing only three unknowns have been developed to derive closed-form solutions for elastic thermal stresses in both multilayer systems and two layers joined by a graded junction. The analytical solutions are exact for locations away from the free edges of the system. Application of these solutions is shown here to provide a systematic study of thermal stresses in Si3N4 and Al2O3 layers joined by various sialon polytypoid-based multi- and graded interlayers. The effects of the thickness, stiffness, and coefficient of thermal expansion of the interlayer on thermal stresses in the system are examined. The differences in thermal stresses resulting from multi- and graded interlayers are shown. [source] Loading and Release of Ibuprofen in Multi- and Monofilament Surgical SuturesMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 9 2006Raül Zurita Abstract Summary: The preparation of mono- and multifilament sutures incorporating ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory agent is considered. Poly(p -dioxanone) monofilament samples can be loaded by a molecular diffusion process using a swelling agent such as dichloromethane. The mechanical properties have been measured and have not shown a significant change for the ibuprofen loaded samples in knot tensile assays. The kinetics of both the loading process and the release in a Sörensen's medium at 37,°C have been investigated. Diffusion coefficients have also been estimated from film and slab poly(p -dioxanone) samples containing ibuprofen and their release behavior compared to that shown by monofilaments. Release from a coating copolymer based on lactide, , -caprolactone and trimethylene carbonate (PLA/PCA/PTMC 10/60/30) has also been studied. This coating solubilizes ibuprofen molecules well and can be used for braided sutures or when a rapid dose of ibuprofen is preferred. [source] Citizenship and The StatePHILOSOPHY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 6 2009M. Victoria Costa This study surveys debates on citizenship, the state, and the bases of political stability. The survey begins by presenting the primary sense of ,citizenship' as a legal status and the question of the sorts of political communities people can belong to as citizens. (Multi)nation-states are suggested as the main site of citizenship in the contemporary world, without ignoring the existence of alternative possibilities. Turning to discussions of citizen identity, the study shows that some of the discussion is motivated by a perceived need for citizens to have a sense of political belonging, on the assumption that such a sense promotes political activity and has other personal and social benefits. But there are serious problems with the strategy of understanding the relevant sense of belonging in terms of identification with the nation-state. The study explores a more promising way to generate this sense of belonging. First, societies should function, to a sufficiently high degree, in accord with political principles of justice and democratic decision making. Second, there should be a general consensus on political principles among citizens, as well as high levels of engagement in democratic deliberation. [source] Subsurface-gesteuerte CO2 -Selektivität von PdZn-Oberflächenlegierungen in der H2 -Erzeugung durch Methanoldampfreformierung,ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 18 2010Christoph Rameshan Trotz identischer Oberflächenzusammensetzung unterscheiden sich Multi- und Monolagenlegierungen von PdZn in ihrer geometrischen und elektronischen Struktur und in der Folge auch deutlich in ihrer katalytischen Selektivität. Die CO2 -selektive Multilagenlegierung weist PdZn-Oberflächenensembles mit ,Zn-außen/Pd-innen"-Korrugation auf, die als bifunktionelle aktive Zentren für die Wasser-Aktivierung und die Umsetzung von Methanol zu CO2 fungieren. Auf der Monolagenlegierung wird dagegen CO statt CO2 erzeugt. [source] Maleimide-Modified Phosphonium Ionic Liquids: A Template Towards (Multi)Task-Specific Ionic LiquidsCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 30 2010Jocelyn Abstract The synthesis and characterization of several compounds representing a new class of multitask-specific phosphonium ionic liquids that contain a maleimide functionality is reported. The maleimide moiety of the ionic liquid (IL) is shown to undergo Michael-type additions with substrates containing either a thiol or amine moiety, thus, serving as a template to introduce wide structural diversity into the IL. Multitask-specific ILs are accessible by reaction of the maleimide with Michael donors that are capable of serving some function. As a model example to illustrate this concept, a redox active ferrocenyl thiol was incorporated and examined by cyclic voltammetry. Because the maleimide moiety is highly reactive to additions, the task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) are prepared as the furan-protected Diels,Alder maleimide. The maleimide moiety can then be liberated when required by simple heating. [source] Reputation Formalization for an Information,Sharing Multi,Agent SystemCOMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Issue 4 2002Jonathan Carter We propose that through the formalization of concepts related to trust, a more accurate model of trust can be implemented. This paper presents a new model of trust that is based on the formalization of reputation. A multidisciplinary approach is taken to understanding the nature of trust and its relation to reputation. Through this approach, a practical definition of reputation is adopted from sociological contexts and a model of reputation is designed and presented. Reputation is defined as role fulfillment. To formalize reputation, it is necessary to formalize the expectations placed upon an agent within a particular multi,agent system (MAS). In this case, the agents are part of an information,sharing society. Five roles are defined along with the ways in which these roles are objectively fulfilled. Through the measurement of role fulfillment, a vector representing reputation can be developed. This vector embodies the magnitude of the reputation and describes the patterns of behavior associated with the direction of the vector. Experiments are conducted to verify the sensibility of the proposed models for role fulfillment and overall reputation. The simulation results show that the roles, defined for building reputation in an information,sharing MAS environment, react to different agent and user actions in a manner consistent with the formal definitions. [source] Negotiating the Semantics of Agent Communication LanguagesCOMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Issue 2 2002Chris Reed This article presents a formal framework and outlines a method that autonomous agents can use to negotiate the semantics of their communication language at run,time. Such an ability is needed in open multi,agent systems so that agents can ensure they understand the implications of the utterances that are being made and so that they can tailor the meaning of the primitives to best fit their prevailing circumstances. To this end, the semantic space framework provides a systematic means of classifying the primitives along multiple relevant dimensions. This classification can then be used by the agents to structure their negotiation (or semantic fixing) process so that they converge to the mutually agreeable semantics that are necessary for coherent social interactions. [source] The Impact of AIDS on Rural Households in Africa: A Shock Like Any Other?DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE, Issue 4 2002Carolyn Baylies In areas where HIV prevalence is high, household production can be significantly affected and the integrity of households compromised. Yet policy responses to the impact of HIV/AIDS have been muted in comparison to outcomes of other shocks, such as drought or complex political emergencies. This article looks at the reasons for the apparent under,reaction to AIDS, using data from Zambia, and examines recent calls to mitigate the effects of AIDS at household level. Critical consideration is directed at proposals relating to community safety nets, micro,finance and the mainstreaming of AIDS within larger poverty alleviation programmes. It is argued that effective initiatives must attend to the specific features of AIDS, incorporating both an assault on those inequalities which drive the epidemic and sensitivity to the staging of AIDS both across and within households. A multi,pronged approach is advocated which is addressed not just at mitigation or prevention, but also at emergency relief, rehabilitation and development. [source] Persecution of Indian ChristiansDIALOG, Issue 2 2002Lancy Lobo This article gives an account of the empirical, quantitative, descriptive, and distributive nature of persecutions of Christians in India during the last four years. It outlines some of the contentions of the persecutors and scrutinizes their validity given the character of Indian Christianity, which is not a homogenous entity. It discusses what it means to live and share the Good News in today's multicultural and multi,religious India. It suggests ways in which worldwide Christianity can maintain solidarity with Christians in India. [source] Seismic response of three-dimensional r/c multi-storey frame building under uni- and bi-directional input ground motionEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 12 2007Gennaro Magliulo Abstract This paper deals with seismic analysis of plan-asymmetric r/c frame multi-storey buildings. Non-linear numerical analyses are carried out by using a lumped plasticity model for beams and a multi-spring model for columns, the latter one introduced to account for axial force,biaxial bending moment interaction. A comparison between numerical analyses and experimental test results is reported in order to calibrate the numerical model, showing that the adopted model is very suitable. In order to study the effects of the earthquake orthogonal component, the seismic response of the modelled structure under uni-directional excitation is compared to the one under bi-directional excitation. Such comparison shows that the maximum base shear and the top displacement are not very sensitive to the presence of the orthogonal component, which, conversely, leads to large increase in the column plastic excursions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pricing Loans Using Default ProbabilitiesECONOMIC NOTES, Issue 2 2003Stuart M. Turnbull This paper examines the pricing of loans using the term structure of the probability of default over the life of the loan. We describe two methodologies for pricing loans. The first methodology uses the term structure of credit spreads to price a loan, after adjusting for the difference in recovery rates between bonds and loans. In loan origination, it is common practice to estimate the probability of default for a loan over a specified time horizon and the loss given default. The second methodology shows how to incorporate this information into the arbitrage free pricing of a loan. We also show how to derive an estimate of the credit spread due to liquidity risk. For both methodologies, we show how to calculate a break,even credit spread, taking into account the fee structure of a loan and the costs associated with the term structure of marginal economic capital. The break,even spread is the minimum spread for the loan to be EVA neutral in a multi,period setting. (J.E.L.: G12, G33). [source] Three method factors explaining the low correlations between assessment center dimension ratings and scores on personality inventories,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 2 2004Nanja J. Kolk In general, correlations between assessment centre (AC) ratings and personality inventories are low. In this paper, we examine three method factors that may be responsible for these low correlations: differences in (i) rating source (other versus self), (ii) rating domain (general versus specific), and (iii) rating format (multi- versus single item). This study tests whether these three factors diminish correlations between AC exercise ratings and external indicators of similar dimensions. Ratings of personality and performance were combined in an analytical framework following a 2,×,2,×,2 (source, domain, format) completely crossed, within subjects design. Results showed partial support for the influence of each of the three method factors. Implications for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] District magnitude, electoral formula, and the number of partiesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2001KENNETH BENOIT Duverger's propositions concerning the psychological and mechanical consequences of electoral rules have previously been examined mainly through the lens of district magnitude, comparing the properties of single,member district plurality elections with those of multimember proportional representation elections. The empirical consequences of multimember plurality (MMP) rules, on the other hand, have received scant attention. Theory suggests that the effect of district magnitude on the number and concentration of parties will differ with regard to whether the allocation rules are plurality,based or proportional. I test this theory by drawing on a uniquely large,sample dataset where district magnitude and electoral formula vary but the basic universe of political parties is held constant, applying regression analysis to data from several thousand Hungarian local bodies elected in 1994 consisting of municipal councils, county councils, and mayors. The results indicate that omitting the variable of electoral formula has the potential to cause significant bias in estimates of Duvergerian consequences of district magnitude. In addition, the analysis of multi,member plurality elections from the local election dataset reveals counter,intuitively that candidate and party entry may increase with district magnitude under MMP, suggesting important directions for future investigation of MMP rules. [source] Oxidation resistant aluminized MCrAlY coating prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS),ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2007D. Oquab NiCoCrAlYTa single and multi layered coatings on an AM3® nickel base superalloy have been fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). MCrAlY powder and Al foil were sintered on the superalloy in a single run SPS experiment The results reported in this paper open the way to faster development of new high temperature coatings with complex structure and composition. [source] Biosynthesis of the cyanobacterial reserve polymer multi-L-arginyl-poly-L-aspartic acid (cyanophycin)FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 17 2000Mechanism of the cyanophycin synthetase reaction studied with synthetic primers Biosynthesis of the cyanobacterial nitrogen reserve cyanophycin (multi- l -arginyl-poly- l -aspartic acid) is catalysed by cyanophycin synthetase, an enzyme that consists of a single kind of polypeptide. Efficient synthesis of the polymer requires ATP, the constituent amino acids aspartic acid and arginine, and a primer like cyanophycin. Using synthetic peptide primers, the course of the biosynthetic reaction was studied. The following results were obtained: (a) sequence analysis suggests that cyanophycin synthetase has two ATP-binding sites and hence probably two active sites; (b) the enzyme catalyses the formation of cyanophycin-like polymers of 25,30 kDa apparent molecular mass in vitro; (c) primers are elongated at their C-terminus; (d) the constituent amino acids are incorporated stepwise, in the order aspartic acid followed by arginine, into the growing polymer. A mechanism for the cyanophycin synthetase reaction is proposed; (e) the specificity of the enzyme for its amino-acid substrates was also studied. Glutamic acid cannot replace aspartic acid as the acidic amino acid, whereas lysine can replace arginine but is incorporated into cyanophycin at a much lower rate. [source] Thermal and Structural Characterizations of Individual Single-, Double-, and Multi-Walled Carbon NanotubesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 24 2009Michael T. Pettes Abstract Thermal conductance measurements of individual single- (S), double- (D), and multi- (M) walled (W) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown using thermal chemical vapor deposition between two suspended microthermometers are reported. The crystal structure of the measured CNT samples is characterized in detail using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal conductance, diameter, and chirality are all determined on the same individual SWCNT. The thermal contact resistance per unit length is obtained as 78,585,m,K,W,1 for three as-grown 10,14,nm diameter MWCNTs on rough Pt electrodes, and decreases by more than 2 times after the deposition of amorphous platinum,carbon composites at the contacts. The obtained intrinsic thermal conductivity of approximately 42,48, 178,336, and 269,343,W,m,1,K,1 at room-temperature for the three MWCNT samples correlates well with TEM-observed defects spaced approximately 13, 20, and 29,nm apart, respectively; whereas the effective thermal conductivity is found to be limited by the thermal contact resistance to be about 600,W,m,1,K,1 at room temperature for the as-grown DWCNT and SWCNT samples without the contact deposition. [source] The End of Violence and Introduction of ,Real' Politics: Tensions in Peaceful Northern IrelandGEOGRAFISKA ANNALER SERIES B: HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2001Arponen, Kaisa Kuusisto This article discusses contemporary developments in the Northern Ireland peace process, and pays particular attention to some of the main paths away from political violence towards ,real' politics. Even the peace process has left many tensions in Northern Ireland. The article focuses on the gap between formal governing or decision,making and everyday life in localities, and the role of geographical scales in the peace initiatives is touched upon. In particular, the Belfast Agreement and its effects on localities are assessed to illustrate some of the advances and drawbacks of the multi,level peace developments. By looking at the local context of Derry/Londonderry, this study shows how ambiguous the very existence of peace is in Northern Ireland: for international media there is peace in Northern Ireland, for local politicians ,yes, maybe', but for many locals ,no'. In the localities territoriality, secured boundaries and collective identities remain crucial elements of everyday life. [source] The Contours of Political Transformation and Conservation Areas in Southern AfricaGEOGRAPHY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2008Maano Ramutsindela Ecology and other conservation sciences have largely been preoccupied with the establishment, number, size and the functions of nature conservation areas around the globe. Beyond these concerns, nature conservation areas mirror complex interrelationships between society and the environment, and how those relationships are, or should be managed in various contexts. These interrelationships cannot appropriately be understood within the confines of disciplinary boundaries; they require multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives. The aim of this article is to illustrate that various categories of nature conservation areas, including protected areas, embody ideas about nature and how it should be governed in changing socio-economic conditions. The article draws on examples from southern Africa to argue that significant turns in strategies for protecting nature were made during periods of political transformation. It concludes that the gradation of protected areas, as a group of conservation areas, reflects different ways in which human activities are incorporated or marginalised in these areas. These processes are contingent on sociopolitical conditions. [source] Consultants, lawyers, and the ,union free' movement in the USA since the 1970sINDUSTRIAL RELATIONS JOURNAL, Issue 3 2002John Logan This paper provides a qualitative analysis of the services that the anti,union consultants and law firms have provided to American employers during the past three decades and an account of the campaign tactics of several ,superstars' of the union,free movement. It describes a multi,million dollar industry that has helped employers to circumvent the intent of federal labour law through a vast array of union,busting tactics, implemented before the union arrives and continuing until after it is defeated: tactics that are designed, at every juncture, to undermine employees' free choice of bargaining representatives. [source] Portfolio selection on the Madrid Exchange: a compromise programming modelINTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS IN OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2003E. Ballestero As a contribution to portfolio selection analysis, we develop a compromise programming approach to the investor's utility optimum on the Madrid Online Market. This approach derives from linkages between utility functions under incomplete information, Yu's compromise set, and certain biased sets of portfolios on the efficient frontier. These linkages rely on recent theorems in multi,criteria literature, which allow us to approximate the investor's utility optimum between bounds which are determined either by linear programming models or graphic techniques. Returns on 104 stocks are computed from capital gains and cash,flows, including dividends and rights offerings, over the period 1992,1997. The first step consists in normalizing the mean,variance efficient frontier, which is defined in terms of two indexes, profitability and safety. In the second step, interactive dialogues to elicit the investor's preferences for profitability and safety are described. In the third step, the utility optimum for each particular investor who pursues a buy,&,hold policy is bounded on the efficient frontier. From this step, a number of portfolios close to the investor's utility optimum are obtained. In the fourth step, compromise programming is used again to select one ,satisficing' portfolio from the set already bounded for each investor. This step is new with respect to previous papers in which compromise/utility models are employed. Computing processes are detailed in tables and figures which also display the numerical results. Extensions to active management policies are suggested. [source] Incentives, Discretion, and Asset Valuation in Closed,End Mutual FundsJOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING RESEARCH, Issue 4 2002Nandini Chandar This paper studies earnings management using 363 closed,end mutual fund firm,years of data. Closed,end fund assets consist of unrestricted and restricted securities, and realized and unrealized income. While unrestricted securities are not subject to earnings management, restricted security values are largely discretionary. Managerial valuation of restricted securities is modeled as contingent on unrestricted returns relative to a performance benchmark. Four unrestricted performance regions are identified. Known multi,period compensation incentives become the basis for hypothesizing earnings management behaviors in the regions in the form of restricted security valuation. Across several benchmarks, the results are consistent with multi,period maximization rather than simpler single,period compensation maximization or income smoothing. Funds with extreme unrestricted performance show relatively larger income,decreasing earnings management, and funds with slightly,below benchmark returns show relatively larger income,increasing earnings management than those slightly above. These results clarify the relationship between complex earnings management behavior and managerial incentives. [source] Spatial and ontogenetic variability in the microhabitat use of stream-dwelling spined loach (Cobitis taenia) and stone loach (Barbatula barbatula)JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 6 2004G. H. Copp Summary Ontogenetic and spatial variability in microhabitat use of spined loach Cobitis taenia (Linnaeus), considered as one species for the purposes of this study, and stone loach Barbatula barbatula (Linnaeus) were examined in the River Great Ouse basin, England, using multivariate and habitat suitability methods, including a technique for handling spatial variation in collections of preference curves. Distinct ordinations of spined age classes and stone loach developmental stages, respectively, in canonical correspondence analysis of species × variables × samples relationships suggest that the two species occupy completely different microhabitats; however, young-of-the-year spined loach occurred more often than expected with all developmental stages of stone loach except young larvae. Water velocity and filamentous algae were the most influential microhabitat variables, the latter decreasing in importance with increasing age of both fish species. Preferred water velocities generally decreased with age in spined loach and increased in stone loach, with substratum size generally increasing with fish age in both species. Spatial variation in microhabitat preferences was great in both species but less so in the spined loach, suggesting that limited plasticity in habitat use could account, at least in part, for the latter species' limited distribution and abundance in the catchment. Preference curves for a species, if generated and verified for all life intervals and all seasons, could be used as a management tool for a given stream or sector of river basin. But preference curves should be generated for each location to ensure that river management decisions with regard habitat and species conservation consider local-level species requirements. Thus, a multi-(eco)species and multi-scale approach is required in habitat suitability assessments. [source] Modification of cellulose fabrics with reactive polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes to improve their shape-memory performanceJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2010Kongliang Xie Abstract Reactive polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (R-POSS) containing multi- N -methylol is a functional and attractive staring monomer for new reinforcement materials. R-POSS has excellent potential as a nanosized core for starburst dendrimers and highly reactive multi- N -methylol. R-POSS can be used for cellulose fabric finishing to improve its shape-memory performance. Factors affecting the crosslinking reaction of the cellulose with R-POSS were investigated. The physical properties and morphological structure of the cellulose fabrics modified with R-POSS are discussed with respect to the crease recovery angle, the whiteness index, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the crease recovery angle of the fabric modified with R-POSS obviously increased. With increasing R-POSS concentration, the crease recovery angle of the modified fabric sharply increased. R-POSS readily crosslinked to cellulose and improved the elastic recovery of the cellulose fabrics. The surfaces of the cellulose fibers modified with R-POSS were smooth and full. The inclusion of R-POSS with dimethylol dihydroxyl ethylene urea to modify the cellulose showed very interesting results. It showed a good combination of an increase of crease recovery angle and a decrease in tensile strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Prediction of protein folding rates from primary sequences using hybrid sequence representationJOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2009Yingfu Jiang Abstract The ability to predict protein folding rates constitutes an important step in understanding the overall folding mechanisms. Although many of the prediction methods are structure based, successful predictions can also be obtained from the sequence. We developed a novel method called prediction of protein folding rates (PPFR), for the prediction of protein folding rates from protein sequences. PPFR implements a linear regression model for each of the mainstream folding dynamics including two-, multi-, and mixed-state proteins. The proposed method provides predictions characterized by strong correlations with the experimental folding rates, which equal 0.87 for the two- and multistate proteins and 0.82 for the mixed-state proteins, when evaluated with out-of-sample jackknife test. Based on in-sample and out-of-sample tests, the PPFR's predictions are shown to be better than most of other sequence only and structure-based predictors and complementary to the predictions of the most recent sequence-based QRSM method. We show that simultaneous incorporation of several characteristics, including the sequence, physiochemical properties of residues, and predicted secondary structure provides improved quality. This hybridized prediction model was analyzed to reveal the complementary factors that can be used in tandem to predict folding rates. We show that bigger proteins require more time for folding, higher helical and coil content and the presence of Phe, Asn, and Gln may accelerate the folding process, the inclusion of Ile, Val, Thr, and Ser may slow down the folding process, and for the two-state proteins increased ,-strand content may decelerate the folding process. Finally, PPFR provides strong correlation when predicting sequences with low similarity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009 [source] Improving the coordination efficiency of limited-communication multi,autonomus underwater vehicle operations using a multiagent architectureJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 4 2010Christopher C. Sotzing This research addresses the problem of coordinating multiple autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations. An intelligent mission executive has been created that uses multiagent technology to control and coordinate multiple AUVs in communication-deficient environments. By incorporating real-time vehicle prediction, blackboard-based hierarchical mission plans, mission optimization, and a distributed multiagent,based paradigm in conjunction with a simple broadcast communication system, this research aims to handle the limitations inherent in underwater operations, namely poor communication, and intelligently control multiple vehicles. In this research, efficiency is evaluated and then compared to the current state of the art in multiple AUV control. The research is then validated in real AUV coordination trials. Results will show that compared to the state of the art, the control system developed and implemented in this research coordinates multiple vehicles more efficiently and is able to function in a range of poor communication environments. These findings are supported by in-water validation trials with heterogeneous AUVs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Psychopathology in tuberous sclerosis: an overview and findings in a population-based sample of adults with tuberous sclerosisJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 8 2006A. Raznahan Abstract Background Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a multi- system disorder with complex genetics. The neurodevelopmental manifestations of TS are responsible for considerable morbidity. The prevalence of epilepsy and intellectual disabilities among individuals with TS have been well described. Ours is the first study that explores the prevalence and pattern of psychopathology in a population-based sample of adults with TS. Methods Sixty subjects were identified through a capture,recapture analysis of TS. Information was gathered as to seizure history, cognitive functioning (WISC-III) and psychopathology (SADS-L, SAPPA). Lifetime psychopathology was categorized according to Research Diagnostic Criteria. The overall pattern of mental illness (MI) was examined as well as how this varied with IQ and seizure history. Results Twenty-four (40.0%) subjects had a history of MI. The most common diagnosis was that of an affective disorder [18 (30.0%)], the majority of which were major depressive episodes. Alcoholism [4 (6.7%)] and anxiety disorders [3 (5.0%)] were the next most common diagnoses. Two (3.3%) subjects had had a tic disorder. Only one individual had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. MI was found in 75.0% of those with a history of epilepsy and 37.5% of those without epilepsy. MI was significantly more prevalent in those with a full-scale IQ above 70. Conclusions A significant proportion of adult with TS experience MI. MI was significantly less prevalent in subjects with a full-scale IQ above 70. Reasons for such a finding are explored, and related methodological considerations for future research outlined. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||