bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern recognition system using a clonal selection‐based immune network
Authors: Tang Zheng , Tashima Koichi , Cao Qi P.
Published: September 2003

Studies of immune systems include the work of Jerne on the equilibrium state of a network modeling an immune network. The authors have previously studied the information processing capabilities of immune systems and have proposed models capable of acquiring immune memory based on immune responses in an immune system. These models are based on the interactions between cells constituting an immune system, and these interactions are controlled by the state of a network formed by the cells in advance. However, in these models, cell groups are constructed by repetitions of immune responses in the immune system of a real biological organism and the fact that the immune responses are made by cell groups is not taken into account. Therefore, in this paper an immune system model involving an interactive process of network generation by cell groups generated on the basis of the clonal selection theory is proposed. The immune properties of the proposed network are shown by simulation and its effectiveness is demonstrated by applying it to a pattern recognition system. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(12): 56–63, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10243
Highlight detection and indexing in broadcast sports video by collaborative processing of text, audio, and image
Authors: Miyauchi Shingo , Babaguchi Noboru , Kitahashi Tadahiro
Published: September 2003

In this paper we propose a highlight detection method and an indexing method for broadcast sports video using the collaborative processing of text, audio, and image. In the proposed method, the appearance pattern of words in the closed caption text stream is analyzed, and candidate intervals for highlights are detected. Next, these intervals are checked based on their audio levels, and those which seem to be erroneous are rejected. Finally, the resulting highlight intervals are segmented into shots, and the shots are indexed by identifying the highlight shots based on audio levels and dominant color information. In the results of using this method on a real football broadcast, highlight intervals were effectively detected with a recall rate of 77% and a precision rate of 84%. Moreover, for the intervals in which highlights were correctly detected, shot indexing was performed accurately 75% for only the first candidate, and 97% for up to the second candidate. We verified experimentally that efficient processing can be achieved by stepwise analysis of the text, audio, and image. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(12): 22–31, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10493
Chaos and order through fluctuations in global capitalism in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Rhee Yong Pil
Published: September 2003

It is often suggested that capitalism is an unplanned economic system. In the absence of any overall mechanism for planning productivity, it is only through periodic recession that a market system can shut down activities which have become obsolete or uncompetitive and redirect labor and capital into thrive upon innovation and the capability to leave the past behind. Thus capitalism can be not only a very powerful constructive force but also a destructive one. This global capitalism that is one of the driving forces of globalization to some extent is a very complex economic system. We do not know fully as yet how it works. It can be assumed that global capitalism is a complex form of economic system which may be a typical non‐equilibrium system functioning in the globally turbulent situations among the capitalist nations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐critical rendering algorithm with incorporation of LoD, visibility culling and object impostor
Authors: Zhang Mingmin , Pan Zhigeng , Heng Pheng‐Ann
Published: September 2003

Given enough CPU time, present graphics technology can render near‐photorealistic images. However, for real‐time graphics applications such as virtual reality systems, developers must make explicit programming decisions, trading off rendering quality for interactive update rates. In this papar we present a new algorithm for rendering complex 3D models at near‐interactive rates that can be used in virtual environments composed of static or dynamic scenes. The algorithm integretes the techniques of level of details (LoD), visibility computation and object impostor. The method is more suitable for very dynamic scenes with high depth complexity. We introduce a new criterion to identify the occluder and the occludee: the object that can be replaced by its LoD model and the one that can be replaced by its impostor. The efficiency of our algorithm is then illustrated by experimental results. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do pain problems in young school children persist into early adulthood? A 13‐year follow‐up
Authors: Brattberg Gunilla
Published: September 2003

Design. In a longitudinal study, 335 children ages 8, 11 and 14, first studied in 1989 were followed‐up on two occasions in 1991 and 2002. The subjects filled in questionnaires on pain, the first two times in school, the last as a postal survey.

Purposes. To determine if headache and back pain during the school years were transitory or if they grew into pain problems in adulthood; to determine predictors of pain.

Results. In the 2002 study, 59% of the women and 39% of the men reported pain at 21, 24 and 27 years. A total of 68 (52 women, 16 men) or 20% of the subjects reported pain symptoms in all three studies. The cumulative incidence rate for the presence of pain in the cohort studied was 31% for 1989–2002 and 43% for 1991–2002. Four of the 10 individuals with pain also reported signs of stress. Three predictors were found: reported back pain in 8–14‐year‐olds (p<0.0001); reported headaches once a week or more in the same age group (p<0.0001); and a positive response in the ages 10–16 to the question: “Do you often feel nervous?” (OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.4). When adjusted for age, sex and all psychosocial risk determinants studied in multiple logistic regression, a positive answer to this question was a significant predictor of pain in young adulthood. A positive response by the 10–16‐year‐olds to “Do you find it difficult to describe your feelings?” was a predictor of pathological anxiety in early adulthood, but stress perceived in childhood/adolescence did not predict future pain or stress.

Conclusions. Since pain reports in childhood and early adolescence seem to be associated with the report of pain in early adulthood, more attention should be given to the way ill‐health is managed in adolescence in this vulnerable group.
Computational analysis of hydrogen bonds in protein–RNA complexes for interaction patterns
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Jeong Euna , Lee Seong-Wook , Han Kyungsook
Published: September 2003

Structural analysis of protein–RNA complexes is labor‐intensive, yet provides insight into the interaction patterns between a protein and RNA. As the number of protein–RNA complex structures reported has increased substantially in the last few years, a systematic method is required for automatically identifying interaction patterns. This paper presents a computational analysis of the hydrogen bonds in the most representative set of protein–RNA complexes. The analysis revealed several interesting interaction patterns. (1) While residues in the β‐sheets favored unpaired nucleotides, residues in the helices showed no preference and residues in turns favored paired nucleotides. (2) The backbone hydrogen bonds were more dominant than the base hydrogen bonds in the paired nucleotides, but the reverse was observed in the unpaired nucleotides. (3) The protein–RNA complexes contained more paired nucleotides than unpaired nucleotides, but the unpaired nucleotides were observed more frequently interacting with the proteins. And (4) Arg–U, Thr–A, Lys–A, and Asn–U were the most frequently observed pairs. The interaction patterns discovered from the analysis will provide us with useful information in predicting the structure of the RNA binding protein and the structure of the protein binding RNA.
Recurrent pregnancy loss due to familial and non‐familial habitual molar pregnancy
Authors: Al‐Hussaini T.K , Abd El Aal D.M , Van den Veyver I.B
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To present a series of women with recurrent molar pregnancies, including rare familial cases, and discuss etiology and treatment options. Methods: We performed a detailed clinical evaluation and pedigree analysis of five Egyptian women with recurrent pregnancy loss due to molar pregnancy. Results: The women had a history of four to nine consecutive hydatidiform moles but of no viable pregnancies. Two of the women had molar pregnancies with different husbands who themselves had viable offspring from previous wives; and three of them, who belonged to a family with extensive intermarriage, had a pedigree consistent with an autosomal recessive maternal‐effect mutation. Conclusions: Recurrent pregnancy loss due to habitual molar pregnancy is uncommon and familial cases are extremely rare. The etiology of this disorder is not well understood but likely results from a maternal‐effect mutation. Management options are limited, especially for couples who desire to have their own genetic offspring.
Interaction between metamizol and tramadol in a model of acute visceral pain in rats
Authors: Poveda Raquel , Planas Eulalia , Pol Olga , Romero Asunción , Sánchez Silvia , Puig Margarita M.
Published: September 2003

Tramadol (TRM) and metamizol (MTZ) are drugs with complex mechanisms of action, extensively used in combination in pain management. In the present investigation we have evaluated the interaction between MTZ:TRM in the ethacrinic acid writhing test in rats. Dose—response curves (s.c.) were obtained for each drug individually, combined in fixed potency ratios (1:0.3, 1:1, 1:3), and for MTZ in presence of a fixed‐dose of TRM (3.5 mg/kg). Interactions were analysed using isobolograms, interaction indexes (INT‐I) and ANOVA. We used naloxone (1 mg/kg s.c.) to determine the opioid‐component of the effects (ED80).

Isobolograms demonstrated antagonism at the ED20, for 1:0.3 and 1:3 mixtures (p<0.01), whereas 1:1 was additive. At the ED50 and ED80 all combinations showed synergy. Fixed‐dose experiments demonstrated that treatment (p<0.0001), dose (p<0.0001), and their interaction (p<0.0001) were statistically significant. Naloxone partially antagonized TRM (67%), but not MTZ; the percentage reversal of the combinations was directly related to the dose of TRM in the combination. The results show that the MTZ:TRM interaction on antinociception is synergistic or antagonistic depending on the level of effect. Synergy is demonstrated at 50% or higher levels, thus supporting the results obtained in humans by our group. Below the ED50 antagonism or additivity is present depending on the ratio of the combination. The mechanisms of the interaction remain unknown.
Interaction between histamine‐induced itch and experimental muscle pain
Authors: Wasner G. , Schwarz K. , Schattschneider J. , Binder A. , Jensen T.S. , Baron R.
Published: September 2003

Itch sensation can be inhibited by simultaneously applied cutaneous pain at the same skin site via a central mechanism. Deep muscle pain is often associated with sensory changes in the corresponding dermatome. We investigated whether experimentally induced muscle pain has any influence on histamine‐induced itch and vice versa in a double blind placebo‐controlled study. Experiments were performed in 18 healthy subjects. In nine individuals control iontophoresis of histamine into the forearm produced a distinct itch sensation. Another nine individuals participated in an additional experiment in which histamine and saline were iontophoresed on the forearm in a randomized double‐blinded two‐way crossover design after intramuscular injection of capsaicin into the ipsilateral brachioradial muscle. Capsaicin‐induced muscle pain reduced itch sensation significantly. In contrast, capsaicin‐induced muscle pain increased significantly after cutaneous histamine application compared to muscle pain after iontophoresis of saline (placebo). These novel data indicate that muscle pain inhibits itch and histamine increases muscle pain. A bi‐directional interaction between cutaneous histamine‐sensitive afferents and nociceptive muscle afferents via central mechanisms is suggested.
Allopurinol challenge tests performed before and after living‐related donor liver transplantation in citrullinaemia
Authors: Ito T. , Sumi S. , Kidouchi K. , Ban K. , Ueta A. , Hashimoto T. , Togari H. , Wada Y.
Published: September 2003

Summary: We performed allopurinol challenge tests to evaluate the metabolic state of a citrullinaemic patient who received a living‐relative donor liver transplant. Before transplantation, large amounts of orotic acid and orotidine were excreted during the challenge test. Following transplantation, excretion of these compounds in response to allopurinol was normalised. The challenge test was a safe and useful method to evaluate the metabolic state of the patient.
Implications of changes in freshwater flux from the Greenland ice sheet for the climate of the 21st century
Authors: Fichefet Thierry , Poncin Chantal , Goosse Hugues , Huybrechts Philippe , Janssens Ives , Le Treut Hervé
Published: September 2003

Two simulations of the 21st century climate have been carried out using, on the one hand, a coarse resolution climate general circulation model and, on the other hand, the same model coupled to a comprehensive model of the Greenland ice sheet. Both simulations display a gradual global warming up to 2080. In the experiment that includes an interactive ice sheet component, a strong and abrupt weakening of the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation occurs at the end of the 21st century. This feature is triggered by an enhanced freshwater input arising mainly from a partial melting of the Greenland ice sheet. As a consequence of the circulation decline, a marked cooling takes place over eastern Greenland and the northern North Atlantic. This result underlines the potential role of the Greenland ice sheet in the evolution of climate over the 21st century.
Seasonal constraints on the estimation of new production from space using temperature‐nitrate relationships
Authors: Henson Stephanie A. , Sanders Richard , Allen John T. , Robinson Ian S. , Brown Louise
Published: September 2003

Inverse relationships between sea surface temperature and concentrations of the major inorganic nutrients have recently been exploited to estimate new production from remotely sensed data. In situ surface data collected in the Irminger Basin during four successive seasons in 2001/2 allow a robust examination of the conceptual processes behind temperature‐nitrate relationships. The data confirm a simple model of the seasonal variation in the temperature‐nitrate relationship. A strong inverse correlation between temperature and nitrate is found in both winter data sets, but no correlation is seen in spring or summer. Furthermore, the slope of the temperature‐nitrate regression is found to be different for the two winter data sets. The results have implications for using temperature‐nitrate relationships to derive new production estimates at high latitudes from satellite sea surface temperature measurements. However, the data allow a simple, lower‐bound estimate of the region's new production to be made by exploiting Argo float data.
On non‐stationarity of ENSO
Authors: Solow Andrew R. , Huppert Amit
Published: September 2003

Evolutionary spectral analysis has been used to study changes through time in the variability of ENSO‐related time series. However, the significance of estimated evolutionary spectra has not been formally assessed. This paper describes a test for non‐stationarity based on an estimate of the evolutionary spectrum and a time series bootstrap procedure. The test is applied to the seasonal time series of sea level pressure at Darwin. No significant non‐stationarity is found.
Mutational analysis of salvador gene in human carcinomas
Authors: YOO NAM JIN , SOUNG YOUNG HWA , LEE JONG WOO , PARK WON SANG , KIM SU YOUNG , NAM SUK WOO , HAN JUNG HO , KIM SANG HO , LEE JUNG YOUNG , LEE SUG HYUNG
Published: September 2003

It is believed that clonal expansion and cancer growth is the result of the deregulation of proliferation and cell death. Recently, salvador, a molecule that can regulate both cell proliferation and cell death, was identified. It was also reported that human salvador (hWW45) is mutated in some cancer cell lines. However, there have been no data regarding salvador gene mutations in human cancer tissues. To explore the hypothesis that the salvador gene might be similarly mutated in human cancer tissues, we analyzed the entire coding region of the salvador gene for the detection of somatic mutations in a series of human cancer tissues, including carcinomas from stomach, colon, liver and lung. However, using SSCP analysis, no mutation in the coding and splicing regions could be detected in the cancers. The data presented here suggest that salvador is not frequently mutated in human carcinoma tissues and that the mutation might be tumor‐type specific.
The genome ofCampylobacter jejuni: Codon and amino acid usage
Authors: FUGLSANG ANDERS
Published: September 2003

The genes from the genome of the AT‐rich bacteriumCampylobacter jejuniwere analysed and characterised with respect to usage and amino acid usage. Codon usage is generally biased for all amino acids having synonymous codons, so that AT‐rich synonyms are most frequently used. Markov chain analysis showed that codon bias and over‐ or underrepresentation of the corresponding tri‐letter words are not related. Predicted secondary structure, lipophilicity, codon position within the gene, strand, and position on the (+)‐strand were all shown to be determinants of codon usage, and these effects were in part directly explained by compositional phenomena. Codon context and the GC‐content at the wobble position of the fourfold degenerate sites exert indirect effects on codon usage. The factors that affect codon usage seem to affect all amino acids, rather than selected amino acids. The usage of amino acids correlates well with the GC‐content of genes, i.e. usage of amino acids encoded by GC‐rich codons increases with GC‐content and vice versa.
Five month persistence of Helicobacter pylori infection in guinea pigs
Authors: SJUNNESSON HÅKAN , STUREGÅRD ERIK , HYNES SEAN , WILLÉN ROGER , FEINSTEIN RICARDO , WADSTRÖM TORKEL
Published: September 2003

Seven Dunkin‐Hartley guinea pigs were infected with the Sydney strain of H. pylori (SS1). Gastric histopathology was evaluated and serum antibody response to H. pylori cell‐surface proteins was analysed by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and immunoblot. Tissue and faecal samples from five control animals were analysed for the presence of naturally occurring Helicobacter spp. infection by culture and Helicobacter genus‐specific PCR. The H. pylori infection persisted for 5 months, in most animals accompanied by a histologically severe antral gastritis, exhibiting focal degeneration and necrosis of gastric crypt epithelium. Increased numbers of mitotic figures were observed in the gastric epithelium, indicating a regenerative process. Infected animals displayed specific antibodies towards H. pylori cell‐surface proteins in immunoblot, whereas EIA was of dubious value creating false‐positive results. Serum complement C3 and cholesterol levels appeared to be elevated in infected animals. Helicobacter spp. infection was not detected in the control animals. The persistent infection, accompanied by severe gastritis and a prominent serum antibody response, and the apparent absence of a natural Helicobacter spp. infection makes the guinea pig model useful in H. pylori research.
Once‐daily pantoprazole 40 mg and esomeprazole 40 mg have equivalent overall efficacy in relieving GERD‐related symptoms
Authors: Scholten T. , Gatz G. , Hole U.
Published: September 2003

Aim : To compare the efficacy of pantoprazole and esomeprazole for the treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐ (GERD‐) related symptoms.

Methods : In this multicentre, randomized, double‐blind study 217 patients [intention‐to‐treat (ITT) population] diagnosed with endoscopically proven GERD grade B/C received pantoprazole (40 mg once daily (o.d.), n = 112] or esomeprazole (40 mg o.d/, n = 105) for 4 weeks. Patients recorded GERD‐related symptoms (daytime and night‐time) using diaries (daily), and/or by telephone interviews (every third day) and completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire. The area under the time curve (AUC) for the sum score of GERD‐related symptoms (symptom load of each patient during the treatment) and the time to reach adequate relief from GERD‐related symptoms were calculated.

Results : Patients reported first adequate relief from daytime GERD‐related symptoms after a mean of 3.7 (pantoprazole) and 5.9 days (esomeprazole) (P = 0.034); the values for the night‐time were 1.7 and 3.5 days, respectively (P = 0.012, ITT). The AUCs for the single symptoms and the sum scores were comparable.

Conclusions : Treatment with pantoprazole resulted in significantly faster first‐time relief from daytime and night‐time GERD‐related symptoms than esomeprazole. Pantoprazole and esomeprazole were similar with respect to reduction of load of GERD‐related symptoms.
Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of enoxaparin in unstable angina and non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Bruno René , Baille Pascale , Retout Sylvie , Vivier Nicole , Veyrat‐Follet Christine , Sanderink Ger‐Jan , Becker Richard , Antman Elliott M.
Published: September 2003

Aims  A major concern with any antithrombotic therapy is an increase in the risk of haemorrhage. The aim of this study was to analyse population pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships for enoxaparin in patients with unstable angina (UA) and non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), which may help predict risk of haemorrhage.

Methods  Anti‐factor Xa (anti‐Xa) activity was measured as marker of enoxaparin concentration in 448 patients receiving the drug as a single 30‐mg intravenous bolus followed by 1.0 or 1.25 mg kg−1 subcutaneously twice a day. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted and individual estimates of enoxaparin clearance and area under the curve were tested as prognostic factors for the occurrence of haemorrhagic episodes.

Results  Basic population PK parameters were an enoxaparin clearance of  0.733 l h−1[95% confidence interval (CI) 0.698, 0.738], a distribution volume of 5.24 l (95% CI 4.20, 6.28) and an elimination half‐life of 5.0 h. Enoxaparin clearance was significantly related to patient weight and creatinine clearance, and was the only independent predictor of experiencing both all (10.7%, P = 0.0013) and major (2.2%, P = 0.0004) haemorrhagic events. A creatinine clearance of 30 ml min−1 was associated with a decrease in enoxaparin clearance of 27% compared with that in a patient  with  a  median  creatinine  clearance  of  88 ml min−1,  and  was  related  to  a 1.5‐ and 3.8‐fold increase in the risk of ‘all’ and ‘major’ haemorrhagic episodes, respectively.

Conclusions  Enoxaparin clearance depends on body weight, and, therefore, weight‐adjusted dosing is recommended to minimize interpatient variability in drug exposure and the risk of haemorrhage. The importance of an increased risk of haemorrhage with decreasing renal function must be weighed against the benefit of treatment with enoxaparin in patients with UA and NSTEMI.
Small scales and anisotropy in low Rm magnetohydrodynamic turbulence
Authors: Pothérat A. , Alboussière T.
Published: September 2003

In this paper, we derive estimates for size of the small scales and the attractor dimension in low Rm magnetohydrodynamic turbulence by deriving a rigorous upper bound of the dimension of the attractor representing this flow. To this end, we find an upper bound for the maximum growth rate of any n-dimensional volume of the phase space by the evolution operator associated to the Navier–Stokes equations. As explained in Constantin et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 150, 427 (1985)], the value of n for which this maximum is zero is an upper bound for the attractor dimension. In order to use this property in the more precise case of a three-dimensional periodical domain, we are led to calculate the distribution of n modes which minimizes the total (viscous and Joule) dissipation. This set of modes turns out to exhibit most of the well known properties of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, previously obtained by heuristic considerations such as the existence of the Joule cone under strong magnetic field. The sought estimates for the small scales and attractor dimension are then obtained under no physical assumption as functions of the Hartmann and the Reynolds numbers and match the Hartmann number dependency of heuristic results. A necessary condition for the flow to be tridimensional and anisotropic (as opposed to purely two-dimensional) is also built.
Large-scale vortices in high-speed mixing layers
Authors: Li Qibing , Chen Haixin , Fu Song
Published: September 2003

The two-dimensional planar compressible mixing layers with Mc=0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.4 are investigated numerically. The present results show that the mixing layer with high Mc is much more stable and expands very slowly. But there still exist large-scale vortex roll-up and pairings far from the upstream. The distance for the large-scale vortex development increases with Mc and can be effectively shortened by a strong inflow forcing. The asymmetry about the mixing layer center increases with increasing Mc. The difference of the growth rates based on different thickness definitions increases although they all decrease with Mc.
Enhanced photoluminescence of InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots induced by nanoprobe pressure effects
Authors: Ozasa Kazunari , Aoyagi Yoshinobu , Yamane Akihiko , Arai Yoshio
Published: September 2003

Marked enhancement of photoluminescence of InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) was observed by the nanoindentation of the light-collecting fiber nanoprobe onto the sample surface. In order to analyze its mechanism, calculations of the nanoprobe-induced strain and the energy-band profiles in the bulk GaAs surrounding InGaAs QDs have been performed on the bases of linear continuum elastic theory and six-band strain Hamiltonian. The calculations have revealed that the confinement potential for light holes was generated by the nanoprobe indentation. The results obtained in this study show that nanometer-scale strain modulation by nanoprobe indentation has potential for the investigation of semiconductor nanostructure physics.
The self-preserving decay of isotropic turbulence: Analytic solutions for energy and dissipation
Authors: Ristorcelli J. R.
Published: September 2003

Analytic solutions for the nonlinear single-point equations, describing the isotropic decay of turbulence, as first formulated by von Kármán and Howarth [Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 164, 192 (1938)] are given. The asymptotic solution indicates the self-preserving k(t)∼t−1 scaling demonstrated in the fixed-point analysis of Speziale and Bernard [J. Fluid Mech. 241, 645 (1992)]. The solutions are exact for a decay with Taylor microscale similarity in which the skewness and palinstrophy coefficients are constant. The approach to the k(t)∼t−1 decay, though not reached in finite time (mathematically speaking), is approached fairly rapidly for typical palinstrophies. An expression for the evolution of the Taylor microscale as a function of the Reynolds number and the palinstrophy is derived. Expansion of the exact solution for small time shows a slow departure from the initial condition, depending on the initial Taylor microscale Reynolds number, as seen in numerical solutions.
Reactive and nonreactive vibrational energy exchanges in nonequilibrium hypersonic flows
Authors: Josyula Eswar , Bailey William F. , Ruffin Stephen M.
Published: September 2003

The generalized depletion equations, considering state-to-state kinetics of dissociating nitrogen, were solved to predict the extent of vibrational depletion for 4000 and 6000 K. Two different vibrational transition rate sets were used in the depletion analysis. One was based on the Schwartz–Slawsky–Herzfeld (SSH) theory and the other based on the analytical methods of Capitelli, Billing, Fisher, Doroshenko and co-workers. Transition rates based on the SSH theory predicted a lower depletion due to very high rates in the upper levels. With the objective of delineating the vibration–vibration (V–V) exchanges and vibration–translation (V–T) transfers in nonreactive, vibrationally excited gas dynamic flows, the flowfield simulations of blunt body and expanding nozzles were performed. For vibrational cooling cases (where vibrational temperature is greater than translational temperature) of flow past blunt body and the nozzle flows, the population distribution showed the Treanor-like distribution only at low translational temperatures. This non-Boltzmann behavior and the corresponding low state densities establish the dominance of the V–T energy transfers and the relatively minor role of V–V exchanges for hypersonic gasdynamic flows.
Low dielectric constant porous diamond films formed by diamond nanoparticles
Authors: Sakaue Hiroyuki , Yoshimura Noriyoshi , Shingubara Shoso , Takahagi Takayuki
Published: September 2003

The reduction of the dielectric constant of interlayer insulating films in ultra large scale integrated circuits is an important factor in improving resistance-capacitance delay. A “porous diamond” film, composed of nanoscale diamond particles, is proposed as a material with a low dielectric constant, and is prepared by spin coating a 5% diamond colloidal solution mixed by 4 nm diamond nanoparticles in purified water. High-resolution scanning electron microscope observations show that the film contains nanoscale pores. The mechanical strength and adhesion of the porous diamond films were improved by forming the chemical bonds between diamond nanoparticles and also between the nanoparticles and the substrate. The chemical bonds were created by introducing a bi-functional silane coupler such as hexachlorodisiloxan molecules followed by annealing at 300 °C. A low dielectric constant of 1.63, estimated from the refractive index, was obtained by using high purity diamond nanoparticles after the reinforcing process by hexachlorodisiloxan. The porous diamond films are expected to have a higher thermal stability and a superior mechanical strength compared with other porous low dielectric constant materials.
Carrier–carrier interaction in single In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots at room temperature investigated by near-field scanning optical microscope
Authors: Matsuda K. , Ikeda K. , Saiki T. , Saito H. , Nishi K.
Published: September 2003

We describe carrier–carrier interaction in self-assembled In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots (QDs) at room temperature. The spectral shift and linewidth broadening of ground state emission as a function of the excitation density are investigated through near-field single quantum dot photoluminescence spectroscopy. From the viewpoint of excitation density dependent spectral broadening of the ground state emission, we discuss the dephasing process in QDs due to Coulomb interaction.
Indirect exchange coupling between two ferromagnetic electrodes through ZnS barrier in magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Dinia A. , Carrof P. , Schmerber G. , Ulhacq C.
Published: September 2003

Room- and low-temperature magnetization measurements have been performed on magnetic tunnel junctions before patterning to evidence the presence of an indirect ferromagnetic exchange interaction between the hard and the soft ferromagnetic electrodes through the ZnS barrier. The magnetic junctions are composed of an artificial ferrimagnet CoFe/Ru/CoFe sandwich as a hard layer separated by a ZnS barrier from a soft CoFe/Fe soft layer as follows: Fe6 nmCu3 nm(CoFe)1.8 nmRu0.8 nm(CoFe)3 nmZnSx nmCoFe1 nmFe4 nmCu1 nmRu3 nm. At room temperature, a large shift of about −25 Oe is observed in a magnetization minor loop that indicates the presence of a ferromagnetic interaction. The decrease of the amplitude of this shift at low temperature provides a signature of an indirect exchange coupling mediated by spin-polarized quantum tunneling.
Blue, surface-emitting, distributed feedback polyfluorene lasers
Authors: Heliotis G. , Xia R. , Bradley D. D. C. , Turnbull G. A. , Samuel I. D. W. , Andrew P. , Barnes W. L.
Published: September 2003

We report the fabrication of optically-pumped solid-state distributed feedback lasers utilizing two blue-light-emitting semiconducting polyfluorenes as gain media. The lasers were readily fabricated by solution deposition of thin polymer films on top of gratings etched into fused silica substrates. A compact Nd:YVO4 microchip laser was used as the pump source for the two polymers studied, and lasing was achieved at 455 and 465 nm. Low threshold energies, ⩾4 nJ per pulse, were obtained. The emission characteristics of the lasers are described along with the results of additional experiments that investigate in more detail the effect of the grating microstructure on polymer light emission.
Nanocopying as a Means of 3D Nanofabrication: Scope and Prospects
Authors: Kunitake Toyoki , Fujikawa Shigenori
Published: September 2003

The use of nanosized templates to fabricate three-dimensional architectures in the nanometer regime is still a largely unexplored field of nanotechnology. Positive and negative copying of molecules and nano-sized objects by the surface sol–gel process is useful for this purpose. The authors here give account of the techniques available to date, along with their advantages and disadvantages, is outlined.
Reproductive biology of the large freshwater crayfish Cherax cainii in south-western Australia
Authors: Beatty Stephen J. , Morgan David L. , Gill Howard S.
Published: September 2003

The reproductive biology of Cherax cainii was studied in an impoundment dam in south-western Australia using histological examination of ovarian development (previous studies describing the reproductive biology of freshwater crayfish have relied solely on macroscopic descriptions of gonadal development). Spawning occurred between August and November and peaked in late August and September, with the percentage of berried females increasing from 50% in September to 96% in November before declining to 11% in December. Juveniles were released from berried females between late November and early December. Female gonads recovered dramatically after spawning with 81% of mature females possessing stage IV (maturing) gonads in March. The respective orbital carapace lengths at which 50 and 95% of C. cainii reached maturity were 32.1 and 37.9 mm for females, and 28.6 and 38.8 mm for males. The mean potential fecundity (i.e. number of mature ovarian oocytes prior to spawning) was 443 compared with 286 for the mean effective fecundity (i.e. number of pleopodal eggs, embryos or juveniles following spawning). The fact that the full ovarian reproductive potential of C. cainii is not attained is probably due to the limitation of egg attachment space on the pleopods.
Stability of optimal harvest regime under stochastic variation in prawn demographic rates and fishing strategies
Authors: Tanner Jason E.
Published: September 2003

Although mathematical models are frequently used to assist in the management of fisheries, it is often assumed that a deterministic approximation to reality is sufficient to give reliable results. Many of the processes being modelled, however, can have a substantial stochastic component, and management often needs to be conservative to allow for this stochasticity. In the present investigation, it was found that adding stochasticity to the parameters of a model describing a prawn fishery had little effect on the optimal harvest regime. In both the deterministic and stochastic models the optimal harvest regime involved fishing a small proportion of the habitat very intensively. In particular, random variation in the fishing strategy had almost no effect on long-term harvest rates, although random variation in population parameters could increase the catch. Variation in natural mortality and fecundity influenced harvest rates under any particular fishing strategy more than variation in other parameters. It is likely that these results were obtained because density-dependent juvenile mortality damped out fluctuations in population size, and the targeting of age 2+ animals by the fishery meant that all animals had a chance to spawn before being exposed to harvesting.
A length-based Bayesian stock assessment model for the New Zealand abalone Haliotis iris
Authors: Breen Paul A. , Kim Susan W. , Andrew Neil L.
Published: September 2003

We describe a length-based Bayesian model for stock assessment of the New Zealand abalone Haliotis iris (paua). We fitted the model to five data sets: catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) and a fishery-independent survey index, proportions-at-length from both commercial catch sampling and population surveys, and tag–recapture data. We estimated a common component of error and used iterative re-weighting of the data sets to balance the residuals, removing the arbitrary data set weightings used in previous assessments. Estimates at the mode of the joint posterior distribution were used to explore sensitivity of the results to model assumptions and input data; the assessment itself was based on marginal posterior distributions estimated from Markov chain–Monte Carlo simulation. Assessments are presented for two stocks in the south of New Zealand. One may be recovering after recent catch reductions; the other is over-exploited and likely to decline further. Assessment for the first stock was robust; assessment for the second stock was sensitive to the CPUE data and may be too optimistic. We discuss future directions and potential problems with this approach.
Divergence, diversity and species of the Australasian Callitris (Cupressaceae) and allied genera: evidence from ITS sequence data
Authors: Pye M. G. , Gadek P. A. , Edwards K. J.
Published: September 2003

Callitris Vent. is the most speciose of the Southern Hemisphere genera of Cupressaceae, occupying a diverse range of habitats within Australia and New Caledonia and is closely allied to Actinostrobus Miq. and the monotypic New Caledonian genus Neocallitropsis Florin. Results of phylogenetic analyses of 18S–26S rDNA internal transcribed spacer region sequences for representatives of 12 of the 18 currently recognised species of Callitris, two of the three Actinostrobus species and the single known species of Neocallitropsis help to clarify major lineages and relationships in this group. ITS data provide strong evidence against the monophyly of Callitris as currently circumscribed, with the strongest evidence being for the inclusion of the New Caledonian monotypic species Neocallitropsis pancheri (Carriere) de Laubenfels. This species shares a close relationship with C. sulcata (Parl.) Schltr. Three representatives of Actinostrobus are monophyletic and are placed in a polytomy with C.�drummondii (Parl.) F.Muell., although indels provide some support for the early divergence of Actinostrobus in this group. Remaining sampled members of Callitris form a weakly supported clade, with C. macleayana (F.Muell.) F.Muell. sister to a highly robust core Callitris. Relationships within this core Callitris are unresolved; however, the following seven lineages are supported: C. rhomboidea R.Br. ex Rich.; C. muelleri (Parl.) F.Muell., C. oblonga Rich. and C. endlicheri (Parl.) F.M. Bailey; C. gracilis R.T. Baker, C. glaucophylla Thompson & Johnson and C.�tuberculata R.Br. ex R.T. Baker & Smith; C. intratropica Baker & Smith; and C. columellaris F.Muell. There has been a marked increase in the rate of divergence of ITS sequences during the evolution of those populations assigned to C. intratropica, which perhaps reflects speciation processes within this widely distributed group.
Taxonomic studies on selected Austral polypores
Authors: Rajchenberg Mario
Published: September 2003

Cultural studies, mating systems and/or compatibility tests on six polypore species (Aphyllophorales, Basidiomycota) that decay standing and/or fallen trees in southern Argentina were performed in order to better understand their taxonomic position. Bondarzewia guaitecasensis formed sulphopositive gloeopleurous hyphae but did not form the Spiniger anamorph state typical of other species in the genus. Ceriporiopsis merulinus comb. nov. is proposed on the basis of morphological features of the basidiocarp (i.e. resupinate, brightly coloured, with metachromatic generative hyphae) and cultural characters. Porpomyces mucidus formed ampulliform septa in culture, a feature that supports its inclusion in that genus and not in Ceriporiopsis. Compatibility tests showed the isolation of Junghuhnia collabens var. meridionalis, described from southern Argentina, New Zealand and Australia, from J. collabens and J. nitida from the Northern Hemisphere; therefore, the new combination J.�meridionalis is proposed. Two incompatibility groups were found within Postia dissecta, one that is fully compatible with Tyromyces exiguus from New Zealand, and supports their synonymy, and another that is fully incompatible but morphologically indistinct. Four forms of Trametes versicolor described from Argentina and treated as distinct by some authors, were shown to be fully compatible and deserve subspecific treatment.
Differences in the perception by farmers of organizations acting as sources of information on improved plant genetic resources
Authors: Draper Simon
Published: September 2003

The perception by arable farmers in the UK of research organizations and companies acting as sources of information relating to plant genetic resource utilization is represented using brand strength plots. In development situations there exist considerable difficulties in achieving technology transfer. The method of brand analysis applied in this paper could be extended to characterize options in the selection of vectors for technology transfer in development programmes. A survey of potential vectors such as television, radio, extension services, univer- sities, government agencies and commercial companies would reveal their comparative brand strength and hence utility for achieving development objectives.
Simulation and analysis of flow patterns around the scleractinian coralMadracis mirabilis(Duchassaing and Michelotti)
Authors: Kaandorp Jaap A. , Koopman Evert A. , Sloot Peter M. A. , Bak Rolf P. M. , Vermeij Mark J. A. , Lampmann Leo E. H.
Published: September 2003

Three–dimensional morphologies ofMadracis mirabiliswere obtained using X–ray computed tomography scanning techniques. The morphologies were used to simulate the flow patterns around the colony. In the simulations, the thin–branching low–flow morph with a relatively larger branch–spacing was compared with the more compact high–flow morph ofM. mirabilis. For both morphologies, the inside–colony flow velocities were computed for Reynolds numbers ranging from 154 to 3840. In the high–flow morph, it was found that in the range of investigated Reynolds numbers a stagnant region develops within the colony, whereas in the low–flow morph the stagnant region disappeared. Experiments done under natural conditions suggest that a morph is adapted to a certain external flow velocity and develops a stagnant region below a particular threshold for the external flow velocity. When the external flow velocity exceeds a certain threshold, which is characteristic for the growth form, the core velocity becomes equal to the external velocity. A potential application of a profile of core velocities for a range of Reynolds numbers for a certain morph is the prediction of the optimal external flow velocity for a certain morph, and this can be used to assess the state of the physical (palaeo–) environment.
Biomimetic modelling
Authors: Vincent Julian F. V.
Published: September 2003

Biomimetics is seen as a path from biology to engineering. The only path from engineering to biology in current use is the application of engineering concepts and models to biological systems. However, there is another pathway: the verification of biological mechanisms by manufacture, leading to an iterative process between biology and engineering in which the new understanding that the engineering implementation of a biological system can bring is fed back into biology, allowing a more complete and certain understanding and the possibility of further revelations for application in engineering. This is a pathway as yet unformalized, and one that offers the possibility that engineers can also be scientists.
Physical modelling in biomechanics
Authors: Koehl M. A. R.
Published: September 2003

Physical models, like mathematical models, are useful tools in biomechanical research. Physical models enable investigators to explore parameter space in a way that is not possible using a comparative approach with living organisms: parameters can be varied one at a time to measure the performance consequences of each, while values and combinations not found in nature can be tested. Experiments using physical models in the laboratory or field can circumvent problems posed by uncooperative or endangered organisms. Physical models also permit some aspects of the biomechanical performance of extinct organisms to be measured. Use of properly scaled physical models allows detailed physical measurements to be made for organisms that are too small or fast to be easily studied directly. The process of physical modelling and the advantages and limitations of this approach are illustrated using examples from our research on hydrodynamic forces on sessile organisms, mechanics of hydraulic skeletons, food capture by zooplankton and odour interception by olfactory antennules.
Inter‐organisational ICT systems: the way to innovative practice for SMEs?
Authors: Hughes Martin , Golden William , Powell Philip
Published: September 2003

This paper investigates the reasons underpinning the diverging adoption rates of different types of inter‐organisational systems (IOS) amongst small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). It explores the evolution of IOS from traditional proprietary and closed systems to Internet‐based open, flexible systems. It illustrates, through the study of 25 SMEs, that the emergence of new Internet‐based IOS provides SMEs with a rich set of technologies that may fundamentally change the technological perspective of SMEs from reluctant, reactive, slow implementers of technology to enthusiastic, proactive, rapid innovators of technology. The paper suggests that positive experiences by SMEs of Web‐based electronic commerce and the continued desire of larger firms to achieve full compliance with their IOS will dramatically increase the adoption rate of Web‐enabled IOS.
Overcoming the Positive‐Capture Strategy in Young Children: Learning About Indeterminacy
Authors: Klahr David , Chen Zhe
Published: September 2003

Two experiments were conducted to examine whether and how 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds learn to distinguish determinate from indeterminate evidence. Children were asked to decide whether various patterns of evidence were sufficient to reach unambiguous conclusions. This study replicated the finding that young children tend to use a strategy that, although generally successful, fails on evidence patterns in which a single positive instance co‐occurs with an unexplored source of evidence. Experiment 1 demonstrated that this positive‐capture strategy is deeply entrenched, even in a meaningful, pragmatic context. With a microgenetic design, Experiment 2 revealed that young children are capable of replacing the positive‐capture strategy with a correct strategy when they are exposed to various analogous tasks in several training sessions.