Influence of Al2O3 nanoparticles on the isothermal cure of an epoxy resin

in Journal of Physics : Condensed Matter (2009), 21

The influence of Al2O3 nanoparticles on the curing of an epoxy thermoset based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A was investigated using temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) and ... [more ▼]

The influence of Al2O3 nanoparticles on the curing of an epoxy thermoset based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A was investigated using temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) and rheology. Diethylene triamine was used as a hardener. TMDSC not only allows for a systematic study of the kinetics of cure but simultaneously gives access to the evolution of the specific heat capacities of the thermosets. The technique thus provides insight into the glass transition behaviour of the nanocomposites and hence makes it possible to shed some light on the interaction between the nanoparticles and the polymer matrix. The Al2O3 fillers are shown to accelerate the growth of macromolecules upon isothermal curing. Several mechanisms which possibly could be responsible for the acceleration are described. As a result of the faster network growth chemical vitrification occurs at earlier times in the filled thermosets and the specific reaction heat decreases with increasing nanoparticle concentration. Rheologic measurements of the zero-shear viscosity confirm the faster growth of the macromolecules in the presence of the nanoparticles. [less ▲]

An integrated approach to improved toxicity prediction for the safety assessment during preclinical drug development using Hep G2 cells.

in Toxicology and applied pharmacology (2009), 237(2), 221-31

Efficient and accurate safety assessment of compounds is extremely important in the preclinical development of drugs especially when hepatotoxicity is in question. Multiparameter and time resolved assays ... [more ▼]

Efficient and accurate safety assessment of compounds is extremely important in the preclinical development of drugs especially when hepatotoxicity is in question. Multiparameter and time resolved assays are expected to greatly improve the prediction of toxicity by assessing complex mechanisms of toxicity. An integrated approach is presented in which Hep G2 cells and primary rat hepatocytes are compared in frequently used cytotoxicity assays for parent compound toxicity. The interassay variability was determined. The cytotoxicity assays were also compared with a reliable alternative time resolved respirometric assay. The set of training compounds consisted of well known hepatotoxins; amiodarone, carbamazepine, clozapine, diclofenac, tacrine, troglitazone and verapamil. The sensitivity of both cell systems in each tested assay was determined. Results show that careful selection of assay parameters and inclusion of a kinetic time resolved assay improves prediction for non-metabolism mediated toxicity using Hep G2 cells as indicated by a sensitivity ratio of 1. The drugs with EC(50) values 100 microM or lower were considered toxic. The difference in the sensitivity of the two cell systems to carbamazepine which causes toxicity via reactive metabolites emphasizes the importance of human cell based in-vitro assays. Using the described system, primary rat hepatocytes do not offer advantage over the Hep G2 cells in parent compound toxicity evaluation. Moreover, respiration method is non invasive, highly sensitive and allows following the time course of toxicity. Respiration assay could serve as early indicator of changes that subsequently lead to toxicity. [less ▲]

Severe muscular fasciculations as an uncommon side-effect due to microdefect of an extension wire in deep brain stimulation.

in Movement Disorders (2009), 24(14), 2161-2

Single-modality memory mixing in temporal generalization: An effect due to instructional ambiguity.

in NeuroQuantology (2009), 7

Two experiments investigated the effect of encoding two standard intervals on the performance in a temporal generalization task. Previous research has suggested that when individuals compare current time ... [more ▼]

Two experiments investigated the effect of encoding two standard intervals on the performance in a temporal generalization task. Previous research has suggested that when individuals compare current time intervals with a standard encoded within both the auditory and the visual modality, they apparently use both the auditorily and the visually encoded standard for comparison so that each interval was compared with a “mixture” of both standard representations. However, the results of this study showed that memory mixing also happened within a pure visual modality. Moreover, it could be shown that the occurrence of memory mixing depended on instructional ambiguity. If in the training phase both standard durations were erroneously declared to be the same, memory mixing did occur in the testing phase. If, however, both standard durations were described as being different, memory mixing was not observed. [less ▲]

A meta-analysis of the prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation in chronic heart failure.

in European journal of heart failure (2009), 11(7), 676-83

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the commonest sustained arrhythmias in chronic heart failure (CHF), although the prognostic implications of the presence of AF in CHF remain controversial. We have ... [more ▼]

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the commonest sustained arrhythmias in chronic heart failure (CHF), although the prognostic implications of the presence of AF in CHF remain controversial. We have therefore performed this meta-analysis to study the effects of the presence of AF on mortality in CHF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic MEDLINE search for all randomized trials and observational studies in which the influence of AF on CHF mortality was investigated and meta-analysis of the mortality data was performed. A total of 16 studies were identified of which 7 were randomized trials and 9 were observational studies including 30,248 and 23,721 patients, respectively. An adjusted meta-analysis of the data revealed that the presence of AF is associated with an adverse effect on total mortality with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.40 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-1.48, P < 0.0001] in randomized trials and an OR of 1.14 (95% CI 1.03-1.26, P < 0.05) in observational studies. This increase in mortality associated with the presence of AF was observed in subgroups of CHF patients with both preserved and impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic function. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 53,969 patients suggests that the presence of AF is associated with an adverse prognosis in CHF irrespective of LV systolic function. [less ▲]

Accurate molecular van der Waals interactions from ground-state electron density and free-atom reference data

in Physical Review Letters (2009), 102(7),

We present a parameter-free method for an accurate determination of long-range van der Waals interactions from mean-field electronic structure calculations. Our method relies on the summation of ... [more ▼]

We present a parameter-free method for an accurate determination of long-range van der Waals interactions from mean-field electronic structure calculations. Our method relies on the summation of interatomic C6 coefficients, derived from the electron density of a molecule or solid and accurate reference data for the free atoms. The mean absolute error in the C6 coefficients is 5.5% when compared to accurate experimental values for 1225 intermolecular pairs, irrespective of the employed exchange-correlation functional. We show that the effective atomic C6 coefficients depend strongly on the bonding environment of an atom in a molecule. Finally, we analyze the van der Waals radii and the damping function in the C6R-6 correction method for density-functional theory calculations. © 2009 The American Physical Society. [less ▲]

Bridging the gap between growth theory and the new economic geo-graphy : The spatial Ramsey model

in Macroeconomic Dynamics (2009), 13(1), 20-45

We study a Ramsey problem in in¯nite and continuous time and space. The problem is discounted both temporally and spatially. Capital flows to locations with higher marginal return. We show that the ... [more ▼]

We study a Ramsey problem in in¯nite and continuous time and space. The problem is discounted both temporally and spatially. Capital flows to locations with higher marginal return. We show that the problem amounts to optimal control of parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs). We rely on the existing related mathematical literature to derive the Pontryagin conditions. Using explicit representations of the solutions to the PDEs, we first show that the resulting dynamic system gives rise to an ill-posed problem in the sense of Hadamard (1923). We then turn to the spatial Ramsey problem with linear utility. The obtained properties are significantly different from those of the non-spatial linear Ramsey model due to the spatial dynamics induced by capital mobility. [less ▲]

Тілесна пам’ять: імміґрантські організації та родина (вступ до проблеми)

in East/West: Journal of Ukrainian Studies (2009)

Fichte dem Buchstaben nach auslegen: Selbst-Lektüre bei Jean Paul

in Jahrbuch der Jean-Paul-Gesellschaft (2009), 44(^), 113140

Funzione gestionale del contratto collettivo e rappresentatività sindacale

in Il Lavoro nella Giurisprudenza (2009)

Book review. Debating Diversity: Analysing the discourse of tolerance. J. Blommaert and J. Verschueren (1998).

in Discourse Studies (2009), 2(1), 121-122

Sprache und Geschlecht. Wege und Abwege eines soziolinguistischen Forschungsparadigmas

in LGV-Info (2009), 2

Abusing SIP authentication

in Journal of Information Assurance and Security (2009), 4

The recent and massive deployment of Voice over IP infrastructures had raised the importance of the VoIP security and more precisely of the underlying signalisation protocol SIP. In this paper, we will ... [more ▼]

The recent and massive deployment of Voice over IP infrastructures had raised the importance of the VoIP security and more precisely of the underlying signalisation protocol SIP. In this paper, we will present a new attack against the authentication mechanism of SIP. This attack allows to perform toll fraud and call hijacking. We will detail the formal specification method that allowed to detect this vulnerability, highlight a simple usage case and propose a mitigation technique. [less ▲]

On the Asymptotic Optimality of Opportunistic Norm-based User Selection with Hard SINR Constraint

in EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing (2009)

Intensive blood glucose control is safe and effective in diabetic cats using home monitoring and treatment with glargine

in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2009), 11(8), 668-682

Human diabetic patients routinely self-adjust their insulin dose using a protocol and home monitoring, and perform equally well or outperform physician directed adjustments. The objective of this study ... [more ▼]

Human diabetic patients routinely self-adjust their insulin dose using a protocol and home monitoring, and perform equally well or outperform physician directed adjustments. The objective of this study was to report the outcome of home monitoring of diabetic cats by owners using a protocol aimed at achieving euglycaemia, using ultra-low carbohydrate diets (< or =10% metabolisable energy) and the insulin analogue glargine for >10 weeks and/or until remission was achieved. Fifty-five cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, whose owners joined the online German Diabetes-Katzen Forum, were included. An overall remission rate of 64% was achieved in the cohort. Significantly higher remission rates were observed if good glycaemic control was achieved soon after diagnosis: 84% for cats started on the protocol within 6 months of diagnosis went into remission, and only 35% for cats that began more than 6 months after diagnosis (P<0.001). Only one mild clinical hypoglycaemic episode occurred observed despite tight blood glucose control. In conclusion, intensive blood glucose control is safe and effective in diabetic cats using home monitoring and treatment with glargine. [less ▲]

Characterization of the microglial phenotype under specific pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory conditions: Effects of oligomeric and fibrillar amyloid-beta

in Journal of Neuroimmunology (2009), 210(1-2), 3-12

M1 and M2 are the extremes of the differentiation spectrum of activated macrophages. Since microglia are members of the same cell lineage, we have characterized their transcription profile and their ... [more ▼]

M1 and M2 are the extremes of the differentiation spectrum of activated macrophages. Since microglia are members of the same cell lineage, we have characterized their transcription profile and their phagocytic activity under different conditions. LPS or IFN-gamma induce a M1-like phenotype, while IL-10 or IL-4 differentiate microglia towards a M2-deactivated or M2-alternatively-activated phenotype respectively. These differentiation processes also affect the Notch pathway. In order to study the polarization induced by Abeta, microglia was stimulated with different forms of the peptide. The oligomeric Abeta is a stronger M1-inductor than the fibrillar form. Moreover, a cytokine-induced anti-inflammatory environment reduces the microglial reactivity towards oligomeric Abeta. [less ▲]

Quasi-Fuchsian manifolds with particles

in Journal of Differential Geometry (2009), 83(1), 75-129

We consider 3-dimensional hyperbolic cone-manifolds, singular along infinite lines, which are ``convex co-compact'' in a natural sense. We prove an infinitesimal rigidity statement when the angle around ... [more ▼]

We consider 3-dimensional hyperbolic cone-manifolds, singular along infinite lines, which are ``convex co-compact'' in a natural sense. We prove an infinitesimal rigidity statement when the angle around the singular lines is less than $\pi$: any first-order deformation changes either one of those angles or the conformal structure at infinity, with marked points corresponding to the endpoints of the singular lines. Moreover, any small variation of the conformal structure at infinity and of the singular angles can be achieved by a unique small deformation of the cone-manifold structure. [less ▲]

Mixing Behavior and Interphase Formation in the Diethylene Triamine-Water System Studied by Optical Imaging and Spatially Resolved Brillouin Scattering

in Journal of Physical Chemistry B (2009), 113(38), 12655-12662

The injection of water beneath liquid diethylene triamine in a glass cuvette leads to an unexpected phase evolution behavior of the two liquids. The space and time dependent developments of the molecular ... [more ▼]

The injection of water beneath liquid diethylene triamine in a glass cuvette leads to an unexpected phase evolution behavior of the two liquids. The space and time dependent developments of the molecular structure and the underlying transport associated with mixing of the two liquids are monitored by optical imaging and scanning Brillouin microscopy. Apparently, results obtained by either experimental technique lead to disparate interpretations. Whereas optical imaging suggests the existence of a two phase structure, which disappears within a few hours, acoustic microscopy indicates the evolution of a more gradually evolving and longer-lived three phase structure. According to molecular acoustics, the transport of diethylene triamine into water and vice versa behaves strongly asymmetric in time. An attempt is made to reconcile the observed optical and acoustic manifestations of the mixing process on the basis of molecular complex formation. [less ▲]

Reachability analysis of continuous-time piecewise affine systems

in Automatica (2008), 44(12), 3189-3194

This paper proposes an algorithm for the characterization of reachable sets of states for continuous-time piecewise affine systems. Given a model of the system and a bounded set of possible initial states ... [more ▼]

This paper proposes an algorithm for the characterization of reachable sets of states for continuous-time piecewise affine systems. Given a model of the system and a bounded set of possible initial states, the algorithm employs an LMI approach to compute both upper and lower bounds on reachable regions. Rather than performing computations in the state-space, this method uses impact maps to find the reachable sets on the switching surfaces of the system. This tool can then be used to deduce safety and performance results about the system. [less ▲]

Wie Frauen und Männer "Bewegung" lernen: Gibt es eine Geschlechtertypik in der Nutzung von Lernstrategien?

in Leipziger Sportwissenschaftliche Beiträge (2008), 50(2), 95-119

National judges, Community judges: Invitation to a Journey Through the Looking-Glass. On the need for jurisdictions to Rethink the Intersystemic Relations Beyond the Hierarchical Principles

in European Law Journal (2008), 14(6), 693-717

The historical conflict between the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and the national constitutional courts regarding primacy is a misunderstanding. In going through the looking-glass, we can understand ... [more ▼]

The historical conflict between the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and the national constitutional courts regarding primacy is a misunderstanding. In going through the looking-glass, we can understand that, on the contrary, the ECJ and the national constitutional courts adopt comparable solutions in their treatment of legal pluralism, and that they see the negation of pluralism as essential for the survival of their own legal orders. Therefore, these judges must be offered a new theoretical context to help them reconcile their role as supreme guardian with the taking into account of the pluralist context. Finally, practical proposals must be made to give judges the instruments and techniques that are capable of reflecting this plural structure. [less ▲]

Experiences of Evaluating Presence in Augmented Realities

in PsychNology Journal (2008), 6(2), 157-163

This paper presents an overview of a study of 24 people who used an augmented reality game called TimeWarp. The paper initially discusses the game and evaluation methods chosen, it then explores emerging ... [more ▼]

This paper presents an overview of a study of 24 people who used an augmented reality game called TimeWarp. The paper initially discusses the game and evaluation methods chosen, it then explores emerging issues from the evaluation which are applicable to other augmented reality games and how existing user testing methods require further improvements in order to capture data relevant to the issues. [less ▲]

Necessary and sufficient conditions for dynamical structure reconstruction of LTI networks

in IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control (2008), 53(7), 1670-1674

This paper formulates and solves the network reconstruction problem for linear time-invariant systems. The problem is motivated from a variety of disciplines, but it has recently received considerable ... [more ▼]

This paper formulates and solves the network reconstruction problem for linear time-invariant systems. The problem is motivated from a variety of disciplines, but it has recently received considerable attention from the systems biology community in the study of chemical reaction networks. Here, we demonstrate that even when a transfer function can be identified perfectly from input–output data, not even Boolean reconstruction is possible, in general, without more information about the system.We then completely characterize this additional information that is essential for dynamical reconstruction without appeal to ad-hoc assumptions about the network, such as sparsity or minimality. [less ▲]

System reliability and weighted lattice polynomials

in Probability in the Engineering and Informational Sciences (2008), 22(3), 373-388

The lifetime of a system of connected units under some natural assumptions can be represented as a random variable Y defined as a weighted lattice polynomial of random lifetimes of its components. As such ... [more ▼]

The lifetime of a system of connected units under some natural assumptions can be represented as a random variable Y defined as a weighted lattice polynomial of random lifetimes of its components. As such, the concept of a random variable Y defined by a weighted lattice polynomial of (lattice-valued) random variables is considered in general and in some special cases. The central object of interest is the cumulative distribution function of Y. In particular, numerous results are obtained for lattice polynomials and weighted lattice polynomials in case of independent arguments and in general. For the general case, the technique consists in considering the joint probability generating function of "indicator" variables. A connection is studied between Y and order statistics of the set of arguments. [less ▲]

Analysis and framework-based design of a fault-tolerant web information system for m-health

in Service Oriented Computing and Applications (2008), 2(2-3), 111-144

Computational representation and hemodynamic characterization of in vivo acquired severe stenotic renal artery geometries using turbulence modeling

in Medical Engineering and Physics (2008), 30(5), 647-660

The present study reports on computational fluid dynamics in the case of severe renal artery stenosis (RAS). An anatomically realistic model of a renal artery was reconstructed from CT scans, and used to ... [more ▼]

The present study reports on computational fluid dynamics in the case of severe renal artery stenosis (RAS). An anatomically realistic model of a renal artery was reconstructed from CT scans, and used to conduct CFD simulations of blood flow across RAS. The recently developed Shear Stress Transport turbulence model was pivotally applied in the simulation of blood flow in the region of interest. Blood flow was studied in vivo under the presence of RAS and subsequently in simulated cases before the development of RAS, and after endovascular stent implantation. The pressure gradients in the RAS case were many orders of magnitude larger than in the healthy case. The presence of RAS increased flow resistance, which led to considerably lower blood flow rates. A simulated stent in place of the RAS decreased the flow resistance at levels proportional to, and even lower than, the simulated healthy case without the RAS. The wall shear stresses, differential pressure profiles, and net forces exerted on the surface of the atherosclerotic plaque at peak pulse were shown to be of relevant high distinctiveness, so as to be considered potential indicators of hemodynamically significant RAS. [less ▲]

Distribution functions of linear combinations of lattice polynomials from the uniform distribution

in Statistics and Probability Letters (2008), 78(8), 985-991

We give the distribution functions, the expected values, and the moments of linear combinations of lattice polynomials from the uniform distribution. Linear combinations of lattice polynomials, which ... [more ▼]

We give the distribution functions, the expected values, and the moments of linear combinations of lattice polynomials from the uniform distribution. Linear combinations of lattice polynomials, which include weighted sums, linear combinations of order statistics, and lattice polynomials, are actually those continuous functions that reduce to linear functions on each simplex of the standard triangulation of the unit cube. They are mainly used in aggregation theory, combinatorial optimization, and game theory, where they are known as discrete Choquet integrals and Lovász extensions. [less ▲]

Hellsichtige Blindheit. Zur vermeintlichen sozialwissenschaftlichen Wende der sozialpädagogischen Theorie

in Widersprueche (2008), 108

Es ist eine im wissenschaftlichen Feld der Sozialen Arbeit inzwischen gängige Meinung, die eigene Wissensproduktion als 'sozialwissenschaftlich gewendet' zu bezeichnen (vgl. bspw. Gängler 1995, S. 29 ... [more ▼]

Es ist eine im wissenschaftlichen Feld der Sozialen Arbeit inzwischen gängige Meinung, die eigene Wissensproduktion als 'sozialwissenschaftlich gewendet' zu bezeichnen (vgl. bspw. Gängler 1995, S. 29; Niemeyer 2003, S. 22). Diese Einschätzung soll im Rahmen des vorliegenden Beitrags angezweifelt werden. Wir beziehen uns dabei insbesondere auf den Schauplatz der sozialpädagogischen Theoriebildung. Unsere These lautet: Die aktuelle Theoriediskussion der Sozialen Arbeit zeichnet sich durch einen Modus der Argumentation aus, der sich 'ontologisch' plausibilisiert. Gelingt es, diese These zu untermauern, so stellt dies u. E. entschieden die herrschende Meinung zur Sozialwissenschaftlichkeit der Wissensproduktion in der Sozialen Arbeit in Frage. [less ▲]

Untersuchung des Einflusses von Sanden auf den Wasser- und Fließmittelanspruch von selbstverdichtenden Mörteln.

in beton (2008)

Multivariate integration of functions depending explicitly on the minimum and the maximum of the variables

in Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications (2008), 341(1), 200-210

By using some basic calculus of multiple integration, we provide an alternative expression of the integral $$ \int_{]a,b[^n} f(\mathbf{x},\min x_i,\max x_i) \, d\mathbf{x}, $$ in which the minimum and the ... [more ▼]

By using some basic calculus of multiple integration, we provide an alternative expression of the integral $$ \int_{]a,b[^n} f(\mathbf{x},\min x_i,\max x_i) \, d\mathbf{x}, $$ in which the minimum and the maximum are replaced with two single variables. We demonstrate the usefulness of that expression in the computation of orness and andness average values of certain aggregation functions. By generalizing our result to Riemann-Stieltjes integrals, we also provide a method for the calculation of certain expected values and distribution functions. [less ▲]

Work fluctuations in quantum spin chains

in Physical Review. E ,Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics (2008), 77(5),

L’invocabilité des accords OMC tributaire du régime juridique des accords mixtes : à propos de l’arrêt Merck Genéricos-Produtos Farmacêuticos Lda de la Cour de justice, du 11 septembre 2007

in Revue du Marché Commun et de l'Union Européenne (2008)

Activation and Local Welfare in Italy: Trends and Issues

in Social Policy and Administration (2008), 42(2), 143-159

This article deals with the development of local welfare in Italy and is grounded on a research project focusing on activation as a main feature of change in Italian social policies. Along with ... [more ▼]

This article deals with the development of local welfare in Italy and is grounded on a research project focusing on activation as a main feature of change in Italian social policies. Along with decentralization processes, many Italian regions have been acting as policy laboratories, developing and testing very different approaches according to their political attitude. On the one hand this results in a fragmented policy landscape which is difficult to recompose, and, moreover, in growing inequalities in the Italian welfare system. On the other hand, it opens opportunities for experimentation on institutional and organizational structures on a regional scale, creating a variety of practices for research and policy analysis. In the article we first describe the main trends in national social policies, with a specific focus on the dynamics of change referring to activation. We will then focus on a pilot programme which is aiming at the promotion and implementation of innovative practices in health and social care services in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a region in which there is a significant orientation towards enhancing social citizenship and enforcing the central position of the public actor. We investigate how the dynamics of territorialization and personalization, implied by the programme, trigger specific logics and practices of activation. Finally, referring to this case study, we propose an analytical overview of some relevant issues in the development of ‘local active welfare’ in Italy. [less ▲]

Como hombres y mujeres aprenden movimientos autodirigidamente: Diferencias de genero en la utilización de las estrtategias del aprendizaje.

in Revista de Psicología del Deporte (2008), 17(1), 71-83

The roles of "face" and "non-face" areas during individual face perception: Evidence by fmri adaptation in a brain-damaged prosopagnosic patient

in NeuroImage (2008), 40(1), 318-332

Two regions in the human occipito-temporal cortex respond preferentially to faces: 'the fusiform face area' ('FFA') and the 'occipital face area' ('OFA'). Whether these areas have a dominant or exclusive ... [more ▼]

Two regions in the human occipito-temporal cortex respond preferentially to faces: 'the fusiform face area' ('FFA') and the 'occipital face area' ('OFA'). Whether these areas have a dominant or exclusive role in face perception, or if sub-maximal responses in other visual areas such as the lateral occipital complex (LOC) are also involved, is currently debated. To shed light on this issue, we tested normal participants and PS, a well-known brain-damaged patient presenting a face-selective perception deficit (prosopagnosia) [Rossion, B., Caldara, R., Seghier, M., Schuller, A. M., Lazeyras, F., Mayer, E. (2003). A network of occipito-temporal face-sensitive areas besides the right middle fusiform gyrus is necessary for normal face processing. Brain 126 2381-2395.], with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Of particular interest, the right hemisphere lesion of the patient PS encompasses the 'OFA' but preserves the 'FFA' and LOC [Sorger, B., Goebel, R., Schiltz, C., Rossion, B. (2007). Understanding the functional neuroanatomy of acquired prosopagnosia. NeuroImage 35, 836-852.]. Using fMRI-adaptation, we found a dissociation between the coding of individual exemplars in the structurally intact 'FFA', which was impaired for faces but preserved for objects in the patient PS's brain. Most importantly, a larger response to different faces than repeated faces was found in the ventral part of the LOC both for normals and the patient, next to the right hemisphere lesion. Thus, following prosopagnosia, areas that do not respond preferentially to faces such as the ventral part of the LOC (vLOC) may still be recruited for compensatory or residual individual face perception. Overall, these observations indicate that several high-level visual areas in the human brain contribute to individual face perception. However, a subset of these areas in the right hemisphere, those responding preferentially to faces ('FFA' and 'OFA'), appear to be critical for this function. [less ▲]

Yes and PI3K bind CD95 to signal invasion of glioblastoma.

in Cancer Cell (2008), 13

Invasion of surrounding brain tissue by isolated tumor cells represents one of the main obstacles to a curative therapy of glioblastoma multiforme. Here we unravel a mechanism regulating glioma ... [more ▼]

Invasion of surrounding brain tissue by isolated tumor cells represents one of the main obstacles to a curative therapy of glioblastoma multiforme. Here we unravel a mechanism regulating glioma infiltration. Tumor interaction with the surrounding brain tissue induces CD95 Ligand expression. Binding of CD95 Ligand to CD95 on glioblastoma cells recruits the Src family member Yes and the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to CD95, which signal invasion via the glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta pathway and subsequent expression of matrix metalloproteinases. In a murine syngeneic model of intracranial GBM, neutralization of CD95 activity dramatically reduced the number of invading cells. Our results uncover CD95 as an activator of PI3K and, most importantly, as a crucial trigger of basal invasion of glioblastoma in vivo. [less ▲]

"Der Anfang vom Ende ist immer diskret". Von Enzensbergers "Kursbuch" zum "Untergang der Titanic"

in Der Deutschunterricht: Beiträge zu seiner Praxis und wissenschaftlichen Grundlegung (2008), 1

MicroRNAs control de novo DNA methylation through regulation of transcriptional repressors in mouse embryonic stem cells

in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology (2008), 15(3), 259-67

Loss of microRNA (miRNA) pathway components negatively affects differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. Here we characterize changes in ... [more ▼]

Loss of microRNA (miRNA) pathway components negatively affects differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. Here we characterize changes in mouse ES cells lacking Dicer (Dicer1). Transcriptome analysis of Dicer-/- cells indicates that the ES-specific miR-290 cluster has an important regulatory function in undifferentiated ES cells. Consistently, many of the defects in Dicer-deficient cells can be reversed by transfection with miR-290 family miRNAs. We demonstrate that Oct4 (also known as Pou5f1) silencing in differentiating Dicer-/- ES cells is accompanied by accumulation of repressive histone marks but not by DNA methylation, which prevents the stable repression of Oct4. The methylation defect correlates with downregulation of de novo DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts). The downregulation is mediated by Rbl2 and possibly other transcriptional repressors, potential direct targets of miR-290 cluster miRNAs. The defective DNA methylation can be rescued by ectopic expression of de novo Dnmts or by transfection of the miR-290 cluster miRNAs, indicating that de novo DNA methylation in ES cells is controlled by miRNAs. [less ▲]

European Exceptionalism in International Law

in European Journal of International Law (2008), 19(3), 463-490

For Member States of the European Union, participation in this supranational organization has increased the number of diffi culties in the international arena. Occasionally, the expanding legislative ... [more ▼]

For Member States of the European Union, participation in this supranational organization has increased the number of diffi culties in the international arena. Occasionally, the expanding legislative activity of the European institutions reaches out beyond the borders of the European legal system and incidentally affects the EU Member States ’ autonomous relations with third parties. Consequently the EU and its members, often with success, seek third parties ’ consent to exceptional treatment. Because of their number and significance, such derogations have inspired this article to inquire into their expansion and legal status under international law. Even though the EU-related exceptions have not created an international customary rule, the article observes that European integration shapes international rules in diverse fi elds and adjusts them to its needs. Since European integration is designed to administerand regulate an increasing number of issues, the autonomous international obligations of the EU Member States may become an obstacle. Because the European Union is likely to continue using special treatment in the future, it is important to assess how far the supranational exception can go in order to accommodate all interests at stake. [less ▲]

Spaceborne gravimetry and gravity field recovery

in Canadian Aeronautics and Space Journal (2008), 53(3/4), 65--75

As an integrated signal of mass transition and distribution, the Earth's gravity senses the inner and outer mass balance of the Earth. However gravity cannot be measured directly in space but can be ... [more ▼]

As an integrated signal of mass transition and distribution, the Earth's gravity senses the inner and outer mass balance of the Earth. However gravity cannot be measured directly in space but can be derived from other measurements obtained by space vehicles. The dedicated gravity field satellite missions CHAMP, GRACE, and GOCE serve as spaceborne gravimeters by utilizing satellite-to-satellite tracking (SST) and satellite gravity gradiometry (SGG) techniques. In this decade of the geopotentials, these missions will serve different purposes with particular spatial and spectral resolutions. This paper introduces the usefulness of these missions, their impacts on the geosciences the measurement principles, and their implementations. These space sensors will provide a significant number of observations during their mission lifespans. Therefore, global gravity field recovery is a computationally demanding task. Several approaches aimed at this goal are discussed, namely the brute-force approach, the space-wise approach, the time-wise approach, and the proposed torus-based semi-analytical approach. The paper addresses the characteristics of each approach and focuses mainly on the torus-based semi-analytical approach, which can be used to derive the gravity field from any geopotential functional. In this approach, the structure of the normal matrix becomes block-diagonal which leads to a powerful and efficient recovery tool through the use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT). Important issues such as downward continuation, interpolation methods, and regularization approaches are also discussed. To demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the torus-based semi-analytical approach of gravity field determination in spaceborne gravimetry, disturbing potential data from CHAMP and GRACE and simulated GOCE gravity gradient tensor data are processed. [less ▲]

Approximations of Lovász extensions and their induced interaction index

in Discrete Applied Mathematics (2008), 156(1), 11-24

The Lovász extension of a pseudo-Boolean function f : {0,1}^n --> R is defined on each simplex of the standard triangulation of [0,1]^n as the unique affine function \hat f : [0,1]^n --> R that ... [more ▼]

The Lovász extension of a pseudo-Boolean function f : {0,1}^n --> R is defined on each simplex of the standard triangulation of [0,1]^n as the unique affine function \hat f : [0,1]^n --> R that interpolates f at the n+1 vertices of the simplex. Its degree is that of the unique multilinear polynomial that expresses f. In this paper we investigate the least squares approximation problem of an arbitrary Lovász extension \hat f by Lovász extensions of (at most) a specified degree. We derive explicit expressions of these approximations. The corresponding approximation problem for pseudo-Boolean functions was investigated by Hammer and Holzman and then solved explicitly by Grabisch, Marichal, and Roubens, giving rise to an alternative definition of Banzhaf interaction index. Similarly we introduce a new interaction index from approximations of \hat f and we present some of its properties. It turns out that its corresponding power index identifies with the power index introduced by Grabisch and Labreuche. [less ▲]

Stimulus und Kognition : Zur Aktivierung mentaler Raumbilder

in Linguistik Online (2008), 35(3/08), 55-86

Werden Raucher von Warnhinweisen auf Zigarettenschachteln beeinflusst? Eine sozialpsychologische Perspektive

in Zeitschrift für Sozialmanagement = Journal of Social Management (2008), 6

Agentic extraversion as a predictor of effort-related cardiovascular response

in Biological Psychology (2008), 78(2), 191-199

Les « comportements normatifs » des seniors dans le recours aux psychotropes

in Interrogations (2008), 6

Confrontés aux premiers signes de l’avancée en âge, les seniors s'efforcent de conserver une image valorisante d'eux-mêmes et de continuer à faire face aux contraintes familiales, sociales et ... [more ▼]

Confrontés aux premiers signes de l’avancée en âge, les seniors s'efforcent de conserver une image valorisante d'eux-mêmes et de continuer à faire face aux contraintes familiales, sociales et professionnelles qui sont les leurs. Le recours à des substances psychoactives est, pour certains, indubitablement lié à cette situation inconfortable et stressante. Ce travail explore les différents aspects et motifs de la consommation de psychotropes déclarés par les seniors hommes et les femmes. Il tente de mettre en évidence les différentes facettes du caractère normatif de leurs discours et de leurs comportements dans leur volonté de combattre les effets du vieillissement et celle de vouloir rester performant. [less ▲]

Economic Development and Environmental Quality: A Reassessment in Light of Nature's Self-Regeneration Capacity

in Ecological Economics (2008), 66(2-3), 371-378

Photoluminescence and Raman spectra of the ordered vacancy compound CuGa5Se8

in Physica B. Condensed Matter (2008)

We studied the photoluminescence (PL) and Raman properties of the ordered defect compound CuGa5Se8. Twelve peaks were detected from the room-temperature Raman spectra with the A1 mode around 160 cm-1. Due ... [more ▼]

We studied the photoluminescence (PL) and Raman properties of the ordered defect compound CuGa5Se8. Twelve peaks were detected from the room-temperature Raman spectra with the A1 mode around 160 cm-1. Due to the stress in the polycrystalline thin film the corresponding frequencies of the Raman modes of a CuGa5Se8 single crystal were slightly shifted. One broad asymmetric PL band at 1.788 and 1.765 eV was observed at 10 K in the PL spectra of CuGa5Se8 single crystal and polycrystalline layer, respectively. The temperature and laser power dependencies of the PL spectra were also studied. The shape and properties of the PL band assure the presence of potential fluctuations and the analyses of the PL data suggest that the emission is due to band-to-tail (BT) or band-toimpurity (BI) recombination. [less ▲]

Process Definition using Subobject Transformation Systems

in Bulletin of the EATCS (2008), 95

Process definition on the basis of graph transformation systems was introduced by the concept of occurrence grammars, which are a generalization of Petri net processes given by occurrence nets. Recently ... [more ▼]

Process definition on the basis of graph transformation systems was introduced by the concept of occurrence grammars, which are a generalization of Petri net processes given by occurrence nets. Recently, subobject transformation systems were proposed as abstract framework for occurrence grammars in adhesive categories, but they are still restricted to injective matches for graph transformation steps. In this paper we review the construction of STSs as processes for plain graph grammars and discuss an extension to attributed graph grammars with non-injective matches. This is the basis for a forthcoming formal treatment in the framework of adhesive categories. [less ▲]

From Model Transformation to Model Integration based on the Algebraic Approach to Triple Graph Grammars

in Electronic Communications of the EASST (2008), 10

Success and efficiency of software and system design fundamentally relies on its models. The more they are based on formal methods the more they can be automatically transformed to execution models and ... [more ▼]

Success and efficiency of software and system design fundamentally relies on its models. The more they are based on formal methods the more they can be automatically transformed to execution models and finally to implementation code. This paper presents model transformation and model integration as specific problem within bidirectional model transformation, which has shown to support various purposes, such as analysis, optimization, and code generation. The main purpose of model integration is to establish correspondence between various models, especially between source and target models. From the analysis point of view, model integration supports correctness checks of syntactical dependencies between different views and models. The overall concept is based on the algebraic approach to triple graph grammars, which are widely used for model transformation. The main result shows the close relationship between model transformation and model integration. For each model transformation sequence there is a unique model integration sequence and vice versa. This is demonstrated by a quasi-standard example for model transformation between class models and relational data base models. [less ▲]

Excitation energy and pair correlation function of trions near an LiF surface

in Physical Review. B (2008), 78(15),

We investigate the excitation spectrum of a singly charged LiF surface using an embedded cluster approach. The spectrum is determined by multiconfiguration self-consistent field calculations. We find ... [more ▼]

We investigate the excitation spectrum of a singly charged LiF surface using an embedded cluster approach. The spectrum is determined by multiconfiguration self-consistent field calculations. We find stable trionic states, i.e., quasimolecular states of a three-quasiparticle complex consisting of two holes and one electron interacting through the Coulomb potential. The excitation energy of the lowest trionic state is approximately 12.1 eV. The mean hole-hole spacing is about 7.6 a.u. (or 4 A). Our results confirm the interpretation of experiments [P. Roncin , Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 043201 (2002)] where trion excitation was suggested as effective energy-loss channel during the neutralization of Ne(+) ions at an LiF surface. [less ▲]