bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Renner-Teller effect and Sears resonances in the ground state of the GeCH and GeCD free radicals
Authors: He Sheng-Gui , Li Haiyang , Smith Tony C. , Clouthier Dennis J. , Merer Anthony J.
Published: October 2003

The vibrational energy levels of the jet-cooled GeCH and GeCD radicals have been studied by a combination of laser-induced fluorescence and wavelength-resolved emission techniques. The radicals were produced in a pulsed electric discharge free jet expansion using methyltrichlorogermane and tetramethylgermane-d12 precursors. A re-examination of the weaker hot bands in the LIF spectrum has provided a more complete vibrational analysis of the upper state energy levels. The single vibronic level emission spectra obtained by pumping several bands of each isotopomer were analyzed to provide information on the low-lying ground state vibronic energy levels up to 3000 cm−1 above the zero-point level. Strong interactions occur in these molecules between vibronic levels with the same value of P, but differing by one unit of v2; such interactions were first described for NCS by Northrup and Sears [Mol. Phys. 71, 45 (1990)] and are conveniently called “Sears resonances.” The spectra of GeCH were further complicated by Fermi resonances between the bending and Ge–C stretching levels. Despite these difficulties, it proved possible to analyze the data using a standard Renner-Teller model with the addition of Sears resonance coupling terms. The validity of the fitted parameters was tested using the isotope relations. The Sears resonance parameters for GeCH are much larger than those of NCS, a result of the much stronger vibronic coupling in the germanium methylidynes.
Robust control of quantum information
Authors: Pravia Marco A. , Boulant Nicolas , Emerson Joseph , Farid Amro , Fortunato Evan M. , Havel Timothy F. , Martinez R. , Cory David G.
Published: October 2003

Errors in the control of quantum systems may be classified as unitary, decoherent, and incoherent. Unitary errors are systematic, and result in a density matrix that differs from the desired one by a unitary operation. Decoherent errors correspond to general completely positive superoperators, and can only be corrected using methods such as quantum error correction. Incoherent errors can also be described, on average, by completely positive superoperators, but can nevertheless be corrected by the application of a locally unitary operation that “refocuses” them. They are due to reproducible spatial or temporal variations in the system’s Hamiltonian, so that information on the variations is encoded in the system’s spatiotemporal state and can be used to correct them. In this paper liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance is used to demonstrate that such refocusing effects can be built directly into the control fields, where the incoherence arises from spatial inhomogeneities in the quantizing static magnetic field as well as the radio-frequency control fields themselves. Using perturbation theory, it is further shown that the eigenvalue spectrum of the completely positive superoperator exhibits a characteristic spread that contains information on the Hamiltonians’ underlying distribution.
Effects of electrical charging on the mechanical Q of a fused silica disk
Authors: Mortonson Michael J. , Vassiliou Christophoros C. , Ottaway David J. , Shoemaker David H. , Harry Gregory M.
Published: October 2003

We report on the effects of an electrical charge on mechanical loss of a fused silica disk. A degradation of Q was seen that correlated with charge on the surface of the sample. We examine a number of models for charge damping, including eddy current damping, and loss due to polarization. We conclude that rubbing friction between the sample and a piece of dust attracted by the charged sample is the most likely explanation for the observed loss.
Compact microscope-based optical tweezers system for molecular manipulation
Authors: Sischka Andy , Eckel Rainer , Toensing Katja , Ros Robert , Anselmetti Dario
Published: October 2003

A compact single beam optical tweezers system for force measurements and manipulation of individual double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules was integrated into a commercial inverted optical microscope. A maximal force of 150 pN combined with a force sensitivity of less than 0.5 pN allows measurements of elastic properties of single molecules which complements and overlaps the force regime accessible with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The manipulation and measurement performance of this system was tested with individual λ-DNA molecules and renders new aspects of dynamic forces phenomena with higher precision in contrast to AFM studies. An integrated liquid handling system with a fluid cell allows investigation of the force response of individual DNA molecules in the presence of DNA binding agents. Comparison of YOYO-1-, ethidium bromide intercalated DNA, and distamycin-A complexed DNA revealed accurate and reproducible differences in the force response to an external load. This opens the possibility to use it as a single molecule biosensor to investigate DNA binding agents and even to identify molecular binding mechanisms.
Wave front-splitting phase shift beam splitter for pencil beam interferometer
Authors: Qian Shinan , Takacs Peter
Published: October 2003

A beam splitter to create two separated parallel beams is a critical part of the pencil beam interferometer. Beam splitters can be separated into two categories based upon their operating principle: amplitude splitting or wave front splitting. A wave front-splitting phase shift beam splitter (WS-PSBS) with a monolithic structure and equal optical path is described that is well suited to the stability requirements of a pencil beam interferometer. Several techniques to produce a WS-PSBS are presented. In addition, the WS-PSBS using double thin plates or a single plate, made from microscope cover plates, has great advantages of economy, convenience, availability, and ease of adjustment over other types of beam splitters. A comparison of stability measurements made with the WS-PSBS and other equal optical path beam splitters is presented. The pencil beam interferometer using the WS-PSBS can achieve a stability of 0.45 μrad root mean square over 15–24 h periods.
State-resolved dynamics of 248 nm methyl-iodide fragmentation on GaAs(110)
Authors: Srivastava Abneesh , Osgood Richard M.
Published: October 2003

The 248 nm initiated dissociation dynamics of methyl iodide physisorbed on GaAs (110) is investigated using 2+1 REMPI detection of the CH3 umbrella mode. The velocity and vibrational distributions of the photofragment are dependent on the adsorbate coverage and surface termination. Two translational energy distributions are measured for the CH3 fragment at high coverage, i.e., 25 ML, with maxima at 1 and 1.9 eV. These maxima are within 0.5–0.7 eV of those obtained in direct dissociation of gas-phase CH3I. At 1 ML one distribution is measured with its maxima at 0.3 eV. A modification of the surface with chemisorbed iodine reduces the yield of the CH3 at 1 ML but not at 25 ML. The dissociation dynamics observed at 1 ML is attributed to bond scission following electron attachment while that at 25 ML to direct photodissociation. At 3 ML coverage both the 1 and 25 ML components are observed. The measured fragment vibrational distribution at 1 ML has a 4 times lower v″=1/v″=0 ratio compared with that at 25 ML. Differences in the translational and vibrational distributions for the two dissociation mechanisms are attributed to the available energy and molecular geometry of photoexcited CH3I.
Disjoining pressure of thin films on spherical core particles
Authors: Napari Ismo , Laaksonen Ari
Published: October 2003

Density functional method is applied to calculate the disjoining pressure in equilibrium configurations of systems consisting of a liquid film confined between a solid spherical core and a surrounding vapor. The fluid is modeled as a system of hard spheres with Lennard-Jones attraction. Yukawa-type interaction is assumed between the fluid particles and the solid core. The disjoining pressure primarily results from the capillary and film pressure contributions. Considerable deviations from the planar value of the disjoining pressure are found, even for large core particles. The size dependence of the disjoining pressure is caused by the finite size of the core and the weaker total fluid–core attraction compared to the planar wall. The curvature of the liquid–vapor interface has little effect on the disjoining pressure.
High-resolution ion time-of-flight analysis for measuring molecular velocity distributions
Authors: Kim Y. , Ansari S. , Zwickl B. , Meyer H.
Published: October 2003

A new electrode setup for high-resolution ion time-of-flight (TOF) analysis is described. The setup is used in combination with a counterpropagating pulsed molecular-beam scattering apparatus and laser ionization to measure one-dimensional velocity distributions of low-energy molecular products resulting from scattering or dissociation processes. In the case of ensembles characterized by cylindrical symmetry with respect to the molecular-beam axis, measured TOF spectra represent the angular distribution of the products. In the imaging of the ions onto the detector, this symmetry is preserved by using a pair of electrostatic mirrors for the deflection. Combined with separate velocity dispersion and acceleration fields, the present arrangement achieves superior resolution and detection efficiency. Although the resolution of the setup is limited by the velocity distribution of the molecular-beam pulses, changes in the average local velocity as small as 10 m/s have been observed.
Electron-spin resonance probe based on a 100 μm planar microcoil
Authors: Boero G. , Bouterfas M. , Massin C. , Vincent F. , Besse P.-A. , Popovic R. S. , Schweiger A.
Published: October 2003

We describe the fabrication and the performance of a microcoil-based probe for electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy on micrometer sized samples. The probe consists of a 100 μm planar microcoil fabricated on a glass substrate, tuned and matched at 1.4 GHz (L band) using miniaturized ceramic capacitors. We performed continuous wave ESR experiments on samples having a volume between (100 μm)3 and (10 μm)3. At 300 K, we achieved a spin sensitivity of about 1010 spins/G Hz1/2, which is comparable to that of commercial ESR spectrometers operating at 9 GHz (X band). The results reported in this article suggest that microcoil-based probes might represent a valid alternative to conventional microwave cavities for ESR studies of sample of the order of (100 μm)3 and smaller.
Amorphous boron gasket in diamond anvil cell research
Authors: Lin Jung-Fu , Shu Jinfu , Mao Ho-kwang , Hemley Russell J. , Shen Guoyin
Published: October 2003

Recent advances in high-pressure diamond anvil cell experiments include high-energy synchrotron x-ray techniques as well as new cell designs and gasketing procedures. The success of high-pressure experiments usually depends on a well-prepared sample, in which the gasket plays an important role. Various gasket materials such as diamond, beryllium, rhenium, and stainless steel have been used. Here we introduce amorphous boron as another gasket material in high-pressure diamond anvil cell experiments. We have applied the boron gasket for laser-heating x-ray diffraction, radial x-ray diffraction, nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, and inelastic x-ray scattering. The high shear strength of the amorphous boron maximizes the thickness of the sample chamber and increases the pressure homogeneity, improving the quality of high-pressure data. Use of amorphous boron avoids unwanted x-ray diffraction peaks and reduces the absorption of incident and x rays exiting the gasket material. The high quality of the diffraction patterns makes it possible to refine the cell parameters with powder x-ray diffraction data under high pressure and high temperature. The reactivity of boron prevents its use at high temperatures, however. When heated, boron may also react with the specimen to produce unwanted phases. The relatively porous boron starting material at ambient conditions also poses some challenges for sample preparation.
Magnetoresistance in boron carbide junctions
Authors: Bernard L. , Monson J. , Sokolov A. , Liu Zong-Yuan , Yang C.-S. , Dowben P. A. , Doudin B. , Harken A. , Welsch P. , Robertson B. W.
Published: October 2003

Photoemission and electric transport properties of ferromagnet–insulator–ferromagnet junctions with boron carbide (C2B10) dielectric barrier are presented. Using a non-oxide barrier confidence avoids oxidation of the interfaces with the ferromagnetic layers. Photoemission confirms chemical abruptness of the interface. Magnetoresistance ratios reaching 50% are observed at low temperatures, and large nonlinearity in the current–voltage curves show that impurities in the junctions play a key role.
Fabrication and electrical characterization of polyaniline-based nanofibers with diameter below 30 nm
Authors: Zhou Yangxin , Freitag Marcus , Hone James , Staii Cristian , Johnson A. T. , Pinto Nicholas J. , MacDiarmid A. G.
Published: October 2003

We fabricate and electrically characterize electrospun nanofibers of doped polyaniline/polyethylene oxide (PAn/PEO) blend with sub-30 nm diameter. Fiber diameters near 5 nm are obtained for optimized process parameters. Scanning conductance microscopy (SCM) shows that fibers with diameter below 15 nm are electrically insulating; the small diameter may allow complete dedoping in air or be smaller than phase-separated grains of PAn and PEO. Electrical contacts to nanofibers are made by shadow mask evaporation with no chemical or thermal damage to the fibers. Single fiber I–V characteristics show that thin fibers conduct more poorly than thick ones, in agreement with SCM data. I–Vs of asymmetric fibers are rectifying, consistent with formation of Schottky barriers at the nanofiber-metal contacts.
State-selected and state-to-state photoionization study of trichloroethene using the two-color infrared-vacuum ultraviolet scheme
Authors: Woo H. K. , Wang P. , Lau K.-C. , Xing X. , Chang C. , Ng C. Y.
Published: October 2003

By employing the two-color infrared (IR)-vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser photoionization (PI) schemes, we have determined the C–H stretching frequencies ν12=3097.7 cm−1 for trichloroethene (CHCl=CCl2) and ν12+=3066 cm−1 for CHCl=CCl2+. On the basis of the IR-VUV-pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) measurement, the ratio of the state-to-state PI cross section for CHCl=CCl2+(ν12+=1)←CHCl=CCl2(ν12=1) to that for the formation of the ground state ion from the ground state neutral is determined to be 0.24. The VUV-PI efficiency (PIE) spectrum for CHCl=CCl2 and IR-VUV-PIE spectrum for CHCl=CCl2(ν12=1) show that the state-to-state PI cross section for the formation of CHCl=CCl2+ in the ground state from CHCl=CCl2(ν12=1) is ≈0.006 that from CHCl=CCl2 in its ground state. As expected, the IR-VUV-PIE onset for CHCl=CCl2(ν12=1) exhibits less hot-band tailing than the VUV-PIE onset for supersonically cooled CHCl=CCl2. After taking into account the ν12 frequency, the ionization energy values for CHCl=CCl2 determined based on the IR-VUV-PIE and VUV-PFI-PE measurements are found to be in excellent agreement.
Recording potential of a single-domain particle
Authors: Usov N. A. , Chang Ching-Ray , Wei Zung-Hang
Published: October 2003

The ratio of the coercive force Hc to the effective energy barrier Uef is introduced to characterize the recording capability of a single-domain particle. It is shown that this ratio depends on the shape of the energy barrier separating equivalent energy minima. The optimal shape of the barrier is obtained for particles with uniaxial and combined (both uniaxial and cubic) types of magnetic anisotropy. For the optimal shapes, the gain in the ratio Hc/Uef can achieve 20%–40% with respect to the case of a Stoner–Wohlfarth particle.
Anode material based on Zr-doped ZnO thin films for organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kim H. , Horwitz J. S. , Kim W. H. , Qadri S. B. , Kafafi Z. H.
Published: October 2003

Zr-doped ZnO (ZZO) thin films have been investigated as an anode material, a potential alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO), for organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices. ZZO films have been deposited on glass substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The electrical and optical properties of these films were studied as a function of substrate temperature and oxygen pressure during deposition. For a 200-nm-thick ZZO film grown at 250 °C in 1 mTorr of oxygen, a resistivity of 5.6×10−4 Ω cm was measured and an average optical transmittance of 84% was measured in the visible range (400–700 nm). The ZZO films, grown at different oxygen pressures, were used as an anode contact for OLED devices. External electroluminescence quantum efficiencies (0.8%–0.9%) comparable to those (0.9%–1.0%) measured for control devices fabricated on commercial ITO anodes were obtained at high current densities (1000 A/m2). These results demonstrate that ZZO is a good anode material. In addition, it is an attractive alternative to ITO due to its low price and lack of toxicity.
First-order reversal curves diagrams for the characterization of ferroelectric switching
Authors: Stancu Alexandru , Ricinschi Dan , Mitoseriu Liliana , Postolache Petronel , Okuyama Masanori
Published: October 2003

A method to describe the switching characteristics of the ferroelectrics is proposed, using the first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams. On these diagrams, the reversible and irreversible contributions to the ferroelectric polarization can be clearly separated. They are extremely sensitive to the changes of the hysteresis loops induced by degradation of the ferroelectric polarization, such as fatigue. Sharp in the fresh state, the FORC distribution becomes wide with its maximum shifted towards higher fields after 109 switching cycles. A strong increase of the reversible component was found in the fatigue state. With appropriate interpretation, these diagrams could be valuable as “fingerprints” of the switching characteristics of the ferroelectric systems in a particular state.
High-power blue generation from a periodically poled MgO:LiNbO3 ridge-type waveguide by frequency doubling of a diode end-pumped Nd:Y3Al5O12 laser
Authors: Iwai M. , Yoshino T. , Yamaguchi S. , Imaeda M. , Pavel N. , Shoji I. , Taira T.
Published: October 2003

Continuous-wave power of 189 mW at 473 nm with 49% conversion efficiency is generated from a 8.5 mm long uncoated periodically polled MgO:LiNbO3 ridge-type waveguide by frequency doubling of a diode end-pumped Nd:Y3Al5O12 laser at room temperature; the corresponding internal blue power and conversion efficiency were 222 mW and 58%, respectively. The highest conversion efficiency of 63% (74% with respect to the blue internal power) was obtained from a 12 mm long waveguide with 99 mW blue output power. Saturation of output blue power was observed for coupled fundamental power into the waveguides in excess of 200 mW.
Effects of a thin InGaAs layer on InAs quantum dots embedded in InAl(Ga)As
Authors: Kim Jin Soo , Lee Jin Hong , Hong Sung Ui , Han Won Seok , Kwack Ho-Sang , Oh Dae Kon
Published: October 2003

Influences of a thin In0.32Ga0.68As layer on the structural and optical properties of self-assembled InAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded in an InAl(Ga)As matrix, which was lattice-matched to an InP substrate, were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. AFM and TEM images showed that the size of QDs grown on a thin In0.32Ga0.68As layer was increased, with a reduction in size fluctuation compared to that of QDs on an InAl(Ga)As layer. The shape of the QD was also more isotropic, indicating that the QD would be closer to an ideal zero-dimensional system. The PL peak position of the InAs QDs grown on a 1.5 nm In0.32Ga0.68As layer was 1.55 μm, with linewidth broadening of 64 meV that was somewhat narrower than those of the QD samples without the In0.32Ga0.68As layer, which agreed well with the AFM and TEM results.
F spots and domain patterns in rhombohedral PbZr0.90Ti0.10O3
Authors: Huang Haitao , Zhou Li Min , Guo Jun , Hng Huey Hoon , Oh Joo Tien , Hing Peter
Published: October 2003

The microstructure of PbZr0.9Ti0.1O3 ceramics is studied by transmission electron microscopy. Two types of domain patterns are found, namely, the 109° domain with the F spots (12{hkl} superlattice reflections) observed in neighboring domains and the 71° domain with the F spots observed in one domain and having disappeared in the neighboring one. The computer simulation indicates that the F spots are forbidden at h=k positions so that they do not appear in the electron diffraction pattern if viewed along the [1̄10] direction. Based on this result, the observed two types of domain patterns and their corresponding diffraction patterns can be explained.
Towards dynamical force microscopy using optical probing of thermomechanical noise
Authors: Vairac P. , Cretin B. , Kulik A. J.
Published: October 2003

Dynamic force microscopy is often used to investigate local tip–sample interaction in order to obtain the material elastic properties. In this letter, we demonstrate the feasibility of the detection of thermal noise of microcantilever in contact with hard samples. Optical sensing is based on a high sensitivity heterodyne interferometer. The detected power spectral density clearly shows the first flexural vibration mode of the microcantilever. The variation of the resonant frequency of this vibration mode is related to the local elastic properties of the sample.
Effect of the large current flow on the low-temperature transport properties in a bundle of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Fuse T. , Moriyama S. , Suzuki M. , Aoyagi Y. , Ishibashi K.
Published: October 2003

A large current flowing process has been used at 1.5 K to modify transport properties of quantum dots in a bundle of single-walled carbon nanotubes. After the processes were applied to the samples a few times, Coulomb oscillations started to be observed that did not appear before the process. The number of Coulomb peaks decreased as the process was repeated. The experimental observations could be explained by the simple model that the nanotube bundle was composed of many single and multiquantum dots in parallel, and some of them were broken by the current flowing process.
DictyosteliumStress-activated Protein Kinase α, a Novel Stress-activated Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase-like Kinase, Is Important for the Proper Regulation of the Cytoskeleton
Authors: Sun Binggang , Ma Hui , Firtel Richard A.
Published: October 2003

Mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades regulate various cellular functions, including growth, cell differentiation, development, and stress responses. We have identified a new Dictyostelium kinase (stress-activated protein kinase [SAPK]α), which is related to members of the mixed lineage kinase class of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases. SAPKα is activated by osmotic stress, heat shock, and detachment from the substratum and by a membrane-permeable cGMP analog, a known regulator of stress responses in Dictyostelium. SAPKα is important for cellular resistance to stresses, because SAPKα null cells exhibit reduced viability in response to osmotic stress. We found that SAPKα mutants affect cellular processes requiring proper regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, including cell motility, morphogenesis, cytokinesis, and cell adhesion. Overexpression of SAPKα results in highly elevated basal and chemoattractant-stimulated F-actin levels and strong aggregation and developmental defects, including a failure to polarize and chemotax, and abnormal morphogenesis. These phenotypes require a kinase-active SAPKα. SAPKα null cells exhibit reduced chemoattractant-stimulated F-actin levels, cytokinesis, developmental and adhesion defects, and a motility defect that is less severe than that exhibited by SAPKα-overexpressing cells. SAPKα colocalizes with F-actin in F-actin–enriched structures, including membrane ruffles and pseudopodia during chemotaxis. Although SAPKα is required for these F-actin–mediated processes, it is not detectably activated in response to chemoattractant stimulation.
Receptor Internalization in Yeast Requires the Tor2-Rho1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: deHart Amy K.A. , Schnell Joshua D. , Allen Damian A. , Tsai Ju-Yun , Hicke Linda
Published: October 2003

Efficient internalization of proteins from the cell surface is essential for regulating cell growth and differentiation. In a screen for yeast mutants defective in ligand-stimulated internalization of the α-factor receptor, we identified a mutant allele of TOR2, tor2G2128R. Tor proteins are known to function in translation initiation and nutrient sensing and are required for cell cycle progression through G1. Yeast Tor2 has an additional role in regulating the integrity of the cell wall by activating the Rho1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor Rom2. The endocytic defect in tor2G2128Rcells is due to disruption of this Tor2 unique function. Other proteins important for cell integrity, Rom2 and the cell integrity sensor Wsc1, are also required for efficient endocytosis. A rho1 mutant specifically defective in activation of the glucan synthase Fks1/2 does not internalize α-factor efficiently, and fks1Δ cells exhibit a similar phenotype. Removal of the cell wall does not inhibit internalization, suggesting that the function of Rho1 and Fks1 in endocytosis is not through cell wall synthesis or structural integrity. These findings reveal a novel function for the Tor2-Rho1 pathway in controlling endocytosis in yeast, a function that is mediated in part through the plasma membrane protein Fks1.
Communism's Posthumous Trial
Authors: Aronson Ronald
Published: November 2003

Books reviewed in this article:

Stéphane Courtois et al.,The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression

François Furet, The Passing of an Illusion: The Idea of Communism in the Twentieth Century

Tony Judt, The Burden of Responsibility: Blum, Camus, Aron, and the French Twentieth Century

Michel Dreyfus et al., Le Siècle des communismes
Gender differences in young children's speech: the acquisition of sociolinguistic competence
Authors: Ladegaard Hans J. , Bleses Dorthe
Published: November 2003

Many sociolinguistic studies have found that female speakers prefer standard speech forms while male speakers prefer vernacular forms. This article addresses two questions: (1) when does this split between male and female language occur in the language of young children; and (2) how do little boys and girls come to prefer linguistic features which are predominant in the language of adults? Two hypotheses accounting for the mechanisms of transmission are presented – the frequency hypothesis and the role‐model hypothesis – and data from a study of Danish children's acquisition of past‐tense morphology is presented. The study found gender differences in the past‐tense morphology of the 4‐, 6‐ and 8‐year‐old participants, and it is argued that the role‐model hypothesis would most adequately explain these differences. Furthermore, it is argued that early institutionalisation of children in Denmark may lead to increased peer group influence and help explain why gender differences occur at an earlier age compared to studies from the UK and the USA.
Phonological translation and phonetic repertoire
Authors: Lodge Ken
Published: November 2003

This paper demonstrates some of the limits of the translation of sound effects in poetry from a purely linguistic point of view, as opposed to a literary critical one. Three examples of poetry were recorded in the original language and transcribed phonetically, as were English translations of the same works. These are compared for evidence of transfer of original sound features and of the extent to which equivalent features in the target versions have been utilized. On the basis of phonological structure and phonetic repertoire, some of the limitations of translation of sound effects are suggested. In one case two different accents are used for the English translation to highlight inherent differences between varieties of one and the same language.
Decision Analysis Using Rough Sets
Authors: Pawlak Zdzislaw , Slowinski Roman
Published: November 2003

We show that the rough set theory is a useful tool for analysis of decision situations, in particular multi‐criteria sorting problems. It deals with vagueness in the representation of a decision situation, caused by granularity of the representation. The rough set approach produces a set of decision rules involving a reduced number of most important criteria. It does not correct vagueness manifested in the representation; instead, the rules produced are categorized into deterministic and non‐deterministic. The set of decision rules explains the decision situation and may be used to support new decisions. An example illustrates the rough set analysis of a multi‐criteria sorting problem.
A DSS for Production Planning
Authors: Gravel Marc , Kiss Laszlo , Martel Jean‐Marc , Price Wilson L.
Published: November 2003

This paper presents a decision support system designed to aid the production planner in choosing the values of the principle parameters governing just‐in‐time manufacturing. The DSS uses a knowledge base composed of data from simulations of the production of the entire product line under systematically varied conditions. The planners may add data from actual production experience as it is obtained. The stochastic dominance outranking method of Martel and Zaras allows the identification of clusters of parameters that respect the preferences of the decision maker. When launching an order for a product, the decision maker may judge certain sets of parameters to be equivalent. A visual interactive simulation model will then allow their comparison according to three performance criteria.
Recent Trends in the Finances of the State and Local Sector
Authors: Carnevale John T.
Published: November 2003

This article reviews recent trends in the finances of the state and local government sector. It finds that the sector has become increasingly self‐sufficient, successfully managing its way in the eighties through the back‐to‐back recessions and the decentralization of the federal role in state and local fiscal affairs. The outlook for the sector now depends more on general economic trends and the actions of state and local governments, than trends in federal aid.
Local Government Risk Financing and Risk Control Pools: Understanding Their Forms, Functions, and Purposes
Authors: Young Peter C.
Published: November 2003

One of the most significant public risk management developments of the past 15 years has been the creation of local government risk control and risk financing pools. Today it is estimated that over 200 pools provide services for up to 20,000 local governments. This article is an introductory discussion of pooling and includes information drawn from the first nationwide survey of pools, and gives suggestions for future research.
Educational Vouchers: The Case for Public Choice Reconsidered
Authors: Waring Jim
Published: November 2003

Parental choice and operational efficiency are the key features proponents use to promote the desirability of educational voucher programs. The argument is that educational vouchers increase competition among schools by allowing parents the freedom to choose which schools their children attend. In turn, competition improves the performance of individual schools. This article argues that, as currently put forth, the case for vouchers minimizes the special position of public schools with respect to their equity goals. Equity, arguably, has been one of the most significant tenets of public education policy in the last half‐century. Moreover, vouchers have significant hidden costs that could compromise any efficiency.
A Profile of Discontinuity between Citizen Demand and Willingness to Pay Taxes: Comprehensive Planning for Park and Recreation Investment
Authors: Glaser Mark A. , Hildreth W. Bartley
Published: November 2003

Growing alienation between citizens and government represents an important challenge to democracy. Resistance to taxation is one of the manifestations of this alienation. The issue is further complicated by citizen demands that exceed their willingness to pay taxes, referred to here as tax‐demand discontinuity. This article uses a survey of over 700 citizens designed to provide an information foundation for comprehensive park and recreation planning to test for and profile tax‐demand discontinuity. Using combined scores on summated measures of willingness to pay taxes and demand for public investment, citizens are typologically classified into nine groups that are then consolidated under three classifications of tax‐demand discontinuity. Citizen‐assignments include traditionalists, or those with continuity or balance between willingness to pay taxes and demand; philanthropists, those who are willing to pay taxes in excess of demand; and free‐riders, citizens with demands that exceed willingness to pay taxes. Differences in assessments of local government performance are examined in relationship to tax‐demand discontinuity classifications indicating that productivity alone will not resolve issues of tax‐demand discontinuity. The results indicate differences in citizen subpopulations in tax‐demand discontinuity.
Portfolio Budgeting in the Australian Portfolios‐Principles and Practice
Authors: Xavier John Antony
Published: November 2003

In the mid‐eighties Australia implemented a budgeting system that is similar in its principles to the U.S. PAYGO rule and the now defunct Policy and Expenditure Management System of Canada. Termed as portfolio budgeting, it seeks to encourage greater ministerial participation (a ministry comprising a number of related departments) in the portfolio budget process. It obligates portfolio ministers to offer offsetting savings for funding new policies. Ministers have to thereby set new policy priorities so that only the most deserving new policies obtain funding through the savings identified. Additionally, portfolio budgeting requires ministers to prioritize their ongoing programs so that budget allocation to these programs reflects ministerial priorities. The article examines the practice of portfolio budgeting in the Australian portfolios in light of these objectives. The article suggests that portfolio budgeting has caused greater ministerial involvement in budgetary management. However, there has been little significant change in budget decision making at the portfolio level. The state of play of portfolio budgeting at the national budget process (cabinet and the Department of Finance) offered little incentive to portfolios to provide offsetting savings for new policy proposals. And, the appropriation structure and the organizational and political dynamics impeded ministers from allocating and reallocating their budgets (operating expenditure or running costs) for ongoing programs along ministerial priorities.
Empirical Analysis of Transcriptional Activity in the
Arabidopsis
Genome
Authors: Yamada Kayoko , Lim Jun , Dale Joseph M. , Chen Huaming , Shinn Paul , Palm Curtis J. , Southwick Audrey M. , Wu Hank C. , Kim Christopher , Nguyen Michelle , Pham Paul , Cheuk Rosa , Karlin-Newmann George , Liu Shirley X. , Lam Bao , Sakano Hitomi , Wu Troy , Yu Guixia , Miranda Molly , Quach Hong L. , Tripp Matthew , Chang Charlie H. , Lee Jeong M. , Toriumi Mitsue , Chan Marie M. H. , Tang Carolyn C. , Onodera Courtney S. , Deng Justine M. , Akiyama Kenji , Ansari Yasser , Arakawa Takahiro , Banh Jenny , Banno Fumika , Bowser Leah , Brooks Shelise , Carninci Piero , Chao Qimin , Choy Nathan , Enju Akiko , Goldsmith Andrew D. , Gurjal Mani , Hansen Nancy F. , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Johnson-Hopson Chanda , Hsuan Vickie W. , Iida Kei , Karnes Meagan , Khan Shehnaz , Koesema Eric , Ishida Junko , Jiang Paul X. , Jones Ted , Kawai Jun , Kamiya Asako , Meyers Cristina , Nakajima Maiko , Narusaka Mari , Seki Motoaki , Sakurai Tetsuya , Satou Masakazu , Tamse Racquel , Vaysberg Maria , Wallender Erika K. , Wong Cecilia , Yamamura Yuki , Yuan Shiaulou , Shinozaki Kazuo , Davis Ronald W. , Theologis Athanasios , Ecker Joseph R.
Published: October 2003

Functional analysis of a genome requires accurate gene structure information and a complete gene inventory. A dual experimental strategy was used to verify and correct the initial genome sequence annotation of the reference plant
Arabidopsis
. Sequencing full-length cDNAs and hybridizations using RNA populations from various tissues to a set of high-density oligonucleotide arrays spanning the entire genome allowed the accurate annotation of thousands of gene structures. We identified 5817 novel transcription units, including a substantial amount of antisense gene transcription, and 40 genes within the genetically defined centromeres. This approach resulted in completion of â¼30% of the
Arabidopsis
ORFeome as a resource for global functional experimentation of the plant proteome.
Carbonate Deposition, Climate Stability, and Neoproterozoic Ice Ages
Authors: Ridgwell Andy J. , Kennedy Martin J. , Caldeira Ken
Published: October 2003

The evolutionary success of planktic calcifiers during the Phanerozoic stabilized the climate system by introducing a new mechanism that acts to buffer ocean carbonate-ion concentration: the saturation-dependent preservation of carbonate in sea-floor sediments. Before this, buffering was primarily accomplished by adjustment of shallow-water carbonate deposition to balance oceanic inputs from weathering on land. Neoproterozoic ice ages of near-global extent and multimillion-year duration and the formation of distinctive sedimentary (cap) carbonates can thus be understood in terms of the greater sensitivity of the Precambrian carbon cycle to the loss of shallow-water environments and CO
2
-climate feedback on ice-sheet growth.
Conciliation, Gould's Last Discourse
Authors: Proctor Robert N.
Published: October 2003

The Hedgehog, the Fox, and the Magister's Pox
Mending the Gap Between Science and the Humanities. by Stephen Jay Gould. Harmony Books, New York, 2003. 288 pp. $25.95, C$38.95. ISBN 0-609-60140-7. Jonathan Cape, London. £17.99. ISBN 0-224-06309-X

In what has become his final book, Gould argues for a conciliation between science and the humanities that recognizes the importance of both.
Decadal Variation of the Surface Water
P
CO
2
in the Western and Central Equatorial Pacific
Authors: Takahashi Taro , Sutherland Stewart C. , Feely Richard A. , Cosca Catherine E.
Published: October 2003

The equatorial Pacific Ocean is one of the most important yet highly variable oceanic source areas for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO
2
). Here, we used the partial pressure of CO
2
(
P
CO
2
), measured in surface waters from 1979 through early 2001, to examine the effect on the equatorial Pacific CO
2
chemistry of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation phase shift, which occurred around 1988 to 1992. During the decade before the shift, the surface water
P
CO
2
(corrected for temperature changes and atmospheric CO
2
uptake) in the central and western equatorial Pacific decreased at a mean rate of about –20 μatm per decade, whereas after the shift, it increased at about +15 μatm per decade. These changes altered the CO
2
sink and source flux of the equatorial Pacific significantly.
Postnatal Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Meeting at the Synapse?
Authors: Zoghbi Huda Y.
Published: October 2003

We often think of neurodevelopmental disorders as beginning before birth, and many certainly do. A handful, however, strike many months after birth, following a period of apparently normal growth and development. Autism and Rett syndrome are two such disorders, and here I consider some of their similarities at the phenotypic and pathogenic levels. I propose that both disorders result from disruption of postnatal or experience-dependent synaptic plasticity.
Looking Backward to Move Forward: Early Detection of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: DeKosky Steven T. , Marek Kenneth
Published: October 2003

Early detection of neurodegenerative disorders would provide clues to the underlying pathobiology of these diseases and would enable more effective diagnosis and treatment of patients. Recent advances in molecular neuroscience have begun to provide the tools to detect diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and others early in their course and potentially even before the development of clinical manifestations of disease. These genetic, imaging, clinical, and biochemical tools are being validated in a number of studies. Early detection of these slowly progressive diseases offers the promise of presymptomatic diagnosis and, ultimately, of disease-modifying medications for use early in disease and during the presymptomatic period.
CTP Limitation Increases Expression of CTP Synthase in
Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Jørgensen Casper Møller , Hammer Karin , Martinussen Jan
Published: November 2003

CTP synthase is encoded by the
pyrG
gene and catalyzes the conversion of UTP to CTP. A
Lactococcus lactis pyrG
mutant with a cytidine requirement was constructed, in which β-galactosidase activity in a
pyrG
-
lacLM
transcriptional fusion was used to monitor gene expression of
pyrG
. A 10-fold decrease in the CTP pool induced by cytidine limitation was found to immediately increase expression of the
L. lactis pyrG
gene. The final level of expression of
pyrG
is 37-fold higher than the uninduced level. CTP limitation has pronounced effects on central cellular metabolism, and both RNA and protein syntheses are inhibited. Expression of
pyrG
responds only to the cellular level of CTP, since expression of
pyrG
has no correlation to alterations in UTP, GTP, and ATP pool sizes. In the untranslated
pyrG
leader sequence a potential terminator structure can be identified, and this structure is required for regulation of the
pyrG
gene. It is possible to fold the
pyrG
leader in an alternative structure that would prevent the formation of the terminator. We suggest a model for
pyrG
regulation in
L. lactis
, and probably in other gram-positive bacteria as well, in which
pyrG
expression is directly dependent on the CTP concentration through an attenuator mechanism. At normal CTP concentrations a terminator is preferentially formed in the
pyrG
leader, thereby reducing expression of CTP synthase. At low CTP concentrations the RNA polymerase pauses at a stretch of C residues in the
pyrG
leader, thereby allowing an antiterminator to form and transcription to proceed. This model therefore does not include any
trans-
acting protein for sensing the CTP concentration as previously proposed for
Bacillus subtilis
.
Cellular Engineering of HSV-tk Transduced, Expanded T Lymphocytes for Graft-versus-Host Disease Management
Authors: Burger Scott R. , Kadidlo Diane M. , Basso Lisa , Bostrom Nancy , Orchard Paul J.
Published: October 2003

Engineering donor T lymphocytes with inducible ‘suicide genes’, such as herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase, has potential to improve safety and efficacy in allogeneic transplantation by facilitating management of graft-versus-host disease. Elective administration of a relatively nontoxic pro-drug would induce in vivo negative selection of engineered lymphocytes specifically, sparing other donor hematopoietic cells. The engineered cells must retain immunologic function, and undergo negative selection in response to clinically attainable plasma concentrations of pro-drug. The cell engineering process itself, typically involving activation, transduction, ex vivo expansion, and selection, must produce clinically useful numbers of genetically modified cells at high purity. We discuss development of a cellular engineering manufacturing process that yields transduced, expanded T lymphocytes meeting these requirements.
Leukemia Vaccines
Authors: Glouchkova Ludmila , Ackermann Birgit , Dilloo Dagmar
Published: October 2003

Evidence that immunological effector mechanisms contribute to the elimination of leukemic blasts in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation supports the concept that the immune system plays a prominent role in the control of leukemic disease. For patients with high-risk acute leukemia, relapse prevention in the setting of minimal residual disease is paramount. This review discusses vaccine strategies aimed to stimulate a leukemia-specific immune response in vivo.
Pharmacology of Ifosfamide
Authors: Furlanut M. , Franceschi L.
Published: October 2003

Ifosfamide is a bifunctional alkylating agent, used as a racemic mixture by intravenous route in the treatment of various tumors. It is an oxazaphosphorine derivative with a structural formula similar to that of cyclophosphamide. As a prodrug it requires activation in the liver by a cytochrome mixed-function oxidase system. Among various metabolites, ifosforamide mustard probably represents the most important cytotoxic compound able to produce irreparable cross-links between DNA strands. Resistance is due to the ability of neoplastic cells to repair DNA damages. Acrolein may induce hemorrhagic cystitis, whereas chloroacetaldehyde may be responsible both for nephro- and neurotoxicity. A thiol donor (mesna) can prevent urotoxic effects but not nephro- and neurotoxicity. Pharmacokinetics is markedly influenced by route of administration and duration of treatment, age, co-medication, liver and renal function.
Dose Finding of Ifosfamide Administered with a Chronic Two-Week Continuous Infusion
Authors: Cartei G. , Clocchiatti L. , Sacco C. , Pella N. , Bearz A. , Mantero J. , Pastorelli D. , Salmaso F. , Zustovich F.
Published: October 2003

Purpose: Ifosfamide (IFO) is an active drug in several malignancies. A short-term 3- to 7-day (A) continuous infusion (c.i.) has been used in different tumor types. The 14-day c.i. (B) has been investigated in advanced breast cancer and in soft tissue sarcoma patients at a fixed daily dose. The tolerance and response rate (RR) of therapies A and B has been considered encouraging. Aim: To study the 14-day c.i. IFO schedule, every 28 days, with a dose-finding approach. Methods: From January 1998 to December 2001, 34 pretreated patients with advanced malignancy and disease progression were treated with c.i. IFO (and the same dose of mesna) from 400 to 1,000 mg/m2/24 h for 2 consecutive weeks every 28 days. An elastomeric pumping device via an Infuse-a-Port® or a Groshong® catheter was used. Results: A total of 159 cycles were evaluable for toxicity and results. No toxic deaths occurred. Three patients (8.8%) had a severe acute allergic cutaneous reaction with various grade 3–4 toxicities requiring hospitalization and therapy was stopped at day 6 of the first cycle, 7 and 12 of the second cycle respectively. In the other 31 patients, grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 6 (19.3%) and it represented the main toxicity. There was a positive relationship between the IFO dose step and neutropenia (p = 0.001). A positive relationship was observed between the RR and the received total IFO dose (g) (p < 0.004). Twelve patients out of 31 had progressive disease (PD) (38.7%), 8 had partial remission (PR) (25.8%), and 11 maintained a steady state (35.5%). Six of the 12 patients (50%) with PD and 2 of the 8 PRs (25%) had bone metastases. Conclusions: IFO c.i. is generally well tolerated, but acute untoward allergic reactions can occur. In chemotherapy-pretreated patients the recommended daily dose of continuously infused IFO for 14 days every 4 weeks is 900 mg/m2/day, together with mesna at the same dose schedule.