Abstract
We present a novel approach to cluster sets of protein sequences, based on Inductive Logic Programming (ILP). Preliminary results show that; the method proposed Produces understand able descriptions/explanations of the clusters. Furthermore, it can be used as a knowledge elicitation tool to explain clusters proposed by other clustering approaches, such as standard phylogenetic programs.

Abstract
The IEEE 802.11s draft standard defines a mesh network in which frame delivery is done by forwarding the frame through nodes, called Mesh Points (MPs). To make this possible, it specifies two routing protocols: HWMP and RA-OLSR. Both protocols suffer from scalability issues caused by the use of broadcast messages for discovery and update of routes. In this work, we propose a new routing protocol, the DHT-based Cluster Routing Protocol (DCRP), that improves the scalability of 802.11s networks. Our approach is based on two mechanisms: clustering of nodes and IN-IT-based searching. Clustering allows to reduce the number of broadcast messages required for routing as well as the amount of routing information broadcasted. DHT-based searching is used to make up for the required routing information that is not diffused by the DCRP itself. Some back-of-the-envelope calculations indicate that our approach increases the scalability of the routing protocol.

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate experimentally the impact of optical amplifiers, namely Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFA) on Optical Burst Switching (OBS) networks, operating at 2.5 Gb/s (typical bit rate for current passive optical networks - PON). Bursts with 2(12) - 1 and 2(16) - 1 pseudo random binary sequence (PRBS) were studied, with different idle times (from 2 mu s to 80 mu s). The use of traffic with variable idle time was assessed in order to evaluate the effect on the burst initial amplitude. We also analyzed the performance of the packet based system by measuring the Q factor at the receiver and concluded that the performance is not affected by the type of traffic (variable or fixed idle times).

Abstract
This paper reports the use of different generations of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers for the in vitro transfection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). A systematic study was carried out on the transfection efficiency achieved by the PAMAM dendrimers using a p-galactosidase reporter gene system. Transfection results were shown to be dependent upon the generation of dendrimers, the amine to phosphate group ratio and the cell passage number. In all cases, the transfection efficiency was very low. Nevertheless, it was hypothesized that a low transfection level could be sufficient to promote the in vitro differentiation of MSCs towards the osteoblastic lineage. To address this possibility, dendrimers carrying the human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (hBMP-2) gene-containing plasmid were used. All quantitative (alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin secretion and calcium deposition) and qualitative (von Kossa staining) osteogenic markers were significantly stronger in transfected cells when compared to non-transfected ones. This study not only clearly demonstrates that a low transfection level can be sufficient for inducing in vitro differentiation of MSCs to the osteoblast phenotype but also highlights the importance of focusing research on the development of gene delivery vectors in the concrete application.

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how and to what extent the attributes of a new shopping centre entrant evolve during the first seven months of operation, and the implications this has for the incumbents. To capture the strategic relevance of those changes a consumer image tracking analytical tool is developed and applied. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative research followed by a longitudinal survey. Hypothesis testing approach and descriptive analysis. Findings: The correlates between the magnitudes of shopping centre attribute perception variations, the level of self-confidence in image evaluation, shopping centre frequency of visits, degree of the "halo effect", shopping centre and store consumer's preferences are analysed. Only the self-confidence and store preference did not evolve with the image magnitude changes as hypothesised. Research limitations/implications: The assessment of shopping centre image changes over time, as well as the factors underlying those changes help managers to plan strategy. Some monitoring procedures are proposed and their implications for both marketing and shopping centre operations are discussed. Originality/value: By incorporating the time dimension, the true nature of image variation can only be captured if the identification of attributes, and the amount, intensity and direction of changes are obtained, measured and analysed together. The magnitude of image variation is more associated with a shopping centre than with its stores. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Abstract