bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A self‐learning control of atm service quality using neural network
Authors: Hiramatsu Atsushi
Published: July 2007

Studies of ATM network are conducted aiming at the integrated processing of multimedia. One of the important problems is to find a control method for the ATM network which can meet various types of requirements for the service quality arising from the diversity of sources connected to the network. For such a problem, the traditional approach by exhaustive analysis and simulation that has been used in the circuit switching network has a problem in that a large number of parameters to be considered in the ATM network complicates the control and it is difficult to deal flexibly with the diversity of sources and the change of traffic characteristics due to the new service.

The leaky pattern table method is proposed which can realize a highly accurate control by learning from the data with small generation rate. As an example of application of the proposed method, the call admission control in the ATM node is considered. The detailed construction of the control system is discussed, and the proposed system is evaluated by computer simulation using a basic model.

From such a viewpoint, this paper applies the neural network which can realize a high‐speed learning of the multiinput/multi‐output nonlinear function by back propagation to obtain the relation between the load in the ATM network and the communication quality by training. This network is used also to effect the learning control to deal flexibly with the change of the environment.
Crosstalk noise and signal‐to‐noise ratio characteristics for digital symmetrical pair cable transmission system in synchronous clock operation
Authors: Wataya Hideo , Ohtake Kohhei
Published: July 2007

In the digital transmission system using a symmetrical pair cable, the following problems arise in the application to the communication network.

(1) The transmission distance and the system accommodation rate in the symmetrical pair cable are limited by the crosstalk noise. Consequently, it is necessary to evaluate the crosstalk noise in pulse transmission with synchronized clock frequency and to provide system design based on the evaluation.

(2) In the application of digital transmission systems to city links and subscriber loops, a highly efficient system accommodation in the existing cable is required. Then the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the system in the multiple crosstalk environment must be evaluated accurately.

For the first problem, it is noted that the crosstalk noise is a cyclostationary stochastic process. It is shown that the peak value of the instantaneous noise power, which is an ensemble average over multipairs, gives the worst evaluation of the crosstalk interference to the systems with synchronous clock operation. A new method for noise evaluation is proposed based on the result.

For the second problem, a general case is considered. In this case, the crosstalk noise of the cable in SNR evaluation of multiple crosstalk is composed of more than one subpopulation. The principle of SNR distribution is analyzed, and a method of calculation for SNR is proposed based on the average and variance. It is shown that the proposed method of SNR valuation can be used in the design of digital transmission system in a crosstalk environment.
Digital signal transmission characteristics in maritime satellite communications
Authors: Yasuda Yutaka , Ohashi Masayoshi , Sugaya Fumiaki , Okinaka Hideo
Published: July 2007

Digital signal transmission will be used widely in the future mobile satellite communication system to realize an efficient operation of the system and to provide diversified service. In the global mobile satellite communication system, such as maritime and aeronautical communications where a wide service area is required, the influence of the multipath fading due to sea surface reflection at low elevation angle on the digital signal transmission characteristics is a particular problem.

This paper deals with the application of the digital transmission system to the INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite Organization), which provides the international maritime satellite communication service. The configuration of the digital maritime satellite communication system, which was developed for experimental purpose, as well as the result of analysis of the digital signal transmission characteristics in the low‐elevation maritime communication experiment, are presented.

Based on the result of field experiment, the required power margin for low elevation operation is evaluated, and a means to secure a high‐quality communication is discussed. Thus, a guideline is presented for the digital transmission system design in mobile satellite communication, affected by the sea surface multipath fading.
A distributively controlled homogeneous self‐routing space switch network for large‐capacity cross‐connect systems
Authors: Obara Hitoshi , Uemattu Hitoshi , Okamoto Satoru , Matunaga Haruhiko
Published: July 2007

This paper presents a new construction of the distributively controlled homogeneous self‐routing space switch network, which is composed of single‐kind 2 × 2 unit modules. The feature of the proposed method is that the order is defined among the destination addresses according to their binary representation by the bitwise comparison. The bionic sort is executed based on the order.

In the conventional space switch network composed of a single kind of module, the total number of unit modules is of the order of N2 at the minimum, where N is the number of I/0 ports. In the space switch network proposed in this paper, the total number of unit modules is of the order of (N log3 N). The total number of unit modules in the proposed method is equal to that of the conventional method for N ≦ 8 but is less for ′N≧16. When N = 1024, for example, the total number of unit modules in the proposed method is approximately one‐sixth that of the conventional method. Another point is that the processing speed within the 2 × 2 unit module is independent of N, as in the conventional method, and is small. This is advantageous in the high‐speed operation.
Calibration of antenna positions in millimeter wave interferometry
Authors: Morita Koh‐Ichiro , Ishiguro Masato , Kobayashi Hideyuki
Published: July 2007

In a radio interferometer, the error of the antenna position is one of the factors affecting significantly the synthesized map. We have developed a calibration method for the antenna position for the Nobeyama millimeter array. In comparison with the conventional method, the new calibration method has two significant characteristics. First, using the relative phase between reference celestial radio sources, the phase variation of a large time scale due to the atmospheric fluctuation and the receiver variation can be eliminated. Second, by means of the three‐dimensional discrete Fourier transform, one can estimate the antenna position errors without any ambiguity. With this calibration method, the antenna positions of the Nobeyama millimeter array were determined within 0.3 mm rms. As a result, directions of celestial radio sources were measured within 0.1 arcsec.
Two‐dimensional analysis for gain enhancement of dielectric loaded antenna with a ground plane
Authors: Sugio Yoshihiko , Makimoto Toshio , Tsugawa Tetsuo
Published: July 2007

A gain enhancement is shown by loading with a dielectric plate of permittivity ϵrfor an antenna with a reflection plate placed parallel in front of the antenna. For an infinitely extended dielectric plate, for simplicity, a two‐dimensional problem with a linear current of a delta‐function type was treated. Fourier analyses and geometrical optics were applied and a detailed examination was made of the radiation characteristics, gain, the generation rate of surface waves and the near fields as functions of the separation distance between the reflection plate and the dielectric plate, thicknesstof the dielectric plate and ϵr. In particular, the radiated beam was directed toward the frontal direction (θ = 0) forh=mλ/2 andtr= (2n‐1)λ/4, (mandnare integers; λ is free space wavelength) for either TE or TM waves. The radiated power was multiplied by a factor of ϵrof the power by the antenna itself. Good agreement was obtained with experimental results.
Calculation method of separation angles and interference between satellite and radio‐relay links in atmospheric refraction condition
Authors: Ooi Tetsuo , Saito Yoichi
Published: July 2007

When the frequency sharing between the fixed satellite communication system and the radio relay system is realized, it is indispensable to evaluate the interference noise in the design of each channel. Especially, to treat the interference between the satellite station and the terrestrial radio‐relay station, it is necessary to find the separation angle between the radio‐relay antenna beam and the geostationary satellite orbit.

This paper presents a method for evaluation of the separation angle with the atmospheric beam refraction. The beam refraction angle is given as an integration along the beam path of the infinitesimal rate of change of the elevation angle for the altitude. A simple approximate expression is derived for facilitating the derivation of the separation angle. By comparison with the rigorous theory, the approximation errors are shown to be small enough for all practical purposes. A computation method for the separation angle is described for a terrestrial radio‐relay station position and an antenna beam direction from the geostationary satellite orbit. As an application, an actual radio‐relay link is chosen for which the separation angle distribution and the interference noise distribution are derived. By means of the computational method presented in this paper, the interference noise from the satellite station to the terrestrial radio‐relay station is now evaluated rather easily.
An adaptive CSMA/CD system
Authors: Yasuda Chikara , Fujiwara Chikato , Okumoto Takaaki
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes a control method for the retransmission rate in the continuous‐time 1‐persistent CSMA/CD system with a finite number of stations so that the throughput is maximized. It is shown first that there exists an optimal load that maximizes the throughput. Assuming that the system always operates for the optimal load, the maximum throughput that can be achieved in the 1‐persistent CSMA/CD system is derived. Then an adaptive CSMA/CD system is proposed in which each station monitors the number of collisions and other parameters to estimate the present load and determines the retransmission rate so that the optimum load is realized.

As a result of simulation, it is shown that the adaptive CSMA/CD system exhibits a considerably better performance than the Ether‐type CSMA/CD system employing the binary exponential back‐off algorithm based on the 1‐persistent scheme. It is shown that the proposed system can realize the throughput which is almost close to the forementioned maximum in the highly loaded condition.
UHF band spatial correlation characteristics of mobile base station antennas
Authors: Akeyama Akira , Sakagami Shuji , Aoyama Shigeru
Published: July 2007

Spatial correlation characteristics of the base station antenna in a mobile propagation path have been studied in the past in the case where the antenna height is sufficiently greater than the average building height in the surrounding area. However, for effective use of frequencies, the base station antenna height may be reduced so that the radio zone can be made smaller. To this end, it is necessary to determine the method for computing the spatial correlation characeristics in the case where the base station antenna height is comparable to the average building height.

In this paper, the arriving angle distribution of the multiple waves in an urban area is measured and the ration of the scattered wave level to the main arriving wave level is related to the antenna height and the antenna gain. Also, a method is proposed for deriving the spatial corrrelation coefficient by means of a and its usefulness is verified by measured results.
Transform image coding with edge compensation
Authors: Shimono Tetsuo , Kanda Yoshio , Kitajima Hideo , Ogawa Yoshihiko
Published: July 2007

A method to prevent edge degradation caused by orthogonal transform image coding is proposed. The method contains three processes: 1) obtain a differential image between the original and low‐pass one; 2) extract significant pixels concerning the edge degradation; and 3) add these pixels to compensate for the edge degradation.

Since an edge has a spatial length, five or more connected pixels whose value exceeds a threshold are selected in the differential image as significant error pixels. Furthermore, using human visual perception that is very sensitive to the existence of an edge but very loose in its exact value and its exact location, the additional information (overhead) for compensation is saved. The significant edge information is quantized three levels corresponding to positive error, negative error, and no error. Then edges are classified in four directions after slight geometric approximations. Four one‐dimensional images with three‐level value are assigned by Huffman code. Run‐length coding is used jointly for the zero error pixels. The additional information for the edge compensation requires a few bits, but the image is reconstructed very clearly.
A study of vertical space diversity for a land mobile radio
Authors: Ebine Yoshio , Takahashi Tatsumi , Yamada Yoshihide
Published: July 2007

Vertical space diversity used for reduction of deep fading in the mobile propagation path is effective for the base station and mobile station for the future land mobile communications for which the installation conditions become increasingly more severe due to the smallness of the area occupied by the antenna in this system. In this paper, the correlation coefficient of the vertical space diversity is studied theoretically and experimentally in the case where the antenna height changes from the mobile station to the base station. Further, from the comparison of the computed and measured data of the correlation coefficient, the spatial divergence of the multiple waves arriving at the antenna has been studied due to its importance in finding the diversity effect.

The divergence of the multiple wave vs. the antenna height is estimated. As a result, the antenna spacing needed to obtain the diversity effect for an arbitrary antenna height is obtained easily. For instance, in the case where the antenna height is 156 m, the standard deviation of the divergence of the arriving wave is 0.2 deg. If the correlation coefficient is assumed to be less than 0.6, the required antenna spacing is about 30 wavelengths. For the antenna height of 1.5 m, the standard deviation of the divergence of the arriving wave is about 11 deg and the required antenna spacing is about 0.3 wavelengths.
Investigation of a compartment‐mounted diversity antenna for land mobile radios
Authors: Ebine Yoshio
Published: July 2007

When constructing a compartment‐mounted diversity antenna for land mobile communication, it is important to provide an antenna branch with a small correlation factor and to improve the receiving level degradation due to the effect of the vehicle body. To solve these problems, a directivity diversity antenna is proposed which is in a hybrid circuit form with antennas placed near the front and rear windows of a passenger sedan with respect to the direction of motion. This antenna was studied theoretically and experimentally. If the antenna element has a beamwidth of 180° in the horizontal plane and a gain of 3 dBd, a receiving level almost identical to that of an omnidirectional 0‐dBdgain antenna in the horizontal plane installed outside the vehicle was attained in an urban area. The correlation coefficient was small between the terminals.
Correlation bandwidth in urban mobile radio paths—dependence of distance, base station antenna height and average building height
Authors: Sakagami Shuji , Akeyama Akira
Published: July 2007

This paper describes the measured results of the correlation bandwidth in urban radio paths and the relationship between the measured values of the correlation bandwidth and the propagation parameters useful for system design of digital mobile communications. The correlation bandwidth was derived from the measurement of the amplitude‐frequency characteristics in a bandwidth of 915 to 920 MHz. Within a distance of 0.5 to 3 km from the base station, it is found that the correlation bandwidth is about 80 to 360 kHz, if the base station antenna height is several tens to 100 m. It is found also that the correlation bandwidth: (1) decreases with the distance, (2) increases with the base station antenna height, and (3) decreases with the average building height.

The relationship of the correlation bandwidth with the distance, base station antenna height, and the average building height (within a circle of a radius of 3 km centered at the base station) has been studied by multiple regression analysis. The distance dependence, base station antenna height dependence, and average building height dependence have been quantized and a prediction formula for the correlation bandwidth is obtained.
Structure packing of coded video signals for ATM networks
Authors: Wada Masahiro , Takishima Yasuhiro
Published: July 2007

In asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks, a cell loss may occur and cause burst errors or synchronization slips which damages the decoded picture. Therefore, some type of cell‐packing method is required which minimizes the picture deterioration.

A structured packing for coded video signals is proposed which achieves a short packing delay and high transmission efficiency. The method is based on the structure of coded video signals and makes use of cell synchronization for coded data synchronization.

The characteristics of the method have been analyzed by simulations using actual TV pictures and the effectiveness of the method has been shown. This method can be discussed from the viewpoint of the ATM adaptation layer.
Synchronous rectifier using bipolar transistor driven by current transformer
Authors: Sakai Eiji , Harada Koosuke
Published: July 2007

In the power supplies to obtain a low output voltage and a high current, it is difficult to obtain high efficiency due to the forward voltage of the diode for output rectification. A method has been reported for improving the efficiency of the power supply by using bipolar transistors (BJT) with a low saturation voltage as a rectifier so that the forward voltage is reduced. However, in general, a driving circuit for the BJT is required and the application of the latter to a power supply is not straightforward.

This paper proposes a synchronous rectifier system which drives a BJT by a positive feedback by a current transformer. The operating principle of this circuit is described. The reset condition of the magnetization energy of the current transformer is clarified. The present method has a simple circuit configuration in which a part of the emitter current of the BJT is used as a base‐driving current by means of a current transformer. No special BJT driver circuit is needed. The present synchronous rectifier was installed in an actual power supply. It was confirmed that the efficiency is improved over the circuit using Schottky diodes.
Application of spread spectrum communication and its devices
Authors: Tsubouchi Kazuo
Published: July 2007

This paper first outlines the key devices needed in the correlation detection of the spread spectrum (SS) signal. Then the device for SS communication and a modem for SS communication developed by the authors are described. The authors also have developed a ZnO/ Si‐type SAW convolver which has a high efficiency and is suited to the portable SS communication modem. Employing this device for the correlation detection of the SS signal, an SS wireless modem is developed which operates completely asynchronously by the direct sequence (DS) mode. By an experiment using this modem and based on the domestic electromagnetic wave law, it is verified that the communication for the visible distance of 100 m is possible for the weak field regulation. A field test also is executed based on the SS communication frequency in the United States (FCC Part 15, 902‐928 MHz), and the propagation distance of 16 km is verified using the output of 1 W.
User programmability of communication network services with associative‐memory neural networks
Authors: Hattori Shimmi , Mizusawa Junichi , Murakami Koso
Published: July 2007

In the realization of various kinds of services by intelligent network (IN), the key issue is user program‐mability, where the user actually defines/executes the services on the communication network.

This paper attempts to utilize the content search, generalization and robustness of the associative memory‐type neural network and presents a system where the user programmability is realized by example inputs without the programming. An evaluation by simulation is executed with the case of telephone delivery service as an example. It is shown as a result that the user programmability of the communication network service can be realized even for the user with a low skill level, allowing the fuzzy access with incomplete input information.
Are you being served…? An unobtrusive experiment of affective influences on helping in a department store
Authors: Forgas Joseph P. , Dunn Elizabeth , Granland Stacey
Published: July 2007

Based on recent theories of affect and cognition, this unobtrusive field experiment predicted and found that induced positive mood improved real‐life customer service behaviors by less experienced sales staff, but had no effect on the behaviors of experienced long‐term staff in several department stores. Positive or negative mood was unobtrusively induced in sales staff in major department stores by a confederate. A second confederate, blind to the mood induction, then asked employees for help to locate a non‐existent item. The frequency and duration of helpful behaviors in response to the request was recorded. Consistent with Forgas' Affect Infusion Model (AIM), less experienced employees showed a significant mood‐congruent pattern in their responses helping more in a positive than in a negative mood. Long‐term employees who could rely on routine, direct access processing were not influenced by the mood induction. The implications of these findings for contemporary affect‐cognition theorizing and for everyday affective influences on interpersonal behaviors and customer service delivery are considered. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emissions of greenhouse gases attributable to the activities of the land transport: modelling and analysis using I‐CIR stochastic diffusion—the case of Spain
Authors: Gutiérrez R. , Gutiérrez‐Sánchez R. , Nafidi A.
Published: July 2007

In this study, carried out on the basis of the conclusions and methodological recommendations of the Fourth Assessment Report (2007) of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we consider the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), and particularly those of CO2, attributable to the activities of land transport, for all sectors of the economy, as these constitute a significant proportion of total GHG emissions. In particular, the case of Spain is an example of a worrying situation in this respect, both in itself and in the context of the European Union. To analyse the evolution, in this case, of such emissions, to enable medium‐term forecasts to be made and to obtain a model that will enable us to analyse the effects of possible corrector mechanisms, we have statistically fitted a inverse Cox‐Ingersoll‐Ross (I‐CIR) type nonlinear stochastic diffusion process, on the basis of the real data measured for the period 1990–2004, during which the Kyoto protocol has been applicable. We have studied the evolution of the trend of these emissions using estimated trend functions, for which purpose probabilistic complements such as trend functions and stationary distribution are incorporated, and a statistical methodology (estimation and asymptotic inference) for this diffusion, these tools being necessary for the application of the analytical methodology proposed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic demands on secondary systems in base‐isolated nuclear power plants
Authors: Huang Yin‐Nan , Whittaker Andrew S. , Constantinou Michael C. , Malushte Sanjeev
Published: July 2007

Numerical models of a sample nuclear power plant (NPP) reactor building, both conventionally constructed and equipped with seismic protective systems, are analysed for both safe shutdown and beyond‐design‐basis earthquake shaking at two coastal sites in the United States. Seismic demands on secondary systems are established for the conventional and seismically isolated NPPs. The reductions in secondary‐system acceleration and deformation demands afforded by the isolation systems are identified. Performance spaces are introduced as an alternate method for evaluating demands on secondary systems. The results show that isolation systems greatly reduce both the median and dispersion of seismic demands on secondary systems in NPPs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons,
Ltd.
Reliability Analysis of Technical Systems/Structures by means of Polyhedral Approximation of the Safe/Unsafe Domain
Authors: Marti K.
Published: July 2007

Reliability analysis of technical structures and systems is based on an appropriate (limit) state function separating the safe and unsafe/states in the space of random parameters. Starting with the survival conditions, hence, the state equation and the condition for the admissibility of states, an optimizational representation of the state function can be given in terms of the minimum function of a certainminimization problem. Selecting a certain number of boundary points of the safe/unsafe domain, hence, on the limit state surface, the safe/unsafe domain is approximated by a convex polyhedron defined by the intersection of the half spaces in the parameter space generated by the tangent hyperplanes to the safe/unsafe domain at the selected boundary points on the limit state surface. The resulting approximative probability functions are then defined by means of probabilistic linear constraints in the parameter space, where, after an appropriate transformation, the probability distribution of the parameter vector can be assumed to be normal with zero mean vector and unit covariance matrix. Working with separate linear constraints, approximation formulas for the probability of survival of the structure are obtained immediately. More exact approximations are obtained by considering joint probability constraints, which, in a second approximation step, can be evaluated by using probability inequalities and/or discretization of the underlying probability distribution. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Parameter Identification in One‐Dimensional Partial Differential Algebraic Equations
Authors: Schittkowski K.
Published: July 2007

In this paper we discuss a couple of situations, where algebraic equations are to be attached to a system of one‐dimensional partial differential equations. Besides of models leading directly to algebraic equations because of the underlying practical background, for example in case of stationary equations, there are many others where the specific mathematical structure requires a certain reformulation leading to time‐independent equations. To be able to apply our approach to a large class of real‐life problems, we have to take into account flux formulations, constraints, switching points, different integration areas with transition conditions, and coupled ordinary differential algebraic equations (DAEs), for example. The system of partial differential algebraic equations (PDAEs) is discretized by the method of lines leading to a large system of differential algebraic equations which can be solved by any available implicit integration method. Standard difference formulas are applied to discretize first and second partial derivatives, and upwind formulae are used for transport equations. Proceeding from given experimental data, i.e., observation times and measurements, the minimum least squares distance of measured data from a fitting criterion is computed, which depends on the solution of the system of PDAEs. Parameters to be identified can be part of the differential equations, initial, transition, or boundary conditions, coupled DAEs, constraints, fitting criterion, etc. Also the switching points can become optimization variables. The resulting least squares problem is solved by an adapted sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm which retains typical features of a classical Gauss‐Newton method by retaining robustness and fast convergence speed of SQP methods. The mathematical structure of the identification problems is outlined in detail, and we present a number of case studies to illustrate the different model classes which can be treated by our approach. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pipe smoking and cancers of the upper digestive tract
Authors: Randi Giorgia , Scotti Lorenza , Bosetti Cristina , Talamini Renato , Negri Eva , Levi Fabio , Franceschi Silvia , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: July 2007

Pipe smoking has been related to the risk of cancers of the upper digestive and respiratory tract, but quantification of the risk for exclusive pipe smokers is still limited. To analyse the association between exclusive pipe smoking and cancers of the upper digestive tract, we used data from a series of case–control studies conducted in Italy and Switzerland between 1984 and 1999. After excluding cigarette and cigar smokers, 41 male oral and pharyngeal cancer cases, 52 male oesophageal cancer cases and 1,032 male controls were included in the present analysis. Odds ratios (OR) of cancers were estimated by the mean of unconditional multivariate logistic regression, including terms for age, study centre, education, body mass index, and alcohol drinking. Compared to never smokers, exclusive pipe smokers had an OR of 8.7 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.0–18.9] of all upper digestive tract cancers. The OR was 12.6 for oral and pharyngeal and 7.2 for oesophageal cancer. Pipe smokers who were also heavy alcohol drinkers had an OR of 38.8 (95% CI: 13.6–110.9) as compared to never smokers and light drinkers. Thus, pipe smoking and heavy alcohol drinking appears to interact at least on a multiplicative model. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The antibody MAB8051 directed against osteoprotegerin detects carbonic anhydrase II: Implications for association studies with human cancers
Authors: Waterman Elizabeth A. , Cross Neil A. , Lippitt Jenifer M. , Cross Simon S. , Rehman Ishtiaq , Holen Ingunn , Hamdy Freddie C. , Eaton Colby L.
Published: July 2007

A commonly used monoclonal antibody targeting osteoprotegerin (OPG), MAB8051, detects a truncated protein species in breast and prostate cancer cell lysates. OPG expression has been reported to contribute to cell survival of both of these cancers. We hypothesised that the truncated protein represented a unique tumour‐associated OPG isoform. However, here we show that the truncated protein identified by MAB8051 in cancer cell lines is carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), also implicated in tumour biology. We clearly demonstrate cross‐reactivity of this OPG antibody in western blots. OPG and CA II RNA‐interference studies confirmed the identity of the bands. We show almost identical staining patterns between MAB8051 and CA II immunohistochemistry of different human tissue types and human tumour types using serial sections. We conclude that care should be exercised using this antibody for immunohistochemistry studies, without additional in situ hybridisation, or parallel use of other OPG‐specific antibodies. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of selenium in heart lesions produced by neuroleptics in the rabbit
Authors: Vaillant F. , Turrel F. , Bost M. , Bricca G. , Descotes J. , Bui‐Xuan B. , Tabib A. , Manati W. , Timour Q.
Published: July 2007

Organic and/or functional heart lesions sometimes resulting in sudden death have been described in psychiatric patients treated with neuroleptics. As selenium has been suggested previously to play a role in the development of such lesions, the present study was undertaken to determine whether a correlation could be found between heart lesions induced by neuroleptics and changes in blood selenium as well as myocardial tissue concentrations in the rabbit. Twelve NZW adult rabbits were treated intramuscularly with both levomepromazine (3 mg kg−1 day−1) and risperidone (1 mg kg−1 once every other week) for 3 months, and compared with 12 saline‐treated controls. Blood samples were drawn before and at the end of the study. Tissue samples from the heart, liver and kidneys were obtained at the end of treatment, and the hearts were examined histologically. Heart lesions including disorganization of cardiac fibers, myolysis, interstitial and endocardial fibrosis, and necrosis were noted in treated animals, but not in controls. There was a 20% decrease in selenium blood levels and a 50% decrease in selenium myocardial tissue levels in treated animals compared with controls (P < 0.001). In contrast, no differences in selenium levels in liver and kidneys were found across the experimental groups. These results suggest a possible correlation between selenium depletion and neuroleptics‐induced heart lesions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical interpretation of molecular electron density distributions
Authors: Henn Julian , Leusser Dirk , Stalke Dietmar
Published: July 2007

In this study, the two small molecules HS(CH)(CH2),1, and F(CH)4F,2, are presented, which yield different chemical interpretations whenone and the samedensity is interpreted either by means of Natural Bond Orbital and subsequent Natural Resonance Theory application or by the Quantum Theory of Atoms In Molecules. The first exhibits a SC bond in the orbital based approach, whereas the density based Quantum Theory of Atoms In Molecules detects no corresponding bond. In F(CH)4F a F···F bond is detected in the density based approach, whereas in the orbital based approach no corresponding bond is found. Geometrical reasons for the presence of unexpected and the absence of expected bond critical points are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Multidimensionality of delocalization indices and nucleus independent chemical shifts in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Fias Stijn , Van Damme Sofie , Bultinck Patrick
Published: July 2007

The aromaticity and local‐aromaticity of a large set of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is studied using multicenter delocalization indices from generalized population analysis and the popular nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) index. A method for the fast computation of the NICS values is introduced, using the so‐called pseudo‐π‐method. A detailed examination is made of the multidimensional nature of aromaticity. The lack of a good correlation between the NICS and the multicenter delocalization indices is reported and the grounds discussed. It is shown through a thorough statistical analysis that the NICS values arise not only from local aromaticity of the benzenoid rings, but also from other circuits. It is shown that the NICS indices do not reveal the individual aromatic nature of a specific ring, contrary to the delocalization indices. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Attitudes toward pre‐retirement counselling: A path model
Authors: Kremer Yael , Harpaz Itzhak
Published: July 2007

In structured interviews with 250 older male workers, respondents were asked whether they wished to participate in a proposed pre‐retirement counselling programme. The effect of six independent variables on the workers' Attitude toward Pre‐Retirement Counselling (dependent variable) was examined by means of a path analysis. Intention to Continue Working after Retirement had a significant negative effect on the dependent variable, indicating that a strong work orientation interfered with receptiveness to pre‐retirement counselling. An unexpected relationship was observed between a favourable perception of retirement and the intention to continue working. This finding emphasized the dominance of the work orientation and workers' lack of awareness of alternative social roles. Implications for retirement planning programmes were discussed.
The effect of externally set goals on reaching integrative agreements in competitive markets
Authors: Neale Margaret A. , Bazerman Max H.
Published: July 2007

The study of the negotiation process has enjoyed a recent resurgence of scholarly interest. Of particular concern is the ability of negotiators to achieve solutions which result in integrative outcomes. The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of different levels of aspiration/goals on negotiator success and their ability to reach integrative solutions in a competitive market. One hundred fifty‐eight subjects who were assigned one of four levels of goal difficulty‐no goal, compromise goal, challenging goal, and difficult goal‐participated in a competitive, multi‐person, multi‐transaction market simulation. The study found (1) challenging and difficult goals significantly enhanced participants' performance; (2) the more difficult the goal, the fewer transactions were completed; and (3) while there were no differences in total profitability among the challenging goal, compromise goal, and no goal, the difficult goal condition had a significant and negative effect on the ability of participants to achieve profitable outcomes within the market. A discussion of these findings and directions for future research are presented.
A dimensional analysis of supervisor and subordinate attributions of success and failure
Authors: Huber Vandra L. , Podsakoff Philip M. , Todor William D.
Published: July 2007

Supervisors in five organizations and subordinates in three organizations were asked how important four primary causes of behaviour—motivation, ability, luck and task difficulty—were as causes of subordinate performance. Consistent across all eight samples, organizational members perceived motivation and ability as more important causes of subordinate success than failure. Task difficulty was perceived as a more important determinant of failure than task ease was of success. Luck was the least important cause of both success and failure. Factor analysis revealed that supervisors and subordinates utilized the internal‐external locus of causality dimension to explain subordinate success and failure. It was concluded that organizational members rely upon similar causal schemata to explain performance outcomes.
Coping, individual differences, and strain: A longitudinal study of short‐term role overload
Authors: Lang Dorothy , Markowitz Martin
Published: July 2007

This study attempted to determine which personality dimensions and coping strategies would reduce or prevent strain in a context of naturally‐occurring short‐term role overload. Subjects were 106 adult undergraduate evening students enrolled in an intensive three‐week summer school session. The median age was 26 years, and 72 per cent of the students worked full‐time. Using a repeated‐measures panel design, the study tested the effectiveness of three types of coping derived from Hall's (1972) typology. Longitudinal analysts using cross‐lagged correlations and structural regressions showed little support for the predicted effects of Hall's three types of coping on subsequent strain. However, a fourth type of coping, Planned Task Management emerged during the analysis and showed a reciprocal relationship with strain. Both variables appeared to influence each other over time, although the effect of prior coping on subsequent strain was slightly but not significantly stronger. Also, alienation (defined as lack of commitment) had a significant moderator effect on the relationship between perceived overload and strain.
The effect of career stage on the meaning of key organizational events
Authors: Isabella Lynn A.
Published: July 2007

This study addresses the question of how career stage affects the meaning managers attribute to key organizational events. Propositions were developed suggesting that career stage provides a frame of reference when interpreting events and that the frequency with which this frame of reference is used differs in each career stage. In depth interviews with 40 managers across three career stages supported these propositions.
Antecedents and consequences of role stress: A covariance structure analysis
Authors: Schaubroeck John , Cotton John L. , Jennings Kenneth R.
Published: July 2007

An earlier model of the consequences of role conflict and role ambiguity is expanded to incorporate antecedent job conditions and the outcome of organizational commitment. This newer model clarifies the impact of role stressors on commitment and other established outcomes (i.e. tension, job dissatisfaction, and turnover intention). The antecedent job conditions are added in consideration of research indicating that role conflict and ambiguity do not directly influence affective and behavioral reactions when other perceptions of the work environment are included in the analysis. A LISREL analysis of this model with cross‐validation on an independent sample indicated that the direct effects of participation and co‐worker social support on job satisfaction may account for the direct effects of role conflict and role ambiguity on satisfaction and turnover intention observed in previous studies. In addition, organizational commitment appeared to mediate the effects of other variables on turnover intention. Implications for theories of role‐related variables and directions for future research are discussed.
The differential effect of organizational induction process on early work role adjustment
Authors: Zahhly Jan , Tosi Henry
Published: July 2007

Early work role adjustment is hypothesized to be a function of previous work experiences, early organizational experiences, and personality differences. Formal collective induction into an organization was compared with informal individual induction. Induction mode was the dominant variable which predicted adjustment four months after employment. Formal collective induction contributed to higher job satisfaction and lower work/family conflict. The mode of induction did not affect team cohesion, role conflict, role ambiguity, or perceived worker influence in the workplace. Self‐monitoring, a personality variable, contributed to the prediction of work/family conflict. Inducation mode did not interact with other independent variables in predicting job satisfaction or work/family conflict.
Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Nanostructured Acrylic Films Based on Methacylate Modified Zirconium Oxocluster
Authors: Sangermano Marco , Gross Silvia , Pracella Luca , Priola Aldo , Rizza Giancarlo
Published: July 2007

Organic‐inorganic nanostructured acrylic films, based on methacrylate‐modified zirconium oxocluster, were prepared by UV‐induced polymerization, which yielded transparent and crack‐free layers. TEM analysis evidenced that all the inorganic particles are well dispersed with no significant macroscopic agglomerations. FT‐IR kinetic investigations showed that the presence of the zirconium oxocluster does not affect the photopolymerization rate or acrylic double bond conversion. An increase on Tg values of the cured films is evident at 15 wt.‐% load of the inorganic filler. A thermal stability increase was also achieved in the presence of the zirconium oxocluster. Surface studies performed by XPS analyses showed the presence of homogeneously distributed zirconium oxoclusters, which induces important improvements of the surface hardness evidenced on the basis of the pencil test.

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The magnifying‐glass mentality
Authors: Kaufman Roger
Published: July 2007

Junior picked up the odd, round piece of glass lying on the coffee table. At three he didn't quite know what it was, but it intrigued him. Outside he went. Down on his hands and knees on the grass, he put it in front of his right eye, and peered into the turf. He let out a scream, dashed into the house, and told his mom that they were being attacked by a monster who was large enough to gulp him up in one bite. As of today, he is still safe.

Lee worked in a large company as a Performance Technologist (PT) and Human Resources Development (HRD) specialist, and was soon assigned a job…there were problems in the sales department. Orders were decreasing. Turning to standard and accepted magazines and books, Lee elected to do a task analysis…and attacked the problem by analyzing it, and developed a course on selling techniques. Sales continued downward.
The human synovial fluid proteome: A key factor in the pathology of joint disease
Authors: Gibson David S. , Rooney Madeleine E.
Published: July 2007

This review aims to summarise our knowledge to date on the protein complement of the synovial fluid (SF). The tissues, structure and pathophysiology of the synovial joint are briefly described. The salient features of the SF proteome, how it is composed and the influence of arthritic disease are highlighted and discussed. The concentrations of proteins that have been detected and quantified in SF are drawn together from the literature on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The measurements are plotted to give a perspective on the dynamic range of protein levels within the SF. Approaches to proteomic analysis of SF to date are discussed along with their findings. From the recent literature reviewed within, it is becoming increasingly clear that analysis of the SF proteome as a whole, could deliver the most valuable differential diagnostic fingerprints of a number of arthritic disorders. Further development of proteomic platforms could characterise prognostic profiles to improve the clinician's ability to resolve unremitting disease by existing and novel therapeutics.
Ammonia leakage from refrigeration plant and the management practice
Authors: Gangopadhyay R.K. , Das S.K.
Published: July 2007

This article deals with the two incidents of ammonia leakage in industries situated in West Bengal, India, and the probable causes of the accident and the ensuing sequence of events. Emergency procedures are also discussed. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2007
Hall effect anomalies in n‐type Pb1−xEux Se layers grown on silicon
Authors: Almaggoussi A. , Abounadi A. , Charar S. , Maurice T. , Breton G.
Published: July 2007

Transport measurements (resistivity and Hall density) were made in the temperature range 10–300 K on n‐Pb1−x Eux Se (0 ≤ x ≤ 8%) epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy on silicon substrates. In the vicinity of 77 K anomalies of electron concentration were observed. To explain this anomalous behaviour, a model is proposed based on the existence of three levels: two donors and one acceptor. The origin of these levels is attributed to native defects. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)