bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetic Study of Hydrolysis of Benzoates. Part XXVI. Variation of the Substituent Effect with Solvent in Alkaline Hydrolysis of Substituted Alkyl Benzoates
Authors: Nummert Vilve , Piirsalu Mare , Koppel Ilmar A.
Published: November 2006

The second-order rate constants k2 (dm3 mol-1 s-1) for the alkaline hydrolysis of substituted alkyl benzoates C6H5CO2R have been measured spectrophotometrically in aqueous 0.5 M Bu4NBr at 50 and 25 °C (R = CH3, CH2Cl, CH2CN, CH2C≡CH, CH2C6H5, CH2CH2Cl, CH2CH2OCH3, CH2CH3) and in aqueous 5.3 M NaClO4 at 25 °C (R = CH3, CH2Cl, CH2CN, CH2C≡CH). The dependence of the alkyl substituent effects on different solvent parameters was studied using the following equations:

 

    ∆ log k = c0 + c1σI + c2EsB + c3∆E + c4∆Y + c5∆P + c6∆EσI + c7∆YσI + c8∆PσI

    ∆ log k = c0 + c1σ* + c2EsB + c3∆E + c4∆Y + c5∆P + c6∆Eσ* + c7∆Yσ* + c8∆Pσ* .

 

∆ log k = log kR - log kCH3. σI and σ* are the Taft inductive and polar substituent constants. E, Y and P are the solvent electrophilicity, polarity and polarizability parameters, respectively. In the data treatment ∆E = ES - EH2O , ∆Y = YS - YH2O , ∆P = PS - PH2O were used. The solvent electrophilicity, E, was found to be the main factor responsible for changes in alkyl substituent effects with medium. When σI constants were used, variation of the polar term of alkyl substituents with the solvent electrophilicity E was found to be similar to that observed earlier for meta and para substituents, but twice less when σ* constants were used. The steric term for alkyl substituents was approximately independent of the solvent parameters.
Polarographic and Voltammetric Determination of Trace Amounts of 3-Nitrofluoranthene
Authors: Čížek Karel , Barek Jiří , Zima Jiří
Published: November 2006

The polarographic behavior of 3-nitrofluoranthene was investigated by DC tast polarography (DCTP) and differential pulse polarography (DPP), both at a dropping mercury electrode, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV), both at a hanging mercury drop electrode. Optimum conditions have been found for its determination by the given methods in the concentration ranges of 1 × 10-6-1 × 10-4 mol l-1 (DCTP), 1 × 10-7-1 × 10-4 mol l-1 (DPP), 1 × 10-8-1 × 10-6 mol l-1 (DPV) and 1 × 10-9-1 × 10-7 mol l-1 (AdSV), respectively. Practical applicability of these techniques was demonstrated on the determination of 3-nitrofluoranthene in drinking and river water after its preliminary separation and preconcentration using liquid-liquid and solid phase extraction with the limits of determination 4 × 10-10 mol l-1 (drinking water) and 2 × 10-9 mol l-1 (river water).
"I KNOW SHE INVENTED FIRE, BUT WHAT HAS SHE DONE RECENTLY" — ON THE FUTURE OF CHARM PHYSICS
Authors: BIGI IKAROS I.
Published: November 2006

Detailed studies of weak charm decays fill an important future role in high energy physics. Chief among them are: (i) validating the theoretical control achieved over hadronization as a worthwhile goal in its own right; (ii) calibrating our tools to saturate the discovery potential for New Physics in B decays; (iii) searching for New Physics in charm decays through hypothesis-generating research. The most promising area for the last item is a comprehensive study of CP violation. Since we need a new CP paradigm to implement baryogenesis, this is not an idle goal. Charm decays provide opportunities unique among up-type quarks. While items (i) and (ii) will be addressed in a meaningful way and hopefully completed in the next few years, item (iii) will presumably require statistics that can be accumulated only by LHCb and a Super-B factory.
Charmed Hadrons from Fragmentation and B Decays
Authors:   For the Belle Collaboration., Lange Jens Sören
Published: November 2006

The fragmentation functions of D0, D±, [Formula: see text], D*o, D*± and [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] are measured with a data set of 102.7 fb-1. Fragmentation model parametrizations (Peterson, Kartvelishvili, Collins-Spiller, Lund, and Bowler models) are compared to the data. The data at high x≃1 indicate a contribution of non-perturbative QCD processes.
Charmonium Hadronic Decays and the OZI Rule Violation Effects
Authors: Zhao Qiang
Published: November 2006

We discuss the scalar meson mixing scenario and present an OZI rule violation mechanism for understanding the scalar productions in charmoium hadronic decays. We stress that the OZI violation could play a key role in disentangling the structure of the scalars: f0(1370), f0(1500) and f0(1710).
COMMENTS ON THE XYZ MESONS
Authors: OLSEN STEPHEN L.
Published: November 2006

Belle and BaBar have recently reported observations of meson states that decay to final states containing a c and [Formula: see text]-quark but with properties that do not match well to those expected for any of the as-yet unassigned charmonium [Formula: see text] meson states. Among the suggested interpretations for these states are meson-antimeson molecular states, diquark-antidiquark tetraquarks and/or [Formula: see text]-gluon hybrid mesona. I briefly review what is experimentally known about these states and comment on the status of recent attempts to classify them.
A PRIMER ON PARTIAL WAVE ANALYSIS
Authors: PETERS K.
Published: November 2006

In the 90s of the last century high statistics experiments with fully equipped 4π detectors have lead to a better insight in the spectrum of hadrons. In particular the finding of crypto-exotic and JPC exotic states tremendously improved the experimental situation in meson spectroscopy. All this was possible only with sophisticated analysis methods like the decomposition of measured phase-space distribution into partial waves and to express the partial waves in terms of complicated dynamical functions. This paper acts as an appetizer and gives an introduction about the concepts and formalisms involved.
Recent Results of χcJ Decays from BESII
Authors:   For the BES collaboration., Ping Rong-Gang
Published: November 2006

Based on 14M ψ′ events collected by BESII detector, the decays of χcJ into the final states π+π-K+K-, [Formula: see text], 2(K+K-), [Formula: see text], ηπ+π- and [Formula: see text] are studied. The branching fractions of these decays or intermediate states involved are reported. These results shed light on the understanding of scalar meson properties and the χcJ decay mechanisms.
THEORETICAL OVERVIEW ON TAU PHYSICS
Authors: PICH ANTONIO
Published: November 2006

Precise measurements of the τ lepton properties provide stringent tests of the Standard Model structure and accurate determinations of its parameters. We overview the present status of a few selected topics: lepton universality, QCD tests and the determination of αs, msand |Vus| from hadronic τ decays, and lepton flavor violation phenomena.
WEAK LOCALIZATION EFFECTS IN METASTABLE SUPERSTRUCTURE NIOBIUM NITRIDE
Authors: BASKARAN R. , JANAWADKAR M. P.
Published: November 2006

Single-phase metastable α″-niobium nitride thin films have been synthesized on glass substrates by controlled reactive electron beam evaporation technique and are characterized by X-ray diffraction technique. The transport properties down to low temperatures have also been measured. The temperature dependence of resistivity has a minimum at 132 K and shows a remarkable change in the behavior below 25 K. These have been analyzed in the framework of weak localization effects. The analysis shows that the resistance minimum arises on account of three-dimensional weak localization and there is a cross-over to the two-dimensional weak localization regime at lower temperatures.
LIQUID PHASE OXIDATION GROWN MISM AND MISIM SWITCHES BY GaAs NATIVE OXIDES
Authors: YARN KAO-FENG
Published: November 2006

Experimental predictions have been made for two-state bistable switching in both metal- GaAs native oxide-semiconductor-metal (MISM) and metal- GaAs native oxide-semiconductor- GaAs native oxide-metal (MISIM) structures for the first time, where the GaAs native oxides are formed by the liquid phase oxidation method. Bidirectional two-state switching (DIAC-like) and three-terminal operation are also shown in the photo-sensitive MISIM structure. Typical switching voltages for GaAs MISM and MISIM switches under 4 nm-thick native oxides are 7 V and 15 V, respectively. The corresponding voltage control efficiencies for MISM and MISIM switches are also as high as 3.944 and 7.04. The corresponding variation in voltage control efficiency, Δη=ΔVS/VH, is also as high as 2.5 at 150 nW incident light power.
EPR OF SUPERIONIC PHASE TRANSITION IN Cu-STABILIZED NANOCRYSTALLINE γ-AgI
Authors: MOHAN D. BHARATHI , SUNANDANA C. S.
Published: November 2006

EPR probed the zincblende (γ) to cubic (α) AgI structural phase transition in AgI through two intrinsic paramagnetic centers: an Ag 2+ based hole center (signal "A") and an Ag 0 based conduction electron center (signal "B") associated with AgI nanocrystallites. A sudden drop in intensity ( I PP), 〈g〉, and Δ H PP was observed at 423 K for pure AgI nanocrystals. Cu in AgI increases the thermal stability of the cation sublattice from 423 K (undoped AgI ) to 453 K ( Ag 0.75 Cu 0.25 I ) through the strengthened Ag-I bond. A sudden jump in the reciprocal susceptibility observed at well above the phase transition reflects the local bonding configuration in the γ -AgI structure.
MAGNETIC BEHAVIOR OF U(TxAl1-x)2 COMPOUNDS (T=Co, Ni, Mn)
Authors: LUCACI P. , CULEA E.
Published: November 2006

Magnetic behavior and structural data of the U(T x Al 1-x)2 compounds, where T = Co, Ni and Mn , were reported. Magnetic measurements were performed in the temperature range 4.2–800 K and magnetic fields up to 7 T. The gradual replacement of Al by Co , Ni and Mn ions leads to the decrease of the effective magnetic moments per uranium ion, and of the paramagnetic Curie temperatures in absolute magnitude. This composition evolution of the two magnetic parameters of the U(T x Al 1-x)2 compounds suggests a gradual suppression of the spin fluctuations with replacing the Al ions by T ions.
CHEMICAL POTENTIAL CALCULATION RELATIVE TO AN EXCITONIC GAS IN A NON-PARABOLIC QUANTUM DOT
Authors: GRADO-CAFFARO M. A. , GRADO-CAFFARO M.
Published: November 2006

The Fermi energy level, that is, the chemical potential associated with an excitonic gas in a semiconductor within a non-parabolic quantum dot is calculated by determining previously the corresponding Fermi velocity of excitons conceived as confined in a spherical quantum box on the basis of the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. From the Fermi energy calculation, the reduced effective mass of an electron–hole pair is found to be dependent upon the spatial exciton density. In addition, some aspects related to quantization of the Fermi energy in question and temperature dependence are discussed.
A PERTURBATION-INCREMENTAL METHOD FOR DELAY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: CHUNG K. W. , CHAN C. L. , XU J.
Published: November 2006

A perturbation-incremental (PI) method is presented for the computation, continuation and bifurcation analysis of periodic solutions of nonlinear systems of delay differential equations (DDEs). Periodic solutions can be calculated to any desired degree of accuracy and their stabilities are determined by the Floquet theory. Branch switching at a period-doubling bifurcation is made simple by the present scheme as a parameter is simply increased from zero to a small positive value so that a solution on the new branch is obtained. Subsequent continuation of an emanating branch is also discussed. The advantage of the PI method lies in its simplicity and ease of implementation.
A SYMMETRY PRESERVING REDUCTION SCHEME FOR PERIODIC POINTS NEAR A FIXED POINT OF FAMILIES OF DIFFEOMORPHISMS WITH A COMPACT SYMMETRY GROUP
Authors: CIOCCI MARIA-CRISTINA , NOLDUS JOHAN
Published: November 2006

We present a generalized Lyapunov Schmidt (LS) reduction scheme for diffeomorphisms on a finite dimensional real vector space V which transform under real one-dimensional characters χ of an arbitrary compact group with linear action on V. Moreover we prove a normal form theorem, such that the normal form still has the desirable transformation properties with respect to χ.
CHAOTIFICATION OF DISCRETE DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS IN BANACH SPACES
Authors: SHI YUMING , YU PEI , CHEN GUANRONG
Published: November 2006

This paper is concerned with chaotification of discrete dynamical systems in Banach spaces via feedback control techniques. A criterion of chaos in Banach spaces is first established. This criterion extends and improves the Marotto theorem. Discussions are carried out in general and some special Banach spaces. All the controlled systems are proved to be chaotic in the sense of both Devaney and Li–Yorke. As a consequence, a controlled system described in a finite-dimensional real space studied by Wang and Chen is shown chaotic not only in the sense of Li–Yorke but also in the sense of Devaney. The original system can be driven to be chaotic by using an arbitrarily small-amplitude state feedback control in a certain space. In addition, the Chen–Lai anti-control algorithm via feedback control with mod-operation in a finite-dimensional real space is extended to a certain infinite-dimensional Banach space, and the controlled system is shown chaotic in the sense of Devaney as well as in the sense of both Li–Yorke and Wiggins. Differing from many existing results, it is not here required that the map corresponding to the original system has a fixed point in some cases. An application of the theoretical results to a class of first-order partial difference equations is given with some numerical simulations.
EXPERIMENTAL MODIFICATIONS OF VOA-BASED AUTONOMOUS AND NONAUTONOMOUS CHUA'S CIRCUITS FOR HIGHER DIMENSIONAL OPERATION
Authors: KILIÇ RECAI
Published: November 2006

In order to operate in higher dimensional form of autonomous and nonautonomous Chua's circuits keeping their original chaotic behaviors, we have experimentally modified VOA (Voltage Mode Operational Amplifier)-based autonomous Chua's circuit and nonautonomous MLC [Murali–Lakshmanan–Chua] circuit by using a simple experimental method. After introducing this experimental method, we will present PSpice simulation and experimental results of modified high dimensional autonomous and nonautonomous Chua's circuits.
A NEW CLASS OF CHAOTIC ATTRACTORS IN MURALI–LAKSHMANAN–CHUA CIRCUIT
Authors: OKSASOGLU ALI , WANG QIUDONG
Published: November 2006

In this paper, we study the existence of a new class of chaotic attractors, namely the rank-one attractors, in the MLC (Murali–Lakshmanan–Chua) circuit [Murali et al., 1994] by numerical simulations based on a theory of rank-one maps developed in [Wang & Young, 2005]. With the guidance of the theory in [Wang & Young, 2005], weakly stable limit cycles, found through Hopf bifurcations and other numerical means, are subjected to periodic pulses with long relaxation periods to produce rank-one attractors. The periodic pulses are applied directly as an input. Periodic pulses have been used before in various schemes of chaos. However, for this scheme of creating rank-one attractors to work, the applied periodic pulses must have short pulse widths and long relaxation periods. This is one of the key components in creating this new class of chaotic attractors.
CONVECTIVE PATTERNS IN LIQUID–VAPOR SYSTEMS WITH DIFFUSE INTERFACE
Authors: BORCIA RODICA , MERKT DOMNIC , BESTEHORN MICHAEL
Published: November 2006

Recently, we have developed a phase field model to describe Marangoni convection with evaporation in a compressible fluid of van der Waals type away from criticality [Eur. Phys. J. B44 (2005)]. Using this model, we report now 2D fully nonlinear simulations where we emphasize the influence of evaporation on convective patterns.
STOCHASTICALLY EQUIVALENT DYNAMICAL SYSTEM APPROACH TO NONLINEAR DETERMINISTIC PREDICTION
Authors: MATSUBA IKUO , TAKAHASHI HIROSHI , WAKASA SHINYA
Published: November 2006

We propose a new prediction method for nonlinear time series based on the paradigm of deterministic chaos. Introducing a stochastically equivalent dynamical system to an original map, a prediction method is derived by minimizing a random term that defines intervals in which a good prediction performance is obtained. The use of the present method is illustrated for some chaotic systems with particular emphasis on issues of choices of variable time steps that are necessary when discretizing the stochastic differential equation. Applying to some systems, it is found that the present method works better than traditional chaotic methods.
GUARANTEED ATTRACTIVITY OF EQUILIBRIUM POINTS IN A CLASS OF DELAYED NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: YANG XIAOFAN , LIAO XIAOFENG , TANG YUANYAN , EVANS DAVID J.
Published: November 2006

This paper addresses qualitative properties of equilibrium points in a class of delayed neural networks. We derive a sufficient condition for the local exponential stability of equilibrium points, and give an estimate on the domains of attraction of locally exponentially stable equilibrium points. Our condition and estimate are formulated in terms of the network parameters, the neurons' activation functions and the associated equilibrium point; hence, they are easily checkable. Another advantage of our results is that they neither depend on monotonicity of the activation functions nor on symmetry of the interconnection matrix. Our work has practical importance in evaluating the performance of the related associative memory. To our knowledge, this is the first time to present an estimate on the domains of attraction of equilibrium points for delayed neural networks.
GHOSTS IN THE ORIGINS OF LIFE?
Authors: SARDANYÉS JOSEP , SOLÉ RICARD V.
Published: November 2006

The so-called bottleneck or ghost can appear after a saddle-node bifurcation, leaving a region in phase space by which the flow is attracted although no fixed points are present. Such ghosts, displayed by some dynamical systems, actually cause a delay of the flow. In this paper, we analyze a saddle-node ghost found in a biological model for the two-member hypercycle dynamics. The model predicts a scaling law of the dynamic delay caused by the ghost near the threshold: τ ~ ϕ-1/2, consistent with previous results in physical systems. Possible biological meanings for such a dynamical phenomenon are outlined.
HOW CRUCIAL IS SMALL WORLD CONNECTIVITY FOR DYNAMICS?
Authors: GADE PRASHANT M. , SINHA SUDESHNA
Published: November 2006

We study the dynamical behavior of the collective field of chaotic systems on small world lattices. Coupled neuronal systems as well as coupled logistic maps are investigated. We observe that significant changes in dynamical properties occur only at a reasonably high strength of nonlocal coupling. Further, spectral features, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), change monotonically with respect to the fraction of random rewiring, i.e. there is no optimal value of the rewiring fraction for which spectral properties are most pronounced. We also observe that for small rewiring, results are similar to those obtained by adding small noise.
NECK FORMATION IN FUSION DYNAMICS OF MASSIVE NUCLEI
Authors: BAO JING-DONG
Published: November 2006

Dynamics of fusion of massive nuclei is described by a simple diffusion model in terms of the two-center shape parameterizations {z, ε} and the fusion probability is calculated by a Brownian particle passing over the top of a parabolic potential along the elongation coordinate z. The neck variable ε at initial shape is supposed to be a Gaussian distribution after a transitive process, and the average initial kinetic energy of the fusing system is determined by energy conservation. The fusion probabilities of several symmetric or nearly symmetric systems in central collisions are calculated as functions of the center-of-mass energy and compared with the experimental data. Effects of energy loss and neck folding on the fusion hindrance are discussed.
GROUND STATE PROPERTIES OF SUPERHEAVY NUCLEI IN RELATIVISTIC MEAN FIELD THEORY
Authors: ZHANG H. F. , LI J. Q. , ZUO W. , ZHOU X. H. , GAN Z. G. , WANG N.
Published: November 2006

In the framework of the relativistic mean field (RMF) theory, the stability and ground properties of super-heavy nuclei are discussed. Our study indicated that the current synthesized super-heavy nuclei (SHN) actually appear in the stable region, and adding more neutrons will not increase their stability. The study of nuclei from 287115 α decay chain showed that they are usually deformed, the magnitudes of their shell gaps are much smaller than those of nuclei before the actinium region, so that the shell effect is weakened, and SHN are usually not stable. A common phenomenon is that the Fermi surface of the proton is close to the continuum, the resonant continuums exist in SHN, because the SHN are usually neutron deficient. Although bulk properties can be described by the RMF+BCS theory, further study is needed. Density dependent delta pairing interaction can improve the treatment of the pairing and thus improve the level distribution in the continuum.
CONSTRAINING THE SKYRME EFFECTIVE INTERACTIONS AND THE NEUTRON SKIN THICKNESS OF NUCLEI USING ISOSPIN DIFFUSION DATA FROM HEAVY ION COLLISIONS
Authors: CHEN LIE-WEN , KO CHE MING , LI BAO-AN
Published: November 2006

Recent analysis of the isospin diffusion data from heavy-ion collisions based on an isospin- and momentum-dependent transport model with in-medium nucleon-nucleon cross sections has led to the extraction of a value of L = 88 ± 25 MeV for the slope of the nuclear symmetry energy at saturation density. This imposes stringent constraints on both the parameters in the Skyrme effective interactions and the neutron skin thickness of heavy nuclei. Among the 21 sets of Skyrme interactions commonly used in nuclear structure studies, the 4 sets SIV, SV, Gσ, and Rσ are found to give L values that are consistent with the extracted one. Further study on the correlations between the thickness of the neutron skin in finite nuclei and the nuclear matter symmetry energy in the Skyrme Hartree-Fock approach leads to predicted thickness of the neutron skin of 0.22 ± 0.04 fm for 208 Pb , 0.29 ± 0.04 fm for 132 Sn , and 0.22 ± 0.04 fm for 124 Sn .
THE GAMOW-TELLER RESPONSE IN DEFORMED NUCLEI
Authors: SARRIGUREN P. , ÁLVAREZ-RODRÍGUEZ R. , MORENO O. , MOYA DE GUERRA E.
Published: November 2006

We study Gamow-Teller strength distributions within a QRPA approach performed on top of a deformed Skyrme-Hartree-Fock+BCS single particle basis with the inclusion of residual spin-isospin interactions in both particle-hole and particle-particle channels. We focus our attention in several problems of interest in Nuclear Structure and Nuclear Astrophysics, such as the β-decay properties of proton-rich medium-mass nuclei of astrophysical interest and the deformation dependence of the Gamow-Teller strength distributions in neutron deficient Pb isotopes. We also discuss the role of deformation in the two-neutrino double beta decay.
EXPLORING LONG-LIVED K-ISOMERS VIA SCHOTTKY-MASS-SPECTROMETRY AT THE ESR
Authors:   and the R124 Collaboration., LIU Z. , LITVINOV YU. A. , CHEN L.
Published: November 2006

Masses of neutron-rich nuclei ranging from ytterbium to uranium were investigated using the Schottky Mass Spectrometry (SMS) method. Special efforts were devoted to exploring long-lived K -ismoers in the mass 180-region. New ground state masses, new isotopes and isomers are also identified in the sub-uranium region and 208 Pb region. Some preliminary results from this experiment are presented.
MIRROR NUCLEI 12B AND 12N IN TIME-ODD TRIAXIAL RELATIVISTIC MEAN FIELD THEORY
Authors: CHEN H. , MEI H. , MENG J. , YAO J. M.
Published: November 2006

Properties of the odd-odd mirror nuclei 12 B and 12 N have been investigated in the time-odd triaxial relativistic mean field approach. Influences of the nuclear magnetism, the mass difference between neutron and proton, the isovector meson field ρ and the Coulomb field on the properties of mirror nuclei have been discussed in detail.
MICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE OF THE DIPOLE COMPRESSION MODE IN HEAVY NUCLEI
Authors: HARAKEH M. N.
Published: November 2006

Neutron decay of the isoscalar giant dipole resonance (ISGDR) has been studied in90Zr ,116Sn and208Pb using the (α,α′) reaction at a bombarding energy of 200 MeV. The same reaction was used to study proton decay of the ISGDR in58Ni and208Pb . Neutron and proton decay of the ISGDR to low-lying neutron and proton hole states in the daughter nuclei, respectively, allowed an experimental determination of the ISGDR microscopic structures. The determined branching ratios are compared to recent continuum random-phase-approximation (CRPA) calculations. Reasonable agreement was observed for208Pb and58Ni , whereas strong differences for90Zr and116Sn were found.
DIPOLE RESPONSE IN NEUTRON-RICH MAGNESIUM
Authors: BRINE M. P. , STEVENSON P. D. , MARUHN J. A. , REINHARD P.-G.
Published: November 2006

The time-dependent Hartree-Fock method, using the Skyrme interaction, is used to study the isovector giant dipole response of neutron-rich 34 Mg . The response is separately examined along the major and minor axes of this prolate nucleus, with a pygmy-like peak in the direction of the major axis at around 10 MeV. Time-dependent density plots show a superimposed surface mode not fully coupled to the bulk motion.
THE SYMMETRY ENERGY IN NUCLEI AND IN NUCLEAR MATTER
Authors: VAN ISACKER P. , DIEPERINK A. E. L.
Published: November 2006

We discuss to what extent information on ground-state properties of finite nuclei (energies and radii) can be used to obtain constraints on the symmetry energy in nuclear matter and its dependence on the density. The starting point is a generalized Weizsäcker formula for ground-state energies. In particular effects from the Wigner energy and shell structure on the symmetry energy are investigated. Strong correlations in the parameter space prevent a clear isolation of the surface contribution. Use of neutron skin-information improves the situation. We find that inclusion of the Wigner effect leads to a larger value of the symmetry energy of nuclear matter at the saturation point.
SHELL STRUCTURE, COLLECTIVITY AND NUCLEAR SHAPES — RISING IN-BEAM EXPERIMENTS AT RELATIVISTIC ENERGIES
Authors:   for the RISING Collaboration., DOORNENBAL PIETER
Published: November 2006

The RISING fast beam campaign aims at high resolution γ-ray spectroscopy experiments with relativistic radioactive beams at GSI. The secondary beams produced by fragmentation or fission are used for Coulomb excitation or secondary fragmentation experiments to perform studies of nuclei far off stability. The physics phenomena studied with this method include nuclear structure experiments targeting at the evolution of shell structure toward the drip lines, mirror symmetry, collectivity and electromagnetic transition strengths. Example results of this fast beam campaign are presented and compared to various shell model calculations and nuclear structure models.
SEARCH FOR SIGNATURE INVERSION IN THE πi13/2 ⊗ νi13/2 BANDS IN 182,184,186Au
Authors: ZHANG Y. H. , ZHOU X. H. , HE J. J. , LIU Z. , FANG Y. D. , GUO W. T. , LEI X. G. , GUO Y. X. , NDONTCHUENG M. MOYO , MA L. , OSHIMA M. , TOH Y. , KOIZUMI M. , OSA A. , KIMURA A. , HATSUKAWA Y. , HAYAKAWA H. , SHIZUMA T. , KATAKURA J. , MATSUDA M. , DE ANGELIS G. , MARGINEAN N. , GADEA A. , NAPOLI D. R. , AXIOTIS M. , RUSU C. , MARTINEZ T. , MORIKAWA T. , SUGAWARA M. , KUSAKARI H. , XU F. R.
Published: November 2006

Search for low-spin signature inversion in the πi13/2 ⊗ νi13/2 bands in odd-odd 182,184,186 Au has been conducted through the standard in-beam γ-spectroscopy techniques. The experiments for 182 Au and 186 Au have been performed in the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) via the 152 Sm (35 Cl ,5 n )182 Au and 172 Yb (19 F ,5 n )186 Au reactions, respectively. A study of 184 Au has been made using a multi-detector array GASP in LNL, Italy, via the 159 Tb (29 Si ,4 n )184 Au reaction. The πi13/2 ⊗ νi13/2 bands in these three nuclei have been identified and extended up to high-spin states. In particular, the inter-band connection between the πi13/2 ⊗ νi13/2 band and the ground-state band in 184 Au has been established, leading to a firm spin-and-parity assignment for the πi13/2 ⊗ νi13/2 band. The low-spin signature inversion is found in the πi13/2 ⊗ νi13/2 bands in 182,184,186 Au according to our spin-assignment and the signature crossing observed at high-spin states.
REVIEW ON THEORETICAL STUDIES OF SUPERHEAVY NUCLEI
Authors: REN ZHONGZHOU , CHEN DINGHAN , XU CHANG
Published: November 2006

Superheavy elements have provided a good test of the validity of both nuclear structure models and nuclear decay models in a large mass region. We firstly review the recent progress on theoretical studies of superheavy nuclei. Emphasis is placed on the structure and decay of superheavy nuclei. Then theoretical results of odd-odd nuclei with Z = 109 - 115 are presented and discussed. It is clearly demonstrated that there is shape coexistence for the ground state of many superheavy nuclei from different models and many superheavy nuclei are deformed. In some cases superdeformation can become the ground state of superheavy nuclei and it is important for future studies of superheavy nuclei. This can lead to the existence of low-energy isomers in the superheavy region and it plays an important role for the stability of superheavy nuclei. As α-decay and spontaneous fission plays a crucial role for identifications of new elements, we also review some typical models of α-decay half-lives and spontaneous fissions half-lives. Some new views on superheavy nuclei are presented.
METAL CLUSTERS AND NUCLEI
Authors: SURAUD E. , REINHARD P. G.
Published: November 2006

We present a brief review of some static properties of metal clusters. We emphasize relations with atomic nuclei and focus on cluster quantities which have counterparts in nuclei. We discuss in particular the case of the optical response which provides a key tool of analysis of the structure and shape of simple metal clusters.
DYNAMICS OF ENZYME-INDUCED DNA BENDING
Authors: LENZ PETER , JOANNY JEAN-FRANÇOIS , PROST JACQUES
Published: November 2006

We theoretically study the role of enzyme-induced bending in DNA-cleavage processes. In our model the enzyme bends DNA at its adsorption site leading to stress propagation along the filaments. Since this process is slow the time-dependent DNA-shape can be calculated in a quasistatic approximation. This allows to determine the range of parameters for which strong DNA bending occurs. For enzymes which cut by bending only the cleavage rate is found to depend crucially on the viscosity of the surrounding fluid and the length of the cut DNA segment.
CATANIONIC SUGAR DERIVED AMPHIPHILES: FROM MOLECULES TO TARGETED BIOMIMETIC SYSTEMS
Authors: RICO-LATTES ISABELLE , BLANZAT MURIEL , PEREZ EMILE , SOUSSAN ELODIE , STEFANIU CRISTINA
Published: November 2006

In the course of our investigations of routes for general and convenient synthesis of amphiphiles derived from sugars, we reported new synthetic ways to prepare catanionic surfactants, polymers and dendrimers using unprotected lactose or lactobionic acid. Moreover we developed amphiphilic dendrimers bearing sugar polar heads. These compounds are of interest for their biological applications (mimics of natural ligands of proteins (e.g. gp 120 of HIV), encapsulation, vectorisation).
INFLUENCE OF TRANSPORT RATES ON THE PROTEIN DEGRADATION BY PROTEASOMES
Authors: ZAIKIN A. , MITRA A. K. , GOLDOBIN D. S. , KURTHS J.
Published: November 2006

We discuss how translocation properties of the 20S proteasome influence its length distribution, one of its most important feature for the normal functioning of the immune system. For this we consider a simple one-channel proteasome model and assume that the protein transport depends significantly on the length of a protein located inside the proteasome chamber. Using the master equation approach we show analytically that the length distribution with one dominating peak, observed in the experiments, can be achieved if the transport rate function is in a certain relation with cleavage probabilities and the geometry of a proteasome. Our analytical results are confirmed by numerical simulations of the protein degradation by the proteasome performed using the modified Gillespie algorithm.
JUICE: a data management system that facilitates the analysis of large volumes of information in an EST project workflow
Authors: Latorre Mariano , Silva Herman , Saba Juan , Guziolowski Carito , Vizoso Paula , Martinez Veronica , Maldonado Jonathan , Morales Andrea , Caroca Rodrigo , Cambiazo Veronica , Campos-Vargas Reinaldo , Gonzalez Mauricio , Orellana Ariel , Retamales Julio , Meisel Lee A
Published: November 2006

Background

Expressed sequence tag (EST) analyses provide a rapid and economical means to identify candidate genes that may be involved in a particular biological process. These ESTs are useful in many Functional Genomics studies. However, the large quantity and complexity of the data generated during an EST sequencing project can make the analysis of this information a daunting task.

Results

In an attempt to make this task friendlier, we have developed JUICE, an open source data management system (Apache + PHP + MySQL on Linux), which enables the user to easily upload, organize, visualize and search the different types of data generated in an EST project pipeline. In contrast to other systems, the JUICE data management system allows a branched pipeline to be established, modified and expanded, during the course of an EST project.

The web interfaces and tools in JUICE enable the users to visualize the information in a graphical, user-friendly manner. The user may browse or search for sequences and/or sequence information within all the branches of the pipeline. The user can search using terms associated with the sequence name, annotation or other characteristics stored in JUICE and associated with sequences or sequence groups. Groups of sequences can be created by the user, stored in a clipboard and/or downloaded for further analyses.

Different user profiles restrict the access of each user depending upon their role in the project. The user may have access exclusively to visualize sequence information, access to annotate sequences and sequence information, or administrative access.

Conclusion

JUICE is an open source data management system that has been developed to aid users in organizing and analyzing the large amount of data generated in an EST Project workflow. JUICE has been used in one of the first functional genomics projects in Chile, entitled "Functional Genomics in nectarines: Platform to potentiate the competitiveness of Chile in fruit exportation". However, due to its ability to organize and visualize data from external pipelines, JUICE is a flexible data management system that should be useful for other EST/Genome projects. The JUICE data management system is released under the Open Source GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). JUICE may be downloaded from http://genoma.unab.cl/juice_system/ or http://www.genomavegetal.cl/juice_system/.
Totally laparoscopic versus conventional ileoanal pouch procedure – design of a single-centre, expertise based randomised controlled trial to compare the laparoscopic and conventional surgical approach in patients undergoing primary elective restorative proctocolectomy- LapConPouch-Trial
Authors: Antolovic Dalibor , Kienle Peter , Knaebel Hanns-Peter , Schmidt Jan , Gutt Carsten N , Weitz Jürgen , Koch Moritz , Büchler Markus W , Seiler Christoph M
Published: November 2006

Background

Restorative proctocolectomy is increasingly being performed minimal invasively but a totally laparoscopic technique has not yet been compared to the standard open technique in a randomized study.

Methods/design

This is a two armed, single centre, expertise based, preoperatively randomized, patient blinded study. It is designed as a two-group parallel superiority study. Power calculation revealed 80 patients per group in order to recruit the 65 patients to be analysed for the primary endpoint. The primary objective is to investigate intra-operative blood loss and the need for blood transfusions. We hypothesise that intra-operative blood loss and the need for peri-operative blood transfusions are significantly higher in the conventional group. Additionally a set of surgical and non-surgical parameters related to the operation will be analysed as secondary objectives. These will include operative time, complications, postoperative pain, lung function, postoperative length of hospital stay, a cosmetic score and pre-and postoperative quality of life.

Discussion

The trial will answer the question whether there is indeed an advantage in the laparoscopic group in regard to blood loss and the need for blood transfusions. Moreover, it will generate data on the safety and potential advantages and disadvantages of the minimally invasive approach.

Trial registration : ISCRTN61411448
Efficacy of three artemisinin combination therapies for the treatmentof uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Republic of Congo
Authors: van den Broek Ingrid , Kitz Christa , Al Attas Sarwatt , Libama François , Balasegaram Manica , Guthmann Jean-Paul
Published: November 2006

Background

Presented here are the results of a comparative trial on the efficacy of three artemisinin-based combinations conducted from May to October 2004, in Pool Province, Republic of Congo.

Methods

The main outcome was the proportion of cases of true treatment success at day 28. Recrudescences were distinguished from re-infections by PCR analysis. A total of 298 children of 6–59 months were randomized to receive either artesunate + SP (AS+SP), artesunate + amodiaquine (AS+AQ) or artemether + lumefantrine (AL), of which 15 (5%) were lost to follow-up.

Results

After 28 days, there were 21/85 (25%) recurrent parasitaemias in the AS+SP group, 31/97 (32%) in the AS+AQ group and 13/100 (13%) in the AL group. The 28-day PCR-corrected cure rate was 90.1% [95% CI 80.7–95.9] for AS+SP, 98.5% [95% CI 92.0–100] for AS+AQ and 100% [95.8–100] for AL, thereby revealing a weaker response to AS+SP than to AL (p = 0.003) and to AS+AQ (p = 0.06). A potential bias was the fact that children treated with AL were slightly older and in better clinical condition, but logistic regression did not identify these as relevant factors. There was no significant difference between groups in fever and parasite clearance time, improvement of anaemia and gametocyte carriage at day 28. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Considering the higher efficacy of AL as compared to AS+SP and the relatively high proportion of cases with re-infections in the AS+AQ group, we conclude that AL is clinically more effective than AS+SP and AS+AQ in this area of the Republic of Congo. Implementation of the recently chosen new national first-line AS+AQ should be monitored closely.
Effective population size of Anopheles funestus chromosomal forms in Burkina Faso
Authors: Michel Andrew P , Grushko Olga , Guelbeogo Wamdaogo M , Sagnon N'Fale , Costantini Carlo , Besansky Nora J
Published: November 2006

Background

As Anopheles funestus is one of the principal Afro-tropical malaria vectors, a more complete understanding of its population structure is desirable. In West and Central Africa, An. funestus population structure is complicated by the coexistence of two assortatively mating chromosomal forms. Effective population size (N

e
) is a key parameter in understanding patterns and levels of intraspecific variation, as it reflects the role of genetic drift. Here, N

e
was estimated from both chromosomal forms, Kiribina and Folonzo, in Burkina Faso.

Methods

Short-term N

e
was estimated by evaluating variation at 16 microsatellite loci across temporal samples collected annually from 2000–2002. Estimates were based on standardized variance in allele frequencies or a maximum likelihood method. Long-term N

e
was estimated from genetic diversity estimates using mtDNA sequences and microsatellites.

Results

For both forms, short-term and long-term N

e
estimates were on the order of 103 and 105, respectively. Long-term N

e
estimates were larger when based on loci from chromosome 3R (both inside and outside of inversions) than loci outside of this arm.

Conclusion

N

e
values indicate that An. funestus is not subject to seasonal bottlenecks. Though not statistically different because of large and overlapping confidence intervals, short-term N

e
estimates were consistently smaller for Kiribina than Folonzo, possibly due to exploitation of different breeding sites: permanent for Folonzo and intermittent for Kiribina. The higher long-term N

e
estimates on 3R, the arm carrying the two inversions mainly responsible for defining the chromosomal forms, give natural selection broader scope and merit further study.
Determinants of fruit and vegetable intake among 11-year-old schoolchildren in a country of traditionally low fruit and vegetable consumption
Authors: Kristjansdottir Asa G , Thorsdottir Inga , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Due Pernille , Wind Marianne , Klepp Knut-Inge
Published: November 2006

Background

Fruit and vegetable consumption is traditionally low in Iceland. The results of the Pro Children cross-Europe survey showed that the consumption was lowest among children in Iceland. The aim of this study was to identify determinants of fruit and vegetable intake among 11-year-old schoolchildren in Iceland.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was performed in Iceland in the autumn of 2003 as a part of the Pro Children cross-Europe survey. The survey was designed to provide information on actual consumption levels of vegetables and fruits by 11-year-old school children and to assess potential determinants of consumption patterns. A total of 1235 Icelandic children (89%) from 32 randomly chosen schools participated. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to determine the explained variance of the children's fruit and vegetable intake. In these analyses socio-demographic background variables were entered as a first block, perceived physical-environmental variables as a second block, perceived socio-environmental variables as a third block and personal variables as a fourth block.

Results

64% of the children ate fruit less than once a day, and 61% ate vegetables less than once a day. Respectively, 31% and 39% of the variance in children's fruit and vegetable intake was explained by the determinants studied. About 7% and 13% of the variance in fruit and vegetable intake was explained by the perceived physical-environmental determinants, mainly by availability at home. About 18% and 16% of the variance in fruit and vegetable intake was explained by the personal determinants. For both fruit and vegetable intake, the significant personal determinants were preferences, liking, knowledge of recommendations and self-efficacy.

Conclusion

Interventions to increase fruit and vegetable intake among children should aim at both environmental factors such as greater availability of fruit and vegetables, and personal factors as self-efficacy and knowledge levels concerning nutrition.
A decade of change in breastfeeding in China's far north-west
Authors: Xu Fenglian , Liu Xiaoxian , Binns Colin W , Xiao Cuiqin , Wu Jing , Lee Andy H
Published: November 2006

Background

There have been considerable changes in breastfeeding practices in China over the past forty years. However China is a very large country, and breastfeeding rates in different parts of China vary considerably. The objective of this paper is to identify and compare breastfeeding types and rates between 1994–1996 and 2003–2004 in Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, PR China.

Methods

In 1994–1996, a study of breastfeeding (n = 2197) was undertaken in Shihezi, Xinjiang, PR China. A decade later in 2003–2004, a longitudinal study (n = 545) of infant feeding practices was undertaken in the same area.

Results

The 'any breastfeeding' rates at 1, 4 and 6 months were 94%, 82% and 78% respectively in the early 1990s. A decade later, breastfeeding at 1 month was lower, but rates at 4 and 6 months remained the same. In 2004 the 'full breastfeeding' rate at one month was significantly higher (57%) than a decade earlier (38%), but after 3 months there was a rapid decline. This reflected a shift in the way complementary foods are introduced: the initial introduction was later, but by a higher proportion of mothers.

Conclusion

The rate of breastfeeding at one month is significantly lower in 2003–2004 when compared to 1994–1996. The 'full breastfeeding' rates were initially higher, but after 3 months were then lower. The Chinese national breastfeeding targets were not reached in either period of the study. These studies show the need to further promote full or exclusive breastfeeding and further longitudinal studies are necessary to provide the detailed knowledge about risk factors required for health promotion programs.
Children undergoing cardiac surgery for complex cardiac defects show imbalance between pro- and anti-thrombotic activity
Authors: Heying Ruth , van Oeveren Wim , Wilhelm Stefanie , Schumacher Katharina , Grabitz Ralph G , Messmer Bruno J , Seghaye Marie-Christine
Published: November 2006

Introduction

Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with the activation of inflammatory mediators that possess prothrombotic activity and could cause postoperative haemostatic disorders. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cardiac surgery on prothrombotic activity in children undergoing cardiac surgery for complex cardiac defects.

Methods

Eighteen children (ages 3 to 163 months) undergoing univentricular palliation with total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) (n = 10) or a biventricular repair (n = 8) for complex cardiac defects were studied. Prothrombotic activity was evaluated by measuring plasma levels of prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), thromboxane B2 (TxB2), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Anti-thrombotic activity was evaluated by measuring levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) before, during, and after cardiac surgery.

Results

In all patients, cardiac surgery was associated with a significant but transient increase of F1+2, TxB2, TFPI, and MCP-1. Maximal values of F1+2, TxB2, and MCP-1 were found at the end of CPB. In contrast, maximal levels of TFPI were observed at the beginning of CPB. Concentrations of F1+2 at the end of CPB correlated negatively with the minimal oesophageal temperature during CPB. Markers of prothrombotic activity returned to preoperative values from the first postoperative day on. Early postoperative TFPI levels were significantly lower and TxB2 levels significantly higher in patients with TCPC than in those with biventricular repair. Thromboembolic events were not observed.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that children with complex cardiac defects undergoing cardiac surgery show profound but transient imbalance between pro- and anti-thrombotic activity, which could lead to thromboembolic complications. These alterations are more important after TCPC than after biventricular repair but seem to be determined mainly by low antithrombin III.
Entwurf asymmetrischer kryptographischer Verfahren unter Berücksichtigung von Quantenalgorithmen (Design of Asymmetric Cryptographic Schemes Taking Into Account Quantum Algorithms)
Authors: Geiselmann Willi , González Vasco María Isabel , Steinwandt Rainer
Published: November 2006

Um asymmetrische kryptographische Systeme zu entwerfen, die mit heute verfügbarer Technologie implementiert werden können und zugleich Sicherheit gegenüber bekannten Quantenalgorithmen bieten, werden momentan unterschiedliche Ansätze verfolgt. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen kurzen Überblick über Forschungsansätze aus den Bereichen Gruppentheorie und multivariate Polynome.
Fehlerkorrektur für Quantensysteme (Quantum Error-Correcting Codes)
Authors: Grassl Markus
Published: November 2006

Dieser Artikel stellt die Grundideen der Fehlerkorrektur für Quantensysteme vor. Nach einer kurzen Einführung in das Modell des Quantenrechners wird exemplarisch aufgezeigt, welche Bezüge zwischen einfachen klassischen fehlerkorrigierenden Codes und fehlerkorrigierenden Quantencodes bestehen.