bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of asymmetric two‐core single‐mode optical fibers for subscriber lines
Authors: Yoshikawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yuzo , Ohno Yutaka
Published: July 2007

It is necessary to increase the density of fibers of optical cables which are to be used in subscriber lines. To realize such high‐density fiber cables, multicore fibers with several cores inside a single cladding have been investigated. However, in multicore fibers, there is the problem of crosstalk between the adjacent cores.

This paper investigates the two‐core asymmetric single‐mode fibers which reduce the crosstalk between adjacent cores. It is shown numerically that the crosstalk can be kept below a certain level for any fiber length, under the condition of fixed‐mode field diameter. In a symmetrical structure, the transfer of optical power is perfect and to suppress the crosstalk, the transmission length must be kept limited. However, in asymmetrical structures investigated in this paper, the transmission length is not limited and it becomes possible to design high‐density optical transmission lines with small separation between their two cores.
Scattering of TE and TM waves by a finite periodic array of perfectly conducting cylinders
Authors: Saga Nobuhiro , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Takenaka Takashi
Published: July 2007

The problem of scattering of TE and TM waves by a grating made of finitely many cylinders is analyzed by means of the boundary element method. The number of unknowns for the matrix equation obtained by dis‐cretizing the integral equation for the surface current increases in proportion to the number of cylinders. The total number of components of the coefficient matrix often exceeds the capacity of the computer. In such cases, it is not possible to use the direct solution based on the inverse matrix. Hence, an iterative method is used.

In this paper, the conjugate gradient method is used as such an iterative method. In recognition of the fact that the coefficient matrix of the matrix equation is a block Toeplitz matrix, it is extended to a block circulant matrix to which the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is applied for reduction of the computer capacitance requirement and the computation time. As a numerical example, the current distributions induced on a grating made of about 30 circular cylinders are computed. It is shown that the edge effect is particularly large if an anomaly occurs.
Operation characteristics of exciton absorption reflection switch arrays
Authors: Amano Chikara , Matsuo Shinji , Kurokawa Takashi
Published: July 2007

The exciton absorption reflection switch array (EARS) made of a GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) modulator and a GaAs heterojunction phototransistor (HPT) coupled by a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) functions as an optical three‐terminal device with a high contrast ratio and a high optical gain.

In this paper, it is shown that an OR gate can be constructed by connecting the MQW modulator and an HPT electrically in parallel while an NOR gate can be made by a series connection. The optical gain and the response time at each gate are measured and the results are found to coincide with the predictions from the equivalent circuit model. Especially, it is found that the response time can be reduced substantially if a resistor is connected in parallel to the MQW modulator in the NOR gate. The switching energy of the EARS is 3.8 fJ/μm2. Hence, a switching on the subnanosecond level is possible if the device size is reduced to about 10 μm.
Relationship between metallic phase duration and transition boundary from metallic to gaseous phase in Ag break ARC
Authors: Yoshida Kiyoshi , Takahashi Atsuo
Published: July 2007

It has been known that in Ag contacts, contact erosion and contact resistance depend strongly on the metallic phase duration. This paper describes the influences of load inductance L and power supply voltage E on the metallic duration tm and their relationship with the gaseous phase boundary.

In an experiment, L was chosen to be 10, 2.3, 0.2 and 0 mH while E was fixed at 48 V. In another experiment, E was chosen to be 48, 24, 12, and 6 V while L was fixed at 2.3 mH. As a result, it was found that, when the closed current I0 was so large that gaseous phase transition took place, tm was not influenced by L or E. When Im was in the region where only the metallic phase existed or the gaseous phase transition ratio did not reach 100 percent, tm increased with increases of L and E.

The foregoing results indicated that the influences of the circuit condition on the contact erosion and resis tance must be investigated when I0 is in the region where the gaseous phase transition ratio is lower than 100 percent.
Self‐diplexing characteristics of circularly polarized N‐element circular array antenna
Authors: Iwasaki Hisao
Published: July 2007

The isolation between the transmit and receive ports was analyzed for a circularly polarized array antenna which consists of a sequential arrangement of N ± 3 radiating elements which have orthogonal linear polarizations and resonate at the frequencies of the transmit and receive ports. the element arrangement method for an infinite isolation and the relationship between the directions of polarization and the phase of the feed current were clarified. the measured isolations were about 50 dB for the three‐element array and about 70 dB for the four‐element array. A mechanism of self‐diplexing was derived for which excellent isolation between the transmit and receive antennas can be obtained even if there are amplitude and phase errors in the feed circuit. the beamscanning capability of a four‐element, self‐diplexing antenna was studied. It was found that infinite isolation between the transmit and receive ports can be obtained when the beam is scanned in the direction of the orientation axis.
Shear surface acoustic wave liquid sensor based on acoustoelectric interaction
Authors: Kondoh Jun , Shiokawa Showko
Published: July 2007

The piezoelectric potential generated along with the surface acoustic wave (SAW) propagating on a piezoelectric crystal, penetrates into the liquid loading the crystal unless there is a metallic film on the propagating surface. Therefore, the Variation of the electrical property of the liquid (such as the permittivity and conductivity) affects the piezoelectric potential and, as a result, the surface wave receives perturbation. If the acoustoelectric interaction between the surface wave and the liquid is used, a surface acoustic wave sensor to detect the electrical properties of the liquid can be realized. The sensor sensitivity is proportional to the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the piezoelectric crystal used as the substrate. Hence, the sensitivity is high for the sensor made of a 36‐degree rotated Y‐cut X‐propagation LiTaO3 which is a high‐coupling piezoelectric crystal. In addition, since a small amount of liquid is needed for detection and analysis of chemical reaction, this is expected to be a new chemical sensor.

In this paper, a sensor sensitivity equation is derived which can be applied in general to arbitrary liquid. The effectiveness of the equation is tested by comparison with the experimental results. A chart is proposed which can determine both the conductivity and the relative permittivity of the liquid simultaneously. This chart is used for the evaluation of the conductometric titration. It is demonstrated for the first time that the permittivity also changes with the conductivity.
Analysis of light‐beam scattering and detected signal characteristics from three‐dimensional pit models of optical discs by the boundary‐element method
Authors: Kojima Toshitaka , Morikawa Yukio , Yoshida Koichi
Published: July 2007

To analyze the light‐beam scattering from pit models of optical discs of arbitrary three‐dimensional (3‐D) shapes, the boundary‐element method is formulated in regard to the 3‐D pits on perfect conductors. The four divided type of optical signal detector is assumed and light‐signal detection characteristics are investigated. Simulations are carried out for several pit shapes existing simultaneously with pregrooves. The scattering and detection characteristics and their dependencies on tracking error and focus error under the coexisting adjacent pits, pregrooves, etc., are clarified.
Bistable polarization switching in transverse magnetic wave‐injected semiconductor lasers by mode hopping
Authors: Ohno Seiji , Ichii Mariko , Mamiya Masaru , Ohta Tatehisa , Ichinose Takumi
Published: July 2007

Bistable optical switching, which is applicable to optical memory, is a key technology for the optical information‐processing system. This paper describes the polarization switching of a semiconductor laser whose normal and inverted output could be obtained simultaneously. This bistability is realized by utilizing a semiconductor laser with bistable mode‐hopping characteristics (master laser) and injecting the TM polarization output of this laser into another semiconductor laser (slave laser) constantly biased to the oscillation threshold.

It is proposed and confirmed by experiment that, by assuming these two lasers as one optical system, bistable polarization switching can be obtained between the injection current of the system and the output polarization of the system. First, as the principle of this polarization switching, the dependence of the injected light wavelength on amplification index of a semiconductor laser amplifier is explained. Then, the control of output polarization by TM wave injection and mode hopping of a laser is explained and the bistable characteristics of this optical system are discussed from experimental and simulation viewpoints based on these principles. The advantages of this bistable polarization switching are pointed out theoretically and experimentally, and the intensity difference of the ON/OFF output and the rotation direction of the bistable loop can be set according to the characteristics of the master and the slave laser. Moreover, the possibility of multislave connection is conjectured.
Dy3+‐ and Er3+‐codoped YBr3 upconversion phosphor for detection of 1.3‐μm band infrared light
Authors: Ohwaki Junichi , Otsuka Masaaki
Published: July 2007

The efficient upconversion of 1.3‐μm infrared light to visual light was investigated using YBr3: Dy3, Er3+ fluorescent material. When the fluorescent material with an optimum composition (2DyBr3: 20ErBr3: 78YBr3) was illuminated with 1.3‐μm laser beam from a semiconductor laser (LD 5 mW), the intensities of the colors red (Er3+: 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 radiation transition) and green (Er3+: 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 radiation transition) emitted from the fluorescent material were about 170 and 60 times stronger, respectively, than those from chloride‐based fluorescent material.

When this fluorescent material is illuminated by collimated LD beam with power higher than 1 mW, it continuously emits visual light (yellow) without preexcitation. Therefore, 1.3‐μm infrared light can be detected visually under room light. This bromide‐based fluorescent material is stable when it is packaged in a sealed dry atmosphere and its high efficiency wavelength upconversion characteristic is maintained over a year.

In this material, Dy3‐ acts as an absorption center of 1.3μm light (6H15/2 → 6H9/2 transition) and fluorescence is caused by energy transmission to the Er3+ light‐emission center due to suppression of multiphonon relaxation from the Dy3+ excitation level. The high efficiency also results because a large number of Dy3+ absorption centers can be added due to the low energy‐transfer efficiency in the bromide‐based material. This paper also describes the wavelength conversion process and the reverse transfer process from Er3+ to Dy3+.
Magnetic characteristics of magnetic shield in a cathode ray tube and their effects on landing drifts caused by terrestrial magnetic field
Authors: Saitoh Ichiroh
Published: July 2007

Within the tube of the cathode ray tube (CRT), a magnetic shield is formed. This shield is made of soft magnetic materials and includes the inner magnetic shield (IMS), frame, and aperture grill as a color selection mechanism. By means of this shield, the mislanding drift by the terrestrial magnetic field is controlled and each magnetic material in the magnetic shield, in general, eliminates magnetization by ac attenuation magnetic field at the time of kick‐off. This ac demagnetization process is considered to be an anhysteretic magnetization process; and, to analyze its characteristic, the magnetization process is simulated. To verify the results, a method is conceived for measurement of the anhysteretic magnetization.

The anhysteretic magnetization of various shielding materials is measured. (In practice, the magnetic flux density was measured.) It is shown that the measured results agree well with the prediction. It is shown also that the effective permeability of the magnetic shielding materials after ac demagnetization unknown to date can be expressed quantitatively as an anhysteretic permeability. Further, the relationship between the anhysteretic permeability of the IMS and the terrestrial magnetic field is studied by simulation and experiments. Finally, it is shown that the anhysteretic permeability is a fundamental magnetic parameter of the drift of the terrestrial magnetic field.
Television wave‐receiving system using optical modulator
Authors: Hayeiwa Kazuhisa , Naka Hisashi , Toba Yoshikazu , Sato Yoshiro , Tokano Yuichi
Published: July 2007

A signal transmission system for a television (TV) relay station was developed and tested by using an optical intensity modulator (without a power supply), in which the intensity of the transmitted optical wave varies in response to a weak RF signal. If this system is used, an optical fiber can be used as a transmission line; the receiving station does not require a power supply. Because the transmitting and receiving stations can be fully isolated electrically, significant benefit is gained by protecting the system from lightning. As the receiving station can be constructed with solely passive components, reliability, and maintainability can be improved and cost can be lowered. In the present system, the sensitivity of the optical modulator was unproved by the use of a reflection‐type design/Voltage amplification by resonance was realized. Even at a low electric field of 60 dBμV/m, a C/N of more than 50 dB was obtained. The differential gain (DG) was 1.8 percent and differential phase (DP) was 1.2°.
Numerical analysis of nonlinear optical fiber couplers with a gaussian mode field distribution
Authors: Imai Masaaki , Adachi Toshiharu , Takamatsu Ken , Imai Yoh
Published: July 2007

Nonlinear coupling characteristics taking account of evanescent field overlap were evaluated numerically by assuming a Gaussian field distribution for the mode field in nonlinear directional couplers (NLDC). The nonlinear coefficients Q3 to Q5 were found to be Q3 = 3.7 × 10−12 cm−1, Q4 = Q5 = 0 for the plane wave approximation used in Jensen's paper [1], with a core radius of 4 μm, a core spacing of 5 μm, a core refractive index of 1.455, and a nonlinear refractive index of 1.1 × 10−12 esu; and the wavelength of the incident light was 1.06 μm. On the other hand, in the case of the Gaussian field approximation, Q3 = 2.5 × 10−12 cm−1, Q4 = 2.2 × 10−14 cm−1, and Q5 = 7.3 × 10−14 cm−1 were obtained, indicating that these values cannot be ignored. The full coupling period is increased by increasing the core spacing, and the full coupling period is decreased by using a longer wavelength. Further, from the dependence of nonlinear coupling characteristics on optical wavelength, it is confirmed that wavelength selective characteristics with a sharp bandpass filtering can be realized in NLDC.
TREM‐1 expression in macrophages is regulated at transcriptional level by NF‐κB and PU.1
Authors: Zeng Heng , Ornatowska Magdalena , Joo Myung S. , Sadikot Ruxana T.
Published: July 2007

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)‐1 is a recently identified immunoglobulin receptor that is expressed on neutrophils and monocytes where it amplifies the acute inflammatory response to bacteria. We examined the transcriptional regulation of TREM‐1 in macrophages. Treatment of RAW cells with Escherichia coli LPS or Pseudomonas aeruginosa led to the induction of TREM‐1 within 1 h with an expression lasting up to at least 24 h in vitro as detected by RT‐PCR. Since the promoter of TREM‐1 has multiple binding sites for NF‐κB and PU.1 (one of the members of the ets family of transcription factors), we investigated the role of these transcription factors in the induction of TREM‐1. Treatment of cells with NF‐κB inhibitors abolished the expression of message of TREM‐1 induced by LPS and P. aeruginosa. In contrast, the expression of TREM‐1 was increased after stimulation with LPS or P. aeruginosa in cells that had gene of PU.1 silenced. Additionally, over‐expression of PU.1 led to inhibition of TREM‐1 induction in response to LPS and P. aeruginosa. These data suggest that both these transcription factors are involved in the expression of TREM‐1. NF‐κB functions as a positive regulator whereas PU.1 is a negative regulator of the TREM‐1 gene.
Synthesis, Structure, Electrochemistry, and Mössbauer Effect Studies of the Ferraphosphadicarbollides [(C5R5)Fe(PC2B8H10)] (R = H, Me)
Authors: Kudinov Alexander R. , Herber Rolfe H. , Zanello Piero , Perekalin Dmitry S. , Glukhov Ivan V. , Nowik Israel , Corsini Maddalena , Fedi Serena , Laschi Franco
Published: July 2007

Reaction of the phosphadicarbollide anion [7,8,9‐PC2B8H10]– (4) with [CpFe(C6H6)]+ or [Cp*Fe(MeCN)3]+ gives the expected 12‐vertex ferraphosphadicarbollides [1‐C5R5‐1,2,3,4‐FePC2B8H10] [R = H (5a), Me (5b); the metal atom is assigned number 1] in around 35 % yield. Compounds 5a,b undergo selective polyhedral rearrangement at 150 °C to give the corresponding isomers [1‐C5R5‐1,2,4,5‐FePC2B8H10] (6a,b). The structure of 5a has been determined by X‐ray diffraction. An electrochemical investigation has revealed that all the compounds obtained display the FeII/FeIII oxidation process with features of chemical reversibility on the cyclic voltammetric timescale. However, only cation [6b]+ is reasonably stable on the long timescales of electrolysis. Ferraphospadicarbollides 5a and 6a are more difficult to oxidize than the related dicarbollide and tricarbollide derivatives [CpFe(C2B9H11)]–and [CpFe(C3B8H11)], respectively. Temperature‐dependent Mössbauer effect studies show that the recoil‐free fraction over the temperature interval 110–342 K for 5a is well accounted for by a linear regression, and a calculation of the root‐mean‐square‐amplitude‐of‐vibration (rmsav) of the iron atom, based on the Mössbauer effect (ME) data, is in reasonable agreement with the value calculated from the single‐crystal X‐ray study at 120 K. Similarly, the ME and X‐ray rmsav data for 6a at 293 K are in excellent agreement with each other, and the value at 120 K calculated for 6a is in good agreement with that observed for 5a. The metal atom motion is nearly isotropic with respect to the major symmetry axis running through the Cp ring and the Fe atom. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Solutions of slow Brinkman flows using the method of fundamental solutions
Authors: Tsai C. C.
Published: July 2007

This paper develops the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) as a meshless numerical method to obtain solutions of two‐ and three‐dimensional slow Brinkman‐extended Darcy's flows. The solutions of the steady Brinkman equations are obtained by utilizing the boundary collocation method as well as the expansion of the fundamental solutions, which are derived by using the Hörmander operator decomposition technique. All the velocities, their partial derivatives, the pressure, and the stresses corresponding to the fundamental solutions are addressed explicitly in tensor forms. Two‐ and three‐dimensional Brinkman problems with Dirchlet and Robin boundary conditions are carried out to validate the proposed numerical schemes. Then, the method is applied to solve a peanut‐shaped problem and a joint flow of Stokes and Brinkman fluids. In the spirits of MFS, the proposed numerical scheme is free from singularities and numerical integrations and it also does not require any domain discretization. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental dyslexia: Gray matter abnormalities in the occipitotemporal cortex
Authors: Kronbichler Martin , Wimmer Heinz , Staffen Wolfgang , Hutzler Florian , Mair Alois , Ladurner Gunther
Published: July 2007

Functional neuroimaging studies have consistently demonstrated less activation of the left occipitotemporal cortex in dyslexic readers. This region is considered critical for skilled reading and damage to it in adult readers leads to severe deficits in reading ability. In contrast to these findings, structural abnormalities in the occipitotemporal cortex were not consistently found to date. We used optimized Voxel Based Morphometry with T1 weighted MR images to investigate gray matter volume in 13 dyslexic and 15 nonimpaired reading adolescents (age 14–16). Less gray matter volume for dyslexic readers was found in the left and right fusiform gyrus, the bilateral anterior cerebellum and in the right supramarginal gyrus. Decreased gray matter volume in the left and right fusiform gyrus of dyslexic readers highlights the importance of this brain region for developmental dyslexia. The structural abnormalities in the right occipitotemporal cortex suggest that dyslexia may be such a persistent disorder because an occipitotemporal reading area, critical for skilled reading, cannot develop in any hemisphere. The extended areas of reduced gray matter volume in dyslexic readers in the cerebellum suggest that structural abnormalities in the cerebellum are also strongly associated with dyslexia and warrant further investigation. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of affirmative action on the female beneficiary
Authors: Taylor‐Carter Mary Anne , Doverspike Dennis , Cook Kelli D.
Published: July 2007

Attention is often focused on the economic and legal aspects of affirmative action rather than the policy's impact on its beneficiaries. The purpose of this article is to integrate the research findings on the effects of preferential treatment on women in organizations and to suggest solutions for some of the problems identified. First, the article explores the impact of preferential treatment on other people's perceptions of the female beneficiary and on the way the beneficiary views herself and the employing organization. Next, strategies for providing a supportive organizational environment for affirmative action beneficiaries are presented. The benefits that may result from implementing these strategies are also discussed.
Detecting infants in need: Are complicated measures really necessary?
Authors: Puura Kaija , Guedeney Antoine , Mäntymaa Mirjami , Tamminen Tuula
Published: July 2007

The object of this paper was to study how the Baby Alarm Distress Scale (ADBB), developed as a simple screening tool for front line professionals working with infants, correlates with the more detailed assessment method of the Global Rating Scale (GRS) for Mother‐Infant Interaction at two and four months. A sample of 127 eight‐ to eleven‐week‐old infants was videotaped in free interaction with their mothers, and infant interaction behavior was rated with both methods by independent researchers. Compared to the GRS infant scales the sensitivity of the ADBB, using the recommended cutoff point of 5 or more, was 0.77 and specificity 0.80. In further analyses it was found that deviant ratings of two items of the ADBB, the quality of eye contact between the infant and the caregiver and assessment of the sense of relationship between the infant and the caregiver, were the items most strongly associated with poor interaction skills of the infant on the GRS. Mothers of infants found deviant in the ADBB performed more poorly in the interaction with their infants when compared to mothers of infants found healthy in the ADBB. For the purpose of detecting deviations in infant interaction skills as signs of possible problems in early parent‐infant interaction the ADBB seems to be a sufficiently sensitive and specific instrument. However, the results of this study still need to be tested with larger samples and against other observation methods.
Ghosts and angels: Intergenerational patterns in the transmission and treatment of the traumatic sequelae of domestic violence
Authors: Lieberman Alicia F.
Published: July 2007

The article discusses the impact of exposure to domestic violence on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; the manifestations of post‐traumatic stress disorder in the first years of life; and the parameters of Child‐Parent Psychotherapy as a relationship‐based treatment that aims at enhancing the parent's effectiveness as a protector as a means of restoring the child's momentum towards healthy development. Obstacles to the child's mental health and to the success of treatment are discussed, with particular attention to the adverse effects of parental psychopathology and of environmental stressors such as poverty, cultural marginalization, and lack of access to resources. It is argued that the infant mental health clinician working with traumatized children and their families needs to adopt a therapeutic approach that actively incorporates collaboration with other service systems, including pediatric care, childcare, law enforcement, child protective services, and the courts, in order to provide ecologically sound and culturally competent treatment.
Preparation, characterization, and properties of nano‐TiO2/silk fibroin hybrid films by sol–gel processing
Authors: Xin‐Xing Feng , Li‐Li Zhang , Jian‐Yong Chen , Hua‐Peng Zhang
Published: July 2007

By sol–gel processing, the regenerated nano‐TiO2/SF (silk fibroin) hybrid films were synthesized using different ratios of TiO2 to SF. The experimental results revealed that the nano‐TiO2 particles were well dispersed in the regenerated SF. The diameter of the nano‐TiO2 particles processed by sol–gel method was about 80 nm. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), the structures and properties of these hybrid films were characterized. The XRD measurement indicated that the crystal structures of the hybrid films were transited from typical Silk I to typical Silk II. However, it was found that excessive increase in the content of nano‐TiO2 led to the breakage of the crystal structures of the hybrid films. The FTIR and EDS analysis showed that new bonds were formed between the nano‐TiO2 particles and the SF. Through TGA and DTG, it was demonstrated that the heat transition temperature of the hybrid films was also enhanced. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Galactosylated low molecular weight chitosan as a carrier delivering oligonucleotides to Kupffer cells instead of hepatocytes in vivo
Authors: Dong Lei , Gao Shuying , Diao Huajia , Chen Jiangning , Zhang Junfeng
Published: July 2007

The in vivo cellular localization of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) delivered by galactosylated low molecular weight chitosan (gal‐LMWC) was investigated. The gal‐LMWCs preference for Kupffer cells was confirmed by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPr) was studied as a possible surface lectin which may involved in the endocytosis of the gal‐LMWC/ODN complexes. Results showed that the gal‐LMWC/ODN complex accumulated in liver when injected intravenously (i.v.). Further studies revealed that 50.6% of the complex was taken up by Kupffer cells in liver, 33.2% was taken up by endothelial cells, and only 16.2% of the complex was taken up by parenchymal cells. In vitro results also confirmed the affinity of gal‐LMWC to murine Kupffer cells. Inhibition of the transfection by lactose and N‐acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) suggested that the particles might enter macrophages via ASGPr and the inhibition by LMWC implied that there might be other lectins involved in the endocytosis. In summary, our studies revealed that gal‐LMWC/ODN complex is inclined to enter into Kupffer cells rather than into liver parenchymal cells in vivo. Galactosylation may not be a proper means for targeting chitosan/DNA nanoparticles to hepatocytes but it does have the potential to be a Kupffer cells targeting strategy especially for delivering drugs for antiinflammation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐polyethylenimine copolymers as carriers for gene delivery: Effects of PEG molecular weight and PEGylation degree
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Pan Shi‐Rong , Hu Hai‐Mei , Wu Gui‐Fu , Feng Min , Zhang Wei , Luo Xin
Published: July 2007

An ideal gene carrier is required both in safety and efficiency for transfection. Polyethylenimine (PEI), a well‐studied cationic polymer, has been proved with high transfection efficiency, but is reported as toxicity in many cell lines. In this study, PEI was coupled with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to reduce its cytotoxicity. PEG–PEI copolymers were synthesized with isoporon diisocyanate (IPDI) in two steps. A set of PEG–PEI with different PEG molecular weights (MWs) and amounts of PEG were synthesized. The molecular structure of the resulting copolymers was evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), all of which had successfully verified formation of the copolymers. The particle size and zeta potential of polymer/DNA complexes were measured, and their cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency in Hela cells were evaluated. We found that the copolymer block structure significantly influenced not only the physicochemical properties of complexes, but also their cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency. PEG (5 kDa) significantly reduced the diameter of the spherical complexes. The zeta potential of complexes was reduced with increasing amount of PEG grafting. Cytotoxicity was dependent not on PEG MW but on the amount of PEG grafting. Copolymer PEG–PEI (2‐25‐1) with 1.89 PEG (2 kDa) was proved to be more efficient for in vitro gene transfer. In conclusion, PEG MW and the degree of PEGylation were found to significantly influence the biological activity of PEG–PEI/DNA complexes. These results provide new sights into the studies using block copolymer as gene delivery systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Effect of rapidly resorbable bone substitute materials on the temporal expression of the osteoblastic phenotype in vitro
Authors: Knabe C. , Houshmand A. , Berger G. , Ducheyne P. , Gildenhaar R. , Kranz I. , Stiller M.
Published: July 2007

Ideally, bioactive ceramics for use in alveolar ridge augmentation should possess the ability to activate bone formation and, thus, cause the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells into osteoblasts at their surfaces. Therefore, in order to evaluate the osteogenic potential of novel bone substitute materials, it is important to examine their effect on osteoblastic differentiation. This study examines the effect of rapidly resorbable calcium–alkali–orthophosphates on osteoblastic phenotype expression and compares this behavior to that of β‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and bioactive glass 45S5. Test materials were three materials (denominated GB14, GB9, GB9/25) with a crystalline phase Ca2KNa(PO4)2 and with a small amorphous portion containing either magnesium potassium phosphate (GB14) or silica phosphate (GB9 and GB9/25, which also contains Ca2P2O7); and a material with a novel crystalline phase Ca10[K/Na](PO4)7 (material denominated 352i). SaOS‐2 human bone cells were grown on the substrata for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days, counted, and probed for an array of osteogenic markers. GB9 had the greatest stimulatory effect on osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation, suggesting that this material possesses the highest potency to enhance osteogenesis. GB14 and 352i supported osteoblast differentiation to the same or a higher degree than TCP, whereas, similar to bioactive glass 45S5, GB9/25 displayed a greater stimulatory effect on osteoblastic phenotype expression, indicating that GB9/25 is also an excellent material for promoting osteogenesis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Using and understanding the SEC's disclosure rules manual
Authors: Dye Peter S.
Published: July 2007

The Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and Exchange Commission recently made available to the public its internal Accounting Disclosure Rules Manual which it uses for training and review. The manual contains interpretations and practices that are followed by the SEC staff in administering the disclosure requirements of the securities laws. The Manual does not, however, constitute rules or interpretations that have formally been approved by the Commission. The Manual references its provisions to SEC rules, regulations, and Staff Accounting Bulletins as well as to professional accounting and auditing pronouncements. In addition, it also includes a number of instances referred to as “staffpractice” that cannot be located elsewhere. In this article, some of these staff practices are set forth verbatim. Following the quotations are explanations as to why it was necessary for the staff to codify such previously unwritten rules.
Strategies for interest rate risk management
Authors: Burke Phillipe C.
Published: July 2007

This article highlights a few liability management strategies, using derivative products for domestic corporate end users. First, this article examines the interest rate risk management process, concluding with three basic points that a proactive financial manager might adopt: (1) the appropriate debt structure for a company is not static, but varies as the firm's revenue composition changes and as interest rates follow their cyclical path, (2) a firm's debt structure should be assessed on the basis of the present or mark to market value of its debt portfolio, and (3) while every debt management action embodies some rate view, a decision based on a range of forecasted rates that allows for rate volatility is likely to afford more flexibility and opportunities than one tied to point estimates and break‐even rate paths. The article also shows how a proactive debt manager might solve a dozen real‐life problems using different derivative products in various interest rate environments.
Tax treatment of takeover costs: Was the merger friendly or hostile?
Authors: Knight Ray A. , Knight Lee G.
Published: July 2007

A controversy is raging between the IRS and corporate taxpayers concerning the deductibility of costs incurred in relation to corporate takeovers, mergers, and acquisitions. The IRS has held that costs incurred in a “friendly” merger or acquisition are not deductible, while costs incurred in defending against a “hostile” takeover are deductible. Because there is a lack of clear, concise criteria to differentiate a hostile takeover from a friendly takeover, taxpayers argue that the criteria used by the IRS are extremely subjective and, thus, lead to inconsistent rulings. The IRS position is found in several revenue rulings. Further, in National Starch and Chemical Corp. v. Commissioner, deductions of friendly takeover costs were denied by the Tax Court. In an attempt to help corporate taxpayers and practitioners cope with the IRS's position, this article reviews the position of the IRS along with the reasoning of the courts concerning takeover costs.
Postretirement benefits accounting—study analyzes ways and means
Authors: Byington J. Ralph , Nance Deana R.
Published: July 2007

This article presents a brief overview of the requirements of FAS 106 and a review of the problem areas addressed by the comment letters. It also examines the provisions for postretirement benefits as they relate to the financial characteristics of selected industries. Finally, areas of concern related to the final statement are explored.
Electronic data interchange: How to make it work
Authors: Slesinger Gay
Published: July 2007

Sending documents electronically from one computer to another has changed the way we do business. How does that change accounting systems, and the finance and accounting professional's role? Here is an overview of the new technology, and some proven guidelines for making it work.
New rules for measuring loan impairment
Authors: Kitchens H. Dale
Published: July 2007

The FASB proposed statement could have a big impact on creditors' financial statments. It could also affect debtors' ability to restructure loans. The author analyzes the proposed statement, and gives some useful suggestions on how to implement it.
Asset impairment and market value accounting: The profession begins to move
Authors: Munter Paul
Published: July 2007

There has been a growing concern about whether financial statements properly reflect business risk. Both the FASB and SEC have called for more disclosure. Will you have to report more market value and cash flow information in the future? The author gives an overview of current trends.
How to use EDGAR
Authors: Warren J. Donald , Bradley William S.
Published: July 2007

EDGAR is here at last! The SEC's electronic filing system phases in mandated filing beginning in April 1993. The authors explain how the system works, and how to use it.
Proposed reclassification of redeemable preferred stock: The impact on financial statement ratios
Authors: Wertheim Paul , Schneider Douglas
Published: July 2007

The FASB proposal to report redeemable preferred stock as a liability could have a big impact on your firm's financial statements, distorting the financial ratios used to evaluate company performance.
Six reasons why you should reexamine your environmental reporting
Authors: Stanwick Sarah Dunn , Hillison William
Published: July 2007

The authors give six compelling reasons why you should reexamine your enviromental liabilities reporting—and then tell you how to improve it.
Regulating the “unexpected” loss: A critique of asset impairments under FAS 5 and 121
Authors: Zucca Linda J.
Published: July 2007

FASB's goals—of reducing earnings management opportunities and restricting the number of asset writedowns—may not be fully achieved under FAS 5 and 121.
How Hewlett‐Packard used self‐directed teams to consolidate its accounting functions
Authors: Lindquist Tim M. , Hobbs Rick , Landry Steven P.
Published: July 2007

Many CFOs are interested in streamlining their firms' accounting functions. The authors show how Hewlett‐Packard successfully used self‐directed teams (SDT's) to consolidate its accounting transaction processes. Although SDT's are common in manufacturing, this shows CFOs how they can be used in an accounting environment.
Present value: Why, when, and how to measure it
Authors: Herring Nancy A. , Byington J. Ralph
Published: July 2007

The authors summarize the FASB's work on the present value project, and introduce a measurement technique that explicitly addresses issues of probability and risk.
Should the internal auditor be used in environmental accounting?
Authors: Byington J. Ralph , Campbell Sharon
Published: July 2007

There's not a lot of data about the involvement of internal auditors in environmental accounting, because the field is so new. The authors argue that the auditor should play an important role. But before that happens, auditors will have to overcome several obstacles.
Postretirement health benefits: Do your trend rate estimates significantly affect postretirement costs and reported net income?
Authors: Newell Gale E. , Langsam Sheldon A. , Kreuze Jerry G.
Published: July 2007

How important is the accuracy of your health care cost trend estimates'? For most companies, the difference between the assumed health care cost trend rate and the actual increase may not largely affect postretirement cost and reported net income. But the authors found that for some companies the variation in rates can have significant impact. The authors believe that the FASB should consider providing companies with estimated health care cost trend rates.
Cash flow hedges: The new comprehensive income item
Authors: Munter Paul
Published: July 2007

The FASB's new derivatives standard will have a big impact on many companies. But how will it affect comprehensive income reporting?
Business combinations and intangible assets: Is the FASB's focus too narrow?
Authors: Beckman Judy K.
Published: July 2007

The author examines the issues that the FASB is considering for its project on business combinations and intangible assets. She summarizes the comment letters FASB received and proposes a solution to the problems they raised.
Neuroprotective effects of caffeine against complex I inhibition–induced apoptosis are mediated by inhibition of the Atm/p53/E2F‐1 path in cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Alvira Daniel , Yeste‐Velasco Marc , Folch Jaume , Casadesús Gemma , Smith Mark A. , Pallàs Mercè , Camins Antoni
Published: July 2007

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of caffeine, an inhibitor of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) enzyme and an antagonist of adenosine receptors, in two models of apoptosis in cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs): the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I by the neurotoxin MPP+and serum and potassium deprivation. We used cerebellar granule neurons because of low glial contamination. Cell viability was measured by the MTT method, and apoptosis was evaluated by assessing DNA fragmentation with flow cytometry or quantification of nuclear condensation. Our data indicate that the neuroprotective effects of caffeine in the MPP+ model of apoptosis are mediated through activation of the ATM/p53 pathway. In addition, caffeine decreased the expression of cyclin D and the transcription factor E2F‐1, a regulator of apoptosis in neurons. Caffeine‐mediated neuroprotection was not mediated through blockade of adenosine receptors because DPCPX and CGS‐15943, two antagonists of these receptors, failed to attenuate apoptosis produced by MPP+ treatment. In addition, caffeine did not exert neuroprotective effects after serum and potassium withdrawal, a p53‐independent model of apoptosis. Taken together, our findings indicate that DNA damage/ATM activation is a key component of MPP+‐induced apoptosis in CGNs through activation of p53 and reentry into the cell cycle, specifically expression of the transcription factor E2F‐1. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
‘But westward, look, the land is bright’? Reflections on what is to be learnt from British management education and practice
Authors: Glover Ian A.
Published: July 2007

For while the tired waves, vainly breaking, Seem here no painful inch to gain, Far back through creeks and inlets making, Comes silent, flooding in, the main.

And not by eastern windows only, When daylight comes, comes in the light, In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly! But westward, look, the land is bright.

From ‘Say not the struggle naught availeth’ by Arthur Hugh Clough (1819–1861).
Globalization in the technosystem: Global corporations in relation to energy and the environment
Authors: Leppänen Rolf
Published: July 2007

This article develops ideas on globalization in the technosystem and focuses on the paramount link between energy, the environment and the economy. The present competitive turbulence reflects on the challenges that lie ahead for many global corporations. Business in the 1990s will be environment and technology driven. In world trade, we will see a shift from the primary energy sector to energy conserving conversion equipment. The world economy will be less dependent on primary energy and more dependent on the equipment and the technology to convert energy efficiently. Global warming is a fact. The goal of environmental protection must be to completely eliminate new additional output of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. To do this and other measures, global leadership in environmental protection is needed. The article also creates a challenge for economics: what implications will the change in the behaviour of (global) companies have for macroeconomic research? Should we create new concepts and new frameworks so that we can identify and interpret more correctly the changed behaviour of companies? Should we improve theoretical models, so that their explanatory power will increase? Changes in the macro‐environment force companies to change their behaviour. These changes in behaviour shape the macro‐environment and movements inside it. It isjustified to ask whether we need new kinds of tools for the study and comprehension of this phenomenon.
Boards as learning organizations: Diagnostic tools to evaluate and change your board's performance
Authors: Neubauer Fred
Published: July 2007

In this article, the concept of the ‘learning organization’ has been extended to the corporate board. It describes a set of diagnostic tools which are based on a 4‐year study by the IMD researchers Ada Demb and Fred Neubauer and which can be used to assess the effectiveness of a given board. As a result of these diagnoses desirable board behaviour can be reinforced and shortcomings eliminated. The article spells out practical ways to improve the performance of a board.
Managing change: Perspectives from Sun Tzu's Art of War
Authors: Wee Chow Hou
Published: July 2007

Professor Wee offers some of the lessons that can be learned from this 2300‐year‐old Chinese master of strategy, which has shaped thinking in many Japanese and South Korean boardrooms and is now widely read by managers in China. The article examines the business value of Sun Tzu's thinking in relation to:

Managing change

Creating an adaptable organization

The role of strategy in the change process

The lessons of Sun Tzu, who may well have been the foremost military strategist of all time, are of universal value.
Questioning the established wisdom in turnaround management
Authors: Harris Simon
Published: July 2007

By reviewing previous research from various disciplines, and outlining detailed research into a turnaround process, this article:

Explores the fundamental issues faced by corporate owners or other shareholders in business turnaround

Outlines the apparent advantages of replacing (as is usual) or developing the top management

Examines the relevance of these propositions by examining a turnaround approach focusing on development

Highlights management capability to learn and change as a key requirement, and indicates how it may be diagnosed

Recommends a combination of approaches be used, and develops a decision matrix to suggest how, according to the situation.
Providing an analytic structure for key system design choices
Authors: Buede Dennis M. , Choisser Robert W.
Published: July 2007

The design of a system, especially a system architecture, requires the balancing of multiple performance parameters with the system cost and other implementation issues. Multi‐attribute utility theory provides a structured, coherent framework for conducting an analysis in which system designs are evaluated on multiple performance parameters. This paper describes the application of multi‐attribute utility analysis to the design of the Worldwide Digital Signal Systems Architecture (WWDSA), a telecommunications system, by the United States' Defense Communications Agency (now called the Defense Information Systems Agency). The advantages of using multi‐attribute utility theory during the system design are highlighted. In addition, we discuss several key analytical issues that led to this application being a success in the eyes of the decision makers.
Theoretical elements of comparison among ordinal discrete multicriteria methods
Authors: Pérez J.
Published: July 2007

This paper aims to provide elements for a systematic analysis and comparison of ordinal aggregation rules. A framework for the analysis is proposed and an effort has been made to summarize and structure the families of internal consistency, external consistency and monotonicity‐Pareto properties. Four ordinal discrete multicriteria rules (Blin, Kemeny, Köhler and Borda) are analysed in this framework.