A comprehensive database schema integration method based on the theory of formal concepts

Integrating heterogeneous database schemata is a major task in federated database design where preexisting and heterogeneous database systems need to be integrated virtually by providing a homogenization database interface. Most proposed schema integration methods suffer from very complex result schemata and insufficient handling of extensional relations, i.e. in the way how redundant data of the input systems are dealt with. Redundancy among the input systems may thus remain undetected and, hence, remains uncontrolled.Our GIM (Generic Integration Model) method is based on the elegant and mathematically founded theory of formal concept analysis (FCA). The main idea is to integrate schemata into one formal context which is a binary relation between a set of attributes and a set of base extensions (set of potential objects). From that context we apply an FCA-algorithm to semi-automatically derive a concept lattice which we interpret as an inheritance hierarchy of classes for a homogenized schema. Thus, the integration task following our method can be supported by tools.     

X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy of ZnO nanoparticle and highly oriented ZnO microrod arrays

The electronic structures of ZnO nanoparticles and microrod arrays are studied by O 1s X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and O Kα X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES). We show that the present LDA+U^SIC calculation approach is suitable to correct the LDA self-interaction error of the cation d-states. The atomic eigenstates of 3d in zinc and 2p in oxygen are energetically close, which induces strong Zn-3d-O-2p hybridization. This anomalous valence band cation-d-anion-p hybridization is affected when the localization of the Zn 3d-states is taken into account. Experimentally, the XES spectra show energy dependence in the spectral shape revealing selected excitations to the Zn 3d, 4s and 4p states, hybridized with O 2p states. Strong anisotropic effects are observed for the highly oriented ZnO rods, but not for the isotropic spherical nanoparticles. The nanostructured ZnO has primarily bulk XAS and XES properties.     

Affinity, specificity, diversity: a challenge for the ABC transporter TAP in cellular immunity

The immune system is a perfect piece of machinery that serves only one purpose: to protect and defend our organism. The fact that we are still alive, although surrounded by a hostile environment, demonstrates impressively how well the immune system performs this task. Over the past decades our knowledge about the functions and components of the immune system has increased exponentially. Especially for the humoral immune system and its key players, the antibodies, a detailed knowledge about structure and function as well as regulation and communication between the individual components exists. In case of the cellular immune system that knowledge is not as profound as for the humoral counterpart. In this article we do not intend to give a complete overview about both branches of the immune system. Rather, we want to focus on an essential protein of the cellular immune system, the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). This transmembrane protein complex displays unique properties with respect to recognition and translocation of a vast spectrum of antigenic peptides. Its important role within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I mediated immune response has been utilized by some viruses which target TAP to hide and escape from a deadly attack by the immune system. Here we summarize the existing data and analyze structural and mechanistic aspects of recognition and transport by which this transporter performs its task.     

Urokinase induces proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells: characterization of structural elements required for growth factor function

It has been well established that the cytoskeleton is an essential modulator of cell morphology and motility, intracytoplasmic transport and mitosis, however cytoskeletal linkage to the organelles has not been unequivocally demonstrated. Indeed, cytoskeleton appears to be essential in determining and modulating gene phenotype as a function of cellular environment. According to recent studies, the organization of the cytoskeleton network together with associated protein(s) could be essential in regulating mitochondrial function and particularly the permeability of the mitochondrial outer membrane to ADP. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the main properties of the cytoskeletal environment of mitochondria and the possible role(s) of this network in mitochondrial function in myocytes.     

Interkeratinocyte adherens junctions: immunocytochemical visualization of cell-cell junctional structures, distinct from desmosomes, in human epidermis

The intramedullary localization of schwannomas is rare, corresponding to 0.3% of all intraspinal tumors. The authors report the case of a 52-year-old white female patient that presented with symptoms of spinal compression by the presence of an intramedullary schwannoma at the level C4-C6. There were no symptoms of neurofibromatosis, entity frequently related to the lesion. The magnetic resonance imaging examination and the per-operatory biopsy were decisive factors in planning and executing the treatment, by establishing the characteristics, location and diagnosis of the lesion. Its delimitation and posterior location have facilitated total surgical exeresis. The transoperatively histopathologic examination allowed adequate surgical procedure. The Schwann cell is not found normally in the central nervous system and its presence in this site has been subject of many theories exposed in this paper, which proposes comprehensive review of the clinical aspects, imaging diagnosis, pathology, differential diagnosis and treatment of schwannomas. It is probable that, with the advances verified in the available diagnostic methods, a greater number of these lesions may be diagnosed in the future.     

Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen über die gesundheitliche Verträglichkeit enzymhaltiger Waschmittel

Scientific Investigations on the Tolerance of Enzyme-Containing Washing Agents Washing agents containing enzyme-additives appeared in the German market since 1966 on a wide scale. Today, in the entire western world, this type of detergent constitutes a considerable proportion (80%) of the total consumption of washing agents. In the present work based on experimental results, it is proved that enzyme-containing washing agents are not harmful to health. Test-procedures and results on the toxicity and irritation for these washing agents are reported for cutaneous application, and studies on skin-sensibilisation are described.     

A comparison of LISREL and two-stage least squares analysis of a hypothesized life–job satisfaction reciprocal relationship.

Investigated the nature of the relationship between life satisfaction and job satisfaction using both 2-stage least squares and the analysis of linear structural equations by LISREL. Both techniques provided the possibility of evaluating causal relationships that are bidirectional. 873 civil service workers were administered a battery of tests, including the Job Diagnostic Survey, the short form of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results are consistent with a model that hypothesizes a reciprocal relationship between job and life domains. Estimates of structural parameters were consistent across analysis techniques. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The use of background and ability profiles to predict college student outcomes.

To determine whether profiles of predictor variables provide incremental prediction of college student outcomes, the authors 1st applied an empirical clustering method to profiles based on the scores of 2,771 entering college students on a battery of biographical data and situational judgment measures, along with SAT and American College Test scores and high school grade point average, which resulted in 5 student groups. Performance of the students in these clusters was meaningfully different on a set of external variables, including college grade point average, self-rated performance, class absenteeism, organizational citizenship behavior, intent to quit their university, and satisfaction with college. The 14 variables in the profile were all significantly correlated with 1 or more of the outcome measures; however, nonlinear prediction of these outcomes on the basis of cluster membership did not add incrementally to a linear-regression-based combination of these 14 variables as predictors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)